Volume 40, Edition 11

Message from CHUN Leadership

Welcome to the November edition of Urban Dweller. The greater Capitol Hill neighborhoods have been full of colorful splendor this month, first with leaves and then with pumpkins and Halloween costumes. It was great to see so many people enjoying Halloween, be it kids and their parents trick-or-treating, or those of us a little more advanced in our years connecting with friends and family at parties. The array of costumers stepping into Ubers or walking and scootering along our streets has been wonderful and I certainly have some inspiration for next year.

Ballots have arrived for Denver’s General Election and votes must be received by 7 p.m. on November 8th. CHUN has endorsed four ballot initiatives that we believe support an equitable and sustainable future for our city. We urge a ‘yes’ vote on Strong Library Strong Denver, No Eviction Without Representation, Waste No More, and Denver Deserves Sidewalks.

CHUN recognizes its role in standing with our public institutions, supporting important safety net programs, and a civic duty to fight bad public policy. The CHUN board voted to oppose Proposition 121, which would reduce state income tax to detrimental levels impacting a range of services and programs. This is one of the few occasions when the CHUN board has weighed in on statewide ballot measures. 

I would also like to draw your attention to one of CHUN’s signature initiatives, the SEED Awards. Each year, CHUN distributes funds to community focused initiatives that support Smart development, Enrichment and learning, Environmental sustainability, and Diversity to neighborhood in the greater Capitol Hill neighborhoods. Please apply on our web site.

The great thing about this time of year is the quantity of activities and events to participate in. In this edition, you’ll read about opportunities ranging from a 5k/10k Pumpkin Race to the Denver Christkindlmarket. November 5th will be the Veterans Day parade day in Denver, when we will commemorate and celebrate all those, near and far, who have served in the armed forces. The parade and festivities will be at Civic Center Park.

Finally, we are excited to have moved back into the Tears-McFarlane House. Wonderfully renovated in partnership with City Streets Investors, the original mansion is now buzzing with activity once again and we cannot wait for work to commence in 2023 on the new café adjacent to Cheesman Park. CHUN will have a presence in the house from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, so stop by and say hi! We may be away from the house at meetings, so please call us first at (720) 634-6378.

I hope you have enjoyed the lovely fall and have your puffer jackets ready to go as we move into winter. We look forward to seeing you soon!

​Cheers,
John

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Community Member of the Month

The Denver Foundation

​The Denver Foundation is the largest and most experienced community foundation in the Rocky Mountain West. 

The mission of The Denver Foundation is to inspire people and mobilize resources to strengthen our community. Since 1925, The Denver Foundation has helped generous people be catalysts for good by building charitable legacies.

In partnership with generous donors and community partners, like Capitol Hills United Neighborhood, they lead a community-wide effort to build a better future for everyone.

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CHUN News and Events

CHUN Offices are Open Again

Renovations of the Tears-McFarlane House are completed and CHUN has moved into its new offices space in the house.

CHUN offices will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Monday and Wednesday.

You can also reach out to CHUN at (720) 634-6378.

​CHUN Endorses Four Ballot Initiatives To Support A Sustainable and Equitable City

Denver voters will consider a number of important initiatives on this year's ballot.  Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods is please to announce its support for the following initiatives:

Measure 2I, Strong Library Denver, will invest more critical resources in the Denver Public Library, including staff support, infrastructure and programs. https://stronglibrarystrongdenver.org

Measure 305, No Eviction Without Representation, will give all Denver residents free legal support to navigate the eviction process.  https://newrdenver.com/

Measure 306, Waste No More, will require all businesses, including apartment buildings, condos, restaurants, hospitals, hotels and sporting arenas, to provide compost and recycling services.  It also mandates that all construction and demotion waste be properly disposed.  It also requires recycling and composting services at all city-permitted events. https://www.wastenomoredenver.org/

Measure 307, Denver Deserves Sidewalks, will fund the construction and repair of sidewalks by the City, so that everyone can get around Denver more freely and safely. ​denverdeservessidewalks.com

​Applications are Open for 2022 - 2023 CHUN SEED Awards

Central to CHUN's mission and vision is the belief that communities can only become healthier and more vibrant through active citizen involvement and civic entrepreneurship.

​To support this mission, each year, CHUN distributes SEED awards for Smart development, Enrichment and learning, Environmental sustainability and Diversity to neighborhood organizations and nonprofits for projects enhancing the greater Capitol Hill neighborhoods.

Recipients can receive up to $1,000 in SEED awards to enhance their own mission. Details on funding priorities and an online application are available on CHUN's website.  A list of past recipients is also available here.

APPLY SOON

DEADLINE IS
​NOVEMBER 18, 2022

Landmark Preservation Commission Discusses Landmarking and New Initiatives at CHUN's October Board Meeting

Kara Hahn, Senior City Planner for the Denver Landmark Preservation Commission, joined the CHUN October board meeting to discuss the process of landmarking existing buildings and to share new initiatives, such as defining additional geographic areas in neighborhoods that are currently underserved by the City.

The function of the Landmark Preservation Commission is to designate, preserve, enhance, and perpetuate structures or districts that have architectural, historical, geographic or cultural significance within the city of Denver. 

They do design review for new construction, alterations, demolitions and zone lot amendments for designated historic  properties/districts and then make recommendations to City Council on historic designations.

​Click here to see landmark areas within CHUN.

​CHUN and Curtis Park Neighbors Collaborate on a Walking Tour of Curtis Park

CHUN and Curtis Park Neighbors joined forces for a Sunday morning walking tour of the historic Curtis Park Neighborhood, led by CHUN board member Amanda Pennington.

The group learned about the area's history and the social and urban policy factors that have shaped the contemporary issues the community is now dealing with.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us, particularly to friends at Curtis Park Neighbors RNO!

CHUN Neighborhood Favorite Sienna Wine Bar has Opened in its New Location

Cozy and friendly Sienna Wine Bar and Small Plates is a Congress Park neighborhood favorite and now they are open in their new, expanded location at the corner of 12th and Madison (same block; couple of doors to the east).

​They feature an extensive wine list that includes sparkling wines, whites, roses and reds. The small plate list consists of baked brie, chicken au gratin, roasted beet hummus, bruschetta rustica and hot spinach, and feta casserole. Dessert includes individual Toblerone fondue, espresso Trinity cream and a variety of floats. 

Stop in and enjoy a glass and a bite! 
http://www.siennawinebar.com/

Denver Botanic Gardens Celebrates Día de los Muertos

CHUN Community Member, Denver Botanic Gardens, is showing displays that honor those who have died for Día de Muertos and also the largest and prettiest skulls!

Observance of Día de los Muertos will be celebrated on Saturday, November 5 at the York Street site.  Día de los Muertos costumers are encouraged.

Tickets must be purchased in advance.  Children 15 and under are free; tickets are required.

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Denver and Colorado News and Events

November 5: Veteran's Day Parade and Festival

Join the Denver Veterans Day Festival on November 5th. This family-friendly event offers FREE admission, a music stage, kids & family activities, military displays, and vendors. 

Saturday, November 5
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Veteran's Day Parade and Festival (see map)

The parade is broken down into serials that represent a different conflict in military history: Revolutionary War, Civil War, WW1, WW11, etc.  Each serial representation will feature military uniforms, vehicles and weapons from that era.

The festival serves as a celebratory “Thank You” to our Veterans who have fought to ensure our freedoms.

November 18: Denver Christkindlmarket Opens at Civic Center Park

This annual event brings authentic German and European holiday traditions to Denver! 

The Market opens every year on the Friday before Thanksgiving, and lasts through the 23rd of December.

he event offers an authentic German holiday experience, including opportunities to meet St. Nikolaus, Krampus and the Christkind herself.  Guests can savor the season as they enjoy authentic Glühwein, Bavarian-style Biers, European coffee, or hot chocolate while wandering through the Market. Each charming wooden hut offers finely crafted artisan gifts and holiday treats sold by local Coloradan and international merchants.

​November 19: Pumpkin Pie 5K/10K

• DATE: Saturday, November 19, 2022
• LOCATION: City Park | Denver, CO
• DIRECTIONS: For directions, a parking map and a map, please click here.
• START TIMES:
  • 5K – 9 a.m.
  • 10K – 9 a.m.
• Register here.

Compost Your Leaves

​Keep your raked leaves out of the landfill and compost them for free through Denver’s LeafDrop program. 

Weekday sites will open to Denver residents Oct. 10.

​Weekend drop-off sites will open Nov. 4. 

Remember, when dropping off your raked leaves, if you’re not using compostable bags, use paper bags – they can be composted along with the leaves!