THE LEGACY OF DADDY BRUCE P8 WAYS TO TAKE IN THE HOLIDAYS P12 DECEMBER 2023
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2 Life on Capitol Hill
December 1, 2023De
More than politics Teens build life skills in the YMCA’s Youth in Government program BY BRYN WEBSTER SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
In late November, about 90 high schoolers from seven schools across Colorado gathered in Denver to lobby for and pass their own mock legislation. “Because of Youth in Government, not only has my knowledge of civics and the government system grown,
but I have learned about how much more there is to our government than just politics,” said Dathan Montera, a particpant in the program. The YMCA of Metro Denver’s Youth in Government program reveals the real inner workings of the government, teaches key public speaking and advocacy skills and launches many participants into political- or law-related careers. The YMCA of Metro Denver has been building strong, thriving and equitable communities since 1875 and provides a wide variety of programs and resources for Denver families. It is a nonprofit organization positioned to help young adults rise through middle and high school with mentoring pro-
grams in a safe space where they can connect with fellow students. Its Youth in Government program is nearly 70 years old and has impacted generations of Coloradans. It is modeled after the national YMCA Youth & Government program, and one of several programs the Denver Metro YMCA offers to engage teens and help them navigate their formative years. “The YIG program encourages students to share their thoughts and opinions on key topics like women’s rights and gender discussions at school in a space where they can debate on neutral ground,” said the YMCA Youth in Government State Director Marlana Krulish. “It gives them an opportunity to open up their thoughts and minds to new topics or things they may not have been aware of — the diversity of participating schools is a strength.” For several months this fall, the student delegates worked to draft mock legislation on topics of their choice through their school’s local program delegation and under the oversight of a local teacher or advisor. Then, for three days during the week of Thanksgiving, they participated in a model government experience. Students were assigned various roles as senators, representatives, judges, lobbyists and members of the media. On the first day, they considered their fellow delegates’ draft bills in smaller committees, while the lobbyist and media delegates persuaded and interviewed key representatives. The second day, bills that passed committee continued to full review and voting by the combined senate, house and judicial branches. The evening of the second day, delegates enjoyed their own Governor’s Ball and campaigned for the Youth in Government program’s eight presiding offices, including Speaker of the House and Senate Majority Leader, where those elected will serve the following year. Finally, bills passed on the second day were signed by the youth governor on the program’s last day. The delegates generally get to hold their second day inside the Capitol Building. But since Gov. Jared Polis called a special session this year during Thanksgiving week, the students met instead at nearby Baptist Church of Denver and the State Services Building. The program demystifies the political process and teaches young people how to advocate for the changes they
Dathan Montera, a participant in the YMCA of Metro Denver’s Youth in Government program, stands next to a Colorado flag during this year’s mock legislation event. COURTESY OF THE YMCA OF METRO DENVER
want to see. It also develops public speaking, leadership and advocacy skills. “It gets you comfortable with speaking out and speaking on things you believe – giving you a confidence boost to do better in school,” Montera said. “Youth in Government showed me the purpose for all the rest of the things I was learning.” The program also opens the door to additional opportunities and career paths. Many participants have gone on to participate in national law and government-related programs, including the Conference on National Affairs. “The Conference on National Affairs was the greatest experience. It provided me with so many skills that I never would have developed so fast,” Montera said. “You have to develop leadership skills.” Many former participants have also pursued careers that make a positive political impact. “All of those at my school who joined (my) year have gone into professional roles that involve working with the public or grassroots campaigning or law,” said former participant Ryan Tseng, who is now about to pass the bar exam and enter a career in construction-related litigation. “For those who are looking for something to help them far beyond their time in high school and are looking for ways to effect change, I think this is a great program.” Editor’s note: Bryn Webster represents the YMCA of Metro Denver in communications and media relations. To learn more about the YMCA of Metro Denver’s Youth in Government and other teen programs, visit denverymca.org/teen-programs.
Life on Capitol Hill 3
December 1, 2023
Findings: Denver Basic Income ON THE COVER Project shows promising results so far 800 participants of the project received money to help keep them out of homelessness BY GANNON ROTHMAN SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
A project that has paid more than 800 of Denver’s residents experiencing homelessness is gaining confidence and showing life-changing results, according to the Denver Basic Income Project’s quantitative interim report. The Denver Basic Income Project is a 12-month program that has given no-strings-attached cash payments to adults experiencing homelessness. The project hopes to fight income inequality for those who are unhoused. “Everyone can see we have an ongoing problem,” said Mark Donovan, the project’s founder. “We have a housing crisis and we have a lack of sufficient affordable housing. We’re facing an eviction crisis in 2024 and we also have an influx of migrants, so we have really big challenges as a community.” The project’s cash payments were broken into three groups. Group A received monthly payments of $1,000 for 12 months. Group B received $6,500 the first month followed by $500 a month for 11 months. Group C receives $50 a month for 12 months totalling $600. After a six month follow-up, participants in the program reported spending their cash payments on vital things such as housing, transportation and obtaining a job. Donovan said he initially thought the project was going to be a small program, but after various foundations – including The Colorado Trust, The Colorado Health Foundation and The Denver Foundation – got behind it, the program was able to put up more money. So far, the Denver Basic Income Project has reached nearly $6 million, with most of the money coming from a total of 19 partner organizations, including $1.5 million from the Colorado Trust. “I really believe basic income has incredible potential to create wide-
spread societal good,” Donovan said. “We’re thriving just in equitable communities and it’s so simple.” The project’s participants were recruited through homelessness service-providing agencies in Denver. Eligibility included being at least 18 years of age, not having severe and unaddressed mental health or substance abuse needs, and experiencing homelessness as defined by the project. Enrollment took place for four months, from November 2022 through February 2023. In coordination with University of Denver’s Center for Housing and Homelessness Research, the Denver Basic Income Project released its interim report in October, showing key findings halfway through the experiment. Participants were surveyed and were asked questions about their housing situation, mental health, sense of safety and well-being. Key findings
All three groups reported improvements in their living situations after six months. At the time of enrollment, participants in all three groups reported that between 21% and 26% of them were sleeping at a shelter. After the six-month follow-up, 34% of the participants in Group A – those who receive $1,000 a month – reported they were sleeping in housing they either rented or owned. Of these 154 participants in Group A that completed the six-month survey, no one reported sleeping outside. Group B – who received the lump sum of $6,500 in the first month – reported that 40% of them were sleeping in rented or owned housing. Thirty-one percent of Group C – those who got $50 a month – reported they were sleeping in rented or owned housing. Changes in the participants’ distress and anxiety also showed some improvements. Participants in both Group A and Group B showed decreases in distress, while participants from Group C showed an increase in distress at the six-month survey mark than at the time of enrollment. Fulltime employment for participants in Group A and Group B also increased while Group C showed no change. SEE PROJECT, P4
Mark Donovan, founder of the Denver Basic Income Project, speaks a rally in Denver earlier this year. COURTESY OF ARMANDO GENEYRO DENVER BASIC INCOME PROJECT
Evan Balogh paints a Ronald McDonald House statue as a project for Emily Griffith Technical College’s automotive collision repair program.
Story on Page 7.
COURTESY OF EMILY GRIFFITH TECHNICAL COLLEGE
4 Life on Capitol Hill
PROJECT FROM PAGE 3
Hope during a dark time
Moriah Rodriguez, a participant in the Denver Basic Income Project, first learned about enrollment through her daughter’s employer. She said she didn’t believe it at first, but decided to apply because she had “nothing to lose.” Rodriquez was put in Group A. She said the program helped her and one of her children who has a disability find permanent housing. “I was able to pay for my phone with the money, and that was a big barrier to being able to connect with people,” Rodriguez said. “I was able to build my credit (and) not worry
December 1, 2023De about going to food banks. (And) it was a big burden taken off not having to borrow money from people.” Rodriguez has a brain injury and is considered disabled. She has been working on her GED since the start of the program. With the Denver Basic Income Project now finished with the cash payments to the group Rodriguez was in, she said she’s worried on what to do next now that payments have stopped, but is grateful for the project for giving her a good starting place. “I’m just really thankful that there was an opportunity with the program. I know it made a difference. It gave me some kind of foundation to start on,” Rodriguez said. “It gave me a lot of hope when I was in a dark place.”
Before the Denver Basic Income Project, Rodriguez said she was living out of her car. Though she isn’t sure on what’s ahead, she hopes there are some kind of wrap-around services to keep her out of homelessness. Finding a solution
The future of the Denver Basic Income Project ultimately depends on policies and continuing to build on the project’s initial results. Donovan said it’s about acknowledging people who are unhoused with respect and helping support the project through additional funding with the individual donors and foundations that have already supported the Denver Basic Income Project. Donovan said project leaders are working on the next steps to build on these success-
ful results. “A large percentage of our population is kind of one emergency away from being in a really tough situation. That creates a lot of stress,” Donovan said. “Most people can benefit from $1,000 a month.” A final report on the Denver Basic Income Project will be available in June 2024 with the overall findings from the 12-month long experiment. “Denver is unique in that we’re the largest to focus specifically on our unhoused neighbors,” Donovan said. “And that’s really important because we’re showing what’s possible.” To learn more about the Denver Basic Income Project, visit denverbasicincomeproject.org.
Celebrate the Holidays with a Little Regifting.
Life on Capitol Hill 5
December 1, 2023
Words matter Clean Speech Colorado campaign has a lasting impact BY BRUCE GOLDBERG SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Keep a civil tongue, no matter the topic at hand. Compliment others so that they feel better about themselves. Ignore the bully who seeks to provoke you into a loud argument. Be respectful to those who have earned it – and if they haven’t, give them a chance to do so. Follow these guidelines – many of which come from the Torah - and you’ll make Rabbi Raphael Leban happy. “Each and every one of us is precious, special and filled with greatness,” said Leban, executive director of The Jewish Experience in Denver. “Be worthy of respect – self-respect, as well as the respect of others. When we speak to one another, the words we exchange should reflect that greatness.” Clean Speech Colorado is an education and awareness campaign that pushes for more civility by using mindful speech and improving the dynamics of human relation-
ships. The Jewish Experience, which is based in Denver, drives the campaign. Clean Speech Colorado got its start in 2019. Since then, the campaign’s growth has been impressive. It has grown to thousands of people participating annually each November and more than 200 organizations – 70 in Colorado alone – have participated. Clean Speech Colorado educational videos, which teach how to act in a positive manner, have generated more than 100,000 views. Though the campaign only takes place for 30 days annually, its impacts are everlasting. “The world is reeling from a breakdown in communication skills and civility, and our ability to utilize language to maintain healthy relationships socially, personally and communally is important,” Leban said. What others say
Howard Wedgle, who participates in the program, said the rabbi’s tenacity on the subject of not speaking ill of others resonates with his core values. “Besides, it’s a commandment in the Torah,” Wedgle said. “The takeaway is that words matter. We can use words to help somebody and lift somebody, or speak kindly of somebody or to somebody.” Elisa Robyn is board chair for
the Shalom Park senior living facility in Aurora and is active with Clean Speech Colorado. She has a particular focus on treating the facility’s 135 residents with respect. “We honor our elders,” Robyn said. They’re “somebody who can give back to the community, somebody that can still learn and still has something to give.” Kara Larkin is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Colorado who teaches courses in anatomy and physiology, microbiology and science. From Clean Speech Colorado, she has learned to be careful with her speech. “The program reminds me to find kindness for others and (be mindful of) the tone of my voice even if my students can’t see me,” Larkin said. “(And) bring my best self into the conversation even if I’m frustrated with somebody.” Keeping the general idea of being respectful with our words is something Larkin discusses with her husband and 13-year-old daughter, Scout, at least once a week. Scout perhaps summarized the value of the campaign best: “It means to me, like, not speaking gossip and stuff like that. I think it reminds me that everyone is trying as hard as they can.”
Rabbi Raphael Leban makes his way around the city in the Clean Speech COURTESY PHOTO Colorado Cruiser.
To learn more about The Jewish Experience, visit theje.com. To learn more about the Clean Speech campaign, visit cleanspeech.com. To access the local page and all of the daily lessons, select Colorado from the ‘locations’ tab.
6 Life on Capitol Hill
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December 1, 2023De
Looking back at 2023, the stories of 12 wonderful Denverites
MAZING DENVER WITH WARREN STOKES
D
ecember is here, New Year’s Eve is on the horizon and before 2024 arrives, we want to take a look back at some of the stories that inspired FROM THE us. This past year brought some wonEDITOR derful stories about your neighbors. Here is a look back at 12 of their stories, beginning with last December and wrapping up with November this year. To read the stories in Christy Steadman full, visit us online: coloradocommunitymedia.com/life-on-capitol-hill. December 2022
Two Warren Village residents shared their personal journeys of becoming new citizens of the United States. Rachel fled abuse in the Democratic Republic of Congo and eventually came to the U.S. in 2017. Kim Duby is a widow, originally from Vietnam. Her late husband was from Denver, so this is where Duby has chosen to raise her son. January
Xinyi “Katya” Zhou, a doctoral student at Colorado State University, filled us in on how her family in Beijing celebrates the Chinese New Year. Potstickers, decorations, friends and family are big parts of the tradition. “Grandma, my mom, and sometimes my aunt, would actually make the potstickers. I would help as well, especially as I got older.” February
Denver photographer Robert Weinberg, who documented Denver in the 1980s and 1990s, discussed the His-
“Dedicated to loved ones” This mazetorial of holiday candles is dedicated to our loved ones of the past, present and future. To solve, start at the ‘S’ in either of the flames on the candles on the right and left, and mazeout to the ‘W’ for win in the flame in the center candle.
tory Colorado exhibit of his work. He’s been legally blind since the 1990s, but uses the latest technology to make the most of the little vision he has remaining to take photos, to get around on his own and to help other people learn how to live with blindness. March
New Denverite Natalia Roberts talk-
ed about her Visiting Artist of Color Residency at the Art Students League of Denver. “Natalia was chosen for her mastery of dance and photography, as well as her excitement around building artistic community as a new Denverite,” said Tessa Crisman, communications manager at the league. SEE STEADMAN, P15
Life on Capitol Hill 7
December 1, 2023
Emily Griffith auto collision repair students try their hands at statue repair
Students in Emily Griffith Technical College’s automotive collision repair program gather for a photo with the Ronald McDonald COURTESY OF EMILY GRIFFITH TECHNICAL COLLEGE House statues that they refinished.
Students take on Ronald McDonald House project BY CHRISTY STEADMAN CSTEADMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
For four months, a handful of automotive collision repair students at Denver’s Emily Griffith Technical College worked on a rather unique project. It wasn’t a beat up jalopy that they took on. Instead, they plied their skills on four lifesized statues of Ronald McDonald. The statues from the Ronald McDonald Houses in Denver and Aurora, each about two decades old, had become damaged and faded due to exposure to the sun and other natural elements. It took the students about 300 hours to completely refurbish and refinish the statues. They sanded the statues, applied sealer and primer, painted a base coat and detailing, and put on decals. The tasks required for the statues aligned closely with the students’ studies in that it gave them experi-
ence using techniques and equipment they will use in the industry. Evan Balogh, one of the students who worked on the project, is planning to enter a career as an auto repair technician following graduation in February. Repairing the damage to the statues was similar to repairing body damage on a vehicle, Balogh said. “I enjoyed it so much because of the detailed painting,” Balogh said. He added that he has always enjoyed painting and plans to do lowrider art on cars and motorcycles. Painting the statues included working with an airbrush, so the project provided him with handson experience using an airbrush, which he’ll use in his profession. Moreover, the students enjoyed the Ronald McDonald statues project because they were helping to spruce up the community for years to come. Ronald McDonald Houses serve families who have a sick child by providing temporary lodging at no cost while the child is treated at a nearby hospital. Balogh remembers noticing the
Stephanie Nicole Monroy paints details on a Ronald McDonald House statue as a project for Emily Griffith Technical College’s automotive collision repair program. PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY GRIFFITH TECHNICAL COLLEGE
statues when he and his family would drive by them during his childhood. “Seeing them made me happy,” he said. And working on the project, he added, “felt good to be able to help other little kids feel joy.”
8 Life on Capitol Hill
December 1, 2023De
How a nonprofit is leaning into Daddy Bruce’s example The Epworth Foundation supports community year-round BY CHRISTY STEADMAN CSTEADMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
After Princess Dandoo-Young’s team at Spelman College won the Goldman Sachs Market Madness Competition, she was moved that The Epworth Foundation reached out to pass along a congratulations. “It was unexpected because I didn’t think people in Colorado were still following what I was doing,” DandooYoung said. “It made me feel like I’m still part of the Epworth family.” Dandoo-Young was born and raised in Aurora and is currently studying economics with a double minor in mathematics and management and organization at the college, which is a historically Black, women’s liberal arts university in Atlanta, Georgia. Her heart lies in entrepreneurship and, earlier this year, Dandoo-Young started her second business, which aims to help minority young adults bridge the generational wealth gap. Dandoo-Young attributes a lot of her success to The Epworth Founda-
Daddy Bruce Randolph with people attending one of his community Thanksgiving PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DADDY BRUCE RANDOLPH LEGACY FOUNDATION meals in the background.
tion, which has offered her not one, but three scholarships. “It’s the investment they’ve put in me,” she said. “They looked at me and saw my dreams, aspirations and faith.” Carrying on Daddy Bruce’s legacy
The Epworth Foundation is an allvolunteer run nonprofit that focuses
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on four core areas: youth, family, hunger prevention and health. Its programs run the gamut from health screenings and a twice-a-week food bank to fatherhood/motherhood counseling and a children’s day camp. But perhaps it is best known for its Denver Feed-A-Family in Honor of Daddy Bruce annual event, which provides thousands of families with a full Thanksgiving meal. “There is a reality that this is a tough time of the year for many families,” said Steve Swinney, CEO and co-founder of Kodiak Building Partners which donates to the foundation’sThanksgiving efforts. “We wanted to be a small part of what they are doing.” Bruce Randolph — Daddy Bruce — was originally from Arkansas, but eventually settled in Denver, opened a restaurant and became known for his barbecue. “He felt that on Thanksgiving, everyone should have a hot meal,” said Xiomara Yanique, who serves as The Epworth Foundation’s program director. So, in 1964, he set up in City Park and about 200 people gathered to eat barbecue for Thanksgiving, which Randolph provided for free. Every-
one was welcome, and the gathering grew and grew every year, now located in Denver’s Cole neighborhood, Yanique said. Today, the event draws thousands of volunteers to help with its massive effort of feeding 5,000 families a Thanksgiving meal. “I’m feeding people and I’m helping people,” said Clarence Williams of Highlands Ranch who has been volunteering at the event for 18 years. “That’s what it’s all about.” Daddy Bruce died in 1994, but lasting recognition of his humanitarianism lives on in various ways. There is a school that bears his name. And the street where Daddy Bruce’s barbecue restaurant was once located is also named in his honor. In 2003, The Epworth Foundation, based out of the Epworth United Methodist Church at 1865 Bruce Randolph Ave., took over the Thanksgiving meals event. It’s important for people to know Daddy Bruce’s legacy and the story of his humanitarianism, Yanique said. “We’re getting a lot of new people in Denver, and not everybody knows about Daddy Bruce like they used to,” she said. When Daddy Bruce did it, he set up tables in the streets and served barbecue. Today, it is run as a Thanksgiving meal distribution. The nonprofit packs baskets with enough traditional Thanksgiving food items — turkey, green beans, gravy, bread, a dessert, etc. — to feed an entire family. That’s about the only thing that’s changed, Yanique said. Otherwise, it’s still like a community-oriented family reunion, she added. “That part of Daddy Bruce has lived on,” Yanique said. Denver native Joe Lopez has always wanted to volunteer for an event like the Denver Feed-A-Family in Honor of Daddy Bruce. This year, he was finally able to do so — and brought three of his family members, equaling three generations who came to volunteer this year. “It made my evening doing this with my kids and grandson,” Lopez said. SEE NONPROFIT, P9
Life on Capitol Hill 9
December 1, 2023
NONPROFIT FROM PAGE 8
Struggling for sustainability
Vaughn Nichols has been involved with The Epworth Foundation for roughly 20 years — and the Daddy Bruce Thanksgiving for about 25 — and currently serves on the foundation’s board of directors. He got to know Daddy Bruce Randolph sometime in the 1980s and they developed both a professional and friendly relationship — Nichols is a banker, and Randolph was a customer at the bank he worked at and Nichols would often eat lunch at Randolph’s restaurant. People identify with a need around Thanksgiving, and many are familiar with the nonprofit’s meal distribution because of Daddy Bruce, so that event typically sees a big turnout of volunteers and dona-
tions, Nichols said. The foundation’s annual summertime golf tournament fundraiser is also successful in raising funds, Nichols said. But the nonprofit needs ways to get a steady flow of donations throughout the year to help it fund a variety of its community resources, Nichols said. Much of The Epworth Foundation’s programming is offered for free — or subsidized — to community members. “There’s a constant need for fundraising,” Nichols said. “You can only service what you have the money to serve.” Additionally, the foundation needs people who can bring new ideas to help with the nonprofit’s long-term sustainability. Not counting the Thanksgiving event, only about 50 people volunteer with the foundation on a regular basis. And the chair of the nine-member board is more than
80 years old, Nichols said. “While he won’t be replaced, we need people to pick up the puck,” Nichols said. “We need people who have networks and fresh ideas for how to maintain the (foundation’s) mission.” Representing the foundation from afar Dandoo-Young didn’t know much about The Epworth Foundation until someone told her about it at the 2021 Spelman Sendoff event hosted by the Colorado chapter of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College. She did her research on the nonprofit and learned that its values aligned closely with hers. “We share the same social values,” Dandoo-Young said. “I try to represent them whether I’m in Georgia or Colorado.” Dandoo-Young encourages everyone to look into the resources that The Epworth Foundation offers
– particularly those who are in need and may not otherwise have access to such resources. “Colorado is blessed to have The Epworth Foundation,” DandooYoung said. “They ensure that they put action on the table.” All about community
The Epworth Foundation’s “big thing” is being able to wrap itself around the community and uplift it, said Yanique, the foundation’s program director. “It’s not just about an individual, it’s about community,” Yanique said. “A lot of the time, people don’t realize how important community is. But we can accomplish so much more together.” To learn more about The Epworth Foundation, visit epworthfoundation.org.
10 Life on Capitol Hill
December 1, 2023D
This month is full of holiday-themed things to do in Denver. But there’s also a lot of fun things to do this month that aren’t necessarily all about the holidays, but are still worth checking out with friends and family. There’s a musical tour of church organs, ice skating and more. One thing is certain: December in Denver will not disappoint you. Learn about our ‘Winter Warriors’
Ice skating at Skyline Park
Of all the World War II stories, I never tire of hearing about the Army’s 10th Mountain Division. This has to do with me loving Colorado and its history, but also because many years ago I got to interview Dick Over, who invited me into his home on Lookout Mountain in Golden. He told me stories of his time serving in the division. You can read my story here. In November, History Colorado opened an exhibit called “Winter Warriors: The 10th Mountain Division in World War II.” The exhibit is included in regular museum admission, which is $15 for adults and free for children and members. The 10th Mountain Division is now based in New York, but I think it’s important for us, as Coloradans, to remember its roots at our own Camp Hale. This exhibit is one that’s not-to-miss.
It’s official: The Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park has already opened for the season. The ice rink in the heart of downtown Denver offers free admission. So, bring your skates and hop on the ice. If you don’t have skates, the rink has you covered, but you’ll have to pay $9-$11 to rent them (for children and adults, respectively). The rink is open through Feb. 11 and reservations are not required. Hours vary month-to-month, so check the website or follow on Facebook to stay up-to-date. PHOTO: People of all ages enjoy ice skating at the Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park. File photo by Christy Steadman.
Nostalgic Little Golden Books
View some of Denver’s most beautiful church organs
Each year, Historic Denver and the Denver Rocky Mountain Chapter of the American Guild of Organists team up so people can view some of the city’s most beautiful church organs. This year, the tour takes participants to churches between Hampden Avenue and University Boulevard in Denver. They are: • Calvary Baptist Church, 6500 E. Girard Ave. • Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 S. Colorado Blvd. • Christ Church, 2950 S. University Blvd. At each location, attendees will learn about the church’s unique architecture and will hear a musical demonstration. The tour takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Dec. 9. Tickets – which cost $25 for the general public and $20 for Historic Denver and American Guild of Organists members – need to be purchased in advance. Learn more at agodrmc.org (American Guild of Organists Denver Rocky Mountain Chapter) or historicdenver.org/event/organ-tour.
Get on stage at the Denver Art Society
The Denver Art Society is inviting you to show off your talent at its December Open Mic Night. All talents are welcome – singing/songwriting, comedy, poetry readings, drag, etc. Denver Art Society hosts its Open Mic Night monthly, so if you miss the Dec. 8 show, mark Jan. 12 and Feb. 9 on your calendar. Admission is free. Sign up in advance at denverartsociety.org. Denver Art Society is a nonprofit that has a gallery and hosts a variety of events and classes that are open to the public. It is located at 734 Santa Fe Dr. PHOTO: A performance during a previous Open Mic Night at the Denver Art Society. Photo by Andrew Piper.
For a dose of nostalgia, the Denver Botanic Gardens has an exhibit that highlights the Little Golden Books series. These books were first published in 1942 and helped pave the path to make reading more accessible for many families. Even as a child of the 1980’s, I remember these books – particularly “The Poky Little Puppy.” The exhibition at the gardens’ York Street location, 1007 York St., boasts 36 works on paper,first-edition copies of Golden Books, biographies of eight illustrators and a reading nook. Additionally, the Helen Fowler Library onsite has Little Golden Book titles in its collection, which all guests are allowed to browse and read during their visit, and gardens’ members are allowed to borrow. The “Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books” is on view through Feb. 18 and included with general admission. PHOTO: Gustaf Tenggren, illustration from “The Poky Little Puppy.” Story by Janette Sebring Lowrey, published by Golden Press, NY, 1942. Courtesy of the Kerlan Collection, University of Minnesota. Flip out with DU gymnastics
The University of Denver’s Women’s Gymnastics’ Crimson & Gold Intrasquad meet is at 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at Magness Arena on the DU campus. SEE THINGS TO DO, P13
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December 1, 2023
THINGS TO DO FROM PAGE 12
This annual free event offers fans an opportunity to get a first look at the 2024 squad. To learn more about DU gymnastics, find a 2024 schedule or to purchase season tickets, visit denverpioneers.com/sports/womens-gymnastics.
companying adults must purchase a museum admission ticket, which costs $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for teachers, college students and military. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit clyffordstillmuseum.org/events. The museum is located at 1250 Bannock St. in Denver.
Annual memorial for local persons experiencing homelessness
Every December, the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless hosts a vigil outside the Denver City & County Building, 1437 Bannock St.,on the winter solstice to remember those who passed away while experiencing homelessness. This year, the event takes place from 5-7 p.m. on Dec. 21. It will include a eulogy, luminary memorials and a reading of the names of the deceased in the past year. To learn more about the event, or to have the name of someone you know who died unhoused read, visit coloradocoalition. org/vigil. PHOTOS: Top: A person holds a candle for the people who died as unhoused community members during the 2017 We Will Remember: Homeless Persons’ Memorial Vigil. Bottom: An attendee of the 2017 event reads a program that lists the names of each person memorialized during the event. File photos by Christy Steadman.
‘Tell Me a Story’ photography exhibit
It is a form of art when a photographer can tell a story with a picture. An opportunity to see this for yourself is being offered at the Colorado Photographic Arts Center with its latest exhibit, “Tell Me a Story: The Role of Storytelling in Photography.” The exhibit, which runs through Jan. 6, features the work of 32 photographers, with 15 of them being based in Colorado. The exhibit “explores how photographs tell stories through the depiction of objects, people and places,” the center states. The Colorado Photographic Arts Center is located at 1200 Lincoln St., Suite 111, in Denver’s Golden Triangle. Admission is always free. Learn more at cpacphoto.org. PHOTO: “Ghost Town Billiards” by Coloradobased Robert Anderson. Courtesy of the Colorado Photographic Arts Center. ‘Ice, Ice, Baby’
The Clyfford Still Museum’s monthly Art Crawl events offer parents and caregivers the opportunity to learn about art with their baby. The December theme is “Ice, Ice, Baby.” A museum educator will lead a crawl through the galleries and a hands-on activity during which babies will learn cool and warm colors by touching cool and warm temperatures. The December Art Crawls take place Dec. 27 and Dec. 30. Art Crawls are appropriate for babies age newborn to 14 months. Space is limited so advanced reservations are required. Babies are free, but ac-
Plan ahead: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute and Humanitarian Awards
The Colorado Symphony will perform at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute and Humanitarian Awards on Jan. 9. The event takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1385 Curtis St. This annual event, in partnership between the MLK, Jr. Holiday Commission and Denver Arts & Venues, will feature the Colorado Symphony and guest performances. It will honor recipients of the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Awards. It is free and all seating is general admission. Tickets must be reserved in advance and will be available beginning on Dec. 26. To learn more, visit coloradosymphony.org. PHOTO: A guest performer at a previous year’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute and Humanitarian Awards event. Photo by Amanda Tipton.
12 Life on Capitol Hill
December 1, 2023De
A roundup of festive things to do in Denver during the 2023 holidays advance. Denver Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St. denverunionstation.com. STAFF REPORT
Denver boasts a myiad of holiday events this December. While it would be nearly impossible to mention everything going on this season, we rounded up a list of picks from our writers at Colorado Community Media that are sure to provide a fun and festive time for all. From a brunch with Father Christmas to Hanukkahin story and song, there’s plenty to do and see. Bright lights
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens: 4:30-9 p.m. through Jan. 7. $25 for adults with discounts for seniors, children, military and students. Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. botanicgardens.org. Denver Zoo Lights: Entry tickets are available beginning at 5 p.m. every night from Dec. 2-Jan. 7. $25-$28 for adults and $18-$21 for children. Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St. denverzoo.org. The Mile High Tree: 5-10 p.m. daily until Dec. 31 with a special ball dropstyle countdown at 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Free. Civic Center Park, 101 W. 14th Ave., Denver. denver.org/milehighholidays/mile-high-tree. Santa sightings
Breakfast with Santa at the aquarium: Seating begins at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 9-10, Dec. 16-17 and Dec. 23-24. $15.99 for children age 3-10 and $20.99 for adults. Downtown Aquarium, 700 Water St., Denver. aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumdenver. Brunch with Father Christmas at Four Mile: Reservations available for 9 a.m. and noon on Dec. 9. $35 for children and $45 for adults. Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest St., Denver. fourmilepark.org. Santa at the Station downtown: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 4, 11, 18. Free for non-reserved visits. A St. Nick Express Pass is available for purchase in
Performances to enjoy
‘A Christmas Carol’ with Denver Center for Performing Arts: Performances take place on many dates and various times through Dec. 24. $40$150 depending on performance date, time and desired section in the venue. Wolf Theatre in the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex, approximately Speer and Arapahoe in Denver. (Near the Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1385 Curtis St.). denvercenter.org. ‘Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum’ with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble: 2 p.m. on Dec. 10-11, 17-18 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10, 15-17. $45 for adults with discounts for children, students, seniors and wheelchair-accessible seats. Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, 119 Park Ave. W., Denver. cleoparkerdance.org. ‘The Nutcracker’ with Colorado Ballet: Performances take place on many dates and various times through Dec. 24. $40-$195 depending on performance date, time and desired section in the venue. Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1385 Curtis St. coloradoballet.org. Hanukkah shines
Chanukah in Story and Song with Colorado Hebrew Chorale and storyteller Albert Banker): 11 a.m. to noon Dec. 8. Free. Denver Public Library Decker Branch, 1501 S. Logan St. denverlibrary.org. Chanukah Wonderland with Chabad of Cherry Creek (celebration and menorah lighting): 5-7 p.m. Dec. 10. Cherry Creek North, 250 Fillmore St., Denver. jewishcherrycreek.com/ chanukah. Light the Night at Temple Sinai: 4-6 p.m. Dec. 10. Free, RSVP required. Temple Sinai, 3509 S. Glencoe St., Denver. sinaidenver.org. Concerts abound
Augustana Lutheran Church’s annual Christmas Concert: 7 p.m. Dec.
8. Free, reservations in advance requested. Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 E. Alameda Ave., Denver. AugustanaArts.org. ‘Holiday Carillon Concert’ with University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music/University Carillonist Joey Brink): 3-4 p.m. Dec. 10. Free. Ritchie Center Lawn on the University of Denver campus. The Ritchie Center is located at 2240 Buchtel Blvd. S. in Denver. liberalarts.du.edu/node/37060. ‘Holiday Cheer!’ with the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra and Colorado Chorale: 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 and 3 p.m. on Dec. 16. $27 for adults with discounts for seniors and students, and free for children 12 and younger. Antonia Brico Stage at Central Presbyterian Church, 1660 Sherman St., Denver. Denverphilharmonic.org. Holiday markets
Cherry Creek Holiday Market: Open daily through Dec. 24. Market hours vary by day. Part of Cherry Creek North’s Winter Wanderland, which offers free admission. Located in Denver’s Cherry Creek North Fillmore Plaza, which is just north of 1st Avenue. cherrycreeknorth.com. Christkindlmarket: Open daily through Dec. 23. Market hours vary by day. Free admission. Located in Denver’s Civic Center Park, 101 W. 14th Ave. christkindlmarketdenver.com. New Year’s Eve celebrations
Downtown Fireworks: Two eightminute fireworks shows will be presented at 9 p.m. and midnight on New Year’s Eve. Best viewing spots are near the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, 1550 Court Place, and within the vicinity of Curtis Street. denver.org/milehighholidays. Noon Year’s Eve at the Children’s Museum: Ball drops will occur at the top of every hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 31. Included with museum admission, which is $16-$18 per person. Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, 2121 Children’s Museum Drive. mychildsmuseum.org.
Life on Capitol Hill 13
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Life on Capitol Hill 15
December 1, 2023
STEADMAN FROM PAGE 7
June
April
Tocabe co-owner Ben Jacobs told of his “seed to soul” mission and the launch of the Direct-toTribe Ready Meal program, which helps feed the Spirit Lake Nation in North Dakota. “Our work is not about, how do we solve for tomorrow, but, how do we solve for years from now,” Jacobs said. “If we can all inspire each other, we can live in a much better world.” May
my life, that I wanted to do something useful. I decided I was going to teach young people.”
We met an important out-of-state visitor: a Holocaust survivor named Paul Galan came to Denver to give a presentation to RiseUp Community High School’s history students. “I spent my whole life recalling terrible things,” Galan said. “But I put it into perspective, with the rest of
Small business owner Kaitlin Christenson Austin told how she uses flower therapy to overcome grief. “We laugh, cry and share memories knowing it’s OK to not be OK,” Austin said. “We tend to be really harsh critics of ourselves, but flowers don’t judge us. They just ask that we take care of them and appreciate their beauty.” July
We learned about 97-year-old Polly Coleman’s dedication to Denver’s Saint Joseph Hospital. She is the first of three generations involved with the hospital. Her daughter, Dianne Montanari, is also a longtime volunteer, and her granddaughter, Sarah Owen, serves as the hospital’s director of service excellence.
August
Jacob Lemanski introduced us to his world of psychedelic ant farms. It all started when he built an illuminated ant farm after he returned from a cycling adventure during which he circled the globe twice. Today, Lemanski runs an events venue in downtown Denver and welcomes anyone to experience his artform. September
Theater artists Christina Roberts and Bussy Gower told us of their latest endeavor: a nonprofit called Mile High Youth Theatre, which aims to provide access to the theater arts to all children. “So many kids have ideas and want to produce work but don’t have a platform or anyone to support them through it,” Roberts said. “We want to bridge that gap.” October
Dancers with the Colorado Bal-
let discussed the art form as they prepared for the production of “Swan Lake.” “The connection you have with the audience is truly fantastic,” said ballerina Jennifer Grace, who played the dual role of Odette/Odile. “When you’re on stage, you can’t see the audience but you can feel them.” November
Another profound visitor made his way to Denver: Mexican artistSpaik traveled from the Yucatán Peninsula to create the “Unidos” mural on the Auraria Campus. The mural commemorates the 200th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mexico and the United States, marks the 130th year of the establishment of the General Consulate of Mexico in Denver, and honors the rich history of the Mexican American families who were pushed from their homes to make way for the Auraria Campus.
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16 Life on Capitol Hill
December 1, 2023De
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