Pueblo Star Journal - May 2024

Rock ‘N’ Steel

Inaugural

Music Showcase brings Pueblo together, delights crowd of more than 1,000

By Luke Lyons

Union Avenue was abuzz just before the sun set on April 12. Spanning that evening and the next, Pueblo’s historic street hosted more than 1,000 visitors.

There was the normal bustling of traffic and avenue shoppers, but there also was excitement and anticipation for the inaugural Steel City Music Showcase.

Hailing from Pueblo, Denver, Colorado Springs and even Albuquerque, New Mexico, 30 bands and artists performed throughout the four-stage, twonight event on Union Avenue.

Starting at the intersection Union and B Street, The Fuel & Iron Food Hall, at 400 S. Union Ave., bands played in the restaurant and at the Loading Dock Gallery. the loading docks.

Visitors found the CSU Pueblo Thunderwolves Main Stage at La Bella Union Plaza, an outdoor food truck court and community gathering space at 318 S. Union Ave., which featured acts such as the Canary Initiative, Los Mocochetes and Neoma.

The Gold Dust Saloon, at 217 S. Union Ave., acts like Morgan J. Cox, Phat Quarter, Snatch and The Ragetones performed on the restaurant’s patio. At the final stage along Union Avenue, held at The Sacred Bean, located at 209 S. Union Ave., groups and artists like Christian Jaquez, Lucky Overton Duo and The Marieta Dolls performed on the coffee shop’s indoor stage.

The festival was a culmination of months of planning, collaboration, fundraising and hard work between multiple organizations, people and the venues. It was an undertaking that brought the city together all for one goal: to create a new tradition that could potentially put Pueblo on the map for indie artists and bands.

The birth of the Steel City Music Showcase

Fuel & Iron Food Hall owner Nathan Stern has always loved the Denver Underground Music Showcase.

The three-day event takes place on South Broadway in Denver and features more than 200 indie music acts.

Local “soul funk” band, The Canary Initiative, played the CSU Pueblo Thunderwolves Main Stage at the Steel City Music Showcase. Bassist Charlie Hayden and singer/guitarist Stefan Anderson-Findley are two players in the five-member group. Photo by Jeffry Moore.

Photo by Jeffry Moore

Cost of syringe service ban

GUEST COLUMN

Torrie is a local clinical therapist that has worked in Harm Reduction for 6 years, including studying Harm Reduction implementation in Switzerland. She is passionate about her community, her dogs, and her Harley Davidson.”

How much taxpayer money is the City Council willing to spend while disregarding public health?

Syringe service providers (SSPs) are the subject of local debate in Pueblo lately. The City Council is looking to ban SSPs altogether from city limits and it’s a big problem for all of us.

What many people are unaware of is that SSPs provide much more than sterile injection equipment alone. They also provide testing services, naloxone, overdose prevention education, linkage to care, referrals to treatment, behavioral health services, medical care, wound care, sexual health supplies and education, resource navigation, vaccinations, food and water, clothing—and our local SSPs offer safe syringe disposal for all community members. (For more information on safe syringe disposal, contact Access Point Pueblo.)For many onlookers, these resources are not valuable enough to keep SSPs in operation.

Board

Clinical therapist responds to city council’s proposed ordinance

Though, consider:what is the cost of infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis C, that are most commonly transmitted through injection drug use?

Let’s look at the 2015,well-documented HIV outbreak that occurred among people who inject drugs in Scott County, Indiana, where SSPs were banned.

Two months after the HIV outbreak began, then-governor Mike Pence signed an emergency public health response to allow SSP implementation.

According to a 2019 article of medical journal “Clinical Infectious Diseases,” through SSPs, health responders were able to get the crisis under control, but unfortunately not before at least 181 people became infected with HIV. Though, according to NPR, some reports state as high as 235 people infected. The CDC director at the time informed NPR that the estimated lifetime treatment cost of this outbreak is around $100 million.

At that time, the population of Scott County was around 20% the size of the city of Pueblo. This outbreak was preventable if Indiana had SSPs at the time.

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

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

Managing editor: Rory Harbert

Contributors: Cat O’Grady, Nico Grayson, Kristin Skye Hoffmann, Rachel Kutskill, Luke Lyons, Gary Markstein, Jocelyn Martinez, Amy Gillentine Sweet

Special thanks to: Al “Pama” Maisel, Blo Back Gallery, Creative Consortium of Pueblo, CSU Extension Office, CSU Pueblo, GRID Alternatives, Karmic Konnection, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center, Photography by Lyss, Pueblo City-County Library District, Pueblo County Historical Society, Pueblo County Master Gardeners, Pueblo Downtown Association, Pueblo Puzzleworks, Pueblo School District 70, Pueblo Zoo, Rocky Mountain Realty, Roselawn Cemetery, SBDC, SRDA, Supporters of Horticultural Education, Sure-Lock Locksmith, Tuxedo Ranch, Visit Pueblo

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According to a sudy published by the American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association, the cost to treat a single person who is living with HIV, for their lifetime, ranges from $420,285 to $1,079,999 (2019 US$).

Using the lower estimation of those infected in the Scott County case, , an outbreak of 181 people would potentially cost taxpayers $2.4 million annually.

The American Journal of Preventive Medicine reports that SSPs reduce HIV transmission by 58-95%. When syringes are less than 10 cents each and the cost to treat HIV is at least $10,500 annually, SSPs really start to make sense.

In considering SSPs as a preventative measure against hepatitis C, the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy published a study that estimated the cost savings for the public in preventing hepatitis C. The study stated when syringe service programs are in place, the public saves $363,821 per hep-C case avoided for every 100 injection drug users rather than taking on that cost when no services are offered to prevent transmission. The public takes on this cost via preventable treatment, court system costs and other publicly-funded expenditures in caring for people with hep-C.

of

Illustration by Gary Markstein.

Torrie Jordan Clinical therapist

Photo courtesy of Torrie Jordan

COST OF BAN

continued from page 3

If you need more to consider, when SSPs provide people who inject drugs with Naloxone and overdose prevention education, they are able to reverse overdoses on their own instead of calling 911. According to the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment, In 2021, we lost someone in Pueblo County every week to a fatal overdose. In 2022, at least 515 overdoses were reversed as a result of having Naloxone available. Without Naloxone going to the population that needs it most, those calls will fall on first responders. With the introduction of fentanyl and xylazine to the drug supply, these overdose numbers will increase.

Pueblo is far from the only city that’s facing these scary issues. Our entire nation is struggling to maintain the opioid crisis. SSPs are on the frontlines of undoing the immense damage done to our communities and families by Purdue Pharmaceuticals and the 50-year failed war on drugs. Removing SSPs will negatively impact the community and result in an increased cost to taxpayers. Some of these negative impacts include increased pressure on first responders and law enforcement, increased preventable overdose deaths, more syringe litter that is more likely to

contain infectious disease, increases in HIV and hepatitis C cases, increased pressure on emergency departments and medical professionals—and without SSPs providing testing services and prevention of infectious diseases and sexually transmitted infections, taxpayers will be dealing with the consequences.

If this ordinance is passed, it will be a scar on the legacy of this City Council and it will hurt Pueblo. It is disheartening to see that instead of fostering a collaborative approach to protect its citizens, the City Council is eager to ban these essential resources.

Let us not forget the cause of the opioid epidemic: greed and disregarding the evidence that so blatantly showed Purdue executives that opioids were in fact highly addictive. We are repeating this mindset by contemplating the need for SSPs in Pueblo. The evidence is all there. This isn’t a partisan issue; this is a human rights and public health issue.

Sources:

• academic.oup.com/cid/article/70/6/1096/5506442

• npr.org/sections/healthshots/2020/02/16/801720966/5-years-after-indianas-historic-hiv-outbreak-many-rural-placesremain-at-risk

• pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33492100/

• sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/ S0749379721003895

• pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33506729/#:~:tex-

t=RESULTS%3A%20The%20incremental%20 cost%20savings,ICER%20for%20the%20 SSP%20group.

• county.pueblo.org/sites/default/files/2022-11/ Fact%20Sheet%2011.2022.pdf

• chieftain.com/story/news/2023/05/04/ pueblo-overdose-reversals-hit-a-5-year-highin-2022/70170489007/

Need more context?

Read our breakdown of the proposed ordinance by Pueblo City Council. Featured on page 16.

STEEL CITY MUSIC

So, Stern had an idea: why couldn’t Pueblo host something similar?

“Pueblo is an amazing music town,” Stern said, just before the festival kicked off again on April 13. “The format for music festivals that I love the most is the Denver Underground Music Showcase. And I thought, ‘why doesn’t Pueblo have something like this?’”

Stern said his mission with Fuel & Iron, beyond providing a convenient food hall on Union Avenue, was to help create more community engagement. He wants to bring more events to the Steel City, beyond just the SCMS.

“Early on in Fuel & Iron’s development, we wanted to [host] events, to bring people into the restaurant,” Stern said. “So, now, it’s like, ‘what other events can we do? What other events can we bring to Pueblo?’

“So, we’re really trying to do more street-wide events beyond the food hall.”

Stern began looking into creating a music festival in Pueblo. Early in the process, he knew he would not be able to do it on his own.

He reached out to Tyler Shown,owner of Jolly Mule Productions. Shown has traveled the world producing videos and photographing live music events, weddings, soccer games and documenting soccer-related culture. He also has experience capturing various non-profit organizations—to name a few. He also runs a non-profit called Smiles Go Miles.

Stern said Shown’s knowledge of the local music scene, as well as his high-quality production, were musts for the showcase.

“Tyler was a no-brainer,” Stern said. “His non-profit hosted its launch at Fuel & Iron, and I just saw the quality of the production. He’s become a friend and honestly he’s just really great at what he does.”

at the

showcase and

leading up to

Shown handled most of the promotion through videos, podcast interviews and other media.

Shown also brought in Steel City Studios owner Quentin Hagewood who helped run and mix the sound for the two-day event along with CSU Pueblo Media and Entertainment Department Chair Jon Pluskota.

Stern said Shown’s involvement in marketing and promoting the event was immeasurable.

“I didn’t appreciate how huge promoting this would be, at first,” Stern said. “But it’s huge. And Tyler’s done so much … he’s been integral to getting the word out about this festival and helping bring it together.”

Dynelle Abyeta-Maestas, director of marketing and events for Fuel & Iron, also helped in promoting the event.

“Dynelle did so much to help promote the event,” Stern said. “This really was such a group effort. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without everyone pitching in and collaborating.”

Multi-faceted producer reminds world: Pueblo can match energy of competing festivals

Shown has always aimed not to bring Pueblo to the spotlight, but rather to bring the spotlight to the talent and richness of the Steel City.

“It’s not so much that I want to show the world Pueblo, it’s that I want the world to know about Pueblo,” he said. “I want to bring bigger bands here because they know that Pueblo can put on a great festival. I want the world to know about the talent and things happening here.”

Shown has recently moved to Denver, however, it is only for strategic purposes. He’s booked many gigs around the world and is able to travel more freely living closer to Denver International Airport.

He has worked with bands and acts who tour and perform on a larger scale than those here in Pueblo. Shown said part of putting on the SCMS is to show Pueblo musicians how to work on that type of scale.

“Honestly, this (festival) is less about showcasing Pueblo’s talent and more about showing Pueblo’s talent how to scale that talent,” he said.

Shown was brought into the process early, after Stern came up with the idea for the festival.

Shown captured the

also produced podcasts featuring the artists who played

SCMS

the event.

continued from COVER

Fuel & Iron Food Hall marketing director Dynelle Abyeta-Maestas and owner Nathan Stern. Photo by Jeffry Moore.

The world-traveling producer extraordinaire said that Stern knew that Shown could bring more than just video, audio and photo production skills.

“I’ve always viewed myself as a bridge to the community,” Shown said. “So when Nathan asked me to come on, I sort of asked, ‘how can I bridge talent with opportunity?’”

One such bridge was with the owner of Steel City Studios.

Shown said he knew Hagewood could help engineer the audio for the festival, giving them another talented person to lean on to make the showcase successful.

“He was my first call because he knows, and has recorded, most of the bands and artists in town,” Shown said. “So, I knew he knew what they sounded like, how many members they had and what their setup was going to be like.”

Stern found a talent manager who worked with some of the acts in the festival, who went on to serve as the booker for the festival, assigning stages and lineups.

Colorado State University Pueblo and SoCo Student Media also became partners, bridging the university on the hill to Downtown Pueblo.

In all, the showcase took hard work—what Shown called “necessary suffering.” It took months to put SCMS together.

Shown said seeing the hard work and collaboration come to fruition was gratifying.

“We did all the necessary suffering,” he said, laughing. “We reached the peak of necessary suffering where we’ve put in all the work and now we can give it all back to the community.”

Shown has high hopes for the festival in the future.

“Five years from now, I can see this being as big as the Chile Fest.” – Tyler Shown, Jolly Mule Productions

Having worked at large events around the world, Jolly Mule Productions owner Tyler Shown (above) said his role was to help local talent scale their shows to a larger festival. He was confident Pueblo would rise to the occasion. Musician Morgan J. Cox (right) lives in Pueblo, but comes from Denver. He was excited to support the showcase and perform at the Gold Dust Saloon’s stage.

Photos by Jeffry Moore.

Aside from bigger and more acts, Shown said he hopes to incorporate more venues and make the showcase closer to that of Denver’s UMS.

“Five years from now, I can see this being as big as the Chile Fest,” he said. “I want to shut down the whole block and just fill the block with musicians and more venues. I want to fill the whole city.”

CSU Pueblo jumps in as sponsor, collaborator

Brock Kilgroe, an Academic Success Coach and professor at CSU Pueblo, spent a year on the road managing a Colorado Springs rock group called Boondoggle. Because of that venture, Kilgroe ended up working at the Orpheum Theater in Madison, Wisconsin.

His experience led him to instruct the Media and Entertainment 382, titled “Concerts, Events and Festivals,” at CSU Pueblo.

Kilgroe ran into Stern at 3Birds Coffee Co. They began discussing the showcase. Quickly after meeting, the two saw the mutual benefit for Kilgroe’s students working the event.

So, Kilgroe and his class became partners in the endeavor.

“As luck would have it, he was putting together this festival and I was teaching the class,” Kilgroe said. “He asked if we’d like to support the festival. I said, ‘yes.’

We shook hands and it happened.”

by

Kilgore said the best way to learn about this business is to gain hands-on experience by participating in the management of concerts and festivals.

All 12 of Kilgroe’s students worked the event in some fashion or another. Some students worked with sound and lighting. Others worked doors at the venues, while some helped build stages and set up venues. Some students helped talent prepare to perform.

“They worked in every aspect of putting on the show,” he said. “There’s textbooks that you can read and try to learn this stuff. But, you really have to do the actual thing to learn it.”

Students were paired with professionals working the event. Some students worked with Shown on video production, Hagewood mentored others in sound—everyone who participated got real-world experience.

It was not just Kilgroe’s class to represent CSU Pueblo in helping with the showcase.

As Stern and Kilgroe began planning the event, Stern said SCMS needed sponsorships to help with financing the event, Kilgroe mentioned the CSU Pueblo Media and Entertainment department.

Department chair Jon Pluskota saw the opportunity of hands-on learning for students and a means to bridge CSU Pueblo with the community.

“I talked with Nathan and we were like, ‘let’s figure this out,’” Pluskota said.

Photos

Jeffry Moore

STEEL CITY MUSIC

continued from Page 7

“Our big push is applied learning. So, what better way to learn than to get out of the classroom and actually run the event and get a feel for it.”

CSU Pueblo’s SoCo Student Media brought in a stage and lighting equipment, which would become the showcase’s main stage at La Bella Union Plaza.

Students from Rev89 KTSC-FM hosted a live, remote show both nights of the event, promoting the showcase that night. The station also promoted the event on-air leading up to the showcase.

Pluskota worked with CSU Pueblo’s marketing department. Students also checked in artists and worked merchandise booths.Through the work of Student Affairs and the CSU Pueblo Foundation, funds were raised to help sponsor the event beyond production help.

Like Stern and Shown, Pluskota knows the importance of bringing events like this to Pueblo.

“Pueblo really needs it,” he said. “Can we make Pueblo cool? Yes, we can. We just have to show them. We have a film festival here. We’re bringing the Mountainfilm on Tour to CSU Pueblo. Pueblo needs to know what’s going on in town.”

Pueblo bands and artists shine in the spotlight

Pueblo folk-soul band, The Canary Initiative, kicked the event off on April 12, taking the main stage at 5:20 p.m.

The band features Stefan Anderson-Findley on guitar and vocals; Jeannine Anderson-Findley on vocals, violin and keyboard; Charlie Hayden on bass;

Pics from the past

Tristan Murphy on drums; and Sarah Findley on cello and vocals.

Stefan and Jeannine are married; Sarah is Stefan’s mother.

The band, formed in 2021, said it was an honor to open the festival.

“It was cool to kind of set the vibe and tone (of the festival),” Stefan said. “We were pretty excited.”

The band hopes that the festival will expose them to people who may be unfamiliar with The Canary Initiative.

“Festivals bring you a new audience that you’ve never seen before,” Stefan said. “So, that’s really cool. You get to meet so many new people. I was looking around, and I see recognizable faces, but even Pueblo people don’t always get out and see shows. So, there’s a lot of faces I didn’t recognize.

“So, to have something like (the Steel City Music Showcase) is really cool.”

While The Canary Initiative played on the mainstage, Pueblo-based singer-songwriter Morgan J. Cox played to a jam-packed crowd on the patio at the Gold Dust Saloon.

Cox said he was thrilled to perform at the showcase.

“The experience was amazing,” he said. “I support anything Pueblo-based. I’m from Denver. I love Denver, but Pueblo has let me blossom. I’m so thankful for Pueblo.”

Cox wowed the Gold Dust crowd, helping set the tone for the rest of the festival.

“I always try to bring down the house,” he said. “You never know who’s watching and you always want to create an experience.”

Cox, like many others, hopes the event will show the world what Pueblo has to offer.

“Pueblo is going to be a place that people are clamoring to come to,” he said. “I feel like with everything we have going here, people are going to be coming here. Colorado is beautiful. Pueblo is beautiful. People need to see that.”

Pueblo’s history of live music

From the moment the first human picked up a reed and blew into it or became intrigued by the reverbating sound of a dried out gourd or hollow log, music became a central pillar of humanity’s arts and culture. This deep dive into Pueblo’s history does not reach as far back, but seeing these more recent photos, these generational ties, to live music performances conjures feelings of nostalgia and the continuation of traditional values.

La Cucaracha, an English and Spanish newspaper, profiled the San Juan Band, published May 3,1976. The article interviews the band, exhibiting a sense of genuine creativity and an infectious optimism.

Student newspaper The Arrow interviewed The Innkeepers on May 3, 1963. The group was performing at a local coffeehouse.

The Pueblo Vault, by the Pueblo City-County Library District, archived photos from the Greenhorn Music Festival and a performance at Mineral Palace Park (Dates unknown).

Photos courtesy of Pueblo City-County Library District (top left and right), La Cucaracha (bottom left) and CSU Pueblo’s The Arrow (bottom right).

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SATURDAY

Pet Food Donations will be collected for local animal shelters Dutch Clark Stadium

A LETTER FROM THE SBDC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Greetings,

As we wrap up Small Business Week 2024, I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the eleven events spread across our four-county region. Your presence made each gathering a success, and I trust you found the sessions informative and enriching.

I want to say congratulations, to those that were honored at our Annual SBDC Award Luncheon, once again:

• Small Business of The Year Award: 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

• Lifesaver Award Recipients: Sandy Bartolo, Jill Young, Izzy Ogaz, and James Page

This month our focus shifts to the intersection of Art and business. Our community boasts an abundance of artistic talent, yet many may require assistance in navigating the business aspects of their craft. The SBDC is ready to offer support; our consultants can aid in developing business plans, organizing financials reports, help with forecasting, and assistance with your marketing plan. If you need any of this assistance please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office 719-549-3245.

Furthermore, we are proud to announce our partnership with the Office of Economic Development and International Trade as they present the Creative Industry Summit at the Pueblo Convention Center. This two-day event promises a rich array of exhibits, performances, networking opportunities, speakers, classes, and workshops. You can register for this event on Eventbrite or learn more about the event at: oedit.colorado.gov/colorado-creative-industries-summit.

Let’s continue to nurture our creative community and empower artists to thrive in both their craft and their businesses.

Warm Regards, Brian Estrada Executive Director Southern Colorado SBDC

Brian Estrada SBDC Executive Director

Photo courtesy of SBDC

Grow & Prosper with SBDC

By Catherine O’Grady Southern Colorado SBDC coordinator

Arts-based small businesses contribute significantly to the vibrancy and economic health of our communities. While many might associate the arts with galleries, theaters and studios, a variety of businesses contribute to this sector in unexpected ways. From technology firms developing new tools for artists to educational companies using art to enhance our understanding of learning, these art-centered businesses are instrumental to our economy and have a major impact on society.

According to the Colorado Creative Industries’ 2020 report, arts and culture play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and job creation. Nationally, the arts and culture sector at that time generated over 5 million jobs, highlighting its significance in the workforce. In Colorado alone, the creative industries contribute significantly, accounting for $31.6 billion in sales of goods and services. This figure represents 4% of all goods and services sold within the state.

Researcher turned small business owner bridging arts, brain development

Colorado’s commitment to the arts is further underscored by its ranking in the top ten states for the number of people performing and creating art. Additionally, Colorado leads all other states in the attendance of performing arts events, showcasing the state’s vibrant arts scene and the strong support from its residents. This impact comes in a large part because of visionaries who are consistently expanding and exploring both the benefits and necessities of art. Dr. Theresa Ferg, is one of these pioneers.

Ferg is an educator, psychophysics researcher and artist. She holds five college degrees: a Bachelor of Fine Art; a Master of Arts; a Master of Integrated Sciences in psychology and mathematics; a Master of Global Affairs in international education; and a PhD in Curriculum Studies & Teaching.

Additionally, Ferg developed a new visuospatial ability assessment based on measurable physiological characteristics. She is a recipient of the National Science Foundation’s Small Business Innovation Research Merit Award & Grant, supporting her work on combining visual, mathematical and symmetry concepts.

As the owner of The Gallery San Isabel, Ferg is an accomplished artist. But with her startup company, The Visuospatial Education Center, and her role as a developer of instructional materials, such as, the Matrix Game, Dr. Ferg has brought all of her passions together in an effort to bring public awareness to the issues which arise from adults and children spending too much time immersed in digital platforms.

According to Dr. Ferg, while everyone is affected by too much screen time, particularly the developing mind of a child is weakening, specifically in visual special sequential memory because of our digital world.

What’s the answer? According to her research and her work: it is art!

Dr. Ferg’s work underscores the importance of small businesses in the arts sector, not only for their economic contributions, but also for their ability to redefine our understanding of art and creativity.

As businesses like hers continue to innovate and push boundaries, they enrich our cultural landscape and drive economic growth in ways we never imagined. As we continue to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, the arts remain a steadfast pillar, offering solace, inspiration and economic vitality.

To learn more about Dr. Ferg’s art, research and educational tools visit her website at gallerysanisabel.com.

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

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

Dr. Theresa Ferg merged her passions for art, psychology and mathematics into her startup company creating instruction materials to assess and expand visuospatial ability of the mind. The visual symmetry game, called The Matrix game, is an education tool to help teach students the difference between perspective and perception. Photos courtesy of the Visuospatial Education Center’s Facebook.

Photo/

Visuospatial Education Center’s Facebook

CTHRIVE! with Rachel

By Rachel Kutskill

Published digitally on April 22, 2024

ue Mother Nature - spring is here!

“It is not the length of life, but the depth.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote often of how the beauty and light of things around us, do not compare to what lies within us, and that being submersed in nature is where we connect to the universal sources of energy, at least in my personal conjecture. As I walk the canyons near Lake Pueblo Reservoir, it is unmistakable that mother nature is always here, unfolding in an effortless passion, and showcasing her greatest work to anyone who may pause for a moment and feel it in the depths of their soul. It is April.

In Pueblo, we look forward to the increased precipitation that helps nurture vegetation to bloom and burst from the ground, and we bask in the sunlight that administers life sustaining nutrients, not only to the plants around us, but animals, insects and even us. It is as if the sun and nature influences a softer step, maybe even a skip as we celebrate this next phase of the calendar year. It is spring.

The Pueblo Star Journal (PSJ) Happiness Index will rate our suggestions in terms of:

Social support- Does this help connect us as a community and is it inclusive?

Healthy life expectancy- Does this potentially prolong life to a high standard of living and without harm or risk?

Freedoms making life choices - Is this free from imposition on others or ourselves?

Generosity - How cost effective is this for others and ourselves?

While it is evident that we find ourselves more cheerful and upbeat with the sun shining on us well into the evening, we must also pause and reflect on what we are doing with that expansive joy. It is possible in our modern world to be consumed in quick entertainment–indoor activities–television–quick reels–mindless scrolls through social media sites, just filling the time until the next structured activity like sleep, work, dinner, etc. arises. Spending our leisure time with technology and devices is not necessarily substandard, we just need to make sure we are balanced. Cue Mother Nature.

The world around us is one of the most narrative, influential, and educational playgrounds we could ever imagine. There is so much to explore in Pueblo, not only at the river and lakes, but even in our city streets. Walking through town during high times

Photography by Lyss

Natural light photographer in Pueblo Colorado & surrounding areas.

Alyssa Vallejos Photographer 719-250-1762

www.photographybylyss.com

like lunch or weekends, you will see friends, neighbors and family walking with special drinks in hand, with or without agendas and typically with more of a saunter than a mad rush to whatever is next. I believe we truly thrive when we slow down, or even pause our movements, and take in what is in our present surroundings. When we slow our pace, we are allowed to notice what mother nature is working on at that very moment. This time of year, we see the blooms on the trees, hear the song birds singing away, feel the warmth of the air on our faces, and take in the soft murmur and intermittent laughter as people peruse the shop windows. Pueblo is thriving.

Sam Chambers is a fellow Puebloan who has explored almost every inch of this town by bicycle, and has been encouraging others to do the same ever since he moved here 11 years ago. You may know

Sure Lock Locksmith

Specializing in commercial, residential and auto locksmith services.

Locally owned, family business

Daniel Sandoval/Owner 719-251-2925

www.surelocklocksmith.com

The Rosemount Museum and Neon Alley, both appearing in the THRIVE scavenger hunt, are ripe for exploration (Photos/PuebloShare).

THRIVE TIP:

TAKE TIME TO EXPLORE AND THRIVE IN THE OUTDOOR

WONDERLAND OF PUEBLO. COMPLETE THE THRIVE SPRING SCAVENGER HUNT AND SEND

US YOUR PHOTOS.

him from the Green Chili Bike Bank, a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring, fixing and distributing donated bicycles to our underserved communities. Chambers has published many local outings and is always looking to connect us to our Pueblo home in any way we can thrive. Listed below are a few places you may not have ventured into yet, and all are accessible by foot, bike or automobile. This is your Thrive Spring Scavenger Hunt, brought to you by Sam Chambers. Take some time to try and locate these great historical and art themed places/objects in town. Take your picture next to them and send your photos to PSJ. We want to see you explore and thrive!

• Paint Can Dragon art on a fence

• Saw Blade Fish sculpture in a yard

• Hose CO No 3 Fire Museum (thought to be haunted)

• Encased Cornerstone of the State Mental Hospital

• “Pioneer Family” statue

• Martin Luther King Jr. statue

• “Old Bar Rail” hung on a wall of a local establishment, worn through by steelworkers boots

• Gravestones on the city block of Union

• Neon Alley

• “Diana the Huntress” statue

• Rosemount Museum

• Gravemarker “Child of Clarence MiddlecampRun over by wagon”

• Red Drummer statue made of bike parts

• Grave of James Clift - born in Mexico and died in the USA without ever moving

• High Water Mark of the flood depth in 1921 on a wall in a prominent building

• Doyle Settlement

• Highest Elevation in Pueblo County

• Slovenian Library and Genealogy Center Thrive Tip: Take time to explore and thrive in the outdoor wonderland of Pueblo. Complete the Thrive Spring Scavenger Hunt and send us your photos.

PSJ Happiness Index: 3.75/4

Social support 4/4 - Wandering the neighborhoods and city streets of Pueblo in a scavenger hunt, will have us looking at things we may have never noticed before. By doing this, even if we don’t find what

we are looking for, I assure you that you will find something to add depth to your life.

Healthy life expectancy 4/4 - Walking, riding our bikes or even driving to but then getting out of the car can increase daily movement. Studies show the more we incorporate movement into our lives, we increase our longevity, and thus a longer ability to be healthy and thrive within this lifetime.

Freedom making life choices 3.5/4 - For some people, moving around in the city or in nature can be limiting due to disabilities or injuries. Some places on the scavenger hunt may be challenging for these people to easily get to, but you can get pretty close to each one.

Generosity 3.8/4 - Exploring our incredible town can be little to no cost. If traveling by foot, you have created the most economical pathway. Riding a bike is also low cost after your initial investment of the bicycle. If you are in need of a bike and don’t have the funding, reach out to Green Chili Bike Bank. If traveling by automobile, you will have gas expenditure as well as your initial investment. All in all, this is fairly inexpensive for community members.

References:

• Emerson, Ralph Waldo. Emerson., and Edward Waldo. “The Complete Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson.” Springer. 1860.

• Green Chili Bike Bank. “Restoring, Repairing and Recycling Bikes for the Pueblo Community.” https://gcbbpueblo.org

• National Weather Service. “Record Precipitation Data - Pueblo.” https://www.weather.gov/ pub/climatePubPrecipitationRecords

Southern sincerity Theatre Review Squad: Impossible Players charm with ‘Savannah Sipping Society’

TBy Jennifer Bruton

ransported to a Savannah, Georgia veranda on a muggy summer’s evening, I felt right at home the minute I stepped into The Impossible Playhouse. The volunteers who run the front of the house welcome each guest with hospitality that the South would be proud of. Entering the theater, jazzy music entertains as the audience takes in the detailed, lovely set by designer Curtis Perkins. The veranda takes center stage with realistic windows and a set of green wicker furniture that takes me back to my childhood. Greenery, hanging baskets and pretty floral cushions perfectly set the scene for an unlikely quartet’s conversations. Another playing space is elevated on stage left. Cleverly convertible, it serves as the lobby of a yoga studio and later a French balcony.

The first character we meet is Randa, short for Miranda, played skillfully by Amber Shipley. She appears in leggings and a comfy top, water bottle in hand, heading for her yoga class. Her monologue gives us a glimpse into the implosion of her successful architectural career and foreshadows the dilemmas she and her soon-to-be newfound friends face as middle aged women.

Shipley’s poised demeanor is perfect for Randa, a character we hear has been raised by a southern family with passive aggressive tendencies, and a marked favoritism of her brother. Randa has clearly tried to escape their influence but gets drawn back into the family drama when her grandmother comes to visit, a role played with exceptional comedy by the mysterious “LKR.”

Next we meet Dot (Meg Versteeg) as she fans herself outside the yoga studio lamenting her unfortunate foray into a Hot Yoga class. Soon Randa exits the class and joins Dot, where they commiserate on the brutal workout that was meant to be a relaxing, centering break from their current realities. We discover that Dot is newly widowed and finds herself facing her golden years without her husband beside her. Versteeg’s portrayal of Dot is instantly loveable and a touch naive. She’s the kind of woman who we’d all treasure as a favorite aunt.

Randa and Dot barely get through their initial introductions when Marlafaye, rendered perfectly by Kelley Buck Adams, bursts forth from the studio almost at the point of collapse. We quickly see her big, brassy personality erupt when, out of her workout bag emerges an oversized “dammit doll” that her therapist has recommended as a companion.

The antics in the yoga studio lobby lead Marlafaye and Dot to presumptuously invite themselves to Randa’s for a cocktail hour later that evening. Thus begins the Sipping Society. Randa’s orderly and quiet life is about to change drastically!

You may think that the plotlines seem cliche, that the show will be a predictable expedition through the tropes of three middle aged women. That would be a safe assumption except for one thing…the beauty of this show is the appearance of a fourth member who shakes the group up, forcing the friends to confront their fears.

Jinx Jenkins, the instantly recognizable Marlo Angel-Hartman, encourages, cajoles and instigates adventures, transforming the group from three separate, lost souls wondering how to move on in their lives to a foursome that is a force to be reckoned with.

Jinx Jenkins could have easily stepped right out of one of the boutiques I frequent in my beloved Hattiesburg, Mississippi! Perfectly coiffed red hair, a brightly colored, flowing top and costume jewelry to make any southern woman jealous—she lit up the stage.

Despite the serious and incredibly relatable subject matter, the play is rife with humor! Occasionally the jokes are a bit predictable or corny, but the audience chuckles and often laughs out loud because each of the women possess excellent comedic timing and a lovely sincerity. The three authors of the play clearly understand what it’s like to face middle age with the conundrums of career changes, feelings of inadequacy, health issues, disappointments and milestones.

The Beauty of “The Savannah Sipping Society’” is the irrepressible spirit and courage within each character when she faces issues.

Even at the darkest moment of the show, we hear another revealing monologue where Jinx confronts the loss of a loved one and the urge to run away. Angel-Hartman’s genuine tears show a deep connection to her character and the pain many of us have faced when confronted with grief. It is after this revelation that the women realize they have forged a bond that has allowed them to heal and handle all that life has thrown at them.

The list of crew members is long and kudos to all of them for creating such a perfect atmosphere that allowed the characters to shine!

Congratulations also to Dawn Thompson, director, who used the space effectively and creatively. The lighting, designed by Curtis Perkins, centered the audience’s attention and brought into focus (quite literally) the moments where the characters allowed us into their innermost thoughts, a nice touch that made those moments more intimate. The costume designers, too, chose garments that suited the characters very well: kudos to Loretta Bailey, Sally Sprafka and Heather SanDuVall.

The Impossible Players’ production of the “Savannah Sipping Society” captured that unique moment where the weather is so muggy that there is nothing left but to chat on a porch with friends. Photos by Dawn Thompson.

Photos by Dawn Thompson

Needle ‘nuisance’

By Rory Harbert

Harm reduction is an approach to public health that aims to reduce risks of substance use, namely diminishing the stigma around substance use disorders to encourage people to use safer practices, utilize services and increase exposure to treatment pathways with the goal of clients initiating this journey. The philosophy of harm reduction aims to understand the complicated circumstances that lead to substance use as well as the obstacles surrounding substance use disorder.

Syringe exchange service programs are a part of this public health approach, aiming to minimize the reuse of needles, sharing of needles and, generally, the use of contaminated needles.

Pueblo has had several strong opponents to these programs. Last year, the Pueblo Star Journal covered a situation where the board of county commissioners had formerly disavowed the practice in a statement. This year, the programs face closure, with penalties for failing to comply, after the introduction of an ordinance banning syringe service programs.

City council’s ordinance

On April 22, city councilor Roger Gomez, whose district includes Bessemer and parts of the South Side, introduced an ordinance that would involve the banning of these exchange programs, which have been operating in the city to address, in part, the opioid crisis affecting Pueblo.

“We are enabling, not helping.” – Councilor Joe Latino

According to the ordinance, the city is “experiencing an increase in the number of syringes and other drug paraphernalia found in its public places,” stating that needle litter has been found in the City Park, Mineral Palace Park and the Pueblo River Trail system.

The ordinance deems the “creation, establishment, operation or participation in a syringe services program” to be a “nuisance.” The city council’s vote would, in part, determine if these programs result “in a condition detrimental to the health or safety of any of the inhabitants of the City,” as the ordinance states. It also states that syringe exchange programs are “contributing to the improper disposal of used hypodermic needles and syringes” and is “presenting a threat to the health, property, safety and welfare of the public in the City of Pueblo.”

Failure to comply with the ordinance, according to city attorney Carla Sikes, would be a Class 2 municipal offense, which results in a fine of up to $1,000 at the discretion of a municipal judge. A habitual offender, defined as having two or more convictions within five years, could move the penalty into a Class 1 municipal offense.

According to municipal code, a Class 1 municipal offense typically results in a fine of up to $1000 or imprisonment for up to 364 days. Though, as Sikes explained, in the case of a habitual offender, the penalty changes to a Class I municipal offense, and the original fine amount would be tripled (without exceeding $1000) for the second offense.

After the first reading, a second reading is presented, with a public hearing. This typically results in a final vote. If need be, councilors have the option to postpone readings, pending a majority vote agreeing to it. The second reading is May 13.

Council’s first reading

Councilor Sarah Martinez initially called for a postponement of the first reading, resulting in council president Mark Aliff objecting to it. Martinez pursued the issue, opening the action up for voting.

Martinez explained that she wanted to follow up with the legal department

What is Harm Reduction?

The Addiction Technology Transfer Center, with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, created a poster to help illustrate how harm reduction is approached in other facets of life. (Photo/ATTC).

on how enforcement would proceed and what noncompliance would result in.

Additionally, according to Martinez, the ordinance had not been discussed transparently and she wanted more of the public to hear about what it would entail. She concluded her concerns by explaining that a syringe access program team would be speaking at the work session just prior to the second reading. She wanted to take in their views, as wll as the public’s, and gather more data in that extended time.

Aliff said that a postponement can be considered following the second reading after hearing from both the program team and the public, which will not have

limited number of speakers, if she needs more time to deliberate. It was during this point of the meeting when the council members took to debating the ordinance, which is not proper conduct during a postponement vote.

The leaders of the presenting program, Access Point, reached out to the council members individually, before the first reading. Councilor Regina Maestri wanted to meet publicly, as a council, with the organization. Though, she could not find a time to meet before the May 13 work session.

Councilor Dennis Flores shared concern over understanding the ordinance fully.

“As I was reading the ordinance, it is easy to come up with about 20 questions,” Flores said. “What are the penalties going to be? Are we talking about fines? Are we talking about putting people in jail if they violate this ordinance?

“There is a myriad of information that needs to be talked about.

“But bringing this up so quickly, I don’t think it’s asking for much to have an additional two weeks for us to do our homework and to analyze what other communities are doing. I’d like to visit with the medical community.”

After Flores spoke, cheering came from the crowd and Aliff had to remind the crowd to stay quiet. Gomez asked city attorney Carla Sikes about clarification on the penalty process for the ordinance. This is when Sikes shared the information about municipal offenses mentioned previously.

Councilor Joe Latino has been vocal about needle litter concerns he said he heard from his constituents.

“We are enabling, not helping,” Latino said. “If you go up to Bessmer and talk to some of the merchants… I had a merchant tell me, ‘Joe, I have to lock my doors, I have to be careful having people come in because there are needles on the outside of my front door, on the sidewalk. I can’t go out the back, I have concerns that I have to lock that back door, too. I can’t take out the trash because there’s needles out there, too. They don’t even put them in the trash.’”

The postponement did not pass, with four councilors voting no, three voting yes. The councilors that voted in the minority were Sarah Martinez, Dennis Flores and Joe Latino.

According to the ordinance, Mayor Heather Graham has the ability to disapprove of the ban if passed. This would lead to a re-vote by city council if they object to the veto.

If passed, the ordinance would be enacted after a final action of approval by the mayor and council.

Injection infection: how high-risk behavior affects community

High-risk injection behaviors are characterized by sharing equipment, using non-sterile supplies, reusing needles and other means that increase the risk of infection or spreading diseases.

These behaviors contribute to the rise in bloodborne diseases which include the contraction of HIV and Hepatitis-C as well as life-threatening health conditions such as infective endocarditis, which causes heart inflammation.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, while the Hepatitis-C virus can be a short-term infection for some, more than half of people infected would likely be diagnosed with a chronic infection.

Hep-C is often asymptomatic, with the chronic infection appearing decades after with signs of liver damage. While Acute Hep-C, or a new infection appearing within six months after exposure, can also be asymptomatic, those who show symptoms often have yellowed skin or eyes, feel fatigued, experience stomach pain and other signs of liver illness. A prolonged, undiagnosed Hep-C infection can lead to lifelong health conditions.

While many cases of Hep-C come from sharing needles, the concern for outbreaks expanding outside of the injection user community arises from two key concerns: asymptomatic infection and that there is no vaccination for the virus.

While those who inject are at the highest risk, blood-to-blood contact can occur through other means. For example, transmission via sexual contact is possible, though the rate of infection is low. According to the CDC, the risk in this

scenario increases from factors such as: having multiple sexual partners, having a sexually transmitted disease or engaging in sex resulting in injury or tearing. Additionally, during birth, 6% of babies born to infected patients are also infected.

The best defense against infection and a Hep-C outbreak lies in how it is transmitted: contact with infected blood.

The CDC states that people with Hepatitis-C “should not be excluded from work, school, play, child care or other settings” as “there is no evidence that people can get hepatitis C from food handlers, teachers or other service providers without blood-to-blood contact.”

Following proper procedures involving biohazards, awareness of transmission risks and frequent testing among at least those at high risk of exposure—these actions all help to negate transmission spread.

On harm reduction philosophy

When the best defense against Hep-C transmission is through understanding injection safety, recognizing transmission risks and knowing why frequent testing is the best practice as well as being informed of where to go for these tests, especially on a near-zero budget—how does this education get to the most at-risk community?

Harm reduction approaches this question with intending to recognize the circumstances surrounding these individuals.

While instability can be rooted in many causes such as unexpected job loss, sudden lack of housing, insurmountable debt or a disabling health condition, substance use disorder can also create instability in the lives of those affected. Harm reduction advocates hold the philosophy of “meeting people where they are at.”

This means understanding what obstacles are blocking their clients from treatment, care or assistance.

These advocates see that, when attempting to bring educational materials to a population without consistent transportation or internet access, the dilemma of limited contactability is an obstacle for both parties. It is a recognition that typical routes such as email campaigns, phone calls or text alerts are not an option for thoroughly educating these at-risk communities.

Access Point, a Pueblo syringe access program set to present before the city council May 13, has launched a cleanup and mapping campaign to substantiate how many needles are being found. These kits are available for anyone interested in contributing to the report. Photo and display by Rory Harbert.

Photo by Rory Harbert

population without consistent transportation or internet access, the dilemma of limited contactability is an obstacle for both parties. It is a recognition that typical routes such as email campaigns, phone calls or text alerts are not an option for thoroughly educating these at-risk communities.

According to many Puebloans involved in these programs, their philosophy is understanding that some clients of harm reduction services are at a point in their lives where their “meeting point” is just receiving clean syringes.

The meeting points of others can be more out of reach, with other clients utilizing the service to provide clean syringes for their peers who cannot “meet” there but can “meet” the harm reduction advocates’ request to reach for the clean needles instead.

The efficacy of syringe services, how they operate

The CDC reports that syringe service programs are associated with an estimated 50% reduction in HIV and Hepatitis-C cases. Additionally, in 2015, the center found that the more syringes distributed through SSEPs amongst the number of people who inject drugs in a geographic region, the more likely that population would be to dispose of used syringes safely.

When operating syringe service programs, organizations have to follow a protocol laid out according to Colorado State Law. Organizers must, at a minimum:

Provide clients with information and the means to protect themselves or those close to them from exposure to blood-borne diseases through education access, sterile injection equipment, voluntary testing for blood-borne diseases and counseling;

Be able to refer clients and help with entry into substance use disorder treatment programs, including opioid substitution therapy, also known as medication-assisted treatment;

Encourage usage of medical care and mental health services; Provide safety protocols and classes for proper handling and disposal of syringes, needles and other materials used in injection;

Operate and execute the program with the clear objective of reducing bloodborne disease transmission in the area.

Organizations are also held to developing policies and procedures amongst other requirements for transparent, safe and effective operations.

Additionally, SSEPs organizers are required to educate clients and encourage them to follow the law requiring that they must disclose that they are in possession of hypodermic needles or syringes prior to a search by peace officers, emergency medical technicians or other first responders.

Pueblo residents react

Pueblo City Council limits public commentary by having the city clerk administer a random drawing of speakers if more than six people sign up. Meetings with public hearings on the agenda allow for as many speakers signed up to testify on a topic, with few limitations.

Out of the six names drawn, three residents specifically spoke on the ordinance.

“I think the strategy of shutting down the needle exchange programs is going to be counterproductive. I don’t think it would get what you want.”

– Thomas Eliot, resident

Thomas Eliot spoke before the city council members during the limited public commentary portion of the meeting. Eliot shared that he grew up in Denver, went to school in San Francisco and returned to Colorado, settling in Pueblo as the cost of living was lower. His perspective of living on the west coast, as he alluded to San Francisco’s connection with needle litter, was what informed his statement.

“I experienced all of that firsthand; I know the worst-case scenario that you guys are trying to prevent,” he said. “I agree, that is a really bad thing we

should try to prevent. I think the strategy of shutting down the needle exchange programs is going to be counterproductive. I don’t think it would get what you want.”

According to Eliot, in San Francisco’s history, a solution was proposed to remove public toilets, pushing the growing unhoused population out of the city. Instead, it resulted in more public defecation.

“If you get rid of the needle exchange program, that’s not going to get rid of the needles,” he said. “That’s just going to get rid of the safe way of disposing the needles.”

Access Point and other programs provide ways to dispose of personal-use needles, needles found on the go and a hands-free, public-use container program that provides a safe receptacle on a property for disposal, all for free.

Roxanne Pignanelli, who ran for county commissioner last year and previously served on the board for Southern Colorado Harm Reduction, shared her experience volunteering at a syringe exchange program.

“Ignorantly, I didn’t know what they did,” she said. “I volunteered. I watched [clients] come in with needles and put them in a container, and get the same amount of clean needles, and condoms, and some food, and some clothes, and a haircut, and some counseling, and the ability to go and get other help if they needed it. It was a start. To have such a life that you are so broken and you are in such despair, but to make that first step and to have somewhere to go… I watched it firsthand.”

She said that it is critical to reach out and let people know there is a start, and that she witnessed the value of that beginning.

“To have a needle that is clean, so they don’t get sicker because we pay for it: that is pro-life,” she said.

Cathy Jacobs grew up in Denver but moved to Pueblo five years ago.

Jacobs walked to the city council meeting, through mineral palace park, walking about 1.5 miles.

“I made sure I came down alleyways as I got here,” she said. “I saw not one needle here. So, for our city: instead of being fearful that there are needles everywhere, we need to concentrate on where there are problems. ”

Jacobs explained that she spoke to a man who cleans up the parking garage on Grand Street. She said he cleaned the two lots every Monday for eight years. He found two needles the day they spoke, and he said he finds five on average.

“How can you, as a city council people, be experts in everything?” Jacobs said.

“Please work with the people working on these problems already. And please show what the city is known for, that the city is made of steel. And show the courage to work with the people, help them solve these problems... We can’t work out of fear, we cannot penalize and legislate everything, but we can work together creatively to solve a lot of our problems here.”

The final reading is May 13. The public hearing allows for in-person and remote commentary. Find out more on city council website at: pueblo.us/86/ City-Council.

Pueblo City Council regular sessions: Meetings begin at 7 p.m. on 2nd & 4th Mondays of the month, located in City Hall, on the 3rd floor, in City Council Chambers.

1 City Hall PLace

STATE PROGRAMS IN PUEBLO

Colorado Low Income Energy Assistance (LEAP)

Available for Colorado residents that are U.S. citizens or documented noncitizens. Program helps cover some costs of winter heating bills from Nov. 1 to April 30. Colorado Medicaid - Health First Colorado

Apply online at healthfirstcolorado.com.

Find more information at Pueblo County Department of Human Services, located at 320 West 10th St.

Connect for Health Colorado

Find a health insurance plan, compare plans and prices and apply for financial help to lower cost of private health insurance program.

Info: connectforhealthco.com

Colorado Works (TANF)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families offers cash assistance and employment services for adults with dependents or are pregnant. Benefits are limited to five years in a lifetime.

More info online at Colorado PEAK or at cdhs.colorado.gov/colorado-works.

Emergency Food Distribution Program

Food assistance available to low-income households. Elibility can be determined by current enrollment in programs mentioned here, Supplemental Security income and other income-based assistance programs. Receive a survey by texting FOOD to 1-877-644-3663 (1-877-644FOOD).

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Formerly known as food stamps. Apply online at Colorado Peak. Receive an application at one of these Pueblo offices: 405 W. 9th Street; 320 W. 10th Street; or 2641 E. 4th Street. Receive an application by email at APInquiries@pueblocounty.us or calling 719-253-7850.

Employment First

SNAP participants are eligible for Employment First. Provides job-seeking skills training, work experience and monthly job search support activities

Workforce Center

Available for all job seekers in Pueblo: offering training, hiring events and other resources. The center is located 212 W. 3rd Street.

Info: pbworkforce.cdle.co

Resources for neighbors in need

ORGANIZATIONS

Multi-service

Southern Colorado Harm Reduction Association

Provides services for the underserved and those affected by substance use. Resources include a clothing bank, urgent care services, behavioral health services, overdose prevention and referrals/ assistance with connecting to other programs.

Open from noon -2 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 2 -6 p.m. Thursdays for syringe access program; located at 1249 E. Routt Ave. info: socoharmreduction.org

Project Apollo

Benedict Park, Fountain Creek 12:30 p.m., Sundays. Sends two groups of volunteers out to both sites with large populations of unhoused people. Provide stew, coffee, fresh produce and donated items such as shelf-stable food and clothing. Each site has a team of doctors and nurses providing care. Info: Project Apollo Facebook page and @projectapollopueblo on Instagram.

Pueblo Cooperative Care Center

The center provides food, clothing, or personal hygiene items, helps with prescription costs and provides emergency local transportation. Offers a mobile shower & laundry service, more information in hygiene assistance section. Info: cooperativecare.org

Veteran Care

Post and Auxiliary of VFW 3641

Veterans of Foreign War , located at 724 E. 4th St.

Hosts annual Homeless Veteran Fair with access to hot showers, haircuts, health checks, etc. Offers food pantry.

HEALTH SERVICES

Substance-use related

Access Point

Free overdose response training using Naloxone, HIV and Hepatitis C testing by request.

Located at 807 N. Greenwood Street.

Syringe Acess program operates Tuesday-Thursday. Info: coloradohealthnetwork.org/ prevention-health-education/access-point

Southern Colorado Harm Reduction Association: Syringe Access Program

Alongside overdose prevention program. 2-6 p.m.Thursdays. info: socoharmreduction.org

Hygiene assistance

Cooperative Care Mobile Shower Plaza Verde Park, Mineral Palace Park

Photo ID. Provides free showers, typically rotates between two parks.

Receive clothing once a month. Available for care events. Calendar on Cooperative Care Center’s Facebook page.

Mental health & wellness

Pueblo Rescue Mission

The “Step Back In” schedule, provided on the website, includes a variety of classes, sessions and events that aim to engage, heal and connect.

Info: pueblorescuemission.com

SHELTER

Emergency shelter

Pueblo Rescue Mission

Two small bags allowed, exit the following day at 7 a.m. 9 pm., intake begins.; 4:30 p.m. every day, community meal is served at the door for all who are hungry. Offers other programs throughout the week.

Located at 728 W. 4th Street. Info: thepueblorescuemission.org.

TRANSPORTATION

Nonmedical

Golden Gate Manor Transportation

Eligible for Medicaid recipients in Pueblo and Otero Counties. Available 24/7/365 for personal errands, attending family events or other trips.

First contact the Department of Human Services at (719) 583-6900 to determine eligibility. Call: (719) 543-2525

Rural-inclusive service

Senior resource development agency

Rural services eligible for any age, most trips have a 60+ age requirement.

8 a.m. –5 p.m. for the City of Pueblo, Boone/Mesa and Pueblo West; 8 a.m. –6:30 p.m. for Rural Pueblo County i.e. Colorado City, Rye, Beulah, Boone and Avondale. An application is required to enroll in the transportation services Trip reservation three business days prior to the trip. Limit on grocery bag storage. Flexibility of scheduling requested such as earlier pick up time.

Info: srda.org or call the transportation department (719) 543-9983

FOOD INSECURITY

Soup Kitchens

Pueblo Community Soup Kitchen, Inc.

Open hours: 6 a.m. -noon,Monday through Saturday. Breakfast is 8:309:30; lunch is 10 a.m. -noon. Located at 422 W. 7th St. Info: (719) 545-654 or pueblosoupkitchen@gmail.com

Food pantries

Bessemer Food Pantry

No sign-in, need to ID or other requirements.

Open hours: 2 p.m. until stock runs out, Second Friday of the month, Located at 215 Canal St. Info: (719)-564-1138

Ecumenical Church of Pueblo West

One visit per month, with ID.

Open hours: 5 p.m. -7 p.m. Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays. 434 S Conquistador Ave.

Info: www.ecopw.org or (719)-5473088

Friendly Harbor Free Food Pantry

No ID required, but can only visit once a week.

Open hours: 11 a.m. -5 p.m., Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays, located at 2713 North Grand Ave.

Info: friendlyharborpueblo.org or 719-545-2564

Praise Assembly of God

Open hours: 11 a.m., Fourth Wednesday. Located at 2000 Troy Avenue.

Mobile pantries

Pueblo Care and Share Mobile Food Pop-up

No ID required. Drive-up style. Volunteers will bag food up and place it in your vehicle. Schedule found at: careandshare. org/findfood/#calendar

Pueblo Care and Share/PCC’s

mobile pantry

Avaliable for students and community. Must provide own means to carry items.

Open hours: 11:30 a.m. until stock runs out every first Tuesday of the month; located in the Student Center, Room 241 261 or the Go!Zone.

Drive-thru mobile pantry - Ecumenical Church of Pueblo West Once per household, with ID.

Open hours: 3 p.m. until stock runs out every third Friday.

Info: www.ecopw.org or (719)-5473088

Lynn Gardens Baptist Church

Mobile Pantry

Mobile hours: 9:30 a.m. until stock runs out on Third Wednesdays. Pantry hours: 11 a.m. -2 p.m. First, Second and Fourth Thursdays; 3804 W. Pueblo Boulevard. Info: 719-564-4434

24/7 food pantry

Pueblo County Blessing Boxes

With 29 boxes throughout Pueblo and Pueblo West, refilled twice a week, these boxes are avaialble without sign-in or requirement. includes hygiene products. Map of boxes found on pueblocountyblessingboxes.org/blessingboxesmap.

Family-focus pantries

The Avenue Church

No ID or registration, but must sign in. Give number of family members and number of children. Can pick up for multiple families.

Open hours: 9 a.m. -12 p.m., third Saturday.

3030 Thatcher Ave

Info: avenuepueblo.org or 719-5611512.

College *student-focus pantries

Pack Pantry

Available for any student, faculty, or staff member* of Colorado State University Pueblo. Open hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday to Friday; Located in OSC: Room 104.

Info: Dr. Victoria Obregon, victoria.obregon@csupueblo.edu

Panther Student Pantry

Available for students, with a valid Pueblo Community College student ID, can select up to six unique food items and one hygiene product per week.

Open hours: when classes are in session, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday & Wednesday; 11 a.m. -1 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday & Friday; Located in AB-015 on the lower level of the Mike Davis Academic Building.

Veteran-focus pantries

Mt. Carmel Veterans Center of Pueblo

Veterans only.

Open hours First and Third Wednesday of the Month (May vary, call to confirm.)

Info: 719-772-7000

Post and Auxiliary of VFW 3641

Open to everyone. No ID needed. Open hours: Veterans of Foreign War, located at 724 E. 4th St. Hours vary.

Emergency & other pantries

Center Towards Self-Reliance Food assistance packages for any low-income individual, application done in-person with picture ID. Packages distributed by appointment.

Pantry hours: 8 a.m. -1 p.m.,Tuesday-Thursday; Located at 901 W. 8th St.

Info: 719-546-1271

Luv in Action Emergency pantry. Call 7(19)-542-0549 and leave a message to arrange an appoitment.

OTHER RESOURCES

Online resource directories

Public Health Department

The community resources and services page on Pueblo County Public Health Department’s webpage holds a wealth of knowledge: with an infographic on substance use treatment resources, a peer support database, children & youth program information, a directory of mental health services.

Info: county.pueblo.org/public-health/community

211 Colorado

This database provides information and direction to more than 6,500 services across the state of Colorado. Its search engine allows users to search by issue or concern and narrow down results by ZIP code, city or address. The service is multilingual.

Info: 211colorado.org

Homeless Assistance League

The Homeless Assistance League is a public Facebook group that gathers resources from the Pueblo community to be shared with others.

Info: facebook.com/ groups/4914238318592290/ RMSER Pueblo County Blessing Boxes

The Blessing Boxes website includes both a page mapping the nearly 30 boxes that are placed throughout Pueblo and Pueblo West and a comprehensive directory of food pantires.

Photo/Pueblo

Downtown Union Avenue Historic District

Sangre de Cristo

Arts & Conference Center

210 N Santa Fe Ave

Pueblo, CO 81003

sdc-arts.org

TEL 719.295.7200

The Arts Alliance & Liminal Space Gallery

107 S Grand Ave

Pueblo, CO 81003

puebloarts.org

719.242.6652

Grove Neighborhood

Blo Back Gallery

131 Spring St

Pueblo, CO 81003

blobackgallery.com

TEL 970.749.1211

SCHEDULE

RECURRING EVENTS

CO Creative Industries Annual Summit

9 a.m.-4:45 p.m. May 10-11, Pueblo Convention Center, 320 Central Main St.

Info: oedit.colorado.gov/colorado-creative-industries-summit

The id @ The Ethos

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

Info: ethospueblo.com

First Thursday Open Mic Night

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

Info: ethospueblo.com

‘The Savannah Sipping Society’

7:30 p.m. May 3, 4, 10 and 11 and 2 p.m. May 5, Impossible Playhouse, 1201 N. Main St. Info: impossibleplayers.com

First Friday Art Walk

location hubs

Mineral Palace Park

“We Are Gathered Here”

6:30 p.m. May 3-4 and 10-11, Steel City Theatre Company, 611 N. Main St. Info: 719-994-8298

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

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

John-Deaux Galleries

221 S Union Ave

Pueblo, CO 81003

TEL 719.545.8407

Heritage Center

201 W B St

Pueblo, CO 81003

theheritagecenter.us

TEL 719.295.1517

Fuel & Iron

Loading Dock Gallery

Pueblo, CO 81003

fuelandironfoodhall.com

Open Mic at Blue Cactus

6-9 p.m. Thursdays, El Nopal’s Blue Cactus Room, 1435 E. Evans Ave. Info: 719-564-9784

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

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

MAY

May 3 - Friday

World Ballet Series: ‘Swan Lake’ 7 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place

Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

May 4 - Saturday

Info: Suggested donation $20

May 10 - Friday

Faux-First Friday Art, Food, and Drink Crawl

Info: elissaball@msn.com

May 17 - Friday

The 719 Playlist

7:30 p.m. May 17, Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place

Info: pueblomemorialhall.com Info: pawspueblo.org

TState of Art On Pueblo businesses riding changing tide of arts scene: reinventing role in community, becoming an experience

By Bree Anne Pappan

he heritage of Pueblo is often characterized by its history of grit, resurgence and resource, so it is no surprise that businesses push through by constant reinvention and creativity. It is without a doubt that Pueblo is on the cusp of change for the arts, with the community taking the reins on this shifting industry by increasing visibility and viability to the hundreds of artists, creatives and musicians. This innovation mindset, through embracing new ideas, has created self-sufficiency for this community.

This brings us to one of the most important components of this equation: the businesses and platforms that support and give a voice to these artists and creatives. Why are these locales so important? These spaces not only act as a resource to artists, but to the maintenance of diversifying the Pueblo community and pushing the boundaries of what is defined as a “traditional” space.

It is true that, for any artist, being a part of a traditional representational platform and adding a gallery show to their professional resume may be considered a right of passage. Visibility through these steadfast storefronts—that are regular stops on the monthly downtown First Friday Art Walk—are a part of the fabric making up the resilience of the Pueblo arts community. Many of these galleries are expanding their offerings to not only provide splendid rotating visual art, but musical and performance events and becoming alternative creative spaces.

Blo Back Gallery

This is increasingly true at Blo Back Gallery, the literal day-glow Orange “ART” beacon in the Grove neighborhood, located just off of Santa Fe Avenue and I-25.

As a multi-media artist, welder, designer and business owner, Jeff Madeen had a myriad of ideas and experiences when he set out on his nomadic “Driveabout” in 2015, aiming to find just the right place to relocate after the economic implosion that changed the culture and market in Durango.

Durango was his home for 21 years, where Madeen took in all the western college rail town had to offer each season, from skiing to fly fishing. In 1999, he had great success starting his commercial design business, all while continuing to make art at the oasis that he had created for his family.

His streamlined engineered interiors and innovative designs appealed to a myriad of clients and evoked artistic integrity in the smallest details of refinement, from window finishes and new ways to involve old materials, throughout Colorado and New Mexico.

Due to the recession of the late 2000s and among other factors, the sparse amount of housing was getting scooped up by younger, “new money: groups, “trustafarians” if you will. This drove the property value so high that many artists and longtime residents were leaving due to the inability to maintain the self-supporting standard of living they had enjoyed just 10-15 years before.

But as the downturn of the market in Durango continually proved difficult, Madeen realized that it was time to seek new ground. On the advice of friends, and on the tail end of a road trip, Madeen circled back to Pueblo in 2016 after seeing what the rest of the country had to offer. There were many other considerations that were important such as economy, weather, resources and potential for a work/living space. Once he decided that he could and wanted to make Pueblo work, Madeen road tripped back and forth between Durango and Pueblo once a week for several months, looking for the right property. After a false start, and perhaps good fortune, the property on Spring Street was acquired.

Blo Back did not start as a gallery space but as a “live-and-work” space that slowly transformed, room by room, from starting a GoFundMe campaign to upgrading the lighting, getting friends and volunteers to help with putting up drywall, to Madeen building the stage. By showcasing some of Pueblo’s heavy hitters to incorporating other contemporary regional artists, Jeff Madeen answered

Solar Roast’s Analogue bar and records/ book store by the same name is the physical manifestation of the iconic coffee shop making a pivot to uplift creatives (Photos by Bree Anne Pappan).

the call in the creative community of Pueblo, not only as the owner of a platform that continually supports and redefines how art is experienced, but as a facilitator for that creativity.

“Blo Back Gallery evolving, is me, letting it happen,” Madeen said.

Expanding the offerings—not only as a visual arts platform, but as a performance space for music and art, a work space, a meeting space and a community-use space—has elevated the word “gallery” to having many subheadings.

Solar Roast/Analogue Bar/Analogue Records and Books

Sometimes a coffee shop is not just a coffee shop, and a bookstore or record shop is not just a place that offers what is on the sign.

The Blo Back Gallery is located in the Grove Neighborhood, wearing many “hats” as a Pueblo locale: from performance venue to a community gathering space.

Photos by Bree Anne Pappan

STATE OF ART

“Many of our friends are also artists and musicians, so it was so important to incorporate space for local artists in the cafe.”

– Vicy Stone, co-owner of The Sacred Bean

continued from page 19

Pueblos’ Solar Roast/Analogue Bar/Analogue Records and Books, which all operate under the Solar Roast umbrella, in most recent years, served as a sign of an expanded, hybrid-variety business becoming a mainstream platform of choice for the Steel City. With it, the opportunity to showcase art, support creatives and even attend an open mic night, comedy showcase or a live music show any given night of the week meant that the way to conventionally experience art was changing.

The Sacred Bean

For Vicy Stone, co-owner of The Sacred Bean, alongside her husband Daniel, knowing exactly how she wanted her business model to work from an early stage was the key to creating a successful multi-faceted business. The opportunity to create a platform to showcase art, music and creativity, came full circle in 2022, when she was able to acquire the very storefront where she began her love affair with coffee at the age of 15. She has always loved working with other artists and believes, as a popular local small business, that they have a platform and the responsibility to utilize it in lifting up the people around the community that make this all work. Without the community of supporters, artists and other small business owners, they would not be the business they are today.

She resigned from The Daily Grind in 2014, the business that occupied her storefront before The Sacred Bean moved in. After 12 years, she begun plans for a mobile coffee bar, always sticking with the name: The Sacred Bean.

“It reflects the belief in many cultures that coffee is sacred and is incorporated into many daily rituals, and that it has also been essential in bringing people together to enjoy it brewed in its various forms,” Stone said.

The idea to kick-start The Sacred Bean in a Volkswagen bus was her husband’s idea, who had owned the VW since high school. They launched phase one of the Sacred Bean with an incredible response from the community. It quickly blew up like they had never imagined, and they were met with tremendous support.

“Supporting the local art scene and other local businesses has always been a main goal in the business plan, even in the bus,” she said.

In addition to mastering the “art of coffee,” Vicy painted, did photography, and made jewelry under another business name, Skeleton’s Closet. She designed all of the Sacred Bean’s logos.

Stone said,“many of our friends are also artists and musicians, so it was so important to incorporate space for local artists in the cafe.”

There is a gallery room as well as various art pieces hanging on the walls throughout the cafe. The murals on the walls of coffee plants and the painting of the Sacred Bean logo were done by friend and assistant manager at the café, Forest Archuletta-Soto and her husband/local tattoo artist Joshua “Chachi” Soto. You’ll find a mural in the hallway leading to the garden courtyard by well-known local artist James Beck, who is also represented at Blo Back Gallery.

There is also a Sacred Bean merch wall, with prints and handmade goods from a great variety of local creators. Stone hopes to expand the offerings of the Sacred Bean moving forward, with more live music events and open mic nights, which are particularly special because these events offer free vendor space to local artists and crafters. Stone also wants to feature one local artist to do live paintings during these events.

The Ethos

A multi-tiered creative experience, one that is welcoming, inclusive and a safespace, can be found at a thriving location in one of Pueblo’s oldest but recently-rejuvenated neighborhoods.

The Ethos: A Creative Community has thoughtfully transformed the historic Grand Prix bar, originally built in 1920, following suit with one of Pueblo’s initiatives of adaptive reuse. The space, located on Mesa Avenue, was a neighborhood gathering place that many locals knew well. The sentimental value of the building resonated with Emily Gradisar’s blue collar family roots and her father’s family history.

Gradisar embraces the notion of challenging art, and that it is made, in all its forms, to provoke. At The Ethos there is no judgment, only solidarity among all who walk through its doors.

When Emily, a South High school alumna returned to Pueblo after time spent in the UK and working professionally as a youth and community worker, she

Since opening last year, Emily Gradisar has worked hard in establishing The Ethos as not only as a safe space for different identities but a space for creatives of every medium. Photos by Bree Anne Pappan.

Co-owner of The Sacred Bean, Vicy Stone, has many more plans for serving the creative community. Photo by Bree Anne Pappan.

Photos by Bree Anne Pappan

her sister, also an artist, and local artists such as painter Jill Starky and photographer Dan Thornton among others, led to a cooperative of local artists opening in a building on the corner of D street and Main in July 2007.

The first generation of Steel City Art Works faced several challenges of building woes. Despite this, the representation and enthusiasm for the space continued to grow—perhaps even out of its initial location.

In a “leap of faith” the growing group continued the cooperative business model and found its permanent home on Union Avenue in December 2008.

Although the building was in need of repair, through “sweat equity,” the group continued to bring visibility and new ideas into fruition.

Such community collaborations as the Arts Alliance, Merchants Association and Creative Corridor, along with bringing entertainment and music, began to elevate Union Avenue as a destination for galleries.

Now in its 17th year, Steel City Art Works represents over 35 artists that regularly show in a rotating gallery space. Artists are asked to work in the gallery during its open hours, and all are encouraged to attend the First Friday Art Walk events as well as special events at SCAW.

LaMorris has seen a transformation through diversifying these platforms, venues and popups. Even with establishments such as the Pueblo Art Guild gallery that resides in the WPA building within Mineral Palace Park, La Morris said that was one of the first places she went to in 2005.

“Older people are the backbone within our community,” she said. “They have more time and more life experience to devote to keeping some of the community traditions alive.”

knew that she wanted to provide a safe and supportive environment that embraced all, in efforts to “meet people where they are at.”

Gradisar’s first venture, TickTock Pueblo, opened on Santa Fe Avenue in 2018 and began as an “anti-cafe.” This concept was a “pay-per-minute” coffee shop where people could gather and participate in drawing and painting classes or create in whatever form they wished.

“Older people are the backbone within our community. They have more time and more life experience to devote to keeping some of the community traditions alive.”

– Dianna LaMorris, Steel City Art Works

This new kind of establishment spoke volumes to the emerging maker community and was the site of Pueblo becoming an Etsy Maker City in 2019. This designation was thanks to a grant initiative with the SBDC and Pueblo Makes. With inevitable growth of the arts in Pueblo in mind and a desire to bring more resources, ideas without boundaries and collaboration with Pueblo’s local art community, Gradisar and her business partner, Dr. Jane Fraser, were motivated to purchase the old Grand Prix bar in December 2021. For the period of 18 months, they renovated the building, making it possible to open their doors in May of 2023.

“Connecting Folks is our main motive,” Gradisar said. The possibilities are endless in the new space, beginning with their fantastic and talented staff. There is a community woodshop, a Sober bar, a dance floor, a community-use space, studio spaces, a ceramic studio, an art classroom, a commercial kitchen and retail space. The Ethos will be celebrating their one year anniversary this month with a full calendar of events.

Steel City Art Works

Diana LaMorris wanted to tap into the pulse and energy she found after moving to Pueblo in 2005, a motivating factor for her to bring something new to the community. She wanted to elevate a community of wonderful artists that focused on the locally-made and celebrated all mediums.

The enthusiasm of the group that she was becoming a part of, which included

Bree Anne Pappan is the former Director of Collections, Archives and Exhibits at the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center. She has worked as Museum Services Coordinator at the Pueblo City County Library District and has done freelance and collaborative work with artists and galleries in Pueblo. She has been a part of the arts and cultural environment in Pueblo since 2014 and has resided here since 2018.

Steel City Art Works has been representing artists, working in all mediums for 17 years. The cooperative business model hosts over 35 artists, all of which get the opportunity to use the space as a studio and show their work in its gallery space.

Photo by Bree Anne Pappan.

Young artists

School District 60 students enter judged art show, exhibit work at Rawlings Library

By Gregory Howell

Young artists from Pueblo School District 60 are showcasing their impressive talents at the Main Rawlings Branch of the Pueblo City-County Library District. The District 60 Art Show will be on display throughout the month of May, featuring a diverse selection of student artwork.

The exhibit is the culmination of a rigorous judging process by art adjudicators and District 60 judges who reviewed hundreds of entries across categories including drawing, painting, mixed media, photography and ceramics. The students’ works were carefully evaluated based on their creativity, technical skill and originality.

The exhibition opened to the public on April 26, drawing hundreds of guests. Attendees of all ages admired the creative output of District 60’s talented young artists.

“The District 60 Art Show is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the artistic expression of our students,” said Cindy Smith, Fine Arts and Gifted and Talented Specialist at Pueblo School District 60. “It’s inspiring to see the incredible work they create, and this exhibit offers a platform to share their talent with the community.”

The District 60 Art Show offers visitors a chance to witness the breadth of skill and imagination within Pueblo’s student population. The diverse works on display reflect a range of styles and personal interpretations of various mediums.

The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular library hours. The Main Rawlings Branch of the Pueblo City-County Library District is located at 100 E. Abriendo Avenue.

Columbian Elementary fourth-grader Macayla Ortiz, 11, won a Best of Show award at the recent D60 Student Art Show. Ortiz, inspired by her mother’s artistic talent, began entering art competitions at age six. Drawing food and cuisine is a current passion, a change from her initial focus on rainbow flowers with glitter. Ortiz expressed surprise at her Best of Show win, evidence that her artistic journey is just beginning.

Devontae G., a 5th-grade student at Belmont Elementary, displayed his watercolor artwork of Aspen trees in winter at the D60 Art Show. The piece, created during a school class, utilized salt and cardboard for a realistic sunset effect. Devontae enjoys working with watercolors and was accompanied by his cousin, who also shares a passion for art.

Columbian Elementary fourth-grader Macayla Ortiz won a Best of Show award at the recent D60 Student Art Show. Ortiz, inspired by her mother's artistic talent, began entering art competitions at age six. Drawing food and cuisine is a current passion, a change from her initial focus on rainbow flowers with glitter. Ortiz expressed surprise at her Best of Show win, evidence that her artistic journey is just beginning.

Macayla

Title: Strawberry

The Pueblo City-County Library District’s Rawlings branch hosts the student showcase. Photos by Gregory Howell.

Photos by Gregory Howell

Spirit of inclusivity Connecting across cultures:

Interfaith church hosts panel discussing islamophobia, antisemitism

FBy Nico Grayson

or many in the Steel City, it is a sanctuary to have a space dedicated to an interfaith approach to spirituality, where people from diverse spiritual backgrounds come together in harmony and mutual respect.

Situated amidst the scenic beauty of Pueblo, the Center for Inner Peace Interfaith Church embodies the spirit of inclusivity and spiritual exploration.

As a beacon of light in Pueblo, the Center for Inner Peace invites people of all backgrounds to come together in the spirit of unity and understanding. It stands as a testament to the power of interfaith collaboration and the transformative potential of love and acceptance. In a world often divided by religious differences, this center serves as a reminder of the universal values that unite us all.

At the heart of the center's mission is the belief in the interconnectedness of all faith traditions. Here, individuals from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, New Age and other spiritual paths gather to celebrate their shared humanity and explore the common threads that unite them. Respect for diversity is not just encouraged; it is celebrated as a source of strength and enrichment.

The center offers a variety of spiritual activities and services to nourish the soul and deepen one's connection to the divine. From interfaith gatherings and meditation sessions to prayer circles and educational workshops, there are ample opportunities for spiritual growth and personal reflection. Each event is designed to foster a sense of unity, peace and inner transformation.

Early this April, the center held an event to bring awareness of both antisemitism and islamophobia to counter the recent rise of those harmful ideologies.

In the realm of religious pluralism, where the tapestry of faiths weaves a vibrant mosaic, the specters of Islamophobia and Antisemitism cast a dark shadow upon principles of tolerance and understanding.

“We’re healing the future in the past. When we start healing that kind of trauma, that’s spiritual.” –on generational trauma, Neema Caughran, Center for Inner Peace spiritual leader

In the mosaic of human experience, spirituality emerges as an intensely personal journey, as noted by Neema Caughran, the spiritual leader at the Center for Inner Peace.

"We all agree that each person has their very own unique spiritual journey,” she said. “And nobody can tell you what that is, what to believe or how to approach it. Because it's very personal."

This sentiment underscores the intrinsic diversity of spiritual paths and the necessity of respecting each individual's quest for meaning and connection.

Caughran astutely observed that the pursuit of social justice must be imbued with an inclusive spiritual framework. Caughran said, “in my mind, if you don't have that focus of underlying love, and a need for peace" efforts to address systemic injustices risk fragmentation and ineffectiveness.

This insight underscored the interconnectedness of spirituality and activism, highlighting the importance of holistic approaches to social change. In this, she emphasized the significance of historical consciousness in fostering empathy and understanding, particularly in contexts such as the Middle East.

“We have never dealt with our own history in America,” she said, “Israel, apparently hasn't dealt with this own history, too.”

By acknowledging historical perspectives, we can cultivate a more nuanced understanding of complex geopolitical dynamics that can be cultivated, and honest work can begin with constructive dialogue and reconciliation.

“The only way that we can deal with [generational trauma], I think, is spiritual,” she said. ‘And so, when we are pulling that out, those preconceived notions, the intergenerational trauma… we can know now how we carry an unconscious agenda, generationally… So we're healing the future in the past. When we start healing that kind of trauma, that's spiritual.”

The Diverse Fabric of Muslim Identity

Maha Elgenaidi, a leader in religious studies and political science, offered insight on the multifaceted dimensions of Islamophobia: delving deep into its origins, manifestations and profound impacts on Muslim Americans.

With a master's degree in religious studies and an undergraduate background in political science, Elgenaidi is no stranger to the intricacies of identity politics. As the Executive Director of Islamic Network Group, her advocacy resonates with the urgency of addressing Islamophobia within the broader context of societal bigotry.

Elgenaidi emphasizes the rich history of Muslim identity, spanning across continents, languages, and cultures. From China to Europe, Russia to the Americas, Muslims defy a monolithic categorization, taking form in different ethnicities, languages and traditions. Beyond religious affiliation, factors such as education, economic status and cultural upbringing shape the multifaceted identities within the Muslim community.

"Muslims are not one monolithic group,” said Elgenaidi. “It's really important to understand and to recognize the diversity of Muslims to avoid stereotyping them.”

The Center of Inner Peace’s spiritual leader Neema Caughran said that healing from hate begins with understanding other cultures and reckoning with shameful histories of hate. (Photo/Center for Inner Peace’s Facebook).

ING executive director Maha Elgenaidi.

From a statisical perspective

Islamophobia

The following statistics, according to Elgenaidi, highlight the widespread prevalence of Islamophobia and its detrimental effects on Muslim Americans, Arab Americans, Sikhs, Palestinians, and other marginalized groups.

Muslim Population Distribution:

• Muslims represent about a quarter of the world’s population and reside across all continents. There are 50 majority Muslim countries, with sizable minority populations in places like China, Europe, Russia, and the Americas.

Arab American Demographics:

• In the United States, 65% of Arab Americans are Christian, not Muslim.

Negative Perceptions about Muslims:

• 56% of Americans are concerned about a possible rise of extremism in Islam.

• 50% of Americans believe Islam is not part of mainstream American society.

Increase in Hate Incidents: Since October, hate incidents have increased by 178% compared to the same period in 2022.

Discrimination Against Muslims:

• Muslims experience the worst discrimination in institutional settings compared to any other group.

• Nearly one out of two Muslim children is bullied, more than double the number of the general public.

• Muslims receive lower emails and phone call percentages when applying for jobs.

• Muslim students experience an average of 40% of discrimination on college campuses, including verbal harassment, vandalism, stalking, and violence.

Impact of Islamophobia on Sikhs and Palestinians:

• Sikhs are often mistaken as Muslims, leading to violence.

• The first person killed after 9/11 was a Sikh businessman.

• Palestinians, whether Muslim, Christian, or Jewish, are impacted by Islamophobia. They are often mistaken as anti-Semitic, leading to erasure of their identity and demonization.

Antisemitism

The following statistics, according to Aron, showcases an analysis of antisemitism and its detrimental impact on the Jewish community.

Misperceptions of Jewish Community:

• Many people overestimate the size of the Jewish community in the United States, with estimates ranging from 20% to 40%, while Jews actually make up about 2% of the population.

Global Jewish Population:

• Jews represent less than 0.1% of the world’s population, with approximately 15.2 million Jewish individuals worldwide in 2024, still below the number of Jews in 1939.

Historical Roots:

• Christianity has historically been a major source of antisemitism, with some blaming Jews for rejecting Jesus and perpetuating stereotypes about Jewish culpability for Jesus’ death.

• Political antisemitism arose with Jews’ participation in political life, leading to conspiracy theories and accusations of Jewish control.

• Racial antisemitism developed pseudo-scientific beliefs about Jews as a separate race, culminating in the Holocaust.

Modern Manifestations:

• Antisemitism has seen a resurgence since 2016, with college students particularly affected. A quarter of American adults believe antisemitic tropes, contributing to a hostile environment for Jewish individuals.

Current Challenges:

• Antisemitism adapts to societal changes and continues to manifest through common myths and tropes. It resurfaces during difficult times when people seek scapegoats for societal problems.

SPIRIT OF INCLUSIVITY

continued from page 28

Deconstructing a framework of prejudice

According to Elgenaidi, Islamophobia is not merely a collection of biased attitudes but a systemic framework rooted in pejorative narratives.

These narratives, she contends, perpetuate three dominant tropes: the portrayal of Islam as culturally incompatible with Western society, the vilification of Islam as a religion of violence and the reduction of Islam to a monolithic entity.

"Islamophobia is a framework by which we view and portray Islam and Muslims in society... consisting of pejorative narratives which lead to bias towards Muslims," Elgenaidi said.

In tracing the roots of systemic biases and prejudices within this very land, Elgenaidi delved into the historical legacies of European colonization.

Historical roots, contemporary realities

Contrary to popular perception, Islamophobia predates the events of 9/11, echoing back to medieval crusades and colonial conquests. Elgenaidi traces the lineage of anti-Muslim stereotypes, entrenched in European colonialism and perpetuated through centuries of cultural dissemination.

According to Elgenaidi, Islamophobia dates back with the Crusades in the 11th century…and became embedded in European culture through colonialism."

“Together, we can strive towards a future where religious pluralism flourishes, unburdened by the shackles of fear and prejudice,.”

–Maha Elgenaidi, ING executive director

By acknowledging the pervasive influence of colonialism on cultural norms and societal attitudes, she highlights the need for critical examination and collective action to dismantle these deeply entrenched biases.

“Remember the United States was also colonized early on by European settlers, not only the United States, but also Canada, New Zealand, Australia,” she said. “European settlers come to these lands, and they carry these stereotypes with them. They become embedded in our culture and our society through various institutions.”

Elgenaidi underscored the need of adapting to shifting social dynamics. She called back to a pivotal moment of realization, spurred by the Black Lives Matter movement, where the need for solidarity across diverse communities became glaringly evident.

With a heightened awareness of intersecting forms of bigotry, including Islamophobia, antisemitism and anti-blackness, the necessity of expanding their efforts beyond a singular focus becomes clear. According to Elgenaidi, through this, collective action can be successful in combating systemic discrimination and fostering inclusivity.

“The same work, in the context of Americans religious pluralism, when after Black Lives Matter, we realized that we will need to be doing the work that we do to counter Islamophobia in the context of other forms of bigotry, anti semitism, anti blackness and so forth,” she said.

From textbooks to media narratives, institutional structures propagate Islamophobic sentiments, perpetuating stereotypes of Muslim extremism while erasing the rich contributions of Islamic civilization to society throughout history.

Elgenaidi highlighted the role of media bias, governmental policies and cultural productions in reinforcing negative perceptions of Muslims: "Textbooks and media often portray Muslims in negative terms... ignoring the rich history of Muslim contributions in the sciences and culture.”

The repercussions of Islamophobia reverberate throughout society, inflicting true harm on Muslim Americans.

"Muslims experience discrimination in institutional settings... and are the most likely groups to experience religious discrimination.” she said.

Discrimination in employment, education, healthcare and law enforcement perpetuates systemic inequalities, while hate crimes and violent attacks terrorize individuals and communities.

Elgenaidi underscored the intersectional nature of Islamophobia, impacting not only Muslims but also Arab and Palestinian communities, Sikhs and other marginalized groups.

Paths to resilience

In the face of adversity, Elgenaidi advocated for education as a potent tool for combating Islamophobia. By challenging stereotypes, promoting interfaith dialogue and fostering cultural understanding, communities can dismantle the pervasive narratives of prejudice.

According to Elgenaidi, learning about other people, their cultures, experiences, etc. is “incredibly important” in correcting misconceptions and biases.

"Together, we can strive towards a future where religious pluralism flourishes, unburdened by the shackles of fear and prejudice," she said.

Unveiling the layers of antisemitism

Similarly to Islamophobia, few biases have endured with the tenacity and virulence of antisemitism.

Rabbi Melanie Aron, a distinguished congregational leader with over three decades of service in Los Angeles, California, provided her insights on the multifaceted dimensions of antisemitism.

With a career spanning both coasts of the United States, Rabbi Aron brings a wealth of experience to the table, coupled with an undergraduate degree in polit-

ical science and a profound commitment to ethical discourse.

Delving into its history, Rabbi Aron covered the evolution of antisemitism, from ancient resentments to contemporary manifestations.

"Antisemitism often arises from a perception of Jewish difference, fueled by historical misconceptions and prejudices,” Aron said. “From the Roman era to the modern day, Jews have faced discrimination rooted in religious, political and racial biases."Antisemitism from a statistical perspective

“As we confront the scourge of antisemitism, let us stand together in solidarity and defiance.”

–Rabbi Melanie Aron

uitable world.

Colonial legacies, collective consciousness

The voices of the speakers and community members at the event offered profound insights into the intersections of spirituality, colonizatio, and prejudice, which underscored the importance of empathy, historical consciousness and critical engagement in navigating the complexities of our world.

After the event, many community members left the sanctuary feeling better informed and even enlightened. One such example is community member Maria Elena Weaver, whose reflections offer a poignant reminder of the enduring legacies of colonization and their impact on collective consciousness.

The following statistics, according to Aron, highlight the widespread prevalence of antisemitism and its detrimental effects on the Jewish community.

Debunking misconceptions about Jewish identity

Central to understanding antisemitism is a nuanced comprehension of Jewish identity, which Rabbi Aron deftly unpacked.

Contrary to popular belief, Judaism transcends mere religious adherence, encompassing an intricate tapestry of ethnicity, culture and communal heritage. Judaism is both a religion and an ethnic group, with many Jews identifying with Judaism culturally or ancestrally rather than religiously. Jews are racially, ethnically and economically diverse.

According to Aron, "Jewish identity is multifaceted, encompassing religious, ethnic and cultural dimensions.”

“Whether through family lineage, religious conversion or cultural affiliation, individuals embrace their Jewishness in diverse ways,” she said.

Unmasking the persistent narratives of hate

In the lexicon of antisemitism, certain tropes recur with alarming frequency, perpetuating stereotypes that vilify and marginalize Jewish communities. Rabbi Aron confronts these pernicious narratives head-on, exposing their insidious impact on societal attitudes and behaviors.

"Antisemitism thrives on false narratives and stereotypes, from accusations of Jewish greed and manipulation to conspiracy theories about Jewish control,” she said. “These myths, though baseless, continue to fuel prejudice and discrimination."

As Rabbi Aron surveyed the contemporary landscape, a sobering reality emerges: antisemitism is on the rise, manifesting in overt acts of violence, institutional discrimination and pervasive online hate speech. From college campuses to corporate boardrooms, Jews face a renewed onslaught of bigotry and intolerance.

"In today's world, antisemitism takes many forms, from physical attacks to cyberbullying,” she said.“Its resurgence reflects broader societal tensions and a dangerous propensity to scapegoat minority communities during times of crisis.”

A call to further understanding

In the face of mounting prejudice, Rabbi Aron issued a clarion call for unity and solidarity.

According to Rabbi Aron, by promoting interfaith dialogue, amplifying marginalized voices and advocating for legislative action, society can combat the insidious tide of antisemitism and uphold the principles of justice and compassion.

"As we confront the scourge of antisemitism, let us stand together in solidarity and defiance,” she said. “Through education, empathy and collective action, we can build a future where bigotry has no place, and every individual is free to embrace their identity without fear or persecution.”

Rabbi Melanie Aron's impassioned discourse, is a sobering indictment of humanity's capacity for hatred and a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and eq-

Weaver, in confronting the historical injustices that have shaped the Caribbean landscape, urges people to reckon with our shared history, saying, "It's because of colonization and domination.”

Weaver contributes her experiences, rooted in her Cuban heritage, in revealing to her the insidious nature of colonization. .

Weaver shared her skepticism towards mainstream narratives, suggesting that they serve as a call to critical inquiry and discernment in the face of misinformation and prejudice.

“Anybody can write something, put it out there,” she said. “And, what are their motives? What are they trying to make people feel? So, I don't believe everything I read. And I don't believe everything that I believed a month or two, or three, ago. We have to evolve, we have to always learn new things.”

Rabbi Melanie Aron.

Celebrating excellence

By Anthony A. Martinez School District 70 director of curriculum & instruction

In the heart of Pueblo, Colorado, Pueblo County School District 70 stands as a testament to educational excellence and a strong community spirit. The district remains committed to nurturing the potential of every student, creating a vibrant learning environment where diversity is embraced.

District 70’s core mission emphasizes the belief that all children deserve the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background. This principle fosters inclusivity, celebrating similarities, respecting differences, and valuing every student’s unique contributions.

The district’s schools provide a welcoming space for lifelong learning. Students discover the joy of academic achievement while developing compassion, empathy, and respect – key values in a landscape where mountains meet plains.

District 70 takes a holistic approach to education, focusing on academic rigor, healthy habits, and the emotional well-being of its students. Educators, staff, administrators, parents, and the community work together to help students flourish in a changing world.

The district’s commitment to excellence is reflected in recent achievements recognized by the Colorado Department of Education. An impressive 22 out of 26 schools in District 70 received the prestigious “Performance” rating. This highlights the dedication of both students and staff.

An ‘impressive’ achievement

Colorado Department of Education recognizes District 70 with “Performance” rating. for 22 out of 26 schools

School District 70, PSJ introduce guest column championing students, community pride

KEEPING UP WITH D70

Congratulations 2024 graduates!

District 70 has six graduation ceremonies this May honoring the achievements of our students.

Esports State Championship win

Pueblo West Cyclones’ Esports Mario Kart team won the in-person tournament in Denver.

Celebrating our school lunch heroes

District 70 shares appreciation for those who nourish our students’ bodies and spirits. School Lunch Hero Day was Friday, May 3.

Youth football camp registration opens Costs $100. 8 a.m. -noon, July 17-19. Boys & Girls, rising 1st-8th graders. Info: packfootballcamps.com

Our Yale Young Global Scholar

Pueblo County High School junior, Zora Malone. Zora was selected to participate in the Yale Young Global Scholars program. ...and more.

The achievement underscores a district-wide culture focused on maximizing student potential.

District 70 demonstrates how community spirit and academic excellence go hand-in-hand. The district looks to the future with optimism, continuing its extraordinary journey toward achievement and community pride.

Stay tuned: District 70 representatives will contribute to this guest column monthly.

Anthony A. Martinez D70 director of curriculum & instruction

CREATURE FEATURE

“An icon in Mexican Culture”, “A Water Monster”, “A shape shifting Aztec God”. It has the ability to regenerate almost every part of its body including its limbs, eyes, brain, and spinal cord. This creature has a genome ten times as long as a human genome, the longest in the animal kingdom. Can you imagine a creature who fits all these descriptions? The answer may surprise you… this month’s Creature Feature is the Axolotl.

Axolotls are a species of amphibian, native to two lakes in Mexico City, Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco. Despite their rapidly growing popularity as pets, wild populations are critically endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and the introduction of invasive fish into their native habitats. Scientists estimate that only 50-1000 mature individuals are left in the wild! That makes our Axolotls one of the most endangered species in the entire collection at the Pueblo Zoo.

3455 Nuckolls Ave

In Pueblo City Park

Open year-round pueblozoo.org

Luckily scientists and advocates have sprung into action to keep this amazing creature from going extinct. Some conservation efforts include restoring suitable habitats and increasing education about the cultural and biological significance of the Axolotl. The effort has even received support from Mexico’s central bank, in 2021 when they issued a new 50-peso-bill featuring the axolotl in support of their conservation. You can contribute to the conservation of the axolotl and other endangered species by visiting the Pueblo Zoo and the brand-new Axolotl exhibit in the World of Color.

Elissa Velasquez - Teen Volunteer & Education Program Coordinator

ARTS & CRAFTS

CO Creative Industries Annual Summit

FUN & GAMES

Chaos Games & More

9 a.m.-4:45 p.m. May 10-11, Pueblo Convention Center, 320 Central Main St.

Info: oedit.colorado.gov/colorado-creative-industries-summit

HISTORY & CULTURE

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

Riverwalk Summer Kickoff

May 3-5, Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo

Info: puebloriverwalk.org

Pueblo Rocks in the Park

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

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.

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.

MUSIC & DANCE

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

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

Natural Medicine Holistic Fair

9 a.m.-6 p.m. June 8, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 9, Colorado State Fairgrounds, 1001 Beulah Ave. Info: earthswisdommycology.com

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

Check

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.

Full Circle Healing

10-11 a.m. last Sundays, Wild Child Yoga, 281 S. Joe Martinez Blvd., Pueblo West Info: 719-289-8677

SPIRITUALITY

Interfaith meditation and service

10-11:30 a.m. Sundays, Center for Inner Peace, 740 W. 15th St. Info: 719-543-2274

THEATRE

‘The Savannah Sipping Society’

7:30 p.m. May 3, 4, 10 and 11 and 2 p.m. May 5, Impossible Playhouse, 1201 N. Main St. Info: impossibleplayers.com

“We Are Gathered Here”

6:30 p.m. May 3-4 and 10-11, Steel City Theatre Company, 611 N. Main St. Info: 719-994-8298

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

MAY

May 3 - Friday

May Day Celebration

5:30-8:30 p.m., The Ethos, 615 E. Mesa Ave. Info: ethospueblo.com

World Ballet Series: ‘Swan Lake’

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

May 4 - Saturday

Free Comic Book Day

All day, various comic book stores nationwide Info: freecomicbookday.com

Exhibit opening for ‘The Voice of the People is the Voice of God: Pueblo in the Progressive Era’

4-7 p.m., Pueblo Heritage Museum, 201 W. B. St. Info: theheritagecenter.us/

Community Contra Dance

6-9 p.m., The Ethos, 615 E. Mesa Ave. Info: ethospueblo.com

Tom Munch Concert

7-9 p.m., The Center for Inner Peace, 740 W. 15th St. Info: Suggested donation $20

May 5 - Sunday

Out Loud Colo. Springs Men’s Chorus Concert

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

May 9 - Thursday

Books-by-the-Bag Sale

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

p.m. May 9

Open to public 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 10-11 Books Again, 622 S. Union Ave. Info: booksagainbookstore.com

May 10 - Friday

Faux-First Friday Art, Food, and Drink Crawl Info: elissaball@msn.com

Come What May Comedy Show by Underground Improv

6-8 p.m., Fuel & Iron Food Hall, 400 S. Union Ave.

May 11 - Saturday

Plant Sale

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

Plant Sale

9 a.m.-3 p.m., Paws for Life, 800 N. Pueblo Blvd. Info: pawspueblo.org

May 16 - Thursday

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 - Friday

The 719 Playlist

7:30 p.m. May 17, Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

May 18 - Saturday

Golf Tournament - PAWS for Life

7:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Hollydot Golf Course, 55 N. Parkway Drive, Colorado City Info: pawspueblo.org

The Collective Self-Care 2024 Events

9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 18, Renewed Wholesale, 720 S. Main St. Info: collective.events@aol.com

JUNE

Pueblo Levee Walk

7:30 a.m.-noon, June 8, Dutch Clark Stadium East Side Revitalization Project

8 a.m.-3 p.m., skate park, Sixth Street and Erie Ave.

Info: signupgenius.com/go/10C084EABA72FA5FCC16-48572792-leadership#/

Sesame Street Live

6 p.m. June 28, Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

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We Want Your Input

Pueblo West Community Solar Garden Project – Notice for the Preparation of a Pueblo County 1041 Permit Application and Public Open House

GRID Alternatives (GRID) is seeking your comment and input on its proposed Pueblo West Community Solar Garden Project (the Project). GRID is proposing to construct and operate the Project, which is an approximately 1.5-megawatt (MW) community solar garden in Pueblo County. The footprint will encompass up to 6.5 acres. GRID has been awarded the solar garden capacity through the Black Hills Energy Community Solar Program.

GRID will prepare a Pueblo County 1041 Permit for the Project in accordance with Colorado House Bill 1041 regulations (HB 74-1041) and per section 17.168.050 of Pueblo County Code. GRID has successfully partnered with the Housing Authority of the City of Pueblo. The Project will benefit lowincome residents and service providers in the Pueblo County area. Additionally, GRID will provide workforce training opportunities and solar industry career services for residents through the Project’s construction.

Opportunities for Comment

Email: PuebloWestCommunitySolar Garden@swca.com Call: (719) 451-3796

Public Open House

Join GRID to learn more about the Project

When: Monday, May 20, from 4:00-6:00 PM

Where: Pueblo West Public Library 298 S Joe Martinez Blvd, Pueblo, CO 81007

This will be an informal opportunity for the community to learn about the Project, visit with the GRID team, and provide comments. Information will be on display and light refreshments will be provided. No formal presentation is planned for this event.