Washington Park Profile December 2022

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DECEMBER 2022

Modern Christmas Trees

Modern Christmas Trees has opened its first retail location inside the Ginny Williams Gallery at 299 Fillmore St. in Denver’s Cherry Creek North.

The company is the brainchild of Colorado native Matt Bliss, who in 2011 launched the business based on his grandfather’s design. His grandfather, Lawrence “Bud” Stoecker, was an engineer and entrepreneur and worked on such projects as building rockets for the NASA Apollo missions and constructing A-frame cabins across the Rocky Mountains. He came up with the design for the trees in the 1960s. Each tree is engraved with Stoecker’s signature to signify authenticity and artist satisfaction, according to the website.

The Modern Christmas Trees store will be open through Dec. 23.

To learn more, visit modernchristmastrees. com.

Matt Bliss’ grandfather, Lawrence “Bud” Stoecker, with one of the early versions of the Modern Christmas Tree. Courtesy of Matt Bliss.

Public O ering Brewing

A new brewery has opened in south Denver.

Public Offering Brewing, 1736 S. Broadway, which borders the Platt Park and Overland neighborhoods, currently offers six different beers and hosts a variety of food trucks.

Its founder is Cody Higginbottom, a West Wash Park resident for the past 16 years, according to an article published in porchdrinking.com.

To learn more about the brewery, visit publicofferingbrewing.com.

Quiero Arepas

Quiero Arepas recently reopened its South Pearl Street location. The eatery now operates two locations in Denver: 1859 S. Pearl St. in Platt Park and 3200 N. Pecos St. in the Highlands. The business got its start in 2010, according to its website.

Quiero Arepas offers the Venezuelan arepa, which is “a corn based flatbread that dates back to the Timoto Cuica tribe in Venezuela. Made of corn meal, water and salt the arepa is grilled and baked then split and stuffed with a variety of ingredients,” states its website.

To learn more, visit quieroarepas.com. Photo courtesy of the Quiero Arepas website.

Amethyst Co ee Company

Amethyst Coffee Company, 1111 Broadway in Denver’s Golden Triangle, has closed. According to 9News, its last day of service was Oct. 31.

This was the coffee shop’s final location to close. It opened in 2015, the television news station reported.

Billy’s Inn Congress Park

Billy’s Inn has closed its second location at 1222 Madison St. in Congress Park. It opened earlier this year.

The original Billy’s Inn opened in 1933 at 4403 Lowell Blvd. in the Berkeley neighborhood. This location remains open, and features a Baja-style menu known for its fish tacos as well as tortas, homemade green chili, salads, sandwiches and burgers.

To learn more, visit billysinn.com.

Wheelhouse Gifts is serving as a drop off location for toy donations to benefit the Denver Santa Claus Shop.

Toys should be new and unwrapped, for newborns to age 11.

Donations will be accepted at Wheelhouse Gifts, 1525 S. Pearl St. in Denver, until Dec. 10. For more information, call Wheelhouse Gifts at 720-248-8477.

The Denver Santa Claus Shop is a local volunteerrun nonprofit that has been benefiting children through its toy drive and distribution for 92 years. This year’s shop dates are Dec. 9-10 and Dec. 12-13. Location is the former Bed, Bath & Beyond space in Cherry Creek. Families interested in registering to shop for toys may seek a referral from social service groups, schools, shelters, churches, etc. More information is available at denversantaclausshop.org/ register-for-toys.

La Rumba

La Rumba, a Latin dance nightclub, celebrated its 25th anniversary in November.

Located at 99 W. Ninth Ave., La Rumba is known for its rotating roster of DJs and live music, as well as its dance lessons. It is a destination for Latin dance styles, particularly salsa and bachata.

“We’re excited to celebrate such a big milestone,” said La Rumba owner Chris Swank in a news release. “The neighborhood has changed a bunch since we opened, but La Rumba’s stayed relevant all these years. Hopefully we can stick around even longer.”

To learn more about La Rumba, visit larumbadenver.com.

Rafael Salsero and Jig and Senora lead a dance instruction at La Rumba. Photo courtesy of La Rumba.

Logo courtesy of Public Offering Brewery’s Facebook. SEE MILESTONES, P3

North East Denver Holiday Philanthropy Coalition

A newly-formedcommunity collective called the North East Denver Holiday Philanthropy Coalition (NEDHPC) distributed meals to 2,030 families and 7,080 individuals during the Thanksgiving holiday from Nov. 19-24.

The meals were funded by Denver native billionaire, Robert F. Smith, who is the founder, chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners. The meals were cooked and prepared by the Welton Street Café.

“Being born and raised in the Five Points district of Denver, I have a deep connection to the city and the welfare of its residents,” Smith said in a news release. “It is important for me to give back to the community which gave so much to me by supporting this collective of local community groups who are working to ensure underserved families have healthy meals during this holiday season.”

The NEDHPC consists of the McBride Impact Foundation, Pirates Youth Football Organization, Dayton Opportunity Center, Struggle of Love Foundation, Kids Above Everything, NAACP Denver Chapter, Mending Roots Forest Project. It formed earlier this year to help low-income Denver residents who are experiencing acute economic insecurity.

To learn more about the coalition, contact Mending Roots Forest Project at care@mendingrootsforest.com.

Connor Lambe, 13, volunteers during the North East Denver Holiday Philanthropy Coalition’s Thanksgiving meal distribution. Photo courtesy of Sylvia Lambe.

Wheelhouse Gifts/ Denver Santa Claus Shop

Logo courtesy of Denver Santa Claus Shop website.

The truth behind the Sand Creek Massacre

Colorado

BY BRUCE GOLDBERG SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

These are the words of Fred Mosqueda, a Southern Arapaho language and culture coordinator who spoke at the late-November opening of the new “Sand Creek Massacre: The Betrayal that Changed Cheyenne and Arapaho People Forever” exhibit at History Colorado.

“This is the beginning of (learning). It educates you about what an Arapaho or Cheyenne are,” Mosqueda added. “This is a truthful story, as close as they can put it.”

The Sand Creek Massacre

Conflicts between Native Americans and white people worsened as more people migrated West. It led to a tragic confrontation on Nov. 29, 1864, when members of the Colorado Territory militia under the leadership of U.S. Army Col.

John Chivington attacked a peaceful village of Cheyenne and Arapaho people who had been promised military protection. More than 230 women, children and elders were killed. The village was located in northeast Kiowa County.

The new exhibit at History Colorado puts on display the stark truth about how the U.S. federal and state governments mistreated Arapaho, Cheyenne and other Native American tribes — breaking treaty after treaty.

“As you walk through there, and see the photos and pictures, those are truthful statements from our Cheyenne and Arapaho people,” Mosqueda said.

Listening stations allow attendees to hear oral histories from descendants of survivors of the Sand Creek Massacre. Numerous display boards about the history of the Arapaho and Cheyenne tribes allow people to learn more about their way of living. Additional exhibit highlights include tipis built in Cheyenne and Arapaho styles, Native American clothing and historical documents from investigations of the massacre. Audio guides are available in four languages: Cheyenne, Arapaho, Spanish and English.

A partnership a decade in the making Cultural appropriation “is not solely a story in Denver. It’s an international problem,” said Sam Bock, exhibit developer and historian at History Colorado. “Museums are reckoning with this long history of (taking) the cultures of native tribes, even stealing stuff from the tribes.”

History Colorado opened its original Sand Creek exhibit in 2012, but it drew criticism almost immediately. Native Americans were unhappy about not being consulted about its construction and alleged inaccuracies. Descendants of survivors of the attack demanded changes to the exhibit. The museum closed the display in June 2012 and started working with Native Americans to produce a new, enhanced exhibit. Thus, a 10-year partnership between History Colorado and the three tribal nations — the Northern Cheyenne in Lame Deer, Montana; the Northern Arapaho in Riverton, Wyoming; and Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes in Concho, Oklahoma — began.

“The Sand Creek Massacre is sacred,” said Gail Ridgely, Northern Arapaho, in a news release. “Historic remembrance, educational awareness and spiritual healing are very important for the Cheyenne and Arapaho people.”

History Colorado’s new exhibit, “The Sand Creek Massacre: The Betrayal that Changed Cheyenne and Arapaho People Forever,” is now open at the History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway in Denver. To learn more, visit historycolorado.org

The Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site is located in rural southeastern Colorado. To learn more or to plan a visit to the site, visit nps.gov/sand.

Cheyenne and Arapaho Village at the site of early Denver, 1858.

History

opens new exhibit enhanced with Native American perspective

Site of the Sand Creek Massacre.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HISTORY COLORADO

Nonprofit works to change underrepresentation in STEM jobs

BY SONIA GUTIERREZ ROCKY MOUNTAIN PBS

Even though Latinos make up one of the largest shares of the tech-using market, they’re still underrepresented in the workplaces creating those products.

10 years and is now a platform partnership manager for Adobe’s Creative Cloud. Rodriguez is also a Denver chapter leader.

“I’m very proud to say that my dad cut grass growing up and my mom cleaned houses,” said Rodriguez.

“We have that educational background to support each other and lift each other up to not only break into tech but also once you are into tech, how can we help you continue to move up and develop as a leader within the organization,” added Chavez.

guez, who have the same lived experience as the audience big companies are trying to reach, are vital to the success of any new tech product.

“I find it quite interesting that we’ll have all these meetings and all these debates about products that are trying to go to diversified demographics,” Rodriguez said, “but no one in the room, making

those decisions, come from the backgrounds that we’re trying to serve.”

This story is from Rocky Mountain PBS, a nonprofit public broadcaster providing community stories across Colorado over the air and online. Used by permission. For more, and to support Rocky Mountain PBS, visit rmpbs.org.

Latinos are at the forefront of technology adoption. Nielson reports that Latinos are buying new technology and spending more time on social platforms than other groups. And yet, Latinos only make up just 8% of STEM workers.

Chavez is an account executive working in technology sales. Most of her family works in the medical field, but Chavez decided she would take a different route.

JOIN THE FUN!

workers.

A nonprofit called Latinas in Tech is working to change that. With 20 chapters all over the world, their mission is to connect, support and empower Latina women working in tech.

With Colorado becoming a hot spot for tech giants, Latinas in Tech decided to start a chapter here.

“We still notice that we have concerning statistics within the tech industry. And we’re here as a group to help lift each other up,” said Carolina Chavez, a Denver chapter leader for Latinas in Tech.

Latinas in Tech just started its Colorado chapter and has already seen a lot of success. This is due in large part to the fact that the nonprofit’s members come from the same backgrounds as the

“I’m someone who likes to stay on my toes; I like constantly having to learn new things and if there’s something I can tell you for a fact is that technology is always changing so I’m never going to be a 100% expert, I’m never going to know everything, and I absolutely love that I have the ability to say that,” she said.

Today’s Latino consumers didn’t transition to the internet; they were raised with it. A 2018 report from Nielsen examined at the online lives of Latino consumers and found that 60% of all Latinos were born or grew up in the internet age.

“As U.S. Hispanics make digital gains and advances at a higher rate than the total market, they are increasingly demanding authentic, culturally relevant content and connections” read the Nielsen report.

Latinas like Chavez and Rodri-

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

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

Carolina Chavez a Denver chapter leader for Latinas in Tech. COURTESY OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN PBS

BY ELICIA HESSELGRAVE SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Today, 10-year-old Jewell Jaussi understands that the holiday season is about giving. But that wasn’t always the case.

“When I was younger,” she said, “I thought Christmas was just about gifts.”

Something that helped her realize this is her family’s tradition of donating to the Light the World Giving Machines.

“Giving Machines are just like vending machines, but instead of getting stuff for yourself, you’re (purchasing) something for others,” Jaussi said.

Vending machines for donations

The Giving Machines are part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ annual Light the World holiday initiative. The Giving Machines provide a unique opportunity for people to give to others, said Craig McIlroy, team lead for the Denver Giving Machines’ Organizing Committee.

“There’s a lot that divides us and (the Giving Machines) bring us together in a common pur-

pose,” McIllroy said. “I think everybody agrees we should help those in need.”

How it works is people visit the Giving Machine — this year’s Denver machine will be located at Writer Square downtown — and select an item to donate to a charity. Upon selection, the donor is given a card-like receipt of their purchase. One hundred percent of every dollar contributed goes directly to the participating charities, and all overhead is covered through other sources, McIlroy said.

This year, donors can choose from items that range in price from $5 to $250. A few examples include children’s bandages for $8, a kit of hygiene products for $30 and sponsoring a community garden for $250. Multiple donations can be made in a single transaction.

The Giving Machines “are a great example of how anyone can give at any amount to come together and support our community” and Metro Caring’s mission, said Brandon McKinley, communications and marketing specialist for Metro Caring.

Metro Caring is a Denver-based nonprofit that provides nutritious food to people while working

to address the root causes of hunger. It is one of the local charities benefitting from the Giving Machine this year.

A family tradition

The Jaussi family — which consists of mother Heather; father Steven; Jewell; James, 7; and Adelaide, 1 — has been donating to the Denver Giving Machine since 2019.

“I love this tradition because it brings us together as a family to go serve and help others in need,” Jewell Jaussi said.

The tradition begins each year when the family visits the Giving Machine’s website to decide which items each family member wants to purchase for their donation. Then, donning their Light the World garb, the Jaussi family commutes from their Highlands Ranch home to attend the Unwrapping event in Denver, which is the Giving Machine’s annual launch and takes place near the Thanksgiving holiday.

The drive home from the Unwrapping event is an opportunity to discuss the ways they have

The Jaussi family gathers for a photo in front of Denver’s Light the World Giving Machine last year.

COURTESY PHOTOS

James and Jewell Jaussi smile give a thumb’s up in front of Denver’s Light the World Giving Machine last year.

given back — a significant piece of the family’s tradition, Heather Jaussi said.

Envisioning the utility of their donation helps bring awareness of global issues, she added.

“It makes such a difference to talk about these things as a family,” Heather Jaussi said. “We don’t always see or know what’s going on outside our realm. For example, when James found out there are places in the world that don’t have running water, it was eye-opening for him.”

This discovery influenced James’ first donation selection in 2019. At only age 4 at the time, he chose a waterless toilet for Water for People, a nonprofit that makes high-quality drinking water and sanitation accessible to all.

Jewell’s past donations include a goat, which helped feed families internationally; and as a self-proclaimed artist, she donated an art kit through the nonprofit, A Precious Child, because she wants others to also experience the joy of art.

This year, Jewell has decided on donating diapers because “we have a 1-year-old sister and I know how hard it is to not have diapers,” she said.

The Giving Machines come to Denver

The Giving Machines concept got started in 2017 in Salt Lake City, and by 2018, it had expanded to five cities and raised $2.3 million for charities.

They came to Denver for the first time in 2019.

Between 30,000-40,000 people visited Denver’s machine in 2019 and again

in 2021. The physical machines were not available in 2020 because of the pandemic, but people were still able to donate online.

Last year, Denverites alone purchased 17,000 donations from the Giving Machine, raising $475,786. These numbers ranked Denver at fifth out of 20 cities in donation totals.

The Giving Machines continue to expand to cities across the U.S., and will be available in 28 cities this year. Because of growing demand nationally, Denver’s sole Giving Machine downtown will be the only one in Colorado for the foreseeable future.

McIlroy attributes this success to community engagement supported by local organizations, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Denver Mayor’s Office.

Participating charities

For the Denver Giving Machine, each year, five charities local to Denver and three international charities are selected by a committee composed of Mayor Hancock’s Faith Council and the Giving Machines’ Organizing Committee.

This year, the five local charities are: Metro Caring; A Precious Child, which empowers children in need to achieve their full potential; Doctors Care, which improves health access for low-income individuals and families; Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver, which builds strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable housing; and the Village Exchange Center, which serves immigrants and refugees through community connection. This year’s three international charities are Water for People; iDE Global, which creates livelihood opportunities for poor rural households;

The Governor’s Residence Preservation Fund’s 2022 holiday ornament is now available. The 14th in the collectable holiday ornament series, the 2022 ornament is inspired by the 1914 Steinway grand piano that sits in the drawing room at the Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion, 400 E. Eighth Ave. in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. The ornament costs $35 plus shipping. Proceeds benefit the Governor’s Residence Preservation Fund, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that ensures the ongoing preservation and use of the Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion. To learn more, visit coloradoshome.org/gift-shop.

and Mentors International, which transforms generational poverty into sustainable self-reliance.

The Giving Machine’s donations “make a difference in peoples’ lives,” said Bebe Kleinman, CEO of Doctors Care. “So many people are struggling in crisis, and getting services to lowerincome populations is a wonderful gift ... provided by someone without expectation of acknowledgement. (It’s) pure generosity.”

The Jaussi family loves traditions, as well as serving others and giving back to the community, Heather Jaussi said.

“The great thing about Giving Machines is it doesn’t matter your background, your faith or religion,” Heather Jaussi said. “Everyone can come together to give back, and I think that’s what our society needs most of all.”

Giving Machine donations can be made in person at Writer Square, 15th and Larimer streets, in Denver. The machine is available 24/7 through New Year’s Day. Various live entertainment and activities will occur at the Giving Machine site. To learn more, visit givingmachinesdenver.org.

Lead is heavy on our minds.

Though the water we provide is safe, clean and lead-free, lead can get into the water as it moves through customerowned plumbing. So we’re replacing customer service lines, one impacted property at a time. To nd out if you’re one of them, visit our website.

Learn more at DenverWater.org/Lead

COURTESY PHOTO

Celebrating sobriety through comradery

BY BRUCE GOLDBERG

SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Denverite Dylan Boxer has a friend who is in recovery from drug and alcohol addictions.

“He would wake up in the morning, and instead of thinking about `where am I going to live (or) get food,’ it was, `where will I get drugs today,’” Boxer said.

Boxer’s friend now is sober and in the tail-end of his treatment, which includes therapy and counseling.

“He (has) been clean for a while, and is adapting and adjusting to this new way of life,” Boxer said. “But he’s noticed a lack of sober activities.”

That’s when Boxer and a group of others realized the need for Jewish Sober Connections — a new, local organization that promotes sobriety through community gatherings.

The plan is for JSC to host a gathering in the Denver area every month or every couple of months, Boxer said.

“There are a lot of recovering addicts out there who try to avoid gatherings with drugs and alcohol because they don’t want to jeopardize their progress,” Boxer said. But “in doing so, they miss out on socializing.”

JSC helps fill that void and welcomes anybody and everybody, Boxer said.

“All are invited, not just Jewish people,” he said. “We accept people

Jewish Sober Connections is hosting a drug- and alcohol-free Hanukkah party at 7 p.m. Dec. 19. Attendees will decorate cookies and there will be a ceremonial lighting of the menorah. Festive warm beverages such as cider and hot chocolate

from all walks of life. The concept (is to welcome) people from any race, gender, orientation and everything in between.”

JSC’s foundation is to celebrate sobriety through comradery and to prove that the absence of alco-

will be served. The event is free to attend, but donations to cover the cost of hosting the event are encouraged. Location will be disclosed upon registration. For more information, contact Shira Schwartz at jewishsoberconnections@gmail.com.

hol and drugs doesn’t mean the absence of community. But, not all who are involved with JSC are recovering from an addiction, Boxer said. Some who attended the first event — a pumpkin-carving party on Oct. 25 — simply wanted to find

drug- and alcohol-free opportunities, Boxer said.

Fifteen people attended the pumpkin-carving party in the Denver home of Andy and Sandi Schwartz. They served macaroni and cheese, butternut squash soup, candy, cookies and warm, festive nonalcoholic beverages — all on autumn-themed dinnerware.

“Our intention for these events is to give everyone — not just Jewish people — a safe place to interact with other like-minded individuals,” said Arye Schwartz, one of the JSC founders who has familial relation to the hosts of the Oct. 25 event. “It’s important to have safe spaces so that those who don’t want to drink aren’t alienated.”

Jewish Sober Connections’ first event, a pumpkin-carving party, took place on Oct. 25. COURTESY PHOTOS

Arye Schwartz, left, and sister Shira Schwartz are two of the founders of the new group, Jewish Sober Connections.

VOICES

12 Denverites of 2022

December marks the close of another year. These past months have brought some wonderful stories about your Denver neighbors. Here is a look back at 12 of the most memorable, beginning with last December.

December 2021

Through Denver Park Ranger Jessica Johnson, we learned about the fabled Eugene Field House in Washington Park and its namesake founder, a famous poet and journalist who lived from 1850 to 1895. tinyurl.com/CCM-EugeneFieldHouse

January

Gerard Rudofsky discussed his passion for Zaidy’s Deli & Bakery, a popular Jewish eatery that he ran for 35 years. He closed it in the fall of 2020 but it re-opened the following summer under new ownership. Instead of retiring, Rudofsky, 81 at the time we reported the story, stayed on as a consultant of sorts, a job that included greeting and interacting with patrons — something he particularly enjoys. tinyurl.com/CCM-Zaidys

February

Chereka and Fathima Dickerson filled us in on the Welton Street Café’s upcoming move. The family owned-and-operated restaurant has served Denver’s Five Points

FROM THE EDITOR

community since 1986. Operating as a takeout and catering business — as well as participating in a recent Thanksgiving food drive — fundraising efforts continue so the restaurant can re-open in a new space at 2883 Welton St. tinyurl.com/ CCM-WeltonStreetCafe

March

JK Costello told tales of volunteering as a Snow Buddy for one of his Denver neighbors. Snow Buddies shovel snow in the winter for older adults through the nonprofit, A Little Help. tinyurl.com/CCM-ALittleHelp

April

Andrea Malcomb, director of the Molly Brown House Museum, shared some insider stories about the late Titanic survivor, who famously hailed from Denver. tinyurl.com/CCM-MollyBrownHouseMuseum

May

Denverite Rachel Norkin invited everyone to roll around the city with the Denver Urban Skate Troop — known as DUST. She founded the skating group in 2018.

tinyurl.com/CCM-DUST

June

Teenager Layla Duong shared how golf helped her build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience. She became a junior coach with First Tee-Colorado Rocky Mountains, working directly with about 40 local young people as a mentor.

tinyurl.com/CCM-FirstTee

July

The Colorado Youth Pipe Band invited us to a rehearsal after moving into a new space in Washington Park. Denver resident Neil Gillette formed the band in September 1989 with one goal: to provide a fun, nurturing place for youth.

tinyurl.com/CCM-ColoradoYouthPipeBand

August

We got to get to know Denver’s own Madison Manning, who represented Colorado in the 65th Distinguished Young Women National Finals. She became the first local representative to place within the top eight of the overall competition and was the first African American to represent the state. tinyurl.com/CCM-MadisonManning

September

Rudy Jimenz-Diaz told us of the

culinary achievements he accomplished thanks to the Youth Employment Academy. YEA is a nonprofi t program of the Denver Housing Authority that helps underserved youth become successful in the workforce.

tinyurl.com/CCM-YouthEmploymentAcademy

October

Shanna B. Shelby, chief curator at the McNichols Civic Center Building in Denver, invited the community to experience the building’s three fall exhibits that highlight Navajo and Sioux artists and photographical depictions of Native American life. The exhibits are free and open to the public and run through Dec. 18.

tinyurl.com/CCM-NativeAmericanArt

November

We learned how Clara Ricciardi’s efforts helped make the Denver Art Museum more inviting and welcoming to all. Since the early 1990s, Ricciardi has served as the museum’s fi rst Spanish-language programs coordinator, providing bilingual tours and translating the museum’s bilingual gallery labels and wayfi nding. She also helped implement the DAM’s annual Día del Niño celebration, which marked its 20th year this year.

tinyurl.com/CCM-bilingualDAM

It’s critical to get hate out of our community

Iextend my deepest sympathies to the victims, their families and all those who were impacted by the mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs. I encourage us all to reach out to family and friends to make sure our community is supported.

In the last 20 years, Colorado has gone from being the “hate state” to a leader in LGBTQ+ rights. It’s true that in 1992, Colorado passed Amendment 2, a constitutional change in Colorado that forbade state and local governments from recognizing sexual orientation as a protectable status. And now, in 2022, Denver hosts one of the country’s largest Pride parades and has the honor of electing the nation’s first gay governor.

We all deserve the opportunity to live here, no matter who you are. We all also deserve the oppor-

tunity to love who we love. But the events in Colorado Springs demonstrate that we as Coloradoans and Denverites cannot rest. We must continue to advocate for the values we hold dear, and we must ensure we have a safe place for our community to come together and celebrate.

I believe we all need access, and that’s why I’ve sponsored a proclamation celebrating pride, participated in Pride, and phone banked with One Colorado. I encourage you to get more familiar with, and participate in, political advocacy organizations like One Colorado. If one organization doesn’t reso-

LINDA SHAPLEY

Publisher

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Editor-in-Chief michael@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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nate with you, that’s fine, but we should all get engaged with a durable movement to make sure our values are preserved. By “durable movement,” I mean an organization that withstands the test of time and can do the deep research on our behalf, so we know when to engage — and when it’s OK to focus on other priorities like family, work, play and friends.

While it is critical for us to get hate out of our community, we must also consider another conversation: the American fascination with unfettered access to firearms. The Second Amendment begins with “a well-regulated militia.” When we are interpreting our founding fathers’ intent, I believe their intent was to place the most important parts first.

I believe it is critical to have a well-regulated militia, which is why I voted for the additional gun

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restriction bills that came before council this year. We have the strongest gun control bills that we can have given the limitations of state and federal laws. Hopefully this helps prevents deaths - which, by the way, 79% of all homicides in the U.S. are gun-related. As a comparison, that same statistic is 4% in the United Kingdom.

As we move into the holiday season, thank you for all you do to support our community. I wish you the best and hope your time with family and friends is lovely. I also hope that we recognize that our community is grieving, and I know I’ll be doing everything I can to move things forward for further protections for all of us.

Chris Hinds represents District 10 on Denver City Council. He can be reached at district10@denvergov.org or 720-337-7710.

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.

Christy Steadman

Councilmember Chris Hinds

Navigating today’s economic environment

In October 2018, I revved the engine of my food truck - a 1978 VW Combi Bus - and hit the road. While I wasn’t going very far, I knew I had a long journey ahead. I parked my truck on Larimer Street in Denver, opened up the service window and waited for my first customers.

And just like that, my business was born.

Now a few years later, I have three food concepts across the greater Denver area - Stokes Poke Food Truck, Fresco Fridge Vending Machines and Combi Cafe. But my businesses make up only a small part of who I am - I’m also a Mexican immigrant, a proud member of the LGBTQ community, and a recipient of — and vocal advocate for — the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Especially as a person of color, my path to owning these small businesses was far from easy. In 2020, the pandemic resulted in me losing almost 90% of my business, and I nearly had to close my doors.

It was an obvious choice to pivot my business to delivery and, with the support of third-party platforms, I was able to keep my business alive. I’m a strong believer in food delivery because it has proven to help me grow my business and over time, its benefits have been incalculable.

A few months ago, I came across a newsletter from DoorDash that had information about how its Accelerator for Local Restaurants cohort was coming to Denver. The program offers local restaurant owners a $20,000 grant, training and education courses, one-on-one customized business advising and marketing benefits. I applied, and a few weeks later, I was delighted to hear that I was accepted into the program, alongside

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear editor,

News that pollinator districts are proving successful is certainly cause for celebration. With nearly one-in-four native bee species imperiled, steps to conserve and create pollinator-friendly habitats are essential. Unfortunately, the loss of good habitat isn’t the only threat pollinators face.

Pesticide use — in particular, a class of pesticides called neonics — is one of the main perpetrators of bee die-offs. Our pollinator

19 other Denver-based small business owners.

I’m now nearing the end of the program, and I’m beyond grateful for the opportunities it has opened for me and my businesses. I’ve heard from industry experts, such as Denver’s own James Beard Award Semifinalist Manny Barella, who spoke to our group about balancing creativity and practicality to create a delicious menu that’s both financially and environmentally sustainable. I’ve also been introduced to the program’s nonprofit partners — the Hispanic Restaurant Association of Colorado and Accion Opportunity Fund, a mission-based small business support organization. I’ve even been able to meet other Denver-based business owners, learn from them, and try their food.

The $20,000 grant has also been instrumental in supporting our bottom line. As a business owner of color, I’ve long found it difficult to access capital to boost my business. But now, I finally have the funds to do things like improve my branding and expand my advertising efforts. All of this will help me reach more customers.

It’s humbling to look back at how far I’ve come since I first set out with my food truck. I’m proud of how I’ve been able to grow my businesses, especially through a thorny challenge like the pandemic. I’m grateful to DoorDash for all the ways they’ve been able to support the evolution of my business.

Alejandro Flores-Muñoz is an entrepreneur, mentor and activist in Denver.

district communities should be proud of the first step they’ve taken as a community. Together though, we need to take the next step to protect pollinators.

We need to stop the consumer sale of bee-killing neonics pesticides statewide.

Municipalities should also be able to go beyond state regulations around selling and using pesticides so their pollinator havens can remain just that.

Natalie Woodland, Denver

This maze art features the Denver skyline and Colorado mountain views in snow globes within snowflakes. To solve, start at the S in the lower right corner, and maze-out to the W for win in the snow globe in the upper left corner.

GUEST COLUMN

Alejandro Flores-Muñoz

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

Nov. 17 - Dec. 24

Cherry Creek Holiday Market

Time: Varies.

Location: Between First and Second avenues at Fillmore Plaza in Cherry Creek North.

Cost: Free admission.

The third annual Cherry Creek Holiday Market features more than 50 vendors, live music and other entertainment and light features.

More information/reservations: cherrycreekholidaymarket.com

Erik

Nov. 18-Dec. 23

Denver Christkindlmarket

Time: Varies.

Location: Civic Center Park, 101 W. 14th Ave., in Denver.

Cost: Free admission.

Produced by the Colorado chapter of the German American Chamber of Commerce, the Denver Christkindlmarket offers an authentic German and European holiday experience. It features local and international merchants, and a variety of entertainment.

More information/reservations: christkindlmarketdenver.com

Image courtesy of Denver Christkindlmarket website.

Nov. 18-Dec. 31

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 typically begin on the first weekend of the month, depending on publication dates.

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

Nov. 18-Jan. 14

“Fractional Confluence”

Time: Gallery hours 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

Location: Walker Fine Art, 300 W. 11th Ave. #A, in the Golden Triangle.

Cost: Free to enter gallery, artwork available for purchase.

The six artists in “Fractional Confluence” merge a variety of components through collage, mark-making, painting and sculpture to reach a definitive end result.

More

The Mile High Tree

Time: 5-10 p.m.

Location: Civic Center Park.

Cost: Free.

The Mile High Tree is a 110-foot-tall immersive art installation. Every 15 minutes nightly, visitors to the tree will enjoy a selection of festive and diverse songs timed to the tree’s exciting light displays.

More information/reservations: denver. org/milehighholidays/tree

Photo courtesy of denver.org website.

Nov. 22- Feb. 14

information/reservations: walkerfineart.com

Photo courtesy of Walker Fine Art Facebook.

Nov. 18-Jan. 15

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition

Time: Various.

Location: Cherry Creek Mall, 2401 E. Second Ave. #150, in Denver.

Cost: Starting at $22.50 per adult and $18.30 per child.

This exhibit showcases Michelangelo’s greatest works, featuring an up-close and life-sized experience in state-ofthe-art detail.

More information/reservations: chapelsistine.com/exhibits/denver

Photo by Kirsten Dahl Collins.

Nov. 26-Dec. 24

Downtown Denver Rink

Time: Various.

Location: Skyline, 1601 Arapahoe St., in Denver.

Cost: Free admission.

The Downtown Denver Rink has opened for the season for ice skaters. It is free for those who bring their own skates, but skate rentals are available. Skate rentals cost $11 for adults and $9 for children age 12 and younger.

More information/reservations: winterindenver.com/rink

A person skates on the Downtown Denver Rink in January 2022. Photo by Christy Steadman.

Colorado Ballet: “The Nutcracker”

Time: Various.

Location: Ellie Caulkins Opera House at Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1385 Curtis St.

Cost: $40 to $175.

Colorado Ballet’s 62nd production of “The Nutcracker” features five different casts of dancers and live music performed by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.

More information/reservations: coloradoballet.org

Leah McFadden performs as Clara in “The Nutcracker.” Photo by Rachel Neville.

Swanson will be selling his Log Candles at this year’s Cherry Creek Holiday Market. Photo by Christy Steadman.

Dec. 1-18

“The Westside Oratorio”

Time: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Sunday matinees.

Location: Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center, 721 Santa Fe Dr. in Denver.

Cost: $20 general admission, $17 students and seniors.

This play, written and composed by Anthony J. Garcia and Daniel Valdez, tells the stories of seven generations of Mexican Americans who made the West Denver neighborhood of Auraria their home.

More information/reservations: suteatro.org

Photo courtesy of Su Teatro website.

Dec. 7

Open House for Lunar Occultation of Mars

Time: Arrive at about 7 p.m.

Location: Observatory Park, south of the University of Denver’s Chamberlin Observatory, located at 2930 E. Warren Ave.

Cost: Free

The Denver Astronomical Society invites the public to a rare viewing event when Mars will disappear behind the moon for 66 minutes, then reappear on the other side. This phenomenon, called an occultation, is best seen with binoculars and telescopes, although it also can be enjoyed with the unaided eye. DAS members will have equipment set up, but attendees are welcome to bring their own. Mars will disappear behind the moon at approximately 7:43 p.m., so guests are asked to arrive by 7:15 p.m. to enjoy pre-occultation observing of Mars, the full moon and Jupiter. Mars will reappear at about 8:49 p.m. Attendees should dress appropriately for cold weather.

More information/reservations: denverastro.org

Dec. 10

The Gingerbread Ball

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Historic Grant Avenue, 216 S. Grant St in Denver.

Cost: $10-$15 plus $2 booking fee.

Mile High Freedom Bands Swing ensemble will perform for a night of jazz music, dancing under the mistletoe, special custom libations and endless holiday spirit. The evening will also include a special premiere performance of the Mile High Freedom Bands Strings ensemble. A donation-based catered snack and drink bar will be available.

More information/reservations: mhfb.org

Photo courtesy of Mile High Freedom Bands website.

Dec. 18 Dec. 16-18

Central City Opera Company: “Amahl and the Night Visitors”

Time: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16-17, 2 p.m. Dec. 18

Location: Trinity Methodist Church, 1820 Broadway, in Denver.

Cost: $12 children, $42 adults.

“Amahl and the Night Visitors” is a familyfriendly opera that premiered in 1951. It tells the story of a magic star and a shepherd boy, and how unselfish love and good deeds can work miracles.

More information/reservations: centralcityopera.org

Image courtesy of Central City Opera Company’s website.

Latkes and Lights Hanukkah celebration

Time: 10 a.m. to noon.

Location: JCC Denver, 350 S. Dahlia St.

Cost: Sliding scale pricing of $3/$8/$12 for adults and $5/$12/$20 for children.

The Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center is hosting its inaugural Latkes and Lights Hanukkah celebration. The event will feature themed games, a photo booth, arts and crafts and a latke-making contest.

More information/reservations: jccdenver. org

Logo courtesy of JCC Denver website.

Dec. 3-Jan. 15

Zoo Lights

Time: Evenings.

Location: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St.

Cost: $25 adults for adults and $15 for children.

The annual event this year will feature more than 1 million lights, live ice-carving exhibitions, seasonal craft cocktails and holiday treats and Denver Zoo animals.

More

information/reservations: denverzoo.org/events/

zoolights

Dec. 7

Fiestas Navideñas: A Christmas Celebration

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts on the University of Denver campus, 2344 E. Ili Ave.

Cost: Tickets start at $19.

This event features dance and music performed by the Denver-based dance company, ArtistiCO, with special artistic guests from Mexico City. The show is inspired by three traditional Mexican celebrations: the pastorelas, the posadas and the Nativity.

More information/reservations: newmancenterpresents.com

Dec. 11 and Dec. 18

Holiday Tours of Colorado’s Home

Time: O ered between noon and 3 p.m.

Location: Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion, 400 E. Eighth Avenue in Denver.

Cost: Free Tours of the festively-decorated Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion are provided by volunteer docents with History Colorado.

More information/reservations: coloradoshome.org/ holiday-public-tours

Photo courtesy of website: governor-residence. colorado.gov.

Dec. 21

We Will Remember: Homeless Persons’ Memorial Vigil

Time: 5-7 p.m.

Location: Outside the Denver & City County Building, 1437 Bannock St.

Cost: Free Every December, the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless hosts a vigil to remember those who passed away in the year while experiencing homelessness. This year’s 33rd annual event will include luminary memorials and the names of the deceased will be read out loud and broadcast throughout the event.

More information/reservations: coloradocoalition.org/vigil

File photo from the 2017 We Will Remember: Homeless Persons’ Memorial Vigil. Photo by Christy Steadman.

Central Presbyterian founders prevented a murder and started a tradition

rian ministries before her.

“After 40 years, I still love it,” she said.

BY KIRSTEN DAHL COLLINS SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

In the summer of 1860, four armed desperadoes invaded the offices of the newly-launched Rocky Mountain News in Denver, gunning for editor William N. Byers. Luckily for the journalist, two Presbyterians walked in.

Gen. William Larimer, Jr. and Rev. A.T. Rankin merely wanted to place an ad to attract worshippers to a new church. They ended up in a classic Wild West brawl, during which the preacher and the general managed to get Byers “out of the clutches” of his attackers, according to Rankin’s letters. One villain was shot, two escaped and the fourth was tried and convicted of attempted murder. The resulting publicity got Denver’s Central Presbyterian Church off to a rousing start.

That was the beginning of Central Presbyterian’s effort to “make Denver a better place,” said Rev. Louise Westfall.

The historic church, at 1660 Sherman St. in North Capitol Hill, has just upgraded itself with a $5.2 million renovation. Most of the remodeling will support Central Presbyterian’s long tradition of community service, which includes the 1916 founding of Presbyterian Hospital — subsequently St. Lukes Presbyterian, then HealthOne.

Ordained in 1981, Westfall is carrying on a family tradition — her sister and father both served in Presbyte-

Westfall has led Central Presbyterian’s congregation since 2011, which might have earned the disapproval of John Knox, who founded the sect during the 16th century Scottish Reformation. The thundering Scottish preacher was no fan of women in leadership roles — but he did introduce the concepts of equality and democracy in worship. Taking Knox at his word, women have been serving as pastors in Presbyterian congregations since 1954.

An architect’s masterpiece Central Presbyterian was designed in 1892 by architect Frank E. Edbrooke and is “counted among (his) masterpieces,” according to the Denver Architecture Foundation’s website. The red sandstone building bears a strong resemblance to the Brown Palace Hotel a few blocks away, which dates from the same year. Both buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and both feature spectacular stained glass. Abstract patterns of amber and violet shed golden light over the church interior, reminiscent of the glow from the hotel’s famous stainedglass atrium.

Begun in 2020, during the quiet days of the pandemic, the church’s renovation has restored some original features and added 21st century improvements. Westfall points to multiple new restrooms, a new elevator, a new children’s playroom and a remodeled annex from the 1950s, which will soon become a coffee bar. In a small chapel off the narthex — also known as the lobby — dark

paneling was stripped away to reveal more of those amber stained-glass windows. A re-imagined basement level includes rehearsal space and the Heritage Center, a small museum of church and Denver history, which are closely intertwined.

A beehive of community service

The modernization was crucial because Central Presbyterian is no empty monument to the past. The 60,000-square-foot building has long been home to a collection of busy nonprofits. New Genesis, which occupies part of the vast basement and has a separate entrance, provides transitional housing and other services to people experiencing homelessness. On an upper floor, the Central Visitation Program offers a safe, supervised place for non-custodial parents to meet with their children. The church sanctuary, a 1,000-seat hall lit by luminous stained-glass windows, is home to the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra, a 75-year-old semi-professional group. In the church’s Sherman Street annex, Purple Door Coffee will soon open its doors to the public. The coffee roaster provides on-the-job training and support to unhoused young people. And the arrival of Purple Door brings an added benefit.

“Finally, no more church basement coffee,” Westfall said.

Interiors inspired by a grand Denver theater

It’s no accident that performing artists feel at home at Central Presbyterian: the interior design was heavily influenced by Denver’s longvanished Broadway Theater, where artists such as Sarah Bernhardt once

performed. According to the Denver Architecture Foundation, the grand old theater — which provided a temporary home to Central Presbyterian’s swelling congregation during the 1880s — inspired such features as “banked curved seating, box seats and side balconies, corner fireplaces, theater-quality acoustics and sightlines.” Even the narthex with its long curving wooden bar suggests a touch of showbiz.

In 2016, Denver Philharmonic made Central Presbyterian even more theatrical when it helped build an expansive stage in the sanctuary. These days, all types of music fill the hall, with 20 different musical groups performing 40 concerts there every year.

“Most churches will have a flat surface for the pews but …. these are banked up so you can see the stage from all of the seats,” said Denver Philharmonic’s executive director, Valerie Clausen. “It’s just the right feel for our audience. We play serious classical music, but we want more of a casual, warm and welcoming feel.”

Other groups that regularly make music at Central Presbyterian include the Denver Women’s Chorus, the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus and the East High School choirs.

During December, there will be many holiday concerts at the church, including Voice Rock Winter Concert on Dec. 11 and the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Merry Little Christmas” concert on Dec. 16 and 17.

It’s a busy time of year, but the pastor is accustomed to hubbub.

“Providing community space is part of Central’s mission,” Westfall said.

This past November, Denver Women’s Chorus kicked o their 2022-23 season with the concert, “My Body, My Voice,” performed in the sanctuary of Central Presbyterian Church. Theater design influenced many features of the hall, including raked seating, side boxes and side balconies.

PHOTO BY TIM COLLINS

Built in 1892, Central Presbyterian’s Richardsonian Romanesque structure is considered one of architect Frank E. Edbrooke’s masterpieces. The red sandstone building shares many features with the nearby Brown Palace Hotel, which was also designed by Edbrooke and opened the same year. COURTESY PHOTO

The

continues to ‘make Denver a better place’

Central Presbyterian’s stained-glass windows, reminiscent of the atrium at the Brown Palace Hotel, reflect the influence of 19th century architect Frank E. Edbrooke.

PHOTO BY TIM COLLINS

A half-million LED lights blossom at the Denver Botanic Gardens

BY MARK HARDEN

SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

During the warm months, Denver Botanic Gardens’ 23-acre York Street campus, next to Cheesman Park, blazes with colorful flowers and plants. Over the holidays, the color is provided by an estimated half-million LED lights.

An annual tradition since 1988, Blossoms of Light heralds the holiday season with dazzling color at every turn of the gardens’ paths. It takes months to install the lights using poles, lifts, climbing harnesses, waders and cherry-picker buckets. Each year, a few new lighting arrangements are added, while many favorite displays return.

Blossoms of Light opened for the season Nov. 18, and runs nightly from 4:30 to 9 p.m. through Jan. 7, except on Nov. 24 and Dec. 25. It’s the gardens’ most popular attraction each year, so it’s wise to plan ahead if you hope to enjoy the spectacle.

Timed tickets must be purchased in advance; they are not sold onsite. For the general public, tickets are $24 for adults, $22 for ages 65 and older, $20 for children ages 3-15, and free for children 2 and under. Botanic Gardens members get a $3 discount. The event is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers but icy conditions may exist. For more information and to order tickets, go online to tinyurl. com/CCMBlossoms.

And the Botanic Gardens’ Chatfield Farms campus in Jefferson County offers its own holiday display, Trail of Lights. For information, visit tinyurl.com/CCMTrail.

The Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossoms of Light will be on display through Jan. 7.

PHOTOS BY MARK HARDEN

The Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossoms of Light will be on display through Jan. 7.

The Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossoms of Light will be on display through Jan. 7.

MCA Denver spotlights southern Black heritage

The Dirty South exhibit runs through Feb. 5

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

Every morning when Nikki Swarn goes to work at the radio station, she is greeted with the smiling faces of Black creators, all who share their stories on the airwaves about how R&B and hip hop music has impacted their lives and inspired their art.

As a person of color, Swarn, the general manager and program director at 104.7 The Drop, is impacted daily by the positive representations of Black music, art and other media artists. Swarn believes that it is important to highlight positive narratives of people of color.

“It is all about dignity, respect and recognition of the contributions we have made, not only to American culture, but cultures around the world,” said Swarn. “We are a diverse people with beautiful, important stories that must be told. There’s nothing like seeing ourselves, our cultures, our power depicted in uplifting stories of encouragement that solidifies our value and our voices.”

The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, in collaboration with Swarn’s 104.7 The Drop, are hosting the museum’s latest cultural exhibit, “The Dirty South: Contemporary Art, Material Culture and the Sonic Impulse.” The exhibit runs through Feb. 5 2023 and explores the aesthetic legacies and traditions of Black culture in the South as seen through the lens of contemporary Black musical expression. The exhibit, originally organized by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, has worked its way around the United States highlighting southern Black culture. It is wrapping up its nationwide tour in Denver.

“The Dirty South exhibition is a reflection of the profound influence African American southern culture has had on America. The vehicle of hip-hop, the exploration of social justice, the Black body, religion, cultural values, and more are enveloped throughout this poignant moment in history. So often stories

from people of color have been left out of positive narratives in many forms of media, art and entertainment,” said Swarn. “We are so proud to partner with the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver as we re-define contemporary art and celebrate a social movement that feeds the soul, tells our truths and our diverse story. We are proud to be the only city west of the Mississippi to display and close out the tour of this phenomenal exhibition — so fitting as we stand in the illustrious light and history of Five Points, the Harlem of the West.”

Nora Burnett Abrams, the Mark. G. Falcone director at MCA Denver, shared why the partnership with 104.7 The Drop is so special for the exhibit and for Denver.

“104.7 The Drop is so much more than an incredible radio station — it also serves as a dedicated community advocate and champion of cultural life in this city,” Abrams said. “It is an honor to be partnering with The Drop to help share the story of our current exhibition, “The Dirty South,” which celebrates the vibrance and diversity of Black culture. Together we are creating dynamic, relevant and expansive opportunities for museum visitors and listeners of 104.7 The Drop to engage meaningfully in this exhibition.”

Swarn encourages everyone to see “The Dirty South” exhibit because it is iconic, engaging, emotional and draws all the senses, she said.

“Recognition of the southern diaspora and its influence on America and beyond, is tasted, smelled, seen and heard in this exhibition. It is an open invitation to partake in a culture whose narrative has not always been its own,” said Swarn.

“The exhibition elicits so many feelings and emotions (that) multiple visits may be required. Bring your family, friends and students to see it up close, then engage in conversations about its impact.”

To learn more about “The Dirty South: Contemporary Art, Material Culture and the Sonic Impulse” or the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, visit mcadenver.org. To learn about 104.7 The Drop, visit thedrop303.org.

Basin Street Blues, 2014, Bisa Butler (American, born 1973), cotton denim. COURTESY OF CLAIRE OLIVER AND IAN RUBINSTEIN

Caspera, 2019, Ramell Ross (American, born 1982), inkjet print, mounted on DIBOND panel.

COURTESY OF THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART DENVER

BY

It was a toddler’s bed that provided Kim Duby with the life’s path she is traveling today.

When her son outgrew the bed, she put it up for sale on Facebook. A family advocate at Warren Village responded, asking Duby if she would donate it instead to help a mother in need.

Duby wanted to help. So, she gave the bed away. Little did she know then how much of an impact that moment would have on her life.

Warren Village is a nonprofit residential community located at 13th Avenue and Gilpin Street near Cheesman Park. It provides single parents in need with more than a roof for their families. It has a two-generation approach to end the cycle of poverty and empower families to reach self-sufficiency.

Warren Village offers a wide variety of resources that include transitional, private housing, parent services and advocacy, and early childhood education and childcare.

Duby, a new U.S. citizen, is among its residents. It was through giving away her son’s bed that Duby first learned of Warren Village.

The U.S.A o ers opportunity

Duby, 24, immigrated to Colorado from Vietnam in October 2014 after she met and married her husband, Christopher, an American from Denver. Their son, Alexander, was

born in Denver, but soon after, the family moved to Houston. In 2018, tragedy struck when Christopher died.

“After my husband passed away, I was lost,” Duby said. “I didn’t know what to do.”

Facing financial hardship, she and Alexander, who is now 7, moved back to Colorado to stay with her mother-in-law.

Duby began looking into housing but found it unaffordable. She also found that housing assistance was waitlisted for at least five years. So, she turned to Warren Village.

“Four months later, I had my own apartment,” Duby said. “It is a gift.”

Since moving to Warren Village, Duby completed two semesters at the Community College of Denver to improve her English. She then decided to continue her education, building on her undergraduate work in Vietnam. She is attending Western Governors University, a private online university, to earn an MBA in IT management. She expects to graduate this May.

Duby also became a U.S. citizen — something she had intended on doing ever since she arrived in the U.S.

In “the U.S.A, you’re free here,” Duby said.

One eligibility requirement to become a naturalized U.S. citizen is that a person must be a resident for at least five years. The requirement is only three years if married to a U.S. citizen. When Duby was in Houston with her husband, she applied and was on her way to becoming a citizen, but her husband died before the three-year mark.

By the time she had re-settled in Colorado, Duby passed the fiveyear mark. So, she re-applied and passed the test and other requirements of citizenship.

Her citizenship ceremony was in September. She registered to vote that day and cast a ballot in the November election.

‘Here, I feel safe’

Another immigrant at Warren Village is Rachel. She is 22 and, as a refugee originally from the

Her father died when she was 10 and, at age 13, her mother died, leaving Rachel in the care of a stepfather she describes as abusive. She fled the country and eventually, with the assistance of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, came to the U.S. in 2017.

“I was so excited to come to America,” Rachel said. “Here, I feel safe.”

Colorado was Rachel’s first and only stop, settling with local foster families — who she is still close with. She earned her high school diploma and then got pregnant with Exoucia, now a toddler. Rachel’s case manager in the foster care system is also a volunteer with Warren Village and suggested Rachel apply for housing there. She did, and moved into Warren Village about a year ago.

She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Metropolitan State University of Denver.

“I love school,” Rachel said. “If I wasn’t here at Warren Village, I wouldn’t be able to raise my child and go to school full time.”

Rachel got her U.S. citizenship in May. Like Duby, Rachel was excited

Democratic Republic of the Congo, requested that her last name not be used in this article.

Rachel, whose last name is being withheld, and Kim Duby are residents of Denver’s Warren Village and new U.S. citizens.

PHOTOS BY CHRISTY STEADMAN

Kim Duby

Rachel

CHRISTY STEADMAN | CSTEADMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Dancing into the city for Lindy Hop

BY ANDREW FRAIELI AFRAIELI@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In 1928, two Black dancers in a dance marathon in Harlem — George Snowden and Mattie Purnell — broke away from each other to throw in some solo freestyling. With that, they started the process of creating one of the most popular swing dances ever: Lindy Hop.

It obviously spread from Harlem, and today exists across the country, including in Denver. The dance — along with swing music itself — has ebbed and flowed in popularity over the last few decades, but the fast-paced swing-outs and stomping beats have held onto Denver, developing a small community that’s easy for beginners to start in and experts to explore.

“I think there’s a lot of room for growth to provide many opportunities for people that want to dance,” said Kenny Nelson, founder of Swingin’ Denver — a swing school and local dance party hoster.

Nelson himself has experience teaching around the world, but the last eight years he’s been teaching Lindy Hop across Denver and hosting social dances from the Mercury Cafe to the Savoy.

The current big three places for Lindy Hop in Denver, according to Nelson, have been the Mercury Cafe, the Savoy and the Turnverein as they are what have survived the ebb and flow.

“The Mercury Cafe got its start in the ‘90s when neo-swing was happening, and they’re the one place that remained when everyone else was gone…it kind of all fizzled out,” Nelson explained. “I mean, it went with the ebb and flow of popular music. The pop bands tried to grab that sound and it lasted for a bit, but it didn’t last.”

The Mercury Cafe now hosts the teaching and party-hosting group Swing Nights twice a week, every

Tuesday and Sunday evening, with Ceth Stifel teaching many of the classes from beginner to intermediate. “The Merc,” as it’s also called, has a live band almost every Sunday as well.

The Turnverein, a 5,280 square foot ballroom, hosts a broader range of dance classes from many different teachers like argentine tango and general ballroom, but also a free Lindy Hop class at 7 p.m. every Friday and a dance right after.

Nelson himself found a home at the Savoy near Five Points in the city, where he teaches beginner and intermediate classes and hosts a live band and dance on the first Wednesday of every month.

Music is, of course, a central aspect. The right variation in tempo, a swinging sound that will convince dancers onto the floor, mixing songs from well-known to gems — all harder than it may seem.

“Swing dancing is inevitably tied to the music, having some music that is really good and swinging, and DJs that are paying attention to the dance floor is very crucial for having creative dancing,” Nelson said.

He describes a talent loss around 2008 and 2012 though, in DJing, dancing, and teaching, but has seen it start improving since 2013.

“I really feel like, in certain areas, live music has stepped up, and it’s great, whereas DJing definitely hasn’t come back,” Nelson said. He references some of the bands that he’s hosted before like La Pomp, that play “swingin tin-pan standards” and “soulful originals” according to their Instagram, putting them in a category “of the new current bands, with younger members, who are really talented and really hard-working.”

In terms of the stability of the scene now, it’s hard to tell.

“It’s kind of hard to get the com-

said, because she had to do a lot of research to get to know the candidates and issues.

plete pulse post-pandemic on the scene here. It certainly feels like it’s getting more stable,” Nelson said, pointing to venues having live music again as a promising step.

The dance’s history as a Black dance is a focus Nelson tries to give when he teaches.

“There’s been a lot of international conversations around the role of teaching, how we ought to be teaching, and how we can best respect the fact that we are teaching a Black dance — how can we best provide solid representation and appreciation for the dance,” he said. “I still think there’s lots of room for improvement there too.”

Specifically, the idea that the dance had a “revival” is what is

Both Rachel and Duby are looking forward to their lives as U.S. citizens here in Colorado.

pushed back on. As Nelson puts it, it “presents a whitewashing of the current popularity of swing dancing - i.e. it paints a picture of an activity ‘saved’ from extinction by white people, rather than a living art form still practiced within Black communities.”

Within Denver though, it is far from extinction or needing to be saved. Tuesday nights at “The Merc,” Friday nights at the Turnverin, and Sunday nights back to “The Merc” again, Lindy Hop is going strong in the city and welcomes beginners, experts and intermediates all alike.

Take a hop, skip and a jump into the city and see what you can do to the tune of “swingin tin-pan standards.”

Rachel is grateful for the caring familial setting she has established for herself and her daughter.

to vote for the first time in November. But it was also difficult, she

“For me, getting to vote really mattered,” Rachel said. “It was not about the vote, but more about making an educated vote.”

Both have big dreams. Duby hopes to some day sponsor some of her family members in Vietnam so they can join her here in the U.S.

“Even though I don’t have family (blood relatives) here,” she said, “Warren Village is like a very huge family.”

Ceth Stifel and Dani Botello, teachers from Swing Nights, performing at the Mercury Cafe.

COURTESY OF MARA ELAINE

Transgender Center of the Rockies reflects on need for change

Group honors victims

BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Hours before the mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs, community members gathered for Transgender Center of the Rockies’ event, Trans Day of Remembrance, to honor the lives of transgender individuals who were killed in 2022.

“We have to have a day to commemorate these losses and come together as a community to honor the people that unjustly died, and think about how the community can grieve, and heal and move forward,” said April Owen, the director at Transgender Center of the Rockies, located in Sheridan.

Transgender Day of Remembrance, observed annually on Nov. 20, memorializes transgender and gender diverse people whose lives were lost due to anti-transgender violence.

As of Nov. 16, at least 32 transgender and gender-nonconforming people have been killed in the U.S. in 2022, according to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. The majority of victims were Black transgender women.

During the remembrance event on Nov. 19, the Transgender Center of the Rockies held a moment of silence for all victims.

Transgender Center of the Rockies is a program developed through Mile High Behavioral Healthcare, which

offers resources to transgender, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming and gender diverse people.

“To invoke their memory is to honor their power,” said Petty Patty, a drag performer who emceed for the event. “If there is one call to action that you walk away with this evening, it is to mourn the dead and fight like hell for the living.”

Five killed, 17 injured in shooting at LGBTQ club

Just before midnight on Nov. 19, a gunman entered Club Q, an LGBTQ

and opened fire, killing at least five people and wounding 17 others until he was stopped by two patrons, The Colorado Sun reported.

The five people killed were: Derrick Rump, a bartender at Club Q; Daniel Aston, a transgender man and bartender at Club Q; Kelly Loving, who was visiting the club on a weekend trip; Ashley Paugh, who went to see a comedian perform at Club Q; and Raymond Green Vance, who went to the club with his girlfriend, her parents and other friends

to celebrate a birthday.

The accused shooter faces 10 preliminary charges, including five counts of committing a bias-motivated crime, according to The Colorado Sun.

The morning of Nov. 20, Owen woke up to messages about the shooting.

“It was really hard to wake up to that, because the night before, our program had put on a Trans Day of Remembrance event that I had spent five or six hours at and everyone had worked really hard on and brought the community together,” Owen said.

“To see that something like this happened on that day, or on the eve of that day, was especially troubling.”

When the Transgender Center of the Rockies’ event ended on Nov. 19, Owen said some of her staff went out to celebrate that night.

“I’m just so thankful that it wasn’t the bar that they went to or the club that they went to,” Owen said.

Mental health e ects

The mass shooting at Club Q has caused a lot of fear and anxiety for LGBTQ+ people, said Owen, a clinical psychologist by training.

“Having to be hyper-vigilant about our surroundings and wondering what is safe, it takes a lot of energy and mental effort,” she said. “This is just another added burden that this community has to face, and it’s really difficult.

Vigil outside of Club Q on Nov. 21.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHY LEES

CHANGE

FROM

“I think it’s really difficult to navi gate a world that feels unsafe a lot of the time.”

Transgender Center of the Rock ies was all-hands-on-deck on Nov. 21, Owen said, offering mental health services ranging from short-term to ongoing therapy.

“Right now, we’re obviously pre pared to provide crisis intervention, to help folks who are just struggling with this specific issue,” she said.

Owen said people expressed a range of emotions following the shooting, including sadness, grief, anger, numbness and hopelessness.

“Everybody kind of has their own individual way of processing and grieving and healing, but the whole gamut of emotions is on display,” she said. “It’s really understandable for all of that to come up and (is) valid.”

With the holidays, this time of year is already challenging for a lot of transgender and nonbinary people who may have been kicked out of their family, or have strained relationships with people they once celebrated the holidays with, Owen said.

According to the Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health, 45% of LG BTQ+ youth seriously considered at tempting suicide in the past year, and approximately one in five transgen der and nonbinary youth attempted suicide.

LGBTQ+ youth “are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their

sexual orientation or gender iden tity but rather placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society,” accord ing to the Trevor Project.

Owen said there have been a couple of instances where staff have felt unsafe, noting many staff members are gender diverse themselves.

“There’s some real fears, and we’re trying to think about that moving forward,” Owen said. “We’re for tunate that nothing really bad has happened to us, but I don’t want that to be — there to be a change in that story later.”

The Colorado Sun reported some political scientists and activists have said an increase in recent anti-trans and anti-gay rhetoric and protests set up violence like the shooting at Club Q.

Owen said when people say an LGBTQ+ person is making up who they are, or make fun of a person’s identity, or say they shouldn’t be able to get the kind of treatments or care that will help them feel better about themselves, it sends an aggressive, hostile message.

“I can’t say with 100% certainty that there’s a correlation,” Owen said about the possible connection between the rhetoric and violence.

“But in my mind, it certainly would make sense that there would be.”

Creating a safer community

To help create a safer environment for the LGBTQ+ community, Owen recommended local community leaders talk with gender diverse, transgender and nonbinary people directly, even suggesting a town hallstyle event.

“Making there be a way where those conversations are facilitated and happening would be really im portant,” she said.

She noted some people may not trust law enforcement, given the LGBTQ+ movement historically started at Stonewall in New York. The Stonewall riots occurred in 1969 when LGBTQ+ people protested in response to a police raid of the Stone wall Inn.

“I think a lot of those relationships need to be worked on and repaired between community leaders — re ally trying to understand the specific needs of this community, not being afraid of them, acknowledging that they actually exist, wanting to get to know them,” Owen said.

If people asked members of the LGBTQ+ community what needs to happen, the response would be policy and action, Owen said.

“Politics matter,” she said. “We’re going to have to do something. We’re going to have to make things differ ent, and it’s not enough to just care.”

During the Trans Day of Remem brance event, State Rep. Brianna Titone of House District 27, who was the first openly transgender state legislator in Colorado, highlighted the need for greater inclusion of transgender, nonbinary and gendernonconforming people.

“With only around 50 total elected trans folks at every level of gov ernment, there’s still a very small amount of representation. And be cause we lack seats at the table in so many places, we have been the target of political aggression, with trans kids taking the bulk of the attacks,” Titone said in a pre-recorded video

shown during the event.

The fastest way to make change is for LGBTQ+ people to use their voice at the state house, at protests and to “take every seat that’s available that you can get at the table, whenever you can.”

“We need to be seen. We need to be heard. And it’s time for everyone who has a seat at the table to bring that folding chair to those who are the most marginalized,” Titone said. “We can’t do this alone. We need allies to have these tough conversa tions with us and for us.”

One person showed allyship the morning of Nov. 21 by coming to the Transgender Center of the Rockies and giving a donation to its closet, called Marsha’s Closet, which offers free gender-affirming clothes.

“She gave us a donation and said, ‘I’m so sorry (for) what happened on Saturday to the LGBTQ community, and I just wanted you to know there’s people that care,’” Owen said.

“That really does help. We need our allies. We need cisgender, hetero sexual people to be caring about this, to have conversations about it. Let people know it matters.”

For people in the LGBTQ+ commu nity, Owen recommended surround ing themselves with people who care about them and reaching out for mental health support if needed.

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Traditionally, playing with food has a bad reputation, but the rising popularity of charcuterie boards is changing that by encouraging diners to get creative with endless mix-and-match options.

Part art project, part meal prep, charcuterie is typically a combination of cheeses, meats and crackers or bread, arranged on a shared plate, Chad Halbrook, general manager for Postino Winecafe on Broadway in Denver, said.

However, the growing love for charcuterie has also led to an expanded take on the term, with all sorts of spins offering a variety of finger foods and pairings, he noted.

Halbrook said charcuterie gained a lot of fans during the pandemic when restaurants were reduced to take-out and more people were cooking at home because it’s an option that’s quick, versatile and requires few kitchen skills.

“People wanted to spice up what they were snacking on at home, make it look good and not necessarily spend a lot of time cooking,” Halbrook said.

He said that charcuterie’s popularity also spikes during the holiday season for those same reasons.

“When we dine with friends, it’s a communal experience and there’s something that brings people together in conversation over a charcuterie board as opposed to individual entrees,” he said.

The demand for charcuterie resulted in the option popping up on restaurant menus all over the area, including several at Postino’s, as well as spawning classes on building boards and whole businesses dedicated to selling premade charcuterie for those not inclined to make their own.

In Castle Rock, one such business is Farmgirl Foods, a market that features local products, including charcuterie, and offers DIY classes. Owner Melissa Clement said she thinks the charcuterie boards and classes are so popular

because it’s a fun and social activity, whether you’re making a spread or just eating it.

“People will get so excited when they learn how to make a prosciutto rose or taste something, whether it’s a combination of flavors or one particular product, that opens up their palate,” she said.

When Clement is putting together her charcuterie, she typically starts with opposing textures and flavors, like a savory creamy brie and candied walnuts. She likes to include a hard cheese, a soft cheese and a crumbly cheese alongside some dried or smoked meats, like salami, prosciutto or chorizo, as well as crackers, bread and toppings.

Toppings can range from fruits, veggies, nuts or chocolate to spreads like honey, jam, hummus or mustard, she said.

“You want all the flavors to play with each other,” Clement said. “I always like to do something smoky or spicy together with something sweet.”

Halbrook also noted that swapping out meat for more cheese or adding more alternative options makes charcuterie easy to alter for a variety of diets and allergies. Similarly, Halbrook suggested making seasonal changes, such as adding in herbs, cranberries and oranges for winter spreads.

“It doesn’t always have to be meat and cheese,” he said. “You can do all sorts of things to please every person attending your holiday event or party. You can do veggie board for your vegan friends, which allows you to really splash more color on the board.”

Both Halbrook and Clement recommend splurging on the cheese, since it’s the star of the spread, but noted charcuterie doesn’t have to be pricey. Clement suggests cutting down on the accouterments or using what’s already on hand.

For proportions, Clement said she plans around two ounces of each cheese and meat per person if serving as an appetizer, or up to 6 ounces of each food per person if it’s the main meal.

Halbrook added there’s no harm in starting with smaller amounts.

“There’s no shame in refilling or having a backup item,” he said.

As for styling the charcuterie in an Instagram-worthy way, Clement said she will start by laying out the bigger items so that she can design around them. One of her favorite tips is to top the board by sprinkling dried fruit or edible flowers on top.

Ultimately though, she said there are no set rules, and that’s what makes it fun.

“A lot of times I won’t do a flat board, I’ll do a tiered tray,” Clement said of the possibilities. “The No. 1 thing to remember is you can’t do it wrong, you really can’t.”

Still, for those that don’t want to spend the time to prep and build charcuterie, there are several businesses in the Denver metro area that offer pre-made charcuterie, including both Farmgirl Foods and Postino, which also has locations in

LoHi and at 9th and Colorado.

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Highlands Ranch,

Postino Winecafe, which has four locations in Denver and Highlands Ranch, o ers a variety of board appetizers that can be ordered for take out. Chad Halbrook, assistant manager for the Postino on Broadway, said the communal nature of charcuterie makes it a common choice for groups and parties.

COURTESY OF POSTINO WINECAFE

A Christmas Carol By Charles Dickens

Adapted by Richard Hellesen

Music by David de Berry

Directed by Anthony Powell