congress newsby julie lang brent hladky—president, treasurer 958 st. paul st.; 303-393-9072...

Help Deliver

Ice Cream Social

East High View

Teller

HistoricPreservation

Trees

City Council

DBG

Crime Action, Map

Directory

Calendar

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Inside

CongressPark News

Fall 2008

By Congress Park Neighbors Board Members

www.CongressParkNeighbors.org

Congress Park’s Vision(1995 Neighborhood Plan)

Congress Park is a traditional cityneighborhood with a small-town

atmosphere. Here, people of diversecultures, ages, colors and economic

backgrounds share a sense of community,value older homes and mature trees, and

enjoy the convenience of city livingamid the stability of a

thriving neighborhood.

Congress Park Neighbors, Inc., Boardmembers and friends teamed up to

hand out more than 250 frozen custardcones at the 15th (at least) annual Con-gress Park Ice Cream Social on Aug. 5.

“It was great seeing so many happy kids,”said former Wildflowers owner DanJones. He and scooping partner MarianneEvans are former CPN Board members.

One of the things that lure the kids everyyear is the ladder truck that the firedepartment sends. The kids (and someparents, too) were thrilled again this yearto sit inside, try on hats and make sirennoises. This year the wanna-bes got to sitin a police car, too! Look inside and visitwww.CongressParkNeighbors.org formore pictures.

Hot topic conversations over cool frozencustard included:

The Minutemen meeting at CongressPark during Democratic NationalConvention week. Denver issued apermit for the Minutemen to assemble, butthe police in attendance at the social didn’tseem to be aware of any permits issuedfor Congress Park. City CouncilwomanJeanne Robb clarified with District 3Commander Kris Kroncke that a permitwas issued. Kroncke said he will makesure district officers are informed and saidDPD will monitor the event during the dayto avoid problems.

Neighbors Scoop, Mingle at Annual Ice Cream Social

Scooper Marianne Evans and others cheerfully dished out DailyScoop frozen custard to the Congress Park neighbors at the annualIce Cream Social.

(continued on page 3)

Congress Park News :: Fall 20082

Congress Park Newsis a quarterly publica-tion of Congress ParkNeighbors, Inc. Anetwork of volunteersproduces and distrib-utes it to a circulationof more than 4500residents and busi-nesses within the areabounded by ColfaxAvenue, Sixth Avenue,York Street andColorado Boulevard.

www.CongressParkNeighbors.org

Congress Park NewsP.O Box 18571Denver, CO 80218

Editor: Wendy Moraskie 303-355-3735

Advertising Coordinator: Your Name Here? Call editor today to volunteer.

Distribution: Julie Lang 303-333-7489

Your articles, lettersand advertisements arealways welcome.

We need you to helpproduce and distributethe newsletter. If youcan volunteer a fewhours every quarter tohelp your neighbors getthe news, please callWendy or Julie.

This newsletter isprinted on 100%recycled paper withsoy-based ink byBarnum Printing,303/936-2345.

Your Congress Park Neighbors 2008 Board of Directors

Your Congress Park Board invites you to attend the open Board meetings at National JewishHospital on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in Heitler Hall.

Martians Deliver Newsletter

By Julie Lang

Brent Hladky—President, Treasurer958 St. Paul St.; [email protected]

Tom Conis—Vice [email protected]

Joe Ely—Crime Action, [email protected]

Jonah BradleyWild Flowers 1201 Madison Street303/[email protected]

Mel Patrick—[email protected]

Maggie Price—Website1465 Fillmore; [email protected]

Kathleen Hynes—Consigliera, [email protected]

Wendy Moraskie—Newsletter1475 Milwaukee St.; [email protected]

And we thank these committed neighbors:

Nancy Nelson—Denver Botanic GardensLiaison

Carolyn VanSciver—Congress ParkHistoric Preservation Committee,303-377-4913

Lots of other neighbors help with communi-cations, membership, and more, andgenerally make Congress Park a great placeto live—you know who you are and how muchwe depend on you—Thanks!

Yes, the headline is a lie. It’s actually yourneighbors who volunteer to deliver the

newsletter every quarter. If you got thisnewsletter, thank a volunteer deliveryperson—then step up and help out.

We need delivery people on the followingblocks:- 1000, 1100 and 1200 Josephine- 600 Detroit, Clayton and Elizabeth- 900 to 1400 York- 800 - 900 Harrison & Colorado (west side)- 700 and 800 Garfield- 1100 and 1200 Garfield

We also are in dire need of an quadrantcoordinator for the southeast section(Colorado to Monroe, 600-1200), and thenortheast section (Colorado to Madison, 1100to Colfax).

Coordinators deliver batches of newslettersto the delivery people.

All of these jobs (coordinators or deliverypeople) take about 30 minutes every threemonths. We could recruit delivery-martians, but they wouldn’t care about thenewsletter getting to our neighbors as muchas you will.

If you would like more information or canhelp, please call me at 303-333-7489 oremail me at [email protected].

Annual Meetings

Lovely Confections

Alley Clean-ups

Teller-Palooza

Historic

Preservation

City Council Notes

Zoning Change?

Terrific Tree

Crime Action, Maps

Assemblies

Neighbor Notes

Directory

Calendar

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

12

13

14

15

Inside

Congress Park’s Vision

(1995 Neighborhood Plan)

Congress Park is a traditional city

neighborhood with a small-town

atmosphere. Here, people of diverse

cultures, ages, colors and economic

backgrounds share a sense of community,

value older homes and mature trees, and

enjoy the convenience of city living

amid the stability of a

thriving neighborhood.

Congress

Park Spring 2008

Do You Want to Work Out in a Congress Park Rec Center?

By Kathleen Hynes

NNews

Whether you use the City’s extensive

network of recreation centers

located throughout the City, or not, you

may be aware a recreation center is being

considered for District 10, which encom-

passes central Denver and our Congress

Park neighborhood.

Last November, Denver residents passed a

bond earmarking $11.8 million dollars for

land acquisition and facility planning for a

recreational center in central Denver.

Ways of securing the additional $25 to

$40 million to build the facility are being

explored. While the City finds funds for

bricks and mortar, Councilwoman Robb

would like to hear your ideas for this new

facility’s location because in past discus-

sions Congress Park, at 8th and Josephine,

was considered.

The Parks and Recreation Department has

begun presenting its ideas for the center

and the amount land

needed and will soon

get public input and

modify the proposal.

“Parks needs to present

a proposed program and

footprint for the Center,

get public input and

modify that, and then

measure locations both

literally and figuratively

for a fit,” Robb said.

In thinking about a rec

center, Councilwoman

Robb notes some considerations. If land

is available next to public transit, that

would reduce the amount of land set aside

for parking. If the City decides to partner

with a private entity in building the

facility, it reduces the overall cost to

Denver residents. If the facility is built

too close to existing residences, traffic

may become a problem for immediate

homeowners.

Councilwoman Robb’s goals are to

maximize the City’s investment and to

choose a location that lends itself to

getting the rec center built in a timely

manner. She sees a gap in services

provided by the current group of recre-

ation centers, specifically, in the northeast

section of District 10 and in the southwest

section of District 8.

What part of central Denver do you think

a rec center should be located in order to

maximize the City’s investment? Would

you like to see the rec center in Congress

Park? If so, where? If not, why not?

Councilwoman Robb wants to hear from

you. You can email your preferences to

her at [email protected] or call

her office at 303-377-1807.

A list of Denver’s current recreational

centers and the programs they sponsor can

be found by going to www.denvergov.org

and search recreational centers.

Fall 2008 :: Congress Park News 3

Calories Don’t Count at the Ice Cream Social

Views from the CPNIce Cream SocialThis year’s gatheringbrought (top) PetraSchroeder’s ice creamfans, Auden, Arwenand Colton, and(bottom) some Denverfirefighters and theirtrucks to visit theneighborhood.

The changes planned at the DenverBotanic Gardens. The proposals areout and discussed in the article on page 9.Congress Park Neighbors, Inc., will takea position on this if a neighborhoodassembly is called and the neighbors inattendance express a position throughtheir vote there.

Congress Park neighbors website.Several people remarked on the user-friendly neighborhood website,www.CongressParkNeighbors.org. Oneperson said it was “fantastic and informa-tive.” We’re glad Maggie (our volunteerwebmaster and Board member) wasthere to hear the compliment directly.

At the social, CPN members signed up toget the neighborhood e-mail blasts. Didyou miss the sign-up sheet? Send your e-mail address (subject: e-mail blast,please) to our terrific volunteer e-mailblast coordinator, Kathleen, [email protected].

Neighbors also discussed rezoning,volunteered for committees, and gaveopinions about neighborhood needs. Ifyou missed those sign-up sheets, contactany Board member or come to a monthlyBoard meeting (third Wednesday, 7 p.m.,National Jewish Hospital) to hear more.

The annual Congress Park Ice CreamSocial, held at the Congress Park Pavil-

ion, coincides with National Night Out. It’san opportunity to meet city council members,local police, firefighters and neighbors.

We thank Daily Scoop whose owners pro-vided an essential ingredient of the evening:frozen custard. We also thank Tom andDavid of HomeSource who helped us get theword out, thereby providing the evening’sother essential ingredient: you!

(continued from page 1)


The View From East

By Jess Lindimore

New Year, NewSchoolJess Lindimore isentering herfreshman year atEast High this fall,after attending asmall school for herentire educationalhistory. She’soffering a CongressPark highschooler’sperspective to theCongress ParkNews.

It’s the middle of the summer and I’ve beenthinking more and more about the ap-

proaching school year. The thoughts of “whatwill my teacher be like?” “Will I get lost?”“What are the other kids going to be like?”allkeep playing in my head like a scratched CDstuck on repeat. I’ve come to the conclusionthat nerves are the worst part of the high-school freshman experience. Some of us willfloat through it without any problems, andothers will be really nervous and unsure ofhow to act in this new setting.

One of my biggest worries currently is sports.I really want to be involved in volleyball. Forother kids it might be track, basketball,football, baseball, soccer, lacrosse— what-ever your sport, the feeling is the same. “WillI make the team?” East tries to help fresh-man as much as possible e.g., angel camps,conditioning camps, and multiple freshmanteams. The feeling still doesn’t go away.

I encourage people to go out for sports; it’s areally great way to meet people and getinvolved in school.

Remember though if you don’t make the team,it’s nothing personal. Not everyone can makethe cut and there’s no reason not to try outnext year.

There’s a reason they call it “the high-schoolexperience.” High-school is all about tryingnew things and figuring out what you like.Don’t be afraid to jump into things even if theyseem kind of weird or out of your element.

My mother happens to be a high-schoolprincipal and so I get a lot of my advice fromher. She told me that most of the mistakes kidsmake in high-school are in freshman year. Sowhat I’m saying is “be smart.” Don’t getyourself involved in something that is obviouslya bad choice.

I’ve attended thesame school sincepre-school and I’veknown most of myfriends all that time.My grade was madeup of only twenty-eight kids. This fall I’llenter East High witha student body of1800 kids. Gulp. I’mnot going to lie, I’mreally nervous, andslightly intimidated bythis large high school.

The closer I getthough, the better Ifeel about it. It mightbe strange at first, buteventually I’ll getused to it. Look formy next column tosee how it goes.

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Tellerpalooza V a greatsuccessBy Michelle Foust

Teller thanks Tellerpalooza Vpartners

Tellerpalooza IIbands

Mike Finesilver

The “Real Estate Doctor”

303-331-4581—Direct

303-883-0850—Cell

“The best compliment

I can receive are referrals you pass my way”

Thank you!

Living and working in Congress Park since 1979!

Fundraising events like theTellerpalooza take an incred-

ible amount of time and energyto plan. Many highly dedicatedTeller parents worked formonths and put in extra effort tomake Tellerpalooza V a big hit.

Along with Teller parents, community busi-nesses play a critical role in supporting Teller.Teller parents, staff and students would liketo sincerely thank the businesses who helpedsupport the neighborhood school.

“Teller Business Team” SponsorsAnnie’s CaféCapital Heights PharmacyMeggitt MotorsPappas Grocery StorePete’s Restaurants on ColfaxGoodfriends RestaurantPeter’s Chinese Restaurant10:30 Catholic Community ChurchDaily Scoop Frozen CustardChef Zorba’s RestaurantIreland’s Finest Painting Company

Make sure you tell the manager thanks forsupporting Teller when you stop in at thesebusinesses.

TellerPalooza V wouldhave been rather quietwithout these excellentbands that gave uspermission to dancethe night away.

The Reals.The PanicThe Dead SinatrasThe Autumn FilmAngie Stevens and theBeautiful Wreck

Find these bandswherever they areplaying and tell themthanks for supportingTeller.

Every time Mikecloses a home salefrom a CongressPark referral, hedonates to TellerSchool. Anotherway to supportTeller—thanks,Mike!

On May 10, Teller Elementary andMorey Middle School teamed up

to proudly present Tellerpalooza V, anannual event that features the bestof the Denver music sceneand puts the “fun” back in“fundraiser.”

Teller and Morey supporters from allover the neighborhood and beyond turnedout for a fantastic night of music. Theevening began with a special presentationfrom Teller and Morey’s own studentbands. They were followed by theDenver School of the Arts jazz combo,featuring several Teller Alumni. Theparty continued into the wee hours of thenext morning featuring such great Den-ver talent as The Panic; The DeadSinatras; The Autumn Film; AngieStevens and the Beautiful Wreck; andthat Tellerpalooza staple, The Reals.

The venue for the 2008 concert wasagain downtown Denver’s Mercury Caféat 2199 California. In addition to thebands in the spotlight, Karaoke wasfeatured downstairs all night long. TheMercury Café Kitchen whipped up aspecial menu and there were drawingsfor the “wall of wine,” and many otherprizes. Many thanks go out to Marilynand the incredible staff at the Merc. Thesuper relaxed and friendly atmosphereallowed children and adults alike to havea terrific time.

The turnout and support from the TellerCommunity was inspiring, as usual. Inaddition to having so much fun, the eventraised a significant amount of money tohelp support Teller’s and Morey’s educa-tional activities.

Make sure to look for Tellerpalooza VInext spring – you can support yourneighborhood school while enjoying agreat night of local music. What a deal.


2008 Historic Preservation series concludes withdesign, zoning and researchBy Carolyn Van Sciver

Speakers Serieswhens and wheres

The HistoricPreservation lecturesare held at 7 p.m. onthe last Wednesdayof each month. Seethe schedule at rightfor the exception inOctober.

National JewishHospital is once againgraciously hosting thetalks in Heitler Hall at1400 Jackson Street,and offering freeparking in theJackson Street lot.

The eighth season of Congress ParkNeighbors Historic Speakers series

began in May. The series is presented by theCPN Historic Preservation and EducationCommittee. Lectures run May throughOctober, on the last Wednesday of eachmonth. Lectures are free and open to thepublic. Note the date, location, and timechange for the October talk.

Lecture topics are chosen to help the ownersof old houses in the area learn how to bettercare for their fine “antique” homes andappreciate their history and architecturalstyle. If you have questions or would like tohelp, please contact me at 303-377-4913 [email protected]. We always needpeople to help flyer their block.

The 2008 schedule concludes with:

August 27, 2008. Period Details for YourKitchen. Steve Ciancio, The Crafted Home,

will cover major aspects of kitchen design,including choosing antique and reproductionfixtures, tile choices, cabinetry options, andaccessories - the importance of the detailsthat make a difference. If you are ready torenovate your kitchen, or still dreaming forthe future, this is for you.

September 24, 2008. Working With HistoricDistricts and Other Zoning Issues.Congress Park neighborhood contains tworegistered historic districts. How does anowner work with their historic district’s boardand what can the board control when youwant to make changes to your house? Heara panel of experts discuss these and otherzoning issues and debate whether morehistoric districts are appropriate for theCongress Park neighborhood. What are ouroptions to best preserve the character of ourneighborhood?

Tuesday, October 28, 6:30 p.m.Researching theHistory of YourOld House. JoinBruce Hanson,from the WesternHistory library,Denver PublicLibrary Downtown,for this fun, hands-on session. Learnhow to use thematerials in theWestern HistoryLibrary to seek outyour old house’shistory. Note thechange of day,location, and timefor this session.We will meet onthe fifth floor of thelibrary’s main,downtown branchat 13th andBroadway.

Serious about Selling?

631 Madison St. $492,500

875 Cook St. $484,900

Over 1000 area sales.

John Sullivan & Andrew Nagel Curious what your house is worth? Just

call.

303-331-4556 www.congresspark.com


Neighborhood Trees

By Susan Bardwell

Congress Park resident Marge Bilker wasquick to share her favorite tree: “MY

favorite tree is another oak... The tree islocated in Congress Park, south of the tenniscourts and north of 8th Ave. in the greenspace between the Detroit Street alley andthe pool. I know you will see which one. Itis perfectly shaped and quite a majesticpresence and I love to watch the seasonschange by watching as this tree changes. Ialso like to stand under it and look up throughits canopy of leaves. I love this tree, and yes,I have hugged it.”

To fully embrace this “Papa” Bur Oak(Quercus macrocarpa) takes two people.Close by are a smaller “Mama” and evenyounger “Baby.” They aren’t native to theDenver area, but Bur Oaks grow better herethan most oaks, being more tolerant of oursoils and arid climate. Their distinctive fringedacorns gave them another common name,Mossycup Oak. While Bur Oaks aren’t aseasy to establish as some other trees, theirimpressive resiliency and inspiring beauty areworth the short-term challenge.

While you are visiting the “3 Burs,” close byis an uncommon Chinkapin Oak (Q.muehlenbergii). The young tree is just to thenorth, on the left, along the walk to the pool.Want to see what it aspires to be? Check outthe state champion Chinkapin Oak in thepublic right-of-way at 5335 East 19thAvenue.

Is Your Teenage Street Tree Out ofControl? Are branches hanging low overthe street or sidewalk? Are there dead,broken or crossing branches? Help is close athand. Community Foresters, volunteerstrained by the Denver’s city forestry staffand The Park People, can assist you (free)with the pruning and advise you on the careof your young street tree(s). Contact SusanBardwell, at [email protected] or303-399-1155.

Bur Oak (Quercusmacrocarpa) inCongress Park, eastof the pool.

within your budget…

beyond your imagination

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

INSTALLATION & SEASONAL CAREreduced lawn areas & maintenance

more native & drought-tolerant plants

hand-pruned shrubs for beauty & wildlife

Susan Bardwell MLA landscape designer

[email protected] 303-399-1155

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Call or Email Today!

“...make us sing and dance, make faces andgive flower bouquets, trying to be loved.

You ever notice that trees do everything togit attention we do, except walk?”

Alice Walker


City Council at Work

By District 10 City Councilwoman Jeanne Robb

Democratic National ConventionHosting the Democratic National

Convention August 25 - 28 represents atremendous economic and marketing opportu-nity for Metro Denver and Colorado, as wellas a chance for local residents to witness andparticipate in a historical event.

To keep you up-to-date, I have posted all ofthe information we currently have regardingthe DNC on my website. I will be sendingout an e-talk around a week before theConvention with an update.

Another information source for the week’sevents will be Emily Fowler in MayorHickenlooper’s Office at (720) 865-9086 [email protected].

Thank you for your efforts to ensure Denvershines as a host city and capitalizes on thisopportunity to showcase our community’ssuccesses to the world.

Denver Police Citizens’ AcademyStarting on Wednesday, September 17 theDenver Police Department is beginning itslatest Denver Police Citizens’ Academy.This group of students will meet everyWednesday at 6:30 pm at the Denver Police

DepartmentAcademy,2121 AkronWay toacquaintthemselveswith variouspoliceprocedures.

Some of theactivitiesinvolve learning about K-9, SWAT and gangunits, use of force by officers, investigations,narcotics, traffic enforcement and citizenpreparedness.

Please contact my office to obtain an applica-tion or call or email DPD Technician MichaelRappe at 720-913-6878 [email protected].

200% Increase in Usage at Denver RecCenters and Pools this SummerIf the first month of free recreation is anyindication, Denver youth are delighted to havea place to go this summer. Since DenverParks & Recreation announced on May 29,2008 that it would offer free access to its

recreation centers and pools throughoutthe summer, centers have seen a com-bined 200 percent increase in use.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experi-ence at the recreation centers, recreationcenter directors have been closelymonitoring usage, adding activities andincreasing staff where necessary. Theaquatics department has hired 18 addi-tional lifeguards to accommodate theincreased usage of the swimming pools.

For an update about a District 10 RecCenter, contact my office.

Doug Linkhart,Councilman At-LargePhone: 720-865-8000Fax: 720-865-8003Email: [email protected]

Jeanne RobbDistrict 10 CityCouncilwoman303-377-18071232 E. Colfaxe-mail: [email protected]

Carol Boigon, Council-woman At-Large720-865-8100e-mail: [email protected]

Your City CouncilRepresentatives


DBG Requests Variances For Improvements

You will receive by e-mail, monthly Real Estate sales data of both

active an sold homes (along with photos) in Congress Park.

It’s Free! It’s Informative! 3 Easy Steps!

1. Go to our website, www.CongressParkSpecalist.com

2. Click on top “Contact Me.”

3. Enter your information. Hit send.

You’ll receive a Market Snapshot.

Denver Botanic Gardens, in order toimplement its Master Plan, is apply-

ing to the City and County of Denver for3 separate items:- A partial vacation of portions of theYork Street and Josephine Street right-ofway (not the streets)- A zoning setback variance to enableconstruction of a new parking garage- Variances from the mountain viewprotection ordinance

These allowances are needed to facilitateconstruction of the new parking structure,Visitor Center and Entry, and a newHorticultural Facility that will replace theexisting greenhouses and offices, andprovide additional parking.

Right-of-Way VacationDBG is planning to build a Visitor ParkingStructure. Structures may not beconstructed within a public right-of-way,so DBG hasrequested apartial vacationof York Streetand JosephineStreet Rights-of-Way (not thestreets them-selves) fromthe Departmentof PublicWorks. Thevacation wouldrelocateproperty lines toprovide publicRights-of-Wayalong thesestreet frontssimilar to theGardens’ northand southfrontages.

Setback VarianceDenver Botanic Gardens is requesting avariance to the 20 foot setback requirementalong both York and Josephine Streets toallow construction of a new parking structurein approximately the same location as theexisting surface parking lot. The DenverBoard of Adjustment will consider thevariance application on August 19.

View Plane VarianceA Cheesman Park View Plane was estab-lished to protect the western views fromCheesman Park. The Cheesman Park ViewPlane originates 5 feet below the base of theexisting flag pole on the east side of YorkStreet opposite the Denver Botanic Gardens’entry. The view plane rises one foot forevery 100 feet of distance from the origin.No structure is allowed to penetrate thisimaginary plane without a variance from theDenver Planning Board.

Neighbors SupportDBG Requests, WorryAbout CommunityGardens RelocationMeeting attendees votedto support the DBG’svariance requests at anAug. 12 neighborhoodmeeting at the Gardens.

Discussion is ongoingabout relocating theDBG communitygardens. The NE cornerof the Denver WaterBoard’s reservoir inCongress Park is aproposed site.

For details, contactCouncilwoman JeanneRobb’s office or aCongress Park Boardmember.


“The Congress ParkCrime ActionCommittee Iscommitted tocoordinate effortsto rid ourneighborhood ofcrime, thus helpingto ensure personalsafety for all.”CPN Crime ActionCommittee MissionStatement

Prevent Carjacking

By Charlotte Bentley, former Congress Park Crime Action Chair

The Congress ParkNeighbors CrimeAction Committeeneeds you. Formore info, e-mailCongress ParkNeighbors CrimeAction CoordinatorJoe Ely at [email protected]

Death penalty forcarjacking.Carjacking became afederal crime in 1992after a woman wascarjacked at a stopsign in her neighbor-hood as she drove herdaughter to pre-school. The womanbecame entangled inher seatbelt and wasdragged to her deathduring the carjacking.In 1994, the passageof the Violent CrimeControl and LawEnforcement Act madecarjacking, wheredeath results, a federalcrime potentiallypunishable by death.

Have you ever wondered how you wouldreact if someone demanded your

car? Recently, the County Sheriff’s Dept.sent out a community alert warning driversabout two individuals who were approachingvehicles in carjacking attempts. They did sowhen cars slowed at intersections, or werestopped at a traffic light on South HollyStreet.

Carjacking is defined as a completed orattempted theft in which a motor vehicle istaken by force or threat of force. There aretwo kinds of carjackings. The most commonoccurs when you walk to your car in aparking lot or street. The other can happenwhen you are in your car, but momentarilystopped (e.g., at a traffic light, gas station,etc.). The carjacker is primarily after thevehicle. Law enforcement officials suggestdrivers keep their windows and carslocked and don’t stop for pedestriansapproaching their vehicle. If youfind yourself in a carjacking,preserve your own safety andgive up the car.

Often carjacking attempts takeplace at gas stations as driversstep out of their cars to pumpgas, leaving their doors unlockedand the keys in the ignition. If acarjacker approaches you outside yourcar and tells you to hand over your keys, dojust that. Do not try to argue them out of it,but throw the keys away from where youare, giving yourself time to get away from thevehicle while the assailant is retrieving thekeys. Carjackers seldom operate alone.Although you may only see the guy whostuck the gun in your face, he very likely hascronies waiting around the corner.

Don’t try to resist or argue with thecarjacker. You could be seriously hurt. Youare dealing with a stupid, violent, opportunist.Like all robbers, carjackers come to thesituation ready, willing, and prepared to

commit violence. Law enforcement officersrecommend you get out of your car andquickly get as far away as possible.

Citizens can reduce their chances of becom-ing a victim of a carjacking by staying alert totheir surroundings. Be aware, even aroundyour home, and adhere to the following steps:

- Make a habit of driving with the doorslocked, windows closed, and seatbelts on. Allare time-consuming deterrents to a carjacker.They like things fast and easy.- Keep purses and valuables out of view.- At gas stations, take keys out of ignition,and lock doors with keys in your handsbefore pumping gas, being aware of suspi-cious activity around you.- Be alert at shopping malls, convenience/grocery stores and intersections, all likely

spots for carjackers. Be aware ofloiterers.

- Select well-lit and well-traveledstreets for driving and parking.- If someone asks for assistance,or approaches your vehicle forchange, directions, or to hand outflyers, do not get out of yourvehicle or unlock your doors.

Go to a safe location and call thepolice if help is needed.

- Travel in the lanes closest to thecenter of the road and leave plenty of room

between your vehicle and others to allowyourself a way out.- Be particularly cautious and lock yourdoors when using drive-up services andATM’s.

Finally, if you are carjacked, let the car go.Your car can be retrieved or replaced, butyour life cannot, so don’t allow your anger inthe moment to interfere with good sense.Use your energy to call the police with yourlocation, vehicle details and a description ofthe carjacker. The sooner the police arenotified, the better your chances of retrievingyour vehicle.


This map shows a compilation of all seriouscrimes reported to police within Congress Parkeach year. Crime mapping is provided by theCongress Park Crime Action Committee usingCity and Police Department statistics relayedthrough Council District 10.


By Tom Conis

Denver Poll Workers Needed

Conservation Spe-cialties still caringfor Congress Parkhomes

Lou Cilento of Conser-vation Specialties isstill taking care ofolder houses and thepeople who love them,and still offering adonation to CongressPark Neighbors forevery job he does inthe neighborhood.

Conservation Special-ties does securitydoors, replacementwindows, flat concretework, garage doors,tuckpointing, tile,brickwork and more.

Wondering how muchthat next project willcost? Get a fewestimates, then callLou Cilento at 303/322-4130. He may beable to give you abetter price, and, ifyou choose hisservices, CongressPark Neighbors willbenefit by a donation.

Dr. Thomas McCroskey, D.C.303-320-1918 www.altdoc.netCorner of 12th and CO BLVD.

chiropractic massage therapy

First time massage

special: $50/hour

This fall, you have an opportunity toparticipate in our democracy by voting,

but your participation doesn’t have to beginand end there. One of the ways you couldget involved is to be a poll worker.

What do poll workers do?Poll workers check in voters, verify voteridentification, and generally assist voters incasting their ballots.

What are the requirements to be a pollworker?Poll workers must:- Be a registered voter in the City and Countyof Denver- Be willing to serve on Election Day from 6am to 8 pm- Be physically and mentally able to performthe duties of a poll worker- Have reliable transportation to the assignedpolling place- Have never been convicted of electionfraud or any other election offense or fraud - Not be a candidate on the ballot in theprecinct where they are appointed to serve,nor a member of the immediate family,related by blood or marriage to the seconddegree, of a candidate whose name appearson the ballot in the precinct where they areappointed to serve.

Are poll workers compensated?Yes. Election Day poll workers are paid $100for each Election Day they work, plus $20 forattending a required training session. Poll workers who can work during the weeksleading up to the elections, early voting daysand/or election night (to process and countvotes) are paid an hourly rate of $10.87. When are poll workers needed?Poll workers are needed for the followingdates:- Primary Election Day, August 12- General Election Day, November 4- During early voting from August 4-8 andOctober 20-31- During the weeks and months leading up tothe elections.

How do I apply?Download a Poll Worker Application, athttp://www.denvergov.com/Portals/570/documents/2008_Poll_Worker_Application_REVISED.pdf,fill it out and fax it to 720-913-8600. Or, callus at 720-913-VOTE (8683).


Protect Your Bicycle

By Officer Phil Epple

Three stories with aThree car garage andThree blocks to the park!

Original Home of one of Denver's Founding Fathers

303-744-6200 www.leonardleonard.com

If your house is presently listed for sale, this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing.

Sonja Leonard Leonard

963 Lafayette Street$975,000

The George Tritch Mansion

The beautiful weather and the highprice of gas may be encouraging

more casual bicycle riders to use theirleisure-time transportation for dailycommuting. The police departmentusually notices an increase in bicyclethefts in the summer and wants to helpyou protect your asset.

To make your bicycle more trouble tosteal, here are a few pointers:

- get a sturdy chain. A professional thiefcan remove any chain, if he has theproper tools and sufficient time. How-ever, a heat-treated chain with 3/8”diameter links,that can withstand theforce of a 2” bolt cutter should be justabout theft-proof. Look for links that arewelded shut and cannot be spread.

- use a reliable padlock. Buy one with aheat-treated, hardened steel shackle, ofthe samediameter asyour chain.

- lock the frontand rear wheelsand the frameto a permanentobject. Choosea stable, strongobject that can’tbe cut, sawed,or picked upand carriedaway, with yourbike still lockedto it.

Happy cycling!

Zoning AssembliesComing SoonLook for notices onneighobrhood assem-blies for properties atColfax and Detroit,16th and Milwaukee,and the Church in theCity, among others.Make your voice heardabout how yourneighborhood isdeveloped. We needyour thoughtfulconsideration ofwhat’s best for theneighborhood.

A flyer on your front porch says some-thing about a neighborhood meeting.

Congress Park Neighbors, Inc., is holding anassembly about some building or house on12th Avenue, or Colfax, or wherever. You’renot going because it’s a few blocks awayfrom you, so who cares?

Your CPN volunteer Board of Directorscares, that’s who. You have to tell them howto represent you. This is grassroots democ-racy, baby. You’re in on the ground floor.

The Board and other volunteers arrangetimely assemblies where neighbors gather tohear , discuss and vote on the pros and consof an issue. The votes establish the CongressPark Neighbors, Inc., position to be pre-sented at a City Council meeting.

Look at that flyer again and see if you can fitthat assembly into your schedule.

Attend Assemblies

By Ann Charles


NeighborhoodDirectory

Visit theseadvertisers, andtell them you’reglad you foundthem here.

For advertisingrates, call303-355-3735

Construction, Remodeling

Frambach ConstructionFrom Framing to Paint; fromEaves to Decks, we do it all.Call 720-252-1144 for a freeestimate. Congress Parkreferrals available.

House For Rent

Congress Park style,Modern Amenities.Fabulous 5 BR, 3-storyDenver Square, renovated,new appliances, hdwd; 2 cargarage+. No pets no smok-ing. $1850/mo. 303-355-3735

Hair Salon

The Cutting Edge1160 Madison; Open 7 days.303-322-1633Congress Park’s only full-service salon. Offeringcomplete hair, nail and skincare, waxing and massage.Major credit cards accepted.

Housecleaning

Offered in the Congress Parkneighborhood. 7 days aweek. Call for your freeestimate. 303-329-8205.Ask for Bob.

Lawn Care

Marc’s Mowing & HomeImprovementYour neighborhood handy-man who will also take careof your yard! CALL US—WECAN HELP! [email protected]

Plumbing/Heating

Vail Plumbing & Heating303-329-6042Older home specialist,service, repair, remodeling.Evaporative cooling. Li-censed, insured,V/MC

Repairs/Remodeling

720-351-3871Will renovate your basementand bathroom, modify anantique armoire and fix thatsticky door in the garage.Congress Park references.Call Joe for a free estimate.

Service Club Meeting

Zonta Club of Denver303-355-373585 years working to improvethe status of women andchildren. Monthly dinnermeeting 2nd Thursday, $25.

Worship

Capitol HeightsPresbyterian Church1100 Fillmore303-333-9366Alternative faith community inCongress Park. Sundays:9:30am worship service,11:00am education hour.

Worship

10:30 Catholic Community1100 Fillmore 303-333-9366Lay-led Vatican II Catholics.Sunday Mass 11:00 a.m.,Children’s Rel Ed 10:30 a.m.

Worship

Dignity Denver1100 Fillmore303-322-8485Catholic MassSundays @ 5 p.m.Lesbian, gay, bisexual & trans-gender Catholics, families andfriends. All are welcome.

Shop atyour

CongressPark

businesses.

Advertise Here

Are you readingthis? So are yourcustomers…Great exposure,low cost. Call 303-355-3735 for rates.

The Bradley GroupREAL ESTATE SERVICES

Susan Bradley720-327-4993

[email protected]

“I live and workin congress park-

I know our neighborhood real estate!”

Proud sponsor of theCPN Historic Speaker series.


August is Eye andFoot Health Month,Parks, Golf andCatfish Month

September is Be Kindto Editors and WritersMonth, Piano andClassical Music Monthand Chicken, Honeyand Rice Month

Sept. 15 - Oct. 15:Hispanic HeritageMonth

October is BreastCancer AwarenessMonth; Adopt aShelter Dog Month;Crime PreventionMonth, DisabilityEmploymentAwareness Month;Hunger AwarenessMonth; Pasta, Pizza,Popcorn, Pork andSeafood Month; andVegetarian AwarenessMonth

November is AmericanIndian Heritage Month;World CommunicationMonth;Great AmericanSmokeout Month;Peanut Butter, Fig,Split Pea Soup Month

Around theNeighborhood

Call the editorwith yourimportant dates.303-355-3735

August7-13 Breastfeeding Week, Smile Week, Clown Week11 Zonta Club of Denver meeting; 303/355-373513 Museum of Nature & Science Free Day; 303/322-700917-23 Friendship Week20 CPN Board meeting; Nat’l Jewish, 7 p.m27 CPN Historic Preservation Talk29- Sept. 1 Taste of Colorado, Civic Center

September2-6 Large Item Pickup week; 720/865-69001 Labor Day7 Museum of Nature & Science Free Day; 303/322-700911 Patriot Day11 Zonta Club of Denver meeting; 303/355-373514-20 Adult Day Care Week17 Citizenship Day17 CPN Board meeting; Nat’l Jewish, 7 p.m.21-27 Banned Books Week, Constitution Week24 CPN Historic Preservation Talk

October

5 Race for the Cure; 303/744-20885-11 Get Organized Week, Customer Service Week6-10 Large Item Pickup week; 720/865-690013-17 National School Lunch Week13 Columbus Day?? Zoo Free Day; 303/376-48009 Zonta Club of Denver meeting; 303/355-373522 Museum of Nature & Science Free Day; 303/322-700915 CPN Board meeting; Nat’l Jewish, 7 p.m.28 CPN Historic Preservation Talk (a Tuesday!)31 Halloween

November1 Sadie Hawkins Day2 Daylight Savings Time Ends4 Election Day: VOTE!10-14 Large Item Pickup week; 720/865-690013 Zonta Club of Denver meeting; 303/355-373511 Veteran’s Day15 America Recycles Day19 CPN Board meeting; Nat’l Jewish, 7 p.m.27 Thanksgiving


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Congress Park Neighbors Membership Form

Your neighborhood needs you! Join your neighbors today.

Name:

e-mail:address:phone:

The above information will only be used for contacting you aboutCongress Park Neighborhood issues.

___Member (individual or household)___Patron (get a T-shirt!): (circle shirt size: S M L XL XXL)___Business or organization:

(Circle amount enclosed)

Make check payable to:Congress Park Neighbors, Inc.P.O. Box 18571Denver, CO 80218

I am interested in learning more about:

___Neighborhood beautification___12th Avenue Business Support___Colfax Plan___Historic Preservation___Newsletter reporting___Newsletter advertising___Newsletter production___Newsletter distribution___Neighborhood Watch___Outreach___Membership___Social events___Graffiti abatement___Crime prevention___Traffic___Zoning___Other

German proverb: A good neighbor doubles the value of a house.(“Good neighbor” is defined as one who volunteers with theneighborhood organization.)

$20$30

$40

Date:

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

congress newsby julie lang brent hladky—president, treasurer 958 st. paul st.; 303-393-9072...

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