Issuu

Vol. 2 No. 9

OCTOBER 6, 2023

VET INDUSTRY 6 | RUNWAY 15 | BELL GAME 20 | VETERANS’ VOICE 23

• DIG DEEPER •

Pueblo animal hospital provides insight on vet industry, crises faced

By Rory Harbert

Caring for our vets, techs, pets

Photo by Rory Harbert

he vet industry is reaching a boiling point, in Pueblo and throughout the nation. Small communities face problems with recruiting veterinary science graduates as veteran veterinarians retire. Graduates grapple with student loans in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Emergency hospitals are overloaded with cases, as primary care clinics cannot take on any new clients. The price of care is increasing, as quality of care increases—but the cost of supplies and medication has gone up as well. These problems have been compounded with the pandemic, with its explosion of pet owners without established vets and animals that went unspayed/unneutered due to closure, causing more litters of cats and dogs. It is an endless cycle of increasing demand and decreasing professionals available to address, and Pueblo is not immune to this. Last October, Dr. Patti Canchola, who has practiced veterinary medicine for 33 years, became the sole veterinarian at Dr. Patti Canchola, a veterinarian at Pets and Friends Animal Hospital, performed a neutering procedure on Bomer, a yellow labrador retriever training to be the therapy dog for the Pets and Friends Animal Hospital, 3625 Pueblo West Fire Department. Owner Peggy Martin said that Canchola has been her veterinarian for over 10 years, having cared for her now-passed lab, Jack, who was the previous Baltimore Ave. This change followed the station dog. Photo by Rory Harbert. potential patients to be turned away. beloved pet’s health is at risk. retirement of Dr. Lori Mugasis, after a de“I think without the Humane Society had not stepped “Generally, veterinarians can’t say no; big hearts,” cades-long career serving the Pueblo community and up to do their Wellness Clinic and without the three Canchola said. “We want to help everything, fix everyits animals. house-call veterinarians—we’d be in a real crunch,” thing. And those of us who can’t say no, bring on a “If you are comparing us to other practices, we’re not the 2017 American Human Hero Veterinarian award heavy caseload, and then the staff is overwhelmed. So a busy as Mesa, who has eight doctors now.” Canchola winner said. “Because they have really given us options there comes a time when, as hard as it is, you have to said. “But from a previous three-doctor practice down to at least give people some help. They’ve been a godsend them away to go find help elsewhere.” to one—it’s been challenging.” send.” Pets and Friends may have experienced additional This solo operation resulted in the office being closed This has been a hardship for both staff members and strain from the shortage of vets, but this hospital was alon Fridays, for the well-being of everyone on staff. Unowners, whose compassion fortunately, as their schedule became tighter, it forced VET INDUSTRY continued on page 6 current patients to wait longer for appointments—and lies with the patient, where a

OCTOBER 6, 2023

Raptor Center Director Diana Miller, until it was fully healed and raring to hen I moved to Pueblo eight go back into the skies above. years ago, I brought with me a The youngest of the six Kites came in deep love for creative design, earlier this summer as an injured fledgphotography, and the natural ling, and so it had not yet learned how world. The Nature & Wildlife Discovto soar. It spent the end of its recovery ery Center has been the perfect place inside a large flight enclosure, gaining for me to join those passions together. strength and exploring small bouts of Since I took a position as their Sales & flight from one perch to another. It was Jenn de Groot Marketing Director in May 2022, I’ve not until the release on September 2nd NWDC Sales & Marketing had a front-row seat for several raptor that this young Kite had the chance to Director releases as the photographer for the really stretch its wings. An enraptured event. audience watched in awe as the bird took to the air, The NWDC Raptor Center conducts a raptor reflapped ever higher, and then began to instinctually lease when a wild bird in its care has regained full soar for its very first time. It was incredible to watch health and is ready to return to its natural habitat. that Kite do what it was born to do, carving great Raptor releases can often draw quite a crowd of bird arcs in the air above, without ever having been taught watchers, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts how. All six of the Mississippi Kites that were remany with cameras in hand, like me. leased that day have now joined their annual migraOn Sept. 2, NWDC released no fewer than six tion, which will take them about 6,000 miles away to Mississippi Kites during its International Vulture South America. Day celebration. When these birds of prey were first My favorite raptor release to date came not long brought into the Raptor Center, they had various after, on Sept. 18. NWDC had planned to release injuries and ailments; luckily for them, the Raptor four rehabilitated Great Horned Owls that evening, Center has specialized in the rehabilitative care of and my twin sister was in town for an extended visit birds of prey for over 40 years. Each bird received with me. It was the perfect chance to share a once-inattention from a compassionate care team, led by

Photo by Jenn de Groot

Photo courtesy of Jenn de Groot

GUEST COLUMN

OCTOBER 6, 2023

Wings, spirits fly high

Nature center marketing director reflects on releasing rehabilitated birds of prey

The Vulture Day celebration ended with volunteers from the crowd helping with the release of healed raptors. Photo by Jenn de Groot.

a-lifetime event with her. We started at the Raptor Center, where a large number of NWDC staff, volunteers, and community members gathered to form a caravan. Then, we drove west for about 25 minutes, headlights turned on in an attempt to signal to other drivers that we were traveling as a group. Golden hour slid softly into a beautiful evening glow as we entered PuebBIRDS OF PREY continued on page 4

Board of Directors: Gregory Howell, Kennedy Pugh, Chantal Woodyard, Leslie Nazario Advisory Board: Nicki Hart, Susan Wolf, Caroline Trani, Jayson Peters

| PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG

News content, sports & podcast manager: Ben Cason Arts & News editor: Rory Harbert Contributors: Jenn de Groot, Kristin Skye Hoffmann, Rachel Kutskill, Gary Markstein, Amy Gillentine Sweet Special thanks to: CHFA, Creative Consortium of Pueblo, CU-Boulder Chamber Orchestra, Karmic Konnection, Joseph Kutskill, Anthony Perko, Photography by Lyss, Pueblo Community College, Pueblo County Historical Society, Pueblo School District 60, Southern Colorado Fashion, SRDA, Sure-Lock Locksmith. Looking for a meaningful cause to round out your charitable contributions for the tax year? Look no further than the Pueblo Star Journal and support local news. Rational Media Ltd dba Pueblo Star Journal is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Make your donation by Dec. 31 to ensure that it can be deducted from this year’s taxes. EIN: ‍87-2723921 | Pueblo, CO, United States. Send donation checks to: Pueblo Star Journal 301 N Main St, Suite 101 Pueblo CO 81003.

or donate online: PuebloStarJournal.org/Donate Illustration by Gary Markstein.

continued from page 3

lo Reservoir Wildlife Area, dodging natural drainage ditches and kicking up dust on the dirt road. Once we reached the designated release location, I got my camera ready as my co-workers shared stories with the assembled crowd about the owls’ recovery journeys. Then, at last, members of the audience were given tickets upon which to write their names. Four lucky people would be randomly chosen to assist in performing the releases. As luck would have it, my twin sister was the very first person to be chosen! Diana gave her a thick pair of gloves, carefully brought the Great Horned Owl out of its carrier, and transferred the bird to her, showing her how to hold its feet, avoid its talons, and support its back. A hush fell over the crowd and the air hummed with palpable anticipation of the bird’s imminent flight. As my sister gazed at the owl in her hands, her face shone with joy; and I am sure mine did too as I snapped photo after photo. Then, with a quick toss (“up and out,” as Diana says!), the owl took to the air to a joyful round of applause and flew off silently to settle into its new habitat. One after another, three more Great Horned Owls were released that evening, soaring in different directions to alight atop distant willows and cottonwood trees. Each release had its own magical moment in time and was performed beautifully by a member of the community. I think I can speak for everyone present when I say it was an honor to witness and document the return of these beautiful birds to the wild, where they belong.

Over 300 injured, ill, and orphaned birds of prey are admitted into the care of the NWDC Raptor Center every year. A compassionate care team provides these birds with the best rehabilitative care possible in hopes that they can soon return to the wild. YOU can help support NWDC’s raptor rehabilitation efforts through volunteer service, donations, and being an NWDC member.

Over 300 birds of prey are admitted into the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center’s Raptor Center every year. After rehabilitation, a raptor is released back into nature. More photos on the release can be found on the NWDC’s Facebook. Photos by Jenn de Groot.

Photos by Jenn de Groot

OCTOBER 6, 2023

BIRDS OF PREY

| PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG Photos courtesy of

OCTOBER 6, 2023

VET INDUSTRY continued from page 1

Animal or human medical care fields: how do the salaries compare nationally?

Professions requiring a doctoral or professional degree

$103k veterinarians $229k physicians $159k dentists Professions requiring* an associate’s degree

$81k dental hygienists $78k diagnostic medical sonographers

$38k veterinary technologists and technicians Professions requiring* postsecondary nondegree award

$54k practical/vocational nurse

$39k EMTs,

paramedics

Profession requiring* a high school diploma

$34k veterinary

assistants

Based on data from the Bureau Labor Statistics, providing 2022 median pay per occupation in the U.S. Numbers rounded for clarity. Similar occupations suggested by BLS. *typically.

ready in the mud with the repercussions of the nationwide, systemic issues in the industry, which has left the entire staff all-hands-on-deck, 24/7. Pets and Friends gets approximately 300 calls a day on average, asking for appointments from current and new clients, for routine vaccinations to emergency care they cannot provide in the clinic. Hospital manager Vicki Lockhart sympathizes with the front desk staff. “It’s a non-stop phone that goes off, and then if they don’t answer within a short amount of time or the phone is turned over for an hour, there’s 10 or 20 voicemails,” she said. While many of these phone calls are from owners seeking care, often this desperation manifests into anger. This anger gets filtered through the receptionist team first. Bailey Corsentino, one of the front desk receptionists, has worked at Pets and Friends since February. “I think a lot of people don’t take into consideration is that it’s very easy to judge from the outside looking in,” Corsentino said. “Because when people come in and we tell them we can’t see you for two weeks, it’s not, ‘We don’t want to see you right now.’ It’s, ‘we are completely booked and Dr. Patti is going to run out of energy and not be able to provide the best care for you and your pet.’” For the past year, this is the message they had to provide many owners, having to send them to another clinic or hospital and hope for the best for their pets. “One of the stressors is the clients don’t understand that so many clinics have lost so many doctors,” Canchola said. “And so, the demand doesn’t change the availability for either myself or some other clinic.” Canchola said that half the calls are from owners with pets that are considered current patients and the other half comprises owners, new to the area, looking for a vet or owners with a local primary vet but are calling because that clinic is backlogged, and they are searching for an earlier appointment anywhere else. Many calls come in with a false claim that they are new to the area in hopes of prioritization. “They’ll claim they’re new to the area, and then when we ask for medical records, it’s like, ‘well, they already have a doctor they’re established with,’” she said. “So, we’ve become more careful in how we’re screening a lot of the calls. Because, if I get overwhelmed with non-clients, then our clients don’t have any place to go. And it’s just out of sheer desperation and worry.” The effect of this off-loading is not isolated to one clinic. “It trickles down because a lot of these cases get referred to emergency clinics in Colorado Springs, and what they are seeing are really not emergencies,” Canchola said. “What they’ve learned to do is put things in order of severity. So, if you go in with an ear infection, you’re probably going to wait several hours because something else more critical is going to bump an ear infection. So, it becomes quite frustrating.” Canchola said that, with the biggest retirement wave seen by the industry, as the Boomer generation ages out of the workforce, graduates are encouraged to treat the symptom of this trickle-down effect. They get pushed to join emergency care practices leaving primary care clinics like Pets and Friends without doctors to fill in the gaps. Lockhart, who has worked in emergency care, said that, with the around-theclock shifts and the immense stress-level, it was grueling work. For her and the team, their concerns lie with their industry peers and burning out new graduates before they can acclimate to being in the field as professionals. “Once you hit burnout in veterinarian medicine, you’re done,” Lockhart said. “You either take a break or you will never come back.” Luckily, Pets and Friends caught a break. On July 31, the newest veterinarian, Dr. Stephanie Meakins, joined the team. Shortly after, Dr. Christina Kellog, the relief doctor who would come in twice a week to offset the load for the clinic, decided to stay with Pets and Friends full-time. After a year of being closed on Fridays, the team is looking to open up their schedule for patients now that there are enough veterinary doctors to fill in the time. Meakins said that, since she started, she has been glad to see that even patients

who are loyal to Patti are happy to have her care for their pets. She graduated from Colorado State University in May. Meakins took a path less traveled by, as she said that her peers from college looked to places like Denver and emergency clinics. “I know a lot of my classmates…. There’s no way they would come down this far south,” Meakins said, citing the stigma the city has to other Coloradoans. “It took a lot for me to come down here,” she said. “Just because my whole life was more outside of Denver, and so I was more comfortable up there. But I feel like just having three days off… (‘It’s an incentive!’ Canchola said, followed by laughter from the team.) Then I got to come down and meet everybody once before I signed on.” The clinic was a good fit for her as she said she “wanted a smaller feel versus a big corporation.” Missie King, who has worked in veterinary clinics for over 25 years, said “Pueblo, in general, doesn’t have a good Google review” and that makes it difficult to recruit outsiders. “It makes it hard for people to want to come here for such minimal pay… We don’t make that much,” she said. Pets and Friends Animal Hospital is a business, and one way they can make a profit is by selling medications. According to Lockhart, it is a game of balance to make sure that the pricing of their medications is high enough for to maintain the practice, low enough for clients and bought in precise quantities to ensure that they can sell it before expiration. “We have to make sure we are selling at a certain price so that we are making money,” Lockhart said. “We’re not just selling it at-cost, and not making money, because then we can’t pay for our staff either.” King said many of the lower prices at online pharmacies come from their ability to buy in bulk and move stock fast. “Being a small [clinic], you only order smaller amounts,” King said. “We’re not a big pharmacy… so it is more expensive just to even carry certain things.” Corsentino, being at the front desk, sees how the costs are affecting the Pueblo community: “It’s expensive to have a pet, but now it’s getting worse.” She sees owners who get a bill that they cannot afford or get recommended to go to a clinic in Colorado Springs when they do not have a car. It is a mental strain to hear that same story over and over again.

Check out the Voices of Pueblo podcast on pet health at: voicesofpueblo.podbean.com or use the QR code on the back page of this issue. Listen on any platform!

OCTOBER 6, 2023 | PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG

Photo by Rory Harbert

Dr. Stephanie Meakins excitedly assesses a kitten, who was found as a stray and had to be bottlefed by its owner. Photo by Rory Harbert.

“We have, I like to say, a close bond with our clients,” Corsentino said. “Every time somebody comes in here—the more they come in here—you get to know them. You get to know about their life, you get to know their family, you get to know their pets. As soon as they come through the door, you don’t even have to look at the schedule to know who they are…. You start to get attached to these patients, you get attached to their dogs and cats, and to them. And it is so, so hard when they have to be euthanized or when a client passes away.” Most of the staff commute in from Colorado Springs or other northern cities, citing that it ultimately came down to seeking nicer housing within their budget and being pushed out of the city due to Pueblo’s pet restrictions. Collecting cases, pets in this instance, is a condition of the profession. “We have animals that come in and the owner can’t take care of them,” Lockhart said, who has four dogs, providing a reason why so many in their profession end up adopting so many pets. Most clinics require new hires to learn how to work the reception desk, maintain kennels and other duties throughout the clinic to make sure everything can still be functioning as normal whenever they are short-staffed. “We’re not big enough at this clinic to have one person only on labs, one person only on rooms, one person only on surgery,” Lockhart said. “You know, if we had a bigger clinic, you know, maybe.” American Veterinary Medical Association committee chair Kelly Foltz stated in an AVMA article that wages are still not adequate for the knowledge and expertise required in response to a survey conducted by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, which reported that the average salary for a veterinarian technician was $52,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a national median pay of about $38,000 for the same year. With a $12,000 difference in data, Foltz still said the higher pay was not enough. Additionally, the AAHA stated in an article that, because Generation Z is switching jobs at a 134% rate higher than 2019, incentives are needed to maintain retention: “Any practice that is paying their veterinarians less than $100,000 in guaranteed base salary is at risk of losing their doctors—unless they are also willing to negotiate on work-life balance factors such as PTO and work schedules.” If that is the recommendation, then Pueblo may be in hot water. According to the BLS, Pueblo County employs 30 veterinarians, reporting an annual median salary of almost $87,000. As of 2022, Colorado has one of the highest concentrations of veterinarian positions in the nation but is among the second-lowest paying states (with Pueblo ranking even lower than the statewide pay range). With 40 employed veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers, Pueblo County reports an income of almost $32,000 a year, making an average of $15.29 per hour. By hourly wage, vet techs rank as 15th least-paid workers in the county. “You have doctors that see ‘this’ [specialty],” King said. “Even nurses, or technicians that only do X-rays, that’s all they do…We have to do all those different

Photo by Rory Harbert

OCTOBER 6, 2023

“I guess they don’t look at us, the veterinarian field, like you would as a human field in medicine... It’s the same thing.”

-Vicki Lockhart, hospital manager

Pics from the past

Dr. Patti Canchola takes a moment to quickly look at a patient’s mouth and evaluate a tooth, prior to performing a nerve block for oral surgery. Photo by Rory Harbert.

fields in one. I mean, we’re nurses.” Technicians have to know how to perform blood collections, take X-rays and do lab work. They also have to know how to properly restrain patients, regularly. They work with young animals and seniors. “I guess they don’t look at us, the veterinarian field, like you would as a human field in medicine,” Lockhart said. “It’s the same thing.” Public perception of the field may change as there is an already increased demand for quality care from millennial and Gen Z owners who come in with their beloved fur babies. Cancho-

Animals & humans in Pueblo’s History

Today, most people’s first contact with an animal is a household pet. Though, Pueblo’s history is rich with livestock, stables acting as history’s parking garages. A group of boys are shown leading a burro around town. The modernist may see mischief in their rascally expressions and think they have been caught having fun with their donkey. But maybe they are objecting to having their picture taken? Either way, some things never change. Much like how amused these 1930s Puebloan men are while giving their sheep a sip of beer. Photos courtesy of (in clockwise order): Pueblo County Historical Society, Rocky Mountain PBS and Library of Congress (last two depicting sheep).

la is encouraged by the influx of motivated owners rather than overwhelmed by them. “It has allowed us to do more because they’re willing to do more,” Canchola said. “I think the quality of medicine has gone up. They are more willing to do everything, if they have an educated approach as to why you want to do the things you want to do. I think education and communication have made a difference. And then they’re willingness to do everything… These are like their kids.” Lockhart’s position as hospital manager means that she is consistently on the lookout for not only new hires, but people who show signs of being able to withstand the realities of day-to-day vet care. “I would hire someone who has only hands-on experience versus school-experience only,” she said. “That’s just my opinion because they’re right there, they’re in the middle of it. When you’re in school doing this, you have no idea what it’s like when you’re actually here. It’s completely different.” Education for technicians is not re-

Veterinarian

From 2022 to 2032

per year From 2022 to 2032 per year

openings per year

Vet techs are earning

more than

openings per year

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

quired for every state. Colorado allows for an experience-based pathway, where veterinary technicians can be non-formally credentialed by an overseeing veterinarian by working clinic hours and learning on the job. Though, by 2024, Colorado will require all non-credentialed vet techs to apply for registration to the Department of Regulatory Agencies and associated boards, which requires at least 6,500 hours of work experience, to identify themselves as veterinary technicians. While this field does not require a formal education to work in a clinic space, some feel more comfortable with completing courses and getting certified for their own reasons. According to the Pueblo Chieftain, the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region and Pueblo Community College are in the process of relaunching a veterinary assistant program that had closed during the pandemic. Students will receive a certificate showing that they are educated in how to properly handle animals, the terminology of the field and other skills that are vital to the profession. For the program to start, 12 students must enroll, and according to PCC, at least that many having expressed interest in it. Spring 2024 is the target semester start to the eight-credit certification. The first two dozen students to enroll will have tuition covered. Additionally, Pueblo Corporate College, through PCC, offers online, non-credit training through Career Step. The veterinary assistant pathway is an eight-month-long, self-led program approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in

more than reported in 2016.

student loan debt

As graduates with full-time positions report increased salaries and decreased debt, the outlook for future 2021 graduates indicates a reduction of financial burden.

WITH

The position is considered to be “physically or emotionally demanding.”

per year

The AVMA’s senior Since 2020, reported The average debt balance of surveys data showed debt has gone down by that... veterinary graduates, excluding those who graduated without taking student loans, was about debt-to-income

↑

HOW DOES THIS COMPARE ?

↑ 3% 5%. 1.44 5, 0 00 ratio ↑ 20% $180, 0 00. 1.7 Veterinary 25% technicians 14,800 21% ↑ 1/3 $29,700

The need for veterinarians is predicted to grow exponentially. Over the next decade, there will be an almost seven-fold increase each year.

On average, other occupations have a 3% increase in job openings each year.

OCTOBER 6, 2023

Veterinarians

Education costs & debt outlook

reported

America. The courses prepare students for the Approved Veterinary Assistant exam, with voucher to take the exam included in enrollment. The veterinary receptionist pathway is a similar program, but results in preparation and a voucher for the exam to validate students as a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant. Receptionist Corsentino is enrolled in the online assistant program. Another receptionist, Shania Mares, is motivated to get a formal education to help her career and was going to start her undergraduate degree in veterinary medicine this semester, but financial and mental health reasons kept her from enrolling. She is a certified veterinary assistant and has worked at Pets and Friends for a year. “It’s choosing between either working and doing what I love and being able to pay rent or go to school and then be struggling trying to figure out how I’m going to pay rent,” Mares said. Whatever pathway a potential veterinarian or veterinary technician chooses, ultimately it should be propelled by a passion for animals and their care. Canchola said that the best people for this career are the ones that are intrinsically connected with the work, where: “it’s in your nature; it’s in your blood; it’s what you like to do; it’s an environment you thrive in.”

per vet technician

2022

Source: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA News).

For the crew at Pets and Friends, weathering this storm has been possible because of the team-oriented, motivated staff and their patients, human and animal. Canchola said “it was the clients who took care of us” who brought cookies and lunch and showed gratitude for their work and “the team that actually stuck together” that got Pets and Friends through the pandemic. Lockhart had left a disappointing work environment in Florida behind in the move to -Patti Canchola, veterinarian Colorado. Since joining Pets and Friends, she is reinvigorated by her peers. She believes a good team makes all the difference: “I love this clinic so much because we’re not just a clinic, we’re a family, at this point.” The team has been through a lot. And yet, they still coo at kittens, fuss over dogs and compliment each other’s good work. “We had to figure out the caseload with such a small group of people, and we either stayed connected or we didn’t,” Canchola said. “And those that stayed connected saw the bigger mission, and we were all there together. Which is why, if you can get through the worst of the storm with a small group of people and stick together—and when you come out on the other side, where we are now—we’re going to be okay.”

“I’s in your nature; it’s in your blood; it’s what you like to do; it’s an environment you thrive in.”

| PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG

Demand for veterinary professionals

OCTOBER 6, 2023

Beyond the runway

By Rory Harbert

outhern Colorado Fashion’s Fall Fashion Showcase experiments with not only what “fashion” means, but what a “showcase” can be. As the seasons change, so does the runway as the SCF collective works to share the art, voices, bodies and fashion of all identities in Pueblo. Artists, models, rappers and designers, alongside their friends, family, partners and peers, come together to share with the community their own takes on what fashion is, what it can be and how it can invoke emotions, heighten personalities and take on a character of its own. In August, SCF hosted its showcase of local designers, from clothing lines to jewelry collections, at Blo Back Gallery, 131 Spring St. in the Grove neighborhood of Pueblo. Afterwards, the crowd was entertained with various musical talents, all backed by DJ Deuce. This showcase stood out as a way to challenge attendees on how fashion—or expression—can manifest. The Pueblo Star Journal digs deeper into who makes up this scene with interviews from a model, a designer and a rapper who were all showcased.

Modeling unstoppable

Model Caitlyn Resch started her journey in fashion modeling two years ago, after nearly making it to the finals in a modeling competition. In addition to walking for designer Heliotrope by Hannah in a whimsical, monochromatic-blue outfit covered in bold diamond motifs, Resch performed during the showcase, after the initial fashion segment ended. She did a routine to “Unstoppable” by Sia, leaning and twirling around her pink wheelchair. As an ambulatory wheelchair user (meaning that she can walk but uses a chair as a mobility aid for when she gets fatigued), Resch uses the platform of the runway to put a spotlight on an often misrepresented and underrepresented identity. “Once I realized that there wasn’t really disabled bodies being represented, it lit a fire in me,” “Well, I’m loud and I’m proud about it, so I’m going to put myself in the forefront. Because disabled bodies deserve to be represented, too.” Resch has two rare, autoimmune diseases affecting Caitlyn Resch modeled “Heliotrope by Hannah” which featured Mod her nervous system, having fashion motifs and monochrome outfits of bold hues. Photo courtesy of been diagnosed with chronSouthern Colroado Fashion’s Facebook. Photo courtesy of SCF’s Facebook

Expression via a: burlesque-dancing model, dream-chasing designer, genre-blending rapper ic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and chronic inflammatory axonal polyneuropathy. The condition is very similar to multiple sclerosis, another “demyelinating” disease where the outer layer of nerve cells is damaged. Resch said that she went from being able-bodied to being paralyzed for a year: “I fought my way back from paralysis; I didn’t give up on myself.” She collapsed in February 2019 and was paralyzed until January 2020. At one point during this period, she lost her ability to speak, so she had to relearn how to talk as well as other functional mobility activities. Though CDIP and CIAP are progressive diseases, treatment can halt, -Caitlyn Resch, model and burlesque dancer but not reverse or cure her condition. She cites her aptitude for medical science helped her in discovering what her condition was. Resch had been studying to be a veterinarian, but, due to her health, she switched careers. “I guess my biological side took over because I started to research on my own and I found it myself,” she said. “And I brought it to my doctors, and they were like, ‘Hey, this could actually be something.’ So, I really championed for myself; I wasn’t listened to. I went through six neurologists and finally got one that listened.” Resch often uses her wheelchair in her work—from modeling on the runway to her performances with Haus Muerte, a local drag and burlesque group—to emphasize that wheelchair users have a spectrum of mobility that still requires the use of a chair. “I really like to highlight that because people have this stigma around it that wheelchair users can’t move their legs,” Resch said. “There are a lot of ambulatory wheelchair users out there that are afraid to go out. And, I don’t think that’s right. So, I’m really loud about mine. You’ll see me walk around and you’ll see me use my chair. I’m a burlesque dancer, so I use it in my routines.”

“There are a lot of ambulatory wheelchair users out there that are afraid to go out. And, I don’t think that’s right. So, I’m really loud about mine.”

‘Kreating’ space

Kei Kreator, whose trade name is Kween Kreations, has been in the fashion industry since 2019, having displayed her collections in Denver Fashion Week, Global Week of Fashion and other fashion shows. For SCF, she participated in the winter showcase earlier this year. As a designer from Calhan—a small town north of Colorado Springs towards Limon, the collective’s CEO Schakara Tiscareno had reached out to her to represent southern Colorado fashion designers. Kreator said, from there, “it spiraled into something beautiful.” Kween Kreations, according to Kreator, her collections are best described as a “burst of color like a bright new day,” which is her life advice in the form of fashion. “Everyday, just try something on that is bright, beautiful, vibrant and colorful,” she said. “I never want to do anything that’s all -Kei Kreator, fashion designer just one color, I like to give you a little bit of variety. Everything in the rainbow.” A lifelong fashionista, Kreator was cutting up jeans, to her mother’s dismay, in high school to express herself. She volunteered at a hospital at the same time, in-

“I prove that this is a career, and this is something that makes money. This is something you could go after. if you love to do it.”

like, almost a rock song right afterwards.” Woods has bought a few pieces from Customs by Ray, another SCF designer, Ray Tiscareno who has a collection in the winter showcase, so he jumped at the opportunity to support the Tiscarenos and a local scene. “I know what it is like to be a creative, and to be getting started on something and to need support,” he -Davonta Woods, rapper said. “I know what it’s like to work for free. I know what it is like to perform and not make any money or put out a song and not make any money…. Colorado’s not known for art or media, so I think it’s very important here in Colorado that when something is going on, anyone who is into that type of thing, should follow up and support it.” Born in Seattle but raised in Denver, Woods elaborated on what he meant about how the state is lacking its own signature style. “We don’t have a style that stands out on its own,” he said. “However I dress, with the styles I like, people are going to assume, in Denver or Colorado, that I am from somewhere else.” Similar to how rap can be identified by the cities the performers came from, there is not an identifiable rap scene. Woods offered that there is an electronic music scene, and with it the rave wear. But to create a unique identity of its own, Colorado needs support: everywhere. His work, as Dwoodz 2G, can be found on bandcamp. His EP, 2G4U, released in 2021.

“I know what it is like to be a creative, and to be getting started on something and to need supportI know what it’s like to work for free..”

OCTOBER 6, 2023

Photo courtesy of SCF’s Facebook

spiring her to go to school to be a doctor. When she was in college, she would hem and tailor clothes for extra money to make ends meet. In her last year of school, she decided to take the leap and start her own line. Though she no longer wants to be a doctor, she wants to be in healthcare in some capacity. Her teenage passion for fashion rose to the top, something she has always come back to. “I’m a black girl, and when I was growing up, my parents often told me art is not something that will make money; its not something that is a career. And I am 26 years old, and I prove that this is a career, and this is something that makes money. This is something you could go Kei Kreator and her boyfriend walked the runway together after her after. if you love to do it. collection, Kween Kreations, was modeled for the crowd. Photo courtesy Whether you want to be a of Southern Colorado Fashion’s Facebook. fashion designer, whether you want to be a painter, whether you want to be a sculptor, there is room for you, there is space for you. You need to make space and make room for yourself.” Working as a designer full-time is the end goal for Kreator. While this aspect of her is part-time right now, she is hoping to reach that level of steady income to dedicate her time and attention to this passion fully. For now, she works as a bartender: “It pays for my dream job, which is this.”

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Devonta Woods, who goes by Dwoodz 2G, is an alternative/punk rapper, leaning into the characteristics of the two genres. While Woods has always rapped, working in traditional hip-hop styles, he started to experiment with his music after listening to artists like the late Lil Peep and Tyler the Creator, who have a similar sound. Working within the fusion just about creating songs, but creating a set that will flow for crowds. “There’s different fans for these different styles, so it’s real- His 2021 EP, “2G4U” features six songs. Woods, on his ly about balancing out the styles bandcamp page, said that this is his best work so far. and the songs,” Woods said. Photo courtesy of Dwoodz 2G Bandcamp page. “You don’t want to drop some Boom Bap rap and the drop,

Photo courtesy of Dwoodz 2G // Bandcamp

Experimenting with style

By Rachel Kutskill

love Pueblo in the fall. I love the dryness of the air, the 250+ days of sunshine per year and the fact that, even though the seasons are different from where I grew up in Michigan and West Virginia, there are magnificent transitions to remind us of Mother Nature’s work all year long. The past few weeks, we have journeyed through the final 90-degree days and watched the preparation of colder days and nights ahead. You may be noticing the plants changing from flower to seed— now effortlessly depositing their seeds into the soil for hibernation—and the much anticipated colors of the fall foliage. There’s a crispness to the air, like the bite of a freshly-picked apple from its tree, hands wrapped around warm drinks as you feel the steam on your face before each sip, and the stereotypical layered look that Coloradans, by all fairness, have come to embrace, not only for the practicality, but also for the style. By now, our Rocky Mountain neighbors to the North have basked in their golden aspens and painted landscapes in full display of the changing season, and we are fortunate to just be getting started. The next two weeks bring our peak for tree-peeping and color-hunting. We can gaze out of windows high enough to overlook the town, and watch the pops of oranges and yellows come into view. Short drives to Rye, Walsenburg, Beulah, Canon City and Salida allow us to savor a few extra weeks of fall foliage, by starting in these slightly higher elevation towns and ending in Pueblo during the later weeks of October. While we find ourselves drawn to this beautiful portrayal. It is Mother Nature who deserves the credit behind the paintbrush. Just as photosynthesis intricately produces nutrients and gasses needed for the survival of all living things, the depletion of sunlight allows the cycle of reproduction and slumber. These necessary changes are reminders to savor the

Rachel Kutskill and Ivan Hibarger enjoy the changing leaves of fall along the Greenhorn Highway. Photo by Joseph Kutskill.

moments we have, right now. Put down the smart phones and cameras, and just take in the moment. Live in each sense as if you need to remember every detail for a later date. And if you do—you will. We find ourselves grabbing the phones to record photos and videos, selfies with picturesque landscapes behind us, smiles and laughs—perfect moments. When we are occupied with snapping that perfect shot, how are we able to truly live in and appreciate every aspect of that moment? If it is at all possible, try to remember your first

Photography by Lyss Natural light photographer in Pueblo Colorado & surrounding areas. Alyssa Vallejos Photographer 719-250-1762

Photo by Joseph Kutskill

THRIVE! with Rachel

Fall is a brief transition, be present when witnessing nature’s changes

www.photographybylyss.com

noticeable, seasonal change into fall. Where did you live? What did it smell like? Were there leaves to crunch beneath your feet? Did the air feel different? What foods do you remember tasting? Take yourself back to those moments growing up. Close your eyes and picture your scene. I can recall the smell of wet maple leaves ,as some hung onto the branches while others released to the ground. Jackets were dispersed when playing

Sure Lock Locksmith Specializing in commercial, residential and auto locksmith services.

Locally owned, family business Daniel Sandoval/Owner 719-251-2925 www.surelocklocksmith.com

"KEEPING SOUTHERN COLORADO SECURE ONE DOOR AT A TIME"

OCTOBER 6, 2023

Photo by Rachel Kutskill

The Greenhorn Highway, in 2021, painted a picture of contrasting colors of the golden yellows of aspens and deep greens of the pines, framed by the muted tones of the dying grasses and pleasant shades of the cornflower blue sky. Fall can be found everywhere in Pueblo in these later months of the year, but making it out to these areas where nature is most pervasive, is a marvel and a privilege. Photo by Rachel Kutskill.

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?

numbness in my hands when finally called in at dark. The excitement of Halloween was felt, and we might get snow. The annual trip to the apple orchard tasted

of homemade donuts and warm, freshly-pressed cider. It smelled like goats, horses and hay. Wherever you experienced your fall days as a child, there are specific things that stood out, things you can remember as if they happened a year ago. By using all of our senses to take in these moments, our bodies are designed to recall the experiences with the simple scent of a maple leaf, the crunch of leaves beneath our feet, the cool air on our noses or the smell of something warm in the oven. The nourishment we get from living in all our senses is one of the many ways we can thrive in this lifetime. We have these instinctual desires for wellness and happiness, And what better way to experience quality of life is there than to thrive in the community we call ‘home?’ THRIVE TIP: Experience some of the fall moments without smartphones, tablets and cameras. Live and experience life by absorbing the moment with every sense

available to you. Remember it, so you can recall it and share it with others. And they can close their eyes and experience it, just as you did. PSJ Happiness Index: 4/4 • Social support 4/4 This is available for anyone to participate. Whether you travel to see the colors or walk outside your door, Mother Nature is providing the backdrop for you to enjoy. • Healthy life expectancy 4/4 Walking, breathing in fresh air, experiencing nature are all ways to extend a healthy and happy life. • Freedoms making life choices 4/4 While you may love sharing this with others, you can do it on your own without causing imposition to anyone around you. • Generosity 4/4 Since the tip is to live in the moment without the use of electronic devices, it becomes available to everyone and at a low to zero cost. Mother Nature won’t send you an invoice.

THRIVE TIP: EXPERIENCE SOME OF THE FALL MOMENTS WITHOUT SMARTPHONES, TABLETS AND CAMERAS. LIVE AND EXPERIENCE LIFE BY ABSORBING THE MOMENT WITH EVERY SENSE AVAILABLE TO YOU. REMEMBER IT , SO YOU CAN RECALL IT AND SHARE IT WITH OTHERS. AND THEY CAN CLOSE THEIR EYES AND EXPERIENCE, JUST AS YOU DID.

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hard, due to our sweatered bodies. I can feel how our movements and play kept us warm enough, even though the air was cold on our faces and there was

OCTOBER 6, 2023

• DIG DEEPER •

First Friday Art Walk GUIDE

Southern Colorado Fashion exhibited its Fall Showcase in August, sharing a lineup of local fashion designers, modeling collections of jewelry and styles ranging from streetwear to experimental fashion. Jewelry designers included Maria Elena. The clothing line segment included works by DADA Design, Kween Kreations, Heliotrope by Hannah, Skully Clothing and Curvy Red Gurl Creations. Photos by Armando Chavez II, courtesy of SCF’s Facebook.

BEYOND THE RUNWAY

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Fashionable start to Fall: Local fashion collective Pueblo’s runway Ashowcases a range of Southern Colorado talents

Photos courtesy of SCF/Armando Chavez II

CHECK OUT the PSJ’s inside look on what expression means to those in the fashion scene. on page 10. 15

OCTOBER 6, 2023

John-Deaux Galleries 221 S Union Ave Pueblo, CO 81003 TEL 719.545.8407

Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center 210 N Santa Fe Ave Pueblo, CO 81003 sdc-arts.org TEL 719.295.7200

Heritage Center 201 W B St Pueblo, CO 81003 theheritagecenter.us TEL 719.295.1517

The Arts Alliance & Liminal Space Gallery 107 S Grand Ave Pueblo, CO 81003 puebloarts.org 719.242.6652

Fuel & Iron Loading Dock Gallery 400 S. Union Ave Pueblo, CO 81003 fuelandironfoodhall.com

Steel City Art Works Gallery 216 S Union Ave Pueblo, CO 81003 steelcityartworks.org TEL 719.542.6838

First Friday Mineral Palace Park location hubs Mesa Junction

Blo Back Gallery 131 Spring St Pueblo, CO 81003 blobackgallery.com TEL 970.749.1211

Artisan Textile Company 121 Broadway Ave Pueblo, CO 81004 artisantextilecompany.com TEL 719.744.6696

Pueblo Art Guild 1500 N Santa Fe Ave Pueblo, CO 81003 TEL 719.543.2455

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Grove Neighborhood

OCTOBER 6, 2023

Union Avenue Historic District

Downtown

OCTOBER 6, 2023

October events: Pueblo arts scene ARTS “The Haunting of Hill House” 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13, 14, 20, 21 and 28; 2 p.m. Oct. 22; 9 p.m. Oct. 27 at Impossible Playhouse, 1201 N. Main St. Info: $10-15; PG-13 impossibleplayers.com Fall Into Christmas Craft Show & Bake Sale 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 22, Beulah Community Center, 5927 Pennsylvania Ave. Info: 719-485-3319 SISFA Film Festival 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 20-21, Rawlings Library, 100 E. Abriendo Ave. Info: sisfafest.com I’ll Be Home for Christmas musical 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 2 and 2 p.m. Dec. 3, Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place Info: pueblomemorialhall.com Indoor Makers Market Second Thursday of each month through March, 330 Lake Ave. in gymnasium Info: Text Angel at 719-601-7578 INKWELL: Analogue’s Creative Writing Open Mic 7-9 p.m., second Thursdays, Analogue Books & Records, 216 N. Main St.

HISTORY & CULTURE Pueblo Historical Ghost Walk Oct. 6-7 and 13-14; walking tours leave every 15 minutes starting at 5 p.m. from El Pueblo History Museum, 301 N. Union Ave.; stops along Union Avenue and Riverwalk District, ending at Fuel & Iron Food Hall Info: ghostwalk-pueblo.com

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 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.

OCTOBER Oct. 7 - Saturday SoCo Comic Con 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Colorado State Fairgrounds Palace of Agriculture, 1001 Beulah Ave. Info: sococomiccon.com; tickets: sococomiccon. square.site Books-by-the-Bag $10 Sale 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Books Again, 622 S. Union Ave. Info: booksagain-pueblo.com Alex Zurdo 7 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

Oct. 14 - Saturday All Pueblo Sings Free Community Sing-Along 3-4:15 p.m., Pueblo Divine Science Church, 115 E. Routt Ave. Info: 719-542-0156

SUBMIT EVENTS TO: PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG/EVENTS/ SUBMIT

Dan Bublitz Jr. for Cooperative Care Center 7 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

Oct. 15 - Sunday Rumours of Fleetwood Mac 7:30 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

Oct. 21 - Saturday Meet local author Jeff Broome, “Custer Into the West” 1 p.m. author talk at Rawlings Library, 100 E. Abriendo Ave., first floor meeting room 2:30 p.m. book signing at Books Again, 622 S. Union Ave. Info: booksagain-pueblo.com Zikr Dance Ensemble 2-4 p.m., Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, 210 N. Santa Fe Ave. Info: $15/$20/$25; sdc-arts.org/exhibition/ zikr-dance-ensemble Song of Pueblo 2 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

Oct. 27 - Friday Booklovers Ball 6:30 p.m., Rawlings Library, 100 E. Abriendo Ave. Info: pueblolibrary.org/allpuebloreads

Oct. 28 - Saturday Spellbound Samhain 2023: An All Hallows Psychic Fair 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Karmic Konnection, 125 E. Abriendo Ave. Info: free admission; karmickonnection.com

Our podcast, 45 Degrees, follows the Pueblo Levee Mural Project and its artists. To listen, go to: voicesofpueblo.podbean.com Available on all platforms!

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OCTOBER 6, 2023

OCTOBER 6, 2023

Bell rings blue

OCTOBER 6, 2023

Photos courtesy of Pueblo District 60

52-0 The Central Wildcats defeated the Centennial Bulldogs 52-0 in 2023’s Bell Game, played on Oct. 6. Central now leads the all time series 61-53-9 since the first game in 1892.

Photos Courtesy of Pueblo School District 60.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XMGzqy7ehxsfsDVq7gP73my...

Pueblo Star Sports uploads every week. visit: pueblostarsport.podbean.com or use the QR code on the back page of this issue. Listen on any platform!

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‘Fortunate to lead’

PCC president announcments retirement, ending 14-year term with community college

By Ben Cason

ueblo Community College president Dr. Patricia Erjavec announced her retirement set for May 2024. This will conclude a 14-year term as the city’s community college president. She is also the first woman to hold the role and the 13th president to serve the school. ““As a proud Puebloan, I have been fortunate to lead PCC through a chapter of incredible growth and collective achievement,” Erjavec said. “I am indebted to my colleagues across the college and know we will remain the region’s premier partner for education and workforce development for years to come.” Erjavec has overseen PCC’s main campus in Pueblo, as well as its Fremont Campus in Canon City and the Southwest campuses in Mancos/Cortez, Durango and Bayfield. Erjavec spent 22 years in the Colorado Community College System. She served as the CCCS interim president for nine months before accepting the position at PCC. Erjavec was inducted into the Pueblo Hall of Fame in 2010 and the South High School Alumni Hall At the start of the fall semester, Pueblo Community College president Dr. Patricia Erjavec spoke at the launch of the KDZA Radio campus broadcast of Fame in 2008. station. Two months later, she announced her retirement, Photo courtesy of PCC’s Facebook. Erjavec completed her Ph.D. in Education Leadership, focusing on Research and Policy, at the University “wholly and consistently rejected processes and strategies that would support of Colorado-Colorado Springs and holds a master’s degree in nonprofit manageeffective shared governance at PCC.” ment from Regis University. She received her bachelor’s degree in business adAccording to KRDO at the time, Erjavec responded, “The chancellor (Garcia) ministration, with an emphasis in accounting, from the University of Southern is lending us some personnel resources to come down and bring us together, Colorado, now Colorado State University-Pueblo. more opportunity for people’s voices to be heard and more opportunity to find In a joint news release with PCC, CCCS Chancellor Joe Garcia said Erjavec, a path forward, where we remain focused on the strategic plan, on our role and “poured her heart into PCC” during her time as president. Erjavec was named mission, on our ability to deliver affordable education to anybody that wants it.” President of the Year twice by CCCS during her tenure, in 2013 and 2018. Erjavec and Garcia focused on bringing administration and faculty together to During her tenure, the college adopted nearly 30 associate degree programs form a plan to move forward. and now offers bachelor’s degrees in computer science, dental hygiene and five According to the Pueblo Chieftain, Erjavec said, “My commitment to this other majors. PCC also expanded its Concurrent Enrollment program, bringing institution, to Pueblo and to my entire service area is to do the best work we poscollege-level instruction to rural high school students in Fremont, Florence and sibly can do in very difficult times ... be as supportive to the faculty and staff so Custer counties, as well as the entire southwest corner of Colorado. that our students get the best educational experience they possibly can.” “I have been fortunate to lead PCC through a chapter of incredible growth and “I wish that were the story, opposed to folks voicing their displeasure,” Erjavec collective achievement,” Erjavec said, “I am indebted to my colleagues across said. the college and know we will remain the region’s premier partner for education and workforce development.” Garcia said, “The energy, creativity, and expertise she brought to the entire Garcia said, “Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Erjavec has opened organization will likely never be matched.” beautiful new learning facilities and pioneered many of our system’s most in-

Where things stand

On the vote of no confidence in February

On February 2, 2023 faculty at PCC approved a “vote of no confidence” against Erjavec. It passed 54-27-14 and a notice was sent to Garcia at the CCCS. “Dr. Erjavec has been abusive, dishonest, and has dismissed all efforts to collaborate,” the letter of no confidence states. “We feel her oppressive tenure will continue to weaken employee morale on campus to the detriment of PCC and the students it serves.” The letter of no confidence presented three claims against Erjavec, firstly that she “established a pattern of pervasive hostility, retaliation and interpersonal abuse with both the faculty and staff.” Secondly, she “often relies on misleading, outdated and/or irrelevant data to justify insular decisions.”And thirdly, she

novative work-based learning models. On behalf of CCCS and our state board, I commend her extraordinary service to Pueblo and Colorado and wish her the best of luck in retirement.” According to CCCS and PCC’s joint release, over the past decade, the college has steadily improved its retention and graduation rates. PCC was among the first colleges in the state to adopt supplemental academic instruction, ensuring students of all backgrounds could successfully pass entry-level coursework and make progress toward their credentials. Erjavec will conclude her 14-year tenure as PCC’s president in May 2024. CCCS will announce details about the search for PCC’s next president, including how the community can participate, in the coming months.

eran friendly access point for those who previously would have difficulty asking for help. Each month, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Currently, there are 10 veterans actively receivCenter in Pueblo will feature a veteran and ing counseling and behavioral health treatment in their military experience — and how they Pueblo. Another 21 veterans are receiving other continue to serve after transitioning from the kinds of resource assistance: financial training lesmilitary. sons, family counseling, food and rent assistance cross the country, about 40 veterthrough the program. ans and service members from the Next Chapter will offer services and collaborate U.S. military take their lives – every with multiple partners in Pueblo, including Mt. single day. Carmel. The BHA has allocated further support But now, military members, veterans with resources for the program to help address vetand their families in Pueblo County eran suicide risk factors, fund access to behavioral have a resource to develop their Next health care, and reduce the stigma of getting help. Chapter. Next Chapter is a state-funded For more information about Next Chapter to program facilitated and implemented by Next Chapter is a statefunded program, headed by UC Health, support mental health awareness nextchapterco.org. To learn how Mt. Carmel in UCHealth, one of Mt. Carmel Veteran in veterans. Photo courtesy of Jose Ramirez. Pueblo can help, go to veteranscenter.org. If you Service Center’s partners in the fight to are in crisis, do not wait. Call the Veterans Crisis end veteran suicide. Line at 1-800-273-8255, press 1. In 2022, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center was integral to the development Veterans: You are not alone. There are people who care and can help. Let them and launch of Next Chapter, a program led by UCHealth and funded by the help you write your Next Chapter. Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). Next Chapter is a community collaborative wellness program designed specifically for veterans and their families. This program was made possible after receiving Colorado Senate Bill 21-129 funding. SB21-129 directed the BHA to develop a veteran suicide prevention If you are in a crisis, call the Veteran Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, press 1. pilot program for El Paso County. Leaders at Mt Carmel and UCHealth came together to develop and propose an innovative approach focused on upstream intervention to tackle the problem of veteran suicide. Mt. Carmel’s innovative approaches to caring for and aiding the military, veterans, and their OCTOBER Oct. 14 Nov. 2-4 families made them a perfect partner to advance Domestic Violence Month • Peaks & Pours: Bourbon Celebration of Service the goals of Next Chapter. Tasting Fundraiser Pueblo County is the next nearest high-densi- Oct. 4 Nov. 4 • Latino Chamber - Proty population of veterans per capita to El Paso Helping Hands Pueblo event files in Courage Awards Army-AF Football Game County. The BHA wanted to build on the sucCeremony cess of the partnership between Next Chapter Oct. 4, 11, 18 & 25 Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25 and community veteran service agencies. Pueblo Veterans Resource Fair @ First Oct. 25 Arts Expression Program became an essential addition to the Mt. Carmel Pes. Church HOME of HEROES Veterans service locations in 2021 as services were made update, hosted by Pueblo VSC Nov. 10 available in the Steel City. When Next Chapter Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28 • Pueblo MAC meeting responded to the BHA request, Mt Carmel was Oct. 27 Art Expression Program • C. Springs there and ready to expand the access to services Legal Resource Fair (Pueblo) Oct. 9, 23 across Pueblo County. Nov. 11 The suicide rate in El Paso County is down 5 Pueblo County and West NOVEMBER Pueblo Veterans Day Event percent, year over year. This was an encouraging meetings Veterans Month outcome for Next Chapter and the partners who Pueblo Parade make up the collaborative. It made the choice to Oct. 13, 14 Nov. 1 Nov. 13 & 27 expand to Pueblo an easy one — given the numLatino Committee & Dinner/ Helping Hands Pueblo event Pueblo ber of veterans in the county. Pueblo City Council Meetings Pueblo is home to approximately 11,000 vetNov. 1, 8,15, 22 Nov. 17 erans, per the 2021 census report. Veterans own Oct. 13 Veterans Resource Fair @ • Pueblo MAC meeting 9.3 percent of Pueblo businesses. Providing this VBOC Franchise Fridays in First Pres. Church Pueblo community with Next Chapter services motivates • MG Linda Urruita –Varhall Cent American Values Pueblo veterans to seek assistance, free from worNov. 2 TBD Turkeys for veterans ry and stigma. Next Chapter service, combined Quilts of Valor (Pueblo) cerewith core Mt. Carmel services, can address the mony gaps in community assistance and create a vetBy Amy Gillentine Sweet

OCTOBER 6, 2023

Pueblo’s Veterans’ Voice

UCHealth Helping Veterans write their Next Chapter

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR PUEBLO VETERANS:

OCTOBER 6, 2023

Faith-based organizations Westside FINDING COMMUNITY IN FAITH

The Pueblo Star Journal presents the final part of a four-part series focusing on faith-based organizations in each cardinal direction of Pueblo. This issue, we focus on the westside of Pueblo. Check our previous issues for a complete directory.

Abundant Life Christian Church

1001 Constitution Rd, Pueblo, CO 81001 info : (719) 546-1522, abundantlifepueblo. com Service: 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday; 7 p.m. Wednesday. Sunday; Weekday Mass noon Tuesday-Friday.

Adriance United Methodist Church

2601 N Elizabeth St, Pueblo, CO, 81003 info: 719-545-2657

Crown of Life Lutheran Church 145 S Abarr Dr, Pueblo West, CO, 81007 info: 719-547-9496

Family Worship Center

info: 719-544-5739 Services 9:00 am (English), 11:00 am (Korean) Sunday

3800 Parker Blvd, Pueblo, CO, 81008 info: 719-544-1575 Services 6:00 pm Saturday, 9:00 am and 11:00 am Sunday

Amazing Grace Fellowship

First Presbyterian Church

2936 Morris Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81008

142 S Stardust Dr, Pueblo West, CO, 81007 info: 719-547-1600

Ascension Episcopal Church 420 W 18th St, Pueblo, CO, 81003 info: 719-543-4253

Center For Inner Peace 740 W 15th St, Pueblo, CO, 81003 info: 719-543-2349

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1411 Fortino Blvd, Pueblo, CO, 81008 info: 719-564-0788

City Of The Lord Foursquare Church

220 W 10th St, Pueblo, CO, 81003 info: 719-542-7322 Services 10:00 am Sunday

Free Will Baptist Church

54 W Hahns Peak Ave, Pueblo West, CO, 81007 info: 719-251-8910 Services 7:00 pm Wednesday, 10:30 am and 6:00 pm Sunday

Holy Rosary Catholic Church 2400 W 22nd St, Pueblo, CO, 81003 info: 719-545-7219

Iglesia Pentecostal Unida, Latinoamerica 1021 W 11th St, Pueblo, CO, 81003 info: 201-887-8318

Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall 785 E Spaulding Ave, Pueblo West, CO, 81007 info: 719-547-3443

Liberty Baptist Church

2207 W 29th St, Pueblo, CO, 81008 info: 719-545-2648 Services 10:45 am Sunday

Living Water Fellowship

198 S Purcell Blvd #180, Pueblo West, CO, 81007 info: 719-621-1275 Services 10:30 am Sunday

Majestic Baptist Church

494 E Hemlock, Dr, Pueblo West, CO, 81007 info: 719-647-9200 Services 8:15 and 11:00 am Sunday

Mt Shadow Baptist Church

947 N Gantts Fort Ave, Pueblo West, CO, 81007 info: 719-561-0977

New Heights Baptist Church 3304 Baltimore Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81008 info: 719-647-7273 Services 11:00 am Sunday

The Oasis Christian Church

Parkhill Baptist Church

4325 Parkhill Pl, Pueblo, CO, 81008 info: 719-544-6154 Services 10:30 am Sunday

The Peak Evangelical Free Church

311 S Joe Martinez Blvd, Pueblo West, CO, 81007 info: 719-647-2248 Services 10:00 am Sunday

Pueblo West Baptist Church 180 E Croyden Dr, Pueblo, CO, 81007 info: 719-547-2858 Services 10:30 am Sunday

River of Grace Church

84 S Masters Dr, Pueblo West CO, 81007 info: 719-647-9686 Services 9:30 am Sunday

SonRise Church

421 E Spaulding Ave, Pueblo West, CO, 81007 info: 719-545-0557 Services 10:30 am Sunday

St. Paul the Apostle Church

1132 W Oro Grande Dr, Pueblo West, 81007 info: 719-647-1500

347 S Del Norte Ave, Pueblo West, CO, 81007 info: 719-647-0800 Services 9:00 am and 10:30 am Sunday

St. Pius X Catholic Church

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

Vineyard Pueblo West Campus

275 W John Powell Blvd, Pueblo West, CO, 81007 info: 719-547-2300 Services 9:00 am Sunday

3130 Morris Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81008 info: 719-542-4264

172 E Industrial Blvd, Pueblo West, CO, 81007

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OCTOBER 6, 2023

OCTOBER 6, 2023

By Gregory Howell

OCTOBER 6, 2023

Prepare to puzzle

Jigsaw-centric storefront look to open its Union Avenue doors in time for upcoming holiday season t the heart of the Historic Union Avenue District at 204 S. Union Ave., proprietor and maker David Pollock is preparing to open Pueblo Puzzleworks, welcoming puzzle aficionados of all ages. With its enchanting historic storefront, the shop beckons passersby to step inside and embark on a captivating journey of discovery. As the final touches are lovingly put in place, the vibrant array of puzzles from around the world reveals itself, tantalizingly hinting at the endless possibilities and shared moments of joy that lie ahead. Whether you’re a puzzle enthusiast seeking your next challenge or a curious soul longing to reconnect with the simple pleasures of solving puzzles, the grand opening of this remarkable shop promises to be an unforgettable event. Prepare to immerse yourself in a world of captivating imagery, meticulous craftsmanship, and the timeless allure of jigsaw puzzles. The countdown to unveiling this delightful puzzle haven is on, and soon, Union Avenue will be transformed into a cherished destination for puzzle lovers near and far. As the owner finishes his checklist and inspections take place in a timely manner, he hopes to celebrate with a year end opening in time for holiday shopping and gift giving.

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Pueblo Puzzles, at 204 S. Union Ave., is set to open in time for the holiday season. The shop will feature, in addition to supply Pueblo with a selection of jigsaw puzzles, a gallery and studio, Photo by Gregory Howell.

Photo courtesy of Pueblo Model Rail Association

OCTOBER 6, 2023

PUEBLO RAIL FAIR AT THE COLORADO STATE FAIRGROUNDS

ARTS & CRAFTS “The Haunting of Hill House” 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13, 14, 20, 21 and 28; 2 p.m. Oct. 22; 9 p.m. Oct. 27 at Impossible Playhouse, 1201 N. Main St. Info: $10-15; PG-13 impossibleplayers.com Fall Into Christmas Craft Show & Bake Sale 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 22, Beulah Community Center, 5927 Pennsylvania Ave. Info: 719-485-3319

SISFA Film Festival 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 20-21, Rawlings Library, 100 E. Abriendo Ave. Info: sisfafest.com I’ll Be Home for Christmas musical 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 2 and 2 p.m. Dec. 3, Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place Info: pueblomemorialhall.com Indoor Makers Market Second Thursday of each month through March, 330 Lake Ave. in gymnasium Info: Text Angel at 719-601-7578 INKWELL: Analogue’s Creative Writing Open Mic 7-9 p.m., second Thursdays, Analogue Books & Records, 216 N. Main St.

HISTORY & CULTURE

Pueblo Historical Ghost Walk Oct. 6-7 and 13-14; walking tours leave every 15 minutes starting at 5 p.m. from El Pueblo History Museum, 301 N. Union Ave.; stops along Union Avenue and Riverwalk District, ending at Fuel & Iron Food Hall

Info: ghostwalk-pueblo.com

Info: pueblozoo.org

Celebrating All Things Slovene Through Dec. 22, Pueblo Heritage Museum, 201 W. B St.

The Nutcracker Before Christmas 2 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 and 2 p.m. Nov. 5, Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

“You Should Have Seen It: Pueblo’s Mineral Palace” 10 a.m.-4 p.m daily through April 1, 2024, El Pueblo History Museum, 301 N. Union Ave. Info: historycolorado.org War Memorial Ghost Tours 7-9 p.m. first Saturday of each month, Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum, 31001 Magnuson Ave. Info: pwam.org

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

FAMILY EVENTS Pueblo Rail Fair 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Oct. 14-15, Colorado State Fairgrounds, Livestock Pavilion, 1001 Beulah Ave. Info: pueblomodelrailroadassoc.org Pueblo Home Show 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 20-22, Pueblo Convention Center, 320 Central Main St. Info: facebook.com/pueblohomeshow ZooBoo 2-6 p.m. Oct. 27 (zoo members only) 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 28 (open to public) Pueblo Zoo, 3455 Nuckolls Ave.

Pueblo Rocks in the Park Noon-2 p.m. Fridays, Ray Aguilera Park, 840 W. Northern Ave.

FUN & GAMES Fuel & Iron Trivia League 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 25, Fuel & Iron Food Hall, 400 S. Union Ave. Info: fuelandironfoodhall.com Kids Night at Fuel & Iron 4-8 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 26, Fuel & Iron Food Hall, 400 S. Union Ave. Info: fuelandironfoodhall.com Broncos Watch Parties Fuel & Iron Food Hall, 400 S. Union Ave. Info: fuelandironfoodhall.com 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

Check out PSJ’s First Friday Art Walk Guide on page 15 for events specific to Pueblo’s art scene.

PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG/EVENTS/SUBMIT

Chaos Games & More 4065 Club Manor Drive Info: chaosgamesandmore.com Pokemon, Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, Warhammer 40K, board game nights and more. Weekly game schedule available on website.

MUSIC & DANCE Square Dance Lessons 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 12, First Congregational Church, 228 W. Evans Ave. Info: First two dances free, after that $8/person; icstrs@comcast.net 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

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.

FOOD & DRINK Pueblo Oktoberfest 3-11 p.m. Oct. 6-7, Walter Brewing Company, 126 S. Oneida St. Info: pueblooktoberfest.com Food Truck Union 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays through October, Mineral Palace Park, 1600 N. Santa Fe Ave. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays through October, City Park, 800 Goodnight Ave. Info: facebook.com/thefoodtruckunion Pint Night / Cocktail Night 4-9 p.m. Tuesdays through Oct. 31, Fuel & Iron Food Hall, 400 S. Union Ave. Info: fuelandironfoodhall.com Ritual Room Halloween Cocktail Pop-Up 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fuel & Iron Food Hall, 400 S. Union Ave. Info: fuelandironfoodhall.com

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

OCTOBER 6, 2023

available on website.

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 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 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.

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of Photo courtesy

l Hall Pueblo Memoria

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

RUMORS OF FLEETWOOD MAC 7:30 P.M. OCTOBER 15 AT MEMORIAL HALL. 29

Photo courtesy of Fuel & Iron Food Hall

OCTOBER 6, 2023

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 Individual event listings

OCTOBER Oct. 7 - Saturday SoCo Comic Con 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Colorado State Fairgrounds Palace of Agriculture, 1001 Beulah Ave. Info: sococomiccon.com; tickets: sococomiccon.square.site Books-by-the-Bag $10 Sale 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Books Again, 622 S. Union Ave. Info: booksagain-pueblo.com

THE RITUAL ROOM HALLOWEEN POP-UP BAR ALL OCTOBER AT FUEL & IRON FOOD HALL.

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

Oct. 14 - Saturday All Pueblo Sings Free Community SingAlong 3-4:15 p.m., Pueblo Divine Science Church, 115 E. Routt Ave.

Info: 719-542-0156 Dan Bublitz Jr. for Cooperative Care Center 7 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

Oct. 15 - Sunday Rumours of Fleetwood Mac 7:30 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

Oct. 28 - Saturday

Intro to Drawing Workshop 10 a.m.-noon, Grand View Church, 8326 CO-78, Beulah

Nov. 25 - Saturday Parade of Lights 5:30-8 p.m., Colorado and Abriendo avenues to Sixth Street between Court and Grand Info: puebloparadeoflights.com/

Spellbound Samhain 2023: An All Hallows Psychic Fair 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Karmic Konnection, 125 E. Abriendo Ave. Info: free admission; karmickonnection.com

DECEMBER

NOVEMBER

Dec. 7 - Thursday

Nov. 3 - Friday Pete’s Big Hollywood Adventure 7-9 p.m., Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, Jackson Conference Theater, 210 N. Santa Fe Ave. Info: sdc-arts.org

Nov. 8 - Wednesday Snow White 7 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Place Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

OCTOBER 6, 2023

Booklovers Ball 6:30 p.m., Rawlings Library, 100 E. Abriendo Ave. Info: pueblolibrary.org/allpuebloreads

Nov. 18 - Saturday

Half-Off Christmas Sale 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for Friends of the Library members, Dec. 8-9 for general public Books Again, 622 S. Union Ave. Info: booksagain-pueblo.com

Dec. 11-16 - Monday through Saturday Gift Certificate Half-Off sale 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Books Again, 622 S. Union Ave. Info: booksagain-pueblo.com

Dec. 16 - Saturday

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PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG/EVENTS/SUBMIT

“This Little Piggy” Ceramic Bank Workshop 2-4 p.m. Grand View Church, 8326 CO-78, Beulah

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Oct. 27 - Friday

OCTOBER 6, 2023