Congress Park News Summer 2012 www.CongressParkNeighbors.org Inside What’s Happening in Congress Park This Summer? Volunteer Opportunity 2 By Wendy Moraskie CP Historic Speakers 3 Series 2012 ongress Park is such a great place to live. RAISE THE ROOF nights, with input from CWe can always fi nd something to do any Twist & Shout and Tattered Cover, are sure Calum’s Column 4 night of the year, probably within 10 minutes to be great entertainment. Keep an eye on of our houses. In the summer the challenge is www.denverfilm.org for the latest informa- Teller Elementary 5 choosing among all the options. Here’s news tion or call 303-595-3456 for updates. [Ed: about a traditional summer outing, a weekly The DFS wants to be a permanent neigh- Tellerpalooza 6 old favorite and a new option. bor. Wouldn’t that be great? Find out how to support their capital campaign so they Waldorf School & 7 Mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 7 for can buy their “house.”] Backpacks Are Basic the 29th annual National Night Out in Con- Our Shade of Green 8 gress Park. All the usual suspects will be in And the old favorite is, of course, City Park attendance, including the frozen custard, kids, Jazz starting June 3 this year. See http:// Prosecute Juveniles 9 dogs, parents, bicycles, skateboards, soccer cityparkjazz.org/schedule.html for the whole as Adults? & balls, our City Council and State House reps, schedule. Photographs of City Park from the Sunfl ower Market the fi re department ladder truck, and perhaps turn of last century offer scenes of ladies in fi ne some mounted police. It’s always a blast. hats and gentlemen in their Sunday best listen- Crime Action, Map 10-11 ing to concerts at the City Park bandstand. This year, the new kid on the block is Denver MissionWear 12 Film Society’s RAISE THE ROOF - An El- The current series began as a handful of jazz evated Block Party on the Roof of the Denver concerts in 1986. Each year since, thousands Habitat’s Restore & 13 FilmCenter. On June 14, July 12, and August of fans of all ages, ethnicities and socioeco- Salute To Seniors 9, from 5 – 9 p.m., come celebrate summer, nomic backgrounds visit the park on summer Sienna Wine Bar, 14 neighbors and great views of Denver with Sundays for the special combination of music, Madison Street some of our favorite local food vendors. Mu- nature and community organized by volun- sic, featuring a great mix of eclectic Colorado teers and supported by donations. Biz Directory 15 artists, starts at 6 p.m. with breaks for special acts. At 9 p.m., head down- Congress Park’s Vision stairs to catch a fi lm for FREE. (1995 Neighborhood Plan) We have long been impressed Congress Park is a traditional city neighborhood with a small-town with the many Denver Film atmosphere. Here, people of diverse cultures, Society ‘s productions of ages, colors and economic backgrounds share Film On The Rocks, the Starz a sense of community, value older homes and Denver Film Festival, and mature trees, and enjoy the convenience of city VOICES: Women +Film, so living amid the stability of a thriving neighborhood. 2 Congress Park News :: Summer 2012

Volunteer Opportunity: Newsletter Coordinator Needed by June 15 Congress Park News is a quarterly publication of Congress Park Neighbors, e’re looking for a neighbor who can be our • deliver to and collect from volunteer editors Inc. A network of volunteers WVolunteer Newsletter Coordinator. You’ll and layout designer produces and distributes work with an existing volunteer editorial and layout • communicate with advertising and delivery it to a circulation of more team to manage the production of the 30-plus year- coordination volunteers than 4,500 residents and old vibrant quarterly neighborhood newsletter. • help obtain stats for the crime mapping volunteer businesses within the area • ensure that information about newsletter bounded by Colfax Avenue, It’s a great opportunity for long-term residents to be articles, layout, proofi ng, printing and bulk Sixth Avenue, York Street more involved, and for newcomers to learn more delivery gets to the people who need it and Colorado Boulevard. about our terrifi c neighborhood. The newsletter • keep current on issues relevant to the neigh- www.CongressPark informs Congress Park neighbors about neighbor- borhood in order to solicit news articles Neighbors.org hood-related issues and works with the volunteer from experts neighborhood Board in the best interest of the • and advise the CPN, Inc., Board of newslet- Congress Park News neighborhood to further the neighborhood vision. ter and neighborhood issues P.O. Box 18571 Denver, CO 80218 The newsletter coordinator will: Email [email protected] to • solicit and gather news copy from continu- express your interest in volunteering. Not sure? Editorial Board: ing and new writers on topics of interest to Email Wendy Moraskie at [email protected] to Wendy Moraskie our dynamic neighborhood hear more. Linda Smoke • write as needed to share news and issues Advertising Coordinator, Layout & Design Editor: Michelle Murphy michelle.murphy@ congressparkneighbors.org 720-231-0475 Your Congress Park Neighbors 2012 Volunteer Board of Directors

Distribution: Brent Hladky—President And we thank these committed neighbors: Pat T-Jackson and 958 St. Paul St.; 303-393-9072 Sue Dickinson [email protected] Carolyn VanSciver—Congress Park Historic Preservation Committee 303-377-4913 Tom Conis—Vice President Your articles, letters [email protected] Michael Sutherland—Denver Botanic and advertisements are Gardens liaison always welcome. Ted Boeckman—Treasurer [email protected] Lisa Bingham—Hospital District Redevelopment We need you to help Bill DeMaio—Membership, Zoning, Larry Goldman and Rachel O’Bryan—Crime Action produce and distribute Hospital District [email protected] the newsletter. If you can [email protected] volunteer a few hours every Lots of other neighbors help with communica- quarter to help your neigh- Maggie Price—Website tions, membership, and more, and generally bors get the news, please 1465 Fillmore; 303-333-5478 make Congress Park a great place to live—you [email protected] know who you are and how much we depend on contact Pat T-Jackson you—Thanks! ([email protected] Wendy Moraskie—Newsletter or 303-377-8522) and Sue 1475 Milwaukee St.; 303-355-3735 Dickinson (s_dickinson@ [email protected] Do you have a suggestion for your Board? qwestoffi ce.net). Send hints and help to [email protected] This newsletter is printed on Your elected, all-volunteer Congress Park Board 100% recycled paper with Two slots are open to represent Congress invites you to attend the open meetings at National soy-based ink by Barnum Park on the Botanic Gardens Neighborhood Jewish Hospital on the third Wednesday of each Advisory Committee. Printing, 303-936-2345. month at 7 p.m. in Heitler Hall. Contact Bill DeMaio at 303-321-2718 or [email protected] to express your interest. Summer 2012 :: Congress Park News 3

Congress Park Historic Speakers Series 2012

By Carolyn Van Sciver

he tenth season of Congress Park Neighbors We have links about everything from Aladdin THistoric Speakers series is presented by the Ready Cut Homes and Bungalow fl oor plans to the CPN Historic Preservation and Education Commit- Roycrofter movement. Go to http://www.congress tee. Lecture topics are chosen to help the owners of parkneighbors.org/other-links/arts-and-craft-homes/ old houses in the area learn how to better care for and take a look under Arts and Crafts Homes. their fi ne “antique” homes and appreciate the his- Historic Speakers tory and architectural style of these homes. If you The Congress Park neighborhood website has links Summer Series have questions or would like to help, please contact to other topics under the Other Links page too; such Lectures run June through me at 303-377-4913 or [email protected]. as Museums and Institutions, News Organizations September, with a lecture We always need people to help fl yer their block and Preservation Organizations. given the last Wednes- before a talk. day of each month. The If you have additional links that you think would lectures are held at Heitler The 2012 schedule includes: be of service to others, please send them to us at Hall, National Jewish [email protected]. Hospital, at 7 PM, un- June 27, 2012 - Comfort and Effi ciency for Your less otherwise stated. Home. Does your house need an energy “tune Underwritten by: Susan Bradley, Broker Associate, Lectures are free and up”? Deacon Taylor, SolarCity, can help you solve The Bradley Group Real Estate Services open to the public. Park- energy, cooling, or ventilation problems in your old 720-327-4993 ing is available in the lot house while maintaining its historic style and integ- on Jackson Street. This rity. Learn how to have a cooler home this summer. schedule is also posted on the Congress Park website at www.congress July 25, 2012 - Foundation Woes. After all these parkneighbors.org. years, most of our old houses have experienced at least some foundation settling. Jason Shaw, Crawl- spaces 2 Basements, will help you understand what causes this and some ways to deal with the result- CashBackFairy.com ing cracks, bulges, etc.

August 29, 2012, and September 26, 2012 - To Be *Discounts and Cash Back on Announced. Look here in the next issue for details, Shopping & Travel & Restaurants or check www.congressparkneighbors.org. *Every purchase generates a donation to Zonta Club of Denver, a local Links for Old House Afi cionados organization helping at-risk women Do you have an Arts and Crafts home design or a for 85 years. Info? Call Wendy at 303-355-3735 Bungalow? Maybe you believe that you have a or email at [email protected] Sears designed home? Congress Park Neighbors website has an extensive collection of web-links that can assist in the restoration and history of your home, from the interior to arts and crafts gardens. Marc's Mowing & Property Maintenance

Marcus Gras Owner

Let us take care of your yard, build/repair fences/decks, maintain your property and remove leaves, weeds and snow! We Can Help! 303 320-6861 [email protected] 4 Congress Park News :: Summer 2012

Calum’s Column

By Teller Fifth Grader Calum Abeywickrema

Want to join CPN, Inc. ooking back on my experience at Teller Ele- school today and I know it.” Miss Lang always but can’t fi nd Lmentary, I am sad it is time to leave because made it fun in kindergarten, whether I was hav- your checkbook? it has been a great experience. I have had many ing a bad day or a very good day. I always felt great teachers, but four really stand out. Those very confi dent in her class. You’re saved. The four are Miss Hoffman, Miss Sackett, Miss Lang CPN, Inc. website uses and Miss Coats. And my Grandma. Miss Coats is my 5th grade home room teacher. Paypal! Become a Every day I walk into her class I feel inspired to member the easy way Let’s start with Miss Hoffman, 4th grade teacher do well. She makes hard assignments fun. She and make sure our neighborhood's voice and home room. Every day I came into the fourth has pushed me to my limits and made me into the is heard. Visit www. grade, I either saw her laughing or with a nice good student I am now. When it’s time for read- congressparkneighbors. big smile on her face. She inspired me to go ing, sometimes it’s hard for me to settle down, org and join today! above and beyond. She helped me grow as a but she has gotten me to be able to sit down and writer, and got me to like writing. concentrate and enjoy what I am reading. She has faith and hope in me and knows that I can do My other fourth grade teacher was Miss Sackett. well in 6th grade. She was the best math teacher ever. She helped me with multiplication facts and division. She Last but not least is my Grandma. She is a Para and Miss Hoffman were always making the best at Teller and I get to see her every day. It is the plans to make the day fun. best thing in the world to have your Grandma as a teacher in your school. She is always cheer- Miss Lang was my kindergarten teacher. She’s ing everybody up and making the day fun. I am the one who started me off at Teller. Whenever I really going to miss having her around next year left my mom to start the day, I’d be in tears. But when I am at Morey. she’d always cheer me up by writing me notes saying, “Calum, you’re going to do very well in I’ve had so many great teachers and this page is too small to mention everyone. All of my teachers have been so good to me, and I thank all of them and I have to say I have had the best experience of my life at Teller Elementary.

Thank you for tuning in to Calum’s Column. My readers are what keep me going. Thank you. Summer 2012 :: Congress Park News 5

A Talented Spring at Teller Elementary By Allyson Mendenhall

here was no gradual winding down of the Each year a different play is performed. This year, Retrieve Purple Tschool year at Teller Elementary this spring. the play included musicians playing recorders Recycle Bins Instead there was a host of performances and and also a voice solo. The primary players were events for which the students, faculty and par- Cassidy Nicks (grade 5), Lulu Scully (grade 4), Denver Public Works ent volunteers feverishly prepared and practiced. Kaija Koenigberg (grade 4) and Bella Sund- Solid Waste Management Below is a list of just a few of them: strom (grade 4). reminds us that however adorable we fi nd the purple recycling bins, they must Destination Imagination Teller Talent Show be brought back to our property when pickup Teller boasted fi ve Destination Imagination teams The third annual Teller Talent Show took place is over for the two week this year—three competitive and two non-compet- on April 13. Over 50 student acts auditioned for period. As proud as itive. On team, the Hungry Predators coached by 15 spots and exhibited a multitude of talents. The we are of our recycling dads Robb Troxler and Jeff McClure, tied for third Talent Show is hosted annually by the 4th grade program, after collection place at the annual tournament in March and went classes. The students serve in different roles for time, the purple bins may on to the state-level competition on April 14th. the event—emcees, backstage crew, prop set-up, not be left in the alley or advertisement, ticket sellers and ushers. at the curb, but need to be Shakespeare Play—Two Gentlemen of Verona out of public view. Proceeds from the Talent Show tickets sales and The 2012 Teller Shakespeare cast (20 students) and bake sale typically total over $1200. 100% of crew (over 20 students) performed Two Gentlemen funds raised go to the Teller PTA to support special of Verona in the Teller auditorium on May 3 and programs at the school. also participated in the Denver Shakespeare Fes- tival downtown on May 11. Led by teachers, Joy Urbach, Jennifer Bartos and Joyce Whitman, the students presented a cut version of the Shakespeare play in its original language.

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9th Annual Tellerpalooza—May 5, 2012

By Allyson Mendenhall

ocal rockers Bop Skizzum and My Body Sings “In this era of budget cuts, Tellerpalooza is abso- LElectric led a diverse line-up of musical talent lutely essential,” said Teller Elementary Principal Your City Council at the 9th Annual Tellerpalooza fundraiser on May Jennifer Barton. “It not only allows us to continue Representatives 5, 2012 at the Mercury Café. This year’s mini-mu- to provide valuable programming to our students, sic festival also featured Jaden Carlson, Popcult and but also enables us to hire staff to keep teacher-to- Jeanne Robb, District 10 City Councilwoman Nautical Mile. Teller’s own school band, comprised student ratios low. We’re so grateful to all the bands 720-337-7710 of a record 85 students during the 2011-2012 aca- who donate their time to make Tellerpalooza such jeanne.robb@ demic year, launched the festivities. a success.” denvergov.org Drawing over 700 people and typically raising Biographies for each band are included below: Robin Kniech approximately $14,000, Tellerpalooza funds music, Councilwoman at large art and physical education as well as Gifted and • Bop Skizzum http://bopskizzum.com/ 720-337-7712 Talented programs and teacher assistants. • My Body Sings Electric http://mybodysings kniechatlarge@ electric.com/ denvergov.org Conceived in 2003 by a group of music-loving • Popcult http://popcultband.com/ Teller parents, Tellerpalooza is one of the school’s • Jaden Carlson http://jadensound.com/ Debbie Ortega biggest fundraisers. Past musical acts have in- • Nautical Mile http://www.nauticalmile Councilwoman at large 720-337-7713 cluded: DeVotchKa, Wendy Woo, The Heyday, The band.com/ deborah.ortega@ Swayback and Angie Stevens. denvergov.org The Mercury Café has long served as the home of This year’s acts represented a wide range of musi- Tellerpalooza. Known for serving fresh, organically cal styles—from pop rock to reggae. grown local food, the restaurant and music venue provided a special menu for Tellerpalooza. “The event really offers something for everyone,” said Teller parent and Tellerpalooza talent recruiter The 2012 event was sponsored by: KTCL 93.3, Bryan Giese, “from bands that are just emerging Sticker Giant, Rupps Drums, O’Dells and Del Norte. and making a name for themselves to groups such For more information visit www.tellerpalooza.com. as Bop Skizzum whose members have been main- stays on the Denver-area scene.”

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15% off Any One Service To Schedule Appointments, Forms and Product Information, Please Visit: www.skindeepdenver.com Summer 2012 :: Congress Park News 7

Congress Park’s Waldorf School: An Insider’s Perspective By Lucy Gallagher Lucy Gallagher is an 8th Grader at the he Denver Waldorf School is an oasis of My experience at the Denver Waldorf School has Denver Waldorf School Tsorts. I started there when I was 3, and at that been that by teaching history and other subjects young age I learned of gnomes, fairies and many like a story, it’s always fi ne to become immersed other mythical creatures. Every afternoon for in my thoughts and the tales that run through my three years in kindergarten, I would doze off to the head. I have learned about the arts through annual sound of a Grimm’s fairy tale spoken by a teacher class plays, music classes and writing. But most Hunger Doesn’t Take with a calm voice. important to me, the relationships that I have a Summer Vacation: made, make me a better person every day. Summer Program Feeds On that fresh fi rst day of fi rst grade, I met 23 At-Risk Students glorious people who, most of them at least, have become like brothers and sisters. That day we had Backpacks Are Basic: Let’s Fill Them Have you heard about the Rose Ceremony where we each received a rose pring is here and soon children will be getting out the Summer Food from an 8th grader who became the person always of school for the summer. That means it is time, Service Program? It’s S “Food That’s In When there with arms wide open for the next fi ve years, once again, for the Backpack Collection Program. if they stayed for high school. First grade was School is Out.” The Colorado Department fi lled with many other beginnings such as hand- Currently there are 81,870 students in the Denver of Education uses this work, where we learned to knit, arithmetic and Public School system. Over 59,363 of them take USDA program, through roman numerals, and drawing gnomes our teacher advantage of the free/reduced cost lunches, and numerous community drew on the board. 2,000 are completely homeless. This is an increase partners, to fi ll potentially of 200 more students from last year. These children empty tummies during Second grade is very unique in that we hadn’t are in need of basic necessities such as backpacks, the summer school fully established our ability to read. We learned pencils and notebooks. Right now they carry all of break when school through our imagination when we drew a picture their belongings in grocery sacks, which they carry breakfast and lunches for each letter in the alphabet. But now we would like a backpack. aren’t served. To learn begin to read our fi rst book! It wasn’t diffi cult at more, to volunteer or all; we knew the letters and the sounds. We just Minority Enterprise & Educational Development, to bring a student to had to put them together, and in no time at all we Inc., (MEED), collects new and gently used back- a site near you, visit were reading. packs, and school supplies to distribute to these http://www.cde.state. homeless students, in the fall. They need assistance co.us/cdenutritran/ nutrisummer.htm Third grade was the year we broke into groups in this effort to help these children. Monetary contri- and I met my best friend. We also learned to farm, butions are always welcomed, as well, so that they can and pickle foods. We heard the creation story can purchase the needed supplies. Last year they and others from the Old Testament and built a life- collected 3,503 backpacks and were able to assist sized sukkah (a shelter used a very long time ago). homeless youth and disadvantaged families, who had a roof over their head, but did not have the funds to In fourth grade, we learned Norse myths, the give their children the necessary school supplies. history of Colorado, and advanced into diffi cult form drawing, which was a sneaky way of teach- If you would like to help, please bring backpacks ing us geometry. and/or school supplies to one of these drop sites:

Fifth grade was a year fi lled with coming of age in MEED an indescribable way. We learned geisha myths, an- Sara Fuentes cient Greek mythology and history and botany. We 6740 E. Hampden Ave., Ste. 106 Denver CO 80224 went to a pentathlon in Boulder in honor of Greek [email protected] history and competed with other Waldorf schools. Denver Public Schools In sixth grade, we continued geometry and began Sharon Gonzales ancient Roman history. In seventh grade, we 1350 E. 33rd Ave. studied the Renaissance and the Middle Ages. Art Denver, CO 80205 always has been incorporated in our learning but [email protected] more than ever in seventh grade. Continued on page 12 8 Congress Park News :: Summer 2012

Our Shade of Green Sharing helpful hints and home improvement ideas for our neighborhood

By Glen Girard CPN Events On Web ow do you measure the value of “green Providing the Real Estate industry with data Himprovements” when buying or selling a specifi c to a home’s green attributes will assist Once again, CPN’s home? Do houses with solar sell faster or for in building industry awareness and a verifi able wondrous webmaster more money? We now we have the tools to help system to quantify the impact of green home Maggie has outdone us answer these questions. attributes. The goal is to make it as easy to fi nd herself. The neighborhood a LEED certifi ed home as it is to fi nd a three- website now has an events Denver’s MetroList MLS, the database used by bedroom home. calendar. Go to www. realtors to list homes for sale, recently launched congressparkneighbors. org and look. If you their green-fi eld addendum (GFA). The GFA Having searchable fi elds will make it easy for have a CPN event that include searchable database fi elds for fi nding, buyers, appraisers and lenders to review a home’s needs to be added in describing and valuing green home features. green building attributes, as well as providing (block party? garage sellers the ability to differentiate the property by sale? alley clean up?), The searchable fi elds are split into two catego- listing the green investments they have made in contact the webmaster ries, “Certifi cations” and “Features.” Certifi ca- the home. or any CPN Board tions are third party verifi ed programs such as member at cpnboard@ LEED for Homes, HERS Rating, ENERGY As an example, appraisers will no longer need congressparkneighbors. STAR qualifi ed, and NAHB/NGBS-ICC 700. to sort through multiple documents detailing all org. And you can fi nd Features focus on renewable energy such as the green aspects of a home. Now they can look a list of Congress Park Solar PV and Solar Thermal. at these designations on the MLS. An appraiser merchants on our website. doesn’t need to fi gure out what increased insula- Thank you, Maggie! In addition, home owners and realtors would also tion means to the bottom line when they have a have the ability to showcase other green features LEED for Homes Gold designation and a HERS in an addendum fi eld. With every home being rating in front of them as a justifi cation. unique, this provides a catch-all feature to include items like no-VOC paint or recycled content This will not be an overnight solution, but as the cabinets. These might not be easy items for an database grows with the sale of each green home, appraiser to value individually, but they are most more tangible data will be available for homeown- certainly features that a home buyer, or seller, may ers, appraisers and lenders. Visit www.metrolist. want to identify in their search. com for more information.

So be sure to ask your realtor about the search- able green home fi elds for your listing or when you are looking for a new home. Summer 2012 :: Congress Park News 9

Prosecute Juveniles as Adults? Let Courts Decide.

By State Representative Beth McCann urrent law allows a prosecutor to charge a Sunfl ower Farmers Market Cyouth as an adult for qualifying crimes by Coming to East Colfax directly fi ling a case in adult court. This decision determines if a juvenile will be sentenced to the By Linda Smoke District 3 Community adult prison system or to the juvenile correctional Resource Offi cer is osen Properties has entered into a contract system and also whether he or she will have a Tony Burkhardt. with Sunfl ower Farmers Market (Sun- felony record. Before now, this decision to fi le in R fl ower) to construct a grocery store on the former Tony’s contact adult court was never reviewed by a judge. In my Rosen-Novak property, located on the north side information is: opinion, a decision with such signifi cant ramifi ca- of Colfax between Monroe and Garfi eld Streets. 720-913-1231, or tions should be subject to judicial review. Construction of the 26,000 square foot structure 720-641-1164, or anthony.

is scheduled to begin in 2012, with an open- [email protected]. I co-sponsored House Bill 1271 which provides ing date towards the end of the year. Sunfl ower that for 14-15 year-olds, a prosecutor must request stores are no-frills operations with lower-priced We very much appreciate a case transfer to adult court and a juvenile judge Tony’s care for our safety. goods that might be compared with those found will decide whether a transfer is warranted. in Whole Foods.

This bill allows prosecutors to fi le directly in adult Prior to construction Rosen Properties will need court against 16 and 17 year olds, but these juve- to obtain a rezoning of three parcels to the north niles can ask a judge to review the evidence and of the proposed site. Currently zoned Residential decide on the proper court. (U-TU-B), which allows two units per lot, the

desired zoning category is Main Street (U-MS- A recent Colorado Juvenile Defender Coalition 2X). Main Street allows two-story structures and report documented that 85% of the direct-fi led special conditions or exceptions to be added to cases are for Class 3 and 4 felonies, not the more Trader Joe’s to Settle at the zoning requirements. serious Class 1 and 2 felonies. Evidence also 8th and Colorado? suggests that recidivism is worse for juveniles Some residents in the South City Park Neighbor- sentenced to adult prison than those in the juvenile After months of excited hood, which includes the site, are opposed to the system. The youth correctional system is better rumors speculating about proposed development. Some are concerned that at equipped to manage and rehabilitate its offend- the grocer said to have the end of Sunfl ower’s lease the developer will put picked the corner at ers, who are at greatest risk of victimization in the in a multi-story structure or will lease to less desir- 8th and Colorado, the adult system. able tenants. The plans call for heavily landscaped Denver Business Journal surface lots for 100 to 120 cars to be located pri- reported that Trader Joe’s Our juvenile justice policies must facilitate the marily to the north of the store. This aspect of the has signed up. We look best possible outcomes when youthful offenders proposed development is also of concern. forward to this merchant reintegrate into our communities. as well as the new Sun- fl ower Farmers Market Construction of the grocery store is the fi rst phase The changes to the direct-fi le statute will serve at Colfax and Madison of proposed development. The second phase, our community by preserving public safety, being very good, and very to occur within the next 5 to 10 years, is devel- identifying those juvenile offenders who can be welcome neighbors. opment of the property between Garfi eld and rehabilitated, and providing them the opportunity Jackson Streets, currently used for parking for Na- to learn new behaviors. Young people who should tional Jewish Hospital employees. The third phase be rehabilitated in a juvenile facility will be given would be development of the property located in that chance in a locked and safe environment. the Congress Park Neighborhood from the former Those juveniles who should be tried, convicted, Galaxy Auto Body to Garfi eld Street. and sentenced as adults will be. To see drawings of the proposal, go to: http:// Just before publication, this bill was signed into rosendevelopments.com/project. Of course, the law by the Governor and will become effective plans are still being fi nalized, so the end result this summer. Please feel free to call (303-358- may look slightly different from these depictions. 9247) or email [email protected] to discuss this bill or any other state issues. 10 Congress Park News :: Summer 2012

Correctional System’s “Revolving Door” Opens to Congress Park “The Congress Park By Charlotte Bentley, Former Congress Park Crime Action Chair Crime Action Committee is committed to coordinate efforts ithin a given year, nearly 700,000 offend- A stable community can encourage rehabilitation. to rid our neighborhood Wers return from state and federal prisons to The community that respects itself and nurtures of crime, thus helping to our communities nationwide. Statistics report that disciplined honorable behavior is a great start for ensure personal safety despite continual increases in spending on prisons, a person who wants to improve his/her chances. for all.” CPN Crime Action America’s national recidivism (offenders returning Such a community has neighbors working to- Committee Mission to prison) rate is very high, estimating that 75% gether to keep their habitat beautiful, clean and Statement of offenders return to prison within three years crime-free, free of human and substance abuse of their release. When released, those offenders traffi c, and continually working towards building will spend time in our communities, will re-offend a cohesive participatory society. Crime Action Volunteers in our communities, and will re-enter the system because of yet another offense. This is the cor- Congress Park is such a community. Here, Rachel O’Bryan and Larry Goldman are our rectional system’s “revolving door.” neighbors can join the CPN monthly meetings, crime action committee assist the Congress Park Crime Action Committee volunteers and can both Offender desperation leads to poor judgment and with safety issues, look out for each other, support be reached at crime@ decisions, which increase risk to all of us. If an churches and spiritual groups, offer to serve on congressparkneighbors.org offender can return to the community mobilized to a half-way house community advisory commit- become a productive member of society and with CPN is eager to revitalize tee, and more. It doesn’t happen without all of us our Neighborhood Watch options besides re-offending, then the community participating in the effort every day. program and if you would is stronger and safer. like to volunteer with Don’t wait for “them” to do what you see needs Rachel and Larry, or learn There are many services available to assist offenders to be done—fi nd a way you can contribute to more about Neighborhood in their transition from criminal to productive citizen. Watch, please contact them. making Congress Park a model of a nurturing, Success is determined by the offender’s choices to respectful community. take advantage of potential interventions or gravitate to familiar cohorts, dangerous environments and il- legal behaviors. What chance do they have there? Summer 2012 :: Congress Park News 11

CONGRESS PARK NEIGHBORHOOD CRIMES JANUARY - MARCH 2012

East High n n Colfax n n NJH $ nn 14th n n n n 13th nnn n n n 12th $n $ 11th

Denver Botanic 10th Grdens n nn Congress 9th Park n n 8th

7th n 6th York Cook Steele Detroit Adams Monroe Clayton Garfield St. Paul Fillmore Jackson Harrison Madison Elizabeth Josephine Milwaukee Columbine Colorado Blvd

$ Sexual Assault TheThis map map above shows shows a a compilation compilation of ofall seriousall crimesserious reported crimes to police reported within toCongress police Park in Assault / robbery within Congress Park in the fi rst Burglary the first quarter of 2012. Crime mapping provided byquarter the Congress of 2012. Park CrimeCrime Action mapping Committee is n provided by the Congress Park Crime Auto Theft from statistics relayed through the City and Police n Action Committee using City and Theft from auto Department, via Council District 10. Police Department statistics relayed through Council District 10. 12 Congress Park News :: Summer 2012

MissionWear Provides Reusable Bags, Re-Skilled Employees

By Vibeke Brant

What interesting things are hen you feel personally committed to two employs women to fabricate reusable shopping bags your neighbors up to? Wseemingly unrelated, though equally impor- out of old jeans and used advertising banners while Tell us at cpnnewsletter@ tant, issues, could you fi nd a common solution? You providing skills and an entry path back into the congressparkneighbors.org. could if you put on your creative hat and invented workforce. Birthed in the Capitol Hill/Five Points something new. neighborhood, MissionWear has helped over 35 women get back on their feet since 2006. This was the case in 2006 when Beth McWhirter was confronted with two perplexing problems – (1) how Beth and MissionWear have received several local to help women gain employment after struggling awards and have been given Honorable Mention in with homelessness and street living and (2) how to the Wall Street Journal. Check out MissionWear help people become more socially conscious about online at their website: www.themissionwear.org or their consumption. friend us on Facebook at MissionWear.

Out of this conundrum MissionWear was born. Next time you are faced with a complex puzzle, use MissionWear is a local non-profi t organization that it to fuel a creative idea. Be the solution that your community needs.

Backpacks Are Basic: The only bad thing about Let’s Fill Them our burger is you have to put Continued from page 7 down your beer to eat it. Basic School Supply List: Kindergarten-5th: Box of pencils, box of colored pencils, box of markers, box of crayons, 4 spiral notebooks-wide lined, 1 pair of scissors, 2 bottles of glue, 3 sturdy pocket folders to be used for homework, compo- sition book.

Middle School/ High School (6th-12th): 1 binder, set of dividers, notebook paper, pencils to last the whole year, package of pens (blue, black, red), 1 small bottle of glue, 1 pair of scis- sors, ruler, with both inches and metric measure- ments, 1 highlighter, 1 pencil pouch, 2 composi- tion notebooks, 4 spiral notebooks, 4 folders, calculator, compass/protractor, colored pencils. Summer 2012 :: Congress Park News 13

Renew and Reuse With Salute to Seniors Sails on May 11 Habitat's Restore By Eileen Doherty By Kathleen Kurtz he Colorado Gerontological Society presents the 23rd Annual Salute to Seniors on Friday, abitat for Humanity Metro Denver has the T Large Item Pickup May 11 at the Colorado Convention Center. The perfect place for you to donate and buy Helps Keep Congress H annual get-together is a compendium of resources used—and sometimes new—household items. Park Beautiful for Senior and their caregivers. The “Restore” at 70 Rio Grande Blvd in Denver has more than 30,000 sq. ft. of donated tile, light Donate those large items Do you have questions or concerns about aging fi xtures, paint, carpet, cupboards, counters and for re-use, hold them for in Colorado for a loved one or yourself? Like so charity pickup at your house much more. many others seeking help and information for the or have a yard sale. If they future, you can come to one place on one day to must go to the landfi ll, Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom? Habitat has learn what Colorado has to offer. please wait until just shortly a deconstruction crew that can help you with the before the next large item fi rst step –getting rid of the old cupboards and pickup is scheduled to Once a year, The Society brings together over 90 appliances. Did you already take out the old, still leave them in the alley or organizations to present their resources, informa- useable cupboards? Don’t stack them by your out by the dumpster. We tion, and services to the aging population. Your dumpster, call Habitat and they’ll pick them up can all agree that heaps of one-stop research can be done at this year’s Salute and sell them. matresses, chairs, plumbing to Seniors at the Colorado Convention Center, Fri- and whatnot can be pretty day, May 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come for By donating these items you can get a tax receipt unsightly, especially after a the adventures, lectures, dancing, prizes, free food and the proceeds they get from selling the items rain. The large item pickups and dozens of attractions all at the largest senior for Congress Park are July at the Restore go to running the organization. fair in the state. 2 - 7, September 4 - 8 and This process allows all checks written to Habi- November 5 - 9. What about tat for Humanity to help low-income working Themed to honor the centenary of the Titanic’s planning an alley-clean-up- families build homes and purchase their home at maiden voyage, the conference will feature Molly block-party for the weekend no interest. prior, too? Brown’s great granddaughter as a speaker. Bring Mom for this early Mother’s Day treat because The Restore has shelves fi lled with good, reusable tickets are buy one get one half off! To purchase low fl ush toilets, bathroom sinks, windows, doors, your tickets in advance call: 303-333-3482 or visit tools and hardware. Do you need a small piece of senioranswers.org. Tickets are also available at carpet? They have that too, and pieces are often the door. There is free parking at the Pepsi Center new and left over from a big commercial job. with free shuttle service to the Convention Center. Don’t miss this once a year event! In the fl ooring aisle there are pallets of new tile and laminate, and boxes of wall tile. You never Eileen Doherty, M.S. is the Executive Director of the have to buy nails or electric switches at retail— Colorado Gerontological Society. She has more than Habitat has a huge supply of these items. 35 years of egerontology xperience in administra- tion, research, training and education and clinical practice. She can be reached at 303-333-3482 or at In addition to the store in Denver, there are also [email protected]. stores in Wheat Ridge and Littleton. Call 303- 960-4811 for deconstruction information and 303-421-5300 for pick up of your donated items.

Help keep usable material out of landfi lls, help yourself by purchasing items at up to 80% off retail and help deserving families have an oppor- tunity for simple, decent housing. Donate to and buy at Habitat for Humanity’s Restore. 14 Congress Park News :: Summer 2012

Sienna Wine Bar Madison Street:

Your Name in Lights? By Ann Charles A Neighborhod Bar and Grill Volunteer Opportunity: By Ann Charles Newsletter Writer t was a lovely afternoon at Sienna Wine Bar adison Street, at 12th Avenue and, well, & Small Plates, located at 3422 East 12th Av- Madison Street, features everyday food with You know what’s going on I M around your block and at enue. On the patio, clustered with small tables an emphasis on fresh and fl avorful ingredients. your favorite neighborhood and chatting patrons, I was reminded of similar businesses on Colfax and piazzas from vacations. Madison Street’s menu offers a thoughtful selec- along 12th Avenue. Who tion of soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, baja- better to write that up for Sienna has an intriguing wine list, enough to make style fi sh and shrimp tacos, and rotisserie chicken. the newsletter? Volunteer you want to come back and learn about more of Madison Street also has an extensive list of wines to write about Congress them. The menu has a suffi cient selection of food by the glass and hand-crafted cocktails – all in a Park Neighborhood or get to appeal to most palates, but not too much to be warm and comfortable atmosphere. involved in another way. overwhelming and mediocre. You could easily pick Call 303-355-3735 or email a few favorites and happily order them every time. Stop by 1222 Madison Street for dinner, snack, [email protected] with Owners Mary Kent and Quince and Turner Rickard happy hour or weekend brunch. Madison Street is “CPNews” in the subject line. have re-created your favorite “cool” Aunt’s parlour, open 4 – 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 4 – and no patent-leather shoes are required. 11 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturday You can also send your and 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Sunday. Call 303-736- items to cpnnewsletter@ Sienna offers more than 30 wines by the glass for 2260 for more details. congressparkneighbors.org about $6 to $8. The cozy bar opens at 3 p.m. daily, with Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m. daily and all day Sunday. Call 303-355-2202 for more information.

The Neighborhood’s top selling broker with over 1,000 area sales! Specially tailored real estate services INCLUDINGlRSTTIMEBUYERPROGRAMS  SHORTSALEANDFORECLOSUREINFORMATION  GUARANTEEDSALESPROGRAMSAND THESENIORSERVICEPROGRAMFOR RETIREMENTPLANNING John Sullivan [email protected] RE/MAX of Cherry Creek CELL DIRECT WWWCONGRESSPARKCOM #ALL TEXT ORE MAILMEFORAFREEEVALUATIONOFYOURHOME Summer 2012 :: Congress Park News 15

Hair Salon Worship Window and Gutter Cleaning

The Cutting Edge Capitol Heights Twin Pines Window Cleaning Neighborhood 2924 E. 6th Ave. 303-322-1633; Presbyterian Church Contact Bob at 303-329-8205 Open 6 days; Sun. by appt. 1100 Fillmore; 303-333-9366 Offering Complimentary Directory Credit cards OK except Discover. A Diverse, More Light Faith Estimates Since 1994 Hair: cuts, color, highlights, perms, Community in Congress Park. Visit these advertisers, extensions, dreadlocks. Sundays: 9:30 am worship service, and tell them you’re Skin: care, facials, waxing. 11:00 am education hour. glad you found them here. Service Club Meeting Advertise Here For advertising rates, Are you reading this? Zonta Club of Denver call 720-231-0475 303-355-3735 So are your customers… 85 years working to improve the Great exposure, low cost. condition of women and children. Call 720-231-0475 for rates. Monthly dinner, program & meeting on 2nd Thursday, $35. Stop at the Annual ZCD Yard Sale, May 19, 8 am-3 pm, 1360 Glencoe May is Better Hearing & Speech Month, Melanoma/ Skin Cancer Detection, National Bike, National The best way to keep Photo, and Asian Pacifi c up-to-date about neighborhood issues American Heritage Month. i.e., crime alerts, parking, zoning is to sign up for CPN’s email broadcast at June is Recycling www.congressparkneighbors.org/eblast.html Month, Fireworks Safety, National Dairy, and Zoo & Aquarium Month.

July is National Blueberry Month, National Ice Cream, National Recreation & Parks, and Tahiti Awareness Month.

Shop at your Congress Park businesses. www.congressparkneighbors.org lists all merchants in Congress Park. Please visit our site and see how our local businesses support our neighborhood. 16 Congress Park News :: Summer 2012

P.O. Box 18571 P.O. Check www.CongressParkNeighbors.org Denver, CO 80218 Denver, for our advertisers’ most recent news! Congress Park Neighbors, Inc. www.CongressParkNeighbors.org

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead

Congress Park Neighbors Membership Form Your neighborhood needs you! Join your neighbors today. Date:

Name: I am interested in learning more about:

email: ___Neighborhood beautifi cation address: ___12th Avenue Business Support phone: ___Neighborhood/Colfax Plan ___Historic Preservation The above information will only be used for contacting you about Congress Park ___Newsletter reporting Neighborhood issues. ___Newsletter advertising ___Newsletter production ___Newsletter distribution ___Member (individual or household) $20 ___Neighborhood Watch ___Patron (get a T-shirt!): $30 ___Outreach (circle shirt size: S M L XL XXL) ___Membership ___Business or organization: $40 ___Social events ___Graffi ti abatement (Circle amount enclosed) ___Crime prevention ___Traffi c/Parking Make check payable to: ___Zoning Congress Park Neighbors, Inc. ___Other P.O. Box 18571 Denver, CO 80218

Congress Park Neighbors, Inc. is a non-profi t organization with an elected, volunteer Board of Directors. Your tax-deductible annual dues support the newsletter, website (www.CongressParkNeighbors.org), mailings and fl iers about hot issues, events like the ice cream social and ongoing activities to benefi t the neighborhood.