GPHC

By Arthur Rosenblum

A highlight of any event held in the atrium of the Museum of Nature & Science is the view of City Park’s meadow, Ferril Lake and the pavilion set against Denver’s skyline, Rocky Mountain peaks and the vast and changing western sky. Speakers at this year’s Annual Election and Membership Meeting of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. had the additional competition of the lake’s recently restored electric fountain and its brilliant light show.

Fortunately, the view emitted no sounds so attendees could listen to the speeches and not be caught paying equal attention to the visual treats.

A view of the sunset from DMNS.

Beth McCann

Outgoing GPHC Chair Lyle Hansen hosted the meeting and moved things along at a crisp and refreshing pace. Hansen introduced the community again to Beth McCann who is running unopposed as the Democratic candidate for District 8 in the Colorado House of Representative. McCann spoke briefly, articulating her priorities for her first term in office (she replaces Rosemary Marshall who was term-limited after serving eight years in this seat). McCann will focus her energies on health care reform, increasing funding for education and providing money for youth programming aimed at reducing youth violence. 

Beth McCann

Rosemary Marshall

After presenting Rep. Marshall with an engraved clock thanking her for her years of service in the state house, Hansen was noticed gazing out the windows in appreciation of the darkening sky and the introduction of colors to the fountain’s display.

Marshall’s gaze first was fixed on her years in the legislature where she served in both Democratic and Republican administrations. She talked about her accomplishments in the context of what she learned to be the community’s desires eight years ago. “We want to feel safe. We want economic opportunity, quality public schools and access to health care,” she said. 

By Arthur Rosenblum

For thirty years Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. has presented the J. Carlton Babbs Memorial Community Service Award to a Park Hill residents who embody the spirit of Dr. Babbs, the long-time pastor at Park Hill United Methodist Church.

The 2008 recipient of the award is Roberta Locke who has lived in Park Hill with some interruptions since 1972 and who has quietly been involved in service to the community the entire time.

When Dr. Babbs died in 1978, Park Hill United Methodist asked GPHC to create this award in his honor. Awarded at its annual meeting each October, the Babbs Award honors people who live their lives consistent with the values and spirit of this revered figure.

Roberta Locke is known to most Park Hill residents now as the driving force behind the annual Park Hill Home Tour and Street Fair, the single largest fundraising activity for GPHC and an event that features the splendor of Park Hill living. More than 1,000 visitors from throughout the metropolitan area visit the seven homes on the Tour. Locke has been involved in the Tour for the past six years and promises to serve next year as its co-chair (Phew!!). The 2008 Home Tour raised an astounding $32,000.