Previous Board Member Profile: Kelly Tomajko
WASHINGTON & TENNESSEE
As an advocate for human and planetary wellness, I support initiatives designed to improve the lives of all Coloradans. I am a supporter of transportation options that are safe for people, safe for the environment, and connect our neighbors to all aspects of their lives where they live, work, and play.
Previous Board Member Profile: Tenly Williams
900 block of S Pennsylvania Street
Tenly was born and raised in Colorado and is grateful to make West Washington Park her home since 2006. Tenly brings a passion for disability access, mental health, peace and beauty to her service on the WWPNA board. She works as a paraprofessional at West Washington Park's neighborhood elementary school and plays oboe and English horn professionally for various groups including the Denver Municipal Band and the Colorado Bach Ensemble. She met her husband at the Mercury Cafe in 2000 when she asked him to dance on Lindy Hop night.
Amy Kenreich, Past President & Newsletter
500 BLOCK, S. PENN.
I am a graphic designer and small business owner. My firm specializes in Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability reporting. I ride my bike 2,000 miles a year as a bike commuter. I am passionate about safe walking and biking for kids — I am even a crossing guard! I volunteer on several city committees advocating to make it safer and more convenient for everyone to get where they are going. It is rewarding to see people get involved in our neighborhood association. The more voices we have, the stronger our community becomes.
Previous Board Member Profile: Gertie Grant
How long have you been attending meetings or volunteering with WWPNA?
41 years with a break of about 10 years from about 1995 to 2005
What committees do you participate in or lead?
Zoning
What is your background / expertise?
Lawyer, teacher and tree advocate
What do you love about living in this neighborhood?
Tree lined streets, walkable sidewalks, architecture, proximity to downtown, friends
What have you learned through your volunteer work with WWPNA?
Zoning; diversity of people and housing in our neighborhood;
What is your favorite event or favorite experience related to WWPNA?
starting Denver Digs Trees in a WWPNA garage
Why do you volunteer your time with this organization?
To preserve the character of the neighborhood; meet new neighbors
What value do you think WWPNA brings to the neighborhood?
Advocates for wishes of residents who care about the neighborhood
Anything else you want people to know about you?
I don’t have a lot or respect for people who make a lot of noise but don’t do any of the work like join a committee, listen to what other neighbors are saying and do some of the work of the committee.
Previous Board Member Profile: Katherine Jenkins
I started attending WWPNA meetings because I noticed things happening around the neighborhood and wanted to learn more. Between bike lanes, zoning, and other City of Denver initiatives it was hard to keep track of all the moving parts. I thought that by joining the WWPNA Board I would be able to help others in the neighborhood who were also struggling to keep track of all new things happening in WWP. By working with the Communications Committee I think we have helped transform how we engage with residents.
What is your background / expertise?
I grew up in Washington D.C. and moved to Denver about 6 years ago and think Denver is the best of both worlds. I work in environmental communications and hope to help make a difference with sustainability longterm.
What do you love about living in this neighborhood?
I love the walkability and easy access to downtown. The restaurants on Broadway are unique and fun. The neighborhood feels like it is a little oasis of City life and quiet neighborhood life.
Previous Board Member Profile: Jennifer Thijs
How long have you been attending meetings or volunteering with WWPNA?
I've been involved with WWPNA since 2008 when I took over preparing the quarterly newsletter until 2018. At that time I became a board member.
What committees do you participate in or lead?
Until recently, I've been the chair of the communications committee building and maintaining our previous website and I continue taking care of our newsletter advertisers. I'm also on the July 4th Celebration planning committee.
What is your background / expertise?
Drawing, graphic arts and publication design has always been my strong suite. I have a degree from the Art Institute in Advertising design.
What do you love about living in this neighborhood?
WWPark has always been so comfortable and easy to live in. So close to Denver's premiere park and the downtown area is great. In my humble opinion and after living in 6 different states, West Washington Park is the best place to live.
What is your favorite event or favorite experience related to WWPNA?
Well being a social butterfly, of course I love organizing and celebrating with everyone at the Annual 4th of July Celebration every year. Every once in a while, WWPNA will put on a community Happy Hour at a local restaurant/bar and that's a great way to get to know your neighbors.
Why do you volunteer your time with this organization?
Originally, being self-employed and working from home, volunteering gave me a way to get out of the house. Now, after all the years, the association has become like family and I truly care about our community.
What value do you think WWPNA brings to the neighborhood?
WWPNA gives residents and our members an outlet to voice their concerns about their homes, their block and things going on around them. We honestly listen and try to help our residents with their needs or home projects or direct them to specific city government departments.
In memory: Gloria LeFree—in her own words
How long have you been attending meetings or volunteering with WWPNA?
More than 25 years.
What committees do you participate in or lead?
Led the Health and Safety Committee many years ago. Chair the Membership Committee now. Throughout the years, I've been on the Zoning Committee, Land Use & Transportation Committee, and the Home Tour Committee.
What is your background / expertise?
I was a liaison for scientific matters on The Hill in D.C. for the American Chemical Society for many years, and have 25 years of mid-level management experience here in Denver.
What do you love about living in this neighborhood?
It's historical ambience, proximity to a wonderful park, and easy access to downtown.
What have you learned through your volunteer work with WWPNA?
That you can't please everyone all of the time and we should all be tolerant of other opinions about neighborhood issues, regardless of whether or not you think your opinion is the right one.
What is your favorite event or favorite experience related to WWPNA?
My representation of WWPNA in the Central Denver Transportation Study that ultimately led to the changes that now make Washington and Emerson streets quieter and much less dangerous.
Why do you volunteer your time with this organization?
To be informed about City issues that affect WWP and have the opportunity to participate in efforts to keep and improve our quality of life in this neighborhood.
What value do you think WWPNA brings to the neighborhood?
Interested and informed residents come together to review and discuss neighborhood issues on behalf of its membership.