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the county’s outreach, education and advocacy efforts with the tribe. The binding document will help “educate the citizens of Arapahoe County about the Arapahoe and Cheyenne peoples’ living history and culture,” the MOA reads.

The signing comes nearly 158 years after the infamous Sand Creek Massacre during which Colorado troops killed an estimated 150 members of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes in what is now Kiowa County.

In 1878, the Northern Arapaho were forced to move from their native land in Colorado to the Wind River Reservation in central Wyoming. Today, around 10,000 members live on the reservation with members of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe.

According to the MOA, Arapahoe County will establish regular events and commemorations relating to the massacre including participating in the annual Sand Creek Massacre Healing Run later this year.

The run, which stretches 180 miles, seeks to commemorate the victims and survivors of the massacre.

Other pledges in the MOA include increasing awareness and education of Northern Arapaho culture, historical events and current issues, respectful representation of the tribe in print, digital and visual contexts, publicizing tribal issues in the county and creating a process to invite tribal members to appropriate county events and ceremonies.

Representatives from both the county and tribe plan to meet at least once every year, according to the MOA.

Following the MOA’s signing, the county held a fl agraising ceremony outside its administrative building in Littleton.

Tribal elder Ben Ridgley, speaking during the ceremony, said it was “an honor to be here to do this historical signing.”

“We know from our oral histories that this is our ancestral land, and also our homeland, so it’s very meaningful to be here at this moment,” Ridgley said.

Representatives from Arapahoe County and the Northern Arapaho Tribe in Wyoming stand outside the county’s administrative building in Littleton. COURTESY OF ARAPAHOE COUNTY

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Clothing provided in welcoming environment

BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Not long after Erin Lowrey began working as a behavioral health specialist at the Transgender Center of the Rockies in 2020, she came across a collection of abandoned clothes in the back of the center. Lowrey asked a colleague what the clothes were for and was told it was the remnants of a previous gender-affi rming clothing closet, and if she wanted to, she could organize them.

Knowing how diffi cult the shopping process can be for a person who is exploring their gender identity and expression, Lowrey worked with colleagues to organize the clothes for people to browse, as well as donate clothes they no longer needed or wanted.

It marked the start of Marsha’s Closet, a free gender-affi rming closet that celebrated its one-year anniversary June 15. Rainbow-colored streamers decorated the center as a group of about 20 people gathered to commemorate the closet’s anniversary and its growth over the past year.

“It’s surreal,” said Lowrey, whose pronouns are she/they. “I was really glad that the community cared as much about it and thought it was as worthwhile as I did.”

Marsha’s Closet is a free collection of donated items including clothing, shoes, hygiene products and chest binders, which help fl atten breast tissue, Lowrey said. The closet aims to offer gender-affi rming clothing, which Lowrey defi ned as items that make people feel like who they are on the inside is represented on the outside.

It is one of several resources offered by the Transgender Center of the Rockies, a program of Mile High Behavioral Healthcare, located at 3460 S. Federal Blvd. in Sheridan.

“We provide holistic, gender-affi rming resources to trans, non-binary and gender-nonconforming, and, you know, gender diverse folks from all over,” said Elliott Weil, a social program coordinator at the center. The center serves poeple statewide, Weil said.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Offi ce of Population Affairs, research shows gender-affi rming care improves the mental health of gender diverse children and adolescents, who are at a higher risk for mental health issues, substance use and suicide. A 2021 national survey by the Trevor Project found that 42% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth.

“Marsha’s Closet is a place for people to have the freedom and support to explore gender expression and fi nd fun clothing accessories in a space where the people uplift them,” Lowrey said, estimating that between 20 and 50 people visit the closet weekly. “They are provided the warmth that I think everyone deserves when they are going through something as diffi cult as transition.”

Shopping can be scary and intimidating for people who are exploring their gender identity and expression, Lowrey said, as people will often get judgmental looks and comments directed their way while shopping in public. It’s something Lowrey has witnessed while helping her partner, who is genderqueer, shop for clothes.

“Clothing can be such a deeply crucial part of gender expression and gender discovery. I know it was for me,” said Weil, who is transmasculine. He said it’s been amazing and refreshing to witness people fi nd clothing in Marsha’s Closet they feel validated in.

“There’s such a cultural emphasis placed on gender dysphoria as the catalyst for discovering that we’re trans, or whatever, but I am a really big believer in gender euphoria, and like, demonstrating that what makes you feel comfortable and safe and validated and confi dent can be even more important,” Weil said.

The growth of the closet over the past year is because of the community, Lowrey said.

The center has luckily had a lot of community partners host clothing drives and fundraisers to help support the closet, Lowery added.. Clients and community members have also helped donate clothing racks and clothing items, which Lowrey said can be a healing experience for them as they pass on clothes to others.

“The way our growth has happened, really, I think, speaks to the strength of the community that we’re in,” Weil said. “They believe in us and uplift us.”

Sam Wilde, a nonbinary person with the pronouns they/them, looked through the closet for the fi rst time during the June 15 celebration and brought some clothes to donate.

“I’m kind of a year-and-a-half into my transition, so fi nding clothes that align with that is diffi cult. So, it’s nice to have something like this,” said Wilde, who began volunteering for the center this year.

Wilde said the range of sections in the closet was really cool, and it was great to see binders and packers, which are placed in underwear, given that those items can be hard to fi nd. The best part of the event, though, was being with others.

“It’s nice to be surrounded by people in the community,” Wilde said. “Because, like, throughout the pandemic, I was pretty isolated, so it’s nice to be around other folks, especially in a safe space.”

Looking to the years ahead, Weil said he hopes to see more donations of higher-priced items such as breast forms as well as packing and tucking underwear. Lowrey also hopes to see more donations of toiletries and cosmetics, as well as clothing for young people.

“I would really love to have, you know, clothing available all the way down to, like, preschool, because children can label and describe their gender as young as 3 or 4 years old,” Lowrey said, adding that the free resources would be helpful to parents who cannot afford to buy a new wardrobe.

However, one of the current challenges the closet faces is limited space, Weil said.

“Between our staff and between the closet, we’re just kind of outgrowing where we’ve lived for so long,” Weil said, adding that the location of the center can also sometimes be diffi cult for people to get to.

Danielle Bono, the director of the center, said she hopes in the next year, the closet will have its own designated space.

“We would love to have more of a physical space that could really showcase different outfi ts, different styles,” Bono said, adding she’d love to see more higher priced gender-affi rming items, like wigs, be donated.

Overall, Lowrey hopes people know that Marsha’s Closet is a free, safe and friendly space for anyone who may be exploring their gender identity and expression.

“The clothes are here, whenever they’re ready for them. We would love to see them,” Lowrey said. “It’s never too early to come see what makes you happy — or too late.”

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Marsha’s Closet, located at the Transgender Center of the Rockies, o ers free clothes. On June 15, 2022, clothes were displayed under a colorful tent outside in the back of the center as part of the closet’s one-year anniversary celebration.

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Gotto leads in District 2 race, District 4 margin narrow

Leslie Summey, left, and Regina Edmond-

son. COURTESY PHOTO

Jason Presley, left, and Mark Gotto.

COURTESY PHOTO

Arapahoe County has two open commissioner seats

BY ROBERT TANN RTANN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

At press time, which was early due to the July 4 holiday, results were still coming in for two contested races for two Arapahoe County commissioner seats in the primary election June 28.

Overseeing a population of just under 650,000, the county’s five commissioners are responsible for a roughly $400 million budget that governs the county’s various departments including housing and human services, public works and parks and recreation. Commissioners also coordinate with local, state and federal services.

In the race for District 2, which encompasses south-central Arapahoe County, Mark Gotto took a quick lead over Jason Presley in the Republican primary.

In November, the winner will face Democrat Jessica CampbellSwanson, a campaign manager and political consultant who ran unopposed, Nov. 8.

Current District 2 Commissioner Nancy Sharpe’s term will expire January 2023.

Gotto, a former councilmember for the City of Centennial, is running on his 20-year corporate career, which culminated in an executive role of a Fortune 100 company, as well as his time in public service as his main pitch to voters. Key priorities for him are targeting spending from the $550 billion federal infrastructure bill, maintaining a debt-free budget and reducing crime.

He has received endorsements and testimonials from Centennial Mayor Stephanie Piko, former mayor Cathy Noon and former councilmember Carrie Penaloza.

Presley currently serves as a deputy sheriff for Arapahoe County and has served in the sheriff’s office for 17 years. In his bid for commissioner, Presley said he is focused on combating the rise in crime by increasing the sheriff’s office’s budget, managing the county’s new health department and working collaboratively with other agencies to address increased homelessness. Both he and Gotto also support building a new jail in the county.

Presley did not list any endorsements on his campaign website.

Campbell-Swanson is endorsed by current county commissioners Carrie Warren-Gully, Nancy Jackson and Bill Holen. She also received endorsements from county Assessor PK Kaiser, Democratic Colorado state senators, house representatives and public education leaders.

In the race for District 4, which encompasses central Arapahoe County, Democrats Regina Edmondson and opponent Leslie Summey remained close in early vote counts. The race was too close to call at Colorado Community Media’s press time.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Bob Roth, who has served in multiple public service roles — including as mayor pro tem for the City of Aurora from 2013 to 2019 — Nov. 8. Roth ran unopposed in the Republican primary.

Current District 4 Commissioner Nancy Jackson’s term will expire January 2023.

Edmondson has served as a leader in the county’s business community, serving on the City of Aurora Business Advisory Board and the Aurora Rotary Club. Her platform includes supporting more affordable housing and other housing resources, such as rent assistance and subsidies, improving economic opportunities for businesses and partnering with various agencies and community centers to improve public safety.

She is endorsed by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, Arapahoe County Commissioner Bill Holen and several other state and local elected leaders.

Summey is a Navy veteran and small business owner who focused a large part of her platform on advancing equity and human rights in Arapahoe County. She said she wants to address rising rates of domestic violence and easily accessible reproductive healthcare services, provide more attainable housing and services for those who are homeless, improve veterans’ care and make the county a more inclusive place for LGBTQ people.

Summey is endorsed by Aurora City Councilmembers Alison Coombs, Juan Marcano and Rubin Medina as well as state Rep. Steven Woodrow and several local community advocates.

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Heroes we honor

This is the month each year where we celebrate our freedom. The month where we should be giving thanks to the heroes in our community.

FROM THE Early in my career, many years ago, our newspaper did a special

EDITOR section calling “Hometown Heroes.” I always looked forward to this section because we uncovered some extraordinary stories about people living among us as neighbors. I am a true believer in paying respects and honoring our veterans and the people currently serving in the U.S. military. What they do and are trained to do is extraordinary.

Thelma Grimes Thelma Grimes However, I also value what many of our residents do here at home. For them, this column is dedicated to you because are you are the epitome of what America could and should stand for every day.

In this column, I want to say thank you to the volunteers who work tirelessly to help veterans. Whenever I take my dad to the VA — they are always there with a smile and ready to get us wherever we are trying to go.

Beyond the VA, we have organizations such as the VFW and American Legion throughout our communities. These groups quietly do great work every year. They hold ceremonies, honor members of our community and hand out scholarships to our youth.

Speaking of scholarships, it is mind-boggling how much small organizations step up year after year to hand our graduating high school seniors a check. Take groups such as the Englewood Rotary Club. This group handed out $10,000. Not a small amount — and their work, while not front and center, is important.

To the volunteers of organizations who every day wake up to prepare food boxes for our community members in need — you are heroes. You are appreciated.

To the volunteers who join boards, clubs and organizations to battle child abuse — you are appreciated.

To the volunteers who are called in when police are trying to help a victim of a crime — you are appreciated. Many of you are victims yourselves and understand what someone is going through. The courage it takes to set aside your pain to help another deal with theirs is incredible.

To the volunteers who work tirelessly to help women out of domestic abuse — we appreciate you. This is no easy task and you all work hard.

To organizations who help refugees fl eeing their home countries to fi nd peace in America — we appreciate you. Many of you open your homes, wallets and time just to help a stranger feel welcome.

To organizations dedicated to making an effort to help young transgenders, people coming out as gay — to the therapy, services and support you all tirelessly provide — we appreciate you.

The space in this column is not big enough to cover how many groups and organizations who do amazing things every day — know you are appreciated.

If you are reading this column and know of an organization or individual we should recognize as community heroes, please let us know. Writing about those doing good work is a priority for me as an editor. Write me at tgrimes@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Thelma Grimes is the south metro editor for Colorado Community Media.

Friends who are like family, and family who become friends

Each morning I participate in a daily devotional with a friend of mine who has become more like family as he and I have been friends for the past 27 years. He is very much my brother. And I have been blessed to count many other friends who over a lifetime have also become more like brothers to me as well. This past week the devotional that we participated in examined this phenomenon, where friends become like family, and family members turn out to also become our best friends. Our friends who have become part of our family have stayed with us through the good times and the bad times, they have mourned our losses and celebrated our victories. They have stood by our side when others walked away, and with expectation or question, we always have their back too. There is a bond forged by going through years, sometimes decades of doing life together.

I consider myself fortunate to have both men and women who have been friends for many years, people who I love and respect and who I would do anything for when needed or asked. Friends who I consider sisters, and friends I consider brothers. In some cases, we talk, meet, or call regularly, if not daily. And in other cases, weeks or months

could go by, but when we reconnect, it is like we have never missed a beat, we pick up right from where we left off. And when we do, it feels so good to get caught up. WINNING My siblings and I are now at that age where we have endured much, laughed plenty, WORDS fought miserably, loved unconditionally, mourned our losses, and celebrated new life. I love when we do get together, and when we do, take that special picture of the four of us. I am sharing this with you because having participated in the devotional I mentioned earlier and reaching out to others to see what they thought, I heard something that made me a little sad. Some people shared that they too enjoyed friendships that were certainly Michael Norton like family, and family who were best friends. However, some shared that the younger generations were not as loyal to friendship as the past generations. One comment I received was rather disturbing as they noted that their children saw their friendships as disposable, here today and gone tomorrow. And there was no worry, as they would just fi nd other people to “hang out with.” Hanging out with people could mean friendship, or it could just mean companionship. Whether that companion will be around in a few years is yet to be determined, let alone for many years or decades. When I did some more digging, asking other friends and neighbors what they were seeing, they

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Englewood Herald (ISSN 1058-7837)(USPS 176-680)

A legal newspaper of general circulation in Englewood, Colorado, the Englewood Herald is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110 PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO and additional mailing o ces. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: Englewood Herald, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

Linda Newell

For many, this particular Fourth of July was a hard one to celebrate. The recent revocation of our rights to make decisions about our own bodies was shocking. Not me. Yes, I wept for my mother and grandmothers who fought so hard for the right to individually own a house, have their own credit account, and earn equal pay. I wept for our country that just took a nosedive back to the 1950s where people with uteruses are supposed to be “barefoot and pregnant” … and controlled. But I literally bawled with my children who want to have kids of their own but are now afraid of having their own lives sacrifi ced (or being put in prison) if something goes wrong during their pregnancy.

As one of the three co-equal branches of our government, the judicial branch was set up to strive to uphold the Constitution and rule of law and protect us from the politics of the other two branches. But we’ve seen the opposite from the current majority of justices. Instead of protecting our rights, they are now taking them away.

With voting rights, the Supreme Court has been chipping away for almost a decade at the rights originally held in reverence in our democratic republic. This fall, they may take even more of those rights away in a case they’re reviewing now. But this should be no surprise either. It’s clear the majority wants to go back to a Constitution and Bill of Rights (written by all white wealthy men) where Black persons were legally allowed to be enslaved and only counted as three-fi fths of a person and where women had many fewer rights than men.

But now with the 2022 Supreme Court and some state legislatures, Americans with uteruses have fewer rights than a fi rearm.

They say all politics is local. But what if it’s hyper-local? Not just our state, county, or town, but our own body. Taking away our right to the very life of our own body, endangering our mental health, and blocking our ability to economically prosper and pursue happiness is not what our nation stands for, is it? The judicial branch is no place for politics. It was intended to be the bastion of the rule of law.

What does all this have to do with our local community? Everything. In Colorado, we are lucky to still have protected voting rights as we’re noted for having the best election laws in the nation (which I’m proud to have voted on). We’re also fortunate to have full rights to make medical decisions about our own bodies thanks to state Rep. Meg Froelich’s leadership. And because Colorado has done well with gun responsibility laws, we have done our best to maintain our right just to live.

So, thank you, fellow Coloradans, for creating a common sense, live-and-letlive state. We have shown other states that a “free society” can work and prosper. But are we really free if a pregnant person can’t take a road trip across state lines without the fear of potentially losing their life? Is this a wake-up call to protect or rebuild our fragile democracy?

We knew this political game was coming. The justices swore under oath that Roe v. Wade was “settled law” and not in jeopardy. Some even personally promised to certain U.S. senators. But if you knew you could have a lifetime position of power, would you tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Well, some of us still would.

In sadness …

Former Colorado State Senator, Linda Newell is a writer, instructor, facilitator, and confl ict & DEI coach. Senlindanewell@gmail.com, www.lindanewell. org, www.senlindanewell.com, @sennewell on Twitter, Senator Linda Newell on Facebook

NORTON

echoed a similar feeling of “temporary friendships.” For me the question became, “Why?” So, I am going to do further research and have more discussions around this to better understand the difference between generations when it comes to long-lasting and loving friendships vs. temporary or disposable relationships.

My hope is that those of us who have been blessed with such relationships will share the many benefi ts of having friends who are like family and family who have become our best friends. There is so much I am learning from the younger generations each and every day as I am given plenty of opportunity to work with people across multiple generations. And now it could be our turn to teach and share the meaning of having such powerful relationships.

It doesn’t matter if it is even one friend who is like family or many friends, the point is you are there for each other, available and unconditionally.

How about you? Are you someone who has enjoyed having your friends become like brothers and sisters? Have your family members become like best friends? I would love to hear your story at mnorton@ xinnix.com, and when we can build long-lasting and loving relationships with friends and family, it really will be a better than good life.

ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Colorado Community Media welcomes letters to the editor. Please note the following rules: • Email your letter to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com. Do not send via postal mail. Put the words “letter to the editor” in the email subject line. • Submit your letter by 5 p.m. on Wednesday in order to have it considered for publication in the following week’s newspaper. • Letters must be no longer than 400 words. • Letters should be exclusively submitted to Colorado Community Media and should not submitted to other outlets or previously posted on websites or social media. Submitted letters become the property of CCM and should not be republished elsewhere. • Letters advocating for a political candidate should focus on that candidate’s qualifi cations for o ce. We cannot publish letters that contain unverifi ed negative information about a candidate’s opponent. Letters advocating for or against a political candidate or ballot issue will not be published within 30 days of an election.

• Publication of any given letter is at our discretion. Letters are published as space is available. • We will edit letters for clarity, grammar, punctuation and length and write headlines (titles) for letters at our discretion. • Please don’t send us more than one letter per month. First priority for publication will be given to writers who have not submitted letters to us recently. • Submit your letter in a Word document or in the body of an email. No PDFs or Google Docs, please. • Include your full name, address and phone number. We will publish only your name and city or town of residence, but all of the information requested is needed for us to verify you are who you say you are. • Letters will be considered only from people living in Colorado Community Media’s circulation area in Adams, Arapahoe, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Je erson and Weld counties. • Do not use all caps, italics or bold text. • Keep it polite: No name calling or “mudslinging.”

Michael Norton is the grateful president of XINNIX, a personal and professional coach, and a consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator to businesses of all sizes.

OBITUARIES

AITON Margaret Ann “Peggy” Aiton

August 16, 1952 - June 21, 2022 Peggy Aiton, known for her extraordinary compassion, empathy, and humanity, passed away on June 21, 2022, at the age of 69. A Colorado native, Peggy spent her formative years in Englewood, Colorado. The daughter of William and Barbara Aiton, she was the fifth of six children. As you can imagine, there was never a dull moment at Aiton Place. Peggy graduated from Englewood High School in 1970 and began classes at Arapahoe Community College. However the draw of the Rocky Mountains was irresistible for her, and she eventually settled in Oak Creek, Colorado. Soon after, she started a family with her husband Carl, who predeceased her in 1983. She remained in the area and has been a valuable member of the South Routt County community for nearly 50 years, in Oak Creek and later Steamboat Springs. Her energy and sense of humor were contagious; she was truly the life of the party. An amazing self taught cook, she kept everyone’s stomachs full and their sides splitting with laughter. She often served as activity coordinator at annual family reunions. Peggy undoubtedly brought joy to every occasion. Throughout her life, Peggy had an innate ability to help people through their most difficult times. She was often a comfort to people in their final days, including as caregiver for her mother, Barbara, for the last several years of Barbara’s life. Returning to her beloved Routt County after Barbara’s death, Peggy utilized her exceptional gift as caregiver by starting her own business, Guardian Angels Companion Services. Serving the elderly, infirm, and incapacitated in that area, she leaves behind a legacy of hard work and selflessness. Peggy is survived by her sons, Jesse and Grant, grandson Dylan, sisters Winnie and Carol, and brothers Mike and Barry.

Place an Obituary for Your Loved One.

303-566-4100 obituaries@coloradocommunitymedia.com Self placement available online at englewoodherald.net

BY BOB WOOLEY BWOOLEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM Summer is here. July is upon us. And perhaps nothing defi nes the season as well as a cold, creamy scoop or two on a cone — or in a bowl, if you prefer. What else appeals so effortlessly to all ages, putting summertime smiles on kids and kids-at-heart?

In fact, Americans consume about 23 gallons of ice cream annually, according to the International Dairy Foods Association. And in case you didn’t know, July has been celebrated as National Ice Cream Month since Ronald Reagan signed the proclamation way back in ‘80s. July is also, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, tied with August for the two most popular months to eat ice cream — a statistic that surely surprises no one.

Ask a few people who has the best ice cream in the Denver metro area, and then sit back and be amazed at the number of answers you get.

In the old days, it was easy. There was Baskin Robbins and DQ, and for a special occasion, you might get a counter seat at Dolly Madison.

Then there was Farrell’s, and later, Swensen’s, but these were both chains that came here from other places. Nothing about them was particularly connected to Colorado. And in more recent history, the opening of Magill’s in Lakewood and Bonnie Brae in south Denver signaled that a new era was at hand.

These days, the continuing trend of boutique ice cream joints using premium ingredients has ushered in what is undoubtedly the golden era of cold and creamy goodness in the metro area. When you make a list, it’s easy to see there are several formidable contenders cranking out delicious frozen delights. So, making a list is what we have done.

To be clear, this is no contest. The order of the list is not scientifi c or any type of ranking at all, but merely the order in which they popped into the author’s head. You may use it as a type of map, as it were, to the coolest mini road trip in the metro. Pun intended. • Bonnie Brae Ice Cream opened in 1986 and has been cranking out the cold stuff ever since. • Little Man Ice Cream Company started in 2008 in the Lower Highlands neighborhood and has grown to six distinct locations across the Front Range including — aside from the fl agship store — The Little Man Ice Cream Factory, DANG Soft Serve, Old Town Churn, The Constellation and Sweet Cooies. • Sweet Cow now has six locations plus a truck, the MooMobile. Their ice cream is made in small batches and crafted at each location. • Liks Ice Cream has been a staple in Capitol Hill forever. They’re family-owned and now have a second location in Conifer. • Nuggs, the brainchild of Chris and Nick O’Sullivan of Brother’s BBQ, has been serving cool, creamy treats to folks in Park Hill and Mayfair since 2014. • Magill’s on the west side of Denver has had you covered for the last four decades. This unassuming Lakewood strip-mall shop has them lined up most evenings, no matter the weather. The huckleberry is to die for. Plus, it’s just fun to say huckleberry. • Sweet Action opened on Broadway in 2009 and now has four locations serving fl avors as fun as you’ll fi nd anywhere, with plenty of vegan options in the mix. You can also fi nd them in Washington Park, Uptown and Jefferson Park. • High Point Creamery’s Erika Thomas and Chad Stutz have been serving ice cream with elevated fl avor profi les in Hilltop, RINO and Berkeley. They also have a food truck they call “Big Pinky” — it’s pink — to cater to every ice cream need. • Em’s Ice Cream in Park Hill is getting ready to launch a second location in Wheat Ridge at 26th and Kipling. • Scrumptious can be discovered a bit further north in Olde Town Arvada. According to its website, the business makes all of their ice cream in-house. • Inside Scoop in Littleton, with another location on Platte Street, serves 20 fl avors that are homemade daily and go perfectly with a handcrafted waffl e cone, which they also make fresh.

If your favorite didn’t make the list, don’t fret. But feel free to drop us a line about what makes it great, and we’ll update the web version of this story to keep the metro area’s ice cream addicts up to date on all of the news they need to know.

Highlands Ranch author Eleanor Brown will talk about her new book, “Any Other Family” and sign books at 6:30 p.m. on July 15 at the Highlands Ranch Library. Register at DCL.org/authors-events. Books to be sold by Tattered Cover Book Store.

One Book One Littleton

Pam Houston, a writer who impulsively purchased a 120 -acre ranch near Creede, Colorado, will speak Sept. 25 in Littleton, where her book: “Deep Creek: Finding Hope in the High Country,” is chosen for One Book One Littleton, Bemis Library’s selection for a 2022 community reading project. The memoir explores the concept of “Home.” She will conduct a writers workshop from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (limit is 20) and will be honored at a reception from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Bemis Library, 6014 S. Datura St., Litteton. Tickets available Aug. 15.

Music at museum

The Journey Girls will perform

SONYA’S SAMPLER

July 13 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the lawn at the Littleton Museum, 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton. Bring a blanket or a chair and a picnic. Free. Melodic rock.

Firehouse Theater Company

“Pride and Prejudice,” playwright Kate Hamill’s zany take on Jane Austen’s novel, will be performed July 7 to Aug. 6 at the John Hand Theater, 7653 E. 1st Place, Denver. fi rehousetheatercompany.com, 303562-3232.

CVA

“Collective Nouns” is an exhibit by members of Metropolitan State University’s Art Department. CVA is at 965 Santa Fe Drive, Denver. Now open through Aug. 13. Free. Note three new murals on the exterior of the building, still in creation when we were notifi ed. Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. 303-294-5207.

Englewood Arts Presents

The next Englewood Arts Presents Midsummer Matinee concert is at 2 p.m. July 9 at Hampden Hall in the Englewood City Center, 1000 Englewood Parkway. Tickets: $30. Artists: Susain Paik and Teddy Niedermeyer. Aug. 13, Bravo Cello. 303-806-8196, englewoodarts.org.

Curtis

The 39th Annual All Colorado Art Show at Curtis Center for the Arts, 2349 E. Orchard Road, Greenwood Village opens on July 9 celebrating artists from across the state. Reception is 6 to 9 p.m. July 9 and a juror’s talk by Libby Garon, gallery director for Walker Fine Arts in Denver, will be at 2 p.m. Aug. 13. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. 303-797-1779. greenwoodvillage. com/Curtis.

CORE

CORE New Art Space, a longrunning coop art gallery with several south area artists, has a new location in the shopping center at 6501 W. Colfax Ave. (site of Casa Bonita). 303-297-8428, coreartspace.com. Hours: Friday: 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m. Opening Aug. 5 to 26: “Figuratively Speaking” by Kathryn Cole and Edgar Dumas.

Sonya Ellingboe

Author Eleanor Brown of Highlands Ranch will appear July 15 at the High-

lands Ranch Library. COURTESY OF JOE HENSON

Ambitious seasons coming to area venues

Museums, theaters o er plenty for lovers of culture

BY SONYA ELLINGBOE SELLINGBOE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Summer has just started and there are weeks ahead to enjoy arts outdoors as well as inside our favorite venues. But, after a really diffi cult stretch, organizations are sending in notices of a future year’s plans and we are so pleased to share a sampler with readers — we’ll remind about specifi c dates as we progress, but this past week’s mail has been pretty exciting.

The Denver Art Museum just opened “Georgia O’Keeffe, Photographer,” nearly 100 images she shot parallel to her career as a painter. The collection, organized by Lisa Volpe, associate curator of photography at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, will be shown with a selection of her paintings and drawings, through Dec. 6 in the Gallagher Family Gallery in the Hamilton Building, included in general admission. (Members and all visitors 18 and under, free.) Also coming to the DAM’s Hamilton Building: on Oct. 16 through Jan. 22, 2023, is the Belgium-based Phoebus Foundation’s “Saints, Sinners, Lovers and Fools: 300 years of Flemish Artwork,” works by 15th- to 17th-century Flemish artists. And, “Who Tells a Tail Adds a Tail: Latin America and Contemporary Art” (July 31-March 5, 2022).

We just enjoyed the fi nal performance of “The Wedding Singer” at

Renowned New Mexico painter Georgia O’Kee e also worked in photography, and an exhibit of her photos is on display at the Denver Art Museum.

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Thu 7/14

Featured

Mandy Moore @ 6pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood

YS: 3-4 Sports Experience: T-ball @ Eisenhower

@ 8pm Jul 14th - Aug 4th Denver Parks and Recreation (EIS), 4300 E Dartmouth Ave, Denver. 720-913-0654

Featured

Beau Thomas: Viewhouse Littleton (SOLO) @ 5pm ViewHouse Littleton, 2680 Main St, Littleton

Scott Fowler Music: Scott Fowler @ 2 Penguins Tap & Grill

@ 5pm 2 Penguins Tap and Grill, 13065 E Briar‐wood Ave, Centennial

Featured

Uprooted ft. Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root @ 6pm / $29.50-$59.50 The Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock

Sat 7/16

Featured

Scott Slay @ 11am Breckenridge Brewery, 2920 Brewery Ln, Littleton

Featured

Jenny Shawhan: Glenmoor Country Club @ 3pm Glenmoor Country Club, 110 Glen‐moor Dr, Englewood

Featured

Neil Z @ 6pm Earls Kitchen + Bar, 8335 Park Meadows Center Dr, Lone Tree Phat Daddy

@ 6pm Pindustry, 7939 E Arapahoe Rd, Centen‐nial

Michael Rault

@ 8pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood Featured

High 'N' Dry: A Tribute to Def Leppard with Poison'd (Poison), and Hooligans Holiday (Motley Crue) @ 6pm Wild Goose Saloon, Parker

Sun 7/17

Featured

Dave Mensch - Stagecoach Saloon - Franktown, CO @ 12pm Stagecoach Saloon, 2077 CO-83,, Franktown

Featured

Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts: Ryan Chrys Acoustic @ 1pm 105 West Brewing Company, 1043 Park St, Castle Rock

The Martin Gilmore Band - Honky Tonk & Americana - At the Breckenridge Brewery

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Mon 7/18

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@ 8am / $636 Jul 18th - Jul 22nd CO - Highlands Ranch, Connections Church, 2121 Dad Clark Drive, Littleton. 720-249-2412

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Free Adaptive Sailing Clinic | Age 8+ | Cherry Creek

@ 4pm / Free Cherry Creek Reservoir, 4800 S Dayton St, Greenwood Village. 303-757-7718

Tue 7/19

James Taylor & His All-Star Band

@ 1pm Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Vil‐lage

Adult Basic Keelboat Clinic

@ 4pm / $35 Cherry Creek Reservoir, 4800 S Dayton St, Greenwood Village. 303-757-7718

Wed 7/20

Scarface Farewell Tour

@ 1pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Featured

Danny Masters Band: Evermore @ 6:30pm Cherry Creek State Park, 4201 S Parker Rd, Aurora MYD: Splash & Bash Ages 13-18

@ 9pm Denver Parks and Recreation (COP POOL), 1655 S. Oneida St., Denver. 720913-0654

Thu 7/21

Starting a new business is never an easy prospect and that’s never been truer than in recent years. So, it’s no wonder that Arvada’s LUKI Brewery is making its birthday party one of the biggest days of the year for the second year in a row.

The brewery, 14715 W. 64th Ave., Unit A and B, in Arvada, is turning its anniversary into a three-day spectacular on July 15 through 17 that honors the family’s connection with the famous Ringing Brothers Circus.

“We decided every year we wanted to showcase a specifi c aspect of the circus,” said Jeff Smith, LUKI co-owner and head ringmaster, in a provided statement. “In our desire to bring wonder and entertainment, what better way than to showcase magic for our third season? Seeing a well-done magic performance brings out the little kid in all of us.”

Here’s what attendees can expect for each of the three days:

Friday, July 15

The release of A Victim of Circus Pants, LUKI’s Hard Seltzer Slushy Bar. A create-your-own experience featuring fl avors such as blue raspberry, lemon, lime, watermelon and cherry. This station will be available all weekend.

Release of the opening day original, Hop Spinning Hazy IPA

Anniversary Circus-in-a-Box sales begin. These limited-edition boxes feature anniversary glassware, limited-edition stickers, goodies and one featured growler guests can only get with the box. Food truck: K and D’s Kitchen

Saturday, July 16

Caricature drawings from noon to 3 p.m. Face painting from 1 to 4 p.m. Live music with Duke Justice from 3 to 6 p.m. A special event featuring Will Mannsz, Master of Magic, who creates a craft beer and comedy magic experience from 7 to 9 p.m.

Release of Poppin’ Off, a kettle corn cream ale and Zauberer’s Sour, a Berliner Weisse.

Food Truck: Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs, Buenos Nachos and Dapper Doughnut

Sunday, July 17

At noon, help LUKI celebrate its anniversary with group cheers video and photo that will be captured with a drone. Free tasters will be provided for all participating at 1 p.m. for the fl ythrough at the brewery.

Live music with Howard Dlugasch from 2 to 4 p.m.

Movie Bingo at 6 p.m.

Release of Rypah!, a hazy rye IPA, and Rykko’s Hard Lemonade, a Lemonade-inspired seltzer.

Food Truck: Vinny + Marie’s Italian Street Food

“It’s been such a fun adventure through these past two years, and I’m still in awe over how the community has supported us the whole time,” Smith said. “We truly love and appreciate everyone who has visited us. This party is just as much for you as it is for us, and we’re looking forward to another year of unique and fun events.”

For more information, visit www. lukibrew.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

Clarke Reader

A passion for photography at DU

The Passions Project, photographer Heidi Wagner’s exhibition highlighting local, older adults living lives full of passion, is on display at the

Davis Gallery in the University of Denver’s School of Art and Art His-

tory Shwayder Art Building, 2121 E. Asbury Ave., through Sunday, Aug. 14.

According to provided information, the series features residents of Lakewood and represents the fi rst time Wagner has focused on a community audience for its subjects.

For more information, visit https:// thepassionsproject.com/.

You can fly to Neverland

Neverland is one of those wonderful fi ctional places that readers and viewers alike wish they could get lost in. And now visitors can do just that at Neverland: An Immersive Peter Pan Inspired Bar, which is open through Sunday, Sept. 4 at Tony P’s Bar & Pizzeria, 2400 W. 32nd Ave. in Denver.

Attendees will see locations like the Blue Lagoon, the Jolly Roger and hang out at the Lost Boys Hideout. In addition to food and drinks, there will be challenges to complete and prizes to be won.

For all the details on this whimsical adventure, visit https://explorehidden. com/ and then follow the second star to the right and straight on `till morning.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — The Black Keys at Red Rocks

The Black Keys are one of the more recent entries into a long history of bands that serve as a great starting point to get into blues music. Over the course of their more than 10 album discography, they’ve stretched the genre and added elements of indie rock and funk.

In support of their two recent albums, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney’s duo will perform at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway in Morrison, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13. The Black Keys will be joined by Band of Horses, another rocking mid-aughts indie rock group.

This is a killer double bill, so don’t miss it - get tickets at www.axs.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail. com.

VENUES

Town Hall Arts Center in Littleton and anticipate a next season that will include: “Xanadu,” “Disney’s Newsies,” “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” “La Cage Aux Folles” and “Memphis” as well as a new program of children’s classes.

In addition to its ongoing Broadway tours and musical events, the Denver Center presents a series on smallervenue plays in a distinct season, starting Sept. 9: “The Chinese Lady,” by Lloyd Suh; “Much Ado About Nothing,” by William Shakespeare; “Laughs in Spanish” by Alexis Scheer; “Hotter Than Egypt” by Yussef El Guindi; “The Color Purple,” based on Alice Walker’s novel and the motion picture, with book by Marshe Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray; “The 39 Steps” by Patrick Barlow from the movie by Alfred Hitchcock. New from DCPA: “Theatre of the Mind,” an immersive experience at the York Street Yards Aug. 31-Dec. 18.

Newman Center at the University of Denver begins a season with Orquesta Ahokan, on Oct. 3, Cuban Mambo, and continues with music and dance programming and some lectures, through May 19, 2023.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree, begins a multi-faceted season on Sept. with “Mountain Heart, with special guest Jeremy Garrett,” followed by all sorts of musical entertainment and dance, as well as three of the “National Geographic Live” programs.

Boulder Dinner Theatre is now playing “The Sponge Bob Musical” through Sept. 3, then will switch to “Buddy: the Buddy Holly Story,” through Jan. 26, 2023; “Something Rotten” Feb. 12 to May 13, 2023; and fi nally, the all-time favorite, “Sound of Music,” June 10 to Sept. 2, 2023.

Vintage Theatre Company, at 1468 Dayton St. in Aurora, which presents “Gypsy” July 1 to 31 this summer to wrap the last season, presents “The Drowsy Chaperone,” Sept. 2 to Oct. 9, in the Nickelson Auditorium and “The Piano Teacher” by Julia Cho in the Bond Trimble Theatre (regional premiere); “Dot” by Colman Domingo Nov. 11 to Dec. 18 in the Bond Trimble Theatre; TBA Nov. 4-Dec. 11 in the Nickelson; “The Roommate” by Jen Silverman Jan 13-Feb. 19, 2023 in the Bond Trimble (Denver premiere); “Sophisticated Ladies” (Ellington music) Jan. 27-March 5, 2023; “Tick, Tick ... Boom!” by Jonathan Larson March 17 to April 23, 2023; “The Inheritance, Parts 1 and 2” by Matthew Lopez (regional premiere, 2020 Tony Best Play) April 7 to May 14, 2023; “Driving Miss Daisy” by Alfred Uhry May 19-June 25, 2023; “In the Heights” by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegria Hudes, May 19-June 25, 2023.

More as we receive notices, plus casting information, but it’s so wonderful that our friends can plan ahead again that we wanted to share ...

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They’re not so sure about summer 2023

BY MIGUEL OTÁROLA COLORADO PUBLIC RADIO

Summer heat has already spiked demand for power across the country. Regulators are warning massive heat waves could overwhelm the grid and force utilities in several states to issue rolling blackouts.

Colorado utilities have told the Public Utilities Commission they have enough power to avoid disruptions during this year’s hottest months.

However, those companies and state regulators say plans to move beyond fossil fuels and serve a growing population have created uncertainty for electricity service next year.

CPR News spoke with representatives for Xcel Energy and the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to get an update on this summer’s power supply.

Could we get rolling blackouts or other outages this summer?

Probably not. Xcel Energy and Black Hills Energy, the state’s two public electric utilities, say they don’t expect to cut service intentionally because of high energy demand. However, those utilities have recommended their customers look for ways to reduce their energy use, including unplugging small appliances and fi nding low-energy ways to stay cool.

Two of Xcel’s energy sources — a coal-fi red generator in Pueblo and a hydropower plant west of Denver — are back in service after being offl ine earlier this year. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission says those power plants generate enough reserves for the company to use if there is a prolonged or unexpected heatwave.

Will Colorado’s grid stay strong if everyone has their air-conditioning units and appliances on?

Utilities like Xcel Energy think they will. Xcel spokesperson Kelly Flenniken said the company’s grid is built to run the way most people use energy, such as for air-conditioning.

“There certainly is a place for our customers to help and to make that bigger contribution in their behavior,” Flenniken said. “But we need to build a system assuming that behaviors kind of stay as they have or maybe change in some small ways.”

The biggest strain on Xcel’s energy demand isn’t air conditioning, Flenniken said: It’s the rapidly growing number of new customers as people continue to fl ock to the state.

Your Xcel bill has tons of small charges. Here’s what they’re for.

Does my energy bill rise depending on when I use electric appliances?

Yes. Xcel and Black Hills have begun to charge more for energy used during hours of highest demand. Peak demand is usually between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; overnight or in the morning is considered “off-peak.” Xcel also has a program for commercial customers to save costs in exchange for reducing their energy use when the company anticipates extremely high demand.

Energy bills went up because of a cold snap last winter. Could the same thing happen because of a heatwave?

Much of that depends on the rest of the country. Natural gas prices skyrocketed during President’s Day weekend in 2021 because colder temperatures froze natural gas pipelines in other states. Interconnected western states expect to have limited resources this summer, which could make it diffi cult for Colorado to receive energy from them, said Public Utilities Commission chief economist Erin O’Neill.

Regulators expect utilities to use existing programs and strategies to lower energy use during extreme weather events, whether it’s a cold snap or a heatwave.

Is there a worst-case scenario that could lead to widespread outages in Colorado?

Flenniken with Xcel says there is. But it would take an extreme situation, such as several energy sources failing or being offl ine during an extended and unexpected heatwave.

So the grid will likely remain stable this summer?

Yes, but companies and regulators

The Xcel Energy Cherokee Generating Station in Denver, June 2, 2020.

PHOTO BY HART VAN DENBURG/CPR NEWS

are worried about Summer 2023. Xcel says some of their solar projects slated to go online next year could be delayed by a federal trade investigation into solar parts from Asia. If that happens, the company’s energy reserves will fall signifi cantly. Public Utilities Commission Chair Eric Blank said he’s concerned it could lead Xcel to delay the closure of another coal-fi red generator in Pueblo later this year, although company executives have said they don’t expect that to be necessary.

This story is from Colorado Public Radio, a nonprofi t news source. Used by permission. For more, and to support CPR News, visit cpr.org.