Neighborhood Life - January 2017

01 17 DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLOSES GILPIN DESPITE QUESTIONABLE DATA AND NEIGHBORHOOD OUTCRY

By Haines Eason Dec. 15 was a sad night for three area Denver Public Schools (DPS) schools: that night, the Denver Public Schools Board of Education voted to close west Denver’s Greenlee Elementary, northeast Denver’s Amesse Elementary and near northeast Gilpin Montessori, also an elementary school. All three will close at the end of the academic year, though Greenlee and Amesse will be restarted in 2018 once DPS determines what school format works best for those schools.

The Board heard passionate commentary from the schools' teachers, parents and students, but commentary by the Gilpin community was especially emotional as their recent School Quality Review (SQR) recommended closure.

A handful of parents in the Gilpin community, however, feel the data used in the report was flawed, even altered.

Gilpin community member Virginia Delgado begged the board at the Dec. 15 hearing to “not make a decision, as there are discrepancies with the evidence.” She and others used their full appointed comment periods, cited evidence and at times found it hard to speak without visible sadness and anger.

In a conversation the morning of Dec. 15, DPS Deputy Superintendent Susana Cordova spoke to the evolution of DPS’ approach to school closures and restarts.

“In the past, DPS has tried to be as data based as possible, but the board had some concerns, frankly, that the way we looked at the data was not always the same, and that depending on the community, we might make a choice to keep a school open based on community advocacy, and in another neighborhood we might make a choice to restart or potentially close a school,” she said.

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Virginia Delgado addresses the audience at the Dec. 15 Denver Public Schools School Board hearing. Delgado spoke on behalf of Gilpin, which the Board voted to close. Photo by Haines Eason. “[The board] wanted to make sure that, if we’re going to take this action, which we believe is a critical action, but we understand is a disruptive action to a community, that we wanted to do it with as much lack of bias as possible.”

It was with this intention in mind the Board in December 2015 passed the School Performance Com-

pact. The Compact took effect with the 2016 school year.

More on the Compact follows below.

A dialogue regarding restart and closure between DPS and the Gilpin community had been underway for roughly a week by the time the board met to consider continued on page 7

LATIN AMERICAN FOOD BUSINESS INCUBATOR COMAL TEACHES, INSPIRES AND FEEDS LOCALS WITH FLAIR

By J.L. Schultheis Price For some, the New Year brings resolutions to exercise more or eat less. For six would-be entrepreneurs working at Comal, a new Latin American lunch spot in the TAXI development, it could mean a new career as a small business owner, plus a chance to rub elbows with highly successful celebrities.

Comal takes its name from the smooth, flat griddle used to cook tortillas or sear meats. At TAXI, it’s a heritage food incubator, now operating at the former Fuel Café space at 3455

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Ringsby Ct. in Globeville.

“Our goal is to target what the Work Force Center doesn’t offer,” said program coordinator, Slavica Park.

“Historically, the clay comal was handed down from mother to daughter, symbolizing the strong influence of food culture across generations of Latin American women. The name is also representative of the restaurant’s mission to return to these traditional methods of cooking.”

Focus Points Family Resource Center, the concept’s coordinator, has embraced Comal as an ideal way to help low-income families with new job training

Great community needs Scrapes got you hot? a great paper, requires Denver to get a heap of community buy in. neighborhood plans.

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and work education.

Comal’s “learning while earning” model teaches participants how to cook on a larger scale, manage the front side of the house and navigate Denver’s health and building regulations. English speaking skills and other financial and technology training is offered. Trainees come from the surrounding Globeville, Elyria and Swansea areas.

The incubator is a private/public partnership.

“With the boom in development, many longcontinued on page 7

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PUBLISHER

Community Journalism Symbiosis Publisher Jill Farschman Creative Director Jay Farschman Editor Haines Eason Associate Editor Jason McKinney Advertising Jill Farschman Steve Koehler Photographer Sara Hertwig Writers Haines Eason · Jill Farschman · Linda Katchen, Ph.D. · J. Patrick O’Leary · Deborah Ortega · J.L. Schultheis Price · Dianne Thiel

By Jill Farschman

By now, you’ve undoubtedly heard the hoopla over “fake news”—the practice of creating, sharing and perpetuating falsehoods predominantly across social media platforms. By its very definition, “fake news” is fast and unverified. Community journalism, on the other hand, is slowly and deliberately crafted neighborhood news written by professionals.

Therefore, solid community journalism takes resources, effort and time to produce. In short, it costs money to provide community content to readers. When provided for free, that means such content must be underwritten by someone to exist. In the case of our community papers, those underwrit-

EDITOR

EDITORIAL editor@denvermetromedia.com Press releases, calendar listings, story ideas, news tips due by January 18th for the February issue, published the first Wednesday of each month.

ADVERTISING sales@denvermetromedia.com 303.831.8634 Get your message to your neighbors in Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Congress Park, Uptown, Alamo Placitas, Country Club, Cherry Creek North, South City Park and Golden Triangle

History repeats itself

By Haines Eason Welcome to the new year. And to a new world. Trump’s in power, and half the electorate is giddy with dreams of a restored Republican order. The other half is wondering just how quickly four years can pass…

But, underneath everything, I bet even the “winners” feel the election was a shock. That’s what this current moment is all about: shock, hopefully a little pause and some reflection. Maybe a little reflection about your neighbors…

Do you know your neighbor—really

ers are local businesses counting on our readership’s patronage. For readers, supporting local businesses means getting access to neighborhood news that’s increasingly scarce to come by.

Here’s the tricky part. To maintain journalistic integrity, we can’t promise positive coverage to our advertisers despite their generous support. If you’ve got something happening at your business, we’ll try our best to cover it, however, the standard for editorial inclusion in our papers must be newsworthiness. Anything less is a recipe for reader drop-off. But, sometimes newsworthy subjects are controversial. I am not the first publisher threatened by an advertiser after an investigative piece revealed unflattering aspects of their organization.

So, our local businesses support the very existence of our community papers knowing full well there is no “quid pro quo” for doing so. Why? Because these local businesses gain visibility for their brands, services and products to a desirable demographic. Such business owners are modeling entrepreneurial

citizenship.

In community journalism there is a symbiotic relationship between advertisers and readers. “Buy Local” isn’t just a trite slogan. It means before hopping on your computer to shop online, consider hopping in the car or on your bike instead. Spend money in your own neighborhood. After all, the vibrancy of local shopping districts plays a huge role in making neighborhoods great places to live.

Just the other day one of our stalwart local advertisers found himself taking a print to be framed at a big box store. He describes having an “ah ha” moment and having the framing done instead at a local shop down the street from his own business. Here was a local small business owner realizing even he was lacking a “buy local” mentality.

The new year often compels us to think about breaking old habits in favor of more positive ones. This is your chance to start 2017 with a resolution to buy locally so our neighborhoods and community news continue to thrive.

know them? If you think you do, how well? Do you care to know them? That’s what I want to know. I also want to know to what lengths you think they would go to see realized the world they envision.

And, be honest with yourself: how far would you go?

Let’s leave off those questions for a moment. I want to highlight the word of the column: empathy. Let me explain.

I feel for all parties involved this particular election’s outcome was the result of hubris. Don’t know what that is? I bet most Americans without a smartphone are in the same boat. I only learned the term because I had to teach it.

I used to be a teacher, and I taught all levels of school, from middle to university. For a time, I taught at an excessively posh private school in St. Louis, and I taught little future-leader freshmen about hubris, otherwise known as excessive pride.

We read numerous books to illustrate this simple human flaw. Lord of the Flies, Things Fall Apart… The most poignant for its simplicity, though, was Sophocles’ Antigone.

The plot is simple: a city by the name of Thebes has been besieged by a once-loyal-soldier-turned-rebel named Polynices. Creon, the city’s defending general, has effected a victory. Polynices lies dead. Interestingly, so does his brother Eteocles. Twist: Eteocles died defending the city. Creon has decreed Eteocles be given a full ceremonial burial while Polynices be left to rot.

Seems cut and dry, right? I think there are many among us who could see our way to siding with Creon’s logic, especially if we had lost loved ones in the conflict.

Oh. I should add … anyone trying to

Nearly three years ago, I completed the Energy Executives Program at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). As my class project, I drafted a roadmap for how Denver and the surrounding region could lay the groundwork for hydrogen fuel stations and fuel-cell vehicles. It identified the city and state agencies that would have responsibility and outlined what regulations and standards must be enacted to make the use of these vehicles possible.

Since that time, I have supported the work of the Colorado Hydrogen Coalition. The coalition took up my plan as a starting point and worked with the state to make it happen. State laws governing retail hydrogen-fuel sales were amended by the legislature this year. Colorado’s Division of Oil and Public Safety recently adopted regulations setting out common standards, fire codes and other requirements across the state for hydrogen-fuel stations. I filed comments in support of these regulations. The state developed a common sense and straightforward program, setting an example for the country.

The regulations reduce uncertainties for local governments and the private sector.

Colorado is now open for construction of hydrogen-fuel stations and the auto industry is taking note of the opportunity. Colorado is one of the first markets between the West and East Coasts where most industry attention has been

focused.

In October, I was pleased to join the director of the Colorado Oil and Public Safety Division and other key stakeholders on the steps of the capitol. A proclamation from Governor John Hickenlooper was read, celebrating Oct. 8 as Hydrogen Fuel Cell Day in Colorado.

Many supporters and interested groups attended the ceremony. NREL brought out Toyota, Hyundai and Daimler cars for people to see, ask questions about and ride in. Soon after, the U.S. Department of Transportation designated all Colorado interstate highways as future hydrogen corridors, the first in the Rocky Mountain region. This makes Colorado the key early connector for east-west and north-south travel.

I look forward to Colorado moving to the next level by gaining its first fuel stations around the Denver area. Stations will allow the use of fuel-cell vehicles in private and public fleets, and they will lay the foundation for widespread vehicle sales, statewide fueling stations and interstate travel.

From driving around town to long-distance cruising, there will soon be electric vehicles suitable for most drivers.

These vehicles will be fun to drive, tailpipe pollution-free and will offer great fuel mileage. Colorado is going to help lead the way.

continued on page 10

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CITY COUNCIL

By Deborah Ortega, District 13 Denver City Council

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I have always supported reducing air pollution as it has negative impacts for everyone who lives in the region, but especially on people living near roads and highways. Vehicles with no tailpipe emissions offer a tremendous opportunity to reduce air pollution as they become more popular and numerous. Electric vehicles make driving without gasoline exciting and attractive.

I am supportive of local, state and national efforts to make it easier to charge electric vehicles. I also support electric vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells. I have been an advocate for this technology since my first ride in a Toyota Highlander fuel-cell car around City Park with an engineer from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

These cars offer more than 300 miles of driving range, refuel in five minutes or less and make their own electricity. Now that three fully commercial versions are being sold (Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Tucson and Daimler F-Cell), it’s time for all of us to start paying attention.

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4 GREAT FREE EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED THIS MONTH 1 1 2 3 4

Thursday, Jan. 5: The sight of over 100 Texas longhorn cattle walking through the streets of downtown Denver means it’s Stock Show time! The National Western Stock Show Kick-off Parade is a sight to see: marching bands, floats, horseback riders, cowboys, cowgirls and, yes … longhorn cattle. The parade starts at Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St., and runs down 17th Street at noon. Info: nationalwestern.com.

Tuesday, Jan. 10: The Colorado Symphony hosts the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert & Humanitarian Awards at Boettcher Concert Hall, 1400 Curtis St., at 7:30p.m. Celebrating its 26th year, this event recognizes humanitarian leaders who live and lead in the example of peace and equality. Free, but tickets are required. Info: 800-641-1222 or artscomplex.com.

Friday, Jan. 13: Need some help relaxing after the holidays?

Happiness Hour at Kadampa Meditation Center Colorado, 1336 Glenarm Place, at 5:30p.m., consists of a short talk and guided relaxing meditation to help increase a peaceful heart.

No previous experience necessary. Info: meditationincolorado. org.

Monday, Jan. 16: Join fellow marchers and parade fans in this year's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Marade. Participants will congregate at the Dr. King memorial site in City Park, 2001 Colorado Blvd., at 9:00a.m. The Marade begins at 10:00a.m.

Program festivities are expected to end at 1:00p.m. Info: drmartinlkingjrchc.org.

LETTERS People in Denver are ignoring the facts: homelessness is caused by gentrification of low income neighborhoods, rising housing costs, loss of living-wage jobs, loss of pension benefits, lack of healthcare coverage and a striking decrease in federally-built housing since 1970. Housing became a commodity and the Federal government has largely bowed out of building housing. For our citizens made homeless by these causes,

it’s move along to where?

Here’s what the homeless face in shelters as they presently exist: - Sleeping on mats on the floor inches away from other people.

- Noise levels that prevent sleep— how can I sleep with 40 people snoring?

- People moving around during the night interrupting sleep.

- Risk of disease transmission— colds, flu, other communicable diseases.

(For our homeless citizens, getting sick can have life-and-death consequences.)

- Shelters are segregated by sex and don’t service transgender folks. Couples can’t stay together at the same shelter.

- Shelters don’t have storage space for the belongings of the homeless. How

can we ask a homeless person to abandon his/her belongings in order to enter a shelter?

- Many shelters are religious and impose their beliefs on the homeless.

- Homeless are awakened and transported to a day shelter or kicked out to the street at an early hour: 6a.m. when winter temps are the lowest.

- Shelters don’t accept people with alcohol or drug problems and can’t address mental health issues.

- The extra beds the Mayor claims exist are emergency spots in hallways, closets, etc.

So my question to you: would you stay in a shelter if you were homeless, or would you opt to form a small group

for protection and live on the street?

The Golden Rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

We need real housing, not criminalization, for our homeless citizens. That gives them respect, dignity and a chance to get back on their feet. Call your city councilperson to end the Camping Ban, build city-owned housing, provide parking lots for tent camping and make the Mayor meet his promise to facilitate tiny home communities in Denver.

Dianne Thiel Editor's note: our reader offered her email address to those wishing to follow up: aglee668@indra.com.

UPDATED NEIGHBORHOOD PLANS GIVEN ACCELERATED TIMELINE

By J. Patrick O’Leary The neighborhoods straddling East Colfax will participate in the first phase of Denver Community Planning and Development’s (CPD) Neighborhood Planning Initiative, a new, accelerated schedule for creating and updating

neighborhood plans.

North Capitol Hill, Capitol Hill, City Park West, Cheesman Park, City Park and Congress Park neighborhood statistical areas will be included in the East Central area plan; that process will begin in the second quarter of 2017.

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The area plan for the Gateway/Green Valley Ranch and Montbello neighborhoods—the Northeast Plan—will be first, with its kick-off set for March. The process for the East area plan—South Park Hill, Hale, Montclair and East Colfax neighborhoods—will be

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The initiative calls for creating area plans for 19 neighborhood groups, covering every Denver neighborhood continued on page 11

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Owner Genn Dickerson, center, his son Gerard, right, and nephew Michael Lee operate Genna Rae’s, a take out restaurant near Manuel High in Whittier. much more.

There’s a tempting fried salmon dish with raspberry, mango and habanero sauce on the side. Grouper will join the menu soon. Both tropical and coldwater fishes get their due at Genna Rae’s. So does chicken in numerous incarnations.

Dickerson dishes up a lot of wings, but he’s quick to point out he seasons them well first. Burger meat is no frozen patty; each portion is specially seasoned and handcrafted.

Every item is cooked to order, son Gerard points out. Call ahead if you’re in a hurry. This level of cooking takes a bit of time.

This family has a long history with Denver’s restaurant scene. They’re related to the duo who run Welton St. Café, and Dickerson was involved with Sadie’s on Welton in the late ‘80s.

Genn Dickerson started cooking in junior high school and passed the passion to his young son. Their goal is to deliver the best wings and burgers in the city. But don’t overlook the many sides. The yams look particularly good.

If you like what you taste, the Dickersons also cater.

A website is on the way; its address will be gennaraes.com. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 11:00a.m.-8:00p.m. 720287-3523 is the tiny shop’s number.

BUSINESS Photos and column by J.L. Schultheis Price

OPENINGS GENNA RAE’s WINGS & MORE

Who would have guessed? I stalked this space at 1819 E. 28th Ave. for longer than I can remember. Two full years, if not longer. Yet, I still missed the opening of Genna Rae’s Wings & More by several months. My bad.

This eatery opened last Memorial Day and business has geared up since then. Whittier must have been hungering for another BBQ and country cooking place after Three Brothers closed last year.

Maybe it’s the aroma of the fried catfish sandwich or the grill in action or the mingled aromas of half a dozen burgers. I had planned to drop in, grab a phone number and be gone in a flash.

Instead, I lingered for nearly an hour because owner Genn Dickerson and his son and nephew are so damn delightful.

Their backstory is fascinating.

Dickerson hails from St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. He spent 30 years working as an auto mechanic. Cooking was just recreation.

“I’m not a chef,” he insisted. “I’m just a cook.”

I’m not buying it. Dickerson clearly knows Caribbean eats but Genna Rae’s— named after his young daughter—offers

CARBON KNIFE COMPANY

Ever wondered what chefs know about knives that you don’t? Find the answer at Carbon Knife Co. at 3642 Larimer St., RiNo’s new high-end knife shop, adjacent to Dio Mio eatery.

Chefs and shop co-owners Tina Chon and Craig Field have both wielded their share of cutting utensils locally.

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The first thing that draws the eye at Carbon Knife Co. is the wall of knives, but don’t miss the other gadgets in this chef-centric retail space at 3264 Larimer.

The duo met in the kitchen of Rioja in Denver.

They opted to leave that hectic pace behind and are now selling kitchen essentials in a sleek, new storefront.

First, you’ll notice the knife wall.

One massive wall is covered with magnet holders to display each knife. While most collections are Japanese-made, there are US companies like Middleton of South Carolina represented. Additional product lines arrive soon.

“All the big cities have a knife shop—New York, Los Angeles,” said Chon, a former sous chef.

Chon recalls how she disliked the thick, heavy knives she was given to use at school.

“I like a thin profile. They don’t bruise the foods or fine herbs,” she explained. “Respect the food.”

Many products include some blade decoration, but it’s also there for a purpose. These patterns help the knife gently release the food you’re cutting.

These are not cheap items you’ll throw away in a year or two, but there’s no effort to encourage huge purchases.

“Instead of getting a set of knives, we would like to recommend two or three you’ll use for a lifetime,” Chon explained.

An entire table in the shop is left uncluttered so purchasers can compare extensively before making a selection.

This chef-driven cooking supply shop also features a number of additional items you’ll wish you’d known about years ago. One is a pocket can opener that functions like a full version.

Here you can purchase plating tweezers to bump up your presentation game.

Another “must have” is a measuring cup that will flex to let you create the perfect pouring spout.

Sharpening services are offered, along with bar items, cookbooks and periodicals, knife rolls ideal for storing top quality knives and chef’s aprons from local designers.

I didn’t expect to find so many spoons, however. One counter is packed with baskets of vintage spoons. Chon admits she’s a bit obsessed with spoons.

After all, every chef needs a tasting spoon unique in design but universal in function.

Hours are 10:00a.m.-8:00p.m. daily.

The web address is carbonknifeco.com, and their phone is 720-292-4277.

LORE TEA & BOUTIQUE

At 2952 Welton St., Winter Session moved out and Lore Tea & Boutique moved right in. The new venture sells retail gifts, unique items and also, of

course, tea.

Co-owner Alex Ladue said she and her partner search local and also global suppliers.

“We bring in product from all over the world,” she said.

Ladue had to go all the way to Larimer Street to find embossed leather goods from Animal Handmade, a designer of unique goods that shares space with Banshee Press.

The company name came from folklore of the past. Ladue wants everything she sells to tell a story.

“We want to expand on that by creating a space where stories are told and learned through our select pieces and classes. We want to bring creatives together to further their knowledge [of] things that inspire them!”

Classes are also offered. Recent tutorials covered how to dry herbs, blend teas and make holiday wreaths.

More are slated for the near future and you’ll find the list at shoplore.co. 720507-8407 is the shop’s number.

Doors are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00a.m.-6:00p.m. Allow time for a tasting of their favorite teas, or buy a full cup and linger.

STOREHOUSE

Situated at 3151 Larimer St., StoreHouse is a new home furnishings space featuring mid-century furniture, art, gifts and other décor items you’ll not find elsewhere.

Owner/operator Brian Early has combined a sales space and his art studio behind one door. His own passion is crafting unique lighting fixtures.

Local handmade furniture lines include New Collar Goods, Splinter Project and FinArt. Vintage pieces from the last century are ones Early restored.

Otherwise, the inventory comes from designers that personally appeal to Early’s taste.

“That’s the reason I opened the shop. I couldn't afford all this stuff, but here I get to be surrounded by all the things I like,” he explained.

When you drop in to tour his inviting space, ask Early to show you some of his IronLeg lighting creations; I had to settle for photos because he sold out his own work in the first two weeks in business.

“We’re a lifestyle shop and we believe that the space that surrounds you should reflect your lifestyle. Our new inventory is sourced from design shows and local and national makers.

Our aesthetic, while always a half step ahead of the trend, is an aesthetic that is universal, but also very unique to the

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Every product tells a story at Lore Tea & Boutique, 2952 Welton St., where a love of tea, fine things and education blended into a new business venture. individual customer.”

That means you won’t see these wares in every area home. Instead, there’s a constantly changing inventory from which to make your selections.

The shop’s number is 303-6194386. Hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00a.m.-close.

“Close means whenever we feel like it. Usually around 10:00p.m.,” Early said.

Art shows and other events are also planned for the space. You can track those on the company’s Facebook page.

CITY SURF

“NO BAD DAYS.” That’s the mindset at City Surf Fitness, a new fitness space in Uptown offering a great workout while using equipment similar to surfboards.

Co-owner Kevin Plum is a local guy at heart.

“People always assume I am a surfer, but I live in Colorado for a reason; I love all the mountain games. While exploring that passion, I came across City Surf, which was founded by close friends, Mitchell Brown and Lauren McHenry.

City Surf's focus on making fitness fun while keeping it challenging was the perfect fit for what I believe and want everyone to find in fitness,” he said.

The workouts include surf-inspired movements with a heavy dose of fun and escape from the daily grind.

“Every day, we ask ourselves how can we make City Surf more unique, more meaningful and more impactful to our community—members, trainers and partners. We are always looking to mix it up.”

City Surf is not a highly competitive experience, but you can’t sleepwalk

through it either.

“It is challenging! A lot of people think it will be a gimmick or a cakewalk.

They get surprised right (away)!” he explained. “That being said, everyone begins to laugh here when they face a challenge in class. I mean, how can you not? You're inside, on a surfboard, in Colorado, working out. Pretty absurd— but that's what makes it special.”

No prior surfing experience required.

“Working out on the boards and incorporating balance makes sure everyone forgets the troubles outside our studio's walls and is challenged in every class.”

You can try a class for free to start.

Book it at citysurffitness.com. The studio is located at 595 E. 19th Ave., near Pearl Street.

RAINY DAY COFFEE

A postage stamp-sized café is now open, pouring locally crafted coffee and dishing up fresh, local pastries. Rainy Day is situated at 2331 E. 28th Ave. in Skyland. Don’t be surprised if you have to look twice to locate the space. It’s housed inside Du Jour Salon, just off York, in a block that’s also home to The Plimoth restaurant.

Owners Lauren and Wayne Harvey met in Seattle while working in a latenight eatery. When 6:00a.m. rolled around, they’d leave work and go grab coffee. That’s how their romance began.

Before that West Coast life, Lauren lived in this part of Denver. Eventually she enticed Wayne into relocating.

After walking numerous blocks for a good cuppa joe, the couple concluded, “We need some coffee closer to home.”

Rainy Day was the result. The

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A collection of home décor items and unique handmade furniture lines are worth discovering at StoreHouse, a new boutique at 3152 Larimer St. diminutive coffee bar features not much more than a bar. There are less than 10 seats indoors for lingering, with half a dozen more out on the front patio.

Bassil’s Bakery, a local wholesale operation, provides the sweets. Wayne Harvey is the main barista; Lauren splits her time between Rainy Day and the salon in back. “(The company name) is an homage to where we met,” he explained. I t ’ s also a tribute to where they now live.

“Being in Colorado with frequent droughts, water is really special.”

For now, all the beverages except drinking chocolate are espresso-based and feature locally roasted Copper Door beans. Rainy Day is also a gathering point and drop-off location for neighborhood charitable efforts.

The coffee’s steaming Tuesday-Sat-

urday, 6:00a.m.-1:00p.m., but hours may expand when a new pet store with dog wash and Sweet Sweets ice cream shop open next door. Rainy Day can be reached at 206-496-2707.

MOVING BODY CHIROPRACTIC

One usually sees a chiropractor when one’s body isn’t moving correctly.

Now, Moving Body Chiropractic at 1940 E. 18th Ave. in Uptown wants to define proper movement and help you achieve it.

This is the practice of Dr. Emily Gerson who has advanced training in prenatal and pediatric chiropractic, and who is trained in the Webster Technique which aids birth. Her training also includes cranial-sacral therapy. continued on page 6

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20th Ave & High St www.pslmc.com/ER

6 hours are flexible. The shop’s shut on Mondays. 303-292-0672 is the number.

DIGITIQE DENVER

Owners of small Rainy Day Coffee hope to make a big impact on their neighborhood with espresso drinks, locally crafted pastries and community efforts.

Business

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“I am a firm believer in education, always helping patients understand what I’m doing and the reasons for it,” she explained.

Located in the Botanica Wellness Sanctuary at 18th Avenue and Race Street, this is Gerson’s first solo practice.

“It had been a dream of mine to have my own practice ever since I started seeing a chiropractor myself when I was 16,” she said.

She was drawn to her new space in a beautiful old house. “(It has) a very therapeutic and healing vibe to it. I love the neighborhood for its diversity and vibrancy.

Being able to go anywhere on 17th, just down the block, for lunch, has been great too!”

Caring for pregnant women and their newborns is one of her favorite aspects of the job, she added.

“I graduated from chiropractic school when I was nine months pregnant with my first child, so pre-natal care became very meaningful to me.

I love working with women in that exciting (and often daunting) time in their lives. Ensuring that the hips, low back and pelvis are moving properly oftentimes aids in an easier labor and delivery.”

Newborns and little ones respond to a gentler adjustment, Gerson has found.

“I see babies who have colic or reflux, difficulty latching, torticollis and just general fussiness,” she explained.

Gerson’s office is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday of each week and several Saturdays a month.

Her website—movingbodychiro.

com—has details of that schedule, which includes some early evening times. The number is 720-398-2050.

2NDS CONSIGNMENTS

A new shop has opened at 2727 Welton St., featuring goods seeking a second incarnation. In short, it’s a consignment shop.

“Everyone loves a bargain; gone are the days when paying full price for an item is cool. We used to brag about how much we paid for something; now it's how much did you save on that item?” said owner Kathleen Doyle.

Her goal for 2nds Consignments is to become the go-to store for second hand goods already gently used.

“There are thousands of new condos going in on Welton Street; some are efficiency units with no parking. No parking means less residences with cars, so folks will do more walking and getting around in other ways,” she explained. “Why go through the hassle of getting to the mall or fighting the tourists downtown when you can walk down the street and shop local?”

While reusing, Doyle’s finds help the environment, but many shoppers just thrive on the hunt.

“Picking through the racks, you never know what you're going to find, and seeing someone find a dress or a necklace or a pair of shoes, in their size, in their price range, just makes everyone happy.”

Numerous brands are represented, plus some vintage attire, shoes, boots, bags and scarves. Items are accepted for consignment for a 90-day period.

Current hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m. or so. Weekends, 2nds opens at 9:00a.m. Again, closing

RiNo SMOKESHOP

TOBACCO PRODUCTS e-cigarettes • vapors & e-juices cigars • cigarettes • wraps • papers pipes • hookas & shisha

2901 LAWRENCE ST.

RINOSMOKESHOP.COM

If audio is your thing, Digitiqe at 2652 Walnut St. could be your idea of heaven. The company features a retail space with top quality technology and audiovisual installation at the location of your choice.

Owner Kevin Byrne is a self-described audio freak. He began working for the company four years ago in Telluride and boasts over a decade of experience designing cutting edge, residential AV systems.

In addition to sound, Digitiqe sells GPS systems, wireless headphones, drones, 360-degree cameras and even pet-tracking systems. The Denver location is also an Apple-authorized service center for Mac, iPad and Apple TV with hopes to add iPhone services soon.

The store’s open Monday-Saturday 11:00a.m.-7:00p.m.; Sunday, noon6:00p.m. Browse their inventory at digitiqe.com or call 720-644-8942.

Note there’s free valet parking in front of the store—a rare commodity in RiNo.

FICE GALLERY

Just one door north of Digitiqe, Fice Gallery has also opened. It’s a specialty shop blending art, music, street wear and specialty shoes from Nike, Jordon, Vans Vault, Born x Raised, Black Scale and 10 Deep, just to name a few.

This is the second location for Fice, which launched eight years ago in Salt Lake City. The Denver address is 2654 Walnut St. The number is 720-638-8882.

JIBERISH

On the other side of Digitiqe is Jiberish. After six years on South Platte Street, that company closed its doors to open a new, larger footprint at 2650 Walnut St. This location’s been open several months.

The Denver flagship store features clothing items, including outerwear.

If you’re a guy looking for shoes you won’t find at the mall, Jiberish also sells a variety of high-end, limited edition footwear.

CHANGES

THE ROLLING PIN

After a November opening, Five Points’ new European bakery, The Rolling Pin, jumped quickly onto some Top 10 lists recognizing top quality pastries.

Now the neighborhood is waiting for phase two—a variety of breads slated to be baked in house including … wait for it … pumpernickel.

“We will begin our full bread rollout Jan. 6,” promised co-owner, Michael Martinez.

Rolling Pin has already won fans with its pastries, so the breads may fly off the shelves at 2716 Welton St. The web address for details is therollingpinbakeshop.com. The shop number is 720-708-3026.

WINTER SESSION

After a tenure on Welton Street, Winter Session moved this past year to 3833 N. Steele St. Winter Session manufactures quality bags, backpacks and other items, including belts, wallets, organizers and gifts. You can see the full collection at winter-session.com.

CROSSFIT LODO

After half a dozen years at the corner of 24th and Blake streets, Cross-

fit LoDo has relocated to the Prospect neighborhood. The new address is 601 W. 29th Ave., near Fox Street.

With the move comes an expanded space, offering new flexibility in classes and other services. The web address is crossfitlodo.com.

CRANE ARCHITECTURE

Crane Architecture is vacating its space at 2190 E. 17th Ave. The company is moving to 2450 Welton St., a multilevel building that Crane designed called The Wheatley. The design firm will occupy the entire ground floor of the blond brick structure.

OUR MUTUAL FRIEND

Hard to believe it’s been four years since this Larimer Street brewery first opened. So much has changed in RiNo since then, it’s challenging to realize the craft brew explosion we’ve witnessed occurred in a fairly short timeframe.

Our Mutual Friend Brewing (OMF) celebrated big time on December 10, releasing a number of anniversary brews.

“Year Four is our 4th anniversary release! A solerra of many of the sour beers we have brewed over the last year that has been refermented on plums.

It's a beautiful beer and we can't wait to drink some with you,” the company’s Facebook page teased.

CLOSINGS HINTERLAND ART SPACE

One of RiNo’s first and best-known art galleries is calling it quits after 10 years at 3254 Walnut St. Hinterland’s building was sold and artists Randy Rushton and Sabin Aell had to vacate their space, which served as home, gallery and artist studio space.

“It definitely is bittersweet,” said Aell. “We would have liked to buy it— the building we were in—but it just wasn’t possible.”

She’s not entirely sad to be moving out however.

“RiNo’s lost all its edginess,” she added.

Hinterland is definitely going to reopen. The couple purchased land and a building in Morrison to renovate.

Rushton’s art is built with reclaimed materials, so he’s collected massive amount of inventory that needs to move.

Aell indicated that the space will be demolished in early January to make way for an apartment complex. She’s hoping the new structure will be artistically pleasing, unlike many new RiNo living areas.

“There’s nothing wrong with change, if it’s positive.”

The duo can still be reached at 720-309-1764.

MODERN GINGHAM

Kathy Lee’s Modern Gingham and its carefully crafted line of flavors and large fan base will probably be history by the time you read this.

Lee’s delicate blends of foraged fruits and inspired add-ins will be entirely sold out soon, but she did tell me that Marczyk's (both locations) and Capitol Heights Pharmacy are neighborhood places that could still have products in stock.

Maybe it’s not too late to stock up on that raspberry violet blend or the plum and Chinese spices. They’re a great way to dress up any loaf of bread. 303-2847002 will be the contact number.

Send biz news to Jeanne@ lifeoncaphill.com.

7 Gilpin

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the school’s fate. One core problem, contend some in the Gilpin community, is the dialogue should have been underway for longer.

DPS shared its intention to close the school with the school community Dec. 9 and set a meeting to vote on restart or closure for Dec. 15. An impromptu meeting between DPS representatives, including DPS School Board Member Rachele Espiritu, and Gilpin parents, as well as Denver City Councilman Albus Brooks, took place Dec. 14 before the closure vote.

In notes from that meeting shared with Neighborhood Life, Councilman Brooks was cited as saying the turnaround time for parents to react to the news was too short. While acknowledging the SQR, a tool which comes out of the School Performance Compact and which is meant to bring objectivity to the school review process, provided a framework by which DPS could close or restart a school, Councilman Brooks also noted City Council itself has a six-week process in place to come

Comal

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time residents are facing displacement due to rising rents and property taxes,” said Mickey Zeppelin, founder of the TAXI community and principal at Zeppelin Development, which donated a location for the effort.

“The goal of Focus Points is to provide these low-income families with the economic stability to stay in their communities.”

Comal launched its effort with six women in October. There are now 30 more on a wait list. Some will take the reins next summer. Members of the

to decisions on weighty matters. He also indicated his concern with the data used to compile the SQR and felt the Gilpin community was given insufficient time to voice their opinions.

The School Performance Compact and the School Quality Review provide a way for DPS to intervene in schools which continue to perform poorly, even after reforms have been enacted.

For a school to be closed, it must meet the following criteria: Fall in the bottom five percent of all DPS schools, based on multiple years of data; fail to demonstrate improved performance on state tests, year over year; score lower than 25 out of 40 on a School Quality Review.

Based on publicly available data, Gilpin had been drastically underperforming for some time and specifically had underperformed in the three years of data DPS assessed before the SQR in question was performed.

Gilpin scored a 24 on this year’s SQR and, furthermore, was given a score of “1” by third-party assessor, SchoolWorks’

observers, in the category of “teachers’ use of a variety of in-class assessment strategies.” A score of “1” in any SQR category results in a failure of the review.

According to Manager of Media Relations Alex Renteria, DPS contracts with third-party company SchoolWorks to perform reviews in the spirit of objectivity.

“DPS hired … SchoolWorks, to conduct SQRs to maintain objectivity in the process and to support consistency of findings across schools,” she wrote in a Dec. 16 email. “This vendor utilizes a body of evidence approach to generate ratings based on the full two days of evidence collection, in alignment with the rubric. SQR teams may weight indicators differently, depending on the evidence collected. In Gilpin's case, specifically, that evidence included assessment strategies and feedback, which were evaluated based on both classroom observations and stakeholder interviews. These data points cumulatively led to a rating of 1.”

Ward-Hunt and fellow Gilpin parents feel SchoolWorks uses a generic methodology to obtain its results; a methodology

which, they feel, does not account for the nuances of independent student communities or the Montessori curriculum.

“They’re sort of a plug-and-play company. They have a system, a rubric, they use it in any school, it doesn’t matter if they go into a rich part of Philadelphia or a poor part of Denver, it’s all exactly the same. That may or may not be effective.”

Requests for comment from SchoolWorks regarding this statement and the SQR were not returned by presstime.

When Neighborhood Life staff reviewed the SQR, and specifically the category in which Gilpin received a “1,” they found the data as reported resulted in a score of 2.12 for the category.

Neighborhood Life was able to obtain email correspondence between SchoolWorks consultant and content editor Sarah Rapa and DPS Director of Strategic Support and Accountability Maya Lagana, wherein Rapa writes: “All factual corrections have been received and I was able to finalize the reports…”

inaugural class emigrated from Mexico, but future classes will include trainees from Peru and other Latin American countries.

A passion for cooking is essential. Each participant brings genuine regional favorites to Comal. Many of the recipes have been passed down in families for generations. They’re made fresh daily with an eye on health. Some dishes are already huge hits.

Ramunda Carreon’s face lights up when asked about the instant popularity of her signature dish, Estofado de Puerco. It’s a slow-roasted pork cooked with poblano chiles and garlic.

“I’m very happy to know that people love my food,” she said through a translator. Her dream is to start a lunch business soon. The reception her cooking has received is a major motivation.

Entrees rotate regularly, but one is always vegetarian. Soup, salad and dessert are available, plus Aqua Fresca. Each dish comes with freshly-made tortillas.

Other Comal participants have a dream similar to Carreon’s. It could be a bakery, a food truck or a sit-down eatery.

For 39-year-old Sandra Morales, Comal offers what she terms “practice to see the real life” of running a restaurant.

“It increased my passion for cook-

ing,” Morales added.

Morales plans to open a coffee shop and catering company after her stint at Comal wraps up. After working every job in the kitchen, from dishwasher to waitress, she’s eager to take the reins of her own business.

New experiences have been plentiful for the six women, but there’s also been a helping of disbelief.

That’s a good way to describe a surprise visit from five-time NBA champion and businessman, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who was in town several

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8

CALENDAR

CLASSES, LECTURES & FORUMS Mondays, 01/02-01/30 | 6:00p.m.-7:00p.m.

Free Zumba Classes Beginners welcome! Free, offered by YMCA Community Programs Branch. | 303-292-2281 Manual High School, 1700 E. 28th Ave. denverymca.org Tuesdays, 01/03-01/31 | 6:30p.m.-10:30p.m.

Argentine Tango, practice and lessons Tango Colorado hosts these low cost Tango lessons, followed by a practice session where dancers can polish the steps they learned, interact with other students and advanced dancers and improve their skills. | 303-710-2250 Denver Turnverein Event Center, 1570 Clarkson St. tangocolorado.org/lessons Tuesdays, 01/03-01/31 | 12:15p.m.

Civic Center MOVES Try a FREE lunchtime workout with full-body conditioning!

Check website for info on other workouts around the city and waiver (required). | McNichols Building McNichols Building, 144 W. Colfax Ave. civiccenterconservancy.org Tuesdays, 01/03-01/31 | 12:00p.m.-2:00p.m.

Computer Help - Apoyo con computación Get individualized technology assistance from a in-house experts on your own device or a public computer. Learn the basics, such as email, social networking, word processing and eMedia. | 720-865-0920 Ford-Warren Branch Library, 2825 High St. denverlibrary.org Weddays, 01/04-01/25 | 7:00p.m.

Denver Socrates Cafe Join a group that "seek truth by their own lights." No regular attendance or preparation required. Speak your own mind, then take turns playing Socrates by asking questions. | 303-861-1447 Trinity United Methodist Church, 1820 Broadway meetup.com/Denver-Socrates-Cafe Wednesdays, 01/04-01/25 | 6:00p.m.-7:00p.m.

Rotary Club of Five Points First Wednesday of the month is the Board meeting, fourth is Happy Hour! Varying locations for meetings and service projects. New members are welcome. | 720-891-0843 portal.clubrunner.ca/6166,

Fri, 01/06 | 7:00a.m.

Denver GOP First Friday Breakfast Great speakers and conservative camaraderie. This months speakers are Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams and Denver Clerk & Recorder. Please RSVP and order breakfast to support Pete's. | 303-782-9555 Pete's Greek Town Cafe, 2910 E. Colfax Ave. denvergop.org Fridays, 01/06-01/27 | 5:00p.m.-6:00p.m.

Happiness Hour A short talk and guided relaxing meditation to help increase a peaceful good heart. It is an ideal way to unwind after work and recharge for a great evening ahead. Free. | 303-813-9551 KMC Colorado Downtown, 1336 Glenarm Place meditationincolorado.org Fridays, 01/06-01/13 | 6:45a.m.-8:00a.m.

Monthly Downtown Democratic Forum Breakfast Get info on local issues and ballot initiatives. Public welcome.

First Friday of the month. | 303-861-8050 Southern Hospitality, 1433 17th St. denverdemocrats.org Sundays, 01/08-01/29 | 10:30a.m.

Capoeira Angola Introductory Class Take an introductory class in this African-Brazilian art form with its roots in Bantu traditions, which were carried to Brazil by enslaved Africans. Free, other classes available. | 303-294-9258 Mercury Cafe, 2199 California St. mercurycafe.com Sundays, 01/08-01/29 | 7:00a.m.-7:00p.m.

Community Programs with Guided Meditation Several offerings on Sundays: Medicine Buddha at 7a.m.; Seva - Volunteer, work on projects together, 2-5p.m.; Guided Meditation at 6p.m. and Vegetarian Potluck at 7p.m. | 303-885-6727 The Denver Ashram, 1599 High St. denverashram.com

Sundays, 01/08-01/29 | 9:30a.m.

Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Learn both Tibetan and rhythmic English chants and brief silent meditations. Led by members of Yeshe Nyingpo Denver, a chapter of the Dudjom Tersar and aligned with the Dalai Lama. | 303-294-9258 Mercury Cafe, 2199 California St. mercurycafe.com

Emerging Vision Exhibit highlights the work of 28 talented photography students, offering a glimpse into the future of a medium that is constantly evolving. Juried by Samantha Johnston, executive director at CPAC. Opening: Sat., Dec. 3, 6-9p.m. | 303-837-1341 Colorado Photographic Arts Center, 3636 Chestnut Place cpacphoto.org

Wed, 01/11 | 12:00p.m.-1:00p.m.

La Leche League of Denver Meeting With a topic for each meeting and time for moms to discuss current questions and concerns. All interested women and their support person(s), as well as children, are welcome. | 720-841-4302 Denver Health: Gipson Eastside Family Health Center, 501 28th St. lllofdenvercommunity.org

Sun, 01/01-Sat, 01/07 | Times vary Mann | Gandy | Wilson, Three Person Exhibition Show featuring three artists whose work exemplifies some of the best in their respective genres. The works of Jeremy Mann, Greg Gandy & Timothy P. Wilson, while different thematically and stylistically, come together in an exciting exhibit. | 303-571-1261 Gallery 1261, 1261 Delaware St. gallery1261.com

Thu, 01/12 | 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m.

Letter Writing Night Warm Cookies of the Revolution wants you to come write a letter to someone you love, or hate, or even to yourself as you hear from people working on crucial issues about how a letter can help a cause. RSVP requested. | McNichols Building McNichols Building, 144 W. Colfax Ave. warmcookiesoftherevolution.org

Sun, 01/01-Tue, 01/31 | Times vary The Magafan Twins Works from the estate of Ethel and Jenne Magafan, identical twins, living first in Colorado Springs and then in Denver.

They attended East High School in Denver, where they found a mentor in their art teacher Helen Perry. | 303-623-8181 David Cook Fine Art, 1637 Wazee St. davidcookfineart.com

Wed, 01/18 | 6:30p.m.-8:00p.m.

The Citizens' Climate Lobby Citizens Climate Lobby is a non-profit, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change. | 303-322-0079 First Unitarian Society of Denver, 1400 Lafayette St. facebook.com/CitizensClimateLobbyDenverChapter Thu, 01/19 | 6:00p.m.

Financially Fit Females Monthly Meeting Join a group that provides education, support and encouragement for women who want to become more financially savvy. First meeting free, location and topic change monthly. | 303-921-2651 financiallyfitfemales.com Thu, 01/26 | 3:00p.m.-5:00p.m.

Buying Into Entrepreneurship: An SBDC Track Series Three-part track series that will enlighten and prepare participants on the ins and outs of buying a business from the leading and largest brokerage firm in Colorado, Transworld Business Advisors of Denver. Free, RSVP required. | 720-259-5099 Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, 1445 Market St. clients.coloradosbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=360160 Sat, 01/28 | 10:30a.m.-12:30p.m.

Black Genealogy Search Group (BGSG) The Black Genealogy Search Group (BGSG) was created to increase the popularity of their common interests in genealogy and Black history. Their hope is to grow and expand the group's activities as well as attract new members. | 720-865-2401 Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, 2401 Welton St. denverlibrary.org Sun, 01/29 | 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m.

Sunday School for Atheists: Resistance Join Warm Cookies of the Revolution for a talk by civil resistance researcher Erica Chenoweth, and learn from past and current resistance movements about what it means to resist today. RSVP requested. | McNichols Building McNichols Building, 144 W. Colfax Ave. warmcookiesoftherevolution.org

GALLERY SHOWINGS Thu, 01/05-Sat, 01/28 | Times vary Earth • Air • Water • Fire • Love A sensory exhibition showcasing Lindsey Ernst’s work. From her geometric lines to the intuitive designs, her work tells an ancient story that is conveyed through playful and sculptural objects. Opening reception: Thur., Jan. 5, 5-8p.m. | 303-320-8347 Art Gym Denver, 1460 Leyden St. Daily until Fri, 01/08 | Times vary Art of Sport: Iconic Photographs of American Legends from 1956-today Work by legendary Denver photographer Rich Clarkson, known for his work featuring American sports icons. A selection of Clarkson’s covers from Sports Illustrated and Time magazines are included, illustrating his longevity and dominance in the field. | 720-865-4220 McNichols Building, 144 W. Colfax Ave. mcnicholsbuilding.com/exhibitions/ Sun, 01/1-01/08 | Times vary 20th Anniversary Exhibitions of Artnauts Exhibitions of works by Artnauts, an art collective that has enlisted over 300 artists to serve as goodwill ambassadors who acknowledge and support victims of oppression worldwide. Their creativity has generated over 230 exhibitions. | 303-296-4448 RedLine Contemporary Art Center, 2350 Arapahoe St. redlineart.org Sun, 01/01-Sat, 01/07 | Times vary

KIDSTUFF Tue, 01/03 | 4:00p.m.-8:00p.m.

Children's Museum Free Day Target is committed to giving back to the communities where their guests and team members live and work. Through their generous sponsorship, families can play for FREE the first Tuesday of each month. | 303-433-7444 Children's Museum, 2121 Children's Museum Drive mychildsmuseum.org Tuesdays, 01/03-01/31 | 10:30a.m.

Young Children’s Storytime Young children are invited for a half hour of stories and fun, with a different topic each week. Free. | 303-322-1965, ext.

2731 Tattered Cover, 2526 E. Colfax Ave. tatteredcover.com Wednesdays, 01/04-01/25 | 11:30a.m.-12:30p.m.

Baby Play and Explore Unstructured play and social time for children (0-2 years) and their caregivers. Enjoy books, music and a variety of developmentally appropriate toys. Free. | 720-865-1111 Denver Public Library: Central branch, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway denverlibrary.org Fridays, 01/06-01/27 | 10:30a.m.-11:00a.m.

Bilingual All Ages Storytime Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for children of all ages and their parents or caregivers. Storytime will be presented in Spanish and English. | 720-865-0920 Ford-Warren Branch Library, 2825 High St. denverlibrary.org Tue, 01/24 | 4:30p.m.-5:30p.m.

Sphero Robots Control the roundest robot you’ve ever seen and try to complete tech challenges. For ages 5 and up. | 720-865-0920 Ford-Warren Branch Library, 2825 High St. denverlibrary.org Sat, 01/28 | 2:00p.m.-4:00p.m.

Victorian Mystery Tea In partnership with our friends in the Children's Department, the SM Energy ideaLAB will be one of the stops for a Victorian Mystery Tea.All ages, no unaccompanied children or adults, registration required. RSVP: CHLRef@denverlibrary.org. | 720-865-1306 ideaLAB in Community Technology Center of DPL Central library, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway denverlibrary.org/idealab

OUTREACH Mondays, 01/02-01/30 | 7:00p.m.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous Through shared experience and mutual support, join a meeting to help each other to recover from the disease of food addiction. | 303-775-8062 Trinity United Methodist Church, 1820 Broadway foodaddicts.org Mondays, 01/02-01/30 | 8:00a.m.-7:00p.m.

Grant Street Reach Providing meals at no cost to its clients and it is sustained by committed and compassionate volunteers. | 303-839-1432 St. Paul Lutheran and Roman Catholic Community of Faith, 1600 Grant St. grantstreetreach.org/ Tuesdays, 01/03-01/31 | 8:00p.m.

Joy AL-ANON Al-Anon's Purpose is to help friends and families of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with the problem drinking of a relative or friend. In the Roberts Building, Room 103. | Saint John's Cathedral Saint John's Cathedral, 1350 Washington St.

9 al-anon-co.org Tuesdays, 01/03-01/31 | 6:30p.m.-8:00p.m.

Moderation Management Weekly meetings for problem (vs. chronic) drinkers who want to reduce their intake of alcohol. Email: denver@moderation. org. | First Unitarian Church First Unitarian Church, 1400 Lafayette St. moderation.org Wed, 01/04 | 10:00a.m.-11:30a.m.

Dementia Caregiver Support Group A safe to share concerns, coping techniques and tips when caring for a loved one with dementia. Free to attend, no registration required. | 303-951-5222 The Center, 1301 E. Colfax Ave. coloradoassistedliving.com Wednesdays, 01/04-01/25 | 6:00p.m.

LifeRing Secular Recovery Meeting A network of people who support one another in living free of alcohol and other non-medically indicated addictive drugs. | 303-875-5088 First Unitarian Church, 1400 Lafayette St. liferingcolorado.org Wednesdays, 01/04-01/25 | 6:30p.m.

Marijuana Anonymous A fellowship of people who share experience, strength and hope with each other that we may solve our common problem and help others to recover from marijuana addiction. | Unity Church on the Hill Unity Church on the Hill, 1555 Race St. marijuana-anonymous.org Thu, 01/05 | 7:00p.m.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Family and friends are always welcome, as well as those who have a mood disorder such as depression or bipolar disorder. The group is for adults over age 18. Donations appreciated. | 303-329-3364 Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 915 E. 9th Ave. beyondbipolar.com Thursdays, 01/05-01/26 | 12:00p.m.

Home for the Heart AL-ANON Al-Anon's Purpose is to help friends and families of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with the problem drinking of a relative or friend. In lower level. | Trinity United Methodist Church Trinity United Methodist Church, 1820 Broadway al-anon-co.org Sundays, 01/08-01/29 | 6:45p.m.

Nar-Anon A twelve step support group for families and friends of addicts to help themselves cope. | First Unitarian Church First Unitarian Church, 1400 Lafayette St. nar-anon.org Sundays, 01/08-01/29 | 12:30p.m.

Nicotine Anonymous A fellowship of men and women helping each other to live our lives free of nicotine. | Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 915 E. 9th Ave. nicotine-anonymous.org Tue, 01/10 | 1:00p.m.

Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group Provides a safe, secure environment for all patients with any type of pulmonary fibrosis and their family members, care providers and significant others. | 303-398-1912 National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St. nationaljewish.org Sat, 01/21 | 9:00a.m.-3:00p.m.

Women's March on Denver While not everyone can make it to Washington DC to march for the proclamation of ALL human rights, there's no reason we can't march here on our own Colorado State Capitol.

Bring your passion, your voice and all the love you've got!

Please share! | Civic Center Park Civic Center Park, 101 W. 14th Ave. facebook.com/groups/marchoncolorado

RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY Saturdays, 01/07-01/28 | 10:00a.m.

Saturday Shabbat 303-322-5733 Church in the City-Beth Abraham, 1580 Gaylord St. churchinthecity.org Sundays, 01/08-01/29 | 9:00a.m.

Acts 29 Christian Service L2 Church, 1477 Columbine St. L2today.com Sundays, 01/08-01/29 | 7:45a.m.

Anglican Services 303-831-7115 Saint John's Cathedral, 1350 Washington St. sjcathedral.org Sundays, 01/08-01/29 | 7:30a.m.

Catholic Mass Also, Spanish Mass, 12:30p.m. (2nd and 4th Sundays) and African Mass, 1p.m. (3rd Sunday). | 303-322-8042 St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 2301 York St. loyoladenver.org

Interdenominational Service 303-800-8269 Denver United Church, 660 S. Broadway denverunited.com Sundays, 01/08-01/29 | 9:30a.m.

Lutheran Service Jazz service the last Sunday of each month. | 303-831-7023 Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 915 E. 9th Ave. oslchurchdenver.org Sundays, 01/08-01/29 | 8:00a.m.

Lutheran Services Also, Catholic Mass on Saturdays at 5p.m. | 303-839-1432 St. Paul Lutheran and Roman Catholic Community of Faith, 1600 Grant St. saintpauldenver.com Sundays, 01/08-01/29 | 10:00a.m.

Orthodox Mass 303-698-2433 Saint Augustine Orthodox Church, 55 W. 3rd Ave. staugustinedenver.org Sundays, 01/08-01/29 | 10:00a.m.

Sunday Celebration – Adult & Children Services All welcome at a Light Lunch after. | 303-668-2153 Unity on the Avenue Spiritual Center, 4670 E. 17th Ave. Parkway unityontheavenue.org

Sundays, 01/08-01/29 | 8:30a.m.

Catholic Mass Also at 10:30a.m., 12:30p.m. and 6:30p.m. | 303-831-7010 Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 1535 Logan St. denvercathedral.org

Sundays, 01/08-01/29 | 10:00a.m.

Worship Service With pre-worship coffee at 9:30a.m. and post worship social time at 11:30a.m. | 303-860-1819 Metropolitan Community Church of the Rockies, 980 Clarkson St. lifelegacyphotography.com/mccr/

Sundays, 01/08-01/29 | 5:00p.m.

Catholic Mass for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender A social follows Mass on most Sundays. | 720-515-4528 Dignity Denver, 1100 Fillmore St. dignitydenver.org

Sat, 01/14 | 9:00a.m.

Shabbat Services 303-388-4239 Temple Micah, 5209 Montview Blvd. micahdenver.org/

Fridays, 01/08-01/29 | 11:00a.m.

Chapel Service Offering opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth throughout the week. Bible Study, Prayer Group and Women's Home League along with Worship Services. | 303-295-2107 Salvation Army Red Shield Community Center, 2195 High St. salvationarmy.org Sundays, 01/08-01/29 | 10:00a.m.

Christian Science Service 303-839-1505 First Church of Christ, Scientist, 1415 Logan St. christiansciencecolorado.org Sundays, 01/08-01/29 | 8:30a.m.

Contemporary Services 303-322-5733 Church in the City-Beth Abraham, 1580 Gaylord St. churchinthecity.org Sundays, 01/08-01/29 | 7:45a.m.

Episcopal Services 303-388-6469 St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 1280 Vine St. stbdenver.org Sundays, 01/08-01/29 | 10:00a.m.

Episcopal Services 303-831-8963 Church of the Holy Redeemer, 2552 Williams St. 303-831-8963 Sundays, 01/08-01/29 | 8:30a.m.

Tuesdays, 01/03-01/31 | 9:30a.m.

Seniors’ Bible Study 303-295-2107 Salvation Army Red Shield Community Center, 2195 High St. salvationarmy.org

THEATRE & DANCE Sat, 01/14-Sun, 01/29 | 8:00p.m.

Hand to God Iraq War vet Elliot Ortiz has a bright new career as a movie star. But shooting a film on location in Jordan, he finds that his wartime nightmares have followed him into his new life, $18-44. | 303-623-0524 Curious Theatre Company, 1080 Acoma St. curioustheatre.org Sat, 01/14 | 1:00p.m.

Siren Song: A Pirate’s Odyssey A comedy series for pirates and their parents, bringing high seas hijinks inspired by Homer’s Odyssey, an audience-suggested song launches each play-full voyage. Also at 3p.m., all ages, $8. | 720-946-1388 Buntport Theater, 717 Lipan St. buntport.com Wed, 01/18 | 8:00p.m.-10:00p.m.

The Narrators Hosts Andrew Orvedahl and Robert Rutherford present actors, comedians, musicians, writers and other creative types telling true stories from their lives, centered on a monthly theme. Check out thenarratorspodcast.com for details and how to sign up. | 720-946-1388 Buntport Theater, 717 Lipan St. buntport.com

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SCHOOLS

By Linda Katchen, Ph.D. Happy 2017! People start a new year with hope to do things better. Students may want to spend more time studying in order to get the most out of their educations. Teachers may want to get their grading done more quickly. For people in the schools, January brings a new semester and the knowledge that there are six months to finish what was started in September. Everyone hopes a new beginning will bring growth and change. Hopefully, we will all find success in the months ahead.

The SchoolChoice process in Denver Public Schools (DPS) has begun. DPS is rated as the no. 1 school district in the country for choice by the Brookings Institution. It is not guaranteed that your child will be accepted at a specific school, although DPS makes every effort to meet the requests and needs of the children and families. The first round of SchoolChoice begins Thursday, Jan. 5. Applications are due by 4:00p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31. Each school should have enrollment guides available, and they can also be accessed online at schoolchoice.dpsk12. org/resources.

These guides include profiles of every DPS school, definitions of different types of programs and responses to questions such as "How are schools rated?" and "What is an enrollment zone?" Parents

Editor

continued from 2

bury Polynices will be stoned to death.

Enter Antigone. Antigone, and her sister Ismene, are sisters to both Eteocles and Polynices. (Interesting sidebar: all four are children of the famed Oedipus, the cursed individual who unknowingly murdered his father and married his mother. Another story for another time.)

Stay with me. This all has a point.

Promise.

Anyway. Antigone has it in mind to bury Polynices. In fact, that’s ALL she has in mind, and she’s not willing to compromise. Family comes first; what’s done is done. Let’s all honor all the dead so as to let all souls pass to the next world prepared for whatever challenges lie there. A good burial ensures a good transition to the next world. Let’s have

Gilpin

continued from 7

Neither Neighborhood Life nor the parents asking for answers in this matter have been able to determine what "factual corrections" DPS made to the original SchoolWorks report or who is responsible.

Neighborhood Life and the parents involved have requested the original SchoolWorks report and have been told it will be made available within the first week of the new year.

In the same email, Rapa writes “one rating, KQ3, went from a 2 to a 1 - FYI.” As Gilpin scored only one “1” on their SQR, this suggests the “1” in question was originally a “2,” a score that would have allowed Gilpin to pass its SQR. “KQ3” translates to Key Question Three, the area of focus in which Gilpin earned a “1” in the amended report.

According to Cassi Clark Ward-Hunt, parent to a Gilpin student and a spokes-

will be notified of placement through letters that will be sent out mid-March.

Many schools are offering tours and open houses for prospective families. Contact the schools you are interested in for more information.

On a less happy front, DPS is recommending closure for Gilpin Montessori at the end of the 2016-2017 school year due to declining enrollment and other factors. It is not financially viable to keep the school open. More information will be forthcoming from DPS. As for internal DPS happenings, the DPS Board passed an equitable and inclusive contracting policy to increase participation by minority and female-owned businesses (MWBE) in DPS projects. On Dec. 7, 2016, DPS held a meeting to focus on current procurement practices in an effort to provide greater opportunities to diverse vendors.

Lastly, as a side note: there will not be any DPS bus transportation on Thursday or Friday, Jan. 5 and 6. Families will need to make their own arrangements to get their children to and from school on these days. For those who need help arranging transportation, contact 720423-0550 or email Valerie_Almodovarcortez @dpsk12.org.

Good things are happening at Columbine Elementary, 2540 E. 29th Ave. In November, Columbine was involved in a School Quality Review. The results of the review showed schoolwide growth, specifically in the areas of instruction and “students’ opportunity to learn.” From 2015 to 2016, Columbine scored higher on instructional indicators in general and on student opportunities to learn indicators. Columbine moved out of the bottom

two tiers of the DPS School Performance Rating (SPF), up to yellow, accreditation on watch. Overall, school growth is meeting expectations (green).

Students from DSST: Cole, 3240 Humboldt St., participated in the Rocky Mountain BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) game called “Bet the Farm” at Metropolitan State University of Denver. For the sixth year, teenagers designed and built robots over a six-week period. To earn points, they engaged in three-minute matches requiring their robots to plant and harvest “vegetables,” corral pigs and turn water valves. DSST: Cole won a BEST Award, which is considered the highest achievement that any team can accomplish. In the words of one DSST: Cole student, “You get to build a robot, sure, but you also get to show your creative side.

There are options to do other things, and it’s good to see how other people solve the problem.”

McAuliffe Manual Middle School, 2640 Holly St., is seeking volunteer grant writers to help the school raise funds. Also, the McAuliffe Manual Foundation is seeking a pro-bono attorney to help create a non-profit McAuliffe Foundation 501c3. The foundation will enable the school to partner with Amazon Smile and other organizations to fundraise for the school. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Penny Alsabin, the Student Activities Coordinator at palsabin@ gmail.com.

McAuliffe Manual students participated in the Spark Change program this year. Not only did they meet their goal, they exceeded it by collecting $838.70, which was 152 percent of their goal. Good

job, McAuliffe Manual students! Students will now research local organizations to determine where they want to donate the money. All involved with to thank everyone who participated!

Polaris Program at Ebert, 410 Park Ave. West, will hold its annual Polaris Star Talent Showcase and Family Fun Dance on Thursday, Jan. 26, 5-8:00p.m.

The Talent Showcase will be in the auditorium, the family dance will be in the gym and food will be offered in the cafeteria.

At Manual High School, 1700 E. 28th Ave., senior Elijah Beauford, Principal Nick Dawkins and hundreds of other educators, community members, staff members and students are participating in a newly formed DPS African American Equity Taskforce. This taskforce was created in response to a DPS report identifying a large opportunity gap for African-American students and educators.

Through a variety of working groups, the Taskforce will develop an equity agreement with recommended actions, highlighted efforts and necessary resources to address the factors contributing to the equity and inclusion gap in DPS. Manual High is offering shadowing opportunities for prospective students who are interested in learning more about the school. Shadowing opportunities will be offered twice a month on Mondays, 8:00a.m.-12:30p.m. Students are asked to complete a series of questions so Manual can best address students’ interests and needs during the visit. For more information, contact Carol Grant at 720-423-6303.

May everyone attain their goals for 2017!

some grace.

Right?

Generally speaking, I would argue honoring and defending those who cannot defend themselves, that’s good behavior, and good behavior, practiced on the regular, that makes for a good society.

Anyway, back to the story. It gets complicated: Creon’s son is betrothed to Antigone, and Antigone is stubborn to the end. Things aren’t looking good.

And, I bet you can figure the outcome.

(Creon won’t budge either.) There’s an imprisonment, lots of blood…

Let’s turn the camera to ourselves now, and to some narratives that seem popular of late.

Here’s one: some feel America is literally and spiritually besieged, and that party seems to also believe the time has come for a strong leader to cut the

crap and do the things to our attackers that need to be done to ensure future prosperity and glory.

Here’s another: principles before passion. Good, levelheaded planning with a hefty dose of empathy can lead us all up from dark times and can continue to carry all Americans forward into this new world economy which, let’s be frank, is scaring quite a few folks. Sure, cartographic, digital and sexual boundaries all seem porous, but maybe understanding is the path by which we can quell uncertainty and come together to be stronger in the face of change.

So, I go back to my question. How well do you know your neighbors? How firmly drawn is your line in the sand?

That “your” is directed at you, Democrats, as much as it is at you, Republicans. And let’s be clear, we know which party is

Antigone and which is Creon. So, I ask you: is it worth dying for? And I ask you: once we go that far, is the society left in the wake worth living in?

The Greeks were once strong. So were the Romans. So were a host of other civilizations… They were all so sure of their power, too, interestingly enough.

Sure of their rightness.

Don’t get me wrong. In my world, Trump is abhorrent. I still have not figured out how to work with those who voted for him while trying to believe they do not stand for all he espouses.

So, I return to hubris. With how much force do you believe sanctity of your worldview? Do you live without doubt? What’s the outcome if you hold principle above connection? Ideal above community?

Just wondering. Happy new year.

person for the group of parents fighting the closure, School Board Representative Espiritu left the Dec. 14 impromptu meeting with questions about the data herself.

“By the end of the meeting I think she was aware that there was some significant problems with the criteria that were being used to close us,” Ward-Hunt says.

Ward-Hunt said Espiritu assured the gathered parents she would talk to the board on the parents’ behalf. The next day, the Board voted to close the school.

When it comes to assessing students, Cordova says DPS uses State recommendations.

“The State doesn’t look at Montessori as compared to Montessori; the State looks at kids as compared to kids. We can easily look at how Montessori kids at Denison perform compared to Montessori kids at Gilpin,” but, Cordova said, the State only requires DPS to look at kids versus kids.

“What I can tell you is we have Montessori schools that do not have 22 percent growth; they have significantly higher growth,” she added.

Growth of 22 percent is considered low by DPS when a school has an established history of underperformance.

The parents seeking clarity in this matter raise numerous other concerns, including declining area birthrate data used by DPS. The parents feel the data does not account for the surge in new housing planned in coming years.

“My count is that there are 2700 housing units coming to Five Points over the next three years,” says John Hayden, president of Curtis Park Neighbors.

Hayden does not have children in the school but represents the community and is concerned the community’s needs will not be met without Gilpin.

“The neighborhood has worked hard to ensure that many of these [units] are

built for families and are affordable. An example of this is the 265-unit building at Park Ave. and Welton, which is entirely affordable housing and includes two- and three-bedroom units. We also are working on the renovation of Platte Valley homes at 30th and Champa to ensure that all of the family units there remain so no one is displaced from the neighborhood. Having the Elementary school across the street from these homes was vitally important.

We wanted low-income families to have a quality school within walking distance of where they lived. Sadly that school will now be gone. Gilpin only needs something over 300 students to make the school viable. There are around 800 children under 5 years old in Five Points now according to the Piton Foundation.”

At this time, Neighborhood Life is awaiting the release of the first-draft SchoolWorks report and will follow this story as it develops.

11 Neighborhoods

continued from 3

over the next 10 to 14 years, using traditional and non-traditional methods for engaging residents in the process. Under the prior approach, it would have taken almost 80 years, according to a Dec. 7 press release from the City.

Five Points, North Capitol Hill and City Park West neighborhoods had all scored high on factors used to determine the need for neighborhood planning— livability, investment, policy and regulation, economy and demographics—but considerations of previous planning, funding and efficiency influenced the grouping of neighborhoods and timetable for plans. Five Points was part of an updated plan, the Northeast Downtown Neighborhoods Plan was adopted in 2011, but North Capitol Hill, Uptown and City Park West were not, and the city had grant funding available for those, according to Neighborhood Planning Supervisor Steve Nalley. The last neighborhood plan for City Park West and North Capitol Hill was completed in 1986.

“We started asking for additional staff resources in 2015 for the 2016 budget, and the same last year,” said

Comal

Nalley. “We’ve been able to staff up: four in 2016, and two more in 2017 for neighborhood planning.”

The budget and grants will pay for Phase I, Nalley explained, but sources for Phase II and subsequent phases have not been identified yet.

The process for the East and East Central plans will not start until the second quarter of 2017, due, in part, to grant funding.

“Grant funding is complex, and we have to make sure all our ducks are in a row,” said Courtland Hyser, Principal City Planner, explaining some planning activities can be paid by grants, some not.

Parts of transit-oriented development planning in the Colfax Corridor Connections project apply to the East area plan, and that is being funded with a Federal Transit Administration grant received in October. An Urban Center planning grant from the Denver Regional Council of Governments can be used there in 2017, too. No grants will fund the Far Northeast, so no coordination issues will delay it.

Money has been the primary obstacle to planning in the past.

“It’s long been Denver’s intention

to do small neighborhood plans,” said Joel Noble, Planning Board member and Curtis Park resident. “They have done many of them—corridor, small neighborhood and station area—one or two a year, but financing has been a constraint.”

Noble is active on Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation’s (INC) Zoning and Planning Committee and said the committee drafted and the INC adopted a “Platform for Denver Zoning and Planning” in November 2014. The platform specifically proposed neighborhood or small area plans be created for all areas of the city and updated at least every 15 years. It also called for CPD to receive adequate funding to develop, update and implement them.

“The city’s response to INC has been to ask for more money for CPD,” said Noble. “They got it, and they committed to this goal. The key thing was to group statistical neighborhoods together.”

“The Initiative is long overdue and many of the [Zoning and Planning] members are anxious to participate in neighborhood planning,” said Margie Valdez, Chair of the INC committee. “It makes sense to combine the neighborhoods as small area plans; if done individually, it

would have taken years to accomplish and quickly been out-of-date.”

Valdez called the initiative aggressive, but supported by INC’s 2014 platform.

Noble believes the 18-to-24-monthper-plan schedule is good.

“It can take a year or 18 months to get everyone engaged, thinking about a 20-year future for the area, feeling safe, sharing their values and ideas, and then building consensus recommendations,” Noble said.

“If the city had come back with an approach that rushed the process, I would have been vocal with my concern.

But as planners who work on our neighborhoods, they get it, and are making sure each plan is given the time it needs.”

“Not all neighborhoods feel they are participating in planning,” said Noble, explaining that every neighborhood is covered by Blueprint Denver or a comprehensive plan, “but they don’t feel attached to that. So having this opportunity for the entire city changes people’s relationship with government.”

For more information, visit denvergov.org/neighborhoodplanning.

continued from 7

weeks ago. Johnson was in Denver to learn more about transformation plans at DIA’s Jeppesen Terminal and what would create a complex promoting disadvantaged and minority businesses.

Johnson hopes to partner with several local minority entrepreneurs at DIA. As the owner of numerous restaurants, he told the women that Comal’s mission is good, but to be successful, the food has to be great. He also offered advice gleaned from successes and struggles in the industry.

Comal is just the latest local venture to offer real-world job skills to help low-income individuals aim higher. For years, the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless ran the now-defunct Pizza Fusion on East Colfax Avenue to impart similar skills. Purple Door Coffee at Welton and 30th streets and Spring Café on Grant Street and East 14th Avenue are two current ventures incorporating training and outplacement in their mission.

Comal's décor is basic, but welcoming. There’s ample seating inside or on the patio. The venture’s kitchen is up

Earvin "Magic" Johnson visits with Comal trainees. Photo by J.L. Schultheis Price. and running but donations are needed for a growing catering business. A wishlist includes carts, chafing dishes, serving platters and a small commercial

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