Washington Park Profile 100622

OCTOBER 2022

FREEDigital and print community newspaper founded in 1978.

FREEDigital and print community newspaper founded in 1978.

Town Hall Collaborative

Town Hall Collaborative, 525 Santa Fe Dr. in Denver, is celebrating its grand opening from 5 p.m. to midnight on Oct 7.

Town Hall Collaborative is the brainchild of Denver’s Lauren Beno and Lafayette’s Denise Day. The two have been good friends since they met in 2013 while working for the same organic food brand in Boulder.

In February, the two started a Kickstarter campaign to fulfill their vision of creating a space that would bring community together. It was fully funded about a month later.

“We believe in the positive social impact and economic benefits of empowering women and other marginalized groups to close the gender inequalities and create more diverse and inclusive spaces,” Beno said. “We dream about becoming a go-to, safe, inclusive and welcoming space in Denver that grows with the community in the way it needs.”

Town Hall Collaborative is an event and gathering space that features a bar, cafe, food trucks, a creative space for workshops, artist studios and a stage for performances and live music.

“Town Hall Collaborative is more than just a building, or a bar or a venue,” Day said. “I believe the true asset to the community will be the important conversations that happen around the coffee tables, the impactful organizations that meet and mobilize to create real change, the vulnerable stage performances that spark curiosity, and the laughter of friends old and new. If the last couple of years has taught us anything, it’s that we need each other, and Town Hall is a space for exactly that.”

To learn more about Town Hall Collaborative, visit townhallcollaborative. com.

The Preservery

The Preservery, a restaurant located at 3040 Blake St. in Denver, closed in early September. It operated for about seven years.

However, the owners, Whitney and Obe Ariss, will continue their mission of serving the community by starting a nonprofit that they have been envisioning for about a year. To be called The Preservery Foundation, it will work to provide hunger relief to people experiencing homelessness.

“My favorite piece of wisdom for dealing with times of struggle is to reach out and help someone,” Whitney and Obe Ariss wrote in a blog on their website. “We can’t dismantle racism, we can’t end the housing crisis, we can’t solve world hunger, but we can do our best to help make sure the most vulnerable, disenfranchised folks in our community get the chance to go to bed with a full belly, because that is what every human deserves.”

To stay up-to-date on The Preservery Foundation, follow it on Twitter.

Arc Thrift Scholars

Three Denver residents have been honored with an Arc Thrift Exceptional Scholars Award. This award was established in 2021 to support aspiring post-secondary students who have chosen a career path focused on advancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Along with the award, the scholars receive a $5,000 scholarship to go toward tuition and expenses.

The honorees are:

April Stewart, who is pursuing a bachelor’s in social work from Metro State University. She was inspired to become a social worker after she gave birth to a daughter with Down syndrome.

Giovanna Galloway, who is pursuing a bachelor’s in linguistics at Metro State University and plans to become a teacher who works with English language learners.

Abby Michel, who is pursuing a master’s degree in education at Regis University. She is currently a paraprofessional, a member of multiple disability rights organizations and travels the world in support of disability rights.

La Bouche

La Bouche, a French-American wine bar in Denver, celebrated its one-year anniversary in September.

La Bouche is located at 1100 E. 17th Ave., which borders Uptown and the City Park West neighborhood.

To learn more about La Bouche or to make a reservation, visit labouche.wine.

TheCultureBiz

TheCultureBiz, a local business that offers tools and engagement activities for meetings and gatherings, celebrated the one-year anniversary of the company in September.

Co-owners Katie Wall and Courtney Jacobson created TheCultureBiz to help build company culture. They believe that building culture through play is essential for increasing workplace happiness, reducing stress and retaining the best talent.

The in-person crates were piloted with various local businesses in February 2020. During the COVID-19 shutdowns, TheCultureBiz crates pivoted to virtual crates while people worked remotely.

Today, TheCultureBiz offers its signature CultureCrates, socialization coasters for networking and celebrations, and interactive workshops for team building.

To learn more about TheCultureBiz, visit theculturebiz.com.

A fourth award recipient is Madeline Metzger of Pagosa Springs, who is pursuing a degree in nursing science at the University of ColoradoColorado Springs.

Westword

The Westword newspaper celebrated its 45th anniversary in September. It launched on Sept. 1, 1977.

The Westword is independent local newspaper that covers everything from politics and business to music and the arts. Its editor is Patricia Calhoun.

According to its website, the Westword is read by more than 278,000 monthly print readers throughout the Denver-metro area and Boulder. Its website attracts more than 1.5 million monthly active users.

To learn more about the Westword, visit westword.com.

Scholarship Award is all about,” said Lloyd

way is setting out on a journey to better the lives

“These four individuals are truly inspirational and embody what the Exceptional Scholarship Award is all about,” said Lloyd Lewis, president and CEO of Arc Thrift Stores, in a news release. “Each of them in their own way is setting out on a journey to better the lives of people with disabilities, whether that be here in Colorado or around the world. To support and encourage them is a great honor.”

Arc Thrift Stores operates 31 thrift stores throughout Colorado. It is one of the state’s largest employers of and advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To learn more, visit arcthrift.org.

Gorman & Company

Gorman & Company has been awarded the Novogradac 2022 Developments of Distinction award for Excellence in Affordable Housing for its Elisabetta and Stella projects in Denver’s Globeville neighborhood.

The Elisabetta, 5120 N. Broadway, is a new mixed-use development that includes 91 units of affordable housing serving residents and households earning 30%, 50% and 60% of the Area Median Income. Additionally, 25% of the units are reserved for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and it houses the Laradon Adult Day Program.

The interior of The Stella is pictured. This new mixed-use development is located next door to The Elisabetta at 5190 N. Broadway. It has 132 units and 6,000 square feet of its space is used for the Laradon Career Center.

Laradon is a Denver-based school that empowers children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To learn more, visit laradon.org.

To learn more about Gorman & Company, visit gormanusa.com.

Denise Day and Lauren Beno.

COURTESY OF ONDA PICTURES

CCM writers, sta net 19 newspaper awards

Douglas County mental health program that has set standards at the state and national levels. She took second place for a series on delayed medical care due to COVID.

Senior reporter Ellis Arnold took home a second-place honor in the news writring category for his coverage of Xcel Energy’s concerns for health, property values in south metro Denver.

Former reporter David Gilbert won two fi rst-place honors for his in-depth investigation on the Colorado Center for the Blind’s handling of sexual assault allegations.

In another fi rst-place honor, former Jeffco Transcript reporter Bob Wooley won for his feature story on the aftermath in the decades since the 1999 Columbine High School shootings.

CPA hosts annual event

STAFF REPORT

Colorado Community Media reporters and staff received 19 awards in the Colorado Press Association’s annual Better Newspaper Contest, which honored the state’s best journalism work for 2021.

Leading the honorees named during a Sept. 17 ceremony at Coors Field was west metro reporter Rylee Dunn. Dunn, who primarily covers Arvada, received two fi rst-place honors. Dunn received the top prize in the Best Series or Sustained Coverage in the Class 4 division for the work on the Olde Town Arvada shooting and aftermath, and a fi rst-place award in the Best Business/News Feature category for her work on Namiko’s 30-year history spanning two generations.

Dunn also took second place for Best News Story for her investigative work on a former political candidate being charged with felony identity theft.

Douglas County reporter Elliott

CORRECTION

The executive director of We Don’t Waste’s name was misspelled in the September edition

Wenzler also took home several awards, including fi rst place for Best Health/Enterprise Story for an interview with Dr. John Douglas, the head of Tri-County Health Department, after one year of the COVID pandemic.

Wenzler received two second-place honors for feature (H2O’Brien Pool) and news photography (Homeless issues in Douglas County); in addition, she and former reporter Jessica Gibbs were honored in the breaking news category for their coverage of the STEM school shooting trial.

Gibbs took second place for Best Education Story on school districts addressing racial equity issues.

West metro reporter Olivia Jewell Love was excited to receive her fi rst professional award, taking home second-place honors in the health category for an article on Evergreen-area RNs tackling nurse burnout through healing groups, resources.

South Metro Editor Thelma Grimes took fi rst and second place in the Best Sustained Coverage or Series In the Class 6 division. She won fi rst place a series on the

Washington Park Profi le Editor Christy Steadman won second place for Best Health Enterprise story for her work on Denver Hospice.

In advertising and design, the CCM team took home four separate awards, with designer Tina Meltzer winning fi rst- and second-place awards for print ad design in the Class 4 division. In the Class 6 division, designer Tom Fildey placed second for best print ad.

Designer Ben Wiebesiek won second place in the Lone Tree Voice for Best Page Design.

“Mašké,” an oil, acrylic, aerosol and oil stick painting by Danielle SeeWalker, is part of SeeWalker’s solo exhibition entitled, “You Can’t Have Our Braids.” This exhibit, which is located inside the Buell Theatre lobby, 1350 Curtis St. in the Denver Center for Performing Arts complex, is a companion exhibition to “The Red Road Project” on display at the McNichols Civic Center Building. Story on Page 18.

of the Washington Park Profi le. The correct spelling is Arlan Preblud.

Washington Park Veterinary Clinic

With

hearts and

SPIN

Karen Jones-Diller, DVM

Members of the Colorado Community Media team attend the Colorado Press Association awards ceremony held at Coors Field on Sept. 17. STAFF PHOTO

PHOTO COURTESY OF DANIELLE SEEWALKER

Swallow Hill Music starting to buzz again

Aengus Finnan assumes role as president and CEO of the nonprofit

BY BRUCE GOLDBERG SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Aengus Finnan planned to relax for a while after eight years of serving as executive director of the Folk Alliance International, an organization based in Kansas City, Mo.

He was planning to take some time off for travel and to work on a book he has in mind.

Then along came Denver’s Swallow Hill Music, a nonprofit music organization founded in 1979 that hosts a variety of programs, including a music school, live music concerts and community outreach such as music therapy, enrichment and early childhood education.

“I was not planning to apply for anything after leaving Folk Alliance,” said Finnan, 50. But, “the mission of Swallow Hill, its legacy, its programs in place, and the passion and resilience of the staff - all of that - and the aspirations of the board, it really dovetailed with what I’m passionate about.”

Swallow Hill Music, 71 E. Yale Ave., recently hired Finnan to serve as president and CEO after a lengthy search to replace Paul

Jean Excell, a participant of Swallow Hill’s Women of Folk, has been a Swallow Hill student for four years, taking classes in guitar, bass and harmonica.

COURTESY PHOTO

MUSIC

FROM

Lhevine, who left in fall 2021.

Born in Ireland, Finnan arrives as Swallow Hill aims to make a big push forward — not just in the Denver metro area, but also beyond the city’s limits — hoping to attract more people to concerts, classes, etc.

As with other institutions, the pandemic hit hard, with membership dropping from about 2,000 down to about 900 today. Swallow Hill intends to try to win back many of those members.

“(Our job is) to build upon the musical pillars at Swallow Hill — education, outreach, concerts — and to start looking at it as a cultural hub,” Finnan said. “The venue can be a meeting place, a storytelling place that goes beyond the musical programs. There’s an opportunity for that type of extension, which includes audience development.”

Finnan’s background includes producing three albums and, years ago, joining a band onstage at Swallow Hill.

“I’ve had amazing opportunities to play in church basements, coffee houses and the Kennedy Center,” he said. “It’s a hard way to make a living. I spent enough time sleeping in the van to understand what folk musicians face.”

Finnan has spent about 20 years working in the administrative side, focusing on governance and building cohesive teams, he said.

“I see nothing but exciting potential for Swallow Hill and the community that surrounds it and Denver at large,” Finnan said.

Finnan impresed the Swallow Hill community as he met the staff and members.

“There was no question in my mind he would be our next leader,” said Jessy Clark, Swallow Hill’s COO. “When he walked into the building, you could feel Swallow Hill’s ethos dripping off of him. He’s very familiar with music communities all over the United States and beyond. Aengus gets Swallow Hill and understands its history.”

Swallow Hill board chair Walt DeHaven had similar thoughts.

“We looked far and wide — these people aren’t easy to come by,” DeHaven said. “Aengus just stood out. He knows what we do and that Swallow Hill wants to expand it in a big way. His background in music is extensive, coupled with his un-

derstanding (of) business.”

Starting to buzz again

Swallow Hill boasts the nation’s second-largest music school, behind Chicago. It offers lessons on many different instruments — ranging from conventional instruments such as guitar and piano, to some unorthodox instruments and styles like clawhammer banjo.

Swallow Hill’s instructors teach a wide variety of genres, including Americana and roots, bluegrass, folk, world music, jazz, blues, rock, country and pop.

“Our classrooms are starting to buzz again and you see students and teachers in the hallways,” said Casey Lea Cormier, who teaches guitar, bass and ukulele and has been on the Swallow Hill faculty for nine years. “The community aspect is really amazing. What Swallow Hill does is create an environment of musical instruction in a group setting for adults and kids.”

Overall, Swallow Hill draws more than 165,000 people annually through its school, programming and live music concerts. Just in the first quarter of this year, Swallow Hill made more than 20,000 musical connections through its Community Outreach Programs. One of these programs is Little Swallows, which brings music education to children ages 3 and 4 who may not have access to music programs in their schools.

Jarett Mason is one of Swallow Hill’s instructors, running group classes on guitars and mandolin, as well as guiding an ensemble group.

“The reward I get out of teaching (at Swallow Hill) is the sense of community that’s based in music,” Mason said. “I really enjoy seeing people come together and be united by music. Also, seeing people develop new skills later in life. The majority of my students are adults, most of them are retired. This keeps their minds sharp.”

Jen Hitt started teaching voice and folk ensemble at Swallow Hill in 2018. She also guides the Women of Folk group.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for me to connect with my community,” Hitt said. “Class numbers are getting bigger and bigger every session.”

To learn more about Swallow Hill Music, visit swallowhillmusic.org.

Parker resident Jean Excell, a Women of Folk participant, has been a Swallow Hill student for four years, taking classes in guitar, bass and harmonica.

“It’s worth it,” Excell said of the commute from Parker to Swallow Hill. Swallow Hill has “really advanced my guitar playing and my understanding of music theory. I think it’s excellent — they did a really good job of navigating the pandemic and switching to online courses. Now that we’re back full time, it’s been really outstanding.”

‘I was not planning to apply for anything after leaving Folk Alliance, the mission of Swallow Hill, its legacy, its programs in place, and the passion and resilience of the sta - all of that - and the aspirations of the board, it really dovetailed with what I’m passionate about’

Aengus Finnan, president and CEO of Swallow Hill Music

Brown Palace Hotel fascinates in-house historian

BY KIRSTEN DAHL COLLINS SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Under the eaves of the historic Brown Palace Hotel, historian Debra B. Faulkner works out of a cramped office with a rooftop view of the HVAC equipment.

She wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

“It’s my dream job,” she said. “Super fun.”

Filing cabinets crowd the space, filled with yellowed guest registers dating back to the hotel’s opening in 1892. In that era, the guests were “checked in” with actual check marks. The signatures from 1908 include HRH Prince of Wales, the future George the Fifth. President Woodrow Wilson signed the book in 1911. In 1912, Margaret “Molly” Brown — no relation to the hotel’s founder, Henry Cordes Brown — requested a sixth-floor room, since she had just escaped the Titanic disaster in Lifeboat No. 6.

Faulkner said it’s unusual for a hotel to have a dedicated historian — but then, the Brown Palace is no ordinary hotel. Like a Denver version of the British Museum, the red sandstone edifice on 17th Street is stuffed with history. In 1937, Work Projects Administration-era artist William Tupper True created the murals in the elevator lobby, still stunning — though darkened with age. Glass cases lining the hotel’s eight-story atrium document the glamorous big band era, when Ellyngton’s restaurant served as a nightclub. The Palace Arms, the Brown’s formal restaurant, displays authentic items from Napoleon’s campaigns, including a plumed hat and period swords. In the restaurant’s private dining room, the exquisite French-made wallpaper dates from 1834. The Ship Tavern, which opened after Prohibition in 1934, celebrates maritime history with a collection of hand-carved models of 19th-century clipper ships.

A magnet for the famous Life at the Brown is rarely dull, in part because of all the celebrities who keep checking in. Multitudes of Hollywood stars have visited, from Zsa Zsa Gabor to George Clooney. When the Beatles spent a night there in 1964 before performing at Red Rocks, the hotel arranged for a decoy limousine to distract the crowds of fans waiting out front, while the Fab Four snuck in through the service entrance and up a freight elevator to Room 840. More recently, the hotel has welcomed such pop luminaries as Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen and the Rolling Stones.

The Brown has also hosted numerous U.S. presidents and political dignitaries, including Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower, Hillary and Bill Clinton and many Kennedys. When Ethel Kennedy visited the Brown during the 2008 Democratic National Convention, she confided to Faulkner that decades earlier, she and her husband, Bobby, had been turned away from the hotel. The young couple were on a cross-country road trip and arrived late for their reservation. Crestfallen, they were leaving when they bumped into an old college football buddy of Bobby’s. He owned a store in the hotel and offered to let them camp out. The young Kennedys happily spent the next four nights on the shop floor in sleeping bags.

Anecdotes like this are a never-ending source of delight for Faulkner, who has a front row seat to history’s more unusual byways.

A childhood spent exploring Colorado history

Unwittingly, Faulkner probably prepared for her dream job as a child. She grew up in Loveland, where her mother taught history in elementary school. Her mother often planned family camping trips to venerable sites like the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde and the mining boomtown of Leadville.

“All the kids in the family would explore them and learn the background,” Faulkner said.

Digging into the past became a habit and then a passion. Faulkner went on to earn her master’s in history at University of Colorado. She joined the Brown Palace as hotel historian and archi-

vist in 2008. There she manages the voluminous archives, gives historic tours and presentations, and curates historic displays. She has also managed to write nine books — some with Thomas Noel, aka Dr. Colorado — about Colorado history. One is the delightfully gossipy, “Ladies of the Brown,” an inside account of many notable women who worked, lived or stayed at the hotel. Her children’s book, “Henry’s Denver Palace,” inspired by a real canine visitor, is narrated by a golden retriever.

As hotel historian, Faulkner followed in the footsteps of Corinne Hunt, who created the position in 1977. In “Ladies of the Brown,” Faulkner wrote, “no hotel archives existed when Hunt came on board. Old guest registers, architectural blueprints, scrapbooks, menus, photos and ephemera were haphazardly stored in boxes, cabinets and dusty corners…” Hunt also initiated the hotel’s historic tours, which are open to the public by reservation only.

Phantoms flock there, too

Hunt once told a reporter she might be “coming back as a ghost when I die.” Apparently, she’s not the only one. The Brown Palace seems especially popular with the spirit world — some because they died untimely deaths, others because they’re just fond of the place.

One notable ghost, Faulkner said, is Dr. James Mason who was accidentally killed in the Ship Tavern restaurant in 1946 by a drunken WWII veteran who embarked on a shooting rampage.

According to Faulkner, Dr. Mason’s reflection — undoubtedly reproachful — sometimes appears in the mirror behind the bar.

The Brown Palace Hotel is located at 321 17th St. in Denver. To learn more about it or for more information on tours, visit brownpalace.com.

Other phantoms seem less traumatized. A cheery quartet of vaporous musicians are said to play late at night in Ellyngton’s. Sometimes, guests and staff report childish laughter and running feet in the halls when there are no kids to be seen. In October, visitors can learn about these and other apparitions on Faulkner’s bi-weekly ghost tours. They can then adjourn to the atrium for a Witches Tea.

French wallpaper dating from 1834 lines the swanky private dining room in the Palace Arms, the Brown’s formal restaurant. Brown Palace historian Debra B. Faulkner, pictured, said that the space was sculpted from the hotel’s former grand entrance on Broadway, which closed in the 1930s due to increased auto tra c.

Debra B. Faulkner relishes her job at hotel packed with Colorado history, personalities and ghosts

Historic displays line the Brown’s eight-story atrium, which is crowned with a stained-glass ceiling 100 feet above. Here, visitors enjoy afternoon tea along with the music of Danny Showers, who has played at the hotel for more than 40 years. PHOTOS BY TIM COLLINS

HISTORIAN

A mysterious fraternal order

Ectoplasm aside, Faulkner comments that the hotel has a mystical quality built into its very structure by original owner Henry C. Brown and architect Frank Edbrooke. She said both Brown and Edbrooke had deep roots in the Freemasons, a fraternal order known for its symbols and secret rituals. Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Winston Churchill and Voltaire were all members.

“I seriously believe there are Masonic secrets hidden in the hotel,” Faulkner said.

She speculated that the Brown’s elegant triangular shape — it occupies a lot between Fremont Place, Broadway and 17th Street — is no accident. A right triangle enclosing an all-seeing eye is one of the best-known Masonic symbols, appearing on the dollar bill, among other places.

More Masonic symbols turned up recently when carpeting was replaced in the hotel’s Onyx Room, which is used for meetings. Underneath, Faulkner said, the mosaic floor was framed by a pattern of symbols associated with the Knights Templar, a medieval branch of Freemasonry. Other secrets probably wait behind other alterations. Many different owners, including three generations of the Boettcher family, have made changes to the old hotel over the years.

In fact, the Brown Palace is a bit of a museum, guarding a trove of historic treasure within its fortress-like walls. Some of that treasure may still be undiscovered. One more reason for Faulkner to view her job as a historian’s dream come true.

Citywide composting is coming to Denver!

Starting in 2023, we can all help reduce what goes in the landfill. By using your compost cart to dispose of food scraps, yard debris, and non-recyclable paper, you can help limit the amount of trash we throw away by as much as 75%. The city will charge customers based on the size of their trash cart, so go small, start composting, and save more.

Scan the QR code for more information,

details about income-based rebates.

(720) 913-1311

Two 1937 murals painted by Colorado artist Allen Tupper True evoke progress in transportation. One of the murals, pictured, depicts early stagecoach travel, still common when the Brown Palace was built in 1892. The hotel’s emblematic gri ns decorate the elevators. PHOTOS BY TIM COLLINS

Brown Palace historian Debra B. Faulkner is partial to the Edwardian style of the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Suite. The hotel has three presidential suites in all, which also include the Eisenhower Suite decorated in the Federal style and the Ronald Regan Suite, with a California ranch ambiance.

Dating back to 1892, the Brown Palace Hotel guest registers testify to multitudes of famous visitors. President Woodrow Wilson signed this page in 1911.

Curiosity never retires

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute woos older adults back to class

BY CANDY PETROFSKY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Curiosity never retires. And that’s why so many older adults are now back in class — decades after graduating — thanks to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Denver.

“OLLI has been around now for 25 years in the Denver metro,” said Jacqueline Wyant, executive director of OLLI at DU. “Not only are we the best kept secret in town, offering the most affordable continuing education on seven convenient campuses, our senior students, or OLLI members, don’t do homework, there are no pop quizzes and the only grades they get are As for effort.”

A Cli sNotes rundown of OLLI

OLLI at DU is an adult learning membership program designed for inquiring adults, age 50 and better, who wish to pursue lifelong learning in a relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere, states OLLI’s website. Thanks to the generosity of The Bernard Osher Foundation and many community grants, the classes are affordable. OLLI at DU joins a network of more than 120 institutes nationwide that are helping mature

learners find personal fulfillment.

“Basically, OLLI at DU offers members more than 170 different classes to choose from, spread out over three, eight-week terms - fall, winter and spring. OLLI members may elect to learn online or inperson. And our teachers are just as fascinating as the array of subjects we offer,” Wyant said.

Think peers teaching peers. The teachers, also known as facilitators, may be former school faculty members, community and civic leaders, independent scholars and even retired professionals such as doctors or lawyers. Essentially anyone who has a deep passion and knowledge about a hobby, skill or topic is welcome to teach a class, provided that OLLI standards are met.

OLLI members come from all walks of life, but everyone has the same common three goals: to stay engaged, stay active and make positive connections.

“I’m a retired lawyer and I was looking for something to keep the synapses clicking,” said OLLI member Larry Bass. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I have to tell you the teachers were very well-prepared and it’s been a worthwhile experience.”

The cornucopia of classes OLLI offers is ample - history, music, political science, writing, literature, philosophy, science, sports, religion, global issues, public affairs, film classes, nuclear power and bridge classes. There are even courses on

sex and intimacy.

“I think anybody, and I mean anybody, can find a class at OLLI they’ll enjoy,” said OLLI member Suzy McKeever.

OLLI students may choose from four different memberships. The annual membership - only available in the fall - costs $400 per year and offers unlimited in-person and online courses during the fall, winter and spring terms, provided space is available. A one-term membership costs $140 for unlimited courses online and in-person, with the same space caveat. There may be additional costs for required class materials.

“We also offer an introductory membership for first time students (at) $50 per class,” Wyant said. “Lastly, we offer a facilitator membership. OLLI Facilitators are unpaid volunteers who are given access to the complete catalog of courses and webinars, and pay no term membership fee.”

Wyant highly recommends the individual workshops and webinars - which cost $15 each - to supplement an education or stay active between terms. She added there is an upcoming webinar on influential women that features wonderful speakers.

‘Do the math’

McKeever said anyone who still needs convincing should “do the math.”

“The price is fantastic,” McKeever said. “I sign up for the term membership and usually take three or

Let’s Talk

Midtown Counseling Denver provides personalized counseling services with a focus on growth and healing for adolescent and adult clients.

We strive to provide a transparent and collaborative environment.

four classes at a time. I mean, how can you beat it?”

OLLI memberships also include opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities, such as trips to museums, wine and cheese socials and theater nights. OLLI also offers a slew of clubs — hiking and photography, for example — to encourage deeper connections outside of class.

“OLLI did an amazing job pivoting during the pandemic by transitioning to all online classes,” said OLLI facilitator Paul Simon.

Today, however, more and more people are attending in person, he added.

“Just to be able to keep learning and expand your mind is just so rewarding,” Simon said.

OLLI members are also rewarded with discounts at DU and area restaurants.

“My favorite part? I love OLLI just for the joy of learning and being with people my own age,” Wyant said.

And — there’s no homework.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Denver is located in Ru atto Hall at the University of Denver, 1999 E. Evans Ave.

OLLI’s winter term begins on Jan. 9. The course catalog will be posted on Nov. 14, which is when registration opens.

To learn more about OLLI at DU or to enroll to become an OLLI member, visit universitycollege.du.edu/olli.

“Don’t go through life, grow through life.”

Eric Butterworth Let’s grow together.

Derek Sandos, MA LPCC 720-828-8285

Derek@midtowncounselingdenver.com

www.midtowncounselingdenver.com

Contrabassoonist Roger Soren of the Colorado Symphony leads his Osher Lifelong Learning Institute symphony class. Registration for OLLI’s winter term opens in November, with classes beginning on Jan. 9.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OLLI

VOICES

Becoming a Colorado homeowner

In September, my partner and I closed on a condo as first-time homebuyers.

It was a long journey, and despite not knowing where anything is as I sit among boxes writing this column, it is well worth it.

FROM THE EDITOR

Christy Steadman

The journey began sometime mid-2019 when my then-landlord asked if my partner, Tommy, and I would be interested in purchasing his condo where we had been long-term tenants. We had been living there for about five years at the time. Though it wasn’t our “dream home” — the main thing it was missing for me is an inunit washer and dryer — it was a cozy place with a partial view of Golden’s Lookout Mountain from the balcony.

So we met with a lender who was recommended by our landlord. The lender gave us a list of tasks related to financials, such as building credit and saving for cash to close, and told us to come back in about a year to see where we stand.

Mid-2020 came around, and I contacted the lender to make another appointment, but he never returned calls or emails — still not sure what happened, but perhaps it was due to the pandemic.

From my time covering Golden, I remembered one of the Golden Lions Club members mentioning that she worked as a loan officer. Because I had assumed my role with Life on Capitol Hill and Washington Park Profile by this time — thus, no longer a conflict of interest — I reached out to her.

She ran our numbers and found that we qualified for an FHA loan to purchase the condo, so we proceeded. Tommy and I completed the first-time homebuyer’s class, dropped off the earnest money, had the home inspection. All was going well until our lender called with some bad news: the condo did not qualify for an FHA loan because of stipulations not met by the HOA.

Instead of giving up, however, Tommy and I decided we still wanted to purchase. Our lender introduced us to Sarah, a real estate agent who she had worked with previously.

This was August 2020, when the journey actually begins.

Sarah got us on the MLS search and we started going to showings. I remember the first one we went to — it was a cute little condo in southeast Denver. Ultimately, the place was a bit too small for our needs, but had I known then what I know now, we probably would’ve put an offer in on it.

As you probably know, the housing market went crazy. And our biggest setback was the fact that we could only purchase a condo that met the stipulations for an FHA loan. Still, by summer 2021, Tommy and I had seen countless condos and we put in I-don’t-know-how-many offers. Each one was beat out by investors or higher offers with cash or conventional lending. We were doing everything we could do “sweeten” our offer — waiving inspection except health and safety, offering well over listing, etc.

Still, places were getting snatched up almost as immediately as they were listed. Sometimes we didn’t even get to go to our scheduled showing because an offer had been accepted hours after it had been listed. There were other times that as Sarah was writing up our offer, the listing agent contacted her to let her know that an offer had already been accepted.

By winter 2021-2022, it seemed hopeless. I’ll admit that I lost motivation and began looking into rentals — we were still living in the condo that our landlord wanted to sell.

But then in late August, our soon-to-be future condo was listed. Tommy and I knew it was “the one.”

Sarah put in our offer and the listing agent informed her that there were two other “spoken” offers at the time, but nothing in writing. A day or so later, those other offers did come in, and the listing agent informed Sarah that ours was not the highest offer. So, our lender gets involved — she checked with us to make sure we’d be willing, in her words, to “go all in,” and ran all our numbers again to get us to the highest amount we’d be able to competitively offer.

That did it — after two years of searching and being let down, offer after offer — we finally put in an offer that was accepted. It seems everyone was rooting for us to get the place, even the seller. After our offer was accepted and everything was

going smoothly in the process, the listing agent informed Sarah that a fourth offer had come in on the place. It was higher than ours, but the seller chose us because that fourth offer was an investor with conventional lending, and the seller wanted the condo to go to first-time buyers with an FHA loan because that is how they purchased it. And it served them well for a number of years, until they were ready to sell it and purchase a larger place.

I’m not sure if I can call it luck — though certainly it was — or if it was just a case of being the right time, but I am so grateful for the experience. Yes, it was trying. But I had a wonderful team by my side, with Sarah, our lender and even the seller. And now I’m fortunate enough to have 740 square-feet to call my very own, complete with a gorgeous window that my cats can watch the birds from and an in-unit washer and dryer.

Coloradans facing an avalanche of fees

In June, we embraced the Colorado Avalanche bringing Lord Stanley back to our state. Denver now truly is Hockey Town U.S.A. with the Stanley Cup, the University of Denver is the NCAA Champion, Denver East hockey won the high school national championship and the PeeWee Jr. Avs won The Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament this year.

Wellington Webb

As much as we cheer these accomplishments, Coloradans are facing a growing avalanche of new and increased fees that local governments and utilities are using to slowly but surely pick our pockets.

Every month, these fees chip away

LINDA SHAPLEY

Publisher

especially hard on the working poor and senior citizens on fi xed incomes who barely can survive. These fees, along with higher food and gas prices, impact the middle class as well.

Let me give you just a few examples.

Denver City Council recently approved fees on trash collection for the fi rst time in the city’s history. Denver voters also will see a new proposed fee for sidewalk repairs on the fall ballot.

So, Denver residents in 2023 will pay $9 a month for a small garbage bin (35 gallons), $13 for a medium bin (65 gallons) and $21 a month for a large bin (95 gallons). For someone on a fi xed income,

lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

CHRISTY STEADMAN

Editor csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com

LINDSAY NICOLETTI

Operations/ Circulation Manager

lnicoletti@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ERIN ADDENBROOKE Marketing Consultant

eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Mailing Address: 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110

Phone: 303-566-4100

To subscribe call 303-566-4100 or visit

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AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager abrooks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

$108 a year for trash removal is a big hit. I’m not impressed with the city pushing the fee dressed up as a way to increase recycling.

If this trash fee was on the ballot, it surely would have failed.

The sidewalk fee proposal on the ballot would cost the average single family home on a local street, with a 50-foot property frontage, about $107.50 a year.

I’m pleased the library district idea to replace the Denver Public Library was dropped, because there has been enough actions and attempts to take power away

Columnists & Guest Commentaries

Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Profile. We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

Email letters to csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Deadline 5 p.m. on the 20th of each month for the following month’s paper.

National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the resilience of entrepreneurs

GUEST COLUMN

Each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Americans celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month as a time to recognize the many contributions, diverse cultures and extensive histories of the American Latino community.

More Hispanics than ever before are seizing the opportunity to create new businesses, which improve their cities and neighborhoods.

Hispanics are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population, and own and operate more than 350,000 businesses nationwide — employing more than 3 million people and counting.

Both President Biden, and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Administrator Isabella Castilla Guzman - the highest-ranking Latina in the president’s cabinet - have made strengthening our Hispanicowned small businesses a priority in the last 18 months. The COVID-19 pandemic is the leading cause of business failure in the last two years

WEBB

FROM PAGE 10

from Mayor Michael Hancock and the institution of mayor. I would support a mill levy increase that helps the libraries but keeps the mayor’s power intact.

Meanwhile, Coloradans are dealing with increased fees already showing up on electric and water bills. The average electric bill for Xcel Energy’s residential customers increased $5.24 a month. This 6.4% increase was approved in April by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.

Then, the PUC gave Xcel approval to collect a half billion dollars from its customers to cover the spiraling costs of natural gas during a winter cold snap in 2021.

Late last year, the Denver Water Board also approved a rate increase. Most single-family residential customers, depending on where they live, have seen an increase in their monthly bill by a range of about 47 cents to $1.34.

Another item that may include future tax dollars is a possible new Denver Broncos stadium. With a new owner for the Broncos, discussions immediately start about if the team needs a new

and this is especially true for businesses owned by communities of color, women and veterans. On his first day in office, the president took decisive action, in partnership with Congress, to implement programs and policies that bolstered millions of struggling small businesses, giving them a fighting chance to survive and thrive post-pandemic.

Almost immediately, the president signed the American Rescue Plan, which helped millions of main street small businesses with continued financial aid targeting smaller minority-owned firms in underserved communities. Hispanicowned businesses were some of the most severely hurt by the various lockdowns of communities at the height of the pandemic. The ARP directly invested in our hardest-hit small businesses to ensure they could safely reopen — and remain open. The ARP also bolstered the Paycheck Protection Program with an additional $7.25 billion in funding to support small businesses and nonprofits that were previously excluded, such as businesses owned by women, veterans and minorities. This plan also launched the Restaurant Revitalization Fund which

stadium.

The new Mile High Stadium opened in 2001 and was funded by a six-county tax.

Let’s start with some sports history. The Avalanche and Denver Nuggets first played in the former McNichols Arena, which was near the former Mile High Stadium. The city owned and operated both venues at the time. Both teams needed city approval to get out of their city contracts before new facilities could move forward.

In 1997, Charlie Lyons and Ascent Entertainment owned the Nuggets and Avalanche and began planning for a new arena, which they would own and operate.

I worked closely with Lyons and later with Broncos owner Pat Bowlen to assure our sports teams stayed in downtown for at least 25 years. I only supported the Pepsi Center and new football stadium tax district with this caveat.

I will only support a new Broncos stadium if the owners agree to stay downtown and the new facility has a retractable roof to attract such events as a Super Bowl and World Cup.

But getting back to the fees and taxes in 2022. An increase of $100 here and $100 there, and the fi nancial hole gets deeper and deeper

TURN TO THE COLORADO SUN FOR NEWS ACROSS THE STATE

The Colorado Sun is a journalist-owned, award-winning news outlet that strives to cover all of Colorado so that our state — our community — can better understand itself.

In this way, The Sun contributes to a more vibrant, informed and whole Colorado.

The Sun, launched in 2018, is committed to fact-based, in-depth and nonpartisan journalism. It covers everything

from politics and culture to the outdoor industry and education.

Now, The Colorado Sun co-owns this and other Colorado Community Media newspapers as a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy. The Sun is CCM’s partner for statewide news.

For Colorado Sun stories, opinions and more, and to support The Sun’s misssion as a member or subscriber, visit coloradosun.com.

targeted restaurants and other hard-hit food establishments, and the Shuttered Venue Operator Grant program.

In November 2021, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law which created enormous opportunities for minority businesses to gain access to more than $1.2 trillion in federal, state and local government contracts on a variety of projects nationwide. A large percentage of Hispanic-owned businesses are in the construction and service industries and will directly benefit from this comprehensive bill. This bill will fortify entrepreneurship, innovation and domestic supply chains, and in the process, strengthen our democracy by creating equitable pathways to the American dream.

Finally, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 makes urgent investments that will bring down costs, level the playing field and open historic opportunities for America’s 33 million small businesses and innovative startups — especially those owned by minorities, women and veterans. This law not only tackles inflation and pow-

for our most vulnerable residents, along with many middle-class households.

Instead of burying our residents with an avalanche of new and increased fees, sharpen your pencils and fi nd a way to get these needs

ers America’s transition to safer, cleaner energy, it also shrinks the budget deficit and, most importantly, drives down healthcare and energy costs for small businesses and their employees. Lower costs mean small businesses can focus on doing what they do best — creating jobs, developing talent, innovating and opening doors of growth and opportunity across all our communities, including selling more American-made goods and services to the world’s largest buyer: the U.S. government.

The president’s policies during the last 18 months have had a positive effect on Hispanic-owned small businesses. National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to applaud the accomplishments and fortitude of our Hispanic communities and celebrate the American dream of small business ownership.

Aikta Marcoulier is the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Region 8 administrator based in Denver. She oversees the agency’s programs and services in Colorado, Montana, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. To learn more about SBA’s programs and services, visit sba.gov.

done in the general budgets.

Wellington Webb, president of Webb Group International, served as Denver’s first Black mayor from 1991-2003.

He also served in the Colorado State Legislature and as Denver’s auditor.

Aikta Marcoulier

Mile High Happenings is a new monthly column featuring community events throughout Denver, highlighting events that take place in the central and central-south neighborhoods covered by the Washington Park Profile and Life on Capitol Hill newspapers.

Event submissions from community members and organizations are welcome. Submissions should include brief details about the event and a photo

Sept. 26-Oct. 16

Oct. 8

or event logo.

Deadline is the 20th of each month for the event to be listed the following month. Cycle for the column’s listings will begin on the 10th of the month and run through the 10th of the following month.

Submissions can be emailed to Christy Steadman at csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com.

Colfax Ave Movie Night: “Remember the Titans”

Time: 6:30 p.m. street party, 7:30 p.m. movie.

Location: The park at the corner of 16th Avenue and Humboldt Street, City Park West neighborhood.

Cost: Free, RSVP encouraged.

The University of Denver, including the university’s Ritchie Center, pictured, is one of the inperson tours o ered during the Denver Architecture Foundation’s Doors Open Denver.

Doors Open Denver

Time: Various.

Location: Multiple for in-person tours, virtual experience available 24/7.

Cost: $25 for Denver Architecture Foundation members and $30 for non-members. Proceeds benefit the Denver Architecture Foundation.

The Denver Architecture Foundation’s annual Doors Open Denver event features 24 in-person tours on Saturdays and Sundays and 24 additional virtual tours. A full schedule of this year’s in-person tours is available online. The annual Y/OUR Denver photography competition is also returning for its fifth year. Deadline for online entries is Oct. 28. An exhibition of top entries will run virtually from Dec. 12 to Feb. 28.

More information/reservations: denverarchitecture.org.

Meadow Mountain kicks o the Capitol Hill Concert series with a performance on Oct. 8. COURTESY PHOTO

Capitol Hill Concerts: Meadow Mountain

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: First Unitarian Society of Denver, 1400 N. Lafayette St., Cheesman Park neighborhood.

Cost: $20 for advanced general admission, $25 for day-of-show general admission, $10 for students age 13 and older with a valid student ID and children 12 and younger are free. A season pass for all four concerts costs $70. Sponsorships also available. The concerts will be livestreamed on YouTube for free but a donation is suggested.

The Capitol Hill Concert series’ 2022-23 season kicks off on Oct. 8 with a performance by Meadow Mountain, a progressive bluegrass band. This is the first of four concerts in the series. Capitol Hill Concerts has a mission to offer high-caliber, musically-diverse, family-friendly concerts, while also supporting local nonprofits. The nonprofit on Oct. 8 is Mile High 360.

More information/reservations: capitolhillconcerts.com.

Oct. 15

World Singing Day

Time: 10 a.m. to noon.

Family Fishing Day

Time: 10 a.m.

Location: Overland Pond Park, 955 W. Florida Ave., Overland neighborhood.

Cost: Free, but advance registration is required. Space is limited, and there will be a waitlist once the event reaches capacity.

This event is hosted by the Greenway Foundation in partnership with Denver’s Stormwater Education and Outreach Program and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. It is designed for children ages 3-12, but children of all ages are invited. Attendees will learn fishing etiquette, fishing safety, fish anatomy and fishing techniques. Fishing rods and supplies will be provided.

More information/reservations: thegreenwayfoundation.org/event/family-fishing-day/.

Location: Denver Performing Arts Complex, 14th and Curtis streets

Cost: Free, registration encouraged.

Denver Arts & Venues is hosting Denver’s version of World Singing Day for the first time in the event’s 11-year history. This event is a global sing-along, and Denver will join Boulder and Colorado Springs as part of more than 30 events happening worldwide.

More information/reservations: worldsingingdaydenver.eventbrite.com, artsandvenues.com/singtogether.

Oct. 16

Stories on Stage: Stone Animals

Time: 2 p.m.

Location: Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center, 721 Santa Fe Dr., Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Cost: $24.

This production features “Kelly Link’s weird and wonderful fantasy about a typical American couple moving into a not-so-typical suburb,” states a news release. A virtual performance for anytime viewing will be available beginning at 7 p.m. Oct. 20.

More information/reservations: storiesonstage.org, 303-494-0523.

The Colfax Ave Business Improvement District’s final Colfax Ave Movie Night for the season was rescheduled because of weather. “Remember the Titans” will now be showing on Oct. 19. Colfax Ave Movie Night is a free, family-friendly, outdoor event. Food and drinks will be available for purchase until 9 p.m. Picnic dinners are welcome.

More information/reservations: colfaxave.com, info@colfaxave.com.

21

Return of the Corn Mothers

Time: 5:30-9 p.m.

Location: History Colorado Center, 200 Broadway, Speer neighborhood.

Cost: Free, RSVP is required.

This event is the opening reception for the Return of the Corn Mothers: Inspiring Women of the Southwest exhibit and will include the induction of 22 women to the Corn Mothers family. The Corn Mothers exhibit is part of a larger series of Corn Mothers exhibitions that documents the stories and portraits of 70 multi-cultural women from the Southwest and their cultural roots. These women exemplify the essence of Corn Mother and have been chosen by their communities for their selfless contributions and creative endeavors to better the lives of others.

More information/reservations: historycolorado.org/exhibit/return-corn-mothers.

COURTESY OF DENVER

Fall has arrived in Denver

City o ers a variety of events for all ages

Autumn in Denver is a wonderful time of the year. Whether you’re looking for tricks or treats, haunting entertainment, family fun time, Día de los Muertos celebrations or simply somewhere to go decked out in your favorite Halloween costume, Denver has something for everybody. Here are a few suggestions.

13TH FLOOR HAUNTED HOUSE

The 13th Floor Haunted House has opened for the season and will be open on select nights through Nov. 12.

This year’s haunted house features three attractions: Primal Fear, which explores the legend of Sasquatch; Midnight Mania, a slasher-themed haunt taking place in a condemned college frat house; and All Hallows Eve, which features a cursed group of undead trick or treaters.

BROADWAY HALLOWEEN PARADE

The Broadway Halloween Parade will take place beginning at 6 p.m. Oct. 22 on Broadway between Fifth and Alameda avenues.

BRONCOS TRICK OR TREAT

The annual Broncos Trick or Treat takes place this year on Oct. 29 at Empower Field at Mile High, 1701 Bryant St. in Denver. There are three time slots available: 9:30-11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m. Each

DAY OF THE DEAD 5K/10K

The 2022 Day of the Dead 5K/10K takes place on Oct. 23 at City Park, 2001 Colorado Blvd., in Denver. Both races begin at 9 a.m.

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL

The Denver Botanic Gardens is celebrating Día de los Muertos on Nov. 5 with numerous time slots for admission available throughout the day.

FALL FLANNEL FEST

The fifth annual Fall Flannel Fest takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 23 at Denver Milk Market, 1800 Wazee St., in the Dairy Block.

GHOST WALK WITH PHIL GOODSTEIN

Local author and Denver native Phil Goodstein is offering his Denver Ghost Walk tours from 7-9 p.m. on Oct. 21, 22, 28 and 29; and from 6-8 p.m. on

HALLOWEEN WITH MEOW WOLF

Meow Wolf Denver is hosting two Halloween events at its Convergence Station, 1338 1st St. in Denver

Monster Mash Bash Adulti-Verse: 5-10 p.m. Oct. 26. This

PARANORMAL PALACE

The Paranormal Palace takes place Oct. 29 at McNichols Civic Center Building, 144 W. Colfax Ave. in Denver. Doors for general admission open at 7 p.m.

The Paranormal Palace is a dress-to-impress Halloween

SPOOKY XII: THE DIRECTOR STRIKES BACK

Mile High Freedom Bands’ Spooky XII: The Director Strikes Back concert takes place on Oct. 15 at Historic Grant Avenue, 216 S. Grant St., in Denver’s Speer neighborhood.

The performance will be offered at two time slots: a matinee performance from 2-4 p.m. that is rated PG, and

VICTORIAN HORRORS

Victorian Horrors at the Molly Brown House Museum offers attendees the opportunity to hear Gothic horror tales portrayed by acclaimed local actors and explore the historic Molly Brown House Museum, 1340 Pennsylvania St. in Denver, which will be decorated by The Learned Lemur and Atomic Folk Art with spooky curiosities. Fortune tellers will be reading tarot for tips.

Additional on-site attractions include Class Axe Throwing and the Shriekeasy Bar for patrons age 21 and older. Add-on options for additional cost include Mini Escape Games, the Sensory Overload maze and, for guests 21 and older, Big Foot’s Big Shot, which is a secret bar hidden within the haunted house.

There is no minimum age requirement for the 13th Floor, though the event is graphic and meant to be

This annual parade features Halloween-themed floats, bands and marchers. Attendees are encouraged to dress in costume.

Getting its start in 2017, the Broadway Halloween Parade

has limited space, so it is recommended to register early.

The stadium will be festively decorated, and the event will include trick or treating and interacting with Miles the Mascot.

Beginning Oct. 1, cost is $35 for the 5K and $40 for 10K for adults, and $30 for the 5K and $35 for the 10K for participants age 17 and younger. Registration on race day increases by $5. A virtual option is also available.

This event will feature of artistic performances, altars, a costume contest an artisan mercado and more. Día de los Muertos costumes are encouraged.

Tickets range in price from $10 for members to $15 for

This family-friendly free community event will feature live music, trick or treating, a caramel apple station, fall pastries and cocktails, a live pumpkin carver and kids’ craft stations.

Oct.31.

Attendees should meet in front of the statue of the Indian on the east lawn of the Colorado State Capitol Building in Denver, which is along Grant Street be-

adults-only exhibit is for guests 21 and older with a valid photo ID required. Costumes are encouraged for this event but masks covering the entire face are not allowed.

SpooKiKi Ball featuring House of Flora: 8 p.m. on Oct. 29.

gala and charity event, benefiting the Humankindness Project. The event features a costume contest, dance floor, open bar, full art installations, food trucks, performers and deejays. This year is themed Western World Halloween Party, but any Halloween costume is welcome.

an evening performance from 7-9 p.m. that is rated R. The matinee will feature a Bizarre Bazaar designed for children and youth that includes games, costumes and a snack bar. The evening performance will feature a Spooky Snack Shop which includes special spooky libations.

Tickets cost $15 with discounted tickets for students

Victorian Horrors in-person will be offered Oct. 14-16, 20-22, and 27-29. On these dates, admission is offered every 15 minutes from 6-9 p.m. An accessibility-friendly, in-person performance will take place at 4 p.m. on Oct. 16. During this performance, guests will stay in one mobility accessible room and the actors and ASL interpreters will come to them to perform five chilling tales.

scary. It is not recommended for children age 12 and younger.

Ticket prices begin at $19.99per person, with Fast Pass, Skip the Line and VIP ticketing options available.

13th Floor is located at 3400 East 52nd Ave. in Denver’s Elyria Swansea neighborhood. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit 13thfloorhauntedhouse. com.

is hosted by the Broadway Merchants Association and City Council Lucky District 7. The event is family-friendly and free to attend. Learn more at thebroadwayhalloweenparade.com.

This family-friendly event is recommended for children ages 4-12. Tickets cost $10 each, and every person must have a ticket, including accompanying adults.

To learn more or purchase tickets, visit empowerfieldatmilehigh.com/events/detail/broncos-trick-or-treat.

The race will feature a race logo shirt, finishers medal, a finish line expo and free photo downloads after the event.

To learn more or to register, visit coloradorunnerevents. com/DDLM.

nonmembers. Youth age 15 and younger are free but still require a ticket. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are not available onsite.

To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit botanicgardens.org.

Halloween costumes and flannel attire are encouraged. To learn more, visit denvermilkmarket.com and select the date on the calendar.

tween 14th and Colfax avenues.

Cost is $25. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Goodstein at philgoodstein@ gmail.com.

This event is for guests age 18 and older.

To learn more about these event or to purchase tickets, visit meowwolf.com/visit/Denver and select `ticketed events.’

This event is for attendees age 21+. A valid ID must be presented for entry.

Tickets begin at $99. This event is expected to sell out. Visit denverhalloween.org to learn more about the event or to link to the event on Eventbrite to purchase tickets.

and seniors available. Tickets are expected to sell out. It is recommended to purchase tickets early. The Bizarre Bazaar and Spooky Snack Shop are free, but a donation is suggested.

To learn more about Mile High Freedom Bands or to purchase tickets, visit mhfb.org.

A virtual Victorian Horrors featuring the same 2022 stories and actors will be offered for $20 per family.

Tickets for in-person Victorian Horrors start at $19 per person. Victorian Horrors is advised for ages 12 and older, per parental discretion. Masks will be required for all participants.

To purchase tickets or to learn more about the event, visit mollybrown.org.

Denver Zoo’s conservation e orts reach near and far

BY ELICIA HESSELGRAVE SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

In 2019, the United Nations published a report that there are about a million species of plants and animals at risk of extinction, many within a couple decades.

“Zoos are becoming increasingly important as nature becomes increasingly decimated by human action,” said Jake Kubié, director of communications for the Denver Zoo.

He added that a growing number of wild animals are unable to survive due to habitat loss, pollution, poaching and climate change. Zoos, Kubié said, are becoming a Noah’s Ark of sorts in keeping species on the face of the earth by going out into the wild to conserve native habitats.

With a mission that states, “inspiring communities to save wildlife for future generations,” the Denver Zoo is talking the talk with action. A ticket to the zoo directly supports wildlife conservation efforts for species not only cared for at the zoo, but also local conservation programs around Colorado and even globally.

As one of 238 Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited facilities, the Denver Zoo must adhere to strict

guidelines for safety, care and management of animals to maintain this accreditation. Kubié estimates that between 120-150 species of animals living at the Denver Zoo are classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as threatened, endangered, critically endangered or extinct in the wild. As an AZA facility, Denver Zoo participates in breeding programs called Species Survival Plans, collaborating with other AZA organizations to support declining numbers of various spe-

cies that are vulnerable, threatened, endangered or extinct in the wild.

In some cases, animals reproduced from this type of programming are released into the wild. Recently, Denver Zoo collaborated with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to successfully breed boreal toads, the only alpine toad found in Colorado. The boreal toad is considered an indicator species, meaning these animals are incredibly sensitive to changes in their environment and the population of an indicator species can help

researchers have more insight into climate health. Currently, the boreal toad is listed as State Endangered and there are as few as 800 left in the wild in Colorado. Comparatively, there are about 300,000 wild elk in Colorado. Earlier this summer, Denver Zoo and CPW reintroduced nearly 500 tadpoles into high-altitude wetlands in Gunnison National Forest that officials hope could eventually host an established population of the rare amphibians.

The American pika is another indicator species in Colorado. While they are currently classified as Least Concern, their numbers are declining due to climate change, according to the website, Animalia. Denver Zoo has partnered with Rocky Mountain Wild to form the Colorado Pika Project as a way to monitor this species through data collected by local researchers and volunteer community scientists.

In addition to the four core conservation programs in Colorado, Mongolia, Peru and Vietnam, the Denver Zoo has participated in more than 600 different conservation, rehabilitation and wildlife rescue programs in the past 20 years, including conservation trips presented by zoo staff.

Travis Garrett has worked in animal care for more than 24 years and has spent 23 years of his career at the Denver Zoo working with birds. Like boreal toads and American

Volunteers with the Denver Zoo and Rocky Mountain Wild monitor the American pika for the Colorado Pika Project.

COURTESY PHOTO

Conservation department is busy conserving wildlife onsite, regionally, abroad

BY ROBERT TANN RTANN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

For many, mangoes are defi ned by bright colors, aromatic fl avor and embodiment of the sunsoaked tropics.

But for some Denver-area business owners, the fruit is also a sense of identity, cultural connection and one’s openness to the new. From a refugee resource center offering an array of dinein cuisines to a dessert bar fusing traditional Hong Kong sweets with Western styles, the mango serves as a token of the wider world for a land-locked metropolitan area.

At Mango House in Aurora, such sentiment could not better de-

scribe the mission of P.J. Parmar, who began the organization in 2014 to provide resources — primarily low-cost health care — to refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants.

It also serves as a marketplace, with a grocery store and several vendors preparing and selling fresh-made food from their home countries.

“Mangoes are from everywhere our patients come from, but they are not from the U.S.,” said Parmar, whose family immigrated from India, where mangoes are cherished and abundant.

Parmar said he chose the name Mango House because he wanted something “tasty and fun” that paid homage to his patients and patrons. He said he sees people from a broad swath of countries and regions, including Nepal, Burma, Somalia, Iraq, Eritrea, Afghanistan and Ethiopia.

Some who come to Mango House

do so for space to start their business. Currently, it is home to fi ve small food stalls: Urban Burma, known for its rice noodle bowls, curry and samosas; Jasmine Syrian Food, with cumin and lemon fl avored hummus and chicken; Odaa Ethiopian Restaurant, providing an abundance of fl avorful meats and vegetables; Nepali Mountain Kitchen, serving up warm curry and momo; and Golden Sky Sushi, which offers a fusion of Japenese and other Asian cuisines.

“All my tenants are my patients,” Parmar said. “I like to think what we do is unique.”

Siri Tan, who began serving Burmese cuisine from his stall — Urban Burma — in 2019, said without Mango House “we wouldn’t exist.”

Tan said he “wanted to introduce Burmese cuisine into the Denver area” and, through a patchwork of cooking education

that included recipe books, online videos and tips from the Burmese community, he made that dream a reality.

“I love Asian food, all kinds of Asian food,” Tan said. “When I hear that people like our food, that’s what makes me happy.”

For Parmar, he hopes the food of Mango House can offer an invitation for Coloradans to explore something new and build relations with their immigrant neighbors.

“I’d like to think we aren’t just preaching to the choir, with our restaurant-goers already loving refugees,” Parmar said. “I do think, occasionally, someone — adult or even a child — who has doubts towards foreigners is brought as part of a group, and their eyes are opened a bit when they are here. At least their mouths, or palates, are opened.”

candidate profile.

$50

For some Denver-area businesses, the flavorful fruit is a token of the wider world

Rebel Bread launches online Camp Bread courses

Denver bakery’s success fueled by creativity, community focus

BY LISA SCHLICHTMAN SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Artisanal bread maker Zach Martinucci describes himself as a culinary anthropologist, which in his words, means he loves telling stories about food over food and through food.

“Anthropology is the study of humanity,” he said. “We look at our politics or economics or culture as a way of understanding our societies, so why couldn’t we learn something important from food, which is something we make and consume multiple times a day? Couldn’t that tell us something about who we are?”

And it’s that focus on the culture surrounding food — and in his case, bread and pastries — that fuels the growth of Rebel Bread, the Denver bakery Martinucci founded in October 2018.

Most recently, the company has launched Camp Bread, a newly imagined series of virtual baking classes hosted by Martinucci, which began last month with Sourdough at Home.

Brigitte Hulbert, who lives in the Chaffee Park area outside of the Highlands in Denver, participated in one of Rebel Bread’s earlier sourdough baking classes, which served as the catalyst for Camp Bread.

“I had always wanted to learn how to do sourdough starter, but it was intimidating,” Hulbert said. “I learned from a friend that Rebel Bread offered a class, and I signed up two days before it started.”

The five-day class was offered on weekday nights and over the weekend and fit with Hulbert’s work schedule, which has her working late most days. And if Hulbert was unable to participate in the live class, she could tune in to the recorded version.

“They made it available for anyone to participate regardless of their schedules,” Hulbert said. “Zach made the class really fun. He made sense of the science part (of making sourdough), which I loved, but he also made it simple and relatable. It was something I looked forward to after work every night.”

Martinucci said Camp Bread was

born from Rebel Bread’s experience with shifting from in-person to virtual classes during the pandemic.

“This course was originally a six-hour, in-person course to guide people to make sourdough,” he said. “It’s designed for people to do in their home kitchen and follow along with us to fit around their own schedule.”

He said the initial response to the first Camp Bread class, which launched Sept. 1, has been exciting, and as long as people keep responding to it, Rebel Bread will add more classes.

“Probably just a few a year to start,” Martinucci said.

The bread master hasn’t announced the next class he’ll be offering but he did reveal he gets asked about bagels a lot.

“So the next course I’m working on could focus on two Jewish breads in one course — challah and bagels,” Martinucci said. “Challah is a sweetened, enriched bread that is ceremonial and it takes a little bit more labor to make. And in contrast, the bagel is an everyday, hearty bread.

I’d like to show how both are really versatile and easy to make at home.”

He said current and future Camp Bread courses follow recipes made at the bakery, and those recipes are provided to student bakers.

Since taking the initial sourdough class, Hulbert said she’s made about 20 loaves of bread and still has one of two sourdough starters still going. She has also become a Rebel Bread super fan. Her current favorite is a croissant that tastes like a jalapeño popper, and she also loves the mouth-

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watering cherry tart turnovers.

“And you can’t beat their sourdough bread,” Hulbert said. “It’s so much better than mine.”

What sets Rebel Bread apart from other bakeries, Martinucci said, is the company’s commitment to a set of core values that empowers employees to be creative and provides space for them to be who they truly are. Rebel Bread employs about 12 full-time bakers or production staff plus about 14 part-time team members who make bread deliveries and staff the retail location and work the farmers markets.

Martinucci is proud that the company pays its employees competitively and offers them opportunities to grow with the company and engage with customers and vendors to be a positive force in the community.

“The name Rebel came from wanting to do things a little differently,” Martinucci said. “Our bakers are allowed to create specials — week to week and month to month — to really encourage that creativity and ever-changing menu.”

Rebel Bread prides itself on being a community bakery, which can be a challenge for a company that largely serves wholesale customers.

“Because we don’t have a traditional retail space you can walk into day to day, we have to work hard to show people that there are real people behind the bread — to show them they’re members of your community, they’re being paid a living wage to do what they love and make great, delicious bread,” Martinucci said.

That’s why Rebel Bread has a booth

More about Rebel Bread

Expanded hours: Rebel Bread recently expanded hours at its retail location at 675 S. Broadway in the Baker neighborhood. Loyal customers and the newly converted can now pick up bread and pastries from 8 a.m. to noon Thursdays through Sundays. They can choose from a variety of breads, including sourdough and challah, or a rotating array of mouth-watering croissants, turnovers and tarts. Rebel Bread also offers free sourdough starters with instructions at this retail location.

Bread Club: Because Rebel Bread routinely sells out of its bread, the bakery also offers a Bread Club, which allows customers to preorder items for pickup or delivery to certain zip codes. For more information on any of Rebel Bread’s programs or creations, visit getbreadclub.com.

Wholesale: Rebel Bread serves 30 to 35 wholesale accounts, which include Wash Perk, Amethyst Coffee Broadway, Death & Co., The Point at the Denver Art Museum, Roxy on Broadway and Stoic & Genuine, among others. Rebel Bread is also sold through several community-supported agriculture, or CSA, programs.

For more information about Rebel Bread and its new Camp Bread courses, visit rebelbreadco.com.

at both the South Pearl Street and City Park farmers markets, and offers its Camp Bread classes, a Bread Club delivery service and tours of its bakery at 675 S. Broadway.

Looking to the future, Martinucci is poised to grow and capitalize on what Rebel Bread is already doing so well.

“I love the culture we’ve built and the community we’ve become a part of, and I would love to just keep doing that on a larger scale,” he said.

Zach Martinucci leads a class for Sourdough September, the launch for Rebel Bread’s Camp Bread classes.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMP BREAD/REBEL BREAD

Experience the beauty of culture through art

Current McNichols Civic Center Building exhibits run through Dec. 18

BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

“I’ve heard it said that the power of art is like a beating drum; you can feel it in your chest. That’s why people spontaneously cry when seeing certain artworks. It moves you and changes you and you can’t stop it.”

These are the words of Shanna B. Shelby, the chief curator at the McNichols Civic Center Building in Denver. Responsible for bringing artists’ visions to life, Shelby organizes and manipulates the space to help tell an in-depth story.

This season, Shelby has worked diligently with artists to shine light on the beauty and diversity of the human experience, highlighting Native American, Italian and Japanese American artists.

Now through Dec. 18, Denver Arts & Venues will present three new fall exhibitions at the McNichols Civic Center Building, 144 W. Colfax Ave., and a companion exhibit at Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis St. in Denver. Several exhibitionrelated events include the fourth event in the Cultural Fashion Runway Series, which celebrates Native American art and fashion.

“I am always looking for diversity in themes, media, artists’ backgrounds and approaches. I believe very strongly in the power that original artwork has to educate, inspire and change people,” said Shelby. “More recently, I have been drawn to some international artists that are doing some really incredible work and pairing them with either national or local artists.”

The historic McNichols Civic Center Building opened in 1909 and serves as the Greek Revival architectural background for contemporary artists to showcase

For more information on the three exhibits and exhibition-related events, visit mcnicholsbuilding.com.

their work. The structure also serves as an entertainment space for various events.

“What’s special about the McNichols Civic Center Building is we are not a museum,” Shelby said. “We are an active community space and when people come here for a workshop, meeting, wedding or gala, they may not be expecting to see such powerful and interesting work, and they are completely surprised and delighted.”

Native American representation is at the forefront of the fall exhibits, highlighting Navajo and Sioux artists and photographical depictions of Native American life. Danielle SeeWalker, member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota, is one of the featured artists. She is a Hunkpapa and Oglala Lakota artist, writer and mother based in Denver.

SeeWalker’s writing is displayed alongside photographer Carlotta Cardana as a part of the Red Road Project. According to the project’s website, it formed in 2013 and aims to document, through words and visuals, the inspiring and resilient stories of native America. The stories, not often told, highlight the people and communities that are taking positive actions and demonstrating resilience.

“I want people to know that we are still here. We are thriving, contributing members of society, and doing brilliant work to combat several attempts of genocide and keeping our cultures alive,”

SEE MCNICHOLS, P19

Shanna B. Shelby, chief curator of the McNichols Civic Center Building stands with the art of prolific Navajo artist, Melanie Yazzie.

PHOTO BY CHRISTY STEADMAN

MCNICHOLS

FROM PAGE 18

SeeWalker said. “Through The Red Road Project, we are able to exemplify this with real life people and highlight the work that is being done. I want people to be challenged by the stereotypes they may have grown up with or heard about regarding American Indian people and see a different perspective — a much more accurate, resilient and beautiful perspective.”

SeeWalker and Cardana’s exhibition at the McNichols Civic Center Building is a small sampling of an almost decades-long project. SeeWalker is currently working on a tangential project highlighting “urban Natives,” especially in the Denver area as it relates to the Indian Relocation Act of the 1950s and `60s.

“Most people don’t know that the majority (more than 70%) of Native American people live in urban areas,” said SeeWalker. “I am currently interviewing many folks that came to Denver from the reservation during the relocation period. I’m really excited for Carlotta and I to share that work and uncover a history that has been buried for so long.”

In addition to the art exhibitions, Denver Arts & Venues will be hosting an event as a part of their Cultural Runway Series. The show entitled “WÓHOPA” will take place at 7 p.m. on Oct. 15 at the McNichols Civic Center Building. Prior to the event, there will be a culturally inspired vendor fair for attendees to peruse.

The show features Native designers from tribes with historic ties to Colorado and nearby states. Native fashion designers featured on the runway will include Sky Eagle Collection, Sage Mountain Flower, Red Berry Woman and Choke Cherry Creek. This immersive evening will include a special performance by Supaman and a skateboarding interlude.

“I had been thinking for some time that fine art exhibitions are not always approachable or accessible to general audiences. But fashion is immediately accessible — we all wear clothing and the fashion we choose is a way through which express ourselves,” said Shelby. “Fashion design is an expression of art, just like putting paint on a canvas. So, I thought,

why don’t we thematically tie the art on the walls to fashion art, and present a runway show? Thus, the Cultural Runway Series was born.”

The photograph, “Sarah Ortegon,” by Carlotta Cardana, can be seen on the third floor of the McNichols Civic Center Building as a part of the Red Road Project. CARLOTTA CARDANA/THE RED ROAD PROJECT

“Two Sisters” is a mixed media work by Melanie Yazzie. Yazzie’s exhibition entitled “Nizhóní Way: New Works” is located on the second floor of the McNichols Civic Center Building.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MELANIE YAZZIE

Shared electric scooters continue spread in Denver suburbs

Safety concerns mount

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In the beginning, the scooters arrived without permission. Now, the electric devices are continuing to spread to more metro-area cities, touted as a way to reduce traffic but also feared by some pedestrians who see them zooming down sidewalks.

“Electric scooters and bikes should only be ridden where bicycles are allowed to ride and should not be ridden on sidewalks unless actively parking, starting or ending a trip,” said Vanessa Lacayo, a spokesperson for Denver’s transportation depart ment.

But officials are still trying to convince scooter users to stay off the sidewalk in Denver, a city where riding scooters irresponsibly is a common sight in the downtown area.

Starting this fall, Denver will test some ideas in the downtown area — where some of the highest ridership in the city takes place — to try to improve safety, Lacayo said.

The city recently finalized a stencil to place on some sidewalks to remind riders to keep the space clear for pedestrians, and officials also have used tech-based strategies to restrict or slow riders down in some busy areas, Lacayo said.

The scooters can mean more than a fun trip for riders and a nuisance for pedestrians — they’re often involved in injuries.

In crowded Denver, the scooters people often see are the shared ones, which are accessible via cell phone applications and run slower than most car traffic. Lyft scooters, for example, go up to 15 mph, according to the company’s website.

The shared scooters recently spread to more suburban cities. Here’s a look at where they’re al lowed, where they aren’t and what the rules are.

Right path

Denver’s ordinances, or city laws, say it’s unlawful to ride an electric scooter on a sidewalk at more than 6 mph.

Riding an electric scooter on sidewalks is unlawful except when preparing to park, or when the rider has just mounted and has not yet crossed a street or alley, or where the sidewalk is part of a designated bicycle route, Denver’s city law says.

In Denver, the scooter system has been automatically slowing down and stopping scooters on the 16th Street Mall and slowing them down near Coors Field during Rockies games when many pedestrians are around, Lacayo said.

An online map of scooter use in Denver, referred to by Lacayo, shows the rides are most concentrated in the downtown, central and north west Denver areas — and some highly trafficked paths stretch close to Lakewood and Wheat Ridge.

Riders in Denver have traveled roughly 11 million miles, according to the city, which estimates the rider

ship removed millions of driving trips from Denver’s busiest streets and neighborhoods since 2018.

No program in Lakewood

Shared scooters first appeared on a large scale in the City of Denver in May 2018 without authorization from the city’s Department of Transporta tion and Infrastructure to operate, according to Lacayo.

Shortly after, the department ordered scooter operators to suspend their operations while the city devel oped a permitting process. Denver’s permit program launched in July 2018 to guide how the scooters can be used in the city, Lacayo said.

Nearby, shared scooters are only permitted in some Denver suburbs, but that doesn’t stop them from sometimes ending up where they shouldn’t be.

“Electric scooters and bikes end up in Sheridan mostly by the bus stops or in River Point,” an outdoor mall, Sheridan spokesperson Amy Wood ward said.

Sheridan does not have a shared scooter program and does not have any ordinances or regulations sur rounding the use of them, Woodward said.

Before Lakewood had enacted any regulations, some shared scooters were deployed in Lakewood in 2018, according to that city.

“We have a pretty good relation ship with most companies, and we call to have devices removed when we notice them in Lakewood,” said Stacie Oulton, Lakewood spokesper

son.

No licensed scooter companies currently operate in Lakewood, so “personal scooters are mostly what you see in Lakewood,” Oulton said.

Scooters leave Littleton

In the south metro area, Littleton started a partnership with Bird, an other shared scooter company — but the “pilot,” or test, program recently ended.

“The one-year Bird Pilot Program began in August 2021 to explore whether dockless e-scooters could provide ‘micromobility’— an ad ditional mode of travel for Littleton residents to replace short vehicle trips, especially in the downtown (Littleton) neighborhood,” a state ment from the city said.

Bird’s local fleet manager, tasked with collecting, charging and servicing the scooters, appears to have stopped doing so in mid-June, leaving many scooters with dead bat teries and “therefore impossible to locate remotely,” the statement said.

The pilot program was scheduled to end Aug. 18, but Bird decided to end the program in late July, the statement said.

“Arapahoe County will be conduct ing a county-wide transit and micro mobility study in the near future, with Littleton as a partner agency,” the statement added. “Future micro mobility programs in Littleton will wait until the study is complete.”

Injuries, deaths associated with scooter use

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Denver Medical Examiner’s Office data lists five deaths involving electric scooters in Denver from 2019 through 2021, according to Steve Castro, a manager of operations with the office.

Those incidents involved the standup, two-wheel type of scooters, not electric scooters on which people sit down or ones for people with disabilities, Castro said. But it was unclear in the data whether the scooters were personally owned or publicly shared, according to Castro.

SCOOTERS

FROM PAGE 20

Arvada ties program near RTD line

Northwest of Denver, the City of Arvada approved a pilot program for electric scooters in 2021 and has a contract with Bird for electric scooters to be used within a onemile radius of the RTD G rail line. Arvada’s program with Bird began in January.

“The e-scooters are set to slow down once they get to the boundary line until they fully stop and are no longer operable,” said Katie Patterson, an Arvada spokesperson. “The e-scooters begin chirping and the rider’s phone will receive a notifica-

Of those deaths, three involved another motor vehicle, according to Castro.

Asked whether deaths involving electric scooters have occurred so far this year in Arapahoe County, Lisa Vantine, an administrator with the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office, said the office hasn’t had any cases involving electric scooters.

Denver’s medical examiner data also showed zero deaths involving electric scooters so far this year, Castro said.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office does not specifically track types of scooters in its data, accord-

tion that they are outside the operating area and redirect them back to where they are usable.”

Before moving forward with the program, the city underwent a research process with the Arvada Transportation Advisory Committee in 2019, followed by community meetings in 2020 and 2021, Patterson said.

Micromobility devices are not allowed on narrow sidewalks and riders should use the devices in the street and on designated bike lanes, similar to personal bicycles, according to Patterson.

The devices are allowed on City of Arvada trails, and users are responsible for following trail rules including giving audible signals when passing slower traffic, Patterson added.

ing to Julie Story, county spokesperson.

The Denver Post reported on June 11 that Denver City Councilmember Chris Hinds learned in a recent email exchange with officials from Denver Health Medical Center — one of the city’s hospitals — that between Jan. 1, 2021, and May 15 of this year, the emergency room and urgent care facilities there saw 1,314 scooter injuries.

Denver Health officials cautioned that some of those cases were people injured falling out of mobility scooters like the ones seen at a grocery store, the Post reported. A vast majority were electric scoot-

Thornton adds scooters

North of Denver, a one-year pilot program for shared scooters began in Thornton on July 1.

“Electric scooters are to be ridden on streets with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less, in bike lanes, trails and shared use paths,” said Kent Moorman, a transportation engineer for the City of Thornton.

The maximum speed under Colorado’s Model Traffic Code, incorporated into the Thornton City Code, for this class of vehicle is 20 mph, according to Moorman.

The scooters will bring some amount of tax revenue to Thornton, but numbers are unclear so far.

“Scooter companies are required to have a Thornton general business and sales tax license. We collect

ers being ridden on city streets and sidewalks, hospital officials said, according to the Post.

Stephanie Sullivan, a spokesperson for the HealthONE hospital system in the Denver area, did not provide exact numbers but told Colorado Community Media there is “wide variation among our Denver metro HealthONE hospitals.”

“Some, like Swedish (Medical Center in Englewood), consistently see scooter accidents, while others, like The Medical Center of Aurora, do not whatsoever,” said Sullivan, who thought the difference may have to do with neighborhood or proximity to Denver’s urban center.

sales tax only,” Moorman said. “As this program just started July 1, we do not yet have revenue numbers for the city from electric scooters.”

Under Arvada’s mobility program, companies “must pay a yearly permit renewal fee of $5,000 based on Arvada staff time dedicated to management, oversight, communications, enforcement, and education (regarding) the program,” an Arvada regulations document says.

Denver apparently doesn’t collect revenue from its scooter program.

Lacayo, with the Denver transportation department, said no scooter companies paid Denver any type of license fee or other kind of payment, and that Denver does not receive any sales tax revenue or other tax revenue related to the scooters.

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Chance to try new things

For business owner Robert Kuo, who co-owns Mango Mango Desserts in Denver, bringing customers the tastes of Asia drove him to open his shop.

“I think people like to come to try new things,” said Kuo, who opened the store in 2019 alongside his business partner, Emma Mo.

Founded in Flushing, New York, Mango Mango has since been franchised to several locations across the U.S.

Kuo, who immigrated from Taiwan at age 5, said he fell in love with the business after first trying it in Flushing and sought to open one in Denver because, at the time, he saw no “truly Asian dessert places.”

The dessert bar, offering roughly 30 meals and 20 drinks, imbues the sweet and citrus-like flavors of mango into nearly all its cuisine. The signature dessert is modeled after a traditional Hong Kong favorite and consists of mango ice cream, fresh fruit, juice and soba — edible starch pearls that Kuo said have been eaten “way, way, way before boba.”

Mangoes, Kuo said, are “in every corner of Hong Kong,” and that dessert, in particular, is a beloved treat.

“A lot of people like mango and I think it’s a perfect fit (for our shop),” Kuo said.

Mango Mango offers a pallet of other sweet treats, some of which are inspired by more Western foods such as a layered crepe cake with mango cream filling or fresh-baked waffles drizzled with chocolate and cold mango chunks.

And it’s not just mango that’s on the menu. The shop also serves flavors for other desserts that include matcha, durian and taro.

Some of these come in the form of warm dishes, popular during the winter, Kao said. Others, such as bright green durian pancake rolls and purple-powdered taro cakes, present a unique and inviting option for customers — though these desserts are more subtle and savory compared with the

reliable sweetness of the mango counterparts.

Symbol for a mission

For Marc Corona, who runs Mango Tree Coffee in Englewood, mangoes serve as a form of expression for the business’ larger mission.

A branch of MANNA Worldwide — a global nonprofit network that works with organizations in 50 countries — all proceeds from Mango Tree go back into MANNA’s efforts to fight global poverty, which include building schools and food centers and expanding access to water, education and job opportunities.

Corona said the coffee shop’s name harkens to a MANNA trip in 2002 when community members gathered under a mango tree in Kenya to discuss antipoverty programs for the area.

“As we’ve built Mango Tree, that’s the mindset that we have, creating a space where everybody feels welcome and can be a part of something bigger than themselves,” Corona said.

Opened in June 2021, Mango Tree roasts its coffee in-house and offers a reliable cafe menu complete with espresso-based drinks, chai and teas.

But one standout item is the mango shot, a blend of mango chunks, kefir — a fermented dairy product — and spices.

“I think one of the main aspects that drives what we do is this sort of passion and drive to have fun,” Corona said. “Having a mango shot was just another way to create that experience for people.”

People are at the heart of Mango Tree’s ethos, Corona said, and outside of providing assistance to global poverty-fighting efforts, the business also strives to be an advocate locally.

Mango Tree partners with area churches and other organizations to provide packed lunches to Englewood Schools students, a complement to the district’s free and reduced lunch program.

“We want to be an asset to the community,” Corona said, adding that the coffee shop also serves as a gathering space, much as its namesake mango tree did 20 years ago. “It’s cool to see the community have the same mindset as we do of ‘hey,

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Emma Mo, a co-owner of Mango Mango in Denver, presents a plate of sticky rice and fresh mango at the store Aug. 23.

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Keeping Hispanic culture and traditions alive

Mexican Cultural Center celebrates its 30th anniversary

BY CHRISTY STEADMAN CSTEADMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Hispanic traditions have helped shape the tapestry of Colorado and the United States.

It is organizations like Denver’s Mexican Cultural Center that helps keep these traditions alive through arts and culture.

“The Mexican Cultural Center promotes and maintains the richness of our beautiful and vibrant culture,” said Lisandra Gonzales, who sits on the Mexican Cultural Center’s board. “We have to put these at the forefront to ensure they survive.”

The Mexican Cultural Center, 5350 Leetsdale Dr. in Denver’s Washington Virginia Vale neighborhood, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. It formed at a time when there were only 23 cultural centers across the U.S. — some were specific Hispanic culture, but not all, said Jesse Martinez, the executive director of the Mexican Cultural Center.

“When the Mexican Cultural Center began, the community wanted to invest in arts and culture,” Martinez said.

He added that when the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District — a sales tax that collects one penny on every $10 to support cultural organizations in the seven-county metro area — was passed, there was a “synergy” among the community for arts and culture. This synergy could have amounted because of the recession in the early 1980s that put a strain on arts and culture, Martinez said.

Forming in the early 1990s, the

Mexican Cultural Center was “a pioneer in investing in arts and culture,” Martinez said.

The Mexican Cultural Center’s mission, he added, is to expose people in Denver and across Colorado to Mexican and Latin American arts and culture. It does this by this by highlighting Latin American cuisine, music, customs and traditions.

“Experiencing culture — whether other peoples or your own — creates a societal understanding of community,” Martinez said. “It creates a common sense of a collective community.”

Today, the Mexican Cultural Center is known for its three signature programs: Día del Niño: Celebrating All Children; Latin Beats: Sonidos de las Americas, which is a

free, annual concert; and its Día de los Muertos events.

“The cool thing about our programming is that it’s always free,” Martinez said. “It’s inclusive and representative of the community.”

Another goal of the Mexican Cultural Center is to promote and work with other community nonprofits and organizations to form a bridge to the Latinx community. With these partnerships in place, the Mexican Cultural Center can also collaborate on the other organizations’ programming to help make it more culturally relevant, Martinez said. The Mexican Cultural Center collaborates on more than 30 programs and events throughout the year.

One such partnership is with the Colorado Symphony, which formed

more than 20 years ago.

Anthony Pierce, the chief artistic officer for the Colorado Symphony, described the partnership as “fruitful,” pointing to collaborations on dozens of concerts including Latin Beats performances, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, Mexico en el Corazón and the Music of Selena.

“Every year, we are thrilled to partner with the Mexican Cultural Center to highlight the sounds of the Americas, celebrate Hispanic heritage and share the power of music and with the community,” Pierce said.

Traditions can get lost with time, Gonzales said.

“The Mexican Cultural Center helps keep these traditions alive,” she said, “and provides education to the community so it can celebrate (Hispanic traditions) with us.”

There has been a Hispanic presence in Colorado going all the way back to the beginning of statehood, Martinez said.

The Mexican Cultural Center will “continue to celebrate different aspects of our community,” Martinez said. “Latin American culture (and) showcasing different perspectives allows for a deeper understanding of our community for greater unity.”

The Mexican Cultural Center is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a gala on Nov. 10 at The Cable Center, 2000 Buchtel Blvd. S, on the University of Denver campus.

The evening will include a multicourse dinner created by award-winning chefs paired curated beverages and a variety of entertainment. Marcela de la Mar, a notable community leader, will be honored.

To learn more about the Mexican Cultural Center or for more information on the 30th anniversary gala, visit mccdenver.org.

A child participates in an activity at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science during the 2019 Día del Diño — Children’s Day — which is a program of the Mexican Cultural Center.

PHOTO BY CHRIS SCHNEIDER

Denver’s Mexican Cultural Center helped bring artist Oscar Becerra-Mora’s giant alebrije, “Xolotl: Dios Perro” to Denver.

COURTESY OF THE MEXICAN CULTURAL CENTER