Colorado Expression magazine - December 18-January 2019

T H E

B E S T

Winter Park Ski Train

O F

C O L O R A D O

Dispatch

A Different Drummer

L I V I N G

The Ultimate Meier Skis

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CONTENTS

In this Issue

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44

52

Out & About 8

Features 40

Sip & Savor 48

Shot in the Dark

Meier Skis

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

By Kim D. McHugh

By Lisa Perry

Matt Cudmore and Ted Eynon make handcrafted skis and snowboards at their Denver-based Meier Craft Skiery.

Try some of these drink-and-appetizer pairings with seasonal flair suggested by top bars and restaurants.

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Revisit some of the recent events around town supporting local nonprofits.

24 Social Calendar

By Elizabeth Jones

Plan to attend some of these upcoming events and galas that benefit causes in our communities.

This Drummer Doesn’t Miss a Beat

32

Brad Corrigan’s notion of harmony extends far beyond the stage.

Colorado Sake Co. is the state’s first-ever sake-tasting room taking this spirit to new heights of flavor.

Facebook

Cover

Bits & Pieces

By Colleen Smith

Taproom Tour

By Dana R. Butler

By Joy Lawrance

Find out about local toy drives you can contribute to, where chefs like to eat, events during the National Western Stock Show and much more.

36 Hot Tickets

By Elizabeth Jones

Fill your winter season with outings to some of the many offerings for the holidays and beyond.

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COLORADO EXPRESSION (ISSN # 1070-5066) is published bi-monthly by New West Publishing Inc., 3600 S. Beeler St., Ste. 100, Denver, Colorado 80237, Elizabeth Hamilton, owner, 303-694-1289; fax: 303-694-6939; e-mail: info@coloradoexpression.com; website: coloradoexpression.com. Annual one-year subscription rate is $22.00, cover price is $4.00. Periodicals postage is paid at Denver, Colorado and additional entries. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Colorado Expression, c/o New West Publishing, 3600 S. Beeler St., Ste. 100, Denver, Colorado 80237.

Copyright© 2019, New West Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

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COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

Photography by Noah Berg, Walnut Street Photography

DenverGents

Isaac Stroope, Matthew Smith, Golden Goodwin

Outfits

Suitsupply, Cherry Creek North; Neiman Marcus, Cherry Creek Shopping Center; Hat from Goorin Bros. Hat Shop, Larimer Square

Location

El Five, LoHi

CONTENTS

In this Issue 56 Fashion

By Noah Berg and Geovanny Flores

DenverGents style it up around town—and beyond.

62 Health & Wellness

By Kyle Andrew Speidell

At each of its 17 locations, The Green Solution offers quality products and knowledgeable service.

64 Entrepreneurs

By Bradley Joseph

This next-gen Elway crafts his own business, a Denver-based custom hat company.

74

Departments 28

Getaways

By Marge D. Hansen

Public Persona

The Amtrak Winter Park Express offers a scenic, no-stress excursion to the slopes.

By Scott S. Evans

News, brews and a commitment to journalism guide television anchor Kyle Clark.

70 Club Profile

30 Nonprofit Profile

By Joanne Davidson

By Kim D. McHugh 78

The Joshua School serves students aged 2 to 21 with autism spectrum disorder.

A Tom Weiskopf-designed course, private ski mountain and Big Sky panoramas set Yellowstone Club apart.

72

54

Enterprise

Art Scene

By Charlie Brown

John Beauprez is winning at cards and at business.

By Colleen Smith

This Colorado photographer’s images celebrate national parks and give back to the cause.

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64

74 Art & Design

By Julie Dunn

Facebook

Marabou Ranch near Steamboat Springs attracts families with a love for the outdoors and wide open spaces.

Twitter

78

facebook.com/coloradoexpression twitter.com/coloexpression

Colorado Spaces

Instagram

By Suzanne S. Brown

instagram.com/coloradoexpression

Pinterest

pinterest.com/coloexpression

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COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

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The Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust helps protect our agricultural land and lifestyle.

From the Publisher

COLORADO expression OWNER/PUBLISHER

Elizabeth Hamilton

Happy New Year Wistfully, or happily, we say goodbye to 2018 and welcome the New Year

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Frederick Churbuck MANAGING EDITOR

Elizabeth Jones CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Suzanne S. Brown ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR

Sheree Hedin OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Lisa Buscietta DESIGN/PRODUCTION

Connie Robertson Andrea Späth PHOTOGRAPHY

Noah Berg Pamela Cress Joanne Davidson Geovanny Flores Lisa Perry DIGITAL/SOCIAL MEDIA

Misti Mills CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Charlie Brown Dana R. Butler Julie Dunn Scott S. Evans Marge D. Hansen Bradley Joseph Joy Lawrance Kim D. McHugh Lisa Perry Colleen Smith

I

n the midst of parties, cooking, entertaining, sharpening my ice skates, prepping for the ski season and perusing the schedule for the Stock Show (whew!), I love to set aside quiet time to reflect on the past year, savoring all that I’m grateful for. I also think about the upcoming year and what I hope to accomplish, enjoy and celebrate. One of my favorite pastimes growing up was a train ride to Winter Park, so you can bet taking the train for a day of skiing will be on my must-do list. It’s such a great way to beat the traffic, relish the company of friends and enjoy the scenery on the way to the slopes. Another to-do will be trying new skis, homegrown here in Colorado. I bet that will be on your list too after you read about Matt Cudmore, who started Meier Skis in his Glenwood Springs garage. I’ll also plan on continuing our tradition here at the magazine of acknowledging Coloradans who give back and make a difference in our communities. In this issue, we feature the DenverGents, the coolest guys in town, who not only embody style but are also active in philanthropic efforts in Denver. We couldn’t resist photographing them in the backdrop of our amazing state. On a note of sadness, we also photographed the guys with my horse, Howard, who I had for many years, and who passed a few days following the photo shoot. I miss him dearly, and know others who had the pleasure of knowing him feel the same. Another man in Colorado who selflessly does incredible things for people in need is Brad Corrigan. I so love the Dispatch musician and think you will too after reading his amazing story of music and philanthropy. As I look back on 2018, I want to express my gratitude to you, our advertisers and readers who support Colorado Expression and the celebration of all that is wondrous in our state. Cheers to a happy and prosperous 2019 in which we all contribute and thrive.

Elizabeth Hamilton President and publisher, New West Publishing

ADVERTISING AND SALES

sales@coloradoexpression.com FIND THE VERY BEST OF COLORADO INQUIRIES AND SUBMISSIONS

info@coloradoexpression.com

Stay in the know so you can plan your next outing with our monthly newsletter. Sign up at coloradoexpression.com. And for the latest happenings around our state, follow us on Facebook (@ColoradoExpression), Instagram (@coloradoexpression) and Twitter (@ColoExpression) DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 COLORADO EXPRESSION 7

SHOT IN THE DARK

All for a Good Cause Sunset in the Country Held at the J-5 Equestrian Center, Sunset in the Country benefited Anchor Center for Blind Children.

Photography by Lisa Perry

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More photos for these events: coloradoexpression.com 8

COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

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SHOT IN THE DARK

Colorado Expression Launch Party The Colorado Expression Launch Party, celebrating the August-September issue, was held on the rooftop of the Halcyon Hotel in North Cherry Creek.

Photography by Pamela Cress

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1 Melissa Oster, Bradley Joseph, Joanne Davidson 2 Steven Wiskow, Julie Gart 3 Taylor Roark, Candace Duran, Chelsey Nickel 4 Clem Connolly, Heidi Hammell 5 Julie Wilson, Michael Moore, Jessica Bachus 6 Holly Arnold Kinney, Charlie Brown 7 Whitney Henwood, Jensen Sutta 8 Syd Sexton, Denise Smith 9 Misti Mills, Kyle Dyer, Julie Andrews 10 Chase Smith, Wendy Manning, Carla Valdez 11 Julie Andrews, Megan Bee 12 Gretchen TeBockhorst, Larina Chen

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COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

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SHOT IN THE DARK

Children’s Hospital Gala The annual Children’s Hospital Gala held at Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center benefited Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Photography by Pamela Cress

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1 Nina, Tyler and Megan Holtmeyer, Braden Wagner, Bruce and Bev Wagner, Stephanie Locke, Taylor Wagner 2 Jena Hausmann, CEO Children’s Hospital Colorado, son Carson, Kevin Hausmann 3 Heather and Scott Hughes 4 Drew Kamppila, Caroline Fitzhugh, Julie and Jacob Vest 5 Ashley Balakas, Dr. Maria Mandt, Ryan Balakas, Dr. Bruce Mandt 6 Drs. Dominik and Marisa Wiktor 7 Chad and Misty Meade, Nora and Kevin Baldwin 8 Patrick and Brenda Driscoll 9 Matt Palumbo, Kali and Keith Wallace, Ryan Dorsey 10 Brandon and Wendy Johnson, Kyle and Kelly Hercher

More photos for these events: coloradoexpression.com 14

COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

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SHOT IN THE DARK

Dine For The High Line Held along the High Line Canal at DeLaney Community Farms, Dine For The High Line benefited the High Line Canal Conservancy.

Photography by Jill Kaplan Photography

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1 Michael and Pamela O’Neal, Sherri and Buz Koelbel, Founding Partners HLCC 2 Yael Nyholm, David Andrews, Tony Pickett, Cheryl Worthy Pickett 3 Charlie and Karin Woolley, Carolyn and Bruce O’Donnell 4 Jock and Sue Bickert, Paula Herzmark 5 John Lucero, Stacie Gilmore, Kendra Black, Scott Gilmore 6 Carol McDermott, Event Co-chair; Dirk McDermott, Board President HLCC; Kathy Tyree, Event Co-chair; Tom Tyree

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Dior: From Paris to the World is organized by the Denver Art Museum. It is presented by Joy and Chris Dinsdale.

Gianfranco Ferré, Robe Hellébore, Dior Collection Haute Couture, Spring 1995 (detail). Photo ©Paolo Roversi/Art + Commerce

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 COLORADO EXPRESSION

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SHOT IN THE DARK

Fill a Plate for Hunger Held at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Fill a Plate for Hunger benefited We Don’t Waste.

Photography by Pamela Cress

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More photos for these events: coloradoexpression.com 16

COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

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SHOT IN THE DARK

An Evening of Comedy Benefiting the Zarlengo Foundation, An Evening of Comedy, starring 2007 “America’s Got Talent” winner Terry Fator, was held at the Bellco Theatre.

Photography by Joanne Davidson

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1 Renee and Joe Toney, Maureen Tarrant 2 Patti Zarlengo, Bob Zarlengo, trustee Zarlengo Foundation 3 Katie Zarlengo, executive director Zarlengo Foundation; Meg Zarlengo 4 Katie Zarlengo, Dr. Gerald Zarlengo, trustee Zarlengo Foundation; Dr. Karen Zarlengo, board vice president Zarlengo Foundation 5 Faye Washington, Dr. Reginald Washington 6 Jim Billings, Brenda Christy

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SHOT IN THE DARK

Concours d’Elegance The 16th annual Concours d’Elegance held at Centennial Airport benefited The Morgan Adams Foundation.

Photography by Pamela Cress

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1 Lindsey Sheppard, Joy Cruse, Jill Cione 2 Chris and Stephanie Henry 3 Adam McKay, Sabrina Nelson, Tyler Ballinger 4 Judah and Rory in front of a 2015 Lamborghini Huracan 5 Dave Opperman, Jack Thompson, Lewis Kling 6 David Sloan, Mindy Smith, Roger Hutson 7 Gina and Arturas Karnisovas, Keisha and Calvin Booth, Nikola Jokic, Natalija Macesic 8 Amy and Vic Reynolds 9 Patrick Holmes with his 1926 Nimbus Stovepipe, winner in the motorcycle class 10 Carole Zeigler with her 1957 Mercedes Benz Gullwing

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SHOT IN THE DARK

Moonbeam Harvest Held on the Historic Clayton Campus, Moonbeam Harvest benefited Clayton Early Learning.

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O N E C H E R RY L A N E 12 SO M M ERS ET C IRC LE

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SOCIAL CALENDAR

Colorado’s Social Scene

By Elizabeth Jones

Commerce with the opportunity to recognize our state’s top leaders.

303-260-6286 • coloradobusinesshalloffame.org

February December 1

The ninth annual 1940s White Christmas Ball—It’s a Wonderful Life—at the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center raises funds for: The Colorado 10th Mountain Division Foundation, The Commemorative Air Force, Rocky Mountain Honor Flight, The Audie Murphy Infantry Museum and The Young Aviators 43.

720-924-1945 • 1940sball.org 1

The fifth annual Sing It To Me Santa at the Ogden Theatre featuring The Fray and Tracksuit Wedding benefits Take Note Colorado. takenotecolorado.org 4

Colorado Gives Day is an annual statewide movement to celebrate and increase philanthropy in Colorado through online giving. coloradogives.org 4

Each December Amp the Cause brings 2,000 local children from Title 1 schools the ultimate holiday party during Holidays for Kids held at four different beneficiary locations.

303-605-2885 • ampthecause.org 6

The 38th annual Collectors’ Choice, the Denver Art Museum’s elegant black-tie fundraising gala, will be held at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center.

720-913-0069 • denverartmuseum.org

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Jewish Family Service’s event The Faces of JFS Winter Soirée at The Hanger at Stanley Marketplace will honor David Asarch and Mindy Levy Peckar.

303-597-5000 • jewishfamilyservice.org 22

The 63rd Denver Debutante Ball presentation of 28 debutantes at The Brown Palace Hotel will benefit the Denver Botanic Gardens.

303-297-3111 • denverbotanicgardens.org 31

The 17th annual New Year’s Eve White Rose Gala—Roaring 20s/Great Gatsby—at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House will benefit the Global Orphan Foundation.

720-507-1376 • newyearspartydenver.com

January 14

Robert “Bob” Tointon will be honored as the 2019 Citizen of the West at this annual dinner held at the National Western Events Center to benefit the National Western Scholarship Trust.

303-296-6977 • nationalwestern.com 31

Held at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, The Colorado Business Hall of Fame Dinner provides Junior Achievement and the Denver Metro Chamber of

COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

Join Colorado Ballet for the An Evening in Oz Gala at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House to include an excerpt from the much anticipated premiere of The Wizard of Oz. 303-837-8888 • coloradoballet.org 9

Celebrate the Year of the Pig at the Chinese New Year Party and Night Market at the Grand Hyatt Denver raising funds for the Nathan Yip Foundation.

303-817-8400 • nathanyipfoundation.org 9-10

The Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation seventh annual Kaleidoscope at The Ritz-Carlton, Denver includes a relaxing funfilled weekend and luxurious overnight package.

303-839-6782 • rmchildren.org 22-24

The 44th Annual Wells Fargo Ski Cup in Winter Park benefits the National Sports Center for the Disabled.

970-726-1518 • nscd.org 23

Beaux Arts Ball—The Greatest Showman will be held at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center to benefit National Jewish Health.

877-354-6719 • nationaljewish.org

March 1-2

The 20th annual Jane-A-Thon, the longest running true Colorado ski &

SOCIAL CALENDAR

snowboard event, held at the Mary Jane base at Winter Park, raises funds for Invest in Kids programs.

303-839-1808 • iik.org 2

Save the date for the 39th annual Saturday Night Alive Gala, a magical night of entertainment by Vanessa Williams at the Seawell Grand Ballroom to benefit the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

303-893-4100 • denvercenter.org 7

The Give Your Love to Breakthrough Gala held at Kent Denver School Dining Hall is a fun evening with dinner, drinks, auction items and music. Funds support Breakthrough Kent Denver programs providing educational and social opportunities to motivated, under-resourced, middle and high school students.

720-225-8997 • breakthroughdenver.org 9

Support Amp the Cause at the Celebrity Waiter dinner. Enjoy phenomenal food, exciting company and the entertaining antics of local celebrities who will act as your server for the evening.

303-605-2885 • ampthecause.org 9

Denver Heart Ball—An Evening with Heart—at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center benefits the Denver Chapter of the American Heart Association.

303-801-4655 • ahadenver.ejoinme.org 12

The 2019 Business for the Arts Awards Luncheon at the Seawell Grand Ballroom will honor outstanding business and arts partnerships from across state through the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts.

720-428-6720 • cbca.org

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Kempe Imagine 2019: Believe in Magic at Hyatt Regency at Colorado Convention Center will feature keynote speaker Jason Bishop, raising critical funds for The Kempe Center.

303-864-5300 • kempe.org 29

Come together for Rose Andom Center at the third annual New Experiance Gala, held at the Seawell Grand Ballroom. Funds raised improve the lives of domestic violence victims.

720-337-4482 • roseandomcenter.org 30

Save the date for the 2019 Night Shine Gala, an evening for the Denver Health Foundation. Location TBA. 303-602-2978 • denverhealthfoundation.org

April 3

Save the date for the Jewish Family Service Executive Luncheon. Keynote speaker and location to be announced.

303-597-5000 • jewishfamilyservice.org 10

Held at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, the Denver Public Schools Foundation Achieve Gala celebrates DPS student’s triumphs.

720-423-3553 • dpsfoundation.org 18

Nate’s Night at Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox celebrates Nathan’s funloving spirit and his love of music.

Funds raised by Friends of Nathan Yip stays in Colorado, supporting educational opportunities through the Nathan Yip Foundation.

303-817-8400 • nathanyipfoundation.org

COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

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The PUSH Gala, the largest fundraiser for Craig Hospital, will be held at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center to support Craig’s programs and research.

303-789-8000 • craighospital.org Social Calendar covers formal fundraising events for nonprofit organizations throughout Colorado. If you wish to have an event listed, please contact Colorado Expression at 303-694-1289, or email info@coloradoexpression.com.

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation, Colorado Expression 1. Title of publication: Colorado Expression Magazine. 2.

Publication number: 1070-5066. 3. Filing Date: 9/27/18. 4.

Issue Frequency: Bi-Monthly: February/April/June/August/ October/December. 5. Number of issues published annually: 6. Annual Subscription Price: $22.00. 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 3600 South Beeler Street, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80237. 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters of publisher or general Business office of publisher: New West Publishing, Inc., 3600 South Beeler Street, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80237. 9.

Full names and mailing addresses of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: Publisher, Elizabeth D. Hamilton, 3600 South Beeler Street, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80237. Managing Editor, Elizabeth Jones, 3600 South Beeler Street, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80237. 10. Owner: (name and address of the corporation): New West Publishing, Inc., 3600 South Beeler Street, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80237. Owners: Elizabeth D. Hamilton and Kelly B. Tisher at the address shown for the corporation. 11. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None. 12.

Tax Status: Has not changed during preceding 12 months.

13. Publication title: Colorado Expression Magazine. 14.

Issue date for circulation data below: October 1, 2018. 15.

Extent and nature of circulation: 15(a). Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 22,834. No. of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 23,000. 15(b). Paid and/or requested distribution. 15(1).

Outside County paid/requested mail subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541. Average, 8,570. Issue published nearest to filing date, 8,615. 15(3) Sales through dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and other paid or requested distribution outside USPS: Average, 7,126. Issue published nearest to filing date, 7,175. 15(c) Total paid and/or requested circulation (Sum of 15b (1)(2)(3) and (4): Average, 15,696. Issue published nearest to filing date, 15,790.

15(d). Non-requested distribution by mail and outside the mail. 15(1) Outside County Nonrequested copies stated on PS Form 3541: Average 5,872. Issue published nearest to filing date, 6,076. 15(d) Nonrequested copies distributed outside the mail: Average 375. Issue published nearest to filing date, 265. 15(e). Total Non-requested Distribution (Sum of 15d (1)(2(3) and (4): Average 6,247. Issue published nearest to filing date, 6,341. 15 (f). Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and e): Average 21,943. Issue published nearest to filing date, 22,131. 15(G). Copies not distributed: Average 891. Issues published nearest to filing date, 869. 145(h).

Total (Sum of 15f and g): Average 22,834. Issue published nearest to filing date, 23,000. 15(i) Percent paid and/or requested (15c divided by f times 100): Average, 72%. Issue published nearest to filing date, 71%. 16. Electronic Copy Circulation. 16(a) Requested and Paid Electronic Copies: N/A no electronic copies. 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the December 18 / January 19 issue of this publication.

I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete: Lisa Buscietta, Operations Director.

D E N V E R • C H E R RY C R E E K • G R E E N WO O D V I L L AG E • C H E R RY H I L L S • CA ST L E P I N E S

RIKE PALESE 303-522-5550 rpalese@classicnhs.com

JONATHAN KEILER 303-619-2917 jkeiler@classicnhs.com visit our website at rikejon.com

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PUBLIC PERSONA

9NEWS ANCHOR KYLE CLARK IS best described as authentic. For a journalist and political reporter in today’s media and political climate, he is a welcome breath of humility, honesty and directness. Clark is one of the rare political journalists who has been positively cited by the left (Maddow) and right (Hannity). He credits that to a commitment not to an ideology, but to a standard. The three-time local Emmy winner and two-time Colorado Broadcaster Association winner discussed his love of Colorado and his belief that the way to fix the toxic political environment is to get people talking to each other.

Tune into “Next with Kyle Clark” to check out his sport coats and stay for the discussion.

Kyle Clark

What surprises people about you?

That I am an introvert.

How do people describe you?

I think intense is frequently used and probably fair. I’m also passionate about what I do.

Favorite Denver metro restaurant?

I am a huge fan of Tables in Denver, but since the baby was born, we really don’t go out much.

What was the last great book you read?

I read about six books at a time.

I read the World Made by Hand series by James Kunstler. I love dystopian post-apocalyptic fiction because it reminds me that s#*t can always get worse.

What is your biggest fashion faux pas?

Courage. Or a complete and utter disregard for other people’s opinions.

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Photo: Luisa Alvarez, 9News

Who do you most admire?

I have tremendous admiration for my 93-year-old grandmother. She has remarkable perseverance.

NEWS, BREWS AND A COMMITMENT TO JOURNALISM GUIDE TELEVISION ANCHOR

By Scott S. Evans Name: Kyle Clark Age: 35 Marital status: Married Children: A daughter, nearly 1 year old Career: Political reporter and news anchor Hometown: Lyons, New York Where do you call home today? Denver Website: 9news.com/next

COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

GET TO KNOW COLORADO’S TOP PERSONALITIES

I wear things that I find interesting.

But my unusual sport coats have become a visual handshake.

nonsense. That is not something we were spending time on 10 to 15 years ago.

What is one thing that you absolutely can’t live without?

Hot sauce.

Who do you like to follow on social media?

I like to follow insightful people who are not public people, because they tell us where our blind spots are and what we are missing.

What was your last major purchase?

An espresso maker.

What gadget can you not live without?

I’m obsessed with tinkering with smart home gadgets.

What are your hobbies?

Fixing up the house has been the entirety of my life for the past couple of years. I also love to travel and visit Colorado’s breweries.

What one word describes Coloradans to you?

Adventurous.

What is your favorite spot in Colorado to visit?

Telluride.

Are you involved with any charities?

We support nonprofit journalism, job retraining programs and animal welfare organizations and shelters.

How has “Next with Kyle Clark” impacted your career?

It’s really kept me in the business.

“Next” is why I am still in journalism. It is guided by the community and allows me to be responsive. It keeps us relevant and fresh. It moves us away from what I call the “litany of tragedy” style of newscasts. I like people to watch the news not out of fear but out of joy and curiosity.

What are the biggest challenges in your business?

Credibility and trust are the number one issues for news journalists today.

It’s not necessarily a new issue, but it has gotten a larger spotlight in the political climate of today. It’s easy to find things to make you feel good but are not true. We are asking people to choose intellectual discomfort.

What took you down this career path?

I grew up in a family of storytellers.

I remember going to my grandfather’s farm and we’d share stories around the table. A farmer, a teacher, a naturalist, a corrections officer, all walks of life. We would share and listen to great stories.

How did being in a small New York market prepare you for your work with 9News?

It was my local market and if you did something wrong, you heard about it immediately. Working in my hometown market, you bring some institutional knowledge. I have always tried to hold on to the idea that you are talking to people’s friends and family, so be courteous and respectful and don’t sugarcoat things.

How has social media changed the news business?

For better and worse, it has made us more reactive. It’s good when it’s responsive and transparent.

However, I also find we are spending a lot of time batting down

Is there a most memorable moment for you when you were on the news?

The balloon boy day sticks out. The boy who floated away in a hot air balloon in Fort Collins. Covering the Aurora shooting also sticks out.

You have been praised by both liberal and conservative media for your reporting. How do you hold the middle?

You try to apply a single standard.

It doesn’t mean you dig somebody on the left today and somebody on the right tomorrow. You simply try to apply the same standard to everyone.

Beer has been in the news recently. Tell me about your enthusiasm for beer?

It started with a store in Rochester, New York, Beers of the World. It was fascinating to learn about other areas of the world through beer.

Now the craft market is a fun social scene in Colorado. Today we have over 300 breweries. When I started at 9News, they didn’t like my mentioning that I was a home-brewer.

Now, craft beer is so ubiquitous, I can talk about it whenever I want.

How do you feel about the concept of “fake news?”

It’s an obvious attempt to sow distrust to serve a political end. It’s also important to remember that journalists are human and make errors. The question is; are we accountable for them? Never trust a news outlet that doesn’t admit and correct its errors. That said, public distrust is real and we must constantly work to earn the trust.

For example, it has been grounds for dismissal at every media outlet I have worked for if a journalist simply makes something up.

Where do you hope to be in ten years?

I would love to be here and doing great journalism in Colorado.

Scott S. Evans is graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Virginia School of Law and is a father of two, a business litigation attorney, writer and high school lacrosse coach living in Centennial. Scott prefers to tell his stories 124 characters at a time @ScottEvans2312 on Twitter.

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 COLORADO EXPRESSION

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NONPROFIT PROFILE

T

THE JOSHUA SCHOOL’S START IN 2005 was hailed as a “radical (yet) heartfelt” effort by six former special education teachers in the Denver Public Schools who believed there was a way to better serve children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.

Apparently they were right because today, with a capacity enrollment of 100 students between the ages of 2 and 21 on campuses in Englewood, Centennial and Boulder and a waiting list for admission to its Early Intervention Center, The Joshua School is regarded as one of the nation’s top schools of its type. It has been cited for achieving “superior results” with its structured environments and teaching strategies that focus on helping each student lead his or her best possible life.

“We concentrate on the individual,” says executive director Ed Nichols. “We don’t put our children in a room with 30 or 40 others. There are four students per class, with a 1:1 student-teacher ratio to better address the specific needs of each student.” In addition, board-certified behavior analysts are on campus daily, as are occupational therapists, speech and language specialists and psychologists equipped to handle

The Details The Joshua School Main campus 2303 E. Dartmouth Ave. Englewood, CO 80113 joshuaschool.org 303-758-7171 Joshua Early Childhood Center 5760 E. Otero Ave. Centennial, CO 80112 720-316-5234 Joshua School Boulder 7077 Harvest Rd. Boulder, CO 80301 303-974-7732

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Education that Focuses on the Individual

A Joshua School student enjoys playing at recess

THE JOSHUA SCHOOL SERVES STUDENTS AGED 2 TO 21 WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

By Joanne Davidson Photography by Trevor Brown Jr., Trevor Brown Photography

the depression, anxiety and other mental health issues associated with autism spectrum disorder.

A remarkable 80 percent of Joshua’s early intervention program graduates have been able to continue their education in less restrictive, general education classrooms.

Outings to stores and businesses one would encounter in everyday life help students develop the communication and interpersonal skills necessary for transitioning from Joshua’s one-on-one culture to functioning

COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

independently in what Nichols describes as “one against the world” situations like grocery shopping, getting a haircut, eating at a restaurant or going to a doctor’s appointment.

Peer mentors help prepare students for interaction and inclusion, both on and off campus.

The Transition Program teams with 40 local businesses, including Spice of Life Catering, Happy Dog Ranch and Goodwill to provide training and internship opportunities for the older Joshua students. They are

AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE ACTIVITIES AND BENEFICIARIES OF LOCAL NONPROFITS

students like 17-year-old Ryan, who is in his fourth year at Joshua. He is being schooled in automotive repair at Teaching the Autism Community Trades, a Denver nonprofit that was the first in the nation to offer instruction in trade and technical skills exclusively to those with autism. Ryan also works at Share Good Foods, which prepares “grab and go” food for coffee shops and other venues.

“Our goal with the Transition Program is paid employment for everyone,” notes Kate Loving, who describes her post as Joshua’s director of education as the “best, most challenging and rewarding job I have ever had.”

Joshua’s success, Nichols maintains, is reflected in its belief that “Every child is smart, competent and whole exactly as he or she is, and dignity is the birthright of every human being. We believe our children … have a right to aspire to a life of their choosing. Together we strive to give our students lives filled with possibility, happiness and belonging.”

Parent involvement is key. Home visits help the staff to better under-

stand the family dynamic. A parent is required to be part of the Individualized Education Program that is developed for each child and a daily “back-and-forth” between the family and Joshua staffers offers “a delicate, but essential, interplay that helps bring a successful outcome.”

“Some of our kids have had challenges with other schools, and so we make our classrooms as welcoming as possible to let them know that Joshua is a safe place, with people they can trust,” Loving adds.

Ten-year-old Brady, who started at The Joshua School in July, 2018, indicates that is true, declaring that he “Really likes this school because the teachers are nice.”

The Joshua School is certified by the Colorado Department of Education and currently draws students from 13 school districts. Insurance covers tuition for early intervention students, and funds from individual school districts and the state offsets tuition that costs private-pay families upwards of $75,000 annually.

As the number of diagnosed cases of autism increases—one in every 59 children across the United States is

A student learns to communicate with an assistive technology communication device

affected by it—Nichols and his board of directors are exploring ways to address the growing need.

“Can we expand sufficiently to meet all needs?” Nichols asks. “No. But we can help.”

Joshua’s operating expenses are met through corporate and foundation grants; fundraising events such as the April 13 gala to be held at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House with entertainment by Phamaly Theatre Company; individual gifts and money generated from Colorado Gives Day (this year on Dec. 4).

The purchase of the historic David W. Brown House in Englewood that was built in 1918 as a wedding present to Brown’s daughter and is Joshua’s main campus and administrative staff headquarters, was made possible by gifts from supporters like Betty Peterson and her husband, Ralph, who had been CEO of CH2M Hill he died in 2009.

Nichols came to Joshua in 2016, following a 20-year career with IBM and his eight-year tenure as president and chief executive officer of History Colorado. The executive director’s job was open and Nichols’ friend, George Sparks, president and CEO of Denver Museum of Nature & Science recommended that Nichols hold down the fort until the job was filled. Six months later, the board of directors asked Nichols to take the job permanently.

The school is named in memory of a student who was on the autism spectrum but died from an unrelated cause. “He was a favorite of the founders and it was their love for him that helped make The Joshua School a reality,” Nichols said.

“Every year on Joshua’s birthday we serve his two favorite foods: Cheetos and Pepsi-Cola.”

Joanne Davidson has written about nonprofit organizations for The Denver Post since 1985. In addition, she is a freelance contributor for publications that include Colorado Expression.

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 COLORADO EXPRESSION

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BITS & PIECES

What’s Happening in the West

By Joy Lawrance

Virgil Ortiz

Where the Chefs Eat Kate Kavanaugh, Founder & CEO, Western Daughters Butcher Shoppe

Revolution at Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center

T

THIS SCULPTOR, PHOTOGRAPHER, graphic artist and fashion designer, a member of the Cochiti Pueblo tribe, won his first Santa Fe Indian Market award at age 14. He has long sought a way to tell the story of the 1680 Pueblo Revolt through his artwork.

His Revolt storyline takes viewers back to the historical events of that year and moves forward through time to the year 2180 when the Animals come to the aid of the main Revolt characters to fight their common enemy. Ortiz is one of the most innovative potters of his time, with works exhibited in collections in the Netherlands, Paris, Washington, D.C., and the Denver Art Museum.

3326 Tejon St., Denver 303-477-6328, westerndaughters.com

Virgil Ortiz, Incubators

Virgil Ortiz, self portrait

The exhibit at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center is open through Jan. 6. Admission is adults, $10; military and seniors, $5; students and teachers, Free. csfineartscenter.org, 719-634-5581

Stowaway Kitchen: I love anything fresh and vegetable-forward and the food at Stowaway always meets those demands and is prepared simply and elegantly to boot. I think they have some of the most interesting flavors in Denver whether it’s for brunch, lunch, or their secret supper club.

Spuntino: I don’t think there’s a better place to find a great glass of wine, a plate full of vegetables or perfect handmade pasta, and some of the best service around. The best part? The Amaris after dinner.

The Wayback: Whether I’m just looking to get some food after work or Josh and I are headed out on a date, this place fits the bill.

My House: My dirty secret as an industry insider: I eat at home 99.9 percent of the time. My fiancé and business partner, Josh Curtiss, and I cook two meals a day in our kitchen and it is my favorite place to eat.

Ferrari of Denver Toy Drive to Benefit Zane Beadles Parade Foundation

F

The Ferrari of Denver toy drive will benefit the Zane Beadles Parade Foundation for its Holiday Extravaganza at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children to be held on Dec. 8. Founded in 2013 by then-Denver Bronco and now San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Zane Beadles, the foundation supports the

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COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

journey of young people going through life-changing medical experiences. Toys can be dropped off until Dec. 5 at Arhaus at Park Meadows, Aspen Blu Boutique at Southglenn, Ferrari of Denver on East County Line Rd., Liv Sotheby’s at 255 Clayton St., and other locations. zanesparade.org

BITS & PIECES

A History of Arvada, Colorado set for December Publication

F

Frequent Colorado Expression contributor Kimberly Field’s fourth book, New Frontiers: A History of Arvada, Colorado 1976–2006 tells the story of the ascendance of Arvada from a quiet bedroom community to a vibrant city of more than 120,000 residents. Historic Olde Town and the world-class Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities draw visitors from the metro area and beyond. With more than 250 pages of history captured through interviews with the history makers themselves, the volume is lavishly illustrated with 400 photos, maps and drawings and is published by the Arvada Historical Society. It makes a perfect gift for an Arvada resident, or any devotee of Colorado history. arvadahistory.org Kimberly Field’s latest book is on the history of Arvada

Pavilion’s Holiday

CAROUSEL

I

Rides for a Good Cause

IT WILL BE THE FOURTH YEAR FOR the Denver Pavilion’s Holiday Carousel event to benefit the Food Bank of the Rockies. Each year the organization has donated $5,000 to help feed so many who are in need. The carousel itself is a signature attraction, having been featured in the Jennifer Lopez film, Serena. Kids may love to ride the horses or other animals on the carousel, but don’t be surprised to see plenty of adults going around, too. The carousel operates from Dec. 14 to Jan. 2, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Rides are $3, or free with a voucher from a Denver Pavilions merchant. Help support this worthy cause that will supply meals to those in need. denverpavilions.com, foodbankrockies.org

An independent perspective. A disciplined process.

A commitment to putting clients first.

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Top Wealth Advisors

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ASPEN | DENVER | 303 . 321 . 8188 | www.obermeyerwood.com Rankings and recognition by unaffiliated rating services and publications should not be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if Obermeyer Wood is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services, nor should it be construed as a current or past endorsement of Obermeyer Wood by any of its clients. Rankings published by magazines, and others, generally base their selections exclusively on information prepared and submitted by the recognized adviser. Rankings are generally limited to participating advisers.

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 COLORADO EXPRESSION

33

BITS & PIECES

What’s Happening in the West National Western Stock Show

January 12-27

E Photo: Hans Watson

Photo: James C. Esten

ESTABLISHED IN 1906, THE NATIONAL Western Stock Show is the premier livestock, rodeo and horse show in the nation providing nonstop entertainment, events and western fun.

In addition to the Stock Show schedule, here are some special events to keep on your radar. The Young Guns Reception kicks off the 113th National Western Stock Show, celebrating the Coors Western Art Exhibit on Dec. 13. This social event and art exhibit is for young professionals interested in art, networking, philanthropy and the West. Want to see 40 Longhorn cattle walking through the streets of downtown Denver?

Go to the Kick-off Parade Jan. 10.

Benefiting the National Western Scholarship Trust, the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale opens with the Red Carpet Reception on Jan. 8.

This year’s featured artist is Terry Gardner. The exhibit is open to the public the same hours as the Stock Show, Jan. 12-27. Citizen of the West Robert G. Tointon, a rancher and well-known business leader and philanthropist from Greeley, will be celebrated at an award dinner on Jan. 14 at the National Western Events Center. For tickets and a complete listing of events, visit nationalwestern.com, coorswesternart.com.

Donate Now to The Village Toy Drive

T

Too many children are left out during holiday gift-giving time, so four years ago The Village Toy Drive was started by Cherry Hills Village Living Account Executive Sarah Dennis and Michelle Gruber from First American State Bank. Now, Cherry Hills Village and surrounding communities donate about 1,000 toys to Volunteers of America—gifts that are distributed to families in need during the holidays.

The families often write notes of thanks, reminding us

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COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

that it’s a sign that someone cares about them. West Middle School families and clients of First American State Bank join the effort, with the Cherry Hills Village Police Department stepping up to help collect and wrap toys. Help spread holiday joy by donating toys, volunteering at the mission, or making a donation to VOA by Dec. 14. Donation location: First American State Bank, 8930 E. Crescent Parkway, Greenwood Village. voacolorado.org/toydrive

SOUNDS & SONGS OF THE SEASON

DECEMBER

JANUARY

Ingrid Michaelson Trio presents: Songs for the Season

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ in Concert

DEC 3 MON 7:30 DEC 7-8 FRI-SAT 7:30

Ten Tenors — Home for the Holidays with your Colorado Symphony DEC 9 SUN 6:30

DEC 17 MON 7:30

Holiday Brass DEC 19 WED 7:30

HalfNotes

Itzhak Perlman with the Colorado Symphony JAN 10 THU 7:30

A Tribute to Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops

A Colorado Christmas Celtic Woman: The Best of Christmas Tour

|

MPAA RATING: PG13 HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING’S WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s18)

A Classical Christmas Conducted by Brett Mitchell

DEC 14-16 FRI 7:30 ■ SAT 2:30 & 6:00 ■ SUN 1:00

JAN 4-6 FRI-SAT 7:30 ■ SUN 1:00

JAN 12 SAT 7:30 HalfNotes

Dvořák Symphony No. 9 JAN 18-20 FRI-SAT 7:30 ■ SUN 1:00

Movie at the Symphony: Amadeus Live JAN 25-26 FRI-SAT 7:30 MPAA RATING: R Amadeus Live is a production of Avex Classics International

Too Hot to Handel DEC 21-22 FRI-SAT 7:30

A Night in Vienna DEC 31 MON 6:30

HalfNotes Please join us for family-friendly activities 1 hour before the concert.

These performances include FULL SCREENING OF THE FEATURE FILM! presenting sponsors

COLORADOSYMPHONY.ORG

also supported by

HOT TICKETS

In Town Through Dec. 22 The Humans, Curious Theatre Stephen Karam’s uproarious, hopeful and heartbreaking play takes place over the course of a family dinner on Thanksgiving.

303-623-0524 • curioustheatre.org

Can’t-miss Events Throughout Colorado

By Elizabeth Jones

Through Dec. 23 Santa’s Village, Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Enjoy colorful light displays and hands-on activities that feature the North Pole and Santa’s workshop.

720-865-3500 • botanicgardens.org

Through Dec. 24 A Christmas Carol, Stage Theatre This joyous musical adaptation traces money-hoarding Scrooge’s overnight journey to redemption.

303-893-4100 • denvercenter.org

Through Dec. 24 The Nutcracker, Ellie Caulkins Opera House Colorado Ballet’s acclaimed Nutcracker, the largest in the state, returns for its 58th year.

303-837-8888 • coloradoballet.org

Through Jan. 1 Blossoms of Light, Denver Botanic Gardens This holiday lights extravaganza transforms the York Street location into a twinkling winter wonderland.

720-865-3500 • botanicgardens.org

Through Jan. 6 Zoo Lights, Denver Zoo The magic is back and better than ever, make memories that will last a lifetime.

720-337-1400 • denverzoo.org

Through March 3 Dior: From Paris to the World, Denver Art Museum Survey 70 years of the House of Dior’s enduring legacy and global influence.

720-865-5000 • denverartmuseum.org

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Dior: From Paris to the World, Denver Art Museum, through March 3

Dec. 3

Dec. 4

Fleetweed Mac, Pepsi Center See legendary Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Stevie Nicks, and Christine McVie along with newcomers Mike Campbell and Neil Finn.

303-405-1100 • pepsicenter.com

Ina Garten, Paramount Theatre Hear stories from The Barefoot Contessa about her life in the Hamptons, her TV show and writing cookbooks.

303-623-0106 • paramountdenver.com

COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

HOT TICKETS

Dec. 5-15

the wildly popular all-brass night full of brass and percussion.

303-623-7876 • coloradosymphony.org

White Christmas, Buell Theatre Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, it’s a classic not to be missed.

303-893-4100 • denvercenter.org

Dec. 19-23

Great Russian Nutcracker, Paramount Theatre The Moscow Ballet pays homage to the original ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score.

303-623-0106 • paramountdenver.com

Dec. 13

Photo: Moscow Ballet

Dec. 7-8

Great Russian Nutcracker, Paramount Theatre, Dec. 7-8

Michelle Obama, Pepsi Center Former first lady Obama promotes her memoir Becoming on the “An Intimate Conversation with Michelle Obama” tour.

303-405-1100 • pepsicenter.com

Too Hot To Handel, Boettcher Concert Hall This concert brilliantly reinvents Handel’s Messiah with associate con­ductor Christopher Dragon.

303-623-7876 • coloradosymphony.org

A Night in Vienna, Boettcher Concert Hall Waltz into the New Year with the Colorado Symphony.

303-623-7876 • coloradosymphony.org

A Colorado Christmas, Boettcher Concert Hall The warm sounds of the holidays fill Boettcher Concert Hall with your favorite songs this December.

303-623-7876 • coloradosymphony.org

Jan. 4-6 Movie at the Symphony, Boettcher Concert Hall The Harry Potter Film Concert Series continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

303-623-7876 • coloradosymphony.org

Dec. 15 John Legend, Bellco Theatre, Dec. 15

Jan. 8-20

Dec. 17

A Bronx Tale, Buell Theatre Bursting with high-energy dance numbers and original doo-wop tunes, A Bronx Tale is unforgettable.

303-893-4100 • denvercenter.org Photo: Scott Dressel-Martin

The Brian Setzer Orchestra, Paramount Theatre Setzer and his 19-piece orchestra provide plenty of holiday cheer on the 15th anniversary “Christmas Rocks! Tour.”

303-623-0106 • paramountdenver.com

Dec. 19 Holiday Brass, Boettcher Concert Hall Love the sounds of the season at

Dec. 21-22

Dec. 31

Dec. 14-16

John Legend, Bellco Theatre Legend will promote his first holiday album “A Legendary Christmas.”

303-228-8260 • bellcotheatre.com

Cirque Éloize Hotel, Buell Theatre For its 25th anniversary, Cirque Éloize once again presents a touching, poetic, one-of-a-kind creation.

303-893-4100 • denvercenter.org

Santa’s Village, Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfiled, through Dec. 23

Jan. 12 A Tribute to Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops, Boettcher Concert Hall This fantastic tribute returns with a fresh and fun evening.

303-623-7876 • coloradosymphony.org

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 COLORADO EXPRESSION

37

HOT TICKETS

Corduroy, Conservatory Theatre, through Dec. 9

Ice Castles, Dillon, through April

Jan. 12-27

Jan. 25-27

Through April

National Western Stock Show, National Western Complex See professional rodeos, world-class horse events, educational events and Colorado’s largest western trade show. nationalwestern.com

Rock of Ages, Buell Theatre On its 10th anniversary tour, Rock of Ages is showing the smartphone generation exactly how it was done in the 1980s.

303-893-4100 • denvercenter.org

Ice Castles, Dillon Explore ice-carved tunnels, fountains, slides, frozen thrones and towers that reach up to 40 feet high. icecastles.com/Dillon

Jan. 15

Jan. 29

MKL Jr. Tribute, Boettcher Concert Hall This free community concert will feature special guest performances and will honor recipients of the 2019 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award.

303-623-7876 • coloradosymphony.org

Justin Timberlake, Pepsi Center In support of his fifth studio album, “The Man Of The Woods Tour” is Timberlakes sixth concert tour.

303-405-1100 • pepsicenter.com

Jan. 18 Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Paramount Theatre Hear Valli in person along with the new, young Four Seasons touring group for and unforgettable evening of famous melodies.

303-623-0106 • paramountdenver.com

Jan. 25-26 Movie at the Symphony, Boettcher Concert Hall Watch Academy Award winner Amadeus, while the Colorado Symphony performs the score live.

303-623-7876 • coloradosymphony.org

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Out of Town

For the Kids Through Dec. 9 Corduroy, Conservatory Theatre See this beloved children’s books spring to life on stage.

303-893-4100 • denvercenter.org

Dec. 6-9

Winter Wonderlights, Loveland Enjoy this walkable holiday attraction at Chapungu Sculpture Park. visitlovelandco.org/winterwonderlights

Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream, Pepsi Center Discover your inner hero as five Disney heroines spark the courage inside us all at Dare To Dream!

303-405-1100 • pepsicenter.com

Dec. 7-9

Dec. 28-29

Festival of Fire, Telluride Experience the artistry of fire, dynamic art performances, fire work­shops, music and more. telluridefirefestival.org

PAW Patrol Live!, Bellco Theatre Set sail with a new pirate adventure.

X barks the spot in the new tour “The Great Pirate Adventure!”

303-228-8260 • bellcotheatre.com

Jan. 21-30

Dec. 31

International Snow Sculpture Championships, Breckenridge Sixteen teams from around the world hand-carve 25-ton blocks of snow into enormous works of art. gobreck.com

Noon Year’s Eve, Children’s Museum Experience the sights, sounds and excitement of Times Square at the Children’s Museum—all before bedtime. mychildsmuseum.org

Through Dec. 22 (Fri. and Sat. nights)

COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

Photos: Disney on Ice: Feld Entertainment; Corduroy: Emily Lozow; Ice Castles: A.J. Mellor Photography

Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream, Pepsi Center, Dec. 6-9

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR BIGGEST EVENTS Support the DCPA’s Arts & Education programs while having an amazing time at our must-attend events.

SATURDAY NIGHT ALIVE GALA ENTERTAINMENT BY VANESSA WILLIAMS

Saturday, March 2, 2019 Join some of Denver’s most generous arts supporters for an unforgettable evening of world-class entertainment, ballroom dining and a high-end silent auction.

WOMEN WITH HATTITUDE LUNCHEON Thursday, May 2, 2019 Wear your most artistic hat to this whimsical celebration of personality and style — all to help female artists be heard through the Women’s Voices Fund.

RANDY WEEKS GOLF TOURNAMENT Friday, June 14, 2019 Support theatre in schools with every swing at the Randy Weeks Memorial Golf Tournament.

For more information, call 303.446.4802 or visit denvercenter.org/events.

Sk i s

from Colorado trees

MATT CUDMORE AND TED EYNON, CO-OWNERS OF MEIER SKIS, ARE WOWING PEOPLE WITH THEIR HANDCRAFTED PRODUCTS

Would it surprise you to learn that Apple, Mattel, Amazon and Microsoft were all started in garages? By association it suggests Meier Skis is in good company, given that its co-owner, Matt Cudmore, hatched the company in his garage in Glenwood Springs.

By Kim D. McHugh

PULL UP A STOOL Visitors to Meier Skis can enjoy a craft beer at the custom bar and watch skis and boards being pressed

Meier Skis

970 Yuma Street, Suite 190 Denver, CO 80204 844-WOOD-SKI meierskis.com

“Meier Skis got started from my grandparents, Harry and Harriett Hanson,” Cudmore says. “They started it off by giving me a thousand bucks, so I decided to put it towards something cool—my ski press and just a few basic tools to get (the business) going. Six months later the first pair was done, and they were the coolest skis I’d ever skied. Not by the looks, but because I’d made them.”

That was 2009 and by 2011 Cudmore, whose day job was as an auto-cad designer at a civil engineering firm, was making about 20 pairs a season painstakingly by hand. It wasn’t until 2012 that the trajectory of the company changed after he crossed paths with Ted Eynon. Originally from New Hampshire, Eynon was thinking about leaving his career in the software field in the rearview mirror, so he headed West to get more clarity.

“I came to Colorado really because of the mountains,” Eynon says. “I’m a New Englander and I think the mountains draw a lot of people here. I actually was still working for General Electric, but that's when I said I needed to do something completely different, something challenging.”

He read an article in The Denver Post about Meier Skis, whose name is derived from the last name of Cudmore’s inlaws. Believing the company’s values aligned with the career change he’d envisioned, Eynon got in touch with the entrepreneur. They agreed to a day on the slopes at Sunlight Mountain and the two, in his words, “had a blast” skiing.

Shortly afterwards, Eynon invested in the company with one of the first actions being to move operations from Cudmore’s one-car garage to a small factory in Glenwood Springs. Meier moved its headquarters near downtown Denver to accommodate its growth. Skis are manufactured right in front of visitors at the Meier Craft Skiery, which has a custom bar that serves local craft beers.

New life for dead trees As Cudmore was considering sources for the core of his skis and snowboards, his brother, who at the time was a district forester managing Colorado’s Gunnison office, suggested he use aspen and beetle kill pine. The idea struck Matt like a lightning bolt.

“The beetles have just come in and devastated the pine trees in Colorado,” says Cudmore. “So, we’re trying to recycle a lot of that wood and put it to good use. It’s super cool, you can go to Steamboat, be on the top of the mountain, 42

COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

look over a couple of ranges and that’s where the wood for the skis you’re standing on came from.”

Calling itself the “World’s First Craft Skiery,” the company handcrafts its products using sustainable, locallysourced dead trees, as well as a non-petrochemical resin made from pine oil and recycled vegetable oil. Instead of using highly toxic lacquers and inks to add graphics to the top of skis and snowboards, a standard practice for many manufacturers, Meier Skis uses special ink that is heatpressed into the top sheet. Between this graphics transfer process, the use of less ink tip to tail, a commitment to composting and recycling, and sourcing most components from local companies, the manufacturer minimizes its carbon footprint.

In terms of social consciousness, the company enlists the services of Mile High WorkShop in Aurora, a nonprofit employment and job training program whose employees prepare the wood cores for skis and snowboards.

“They have men and women who were incarcerated, homeless people and people overcoming drug addictions that are getting a chance to get back in the workforce,” explains Eynon. “We buy and inspect the wood, then have it delivered there where they glue up the blocks to our specs. It’s a great set up for both of us.”

‘Go to’ standard and custom models Owning your own ski and snowboard company allows the flexibility to determine the breadth of high-performance products to offer customers and also do pretty much any graphics you—or customers—wish. In addition to popular skis in their line, including Bangtail, Wild Bill, Big Hoss, Calamity Jane and Big Nose Kate, Meier Skis has grown the business through unique partnerships.

“We’ve done skis for Sunlight Mountain and Cabot Cheese,” says Eynon. “We like to have fun, so we’ve tied in with these co-branded opportunities doing licensing deals with Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Leftover Salmon and Sierra Nevada Brewing.” They just released a one-of-a-kind collection with the iconic band Widespread Panic.

The company’s deal with Monarch Mountain was particularly unique because skis were crafted using dead trees harvested from forests at the resort. Customers willing to pay between $200 and $400 extra can have custom graphics applied to their skis or snowboard. Caveats are that customers don’t infringe on trademarks and that the design doesn’t run tip to tail.

“We’re doing what we can to make amazing products and give people the opportunity to pick a model that suits their skiing or snowboarding style,” Eynon explains. “Our skis are light, they’re poppy, they’re fast and they’ve got muscle.

I’d put them up against any brand in the world.”

A growing list of loyalists would agree.

Kim McHugh, a Lowell Thomas award-winning writer, enjoyed sitting at the Meier Craft Skiery bar watching skis being made while sipping a Colorado microbrew.

Teased by over a dozen pairs displayed on showroom racks, he’s still trying to decide which to get.

COLORADO BORN AND MADE OPPOSITE PAGE: Ted Eynon, co-owner of Meier Skis ABOVE: A band saw is used to separate a pair of wood core skis before advancing them to the next phase of production BELOW: A nylon top sheet with colorful graphics is carefully positioned by a tech a on a pair of handcrafted skis

This drummer

Photo: Michael Raymond Smith

doesn’t miss

By Colleen Smith

a beat Brad Corrigan’s

notion of harmony extends

far beyond the stage and into the world with efforts for social justice organizations

Bradley J. Corrigan marches to the beat of a different drummer. Or, more accurately, he marches to the beat of his own drums. A Colorado native born in Denver in 1974, he’s a member of the indie jam band Dispatch. When not touring with the band that has performed in about 50 countries, Corrigan still calls the Mile High City home. He credits the Boulder-based band the Samples as his first influence as a musician. ¶ Corrigan plays drums and guitar, writes songs and sings for Dispatch, a band that has produced six full-length LPs and sold out prominent venues including Red Rocks, Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden. ¶ “We were the first independent band to headline Madison Square Garden, and we ended up selling it out three nights in a row in 2007, and then again two nights in 2015,” Corrigan says. “They put up a really cool plaque and picture of us in their ring of fame. We've been super blessed to have some really exciting experiences with some unique firsts along the way too.”

Red Rocks dreams A case in point: On July 4, 2004, the band drew as many as 160,000 people to an outdoor concert in Boston. Closer to home, Corrigan’s dream venue is Red Rocks. And years before taking the stage as a headliner with Dispatch, he did some dreaming in the world-famous natural amphitheater.

“Ahhh, Red Rocks: just nothing like it. A huge gift in being an artist with Colorado roots is that heavenly cathedral of rock up there in the hills,” he says. “I remember going up there with my high school band, the WoodRiver Bandits, and taking our press photos up there, and then eating a picnic on the stage dreaming, dreaming, dreaming: some day!

“And then in the earliest days of Dispatch when we were recording our first album ‘Silent Steeples’ in Northglenn, Chad Urmston, Pete Heimbold and I went to one of the early Fourth of July Blues Traveler shows with the Boulder-based Zuba opening up. And there we were dreaming, dreaming.”

Dreams came true. “In June of 2011, we played Red Rocks to kick off our first summer tour in many moons and got to play three nights in a row. It was so epic I could barely catch my breath before taking the stage,” Corrigan says.

Dispatch sold out Red Rocks again in 2016, and again this past June. “It’s a true gem and treasure to have all

GET THE BEAT LEFT: Brad Corrigan setting the beat FOLLOWING PAGE: Ileana and Brad, Love Light + Music in Nicaragua DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 COLORADO EXPRESSION 45

the dreams invested up there and then getting to make noise and sing and hear the echoes off the rocks.”

Before taking the stage, Corrigan ritually takes 30 minutes alone for breath work. Then he meets up with the band to review the concert set list and share some laughs to get in synch. As he takes the stage, he says his prevailing emotion is gratitude. Before heading to his drum kit, he pauses a moment to connect with the audience.

“It’s just such a God-given gift to get to make music, and to know all of the effort our fans make to come and fill the venues with so much energy, light and joy,” he says. “It’s humbling to feel that love.”

t

Raising money and awareness

Corrigan’s notion of harmony extends far beyond the stage and into the world. He founded a non-government organization titled Love Light + Melody in 2007, after a life-altering meeting with a young girl living in a trash dump in Managua, Nicaragua. Corrigan continues to oversee the NGO. Also in 2007, he helped found the Dispatch Foundation to raise money and awareness for Zimbabwe, then the world’s poorest country.

TO LEARN MORE about In 2009, he co-founded Brad Corrigan’s philanthropic Lacrosse the Nations in work or touring, visit Nicaragua, using the sport lovelightandmelody.org and to uplift kids and promote dispatchmusic.com. His efforts education.” have raised $2.2 million in the Corrigan emulated sopast 11 years, with donations to a school, countless scholarships, cial justice mentors in food centers, the founding the music business: “Bono of a safehouse for at-risk girls, certainly has been an influand hosting seven annual ence, and Rage against the Day of Light music festivals with Machine with their politiart and sports to enrich the lives cal protest, the Beastie of kids living in poverty.

Boys with their Freedom Corrigan delivers his “What in Tibet festival,” he says. does your heart beat for?” to “We love hosting servschools, youth and church ice projects during our groups. His current project is Dispatch tours so that we producing a documentary film titled “Ileana’s Smile” and can work and serve building a school in Ileana’s alongside our fans in a honor in Managua, Nicaragua. meaningful way. With our fans, the music unifies us, passion amplifies us, and love multiplies us. There’s so much goodness and genuine joy from our fans coming together with service projects and volunteering swirling around each city and show,” he says.

“It’s a beautiful vibe, the music as the glue that holds us together as one. And in this day and age to feel like we’re

46

COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

able to help bring people together in some small way despite all our differences, what a gift that is,” he says.

For Corrigan, philanthropy enriches music. “I think music should always have a deeper source so fans can go as deep as they want to scratch. If it's social justice, there is an art to how that is presented. You just can't assume every fan wants to go there, but we give every fan the opportunity to journey there with us if they so choose,” he says.

One of Corrigan’s deeper sources is his family, particularly his father and grandfather, both of whom modeled service to others.

Corrigan bangs the drum of social justice as an advocate for many causes, but is particularly drawn to serving and uplifting impoverished children through Love Light + Melody. “My heart breaks for kids that don't have the love and protection and encouragement of a family unit,” he says. “And as an athlete and musician, I have always wanted to use sports and art to re-inspire kids to have fun and dream again.”

Currently, Corrigan channels his humanitarian efforts toward two Love Light + Melody projects: Ileana’s School of Hope, and a documentary film titled “Ileana’s Smile,” named for the Nicaraguan child he met in the trash dump. “There’s a seven-minute film trailer on our Love Light + Melody website so people can learn more about Ileana’s short, bold, and beautiful life and her growing legacy of inspiration,” he says.

Corrigan is a bachelor, though in a relationship. He has no biological children, but considers himself “spiritual papa” to kids assisted through his philanthropy, particularly those in Nicaragua and Native American youngsters in Pine Ridge, SD. Colorado continues to influence Corrigan’s music, filmmaking, and philanthropy. “Colorado can be such a beautiful and mysterious place the further you drive, wander, and go off the grid,” he says. “I learned how to appreciate the pursuit of beauty and adventure by growing up in Colorado. That informed much of my artistic process.”

Clearly, Corrigan is inspired and inspiring. He’s a man of passionate music and sport—“Go, Broncos!” he says—as well as a man of deep spirit and unabashed faith. “The deepest source of my inspiration is the joy of finding relationship and friendship where you’d least likely expect it,” he says, “and the radical, counter-cultural, all-inclusive love of Jesus.”

Colleen Smith, who covered live music for The Denver Post for more than 10 years, has a shoebox stuffed with concert tickets dating to the 1970s. Smith is the author of Thin Places, which won First Prize in the 2018 Women in Film and Media Colorado Screenplay Contest.

Let The Fort Host Your Private Dining Event

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For Memories That Last A Lifetime!

The Fort is a full scale replica of Bent’s Old Fort, a vital 19th century fur-trading post in southeastern Colorado that operated on the Santa Fe Trail from 1833 until 1849. The Fort, the largest adobe building in the nation, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Walk back in time to the era of Mountain Men and Women, American Indians and Fur Traders. Your guests will dine in an atmosphere of cozy western elegance and experience a culinary adventure they will talk about for years to come.

Specializing in breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and cocktail receptions, The Fort offers a variety of menu options and price ranges. Groups of all sizes and ages enjoy our authentic old west experience.

More than an incredible meal The Fort is a step into the early west!

The Fort Makes Any Event Special • • • • • • • • •

Corporate Parties Weddings, Receptions and Rehearsal Dinners Holiday Get Togethers Engagement Dinners or Cocktail Receptions Birthday & Retirement Parties Graduations, Home Coming & Prom Bat & Bar Mitzvahs Wedding & Baby Showers Award Ceremonies & Life Celebrations

Teepee Dining Ask our Private Dining Manager about dining in our new teepee! For 2 and up to 10 people. For memories to last a lifetime, dining in our new teepee is the ultimate romantic experience.

www.TheFort.com

If you would like pricing options or are interested in booking a party at The Fort please contact our Private Dining Manager at 303.697.2282 or by email at Banquets@TheFort.com

BEST OF COLORADO

Drink-and-appetizer pairings with seasonal flair

W

By LISA PERRY

WHETHER IT’S A PRELUDE TO DINner or a gathering of friends and family, when you want to order a beverage and an appetizer, a spectrum of restaurants are ready to add festive flavor to your holiday dining. Take the guesswork out of ordering with these restaurants and their recommended pairings.

Want to extend the party? With accompanying recipes, you can enjoy your favorites at home.

Rialto Cafe

Vail Village, Vail sonnenalp.com Feeling sweet instead of savory?

Indulge in Sonnenalp’s recommended signature holiday beverage and shareable dessert. It’s easy to linger with sumptuous fare in an upscale-cozy atmosphere.

16th Street Mall, Denver rialtocafe.com Always a festive place for peoplewatching, Rialto’s boisterous atmosphere, food favorites and reasonable prices combine to up the ante during the holidays—an ideal spot for festive groups and gatherings.

GLUEHWEIN (MULLED WINE), $14 1 bottle red or white wine Packaged mulled wine spices 3 orange slices 3 lemon slices Rum caramel Cinnamon stick Rock candy stick Pour the wine into a saucepan. Add the Gluehwein spices, the orange and lemon slices as well as the rum caramel. Bring everything to a boil and let simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Strain the Gluehwein into a mug. If you prefer sweeter Gluehwein, stir your beverage with the rock candy stick.

PAIR WITH: Bavarian Cream Pie (to share): Layers of frangipane, chocolate mousse, Bavarian filling, amarettoinfused cream. $14

Mister Tuna

RiNo, Denver mistertuna.com Troy Guard’s newest venue injects Hawaiian tropical warmth into any winter celebration. Charred octopus?

Says Chef Tristen Epps, “While octopus might seem wildly unexpected, the flavors of pumpkin, along with the cinnamon and cherry in the Old Fashioned, come together to create that familiar holiday feeling.”

OKINAWA OLD FASHIONED, $15 21⁄2 oz Charcoal Iwai Whiskey 1 ⁄2 oz Demerara simple syrup 3 dashes Angostura bitters 2 dashes orange bitters 1 hand-carved large ice cube GARNISH 1 charred cinnamon stick 2 Luxardo cherries 1 rose petal Fill a Yarai mixing glass with ice half-way. Add whiskey and Demerara simple syrup, bitters, and stir. Strain into double Old Fashioned glass over ice cube, add garnishes.

The Brown Palace Hotel Downtown, Denver brownpalace.com Holiday spirit lives here along with first-class elegance, tradition and luxury. For a festive occasion when you’re dressed to the nines, it’s a given you’re going to the iconic Brown Palace, a perennial downtown Denver landmark.

HARVEST SHRUB & BUBBLES, $13 1 oz Calvados 1 oz Harvest Shrub 3 oz Mumm Brut Sparkling Wine Star anise In a champagne flute, combine Calvados with Harvest Shrub, stir to combine ingredients and top with Mumm Napa Brut Sparkling wine. Float star anise garnish on the top of the cocktail.

PAIR WITH: Lobster and Artichoke Arancini with sun-dried tomato pesto and basil. Available at Ship Tavern, Churchill and Afternoon Tea. $18

PAIR WITH: Charred Barbecued Octopus with chili pumpkin puree, black gochujang barbecu sauce and zhug. $16 48

COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

TOASTED PECAN OLD FASHIONED, $9.95 2 oz Pecan Infused Tap 8 Rye (directions below) 1 ⁄4 oz Demerara sugar simple syrup 2-3 dashes pecan bitters or Angostura Bitters Lemon peel garnish For pecan-infused rye, lightly toast 1/2 cup pecans. Combine 750ml of rye with pecans and leave to infuse for at least one week, two weeks is preferred. Strain before using.

Put the rye, bitters and Demerara simple syrup into a glass and stir. Strain into a glass with ice (preferably one large cube), and use a lemon twist as a garnish.

PAIR WITH: Brie Spread $7.95 (recipe below) and Bacon Wrap Stuffed Dates: Pitted dates, bacon and goat cheese. $8.95 BRIE SPREAD You will need Brie cheese, a soft baguette, some cranberry sauce and micro greens.

Cut soft baguette into 1/4-inch slices and bake in a 350-degree oven for three minutes or until lightly toasted. Let slices cool, then spread the brie evenly on the toasted slices. Top with cranberry sauce and micro greens.

Elway’s Cherry Creek, Denver elways.com The original Elway’s steakhouse embodies the concept of a club-like atmosphere, and running into John Elway plus past and current Denver Broncos is always a possibility. Add Cherry Creek’s surrounding sparkle fest and it’s a big win for the holidays.

ORANGE BLOSSOM, $12 1 oz Ketel One Orange/Peach Botanical ½ oz Aperol ½ oz fresh lemon juice Champagne Orange peel (Recipe continues on page 50)

Rialto Cafe Photo: Gerardo Aguilera

A Dash of Holidays

Sonnenalp Hotel

MISTER TUNA

THE BROWN PALACE HOTEL

SONNENALP HOTEL

RIALTO CAFE

ELWAY’S

Combine Ketel One Botanical, Aperol and lemon juice with ice in a shaker and strain into champagne glass. Top with champagne and garnish with fresh orange peel.

PAIR WITH: Tuna Tartare: Yellowfin tuna,

scallion guacamole, Yuzu ponzu, creamy spicy aioli and wasabi crema. $23.50

The Cooper Lounge Union Station, Denver cooperlounge.com Union Station decked out for the holidays? Yes, please. Feeling stylish and celebratory? Make tracks to The Cooper Lounge, hands down.

SAGE ADVICE, $14 1½ oz Prairie Organic Gin ½ oz Leopold Bros. Cranberry ½ oz fresh lemon juice ½ oz sage-infused honey syrup (directions below) Q Brand soda water (available at Whole Foods) To make sage-infused honey syrup, boil 1 quart of water. Stir in 2 cups of honey until honey dissolves. Add 1 ounce fresh sage; let it simmer for 30 minutes.

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake. Strain into tall glass with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a fresh sage leaf.

PAIR WITH: Stuffed Quail with sausage and date filling, served over baby asparagus, sage butter-basted. $15 50

THE COOPER LOUNGE

the ART, a Hotel Golden Triangle, Denver thearthotel.com Named the 2017 No. 1 hotel in Colorado in Conde Nast Traveler “Readers’ Choice” awards, the Art decks its halls with creative style and offers artful cuisine. Augmented by views of downtown Denver, the fourth floor restaurant and terrace firepit radiate contemporary good cheer.

GOOD HUNTING, $11 3 ⁄4 oz Knob Creek Rye 3 ⁄4 oz Remy Martin 1703 VSOP 3 ⁄4 oz Drambuie 3 ⁄4 oz Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth 2 dashes Barrel-Aged Angostura 11 granules hickory-smoked Himalayan sea salt Served stirred or on the rocks in a double rocks glass and garnish with Manicured Flamed Orange Swath.

PAIR WITH: Crispy Brussels Sprouts topped with goat cheese, pine nuts, golden raisins, lemon basil emulsion. $8

The Remedy Bar Four Seasons Resort and Residences, Vail fourseasons.com/vail Sleek digs meet majestic mountains, where beverage director Steven Teaver incorporates non-alcoholic Spiced Tart Cherry Syrup into Rem-

COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

THE REMEDY BAR

THE ART HOTEL

edy’s signature holiday drinks. Substitute for another simple syrup, or use in your favorite champagne cocktail or Old Fashioned.

CHERRY SPICED CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL, $14 3 ⁄4 oz Tart Cherry Syrup 4½ oz Champagne 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters Combine all ingredients in a champagne flute or wine glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

After the vows

���

SPICED TART CHERRY SYRUP 32 oz tart cherry juice 10 whole cloves 5 whole star anise pods 5 whole allspice berries 1½ cups sugar Combine all ingredients, minus the sugar, in a saucepan and bring to a hard simmer. Once simmering, stir in sugar until dissolved. Return to a simmer and reduce by one-third. Strain and bottle. The syrup will keep for up to a month refrigerated.

PAIR WITH: Hippie Liver: Seared foie gras, brioche and duck fat granola. $28

Lisa Perry writes about Denver restaurants, golf and attractions for regional magazines and online entertainment as well as covering Denver nonprofit fundraising events.

Her holiday bucket list includes taking this tasty drinks-and-apps tour. Due to her lack of culinary expertise, she’ll leave the recipes to the experts. Cheers!

...Comes the party of a lifetime

RESTAURANTS

American Sake Takes Hold Colorado Sake Company has opened the first-ever sake-tasting room in the state and is taking this sometimes-misunderstood spirit to new heights of flavor

By DANA R. BUTLER Photos by ZACHAERY SMITH

B

BEFORE WE GET INTO THE DETAILS of what sake, particularly American sake, is, it’s important to define what it is not. It is not rice wine although it’s often misidentified as such. It is not wine at all, nor is it beer. And it’s these last points that led William Stuart, Heather Dennis, and Russ and Jen Eubanks, founders of the Colorado Sake Company, to become far more familiar with the inner workings of our state’s legislature that they ever wanted to be, but more on that later.

What they were familiar with was sake, a fermented rice beverage often cited as the oldest known spirit in the world. For approximately the last 2,300 years—less than half of its likely time in existence—sake has been closely associated with Japan, a country that elevated the making of sake (a brewery is called a “kura”) to both an art form and a lucrative industry. Colorado Sake Co.’s head brewer Stuart, and Dennis, who oversees sales, received much of their education on the subject from time working for Nobu Matsuhisa, whose sake program requires an intimate knowledge of the complex terminology.

52

ONLY IN COLORADO Two flavors probably not found in Kyoto, but you can find them at the taproom on Larimer Street TOP: Strawberry Jalapeño ABOVE: Palisade Peach

When Stuart realized he could make his own sake, tweaking and perfecting the flavor as he went, the Colorado Sake Company was born. They crafted “like 1,000 test batches” as

COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

well as securing space in an unused portion of Wine & Whey, a wine- and cheese-making outfit in the River North Arts District. They sourced the necessary equipment to brew in large

batches, installed a bar from which to serve sake on tap, and furnished a small tasting room.

This is where the law came into play. Under the existing liquor code, sake fell into something of a gray area.

Sake is brewed, so the operation was classified as a brewery, but the finished product—not carbonated and higher in alcohol that most beers— was considered a wine. This disconnect led to rejection of their business license application, and thus began a nearly 15-month journey through the intricacies of legislation, lobbying and expert witnesses. Ultimately, the law was changed, and the tasting room opened for business Sept. 1.

The funky, dog-friendly space is accessed via the alley behind the building where 36th Street, Larimer, and Downing come together in RiNo. Bikes hang from the ceiling, bags of rice are stacked against the wall, and in one corner is a small white tent, in which Stuart makes his own koji—a rice-grown mold that is a key ingredient in sake. Frozen koji is sold commercially, but Stuart prefers to control the humidity, temperature, timing and, hence, the flavor; he’s one of eight (out of only 15 in the country) sake brewers who does so. He says koji takes about three days to make, but it took him a year to get it just right.

Koji is mixed with a blend of American and Japanese strains of yeast (all grown in the U.S.) plus rice and water.

Despite Colorado Sake Co.’s traditional approach to the brewing process, however, the finished product is decidedly different from that imported from Japan. Perhaps your experience is limited to hot sake at your local sushi spot or a shot dropped into a cold beer. Possibly you are something of a connoisseur with a solid understanding of the difference between sake designated “ginjo” versus “daiginjo.” In either case, American sake is like nothing you’ve tasted before.

Because it’s made locally, it’s not pasteurized—a heat treatment required for imported sakes to extend their shelf life—and skipping that flavor-altering step results in sake

that drinks like a white wine and tastes bright and fruity with a slightly kombucha-esque aliveness. “There’s really no other way to say it,” says Dennis, “it’s alive.”

Stuart’s hands-on approach also means that he has the option of adding ingredients unlikely to be found in a kura in Kyoto. Colorado Sake Co. bottles two varieties: American Standard and a velvety MexicoJapan mash-up called Horchata Nigori, which melds the complexity of their unfiltered brew with the warm cinnamon and vanilla notes of the Latin drink, which is often made with rice milk. On tap, you will also find a rotating seasonal selection of flavors—for example, this summer, the team was pouring strawberry jalapeño and Palisade peach sakes. These are not infusions in the typical sense; the fruit is added during the fermentation process, so flavors mature along with that of the sake itself. Stuart is also developing a dry-hopped version that is likely to serve as a gateway into the beverage for beer drinkers.

So is this the beginning of a landslide of American sake brewers akin to the craft beer boom or the more recent surge in small distilleries? Dennis says she hopes so, noting that ever-moreexotic Asian foods and flavors are trending in the U.S. even as the popularity of sake in Japan is giving way to a taste for whiskey and other spirits. In the meantime, she says, they are proud to represent Colorado, and are riding the wave of being first to mar-

ket, taking care not to grow too fast or overcommit to wide distribution.

Look for their sake on menus at Mizu, Urban Farmer and Mister Tuna, or just pop into the hard-fought taproom to taste your way through a flight of flavors and take some home. In addition to the bottled American Standard and Horchata Nigori, any of the on-tap sakes can be purchased in a

Colorado Sake Co.

Taproom: 3559 Larimer St. Denver, CO 80205 (Enter through the alley!)

Open Thursday through Saturday, 4 p.m.

720-449-6963 coloradosakeco.com

375-ml growler and will last (refrigerated) for several months.

“We all have the same goal,” Dennis says of the American sake companies.

“We want to build a following and change the way people view—and drink—sake.” The tasting room is a means toward that educational goal; Dennis encourages people to come in, taste, and ask questions. Essentially, you are sitting in the brewery—what better way to demystify the process?

Dana R. Butler is a Denver-based freelance editor and writer, who was once detained in the Tokyo airport for having a corkscrew in her luggage.

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 COLORADO EXPRESSION

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ART SCENE

Posters Celebrate National Parks Colorado photographer’s images capture iconic elements of natural landscapes and give back to the cause

By Colleen Smith

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ROBERT B. DECKER GREW UP IN Menlo Park, Calif., and at age six started camping with his family at Yosemite National Park. In the summer of 1979, at age 19, he studied under the famous landscape photographer Ansel Adams. Now based in Colorado, Decker recently turned 59 years old, and he’s designed posters of 43 of 60 national parks in the United States.

Adams influenced Decker’s photography and, in turn, his graphic arts.

“He was very serious about his work, but didn’t take himself too seriously. He was fairly entertaining in lectures and classes,” Decker says of Adams. “He also was very technical and intense in terms of calculating lighting and exposure and techniques in the darkroom. It was a combined experience.”

Decker participated in a program Adams conducted annually for aspiring photographers. “It was an amazing experience that put these things

THE DETAILS Profits for parks When you buy one of Decker’s post­ ers, you also help the trusts, conser­ vancies and associations that support national parks. Ten percent of annual profits go to these organizations who use them to raise funds for their ongoing work.

Printed by D&K Printing in Boulder, which focuses on green practices.

Decker’s national park posters cost $35 each and are available for pur­chase at national-park-posters.com.

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together: photography and national parks,” Decker says. “It solidified my love of photography and made me realize that national parks are the best studios in the world to work in.”

Decker says his main takeaway point from Adams involved anticipating the photograph.

“He always preached the concept of pre-visualization—getting the image in the mind’s eye of what you want the final picture to look like even before loading film,” Decker says. “He had an idea of what his final image was going to look like. It made a lot of sense when he told a story about carrying a 4x5 camera and a heavy wooden tripod into the high country.

And he only had four pieces of film.”

Digital cameras changed all that for most photographers. Not Decker.

“Now we can take a thousand pictures on a card, but he taught us to be very conservative with exposures.

He taught us to compose a shot rather than just squeeze off the shutter,” says Decker.

Self-employed for more than 30 years, Decker initiated his national parks project five years ago. He intends to create images of all 60 national parks. His oeuvre includes some of the most marvelous landscapes in the region including two regional series: National Parks of the Colorado Plateau and National Parks of the Rocky Mountains.

“I’ve been fortunate to pursue my own passion,” he says. “To be able to get out there and explore and enjoy nature and create art: I feel blessed.

I can’t think of a better word.”

Decker’s American-made posters begin with photo shoots in the parks.

COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

“I’m sometimes able to capture a single iconic shot, for example of the Grand Canyon,” he says. “Others parks are more challenging. Olympic National Park has a coastal environment and a rainforest and high peaks so it’s impossible to create one shot to encompass all that. Wind Cave in South Dakota has underground caves and rolling prairies. Sometimes I create a composite image as the final piece.”

Decker edits original photographs and selects images he’ll develop as posters.

“I run the photo through a graphic process developed over the years that makes the posters reminiscent of Workers Progress Administration posters of the 30s and 40s,” he says.

With strong shapes and vibrant colors, the painterly graphic designs

Decker has designed posters of 43 of the 60 national parks in the U.S.

A PEEK INTO THE MINDS AND HEARTS OF COLORADO’S MOST TALENTED PEOPLE

harken to yesteryear, but also stand up as clean and contemporary. Timeless.

Decker says, “Most people who buy the posters have been to the park and want something to remind them of their experience, so they are nostalgic that way.”

In keeping with good stewardship of the environment, the artist insists upon the greenest printing standards. He specifies soy-based inks to print his posters and postcards on recycled stock: 80-pound Neenah Conservation, a paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and the Rainforest Alliance.

For his artist’s proofs, Decker pulls the first 25 posters, leaves the pressman’s color bars on the page and signs his limited edition prints.

And as proof of his commitment to national parks, Decker donates ten percent of annual profits and also merchandise to fundraisers benefiting parks.

“We have a $12 billion backlog on infrastructure projects at our national parks, so it’s really important to create the next generation of national park supporters,” he says. “Younger people are not getting to the parks.

The average visitor is 55 and white, and we need to get people of all backgrounds and ages into the parks.”

He typically earmarks donations for educational programs. Recently, Decker learned that his contribution funded the complete junior ranger program for 250 school children.

“Kids learn basic things about enjoying national parks and respecting them, staying on trails and learning about nature,” he says. “National parks are so important as places where kids learn about ecosystems and our environment.”

Decker appreciates Colorado’s rich national parks heritage. “We probably have 100 national park service sites within a 10-hour drive, which is my cutoff for flying versus driving.

National parks are usually not close to major airports, but DIA is one of the most convenient, with four big

Ten percent of annual poster sales profits are donated to support our national parks

national parks nearby,” he says.

“We need to protect open spaces so we have a place to go, a retreat,” says Decker. “As we get older, the parks are places where we can recharge our batteries. I love the fact that most national parks don’t have good cell service, so people have to disconnect from all that. As our world gets more chaotic and hectic,

these are places to relax and unwind and get back to nature.”

Colleen Smith recently hiked Rocky Mountain National Park and saw moose, elk, waterfalls and myriad wildflowers. She writes regularly for Colorado Expression and is the author of Glass Halo, a novel set in Denver, the gift book Laid-Back Skier, and an award-winning screenplay: Thin Places. Join her on Facebook at Friday Jones Publishing.

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 COLORADO EXPRESSION

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Town

Men about

Welcome to the world of the DenverGents, a charity organization that gives back to the community in style.

Lifestyle DenverGents OUTFITS from Suitsupply, Cherry Creek North; Macallan Whisky LOCATION: McPherson Architecture, Ballpark neighborhood PHOTO: Noah Berg, Walnut Street Photography

Matt Lloyd, Eric Hinman OUTFITS from Neiman Marcus, Cherry Creek Shopping Center | Brunello Cucinelli; metal case from Macallan Whisky Edition No. 4; leather bag from Shinola, Cherry Creek Shopping Center LOCATION: Clear Creek Canyon, Golden PHOTO: Geovanny Flores, Geo Floo

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 COLORADO EXPRESSION

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Style Delroy Gill, Stuart Crowell (Founders) OUTFITS from Suitsupply, Cherry Creek North LOCATION: Buell Mansion, Cherry Hills Village PHOTO: Geovanny Flores, Geo Floo

Country Gerard Smithwick, Shawn Melgar, Golden Goodwin, Chris Jackson OUTFITS from Neiman Marcus, Cherry Creek Shopping Center | Armani; Watches from Hyde Park Jewelers | Rolex and Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic LOCATION: Quincy Farms, Cherry Hills Village PHOTO: Noah Berg, Walnut Street Photography

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COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

Society Nick Alberts, Dan Brown, Alvin Cooper, Jake Wilson OUTFITS from Neiman Marcus, Cherry Creek Shopping Center | Ermenegildo Zegna LOCATION: Westbound & Down Brewing Company, Idaho Springs PHOTO: Geovanny Flores, Geo Floo

Philanthropy Ryan McKinney, Isaac Stroope, Stuart Crowell, Lane Risetter, Delroy Gill, Anthony Parchment, Kevin Mancini OUTFITS by Suitsupply, Cherry Creek North; Watches from Shinola, Cherry Creek Shopping Center; Jewelry from Signet, 2018/JANUARY 2019 COLORADO EXPRESSION 59 Cherry Creek Shopping Center LOCATION: XJet, Englewood PHOTO:DECEMBER Geovanny Flores, Geo Floo

DenverGents Starter Kit Duffle Bag | Shinola Fragrance | Masion Francis Kurkdjian Bracelets | Signet Jewelers Watch | Hyde Park Jewelers | Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Suede Jacket | Neiman Marcus | Ermenegildo Zegna Turtleneck | Suitsupply Vest | Neiman Marcus | Brunello Cucinelli Pocket Square | Suitsupply Backpack | Shinola Whisky | Macallan Edition No.4 Boots | Neiman Marcus | Frye Drawstring Trouser and Jeans | Suitsupply PHOTO: Geovanny Flores, Geo Floo

Community Gerard Smithwick, Shawn Melgar, Chris Jackson, Golden Goodwin OUTFITS from Neiman Marcus, Cherry Creek Shopping Center LOCATION: Quincy Farms, Cherry Hills Village PHOTO: Noah Berg, Walnut Street Photography For more information on the organization, visit denvergents.com

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COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

Timed to Perfection THE WATCHES OF CHRISTIAN DIOR ARE BEAUTIFUL, PRECISE, ENDURING When the haute couture legacy of Christian Dior is paired with Swiss watchmaking perfection, timepieces are created that are as beautiful as they are technically accomplished.

Dior watches are designed in the Parisian headquarters of the iconic fashion house. Then the expert craftsmen at the Manufacture in La-Chaux-De-Fonds in Switzerland bring the designs to life. Made in small series, the watch collections are the epitome of luxury. And in Colorado, the timepieces are exclusively available at Oster Jewelers of Cherry Creek North.

Color has always been one of the key codes of Dior. This year sees the introduction of a new LA D DE DIOR with a rich malachite dial. The naturally radiant green gemstone perfectly complements the 18-karat yellow gold bezel set with diamonds and a Florentine, vintage-style steel bracelet.

Discover how Dior constructs a device that transcends time, yet also measures it.

Among the newest collections is the award-winning GRAND BAL, which embodies passion and the artistic freedom of Dior. Combining Italian rooster feathers with precious stones and gems set in the dials, each piece takes on a life of visual and technical accomplishment.

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Oster Jewelers 251 Steele St. Denver, CO 80206

. 303-572-1111 . Osterjewelers.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

ADVERTORIAL PROMOTION

The Green Solution

At each of its 17 locations statewide, cannabis dispensary offers quality products and knowledgeable service

By Kyle Andrew Speidell

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GIVEN THE PLETHORA OF CANNABIS dispensaries in Colorado, it may be intimidating to choose one to visit, especially for the first-time patron.

That’s where The Green Solution comes in. In operation since 2010, and now with 17 locations statewide, The Green Solution has become the state’s premier source for cannabis and cannabis-related products while simultaneously earning a reputation for being an invaluable, reliable resource for cannabis education.

The Green Solution difference is obvious when you step in the door, where you’ll be greeted by a friendly, sharply-dressed retail associate who’ll get your experience started right.

Sales associates at The Green Solution undergo extensive ongoing training resulting in concierge-level service and impressive product knowledge.

There are no stupid questions.

THE DETAILS The Green Solution Serving 17 locations statewide tgscolorado.com

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Patrons trust The Green Solution for the experience and knowledge it offers

“We go to great lengths to make sure we’re approachable and are able to educate everyone,” says retail regional manager Casey Efting. “For us, cannabis is about inclusion and making people from all walks of life feel welcome. All of our products are clearly displayed, and we have one of our associates with you every step of the way to make sure your questions get answered and that the experience is unique to each individual customer’s needs.”

The Green Solution prides itself on its vast inventory of cannabis products from quality brands like NectarBee and The Bonzai Collection. The variety extends to celebrity-endorsed products such as Willie’s Reserve (by Willie Nelson), and Whoopi & Maya (by Whoopi Goldberg), both of which were chosen because they have undergone extensive quality control

COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

checks. Coupled with education, quality control is of high importance to The Green Solution, which prides itself on having products that are the best on the market.

The Green Solution offers products that can be consumed in a variety of ways, such as edibles, tinctures, and drinks, all precisely dosed so that you can be sure exactly how much THC or CBD (two of the active properties in cannabis) you’re ingesting. Also, all products sold at The Green Solution are lab-tested and safety-sealed with no extra handling, and they’re one of the few dispensaries to truly stand behind their product by offering a satisfaction guarantee. Patrons from across the state and beyond trust The Green Solution because they know there’s no substitute for experience and knowledge.

ENTREPRENEURS

Hat Trick

Next-gen Elway crafts his own business, a Denver-based custom hat company

By Bradley Joseph, Photography by Jason Siegal

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JACK ELWAY WEARS MANY HATS AS co-founder of Mint Tradition, the Denver-based company he formed with Geoff Muller in 2016. He’s in charge of business development, marketing and the creative side, while Muller handles production and custom orders.

The 29-year-old—who shares a famous last name with yes, that Elway, John, general manager of the Denver Broncos—also wears the hats literally, which is part of what led him to start a business making luxury ball caps.

Jack owns about 30 hats that he cycles in and out of rotation. His everyday go-to is basic cotton, but his ultimate favorite is the first hat he ever made, crafted of pure leather.

Leather is a core material for Mint Tradition. “We wanted to make something special and put our name behind it,” Elway said. “We knew it could be achieved by purveying special leathers which are sourced both locally and overseas.” Mint Tradition’s signature hat is made with calfskin, which fits better the more you wear it. The business owner says that pairing a leather hat with a regular outfit can drastically change your whole look.

Mint Tradition’s range of luxury and streetwear hats go from $25 cloth flat brims to $225 custom leather versions. When asked about the brand’s style, Jack said, “Flat

bills are here to stay, but we also offer curved brimmed hats.” Elway’s famous father once inquired about offering the curved brim, but Jack laughed and shared they are referred to as “Dad hats.”

Creating a brand was something Elway always wanted to do. After

Jack Elway wears a H-Frame H25 Legend hat made of black python, calfskin and canvas

THE DETAILS Mint Tradition hats are custom made to order and sold online.

Details at minttradition.com

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experiencing disappointment in college football, he graduated early with a degree in economics from Arizona State University and began to re-evaluate his life. Being the son of a football icon (the senior Elway has two Super Bowl wins and is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame)

COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

INSIGHTS INTO COLORADO’S BUSINESS COMMUNITY

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Business partner Geoff Muller handcrafts a Mint Tradition hat

comes with its own set of challenges, frustrations and opportunities. Jack didn’t have the same zeal for the sport his dad did, nor did he take to the family’s other main business interest, the automotive industry.

That’s when Jack put his creative knack to work and founded his company. He and Muller had been introduced through mutual acquaintances and after Elway visited Muller’s production studio and saw the hats he crafted, they quickly became friends and then business partners.

When asked how he came up with the name, Jack recalled numerous days spent in the library researching and brainstorming a name for the start-up. Mint Tradition surfaced and became the moniker for the brand.

“Our logo is an upside-down crown, which means you are your own ruler,” Elway said. “We believe in empowering individuals to be comfortable in their own skin.

Recently, I’ve been around a lot of death—most of it stemming from depression and mental health issues—and initially thought our hats would have inspirational quotes or messages to empower and inspire.

We are still exploring ideas on how to elevate this messaging.”

When asked about his father’s take on the company, Jack admitted

that at first he was nervous to tell him about his new venture. But the senior Elway has been supportive from the beginning, even offering to help get hats into players’ hands.

Now Mint Tradition hats are sported by some fashion-forward Denver Broncos, including Von Miller.

“Attributes that make my company stand out is our quality, and that we are handcrafted, locally made and sewn,” Jack said. “Premium hats are made as soon as the order comes in, and no items are stocked. Everything is custom-made to order.”

So, what is to come? “We’re continually pushing the boundaries of what’s next and aiming to keep it interesting, special and unique.

Up next are a lot changes, including making affordable hats without diluting the brand.”

We ended our conversation on an inspirational note, with Jack sharing his favorite life lesson quote—“You are ruler of your own universe, do what you want to do. Sometimes you have to throw caution to the wind and be happy.”

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Bradley Joseph is a Colorado native and the founder of Silver Spur Marketing, which is celebrating its tenth year. He lives in Curtis Park and shares long walks and mountain getaways with his Golden Retriever, Moses.

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 COLORADO EXPRESSION

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GETAWAYS

The Amtrak Winter Park Express

A scenic, no-stress excursion to the slopes awaits skiers and snowboarders who ride the rails to Grand County

By Marge D. Hansen

THE DETAILS To purchase tickets on the Amtrak Winter Park Express, visit Amtrak.com/winterparkexpress Ikon or Winter Park passes and resort information are available at winterparkresort.com and by dialing 888-923-7275.

Call 800-USA-1GRP to book a group travel train/ski package, including lodging.

Other helpful numbers: Winter Park Resort 970-726-5514 Winter Park Resort Reservations & Guest Services 800-979-0332 Snow Report 970-726-SNOW

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will again depart Denver’s Union Station at 7 a.m. and arrive at the resort at about 9 a.m. Passengers spending the day can book a return on the 4:30 p.m. train that pulls into Union Station at about 6:40 p.m. or extend their stay for a weekend or an even longer visit.

Regional Transportation District commuter trains run from Denver International Airport to Union Station, providing convenient transfers from the airport to downtown Denver for out-of-towners. Light rail, local and intercity buses, as well as ride-sharing services and taxis, also serve the station.

More trips and amenities

This season, the Express service has been expanded to include the first two Fridays each month (Jan. 4 and 11, Feb. 1 and 8 and March 1 and 8), plus weekends from Jan. 4 through March 3. The Amtrak-Winter Park Resort partnership will offer fares starting at $29 each way on these selected trips. When accompanied by a ticketed adult, one little adventurer— age 2 to12—travels for half price.

“With over 30,000 tickets sold in the last two years, the astounding popularity of the Amtrak Winter Park Express just continues to grow, and we’re excited to add in more trips and more amenities for year three,” says Steve Hurlbert, spokesman for Winter Park Resort. “The train is the only alternative to sitting in I-70 congestion, and we’re thrilled to be

COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

Photo: Carl Frey

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WHETHER ON THEIR OWN OR WITH family and friends in tow, jumping aboard the Amtrak Winter Park Express at Denver’s Union Station is a great way to access the full range of Winter Park Resort’s cold weather facilities. The journey takes about two hours, trading driving and highway slow-downs for a comfortable and carefree ride to world-class trails expertly carved from more than 3,000 acres along the Continental Divide.

Beginning in January 2019, the Amtrak Winter Park Express trains

INSIDERS’ VACATION GUIDE

Departing from Union Station, the Amtrak Winter Park Express winds through valleys and summits toward Winter Park Resort

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 COLORADO EXPRESSION

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Photo: Charles Stemen

GETAWAYS

The Amtrak Winter Park Express is a great alternative to sitting in the congestion on I-70

working with our partners at Amtrak, Union Pacific, RTD and BNSF railroad to continue to bring this iconic service, the only one of its kind in North America, to Colorado,� he adds.

As the Amtrak Winter Park Express begins its climb through the Rockies to the longest continuously-operated ski resort in Colorado, passengers enjoy up-close views of pine forests dusted white with snow. Winding through tunnel after tunnel and eventually passing through the historic, 6.2-mile-long Moffat Tunnel, which opened in 1928, the train continuously re-emerges to stunning vistas of nearby valleys and summits stretching toward Winter Park, where snowfall exceeds an impressive 325 inches annually.

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Photo: Carl Frey

Mountain majesty

The ski train will operate from Jan. 4 through March 3

COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

INSIDERS’ VACATION GUIDE

Upon arrival, travelers step from the train onto a heated platform. The slopes are only steps away. Relaxed and ready to traverse the seemingly endless runs rated to every level of difficulty from easy to expert, skiers and boarders alike will become acquainted with Winter Park’s newest additions covered by a $30 million capital investment in improvements.

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One of the most exciting amenities is the replacement of the Zephyr Chair Lift with a 10-person gondola designed to reduce waiting time and increase mountain time by moving people to the top of the hill in just five minutes. Upgraded snowmaking pipes and guns, which triple capacity, have been installed. This add-on is an infrastructure update to ensure higher-quality snow days throughout the winter, as well as enhance early access and extend spring skiing.

The Village Plaza has been redesigned and is the new meeting place for break time, visiting, snacking and planning the next maneuvers up and down the mountain. It’s also the perfect après ski spot for skiers to wrap their hands around a cup of something hot or reviving while warming up in front of the fire pit.

Whether it’s been a big-mountain ski/boarding challenge or a laid-back, stop-and-take-in-the-views day on the slopes, when it’s time to pack it in, the ride back to Denver via the Amtrak Winter Park Express calls for settling in rather than having to start and stop all the way back down the mountain. Passengers can ease back in their seats and savor the last rays of sun, stress-free and satisfied.

Remember tickets go fast, and this is a ticket to ride that no one will want to miss out on.

303/333/2493

Better than ever

Marge D. Hansen has held editorial positions on publications across the country and regularly writes for Colorado Expression and a variety of magazines, websites and corporate clients. Like many Coloradans, she learned to ski at Winter Park.

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 COLORADO EXPRESSION

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CLUB PROFILE

Yellowstone Club

A Tom Weiskopf-designed course, private ski mountain and Big Sky panoramas set this Montana retreat apart

By Kim D. McHugh

T

THE DETAILS Members Only Yellowstone Club P.O. Box 161097 Big Sky, MT 59716 Membership Limited to 864 resident memberships; a $400,000 membership deposit is required.

Residential Options One to 17-acre homesites, rustic chalets, contemporary condominiums, single-family homes and 160- to 360-acre private ranches.

Prices, which are subject to change, currently range from $2.75 million for a home site to $25 million for a ranch.

Contact YCsales@yellowstoneclub.com or visit yellowstoneclub.com

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Photo: Gibeon Photography

THERE IS BIG AND THEN THERE IS Montana big. Measuring 147,042 square miles, it is larger than Colorado by nearly 43,000 square miles and is one-and-a-half times bigger than the United Kingdom. If you’ve ever been you can appreciate why it’s often referred to as “Big Sky Country” and those go-on-forever views were an impetus for creating Yellowstone Club. Located just south of Big Sky Resort and about an hour southwest of Bozeman, the club spans 15,200 acres that are comprised of rolling meadows and forested hillsides.

West of the Gallatin River and surrounded by a number of mountain ranges, it has the distinction

The Rainbow Lodge is one of several lodges and eateries on the property

of being the world’s only private ski, golf and adventure community. A terrific amenity is the club’s 18-hole golf course. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, winner of the 1973 British Open and the 1995 U.S. Senior Open, and fourtime runner-up in The Masters, the course is a standout in his portfolio.

“I’ve been blessed to have some terrific pieces of property to design a golf course on,” says Weiskopf. “When you deal with the mountains you have some terrific advantages that present themselves. There are panoramic views, opportunities to have downhill shots that are pretty exciting because of the dramatic elevation changes, and chances to show off beautiful water features that can be used strategically to challenge the golfer.”

As spectacular as it is, golf is just one of numerous activities available

COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

to members. The property has 15 miles of catch-and-release fly-fishing waters, most by way of streams that feed in to the Gallatin River. Members who don’t have their own gear can rent a rod, reel and other equipment, and then either fish on their own or enlist one of the guides, licensed by the Montana Board of Outfitters.

“It is a very unique fly-fishing experience with pools, pockets and drainages where the creeks flow,” explains Dan Lakatos, the club’s Director of Outdoor Pursuits. “A few years ago I asked the guides to go out and explore the property, and they came back with these cool, new locations. We’ve been able to create unique adventures by taking people to places not on the map.

Several years back, the club started using Polaris Ranger ATVs to take

Photo: Gibeon Photography

WHAT’S NEW AT AN ICONIC MONTANA RESORT

The Golf Course Clubhouse is set against the stunning backdrop of Eglise Mountain, the Gallatin Range and the Spanish Peaks

Photo: Ryan Turner

members and their guests to fishing spots around the property and, if members are so inclined, they can arrange for a helicopter to fly with a guide off property to pretty much any river in Montana for a morning of fishing and be flown back by dinnertime. The club can arrange shore and wade trips to Yellowstone National Park, as well as all-day drift boat float trips on the Madison and Yellowstone Rivers.

Other popular activities with families include mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking and horseback riding. Over the last ten years, Yellowstone Club has worked with

a local outfitter that leads a combination of daytime and overnight rides on a trail system that meanders through the property for 20 miles.

Nestled in a sprawling meadow on the west end of the community is a wilderness camp, where sturdy, nicely appointed tents and tepees serve as overnight accommodations for members and their families that are treated to a “catered rustic” adventure under a sky filled with stars. The club’s Outdoor Pursuits Kids program offers educational field trips, multiday summer camps and overnight camping, while the Challenge Course introduces participants to managed

Yellowstone Club’s private ski mountain is a 2,700-acre playground

risk-taking, team-building and zip line rides.

What truly differentiates Yellowstone Club from other premier communities is its private ski mountain, a 2,700-acre playground with 18 lifts, more than 100 trails and a vertical drop of 2,700 feet. To give a perspective in terms of skiable acres among western resorts, Beaver Creek has 1,832; Telluride has 2,000; Sun Valley has 2,154 and Jackson Hole has 2,500. Yellowstone Club’s average annual snowfall is around 300 inches and its Private Powder speaks to the quality of the snow.

“You have all the snow sports you can imagine, even ski bikes with the wide tires,” says Weiskopf. “My wife and I love Yellowstone Club. We love the atmosphere, we love the lifestyle, we love the people. It’s a fascinating convergence of very successful people, but they check their egos at the gate. My wife and I could live anywhere we want to, but we found a place where it makes us very happy.”

Kim D. McHugh, contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer magazine and a Lowell Thomas award-winning freelance writer, has played Frost Creek, the Ridges at Castle Pines and Flying Horse, a stellar trio of Tom Weiskopf-designed courses. If readers of Colorado Expression have the pleasure of teeing up at Yellowstone Club, he’d like to be invited as a caddy.

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 COLORADO EXPRESSION

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ENTERPRISE

John Beauprez

Being a student of the game helped this poker player to win at cards and at business

By Charlie Brown

son’s chosen career but when they saw how serious he was working to learn the game, they eventually came around.

“My Dad was not a gambler but he took risks in business and politics.

He started a family bank, ran for Congress and won, and ran for governor twice. In many respects he’s a gambler so I guess it’s in my genes,” he said.

Poker-playing started as a hobby for the young Beauprez and was reinforced when the game became more popular and mainstream, his friends started playing and tournaments began to be televised.

“An accountant from Tennessee, Chris Moneymaker, won $2.5 million in a tournament I saw on television.

He seemed to be an average player and I decided that if he could win, I could too, and started getting serious about the game,” Beauprez said. “I had hustler’s ambition, really wanted to play and that extra $100 a week I won in the dorms helped make my decision easier.”

THE DETAILS PLOQuickPro.com 720-260-5005 John@ploquickpro.com

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Beauprez became a student of the game. He devoured every book and video he could find. He eventually learned that winning at poker requires more than technical skills.

Grit, determination, patience, self-discipline, money management and being observant matter too.

Once he turned 21, Beauprez and a couple of his CU playing buddies would head to Vegas to play on weekends about twice a month. “We would cram into a room at the Wynn and play the lowest stakes they had.

We were learning the game, were not very good but ‘less bad’ than the other players. We would usually take home $300 to $500 after a fun weekend,” he said.

After earning a degree in health care, Beauprez worked admissions during the night shift at a local hospital. The late time-slot was a blessing because early morning hours offered him an opportunity to read about the game and study myriad poker videos.

The project took months and he combined this knowledge into an online presentation dealing with all aspects of the game.

The Business of Poker

Photo: Brooke Austin Photography

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IT’S A LONG ROAD FROM SHUFFLING cards in 25-cent poker games at a University of Colorado dormitory to winning $324,764 in a 2013 World Series of Poker No-Limit Hold’em tournament at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. That impressive journey took seventh generation Coloradan John Beauprez six years.

In addition to the big bucks, the 28-year-old took home the most coveted award a poker player can win: a WSOP gold bracelet. “I’ve had this dream of playing heads-up for a gold bracelet a thousand times but nothing matches the actual experience,” he told ESPN following the victory.

While the bracelet is not a Super Bowl ring, to millions of poker players it’s the ultimate prize won playing America’s national card game.

Like the ring, the WSOP bracelet is worn with pride.

Following graduation from CU, Beauprez often had to answer the question many young college graduates face regarding their career choices: Do I really want to do this for a living? For Beauprez, the question was not one any other graduate asked: Do I really want to become a professional poker player?

Beauprez has an intriguing family history. His parents, Claudia and Bob, operate Eagle’s Wing Ranch in northern Colorado where they raise and sell grass-fed bison. Initially, they were concerned about their

Monica and John with daughter Sofia

COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

Using a poker forum, he asked more than 1,000 players worldwide if they would like to see his notes for free.

“The response was overwhelming.

There was a genuine appreciation for my poker tips and many recipients asked if I could coach them. I started by charging $50 an hour, developed an ongoing client list which led to a stable income. It opened the door to the business side of the game, which I embraced, so I quit my hospital job,” he said.

INSIGHTS INTO COLORADO’S BUSINESS COMMUNITY

poker is 100 percent luck; they simply don’t understand the skill aspect of the game,” he says.

Photo: Joe Giron/PokerPhotoArchive.com

Winning Strategies

John with the winning hand at the 2013 WSOP $1500 No-Limit 6-Max Championship

Beauprez created a business partnership with longtime friend and former CU student Chance Kornuth.

The business is Chip Leader Coaching and is based on a simple concept: clients who want to take their game to the next level are assigned personal instructors “who provide a blueprint for making the correct decisions in every hand.”

The coaching is not fee-based and CLC backs (stakes) clients from to $5,000 to $100,000, depending on the player’s skills. If the client loses, so does the company; if client wins, CLC takes a percentage of their winnings. Today the business has grown to 75 clients and six coaches.

Las Vegas resident Nick Jivkov is a CLC client. He has been a professional poker player since 2008, has

a passion for the game and enjoys playing at the Aria, Venetian and Wynn. “CLC has been awesome to work with. They are always helpful and always available. They are trustworthy, and have a very solid reputation in Vegas,” he says.

Kornuth, with input from Beauprez, runs CLC. Meanwhile, Beauprez has set up his own online company, PLO Quick Pro, focusing on creating and producing training videos and guides.

Most people Beauprez meets on the Colorado social circuit are shocked when they find out what he does for a living. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that people believe I’m playing against the house.

I’m not, I’m just renting a seat in a card game that happens to be in a casino. Many also believe playing

Beauprez is convinced that half the battle to winning poker is being observant, reading your opponents’ body language and mannerisms.

“I dress more conservatively because I need my bluffs to be more credible. ‘Less kept’ players are more prone to bluff often, so do players in hoods and sunglasses. Shaking hands, sighs, shrugs, eye contact and happy feet under the table also send signals,” he says.

Nearly four years ago, the gambler’s life changed when he married Monica Owens, daughter of Frances and former Colorado governor Bill Owens. Two years ago, their daughter Sofia was born. As a husband and father, Beauprez has reduced his playing time and is now more focused on his poker business.

“I love playing poker but It’s easy to get burned-out. The lifestyle is tough. The emotional pull of ups and down swings can get old. It’s one thing playing as a single man but it’s entirely different now that I have a family,” he says.

Beyond all the straights, full houses and royal flushes, John Beauprez is a modest, humble man who took the road less traveled. He traversed from winning at the tables and with entrepreneurial spirit forged his own successful company.

He will never forget the early days when, if he lost $200, he felt awful and couldn’t sleep. “It took me more than a decade to become confident in playing a game in which I will never be perfect,” he says.

Charlie Brown served in the Colorado legislature in the early 1980s with Bill Owens, John Beauprez’ father-in-law. He represented south Denver on city council for more than 14 years and was term-limited in 2015.

On his rare lucky days, he can be seen in the high stakes room at Ameristar Black Hawk and Wynn Las Vegas.

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ART & DESIGN

Home On The Ranch

The Marabou Ranch near Steamboat Springs attracts families with a love for the outdoors and wide open spaces

By Julie Dunn

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“ALL THAT YOU CAN SEE FOR MILES and miles is white—it’s absolutely pristine and perfect,” said Jim DeFrancia. “I love starting a big fire roaring in the fireplace and just standing there with a cup of coffee.

It’s my favorite moment.”

The DeFrancias built their mountain home at Marabou Ranch in 2014 and have been enjoying the mountain lifestyle ever since.

Celebrating the authentic Western spirit, Marabou Ranch offers 1,717 acres of incredible ranch land located just five miles from Steamboat Springs. The ranch was designed for families who love the outdoors and an active lifestyle, with more than 75 percent of Marabou Ranch land dedicated to shared open space. Priced starting at $1.5 million, each homesite at Marabou Ranch is its own private refuge of at least five acres.

The DeFrancia’s 5,600 square foot, 5-bedroom house was designed by architect Robert Fitzgerald and

Marabou Ranch offers 1,717 acres of incredible ranch land located just five miles from Steamboat Springs

THE DETAILS About Marabou Ranch Surrounded by 1,717 acres of picturesque ranch land and open space, Marabou Ranch is a premier Colorado luxury ranch. Homesites start at $1.5 million for at least 5 acres, all offering sweeping panoramas of Steamboat’s Yampa Valley.

Contact info 970-875-2992 marabouranchtours.com maraboucgr@mybrokers.com

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Mountain Camp amenities include ski lockers, boot dryers and a fully stocked bar

COLORADO EXPRESSION DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

EXPLORING DISTINCTIVE DESTINATIONS

Located in the Yampa Valley, the Marabou Ranch has two miles of private water on the famous Elk River and 10 still-water fisheries

built by Steamboat’s Amaron-Folkstead Builders.

The house features a traditional mountain ranch design, with the extensive use of natural materials like wood, stone and heavy timbers. The main level features an open floorplan with a large great room with a fireplace, a master suite, a large kitchen with a center island and a dining room, with multiple access points to the expansive balcony.

“The core of the house is the Great Room—when the whole family is here, it definitely is where everyone hangs out,” said DeFrancia, a Colorado native and a longtime commercial real estate developer. “It was very important to us that each room offer a fantastic view of Steamboat’s famous ‘Sleeping Giant’ or Elk Mountain. The views are just fantastic all year-round.” Built into the side of a slope with a two-and-a-half-car

garage, the house features a walkout lower level with four guest rooms and a large family room that opens up onto the lower deck with the fire pit and hot tub.

“We have seven children and seven grandchildren, so the outdoor fire pit gets a lot of use for roasting marshmallows,” said DeFrancia.

The house features vaulted ceilings made using Colorado pine beetle kill wood. The extensive hardwood floors

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were recycled from a barn in British Columbia and refinished.

“I really love that they have the really old-time, authentic character,” said DeFrancia. “It evokes the sense of a historic ranch structure with a cozy feeling, and yet at the same time, it is fully modern with lots of glass to enjoy the views. We want every one of our guests to feel comfortable, to know that when they come in the door there will be a fire in the fireplace and a pot of stew on the stove.”

A big draw for the DeFrancias and their extended family was Marabou Ranch’s extensive lineup of amenities.

The community gathering spot at Marabou Ranch is the River House Lodge, which features a gourmet kitchen and a dining room that seats 40, the Dead Horse Saloon and a billiards room. Owners can also enjoy the Downstream Spa, the zero-entry kid-friendly River’s Edge Pool with two hot tubs and a complete fitness center offering cardio machines, kinesis strength equipment and free weights.

Marabou is known for its extensive horse training program, with more than 20 miles of equestrian trails for its remuda of 20 horses to enjoy, a stone barn and a full-sized riding

The community gathering spot at Marabou Ranch is the River House Lodge

arena. Cynthia DeFrancia keeps her two horses at Marabou’s barn.

“The fabulous amenity package at Marabou was incredibly appealing to our family as it helps both draw the kids here and then entertain them,” said DeFrancia. “We also love that Marabou is a real ranch—we run cattle, we’ve got horses, we grow hay.”

All owners at Marabou Ranch can enjoy four weeks of lodging each year for their guests at the Owners’ Cabins, six luxuriously appointed retreats nestled along the Elk River featuring

Marabou Ranch has more than 20 miles of equestrian trails and a full-sized riding arena

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dual master suites, a loft, fireplaces, a full kitchen, flat screen TVs, steam showers and expansive decks.

Marabou Ranch employs a staff of guides to share their insights in everything from fly fishing and horseback riding to hunting and mountain biking. The Master Guide lineup includes three former Olympic skiers and snowboarders, a world title holder and pro rodeo champion, competitive mountain bike racer and more.

For skiers and snowboarders, Marabou Ranch owners have exclusive access to the private Mountain Camp at the base of Mount Werner next to Steamboat’s main gondola. This on-mountain cabin features ski lockers, a fully stocked bar and serves chef-prepared chili lunches.

“The real magic of Marabou is how close it is to Steamboat,” said DeFrancia. “It’s the ideal place if you want to enjoy ranch living—amazing views, cattle grazing—but still be very close to civilization. It really is quite unique.”

Julie Dunn has lived in Denver for nearly 20 years, working as a writer and marketing professional. She got married on the banks of the Yampa River and has long loved Steamboat Springs.

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COLORADO SPACES

Preserving Land— And a Way of Life

The Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust helps farmers and ranchers set up conservation easements to protect their land from development

By Suzanne S. Brown, Photography by Russ Schnitzer

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ANYONE WHO HAS SPENT TIME driving along I-25 between Fort Collins and Denver during the last two decades has seen the once-open spaces steadily filled with commercial and residential development. Land formerly devoted to agriculture is being used to build housing developments and shopping centers, office parks and apartment complexes.

Growth is good, right?

“It’s a conundrum. You want development, but it is pushing agriculture out,” says Erik Glenn, executive director of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust.

The American Farmland Trust reported earlier this year that in the U.S, almost 31 million acres of agricultural land was converted between 1992 and 2012. “The loss is equivalent to developing most of Iowa or the entire state of New

York,” states the report. The group has’t released state figures, but the National Resources Inventory from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says that between 1982 and 2012, 601,700 acres of agricultural land was developed in Colorado.

Why should Colorado city dwellers care? For several reasons, chief among them being that the state’s farmers and ranchers are helping maintain the food supply to our tables as well as those in 100 countries across the globe, according to the state Office of Economic Development. Agriculture contributes $41 billion to the state’s economy each year in the form of goods, services, manufacturing and jobs.

When farms and ranches are lost in both rural areas and near urban development, related businesses are at risk, from feed stores to equipment suppliers.

The easement process

Farmers and ranchers who want to stay on their land and continue to produce food, preserve their livelihoods and hold onto their land for future generations are finding assistance from such organizations such as the CCALT. The organization was founded by the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association in 1995 to work on behalf of agricultural families and understand their needs and challenges. Since its inception, the trust

THE DETAILS Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust 8833 Ralston Rd. Arvada, CO 80002 303-225-8677 The organization’s mission is to conserve Colorado’s western heritage and working landscapes for the benefit of future generations.

To learn more about its programs, visit ccalt.org

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Cousins Colby and Tell are the 6th generation of the family to grow up on the Beatty Canyon Ranch in Las Animas County

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EXPLORING DISTINCTIVE DESTINATIONS

Recognized as the 2018 recipients of the Leopold Conservation Award, multiple generations of the Wooten family work together to move cattle across a creek on the ranch.

has partnered with 313 families to permanently conserve 560,567 acres of land throughout the state.

Glenn explains that the land isn’t saved just for the benefit of landowners, but for the public good as well. Agricultural and ranch land is significant for maintaining environmental resources, including water, grassland and wildlife habitat, and for historic preservation and open space protection. In 2017, for example, the CCALT’s conservation work included 65 miles along major waterways, including Gold Medal-classified water along the Arkansas and Colorado rivers.

The process of getting a conservation easement is long and detailed, and the trust might be working on more than 30 projects at any one time. A total of seven CCALT easements were completed in 2017 and each case is a little different. Sometimes, the owners are looking for a succession plan in order to pass their land holdings on to their children and grandchildren.

The easement lowers the value of the land, which can make it easier to transfer to the next generation.

By donating or selling perpetual conservation easements, the landowner may be able to get financial

and tax benefits through cash, federal income tax deductions, estate tax exemptions and transferable state income tax credits. With that money or tax credits, the owner can buy out partners, reduce debt, save for retirement, pay for long-term health care or college education, or buy land and equipment to improve their operation. The landowner maintains ownership of the property, with the trust providing oversight.

One family’s journey

Steven and Joy Wooten, who own the Beatty Canyon Ranch in southeastern Colorado, got a conservation easement on their property about a decade ago. Their families have lived in the area for close to a century, and the Wootens have ranched on their property for 42 years, surviving droughts, wildfires, and such weather extremes as a 2007 snowstorm that dumped four feet and stranded part of their Red Angus herd.

Effects from the drought that devastated the area from 1997-2004 prompted the Wootens to seek a conservation easement. They had to sell part of their herd and lease pasture in Kansas for grazing. Following that financial hit, the Wootens needed to

restructure the business and look for other ways of earning income.

The Wootens have been conscientious about managing their land, combatting the spread of invasive tree species like pinyon and juniper on land better suited to native grassland. For those efforts and others, the family was presented the prestigious Leopold Conservation Award in 2018 by the Sand Country Foundation, the CCA, the CCALT and the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association.

While the efforts are laudable, the Wootens aren’t doing it to win awards but to be good stewards of the land and make sure their children and grandchildren, now the 5th and 6th generations on the ranch, will be able to continue making their living there as well.

“Succession is one of the driving forces in our family,” Steve Wooten said, noting that what his children and future generations choose to do “is up to them, but at least we made sure they had the opportunity to say yes or no, stay or go.”

And while many of the people in Colorado’s most populated areas won’t live on such lands, they’ll reap benefits as well. One of the most visible conservation easements is the aptly named Greenland Ranch, visible along I-25 between Castle Rock and Monument. The 21,000-acre property, which spans eight miles of the highway, is the oldest working cattle ranch on the Front Range.

“That’s why conservation easements are relevant to every person who lives here,” says Maggie Hanna, conservation manager at the CCALT. “It’s relevant to our history, health and education, and the fact that we want a beautiful, safe place to live in the future.”

In researching this story, writer and editor Suzanne S. Brown developed a new appreciation for the farmers and ranchers who make their living by the land and produce the food we eat.

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Winter Park Ski Train

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C O L O R A D O

Dispatch

A Different Drummer

L I V I N G

The Ultimate Meier Skis

O COLORAD expression DEFINING

COOL

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