C B el la eb ck ra H tin is g to ry

Distributed to the Stapleton, Park Hill, Lowry, Montclair, and Mayfair neighborhoods

DENVER, COLORADO FEBRUARY 2008 Five Points Glory Days

Charles Burrell, legendary jazz bassist, now 87, (left) and Purnell Steen, pianist, pose Black History Month, this issue of the Front Porch features information on jazz in Five in Five Points at the Rossonian Hotel and Club, which was the epicenter of jazz in Points during its heyday and a history of the Five Points neighborhood (page 3), as well as Five Points during its glory days. Mr. Burrell, who performed as the house bass player an overview of the Blair-Caldwell Black History Museum and Library and events celebrating at the Rossonian, is Mr. Steen’s cousin and was his role model as a child. To honor Black History Month (page 11). Peter Groff, State Senate’s First African American President Valentine’s Day Readers Share Their Love Stories

Above: Grant Nesbitt and Kaia Histand stand side by n honor of Valentine’s Day, side at their kindergarten Halloween party in Ft. the Front Porch asked couples Collins. In second grade Ito reminisce about how they Grant moved to a different met. On page 22 we share the Peter Groff, the newly elected President of the Colorado State Senate stands in the gallery that school. Twenty years later fortuitous events that brought overlooks the Senate chamber. Senator Groff represents Senate District 33, which includes their paths crossed again. them together. Park Hill and Stapleton as well as other portions of Denver and Adams County. enator Peter Charles Groff was elected the Prior to his election as the President of the first African American President of the Col - Colorado State Senate, Mr. Groff had Sorado State Senate in November of 2007. served as the first (continued on page 22) Printed with soy-based ink. Paper contains 40% postconsumer waste. African Five American Choosing Points History A School S.U.N. 3 Jazz Museum 11 16 20 ¡

Stapleton’s Town Center Care For Your Entire Family From Infants to Seniors

Relaxing atmosphere & courteous staff Same day appointments Short wait times Efficiency of electronic records Well care and immunizations CALENDAR Prompt sick visits, chronic disease management Labs drawn on-site FEBRUARY APRIL Tuesday, February 5 Wednesday, April 16 7pm Democratic & Republican PerfectYour Golf Swing and Joint Health Political Caucuses [www.cologop.org (Free) 6:30 - 8pm and www.coloradodems.org – Stapleton Community Room see page 20 for locations] 2823 Roslyn St [ 303-403-6333] Thursday, February 14 Sunday, April 20 SCFD-sponsored Free Day at the Zoo SCFD-sponsored Free Day at the [SCFD.org] Denver Museum of Nature and Science [SCFD.org] Monday, February 18 SCFD-sponsored Free Day at the Tuesday, April 22 Denver Botanic Gardens SCFD-sponsored Free Day at the 130 Rampart Way [SCFD.org] Denver Botanic Gardens (Earth Day) Dr. Husney, Melissa Jones, PA-C, Dr. Davidson Denver, 80230 [SCFD.org] Wednesday, February 20 30 3- 34 4-3625 Chocolate and Herbs: WhatYour Body Craves (Free) 6:30 - 8pm Visit our website at Stapleton Community Room EVERY MONTH www.fmlowry.com 2823 Roslyn St (see page 10) Monthly New Resident Orientation Meeting MARCH [Call 303.388.0724 for date & location] Saturday, March 1 Every Tuesday SCFD-sponsored Free Day at the Stapleton Rotary Club – Noon Denver Art Museum Stapleton Radisson Plaza Hotel [SCFD.org] 3333 Quebec Street [[email protected]] Thursday, March 13 SCFD-sponsored Free Day at the Every Tuesday Denver Center for Performing Arts AA Open Discussion Meeting – 7:30pm Gee’s Band – 6:30pm MCA Community Room Space Theatre [for more information 2823 Roslyn Street visit SCFD.org and click on Free Days] [Joe Mc at 303.912.7075] Monday, March 17 Every Wednesday SCFD-sponsored Free Day at the Weekly Weeders, Bluff Lake Nature Center Denver Botanic Gardens 9-12am [303.945.6717] [SCFD.org] 3rd Tuesday Wednesday, March 19 Stapleton Business Assoc. 8am Longevity Made Simple – How to Add Call for location [303.393.7700] 20Years toYour Life (Free) 6:30 - 8pm Stapleton Community Room 1st Wednesday 2823 Roslyn St [ 303-403-6333] “1st Wednesdays” Home-based businesses [Check StapletonLife.com for time & Thursday, March 20 place—most meetings 11:30am - 1pm] SCFD-sponsored Free Day at the Denver Center for Performing Arts 3rd Thursday The Merry Wives of Windsor – 6:30pm Stapleton Citizens Advisory Board Mtg Stage Theatre [for more information Stapleton Development Corp (SDC) visit SCFD.org and click on Free Days] 7350 East 29th Ave. – 7:30 – 9am [SDC 303.393.7700] APRIL 4th Thursday SUN Board Meeting – 6:30pm MCA Community Room Thursday, April 3 2823 Roslyn Street SCFD-sponsored Free Day at the [[email protected]] Denver Center for Performing Arts Doubt – 6:30pm 1st Saturday Ricketson Theatre [for more info. visit Bluff Lake Birders, Nature Center – 7-9am SCFD.org and click on Free Days] [BluffLakeNatureCenter.org] Saturday, April 5 2nd Saturday SCFD-sponsored Free Day at the NE Denver/Park Hill MS Self-Help Denver Art Museum & Support Group, Pauline Robinson Library [SCFD.org] 10:15-11:45am – 5575 E 33rd Avenue [Paula Sussman 303.813.6691]

EDITOR: Tom Gleason, Forest City 303-382-1800 PRODUCTION by FinePrint The Stapleton Front Porch LLC is published by Forest City 303-526-1969 [email protected] Stapleton, Inc., 7351 E. 29th Avenue, Denver, CO MANAGING EDITOR: Carol Roberts 80238. A minimum of 35,000 papers are printed. The PHOTO EDITOR & PHOTOGRAPHER: Steve Larson free paper is distributed during the first week of each month to homes and businesses in Stapleton, Park Hill, FEATURES EDITOR: Kathy Epperson www.StapletonFrontPorch.com AD SALES: Karissa McGlynn 303-333-0257 Lowry , Montclair and Mayfair.

February 2008 2 Stapleton Front Porch Jazz in Five Points History of Five Points Editors Note: In honor of Black History bass for By Wallace Yvonne accommodate the names of all the streets, Month, the Front Porch asked Wallace Yvonne them.” Cur - Tollette prompting them to shorten it to Five Points. Tollette, a resident of northeast Denver and rently the ive Points , At first the residents objected because Five author of “Colorado Black Leadership Profiles,” Rossonian is one of Den - Points was also the name of a notorious New to give our readers a short history of Five Points undergoing ver ’s earliest York slum; however, over time, the name during its heyday as a destination for jazz F yet another and largest resi - stuck. musicians and music lovers. major reno - dential neighbor - Following the 1864 flood, anyone who By Wallace Yvonne Tollette vation that hoods, was platted could afford to move from the flood plain of or this article, I chose to interview two will feature in 1868 by Fran - Cherry Creek did so. Blacks, however, jazz icons from my book, Colorado jazz and a cis Case and Fred - continued to live in the area because it FBlack Leadership Profiles – bassist restaurant. erick Ebert, and offered the cheapest housing. With the arrival Charles Burrell and pianist Purnell Steen. People was part of the of the railroads in the 1870s, one social Both are among the few remaining Black mu - from all original Congres - impact caused by the railroads was the sicians in Denver who either had ties to the walks of life sional Land Grant creation of a segregated housing area for Five Points area, the center of jazz in Denver, went there to that eventually be - African American laborers. When large or who remembers that era. Each shared vivid enjoy the came part of Den - numbers of Black workers, mostly freed slaves memories of “back in the day” stories when music, in - ver. It is roughly a from Georgia, were imported by the railroads “The Points” had a thriving, vibrant, finger cluding a triangular area of to lay track, most Whites would not rent to popping, hip swinging “all that jazz” culture. large White 1,133 acres which them and they lacked funds to purchase From about the 1920s to the 1950s, Five clientele. lay immediately homes , so Five Points became an attractive Points in northeast Denver was the center of Both men northeast of and relatively inexpensive area to call home . the African American community and agreed that downtown Den - Forbes Parkhill, author of a biography of African American culture. A stand-out and more often ver. It is bounded Black businessman and political leader, much-written-about cultural piece was jazz than not, on the north by Barney Ford, states that the railroads created music. Called the only art form to have origi - even though the South Platte a “segregated district of their own at the foot nated in the United States, historians say jazz there were Charlie Burrell’s music floats through the air River and Thirty- of Twenty-Second Street, commonly known began in the late 1800s from many influ - long lines of like the smoke from his cigar. Circa 1960. Eighth Street ; on as the Deep South .” ences, not the least of which are Black Ameri - predominantly Black people waiting to enter, the east by Walnut and Downing Streets ; on By 1893, more African Americans lived in can music and African rhythms. Two key Whites were given what they perceived to be the south by Park Avenue West and East 20th the Five Points Neighborhood than in any elements are improvisation and syncopation preferential treatment because they had more Avenue ; and on the west by Broadway and other parts of the city. Because many performed by Black Americans who had little money and spent it freely. Mr. Steen recalled Twentieth Street. The area derived its name residents back then had large families, many or no musical training. the manager at the time was Quentin Har - from the shape formed by the intersection of of the houses were huge, palatial structures Both Charles Burrell and Purnell Steen re - rington. “Mr. Harrington could relate to the Welton Street, Washington Street, Twenty- that not only had a basement, first floor, 2nd called the Rossonian Hotel at 26th and Wel - Whites because he was very fair-skinned – he seventh Street, and East Twenty-sixth Avenue. floor and sometimes a third floor, with a ton Street as being the “entertainment central” resembled Cab Calloway with the wavy hair In early Denver, Black housing was front and back staircase, some might even venue. Built in 1912 as the Baxter Hotel, it and smooth, brown skin.” dispersed throughout various parts of the have a carriage house in the back. Whereas was purchased in about 1929 by H.W. Ross, According to Mr. Burrell, in addition to community. In 1871, the Denver Horse the carriage house could possibly be rented to a Pullman porter and renamed the Rosson - the highly gifted and talented musicians Railroad Company opened its first one-track help mitigate some of the expenses of houses ian. After extensive renovation, it featured themselves, three main local forces were be - line from the downtown area to the Five so large, with over 2,000 – 3,000 sq. ft. of many top musicians from around the country hind the enormous success of jazz in Five Points neighborhood. The trolley ’s arrival in living space, the high cost of maintaining during its heyday as a jazz venue. Classically Points: Charles Cousins, Shelly Rhym, and Five Points triggered a flurry of new those homes became problematic for a single trained bassist Charles Burrell stated, “I was Leroy Smith. According to Mr. Burrell, “Mr. residential development. However, when the family . the ‘house bassist’ there for several years. If a Cousins, who had extensive property hold - Herdic Coach Line began a route to Five In 1954, after passage of the Colorado group or a singer had no bass player, I played ings in Five Points (continued on page 18) Points, its “masthead ” could not Fair Housing Law , (continued on page 18)

Stapleton Front Porch 3 February 2008 Public Art at New Community Pool

The new Community swim - The rendering (above) shows the public art to be installed ming pool at 28th and Geneva at the new community pool in Stapleton. The photo below Court is scheduled to open at shows the current status of the construction. the end of May. The unique facade of the bathhouse at this pool is a Stapleton public art commission awarded to Jeanine Centuori and Russell Rock of UrbanRock Design in Los Angeles, CA. The “design images” shown feature three large laminated glass panels depicting the three stages of water: vapor, liquid and solid. Stapleton Public Art Committees Seek Representatives from Neighboring Communities tapleton’s Public Art Program invites times to develop criteria for the site, review representatives from neighboring applications and interview artist finalists. Scommunities to help choose artists to The meetings, scheduled on weekdays, are create public art for outdoor sites in vari - interesting and produce lively discussions. ous locations in Stapleton. The Project For more information about Stapleton’s Selection Committee for each public art Public Art Program, check out the Staple - project includes artists, residents of Staple - ton Public Art Master Plan on the web at ton and adjacent communities. The criteria www.stapletondenver.com. Click on for community representative include: Explore Stapleton and then the link to Interest in community improvement, inter - Public Art. If you would like to be part of est in visual art or design and commitment a Project Selection Committee, please con - to the best interests of the Stapleton and tact Barbara Neal the Public Art Consult - the greater community. ant for Stapleton at barbneal@mind - Each Committee usually meets three spring.com . New Kettlebell Fitness Program tapleton resident Nicolas “Nico” Rithner has begun offering condi - Stioning and strength training classes at Dardano’s School of Gymnas - tics at 2250 Kearney that include Ket - tlebell lifting, a traditional Russian exercise utilizing a weighted ball with a handle that is designed to enhance overall mobility, health and fitness. According to Wikipedia, the kettle - bell or “girya” is a traditional Russian cast-iron weight that has the appear - ance of a “cannonball with a handle.” Kettlebells come in a variety of sizes, and modern versions of the kettlebell feature adjustable weights. An Argentinean by birth, Mr. Rith - ner holds a certification from NSCA- CPT (National Strength and Conditioning Association - Certified Personal Trainer ). He also has coaching certifications with the American Kettle - bell Club (AKC) and USA power lifting. He and his wife Terri came to Stapleton looking for a “children friendly envi - Nico Rithner helps Megan Kelly perfect her Kettlebell ronment” to raise their daughters. technique to improve strength and stamina. “In creating ‘Colorado Kettlebell Club,’ I wanted to put a special emphasis “Improve your strength and stamina, while increasing on preparedness for real life situations or, your flexibility and joint mobility.” in other words, the development of func - Mr. Rithner will be offering classes at Dardano’s tional strength that takes advantage of on Mondays; Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 pm. In the unique benefits of kettlebell lifting the springtime, he hopes to offer outdoor group les - and combines them with a variety of sons in a Stapleton park. The self-described “stay-at- bodyweight exercises designed to target home dad” is also available as a personal trainer. your muscles from every angle,” the for - For more information, call 303.333.4247 or mer USA “power lifting” coach says. email [email protected] . February 2008 4 Stapleton Front Porch Stapleton Area TMA Announces New RTD Restaurant Reviews From A Budding Chef on a Budget Bus Pass Outlets decorated with country-style paintings set ries. Cornbread, served with every dish, is The Stapleton Area Transportation Manage - against dark mahogany-hued walls. A small spectacular when lathered with sweet cream ment Association (TMA) announced that be - table boasts glass-encased cakes with moist butter and crumbles with each delectable ginning January 1, 2008 bus riders can fillings and creamy frostings just beckoning bite. Hoppin’ Johns (black-eyed peas served purchase their monthly bus passes at the fol - to be eaten. A brief glimpse into the open over rice), still considered to bring good lowing stores: King Soopers , 2810 Quebec kitchen reveals pots simmering on the stove luck if eaten on New Year’s Day, arrive Street; A Day Spa, 7505 E. 35th Ave Ste 390, and a tray of golden cornbread muffins. steaming hot, and the candied yams are Quebec Square; Mike Giles Karate, 7506 E “The meat, it just falls off the bone!” beautifully sweet and buttery. 36th Avenue, Ste 480, Quebec Square; and mumbled my dining companion, who, with Enjoy a perfectly prepared sweet tea, or Fantastic Sam’s, 7341 E. 29th Avenue. For a mouth full of crispy, deep-fried frogs legs, perhaps a Kool-Aid, but one thing’s for more information contact Angie Malpiede, managed to stop midsentence to thoroughly sure: save plenty of room for dessert. Stapleton Area TMA, 303 468-3231. inspect the specimen resting in his hands. With choices of peach cobbler, coconut However, the fried chicken is a favorite here cream cheese cake and apple pie (among New Hours at Staple - and with its salty-crunchy skin and juicy many others of course), I urge you to try a dark meat, you’ll find yourself savoring every slice of the caramel cake. After the first last piece on the bone. Other honorable gooey bite, you’ll be hooked on every ton Visitor Center mentions are the superbly fresh catfish and caramel-infused morsel. The Stapleton Visitor Center is now open Editor’s Note the fried pork chops. CoraFaye’s Café and Catering is located 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through The Front Porch asked Johnson and Wales But, don’t forget about the sides. Creamy at 2861 Colorado Boulevard, Denver. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. It is student Monika Reitmeyer to find and mac’n cheese and tender collards are must- It is open Wednesday-Thursday: 11 a.m.- closed Mondays and Tuesdays but tours are review local restaurants where readers can haves. Potato salad arrives fresh, and with 7 p.m., Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m., available by appointment at 303.478.0196. get a delicious meal for two for under $30. specks of paprika, hints of mustard and Sunday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Visa and Master - The Visitor Center offers a comprehensive This review is the first in our series. crunchy celery, it’ll surely bring back memo - card. 303.333.5551. overview of Stapleton’s past, present and future redevelopment. CoraFaye’s, owned by Priscilla Smith, serves “Soul Food” in an atmosphere that looks like your grandmothers living room. The restaurant is named after Priscilla’s mother. “Come experience our newest neighbor - A Taste of Home hoods on the center’s popular topographical By Monika Reitmeyer map ,” said Visitor Center manager Collette andwiched in a brick-laden building Shaughnessy. “Locate retail stores, restaurants, noticeable only by its hand-painted, neighborhood schools, parks and homes and SA-frame “Soul Food” sign, sits offices with distinct options to custom-grow CoraFaye’s, a delightful restaurant that your business. Stop by for your complemen - provides four generations worth of authen - tary editions of the Stapleton magazine, the tic, down-home southern recipes, and an Front Porch newspaper or maps of trails, trans - absolutely unforgettable experience. portation routes or retail stores in our 29th From the very moment you walk in, a Ave Town Center, in Quebec Square and at wave of warm, almost thick air blasts the Shops at Northfield.” through the door bringing savory wafts of The Stapleton Visitor Center is located at fried chicken, and sweet hints of freshly 7480 E. 29 th Ave in Stapleton’s first town cen - baked pies. The dining room itself is a ter. For more information, call 303.355.9600, sight to behold, and not unlike your email [email protected] or visit grandmother’s living room. It’s lavishly www.StapletonDenver.com .

Stapleton Front Porch 5 February 2008 LOCAL New Photo Studio at Northfield phy with studios located on the east side of Comedy Comes to Northfield’s Main Street above Regis Hair Salon. “I shopped for a studio location for a long time and I loved the energy of Stapleton where I have a great indoor and outdoor stu - dio,” Karen says of her new location after a move from southeast Denver. “When I began 20 years ago,” she recalls, “having your child’s photo taken meant visiting a department store. I knew, intuitively, that if I wanted something more for my children, others would, as well. To know I have helped fami - By Nancy Burkhart lies create their legacy story through photos ig-time comedy has a gives me great satisfaction.” new home in Northfield Working with Kristen Adams, her creative BStapleton. The Improv director of four years, Karen takes pride in Comedy Club and Dinner having an eye for “the fleeting expression and Theatre, located across from the unexpected interaction, “ which she says Bass Pro Outdoor World, plays a role in giving proud parents and opened in November to fea - grandparents “a way to hold childhood for - ture nationally known head - ever.” She adds that a growing number of her liner comics and give local clients are young couples who appreciate the comics-in-training a venue. distinctive approach and aesthetic value of her Improv General Manager Karen Rubin in her new photo studio at work. Dan Wiley (below) produces “Future Legends of Comedy” for rising Northfield. Stacey Hart explained that the “One of my clients told me recently, she Improv is popular with star- Vicky Edgar (above), Dan McGowan and Bo Galvan (below) perform aren Rubin took an unusual path to and her husband were finishing their base - quality comics because the Denver club “He plays the guitar and sings songs. He’s her new photographic studios above ment and considering art but decided to cre - with 425 seats has 27 sister clubs, thus really appropriate for date night,” Hart Kthe Main Street retail in The Shops ate a gallery of photos of their daughters giving headliners an opportunity to book said. at Northfield Stapleton. instead. They started with a small collection several stints on a tour. The Denver Im - On Wednesday nights, the club features More than twenty years ago, when Karen and plan to add more images over the years,“ prov has been host to David Atell and “Future Legends of Comedy Shows,” Hart was working as a registered nurse, her friends Karen says. Rickey Smiley, with Tommy Chong said. “You just call in and sign up. There and coworkers raved about the quality of the Karen Rubin Photography will have an coming soon and Christopher Titus on - are no auditions. You just have to sign up photographs she routinely took of her chil - open house in its Northfield Main Street stu - stage February 8-10. and then go up and be funny. We want the dren , and many people urged her to use her dios on Tuesday, February 12th from 10 a.m. Tom Wilson, best known as Biff in “TV queen” – NBC not HBO. We don’t talents professionally. Today, after twenty to 8 p.m. For more information, call the movie, “Back to the Future,” will want it to be too raunchy,” she said. four years as a successful photographer, the 303.755.5501. Selections of Karen Rubin’s take the mike Valentine’s Day week. “Future Legends” host Dan Wiley acts as Chicago native owns Karen Rubin Photogra - work may be viewed at www.karenrubin.com .

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February 2008 6 Stapleton Front Porch BUSINESSES MommyMixer Northfield Matching Parents with Sitters a mentor to as - fireplace to linger in before dinner and piring comics. the show, and Happy Hour specials are He appears on - featured in the bar after the show. Bar - stage himself, tenders, who Hart calls funny “wanabe but gives advice comics,” serve a full bar with a com - about presenta - mendable wine selection. tion and stage A full dinner menu offers everything presence, ac - from steak and salmon to pizza, ham - cording to Hart. burgers and club sandwiches. Guests “Everybody have the option of having dinner or just starts open- seeing the show. Companies looking for mike. It is the an alternative to hotel banquet rooms for way to get to be their conventions might check out the a star. Maybe Improv Club. “The food is amazing,” somebody from Hart said. “We do breakfast, lunch or Babysitters introduce themselves to parents at a local MommyMixer gathering. L.A. or N.Y. sees off-night dinner. We have a full, high- By Kathy Epperson students are thrilled to discover valuable con - you and says, tech production screen that can be used tapleton mom Meredith Coors is the nections with great families in the commu - ‘Come with for your computer presentations.” new city manager for a nationwide nity where they become a very important me,’” Hart said. Hart advises everyone to “come in service called MommyMixer, which part of the children’s lives and development. There is some - and check it out. It’s big and inviting. S gives college-age babysitters and parents a It’s a winning combination! ” one from L.A. We’ve got some killer acts coming up. It’s chance to meet. MommyMixer was origi - MommyMixer, based in Austin, hires or N.Y. search - a great night out.” She’ll will be there to nally founded by Mary Sullivan Cooper local City Managers and Campus Represen - ing for a comic welcome you. You will recognize her as out of her own experience during college. tatives to be the face of MommyMixer in 22 comedians on Wednesday nights. to make a star in the lady with “out-of-control” red hair. in the future legends show. “I was inspired to create MommyMixer be - cities. the club every The Improv Comedy Club and Din - th cause of my experience as a babysitter in Meredith, who formerly worked in mar - week, she said. ner Theatre is located at 8246 East 49 college at the University of Texas,” Mary keting and is the mother to 3 children (Peter, Hart, herself got into the comedy club busi - Avenue in Northfield at I-70 and Que - says. “All through college I was babysitting age 4; Caroline, age 2; and Maggie, age 10 ness eight years ago at the Funnybone in bec. The Bar is open 5:30 p.m. to 2:00 30 hours a week , and I constantly found months) decided to become a city manager Omaha. She started out as a telemarketer, be - a.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Com - that moms and dads that were strangers for MommyMixer because of her own strug - came a waitress and moved into the office. edy shows are: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, would approach me asking if I could help gles finding qualified babysitters for occa - “I’m a ‘behind-the-scenes’ girl,” Hart said. Thursday and Sunday 7:30 p.m. and them with childcare or if I had friends that sional help . “I think it’s a great way for moms “I do not get onstage. I think you have to have 9:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The could help. I recognized that if this was so to meet sitters in person and interview that in your DNA. I got accounting instead.” Ticket Office opens at 10:00 a.m. daily in Austin , it was probably true in many them,” she says, “rather than depend on a There is a lovely bar area with chairs and a (303) 307-1777 . other cities. “ service that will take a cut of the sitter’s “MommyMixer is a unique service in money and send a stranger.” Meredith works that it provides an opportunity for families with a campus representative at University of to meet educated, fun, experienced babysit - Denver that helps with babysitting recruit - ters face-to-face,” says Meredith. “Nothing ing, and she is currently looking for a cam - beats the feeling moms and dads have after pus representative from Johnson and Wales. attending one of our mixers! Parents no Families and college students wanting to stay longer need to scurry to piece together up to date on upcoming Denver Mixers help , because they have met tremendous in - should sign-up to receive emails on the Join dividuals in person and can take home The Us page of the website at www.mom - Babysitter Book filled with college sitter re - mymixer.com. Families must register and pay Dan Wiley, emcee Dan McGowan Bo Galvan sumes that will give them the support and before attending a Mixer. The next Denver infrastructure they need. At the same time, mixer is scheduled for February 26 .

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Stapleton Front Porch 7 February 2008 LOCAL

wine selection that includes Mario N wines specially chosen to enhance the barbeque ex - Wongs perience, and the By Kathy Epperson usual selection of he new Mario N Wongs restau - liquor. rant on East Colfax is an entic - “Southern Ting hybrid of Asian and Italian goodness” is the cuisines and cooking styles. Co-owner key to the restau - Jeff Castardi combined his heritage and rant’s ambience knowledge of Italian cuisine with tech - and food, accord - niques and ingredients from Chinese ing to Burns. cooking. Jeff knew that many Chinese Eating at Jim ‘n restaurants in New York City were able Nick’s “is defined to serve fresh, high-quality, healthy in - by a genuine gredients quickly when using a wok,” Jim ‘N Nicks Southern experi - says wife and co-owner Dawn Wolf. The ence,” he said. intense heat that woks are able to hold Everything is Mario N Wong’s allows for this. Why couldn’t he use the Wolf,Owner; BBQ “old-fashioned,” same idea with Italian classics that his Jim and Nick's BBQ Restaurant Founder, Nick Pihikas, Jennifer Shaw, owner, and Craig Knapp, general manager, made from family had passed down to him? ” watch as a member of their wait staff serves their signature Bar-B-Q. scratch, always Jeff and Dawn, along with third partner John Gaborek, By Nancy Burkhart fresh and never frozen. Meat is slow-cooked over authentic opened Mario N Wongs in September 2007 and consider the tapleton’s community atmosphere and the knowledge that hickory wood. French fries are made from potatoes, not restaurant to be in their test market phase still. “We are testing Denver is “a great place to raise a family” inspired Jennifer poured out of bags, and pies are made with real rolling pins, dishes, ingredients, packaging, and more right now,” says Dawn. SShaw to bring Jim ‘n Nick’s Bar-B-Q to Northfield Stapleton. Burns said. “In March of 2008 we will have our grand opening with the Jennifer and her husband, Dennis, moved to Denver with their “Our hospitality is friendly and genuine,” Burns said. “We debut of our official menu. The feedback of our customers is ex - 4-year-old daughter, Courtney, last August. Jennifer was born and want people to feel that they are part of the family.” tremely important right now in determining many of the ideas raised in Kansas City and, despite having spent the last 13 years in At Jim ‘n Nick’s Bar-B-Q, it is perfectly acceptable to call that will stay and go. ” Phoenix, she and Dennis chose Denver for their home. in an order to be picked up to take home. Shaw believes that Some of the current dishes on the menu include Meatballs “We love the mountains and the outdoors, and it gets warm (in families will appreciate Jim ‘n Nick’s fresh food policy. “I fore - and Spaghetti , Rigatoni a la Vodka, Mario’s Orzo (the Italian ver - the summer) like Phoenix,” Shaw said. see carryout to be a large part of our business,” Shaw said. sion of fried rice) , Wong’s Lo Mein (the Italian version of Lo “We look for people for Jim ‘n Nick’s… and then let them “We are a “scratch” (cooking) kitchen. When I’m feeding Mein). This summer they will also be debuting a full line of choose the market to call home,” said Sam Burns, Jim ‘n Nick’s Courtney, I want to use the best quality.” gelatos and a new concept in frozen yogurt for the health-con - “Commissioner of Culture” who was in town to help Jennifer get Shaw’s menu favorite is the beef brisket, and she proudly scious consumer who doesn’t want all the additives that are in tra - the restaurant in top-notch order for the January 22 opening. touts the barbequed ribs. “The mac(aroni) and cheese is a sta - ditional frozen yogurt. Jim ‘n Nick’s is not franchised, but has local restaurants with ple in my diet,” she laughed. Despite having just launched, business has already been local owners such as Jennifer Shaw, Burns said. The menu also features “Carl’s catfish,” hand-breaded cat - strong. “The reaction has been amazing,” Dawn says. “People are “Our mission is to connect with the community,” Shaw said. fish named after a friend of the restaurant’s founder. And, intrigued by the concept. A lot of people come in to see exactly “We expect families and businessmen for lunch. We expect people “Mabel’s homemade pies” are named after Mabel Washington, what Mario N Wongs is about. They see Egg Rolls with Sausage to become regulars once they taste the menu…. It’s a comfortable who worked for Jim ‘n Nick’s, along with numerous other and Peppers, and they have to try them. By the time they leave, place for people watching sports to congregate.” family members. they’re already thinking about what they’ll be ordering next Jim ‘n Nick’s can accommodate 250 people in a dining area and “It’s important for us that we are connected to the commu - time. ” a bar area that features high-definition TVs for sports-watching. nity,” Shaw said. The restaurant is located in Northfield Sta - They have created Mario N Wongs to be very family friendly Bar features include Fat Tire, a red ale style beer from New Bel - pleton across the parking lot from Bass Pro Outdoor World. and plan summer activities to attract families with young chil - gium Brewing Inc. in Fort Collins, Colorado, ales from the Breck - Owner Jennifer Shaw and General Manager Craig Knapp will dren. “We have a large outdoor patio area that we are looking for - enridge Brewery, and hand-brewed English style ales from the be there to meet you. Hours are Monday - Thursday 11am - Odell Brewing Company in Fort Collins. There is a complete 8pm; Friday - Saturday 10am - 8pm; Sunday 12pm - 6pm.

1 S S a 5 es pr nd % si in M O En on g o f r N m f ol o m Sp lin w y ri g a ng nd S M p e an is Cl h as se Building a community of families through s classes, open gym, birthday parties, and Mom's Afternoon Out 303-377-8855 www.babypower.com

Colorado Contemporary Dance Academy Classes from preschool to adult, featuring Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Breaking, Tap, Musical Theatre and preschool ballet including classes just for boys. 303-333-1885 • www.coloradocontemporarydance.com

Located next to each other in Quebec Square 7505 E. 35th Avenue

February 2008 8 Stapleton Front Porch RESTAURANTS

carne; the Dallas dog with chili; and the California dog with lettuce, tomato, fried red and green peppers and cheddar jack cheese. Steve also Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs invented the Denver Burrito dog with chili con carne, jalapenos, By Kathy Epperson bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar jack cheese and wrapped in a flour ver since relocating from Connecticut, we heard over and tortilla. “Linda kidded me and said nobody would buy that,” says over again that you can’t get a great hot dog in Denver. We Steve, “but it’s a #1 seller!” “E changed that,” says Steve Ballas of Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs on Rounding out the menu are fresh-squeezed lemonade and limeade, Colfax. Steve and his wife Linda took inspiration from Steve’s childhood shakes, ice cream and various desserts, deep-fried skin-on French fries, growing up on the east coast and, after connecting with hot dog supplier beer-battered onion rings, old-fashioned chili-cheese fries, as well as Thumann’s of New Jersey, reinterpreted various regional hot dogs from deep fried carrot sticks and green beans with a touch of salt and around the country. pepper . A full vegetarian and kids menu is also available . Steve and Linda started their business with a truck at the Stapleton “I must confess that now I like my dog NAKED!” Steve says. “Just and Cherry Creek Farmers spicy mustard and a toasted bun. Markets as well as at special That’s how Jason Sheehan, food events and say they still have a critic for Westword , likes our dog great following from Stapleton too. The fantastic combination of friends at the restaurant on the Thumann’s beef and pork dog in Colfax they opened in Febru - the natural casing, with that slight ary 2007 . With advice and as - tang of spicy horseradish mustard is sistance from Denver’s Business truly MMMGOOD!” Assistance Center and Office Steve and Linda recently created staff, left to right, Jeremy McMinn, Executive Chef; Dawn Doug Lewden and John Gaborek, Managing Partners of Economic Development, an enclosed and heated patio to ac - they were able to open in an commodate customers throughout ward to utilizing,” Dawn says. “Our goal is to become a Enterprise Zone on East Col - the winter. Seating up to 85 people, part of the communities we are in, and we picked the fax and receive extra help from it also allows them to provide cost- location on Colfax because we wanted to be part of the the city. effective birthday parties. Customers revitalization of this community. We moved to Lowry “Our hot dogs have a fan - are coming from all over the region, nearly ten years ago , and it has been so exciting to see tastic taste unlike other hot and Steve credits their success not all the new and locally-owned restaurants and busi - only to the quality of their hot dogs dogs in Colorado, combining a Steve Ballas and his wife Linda share one of Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs. nesses that are popping up all over Colfax and the sur - natural casing with a flavorful but also to their commitment to cus - rounding areas. It’s so wonderful to see how many blend of beef and pork with a smokey flavoring that ‘snaps’ when you tomer service and focus on creating a fun environment working side by people are supporting us — they want to see us suc - bite into it,” says Steve. (Customers may substitute an all beef “Kosher side with their employees. With their Colfax restaurant off to a great ceed. ” Style” or Bratwurst.) “We recently won the Westword honor of “Best start, they plan additional locations in the Denver area in the future. Mario N Wongs delivers to Lowry, Stapleton, Park New Store on Colfax 2 006”, an honorable mention in “America’s Best Residents of Denver since 1996, Steve and Linda have been married Hill, Hilltop, Montclair and the surrounding areas; they Hot Dogs Across America“ for AOL City Guide, and Best New Restau - for 27 years and have been working side by side for over 20. “I don’t also cater parties and occasions of all sizes . Future plans rant in 2006 from 5280 Magazine. think that either of us could work separately — we wouldn’t know include expansion and possible franchising opportuni - Some favorite regional interpretations on the menu include the what to do!” says Steve. “We are best friends and equal business part - ties. Mario N Wongs is located at 6110 E Colfax Ave Chicago Style dog with spicy mustard, green relish, red onions, sliced ners, and have a unique relationship that most folks wish they had .” #4. Call 303- 393-1888. Open Monday-Saturday from tomato, dill pickle, sport peppers and celery salt; the Jersey dog with Visit Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs at 3525 E. Colfax Avenue. Call 303- 11am-9pm, closed on Sunday. Visit online at www.mar - bacon, relish, onions, spicy mustard and caraway sauerkraut; the Atlanta 333-SNAP or visit online at www.stevessnappindogs.com. ionwongs.com . Slaw dog with coleslaw, cheddar jack cheese, red onions, and chili con

Stapleton Front Porch 9 February 2008 THE ART OF

Coming Soon Free Program every 3rd Wednesday in ‘08 Front Porch Summer Camp Resource Guide Our annual summer camp guide will be coming soon, but Health Staples at Stapleton Celebrate Black we’ve been told some camps, particularly the Denver Zoo’s Summer Safari camps, fill early. Visit www.denverzoo.org/ Denver Health Staples is a series of FREE health/life History Month education/summerSafari.asp to check on the zoo’s summer classes to help people stay healthy. It also incorporates camps that run between June 2 and Aug 8 and everyday life topics, such as decorating, home improve - accommodate ages 4 years through grade 5. ments and cooking! The Health Staples series will take Colorado History Museum, Feb. 16th place every 3rd Wednesday of the month in 2008, from Spring Break Camp 6:30-8pm in the Stapleton Community Room at 2823 Cookin' & Jazz - Celebrating Roslyn St. For more information on this free health se - Dramatic Adventures Super Hero Academy ries, please email [email protected] or con - Black Heritage in Food & Song March 24 - 29 from 9am - 12pm, ages 4-8 tact Cindy Aspromonte at 303-403-6333. The series is Participants practice the dramatic powers every hero needs. sponsored by the the Stapleton Master Community As - Cookin' & Jazz blends sumptuous ethnic flavors, live Practical problem solving skills are used to battle every day sociation and Exempla Healthcare. jazz, and dancing into a one-of-a-kind Black History challenges and overcome extraordinary obstacles. Montview Month Celebration. Guests will be treated to a live trib - Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia St. Cost: $160. Call February 20, 6:30-8pm ute to jazz legends and delectable food from the Black 303-377-0785 or visit www. dramaticadventures.com. Chocolate and Herbs: What Your Body Craves Diaspora including African, Cajun, American Soul, and Presentation by Cindy Aspromonte, Nurse Practitioner Caribbean cuisine. This year's theme is "Celebrating from Stapleton OB-GYN. In addition, clinical herbalists Physically Handicapped Actors & Musical Artists League, Inc. Our Roots." Sponsored by American Family Insurance, from Apothecary Tinctura will discuss and offer samples of DocuPlus, Kendall Jackson, and Anheuser Busch. Announces Audition for “Side Show” Production herbal medicines to help you stay healthy during cold and The event will be held from 6 - 11 p.m. on Saturday, flu season and samples of tasty chocolates as antioxidants. Physically and/or developmentally challenged men, women February 16, 2008, at the Colorado History Museum and children of all ages are invited to prepare one short mu - (1300 Broadway, Downtown Denver). Tickets are $60. sical number and one contemporary monologue. Resume Call 303-400-5928 or visit www.denverblackpages.com and headshot are requested. Call the PHAMALy Hotline for (click on Cookin’ & Jazz at the top of the page). more information or to schedule an audition time, 303-575- Active Minds – Free Adult Seminars 0005. Side Show is based on the true story of Siamese twins who became stars during the Depression. All Active Minds presentations are free and are held from 7:00-8:00 pm at the Denver School of Science Historic Walking Tours and Technology, 2000 Valentia St., Denver, CO 80238. Take a walking tour with local historian, author and RSVP to Stapleton Foundation, 303-468-3223. lecturer, Wallace Yvonne Tollette. Tour the historic Five Points neighborhood, or hear presentations on Dr. The Mormon Faith – Mon, Feb. 4 Justina Ford, Colorado’s first black female licensed This presentation will examine the origins, teachings physician, abolitionist Sojourner Truth, and former and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- slave and washer woman Aunt Clara Brown, and others day Saints, including the teachings of founder Joseph by request. She can be reached at 303-830-1691 or by Smith, Jr. as well as those of Brigham Young. The email at [email protected]. sessions will also examine some of the controversial elements of the faith and clarify the current position of the church regarding these practices. Black American West

Venezuela – Mon., Feb. 18 Museum & Heritage Center Under the leadership of democratically elected President This museum preserves the history of Blacks in the Hugo Chavez, Venezuela has become increasingly at odds western United States. Located at 3091 California with the United States. While both countries share a Street, 303- 292-2566. mutual interest in Venezuela’s oil reserves, Chavez opposes U.S. foreign policy efforts, a point underscored by his efforts to strengthen relations with Iran. The presentation The Stiles African-American will explore the origins of this escalating conflict. Heritage Center Government & The Media – Mon., Mar. 3 Over 35 years after Watergate, this presentation will The mission of the Heritage Center is to help all people explore the often stormy relationship between the become aware of the significant contributions African government and the media. The role of the media as a Americans have made toward the development and watchdog in society will be examined, and how progress of America . Located at 2607 Glenarm Place, journalistic standards have changed over time regarding 303-294-0597. what should and should not be exposed to the public.

Feb. 14th Denver School of the Arts Dance Concert Dance Concert performed by seniors majoring in Dance and staged by seniors majoring in Design and Stagecraft Feb. 14, 15, 16 7:00pm Tickets sold at the door – The Stapleton Club Card $10/adults, $7/students is a retail card that allows you to get Schomp Theater, Denver School of the Arts savings from select retailers at Stapleton. 7111 Montview Blvd, Please visit StapletonDenver.com and http://dsa.dpsk12.org click on Shop/Nosh/Stroll for more Call 720-424-1713 for information. more information.

February 2008 10 Stapleton Front Porch URBAN LIVING

Denver Public Library - Blair Caldwell Branch History of African Americans in Colorado and the West Black History Month Film Series Blair Caldwell Library and Museum The African-Americans in Politics Film By Wallace Yvonne Tollette Series of Fresh City Life is free and open here is a jewel at 2401 Welton Street to the public. It is hosted by Denver’s in Denver. Appropriately located at Blair-Caldwell African American Research the gateway to the historic Five Library, located in Five Points at 2401 T Points Welton Street corridor, it ’s the 40,000 Welton St., 720-865-2401. square-foot, three-story Blair-Caldwell Feb. 5, 6:30pm – African -American Research Library of the “Politics, The New Black Power” Denver Public Library. Dedicated in 2003, Writer and reporter Juan Williams narrates its mission and goals are to serve as an educa - an inspiring and intelligent documentary tional and cultural resource for the people of of what he calls the “crossover politicians,” Denver, Colorado and the world, focusing politicians that manage to secure the sup - on the history, literature, art, music, religion port of white voters. Williams analyzes and politics of African -Americans in Col - the suspicions and pressures that surround orado and throughout the Rocky Mountain black politicians who are making it in the West. mainstream. He presents a historical ac - Former mayor Wellington E. Webb was count of black politicians from the Recon - elected Denver ’s 41st mayor in 1991. He was struction period to the Civil Rights Denver’s first African American mayor. Re- Movement and theie sacrifices that paved elected in 1995 and 1999 Mayor Webb, to - the way for future politicians. gether with former First Lady Wilma J. Above: A portrait with some of Denver’s African Below: Blair Caldwell museum display of a Webb, felt that there wasn ’t enough effort Feb. 12, 6:30pm –“Street Fight” American leaders, held by “Daddy” Bruce Ran - late 1800’s barber shop in Five Points. Barber put forth in the preservation of Black history Examining the 21st century political dolph, is part of a mural at the entrance shops were a popular gathering place for to the Blair Caldwell Museum and Library. men who lived in the neighborhood. and they determined that they would help arena, Street Fight is a hard-hitting, correct that omission. In thought-provoking documentary of the vailed during Chisholm’s campaign, 1999, during his third term 2002 Mayoral race between two New Jer - one of bigotry and disenchantment. as Mayor, they saw the ur - sey African-American politicians, Cory Chisholm first appeared on the politi - gent need to collect this Booker and four-term incumbent, Mayor cal scene in 1968 when she became legacy in one place before it Sharpe James, who had heavyweight polit - the first African-American woman was lost forever. ical machines Jesse Jackson and Al Sharp - elected to Congress representing New “There ’s so much history, ton supporting him. Nominated to receive York. and we need to capture that an Oscar for Best Documentary at the for young people, ” he said. 2005 Academy Awards, this film high - Feb. 26, 6:30pm – “Bling” “So much of it is in boxes, in lights how the electoral politics between This independent film brings together basements or in our heads. ” candidates of the same race can turn into a the two worlds of Hip Hop and the And, some of it had also battle over authenticity. diamond trade (Blood Diamonds) as - sociated with the civil war in Sierra been lost to history. But with Feb. 19, 2008, 6:30pm – “Chisholm 72” Leone. This is a PG13 movie. true grit and tenacity, the A powerful message rings forth as Shirley task of planning, collecting, Chisholm, the first African-American To register to receive online cataloguing and preserving woman to run for president, announces program announcements, visit was begun. Focus groups her candidacy in 1972. This film docu - www.denverlibrary.org/fresh or call were formed to help deter - ments the political atmosphere that pre - 720-865-1205 for details. mine what an African Amer - ican (continued on page 22)

VISIT US AT OUR STAPLETON LOCATION SUNDAY SERVICETIMES 9:00am (English), 11:00am (Bilingual)

FULL SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN UPTO 6TH GRADE DURING BOTH SERVICES

Located at the William R. Roberts School For more information, call 303-783-3838 Creative Interior Designs Located adjacent to the Police Academy at Montview andYosemite 4960 E. Evans Avenue Denver, Colorado 80222 CCC en Stapleton se reúne en la escuela William R. Roberts enfrente de la 303-758-5800 Academia de Policía en la esquina de la Montview yYosemite. Programa completa de escuela dominical para niños hasta 6 o grado durante los dos servicios. Servicios todos los domingos a las 9:00am (inglés) y 11:00am (inglés traducido al español). Para más información, llame al 303-783-3838

Stapleton Front Porch 11 February 2008 Making 100 Look Easy ora Hayes was born on a farm outside of DJackson, Tennessee on January 16, 1908. A resi - dent of the Clyburn Apart - ments for seniors in Stapleton, Dora shared with the Front Porch some memo - ries about her hundred years. When asked what was the most significant change she observed over that time, she didn’t talk about the change from horse drawn wagons to jet planes; she didn’t talk about computers and cell phones; she talked with sad - ness about the violence in today’s society and how, as a child growing up on a farm, she never even heard of a per - son being killed until she was in her 20’s. “People didn’t have much money but they were happier. You didn’t have to worry or be afraid,” she says. Dora was the third of eight children, and her mother died Dora Hayes, who turned 100 on Jan. 16, 2008, holds a coal when she was seven years old. oil lamp that was in her childhood home, which didn’t She recalls that her father have electricity until she was in her twenties. built a platform for her to stand on, so she could help with cooking during the war she welded shells, which were over the wood stove after her mother died. then sent to another plant to be filled with She and her siblings and neighbor kids ammunition. She recalls that with the an - walked almost an hour to get to and from nouncement that the war was over, her job school each day. She remembers the whole ended just as suddenly. Dora’s first plane ride class doing exercises together at the begin - was from St. Louis to Denver in the 60’s to ning of the school visit her son, and day. Schools were it was after her segregated and there husband died in was no high school 1975 that she for her to attend, so came to Denver after 8th grade she to live. worked on her fam - Dora Hayes ily’s farm. They makes it look raised cotton, corn, easy to live to be watermelons, pota - 100 – her hear - toes, tomatoes and ing and eyesight strawberries, among are good, her other crops. They mind is sharp had cows, and she and she walks helped churn the regularly, includ - butter, recalling that ing taking a cart she had to push the to the grocery dasher up and down store. Her diet? through the cream. “ No pork, She married in sweets, or rich her early 20’s and, Five generations of Dora Hayes’ family: food, and not together with her clockwise from left, Dora’s daughter Gladys, much salt.” Dora’s husband, continued granddaughter Cassandra, Dora, great-great philosophy of life to live and work on granddaughter Nevaeh (heaven spelled back - is, “Try to help if her family’s farm. wards), and great-granddaughter Geneva. you can. Treat The farm didn’t get people like you’d electricity until after she was married, and it want them to treat you.” She lives by her was about that time when she took her first words — she has gone into people’s homes ride in a car. She and her husband later and cooked and cleaned for them when they moved into Jackson, then to St. Louis where were sick and needed help. New patients welcome!

February 2008 12 Stapleton Front Porch Eating For Health

By Elizabeth Yarnell

It’s All In The Bones Unexpected Pet Bills Lead to New Ways to Pay My five-year old is obsessed with bones lately. He has assembled scale model skeletons, can Between the United States and Canada, pet owners will spend more than $45 billion on toys, name all the major joints, and yesterday announced that there are 206 bones in the human foods, accessories and healthcare for their four-legged family members. But, despite this love body. “Really?” I wondered. Perhaps we ought to give a little more thought to our bones. for our pets, a single traumatic event or serious disease can devastate personal finances or po - Our bones build up during our youth and then begin breaking down as early as our tentially lead to heart-wrenching decisions. Fortunately, the availability of pet insurance, pet twenties. They are helped along by soda pop (phosphorus leaches minerals from bones), health savings plans and even credit for pets may help some pet owners keep their pets around pregnancy and nursing (your body will steal missing nutrients from your bones to give to longer. the baby), sedentary lifestyles and poor nutrition. Both men and women can suffer from Pet insurance is not a brand new idea and actually has been around for more than 25 years. poor bone density. In almost every case, pet insurance works as a reimbursement insurance. This means that you, Luckily, you can continually help your bones regain lost mass. Weight-bearing exercises the pet owner, pay the veterinarian for the services and then submit a claim to the company. can help a lot, but you also need to practice good nutrition. Everyone knows that calcium After deductibles are applied, the insurance company will send out a check based on the type is essential for building bones, but without vitamin D calcium is useless. The best source of plan you purchased for your pet. Although you won’t get 100% of your money back, it of vitamin D is one that is free: sunlight. Even just a few minutes outside each day can can help to ease the financial burden in the event of serious disease or injury. But be careful as make a difference. many diseases considered inherited will not be covered. While dairy foods can be good sources of calcium, they are not the only ones. Tofu and other soy products, nuts and beans are all high in calcium. Sesame seeds and products Another option for helping pet owners plan for unexpected events is a pet savings plan. Fi - such as sesame paste (tahini), often used in middle eastern dishes, have almost five times nancial institutions can set up an account with automatic deposits. If you don’t see the money, the amount of calcium as milk products. Greens such as kale, arugula and seaweed all have you don’t miss it. Saving just $30 per month (a typical premium for pet insurance) in an ac - significant amounts of calcium as well. count that generates 5% interest will create $6,000 over the lifetime of the pet. Here’s a recipe to try that has made many a convert out of non-tofu eaters. It’s seduc - Most veterinarians cannot offer any sort of billing plan and many owners have their cash tively spicy and creamy with an addictive blend of flavors. Happy cooking! and credit cards tied up with other purchases. Fortunately, for some pet owners, CareCredit may be a solution. CareCredit offers several flexible payment options that allow clients to Hot & Spicy Thai Curry with Tofu and Rice (Serves 2) make payments over a period of several months. But, like other lines of credit, interest rates 1 cup white rice 14 oz can coconut milk, reg. or light can skyrocket if the balance is not paid within a specified time frame. 6-8 oz. tofu, extra firm 1 Tbsp. Thai curry paste 1/2 medium zucchini, 1 1/2 Tbsp. Thai fish sauce The advances in veterinary medicine over the past few decades have been absolutely amaz - cut into 1” sticks 1/2” wide (can substitute soy sauce) ing. If your pet suffers a traumatic injury or serious illness, make sure that you understand the 8 oz. can bamboo shoots, drained and rinsed 2 tsp. sugar costs as well as the procedures. Talk with your veterinarian about the options that are available 1/2 red bell pepper, cut in 1” sticks 1/4 tsp. paprika to you and, above all, be proactive in planning for your pet’s healthcare. 1/2 yellow bell pepper, cut in 1” sticks 1 Tbsp. lime juice Dr. Smith’s clinic, The 29th Ave. Animal Hospital, is located in the East 29th Ave. Town Cen - ter at Stapleton in the courtyard next to Fantastic Sams. Call 303.394.3937 for more information. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray inside of 2-quart cast iron Dutch oven and lid with canola oil. Rinse rice in strainer under cold water until water runs clear. Place into pot and smooth into an even layer. Do not add water to the pot. Drain tofu and place on bed of paper towels. Cover with folded paper towels and press firmly to squeeze as much liquid out as possible. Cut into 1” cubes and place on top of rice. Top with layers of zucchini, bamboo shoots and bell peppers. In a separate bowl, whisk coconut milk, curry paste, fish sauce, sugar, paprika and lime Advertise in the Front Porch juice. Be aware that coconut milk separates into liquid and solids when stored; be sure to EMAIL: [email protected] use all the contents of the can. Whisk until all ingredients are dissolved. Pour mixture over top. Cover and bake for 45 minutes or until rice is tender. You’ll smell the full-bodied CALL: 303-333-0257 or 303-526-1969 aroma wafting from the oven when it is ready—3 minutes after first whiff. VISIT: www. StapletonFrontPorch.com Notes My cousin Julie learned this recipe when her sister, Abi, worked in Thailand. Julie throws in whatever vegetables she happens to have on hand and the results are always yummy. Notice that this recipe does not call for water to hydrate the rice. The coconut milk pro - vides enough liquid to cook the rice and make a wonderful curry sauce that oozes with flavor. Tips - Thai curry paste comes in yellow, red, and green—any of which work beautifully in this dish. Try the Mae Ploy brand found at Asian markets. Use more or less as your taste buds demand; what is presented here is mild to medium heat. - Dead set against tofu? Consider substituting1/2-3/4 lb. raw, cleaned shrimp or scal - lops, chicken breasts or fish fillets in place of the tofu. - It doesn’t seem to make any difference if you use regular coconut milk or reduced fat. - To make this for 4 people, simply double the recipe, use a 3 1/2- or 4-quart Dutch oven, and bake for 53 minutes. Elizabeth Yarnell is a Certified Nutritional Consultant, inventor and author of the award- winning Glorious One-Pot Meals: A new quick & healthy approach to Dutch oven cooking. The Glorious One-Pot Meals cooking process holds US patent number 6,846,504 . Hundreds of students in her cooking classes have tasted and loved this recipe! Front Porch readers receive a 10% discount on products at www.GloriousOnePotMeals.com. Find more healthy eating tips from Elizabeth at http://www.EffortlessEating.com.

Stapleton Front Porch 13 February 2008 Wal-Mart Donates 5,000 CFLs to Denver Residents Chinese New Year City Council President By Eugenie Chen not be swept away. Michael Hancock and ebruary 7, 2008 is the The biggest event of any Greenprint Denver Director first day of Chinese Chinese New Year’s Eve is the Michele Weingarden joined representatives from Wal- FYear 4706. It’s the year reunion dinner every family Mart at Stapleton’s Quebec of the Rat, a Yang (positive) will have usually held in or Square to announce the year. Rat people are said to near the home of the most sen - company’s giveaway of 5,000 be clever, ambitious, creative, ior member of the family. The energy efficient compact flu - hard-working, fastidious, New Year’s Eve dinner is very sumptu - orescent light bulbs free to Denver residents. Residents charming and sociable, but can be a bit ous and traditionally includes chicken and should check their Council stingy when it comes to sharing their fish . district website to see how wealth or possessions. The first day is for the welcoming of the they can receive a free light In Chinese astrology, every year is rep - deities of the heavens and earth. Many peo - bulb. Go to www.denver - resented by an animal. The cycle is twelve ple, especially Buddhists , abstain from meat gov.org and search Elected Officials for Council district years, with a different animal each year. consumption on the first day because it is websites. Greenprint Den - The year of rat is the first in the 12 ani - believed that this will ensure longevity for ver is a sustainability initia - mal signs. The date of Chinese New Year them. Some consider lighting fires on New tive of the City of Denver. changes every year. It is a 15-day celebra - Year’s Day to be bad luck, so all food to be tion, and on the 15th day the celebration consumed is cooked the day before. is called the Lantern Festival. Some families may invite a lion dance A rat year is a time of hard work, activ - troupe as a symbolic ritual to usher in the ity and renewal. It’s a good year to begin a Lunar New Year as well as to evict bad spir - Tips for Opening a New Business in Denver new job, get married, launch a product or its from the premises. People also give red By Dori Hennecken Contact www.eftps.gov to enroll in the make a fresh start. packets containing cash to junior members There is so much to do when you start a Electronic Federal Tax Payment System Chinese New years or Spring Festival is of the family, mostly children. small business. Did you know there are (EFTPS) and to make estimated tax the biggest holiday in Chinese culture. It is Clothing mainly featuring the color red some wonderful websites to help you? payments electronically celebrated with festivities, fireworks, is commonly worn throughout the Chinese Following is a list of some important web Contact City and County of Denver at brightly colored lights, special meals with New Year because it is believed that red will sites that you may need. www.denvergov.org for Sales, Use, Lodger’s family and gift giving. Like Christmas in scare away evil spirits and bad fortune. In Contact the Colorado Secretary of State and Occupational Tax Registration the western world, most Chinese travel addition, people typically wear new clothes at www.sos.state.co.us to search/register Contact State of Colorado at www.state.co.us home to be with family for the New Year from head to toe to symbolize a new begin - trade name Form a new LLC or S Corp for a variety of resources available for new and celebration. ning in the New Year. Contact Colorado Department of Rev - existing business owners through the Office of On the days before the New Year cele - Eugenie Chen moved to Denver from enue at www.revenue.state.co.us for Em - Economic Development . bration, Chinese families give their home a Guangzhou, China in 1992. She is the ployment Taxes and Sales and Use Taxes Dori Hennecken, CPA, MBA and a Certified thorough cleaning. It is believed the clean - owner of the Taste of Asia Restaurant in Que - Contact the IRS at www.irs.gov for a QuickBooks Pro Advisor lives ing sweeps away the bad luck of the pre - bec Square, which will have red envelopes Form SS-4 – Application for Employer and works in Stapleton. She specializes in ceding year and makes their homes ready and New Year’s crafts for kids from February Identification Number. Use form 1040-ES nonprofits and small businesses and can for good luck. Brooms and dust pans are 7th to the 9th. She can be reached at 303- for estimated tax payments be reached at [email protected]. put away on the first day so that luck can - 388-8983.

th 10am- Noon ERIC WELCH Broker Associate NOW Open House Feb 9 or Call for a Private Tour of the School 303-780-7590 • 303-829-8744 OPEN IN [email protected] STAPLETON Pre-school now open Experts in early-K thru 8th grade 26 years experience Your lifestyle is my concern Est. 1981

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14 February 2008 Stapleton Front Porch Sustainability at Stapleton by Melissa Knott Director of Sustainability for Forest City Stapleton, Inc. Green Your Valentine’s Day Be sweet to the planet this Valentine’s Day by following the environmentally friendly tips below:

Buy Valentine’s cards that are printed on recycled If a diamond purchase is part of your plan, ask your Instead of driving to a restaurant for Valentine’s Day paper stock. Check the back of the card for the recycled jeweler to provide information on where their diamonds dinner, walk to one of the eateries in the 29th Avenue logo. You can also send e-mail cards or make your own come from so that you buy a conflict-free diamond. Town Center or cook a romantic dinner at home. with items you have around the house. And remember to recycle your envelopes and paper valentines when you are Give certified fair-trade chocolate, which pays a living Bake cookies or other goodies for your valentine done with them! wage to workers on plantations that do not use forced child and package them in reusable and/or recyclable containers. labor. Premium chocolates are often both organic and fair Give organic flowers or live bushes, shrubs, or trees trade. Just look for the certification on the wrapper on choco - Don’t buy anything at all—stay home and snuggle that can be planted in the spring. lates at your local health food or specialty grocery store. by the fire.

Become a Denver Master Greener New Green Roof Composter and Recycler! Office Supplies at Botanic Gardens

enver Recycles and Denver Urban gardens are accepting appli - o you order office supplies for a he Denver Botanic Gardens has opened the city’s first pub - cations until February 20th for their 2008 Master Composter business or your home? If so, you licly accessible green roof, on top of the Gardens’ Gift Shop. DTraining and Outreach Program. This is a great opportunity Dhave probably noticed how much TThe Gardens’ green roof is the first on a city-owned building to learn all about composting and recycling in Denver while giving easier it is to find “green” office supplies – in Denver, and will be a highly visible demonstration of the many something back to your community. paper products with recycled content, re - benefits of green roofs for communities and building owners. The Applicants selected for the program receive 40 hours of instruction fillable pens and ink cartridges and non- Gardens is also using the roof to research the most effective green in compost science, bin construction, worm composting, recycling and toxic cleaning materials – than it used to roof plant material for the Rocky Mountain region. solid waste management, urban gardening and community outreach. In be. Office Depot organizes all of their envi - This new green roof will not only help the Gardens to save exchange for your training you’ll be required to return 40 hours of ronmentally preferable products together money on heating and cooling the Gift Shop, but will also educate community service teaching composting and recycling to Denver resi - online at www.officedepot.com/buygreen. the public on the value green roofs bring to our environment. In ad - dents. You’ll have a year to complete your community service require - They even have a Buying Green Guide that dition to the environmental benefits, green roofs increase property ment. tells you what to look for in various prod - value, reduce heating and cooling costs, and can more than double To apply you need not be an experienced composter or gardener, uct categories and defines some of the the lifespan of a roofing membrane by protecting it from sunlight but you must be able to commit the time necessary to attend the terms that are used to describe green office and temperature variations. With the loss of natural areas to devel - classes, tours and demonstration site sessions. A materials fee is re - products. opment, adding green space on top of buildings will provide habitat quested but not required. Classes will be held about once a week for 10 If you represent a business that orders for birds, insects and other wildlife. Other benefits of green roofs in - weeks on a combination of Monday evenings, Saturday mornings and supplies through Office Depot you can re - clude reduction in storm water, pollution reduction and noise reduc - one Thursday field trip. Approximately 30 enthusiastic and committed quest a copy of their “Green Book” which tion. participants will be selected. contains almost 3,000 products featuring a The green roof is open to the public during regular admission To apply or express interest call Denver Urban Gardens at 303-292- wide range of environmental attributes and hours. The Denver Botanic Gardens will be open for free to Col - 9900 or send an e-mail to [email protected]. Applicants guidance on creating an environmentally- orado residents on the following days in 2008: February 18th; will be invited to a short interview to learn more about the program. preferable office. To order, go to March 17th; April 22nd; July 21st; September 27th; October 18th. For more information, including the 2008 Class Schedule, visit http://www.community.officedepot.com/ For information on hours and admission, visit www.botanicgar - www.DenverGov.org/DenverRecycles gb.asp dens.org.

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Stapleton Front Porch 15 February 2008 ECE Deadline Is Feb. 22 Choosing the Best Odyssey School Applications for Early Childhood Educa - Tennis Coach Needed tion 3 and ECE4 are available at the Bill Roberts K-8 front office. Please complete In this era of school choice, many parents visit several schools to find Begin as an assistant to current head and return application with required docu - coach, then take over midway through mentation * to Bill Roberts K-8 by Feb. 22. the best fit for their child. To give parents more information about spring. Expected start mid-February. Call 720-424-2640 for more information. local schools, the Front Porch will, over coming months, print local Season runs through May. Experienced *Kindergarten/ECE required documentation: principals' answers to the following four questions. Featured this and interested? Call Dan at 303-695- - Original birth certificate (a copy will be made) - Immunization records month are Westerly Creek Elementary and Bill Roberts Elementary 4116, ext. 207. A stipend from Col - - Proof of residency – mortgage statement/ and Middle School. orado Tennis Association is available. document or notarized lease agreement 1. If a new parent visited your school and asked, "Why should I pick your school?" Don’t Let Market Plunge Derail Your Investment Strategy what would you reply? 2. What, if any, specialized programs have you seen in other schools that you By Natalie Robbins jump-start the economy. Furthermore, the Pres - would like to institute, in some form, at your school? f you’re an investor, you’ve probably had ident and Congress are working to pass a stim - 3. What have been your biggest challenges in this school year? happier times – the drop on Tuesday, ulus package. And inflation and interest rates IJan. 22, shook up a lot of people. You’re are still relatively low, which is typically positive 4. What are your main priorities for the upcoming '08-'09 school year? probably wondering, “What’s causing this news for the financial markets. market decline? You’re probably wondering, “How should I Looming recession - Leading economic in - respond?” Many stocks have already fallen 25 Westerly Creek Elementary School, Denver Public Schools curriculum for literacy and dicators suggest a significant slowdown in or 30 percent - which means they may now be Jill Corcoran, Principal math while differentiating to meet the needs of all our growth. For example, the unemployment rate good values. In fact, recessions and their ac - 1. I believe learners. has risen to 5 percent, up from 4.4 percent last that all the companying market declines can be great op - 2. As a new principal, I am working to create a strong March. Since 1949, we haven’t seen such a big Schools in portunities for long-term investors. professional learning community, and in this first year, rise in unemployment without a recession. Stapleton Consider this quote from Warren Buffet: our focus was to develop our school improvement plan Subprime loan crisis - The subprime crisis community “Most people get interested in stocks when and to understand the needs of the school and the may have spread to the extent that consumers will offer any everyone else is. The time to get interested is community. The Westerly Creek Community believes are being forced to pull back from spending. student a top when no one else is. You can’t buy what is that love of learning, high academic achievement and Decline in international stocks - Because notch popular and do well. The dumbest reason in parental involvement are keys to a lifelong education. the U.S. is a huge part of the global econ - education. I the world to buy a stock is because it’s going Our number one focus at this time is to be an excellent omy, international markets have been af - would ask up.” So, if you have room in your portfolio to neighborhood school. fected by our markets’ 15% drop (prior to add appropriate investments, look for those parents to think about three “non- Jan. 22). Many of these markets are down opportunities now. negotiables” that they want in a school for 3. Being a principal is an adventure. Each day is new between 20 and 30 percent over the past If you’ve created a long-term strategy - one their family. Once that is determined, ask and full of surprises. My biggest challenge this school several months. that is suitable for your needs, goals, risk tol - what school will best meet those needs. It year is learning and understanding all of the district The Federal Reserve cut short-term inter - erance and time horizon - stick with it. Bad needs to be the right fit for your child and policies and procedures that all principals need to est rates by three-fourths of a point - the Fed’s times don’t last - but smart investors do. family. WCE is a small intimate know while meeting the needs of the school as well as biggest rate cut since October 1984. By mak - Natalie Robbins is a Financial Advisor with Ed - neighborhood school. We implement the the community. I feel as if I am the luckiest principal! ing borrowing cheaper, the Fed hopes to ward Jones. She may be reached at 303-320-7752. NEIGHBORHOOD AUTO REPAIR ASE Certified Mechanics for All Makes Including: Audi Volvo Volkswagen

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February 2008 16 Stapleton Front Porch School For Your Child I am surrounded by an exceptional commu - younger children has been so wonderful. Anyone vis - • The continued expansion of our enrichment • Increased use of technology nity of excellent teachers, paraprofessionals, iting William Roberts would see a community that programs for every child at every age • Foreign Language support staff, involved parents, and most of identifies and creates opportunities for growth and • Peer coaching and the possibility of lab classrooms • Friday Early Release and the all, the greatest kids around! for challenge for children through a rigorous and dif - • Continued collaboration of teachers across grade continuation of our Professional ferentiated curriculum. level and vertically Learning Communities 4. My main priorities for the upcoming • Content area teaching • Enhanced sport programs 2. I am aware of specialized programs throughout school year would be to secure more excellent • Platooning • Parent Involvement teachers for the new positions that we will the area. Many areas have been considered including: • Small class sizes - especially at the primary level • Increased mental health staff have open as we build out the school. Provide • a Gifted Program or a highly challenging program; ongoing professional learning opportunities to • a Second Language Program; all staff members to enhance our effectiveness • an Arts Focused Program; as professionals so our students reap the bene - • a Dual Language Program; and fits. Continue to be the very best at all that we • a Whole Child Program. do to ensure a quality education for all of our Despite the focus you give a school, it must be students. Use all the work we have done this differentiated and customized to meet the needs of year as a professional learning community to all children. It is about knowing the children and continue toward our goal of being an excellent how they learn. Every program has it strengths and school. challenges, but I believe the most important factor of any particular program is the expertise of the teacher. That in itself will allow a child to grow and succeed Bill Roberts Elementary and Middle School, more than anything regardless of the label of a par - Trich Lea, Principal ticular program. 1. A parent should pick a 3. Our biggest challenge this year has been to find, school because it fund and create extra-curricular activities for our is a good match middle school population. Electives and sports are for their child- just two things that we have to develop and enhance that should be for our middle school students so we can continue to the most impor - create a competitive environment right now for those tant reason; not children. We don't have time to be complacent. The because it is competition is tough. I believe we can become a stel - convenient or lar ECE-8 school and we are on our way. Money and easier to get to; or because of a start and end resources have to be aligned with that too!! That time or because it is on the way to work. seems to be the unfortunate truth to it all. William Roberts ECE-8 is a community of 4. The main priorities for the 08/09 school year learners from age 3 all the way up to the include: eighth grade. If a family is here for eleven • Increase and expand our electives for Middle years, that would create a sense of loyalty be - School tween the school family and the home. The • The start and continued growth and success of chance that our school community would an Advanced Kindergarten class with the have to watch, to assist and be a part of a possibility of allowing it to grow through the child growing up for that length of time will grades be so beneficial. At this school, you will see • An environment that allows children to flex in middle aged children helping younger stu - and out of classes based on their strengths dents read, you'll see them assisting in class - • Staff offerings of their own professional rooms as peer assistants. You may see them development expertise throughout the school to helping the younger grade children in the their colleagues computer lab or in Physical Education Class. • Continued success through our Early Release The connection between the older and

Stapleton Front Porch 17 February 2008 Jazz in Five Points (continued from page 3) and was a very crowded the venues. successful businessman, helped to finance Since 2004, in observance of Jazz Appre - Real Estate Corner the musicians. Jazz drummer Shelly Rhym ciation Month in April, the Denver Musi - Information of interest from local real estate professionals helped find housing for them because they cians Association and The Denver Office of could not stay in downtown hotels due to Cultural Affairs in association with the His - strict segregation laws. Mr. Rhym also held toric Five Points Arts and Culture District, I Would Love to Buy – But What About the Home I Am in Now? jam sessions for the musicians in the base - has been sponsoring the Five Points Jazz Fes - ment of the Ex-Servicemen’s Club across the tival which features many jazz musicians in Have you heard the news about the local real estate haps you can carry both mortgages at the same street from the Rossonian. And Leroy live performances at various venues along the market? Most builders in Stapleton are giving gen - time. This is a great option for those who have Smith, jazz impresario/businessman, and Welton Street strip. This year, however, the erous incentives and sellers are motivated. If you small kids and dread the thought of having to radio show host, heavily promoted jazz and committee has decided that because most of have been thinking about taking that next step but keep the house clean for showings. There is also also coined the phrase, ‘cool, crazy, hot’ jazz. the venues are too small, the festival will be are held back by concerns for your current situa - the possibility of renting out your current home. He also helped draw up contracts for the moved outdoors and held on May 17th. The tion and home, this article is for you. The redevelopment of Fitzsimons will produce a musicians and was the go-between for the month of April will be set aside for jazz edu - The market in Stapleton is in much ready clientele for housing, including promoters and the musicians. In addition cation classes. The entire event is free and better shape than many other neigh - rental housing. In some neighbor - to the contributions of these three, jazz vio - open to the public. Information may be ob - borhoods. You may have seen articles hoods, including Stapleton, the rental linist George Morrison founded the Black tained by calling Gina Rubano at the Denver in the local papers which discuss higher market has remained strong and can be musicians union.” Office of Cultural Affairs at 720 865-4325. demand areas – Stapleton is one of used to your advantage. A play list might announce: Illinois Wallace Yvonne Tollette, a resident of north - those areas. Stapleton’s average price is If you are dreaming of taking that Jacquet, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Jordan, Billy east Denver, is the author of Colorado Black $466,290 (much higher than the rest next step , the time is now. Start look - Eckstine, or Billie Holiday, to name a few. Leadership Profiles, which tells the stories of of Denver which is in the low $200s ing for that home and get your current Mr. Burrell chuckled when reminiscing over 700 notable Afro-Americans from Col - for Northeast Denver), and the average home ready now for buyers or renters. about Nellie Lutcher who played here four orado. She can be reached at time on the market is around 90-120 Tammy Morran Make the market work for you. years. With a twinkle in his eye, Mr. Burrell [email protected] or by phone 303- days. Re-sale homes in Stapleton are also Tammy Morran is a realtor with stated, “A true lady to be sure; however, she 830-1691. selling quite close to the original prices - generally Metro Brokers – Dardano & Associates in Stapleton’s popularized a song with the lyrics, Come on 97-99% of list price. (Source: DenverPost.com and E. 29th Avenue Town Center. She may be reached at down to my house, baby, ain’t nobody home Metrolist.) Many areas are seeing dropping prop - [email protected] or 303.507.7110. but me. That was highly risqué for the erty values; Stapleton is not. times.” History of 5 Points Realtors will stress that the spring market is a Dental Health Month Mr. Steen added that Five Points was a (continued from page 3) many residents great time to sell, but the Spring Market now be - destination point for visitors to the city and moved from the Five Points area and relo - gins in January/February. Buyers get through the In observance of National Children’s Den - also it was a self-contained neighborhood for cated to other neighborhoods. This precipi - holiday season, and are ready to start looking for tal Health Month, Lowry Family Dentistry Black people. “Everything was right here,” tated a major decline in population as well their new home. If you are ready for them, you will is giving away free brushing calendars to he stated. “We didn’t have to travel outside as in goods and services , leaving behind not be ahead of the curve. This doesn’t mean that it’s a record each day a child brushes in the the Five Points area for goods and services. only boarded up commercial spaces but also “Seller’s” market. You will still have to have your morning and at night. If a parent returns a There were grocery stores, drugstores, some dilapidated housing . However, by home absolutely ready to show, and you will have completed calendar directly to the office, churches, barber/beauty shops, a hardware 2007, the neighborhood had begun to to have your home priced fairly and appropriately their child gets a prize; if the school sub - store, restaurants – Kenny’s Minute Spot rebound, and new housing was developed for current market conditions. You will, however, mits all calendars on behalf of their classes, Diner had the absolute best hamburgers and with prices ranging from the high be facing much less competition than later in the the school returning the largest percentage lemon pie. Five Points was like the Harlem $200,000s to $750,000. The proximity of spring—a big advantage for you. will be awarded $250 for their scholarship of the West.” Five Points to downtown and the conven - Another secret in the industry is that you make programs. Any child may also enter art and However, with integration creeping in ience of Light Rail service now make it an money when you buy. Smart buys and smart in - essay contests on “What A Healthy Smile during the 1960’s, entertainment began to attractive place to live. I believe that within vestments are what bring you money, and this mar - Means to Me.” They may use any medium move downtown, according to both Mr.Bur - a few years, if not already, Blacks will be in ket has plenty of room for smart investors. In this to create anything that represents a happy, rell and Mr.Steen. One of the first clubs to the minority , and ownership of large chunks market, you may be able to write an offer contin - healthy smile. Artwork is due by February integrate was the Band Box, which opened of property by Blacks will be a thing of the gent on the sale of your current home, an option 15th and must be returned directly to the in about 1957. Nancy Wilson played there. past in Five Points . that can sometimes be less stressful. Or perhaps office. Art will be displayed at the office as Following that were the Melody Lounge, the Sources: -Denver Neighborhood History you can negotiate a later close date, one that more well as at Community Banks of Colorado. Senate Lounge and the Emerson Street East Project, 1993 -94. readily accommodates your need for time. Prizes are being offered by local merchants. lounge. The glory days of Five Points jazz -Five Points Business Association brochure, If you want to move into your new home first, For more information contact Lowry Fam - steadily declined. Empty buildings now circa 1994 and not have to worry about all the showings, it ily Dentistry at 303-366-3000 or visit stand where great sounds once emanated -Wallace Yvonne Tollette, Independent may be possible to use some of the equity out of www.lowryfamilydentistry.com. The office and jazz lovers from many ethnic groups Historian your first home to purchase the new one. Or per - is at 8158 East 5th Ave, Suite 150.

Natalie Robbins 303.320.7752 Financial Advisor 8139 E. 29th Ave., Denver, CO 80238 Randy Leslie 303.377.7557 Financial Advisor 2206 Kearney, Denver, CO 80207

February 2008 18 Stapleton Front Porch Healthy Relationships – Healthy Communication By Elizabeth Taeubert LCSW sage than arms closed across the chest. Facing the person when we One of the most important aspects of a speak communicates something different than looking away as we healthy, successful relationship is effective speak. communication between both parties. This Healthy communication is essential for healthy relationships. is true of all relationships, including life When relationships are going along just fine we don’t tend to notice partners, parents, children, siblings, friends how we are communicating. However, when conflict arises or mis - or co-workers. In almost all areas of our interpretations occur it is important to examine how we are com - lives we want to have relationships in municating. Become active in creating healthy patterns again. which we feel truly heard and understood Choose words that are nonblaming. Listen to the tone that you use Elizabeth Taeubert by the other person and at the same time when you speak and be aware of your nonverbal messages. Ask able to listen and understand what the other yourself “Do I want to be heard and understood?” The answer wants us to know. When communication is healthy we feel more most often is yes. How you choose to communicate will make a connected, collaborative, and cooperative. difference! What is Communication? Communication is defined as a process Elizabeth Taeubert LCSW is a psychotherapist at Natural Balance by which we assign and convey meaning in an attempt to create Wellness in Stapleton. She teaches Non-Violent Communication and spe - shared understanding. Communication is made up of 7% words, cializes in working with couples. She can be reached at 720-949-1194. 38% how those words are spoken (paraverbal messages) and 55% non-verbal cues. To communicate well with another person we need to account for 100% — everything that is going on. Not only should we focus on the person’s words, we should also be attentive Stapleton Resident to Chair Colorado to their non-verbal behavior. Furthermore, communication is a Chapter, National Multiple Sclerosis two-way process, so we need to be aware of how our own words and body language influence communication. Society Board of Trustees The words we use matter! Our language has a huge impact. Michael W. King, partner, Brownstein Words that are critical, blaming, or accusatory create a resistant Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP, has been and defensive reaction. Marshall Rosenberg author of “Nonviolent elected chair of the board of trustees Communication” recommends using language that describes obser - of the Colorado Chapter of the Na - vations, feelings, needs and requests. tional Multiple Sclerosis Society. Paraverbal messages are transmitted through the tone, pitch, King works with the firm’s Corporate and pacing of our voices. It’s how we say something, not what we say. and Business, Finance and Real Estate A statement can convey entirely different meanings depending on groups and leads the firm’s trainings the emphasis on words and the tone of voice. and professional development efforts When we are angry or excited, our speech tends to become Mike King for its transactional groups. more rapid and higher pitched King has served on the Colorado When we are bored or feeling down, our speech tends to slow Chapter of the National MS Society’s board for three and take on a monotone quality. years and most recently chaired the Bike MS steering When we are feeling defensive, our speech is often abrupt. committee and was captain of his company’s team, Nonverbal messages are the primary way that we communicate which raised nearly $30,000 for the 2007 Bike MS emotions. The face is an important way we convey emotional in - event. He is an active member of the community serving formation. A face can light up with enthusiasm, energy and ap - on the board of trustees of the Denver Public Library proval, express confusion or boredom, and scowl with displeasure. Friends Foundation and as a foundation trustee of the The eyes are particularly expressive in relating joy, sadness, anger, Boys State Government and Leadership Program. King or confusion. Body postures also communicate emotional content has been a pro bono mediator for the Equal Employ - Specializing in as well as intention. A posture of arms open gives a different mes - ment Opportunity Commission since 1999. Medical and Surgical Treatments for Skin Disorders and Cosmetic Needs Dr. Theriault by Our Board Certified Doctors

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Stapleton Front Porch 19 February 2008 From the Stapleton 80238 Point of View

S.U.N. Meetings are open to the public The SUN Board meets at 6:30pm on the 4th Thursday of every month at the MCA Stapleton Community To contact SUN, please come to the meeting or email [email protected] Room at 2823 Roslyn Street .

caucus at Westerly Creek Elementary School. The Republican Each year, SUN tries to coordinate fire department visits (please Colorado’s Party of Denver has set Montbello Recreation Center (15555 E. keep in mind that emergencies and time may preclude the fire depart - 53rd Avenue) as the location for all of House District 7, which ment from making an appearance at all parties). Just in case, you may Presidential Caucuses: includes Stapleton. want to keep the fire department visit “under wraps” for the little ones and have it be a great surprise if they are able to come to your party. February 5th , 2008 SUN Elections Once Again In some of the newer parts of the neighborhood, it may be a good By Mark Mehringer idea to join together with a few other blocks, since space is relatively limited. If you choose to have your party on a street instead of in In the hope of being part of the action, Col - on the Horizon someone’s yard or a pocket park, you must purchase a permit from the orado has moved up its Presidential caucus city (the cost of that permit has yet to be determined, and we’ll pass date to February 5, 2008. As only a handful By Mark Mehringer along the amount once we know it). Please let us know if you want to of states hold their primaries or caucuses ear - It’s a new year, and that means it’s only a few more months until close your block, as SUN tries to get all of the permits approved as a lier than this date, and about 22 states will the Stapleton United Neighbors Board has its annual meeting group, rather than one block at a time, saying neighbors time & effort. vote on this date, February 5th will likely be and elections. This meeting takes place in May, but the process a decisive day in determining who will ap - of recruiting and lining up candidates begins much earlier. In the Here are a few more suggestions as you plan your party: pear on the November 2008 ballot. If you next few weeks, SUN will form a recruitment committee to man - Assemble a planning committee Spread out the work load, and you’ll are registered with a political party, you can age the election process, and find a slate of interested candidates. find organizing a block party is much easier than trying to organize participate that night in the caucus. Unlike To find out more about running for the SUN Board of Directors, everything yourself. in other states like Iowa, you cannot register visit www.StapletonUnitedNeighbors.org or email us at Stapleto - or affiliate with a party at the caucuses and [email protected]. Create invitations Hard copy invitations are easier for some people to then participate. track (especially if collecting money for permits) but some prefer Evites, which of course only work if you have everyone’s e-mail address. To participate, voters must show up at their precinct caucus location on February Time to Start Thinking about 5th at 7pm. Democrats from Stapleton will Decide on food/beverages Will it be a potluck, or will you have Block Party Day! everyone pitch in and buy food and/or beverages? Remember, the sim - pler, the better (and the less organizing for the Block Captain to do!). By Mark Mehringer and Tracy Perez Stapleton’s Fourth Annual Block Party Day is coming up in just a Don’t forget things like paper products, cups, etc Name tags and mark - few, and it’s never too early to start planning. (Well, maybe more ers are a great idea for newer blocks where not everyone knows each than a year in advance is too early). This event is sponsored by other yet. SUN, but organized by each individual block. Therefore, you can tailor the party to meet the specific needs and desires of your See if anyone on your block owns a business Maybe they would be in - block. It can be a celebration to welcome spring and reconnect terested in sponsoring part of your block party (cost of the permit, bev - with old friends, or a way to draw people out and bring all the erages, paid entertainment) in exchange for advertising their business. new neighbors on your block together. The goal of this event is to build community and tradition - and continue to make our Have a back-up plan for weather We all know how unpredictable the neighborhood a true community. weather can be in Colorado. One idea is to open up garages on an alley and have people “party hop” between garages. Even if you don’t have a designated “block captain” it just takes one person to get the party started! If you don’t know who For more information on Block Party Day, including a “Block Party your block captain is, let us know by emailing StapletonUnited - Toolkit,” please visit the SUN website at www.stapletonunitedneigh - [email protected] and we’ll put you in touch with them, if bors.org and click on Outreach. A new toolkit for 2008 should be up you have one. soon, but in the meantime you can take a look at the 2007 toolkit.

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February 2008 20 Stapleton Front Porch ID would be accepted in lieu of the daily fee. New Stapleton MCA resident pool ID cards will be available at the MCA office located at 2823 Roslyn St. beginning Febru - CLASSI FIED ADS There continues to be much discussion throughout ary 1. Please call our office to confirm times. the community in regards to the operational priorities Stapleton pools balance the community needs HELP WANTED SERVICES SERVICES FOR RENT of the pool facilities here at Stapleton. programming with the community INTERVIEWING PEOPLE FRESH COAT PAINTING – PSYCHOTHERAPY AND BEAUTIFUL CRESCENT who want to develop an ex - Stapleton owned. MC/Visa/ The Stapleton Board of Directors and needs for general use of the facilities. COUNSELING at Stapleton FLATS Apartments. Contem - ecutive style income from AX Insured, bonded Staple - - Specializing in work with porary urban flats, above E. Community Delegates extensively review The Aviator pool provides the great - home with a prestigious Inc. ton discount. www.freshcoat couples and individuals. Eliz - 29th Town Center. 1 Bed - and discuss community concerns raised est amount of programming of both 500 company. Flexible Hours. painters. com 303-321-2903 abeth Taeubert is both a Li - rooms from $939, 2 Bed - over pool operations . All Stapleton Resi - swim lessons and structured swim No MLM, selling products, de - HOUSE CLEANING – censed Clinical Social rooms from $1495. livery or inventory. Please call worker as well as a Master's Floor-to-ceiling windows, in- dents will receive in the mail “Stapleton programs. The participants in these Mature, honest, friendly, de - for private business overview: pendable. 303-671-9065 prepared. Registered Nurse suite washer/dryer. Pet Area Recreation Guide” by the end of programs and lessons are almost ex - 303-861-1001 or go to our with over 25 years experi - friendly. Immediate occu - HOUSECLEANING SERV - website to fill out application: ence. Contact: Elizabeth at pancy. Enjoy all Stapleton February. This annual guide outlines all clusively Stapleton residents. The Pud - ICES – Professional, detailed www.PrestigiousHomeBusi - 720- 949-1194 or elizabeth - amenities. 1-877-768-2663. dle Jumper pool provides only open residence cleaning for a good the swim programs that will be offered ness.iApplicants.com [email protected]. 2853 Roslyn St. EHO. Please price – Call Betty for free es - at the pools plus facility hours and dedi - swimming and does not accommodate call for specials. READINGVOLUNTEERS timates and reference at 720- QUALISTAR RATED CHILD cated swim times. Modifications to the any programming. The F-15 pool will NEEDED at the Odyssey 404-9375 or 720-364-2856. CARE -Young Enthusiastic BOTANICA ON THE operational schedules are based on his - blend the operational components of School.Volunteers read with We are negotiable to fit our Scholars (YES), 3155 Eliza - GREEN apartments. Stylish torical use patterns that best reflect the the first two pools. It will be kid one student one hour a week customer’s needs. beth St. 303-377-7529 - condo-style apartments by throughout the school year. If Open 24 hours a day, 7 days Founders Green. 1 Bed - HOUSEKEEPING WITH 15 most efficient allocation of staff time. friendly with low depths and fountains interested call Julie at 303- a week, Ages 30 months-16 rooms from $950, 2 Bed - years of experience - afford- Stapleton has identified four main on one side, but will have lap swim - 316-3944 ext. 43230 years - Excellent meals, cur - rooms from $1245, 3 able rates, free estimates and riculum, and total care. See Bedrooms from $1599. community recreational facilities, not all ming and be able to accommodate many references. For more SERVICES www.qualistar.org Garage, private balcony. Pet info, please contact Juana of which must be pools. Currently, the swim programming on the other side. friendly. Immediate occu - 2007 TAX RETURN Ramos at 720-371-3290 QUALITY AFFORDABLE community has two pool facilities in op - The public nature of our pools also pancy. Enjoy all Stapleton Headache Relief for Individu - HANDYMAN! Insured LIFE AND WELLNESS amenities. 1-877-768-2663. eration (Aviator & Puddle Jumper) and a Keven A. Burnett, means that we are required to operate als, Small Business, LLC, S Handyman Services include: COACHING: Specializing in 2853 Roslyn St. EHO. Please third pool (F-15) which is under con - Executive Director all the pool facilities under the Denver Corp, provided by Dori CPA, baby proofing, ceiling working with individuals to fans/light fixtures, closet or - call for specials. struction and will be in operation begin - public pools guidelines. This means MBA, Quickbooks Certified - create and sustain life change. ganizers, assembly, repairs, STAPLETON AND LOWRY Stapleton Location 303-841- Michelle Cook is Licensed ning Memorial Day weekend this season . With three that we must have sufficient numbers of lifeguards pictures hung, fence staining, TOWNHOMES Homes 9304. Clinical Social Worker with on duty at all times we are open. Currently, the pool etc. No Job Too Small! Bob available for rent. Have 2, 3, pools operational our capacity will be increased to ap - A GOOD PAINT JOB - training in Life Coaching. 720-434-3649 besthandy - 4, & 5 BR properties avail - proximately 900 people at any one time . season is limited to Memorial Day through Labor Painter referred by your Please call or email for comp- [email protected] able both immediately and neighbors. Call today Scott limentary session. Contact: Funds used to construct these facilities come from Day weekends. Furthermore, Stapleton pools, like for future (30+ days) move- The Painter 720-373-1010. 720-221-6758, www.purpose- TILE INSTALLATIONS – public funding sources (Park Creek Metropolitan Dis - other metro area public pools , lose a significant in. 303-324-6988 or - full-living.com, michelle@ Floors, bathrooms, counters, trict) and not from private sources (Forest City Staple - number of the life guarding staff with the re-open - AFFORDABLE PAINTING backsplashes, fireplaces, rea - TJCMGMT@ msn.com. Exceptional Results.Visit purpose-full-living.com ton) . For this reason, Stapleton pools must be open to ing of schools. This impacts our ability to have all sonable rates. Stapleton ref - www.StapletonForRent.com www.jcspainting. com for info OMEGA PAINT & DRY - erences. Call Rick Straub, anyone paying the daily fee and access cannot be re - pools open during the weekdays after mid-August. and pictures, or call 303-474- WALL, we can frame , rock, 303-548-8591 TO PLACE ADS stricted . The pool ID system was designed so Staple - Please email all comments to: pools@stapleton 8882 Highly Recommended. paint and demo your unfin - RENEW GROUT & STONE CLASSIFIEDS: Email ad to BASEMENT DESIGN SPE - ished rooms and areas. Park ton residents could be identified as a separate community.com . - Grout Restoration & seal - advertising@fineprint CIALIST: Complete Bid/Per - Hill resident, 30 yrs exp. ing, Natural Stone Tile co.com by the 15th of the population from the general public and the resident Keven A. Burnett, Executive Director mit Set. - Many Stapleton please call Norman at 720- Restoration/Repair. Locally month, along with name, References. Diane Gordon, M. 270-5101 owned/Insured/Warranty! address and phone. Desig - Arch., 303.355.5666. PATHWAYS TO WELLNESS MOST NEW HOMES NOT nate months to run ad. Be In-your-home massage ther - BASEMENTS Best Builders - SEALED WHENYOU BUY! sure you get a confirmation Letters to the apy, yoga instruction,& holis - Best in Quality & Design at 303-551-4891. that the ad was received tic healing. $39 introduc- truly affordable prices. Call and that you get the num - Editor tory 1-hour massage. Refer - Jim at 720-276-7704 FOR SALE ber to call to make credit The Front Porch will publish rals earn free massages! Juice card payment. Rates: CONSIDERING RENTING Plus+ Whole Food Nutrition, Free Child ID Kits letters to the editor as space OUTDOOR BLANKETS - 15 words or less is $10. YOUR HOUSE/Townhouse? kids program free w/ paid Available to your family. Visit or call for more info. allows. Please mail your Liquidation Sale $15 - Wind, 30 words or less is $18. Full Service Property Manage - adult! Call for references, info, Waterproof outer shell with 45 words or less is $35. • Your exclusive Stapleton Farmers agent letters to: Tom Gleason, ment Company. Expert in ex - appt. 303-956-1912 Denise fleece lining Blanket. Details/ Kids under 18 can run a 15 tremely hot Stapleton market. Davenport Chew CLMT, • New construction discounts up to 25% editor, The Front Porch, Photo: word ad free – up to a max - Will get top $$$. Call/email [email protected] • $30,000 of identity theft coverage built into every Forest City Stapleton, Inc., http://stormybay.blogspot.co imum of three insertions for Tom Cummings for free con - m & E-mail: home policy at NO additional charge! 7351 E. 29th Ave., sultation. 303-324-6988 PIANO SERVICE - Tuning, re - the same ad. pair, reconditioning, Regis - [email protected]. For • Call or stop in to get your FREE quote TJCMGMT@msn. com. DISPLAY ADS: Space reser - Denver, CO 80238. tered Piano Technician, Gifts, Family activities, www.StapletonForRent.com car/boat emergencies, sport - vations are due the 10th of • Or email: TGleason@Staple - Member of Piano Technicians [email protected] 303-955-0861 the prior month. Artwork is DENVER’S RESIDENTIAL Guild, 28 years experience ing events. Kevin D. Tafoya 2332 Central Park Blvd., Denver, 80238 tonDenver.com due the 13th. Rates are list - PAINT SPECIALISTS Inte - serving metro Denver close ed at: www.StapletonFront rior/Exterior. 12 years in Busi - to Park Hill and Stapleton. KIDS ADS Porch.com . Call 303- 333 - ness! Neat, conscientious David Nereson–303.355.5770 craftsmanship, color consulta - NIGHT OUT? Call Babysit - 0257 or 303-52 6-1969 tions, polite, respectful, & fully PROFESSIONAL CLEANING ter Shannon Wilson - 720- to obtain an ad licensed/bonded/insured crew SERVICES. – “Sizzling Special” 519-6129 in Stapleton. Red contract. (same crew for 3 years) Im - Insured, Bonded, Worker’s Cross certified, experienced peccable local Stapleton refer - Comp. Affordable, Reliable, In - Mother's Helper, Ages 6 ences. Call John with Premier dividualized Service, Com - mos - 6 years. References Paint Works, Inc. at 303-864- mercial/Residential, Member available. 9247. Denver BBB, Free Estimates, Credit Cards Accepted, Always Clean 303-431-9808 www. denverhousecleaning.com

For God So loved the world St. Matthew BLUEPRINT Lenten Services Lutheran Church Wed -7pm 1609 Havana Street Starting Feb. 6th DESIGN Sunday Worship Lent Soup Suppers Stapleton’s Basement 9:0 0am Feb 13-March 12 Finish Leader Education Hour Wed - 6pm 10:30am Palm Sunday March 16 - 9am Maundy 65+ PROJECTS COMPLETED Thursday WE ONLY WORK IN STAPLETON March 20 - 7pm PROJECTS TO VIEW Good Friday - DESIGN HELP AVAILABLE March 21 - 7pm ASK ABOUT ECO PRODUCTS Easter Barb Martens, Pastor March 23 - 9am 303-366-1373 www.stmatthew-elca.org 303-467-9400

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Stapleton Front Porch 21 February 2008 Blair Caldwell Library Readers’ Love special events and exhibits; a collection of more than 35,000 books, magazines and au - Grant & Kaia Nesbitt diovisual materials in both English and Span - As two kindergarteners in Ft. Collins, ish and public computers with Internet Colorado, Grant and Kaia would have never access. guessed that some day they would marry. The second floor is the collection archives Kaia fondly remembers Grant as her first and research library. Materials are not avail - crush in elementary school. But on the first able for check out; however, the public does day of 2nd grade, she discovered that he had have access to personal and professional pa - moved to a different school. She was pers, artifacts, photos and scrapbooks of great devastated and cried over him on the swings African-Americans who shaped the West . at recess. The third floor showcases a western lega - Twenty years later, their paths crossed cies museum and exhibits from early pioneers again. Although they were living on opposite to present-day heroes through interactive and coasts at the time, both had flown home to engaging exhibits. Among those featured are visit family in Colorado for Christmas. Esteban, a Moroccan slave who survived a “We met fortuitously one night while out shipwreck and came to “New Spain ” in the with friends and recognized each other im - 1500s. It also features early Black settlements mediately. The sparks of attraction were in Colorado and the West; historic Five Points strong enough to survive a multi-year long Reproduction of Mayor Wellington Webb’s office in the Blair Caldwell Museum and Welton Street ; an African-American Lead - distance relationship, which wouldn’t have ership Gallery and a display on Mayor Webb ’s been possible without lengthy e-mails, let - (continued from page 11) library should look breaking took place in 2002. career. There is also changing exhibit space that ters, and phone calls. Finally we decided to like. Consultants were engaged and public The first floor houses a full-service is open to worthy community-based organiza - settle in Denver, Colorado, the state we both meetings were held with neighborhoods that branch library with an entry gallery with ex - tions and includes space for opening receptions. love and missed. A few months later, Grant would use the facility to seek their input. hibition and coffee bar areas; conference and Information courtesy of Blair-Caldwell Older members of the community were meeting rooms with seating for as many as African-American Research Library of the sought out to solicit their family history, 100 and as few as 20; study rooms, areas for Denver Public Library; edited by Wallace their input and donations of old photo - children, teens and adults; an audiovisual Yvonne Tollette, Independent Historian, graphs, stories and documents. Ground system providing information on programs, 303-830-1691.

Peter Groff (continued from page 1) African American President Pro Tem of the Colorado State Senate. A native of Chicago, Illinois, Peter Groff is the son of another promi - An Affordable Luxury nent elected official, the former Colorado State Senator Regis Groff, who EALTHY ELICIOUS previously served in the Colorado State House of Representatives (1975- H D 1979) and the Colorado State Senate (1980-1994). Prior to being sworn MEALS IN YOUR HOME in to replace Senator Penfield Tate in 2003 who had resigned his seat to Parties – Brunch – Lunch – Dinner run for Mayor of Denver, Senator Peter Groff had served in the Col - orado House of Representatives in 2001-2003. The forty-four year old WE shop, cook and clean –YOU enjoy customized meals in your own home – www.mychefsite.com/40carrots Democrat is an attorney and educator who represents State Senate Dis - trict 33 which covers portions of Denver (including Park Hill and Staple - Chef Service ton) and Adams County. He has served on a number of committees in 303-358-8232 the Senate, including the Finance and Judiciary committees. 40 Carrots SUMMER LIFEGUARDS WANTED

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February 2008 22 Stapleton Front Porch on the tech team. Go meet him right Stories now." “Being the good surprised me with a full day’s walk employee that I was, down memory lane, beginning with I promptly marched champagne and strawberries in our over to the tech kindergarten classroom and ending room and quickly that evening with a stunning marriage thought of some proposal under the stars outside our (very lame) excuse favorite mountain cabin. to go interrupt the “A decade later, we still treasure the team. It went some - proof of our childhood connection: a thing like, ‘Hi guys, photograph showing us both dressed I just wanted to re - Kate up for a kindergarten Halloween cos - mind everyone that and tume contest, standing side by side as there is a team John Devlin a princess and a super hero.” meeting tonight and ... oh, I don't think Brendan & Lindsay Falvey we've met!’ blocks away from each other in Denver. Eric After college, Lindsay’s best friend, “Thankfully John thought my introduc - and I both had no more than one drink each Bree, wanted to fix her up with one of tion was somewhat charming. For our first so this was a ‘real’ meeting of the souls. Kaia her co-workers, but Lindsay was dat - date we took the TGV (fast train) to Paris, “The following weekend I told my dad and ing her college boyfriend – and a cou - and the rest is history.” that I was going to marry Eric. On our first Grant year anniversary we got our rings engraved on ple years later moved across the Nesbitt country with him. Two years went by, Eric & Kristin Kaplan the inside. Mine says, ‘He sat on my lap,’ and his says, "I sat on her lap." and Lindsay moved back to New Kristin Kaplan was in Vail skiing with her York, single again. Shortly after getting back party started, and when Lindsay walked into friends at the same time Eric was to New York, Bree invited her to a birthday Bree's apartment Brendan was sitting there there snowboarding with his party for her boyfriend in Washington DC, on the sofa. Bree kept running out, leaving friends. Kristin and her friends de - where she was then living. The plan was for them alone in the apartment. Over the years cided at the last minute to go out Lindsay to take the train to Washington with Bree and her mother had told Lindsay and and hit the town one evening. They another friend, but mysteriously that friend Brendan that they needed to meet, but at that went to a bar called "The Club." didn’t show up at Penn Station, so Lindsay moment in the apartment, they didn’t realize Kristen saw an empty chair and sat went alone. who they were talking to – nor that they’d down to talk to her friend. Unbe - She arrived in the afternoon, before the been fixed up. knownst to her it was Eric’s chair “We spent the day together, and by the and he had just stood up for a mo - time we got to the party Brendan and I were ment. His back was toward her – so definitely intrigued with one another. We when he sat back down he landed in ended up sitting by ourselves talking through her lap. the entire party. At 2 am Brendan called Con - “He said, ‘Oh, I’m so sorry,’ and tinental Airlines and cancelled his flight back I said, ‘That's o.k., you can still sit to Hartford, where he was in his third year of here.’ He said, ‘How about if you sit law school. He rode the train back to New on my lap.’ York with me so we could spend more time “I sat on his lap and continued together and we never spent another weekend to talk to my friend for about 30 apart after that.” minutes and then looked at Eric and said, ‘You are really cute,’ and John & Kate Devlin he said, ‘No one ever says that when Eric John and Kate went to work for the same they meet someone for the first and management consulting firm straight out of time.’ I said, ‘Well I think you're Kristin Kaplan college. John was based in Minneapolis, Lind - cute.’ We continued talking and say in San Francisco. An opportunity arose learned that we lived about six for both to work on a company project in Lyon, France for a year. As single young peo - ple with the ability to pick up and leave on short notice, both jumped at what they con - sidered the opportunity of a lifetime. Kate re - Lindsay calls the day her manager in Lyon, who sat in and the next office, tapped on the glass and mo - Brendan Falvey tioned her in. To Kate’s surprise her manager said, "Kate, there is a cute, cute new analyst

Stapleton Front Porch 23 February 2008 February 2008 24 Stapleton Front Porch