Community Announcements
Celebrate Real News
On Wednesday, May 1, the Pauline Robinson Branch Library is throwing a bash to highlight the Greater Park Hill News, an award winning, monthly publication that has been in continuous production covering the neighborhood and city since 1961. Come hobnob with the newspaper’s editor and manager, writers and photographers, blockworkers and bundlers, and beloved advertisers. Learn about the history of the paper, and enjoy refreshments and activities suitable for all ages in a celebratory atmosphere. The party kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at the library, at 33rd and Holly St. Everyone is welcome.
Tell Your Story
Calling all residents of Northeast Park Hill (both past and present)! In partnership with “I Am Denver,” the organization 303 ArtWay will host a storytelling lab from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 11. The event is at the Vickers Boys and Girls Club, 3333 Holly Street. I Am Denver is a city-sponsored project that encourages people to share their histories with stories about families, neighborhoods, schools and favorite restaurants. If you have a story to tell, or if you know of someone whose story should be told, I Am Denver wants to hear it. If you are interested in participating, RSVP to Michael Miera by May 3 at mmiera@urbanlandc.org or 720-699-0319.
One World, Many Songs
Check out the energy and diverse sounds from Coloradans of many backgrounds during a concert on May 19 at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church. One World, Many Songs: A Denver Cultural Festival brings together music and dance from Colorado arts organizations for a concert of celebration and cultural bridge building. The concert features Mudra Dance Studio, Fiesta Colorado, The Lost Tribe (Jewish fusion band), the Colorado Korean Chorus, Columbine Chorale, and the host choir, the One World Singers. Everyone is welcome. The concert begins at 4 p.m. at the church, 1980 Dahlia St. Tickets are $20 (children 12 and under are free) and may be purchased at http://oneworldsingers.org or at the door.
Keeping It Civil
A study in 2018 found that 93 percent of Americans say they are tired of how divided we have become as a country. What are the benefits of engaging in civil dialogue with people who see the world differently than we do? How do we approach conversations with those who don’t share our perspective, in a respectful way? On Thursday, May 23, the group Boomers Leading Change is holding an event to tackle ways to engage in civil discourse, and share tips on having difficult conversations. Carol O’Dwyer will facilitate. Civil Dialogue is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the
Carla Madison Recreation Center
2401 E. Colfax Ave. There is free parking, and light snacks will be provided. There is no cost. For more check out www.bit.ly/CivilDialogue.
Phil Goodstein Sightings
Denver author and historian (and all-around character) Phil Goodstein will appear on Saturday, May 4 at the Park Hill Bookstore, 4620 23rd Ave. Goodstein will hold court and sign copies of his latest, The Denver School Book, the first in a trilogy delving into the rich history of public schools in Colorado. The event is free, though copies of the book are not. Goodstein, a disgruntled alumnus of DPS, will also hold a series of readings from his new book in June, including at the Book Bar
at West 43rd Avenue and Tennyson Street on Sunday, June 2, at 5 p.m. and on Saturday, June 8 at 3 p.m. at the Gonzales Library at West Colfax Avenue and Irving Street.
9 Miles Of Bike Lanes
Public meetings began in April and continue in May to educate Denver residents about eight tax bond-funded bikeways that will be installed next year, adding about nine miles of bikeways to the city’s network. A meeting to discuss the bikeway northeast of Park Hill will be on Wednesday, May 15, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Montbello Rec Center. Other meetings to discuss bike lanes in and near Park Hill will be on Tuesday, May 21 (location to be determined) and on Thursday, May 29 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Central Park Rec Center in Stapleton. For details and additional meeting locations and times, check out denvergov.org/bikeprogram.
Art Club Show May 3-5
The Park Hill Art Club presents its Spring Show and Sale beginning Friday, May 3 through Sunday, May 5. The annual event showcases a selection of artwork created by a group of member artists and features a variety of mediums, including watercolor, oil, acrylic and mixed media. Founded in 1974, the Park Hill Art Club provides educational opportunities, fellowship and support. The Spring Show and Sale is at Park Hill United Methodist Church,
5209 E. Montview Blvd. The show hours are as follows: Friday, April 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, April 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit parkhillartclub.org
Sangria For Spring May 4-5
As she has every fall and spring for nearly 45 years, Helen Wolcott will open her Park Hill home at 2309 Clermont St. on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5, hosting a group of artists and artisans who show and sell their creations. Wolcott specializes in jewelry, both costume and silver. Also lined up for the show are Robin Wilton (weaving), Anne Heine (knitting), Anita Kienker (quilted creations), Cristina de Palma-Vega (fabric and paper art), Carmen Curtis Basham (pottery) and David Claypool (honey and beeswax products). Stop by from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Everybody is welcome. Bring a friend and greet spring with a glass of Sangria or a cup of tea.
Art Festival May 17-19
The Park Hill Art Festival kicks off on Friday, May 17, from 3 to 8 p.m. It continues Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival is at the Park Hill Masonic Lodge grounds, at 4819 E. Montview Blvd. Admission is free. The festival showcases fine artists working in oil, acrylic, and watercolor, as well as sculpture, stoneware, ceramics, wood, jewelry, silk fabrics and photography. Food and drink trucks are on hand. Festival-goers have a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree. Parkhillartfestival.com.
Five Points Jazz May 18-19
The Five Points Jazz Festival kicks off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, and runs through 1 a.m. on Sunday, May 19. The annual event celebrates the music, culture and roots of Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood and showcases everything from smooth jazz to bop to swing to funk. The festival is on Welton Street between 26th and 29th streets, and features 50 bands playing live music on 11 stages. It kicks off with a parade down Welton Street at 11 a.m. led by grand marshals, Daphne Rice Allen, Gene Bass and Terri Gentry, and featuring the Otone Brass Band. Denver Arts & Venues is working with Eco-Products this year to provide cost-reduced compostable foodservice packaging, including cups, straws and utensils. For more information and the complete schedule visit ArtsandVenues.com/FivePointsJazz or download the app available for iOS or Android devices.
May 31 Concert In City Park
Grab a picnic basket and join your friends and neighbors on Friday, May 31, at 6:30 p.m. for a free concert at the City Park Pavilion and bandshell. Founded in the 1860s, the Denver Municipal Band is the longest continually operating professional concert band in the United States. This concert will kick off the summer season with conductor Joe Martin. For more information, visit denvermunicipalband.org.
Colfax Marathon May 18-19
An estimated 20,000 athletes are expected to participate in the annual Colfax Marathon during the weekend of May 18 and 19. Please plan accordingly for all traffic disruptions on that day around Park Hill. Travel on Colfax Avenue will be restricted, particularly during the full- and half-marathons on Sunday. Normal traffic patterns will resume as soon as it’s safe for athletes, spectators and motorists. Check out runcolfax.org for info and updates. The following are some general traffic expectations:
• The marathon will have full and partial closures of westbound and eastbound Colfax from Aurora to Lakewood starting as early as 3 a.m. Sunday and ending as late as 1 p.m.
• Roads that cross Colfax Avenue and 17th Avenue could experience significant delays.
• The easiest places to cross Colfax Avenue will be at Interstate 25, Federal Boulevard, and Interstate 225.
• Drivers are urged to avoid Speer Boulevard and Colfax Avenue altogether.
• Crossing intersections along Colfax will be allowed on a very limited basis when safety allows and only at intersections with uniformed police officers.
Brought To You By… Greater Park Hill Community, Inc.
The GPHC, Inc. Registered Neighborhood Organization is sponsoring the following events and programs in May.
Annual Park Hill Yard Sale May 4
Saturday, May 4, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop and sell! Register your sale and view the map at greaterparkhill.org/events/yard-sale/
The Human Element Film May 13
On Monday, May 13, Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., along with AGU/Thriving Earth Exchange, Eco-Cycle and Taking Neighborhood Health to Heart present a special screening of the 2018 film The Human Element, wherein photographer James Balog uses his camera to reveal how environmental change is affecting the lives of everyday Americans.
A panel discussion follows the film to explore what we all can do locally. The event is at the Sie Film Center, 2510 E. Colfax Ave.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $7 per person. secure.denverfilm.org/tickets/film.aspx?id=30990
Garden-in-a-Box Giveaway May 18
Since 2016, GPHC, Inc. has been encouraging novice and low-income gardeners to try their hand at growing their own food.
Each spring we distribute Garden-In-a-Box kits that include seedlings, seeds, instructions, and other tools to help gardeners grow vegetables in a 4×4 plot.
This year’s giveaway is Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the GPHC office, 2823 Fairfax St. Registration is recommended at http://greaterparkhill.org/programs/garden-in-a-box/
City Park Jazz Summer Line-Up
For 33 years, City Park Jazz has offered up 10 free concerts every summer at the Pavilion in Denver’s Historic City Park. Concerts are every Sunday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This year’s series begins on June 2, and the last Sunday concert is on Aug. 4.
City Park Jazz showcases longtime Colorado legends in genres varying from jazz, blues, and salsa. Among the lineup this summer: renowned musician Hazel Miller, who has been called “a force of nature,” and Colorado favorite contemporary jazz ensemble Dotsero. Twenty local food and fashion trucks will be at the park.
City Park Jazz is possible because of the efforts of individuals and community organizations. To learn more about volunteering or sponsoring, check out cityparkjazz.org.
Here’s the line-up for 2019:
June 2: Emma Mayes & The Hip
June 9: Joe Smith & The Spicy Pickles
June 16: Hazel Miller
June 23: Dotsero
June 30: Buckner FunkenJazz
July 7: Invisible Bird
July 14: Conjunto Colores
July 21: Brass Band Extravaganza
July 28: Freddy Rodriguez & the Jazz Connection
Aug. 4: The Heavy Heavies featuring Venus Cruz