Pueblo Star Journal - April 2022

Vol. 1 No. 2

APRIL 29, 2022

SPRING PLANTING 6 | RUNYON SPORTS COMPLEX 8 | ARTS CENTER 10 | EVENTS 25

• DIG DEEPER •

Photo by Bryan Kelsen

The future of Pueblo’s past

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Projects illustrate adaptive reuse possibilities in the Steel City

By Rebecca VanGorder Special to the Pueblo Star Journal

daptive reuse is a term many people probably don’t recognize. That may soon change as the number and scope of these projects become more evident in Pueblo.

While gentrification remakes a low-income neighborhood into an area designed for wealthier residents, adaptive reuse essentially is recycling old buildings. It is the process of giving them new life and purpose. This isn’t like the renovation shows that are streaming everywhere, but taking something with historic value, breathing new life into it through a variety of upgrades, and using the space in a completely different way than it was originally intended.

Fuel & Iron

A worker climbs scaffolding while working on the Fuel & Iron project on Union Avenue. Pueblo’s historic Holmes Hardware building is being adapted as a multi-use facility that will feature a food hall, affordable housing and eventually an urban farm.

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The multi-faceted, ambitious project currently under construction on Union Avenue in the old Holmes Hardware building is the first phase of the Fuel & Iron project. Co-founders Nathan Stern and Zach Cytryn, both Denver real-estate developers, have a vision for their project and what it can be in the greater community.

Introducing Pueblo’s first food hall, Fuel & Iron seeks to meld the blue-collar, industrial past with the diverse and delicious present of Pueblo’s food and culture. The project aims to make Pueblo “the best place in Colorado to start a food-related business,” according to Stern.

The second goal for the project is to provide opportunities for the youth of

Southern Colorado to explore hospitality careers in the fields of restaurants, packaging and agriculture.

“For kids growing up in that region, we want them to know that they can have a rewarding hospitality (career) in any of those three sectors without leaving the region because, I think all too often, a lot of people don’t know the opportunities exist in their communities and think they need to move to a bigger city in order to achieve their hospitality-related dreams,” Stern said.

The first floor of the Holmes Hardware building is being transformed into a space for everyone’s inner foodie. Featuring five restaurants and a coffee and ice cream shop, residents of Pueblo will be able to enjoy the distinctive cuisine.

The food hall will take on a lot of the operations in the front of the house, allowing the restaurateurs to focus on the evolution of their products.

“The goal is, if you are up in Denver or Fort Collins or wherever and you’ve never been to Pueblo, you can come into the food hall and you’re having a unique culinary experience. And not only are you experiencing Pueblo, but none of the concepts are concepts you can see anywhere else,” Stern said.

Stern emphasized that supporting local entrepreneurs is paramount to the Fuel & Iron project. Getting to renovate and reuse one of Pueblo’s historic landmarks was an added bonus. The upper two floors of this part of the project will become affordable housing units that Adaptive Reuse continued on page 14

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HELP US TO DIG DEEPER

APRIL 29, 2022

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or at least 20 years, the conventional wisdom has been that newspapers are either dead or slowly dying.

First it was the advent of digital classified ads, which were predicted to fatally undercut print bottom lines.

While Craigslist and other free outlets certainly delivered a one-two punch, they never delivered that anticipated death blow.

Then it was social media, the rapid growth of which was forecast to make legacy media obsolete. Instead of genuflecting to the social throne, the legacy media did what it does – pivoted and embraced the emerging system as a new way of communicating.

Recent years brought shouts of “fake news” and purporting of so-called “alternative facts.” While the vitriol and name-calling have impacted the credibility and circulation of legacy media among extreme factions, the majority of the population just didn’t buy it.

As it turns out, the greatest harm to legacy media has been inflicted internally. Consider this 2020 data

from Penelope Rose Abernathy, Knight chair of journalism and digital media economics at the University of North Regan Foster Carolina’s Hussan School of Journalism and Media. Between fall 2018, when Abernathy last published her research on expanding news deserts, and 2020: • Some 300 newspapers closed and 6,000 print journalists left the industry.

• Consolidation increased. The largest chains, backed by private equity firms and hedge funds, formed mega-chains comprising hundreds of newspapers whose managers focused more on profits than community need.

• Other media, including the once-decried and now-embraced digital media, failed to thwart the rise of news deserts, especially in economically struggling regions of the country. While more than

80 local online sites were established in 2019, an equal number went dark.

It’s not a pretty picture. Who in their right mind would launch a new publication in that climate?

Here’s the thing: What we knew about this community, and what you’ve proven by your welcome, bucks those trends. In our debut edition of the Pueblo Star Journal, we packed 24 pages with local news, events, data and advertisements, and you responded overwhelmingly.

On the day we launched our first edition, your response temporarily crashed our website within six hours of publication.

Vol. 1, No. 1, was distributed for free at eight pickup locations. Vol. 1, No. 2, is being distributed to over 30 locations throughout Pueblo, with more pickup spots to come. We started off printing 2,000 copies. Due to demand, we’re more than doubling that this time around.

Your kind words and gracious support left us humbled, honored and, to

be honest, a little shell-shocked. As a team of veteran communications professionals, we knew the community craved this, but we had no idea how strongly you would embrace us.

Thank you, Pueblo. We are grateful beyond words for the welcome and empowered to continue the work that is more than a mission, it is our driving ethos: “To chronicle the Pueblo community while championing accountability, stimulating curiosity and supporting connections.”

You wanted another source of local news and information and we did our best to deliver with our introduction.

Based on the response, we think we succeeded — but this is merely a first step.

We are grateful to have you with us as we dig deeper.

Pueblo County resident Regan Foster is a professor of journalism at Colorado State university and faculty advisor to the student-run newspaper the Today; a founding member of the Pueblo Star Journal; an 18-year veteran of print and broadcast news; and a member of the Southern Colorado Press Club board of directors.

APRIL 29, 2022

Thank you, Pueblo, for believing in our community

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Board of Directors: Gregory Howell, Paula McPheeters, Leslie Nazario, Caroline Trani Advisory Board: Regan Foster, Nicki Hart, Kennedy Pugh, Susan Wolf, Chantal Woodyard

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Creative Director and Designer: Melissa Edwards Contributors: Kate Booth, Laurel Campbell, Bryan Kelsen, Hailee Langowski, Brandon Samora, Sherie Shaffer & Rebecca VanGorder Special thanks to: Positive Content, Blo Back Gallery, David C. Russell, The Dig, EDCC, El Pueblo History Museum, Fuel & Iron, Goodnight Barn, Johnny’s Boiler Shop, Kennedy Pugh, Legacy Bank, Machinations Entertainment, MMK Real Estates, Pueblo Chieftain Printing, Pueblo City-County Library District, Pueblo Department of Health & Environment, Pueblo Electronics, Pueblo Food Guide, RE/Max of Pueblo, Summer Solstice Festival, Tuxedo Ranch, Watertower Place, Amy Matthew, Ryan McWilliams, Anthony Perko, Jayson Peters & Doug Reeder Rational Media Ltd. dba The Pueblo Star Journal is fiscally sponsored by Positive Content.

As a fiscal sponsor, Positive Content acts as an umbrella organization for our missionfocused work, and accepts and administers funds on our behalf. Positive Content is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which makes all donations to us tax deductible.

Send donation checks to: Positive Content, c/o Pueblo Star Journal Fund 303 S. Santa Fe Ave., Pueblo CO 81003

or donate online: PuebloStarJournal.org/Donate

Illustration by Justin Morenz, Special to The Pueblo Star Journal

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APRIL 29, 2022

Cultivating connections W

By Hailee Langowski Special to the Pueblo Star Journal

hen Pueblo native Annette Charron returned to her hometown following a successful career as an English educator in California and Eastern Europe, she knew she wanted to keep working with kids. She found the United Way of Pueblo County’s Middle School Mentoring Program via an article in The Pueblo Chieftain.

Charron was concerned, however, that building those connections could be a challenge. Then she met her mentee, Obrinna Cano, who was in sixth grade at the time. They got more at ease with one another as their connection progressed.

“Ultimately, it’s been a blessing. I

feel close to Obrinna, and I am invested in being a sounding board of support for years to come,” Charron said.

With the blessing and agreement of Cano and her guardian, the pair maintained their strong bond as Cano entered high school.

Instead of the weekly lunches during middle school, Charron picked up Cano after school and went for a snack or coffee to catch up and talk about life. Charron introduced Cano to new experiences, including ballet – Annette Charron and musicals.

Charron said mentoring relationships, like parenting, have ups and downs. The mentor and mentee must remain dedicated to one other. A steady influence might make a difference for a mentee who lacks stability at home.

“...It really doesn’t matter whether you’re young or old; you can make a difference in a young person’s life.”

Just ask Cano.

“I would recommend mentoring,” said Cano, now a senior in high school.

“It is very nice and helpful, as it can be an escape. It may take time for the mentee to (connect with) the mentor, but I feel younger people should do it because they might like it as much as I liked … it.”

Uplifting youths

Mentorship has quickly become critical to the Pueblo youth community.

Mentors are available to assist kids in elementary, middle and high school, as well as youths involved in foster care and the judicial system.

Tanya Simental is the mentoring and youth engagement manager for the United Way of Pueblo County and the Pueblo Mentoring Collaborative (PMC), which began in 2012. In 2021, she said, the program connected with 128 families in search of a mentor.

DAVID C. RUSSELL, JR.

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DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER

SONG PORTRAITS AND FEATHERS & FRIENDS

Photo Show

Pueblo West Library 298 S. Joe Martinez Blvd.

May 2 - May 31, 2022

9am-9pm Monday-Thursday 9am-6pm Friday-Saturday 4

Mentoring collaboration benefits mentors, kids and Pueblo The mentoring collaborative works to “build on current resources and address gaps in mentoring by building a community-wide system for communication and engaging, supporting and sustaining quality mentoring for Pueblo youth, young adults and families,” according to its website.

Trust, hope and growth are the foundations of a mentor-mentee relationship, according to the United Way; Pueblo School District 60 and Pueblo County School District 70 work closely to ensure the safety of both mentors and mentees.

Several supporting organizations, like the First Presbyterian Church at 220 W. 10th St., have mentorship programs. The church joined the PMC in 2012.

Roger Ganger is the program coordinator for the church and a longtime member of the PMC steering committee. He helps oversee the mentorship

Southern Colorado Youth Development is another PMC partner. The organization serves youths ages 10 to 18.

SCYD’s Executive Director Mike Riley noted that the organization works with adolescents through therapeutic mentoring and provides supporting life skills engagement.

SCYD has Motovate, a mentoring program that teaches kids to ride dirt motorcycles. Participants attend 21 classes over the course of three to four months; the program includes outside activities.

SCYD also provides one-on-one therapy. Mentors meet with each adolescent to discuss education and life. For adolescents involved in the court system, SCYD works to set and achieve goals to help them get out of the bad and into the good.

“We’ve had individuals come back, now in their late teens to early 20s, that give us the feedback about how

APRIL 29, 2022

Courtesy photo/David Moody/The Today file

A healthful advocate

The PMC includes the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment. Sarah Martinez works in youth substance abuse prevention at the department and is involved with the work in the PMC. Communities That Care is a department program of local youth advisers that provide peer voices and guidance while developing professional and community skills. The young advisers just concluded training on successful interpersonal relations and challenging dialogues.

Martinez has witnessed some of the coalition’s young advisers improve personally and professionally.

“Watching them gain skills, become more confident and really take an active role in improving our community has made me tremendously proud and inspired,” she wrote in an email. “If all youth had at least one trusted and caring adult to talk to and learn from, I truly think our community would be healthier and happier.”

What has mentor Charron learned during her experience?

“I’ve decided that it really doesn’t matter whether you’re young or old; you can make a difference in a young person’s life,” she said. “There are things that young mentors offer the mentees that are really valuable, but older mentors or retirees have a lot of life experiences about different things and different ways to offer (help) to middle school students.”

To get involved with the Pueblo Mentoring Collaborative, email pmc.pueblo@gmail.com or fill out an interest form on their website at mentoringpueblo.com.

Tanya Simental, the manager of the United Way of Pueblo County’s Mentoring and Youth Engagement program, meets with her mentee in January. The relationships that form between volunteer mentors and their young charges often outlast the years that kids are in middle school, Simental says.

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Coming full circle

much the program impacted them,” Riley said. “They want to come back, do peer mentoring and help the youth that we’re working with now since they were in their shoes a few years ago.”

Youngsters can also come to the youth center at 2828 Granada Blvd. for mentorship and to utilize the computers and free Wi-Fi, Riley said. He added that the agency tries not to turn down any applicants.

Courtesy photo/David Moody/The Today file

programs at Risley Middle School and Beulah Heights Elementary School.

“It has been a good program for the church and we are glad we can provide the service,” he said.

At Risley, mentors and mentees work one-on-one with approaches like face-to-face conversations and tutoring if needed.

The Reading Buddies program at Beulah Heights has mentors from the congregation read to second- and third-grade students. The students choose the books, Granger said.

“It’s about (the mentors) being with the kids and giving them someone to provide some feedback,” he said.

“Some of them are pretty quiet and shy. After about six or seven times of visiting, they start opening up a little bit. We’ve had a couple, two or three, that just can’t stop talking.”

Ganger said the reading program has received a positive response. The children appear to love it and are eager for the mentors to arrive.

Daniel Minich (right) meets with his mentee in this January file photo. Minich volunteers to mentor the child through a United Way of Pueblo County program that pairs children with adults to build supportive relationships outside of home and school.

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Photo from Adobe Stock

APRIL 29, 2022 | COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |

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Warm-season vegetables: It’s almost planting time

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By Sherie Shaffer Special to The Pueblo Star Journal

don’t know about you, but I am so excited that it’s almost time to plant my vegetable garden! I love to grow pretty flowers and interesting native plants but my veggie garden has always been my favorite.

It makes me feel so proud to pick things from the garden and feed them to my family – and there is nothing quite as tasty as homegrown produce.

Warm-season vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers can’t be planted outside until the danger of frost has passed. Since we live in Colorado, this can be quite the guessing game. According to historical weather data, on May 1 in Pueblo there is still a 50 percent chance the temperature will get down to 32 degrees. Once we get to May 13, there is only a 10 percent chance it will get down to freezing.

On average, Pueblo will get its last frost around May 10. Nobody can predict the weather, but with these statistics you can make an educated guess about when it will be time to plant your vegetables.

Even when the danger of frost passes, you shouldn’t just stick brand new transplants out into the garden without giving them some time to get used to being

outdoors. I like to start setting my new plants outside for 10 minutes and increase it every day until they can handle being out there for hours. This process, known as hardening off, gets plants used to being in direct sunlight, wind and all the outdoor elements they will experience once they are permanently planted in your outdoor garden. If you are buying transplants from a garden center, be sure to ask if the plants are hardened off yet before planting them outside.

Since there is still some time to wait before we plant our warm-season vegetable gardens, you have time to get outside and make sure your soil is ready.

It’s always a good idea to get a soil test so you know what you are working with. This will let you know if your soil is lacking in a specific nutrient or in organic matter content. If you aren’t sure and don’t want to get a soil test done, you can add a couple of inches of a plant-based compost and incorporate that down into your garden soil about 6 inches deep. This will add organic matter and improve the soil’s condition, or tilth.

You can also start thinking about how you want to irrigate your garden this summer. Here in Pueblo it

can be quite hot and dry, so watering is an important consideration. It is best to keep water off the leaves of the plants as much as possible. Wet leaves can encourage and spread disease; it’s also wasteful to apply water anywhere other than the soil where it is needed for the roots to uptake.

For this reason, drip irrigation or soaker hoses are great options for a vegetable garden. Going with the classic watering can method is fine; it lets you get out in the garden and see what is going on with your plants day to day. However, you will want to make sure you are applying water directly to the soil and not on the leaves of the plants.

To get in-depth information about when to plant specific vegetables, spacing, germination days, days to maturity or really anything else you could want to know, check out this vegetable planting guide from CSU Extension: cmg.extension.colostate.edu/ Gardennotes/720.pdf. You can also read the Colorado vegetable guide at growgive.extension.colostate .edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/63/2021/01/ Colorado-Vegetable-Guide-2.1.pdf.

Sherie Shaffer is a horticulture agent with CSU Extension-Pueblo County.

POP-UP SE R I E S P R E S E N T E D BY

JOIN US as we reveal the restauranteurs running each of the kitchens at the Fuel & Iron Food Hall.

The identities of the chefs and their concepts will be revealed at the event, so attend to get the first look at the exciting new restaurant concepts coming to Pueblo!

#1 #2 #3 #4 #5

FEB. 15 MARCH 15 MAY 17 JUNE 21 JULY 19

BINGO BURGER 101 CENTRAL PLAZA PUEBLO, CO

SUMMER 2022

Launch of Colorado Arts and Artists Associates will kick off the Rocky Mountain Creative Experience June 10-11: Mindful Awareness Festival (Film & Theater Festival) Featuring Youth Documentary Academy and The Arts Academy at Pueblo County High School. (Blo Back Gallery and Impossible Playhouse)

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Have you heard of the Colorado Master Gardener program in Pueblo County? If not, you are missing out on a terrific resource gardeners of all skill levels can take advantage of.

The first Master Gardener program was started in 1973 at Washington State University Cooperative Extension. The purpose of the program was then, and still is, to extend the ability of a county’s horticulture agent to reach people with research-based horticultural information. Master Gardeners are now active in all 50 states and eight Canadian provinces.

When you reach out to a Master Gardener, you can rest assured they know their stuff, or at least where to find it. Our volunteers go through an in-depth training program in which they learn everything there is to know about gardening in Colorado and where to find science-based answers to

people’s questions.

If you have gardening questions, you can reach the Master Gardeners during their helpline hours - 9-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The number to call is 719-5836566. You can also email pueblomastergardener@gmail.com.

Look for Master Gardeners staffing educational tables at local events such as the Pueblo West Community Marketplace, the SHED/Master Gardener plant sale (9 a.m.-2 p.m. May 7 in the Ag Palace at the Colorado State Fairgrounds) and the state fair (Aug. 26-Sept. 5). They also host events such as the annual Xeriscape garden tour in June and various gardening classes at the extension office.

Check out the Pueblo County Extension website at pueblo. extension.colostate.edu to stay up to date on all the events the Master Gardeners have coming up.

Photo by Melissa Edwards

By Sherie Shaffer

APRIL 29, 2022

Master Gardeners: A gardening resource for all

June 13-17: Creative Empowerment Week for High School and College Students at Rocky Mountain SER 330 Lake Ave, Pueblo July 23-29: Creative Showcase Week, Kicking off new music programs at Pueblo Boys and Girls Clubs and El Pueblo History Museum. There will be a reception and concert at El Pueblo the evening of Saturday, July 23rd. at 7pm featuring RiuDolc from Spain.

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Photos by Gregory Howell

APRIL 29, 2022 | COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |

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Runyon Sports Complex swings into summer Puebloans gather at the Runyon Sports Complex for a baseball game on a recent spring evening. Staff at the historic baseball park are preparing for another summer of wall-to-wall baseball and softball games.

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By Brandon Samora Special to the Pueblo Star Journal

he Runyon Sports Complex is a hub of Southern Colorado’s competitive athletic spirit. The site of six baseball and softball fields carries a rich and diverse history in Pueblo. All fields are named after Pueblo baseball legends – Tony “The Nuch” Andenucio, O’Neal Hobbs, Max Salas, Sam Corsentino, Jim Dilorio and Ray Pusedu – each with his own tie to Pueblo and impact on the sport and spirit of local baseball.

Runyon has been a hotspot for the spirit of America’s pastime for nearly a century. Originally called County Park when it opened in 1938, the field that now houses high school baseball in Pueblo used to be a stop for some of the game’s most famous play-

ers. The Great Bambino, Babe Ruth, made a stop in Pueblo to play an exhibition game at Runyon the year of its official opening. The complex hosted a Western League team, the Pueblo Rollers, in 1941; it was a farm team of the St. Louis Browns. The league took a break due to World War II but afterward resumed until 1958, with Pueblo hosting farm teams of the Brooklyn Dodgers and Chicago Cubs.

Officially named after Damon Runyon in 1948, the legacy of the Runyon Sports Complex began.

Runyon was born in Manhattan, Kansas, in 1880 but grew up in the Steel City. A renowned sports writer, he started his journalistic career with The Pueblo Chieftain in 1910 and then moved to New York, where his sports writing and storytelling made him famous. Runyon’s stories “The Idyll of Miss Sarah

Brown” and “Blood Pressure” were inspirations for the musical “Guys and Dolls,” which ran on Broadway for 1,200 performances and later became a film starring Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra.

Fast forward to 2021: Christie Koschke was named the first female general manager of the complex.

Koschke was an accomplished high school and collegiate player in Pueblo – an ace on the diamond for Pueblo West High School who led the Cyclones to two state championships and then transitioned into a standout at Brigham Young University. Koschke then moved to the coaching side of things. She was the head softball coach at CSU Pueblo from 2013 to the 2021 season.

“I’ve grown up watching baseball at Runyon,” Koschke said. “My brother played here when I was

APRIL 29, 2022 young and there wasn’t always softball here. So I didn’t get the chance to play here, but I’ve grown up watching baseball take place here at Runyon.”

Runyon houses a multitude of tournaments over the summer and is the home to youth baseball for all leagues that take place throughout the calendar year.

You can’t find a summer weekend where there aren’t games on all six fields from sunup to sundown.

“A tournament weekend is busy. It is truly an allday, all-hands-on-deck process,” Koschke said. “Every field is filled at all hours of the day.”

A name that has been one of Runyon’s biggest promoters this season is Mario “Mo Mo” Bernal.

The PA announcer for Hobbs Field, Bernal is the voice of high school baseball in Pueblo.

“I was born (in Pueblo) and I have probably spent

more time at Runyon during my life than anywhere else in the world,” he said.

Bernal runs the Pueblo High School Baseball and Softball Scores Twitter page.

During every game on Hobbs Field, he provides scoring updates, game stats and recaps of every game.

“The goal is to have this going on in every field here at Runyon in the future.

Eventually, the goal is to have every game filmed and streamed online for everyone in Pueblo to see,” Bernal said.

The future of Runyon is bright. In 2016, Pueblo County residents passed a bond to improve and expand youth baseball and softball facilities and to expand the historic complex.

Once the plan is in effect, the goals of the project are to increase the number of fields at Runyon Sports Complex, improve the quality of all the facilities, maintain safety and meet the requirements of the Americans – Mario “Mo Mo” Bernal with Disabilities Act. The expansion process is still in the approval stages, but the full master plan is available at runyonsportscomplexmp.com.

“The amount of tournaments and leagues we have now is essentially capped,” Koschke said. “What expansion would do is allow us the freedom to do a lot more here. It would be a huge change for Runyon and I am just excited for the growth that will follow.”

“I have probably spent more time at Runyon during my life than anywhere else in the world”

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The Runyon Sports Complex has been a staple of spring and summer for generations of ball players and families. The park hosts games and tournaments for all ages and skill levels.

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Photos by Gregory Howell

APRIL 29, 2022

Arts center returns with diverse exhibitions

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Exo-Sanctuaries: A Rough Ruby Collective Project

By Gregory Howell

n 1972, the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center opened its doors to Pueblo and the surrounding 17 counties. The original two-building complex housed a single gallery, a 500-seat theater, classroom spaces, a dance studio and a conference facility.

In 1982, Puebloan Helen T. White funded an expansion that added three galleries, a gift shop and a small children’s museum. The most recent expansion resulted in the Buell Children’s Museum and the Jackson Sculpture Garden.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the arts center and while the original carved stone waterway designed by retired Colorado State University Pueblo art professor Richard Hansen no longer flows from the upper levels down to South Santa Fe Avenue, the

current exhibits on display flow as a reminder and connector of the arts.

In fact, Hansen felt that public art has a responsibility to make the viewer aware of the unique quality of a place.

He shared that public art’s most important contribution is to attune people to the distinctive natural and cultural situations of the place in which they live and work.

The arts center is now back after several weeks of closure due to a water main break. The organization also underwent a change in leadership.

April’s First Friday Art Walk served as a point of celebration for five powerful exhibitions featuring some of Southern Colorado’s artistic talent. If you have not already visited, make plans now; several shows will be ending in May. Here is an overview of what to expect, starting at the top of the arts

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“... Public art’s most important contribution is to attune people to the distinctive natural and cultural situations of the place in which they live and work.” the third floor foyer, you are greeted by “From a Remembrance,” which is a series of what appear to be transparent clouds that float through the hallway and past the elevator to the central staircase. Born and raised in Seoul, Su Kaiden Cho is a Korean-American contemporary artist working in Colorado. His work confronts identity with cross-cultural reflections between South Korea and the United States.

Cho challenges the standard norms of culture, heritage and self-identity, and proudly offers a perspective of beauty that can only be found deep within.

At the landing on the second floor you will find “Photo Pensato,” a collective of Colorado photographers with distinct styles. Pensato is an Italian term for a musical note so exquisite it can be neither played nor heard.

Arts Center continued on page 13

Photo Pensato: Ron Johnson, John Shelton, Stephen W. Podrasky, Linda Little, Jim Montague, Michael Trupiano, Aimee McCrory, Raj Manickam

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center with the White Gallery and working down to the Hoag Gallery, just as water would flow through the stone waterway.

The arts center will hold its 50th anniversary gala on June 3.

The White Gallery features “Exo-Sanctuaries: A Rough Ruby Collective Project,” which showcases the work of artists from Colorado Springs and Pueblo – Laura BenAmots, Hellen Eberhardie Dunn, Ceil Horowitz, Cathleen Meadows and Hannah Star Rogers. Immediately upon entering the gallery space, one feels they have transcended into a place of visceral discovery and exploration. This exhibition is a “mixed-media, collaborative, multi-spacial, immersive art installation experience” with an original soundscape.

Just outside the White Gallery in

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APRIL 29, 2022 | COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |

The annual Drive | Lead | Succeed Conferences aim to provide the knowledge, tools, and connections that are vital to foster a growing Colorado economy.

Since 1976, the Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) has been promoting effective, responsible economic development practices across the state. As the state’s premier economic development resource, EDCC represents the Colorado’s public and private sector interests. By connecting our communities, members, and partners to high-quality educational opportunities and trusted resources, we advance policy while supporting vibrant economies and enhancing the quality of life for all Coloradans.

Economic Development Council of Colorado edcconline.org | 720.260.4478 12

Continued from page 11

The exhibit is about the individual pursuit of growth, discovery and knowledge – and the appreciation each photographer has for the others featured in this show.

As you make your way down to the Regional Gallery, you will discover a series of colorful silkscreen works. Many Puebloans are familiar with Mathias ‘Mo’ Valdez and his creativity with Last Leaf Printing, which he founded in 2009. Previously he has shown his work in solo exhibitions at Kadoya Gallery and Blo Back Gallery in Pueblo.

“Things & Stuff ” is a reminder that when we talk about the truth, it is often very difficult to figure out and we find ourselves navigating through the ebbs and flows of life’s uncertainties.

Several years ago at the former Wix Gallery on the Pueblo Riverwalk, Liz McCombs presented her maquette-like figures that conjured a whole spectrum of emotional characters. The artist has now created the bigger-than-life sculptures featured in the Hoag Gallery. “Roots of Change” explores the powerful changes that take place below the surface as seeds, and ideas, begin to grow.

Here you will find yourself in places of darkness and oftentimes extreme fantasy familiarity.

APRIL 29, 2022

Photos by Gregory Howell

Arts Center

Liz McCombs: Roots of Change

White Gallery, second floor

“Exo-Sanctuaries: A Rough Ruby Collective Project” Artists: Laura BenAmots, Hellen Eberhardie Dunn, Ceil Horowitz, Cathleen Meadows, Hannah Star Rogers Through May 14

Third Floor Gallery

Mathias ‘Mo’ Valdez: Things & Stuff

| PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG

“From a Remembrance” Artist: Su Kaiden Cho Through May 21

King Gallery

“Photo Pensato” Artists: Ron Johnson, John Shelton, Stephen W. Podrasky, Linda Little, Jim Montague, Michael Trupiano, Aimee McCrory, Raj Manickam Through May 21

Regional Gallery

“Mathias ‘Mo’ Valdez: Things & Stuff ” Artist: Mathias ‘Mo’ Valdez Through Aug. 7

Hoag Gallery

“Roots of Change” Artist: Liz McCombs Through July 24

Su Kaiden Cho: From a Remembrance

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APRIL 29, 2022

Adaptive Reuse Continued from page 1

will serve first the employees of the food hall, then other residents.

The next two phases of the project will focus on other aspects of the food and hospitality business with the goal of drawing local entrepreneurs front and center. Part of these phases will include more housing and some sustainability practices.

In addition to the food hall in Pueblo, Stern said they wanted to find a way to promote Pueblo in Denver. A bar of the same name, Fuel & Iron, is about to open near Coors Field and will feature unique Pueblo flavors and food, including slopper sliders and Mosco (as in chile) mules.

Watertower Place

“Our goal from day one has been to be the glue in the community to do two things. One: create conversation to, for example, get the city to talk to the county… We want to be the positive story in the community to sort of be the glue that brings people together,” McWilliams said. “The second thing is to actually show that if we can take the literally largest eyesore in all of Colorado and turn it into one of the shining stars, gems of the community that actually has a new purpose now, then we would be successful.”

With only about a third of the project and its budget done, it will be a few more years before it is complete. McWilliams looks forward to the days when the building will serve the community he loves.

Keating School

Built in 1927 and originally known as Central Junior High School, Keating School has been dormant for more than a decade. This striking building across from Central High School is envisioned as a point of revival for the local community. The nonprofit Keating School is leading the charge to reimagine what the old school can be.

Corinne Koehler, chair of the nonprofit, spoke of the history of the building and the possibilities of use for the spaces within the school. The project is still in the early stages — the nonprofit is working to find the right developer and has been talking with one out of Denver recently.

| COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |

Photos by Bryan Kelsen

Vying for the prime spot in Pueblo’s new old gems is Watertower Place, an epic undertaking spearheaded by Ryan McWilliams. Using the old Nuckolls meat packing plant on Santa Fe Avenue to create a “vertical urban village,” McWilliams is steadily transforming the massive complex and Pueblo’s image from the inside out.

The unique construction of this once cutting-edge

facility allows it to become a space that can accommodate virtually any use imaginable. McWilliams originally intended the building to be a rail-related project since his background is in that industry, but it became evident that it could be much more.

“I made a sharp right turn and sort of changed everything I was doing, took a little bit to unwind some of that. We then said, well, let’s actually do an adaptive reuse project that is mixed use that will have multiple quality-of-life-related facets to it,” he said.

It has taken several years of love and labor to get the building to where it is now, and it’s not near completion. Over the next few years, multiple spaces — from a wellness center to a rooftop restaurant and office space to an innovation hub — will be added.

All of this and more will fit easily into the 6 acres under the roof. Parking is also plentiful with 6 acres of outside space.

“It’s really that village mentality that we want to bring back to the core of downtown, adding in some urban density, while cleaning up the biggest eyesore in the state,” McWilliams said.

The project has not been without pitfalls. Theft of equipment has totaled close to half a million dollars, McWilliams said, and contractors are facing equipment challenges with the thickness of the walls and floors. Aggressive security and some ingenuity have helped alleviate a lot of these issues, he said.

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Watertower Place is a large adaptive reuse project in Pueblo. Owner Ryan McWilliams wants to create a ‘vertical urban village’ inside the former meat-packing plant.

A local nonprofit group has plans to turn the Keating School, built in 1927, into a commercial and residential project to serve the community’s needs.

which the city, county and other partners have had to work on together.

Through trial and error, the Pueblo Planning and Community Development department has learned how to attract and assist developers who want to take on the buildings that are ripe for adaptive reuse.

“Every Wednesday we have a development review committee and (developers) can come in and talk to every single department and every single utility all at once, and so get the red flags, all the issues,” said Wade Broadhead, senior planner for the City – Corinne Koehler of Pueblo.

Broadhead said Pueblo’s approach is to help developers as much as possible in the form of information and assistance, addressing potentially outdated or illogical regulations or requirements.

The city’s renaissance is at hand with many irons in the fire and some of its potential now blossoming into reality. Leaders of these adaptive reuse projects are stepping into the city’s future while paying homage to the past — and inviting the community not only to participate, but become part of the experience.

APRIL 29, 2022

By implementing adaptive reuse in Keating School, the potential for the building isn’t the only thing being unlocked. The economic impact going forward could benefit the neighborhood and city with increased tax revenue and commerce.

According to Koehler, the heart and soul of this project is to commemorate the nostalgia and memories of the past while preserving it and reworking it to serve the community for many years to come. With a location not far from the Riverwalk and other downtown amenities, she hopes the Keating School will be an ideal location for residential and commercial growth in the not-too-distant future.

“You never get that same quality of building because it has those old stone columns and it has the beautiful old woodwork and so many of the things that would not be put into a new building.”

Planning Pueblo’s future

City planners have had their hands full with growth in Pueblo. With a rise in the construction of new single-family homes and more construction on the horizon, adaptive reuse can be a preferred, if not necessarily easier, method by which to house and benefit Pueblo’s residents.

Ideally, planners look at using existing infrastructure to serve the public and adaptive reuse makes that easier. It also presents its own challenges, though,

| PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG

“You have to have a meeting of the minds and who knows if the meeting of the minds will actually be met,” Koehler said of the hunt for the developer that will best suit the project.

She stressed the need to find a use for the school because it’s more efficient and saves a historic part of the community. Reusing a building is better for the environment and the public, she said.

“You never get that same quality of building because it has those old stone columns and it has the beautiful old woodwork and so many of the things that would not be put into a new building,” Koehler said. “On top of that, when you’re tearing down an old building it all gets taken to the dump. You have to look at the fact that you’re filling up the dump then using new materials.”

By utilizing some of the land on the back side of the school, Koehler said, new housing could be put in and the second story of the building could be converted into rentable housing. All of this could be helped along by the use of tax credits. After five years of ownership by the property owner, per the tax credit requirements, residences could be sold.

Koehler was especially excited about the potential restoration of the school theater to its 1920s glory. It still has all the old seating and woodwork and could be a place for the community to enjoy a movie or theatrical production from local theater groups, with the potential for other events such as town halls.

The long-vacant Holmes Hardware building is being renovated as part of the Fuel & Iron project. The main floor will house Pueblo’s first food hall and restaurant incubator.

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| COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |

APRIL 29, 2022

DIGGIN

APRIL 29, 2022

NG IN Join us on the evening of June 23, to celebrate the rebirth of the Pueblo Star Journal.

Live auction, food trucks and family-friendly fun await

More information at PuebloStarJournal.org

| PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG

A fundraiser for the Pueblo Star Journal

17

APRIL 29, 2022

COLORADO’S METAL SUPPLY & FABRICATION SHOP Serving Our Community Since 1946

| COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |

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719.544.2170 • JOHNNYSBOILER.COM SHOP@JOHNNYSBOILER.COM 303 S SANTA FE AVE • PUEBLO CO 81003 AT WATERTOWER PLACE

APRIL 29, 2022

Photos by Gregory Howell

Honoring and saving Pueblo’s western heritage

P

By Laurel Campbell Special to the Pueblo Star Journal

he pushed his cattle over Trinchera Pass in 1866 (to avoid paying Uncle Dick Wooten’s 10-cent-per-steer toll over Raton Pass), he set up his first swing station in the Apishapa Canyon, just a few miles south of Pueblo County. He held cattle there to fatten them for the northern market through the 1860s and the early 1870s.

Remnants of those days remain in the form of stone foundations and corrals. According to late Pueblo rancher and rodeo stockman Harry Vold, the cattle roamed southern Pueblo County. Vold went so far as to call it “Goodnight Country.” There were no barbed wire fences then and spring roundup could find cowboys herding cattle as far east as Kansas and west into the mountains for the final drive to Denver and Wyoming.

Nearly eight years ago, a group of preservationists and history lovers wishing to preserve, promote and re-

store the barn formed the Goodnight Barn Historic Preservation Committee. It is our goal to have this National Register landmark be a destination for western history lovers. We are working diligently toward this.

The history of Pueblo began with ranching. We are proud to say that the Charles Goodnight Barn has now been fully restored. Stay tuned for upcoming community events to celebrate the completion of this historic project.

Laurel Campbell is the chair of the Goodnight Barn Historic Preservation Committee and president of the nonprofit.

She serves as a commissioner on Pueblo’s Historic Preservation Commission and has served on the board of directors of Historic Pueblo, Inc., for 10 years, serving twice as president. She is president of the Pueblo Heritage Museum and has spent many hours researching Pueblo’s history.

| PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG

ueblo has a rich western history. Nomadic Indian tribes in the 18th and 19th centuries chose the confluence of the Arkansas and Fountain Creek for winter camps.

Trappers and traders founded trading posts here in the 1830s and 1840s. In 1842, James Beckwourth helped establish Fort El Pueblo and it existed until the Christmas Day massacre in 1854. In 1846, part of the Mormon Battalion wintered here.

In 1868, Pueblo County was still very young but the success of the town was practically guaranteed by its exceptional geographic location at the juncture of two rivers, the mild winters and lush farm and grazing land. The cattle industry emerged as a major economic force in 1868 and it was then that famous cattleman

Charles Goodnight chose Pueblo to be the northernmost point of his cattle business. J. Evetts Haley writes in his book “Charles Goodnight, Cattleman and Plainsman” that “Goodnight’s practiced eye saw the lay of the land at once, for here the forces that wore down the Rockies to level the Plains had designed a perfect range…”

Goodnight’s Rock Canyon Ranch stood along the Arkansas River four miles west of town on what is now Colorado State Highway 96. This large ranching operation has now turned to dust except for the 1870 stone barn.

The barn was constructed of Codell sandstone quarried from Goodnight’s rock quarry southwest of the ranch.

Goodnight and his ranch hands built this agricultural beauty; it was placed on the National and State Historic Registers of Places in 1974.

Goodnight’s influence in the region spread to other counties as well. When

Visitors to the newly restored Goodnight Barn get a glimpse of Pueblo’s ranching history. Built by cattleman Charles Goodnight, the structure was placed on the National and State Historic Registers of Places in 1974.

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APRIL 29, 2022

Team North

CSU Pueblo 2200 Bonforte Blvd.

Pueblo, CO 81001

Team South Date: May 21, 2022 Colorado State Fairgrounds Time: 8:00 A.M. 1001 Beulah Ave. to 3:00 P.M. Pueblo, CO 81004

Team City Council - Pueblo RecycleWorks - Accepting Recyclables

Things to Do:

Have proof of city residency (Photo ID or utility bill).

Limit each household to one (1) pickup sized truckload only.

Bring furniture, mattresses, carpet, and tires (limit 5 per household).

Have yard waste easily accessible (trash bags or boxes).

| COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |

Things Not to Bring:

Industrial or commercial waste items, concrete, cement or rocks.

Hazardous materials (paints, chemicals, thinners, lawncare, etc.)

Appliances using freon (fridges, freezers, air conditioners, etc.) e-Waste (T.V.s, computers, electronics)

Future Clean-Up Events: Eastwood Heights

King Dunn Subdivision

Pueblo West

Illegal Dumpsites

Call: (719) 583-4309 Visit: pueblohealth.org 20

Scan Here!

APRIL 29, 2022

Pics from the past

Goodnight Barn

In 1868, cattleman Charles Goodnight selected Pueblo to be the northernmost point of his successful cattle business.

The Rock Canyon Ranch included a sandstone barn that was built in 1870.

The photo on the left is of the barn in 1895. Today the historic barn is all that remains of the ranch on Highway 96 just west of Pueblo. It was placed on the National and State Historic Registers of Places in 1974. Members of the local Goodnight Barn Historic Preservation Committee worked for the past eight years to preserve and restore the structure. The completed project is shown on the right.

Shop local for high-quality products customized for your brand.

Like PSJ, hyper local is the best way to build community and to support local businesses. Getting to know your local business owner is a game changer and worth the value.

| PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG

Whether you're looking to promote your business with custom matchbooks, print your logo on a mug, or get some swag made for your next event — we're here to help.

Tuxedo Ranch | www.tuxedoranch.com | 719.924.5275

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APRIL 29, 2022

In Mexico, its remembrance is confined primarily to the town in which it took place.

In the United States, it’s become a nationwide celebration of Mexican culture.

It’s a date, and celebration, familiar to Puebloans for numerous reasons.

Take a closer look at

16

SEPTEMBER

Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day.

Mexico celebrates its independence on Sept. 16 because, on that date in 1810, Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla proclaimed the beginning of the revolution against Spain.

| COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla.

On May 5, 1862, Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza and a small group of soldiers defeated the French in the town of Puebla. It wasn’t a major tactical victory, but it became a symbol of courage and cultural pride.

France intended to establish its dominance in Mexico and then turn its attention to the United States by offering support to the Confederacy in the Civil War. Because of stronger Mexican resistance after the Battle of Puebla, that plan never materialized.

In California, the battle inspired Mexicans who immigrated to the United States to organize Juntas Patrioticas Mexicanas. These community organizations supported the Mexican president’s battle against the French and President Abraham Lincoln’s fight against the Confederacy.

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Cinco de Mayo became identified with the U.S. Chicano rights movement in the 1960s and 1970s.

In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is an official holiday in Puebla but isn’t a major celebration elsewhere. Observance consists primarily of speeches and battle re-enactments.

In the United States, the holiday became a celebration of Mexican culture with a greater focus on festivals, music, food – and yes, beer.

Gen. Zaragoza was born in La Bahía del Espíritu Santo, now known as Goliad, in Texas.

He died a few months after the Battle of Puebla. The General Zaragoza State Historic Site, built in 1960 near Goliad, was established in his honor.

In 2005, Congress passed a continuing resolution asking the president to issue a proclamation that called upon Americans to observe Cinco de Mayo with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

Designed by Melissa Edwards | Images and illustrations via Adobe Stock | Sources: CNN, Parade, geo-mexico.com, Reader’s Digest, Snopes, Time magazine, pueblosistercities.org, visitmexico.com, congress.gov, U.S. State Department Office of the Historian

APRIL 29, 2022 Pueblo, Colorado

1811, Humboldt Map of Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida via Adobe Stock

Puebla is both a city and state in Mexico The city of Puebla:

The state of Puebla:

• Is one of Pueblo’s sister cities

• Is the location of Popocatépetl Volcano, an active volcano inside a national park

• Is the fourth-largest city in Mexico, with a population of more than 3 million

• Is site of Tlachihualtépetl — the Cholula Pyramid — which has the largest base in the world and dates to 300 B.C.

• Is the home of a university — Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla) — that was founded in 1578

• Is home to the city of Chignahuapan, which produces more than 70 million handmade Christmas ornaments every year

| PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG

Puebla, Mexico

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APRIL 29, 2022 | COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |

Native, Mexican & Chicano Arts Opening May 3, 2022 in the Free Community Gallery 301 N. Union Ave | Pueblo | 719-583-0453 www.ElPuebloHistoryMuseum.org

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APRIL 29, 2022

Photo courtesy of Sangre de Cristo Arts Center via Ellerdrone.com

MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM AND EVOLVE DANCE COMPANY – SANGRE DE CRISTO BALLET

April 29 - Friday Monster Truckz Mayhem Tour 5 p.m., Honor Speedway, 3933 N. Pueblo Blvd.

Info: 719-542-1704 Impossible Players: "Calendar Girls" 7:30 p.m., Impossible Playhouse, 1201 N. Main St. Info: 719-542-6969 Do Portugal Circus 8 p.m., Pueblo Mall, 3429 Dillon Drive Info: doportugalcircususa.com

April 30 - Saturday Monster Truckz Mayhem Tour Noon and 5 p.m., Honor Speedway, 3933 N. Pueblo Blvd.

Info: 719-542-1704

Impossible Players: "Calendar Girls" 7:30 p.m., Impossible Playhouse, 1201 N. Main St. Info: 719-542-6969 Midsummer Night’s Dream and Evolve Dance Company – Sangre de Cristo Ballet 7:30 p.m., Sangre de Cristo Arts Center 210 N. Santa Fe Ave. Info: tickets.sdc-arts.org

MAY 2022 May 1 - Sunday Monster Truckz Mayhem Tour Noon, Honor Speedway, 3933 N. Pueblo Blvd.

Info: 719-542-1704 Art History for Kiddos 1 p.m., Pueblo Arts Alliance, 107 S. Grand Ave. Info: Text 602-281-5558

Do Portugal Circus 5 and 8 p.m., Pueblo Mall, 3429 Dillon Drive Info: doportugalcircususa.com

Midsummer Night’s Dream and Evolve Dance Company – Sangre de Cristo Ballet 2 p.m., Sangre de Cristo Arts Center 210 N. Santa Fe Ave. Info: tickets.sdc-arts.org

Face Vocal Band 7 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

Do Portugal Circus 2 p.m., Pueblo Mall, 3429 Dillon Drive Info: doportugalcircususa.com

Arts & Chats with Kimberly Sewell 4-5:30 p.m., ArtHub at Pueblo Arts Alliance, 107 S. Grand Ave. $30/month or $10/session.

Info: kimberly@puebloarts.org.

Board game night 6 p.m., Chaos, Games and More 4065 Club Manor Drive Info: chaosgamesandmore.com

May 2 - Monday Magic: The Gathering Commander event 6 p.m., Chaos, Games and More 4065 Club Manor Drive Info: chaosgamesandmore.com

May 3 - Tuesday Hun Yuan Qi Gong 10 a.m., Anahata Healing Yoga Studio 3942 Ivywood Lane $5/class

| PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG

APRIL 2022

May 5 - Thursday Hun Yuan Qi Gong 10 a.m., Anahata Healing Yoga Studio 3942 Ivywood Lane $5/class

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Photo courtesy Elizabeth Fenn

APRIL 29, 2022

Learn to play Dungeons & Dragons 6 p.m., Chaos, Games and More 4065 Club Manor Drive Info: chaosgamesandmore.com Books by the Bag $8 Sale (Friends of the Library members only day) 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Books Again, 622 S. Union Ave. Info: 719-553-0340.

Free Public Lecture: Pueblo Archaeological and Historical Society Presents 'Sacagawea's Capture and the History of the Early West' with Elizabeth Fenn 7-8:30 p.m., Hoag Theatre at Pueblo Community College, 900 W. Orman Ave. Info: 719-295-1517

May 6 - Friday Books by the Bag $8 Sale 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Books Again, 622 S. Union Ave. Info: 719-553-0340.

First Friday Art Walk 4-7 p.m., Sangre de Cristo Arts Center 210 N. Santa Fe Ave. Info: www.sdc-arts.org

‘SACAGAWEA’S CAPTURE AND THE HISTORY OF THE EARLY WEST’ WITH ELIZABETH FENN

Steel City Art Works Annual Photography Show 5-8 p.m., Steel City Art Works, 216 S. Union Ave. Info: 719-542-6838

Impossible Players: “Calendar Girls” 7:30 p.m., Impossible Playhouse, 1201 N. Main St. Info: 719-542-6969 “God of Carnage” 7:30 p.m., Steel City Theatre Company 241 S. Santa Fe Ave. Info: 719-994-8298 or steelcitytheatre.org

May 7 - Saturday Outlaws Car Show All day, Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo Info: 719-542-1704 Books by the Bag $8 Sale 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Books Again, 622 S. Union Ave. Info: 719-553-0340.

Free Comic Book Day 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Outer Limits Comic Books and Collectibles, 427 S. Santa Fe Ave. Info: 719-583-2750 Impossible Players: “Calendar Girls” 7:30 p.m., Impossible Playhouse, 1201 N. Main St. Info: 719-542-6969 “God of Carnage” 7:30 p.m., Steel City Theatre Company 241 S. Santa Fe Ave. Info: 719-994-8298 or steelcitytheatre.org

A Contemporary Speakeasy

The Dig 2022 | COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |

Storytelling Series Sponsored by

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May 10 - Tuesday

Mother's Day Brunch 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Pueblo Convention Center, 320 Central Main St. Info: 719-542-1704 Kids Story Time Series Launch with Mayor Nick Gradisar Noon-1 p.m., Analogue Books & Records 216 N. Main St. Info: events@solarroast.com

Hun Yuan Qi Gong 10 a.m., Anahata Healing Yoga Studio 3942 Ivywood Lane $5/class

May 12 - Thursday Hun Yuan Qi Gong 10 a.m., Anahata Healing Yoga Studio 3942 Ivywood Lane $5/class

“God of Carnage” 2 p.m., Steel City Theatre Company 241 S. Santa Fe Ave. Info: 719-994-8298 or steelcitytheatre.org 5 De Mayo Fest 3 p.m., Colorado State Fairgrounds 1001 Beulah Ave. Tickets $43; doors open at 2 p.m.

Arts & Chats with Kimberly Sewell 4-5:30 p.m., ArtHub at Pueblo Arts Alliance, 107 S. Grand Ave. $30/month or $10/session.

Info: kimberly@puebloarts.org.

May 14 - Saturday

17th Annual Flavor of Pueblo 5-7:30 p.m., Pueblo Convention Center 320 Central Main St. $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

Info: pueblounitedway.org/flavorofpueblo

May 13 - Friday

Board game night 6 p.m., Chaos, Games and More 4065 Club Manor Drive Info: chaosgamesandmore.com

Pueblo Acoustic Society Live Music Night 6:30 p.m., St. John Neumann Catholic School Gym, 2415 E. Orman Ave. Info: puebloacousticsociety@gmail.com “God of Carnage” 7:30 p.m., Steel City Theatre Company 241 S. Santa Fe Ave. Info: 719-994-8298 or steelcitytheatre.org

Greater Pueblo Chamber Legislative Breakfast Series 8-9:30 a.m., Pueblo Convention Center 320 Central Main St. Members $22, nonmembers $25 Info: pueblochamber.org

APRIL 29, 2022

May 8 - Sunday

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS ONLINE - FREE

All submissions must be a specific event with a start time and date. We do not include regular business listings. If you have a question about whether or not your listing qualifies, just ask. We’re glad to help.

Please do not submit the same event more than once. Check first to see if it's already posted, or ask us. If someone beat you to it and there are issues you'd like to correct, let us know.

Event listings are free. We will also offer paid display advertising in print and online that may suit your events better. If you have specific needs, let us know how we can work with you.

All events are screened before they appear online and in print. We reserve the right to refuse to publish any event, for any reason.

PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG/EVENTS/SUBMIT

Exploring food together neighborhood by neighborhood.

SAVE THE DATE

10AM TO SUNDOWN- SUMMER SOLSTICE

| PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG

SUMMER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL & LANTERN PARADE Come celebrate the season and promote river and trail safety, recreation opportunities, nature, and the arts. Join us at Pillar Park, the Levee Trail, and the new pedestrian bridge. Free Admission. www.facebook.com/events/2021184864756775

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SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2022 www.pueblofoodguide.com

ing Com n Soo

Pueblo Friends of the Arkansas

APRIL 29, 2022

Kansas concert 7:30 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place Info: pueblomemorialhall.com “God of Carnage” 7:30 p.m., Steel City Theatre Company 241 S. Santa Fe Ave. Info: 719-994-8298 or steelcitytheatre.org

May 15 - Sunday Hot Fudge Sunday presented by Dancerz 1 p.m., Sangre de Cristo Arts Center 210 N. Santa Fe Ave. Info: tickets.sdc-arts.org “God of Carnage” 2 p.m., Steel City Theatre Company 241 S. Santa Fe Ave. Info: 719-994-8298 or steelcitytheatre.org Arts & Chats with Kimberly Sewell 4-5:30 p.m., ArtHub at Pueblo Arts Alliance 107 S. Grand Ave. $30/month or $10/session.

Info: kimberly@puebloarts.org.

| COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |

Board game night 6 p.m., Chaos, Games and More, 4065 Club Manor Drive Info: chaosgamesandmore.com

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May 17 - Tuesday Hun Yuan Qi Gong 10 a.m., Anahata Healing Yoga Studio 3942 Ivywood Lane $5/class

May 18 - Wednesday Pueblo Chemical Depot's 80th Anniversary celebration 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Pueblo Chemical Depot 45825 CO 96 Info: 719-549-4335

May 19 - Thursday

Impossible Players: “12 Angry Jurors” 7:30 p.m., Impossible Playhouse, 1201 N. Main St. Info: 719-542-6969

May 21 - Saturday Sixth Annual Isaiah Vialpando Memorial Vicla Run 8 a.m. (kickstands up at 10 a.m.), from Outpost Harley-Davidson, 5001 N. Elizabeth St. Info: 719-543-8933 Local author meet-and-greet: Lyn Bezek 1-3 p.m., Books Again, 622 S. Union Ave. Info: booksagain-pueblo.com

Books Again Book Club 9 a.m., Books Again, 622 S. Union Ave. May selection: "Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family" by Robert Kolker Info: 719-553-0340.

Hun Yuan Qi Gong 10 a.m., Anahata Healing Yoga Studio 3942 Ivywood Lane $5/class

May 20 - Friday East Side Clinic Ribbon Cutting 8:30 a.m., 1301 E. Seventh St. Info: 719-543-8711

LOCAL AUTHOR MEETAND-GREET: LYN BEZEK

WED MAY 4 10AM - 4PM Over 70 Vendors and 30 Employers looking to hire!

Located at the Student Center & PEAK Center for Education at Pueblo Community College CALL (719) 549-3245 WITH QUESTIONS REGISTER YOUR BOOTH AT WWW.SOUTHERNCOLORADOSBDC.ORG SPONSORED BY BLACK HILLS ENERGY

IN S LK VIEW A W TER AL UCTS C O IN L ROD ALE P RS FO

HELP US TO DIG DEEPER

pueblostarjournal.org/donate

Impossible Players: “12 Angry Jurors” 2 p.m., Impossible Playhouse, 1201 N. Main St. Info: 719-542-6969

2022 Sangre de Cristo School of Dance Spring Recital 2 p.m., Sangre de Cristo Arts Center 210 N. Santa Fe Ave. Info: tickets.sdc-arts.org

Impossible Players: “12 Angry Jurors” 7:30 p.m., Impossible Playhouse, 1201 N. Main St. Info: 719-542-6969 Torres Empire Lowrider Supershow Noon-6 p.m., Pueblo Convention Center 320 Central Main St.

APRIL 29, 2022

May 22 - Sunday

May 28 - Saturday

Photo by Regan Foster

Impossible Players: “12 Angry Jurors” 7:30 p.m., Impossible Playhouse, 1201 N. Main St. Info: 719-542-6969

May 24 - Tuesday Board game night 6 p.m., Chaos, Games and More 4065 Club Manor Drive Info: chaosgamesandmore.com

May 27 - Friday Impossible Players: “12 Angry Jurors” 7:30 p.m., Impossible Playhouse, 1201 N. Main St. Info: 719-542-6969 2022 Sangre de Cristo School of Dance Spring Recital 7:30 p.m., Sangre de Cristo Arts Center 210 N. Santa Fe Ave. Info: tickets.sdc-arts.org

TORRES EMPIRE LOWRIDER SUPERSHOW

Pueblo Electronics Supply is a locally owned Pueblo business that strives to maintain a strong relationship with its customers. It is an evolution of a long-standing business in the community that is now fully local. We offer an array of electronic components and products that are not easily found elsewhere and we pride ourselves on our vast knowledge and tremendous customer service. Come see us and let us know how we can assist you in your work or hobbies alike!

CONTACT US:

729 Fortino Blvd Suite B, Pueblo, CO 81008

www.PuebloElectronicsSupply.com

(719) 542-1924

www.facebook.com/PuebloElectronicsSupply

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PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG/EVENTS/SUBMIT

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APRIL 29, 2022

EXPLORING STEEL June 3 - July 30, 2022 Hours M-F 10am - 4pm

Opening Reception First Friday Art Walk Friday, June 3, 2022 from 5 - 8pm

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Watertower Place is committed to sharing the stories of Pueblo through its unique public tour program. This traveling exhibit explores the history of mining, steel and electricity production. In conjunction with Exploring Steel, visitors can also enjoy the documentary film “Forging the West” by Jim Havey. Special thanks to the Pueblo City-County Library District for making this educational program possible.

Watertower Place Fire House Entrance 303 S Santa Fe Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003 www.pueblowatertowerplace.com For more information: 719-315-1757

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APRIL 29, 2022

Photo by Gregory Howell

A Plea for Spring Springtime is a chancy time when hyacinths, daffodils and crocus splay bright yellow, purple and pink among the pale winter grasses. And I am fooled again this year into promises of warm sunshine and long walks, a gentle breeze as my companion.

Yet, I turned the dark garden soil and patted down lettuce, calabaza squash, radish and spinach seeds into the ground, trusting what warmth does seep through the partial sun will tempt them from dormancy.

This annual impatience after months of frigid weather reminds me that all change takes time. Shrug on another sweater and don’t unpack those summer dresses yet. All in good time, they say…whoever they are.

Crabapple trees adorn the boulevard with pink and white blossoms perfuming the air only to be tossed skyward in the chaotic surprising wintry assault.

Then I can complain about oppressive heat come July and August.

Poem by Patsy Kate Booth

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Then the winds shriek from the snow covered peaks as a reminder that freezing temperatures and bouncy barometers are demanding their last chilling breath.

Use promo code

Pueblo15

before May 31, 2022

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APRIL 29, 2022 | COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |

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BE HOME. PUEBLO. Good people finish first. We believe that a successful business is the result of having great relationships.

We love what we do and we take pride in providing a great experience for all of our clients.

719.621.8040 • MMKEstates.com • facebook.com/MMKEstatesPueblo