Pueblo Star Journal - May 2022

Vol. 1 No. 3

MAY 27, 2022

MAKE A FIRE PLAN 5 | UMPIRES 8 | CITY PARK 12 | MESA DRIVE-IN 14 | EVENTS 19

• DIG DEEPER •

By Regan Foster Special to the Pueblo Star Journal

unnison “Gunny” Pagnotta flipped open his phone and scrolled through the photo library.

It took a moment, but he found the archived video for which he was looking.

With towering pines set before a hazy mountain background, the clip could have been of most any alpine forest. It would be easily described as idyllic, were it not for the flames leaping skyward amongst the trees.

Pagnotta neither shot the short-but-devastating clip nor tangoed with the blaze it depicted — the career educator and one-time hot shot firefighter hung up his protective gear nearly two decades earlier — but he held on to it as a reminder of a horrific event that razed a place close to his heart. Between June 27 and Sept. 10, 2018, the Spring Creek Fire rampaged across the forested foothills near La Veta Pass in the

Experts talk risks, responsibilities as dangerous fire season heats up

San Luis Valley and cut down a subdivision Pagnotta, now the communications coordinator for GOAL High School and a licensed real estate agent, helped build just a few years before.

Pagnotta, a jovial man who is quick to grin and rarely caught without a pun or self-described “dad joke,” was the principal at John Mall High School in Walsenburg in the years leading up to the blaze.

During his summers, he helped sell lots and homes in the Paradise Acres neighborhood in La Veta.

Current real estate listings show multi-acre plots available with images of babbling brooks, lush mountain pastures and Aspen trees blackened by the blaze.

“It went from Paradise Acres to paradise lost just like that,” Pagnotta said with a snap of his fingers.

“Paradise Acres will heal and be more beautiful than ever before.

“It’s the natural cycle, but we humans put the unnatural in it, and unfortunately it comes at the cost of human life.”

On Dec. 30, 2021, a combination of long-term drought and hurricane-force gales set the stage for what would quickly become the most destructive fire in Colorado history and meant a very unhappy New Year for hundreds of residents of Boulder, Louisville and Superior. While 2022 hadn’t yet begun, its fire season burst out of the gate with the devastation of the Marshall Fire.

Throughout the Western U.S., dry grasslands and trees, near-zero humidity and widespread drought have created a playbook for a fire season that has already proven to be, inarguably, wild. Around 6 p.m.

April 12, a half-dozen wildfires broke out in rapid succession across the region, keeping crews busy from La Junta to Beulah. One, which burned about 2½ acres between U.S. 47 and Alamosa Drive just southeast of and adjacent to the Colorado State University Pueblo campus, put to rest the former truth that wildfires should only be expected at the urban-rural interface.

Fire Danger continued on page 2

Courtesy photo/Austin Belore/The Today

Red line in the sand G

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Continued from page 1

Pueblo Fire Capt. Bryce Boyer told student journalists at the CSU Pueblo newspaper The Today that conditions were right that night for a repeat of Boulder’s devastating blaze.

“With the wind speeds that were present ... the fact that the predicted winds were in the 80 to 100 (mile per hour) ranges, it very much pointed us to what happened in … the Marshall Fire,” he said.

“It’s very important we don’t repeat this.”

“The month of April we had a red flag warning going, it seemed like, most every day,” said Eric Petersen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Pueblo. “In the forest, the trees and stuff have dried out, so those larger fuels … are receptive to fire right now.

“Those factors are what’s been driving the fire activity in the last several weeks. The combination of wind, relatively low humidity like we’ve had and with the ongoing drought and fuels – there’s a lot of grass out there that’s available to burn. It’s a perfect storm.”

A perfect storm, but as Pueblo Fire Chief and Deputy Mayor Barbara Huber said, not one that is inevitable.

“Awareness does so much for everybody,” she said in a May 18 interview. “Your own awareness of what your hazards are. If everybody’s aware, we can all be safer and feel less anxious.”

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data shows that 22 of April’s 30 days met the qualifications for red flag warnings in Pueblo County. That alert is sounded when area land management agencies and the weather service agree that the conditions are ripe for a burning problem.

“The land management agencies look at the fuels and the dryness of the grass and the dryness of the forest and give us a yes-no,” Petersen said. “Is it dry enough to support a fire or is it moist enough not to?

“If you don’t think Waldo Canyon could happen in Pueblo, Colorado, you’re wrong.”

– Woody Percival, Pueblo Fire PIO “We look at the weather patterns. We look at wind speed and we’re looking at sustained winds or frequent gusts above 25 mph, and we’re looking at humidity. We want to see humidity of less than 15%.”

So when the county spent 70% of a month meeting the qualifications, “it’s definitely more than we’ve issued in a long time,” Petersen said.

Additionally, he said, we are deep in the throes of an oceanic weather pattern known as La Niña.

The late-May winter storm that swept the region notwithstanding, Petersen said forecast models don’t suggest that pattern should change anytime soon.

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Courtesy photo/Austin Belore/The Today

MAY 27, 2022

Fire Danger

Waving red flags

2

Firefighters battle a 2.5 -acre blaze near the Colorado State University Pueblo campus on April 12.

“One of the characteristics is there is a wet-dry band across the state,” he said.

That means while Southern Colorado bakes under dry, oven-like conditions, the northern half of the state isn’t doing too badly.

“We’ve had a lot of dry weather over the past year and the pattern we’re in kind of tends to favor participation in the northern half of the state and the northern Rockies,” Petersen said. “We’re right on the edge of that storm track, so instead of rainfall we get the winds.”

On April 13, Pueblo County Sheriff Kirk Taylor put the county under Stage 1 fire restrictions. In addition to being its top cop, Taylor is also the county fire warden and he made the decision to control outdoor burning with the support and input of area fire chiefs, according to a statement.

“This is not a decision that is taken lightly but one that is done with consideration for the safety and well-being of our citizens and our first responders,” Taylor said in a statement. “Although vegetation is starting to turn green, a lack of moisture has made for very dry conditions and with the number of fires that have recently occurred in and around Pueblo County, this has become a real safety concern.”

The restriction, which has also been implemented with in Pueblo city limits, prohibits: • Open burning, except for fires and campfires within constricted fire grates located on developed camp or picnic grounds. Charcoal grills and wood-burning stoves at private residences are also OK, as long as areas are cleared of flammable materials.

• The unpermitted sale or use of fireworks.

• Smoking outdoors, except inside a vehicle or if standing in an area with at least 3 feet diameter, cleared of all flammable materials.

Agricultural burning may be approved on a caseby-case basis and monitored by local fire jurisdiction.

Halfway through May, and with minimal expectation that the conditions would change, Huber said she was considering imposing Stage 2 restrictions, which impact commercial industry as well as residential properties. As Pueblo County Fire Public Information Officer Woody Percival told members of the Southern Colorado Press Club May 10, violating that order can come with hefty penalties. Percival and Huber joined Police Chief Chris Noeller as part of an update on emergency response in the city.

Colorado state law says anyone who knowingly or recklessly starts or maintains a fire, or causes an explosion, and who by so doing places either a person or a building in harm’s way, could be charged with arson. At the low end, if the fire is relatively minor and does little damage (less than $300 worth), it’s a petty offense. At the high end, fourth-degree arson is a class 2 felony that causes property-only damages in the $1 million-plus range. For some perspective, a class 2 felony is punishable by eight to 24 years in prison and/or fines of $5,000 to $1 million. Convictions also

View from the fire line

Angela Sokolowski is a strong woman with an authoritative voice and a salty vocabulary. She’s earned all three, having spent 20 years managing, and occasionally battling, wildfires both intentional and accidental.

A graduate of Iowa State University with a bachelor of science degree in animal ecology, Sokolowski worked for 13 years as a biological science technician with the National Park Service before transitioning last month to a position as invasive species coordinator for the Missouri Department of Conservation.

While today she battles invasive water populations, throughout her career with the park service

“Your lives are more important than your home.

I know nobody wants to hear that, but Mother Nature is definitely in charge these days, and she likes 50-plus mph winds.”

– Barb Huber, Pueblo Fire Chief she fought flames throughout the Show-Me State and occasionally beyond. Much of her experience came from prescribed burns — an intentional fire set to a predetermined area to help with land management, improve soil and habitat quality and control invasive growth.

But during the summers, she said, “it was allhands-on-deck.

“When (the Western U.S.) is burning, they call in all their resources so anyone who wants to can go fight fires.”

Sokolowski started out her firefighting career on 20-person hand crews – the iconic teams pictured hiking right up to the fire line while laden with a heavy backpack and hefting pickaxes, shovels and chainsaws. She worked her way up to engine boss, adding

the responsibility of bringing in critical supplies.

It’s all hard work.

“When you’re on the fire line, it’s long days,” Sokolowski said. “You get up early, you’re on the clock by 6 (a.m.) and you take some breaks and you take lunch, and you’re back in camp, if you get to come back to camp, 12 to 14 hours later and you hurry up and eat. Maybe you get a shower, and you’re back up the next day and doing it again.”

She has fought wildland fires in which she went 14 days without the luxury of a shower or laundry; where she was dropped off with a personal camp, shovel and some rations and picked up a few days later.

“It just depends on the fire. It depends on where, if it’s really early in the game, if it’s late in the game.

They build into little cities if it’s a big fire,” she said.

That sounds intense, Sokolowski agreed, but she said much as in the military, wildland firefighters are well trained and rely on their skill sets to get the job done.

“I know it’s a lot scarier for you guys looking at us doing it than for us doing it,” she said.

So why do it? What spurs any first responder to put health and safety at risk to protect another’s — most likely a complete stranger’s — property?

“We love what we do,” Huber said. “It’s definitely rewarding for the individual to do it.”

MAY 27, 2022

can’t be sealed from the defendant’s criminal record.

The charges and fines only increase from there.

Independence Day is historically the busiest time of the year for the Pueblo Fire Department, Huber said, and in an area where fireworks are synonymous with celebration, the department is already preparing.

“It’s too bad the conditions aren’t looking good for fireworks this year, but there are other ways to celebrate,” she said.

“If you don’t think Waldo Canyon could happen in Pueblo, Colorado, you’re wrong,” Percival said during the meeting. “It’s not just the folks along the river or on the edges of our community” who are at risk.

Fire Danger continued on page 7

Board of Directors: Gregory Howell, Paula McPheeters, Leslie Nazario, Caroline Trani Advisory Board: Regan Foster, Nicki Hart, Kennedy Pugh, Susan Wolf, Chantal Woodyard Creative Director and Designer: Melissa Edwards Contributors: Regan Foster, Bryan Kelsen, Amy Matthew and Brandon Samora Special thanks to: Positive Content, Blo Back Gallery, CSU Pueblo Extension, EDCC, El Pueblo History Museum, Fuel & Iron, Johnny’s Boiler Shop, Karmic Konnection, Kennedy Pugh, Legacy Bank, MMK Estates, Pueblo Chieftain Printing, Pueblo City-County Library District, Pueblo Community College, Pueblo Food Guide, ReMax of Pueblo, Rocky Mountain Realty, The Dig, Tuxedo Ranch, Watertower Place, 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 mission-focused 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

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MAY 27, 2022 | COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |

Experience the Power of Community

For more information visit: pueblowatertowerplace.com Aerial photography by Jaymes Johnson

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By Regan Foster Special to the Pueblo Star Journal

Leather work gloves.

Full-coverage goggles.

A respirator.

A map marked with at least two evacuation routes.

• Prescription medications, kept current and non-expired, of course.

• A water bottle.

• A small supply of energy food.

• A spare battery and charger for your phone.

• Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses.

• An extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash or travelers checks.

• A compact first aid kit.

• A headlamp.

• A battery-powered radio.

• Spare batteries for your flashlights, headlamp and radio.

• Sanitation supplies.

• Copies of important documents such as birth certificates, passports and registration papers.

• Pet supplies including carriers, leashes, food and water.

If time permits, Fire Safe Marin suggests grabbing: • Easily carried valuables.

• A three-day supply of non-perishable food and 3 gallons of water per person.

• Family photos and other small, irreplaceable items.

• Personal computer information on hard drives and disks that aren’t backed up to an off-site or cloud location.

• Spare chargers for cell phones, laptops and other critical electronics.

Of course, no fire evacuation plan would be complete without consideration for your furry family members.

Photo by Regan Foster

t’s important to have a fire evacuation plan in place and make sure all members of your family are up to speed on the details, Pueblo Fire Chief Barb Huber said. That includes having a meeting place established to ensure everyone is out and safe.

The U.S. Fire Administration, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, offers some further advice: Keep informed of conditions and if you’re told to evacuate, don’t argue. Waiting until the last minute could subject you to heavy traffic, blowing embers and debris from the fire.

Know the community’s evacuation plan and practice at least two ways out of your neighborhood in case one evac route is blocked.

Keep the car fueled up and have an emergency supply pack in place.

Take the time to prep an evacuation kit.

There are many pre-built packs available for purchase online, but with a little prep work and a checklist, it’s not hard to build your own and have it ready in the case of an emergency. Fire Safe Marin, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing hazards promoting fire safety awareness and helping residents of Marin County, California, prepare for wildfires, includes these in their must-have items for evacuation: • A sturdy pair of shoes or boots and a spare flashlight.

• Long-sleeved shirt and long pants made out of less-flammable cotton or wool.

• • • •

Smoke from a fire near Cripple Creek flows out of the mountains north of Pueblo on May 3.

Chelsie West-Baxter, community relations specialist for the Pueblo office of the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, wrote in an email that it’s a good idea to have a plan for your pets, too. The Humane Society was on stand-by recently to help evacuate large animals from homes affected by a string of blazes in Colorado Springs.

“They’re precious cargo,” West-Baxter said.

To prep your pets, she recommends: • Making a list of the places you can go with your pets if you do end up evacuated. Many hotels may welcome your furry friend or you could make arrangements to have a friend or family member take them in.

• Make a plan in case you are not home when the area is evacuated. Neighbors, friends and nearby relatives could be called upon to help with pet evacuations should have written permission to care for your animals and access your pet emergency supplies as part of a “buddy plan.”

• Keep your pet up to date on preventive healthcare and keep copies of vaccination and health records, as well as your veterinarian’s contact information, in your go kit.

• Identify your pet with a collar, tags and microchip. If your pet is microchipped, keep your contact information current.

• Keep photographs of you with your pet. This can help prove ownership in the event you are separated from your fur baby during an emergency.

So what’s the takeaway? It all comes down to personal responsibility and everyone doing their part to stop the blaze before it starts, the experts said.

“Unless you’ve been out there with a crew, you’re all responsible for each other with a fire burning towards you or in the vicinity, with maybe just a cluster of rocks protecting you from that fire, you wouldn’t truly understand how imperative it is to be safe with fire,” former hotshot firefighter Gunnison “Gunny” Pagnotta said. “If people don’t understand it yet, when will they?”

MAY 27, 2022 | PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG

FIRE SAFETY: MAKE A PLAN I

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MAY 27, 2022

Everyone’s responsibility

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the federal agency that oversees the weather service, compiles a monthly report on American climate. According to the survey posted May 9, some 1.1 million acres of American soil have burned since Jan. 1 — a 160% increase from the average for this time of year. As a point of reference, one acre is 43,560 square feet; meaning some 47.916 billion feet of U.S. land have caught fire this year alone. That equals some 907,386 square miles — a swath nearly nine times the size of Colorado.

But that’s not to say a rampaging fire is inevitable. Sokolowski points to prescribed burns by trained professionals as a way to mitigate the risk, establish fire break lines and improve habitats, but she also acknowledges that conditions for such actions aren’t culturally or environmentally great right now.

“With climate change and stuff there’s more and more sensitivity to smoke, but it’s kind of a catch-22.

If we could do more prescribed fires, there would be fewer mega-wildfires and much less smoke in the air,” she said. “If they’re in drought, we probably don’t have conditions where they could do that safely.”

MAY 27, 2022

Continued from page 3

“It’s the natural cycle, but we humans put the unnatural in it, and unfortunately it comes at the cost of human life.”

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Fire Danger

flammable by leaving 30 feet between clusters of And if your immediate reaction is that to light a two to three trees, or 20 feet between individual fire to fight fire seems, well, dumb, she gets that, too. trees. Consider using fuel breaks like driveways, She said it’s important to take steps to keep the blaze gravel walkways and lawns; try a mixture of deaway from your home. ciduous and coniferous trees.

“Firewise landscaping is something people get • Zone 3 (100 to 200 feet from the house): Keep used to, but they have to see it,” Sokolowski said. plants in this area from taking over. It’s import“They have to see that it works.” ant to keep plants thinned so smaller trees don’t The National Fire Protection Association suggests grow between the taller ones and heavy woody landscaping your home by zones that essentially use debris doesn’t build up. plants, grass and driveways to provide areas of proAdditionally, Percival and Huber tection against fire spread. It breaks said during the May 10 meeting, it’s down like this: important to make sure flammable • Zone 1 (within 30 feet of the trees aren’t touching the house and to house): A well-irrigated area that keep gutters clean of leaves, pine neeencapsulates a home and all of its dles and other debris that can act as attachments. Keep plants carefula torch. ly spaced, low-growing, well-wa“A lot of time what happens is fires tered and free of flammables like creep along the grasses that are burnresins, oils and waxes. Prune ing and if a taller or combustible plant trees, which can serve as ladders – Gunnison ‘Gunny’ Pagnotta is in the way, that catches fire,” Huber for flames, to no more than 10 told the press club. “We call fuels that feet from the ground and create a “fire-free” area within 5 feet where nonflamma- go up in height ‘ladder fuels.’”

And if the worst-case happens, be ready to just ble landscaping materials are the name of the game. Keep firewood and propane tanks out of drop and go, she said.

“Your lives are more important than your home,” this area.

• Zone 2 (30 to 100 feet from the house): Keep the fire chief said. “I know nobody wants to hear plants in these areas low-growing, pruned to no that, but Mother Nature is definitely in charge these more than 10 feet tall; well-irrigated and less days and she likes 50-plus mph winds.”

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MAY 27, 2022

Diamond duty: M

By Brandon Samora Special to the Pueblo Star Journal

erriam Webster defines an umpire as “having authority to finally decide a controversy or question between parties.” Umpires are the one person on a baseball diamond that has to be completely and utterly impartial and the professionals in those positions can only be right, according to Boston University research, about 94% of the time.

Throughout an entire season, Major League Baseball umpires — not only those behind home plate — can miss an average of 12.6% of calls over the season.

The umpires at Pueblo’s Runyon Sports Complex are the binding on the book of those fields. Without them, there would be no Runyon. They come in all ages, genders and backgrounds, but they all share one common trait: their love for the game.

Working as crews of two, they have to be virtually perfect for both sides while still learning how to be a better umpire. They keep the peace among kids, coaches and teams of all ages on any day there’s baseball or softball being played at Runyon.

The spirit of baseball in Pueblo runs through Runyon Sports Complex, but the connection to the youth in the community comes from the long relationships that players have with the game. Not only do some play their entire youth careers at Runyon, they go further than just competing. They become umpires.

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Connected to the game

Savannah Autobee is a graduating senior and softball player from Central High School. She spends nearly every day she isn’t competing as an umpire at Runyon Sports Complex. After completing her own practices and games, Autobee then must balance officiating sometimes six or seven games during the week.

“The greatest thing about being an umpire (is that)

Savannah Autobee everyone you meet is so amazing,” she said. “Everyone becomes your friend. I feel so connected to the game that I love.”

Softball and baseball may be very similar sports on paper, but the pacing and emotion of a game or season can play out very differently.

“Softball always brings more emotion and engagement out of the players,” Autobee said. “But on the other side, baseball brings it out of the coaches and the fans a bit more.”

There’s also the difference between umpiring an 8-and-under game and a 16-and-under boys baseball game.

“It’s really cute watching 8 and under. They’re still learning the game and how to play. Sixteen and under is full of bang-bang plays and a lot more pressure, and with pressure comes a lot of fun. That’s when you really grow that appreciation for the game,” she said.

“Umpiring baseball has made me a better person (by) learning how to handle the pressure of a tough call.

They expect you not to know the rules, even though I’ve gone through all the same training that everyone else has. Being a woman makes it difficult, but I am a better person and a better umpire because of it.”

With the heated competition come intense situa-

tions. Umpires may not be at the top of everyone’s nice list come December, but make no mistake, without the umpires there is no game.

“There needs to be community movement around umpires,” Autobee said. “People need to treat umpires like they would want to be treated.”

Autobee will be attending the College of Mount Saint Vincent in New York this fall. She plans to study public policy and before she leaves Pueblo she hopes to get certified as a United States Specialty Sports Association official so she can continue her umpiring career.

“Umpiring prepares you for life,” she said. “You make tough decisions as you would at the plate, the same way you would have a tough conversation at home with a loved one. Everything translates and carries over. I love my family, I love my community, and I love umpiring.”

Managing games, managing life

Logan Martinez started as an umpire at Runyon when he was 14 years old. He started playing baseball nearly as soon as he could walk. Playing for nearly his entire youth at Runyon, Martinez started umpiring games once he could get the job.

“I started the training when I was 14 and then

Logan Martinez

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John “Mello”Metzger

‘It’s all about the kids’

John “Mello” Metzger has been umpiring in Pueblo for 46 years. In an age where officials may receive more scrutiny than they have in the past, Metzger has kept his goals the same through everything.

“I want to be there for the kids. They mean everything to me,” he said. “I enjoy it so much. I’m just fortunate enough to be able to work still.”

Metzger has worked two state championship games and has many different final weeks of the Colorado High School Activities Association state softball championship. Two years ago, he was working a softball tournament in Fort Collins. After completing the first day without any issues, Metzger awoke on the second morning for the first game of the day.

During the game, Metzger noticed that he couldn’t remember anything that was happening. He was flown to UCHealth University of Colorado Hospi-

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MAY 27, 2022

tal in Aurora, where it was later determined that his carotid artery was fully blocked. He had suffered a stroke and if it weren’t for his 30 years of carrying letters as a postman and officiating games, he doesn’t know if he would have made it.

“My lifestyle is what saved my life,” he said. “I had God looking down on me that day. I’m just lucky enough to be out there now.”

Metzger is out there for young athletes. He wants to pass on his knowledge and insight, not only as a player but as an umpire.

“It’s not about me; it’s all about the kids. I’m not there for the money. The money I make goes to my grandkids.”

With years of mentoring comes the fruition of the athletes and umpires he’s taught.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many smart and talented athletes and aspiring umpires,” Metzger said. “When I umpire, I am also a coach, whether that’s telling the young ones where to stand or anything that comes to mind.”

After his stroke, Metzger can’t work behind the plate anymore.

“I have a stent in my artery and I can’t risk taking a bad foul ball,” he said.

Still, there’s no slowing down for Metzger. He’s going to continue to umpire on the diamond for young athletes in Pueblo, keeping it all out on the field for the kids.

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shortly after my 15th birthday I umped my first game,” he said. “I experienced the game in a whole new perspective. So many other coaches would offer advice from a different point of view. I was still playing so I was learning new things every day I umped.

Baseball is the greatest sport ever.”

Martinez played his high school baseball at East, where he umpired from 2015-19.

“You learn so much from everyone,” he said.

Upon graduation, Martinez went on to receive his phlebotomist certification from Pueblo Community College and hung up the umpire mask for scrubs at Parkview. He will be going into his final year at Colorado State University Pueblo to get his nursing degree this fall.

“Being an umpire, you deal with angry people on a daily basis. There’s always one player or fan that’ll give you a hard time no matter the day or call made,” he said. “It helped me have better quality care for the people I have to take care of.

“Routinely, we talk about the umpire shortage we’re going through and the treatment of the umpires always comes to the top of the discussion. But extreme pressure and adversity can sometimes be what makes us into who we are today. Being an umpire, you learn how to become a good manager of time and someone who can handle pressure when it’s given to you.”

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MAY 27, 2022

Farmers markets prepare for summer’s bounty

C

an you taste it?

It’s almost time for Puebloans to reap the benefits of local farmers’ efforts. A seasonal outpouring of vegetables and fruits is heading to our local farms and farmers markets.

Here’s where and when you can grab fresh Pueblo produce, including some year-round options at local farms. Hours and available produce may vary, so check with each market or farm for the most up-to-date information.

LOCAL FARM STANDS DiSanti Farms (seasonal)

29114 South Road Info: www.facebook.com/DiSantiFarms, disantifarms@gmail.com or 719-948-2526

DiTomaso Farms (seasonal)

37137 U.S. 50 East Info: www.facebook.com/ditomasofarms1 or 719-948-3200

Mauro Farms and Bakery (year-round)

936 36th Lane Info: www.maurofarms.com, www.facebook.com/MAURO.FARMS or 719-948-3381

Milberger Farms at Peppe’s (year-round)

28570 U.S. 50 East Info: www.milbergerfarms.com, milbergerfarmsatpeppes@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/WherePuebloChileisKing or 719-948-3305

Musso Farms (seasonal)

35779 Hillside Road Info: www.mussofarmschileroom.com, www.facebook.com/MussoFarms, socochileinc@gmail.com or 719-948-3581

Pantaleo Farms (seasonal)

39651 South Road Info: www.pantaleofarms.com, www.facebook.com/Pantaleo-Farms-TheGreat-Pumpkin-Patch-157187447646762 or 719-948-4556

Peppers & Petals (year-round)

2115 Santa Fe Drive Info: www.facebook.com/Peppers-Petals-LLC-194659252304/, peppersplus@socolo.net or 719-546-3137

Vigil Farms (seasonal)

880 41st Lane, Vineland Info: www.facebook.com/Vigil-Farms-104646961953778 or 719-240-5525

| COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |

403 E 4th St Pueblo, CO • MLS 198538

10

Historic Commercial building for sale! This is a unique opportunity for multiple business types at this high-traffic central location, at the crossroads of Downtown and East Pueblo. This local landmark’s iconic architecture features 12 compartment wood-cribbed silo buildings to the north of the main 12,000 Sq Ft building, that’s complete with stout interior beams. Pre-Otis, freight elevator by Morse was installed for easier access. This 4-Story building sits on a spacious 1/2 acre property. Imagine a local brewery, artisan space, gym or office spaces, the possibilities are endless! Your business can be housed in one of Pueblo’s rich historic buildings!

For more information contact Shawn Martinez at 719-240-2502 or online ShawnMartinez.com

The Riverwalk market returns with a weekly offering. Details will be available on the Riverwalk website.

Dates: Thursdays, Sept. 1-29 Time: TBA Info: www.puebloriverwalk.org, 719-595-0242 or info@puebloriverwalk.org Note: The Pueblo West Community Marketplace, run by the Farmers’ Marketeers through the Master Gardener program at the Colorado State University Extension Office, will not operate in 2022. According to a statement on the marketplace’s Facebook page, organizers are making improvements and plan to return in 2023.

Drought Meeting We will have several guest speakers and are planning an engaging discussion on drought in agriculture and impacts to the broader community.

Climate information and drought resources will be shared over a BBQ Dinner.

Thursday, June 16, 2022 beginning at 6pm

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.

Watertower Place - Alpha Beta Room 2F: 303 S Santa Fe Ave, Pueblo, CO

| PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG

Photo from Adobe Stock

Get ready for three markets in one this season. In addition to its traditional Friday morning market at Mineral Palace Park, two evening markets are being added – one at Mineral Palace and another at Lake Minnequa.

Dates: July 8-Sept. 30 (may extend into October) Time: 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays, Lake Minnequa Veterans Memorial Park, 3005 Lakeshore Drive (off Pueblo Boulevard); 7 a.m.-noon and 4-7 p.m. Fridays, Mineral Palace Park, 1500 N. Santa Fe Ave. Info: www.facebook.com/SoCofarmandcraft or socofarmandcraft@gmail.com

Pueblo Riverwalk Farmers Market

MAY 27, 2022

SEASONAL FARMERS MARKETS Southern Colorado Farmers Market and Craft Fair

How it works

Event is free and open to ALL • BBQ Dinner provided during event Register at: droughtmeeting061622.eventbrite.com Pick your products (or get in touch for ideas)

Send artwork / logo

Place your order and approve a digital proof

We customize and ship to you!

Tuxedo Ranch | www.tuxedoranch.com | 719.924.5275

11

Photos by Bryan Kelsen

MAY 27, 2022 | COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |

City Park

12

Springtime and City Park make an ideal pair. Pueblo’s South Side park is home to typical amenities such as water features, wildlife, greenery, picnic areas, a pool and a playground. However, this 119-year-old city treasure also houses the Pueblo Zoo, a disc golf course, skateboard park, dog park and, perhaps its most unique feature, the kiddie rides that have symbolized summer fun for generations of Puebloans.

Veteran newspaper photographer Bryan Kelsen chronicled spring days in City Park for the Pueblo Star Journal.

13

| PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG

MAY 27, 2022

I

By Amy Matthew Special to the Pueblo Star Journal

t’s not just about the movies.

There’s no shortage of options for movie watchers in 2022. Hightech theaters, on-demand rentals and good old DVDs can satisfy almost any cinematic craving, so why would anyone head outdoors for a flick when temperatures are reaching their summer peak?

In Pueblo and any of the approximately 300 other cities that still have a drive-in theater, maybe the better question is: Why wouldn’t you?

Summertime memories

| COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |

“One of my first memories was going to the drive-in with my sister and brother-in-law,” said Lynn Soto, who grew up in Avondale.

Soto, 57, recalled spending time at each of Pueblo’s drive-ins — at one point, the city had four of them — but the Mesa Drive-in at 2625 Santa

Fe Drive was closest to Avondale, so it was the primary summer movie destination.

“It was a family gig,” she said.

“There were probably no less than eight of us going in my dad’s station wagon. Sometimes we’d buy popcorn at the concession stand, but usually my mom would just heat up her stove and make a bunch of popcorn for us to take.”

The real lure for Soto, though, was whatever was happening off screen.

“We played on the playground until the movie started,” she said. “As we got older, we would hang out there on the weekend. We’d just go to meet our friends. It was a gathering place.”

Marcella Snyder shares childhood movie memories similar to Soto’s.

“I remember the (first) experience explicitly,” said Snyder, recalling a visit to a drive-in theater in her home state of Indiana. “Mine was probably like everyone else’s — you had your

blankets, watched the first movie and then mom said, ‘Go to bed.’ We were in the back seat of a pea green Volvo station wagon.”

‘A good fit’

The experience triggered a lifelong love of movies and drive-ins — the tattoos on her left arm tell that tale — and now Snyder, 36, and her husband, Jon Parkin, 42, are the new owners of the 71-year-old Mesa, Pueblo’s only remaining drive-in. They bought it earlier this year from retiring owners Chuck and Marianne James after one visit to the property.

“It was so cute and the community surrounding it was so supportive,” Snyder said. “It’s a good fit for what we’re trying to do.”

What Snyder and Parkin are trying to do is expand their own drive-in business and, in the process, save another. The couple bought suburban Indianapolis’ Tibbs Drive-in three years

ago — a natural fit since it was where Snyder got her first job as a teenager.

“We’ve had about a 10 percent increase in profit every year,” she said.

The pandemic was a challenge but also led to a new source of revenue, one they plan to offer in Pueblo.

“When we took over in 2019, we had zero private events,” Snyder said.

“In 2020, we did 60. We’ve had dance recitals, a black-tie fundraiser, the Heartland Film Festival and junior high school graduation. There’s usually something on screen (during the events), but not always.”

Given that Snyder and Parkin both have full-time jobs in Indiana, why choose a location 1,000 miles from home for expansion?

“We looked at some available properties closer to Indiana,” she said. “It just wasn’t the same feel. This is more small-town. This one just felt good when you walked into it.”

"Go into the world and do well.

But more importantly, go into the world and " .

do good

- Minor Myers Jr.

Congratulations, Class of 2022! We can’t wait to see who you Become. ­—The Pueblo Star Journal 14

Photo by Regan Foster

MAY 27, 2022

Summer screen: Mesa Drive-in’s new owners prepare for season

A Mesa Drive-in bumper sticker graces the box office window.

May 27. “Top Gun: Maverick” and “The Bob’s Burgers Movie” will be the headlining features. Both screens will have double features every week.

The drive-in will operate Friday-Sunday this year but Snyder plans to expand to a Wednesday-Sunday schedule in 2023 with a longer season.

“If we could stay open into November, we would,” she said.

Admission is $11 for adults, $9 for seniors ages 62 and older and $1 for kids 11 and younger.

Long-term plans include remodeling the concession area and building a new playground; the one Soto remembers was removed years ago.

Nostalgia rules

For now, the food menu will be limited and there will be a natural learning curve while staff and customers adjust to a new process. Snyder knows there will be hiccups and frustrations; she mentioned that recently they got their first one-star review from some-

MAY 27, 2022

one who was disgruntled about the delayed opening.

“Be patient with us. We’re in customer service. We understand,” she said.

Pueblo being Pueblo, the community already has stepped up with support. Snyder and Parkin offered $9 preseason tickets for a limited time and sold about 600 of them.

“That’s something we’ll offer every season,” she said. “They’re good for any night but you still need to get here early” because presale tickets don’t guarantee entry.

Soto is one who’s ready to head back to her childhood hangout, though she admits some hesitancy.

“All the new modern things – I’m not sure how I feel about that,” she said. “It takes the socialization out of it.”

It’s always been about more than the movies. Snyder understands.

“We love the nostalgic feel of the drive-in. We don’t want to change it,” she said. “We just want to improve the customer experience.”

For more information, visit www. facebook.com/mesadrivein or www.

MesaDrive-in.com.

| PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG

The Mesa has two screens and a capacity for about 500 cars. That won’t change. What is changing is the theater’s ability to accept different payment methods like debit and credit cards, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. Previously, it was a cash-only business.

To simplify things for concession staff and customers, phone-ahead orders won’t be accepted. Instead, there will be separate lines for quick walk-up items like popcorn, candy and drinks and for grill items like hamburgers.

Snyder’s job with Labcorp allows her the flexibility to be in Pueblo as needed and the couple already purchased a condo in Pueblo West.

“I am a very boots-on-the-ground type of owner. We’re very involved and our management team is great,” she said. “People are going to see a lot of renovations and improvements.”

Immediate improvements involve plumbing – lots of plumbing – and upgrades to more energy-efficient appliances. The amount of work and the county’s approval process delayed the opening but the target date now is

Photo by Amy Matthew

Movie modernization

15

MAY 27, 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

| COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |

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

16

MAY 27, 2022 The Mesa Drive-in will open this season with new owners (above) and some major renovations.

The theater on Santa Fe Drive has been a staple of Pueblo summers since 1951. A unique lineup beckoned patrons circa 1982 (left) in this photo from the Pueblo County Historical Society’s John Suhay collection.

DIGGING IN A fundraiser for the Pueblo Star Journal

| PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG

Pics from the past

Mesa Drive-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

PuebloStarJournal.org/fundraiser-event

17

MAY 27, 2022

Get one class

FREE!

*

*New students: Get 3 FREE credits with our president’s 3 on Me program!

Fall classes start

August 22

| COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |

­ ­

18

­

fence manufacturing “EXPLORINGCF&I STEEL: ENERGY AND THE WEST”

Art History for Kiddos 1 p.m. every other Sunday (May 29; June 12 and 26) at Pueblo Arts Alliance, 107 S. Grand Ave. Info: 602-281-5558

MAY 27, 2022

ART & HISTORY

“Exploring Steel: Energy and the West” Opening reception 5-8 p.m. June 3; ongoing 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays June 6-July 29 Watertower Place, 303 S. Santa Fe Ave. Info: pueblowatertowerplace.com or 719-315-1757 Arts & Chats with Kimberly Sewell 4 p.m. Sundays at the ArtHub at Pueblo Arts Alliance, 107 S Grand Ave. Info: kimberly@puebloarts.org

EATS Food Truck Union Noon-7 p.m. Fridays, Mineral Palace Park 1600 N. Santa Fe Ave. Info: thefoodtruckunion@gmail.com or thefoodtruckunion on Facebook

WELLNESS Seniors: Riverwalk Walking Group Meets 10 a.m. Mondays in front of Senior Resource Development Agency (SRDA) 230 N. Union Ave. Info: 719-553-3446 or richmond@srda.org

The Rides at City Park - opening weekend 5-9 p.m. Friday, May 27, through Monday, May 30, at 3425 Nuckolls Ave. Info: 719-553-2489

Steel City Theatre Company: “The Royal Bachelor” 7:30 p.m. July 14-16 and 2 p.m. July 16-17 at Steel City Theatre Company, 241 S. Santa Fe Ave. Info: 719-994-8298

FENCING

Pueblo Library District Storytime at the Zoo 10-11 a.m. Wednesdays June 8-July 27 at Pueblo Zoo, 3455 Nuckolls Ave. Info: 719-561-1452

PERFORMING ARTS

9th annual Sareth-Fest Music and Comedy Festival 4-9 p.m. July 15-19, Grind Haus Cafe 209 S. Union Ave. Info: www.aqdpi.com/2022-pueblo-lineup.html

MUSIC

Ranching has been a staple of the American since the Pueblo Municipalwest Band Summer Impossible Players: “12 Angry Jurors” 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 27, and Saturday, May 28, and Friday, June 3, and Saturday, June 4 at Impossible Playhouse, 1201 N. Main St. Info: 719-542-6969

Concert Series 7 p.m. Sundays June 12, 19 and 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, Pueblo Community College, 900 W. Orman Ave. Info: 719-406-2888 or pueblomunicipalband.org

Sangre de Cristo School of Dance Spring

Festival Fridays

7:30 p.m. Friday, May 27, and 2 p.m. Saturday, May 28, at Sangre de Cristo Arts Center 210 N. Santa Fe Ave. Info: tickets.sdc-arts.org

Dollar Band), 29 (Martini Shot) and Aug. 5 (Thumpin’), Sangre de Cristo Arts Center 210 N. Santa Fe Ave. Info: tickets.sdc-arts.org/festival-fridays

first European-Americans arrived in the area. The Homestead Act of 1862 accelerated ranching and general agricultural land

Recital featuring Ravel’s “Bolero” use, bringing even more people to 6-10 the Colorado had p.m.area.

July 15 (Latin Sol), 22 (6 Million

the third-highest number of homestead claims in the United States as a result of the Act, with 107,618. Across the west,

Yoga: Hun Yuan Qi Gong 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursday at Anahata Healing Yoga Studio, 3942 Ivywood Lane $5/class; Wednesdays and Thursdays on Zoom (no charge); Sundays at City Park Ballroom, George L. Williams Pavilion, 801 Goodnight Ave.

FAITH Interfaith meditation and service 10-11:30 a.m. daily, Center for Inner Peace 740 W. 15th St. Info: 719-543-2274

GAMES Chaos Games & More Star Wars: Legion 1 p.m. Saturdays, Crisis Protocol and Warhammer 40K 11 a.m. Sundays; Star Wars: X-Wing noon Sundays, board game night 6 p.m. Sundays; Magic: The Gathering - Commander 6 p.m. Mondays; Heroclix 6 p.m. Wednesdays; Pathfinder RPG 5:30 p.m. Thursdays; D&D Learn to Play; and Yu-Gi-Oh 6 p.m. Thursdays 4065 Club Manor Drive Info: chaosgamesandmore.com

| PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG

FAMILY EVENTS

Wellbriety 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Center for Inner Peace, 740 W. 15th St. Info: 719-543-2274

19

MAY 27, 2022

MAY 2022

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

May 27 - Friday

“Exploring Steel: Energy and the West” opening reception 5-8 p.m. during First Friday Art Walk Watertower Place, 303 S. Santa Fe Ave. Info: pueblowatertowerplace.com or 719-315-1757

Blues Night: Blue Recluse 7-9 p.m. (dinner service begins at 5:30) El Nopal's Blue Cactus Room 1435 E. Evans Ave. Info: 719-564-9784

May 28 - Saturday

Sangre de Cristo Arts Center 50th Anniversary Gala 6 p.m., Sangre de Cristo Arts Center 210 N. Santa Fe Ave. Info: sdc-arts.org/gala

Torres Empire Lowrider Supershow Noon-6 p.m., Pueblo Convention Center 320 Central Main St.

May 30 - Monday

June 7 - Tuesday The Art of Palmistry class with Lisa Camerlo 6-8 p.m., Karmic Konnection 125 E. Abriendo Ave. Cost: $65 Info: karmickonnection.com

First Friday Art Walk Shows by Sheigla Hartman, Jean Smith and the works of Bob Benvenuto; live music 6-9 p.m. (artist talk, 6:30), Blo Back Gallery 131 Spring St. Info: blobackgallery.com

Remebrance Sound Journey Concert 2-3:30 p.m., Center for Inner Peace 740 W. 15th St. Info: 719-543-2274

JUNE 2022

Behind the Seen Artist Talk with Tom Rizzo 11 a.m., Sangre de Cristo Arts Center 210 N. Santa Fe Ave. Info: sdc-arts.org

June 4 - Saturday

June 3 - Friday Summer Reading Carnival Kickoff 5:30-8 p.m., Grome Park, 159 Jewell Ave. Salida Circus performing at 5:30 and 7 p.m.

Info: pueblolibrary.org

“Da Vinci Machines & Robotics” exhibit opening 10 a.m., Sangre de Cristo Arts Center 210 N. Santa Fe Ave. Info: sdc-arts.org

“DA VINCI MACHINES & ROBOTICS” EXHIBIT OPENING

| COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |

Exploring food together neighborhood by neighborhood.

Memorial Day House Ad

ing m Co on So

The Pueblo Star Journal remembers and honors the sacrifices of the men and women who gave their lives for our country. www.pueblofoodguide.com

20

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

MAY 27, 2022

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

| PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG

Since 1976, the Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) has been promoting

and enhancing the quality of life for all Coloradans.

Economic Development Council of Colorado edcconline.org | 720.260.4478 21

MAY 27, 2022

June 9 - Thursday

June 18 - Saturday

Business During Lunch 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Pueblo Convention Center, 320 Central Main St. Info: pueblochamber.org

June 11 - Saturday Movies on the Riverwalk: “Frozen II” Dusk (between 8 and 9 p.m.), Confluence Plaza, Riverwalk (weather permitting)

June 14 - Tuesday Business After Hours 5-7 p.m., Legacy Bank-Regency Park 1301 S. Pueblo Blvd.

Info: pueblochamber.org

June 16 - Thursday Books Again Book Club 9 a.m., Books Again, 622 S. Union Ave. May selection: “Travels with Charley” by John Steinbeck Info: booksagain-pueblo.com or (719) 553-0340

June 17 - Friday Zoofari Pueblo Zoo, 3455 Nuckolls Ave. Info: 719-561-1452

Local author meet-and-greet: Buck and Arlene Weimer, “The Darien Jungle Shakedown Cruise” and “Traveling the Circuits”; books available for sale 1-3 p.m., Books Again, 622 S. Union Ave. Info: booksagain-pueblo.com or (719) 553-0340

June 23 - Thursday DIGGING IN: Fundraiser for the Pueblo Star Journal 6-9 p.m., Watertower Place, 303 S. Santa Fe Ave. Info: pueblostarjournal.org/fundraiser-event

LOCAL AUTHOR MEET-AND-GREET:

BUCK AND ARLENE WEIMER

July 2 - Saturday

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band 7 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

Sounds and Shadows concert: Tom Djll $5 admission 7 p.m., Blo Back Gallery, 131 Spring St. Info: blobackgallery.com

JULY 2022

July 9 - Saturday

July 1 - Friday

Movies on the Riverwalk: “Boss Baby 2” Dusk (between 8-9 p.m.), Confluence Plaza, Riverwalk (weather permitting)

TRUTH SHOW – conscious creatives, truth tellers, alt media darlings and freedom 6 p.m., Blo Back Gallery, 131 Spring St. Info: blobackgallery.com

July 16 - Saturday Shandy Clinic Dollar Day at the Pueblo Zoo 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Pueblo Zoo, 3455 Nuckolls Ave. Info: 719-561-1452

PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG/EVENTS/SUBMIT

A Contemporary Speakeasy

| COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |

POP-UP SERIES P R E S E N T E D BY

Storytelling Series Sponsored by

PUEBLO LEAVES YOU SPEECHLESS THEN TURNS YOU INTO A STORYTELLER Avondale | Bessemer | East Side | Aberdeen

The

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!

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Local author meet-and-greet 1-3 p.m., Books Again, 622 S. Union Ave. Info: booksagain-pueblo.com or (719) 553-0340

July 18 - Monday Marbin concert 6:30-10:30 p.m., Blo Back Gallery, 131 Spring St. Tickets $10. Info: blobackgallery.com

July 23 - Saturday

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS FREE ONLINE!

Aug. 6 - Saturday IDEA Con 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Grome Park, 159 Jewell Ave. Info: facebook.com/pueblolibrary

Aug. 10 - Wednesday

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.

First day of classes for Pueblo County School District 70 students

Aug. 13 - Saturday

3-2-1 Back to School Mock first day of school with free school supplies and free admission 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, 210 N. Santa Fe Ave. Info: sdc-arts.org Paul Rodriguez 7 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

July 29 - Friday Annual Pueblo Chamber Golf Tournament 8 a.m., Walking Stick Golf Course 4301 Walking Stick Blvd.

Info: 719-542-1704 or terrik@pueblochamber.net

MAY 27, 2022

AUGUST 2022

July 16 - Saturday

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.

Movies on the Riverwalk: “Sing” Dusk (between 8 and 9 p.m.), Confluence Plaza, Riverwalk (weather permitting)

Aug. 16 - Tuesday

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.

First day of classes for Pueblo School District 60 students

Aug. 22 - Monday

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

First day of classes for Pueblo Community College and Colorado State University Pueblo students

Aug. 26-Sept. 5

PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG/EVENTS/SUBMIT

Colorado State Fair Colorado State Fairgrounds, 1001 Beulah Ave. Info: coloradostatefair.com

EN

ING

Invites YOU

MINDFUL AWARENESS FESTIVAL

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.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022 4PM @ WATERTOWER PLACE

JOIN US TO DISCUSS RECENT EFFORTS TO INCREASE FILMMAKING IN OUR COMMUNITY.

| PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG

AL

CO

NV 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)

GIO N

Launch of Colorado Arts and Artists Associates will kick off the Rocky Mountain Creative Experience

RE

SUMMER 2022

SPECIAL GUESTS COLORADO OFFICE OF FILM, TELEVISION AND MEDIA, PUEBLO REGIONAL FILM COMMISSION & MORE

303 S SANTA FE AVE PUEBLO CO 81003 FIREHOUSE ENTRANCE

23

MAY 27, 2022 | COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |

24

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