Pueblo Star Journal - April 2024

APRIL 2024 Pueblo’s month of film

APRIL 2024

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A CHANCE TO WIN A MUG DETAILS ON PAGE 5.

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Every spiritual path

GUEST COLUMN

The Center for Inner Peace, a place of worship in Pueblo located on 15th Street., is a part of a new spiritual movement. We are “interfaith,” which means that we are radically inclusive and honor the wisdom of all of the world’s traditional religions, while we seek to go beyond them.

Interfaith theologian Beverly Lanzetta clarifies what spurred this spiritual pathway: “There is a new spiritual movement in our midst initiated not by religions or masters, but by the action of the divine in the souls of people around the globe. It is a direct touching of the inner spark of the soul of Divine Mystery that is calling people to a deeper experience of the sacred that is related to, but may be outside of formal religious community.”

We hope to heal the places where religions may wound. Lanzetta says this multi-faith focus is not constructed to assuage religious doubt or to be rebellious; rather, it seeks to heal whatever is oppressive, superior, exclusive, hurtful or violent in any religious world view.

The Center in Pueblo was founded in the 1990s by Rev. Roger Hupp, who retired in 2006, when I became the minister. We believe that every individual has their own unique spiritual path and hope to help people uncover that from within. For that reason, we do not proselytize. Our members are encouraged to find the places where they feel most comfortable spiritually. For that reason, also, I try not to “preach.” Services often consist of a collection of quotes from various religions traditions around a theme, and a time for the congregation to

What it means to be interfaith: Center of Inner Peace minister on inclusivity

reflect and share their thoughts.

The Center also houses the local Wet Mountain Buddhist Sangha, which offers meditation twice a week, and a variety of other like-minded groups and activities.

We recently hosted a webinar given by the Islamic Networks Group, more information on their work can be found at ing.org. The webinar, “Cultivating Peace with Our Jewish and Muslim Neighbors,” was hosted by a Rabbi and a Muslim scholar who shared the roots, history and impact of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism on Muslim and Jewish communities here in the US and around the world. They included action ideas on what we can do working together as Americans to counter these and other forms of bigotry in our own towns and the country at large.

In the past, before the pandemic, we have hosted evenings where faith leaders from Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Indigenous traditions spoke on a given theme. We hope to offer such a program again this fall. I love these events because they demonstrate how unique each tradition is and yet, how we share similar values and ideas. I am pretty sure this is the only place in Colorado where one can have that experience.

We also occasionally host concerts by local singer/songwriters and other musicians. Local musician Tom Munch will be performing at 7 p.m. May 4 at the Center.

For more information on our schedule of weekly classes and events or any other inquiries, call (719) 543-2274. Or just swing by on a Sunday morning, with meditation starting at 10 a.m. and service beginning at 10:30 a.m. The Center for Inner Peace is located at 740 W. 15th Street.

Board of Directors: Gregory Howell, Kennedy Pugh, Chantal Woodyard, Leslie Nazario

Advisory Board: Nicki Hart, Susan Wolf, Caroline Trani, Jayson Peters

Managing Editor: Rory Harbert

Contributors: Taylor Blanchard, Neema Caughran, Brian Estrada, Catherine O’Grady, Heather Robinson Hernandez, Kristin Skye Hoffmann, Jocelyn Martinez, Jeffry Moore, Bree Anne Pappan, Amy Gillentine Sweet, Emily Wilson.

Special thanks to: Creative Consortium of Pueblo, CSU Extension Pueblo County Office, Fountain Creek Watershed, SHED & Pueblo County Master Gardener, Karmic Konnection, Kickass Film Festival, Gary Markstein, Mountainfilm, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center, Pueblo Arts Alliance, Pueblo Film Fest, Pueblo Heritage Museum, Pueblo Popup, Photography by Lyss, Rocky Mountain Realty, Sangre De Cristo Arts & Conference Center, Southern Colorado SBDC, Steel City Music Showcase, Sure Lock Locksmith, Tuxedo Ranch, Voter Voices 2024.

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301 N Main St, Suite 101

Center for Inner Peace building.

Rev. Neema Caughran Center for Inner Peace minister

Photos courtesy of Neema Caughran

April 25 - Thursday

Pueblo Premiere

5:30 p.m., Sangre De Cristo Arts & Conference Center, 210 N. Santa Fe Ave.

Light refreshments, Cash bar, followed by after party. More info at: palmerland.org/Mirasol-Pueblo.

April 28 - Sunday

Pueblo Film Fest - Festival Winner Screening & “MIRASOL”

10 a.m. - all day, Sangre De Cristo Arts & Conference Center, 210 N. Santa Fe Ave. tickets at: filmfreeway.com/pueblofilmfest/tickets.

May 9 - Thursday

Free Community Screening of MIRASOL

5:30 p.m. Rawlings library branch, 100 E. Abriendo Ave Viewing with county commissioner Daneya Esgar.Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. More info at: palmerland.org/

Water on the Mesa

Filmmaker, Palmer Land Conservancy set to premiere documentary on agricultural crisis

By Rory Harbert

About 75% of the planet is covered in water, coming in the form of liquid or ice. The Earth cycles this water endlessly, a process that has churned for 3.8 billion years. The ocean, though, holds 97% of this water. The land that people rely on to inhabit, to propagate food and to look for to hold fresh water, makes up only 29% of the planet’s surface.

With a faucet running water with ease, while looking out of kitchen windows, seeing large swaths of land that we stomp on, build on and claim easily, these numbers are hard to weave into reality.

The film “MIRASOL,” sponsored by the Palmer Land Conservancy, aims to bridge this connection between a wider picture and individual perspective. The film revolves around The Mesa, Pueblo’s agricultural mainstay, where the experts and farmers of the area—neighbors—have a much different perspective as they look at an agricultural crisis face on.

According to a press release, the U.S. loses 2,000 acres of land every day to development, which prompted the creation of this film.

Familar names in the community, Williams Farm & Seed Store, Musso Farms, Professor Mike Bartolo and Martellaro Family Farms, appear in the film to speak on how this rapid land development is contributing to water scarcity.

“This land should be like our only child,” Bartolo stated in the film. “ We should be protecting it with everything we have.”

The 36-minute documentary received a nomination for the 2024 Big Sky Mountain Film Festival. It was also selected for the 5Point Film Feestival of the same year.

Award-winning director Ben Knight is impassioned by adventure and environmental filmmaking. His films include “DamNation,” which premiered at 2014’s South by Southwest conference and festival, produced with Patagonia; “The Last Honey Hunter,” in 2018’s Telluride Mountainfilm with National Geographic; and “Learning to Drown,” in 2021’s Tribeca with The North Face.

“‘MIRASOL’ has been a dream project for me,” he stated.

The producing organization behind MIRASOL is the Palmer Land Conservancy, which manages over 138,000 acres of land in colorado since 1977.

According to the statement, Palmer has been working for the past eight years “alongside the local Pueblo farmers” and other entities “to protect the Mesa in the face of an impending dry up.”

Pueblo’s premier of ‘MIRASOL’” starts at 5:30 p.m. April 25 at the Sangre De Cristo Arts & Conference Center, 210 N. Santa Fe. Ave. See more details on the film’s website: mirasolfilm.com.

Can you help our projectionist?

It is his first day at the PSJ Cinema. Unfortunately, he thought those frames—the ones at the start of each reel—were not supposed to be there. So, he cut them out. Apparently those extra frames are needed for timing when to put on the next reel. The movie is starting soon and people are already seated!

Can you find all the frames with the PSJ logo on them? Our projectionist is offering a free PSJ mug for anyone who helps!

Send an email of how many frames you spotted throughout this issue to contest@pueblostarjournal.org.

Make sure to put “FILM” in the subject line. The first 5 readers to email the correct number receive a free PSJ mug! The final count includes the first page. Mugs must be picked up at the PSJ office.

Filmmaking Speedrun

A 72-hour hustle, one month wait for awards: sneak-peek on top 6 short films, plus review

Pueblo hosts an annual filmmaking competition challenging filmmakers to write, film and edit a five- to seven-minute short film within 72 hours. No late submissions are accepted.

The cinephiles behind Kickass Film Fest have selected over a dozen award winners and are ready for these quick-thinking filmmakers to walk their red carpet.

The world premiere and award ceremony kicks off at 11 a.m. for “audience choice” voting and picks up at 5:30 p.m. for a red carpet party on Saturday, April 6, at the Sangre De Cristo Arts & Conference Center, located at 210 N. Santa Fe Ave.

The film festival received 24 submissions, with 26 teams signed up to compete. Anyone across the United States can participate in the competition, pending their adherence to the Mountain timezone deadline.

Grand prize for best short is $1,500, judged by a panel assembled by the film festival team. Though, the audience at the early showing votes for their favorite film, resulting in a $500 cash prize for the team behind the submission.

Kickass Film Fest has 13 award categories: best short film, best actor, best actress, best director, best cinematography, best screenplay, best score, best set design, best ensemble, audience choice and the best use of the required line, character and prop.

To ensure that the short film was made specifically for this festival, each submission must incorporate a first responder as a character, include playing cards as a prop and include the line “what would you have done.” Each team was assigned a unique genre as part of the prompt.

I was given access to view the top six short films up for the Kickass award for best short film. I was not informed of the final verdict, to keep the mystery alive for the award ceremony. These contenders have put up a mighty fight for the ultimate prize. Here are my kickass thoughts:

“Do Not Enter”

Team: Dry Creek

Genre: Time Loop

City: Greenwood Village

Summary: A man working as a one-man hazardous materials and crime scene cleanup crew spends most days cleaning after someone’s worst day imaginable. His next job hits too close to home.

Rory’s Review:

To start, the lighting of the scenes have a yellowy warmth to them, creating a thematic contrast to how grim his day proceeds. This yellow motif turns harsh with the vibrant colors of the crime scene tape and his mop bucket. This use of color acts as a sort of visual crumb for the viewer, hansel-and-gretel style, tying the previous scene to the next. With the teasing hint as to our main character’s connection to his assignment (thanks to the skillful editing), the second iteration of the time loop cleverly brings in an additive element of suspense, which makes for a compelling, well-executed use of the narrative device. The music during The Night scene is aptly used in symphony with the anonymous shaky-cam work. The final victim gives a strong performance akin to Drew Barrymore in 1996’s “Scream” movie, a strong compliment from a horror fan such as myself.

Overall, the success of this film is in two-parts: establishing the typical mundanity of a hazmat worker’s job despite the horror underlying it before providing the inciting personal connection to the story and the stunning catharsis felt when everything is squeaky clean. All this is accomplished in just under seven minutes—what a feat.

There were many standout shots in these submissions. Choosing only one still to represent each film is an undertaking. These moments were chosen to help illustrate Rory’s review comments. The topmost photo comes from “The Gamble They Left Us” by Safe Haven Collaborations; Bottom left, “Heartless’ by Dahl or Nothing; bottom right, “The Breakroom” by Ini Entertainment.

“The Trick”

Team: RDE

Genre: Crime

City: Colorado Springs

Summary: A child murderer, obsessed with magic tricks, unveils to a detective how he killed his victim, a child left to her own devices at a park while under the supervision of a distracted sister.

Rory’s Review:

The film starts with a classic cold open of the victim’s final moments before meeting their killer. It’s a mundane moment, a distracted teen in charge of a child naturally inclined to put fun before feelings. It makes for a heartbreaking final interaction. The first shot of the killer, ominously blowing bubbles at the edge of the park, is striking, creating an odd-but-not-downright-unusual image of the haunting ease these situations come about. It quickly cements the off-putting nature of this strange man with an uncomfortable closeup of his mouth, lips pursed to blow more bubbles. This subversion of a sweet, innocent activity, performed in such a manner created a dis-ease in not only the viewer, but evident in the child character. It cements the idea that our instincts, as exemplified by this shared reaction, can mean life or death. Knowing the inevitable makes it so much more tragic. Some of my favorite shots and edits are exhibited here: with a crisp transition using the cards prop and the dutch-angle shot of the detective’s face as he interrogates this killer. The killer is barely in this shot, with only his lips in view, like in the bubbles scene, just gracing the side of the screen. It’s uneasy, added with the disgust on the detective’s face, just cements the realism of Quinton Blanche’s acting. His acting stands out most, carrying a weight with every second of his screen time. The final scene, with Blanche’s performance, paired with Austin Hall’s monologue playing over, seals the deal of the horror this killer

is capable of and the mystery behind discovering what he has done.

Overall, this team created a compelling story fraught with what-ifs. While the ending is not classically satisfying (a tough feat for under seven minutes, so not expected), it does leave the viewer thinking, consoled with knowing that the detective has a lead at least.

“Heartless”

Team: Dahl or Nothing

Genre: Romance, Supernatural

City: Colorado Springs

Summary: Two bitter lovers, fallen out of love, are visited by an unusual cupid with a disturbing demand.

Rory’s Review:

These two characters start the story strong with a gut-wrenching argument between a couple who clearly know each other well. When cupid, performed by Chris Dubey, appears, his character is so incredibly established that I gasped in glee. The character is crafted by his mysterious performance and grounded in the example of his real-world magic. The trick with the tongue is such a fun and efficient way of making cupid a powerful being not to be reckoned with. Buy-in for this gory, sultry, godlike showboat of an interpretation is within seconds of his appearance. I want to add, I love the shot where all three characters in this scene are in-camera. The use of required elements by the festival are so woven in it feels kismet. This campy, fun feeling that horror of this kind evokes is propelled by its gore—this short film accomplishes that exactly. It is hard to describe, but there is a sort of style present in the gore that feels uniquely its own, both understandably a prop, but in such a way that I can feel it existing like that in its own universe and can suspend disbelief.

This short film is subversion incarnate: With the refreshing representation of a same-sex couple struggling and then growing together instead of meeting through the story, Dubey’s cupid obviously, Jessica (I cannot ethically share any more of a spoiler) and the ending! It is such a fun and gross interpretation of a supernatural romance story, centered on such a classic icon that is the Roman god. I also love a good blood-bonding story. Plus, a campy ending! Who told them I would be reviewing these? Kidding, of course.

“The Breakroom”

Team: Ini Entertainment

Genre: Mockumentary, Romance

City: Denver

Summary: In the breakroom of a hospital, from doctors to nurses to first responders, these medical professionals gather—though professional in work, their interpersonal affairs bleed through on camera. With an oblivious EMR/boyfriend, a distraught birthday girl, the ever-reliable bleeding heart and a perplexed doctor, this cast disentangles their dilemmas on their breaks.

Rory’s Review:

It’s one thing to be a fan of mockumentaries, it is another to disassemble the genre only to recraft it into a new story. Using precious seconds to create an entire intro was ballsy, but paid off incredibly. By establishing a montage of these coworkers interacting as peers, there is quick work of buy-in for the audience to know that these people have a repertoire together, making the comedy of their antics come much quicker than without it. The intro lulls the viewer into this familiar episodic feeling, and then uses it to craft an in-media-res story of a romance that was building and will continue to build if you catch the next episode. The camera work really stands out as understanding what this genre can do for crafting a compelling story through visuals. There are some stand out gags that truly bring in the comedy: the timing of the Siri reminder coming in during an interview, the zoom-in on the cursory touch and Noah Steele’s face at the camera and his performance in general. Additionally, comedy can be a struggle to pull off, even the best shows have jokes that can go too far, fall flat or generally do not resonate with a viewer, and that is okay because it can vary so widely that the

The top left photo comes from “Do Not Enter” by Dry Creek; top left, “Thanks for Playing” by Vrain Street Productions; bottom photo, “The Trick” by RDE.

“throw the baby out with the bath water” mentality would result in most forms of comedy to go extinct. This film depicts an older doctor who is struggling with understanding his patient’s pronouns and how to anticipate what to say. The joke did not land with me—not until the end. He comes in with such a wild hypothetical, and the cast riffs on it in such a way, that the shaky set up paid off.

This submission stood out as sweet and intimately charming. The standout here was Steele’s Robin, who brings in Jim-from-the-Office,“straight-man” archetype with his own spin on it. It reminded me of flipping through channels on the TV, landing on a random episode, in the middle of a season and a show run, of a new-to-me show. It’s the TV equivalent of a meet-cute, pulling me in enough to pull it up on streaming afterwards to watch the rest.

“Thanks for Playing”

Team: VRAIN Street Productions

Genre: Supernatural

City: Denver

Summary: A street magician and a grumpy emergency responder bump into each other one day, changing the trajectory of the responder’s next 52 days.

Rory’s Review:

This submission starts off with a fun “Ocean’s 11” aesthetic of unbound confidence, a sunny day on a busy sidewalk, with good music and a magical use of card tricks within the first 30 seconds. The confident magician is a great archetype to work with, the “Needful Things” take on his character is what sparks the supernatural element of this story. It’s a curious journey to figure out how this interaction plays into the character’s progression. It took me a second to figure out what was happening, and then the repeat of days ramped up at the same time. It felt as though the editor anticipated when it would click for me, giving me such a fun slew of wacky days in reward. What a feat of editing! Some of my favorite moments are: the first night-in when he yells about a reality show at his TV while eating popcorn, the whooshing sound that plays when he sees the cards again the next day, the smack to the back of his head, the package being stolen and the funny reference to an iconic phone number. Though the whole thing is just a hoot and a holler. Also, special shoutout to the film’s own version of the “I got you, babe” motif used in Groundhog Day. I cannot tell if it is a needle-drop or their own song, but either way, it is so catchy and well-used.

Overall, this is an incredible submission. VRAIN Street is clearly on a streak, with their cheeky nod to last year’s win by using their award as prop. I saw that! Very clever and fun, with many moments of inspiration and an understanding of cinema history with its antics.

“The Gamble He Left Us”

Team: Safe Haven Collaborations

Genre: Coming of Age

City: Colorado Springs

Summary: A single father gambles with the wrong man, a sadistic sheriff, meanwhile his two teenage daughters have to reckon with the ripple-effect consequences of his actions.

Rory’s Review:

The short film starts strong, with a clear aesthetic of rural life on an acreage. The card prop is used subtly, as targets as he coaches his more hardened daughter on sharp shooting. Her aim is precise, a testament to his mission: he wants his daughters to be resilient. The narrative of this film is set so strongly in this opening scene. His younger daughter is ignoring this moment of skill-building, by distracting herself with a book, exemplifying who has responded to this value of his the most, and which one has not. While the film expands on this with a full scene, one shot can show that this is the case. It is a feat of visual storytelling. The actress playing the older sister plays her with such a fiercenous—the performance pairs so well with the innocence of the younger sister. The team shows further excellence with script work, with the gambling scene starting off immediately with a character jovially referring to the “chief” by title. The men-

acing lighting, the high-stakes cinematography language and the introduction of an ambiguous character of power, indicates a sense of unease in this situation which is a strong foot to start on for this phase of the story. The audience knows no matter where this story goes, the chief, for example, could lose the gun, pull the gun on someone or defend someone with it, but for story purposes, there is a perfect opportunity to escalate an already tense situation. Not to mention how menacing the actor is in this performance, he holds a captivating power over this story.

This submission is standout. The “Thelma and Louise” theme is such an innocuous moment with great payoff that I did not know I was owed. My favorite moment? The ultra wide shot of the night-field scene, with the bottom half of the screen in pitch-black. Generally, this film is remarkable: the cinematography excels at keeping the action in frame while bringing energy to the visual storytelling, the professional-level of blood work in this (did they use a squib to get that shot?), the music brings an energy and heft to the story and the framing is almost akin to the visual styling of comic books in composition.

Rory’s aRORds

And the aRORd winners are...

Rory’s Favorite: “The Gamble He Left Us”

Best Actor: “Cupid” in “Heartless”

Best Actress: ‘Thelma” in “The Gamble He Left Us”

Best Director: “Thanks for Playing”

Best Cinematography: “The Trick”

Best Screenplay: “Heartless”

Best Score: “Thanks for Playing”

Best Set Design: “The Breakroom”

Best Ensemble: “Do Not Enter”

Best Use of Line: “The Gamble He Left Us”

Best Use of Character: “Heartless”

Best Use of Prop: “Thanks for Playing”

Rory’s aRORds:

I wanted to, based on only a quarter of the total submissions, give my own awards to this selection, to give my personal accolades to the hard work of these independent filmmakers.

On celebrating heritage

GUEST COLUMN

As you stroll down B Street, you are met with Neon Alley, well-known restaurants such as DC’s or the B Street Café, a photo opportunity at the “Angel Wings” mural on the corner of B and Victoria, the grandeur of the Union Depot and, at the end, you’ll find the Pueblo Railway Museum and my favorite spot, the Pueblo Heritage Museum.

The Pueblo Heritage Museum resides inside the Denver and Rio Grande West Freight Station, which is celebrating its hundred-year anniversary this year. The museum houses a wide array of collections. Many are often surprised at just how extensive our collection really is! For this, we must thank our partner organizations.

Emily Wilson

Pueblo Heritage Museum director

The Pueblo Heritage Museum is a unique institution in that, at its formation, it was created to be a Heritage Center. We are still operating under the name Southeastern Colorado Heritage Center, better known as Pueblo Heritage Museum. Five organizations came together for its formation: the Fray Angelico Chavez Chapter Genealogical Society of Hispanic America; Pueblo County Historical Society; The Pueblo Archaeological & Historic; Pueblo Locomotive and Rail Historical Society; and the Pueblo Street Railway Foundation.

Since our inception in 1997, other organizations have partnered with us and/or contributed to our showcase by loaning us their exhibits. These include Pueblo Waterworks, Pueblo Charter Lions Club, Irish Club of Pueblo, Pueblo Conservancy District and more. This collaboration has allowed us to showcase exhibits and objects concerning all things Pueblo, whether that be in relation to one of the many ethnic groups of Pueblo found in our immigration displays or the lives of local figures, like Charles Goodnight.

Maybe you take an interest in the destruction of the chemical weapons stockpile and wish to visit our Chemical Depot exhibit. Or you enjoy learning about Pueblo’s extensive agricultural history, so you may just be interested in visiting our Indigenous Peoples exhibit, which has been undergoing revitalization. Or you wish to visit Lucky the Saddle Display Horse in person.

What I can say is once you enter, you’ll be warmly greeted by myself, Emily Wilson, our office admin-

Newly-appointed Pueblo Heritage Museum director, curator invite community to reconnect

istrator, Tziavii (Rose) Stevens or maybe you’ll get the chance to meet one of our amazing volunteers.

As acting director, I have devoted much of my focus to building community connections.

We are excited to engage with the community because, without it, we wouldn’t exist. It is Pueblo’s incredible tapestry that illuminates our galleries.

As we prepare to unveil our first ever student-led exhibition, and enhancements to our other exhibits, we hope that you, the community, will join us in celebrating the heritage and history of Pueblo.

Celebration comes in many forms: whether through volunteering, a collaboration with us and your organization, making sure to stop by to get to know your city better or simply spreading the word.

You can also join us on First Fridays to enjoy our monthly art exhibitions or on the third Wednesday of every month for our Heritage Nights. Consider partaking in one of our Heritage Education events such as our Legacy Trunks or Tours!

We are located at 201 W. B Street. Our hours of operation are from 10

a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Admission cost ranges from free to $6, depending on qualification for our discounts. For more information, go to our website: theheritagecenter.us.

Emily Wilson is the newly-appointed director and curator of the Pueblo Heritage Museum. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, with a cultural focus, from Ohio University.

The Pueblo Heritage Museum is located in the century-old Denver and Rio Grande West Freight Station, Photo of the building courtesy of Pueblo Heritage Museum. The photo of the interior is by Rory Harbert.

T‘Cycle without age’

GUEST COLUMN

he faces of senior passengers simply light up as they ride along the beautiful city streets, enjoying sunny Pueblo days.

These outings are made possible through a nonprofit organization, whose mission is to provide Pueblo’s elderly community members the opportunity to have a delightful experience on a short trip in their volunteer-pedaled, three-wheeled carts, designed with passengers in mind. Oftentimes, planned stops are made en route to interact with the surroundings, such as picking crab apple blossoms for the riders or taking a photo “roaring” at a row of lion sculptures mounted atop the pillars of a neighborhood fence.

Nonprofit offers Pueblo seniors the chance to experience the thrill of bicycle trips safely

were befriended by many of the other residents.

After Marge’s passing in late 2021, the idea of TrikeTreks emerged as a way to keep Marge’s contact, fun and mischief going among her friends and other residents. Thus was born the electric-assisted trikeshaws you may have seen trekking about the neighborhood streets surrounding several retirement residences—Brookdale, Regent, and Life Care Center—on Pueblo’s southside.

TrikeTreks is a chapter of a worldwide non-profit called Cycling Without Age, also referred to as the Pueblo chapter of this wider organization.

TrikeTreks was founded in late 2022 by Jim Hausman, funded partly by seed money from the Marjorie Crews Hausman estate and Marge’s children. Originally raised in Pueblo/Beulah, then living away after high school, Jim returned to Pueblo’s south side near the Holiday Pueblo Regent where his mom Marge was a resident. In visits to his mom at The Regent and later at Primrose, Jim and his siblings

Founded in Copenhagen in 2012, the organization has partnered with Copenhagen Cycles to provide free Trikeshaw rides to people with limited mobility, mainly the elderly. This mission has manifested in Pueblo by way of TrikeTreks, with a fleet of three of these unique sets of wheels.

The conventional design of trikeshaws or trishaws—of which TrikeTreks has two—utilizes a belt-driven electric-assist powertrain to carry an operator and up to two adult passengers, who ride on a bench in front of a pilot who pedals behind. The positioning allows for the passengers to have an unobstructed view.

Their third trikeshaw sports a larger steel frame to accommodate a sole occupant in a wheelchair.

On Easter, participants were greeted on the front lawn of the Life Care Center by folding tables, chairs and a barbeque serving hotdogs for the TrikeTreks Spring Forward Fest.

Local musician Tom Munch played crowd favorites and requests as residents waited for their turns on the trikeshaws. Family and friends were encouraged to ride along, or to participate in a cotton “snowball” fight and a blanket raffle.

Smiles were abound at this event among the guests, staff, and volunteer pilots. It was clear that the thrill of fresh air at a leisurely 6-10 miles per hour does everyone a little good.

Notably, a single-rider electric-assist tricycle was recently added to the fleet, allowing the assisting staff and others to “ride wing” and keep an eye out for traffic.

The 2024 season is rapidly filling with rides and events. TrikeTreks is on track to expand its reach with extraordinary community support, as well as grants from the Robert Hoag Rawlings Foundation and others.

If you would like to become a donor, a volunteer pilot or learn more about TrikeTreks, please contact info@triketreks.com.

The author of this article is the President of the Board of Directors at TrikeTreks LLC.

Taylor Blanchard

TrikeTreks Board of Director president

Assisted Living residents ride along on a perfect Pueblo day, collecting crab apple blossoms on the way. Photo courtesy of TrikeTreks Facebook.

Sometimes thriving means taking a break. Our columnist Rachel Kutskill will not have a THRIVE article this issue. Do enjoy the recipe by Jocelyn Martinez below.

FGrowing strong roots

By Heather Robinson Hernandez

or three decades, Trees Please, a local nonprofit organization, has not only championed the preservation of green spaces but has also embarked on a mission to actively reforest urban areas overrun by asphalt.

Reforestation, a cornerstone of Trees Please’s efforts, offers long-term benefits beyond mere tree planting. It serves as a vital tool in mitigating rising temperatures, providing natural habitats for wildlife and enhancing water and air quality over time—all of which are integral to the mission and goals of Trees Please.

More than an organization in Pueblo, Trees Please, alongside its founders Jean Eskra and Jean Latka, has emerged as a driving force behind the preservation and cultivation efforts to nurture Pueblo’s urban landscape. As urbanization encroaches and climate change reshapes landscapes, the importance of initiatives like Trees Please has never been more apparent.

Honoring the botanical history of Pueblo

From asphalt to aspens: Pueblo partners with nonprofit preserve, reclaim green spaces

As Arbor Day approaches, these planting efforts take on added significance, serving as a poignant reminder of Pueblo’s rich botanical history. While exploring this history with Jean Eskra and Jean Latka it was evident that the area has long been characterized by its rich and diverse flora.

Jean Latka reminisced about a time when cottonwoods dominated the landscape, their lush foliage covering the area and the sheer magnitude of what that must have been like to see the city covered by greenery.

“Trees Please’s conservation efforts here in the community are extraordinary.”

-Steven Meier, City Parks & Recreation Director

However, this botanical abundance suffered setbacks over the years. The devastating Arkansas River flood of 1921 swept away many native trees, leaving a noticeable void in the once-thriving ecosystem. Subsequently, the scourge of elm disease in the 1980s dealt another blow to Pueblo’s greenery, further depleting its tree population.

These challenges coincided with the city’s recovery from the mining bust, underscoring the resilience required to preserve its economy, culture, and botanical heritage. Despite these adversities, Pueblo’s fertile land has persisted as a testament to its botanical legacy.

The area’s long-standing reputation for vibrant vegetation is evident across generations, showcased by various landscapes in Pueblo County. From the shortgrass prairie and wetland complex in the northeastern region to the prairie canyon landscape in the southeastern area, traces of its botanical richness endure.

This legacy continues to thrive through ongoing tree planting efforts led by Trees Please and their partners. As they continue their mission to reforest urban areas and preserve green spaces, their work not only honors this storied past but also lays the foundation for a greener and more resilient future for the community.

Trees Please initiatives on nurturing green spaces, community

Since its inception in 1989, Trees Please has led the charge in planting over 5,000 trees.

Trees are chosen with care, considering factors such as drought hardiness and their ability to regenerate biodiversity in urban environments. The selection process also accounts for the specific needs dictated by the location and use of space.

With no intention of slowing down, current efforts are underway to transform the 14 medians along Abriendo Avenue leading to Dutch Clark Stadium. Colored flags adorn these medians now, marking utilities, dead trees and future plantings.

Though, come springtime, with the help of city officials and funding, the flags will be replaced by the promise of fertile soil, comforting shade and the ornate beauty of newly planted trees.

These trees, along with thousands of others across the city, stand as tangible symbols of Trees Please’s commitment to environmental stewardship while also serving as a legacy for future generations to nurture and cultivate.

Through collaborative initiatives, Trees Please continues to address contemporary challenges such as urbanization and climate change. They’re also working to build community engagement and innovation in urban forestry practices across Pueblo.

Through collaborative endeavors with City Council, City parks, local businesses and service providers, Trees Please has raised an impressive $355,000 to

Trees Please founders, Jean Eskra and Jean Latka, have been able to plant over 5,000 trees through their organization. Photos by Heather Robinson Hernandez.

TREES PLEASE

maintain trees and support continued planting efforts.

continued from page 15

An essential component in actualizing their mission has been in forging key partnerships. One such key partnership has been with Pueblo Parks and Recreation on a Tree Farm, underscoring Pueblo’s commitment to urban forestry and sustainability. With 400 tree saplings planted at the farm so far, Trees Please is laying the groundwork for a greener, more resilient future.

“Trees Please’s conservation efforts here in the community are extraordinary,” said Steven Meier, director of the City Parks and Recreation Department. “They care and are constantly promoting the planting and care of trees in the parks, along the streets, and in our business and residential areas. They’re concerned about the city’s microclimate and beauty by encouraging healthy trees. The City Parks and Recreation Department considers them as a valuable partner in Pueblo’s community.”

These initiatives, along with many others over the decades, directly impact the quality of life for residents and enhance the visual appeal of neighborhoods and public spaces.

Recognizing the vital role of urban forests, the organization has influenced commercial landscaping regulations and sustainability practices. They also partner with the Pueblo Police Department in enforcing the commercial landscaping ordinances. This ensures that trees and vegetation are maintained using best practices to safeguard the longevity and health of urban biodiversity.

These forestry initiatives led by city officials, Trees Please, and their partners has contributed to Pueblo being designated as an official Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for 43 consecutive years. By embracing the criteria out-

lined by the Tree City USA program, including dedicating resources to bolster its urban forest and engaging in Arbor Day festivities, Pueblo has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to safeguarding its green spaces.

Aside from organizing Arbor Day gatherings at various educational institu-

The reforestation project at Dutch Clark Stadium is in its infancy. An artist rendition of the space provides a glimpse into how space would look with matured plants. Photo courtesy of Trees Please.

tions and communal spaces, the city has curated arboretums in City Park and partnered with Trees Please to plant 185 trees in Mineral Palace Park, deepening the community’s connection to its rich, botanical legacy.

Nowhere is this legacy more apparent than with Trees Please’s collaborative initiatives that are already yielding transformative changes.

In prominent community hubs like Elizabeth Parkway and Dutch Clark Stadium,the fruits of these recent labors are already apparent.

With in-kind donations totaling $250,000 for the Dutch Clark Stadium planting, Trees Please has demonstrated the incredible potential that arises when a community unites to honor and enhance shared spaces.

Corrine Koehler, a resident of the Aberdeen neighborhood, has driven by Dutch Clark Stadium for decades, often thinking something should be done. “I thought it would be wonderful to see the barren area alive with vegetation and trees.” One day she stopped to see the Dutch Clark statue and saw the Latka name on its plaque and reached out to Trees Please by way of Latka Studios. “It will create such a difference to have shade canopies to add to the neighborhood, but not only that, for the thousands who visit Dutch Clark every year.”

The collaborative effort between Trees Please, Aberdeen neighbors like Corrine Koehler, local businesses, donors, and Trees Please demonstrates the power of community unity in bringing about positive change.

This change will be evident for years to come as trees and shrubbery mature. Over Easter Weekend, the 114 trees planted down Elizabeth Parkway in 2021 are already thriving, with the pear tree buds unfurling delicate white blossoms that dance in the wind.”

These trees not only enhance aesthetics, but also serve a crucial role in moderating temperatures and instilling a sense of community pride in the urban landscapes, enjoyed by both visitors and locals.

By engaging volunteers of all ages, Trees Please has orchestrated plantings at 26 schools citywide.

Beyond the act of planting trees, Trees Please has profoundly impacted community well-being by fostering unity and pride among residents.

At one school site, founder Jean Eskra shared a poignant insight—that people take pride in what they plant.

She recounted instances where adults returned, bringing their children along to showcase the trees they planted years prior. This type of community involvement is vital for preserving green spaces, promoting environmental stewardship and instilling a sense of community buy-in and investment.

Branching out to achieve legacy, longevity

To ensure the long-term health and resilience of Pueblo’s urban forest, Trees Please is dedicated to collaborating with Colorado State University’s Agriculture Extension Office on their future goals.

These include training volunteers in tree planting techniques and preservation, as well as developing educational programs on the benefits of trees in climate adaptation.

For example, part of Trees Please’s vision for a greener future hinges on the city tree farm’s potential. As climate change threatens our landscapes, the ability to adapt and discover new species capable of thriving in the evolving climate is becoming increasingly vital.

“With the farm, there’s potential for Pueblo to adapt urban planning strategies to confront climate challenges head-on by collaborating with other growers in the Northwest [who are] developing new varieties of tree species to combat climate change,” Jean Eskra said.

Pueblo’s urban landscape is poised to thrive for generations to come, thanks to the tireless efforts of Jean Eskra and Jean Latka, affectionately known as “The Jeans.”

Luckily, for Pueblo’s citizens, they were not content to just fill their yards with trees. Their dedication to Trees Please has been about spearheading a community-wide movement to reimagine and transform the entire cityscape. This movement seeks to honor Pueblo’s rich botanical legacy, which has been integral to the city’s history for generations.

In the face of urbanization and climate change, Trees Please stands as a beacon of hope, not only for Pueblo but also for other cities striving to reclaim their forests and ensure vibrant, sustainable futures for their residents.

For more information on Trees Please, visit: treesplease.org.

Through efforts such as this, Pueblo has been a designated Tree City USA, through the Arbor Day Foundation for over four decades. Trees Please has been a part of these intiatives since 1989. Photos by Heather Robinson Hernandez.

Theatre Review PSJ Review Squad: three organizations collaborate on ‘Spongebob’ production, bringing ‘Bikini Bottom’ to Pueblo

By Kristin Skye Hoffmann

In a world filled with musical theatre based on animated films from Disney, it was just a matter of time before Nickelodeon stepped up to the “cartoon-turned-live-action-stage-production” plate.

The Spongebob Squarepants cartoon blew up when I was in college, so I was at a time in my life where “Spaceghost: Coast to Coast” took up most of my oddball cartoon entertainment brainspace, so I kind of missed it. Full disclosure, I’ve only ever seen a few moments from a smattering of episodes, and my main memory of the whole franchise was Gary, Spongebob’s pet sea snail who mews like a kitten and who I find endlessly hilarious.

So what was I doing on a Thursday night sitting in the audience grooving to easy-listening, instrumental island tunes, and waiting for the curtains to open on the newest production being performed at the new Centennial high school theater? Getting ready to have a great time seeing theatre in Pueblo, that’s what!

Directors Jennifer Bruton and Wayne Genova have assembled a real talented bunch of characters with this group who perform Kyle Jarrow’s script in all its clever, silly and politically-savvy glory. The cast and crew are made up of students from all three schools, with the ensemble seeming to work as smoothly together as a seasoned troupe that has been making art together for some time.

The story takes place in the colorful, underwater town of Bikini Bottom. The citizens there are fishy folks with brightly-colored wigs, and color-blocked clothing that coordinate spectacularly.

Our hero is Spongebob Squarepants (Mark Pacheco), a hopeless optimist who is a hard worker, good friend, model citizen and general goofball—who is also a sea sponge. All he wants is for his work at “The Krusty Krab,” the local fast food restaurant, to be valued. He hopes for a promotion but his money-hungry boss, Mr. Krabs (played by a very funny and committed Victor Montoya Perez) is more interested in promoting his rebellious daughter, Pearl, to manager. Pearl (Katya Daneluk) would really rather sing in a rock band. When the environment at Bikini Bottom takes a turn for the worst and water temperatures are getting hotter, an apocalypse seems imminent. The citizens turn to panic, cults, willful ignorance and opportunism to deal with it.

The music has an impressive roster of pop-genre composers lending their songwriting talents to the show. It felt like what I lacked in Spongebob experience, I made up for in love of David Bowie, Cindy Lauper, They Might Be Giants, Panic at the Disco, Sara Bareilles and Aerosmith. And those are just a few!

Centennial and South High Schools, along with CSU Pueblo’s department of Music and the Media & Entertainment department, shared their production of “Spongebob: the Musical”earlier this month.

Performing these top notch jams, is a cast of young performers who were clearly having a ball telling this story. Jaidyn Fenton portrays Sandy Cheeks, a brilliant and reasonable squirrel. Sandy has inexplicably made a home for herself at the bottom of the ocean, much to the dismay of some unwelcoming citizens who would prefer an “outsider” stay out of their town. When faced with this environmental emergency, Sandy preaches the freeing information that comes from SCIENCE. (Imagine that.) She does this while sharing a truly soulful and beautiful singing voice. Honest, clear and always connected, she found many lovely harmonies with her costars. I especially enjoyed her performance in “Hero is my Middle Name.” Katya Daneluk as angsty Pearl had a stunning vocal moment where she was right in the pocket on “Daddy Knows Best.” That was something special. There was a moment where my eyes welled up, and I thought to myself, “I would buy her album.” I hope someday I can!

The whole ensemble sings with strength and confidence. Mark Pacheco in the titular role has a voice that is consistently easy on the ears. Pacheco dynamically captures the happy-go-lucky, childish and silly hero with natural stage presence. I always felt safe with this Spongebob as my guide through this kooky world.

Ky Burton, as the evil Sheldon J. Plankton, turns in some chopper rapping in “When the Going Gets Tough” that could very easily blow your mind. Burton relishes the role of an evil, single-celled, lovesick genius who is hell-bent on filling all the citizens with fear so they can be more easily controlled. She sells every moment on stage and was lots of fun to watch. The comic duo of Burton and the character’s wife, Karen the Computer, played by Isabel Quintana,never failed to make me giggle.

Choreographers Ashley Reichert and Brevin Mizell did some fantastic work. The large group number for “Bikini Bottom Day” was bright, ener-

getic and remarkably in sync. The actors delivered on some challenging choreography and it was impressive.

The technical elements of this play are exciting, too. The set design perfectly recreates the cartoonish world of the source material. The costumes are equally appropriate, with both elements designed by Producer Leigh Kite who understands the tone of this play and has a great sense of humor.

I was blown away by the 4-legged trousers, with attached shoes, that were hilariously sported by Gavin Bryant, as the perpetual pessimist, Squidward Q. Tentacles. Evan Woodka-Kelly’s Lighting Design made excellent use of color and silhouette to boost transitions and move the story along. There is also a live Foley Sound Artist, Aaron Martinez, positioned just off stage. He was doing some fun stuff and I always appreciate the use of a good slide whistle. I would have loved to see him featured even more.

Certainly this is not a perfect production. The pacing isn’t quite as tight as it could be. The cast is performing to pre-recorded music which, while very beneficial in some ways, can often hang you out to dry in terms of comic timing, which is the last thing you want when you’re a sea creature. Because it is pre-recorded it often falls to the performer to fill in the instrumental pauses that a live orchestra could help you out with. The truth is that every show could use another week or two of rehearsal, but this is a play I won’t soon forget.

There was so much joy on stage that it was undeniable. I find it so heartening that three organizations recognized that they needed one another, so they joined forces to make something cool and clever. Theatre is a collaborative art form and this was a very successful collaboration. Congratulations to the whole team for making something special.

Photos by Leigh Kite.

Photos by Leigh Kite

State of Art

By Bree Anne Pappan

IFirst Friday Art Walk GUIDE

Logging off: Pueblo artists share that social media algorithms have forced them to market locally, cultivate communities

n this continuing series, I had the opportunity to sit down with a diverse and inspired group of creatives here and dig in with them about the “State of Art” in Pueblo.

I really wanted to gain perspective from these groups about where they were coming from and how they became part of the Pueblo art scene. What is the driving force behind their creativity?

For many it was the incarnate ability to create, the fire within to produce in visual form or the ideas that emerge from writing or sheer imagination. For some, it was through community outreach, in which bringing their ideas to groups of all ages to help others discover a love of creativity, that is an enriching part of their lives.

From Pueblo natives that have navigated within the ever-changing creative environment and platforms in the city to those that chose Pueblo many years ago or more recently to be a new beginning, this engagement is done with the intention, freedom and opportunity to share their talents with the growing art community that they see thriving.

One common thread is abundantly clear: a true passion for the work, the creative process and the ability to share it with the community, along with changing the perception of Pueblo, is the ultimate goal.

But was this always the path that creatives could travel? A path with unwavering support of the visual art’s community and platform that existed in Pueblo 20 years ago—or even five or 10 years ago? Has self-promotion, self-marketing, brand building and visibility-driven representation become an essential way of life for full time artists?

It’s true that Pueblo has been carving out a name as a “home of artists” from as early as the late 19th century, with luminaries such as Joseph Hitchens.

More recently though, in the 1960s and ‘70s, people were taking notice of Pueblo as more than the “Steel City of the West” but as home to some of the most revered regional artists of the time.

When Colorado State University Pueblo was still called Southern Colorado State College, and then University of Southern Colorado, the community of artists that personified Pueblo were primarily its arts educators such as Orlin Helgoe, Ed Sajbel and Judith Pierce, among many others. Today, we are fortunate enough to have many of those artists still creating alongside their students here in Pueblo.

Artist Joel Carpenter came to Pueblo in 1972 to attend USC, or CSU Pueblo. Born in California but raised in Rye, when it came time to apply for college, Carpenter was advised to get a degree that would ‘support him.’ So once he earned his bachelor’s degree, he became an apprentice carpenter who lived in Bessemer—still making art on the side.

Even though Carpenter had stayed true to his creative process, the demands of life became too much to ignore and he defaulted to the bohemian lifestyle he loved. He knew he had to pursue his love of art-making full time by the early 80s.

“Being an artist is a lifestyle, you can’t turn it off, it’s an obsession,” he said.

His pursuits were many: from showing in coffee shops and galleries to participating in community events such as joining in on the levee mural efforts and working art festivals, to entering collectives and other projects.

He has seen the ebbs and flows of the art scene in Pueblo and, as an active participant, hopes that with each upward wave of artists that arrive, that the act of art-making becomes more valued.

He watched the transformation of Union Avenue into a centralized art and retail hub. He has seen the removal of art curriculum in the school districts to

be replaced by STEM programs. But he is encouraged by the possibility of re-insertion of STEAM which includes Art, both applied and visual. He has seen efforts come and go towards bringing visibility for artists to Pueblo with little to no effect. Art

STATE OF ART continued on page 20

JAYBIRD

DEADHAND

JOEL CARPENTER

|

STATE OF ART

continued from page 17

is becoming more of a business than a pursuit. But he cannot ignore that he is compelled every day to create, to make art—whatever the consequences— becoming a fixture of the Pueblo artistic community and at the John Deaux art gallery.

At the helm of one of Pueblo’s most viable art expressions and ever evolving projects is Pueblo Levee Mural Project coordinator Cynthia Ramu. As an artist and theatre producer working in Denver, she was encouraged early on to contribute to the levee murals in the ‘80s by veteran artist Phil Vallejo.

She started coming to Pueblo, with paint supplies in hand, to help the group of levee muralists complete work for a show and has called Pueblo home since the later 80s. She never expected the canvas to be a sweeping incline of concrete that she would have to learn to scale and paint on.

Mural painter and founder Dave Roberts, and mu-

ralists Terry Galusha, and Dan Magoon helped her lay it out on the 65’-by-120’-foot surface of the levee. She worked next to other artists such as Louanne and L Savas Razo, Izzy Taft, Michael Martinex, Augustine Romero and Phil Salaza.

Since then, the Levee Mural Project has become her passion, as a self-proclaimed cheerleader for Pueblo arts initiatives. She has worked at or with nearly every artistically inclined entity in Pueblo: from the Pueblo Arts Alliance, the Pueblo Art Guild and Red Raven Gallery, to teaching middle school students to creating visibility for Pueblo’s mainstream creative districts of Mesa Junction, Union Avenue and Downtown.

Ramu’s approach goes beyond the classroom, in creating a holistic path to discovering and encouraging creativity and vision for her middle schoolers. She has taught an estimated 2000 middle school students. She is grateful to have been able to see some come full circle and develop into gifted artists and instill in them a love for creating.

“I didn’t intend to be a teacher, but have had so many people that have inspired me to be a leader,” she said.

In my chat with artist “Deadhand” Shannon Palmer, a full time artist that arrived when her family relocated from Peterson Air Force Base in the ‘90s, it was clear that she believes strongly in the network of artists, small business owners and platforms that exist here.

She has been a self-marketing catalyst that has truly elevated her brand. As a visual artist who has been immersed in the artistic community from the start: from receiving her bachelor’s of fine arts at CSU Pueblo, to her first professional show in 2019, to being awarded a grant opportunity from Colorado Creative Industries to work on the Pueblo Levee mural project. It was the levee mural project that she first met Cynthia Ramu, exhibiting this community’s reach here.

Deadhand identified a marked shift in the artist community of 10-15 years ago, and the fine line of communication that existed and posed obstacles to the progress of visibility for art-making in Pueblo.

“I have worked hard to develop my brand and to make it diverse,” she said. “If I am to stay true to my brand and to what I am producing, to make it transformative, then that is what my audience will see.”

Deadhand agrees that in college she was given the groundwork and education to create and develop her ability and skill, but not necessarily the knowledge of how to market oneself as an artist. Marketing skills like how to write a resume, how to appeal to a gallery and other critical knowledge, Deadhand has had to learn all that on her own and to be less intimidated with each task.

“It’s still really important to have gallery representation on my resume for building my brand as well, but I know that anywhere I can physically have my art visible is also doing that,” Deadhand said.

Deadhand is among a highly visible group that is working to uplift Pueblo artists. Their aim is to give these artists a voice and to change any negative perception of Pueblo by celebrating its unique diversity and staying true to its heritage.

“If you make art, you’re in the club.”

-Sarah Ballard, Pueblo artist

Like Deadhand, who credits Cynthia Ramu as one of her mentors, so does artist “Jaybird” Jenn de Groot, a multimedia artist that has also contributed to the Pueblo Levee Mural Project.

Jaybird arrived in Pueblo nine years ago from Maryland. Halfway through college, and looking for a new adventure, she chose Colorado. She completed her Mass Communications degree at CSU Pueblo. She had her first professional show a few years ago at Blo Back Gallery, in a holiday group show. She grew up in an artistic family and remembers that she and her twin sister were always encouraged by their older sister. She started making professional art in college and used her creations as a way to make ends meet.

As of a few years ago, she saw that digital visibility was fantastic, and that her platform feed was full of her and her peers’ creations. But recently because of the shifting algorithm on social media platforms that significantly prioritize footage such as Instagram Reels, which has been reducing digital visibility for all artists who post stationary creations, the move— that is more important than ever now—is to have work available somewhere in person for the public to see and interact with.

Like many of her fellow Pueblo artists, they are looking to more traditional platforms of both galleries and small businesses to extend their visibility. Jaybird mentions that she has not only displayed in coffee shops and indie businesses, but also through tattoo shops and furniture stores.

“I do believe that artists and creatives can find a phenomenal support system here in Pueblo,” she said. “Our art community is dedicated to collaboration, not competition. We rejoice in each other’s success and show up in full force for every album release, first Friday art show and music festival.”

Jaybird shares the opinion that, in order to grow beyond the Pueblo region, artists need to connect to the art communities in surrounding cities as well. Artists need to extend their reach by attending their openings, and having in-person experiences and interactions with artists and the public. The experiences of artists that come from elsewhere should be integrated—not discounted. That these ideas bring a new perspective to how the community of artists may grow.

This is true of another artist: Sarah Ballard, from

CYNTHIA RAMU

Photo courtesy of Sam Ebersole

Miami and Nashville, who finally arrived with her family to Pueblo from Colorado Springs in 2020.

As the recipient of an award through the El Pueblo History Museum and the Arts Alliance, Ballard became immersed in the art-making community. She recalls the encouragement and positivity that Cynthia Ramu and the levee mural community welcomed her with.

“Even though we are small, there is a supportive and positive group here,” she said. “If you make art, you’re in the club.”

When Ballard first moved to Colorado in 2017, this was not necessarily the vibe that she had experienced elsewhere, which made it tough to break into art groups and visibility platforms. While growing up in Miami and attending the Design and Architecture Senior High Magnet School from 1994-2000, she felt fortunate to have had that resource. Ballard recalls the first Miami Art Basel, which launched in 2002, where she set up her booth with dollar store t-shirts she made with spray painted stencils. She found a way to insert herself in what is now a very competitive art market and oeuvre.

She worked as a freelancer in highly viable markets such as the Miami design market through graphic design. Since then she has developed her bold and highly-graphic style.

She is now a freelance graphic artist, working for History Colorado and creating diverse projects that lend to marketing, exhibits and visibility for the entity.

After living in Nashville, Denver and Colorado Springs, she feels elated to have finally found a community of artists that inspire her. Ballard feels that, as part of the Pueblo’s unique art community, her art, her brand and style have evolved and blossomed. She is able to have more presence and visibility in the community, and hopes that the creative community continues to grow and to see “art as a connector” through all disciplines.

Even with all of its visual artists, Pueblo is still diversifying as the home to creatives. Community Advocate and Branch Librarian Cynthia Nicola is a “Maker” extraordinaire.

The former outreach specialist of the Pueblo City-County Library arrived in Pueblo in 1997 to

follow her sister, who already lived here. She defines a maker as “a creative that may or may not have fine arts training” but still “draws on creativity and the ability to be creative.”

In 2019, Pueblo was deemed as an Etsy Maker City. This opened the doors to give Makers and creatives a voice, an avenue to elevate this creative process to more than craft and to give Pueblo the platform as an entrepreneurial city.

“People here are some of the most creative and resourceful of any place that I’ve lived,” she said. “As my father has told me ‘persistence wears down all resistance.’”

So could that be the key? A resilient and persistent Pueblo?

Nicola hopes that these passionate pursuits will get attention and that the community in general is more receptive to being a creative community, by connecting the right people to make things happen here therefore creating visibility for themselves and our “doers.”

Where there is art, there is definitely music, and Pueblo has had a long standing melting pot of music traditions.

Local musician Christian Jaquez feels that Pueblo is entering a high point of music diversity and visibility.

Pueblo native, Jaquez, began his musical pursuits at the age of 11, always encouraged to explore it by his musical family. By the age of 16, he began vocal training and with the guidance of one of his teachers, who also had a band, began to take the passion seriously.

After attending a few college semesters, return-

ing to Pueblo to play gigs on the weekends, Jaquez realized that higher education was not for him. He returned to Pueblo and started performing.

From regular gigs at venues, to private parties or events like Chile Fest, Jaquez began to create visibility for himself on social media. He quickly found comradery among other musicians, both established and otherwise, online.

Gradually in the last three to four years, more venues, such as coffee shops and bookstores, as well as special events, were opening or adding live music to their atmosphere. Through social media Jaquez has been able to build up a steady and increasing following. Like many visual artists and creatives, Jaquez sees the positives of mentorship.

“Mentorship is my life, I would not have excelled within the learning curve,” he said. “This allowed me to go further, so the ability to give back is part of the plan.”

What Jaquez hopes for the future for the music scene is for consistency of support. He hopes that Pueblo becomes known as a prime location for music, and to become part of the circuit, not only for local and regional musicians, but for talent passing through North and South.

SARAH BALLARD

CHRISTIAN JAQUEZ

Photo by David Took It

Grow & Prosper with SBDC

Celebrating Small Business week by ‘going LOCO for LOCAL’ with SBDC

A LETTER FROM THE SBDC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Executive Director

Greetings,

I am thrilled to announce the upcoming 2024 Small Business Week, a celebration dear to our hearts here at the Southern Colorado SBDC. Running from April 26 to May 3, 2024, our Southern Colorado SBDC Small Business Week will feature eleven events across the four counties that we proudly serve: Pueblo, Fremont, Huerfano, and Custer County.

Small Business Week holds profound significance as we come together to honor the invaluable contributions of small businesses to the Colorado economy. As well as celebrating the entrepreneurs and small business owners who drive innovation and create jobs.

During this week, our focus at the Southern Colorado SBDC is threefold:

Raise awareness: We want to shine a spotlight on both traditional brick-and-mortar business and thriving e-commerce ventures through vendor spotlights, marketing initiatives, and finally with are Small Business Expo and hiring fair.

Education: We offer a wealth of resources and educational sessions aimed at empowering small business owners and budding entrepreneurs with knowledge and tools essential for success.

Facilitate Networking: Each event serves as a networking opportunity, giving participants a chance to connect with resource partners, and fellow entrepreneurs, to foster collaboration and growth.

This year we are excited to kick off the Small Business week with the Southern Colorado SBDC Annual Awards Luncheon. At this luncheon we will honor individuals that have either worked with or partnered with the Southern Colorado SBDC in the last year.

I am happy to congratulate the following individuals:

Small Business Owner of the year: Luz Vega

Small Business Champion of the year: Noah Commerford

Small Business Education Partners of the Year: Carrie Van Meter and Timea Kennedy

Host Appreciation Award: Dr. Patty Erjavec of Pueblo Community College

We will close the Small Business Week events with our third annual Small Business Expo and Hiring Fair. This event is hosted at Pueblo Community College. The event provides small businesses with a unique opportunity to showcase their offerings, engage with the community, and drive sales.

None of the events would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners. I extend heartfelt gratitude to all who have lent their support, with special recognition to our premier sponsors, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and PB&T Bank, along with Pueblo Community College for their steadfast partnership and support.

I extend a warm invitation to everyone to come join us at any of the events during Small Business Week. Admission is free, and we look forward to seeing you there. Remember, whenever you can, “Shop Small.”

Warm Regards, Brian Estrada

Sure Lock Locksmith

Specializing in commercial, residential and auto locksmith services.

Locally owned, family business

Daniel Sandoval/Owner

719-251-2925

www.surelocklocksmith.com

719-250-1762

www.photographybylyss.com

Brian Estrada

SBDC

Photo courtesy of SBDC

Small Business Week Breakdown

By Catherine O’Grady Southern Colorado SBDC coordinator

GO LOCO FOR LOCAL!

By celebrating Small Business Week in Southern Colorado, from April 26 to May 4.

In place of the typical Small Business Spotlight normally featured in our “Grow & Prosper” column, this month we wanted to dedicate the entire article to the celebration of the Southern Colorado Small Business Week.

We wanted to share all of the FREE events dedicated to our hard-working small business entrepreneurs. As mentioned in our ‘Letter from Executive Director, Mr. Brian Estrada,” all of this is possible thanks to our Premier Sponsor COLORADO HOUSING AND FINANCE AUTHORITY (CHFA) and Supporting Sponsor PB&T.

GO LOCO FOR LOCAL Small Business Week kicks off with the SoCo SBDC Awards Luncheon, in partnership with the Pueblo Rawlings Library. The luncheon honors individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the small business community.

As part of the luncheon, ten local small businesses have been chosen through a drawing to be spotlighted during the event and throughout the week. These businesses are offering exclusive discounts to any customers who mention “GO LOCO FOR LOCAL” during small business week. These featured businesses include:

Kingdomwares, From the Ashe, Wiggles N Wonders Playschool, Anthony’s Paper Supply, Meraki Skin & Co, RMSER EMPOWERMENT CENTER, Tuxedo Ranch, Game Knight Games LLC, Skin by Sky LLC and The Pueblo Farmer’s Market.

Please support these businesses and organizations and don’t forget to say: “GO LOCO FOR LOCAL.”

Below you’ll find the list of FREE events happening during Small Business Week. For more information on these please visit and like the Southern Colorado SBDC Facebook page or go to www.southerncoloradosbdc.org

April 27 - Saturday

The 3rd Annual Southern Colorado Early Childhood Business Conference.

This conference, a joint effort by SoCo SBDC, Children First and the Colorado Department of Early Childhood in hopes to provide education and networking opportunities for those in the early childhood industry.

*This event is currently full but please watch for the fourth Annual Conference coming in 2025.

April 29 - Monday

SoCo SBDC Business Start in a Day Class (FREE)

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Rawlings Library branch, 100 E. Abriendo Ave.

Info: This class is for those wishing to start a business or in the early stages. Come get started on your business dream!

Pre-registration on the SoCo SBDC website is required.

SoCo SBDC Downtown Studio Open House (FREE)

4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the SBDC Studio, 121 W. City Center Dr.

Info: Refreshments Sponsored by The Better Business Bureau and Brylak Law. This event allows you to see where SoCo SBDC operates along with other organizations in the ‘Downtown Studio’.

April 30 - Tuesday

A.I. Breakfast for Businesses (FREE)

9:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Pueblo Latino Chamber of Commerce, 215 S Victoria Ave.

Info: Join Pueblo Web Design to learn about the benefits, how-tos and pitfalls of using A.I. for your business. Sponsored by The Latino Chamber of Commerce of Pueblo.

SoCo SBDC Social Media for Business 101 Class in Walsenburg (FREE)

11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Spanish Peaks Library, 415 Walsen Ave.

Info: This beginner class helps businesses understand and leverage social media for growth. This event is in partnership with the Wheelhouse Retail Business Incubator and Makerspace and is sponsored by the Huerfano County Chamber of Commerce.

May 1 - Wednesday

An Empowering Creativity: Business Resources for Artists (Free)

9 a.m. to 10 a.m., a the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center, 210 N Santa Fe Ave.

Info: Hosted by SoCo SBDC, Greater Pueblo Chamber, and Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center, this event hopes to educate entrepreneurs in the arts about available resources.

SoCo SBDC Social Media for Business 101 Class in Fremont County (FREE)

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., st The Hive, 729 Main St, Canon City.

Info: Another opportunity to learn about social media for business, this time in Fremont County. This event is in partnership with the Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance.

May 2 - Thursday

Small Business Resource Panel (Free)

8 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the The Pueblo West Chamber of Commerce, 781 E Industrial Blvd.

Info: Join this panel discussion to learn about resources available to small businesses. This event is in sponsorship with the Pueblo West Chamber of Commerce.

SBDC Social Media for Business 101 Class in Westcliff (FREE)

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 110 Rosita St, Westcliffe.

Info: This class helps businesses in Custer County understand and utilize social media effectively. This class is done in partnership with Custer County Economic Development Corp.

May 3 - Friday

GO LOCO FOR LOCAL Small Business Week Hiring Fair and Vendor Show (Free to Attend)

10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Pueblo Community College, Student Center Building, 900 W. Orman Ave.

Info: Wrap up the week by attending this hiring fair and vendor show, showcasing local businesses.

**Vendor Spaces Still Available at www.southerncoloradosbdc.org

COME TO ONE, COME TO ALL! SEE YOU AT the Southern Colorado Small Business Week and don’t forget to go LOCO FOR LOCAL!

Young historians

By Rory Harbert

In March, Pueblo students explored the “turning points” of history, crafting their arguments of the importance of these remarkable moments in time for presentation to a crowd of volunteer judges, as they competed to move onto the state-level contest.

Southeastern Colorado’s regional History Day competition held its 29th annual contest on March 22 at Colorado State University Pueblo.

History Day is a national competition for sixth-grade students to high school seniors. Regional and state contests to determine which students get sent onto the national level.

Regional History Day competition hosts over 180 participants, standout storytellers win PSJ Award

Students choose any history topic, from inventions to cultural movements and beyond, and showcase their research skills by using primary and secondary sources, providing citations and explaining their research process. They are also tasked with demonstrating their communication skills by creating thesis statements, weaving in the year’s theme and presenting their information and arguments clearly.

Students, in groups or individually, have a choice of participating in five categories: paper, documentary, exhibit, performance and website.

Over 180 students participated in the Southeastern Colorado regional contest, from five local schools. Sixteen teachers helped guide the students through their projects all the way through to the day of the competition where the students

presented their work and were interviewed by a panel of judges.

For the second year, the Pueblo Star Journal sponsored the Storytelling Award, for projects, nominated by judges, determined to be the “most compelling presentation of history.” In addition to a $50 prize, students got a chance to be interviewed and spotlighted in the Pueblo Star Journal’s April issue.

National History Day released new guidelines for this year’s competition on the use of artificial intelligence in the making of the project. This new ruling was a point of interest amongst the judges. Hearing from the students who won the Storytelling Award shed some light on the students’ perspective of AI’s role in the competition.

Like many other fields, educators are finding more instances of AI systems, like ChatGPT, being used. The NHD’s official rules allow for the use of AI in preliminary steps such as determining a topic or gathering potential sources and for polishing a finished project like for grammatical errors and clarity in writing. Though, any use of AI in the analysis or writing portions of the project goes against the academic integrity agreement of submitting a project.

Learn about our winners’ thoughts on this new ruling, what history means to them and more in our interview transcribed below.

Interviews between the senior and junior winners were conducted separately, but had many of the same questions.

The Pueblo Star Journal presents the 2024 Storytelling Award winners:

Senior division award recipient Payton Odell presented her paper, “Steel City Strong: The Creation of the Pueblo Steel Mill and Its Effects on Pueblo.” This was her first time competing at History Day. She started working on her project in fall.

Junior division award recipients Islam Fatimah and Dillon Manalo represented their team on History Day for their exhibit titled, “Turning Points of Microwave Technology.” The group started working on their project in October.

PSJ: Why this topic?

ODELL: My grandpa worked at the mill, and then my great grandpa on my other side. So it’s really important to me, and I just love the culture of Pueblo. I’m really passionate about how proud I am to be from Pueblo. I was just really curious of how Pueblo was really started, and how the mill has created it.

FATIMAH: During World War II, there was a vital piece of the microwave that was used to detect warplanes, and now it’s used in everyday homes as a part

Junior division award winners Islam Fatimah and Dillon Manalo, representing their group’s exhibit project, and senior division award winner Payton Odell, for her essay in the individual paper category, were recognized for having the “most compelling presentation of history.” To win this award, judges submitted standout projects to the regional award committee, who then selected the winners from the finalist pool. Photos by Rory Harbert.

of the microwave. And we just wanted to spread awareness of how changing that is because it went from helping us to win World War II to being in everyone’s kitchen.

PSJ: What stood out to you with this project?

ODELL: I was really pleased to find the different cultural groups that came from the steel mill and how that affects Pueblo today. How we can still see it in the street names, the communities and the culture everywhere around Pueblo.

PSJ: What does history mean to you?

ODELL: It’s really everything. It’s those who came before you and it’s our future. And without knowing your history, you can’t make a better future, learn from mistakes and know how you can do better.

FATIMAH: It’s a time to revolutionize and evolutionize everything. Technology is getting more advanced and back then technology was less advanced, and we’re really learning from our mistakes.

MANALO: History is the core of our lives. It pretty much tells you about who your ancestors were and where [they came from]. And [how] technology evolves; it gets better everyday.

PSJ: Any tips for first-time participants for next year?

ODELL: I would just say do something you’re passionate about, something that you’re going to enjoy and want to do and want to put information out there and learn more about.

MANALO: Try your hardest.

FATIMAH: Don’t give up. Because two days before this was due, we took off everything on our board. There was nothing on our board. And then I asked Dillon to make the microwave that you see on the board. He sanded it and painted it and he put it together.

PSJ: You are all going on to the state competition. How do you feel about that?

ODELL: I’m excited, and I’m mostly excited to represent my town. Like I said, it’s something I’m really proud of. I’m just glad to give Pueblo some recognition, especially about something that’s so important to not only Pueblo, but the state. The steel mill really helped build and industrialize America, so I just really want to represent that.

PSJ: What are your thoughts on the new ruling on AI use?

ODELL: It’s very different, and I think it can definitely be used for some good to some extent. But it also is really scary because a lot of it is unknown at this point.

FATIMAH: We didn’t use AI, but I have a couple of friends who did. But it really showed how fast it is to get research from an AI, but it’s not as efficient. Because AI…really just restates from other sources. I think if you actually take your time to research, It’ll be easier…[When testing the use of AI] It really gave us false information, just quoting and stating what the article said, but they never really knew the real topic.

Manalo agreed with this sentiment, adding on to the topic.

MANALO: As the technology grows, so does AI, and next thing you know, it’ll take over our jobs. Which we don’t want to happen because we’re just going to be pretty much on the streets. We’re not going to have anything to work for.

FATIMAH: It really conflicted with our trigger part of our event. Because on the trigger, it showed that Percy Spencer discovered the microwave when a magnetron was generating heat. And most articles said that it was a chocolate bar that melted in his pocket. But really in his patent, it states that it was a nut cluster, and he did eat it afterwards… Because if we asked AI, and I did check, [it would not have included that information]. Not that I use AI, My dad works with some of it.

PSJ: What career or field are you interested in entering in the future?

ODELL: Journalism and photography.

PSJ: How do you think History Day either relates to that field or how this experience will help you in the future?

ODELL: I think journalism is really changing, and it’s turning into a lot of different aspects, and it’s important that we grow with it, but still remember our past. And to stay rooted in the importance of journalism because it is important.

PSJ: Is there anything you want to add?

ODELL: I found it really interesting that Pueblo had dozens of different newspapers in different languages… during the booming times of the mill. And then, I also found from the Steelworks Museum the Camp and Plant, which was like their newspaper, specifically for the mill. I thought that was just really cool to see exactly what life was like, what these steel workers were seeing—and the information that they were seeing—on a daily basis about life that was going on. It’s just a really different perspective that helped me write this.

Best of luck to all the students moving forward and representing Southeastern Colorado!

The competition ends with an award ceremony for which projects move onto the statewide contest, where they compete for national placements. Photos by Rory Harbert.

Pueblo’s Veterans’ Voice

By Amy Gillentine Sweet

Each month, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center in Pueblo will feature a veteran and their military experience — and how they continue to serve after transitioning from the military.

Jay Cimino is the kind of man that only comes around once in a generation. He was a consummate businessman, a giving philanthropist — a person who dreamed big and saw those dreams become a reality.

Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center in Pueblo was one of those dreams — and our success would not have happened without Jay Cimino’s original dream of providing wraparound support services to Colorado’s military and veterans. Since then, thousands of veterans have received help through Mt. Carmel. They’ve found jobs, behavioral health support, basic needs assistance. Their spouses and dependents have also re - ceived help through Mt. Carmel. Our dedication – just like Jay’s – is unwavering. Here in Pueblo, we pledge to honor his memory by continuing to serve military members, veterans and their families. We’ve been successful in the years since we opened, and we’re determined to continue progress.

“Our goal is to reach veterans where they are, and to help them regardless of length of service or type of discharge.”-

Amy Gillentine Sweet

The formula we created will continue to provide Mt. Carmel’s expenses – a mix of grants and donations. We haven’t needed Jay’s help to make ends meet for the past few years, and we’re grateful to our supporters for continuing to see the need to provide wraparound services for veterans.

Jay’s particular combination of business acumen and philanthropic giving is rare. His legacy looms large in Colorado, and not just because of Mt. Carmel. Through a partnership with the Broncos, he helped create playgrounds along the Front Range. He created Mt. Carmel Wellness and Community Center in his hometown of Trinidad to provide much-needed health care to residents. He purchased auto dealerships in Trinidad and Raton, New Mexico to improve economic conditions and provide jobs.

During the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest fires, Jay responded, providing more than 30 cars and trucks — and he kept service bays open around the clock during the fires to fix any emergency vehicle.

Jay’s list of awards is lengthy, and he earned every single recognition and honor. But he will be remembered for decades for his work here at Mt. Carmel and the assistance he gave so many. At Mt. Carmel in Pueblo, we don’t plan to slow down or stop supporting veterans. We have expanded our services to more of rural Colorado – Westcliffe, Trinidad, Monte Vista, Fountain.

Our goal is to reach veterans where they are, and to help them regardless of length of service or type of discharge.

But you can help Jay Cimino’s dream continue. You can have a part of his legacy in supporting military members, veterans, and their families. Consider a gift to continue to support our work in his name. To donate, go to veteranservicecenter.org.

On Mt. Carmel founder’s life, his passing, continuing legacy through service center

Additionally, The PSJ encourages reaching out to Mt. Carmel for services or, if in crisis, to utilize the Veterans Crisis Line.

This line is available 24/7 for crisis support for veterans or someone who is concerned about a veteran.

• 1-800-273-8255 + Press 1

• Text any word to 838255

• Online chat via www.veteranscrisisline.net

Jay Cimino, founder of Mt. Carmel Veterans service Center. Photo courtesy of Mt. Carmel.

Founder Cimino was pivotal to the creation and success of Mt. Carmel. In 2020, Cimino visited the Fort Carson Resiliency Park where he had a plaque placed, in part, for his friend and business partner Phil Long in recognition of his service in World War II. Photos courtesy of Mt. Carmel’s Facebook.

Pueblo pride flies high Leadership program accomplishes mission, designates day in honor of city flag

By Rory Harbert

As the Pueblo flag was hoisted to its high position just under the state flag on the post in front of the Chamber of Commerce building on North Santa Fe Avenue, the city leaders behind this project knew that their work was being recognized at another ceremony held at the state capitol.

Pueblo Flag Day, designated for March 22 this year, was an effort led by Leadership Pueblo, a program through the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce.

Each class of Leadership Pueblo has a capstone project that they must see through to completion, that must positively affect the community in some way and ideally have a lasting impact beyond their time in the program.

Over 60 people were in attendance, comprising of community members, families, neighbors and prominent figures throughout Pueblo and Colorado.

City Council President Mark Aliff spoke about the importance of Pueblo Flag Day.

“As a veteran of the Army, it’s not lost on me the significance of a flag,” he said.

With this perspective, one that other speakers such as Pueblo Police Chief Chris Noeller brought forward, the impact of the flag and that absence of a flag day was heavily felt.

“It’s hard to believe that in 100 and so many years, we have not had a flag day, every year, since the beginning of time,” he said. “We needed this, and this is huge for the city of Pueblo. The city of Pueblo, a community forged in steel, the community that has been tight-knit and worked hard together—and worked well together for a century. We need to raise that flag and we need to celebrate this on March 22 every year from now on.”

Mayor Heather Graham spoke on her connections to Pueblo, many shared by the crowd, and how Flag Day was another way to advocate for the city.

“There are many reasons to love Pueblo, and I hope that you’ll join me and our fellow community members who are looking to shape the narrative of our city,” Graham said. “Pueblo Flag Day is an opportunity to tell our own story about our city, to invite others to experience just what we love about Pueblo. We are city that honors the slogan of ‘Pueblo proud.’”

Other speakers included County Commissioner Eppie Griego, District Attorney Jeff Chostner and representatives of the first responders in the city.

Gov. Jared Polis spoke at the flag-raising ceremony held simultaneously at the Colorado State Capitol.

“Home to Colorado’s world-famous state fair, the superior Pueblo chile, and an important part of Colorado’s history and future, we recognize Pueblo’s many important contributions to our state,” Polis said. “Today, as the Pueblo flag flies over the state Capitol for the first time we are celebrating all things Pueblo.”

According to Sarah Mize, from the 2023 class heading this leadership project, Pueblo Flag Day premiered and ended the same day.

“Right now, with the proclamation, this is just for one day,” Mize said. “So if

we wanted to do it again next year, we’d have to do another proclamation and present to city council again and ask for their approval.”

Making this day a yearly celebration has traction, according to a statement from the Colorado General Assembly, shared by Chamber of Commerce President Duane Nava before his speech.

The joint tribute stated that the “assembly looks forward to celebrating Pueblo Flag Day for years to come, on request of Senator Nick Hinrichsen and representatives Matthew Martinez, Tisha Mauro and Ty Winter.”

“Pueblo Flag Day is a call to action on all of us residents to be proud of Pueblo and to change that narrative and lead us into a better future,” Mize said.

The history of the Pueblo flag has nearly faded from memory.

According to Mize, the team had trouble researching the origin of the flag, finding no clue as to who designed it and when it became a symbol of the city.

The city incorporated on March 22, 1870, but the current city of Pueblo is made up of four different towns: Pueblo, South Pueblo, Central Pueblo and Bessemer.

According to the historical Colorado Daily Chieftain, during an address to Pueblo in 1884, the turn-of-the-century politician and three-term governor of Colorado, Alva Adams, spoke on the creation of a Pueblo flag: “Much of our strength is dissipated by our fractional existence, and we will next realize the commercial power and advantages of our location until our cities are consolidated and one municipal flag floats over the Pueblos.”

Two years after this address, three of the four towns joined into one. By 1894, Bessemer was taken under the mantle.

“We as Puebloans want our city to thrive” Mize said. “We love our city, and we want others to see that. And to understand that Pueblo is a great place to live, work and visit.”

Photos by Rory Harbert

The flag ceremony took place in front of the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce building. The 2023 class of the Pueblo Leadership program were congratulated for their accomplishment. Photos by Rory Harbert.

Proof in Pueblo pride

Businesses, offices and other places around the city were encouraged to to acknowledge Pueblo Flag Day during the week by displaying the city flag prominently at their establishment.

The Leadership Pueblo class had stickers depicting the city flag available for businesses to place in their windows if they did not have a traditional flag or a way to fly one.

Establishments that celebrated with a traditional flag display

• EVRAZ NA

• Whitlock Water Treatment Plant

• Ultimate Performance

• CS Wind

• Pueblo Police Department

Kudos to the establishments that displayed Pueblo Flag stickers:

• A New Leaf Therapy

• ThunderZone @ CSUP

• S.W.A.T. Lighting

• Gypsy Javas

• Pueblo Community College

• Pass Key Northern

• Junior Achievement

• Barrel Brothers Liquors

• All-Phase Environmental Consultants

• Naylor & Geisel PC

• Rent-A-Center

• Administration Building Pueblo Water

• TD&E Pueblo Water

• A Touch of Class Bonaventure Salon

• Feelin’ a little Philly

• All Pro Barber Shop

• Laura’s Hair Studio & Design

• Beautiful You Skincare Academy

• Pueblo Child Advocacy Center

• EZ PAWN

• Health Department

• Mariposa Center For Safety

• Mariposa Childcare Center

• and more.

Photos courtesy of Pueblo Leadership. Photos Courtesy of Leadership Pueblo

Kickflippin’ into community

A culture, an aesthetic, a way of life, a sport and a hobby—each skateboarder has a unique connection to the exercise.

Skate parks offer, much like a gym, a space dedicated to practicing this athletic feat, surrounded by others honing this craft and using equipment and features to nail down each skill used in the activity.

The non-profit organization, Morning Star Creations, sets out to provide this space for cities, and the Pueblo community is a recent recipient of this charitable endeavor.

Founders Bryan Rivera and Dawn Armijo created Morning Star, according to its mission statement to improve city parks and trails, with “creating fun for all age groups” in mind.

Rivera is a skateboard advocate himself. Skilled in working with concrete and wood, his craftsmanship and passion for community and outdoor recreation converged into the co-founding of Morning Star. Morning Star aims to “create skateable art features and exercise stations” throughout the Pueblo community. The objective of the project is to “bring revitalization to some of Pueblo’s under-utilized spaces while giving our skateboarding community and youth constructive outlets.” To support Morning Star Creations and its mission, contact the team at morningstarcreations@gmail.com.

Photos by Jeffry Moore

Photo essay by Jeffry Moore

ARTS & CRAFTS

Intermediate Sewing Class

7:30-10:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays through May 2, Pueblo Community College, 900 W. Orman Ave.

Cost: $1,575 Info: pueblocorporatecollege.com or 719-549-3329

HISTORY & CULTURE

The Pueblo Film Fest

April 26-28, Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, 210 N. Santa Fe Ave.

Info: PuebloFilmFest@gmail.com

The id @ The Ethos Second Thursdays, The Ethos, 615 E. Mesa Ave.

Info: ethospueblo.com

War Memorial Ghost Tours

7-9 p.m. first Saturday of each month, Pueblo

Weisbrod Aircraft Museum, 31001 Magnuson Ave.

Info: pwam.org

FAMILY EVENTS

Pueblo Rocks in the Park

Noon-2 p.m. Fridays, Ray Aguilera Park, 840 W. Northern Ave.

64th annual Pueblo Summer Musical: ‘Seussical

The Musical’

6-9 p.m. May 20-24, Colorado State University

Pueblo’s Hoag Hall, 2200 Bonforte Blvd.

Info: 719-429-1917

FUN & GAMES

Game Knight Games

1839 S. Pueblo Blvd.

Info: gameknightgamesllc.com

Pokemon, Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, Keyforge, My Hero Academia, board game league and more. Weekly game schedule available on website.

Chaos Games & More

4065 Club Manor Drive

Info: chaosgamesandmore.com

Pokemon, Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, Warhammer 40K, board game nights and more.

Weekly game schedule available on website.

MUSIC & DANCE

Steel City Music Showcase

6-11 p.m. April 12-13, downtown Pueblo

Info: steelcitymusicshowcase.com

‘The Savannah Sipping Society’

7-10 p.m. April 26-27, May 3-4, 10-11, 2 p.m. May 5, Impossible Playhouse

1201 N. Main St.

Info: 719-542-6969 or impossibleplayers.com

Line Dancing

EZ 4 p.m., Country/Classic 6-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Eagleridge Event Center, 805 Eagleridge Blvd., Suite 170

Info: facebook.com/PuebloDanceCompany

Cocktail Hour with Live Music

7-9 p.m. Wednesdays, Analogue Bar, 222 N. Main St.

Info: facebook.com/AnalogueSolar

Open Mic at Blue Cactus 6-9 p.m. Thursdays, El Nopal’s Blue Cactus Room, 1435 E. Evans Ave.

Info: 719-564-9784

First Thursday Open Mic Night

6:30-9 p.m. first Thursdays, The Ethos, 615 E. Mesa Ave.

Info: ethospueblo.com

Live Music Fridays

7-9 p.m. Fridays, Analogue Bar, 222 N. Main St.

Karaoke Night at The Fallout with KJ Mikey D.

9-11:30 p.m. Fridays, 1227 S. Prairie Ave.

Info: facebook.com/PuebloFallout

Photos courtesy of Weisbord Aircraft Museum

APRIL 20 - WINGS & WHEELS 2024 CAR SHOW AND FLY-IN AT THE WEISBORD AIRCRAFT MUSEUM.

Alt Night at Analogue

7-9 p.m. last Saturdays at Analogue Books & Records, 216 N. Main St.

Karaoke

Second Saturdays and third Thursdays, The Ethos, 615 E. Mesa Ave.

Info: ethospueblo.com

WELLNESS

Pueblo Holistic Fair

10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 6 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 7, Pueblo Convention Center, 320 Central Main St.

The Collective Self-Care 2024 Events

9 a.m.-5 p.m., May 18 & June 15, monthly event onselect saturdays through September. Renewed Wholesale, 720 S. Main St. “Free Self-Care Event” & “Enlightened Journey” caters over 50 booths by vendors/small business owners, spiritual service providers and talented artists, food trucks and entertainment alongside. Essentrics fitness classes

9-10 a.m. Thursdays at Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, 210 N. Santa Fe Ave.

Info: Katie at 719-470-3017, essentricswithkatiefarmer@gmail.com, essentricswithkatiefarmer. com

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

Yoga: Hun Yuan Qi Gong

10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays 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.

Yoga and Cocktail Night

5:30 p.m. second Tuesdays

Ren Yoga Flow, 110 W. Fifth St.

Analogue Books & Records, 216 N. Main St.

Info: renyogaflow.com

Vibration meditation

6-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Ren Yoga Flow, 110 W. Fifth St.

Info: renyogaflow.com

Wellbriety Support Meeting

9-10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Center for Inner Peace, 740 W. 15th St.

Info: 719-543-2274

Prenatal Workshop and Support Group

6-7 p.m. last Wednesday of each month, Phoenix Massage, 105 W. Fifth St.

Info: socodoulaco@gmail.com

Inner Alchemy

6-7 p.m. Thursdays, Ren Yoga Flow, 110 W. Fifth St.

Info: renyogaflow.com

Ladies Night Out Self-Defense Training

6-8 p.m. first Friday of the month, Rocky Mountain Empowerment Center, 330 Lake Ave.

Info: $39. 800-748-2074

Mom Group hosted by SoCo Doula Collective

9:30-11:15 a.m. last Fridays at Sweet Ella’s Bakery, 110 S. Union Ave.

SPIRITUALITY

Interfaith meditation and service

10-11:30 a.m. Sundays, Center for Inner Peace, 740 W. 15th St.

Info: 719-543-2274

APRIL EVENTS CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE.

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APRIL

April 2 - Tuesday

‘The U.S. and the Middle East: A 200-Year History’

7-8:30 p.m., Colorado State University Pueblo’s General Classroom Building 111, 2200 Bonforte Blvd.

April 3 - Wednesday

‘Traces of Empire: Documenting American Power in the Middle East’

10-11 a.m., Colorado State University Pueblo’s General Classroom Building 110, 2200 Bonforte Blvd.

April 4 - Thursday

‘Giselle’ - Grand Kyiv Ballet

7 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place

Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

Free public lecture “Smoke, Steel and Fire: The Colorado Fuel and Iron Company” Pueblo Heritage Museum, 201 W. B. St.

April 5 - Friday

Friends of the Library Appreciation Day halfoff sale for members

10 a.m.-4 p.m., Books Again, 622 S. Union Ave.

Info: booksgainbookstore.com

Traveling to the Top art show

6-8 p.m., Steel City Art Works, 216 S. Union Ave.

Info: 719-542-6838 or steelcityartworks@gmail. com

Steve Treviño

8 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place

Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

April 13 - Saturday

Southern Colorado One-Act Play Competition

Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, 210 N. Santa Fe Ave.

Info: sdc-arts.org

April 14 - Sunday

‘World Ballet Stars - Golden Dancers’

2:30 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place

Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

April 18 - Thursday

‘Blippi, The Musical’ world tour

7 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place

Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

April 19 - Friday

Broadway Theatre League: ‘Little Women’

6 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place

Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

April 20 - Saturday

Wings & Wheels 2024 Car Show and Fly-In

9 a.m.-3 p.m., Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum, 31001 Magnuson Ave.

Info: pwam.org

Thriving as a Human Being: Tools to Better Connect with Ourselves and Serving Our Communities

3:30-5:30 p.m., Karmic Konnection, 125 E. Abriendo Ave.

Info: karmickonnection.com

April 25 - Thursday

Forte Pianist Daniel A. Maltz: Intimate Concert at Rosemount

7-9 p.m., Rosemount Museum, 419 W. 14th St.

Info: 719-545-5290

April 26 - Friday

‘Stayin’ Alive - One Night of the Bee Gees’

7:30 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place

Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

April 27 - Saturday

Beltane Pop Up Market

11 a.m.-5 p.m., Crystal Moon Witchery, 410 W. City Center Drive.

MAY

May 2 -

After Hours Professional Mixer Sponsored by Felicia Beltran

5-7 p.m.,Latino Chamber of Commerce, 215 S. Victoria Ave.

May 3 -

World Ballet Series: ‘Swan Lake’

7 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place

Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

May 4 -

Free Comic Book Day

All day, various comic book stores nationwide

Info: freecomicbookday.co

May 5 -

Out Loud Colorado Springs Men’s Chorus Concert

2-3:30 p.m. May 5, Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, 210 N. Santa Fe Ave.

May 9-11 -

Books-by-the-Bag Sale

Friends of the Library members only 10 a.m.-4 p.m.,

Open to public 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 10-11

Books Again, 622 S. Union Ave.

Info: booksagainbookstore.com

May 10 -

Faux-First Friday Art, Food, and Drink Crawl

Info: elissaball@msn.com

May 11 -

Plant Sale

9 a.m.-2 p.m., Fine Arts Building, Colorado State Fairgrounds, 1001 Beulah Ave.

Info: puebloshed.org

May 16

6th Annual Small Business Summit

8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Pueblo Community College, 900 W. Orman Ave.

Info: business..pueblolatinochamber.com

May 17

The 719 Playlist

7:30 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place

Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

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