A Dedicated Group
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”- Margaret Mead
Margaret Mead’s oft-quoted sentiment feels especially fitting for the volunteer-driven Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. GPHC’s Executive Committee, Board of Governors and dedicated cadre of volunteers work tirelessly to put on our Garden Walk, Home Tour and Family Bike Rides. They review zoning codes, advocate for Park Hill residents and businesses with police and government and ensure GPHC’s fiscal efficiency. They come in weekly to help run our Emergency Food Pantry or to donate food to keep the shelves stocked. They come in monthly to bundle the Greater Park Hill News or to deliver copies door-to-door. I am impressed time and again at what can be accomplished with the energy of these dedicated groups, and would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank ALL of our volunteers – and outgoing Board Chair LeAnn Anderson – as we elect our new Board of Governors in October.
Get Involved with your Neighborhood Organization
Now is the time to get involved with GPHC. I’m asking you to become one of those thoughtful, committed citizens, to make sure that the issues that are important to you are given a voice. Our Annual Meeting is on October 3rd at 6:30pm at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Memberships start at $25 (or what you feel you can afford) and allow you to vote for our incoming slate of officers, or to become one! Here’s your chance to help shape the neighborhood we all love.
Some residents have expressed concerns lately about crime and safety. Our monthly GPHC meetings open with updates from the District 2 Police and an opportunity to advocate for your block. Our next regular meeting after the Annual Meeting will be on Thursday, Nov. 7th at 6:30pm. Please come, or consider serving on the GPHC Safety Committee.
Halloween Safety
Dee and Steve Ciancio are two Park Hill residents who decided to take action following the Halloween night shooting death of 18-year-old Carl Banks, Jr. in 1993 who was taking kids trick-or-treating on Montview. They found a way to help take back our neighborhood after Denver’s infamous “Summer of Violence” instead of simply wringing their hands in fear.
Dee and Steve have for years managed a safe Halloween campaign, which encourages households to stop trick-or-treating by 8pm with signs on the door, but to keep their porch lights on to light up the streets. They also sponsor signage for “Ghost Posts” Halloween night, which are designed to be safe and neutral meeting points throughout Park Hill. The Posts offer a fun opportunity for neighbors to get to know each other over a cup of cider and a safe place for lost kids to be found. Each Ghost Post sets their own plans or theme. There have been large regular Posts over the years, such as at 2200 Forest and 23rd & Fairfax. One year, the Ghost Post at 29th & Albion featured a Star Wars theme, complete with a Yoda, Princess Leia and a black labrador dressed as Darth Vader.
This year, GPHC will be taking over the distribution of Ghost Post signage. Beginning Oct. 14th, please call 303-388-0918 or email director@greaterparkhill.org to sign up to host a post. Signs will be available during our business hours, Monday-Thursday 10am-2pm, and I’ll set up a 5-7pm meeting time the week of Halloween for those who are interested. Door hangers, advising that you are done giving out candy at 8pm, will be available from the GPHC Office at 2823 Fairfax, at Spinelli’s Market on 23rd & Dexter or from Eis Gelato on 29th & Fairfax. I hope you’ll help keep these unique Park Hill Halloween traditions alive, and help ensure a safe and neighborly night for all. Happy Fall!
-Robyn Fishman