Distributed to the Stapleton, Park Hill, Lowry, Montclair, Mayfair, Hale and East Colfax neighborhoods DENVER, COLORADO JUNE 2009 Roberts Kids Recreate Colorado Characters

Can you guess who these third graders from Roberts K-8 School are portraying? Answers on page 19. Looking for an Inexpensive and New Senator Wants Feedback, Participation Close-to-Home Summer Adventure?

Would Col - you like orado to take a Springs, summer over a trip that's period inexpen - of four sive and days. close to Follow - home but ing are has the excerpts feel of an from her adven - journal, ture? her pho - How tos, and about a a map of bike ride her trip: through Colorado “My from Sarah McGregor, riding on the Westerly Creek trail, ends her second ‘training’ Michael Johnston and his wife Courtney feed their 19-month-old twins Emmet and Seamus. day of a 200 mile bike trip from the Wyoming border to Security, Wyoming south of Colorado Springs. consists By Nancy Burkhart tives center for the U.S. Secretary of Edu - to the of com - ichael Johnston has added Col - cation. New Mexico border? Or maybe settle for muting to work, going to the grocery store, orado State Senator to his The 34-year-old state senator has been just a portion of that. At this time there is library, and so on, Denver's light rail and Mname. He took on the title last working as director of the Mapleton Expe - not a continuous bike path but a series of buses allow bikes, so I usually cycle 10 miles month when the members of the Demo - ditionary School of the Arts, but he is leav - trails that will someday (hopefully) be con - to the station, put my bike on the train and cratic Senate District 33 Vacancy Com - ing the position and his successor has been nected to form the Colorado Front Range ride 8 miles, get off, cycle another mile, mittee chose him from a list of four chosen. Trail (CFRT). From Stapleton you can ride change, and go to the office. candidates to fill the seat left empty when Johnston, his wife, Courtney, and their out of your driveway and link up to a por - “My bike trip approximated the route then-State Senate President Peter Groff 19-month-old twin sons, Emmet and Sea - tion of the Colorado Front Range Trail. shown on the map (see page 26). The Front was chosen to head the faith-based initia - mus, have lived at (continued on page 4) Stapleton resident Sarah McGregor re - Range Trail roughly parallels I-25, although cently rode much of the CFRT from the usually at least a few miles away from it. My Wyoming border to Security, just south of tour started at the (continued on page 26)

Printed with soy-based ink. Paper contains 40% postconsumer waste.

Governor’s CU Residence Doctor Stapleton Events & S.U.N. 7 Honored 10 Schools 24 History 22 ¡

Westerly Creek Field Day

CALENDAR Events in or near Stapleton that are free and open to the public or are charitable fundraisers. JUNE JUNE Friday, June 19 NOTE: Battle of the Bands has been rescheduled for Aug. 15. Deadline for Northfield Concert - Conjunto Colores, 6-8pm entries is June 30th (see page 25). Saturday, June 20 Summer Concert Series, The Hazel Miller band Every Saturday through Oct. Founders Green, 6-8:30pm Northfield Stapleton Farmers Mkt 9am - 2pm Saturday, June 20 Between Bass Pro and Super Target Charity Chase Fun Run and Walk [email protected] Stapleton Central Park Tuesday, June 2 Register by June 16 at www.ccdenver.org Target Tues. – Children’s Museum Free 4-8pm Saturday, June 20 Friday, June 5 Park Hill Family Bike Ride 10 - 11:30 am Northfield Concert - Chase N’ The Dream 6pm Joseph’s Southern Food 2868 Fairfax St. 303- 388-0918 or 303-393-1963 (see page 15) Saturday, June 6 Concert, Opie Gone Bad, Founders Grn 6-8:30pm Tuesday, June 23 Active Minds - Japan, 5:30 -6:30pm Saturday, June 6 Tattered Cover, 2526 E Colfax For Kids By Kids Health Fair, 10am - 2pm activemindsforlife.com By Children’s Museum & 9Health Fair 2121 Children’s Museum Drive, Wednesday, June 24 www.cmdenver.org 303-433-7444 Active Minds - OPEC and the Oil Economy 2:30 -3:30pm, RSVP 303-331-9963 Saturday, June 6 Springbrooke, 6800 Leetsdale Dr. SCFD Free Day Denver Art Museum activemindsforlife.com Monday, June 8 Thursday, June 25 Stapleton New Resident Orientation Bluff Lake Fireside Chat - EatingYour Way MCA Community Room, 6:30 pm through the Prairie, 6pm www.StapletonCommunity.com 303-388-0724. www.blufflakenaturecenter.org Tuesday, June 9 Friday, June 26 Feast on the Fax 5-9pm advance tickets online Summer Movie night, Iron Man $20 or day of event $25 feastonthefax.com Founders Green, At Dusk Wednesday, June 10 Fri. - Sat., June 26-27 SCFD Free Day Relay for Life to Fight Cancer, Denver Museum of Nature and Science starts 6pm. Fri, Smiley Middle School Thursday, June 11 www.nedenverrelay.com (see page 15) Bluff Lake Fireside Chat - Creek Tour 6pm www.blufflakenaturecenter.org (see p. 13) Saturday, June 27 Friday, June 12 Sweet William Market 9am-2pm Founders Green, last Saturday of the month Movie Night - Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa thru September, [email protected] Founders Green, At Dusk Fri. and Sat, June 13 - 14 A Taste of Puerto Rico, music, food, festivities JULY Sat. 12 - 7pm & Sun. 10am - 7pm Central Park, www.atasteofpuertoricofestival.com Friday, July 3 Every Sunday, starting June 14 Northfield Concert - Opie Gone Bad, 6-8pm Stapleton Farmers Market Kick Off Founders Green 8:30 - 12:30 (thru Oct. 11) Saturday, July 4 Thursday, June 18 Pancake breakfast 8:30 - 10:30am Parade starts 10:30 Active Minds - Afghanistan, 1:30 -2:30pm check website for location & details Windsor Gardens (CenterPoint Room) www.stapletoncommunity.com 597 S. Clinton 303-364-7485 activemindsforlife.com Saturday, July 4 SCFD Free Day Denver Art Museum ch Tuesday, July 7 t Por of ron ons Target Tuesday – Children’s Museum Free he F missi dline T sub (dea 4pm-8pm (recurs first Tuesday of the month) omes vents eas welc cal e ry id ng lo d sto omi ) an es. m upc 5th issu er.co he 1 ure Denv is t fut leton m for Stap Co.co son@ rint Glea FineP (See page 16 for recurring monthly events and meetings) ail T rol@ Em or Ca

EDITOR: Tom Gleason 303-382-1800 MANAGING EDITOR: Carol Roberts 303-526-1969 The Stapleton Front Porch is published by Forest City MANAGING EDITOR/GRAPHICS: Steve Larson Stapleton, Inc., 7351 E. 29th Avenue, Denver, CO FEATURES WRITER: Nancy Burkhart 80238. Typically 30,000-35,000 papers are printed. PRODUCTION by FinePrint 303-526-1969 The free paper is distributed during the first week of each month to homes and businesses in Stapleton, Park [email protected] www.FrontPorchStapleton.com AD SALES: Karissa McGlynn 303-333-0257 Hill, Lowry, Montclair, Mayfair, Hale and East Colfax.

June 2009 2 Stapleton Front Porch Stapleton Front Porch 3 June 2009 Former Gang Member, Now a Community Activist, Johnston – New State Senator Encourages Mayor to Redevelop Holly Shopping Center (continued from page 1) Stapleton for six By Nancy years. Johnston plays both indoor and Burkhart outdoor soccer in the area. errance The new state senator is not a politi - Roberts cal newcomer. He sat on Gov. Bill Rit - Tgrew ter’s transition committee and helped up in northeast build then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s Denver near education platform and served on Presi - East 33rd Av - dent-Elect Obama’s transition team. He enue and Holly wrote speeches, gave surrogate speeches Street. His and talked to the press. He has given the family still lives Obama Administration “informal ad - in the neigh - vice” on the stimulus package. borhood and “I helped support Sen. Groff,” his grand - Johnston said. “Then I got more and mother runs a more involved in state policy in educa - restaurant, A & tion. Only 7 percent of education fund - A Fish Market, ing comes from the federal government at East 28th and 73 percent comes from the state. Avenue and The state senator seat felt like it was a Fairfax Street. Terrance Roberts, Executive Director of The Prodigal Son Initiative gives an emotional talk at the one year anniversary of the fire that destroyed the Holly Shopping Center. The pillars seen behind him are all that remain. Mayor John Hickenlooper, Michele Wheeler, great opportunity to get involved in the The Holly President of the Northeast Park Hill Coalition, Denver Councilwoman Carla Madison and Aaron Miripol, President & CEO of the issues I care about.” Shopping Cen - Urban Land Conservancy also addressed the crowd. The Urban Land Conservancy, in partnership with the City of Denver, has Johnston actively went after the state ter was the purchased the land for redevelopment. Right: Mayor Hickenlooper sprinkles water on the new garden that will be part of the Holly senate seat when he learned that Sen. community’s Center redevelopment project. The gardens are sponsored by the Feed Denver Urban Farms & Markets organization. Groff was leaving. center, the hub “The things that I thought made me for all communication and daily life. Many Mayor’s African-American Advisory Com - garding the potential development of a char - a good fit for this seat are that I have ex - things happened in the neighborhood during mission. This provides him with a forum to ter school on the Holly site. perience, and as a practitioner I’ve been the nearly 27 years that Roberts lived there. encourage the community to redevelop the “If we have a chance to put a school there, working on the ground as a teacher and While he was growing up, Roberts was a Holly Shopping Center site to benefit the that area could go from one of the roughest a professional. I have a deep under - member of a gang known as the Bloods. He neighborhood. areas in the city to an area where we can work standing of the needs and issues faced and his friends frequented the shopping cen - “I give my ideas and tell them pretty with our youth,” Roberts said. “With positive by our kids in the hardest communities. ter. much what people want to see there at adults right there, we think it’s a win-win sit - I’ve had the opportunity to stay very in - “That was where everybody in that com - Holly,” he said. “I grew up over there and I’m uation for everybody,” Roberts said. volved in policy over the last years. I munity, gang members included, hung out,” working with hundreds of kids in northeast “If our kids could go there and learn and went to law school because I wanted to explained Roberts. Denver. We’re like a focus group. We’re just it wouldn’t be a closed school, I think it use the law in policy. I’ve tried to stay About a year ago, the Holly Shopping helping give suggestions and gathering com - would be a great idea,” he said. “Not only very involved in policy. Center went up in smoke. Roberts said that munity support.” would it accept kids from the neighborhood, “After Katrina, I went down to New law enforcement “alleges that members of In April, the Urban Land Conservancy but it would improve on the achievement Orleans and worked to bring educators the Crips gang burned down the shopping (ULC) bought the Holly site. Funding was gap, be sustainable and not close down in the back to the city. With Obama, I worked center” in an effort to get back at their so- provided by the Denver Office of Economic next five years. I definitely support a school on policy issues, so I have a sense of how called enemies, the Bloods. Development, a Community Development being there first and foremost.” legislation is written and passed,” he Today, Roberts is a community activist. Block Grant and a loan from the Office of A stakeholder group of community mem - added. He is executive director of The Prodigal Son Economic Development’s Business Improve - bers and neighborhood property owners is Colorado Senate District 33 is one of Initiative, Inc., a non-profit association with ment Fund. Until the ULC finds the perfect being formed. The Denver Foundation’s the state’s most diverse districts. Sen. an after-school program in northeast Denver use for the property, it will work with Feed Strengthening Neighborhoods Program will Groff was the first African-American to that works with traumatized youth. Roberts Denver Urban Farms & Markets to develop a facilitate the group. be elected President of the Colorado goes to public schools and talks with kids community-involved garden to make fresh For information about the Holly site, call State Senate. Many people thought a about making positive life choices. food more accessible in the neighborhood. the Urban Land Conservancy at 303-454- person of the (continued on page 26) And, Roberts also serves on the Denver ULC is talking with two organizations re - 5369.

4 June 2009 Stapleton Front Porch Stapleton Front Porch 5 June 2009 By Nancy Burkhart Public Art at the r. Henry N. Claman has been surrounded by peo - ple in the medical field all his life. Both his par - New Rec Center Dents were doctors and his wife, Dr. Janet Stewart Claman, is a pediatric clinical geneticist. Therefore, it is no By Barbara Neal small wonder that the immunologist has made history with he good news about plans his immunology and AIDS research and is being honored to move forward with for his work with a Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Award for Tconstruction of the Cen - excellence in science and medicine. tral Park Recreation Center is At the age of 78, Claman says he has retired from re - good news, too, for public art at search. However, it was his research that found that the the new facility. We are now able human immune system must have two lymphocytes, T- to collaborate with the Denver cells from the thymus and B-cells from the bone marrow, Office of Cultural Affairs to pro - in order to form the antibodies that give us immunity from vide an enhanced art project infectious diseases. It was Claman’s research that led to the jointly funded by the Park Creek development of ways to reduce allergy symptoms and pre - Metropolitan District funding vent the HIV infection of T-cells. from the Denver Urban Renewal “Colorado is home to some of the country’s most ac - Authority and the Better Denver complished and talented individuals, and the Bonfils-Stan - Bond program. ton Foundation Awards recognize the Centennial State’s In May, a new Project Selec - very best,” said Dorothy Horrell, president of the Bonfils- tion Committee made up of Sta - Stanton Foundation. “We’re honored to recognize Dr. pleton residents, artists, the Henry Claman for his pioneering work in the field of im - architect and landscape architect, munology, and for his contribution to the new field of representatives from Forest City, medical humanities.” the Denver Office of Cultural Af - Claman headed the Allergy and Immunology Division fairs and Denver Parks met to de - at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center for velop criteria for artwork to be 25 years. He still holds the post of director of the Univer - installed at the Recreation Center. sity of Colorado’s Medical Humanities Program. The criteria will be distributed to This is the program that has given Claman the ability artists via the CaFÉ digital appli - to influence the future in a non-traditional manner. He cation system in June and avail - takes a medical student who is in the middle of science and able also on Stapleton websites. medicine and shows him or her how to incorporate art and We’ll keep the public posted on literature in a way that will give the ability to really hear this project as it develops. and see the patients. Anyone interested in obtaining “We look at literature in terms of how it portrays the information about Stapleton’s doctor and the patient,” Claman explained. “I take my Public Art Program should con - class down to the Denver Art Museum and I show them tact me at barb - how to not so much ‘look’ as really ‘see’ because they are [email protected]. going to be ‘seeing’ their patients for the rest of their career. Barbara Neal is the public art “For the whole first-year medical school class, I make a consultant for Stapleton. presentation where we look at famous paintings, starting

June 2009 6 Stapleton Front Porch Dr. Henry Claman in his office at Anschutz Medical Campus, with a painting that he concedes is not great art but it “says a lot about the practice of medicine.” Dr. Claman Recognized for Contributions in Both Medical Humanities & Research with Rembrandt’s “The Anatomy Lesson,” he Claman is expanding his focus with his own said. “We spend about 20 to 25 minutes looking goal to set up a film series. His first film at that painting, discussing what’s in it and dis - choice, he said, is “Wit,” the Pulitzer Prize- cussing what’s not in it. I say, with a quizzical look winning story of a woman with Stage IV ovar - that is all put on, ‘You know, a good psychiatrist ian cancer. The 2001 film was a television pays attention to what the patient didn’t say.’ production directed by Mike Nichols and star - “As a doctor, it also means what you might ring Emma Thompson. not hear. You have to be cognizant of what they Although basically retired, Claman still is (patients) haven’t told you.” working to expand the medical humanities Most of Claman’s classes are small, with only program into more of the schools on the An - about a dozen students. He has the doctors in schutz campus to include nursing and phar - training read books by authors such as Anton macy. As an amateur historian, he has written Chekhov, who also was a doctor. a book on medieval art history called “Jewish Claman has been so successful with the med - Images in the Christian Church,” and has ical humanities classes that he says he “stole” from started another which he says hasn’t worked the Yale Medical School that a new full-time hu - well. There may be another book in the off - manities teacher, Therese Jones, is joining the ing. In his “spare” time, he also gives talks on University of Colorado Medical School staff. And, everything from basic science to modern art.

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Stapleton Front Porch 7 June 2009 UC Dental Students Reach Out to the Community niversity of Colorado at Denver is working with Uschool districts throughout the metro area including Denver and Aurora Public Schools, to ex - pand and improve educational op - portunities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Students from UC Denver’s School of Dental Medicine provided Dental Education Days at Paris Elementary School. They suggested that stu - dents consider a career in health sci - ences, especially dentistry, while educating them on the importance of taking care of their teeth. As part of its effort to support the community, University of Col - orado Denver’s Anschutz Medical Oscar Sanchez, foreground, with his mother Alma and his father Eluterio at his right, poses with his sisters, Nancy, Lucy, and Alma and their families. Campus, Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority, The Children’s Hospital and University of Colorado Hospital Park Hill Resident Refuses to Knuckle Under to ALS organized the year-long outreach program with nearby Paris Elemen - By Nancy Burkhart and computers can be tools to help one stay tary School. ess than a year ago, 34-year-old Oscar productive.” Sanchez was handed a shock. The Park Now that a career in architecture appears Left: Kirsten M. Hoffman, Dental Assis - Hill resident was studying for his dream to be out of the picture, Sanchez plans to use tant at University of Colorado School L career at the Yale School of Architecture when his teaching skills to act as an advocate for of Dental Health, shows the class one he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS and the Muscular Dystrophy Associa - of the dental offices on the bus that tion (MDA). MDA supports two clinics in brings dental service to Colorado's amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The neu - rural areas. romuscular disease attacks the nerve cells that the Denver area at The Children’s Hospital control muscles and usually means that peo - and the University of Colorado Anschutz ple, on the average, have a life expectancy of Center for Advanced Medicine. three to five years after they are diagnosed with Sanchez believes that it is important to it. make people aware of ALS. He wants to be Sanchez’s family, which includes his “a good example to others of a person living mother, father and three younger sisters, emi - with ALS.” And, he hopes that telling others grated from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. His his story will make them see that “arbitrary parents have lived in Park Hill about 15 years. barriers alone are not what determine a per - Sanchez recently gave up his own Park Hill son’s fate.” home to live with his parents when the disease “While receiving an ALS diagnosis is a progressed. punishing blow, it is by no means a sentence “As ALS progresses, I am more and more for immediate execution,” Sanchez cautions unable to continue at my old ‘fast pace’ of life; ALS victims. “Find some reason that is im - however, because ALS makes one’s activities portant for you to live and understand that into what is truly important and what is less every extra hour and day are bonus time to important, some ‘productivity’ is saved just be thankful for. Make the bonus time from time management,” Sanchez said. “Re - count.” maining able to read and write using augmen - For information about Lou Gehrig’s Dis - tative and alternative communication devices ease, visit www.als-mda.org/media Welcoming our latest addition, Dr. Amy Nash

June 2009 8 Stapleton Front Porch New Town Builders to Make Solar Systems Standard New Town Builders to Host Solar Competition for Children June 20th 3-Kilowatt Systems Expected to Re - the Denver metro area.” Children up to age 18 throughout Denver relating to the sun are eligible to win during New Town Builders already qualifies each of who design, build and showcase solar-pow - a Summer Solstice Science Fair at a park at duce Electricity Bills By 50% its new homes for an Energy Star Efficiency ered experiments may win a share of more East 35th Avenue and Wabash Street. Chil - By Tom Gleason Rating. According to the home builder, the than $1,200 in awards for their schools if dren may set up their displays beginning at ew Town Builders, one of Stapleton’s SunPower solar panels, which it said are the they compete successfully in a June 20 event 8:30 a.m., and judging will begin at 10 a.m. most successful residential builders, re - most efficient on the market today, will reduce at Stapleton hosted by New Town Builders. Participants must register by June 16, and Ncently announced it intends to include home owners’ energy bills by about 50 percent, Entries such as home-made solar-powered entry forms and additional information are high-efficiency solar systems by SunPower in all depending upon the time of year. Buyers pur - ovens, solar hot air balloons, displays about available via email at summersolstice@new - of its new single family homes in the Denver chasing the homes with the solar systems are el - the sun’s effects on ocean currents, solar- townbuilders.com or by calling 303-707- metro area. igible to receive a 30 percent net tax credit powered propellers atop hats or anything else 4444. Gene Myers, chief executive officer of New equivalent to up to $3,900. The solar systems Town Builders, announced the solar power sys - can be monitored remotely via Internet and tems will be available on homes that will sell for make it likely the home will enjoy a higher re - as little as $354,000. He said the “mini-solar sale value. plants” worth over $20,000 will generate an in - “Congratulations to New Town for making stant return to home owners in the form of lower solar systems a standard on their new homes, electric bills, mortgage subsidies from the state, just as they have with energy efficiency fea - tax credits from the federal government, and a tures,” said Gov. Bill Ritter, a proponent of re - sense of satisfaction for anyone concerned about newable energy development. “This is a great preserving Colorado’s environment. example of how we are bringing the benefits of “We believe this commitment to solar energy the New Energy Economy home by saving makes so much sense that eventually all home consumers money and investing in our local builders will make these solar power systems stan - communities. We are leading Colorado forward dard features on new homes,” Mr. Myers said. by creating sustainable energy industries that “In the meantime, New Town Builders is proud provide clean power, good jobs, and help us be to offer solar on all of our single family homes in better stewards of the environment.”

New Homebuyers Event at Stapleton – Homes from $100s to $300s

Tasha Jones (2nd from right), director of marketing for Forest City Stapleton, Inc. briefs po - tential first-time homebuyers Ben Schnurr and Cori Millen on the range of housing choices available to them at Stapleton. The recently passed Federal Stimulus Bill provides qualifying first time homebuyers with an $8,000 federal tax credit, making the purchase of a home, in many cases, a more attractive option than renting.

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Advertise in a paper that people really read. Visit FrontPorchStapleton.com. 30-35,000 copies distributed free to NE Denver during the first week of each month. Email [email protected] or call Karissa at 303-333-0257 or 303-526-1969.

Stapleton Front Porch 9 June 2009 pon stepping inside the Governor's res - idence, a visitor sees hundreds of rea - Usons to preserve this beautiful home. Governor’s Residence In addition to the architecture there is a stun - ning array of historic treasures in every room. Offers a Look into Colorado’s Past The residence is more than the governor’s home, it’s a museum about Colorado’s history. Left to right: First Lady Jeannie Ritter on the front porch of the governor’s residence; above, in the palm room (solarium); above right is the drawing Mrs. Ritter has launched a campaign to make room; and below right is the library, looking into the drawing room. These rooms are on the ground floor, which is open to the public. the Governor's Residence more inclusive and Water Company, a forerunner of Denver's mu - of his estate. Alice and Gladys donated relevant to young people and provide programs nicipal water system, and spent much of his $100,000 toward the beautification of Con - Governor’s Residence for learning about Colorado history. own money toward the construction of the gress Park, where they had the Cheesman Me - Free and open to the public events Here, in a nutshell is how it came to be Cheesman Dam, which he thought was neces - morial built. The architects who designed the built and furnished with many of the items sary for Denver's safety. memorial also designed the 27 room mansion Saturday, June 6, 11am - 2pm Celebrate Asian Heritage we see in it today, and how it became the At age 46 he met Alice Foster Sanger, a that now stands at 8th and Logan, using the Governor's residence. charming widow who was visiting her sister in same column design in the house that they Polynesian Dance, Delicious Chinese Teas, Japanese Drummers, Lei making, Mongo - In 1861, 23-year-old Walter S. Cheesman Denver. According to the Denver Post, "How used on the Cheesman memorial. Alice lived lian Acrobats and Art traveled by ox cart from Chicago to Denver. Walter Cheesman ever got the courage to pro - there until she died in 1923. After removing He had come to join his brother in the drug - pose to the dazzling widow was a mystery that family items, Gladys sold the house with it's Saturday, July 11th , 11am - 2pm store business, but his brother returned to furnished the tea tables with gossip..." After remaining contents to Claude Boettcher. Abraham Lincoln’s Bicentennial New York, leaving the business to Walter. they married and had a child, Walter pur - Claude Boettcher had become a millionaire Civil War Music, The First ColoradoVol - Walter lived in a small, sparsely furnished chased land at 8th and Logan and started mak - from a humble beginning with a little hardware unteer Regiment, President Lincoln speak - ing, Lincoln artifacts and treasures room above his prosperous store, which he ing plans for a grand mansion. He hired store. By 1947 the Boettcher financial empire had radiated into sugar, livestock,cement, subsequently sold and pursued other business architects and approved a plan, but the house Guided Tours Every Tuesday was never built, probably due to his health potash, steel, securities, utilities and transporta - opportunities. He was a partner in forming a June, July & August, 1-2pm railway company to connect Denver with the problems. tion, as well as the hotel and theater business. east-west lines stretching across the U.S. He In 1907 Walter Cheesman died, leaving his Boettcher paid $75,000 for the property, a Open House Tours Every Saturday also became president of the Denver Union wife Alice and daughter Gladys as joint owners fraction of its initial cost. During the twenties June, July, & August, 11am - 2pm

June 2009 10 Stapleton Front Porch raze the home and auction the contents. At the last minute Governor Stephen McNichols announced he would accept the offer if the Boettcher Foundation would provide a main - tenance fund of $15,000 a year for three years. In 1959, Stephen McNichols became the first governor to occupy the home. Mrs. Ritter has established a Preservation Fund to obtain private funds for long-term wealthy Americans flocked to the Continent to historic protection while also supporting the acquire antiquities that appeared on the market as greening and modernizing of the Residence, impoverished Europeans dismantled villas and and offering more programs to the public. In palaces. Many of the current furnishings of the addition to the free activities listed, there are mansion were acquired by Claude and Edna historical lectures the 2nd Monday of each Boettcher in their travels during this time. month ($15, see website below for informa - Not all the furnishings came from Europe. tion). In the past year, geothermal heating and New residents of the White House were refur - cooling, solar panels, and insulation were nishing and disposing of their predecessors’ be - added and the home received LEED certifica - longings. In this way, a great sparkling chandelier tion for energy efficiency, making it the first that was in the White House ballroom during governor's residence in the country to obtain Grant's presidency eventually made it's way, years this status. The Governor’s Residence Preser - NEW LISTING later, to the Boettcher's home. vation Fund (GRPFund) is a 501(c)3 not-for- Claude and Edna lived in the mansion for 35 profit organization. To learn more, visit years until Claude died in 1957. The Boettchers www.coloradoshome.org had formed a family foundation with the mis - Source: "Queen of the Hill, The Private Life sion that the people of Colorado should benefit of the Colorado Governor's Mansion," by Jean from their gifts. Edna offered the fully furnished Walton Smith and Elaine Colvin Walsh. Pub - mansion as a gift to the State to be used as a lished by The Volunteers of the Colorado Histori - Presented by Jody Donley Presented by Melinda Howlett Governor's residence. The state rejected the cal Society with the support of the Colorado 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths. Parkwood Oxford with 4 Bedrooms + Loft, 3.5 Baths. Creative de - Carriage House across from large pocket signer touches throughout. Seamless base - offer and the Boettcher Foundation prepared to Historical Society, 2nd edition, 2006. park. Extra large 4700 Sq. Ft. Lot. Over 3500 ment finish. Large lot with over 3,300 Finished Sq. Ft. 2771 Clinton Way, $639,900 finished Sq. Ft. 2862 Fulton St., $549,900

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35th and Quebec in Stapleton 7505 E. 35th Avenue #304, Denver, CO 80238 303.322.2081 Presented by Jody Donley Presented by Melinda Howlett Early morning and Friday appts available 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths. Wonderland Chelsea 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths. Park and Mountain with Incredible Finished Basement. Located Views! Great room living. Large front porch Creating Stapleton and Park Hill Smiles since 2004! on large private courtyard. Main level master. with ceiling fan. 1541 square feet. 2218 Fin. Sq. Ft. 8462 E. 29th Pl., $359,900 3435 Florence Way, $299,900 • Gentle, personal, health-centered care in your neighborhood NEW LISTING • Maximum comfort & ease • High quality, clinical expertise for the whole family • Educating patients to take an active role in their oral health • Bright, new, modern office with the latest technology Presented by Marissa Ross Presented by Jody Donley 2 Bedrooms + Large Loft, 2 Baths. Affordable 2 Master Bedrooms. 2 Full Baths. Loft Style townhome living! Attention to detail, quality Living! Desirable 2nd floor location. Foot - finishes throughout. Gorgeous Mountain steps to Puddle Jumper Pool and Park. 1179 Dr. Preet Clair views. 1167 fin sq. ft. 3092 Fulton St., $249,900 Sq. Ft. 2311 Xenia St., $235,000 New patients welcome and insurances accepted Call us today to make an appointment Meet our great dental team at 303.394.4526 www.qsfamilydentistry.com Jody Donley • Karl Lo Top Dentist List 2009 www.NPREco.com We eat, breathe, and sleep Stapleton.

Stapleton Front Porch 11 June 2009 LOCAL

AURORA EVENTS June and July - Summer art classes at the Art Stu - 6/14 Sunday- Fiesta Aurora, Celebrate Latino dents League of Denver for children and adults. culture with live music on two stages, dance, a View catalogs online at www.asld.org/download - mercado, food and lots of kids activities! catalogs.asp Fletcher Plaza, 9898 E. Colfax Ave between Ha - Summer art camps. "Dinosaurs Galore" (3-6 year vana andYosemite in Aurora. 12-6pm, FREE. olds) and "Building Green" (4-8 year olds) for the BOTANIC GARDENS developing architect/builder. Please contact Kerry Armbruster at 303-399-1800 or karmbruster@ Through Sept 30th - Jurassic Gardens Exhibit sewallchild.org. 1360Vine Street Denver Botanic Gardens. The Gardens’York Street location will feature life-sized, realistic di - CLASSES FOR ADULTS nosaurs from the Cretaceous and Jurassic peri - 6/09 Tuesday 7:30 pm. Release Anxiety! Experi - ods. Plant fossils and a dinosaur dig site for ence the benefits of hypnosis to create calm. kids. www.botanicgardens.org Free class presented by Hypnotherapy for CLASSES AND CAMPS FOR KIDS Women’s Wellness, LLC. Also offered Sat., June 13 at 3pm. www.womenswellensshypnosis.net or 6/01 thru 6/12 & 6/15/ thru 6/26 - Mountain call Jennifer Welch, 303-393-1062. Day Camp. Outdoor and play based camp at Cherry Creek State Park Activities include: hik - 6/17 - Wednesday, Kabbalah Experience summer ing, camp songs, nature education, bouldering & classes begin. Open to those of all denominations rock climbing, crafts and more! $680 for 2-week seeking awareness about the authentic self-- sessions, Call 720-249-2997, e-mail info@moun - through text or film study and lively discussions. taindaycamp.com, or visit www.mountainday - www.kabbalahexperience.com, admin@kabbalah - camp.com. for more info. experience.com, 303-321-7729 6/08 through 8/21- Childrens House of Staple - June and July - Summer art classes at the Art Stu - ton Summer Camps. 3-week sessions that focus dents League of Denver for children and adults. on exploring the natural world through hands- View catalogs online at www.asld.org/download - on discovery. Each program takes an element catalogs.asp from nature and teaches how to translate the experience into an art form. Ages 3 to adult. CONCERTS www.childrenshouseofstapleton.com or 6/07 Sunday- City Park Jazz presents Cocktail [email protected] or Revolution 6 - 8pm, Bandstand by City Park Pavil - 303.379.9239 for additional information ion on Feril Lake in City Park. FREE. www.city - 6/15-19 British Soccer Camp hosted by Schless - parkjazz.org for additional info. manYMCA at Central Park in Stapleton. Ages 3 6/14 Sunday- City Park Jazz presents Teresa Car - through 14 visit www.challengersports.com to oll and the Big Swing Trio 6 - 8pm, Bandstand by register and for more information. City Park Pavilion on Feril Lake in City Park. 6/15 & 7/20 - Stapleton Guitar & Piano Group FREE. www.cityparkjazz.org for additional info. Class. One week sessions. An introductory mu - 6/21 Sunday- City Park Jazz presents Jon sical experience for ages 6-13 by Natasha Olson Romero y Amanecer 6 - 8pm, Bandstand by City (guitar) and David Ross (piano), performers and Park Pavilion on Feril Lake in City Park. FREE. teachers in Stapleton. Beginning training in both www.cityparkjazz.org for additional info. piano and guitar, as well as rhythm/theory/ear training/improvisation. Students will be able to 6/28 Sunday- City Park Jazz presents The Michael jam and play duets by the end of the week. Cost: Friedman Jazz Quintet 6 - 8pm, Bandstand by $150 per student 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. (6 to 9 City Park Pavilion on Feril Lake in City Park. years old) and 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (10 to 13 FREE. www.cityparkjazz.org for additional info. years old). David Ross (303) 507-0906, pi - [email protected] or Natasha Olson at 7/18 - 7/19 - 2nd Annual Mile High Music Festival 303-318-9542, [email protected]. Headlined by Tool, Widespread Panic & The Fray, at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Tickets on sale 6/28 - 7/3 - Arsenal Summer Soccer Academy at now at www.tickethorse.com, by phone at 866- Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Five days of inten - 461-6556 and at www.milehighmusicfestival.com sive soccer coaching by Arsenal coaches from the UK. Register interest at www.playthearse Through Aug. 30, Acoustic Sundays - Live music nalway.com/USA, call 303-727-3648 email by local artists, 3-6pm, Sundays on the patio of [email protected]. the Tavern Lowry 7401 E. First Ave. 303-366-0007

June 2009 12 Stapleton Front Porch EVENTS

DENVER EVENTS 6/20 Saturday- 27th Annual Highlands Street 6/27 Saturday- GreenValley Ranch Business 6/05 Friday- Bluff Lake Nature Center Parents Fair- 32nd and Lowell. Attractions include a Expo. The GreenValley Ranch Business Relation - Night Out (6-9pm) Kids will explore the wildlife 6/06 Saturday and 6/07 Sunday- CHUN Capitol children's area, classic car show, food courts and ship Action Group (B.R.A.G.) will hold their 2nd refuge, looking for nightlife, including bats, Hill People's Fair The CHUN Capitol Hill Peo - beer gardens, live music on 3 stages and ven - annual Business Expo at the GreenValley Ranch beavers, owls, foxes, raccoons and many more, ple's Fair, a celebration of the diverse Denver dors featuring everything from jewelry, photog - Rec Center from 11-3 pm. Get to know your finishing the night with a marshmallow roast, urban community and its residents. Colorado's raphy, paintings, ceramics, leather goods, and local merchants and small business owners! storytelling and star gazing. Children can be Premier Arts and Crafts Festival offers great clothing. Free. www.highlands-square.com Free, food, fun and refreshments for the whole picked up between 8:00 and 9:00pm. For ages family fun, culinary delights and fabulous enter - family! Call Lydia at 720.935.0306 for additional 5-12, $30 Members and $40 non-members. Bluff tainment. Civic Center Park at Broadway and 6/20 Saturday- Denver Juneteenth Celebration. information or to volunteer or sponsor a booth. Lake is located off of Havana at Sand Creek. Colfax, Saturday 10am to 8pm, Sunday 10am to Come celebrate and share the beauty and rich - www. BluffLakeNatureCenter. org to register. 7pm. www.chundenver.org ness of African American culture in Denver's 7/03 Friday through 7/06 Sunday- Cherry Creek Five Points Neighborhood. The event will kick Arts Festival. Colorado's signature, award win - 6/11 Thursday- Bluff Lake Nature Center Fire - 6/06 Saturday and 6/07 Sunday- 5th Annual La off with a parade and a full day of entertainment. ning cultural event! Enjoy visual, culinary and side Chat & Creek Tour. Bring sandals and enjoy Piazza dell’Arte on Larimer Square. Come cele - Free. At 26th and Welton in Downtown Denver. performing arts, and interactive activities for the a splash in the creek, as we learn about all of the brate the 5th annual La Piazza dell'Arte on www.denverjuneteenth.org. whole family. Cherry Creek North Shopping critters that call Sand Creek their home. Then Larimer Square. Professional, amateur and stu - District. www.cherryarts.org. enjoy a campfire and marshmallow roast. dent artists will transform Larimer Square into 6/24 Wednesday- Denver Bike to Work Day 6:00pm. $1.00 per person for non members. a beautiful street museum of bright and colorful 2009. www.drcog.org to register KIDS’ AND FAMILIES’ EVENTS Located off Havana along Sand Creek. chalk art images over the course of two days. www. blufflakenaturecenter. org 6/27 Saturday and 6/28 Sunday- Cherry Blossom 6/01 Monday through September 7- Junior Job - Music, Italian food, and beverages. Sat 10-10, Festival. Experience Japanese dance, drum per - Sunday 10-7, larimerarts.org site Learn the nuts of bolts of construction in 6/13 Saturday- Free Mighty Machines on the formances, art exhibits, Asian marketplace, food this kid-sized jobsite! Hard hats, blueprints and Plaza- Climb up into the driver's seat and ex - 6/13 Saturday and 6/14 Sunday- The Art Stu - and more at this annual Denver event. Free. safety vests, a real conveyor belt, plumbing and plore monstrous construction equipment! Kids dents League of Denver’s Summer Art Market - denver Buddhist Temple, 1947 Lawrence St in the basics of electricity, 2121 Children's Museum can check out jobsite vehicles like a skid steer, showcasing the work of over 250 local artists Downtown Denver. Drive, off of I25 and 23rd ave. backhoe, and forklift. 10am-2pm. 2121 Chil - involved in studying, teaching or supporting the 6/27 Saturday and 6/28 Sunday, Denver PrideFest www.mychildrensmuseum.org dren's museum Drive. arts at the Art Students League of Denver. 2009. Denver's PrideFest is a celebration of 6/03 Wednesday- Firehouse Tales for Tots- At the www.childsmuseum.org 6/13 Saturday- National 10am-5pm both days, The sale will be held at community and culture. Parade, rally, music, en - the Art Students League of Denver, 200 Grant Denver Firefighters Museum 11:00-11:30am. Get Outdoors Day, City Park, Denver. 9am-3pm. tertainment, food and much more. Sunday pa - 1326 Tremont Place, downtown. www. Free. Nature Exploration, Discovery & Outdoor Street in West Washington Park. rade begins at 9:30am. Civic Center Park at www.ASLD.org. www.denverfirefightersmuseum.org Recreation Adventure. Learn to rock climb, Broadway & Colfax. www.denverpridefest.org. mountain bike, Ski in the park, fish, canoe, track 6/06 Saturday, For Kids By Kids healthward- 6/13 Saturday - The Ballpark Market - 8 a.m. - 2 6/27 Saturday, Great-West Life Bike MS, Col - wildlife, read a map and a compass. Take the p.m. The Ballpark Market is an open-air, Euro - Free health fair for children and their carnegies. President's Fitness Challenge! Become a Jr. orado’s Ride 2009 Presented by Sam’s Club. The Booths including dental health, nutrition, and ex - pean style flea market with distinguishing urban two-day, 150-mile fundraising ride from West - Ranger, meet Smokey Bear. Prizes, Food, Fun! flair. Larimer Street between 21st and 22nd ercise, in a fun and creative way, 10am-2pm. Event will happen rain or shine. Bring water. minster to Fort Collins and back is for cyclists 2121 Childrens Museum Drive www.my - streets. Ballparkmarket.com. 303-589-2800 Also of all abilities. Food, entertainment, multiple rest www.fs.fed.us/r2/go-day 7/11, 8/8, 9/12 and 10/10 childsmuseum.org stops, and full support are provided. Limited reg - (continued on page 14) istration. www.bikeMScolorado.org

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Limited office hours available at our new Stapleton location Dr. Stuart Weatherwax 2975 Roslyn Street, Suite #140 Dr. Romy Mason 2005 Franklin Street #630 • Denver, CO 80205 • Phone: 303.866.8186 • Fax: 303.866.8166 Dr. Robert Wester Visit our website www.centralobgyn.com Stapleton Front Porch 13 June 2009 LOCAL EVENTS

(continued from page 13) KIDS AND FAMILIES June, Colorado Fusion Soccer. Early registra - hands-on demonstration of downloading books THEATRE tion for Fall 2009 season is underway. Regis - from the library, and enter to win a new MP3 6/13 Saturday- Volunteers needed for National tration forms can be obtained by contacting player! 100 Poplar Street, Lowry 6/16 Tuesday through July 2- The Aurora Fox pres - the Fusion offices at 303-399-5858, or from ents A Little Princess This beloved children's clas - Get Outdoors Day, City Park, Denver, 9am - June through August- Denver Public Library 3pm. Shifts: Morning 7am - 12:30pm, Afternoon the Fusion website: Coloradofusion.org. Col - sic tells the story of a little girl bravely facing orado Fusion follows the Positive Coaching Al - Summer of Reading. Read to Me, a new pro - adversity while remaining a true princess on the 12 - 4pm, or all day. Event will happen rain or gram to promote early literacy for children from shine. Bring water bottle & work gloves; wear liance” or “PCA” coaching philosophy. PCA inside.Tickets are $4.50 to $7. Shows are Monday attempts to reign in the aggressive behavior by birth to age five. Kids going into kindergarten through Saturday, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 9900 E. Col - comfortable clothing, sun hat & sunscreen. Park thru 5th grade may register for Be Creative. at East HS. Volunteer hotline 720.913.0330; Call parents and coaches seen at some youth fax Ave. 303-739-1970 or aurorafox.org sports events. Fusion has received grants to Teens going into 6th grade thru 12th grade may Tim Hutchens at 303-370-6668 or email timo - register for Express Yourself. Registration and Through 6/14- Shadow Theatre presents Oscar [email protected]. provide Positive Coaching training to its coaches and parents. The emphasis is on using program information online at http://summerof - and Felix by Neil Simon. America's comic master - 7/4 Saturday, Four Mile Historic Park’s Old-Fash - sports to teach important life lessons, and also reading.org/ or at any Denver Public Library lo - mind has updated his classic comedy The Odd ioned Fourth of July Celebration 10am - 4pm. make it fun. “Losing is just as important as cation. Couple, setting the trials and tribulations of Felix Visits from Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson winning. Both teach different lessons, and every Unger and Oscar Madison in the present day. Per - and Uncle Sam; performances by the Denver game should be a good experience.” ROCKY MOUNTAIN ARSENAL NATIONAL formances Th, Fri & Sat at 7:30pm & Sun at 3pm. Concert Band. Enjoy traditional music and WILDLIFE REFUGE EVENTS June 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 & 14th. Tickets $21-$26 games, children’s crafts and horse-drawn wagon LIBRARY EVENTS call 720.857.8000 or www.shadowtheatre.com for rides. Traditional summertime food and re - Reservations are required for these programs. tickets and additional information. 1468 Dayton freshments will be available. 715 S. Forest St. 6/20 Saturday- The digital bookmobile will be Call 303-289-0930 to register. To get to the Street in Aurora. across the street from the Schlessman Library Adults $7, Students, Seniors $4, <5 Free. Free Refuge, take I-70 and exit north on Havana St. Through 6/20 - Don't Drink the Water, by Woody in the COPIC parking lot at 1st & Quebec Parking. The public entrance is at 56th and Havana. Allen. John Hand Theatre in Lowry. Walter and from 9-5. Learn how MP3 players work, get a 6/02 Tuesday and 6/06 Saturday – Free Fishing Marion Hollander take their young daughter on (6:00 AM to 5:30 PM) Stop dreaming about vacation to a Eastern European country behind landing those lunker northern pike and trophy the Iron Curtain. The trip turns sour when Walter size largemouth bass and get to the Refuge and accidentally takes pictures of a missile silo and fish for FREE! sends the family running for the American Em - bassy. Hoping to avoid an international incident, 6/06 Saturday – Family Bike the Refuge (8:00 to Axel and the Hollanders pull out all the stops to 10:00 AM) Naturalist-led, leisurely family bike sneak out of the country unharmed and un - ride that meanders through prairie dog towns scratched. But of course, nothing goes according and woodlands and along lake edges. Stops will to plan in this zany, madcap comedy! www.john - be made along the way to see and learn about handtheater.com/ the Refuge’s amazing wildlife. Water, sunscreen, and puncture-proof tires are recommended. Hel - URBAN FARM CAMPS mets required. Family memberships (required for camps) are 6/09 Tuesday and 6/20 Saturday – Prairie Blooms $35/year and run Jan - Dec. Send registration and Spring is bustin’ out all over the wildflowers that payment to The Urban Farm 10200 Smith Road create a vivid landscape of color. Join us for this Denver, Co. 80239. For more info e-mail relaxed guided hike to see these magnificent na - [email protected]. Payments can be made tive blooms. 9:00 to 11:00 AM through Paypal to [email protected] and registrations emailed. Registration is not con - 6/21 Sunday– Father’s Day Hayride (1:00 to firmed until full payment is received. 3:00pm) Get dad out of the house for a relaxing afternoon in nature on this slow, easy hayride. 6/15 and 7/13 - Fun On The Farm Summer Work - Make a special keepsake to give to dad. shops for ages 7 - 10. 5-day camps, 9am - 12pm. Participants will learn first-hand about sheep, 6/23 Tuesday – Twilight Photo Tour (5:00 to 8:00 goats, chickens, turkeys, horses, donkeys, and pigs. PM Explore the Refuge with your camera during The Farm’s learning gardens will provide children this unique twilight opportunity. Capture photos with ample opportunity to get dirty and wet while of remarkable summer wildlife and breathtaking tending the fruits, vegetables, and flowers. They views. Bring your camera and zoom lenses. will even learn how to make homemade jam and pickles. $175 6/27 Saturday – Animals of the Marsh (1:00 to 3:00pm) Wander through the marsh with won - 6/15 and 7/13 - Storybook Farm Summer Work - der and waders! On this animal search adven - shop for ages 4 - 6. 5-day camps, 9am - 12pm. Each ture you might get wet discovering the wild morning begins with a story. From there, the chil - residents that live in marshes. Try your hand at dren proceed to the farmyard where literature is some critter trapping techniques. Waders will be transformed into real life. For example, after read - provided. ing about a horse farm, participants will actually groom miniature horses, feed and ride a horse, 6/28 Sunday– Summer Snap Shots (8:00 to 11:00 and climb on hay bales. $175 AM) Photographers – capture some hot and wild photos for your collection! Pack your cam - 7/24 - Sleepover at The Farm for ages 8 - 11. era and zoom lens and head out to the Refuge Campers will: help with the evening feeding, help to get those awesome summer shots! put the animals to bed, listen to the coyotes, roast marshmallows around a campfire, tell “scary sto - ries;” sleep under the stars; have an early morning riding experience; and help with the morning feed. Bring your own sleeping bag and insect repellent. Dinner, s’mores, and breakfast included. Registra - tion limited to 10 children. 5pm - 9am. $75

June 2009 14 Stapleton Front Porch LOCAL EVENTS Odyssey Students Improve Their Community P h o t o

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June 12, 5-9pm D

Congress for New Urbanism o u g

Summer Art Walk P in Denver June 10-14 e n s i

Visit Aurora's historic original down - n

The 17th annual Congress for New Ur - g e banism returns to Denver June 10-14 and town for the East End Arts District’s 2009 r will include a walking tour of 3 new urbanist Summer Art Walk on June 12 from 5 to 9 neighborhoods, including Stapleton! Learn p.m. The art walk is a self-guided tour that about opportunities in the reurbanization of showcases galleries and artist studios in Au - America at the premier gathering for urban - rora's 16-block arts district. ist education, collaboration and networking. The event includes exhibits of pottery, CNU 17 will be held at the Sheraton painting, photography, jewelry, prints, Denver Hotel, 1550 Court Place, Denver, sculpture, fiber arts and performing arts. CO 80202. For information about registra - Member galleries and artist studios have re - tion, call 800-788-7077, email freshments, demonstrations and artists on [email protected], or visit site. www.cnu.org/cnu17 Start at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Li - brary/Municipal Services Center, 9898 E. Colfax Ave. to pick up a map and grab a Above: Odyssey students paint tree trunks with a mixture of sand and paint to deter free pedi-cab to guide you through the dis - beavers at the confluence of Westerly and Sand Creeks near Stapleton. Odyssey student Park Hill Family Bike Ride June 20 trict. Elizabeth Hailu is painting the tree in foreground. Free Family Bike Rides are held the third Events during the art walk include: the irst, fourth, sixth and eighth grade students from The Odyssey School recently Saturday of the month through October (ex - Aurora Symphony Orchestra Wine Social cept for a Sunday in July). Each 5 mile ride worked on stewardship projects along Westerly and Sand Creeks and at Bluff silent auction and tasting; Red Delicious Lake Nature Center. The older students worked on protection measures in a ma - begins at 10am and ends at about 11:30 am. Press' popular "Steamroller Printmaking;" F ture cottonwood grove and a planting project at Bluff Lake Nature Center. Younger The June ride will start at Joseph’s Southern Downtown Aurora Visual Arts' outdoor Food at 2868 Fairfax St. students cleaned the water and banks of Westerly Creek. They all met near the creeks' fashion show at 7 p.m. and roving reports confluence to celebrate their accomplishments. More than 100 students and eight Helmets are required and young riders by Cool Lew Gaiter, host of "Friday Night must be accompanied by an adult (no train - Odyssey teachers participated. The day was coordinated by Donny Roush, Odyssey's Jazz" on KUVO. advancement director, who says, "Odyssey kids really understand how they can impact ing wheels). Each ride will end with drawings Enjoy free appetizers at La Cueva restau - for prizes and the chance to win a free bicy - their own environment and they think this work is really worthwhile. And, they love rant and close the evening at the Zephyr being outside." cle, donated by The Bike Depot. Free loaner Lounge's 2 for 1 happy hour from 5 to 7 bikes are available, with 7-day advance no - p.m. and from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. tice. For more information, contact the The summer art walk is sponsored by GPHC at (303) 388-0918 or the Park Hill the generous donations from Citywide Bike Depot at (303) 393-1963. Bank, Community College of Aurora and Aurora Art in Public Places. Relay for Life, June 26-27 To learn more or obtain a map of the art walk route, call 720-276-2335 or visit Celebrate with cancer survivors and www.eastendartsdistrict.org. carnegies and remember those who lost their battle with cancer at Smiley Middle School. At nightfall, participants will Charity Chase Fun Run & Walk light hundreds of luminaries to honor cancer survivors as well as friends and To Benefit Catholic Charities family lost to the disease. Events start at Saturday, June 20 6pm. The NE Denver Relay for Life in - cludes Stapleton, Park Hill, Lowry, Hill - Stapleton Central Park top and Crestmoor. Teams and sponsors Register on-line by June 16th are still needed. Activities for children of all ages. www.nedenverrelay.com www.ccdenver.org

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Stapleton Front Porch 15 June 2009 Father’s Day Reflections RECURRING EVENTS Dads Aren’t Perfect, “They All Can Screw Up” 4th Monday 2823 Roslyn St. Downey insisted. “I think that dads SUN Board Mtg 7:30pm, MCA [email protected] Comm Rm, 2823 Roslyn St should have a philosophy and an ap - stapletonunitedneighbors @gmail.com Every Thurs day (when school’s in session) proach for their kids’ understanding Every Tuesday Bill Roberts Elementary School that there’s a short life span in father - Stapleton Rotary Club – 12pm Tour, 10am.,2100 Akron Way, hood,” he said. “Babies – we’re com - Stapleton Radisson Plaza Hotel 720-424-2640 3333 Quebec St pletely enamored with them and the [email protected] First Thursday Bill Roberts Middle School process and we move through that Every Tuesday Tour, 10am when they’re little kids, and they adore AA Open Discussion Mtg 7:30pm 2100 Akron Way, you. My message is that we have to wal - MCA Community Room, 2823 720-424-2640 low in it because it’s going to end pretty Roslyn Street 303.912.7075 3rd Thursday 1st Tuesday Stapleton Citizens Advisory darned quickly. Then they’re going to Breast Cancer Support Group 5 - Board Mtg, Stapleton Develop - be teenagers and our purpose is going to 6:30pm AF Williams Family Medi - ment Corp (SDC) be to embarrass them. Then they’re cine Clinic, Conference Rm 7350 E. 29th Ave. (west entrance) 3055 Roslyn 7:30 – 9am 303.393.7700 going to hate us. (at MLK) 720-848-9000 2nd Friday “We have to treat them right now 3rd Tuesday Story time & craft for young because eventually these kids – these lit - Greater Stapleton Business Assoc. children & caregiver Westerly tle beings that can’t find the shoes they 8am MCA Comm Rm, 2823 Creek Elementary library Roslyn Street 303.393.7700 9:15 - 9:45am. 303-322-5877 had on a few seconds ago – are some 1st Saturday day going to decide whether we’re going Every Wednesday Tom Downy with Meg,18 months, on his shoulders, takes an evening stroll with daughters Weekly Weeders, Bluff Lake Na - Bluff Lake Birders, Nature to see our grandkids. They’re going to ture Center 9am-12pm, Center 7-9am Ella, 4, and Cate, 8, in the pocket park across the street from their Stapleton home. 303.945.6717 [BluffLakeNatureCenter.org] decide what nursing home we’re going By Nancy Burkhart That wasn’t the end of the mistake ex - to go into. So, we’re going to have to 1st Wednesday 2nd Saturday “1st Wednesdays” Home-based NE Denver/Park Hill MS Self- Stapleton resident Tom Downey, 44, is perience. Downey said he asked his neigh - take advantage of this now. They’re businesses. Location at Stapleton - Help & Support Group, Dist. 2 president of the Children’s Museum. In bor, who also has a four-year-old daughter, going to remember this. “We need to Life.com Most mtgs 11:30am- Police Station, 10:15-11:45am 1pm 3821 Holly St. 303-329-0619 his position, he helps to create teachable if he would like to have the two little girls maximize the fun because it’s the only moments techniques for children with go to the party together and be picked up time in our lives and they’re the only 2nd Wed. ( Odd numbered Periodically months) Stapleton Wine the museum’s exhibits. And, when he together. However, the neighbor replied people in our lives that are going to SUN Transportation Committee Appreciation Group goes home, he tries to use these tech - that his daughter hadn’t been invited to the adore us,” he added. 6:30pm MCA Conference Rm, If interested in upcoming events email niques on his three daughters, Cate, 8 party. Downey recommends taking the years old, Ella, 4, and Meg, 18 months. “I had to ‘out’ myself with Craig,” children to the Children’s Museum for But even with Downey’s daily experi - Downey said. “I had to say, ‘Your kid isn’t Father’s Day. There are fun, interactive ences of working with children, when he a loser. My kids’ dad is the loser.” exhibits. Dad and the kids can climb all goes home to be “dad,” he has the oppor - Then the weekend moved on to give over a real fire truck while the kids wear

Y tunity to “screw up.” Downey another “screw up” chance. fireman jackets and hats. And, there is a T L

A “We’ve got to get that message out,” “I hate yard work,” he said. “My wife 911 call center that helps parents teach CENTRAL PARK E Downey said. “We’re all in the same (Lori Fox) loves it. She goes out to pick up their children how to make a 911 call. R boat. We’ve got to be good to ourselves. Ella from the birthday party. I pulled The Children’s Museum is open from PURCHASES | S ALES | I NVESTMENTS | P ROPERTY MANAGEMENT Everybody makes the same mistake.” bushes that she didn’t like, but I went one 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Father’s Day. High One weekend last month, Downey row too far. I pulled up the rosebush Cate quality, cheaper, grab ‘n go, organic demonstrated his ability for parental mis - had just planted. And, I had to tell Cate I food is available for lunch or dinner. RENTED 2900 Emporia Ct. takes when “I found out I brought the took Ella to the party she was supposed to The Children’s Museum is located at • For Rent or Sale wrong kid to the birthday party. I have gone to.” 2121 Children’s Museum Drive. For in - • $2,500 / mo. brought the four-year-old to the eight- Kids don’t come with instruction books, formation, visit www. Mychildsmu - • $585,000 Purchase year-old party,” he said. and no one can be a perfect parent, seum.org or call 303-433-7444. • 4 Bed / 5 Bath • Over 3,400 Finished Square Feet • Finished Basement Denver Dermatology Consultants, P.C.

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June 2009 16 Stapleton Front Porch Be Sly Like a Fox Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge Living with Our Shy Visitors Wildlife Refuge Helps Halt Decline in Avian Species Local bird-watchers can view hard- than 300 different species of birds use the Refuge during various seasons. Over the winter months, bald eagles can to-find species in natural habitat be seen nesting in a line of cottonwoods trees along the By Sherry James eastern shore of Lake Lower Derby. The Refuge was id you know one of the nation's hot-spots for established largely due to the discovery of a communal bird-watching is right in your back yard? The winter roost of bald eagles here in 1986. DRocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Bird-watching is the fastest-growing outdoor activity in Refuge is home to several species of the United States, according to a birds that are increasingly hard to 2001 survey conducted by the U.S. find elsewhere in the region, Fish and Wildlife Service. The according to the first comprehensive Refuge offers a variety of nature Editor’s Note: Two Sta - report on U.S. bird populations programs and guided tours for pleton residents emailed published by the U.S. Fish and people of all ages to learn about us with photos of foxes, Wildlife Service. local species and their amazing so we asked our neigh - The State of the Birds report habits. In fact, the Refuge has bors at the National shows an alarming decline in avian become a prime destination for Wildlife Refuge for in - populations across a variety of bird-watchers, who can witness the formation on living climates. The report documents an quirky behavior of burrowing owls with foxes. almost 40 percent decline in or view Colorado's state bird, the By Sherry James and grassland and native prairie birds, lark bunting. Scott Quayle including many of the species found The Refuge is a great place to he grasses on in Commerce City and the Colorado learn the fast-growing hobby of the plains have grasslands. bird-watching. Visitors can take Tturned bright Many of the state's avian species tours guided by knowledgeable U.S. green, the tiny tree are experiencing perilous times due to Fish and Wildlife Service staff. Lark bunting on a thistle buds burst into leaves intensified development, agriculture (Binoculars are provided.) A new on the tips of their and climate change. One place where grassland- innovative program, “Birding by Ear,” employs the use of branches and wildflow - dependent birds are thriving is the Refuge. The Refuge iPods to identify birds by sound. ers erupt in vibrant sustains a substantial population of grassland birds, such As the State of the Birds report shows, conservation spectrums of colors. The top photo was taken by Micah Lang of as the western meadowlark, that are mentioned in the efforts like the habitat preservation taking place at the And, the wildlife ba - a fox seen in the 8100 block of E. 25th Drive. The lower photo was taken by BJ Sul - State of the Birds report. Refuge are critical to the survival of avian species. Show bies have arrived –it’s livan of a fox inside the fence at the swim - Refuge Manager Steve Berendzen states, “The Refuge your support by visiting the Refuge and participating in almost summertime in ming pool at 28th and Hanover. has a multitude of birds, including species of concern one of the nature and environmental programs. To see a Stapleton! such as the bald eagle and burrowing owl. The diverse complete listing of the birds living at the Refuge or to find Some of the local wildlife include birds, prairie dogs and foxes, habitat offers an opportunity to see the birds in their out more about the nature and environmental programs, which you may have recently seen in the neighborhood. While natural setting.” contact the Visitor Center at 303-289-0930 or visit online there are four species of fox in Colorado, the most common to Birds have the ability to respond quickly and http://www.fws.gov/rockymountainarsenal/. the Stapleton area are red fox. positively towards conservation actions, such as the Visitor Services manager Sherry James has worked at the Often when people see fox out and about, the foxes are look - environmental restoration occurring at the Refuge. More Refuge for 18 years. She can be reached at 303-289-0659. ing for food to take back to their den for their young kits. Red foxes typically eat rodents, rabbits and birds. Smaller foxes mainly eat insects, though small rodents are possible. They are most ac - tively seeking food from dusk until dawn. Foxes will normally try to avoid contact with humans, when possible. It is best to reciprocate that behavior, as well. Sometimes people find young animals left alone in woods, backyards or along roads. Though the young may appear to be abandoned, the mom is often out finding food for her young. Trying to help the wildlife can actually be so stressful on their small hearts that you can literally scare them to death. Watching them from afar is a much better option. The best way to deal with fox in your neighborhood, recom - mended by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, is to keep garbage secure and not to feed them. Clean up fallen fruit in your yard, have an enclosed composting system and don’t let your pets roam freely through the neighborhood. A fox preying on pets is the number one urban conflict. If you see a fox while you are out walking your dog, cross the street to give it, and yourself, a little extra room. Luckily, rabies cases involving fox are rare in Col - orado. If you are interested in seeing wildlife babies, such as bison, deer and prairie dogs, you can visit the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. For information about nature and edu - cational programs, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 303-289-0930 or visit www.fws.gov/rockymountainarsenal/. Scott Quayle is a biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Visitor Services manager Sherry James has worked at the Refuge for 18 years.

Stapleton Front Porch 17 June 2009 SCHOOL NEWS Bill Roberts Service Learning Project on Sustainability

Westerly Creek Celebrates Successful Kindness Program

The Kindergarten through 2nd grade students at Westerly Creek celebrate growing their "chain of kindness acts" to 400 links since late February. As part of their character development pro - gram, the students accepted Rachel's Challenge to show more kindness, compassion, respect and Middle school students at Bill Roberts chose a sustainability theme for their service learning proj - inclusion toward their classmates, teachers and staff. When a student performs an act of kindness ect to teach younger students as well as those in the neighborhood about the importance of sus - the teacher or fellow student writes that act on a small paper link and adds it to the chain of kind - tainability. Above: Shaderia Blake, 7, raises her hand to answer a question about storm water ness. The kids pledge to fill the whole school with more links next year. pollution at an exhibit that was sponsored by the "Keep it Clean from Drain to Stream" campaign. Denver Pre-School Program Provides Tuition Credit Vouchers By Kathy Epperson times like these, Denver families will not be he Denver Preschool Program is faced with the tough decision of whether or something every parent of a Denver not to send a child to preschool." Tpre-kindergartener should know The Denver Preschool Program offers a about. The result of a voter-approved initia - viable means of making early childhood edu - tive to provide tuition credits for parents, cation more accessible for all families. "More the Denver Preschool Program (DPP) re - than 40 years of research shows that early duces the cost of pre-K tuition for parents childhood education provides significant ed - and provides quality-improvement grants to ucational and social benefits for children, preschools. families and communities," says Mejia. "Al - The program is open and voluntary for most 80 percent of brain development oc - all Denver children for the school year prior curs before the age of five. It is critical that to kindergarten, and a Denver family may our children grasp basic and fundamental use the tuition credit with any preschool abilities early so they are prepared to learn provider who is licensed by the state and en - when they enter kindergarten." rolled with the Denver Preschool Program, DPP is open to all provider types, includ - regardless of where that preschool is located. ing for-profit, non-profit, public and private The average tuition credit varies depending providers. The only requirements are that on the length of the child's school day but preschools be licensed by the state and agree averages about $255 per month for part-day to participate in a three-part quality im - programs and $545 per month for full-day provement system. Preschool programs will programs. DPP anticipates that sales tax rev - be eligible to receive technical assistance and enue will generate about $11 million per funding to help develop and achieve their year in support of pre-K children and their quality improvement plan. families. To apply, parents or guardians should "At the Denver Preschool Program, we complete a DPP application (which can be have a multitude of reasons to be optimistic printed from the website or picked up at area about 2009," says CEO James Mejia. "In preschools), provide proof of their child's age only our first 16 months, we have enrolled and of residency in the City and County of more than 5,000 children into quality pre - Denver, and provide documentation of fam - school programs around Denver, a milestone ily income for the most current month. Fam - we were hoping to reach only by our fifth ilies typically hear back regarding their year of operations! We can all agree that the tuition credits within about 2 weeks of appli - slumping economy has forced many to alter cation. their financial priorities. At DPP, we take To learn more about the Denver Pre - pride in the fact that even in challenging school Program, visit www.dpp.org.

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18 June 2009 Stapleton Front Porch SCHOOL NEWS

Roberts 3rd Graders Are Colorado Characters Bill Roberts 3rd grade teachers Jamie Trumbull and Cheryl Beckwith have been presenting lessons on Colorado history and encouraging their students to learn how people's dreams and hard work can make a dif - ference. The students re - searched Coloradans, both past and present, who had an impact on the state’s history. As a cul - minating activity the class partic - ipated in a Colorado Day Celebration, Voices from the Past. The students created a story board, wrote a script, de - signed a costume, and became Caroline Reynolds as Melana Uceda as Maddie Sorenson as Hannah Curran as Drew Felsher as the character. Ella Noble said of Rachael Noel, the Clara Brown, a former slave Chipeta, a Ute Indian who Charlotte Perry, founded Ben Stapleton, former the event, "This is the best day first African American DPS who became a prominent married Chief Ouray. To - a world famous dance and mayor of Denver school board member community leader gether they worked to cre - arts Academy ate peace with the settlers.

Anthony Farmelo as Macguel McClain as Jackson Adams as Katy Boehm as Ella Noble as Justice McClain as John Denver, James Beckworth, an Alfred Packer, Baby Doe Tabor, the 2nd Emily Griffith, founder of Emily Griffith, founder of famous singer African American cannibal wife of Horace Tabor and the Emily Griffith the Emily Griffith mountain man the subject of many books Opportunity School Opportunity School and even an opera

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Stapleton Front Porch 19 June 2009 SCHOOL NEWS New Montessori-Inspired Full-Day Kindergarten Program in NE Denver

By Carol Roberts

t tapleton residents Linda Alston and Devin Dillon have n u

l teamed up to offer a new DPS kindergarten program in B

e NE Denver. Ms. Alston, who has over 25 years teach - c r S e

i ing experience, and Ms. Dillon, principal of Greenwood K-8 P

School in the Gateway community, have planned a Montes - y u sori-inspired kindergarten program for accelerated students G

y

b at Greenwood school. Prospective students will be tested for

o

t readiness to function in an accelerated class. The program o h

P will cover the DPS kindergarten curriculum, but will go be - Linda Alston yond it, offering enrichment using educational practices from the Montessori and the Reggio Emilio approaches, among others. "The program will offer an emphasis on the arts as well as an expeditionary ap - proach to get the students out into the community," says Ms. Alston. "Children will learn to see themselves as contributors, those who make a difference in the world, and the pro - gram will nurture the qualities of giftedness in these young learners." Ms. Dillon points out the value of placing accelerated students together. She says re - search shows that "Gifted students benefit from learning together, and need to be placed with similar students in their areas of strength."1 She referred to a recent article in the Ari - zona Republic discussing gifted education, since Arizona schools are required to provide opportunities that allow gifted students to grow and learn appropriate to their exceptional abilities. The article quotes Dina Brulles, the director of gifted education in an Arizona school district, "When gifted students are purposefully clustered into otherwise diverse classes, rather than split up with one or two in each class, teachers can more easily tailor learning to the needs, strengths, learning styles and interests of individuals, so that all stu - dents have the opportunity to learn at their full potential."2 Ms. Dillon says Greenwood school was one of four DPS schools to receive the Title 1 Most Distinguished Award for High Growth. Her school offers a gifted program for 4th - 8th grade, and the kindergarteners in this new program will be able to move along in the first through third grades as a cluster, until they have the opportunity to be tested for the gifted program in 4th - 8th grades. The new kindergarten will have a full time teaching assistant and the class is expected to be 20-25 children. "It offers a culturally rich program for parents looking for an educa - tional setting with intentional diversity," says Ms. Dillon. Ms. Alston has 14 years experience teaching with the Montessori method, and received her AMI Montessori Degree from the Midwest Montessori Institute in Milwaukee, Wis - consin. In addition, Ms. Alston earned a Master of Arts Degree in Language, Literacy and Culture and the Teaching of Reading from the University of Colorado at Denver. Among her professional awards are: Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award, 2007, Bethune Legacy Award 2007, National Excellence in Teaching Award/NCNW/1996, and Denver Distin - guished Teacher Award/1994. For more information on the new kindergarten program at Greenwood K-8 School contact Greenwood principal Devin Dillon at [email protected]. 1 - (Hoover, Sayler, & Feldhusen, 1993; Kulik & Kulik, 1990; Rogers, 1993) 2- www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2009/01/18/20090118edpeck0118.html

June 2009 20 Stapleton Front Porch SCHOOL NEWS

A Radical Equation: Algebra for Middle School Students by 8th Grade By Gregory Diggs s a parent of children who attend DPS schools, I am aware of recent concerns about Don’t You Deserve it? math instruction and policy. Some parents are concerned with supporting their stu - Pamper Yourself Adents who are below grade level in math achievement. Others have “gifted” or high performing students who seek to maximize exposure to advanced math in preparation for a grand future. Most are interested in equal educational opportunities for their children. Dr. Robert Moses argues that algebra for all students by the end of eighth grade is the Civil Rights issue of the 21st Century. Why? The answers are rooted in the parent concerns I mentioned. Think in terms of Math Lit - eracy. For ambitious students who dream of careers in medicine, biomedical sciences, physics or engineering, access to advanced math instruction (geometry, trigonometry, calculus, etc.), algebra by the end of middle school, is key. And as the entire nation moves towards a new era of a technologically-driven economy, many citizens who do not have a strong under - standing of mathematical concepts such as algebra are destined to be tracked into low pay - ing, minimum wage jobs. If female and minority students are educated in schools where algebra instruction (real algebra, not just “algebra concepts”) is absent, then their education will be separate and unequal to that which is provided in many public schools. As an African American parent, I have an expectation that students of all races, genders, orientation and yes...even mathematical ability...be offered the opportunity to receive algebra instruction, for credit by the end of 8th grade. Math Literacy is a justice imperative for all American citi - zens. I worry that we underestimate the intelligence and talents of our children. A few years ago, when my daughter entered (public) middle school, the school identified more than 40 sixth graders (mostly female, some minority) who were advanced in math. Seventh grade math was offered. And most competed successfully with their 7th grade peers. And yet the DPS answer to this superlative performance was to offer these students a repeat of 7th grade math. Fortunately, a new principal allowed these students to move forward in math. The students continue to do well. As 8th graders, several of these students have successfully com - pleted 9th grade math, fewer (including my daughter) will enter high school taking math courses that are offered to juniors. And while I love to think that these children are just the exceptional, cream of the middle school crop...I urge you to look around: increasing num - bers of public school students are becoming exceptionally literate in mathematics. We will have plenty of time to argue about which math is “real” or “better”. But I hope that we will come to agree that our public schools should be prepared to offer algebra for credit by the end of 8th grade. I am not quite arguing that advanced math meets the aca - demic needs of every child. I am confident, however that we can do a much better job of supporting math literacy than we currently do today. Yes We Can.

Gregory Diggs is a Stapleton Resident. He is the parent of two children who attend DPS schools. Dr. Diggs is a Professor of Education at the University of Colorado, Downtown Denver Campus. He can be reached at 303.525.5813 Open House 10- 15 min. Chair Massage Free Color Consultation Free Lip or Eyebrow Wax Get Your Bangs Trimmed Free Nail Polishing Sunday June 21st, 3:30 - 5:30pm

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Stapleton Front Porch 21 June 2009 By Tom Gleason DPS Schools at Stapleton DPS Board to vote on charter school proposals on ne of the most important choices any parent makes is June 18th. The Board of the Denver Public Schools is scheduled the school he or she chooses for their children. The Stapleton Property Taxes to vote on both charter school proposals at its June 18th meet - Ofollowing information about Denver Public Schools I’m often asked how Stapleton property taxes are utilized ing. Support for one or both proposals may be sent to the Board at Stapleton is designed to provide an explanation of options in regard to Stapleton schools. As with all Denver residential in advance of that meeting by email ([email protected]). Fax for parents currently involved in that decision process. property tax bills, approximately two-thirds of the property (720-423-3216) or hard copy (DPS Board of Education, 900 What are Stapleton’s current DPS schools? taxes Stapleton homeowners pay based on the "standard" mill Grant St., Denver, CO 80203). Westerly Creek Elementary School (WCE): Originally levy of 66.783 mils are collected by the City of Denver for Additional capacity at Westerly Creek Campus: Another de - opened in 2003 as a K-5 school that shared a building and the Denver Public Schools. Those funds, however, are prima - velopment that could create additional classroom space here at common library and “cafetorium” facilities with The Odyssey rily used for operational purposes in DPS, not the construc - Stapleton is the interest of The Odyssey School’s Board to ex - Charter School, WCE was reconfigured in the fall of 2007as a tion of new schools, which are typically funded through the plore the possibility of another location that would enable them school that served 3 year olds enrolled in Early Childhood Ed - issuance of bonds. The “additional” mill levy (currently set at to have their own campus in Stapleton. If Odyssey decides to ucation (ECE) through first grade students. The school adds a 55.038 mils) paid by Stapleton homeowners is designated for move, that would open up space for roughly 250 students in the new grade each year until it becomes ECE through 5th grade “local” improvements such as residential streets, utilities and Westerly Creek Building now shared by The Odyssey School. in 2011. ( www.westerlycreekpta.com ) The land for WCE was parks, but not for the construction of schools. Once the decisions about the two charter schools soon to be conveyed at no cost to DPS via The Stapleton Development considered by DPS and the future of The Odyssey School are Corporation with the approval of Forest City. What is being planned to accommodate projected made, it will provide a better picture of the need for additional The Odyssey Charter School: Odyssey is a K-8 Denver overcrowding in south Stapleton? DPS schools at Stapleton, both north and south of Interstate 70. Public Schools charter school offering an “Expeditionary There is sufficient classroom space at Westerly Creek and Please see the article below by Marc Waxman, executive director Learning Community” to 224 students in the Westerly Creek Bill Roberts schools to accommodate all children anticipated of the Office of School Reform and Innovation for Denver Pub - Campus building it shares on E. 28th Avenue with the West - to enroll for the 2009-2010 school year, but there is also a lic Schools, in this edition of The Front Porch for information erly Creek Elementary School. Odyssey moved to that site, projection that approximately 165 more students will want to about an August 5 th community meeting to discuss Stapleton which was donated to DPS via The Stapleton Development enter those schools for the 2010-2011 school year than can be schools. Corporation with the approval of Forest City, in 2003. accommodated. At this time there are two DPS charter school (www.odysseydenver.org) proposals that, if approved by the DPS School Board, would Additional information about the public and private schools William “Bill” Roberts Elementary School: Roberts Ele - alleviate the overcrowding projected for the fall of 2010: in the neighborhoods surrounding Stapleton may be obtained mentary opened in 2006. It serves students enrolled in Early The Denver Language School (DLS): This proposed DPS from Brian Weber, Vice President – Education and Workforce Childhood Education through 8th grade in a new campus lo - Charter School would be a full Mandarin Chinese/Spanish Initiatives at The Stapleton Foundation for Sustainable Urban cated at Akron Way and Central Park Boulevard. (bill - immersion school whose mission is to boost student achieve - Communities ([email protected]). roberts.dpsk12.org). The Roberts school site was donated to ment through language immersion. If approved, DLS would Tom Gleason is Vice President-Public Relations for Forest City DPS by Forest City. open in the fall of 2010 with 100 kindergarteners and 50 stu - Stapleton, Inc. He may be reached at [email protected]. The Denver School of Science and Technology: DSST is a dents in grades 1 and 2 and would grow one grade each year Denver Public Schools Charter High School located at Valen - through 8th grade. The school intends to locate in central tia and Montview Boulevard. Opened in 2005, DSST is a col - northeast Denver although a site has not yet been deter - lege preparatory liberal arts program with a science and mined. DLS is also now accepting intent to enroll forms. technology focus. DSST is the only "Distinguished" rated high Sixty families from Stapleton have expressed interest in en - DPS to Engage with Stapleton school in Denver. One hundred percent of its two classes of rolling their children. graduates have been accepted into four year colleges. National Heritage Academy (NHA): This school would on School Space Issues – (www.scienceandtech.org ). The DSST school site was donated be operated by a private company with 13 years experience August 5th Meeting Planned by Forest City. running 57 kindergarten - 8th grade schools in six The Denver School of Science and Technology Middle states, serving over 35,000 students with a rigorous academic By Marc Waxman School: The DSST Middle School opened on the campus of curriculum. National Heritage Academy has been in negotia - n August 5th (6:45 p.m.) at William Roberts School, its senior high school in 2008. The DSST Middle School has tions with Forest City for a possible Stapleton location for Denver Public Schools will engage with the Stapleton a college preparatory focus, with an emphasis on developing their school, if it is approved by DPS. The school would offer Ocommunity regarding the need for additional school core liberal arts skills in reading, writing, mathematics and sci - a college prep curriculum that would accommodate approxi - space in the next several years. The district is aware that the ence to prepare students for the rigorous high school program mately 700 students. It would also open in the fall of 2010 as school age population in Stapleton is growing quickly. DPS is at DSST. ( www.scienceandtech.org/middleschool ) The Mid - a K-5 school, adding an additional grade a year until it working diligently to understand the demographic pressures on dle School is on a site donated by Forest City. reaches K-8. the existing schools within Stapleton due to this growth. Initially a third DPS School was planned to be built in Sta - pleton south of I-70 around the 2010 school year. Due to the economic climate, there are insufficient funds available through the Tax Increment Financing (the funding method that pays for public improvements at Stapleton) to currently cover the costs of that project as originally planned. Therefore, other potential so - lutions need to be developed and implemented. DPS is taking this issue seriously and working on a number of possible scenarios to address growing enrollment with Forest City, the Stapleton Foundation and the administrations of West - erly Creek and Bill Roberts schools. Marc Waxman is the Executive Director of the Office of School Bring a Bottle Reform and Innovation for Denver Public Schools Buy a Bottle Get a Buck! During June, for every old bottle of spice you bring in, get a

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June 2009 22 Stapleton Front Porch Views on the Street Spring Forum Provides Stapleton Update By Tom Gleason of at least half of the retail space before work com - What do you bout 100 people turned out for the annual mences. think the Spring Public Forum at the Denver School Charlie Nicola, senior vice president – con - Aof Science and Technology Middle Academy struction for Forest City, said the Park Creek Met - to hear updated information about development at ropolitan District plans to begin construction on city should Stapleton from officials from the City of Denver the long-awaited recreation center on the eastern and Forest City. The Stapleton Public Forum was end of Central Park in the early fall of this year. do with the cosponsored by Stapleton United Neighbors Denver City Councilman Michael Hancock said (SUN), The Stapleton Development Corporation’s the current plan is to construct the 57,000 square concession Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) and Forest City. foot center according to the design shared with the Among those in attendance was Denver City Coun - public on numerous occasions, including previous building in cilman Michael Hancock. Stapleton public forums. The councilman said Jess Ortiz, the City of Denver’s project manager any significant change required in that design Central for the new Central Park Boulevard Interchange on would not be incorporated unless it was first Interstate 70 opened the meeting with an update on brought back to the public. Councilman Hancock Park? the project. The Stapleton interchange has received said the “place holder” name for the recreation $50 million from a variety of federal, state and city center is the Central Park Recreation Center to funding sources. While the interchange is scheduled distinguish it from the City’s Stapleton Recreation to be completed by 2013, there is the potential for Center that already exists at 51st and Broadway. an early phase opening by the end of 2010. The formal naming of the Central Park Recreation Jim Chrisman, senior vice president Forest City, Center will follow a public process already estab - lished for such city facilities. Jeff & Jen Jorgensen with Lily, 7 (above) Gert and Stapleton, Inc., provided the forum with a project- Heidi Majerik, director of development for Almut by-project update in regard to development already “We think the concession building in Cen - underway at Stapleton or anticipated for the future. Forest City, then briefed the audience on the state tral Park would make a great concession Grenz of residential development at Stapleton, including Joelle, 4 Among the topics he addressed were the new Den - stand/restaurant like you would find along ver Public Library that is scheduled to be built in new products that are being offered by Stapleton the boardwalk in a coastal town. It should be In Ger - the E. 29th Avenue Town center at the southwest home builders. When asked about the schedule a casual place to get a coffee, ice cream or a many corner of E. 29th Drive and Roslyn, where it would for completing sidewalks in areas that have not yet burger while enjoying the park.” we had have access to several hundred existing on-street and been developed, Ms. Majerik said she would work a coffee off-street parking spaces. He also provided brief with Stapleton United Neighbors to respond to re - Jill Bruner and shop in updates on the 4-story office building that is being quests related to the safety of pedestrians, particu - Brad Young a park constructed at 35th and Ulster as a regional head - larly in the area of schools. that quarters for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Barbara Neal, public art consultant to Forest It would be sold and the 92 units of affordable rental housing that City and The Park Creek Metropolitan District, cool to have a coffee, will be developed by Mercy Housing Colorado concluded the formal program by providing an kid friendly ice north of the planned Eastbridge Town Center. Mr. update on public art scheduled to be installed this place with cream Chrisman said he believed that Forest City is get - year. Locations for the art include the ellipse on "bar" type and snacks and it was run by the ting close to signing a grocery store to be the anchor 35th Avenue at Xenia Street, the community gar - food (sliders Down Syndrome organization. It tenant for the Eastbridge Town Center, but con - den near 23rd and Spruce, and the Central Park and fried gave people with Down Syndrome a struction of the center will also require pre-leasing Boulevard parkway just north of Montview Blvd. food) and place to work, and it became a self- wine and supporting program. We think some - beer. It would thing like that would be a good idea be more about the atmosphere and a place to here. gather with friends than the food itself. If there were a place to eat and drink here we'd come once a week. But we also like the idea of it being rentable. Rob Baugh - man

"I'd like to see a grill type place where you could Darla Ruff get with grandchildren Kiara,3; DJ 1 1/2; and fresh products or something like a Kaleah, 5 and daughter-in-law Reneca Ruff chicken sandwich -- light food that I think they should make the space a combi - you order at the counter (no wait nation space that could be rented for special staff), and kid friendly. Also it would events with a concession that would be open be nice to have with vending ma - most of the time. I'd like to see healthy food chines for after hours or in the win - for the kids, like fruit juice (instead of soda), ter." and coffee and latte for the adults.

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Stapleton Front Porch 23 June 2009 Race and the Political Landscape By Michael B. Hancock Since the election of Denver City Councilwoman Carla Madison to replace Elbra Wedgeworth in the "historically safe African-American" seat in District 8, the thought has been that the glory days of safe seats for African-Ameri - S.U.N. Meetings are held on the 4th Monday of every month at cans were over. 7:30pm in the Stapleton Community Room, 2823 Roslyn Street. For At the statehouse this week, a Democratic vacancy information about S.U.N. visit www.stapletonunitedneighbors.com. committee's selection of Mike Johnston to replace Peter To contact SUN or confirm meeting time, email Groff as state senator for District 33 has further exacer - [email protected] or call 720-840-8492. bated the perception that African-Americans are losing ground politically in Colorado. Though I supported another candidate for the seat, I believe Johnston will represent all citizens of District 33 well. He is capable and committed. I agree that paradigm Affordable Housing Vision shift is occurring, but I do not necessarily agree it is a neg - ative for the African-American community. Coming to Fruition in Stapleton As Generation X comes of age, we have ushered in a new way of managing the political landscape, not count - he Stapleton Development Plan, or Green Book, $110,000 to $170,000 for new, and re-sales are just below ing seats based on geography but counting opportunities as it is called, was created in 1995 with three pri - and above those numbers. New Town Builders is currently based on preparedness. African-American candidates who Tmary goals- Economic Development, Environ - selling the 29th Drive Row Homes under the affordable speak to the bread- and-butter issues of the American peo - mental Responsibility and Social Equity. All three of program. Re-sales are available at both Roslyn Court and ple can compete for any office, anywhere. The outlook for these goals are exemplified in how the Denver affordable Syracuse Village. There was a steep learning curve as Forest African-American candidates has never been brighter. Pres - housing program is thriving in Stapleton even in today’s City introduced the affordable program at Stapleton and ident Barack Obama's election is the most obvious exam - tough real estate market. There are currently over 500 keeping up with booming sales from 2003-2007 put them ple of the possibilities. people living in Stapleton, who would not have had the far behind expectations. Sales in 2008 however, represent African-American members of the baby-boom genera - opportunity to do so were it not for these goals and the over 10% of the total sales within the affordable market at tion and their predecessors fought successfully for basic efforts and guidelines created by the City of Denver and Stapleton. The recent $8,000 tax credit for first time home civil rights, including the right to vote and to live wherever Forest City in Developing Stapleton. buyers as well as a tighter housing market has led to a great their financial capacity could get them. Generation X is These homeowners and renters are a big part of the start for sales in 2009 as well. The affordable program at reaping the benefits of those battles for upward mobility. fabric of our Stapleton community with a big percent - Stapleton recently eclipsed the 200 home mark, which is While there is still much work to be done, this generation age of them working in and around Stapleton as teach - shy of the requirement for total homes but many issues is enjoying income levels their parents only dreamed of, ers, nurses, retail employees, school bus drivers just to have been ironed out and the future looks bright. greater access to higher education, and protected access to name a few occupations. They are folks just getting Forest City agreed to provide 20% of all rentals as af - the ballot box. started in life like med students, interns and nannies, as fordable to households between 30% and 60% of AMI (continued on page 26) well as retirees downsizing to be close to their grandkids with rents on a sliding scale. Rents range from approxi - here in Stapleton. This program was designed to help mately $300 to $1,000 a month. Currently affordable break down the barriers that rising home costs create. rental units exceed the requirement due to a slower build - These homes also create a great opportunity for people ing market but demand is still very high with wait-lists of to be in our great school and park system, have short over 100 people and a wait of up to 12-months. 92 new commutes and business infrastructure. Together we all units will be added in 2011 in a new Mercy Housing de - make Stapleton thrive and become the community we velopment, bringing the total affordable rentals to 278. have envisioned. Although the affordable program has had its challenges The Affordable Housing plan with the City of Den - and set backs the community should feel very proud of the E ver promotes both for-sale and rental homes. The agree - accomplishments. Forest City, The Citizens Advisory EXERCIS ment requires that 10% of the for-sale homes in Board, SUN and the City of Denver have all worked RESEARCH STUDY Stapleton be sold to buyers that make less than 80% of proactively to ensure the success of this program and its e… is study you must b the area median income (AMI); this number is based on To participate in th continuation. The affordable housing program is big part ealth man or man in generally good h the household size and currently ranges from $42,550- of what makes Stapleton a such a great community! • A wo ge $60,800. Right now these homes are being sold from • 60 – 75 years of a s regularly but willing to start • Not lifting weight a month similar drugs more than 2 days • Not using aspirin, ibuprofen or ill receive at no cost… Eligible women and men w • Health screening tests exercise program • A personalized and supervised e pain reliever ibuprofen on e are looking at the effects of th W cise in older adults. in muscle and bone due to exer changes scan, treadmill exercise de a physical exam, bone density Initial screening tests inclu lanned exercise and men who qualify will begin p test, and blood tests. Women uprofen facility. Participants will take ib ing for 9 months at our exercise train he days they exercise. or an inactive pill (placebo) on t onal Institutes of Health. This study is funded by the Nati pensation provided. Monetary com 9 rt, PhD - - COMIRB #06-076 al Investigator: Wendy Koh Princip a at 720.848.6461 ested?… please contact Marsh Inter u or [email protected] er and Health Sciences Center University of Colorado at Denv

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June 2009 24 Stapleton Front Porch Letter to the Editor 25th where the street is sinking and the man - holes are sticking out. The second incident took CLASSI FIED ADS Off-Leash Dogs place while walking our dog (on a leash!) to our block party. This was at 23rd and Yosemite. A EVENTS SERVICES SERVICES FOR RENT Recently our family had 2 bad experiences with very aggressive Doberman (off leash) ran at us FATHER'S DAY BRUNCH - Satchel's sults. Visit www.SheriKaz.com for Spe - MOUNTAIN HIGH LANDSCAPE - BEAUTIFUL CRESCENT FLATS off-leash dogs in a single weekend. The first inci - June 21, Sunday. Call 303.355.2137 or cial Offers. 303-377-5619 It’s not too early for spring clean- Apartments. Contemporary urban and nearly bit our dog. We were terrified. This email [email protected] to up. Trim Trees and shrubs, Clean-up flats, above E. 29th Town Center. 1 dent took place at 25th and Alton ct. A dog ran COMPUTER SERVICES – On-site resi - dog is approx. 85 pounds. The reply from the RSVP. Fresh Farmer's Market menus dential and small business support; spy - leafs and trash, weekly mowing Bedrooms from $939, 2 Bedrooms across the street in front of our car, and we hit it, coming soon to celebrate Colorado's ware removal; file recovery; secure starting at $20. For all your lawn from $1245. Floor-to-ceiling win - dog's owner was "that's just his aggressive na - summer fare. Serving Dinner Wed - Sat. care, landscape, or Irrigation needs. dows, in-suite washer/dryer. Pet well actually the dog sort of hit the side of our car. wireless networking; hardware/soft - ture" followed by laughter. Is there anything you 5-10 pm. Beer & Wine Selection. Week - ware upgrades and installations; call Jon Call 303.915.4962 friendly. Immediate occupancy. Enjoy The dog seemed to be injured so we stopped to can do to get the word out that this is not ac - end Brunch. Event calendar at satchels - at 303-736-8907 OMEGA DECK, FENCE and Per - all Stapleton amenities. 1-877-768- market.com - 5021 E. 28th Ave. Park gola staining and designing in beau - 2663. 2853 Roslyn St. EHO. Please see if it was OK, but the dog's owner picked up ceptable. Not only is this inconsiderate and a Hill CONSIDERING RENTING YOUR call for specials. HOUSE/Townhouse? Full Service Prop - tiful redwood, fir or cedar. Please the dog and left in haste. We were only doing nuisance, but a danger to our children and every - SPANISH IS FUN Language School erty Management Company. Expert in call Norman at 720.270.5101 BOTANICA ON THE GREEN Apart - about 15-20 mph because this is the section of one in our community. –Dan Winchell Summer Camp at Lowry – not a class, extremely hot Stapleton market. Will PIANO SERVICE - Tuning, repair, re - ments. Stylish condo-style apart - an unforgettable experience! Ages 4-10. get top $$$. Call/email Tom Cummings conditioning. 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Stapleton Front Porch 25 June 2009 State Senator Michael Johnston (continued from page 4) same race should be chosen to re - matic solution. I think there’s a willingness for things that (continued from p. 1) place him, but Johnston is white. The communities within were unpalatable in the past.” Wyoming border, just the district reflect very different incomes and ethnic Johnston hopes to engage the constituents of Senate north of Virginia groups. And, while Park Hill is an older community, Sta - District 33 to work with him on issues facing the State Dale, Colorado, with pleton is a developing one. Legislature. He doesn’t consider the job to be one where stops in Ft Collins, “I wouldn’t have gotten into this race if I didn’t have a he votes and then explains to the voters why he voted the Denver, and Parker, passionate commitment to represent all races and all eco - way he did. He wants the district’s residents to tell him and it ended in Secu - nomic levels,” Johnston said. “I was surprised and im - why he should vote a certain way. rity. South of Secu - pressed at how common the issues were across all the “I’m just launching a whole series of policy advisory rity, the trail is only a conversations we had. I felt like there’s a deep commit - committees, people with expertise or passion that want to plan; nothing is com - ment for the issues that are tied to all of us. get involved,” Johnston said. “I’m also starting outreach plete at present. “It’s not that I think there’s no disagreement. It’s that I committees to bring passion into a true dialogue, getting think there’s a greater sense of urgency. Maybe there is more input. It feels like a true two-way street of conversa - Friday, May 15th, more political courage right now than there was before. I tion to get everybody involved and interested.” Drove to Laramie think now the economic crisis forces us to examine things To get information about State Sen. Michael Johnston’s Altitude at the that were too political and volatile. Now there is more of a committees or to offer opinions, e-mail him at: state line must be sense that there is a dramatic problem that calls for a dra - [email protected]. around 8,000 and at Ft Collins around 4900. Wow. So in spite of those long Hancock hills we saw, it should (continued from page 24) be a net downhill, right? Now if the wind will just hold off.

bottle of FREE Colorado, here I ith whole This has resulted in an increased spotter w aning house cle number of African-American elected come. officials all over the country and, yes, increased mobility to outlying Saturday May 16th,

CODE: communities. In Denver, there is no 45 miles, Wyoming Expires 6/30/09 FP0609 geographic community that is pre - border to Ft. Collins dominantly African-American. In (4 hours riding time) fact, Aurora has experienced the When I told peo - greatest growth in African-American ple I planned to ride population in the state, while Den - U.S. 287 from the Expires 6/30/09 CODE: FP0609 ver saw the greatest flight. That shift Wyoming line to La should not be seen as a negative but Porte (10 miles north as an opportunity borne from the ef - of Ft. Collins), I got

All 3 for $159 forts of our ancestors. several warnings Madison's election and John - about how bad it Expires 6/30/09 CODE: FP0609 ston's selection are not indications was--heavy traffic, Here I am at the Wyoming/Colorado of a problem. Rather, they are indi - lots of trucks. But it State Line at 7:45am on Saturday. It’s 35 cations that it's time for the African- turned out great. degrees and windy, although it is very pretty country and really green, since American community to broaden its There is a nice wide we've had a fairly wet spring. reach and political vision. shoulder, which The opportunity to compete for makes all the difference. However it was 32 miles and I any office in the country has been wouldn’t recommend it for people unaccustomed to riding earned, and now we must take full on busy roads. advantage of it. The Colorado elec - At torate has proven that when electing La - officeholders, it is more concerned Porte I about a candidate's qualifications picked than his race. To focus on so-called up the "traditionally safe" seats misses the Poudre point of what so many people have Trail. fought for.. Had a President Obama has said "our nice time has come." Nothing could be stop at truer for African-Americans in Col - Vern's orado who desire to serve the public. Place Michael B. Hancock is a city coun - cilman for District 11. The Poudre Trail

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June 2009 26 Stapleton Front Porch Riding the Colorado Front Range Trail huge refiner - The ies. It will quiet eventually ride we connect di - took rectly to the was on Westerly Parker Creek Trail in Road!) Stapleton, but for now I had Didn’t to get off at ride Smith Road Tuesday and Xanthia May 19, A creek along the New Santa Fe Trail and ride had to work. Wednesday, May 20th – 47 miles, Greenland Trail through the to Security (5 hours riding time; total –201 miles) neighbor - I skipped the 20-mile stretch between Franktown and the hood. Greenland Trail (which starts at exit 167 off I-25) because there is no bike trail and I couldn’t figure out a good alter - Monday, nate route. Today’s route is actually a combination of four May 18th, trails: The Greenland Trail, which connects to the New 38 miles, Santa Fe trail, which connects to the Pikes Peak Greenway, Denver to which connects to the Fountain Creek Trail. Sarah McGregor riding the trail in Douglas County's Hidden Mesa Open Space about a mile north of Franktown. Franktown, Much of the first 7 miles of Greenland is rough and (3 hours riding time; total so would require a mountain bike or hybrid and is uphill to restaurant and bakery that sells far –154 miles) Palmer Lake. Then the rest of the day (40 miles) was down - monstrous – and monstrously deli - It takes about an hour and a hill. It was very wooded through the Air Force Academy, and cious –cinnamon rolls. (Nice thing quarter to ride approximately 15 a diverse group of people were using the trail – I saw several about cycling the Front Range is miles on the streets from Staple - walkers, lots of dogs, the wide variety of fine eateries.) ton to Cherry Creek State Park parents with kids in The Poudre Trail is lovely, and (be sure to pick up the “Bicycling strollers, and cyclists. goes all the way to the southern Metro Denver” map from a bike And I saw lots of border of Ft. Collins (approxi - shop for finding the best bike wildlife including two mately 20 miles of bike trail with routes around the city). The snakes- I think one was no roads). Cherry Creek Trail through the a rattler and the other park (which is free for bicyclists) a bullsnake. The Sunday May 17th, 71 miles, The Cherry Creek Bike Trail is beautifully green this year, with scenery was beautiful. Not sure if this was a rattle Ft. Collins to Denver (6 hours some great wetlands. After exiting Sarah's website is snake or a bull snake riding time; total so far –116 miles) the Cherry Creek State park there’s a short interruption posted on: CrazyGuy - Had to ride along roads for about 50-55 miles from Ft. of the trail where you ride along Jordan Road. There are OnaBike -> search for Sarah McGregor -> Choose Journal 4, Collins to Thornton, but at least there was a nice view of some detours on dirt roads--nothing a hybrid bike can't Muffins on the Range. For more information about the Col - Long's Peak. At Riverdale Road and 96th Ave. in Thornton handle. (Apparently some landowners haven't signed on. orado Front Range Trail and maps that show which sections I picked up the Platte River Trail. The Platte River Trail con - Note to those landowners: please get with the program. of the trail have been completed visit nects with the Cherry Creek Trail at the downtown REI, Trails are good for everyone.) http://parks.state.co.us/Trails/ColoradoFrontRangeTrail. and the two combined cover about 45 miles through Denver This is a great stretch of the Cherry Creek Trail, and it Sarah McGregor is a retired teacher and a Denver native and all the way to Franktown, making it the longest finished goes 20 more miles to Franktown, where it ends in a cow who grew up in Park Hill about 3 miles from her current home section of the CFRT. pasture; just stops right there. in Stapleton. She works part time as a Spanish translator/inter - But I headed off on the Sand Creek Trail to spend the (Can you believe that when I was a child living in Park preter to help fund her crazy adventures. She can be reached at night in my own bed at home in Stapleton. The Sand Creek Hill we used to ride a quiet country road to Franktown? [email protected]. Trail runs through an old industrial area, complete with

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Stapleton Front Porch 27 June 2009 June 2009 28 Stapleton Front Porch