Pueblo Star Journal - September 2023

Listen to Pueblo

By Ben Cason & Rory Harbert

We keep getting the same question at the Pueblo Star Journal, “what are you guys doing for print?” With Gannett executing their decision to shut down the Chieftain Commercial Printing Press, we, along with many other southern Colorado publications, were faced with a dilemma: where do we go next? . For us, printing is a main pillar of how we want to share Pueblo’s stories and cater to our readers who need a physical copy of our issues for whatever reason it may be. Though making web-only content was a hand many of our peers were dealt, we wanted to exhaust every avenue possible to keep this available. An added difficulty, though incredibly important to our mission, was finding out how we could continue to print locally.

Through many conversations and adjustments, we introduce our first issue printed through My Friend the Printer, a Pueblo business in downtown.

With the shock of this change, a moment of clarity came over us: this is an opportunity to reckon with the future of news media, of our storytelling and what the Pueblo community wants rather than what we want. As our advisory board member Jayson Peters said in his response to the rippling effect of Gannett’s evaluation of print journalism, most of us are ink-stained wretches. Perhaps, while we firmly believe that print is a pillar of the journalism we want to provide for Pueblo, there is truth to the idea that journalism is moving away from print. In this moment of reflection, we decided to jump on this tumultuous time in journalism, grab the reins and steer our way into how we can best serve our community.

A building stands tall with many pillars.

Our North Star is our mission is to chronicle the Pueblo community while championing accountability, stimulating curiosity and supporting connections. As a leading content creator and producer, we support storytelling throughout our community in many forms.

One of our earliest pillars outside of print was branching into podcasting. Rooted in radio, journalism is no stranger to the art of sharing stories through audio platforms. We knew right away that podcasts are a key way to share with our community the stories they may have missed in another news medium.

Podcasting opens up the dialogue of a story, linking listener and source directly as a host paves the way for this connection. For many, this connection brings these stories closer to heart. Whether

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International Podcast Day: reflecting on platform’s impact on sharing Pueblo’s stories

Nonprofit status

GUEST COLUMN

The Pueblo Star Journal is proud to announce its official recognition as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, cementing its commitment to community-driven journalism and public service.

Board of Directors Chairman reflects on Pueblo Star Journal receiving 501(c)3

further cultivate a sense of community, the Pueblo Star Journal will bolster its initiatives focused on promoting community engagement. This includes a roster of reader-driven events and extensive listings highlighting arts, athletic activities, and volunteer opportunities – all aimed at enriching the fabric of Pueblo.

Gregory Howell PSJ Chairman

For almost two years, the Pueblo Star Journal has been a trusted voice, chronicling the heartbeats, milestones, and narratives of the Pueblo community. With this new nonprofit status, the publication reinforces its dedication to championing accountability, stimulating curiosity, and bolstering connections among its readers and the broader community.

Our vision is to be more than just a newspaper. We aim to be a force for positive change, drawing lines of accountability for individuals and institutions in positions of power. The paper plans to expand its reach and influence by hosting forums, debates, and other platforms to promote transparent discourse. To

Recognizing the need for informed citizenry, the publication is also set to curate an exhaustive database of government information. This resource will spotlight essential details that residents require to engage effectively with school and municipal systems. Moreover, the newspaper seeks to contribute to Pueblo’s economic vitality. By showcasing local businesses and nonprofit endeavors, the Pueblo Star Journal aims to foster an environment ripe for growth and innovation.

Finally, investing in the future remains a cornerstone of the paper’s mission. Through a comprehensive internship program and robust partnerships with local academic institutions, the Pueblo Star Journal is poised to nurture the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and innovators.

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

Advisory Board: Nicki Hart, Susan Wolf, Caroline Trani, Jayson Peters News content, sports & podcast manager: Ben Cason Arts & News editor: Rory Harbert

Contributors: Jennifer Bruton, Patsy Kate Booth, Gillian Brown, Jordan Clark, Kristin Skye Hoffmann, Rachel Kutskill, Palmer Land, David Lobato, Gary Markstein, Jocelyn Martinez, Jill Starkey, Amy Gillentine Sweet

Special Thanks To: Artisan Textile Co., Betsy Morgan, CHFA, Creek Week Clean Up, Karmic Konnection, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, Pueblo City County Library District, Photography by Lyss, Pueblo County Historical Society, 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.

Illustration by Gary Markstein.

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a Puebloan is a listener or a reader, or both in many cases, our key goal as storytellers is to always make this heartfelt connection. As we approach International Podcast Day we plan to continue our commitment to audio and listening to Pueblo.

As a whole, podcasts have recently experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity, captivating audiences across the globe and fundamentally reshaping the way we consume audio content. The reasons behind the growth of podcasts reflects the evolving technological, social and cultural landscape of the digital age. In simpler terms: people get their news in many ways. We, at the Pueblo Star Journal, want to meet people where they are.

One of the driving factors behind the podcasting boom is the accessibility and convenience they offer. With more smartphones and the expansion of high-speed internet, podcasts have become incredibly easy to access. Listeners can tune in to their favorite shows while commuting, exercising, doing household chores or during moments of relaxation. This flexibility seamlessly integrates podcasts into daily routines, allowing people to maximize their time and consume news and content whenever they can. The podcast medium allows us to be able to expand further on our stories and add a voice to it. There’s something special about the human voice and the way we can connect. On

our podcast Voices of Pueblo, it’s evident listening to Jimmie Dunn describe his climb of El Capitan helps you connect differently than in the print article.

Unlike polished and scripted broadcasts, podcasts often feature unscripted conversations, great personal stories and candid discussions. This authenticity creates a sense of connection between hosts and listeners. As people seek more genuine and meaningful interactions in the digital age, podcasts fill a void by providing a space where individuals can engage with content that feels genuinely human.

International Podcast Day is held on Sept. 30. In 2014, the first official day celebrating this platform for storytelling at a national level, and then sparked a worldwide conversation on the exciting and transformative nature of podcasting.

At the Pueblo Star Journal, we strive to build new connections to foster those formative relationships and expand the ones that already exist. This 168,000-person community could easily be the definitive model of multiculturalism for Colorado, the Southwest and the nation if everyone had space to listen and be heard.

Our flagship podcast, “Voices of Pueblo” focuses on meeting those people who get their news from audio and connecting with them on a deeper level. Our motto is “Dig Deeper,” which is why you will find shovels at the end of each of our articles. Every month our podcast goes beyond the print story in the Pueblo Star Journal and brings listeners the stories pulled directly from our neighborhoods.

Within Voices of Pueblo, we have our “45 Degrees” series which highlights the incredible muralists who work on the Pueblo Levee Mural Project. We want to show their work and

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look at the motivation behind these long projects. A longstanding tradition, revamped through great perseverance, that deserves to be shared.

Our “Pueblo Star Sports” podcast focuses on the incredible sports culture of Pueblo. We look to cover what is happening locally and interview the people who are a part of Pueblo’s sports landscape. With the rise of the Pueblo Bulls, CSU Pueblo sports and school competitions within town, we look to chronicle and analyze. Shedding light on the hard work involved in creating these events and building these teams as well as documenting it all for our history.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, podcasts are poised to remain a dominant and transformative force in the world of media and entertainment by connecting people through the power of storytelling, knowledge sharing and human connection.With this understanding of the platform’s power, we are looking to develop a podcast directory of Pueblo’s other great podcasts so people can truly listen to Pueblo.

Anyone with a microphone and a story to share can start a podcast and reach a global audience. This has led to many more independent creators, niche experts and underrepresented voices entering the podcasting arena; all offering perspectives and narratives that may not be found on a platform in traditional media. The result is a rich tapestry of content that reflects the diversity of human experiences and interests. This is happening in Pueblo already, and we want to highlight that.

If you want to support our podcast efforts you can advertise with us on our podcasts or even hire us to help

produce your own podcast.

In this reflection, we are discovering more pillars of getting our news and our stories to Pueblo. We are pushing towards video and creating more YouTube, TikTok and Instagram content. We believe that this will help us connect even better with the community: by meeting Pueblo readers, listeners, viewers and any other consumers of news media, where they are.

You may have noticed our paper has gotten a bit thinner. We have a new size so we can keep printing in Pueblo, to keep our newspaper local in every sense of the word. We are proud to work with My Friend the Printer and keep our printing operation in Pueblo.

We look forward to continuing to dig deeper and honor the “Pueblo Star Journal” name that has been a physical paper for so long. We are proud to bring our coverage free of charge online at pueblostarjournal.org and in print.

If you’d like to donate or connect visit pueblostarjournal.org and you can support us as we continue to dig deeper wherever our audience is. Check out our podcasts and enjoy listening to Pueblo!

The PSJ backlog of episodes touts a variety of story topics. (Photo/Podbean).

Pics from the past

Pueblo’s food landscape

Pueblo boasts a culinary tapestry as rich and diverse as its cultural history. One of the most iconic offerings from Pueblo’s food landscape is the Pueblo chile. This robust and flavorful pepper is fundamental to the region’s culinary identity, used in a multitude of dishes, from stews to rellenos. Every year, the city celebrates its love affair with this pepper at the Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival. This gathering is a testament to Pueblo’s agricultural heritage, where roasted chiles permeate the air, and local farmers proudly showcase their produce.In addition to chiles, Pueblo’s cuisine showcases Italian, Mexican, Slovenian, and various other influences, reflecting its diverse populace. Places like the historic Sunset Inn, Gray’s and the Star Bar offer the famous “slopper” – an open-faced cheeseburger smothered in green chile, a perfect amalgamation of American and Pueblo flavors.For generations, Puebloans have enjoyed a wide variety of products from Colorado beet sugar to Rocky Ford melons. The Nuckolls Packing Co. offered consumers not only meats, but the very best baking shortening and a selection of canned products. From its spicy chiles to the amalgamation of cultural influences, Pueblo, Colorado, presents a delectable journey of tastes, deeply entrenched in its local heritage.

Photos courtesy of the Pueblo County Historical Society.

Renewable future

Senator Michael Bennet and Pueblo Mayor Nick Gradisar took a tour of the CS Wind facility south of Pueblo to see the effect of the new Inflation Reduction Act that was passed in 2022.

The Pueblo facility of CS Wind is the largest wind tower production facility in the world. It represents all of CS Wind’s North American production. CS Wind is headquartered in South Korea and is the world’s number one wind turbine tower manufacturer.

“The Inflation Reduction Act is the most significant climate legislation that any country on the planet has ever passed, and Colorado is uniquely positioned to lead our country’s transition to a clean energy economy,” Bennet said. “The new long-term clean energy manufacturing tax credits that I fought to include in that bill are giving CS Wind the certainty they need to make huge investments here in

Senator, Pueblo mayor tour CS Wind, the largest wind tower production facility in the world

Pueblo and create hundreds of good-paying jobs.”

James Won, the head of CS Wind America, gave a presentation describing the company’s goals for production and describing how the new Inflation Reduction Act is helping achieve them. CS Wind Chairman Seung Gon-Gim flew in from South Korea to meet Sen. Bennet and Mayor Gradisar.

Won unveiled the expansion plan of CS Wind in Pueblo. The goal is by 2028 to be able to double the capacity for creation of wind towers. The expansion will be 900,000 square feet and it will boost the plant’s overall capacity to 10,000 wind tower sections per year. Ground was broken on the new expansion in April 2023.

“President Biden set an ambitious dream for wind power in the United States,” Won said. “He expects there to be 2.5 times as much demand by 2028.”

Won said, “We expect our American production to go from around 40 percent now to close to 50 percent of our total business by 2028. That’s why it’s so important.”

Gradisar said, “As Mayor of Pueblo, I’m proud CS Wind has chosen our city as a place for growth and a commitment to renewable energy that will bring 10,000 sections of wind towers to be distributed across North America,”

The new expansion will add more than 850 new jobs at the CS Wind facility in Pueblo. They already have expanded from 396 employees in July to 827 employees now.

Vestas originally created the facility south of Pueblo in 2010. CS Wind acquired the facility August 1, 2021. Pueblo is CS Wind’s only facility in North America. CS Wind had eight total facilities over seven countries.

“We’ve had three new raises in the year with CS Wind, we had maybe three raises my entire ten years with Vestas,” said Tony Salerno, the Production Manager for CS Wind North America. Salerno was one of many workers who were on staff

Senator Michael Bennet, Pueblo Mayor Nick Gradisar and CS Wind staff take a photo following the tour. Photo by Ben Cason.

““President Biden set an ambitious dream for wind power in the United States. He expects there to be 2.5 times as much demand by 2028.”

– James Won, Head of CS Wind America

Photos by Ben Cason

with Vestas and continued with CS Wind after the acquisition. “They’ve invited us in and taken us in as family. I have seen a big change in a positive direction.”

General Electric and Vestas are CS Wind’s biggest customers according to Paolo Piunno who does sales for CS Wind. They produce the machine head of the wind turbine, CS Wind creates the tower it sits on.

All CS Wind on-shore towers in North America are coming from Pueblo. 80 percent of them are shipped out by rail. Everything at the Pueblo location is made from U.S. steel.

After Won’s presentation, Sen. Bennet and Mayor Gradisar toured the facility. They saw each phase of the tower production process, from steel slabs to finished and wired tower pieces.

The Inflation Reduction Act, which Bennet voted for in congress, expanded Medicare benefits, capped insulin prices, reduced prices of home energy, and gave new tax breaks for clean energy companies like CS Wind to reduce carbon emissions.

Sen. Bennet said, “it’s great to see us ahead of the European Union for once,” when Won described how the United States had made it easiest for them to expand.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis said at the groundbreaking ceremony in April that the tax breaks for CS Wind’s customers could be up to 40 percent of the cost of the towers.

“There’s no country better positioned to lead the global transition of renewable energy than the United States.” Sen. Bennet said, “I believe there’s no state better positioned than Colorado to take the lead, and Pueblo will play a huge role in that.”

Gradisar said, “Pueblo’s going to be, I hope, known as the renewable energy capital of the world.”

Sen. Bennet said, “This is a great testament to Pueblo. There’s a reason this plant is here, and it’s the hard working people who live in Pueblo.”

For CS Wind, the goal is by 2028 to be able to double the capacity for creation of wind towers. CS Wind is headquartered in South Korea and is the world’s number one wind turbine tower manufacturer. Photos by Ben Cason.

Sink into a book

By Rory Harbert

The Pueblo City-County Library District invites patrons to dive into a book through All Pueblo Reads. To participate in the two-month-long event, the PCCLD offers a selection of three books, each of a different reading level to accommodate all readers in Pueblo. Coordinating events and talks start with the kickoff event, the Under the Sea Carnival, from 3-6 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Rawlings Library, leading up to the Booklovers Ball at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Rawlings Library.

Adult/Grades 9-12 selection:

“Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt follows a woman, recently widowed, who develops an unlikely friendship with an octopus at the aquarium she works the nightshift at. Together, they work to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of her son, who went missing in the Pacific Ocean over three decades ago.

Van Pelt’s 360-page novel was nominated for 2022’s Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fiction and Best Debut Novel. It touts a 4.43-star rating on Goodreads, with over 300,000 ratings and over 39,000 reviews. Today Show co-host Jenna Bush Hager featured “Remarkably Bright Creatures” for her book, #ReadwithJenna, in May 2022.

The Washington Post reviewed the book as “memorable and tender” that is “deceptively tender.” Helen Hoang, author of “The Heart Principle,” said it was “truly original and touching,” warning readers that they will fall in love with “a most exceptional octopus.”

Van Pelt was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, where the story takes place, but now lives in Chicago with her family.

Grades 4-8 selection:

“Song for a Whale” by Lynne Kelly unfolds the story of a young, deaf girl who determines to reach out to a lonely whale, propelled by her strong empathy and her passion for technology, and share her song for him to let him know he is heard. Iris, who uses sign language, connects with Blue 55, a whale that sings in a frequency out of hearing range of his aquatic peers,

understands how isolating it is to communicate differently. Iris faces another problem: he is over 3,000 miles away.

This 2019, middle-grade novel has a 4.24-star rating on Goodreads, with over 10,000 ratings a and over 1,700 reviews. Kelly won the 2020 Schneider Family Book Award for “Song for a Whale” and her novel was named one of the best books of the year by the New York Public Library.

“A Quiet Place” actress Millicent Simmonds said this 303page novel is “beautifully written and such an important story for kids with big struggles in their lives.” Author Katherine Applegate of “The One and Only Ivan” said this “fascinating, brave and tender” novel is a “story like no other about a song like no other.”

Lynne Kelly works as a traveling sign-language interpreter. She lives in Houston, Texas. Her next novel, “The Secret Language of Birds,” comes out in April.

Grades K-3 selection:

Companion to “Over and Under the Snow” and “Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt,” author Kate Messner and Illustrator Christopher Silas Neal invites readers to explore the ecosystems of a mountain pond in “Over and Under the Pond.” Though the book depicts a woman and a boy fishing at a pond in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, it spotlights the life within the water. With twilight colors of blue and green and calming prose, Messner and Neal communicate the calm-butbustling life of this unassuming biome.

This 2017 picture book was nominated for Goodreads Choice Awards’ Best Picture Book category. It has a 4.14-star rating on Goodreads, with over 2,300 ratings and nearly 400 reviews. It was listed in TIME Magazine’s Best Books of the Year. The School Library Journal said it is “playful and lovely to read aloud… even older budding naturalists will find something to enjoy here.”

Kate Messner lives next to Lake Champlain in New York. Messner holds a master’s degree in education, teaching middle school English students before becoming a full-time writer.

Read along: PSJ invites readers to submit reviews

As the Pueblo Star Journal’s Arts and News Editor, I will be participating in All Pueblo Reads. I will be reviewing “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” I invite you to join me in this and submit your thoughts via reviews to books@pueblostarjournal. org or request a written form at your PCCLD library to be published. Let’s read together!

All Pueblo Reads swims into September, Library District provides three reading selections for this year

PCCLD’s All Pueblo Reads literacy project has a strong aquatic theme this year. Each selection represents a different reading level for all readers. Photo courtesy of PCCLD.

Photo courtesy of PCCLD

Veterans’ Voice

By Amy Gillentine Sweet

No challenge is too small for the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center at Pueblo. The center exists to help veterans find the assistance they need.

Mt. Carmel and its partners don’t care about the type of discharged received, the years served or the number of years since the military service member left active duty. They care about people.

Their dedication matches their official motto: “We are here to provide a hand up.”

In the past, they’ve helped a veteran find new tires for a vehicle and found a contractor to install a wheelchair ramp for another, says Sal Katz, director of rural Colorado services for Mt. Carmel, and a decorated former command sergeant major with decades of service.

Mt. Carmel believes in going the extra mile to help veterans and their families, Katz said.

In the past year, the service center has seen its footprint at St. Mary Corwin Hospital grow rapidly, and its created new partnerships in the Steel City.

“We are here to help the community,” Katz said. “By helping vets, we also help the community in Pueblo.”

Pueblo’s tight-knit veteran community comes together when needed, and the rest of the community pitches in, he said. That’s why the Pueblo center for Mt. Carmel is now considering how to meet the needs of veterans and their families in more rural parts of the state.

In fact, the Pueblo office has now been joined by offices in Westcliffe and Trinidad. Together, the three offices serve much of Southern Colorado, but there’s more work to be done.

And the Pueblo center is there to help residents with its Helping Hands event once a month brings together organizations and resources not only for veterans — but for the rest of the community as well, Katz said.

“It’s a collaboration of a lot of community groups,” he said. “It provides access to dentistry, the library, the Pueblo Food Project, free cell phones, free vaccines. People can come to one location and get what they need. We’re trying to build relationships.”

Building those relationships is at the heart of Mt. Carmel’s mission to support military members, veterans, and their families.

In the past five months, the center staff has served 763 veterans and family members – helping them with everything from health care to insurance. In addition, Mt. Carmel’s community partners served more than 982 clients, with 289 from the Colorado Veteran Service-Connected Disability project and 161 clients used our food pantry.

“We’re seeing growth,” Katz said. ‘And we’re ready for more growth. We’ll continue our expansion into other places that need our help. Our biggest issue now is just making sure people are aware that we’re here and that we are ready to help.”

Already, the center is making a difference in the lives of local veterans. It has a series of programs and projects designed to raise awareness of veterans’ issues and causes.

Mt. Carmel: Here for veterans, families

For instance, the organization held a Quilts of Valor giveaway to local veterans – including a 103-year-old World War II veteran. They also held the Pars for Patriots golf tournament and will participate int the Homeless Stand Down in September. On Sept. 1, the Pueblo office took part in Patriot Day, a program that honors lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and during the Global War on Terror in the years after.

“We honor their service, and we remember those we lost,” Katz said. “But we also remember those who are still living and provide food to more than 400 families in the Pikes Peak region on that day.

“We just keep moving forward,” Katz said. “Pueblo is unique in its approach to veterans. We’re the Home of Heroes, after all. We’re going to continue to provide services to aid veterans and their families.”

Mt. Carmel provides hand up for Pueblo community veterans under the direction of Sal Katz. Photos courtesy of Mr. Carmel.

Photos courtesy of Mt. Carmel

THRIVE! with Rachel

Access to art is two bridges away: celebrate with the conservancy district, levee muralists

By Rachel Kutskill

The story of Pueblo is one that is best told through a collaboration of those who have and continue to live it. Like any great tale, each rendition or addition allows this beautiful history to unfold and to live among the next generations.

As you move through our town, you can see history painted on its walls, planted in the earth, flowing through the veins and rustling through the trees. Ever present, if you are willing to pause a moment to see, hear, taste, smell and feel it.

Booming technology and modernization has created a world that many of us have evolved with but were not born into. It is a faster paced existence with high speed internet at our fingertips, express to-go orders, accelerated learning and the thought that “—faster—more—bigger” is always better. When we look at the positive impact we have on the next generations, we remind ourselves that being thoughtful, mindful and present are extraordinary gifts as well. The moments we experience through all five senses create vivid memories and stories that are meant

to be shared with friends, family and younger generations. I encourage you to be the one with the story to share.

While Pueblo is a melting pot of cultures, races, languages, food, etc.—it also boasts a robust art scene. This is a part of Pueblo that has thrived through generations, allowing the youth to use art as an expression of all emotions and what brings our community together in ways others have never experienced. The life of an artist revolves around creative and imaginative talent. When speaking with locals about what makes Pueblo so unique—so worthy of its prideful citizens, a place to always come back to—people have amazing experiences and stories to share.

Stephanie Chambers moved to Pueblo 10 years ago, and her story includes the vivid sights taken in while on the move.

“I was immediately drawn to the special touches local artists imprinted around town,” she said. “To this day, whenever I walk, roller skate, ride my bicycle or even kayak, I pass interesting art pieces such as murals on the sides of buildings or on the levee wall, sculptures in parks or neighborhoods, or even

PCCLD’s All Pueblo Reads literacy project has a strong aquatic theme this year. Each selection represents a different reading level for all readers. Photo courtesy of PCCLD.

Photo courtesy of 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?

creative pieces along some of the alleys.”

Cynthia Ramu, Coordinator of the Pueblo Levee Mural Project since 1992, has been involved in the Pueblo art community since 1990. Her story starts with how being in Pueblo made her feel.

“I was drawn to the energy of the creatives here and their passion to be self expressed,” she said. “I was inspired by the historic spirit in this community and that made me feel like I could get back to my art and flow like the river. I actually started painting on the Pueblo Levee before I ever lived here.”

When asked how Ramu feels art helps our town to thrive, she responded, “Creativity in our community creates bridges to inspire all that live here to listen to their own voices and rich history.”

“The arts and humanities are the heartbeat that supports a healthier thriving community,” she said. “I love Pueblo for its rich history, creative spirit and always working to be better and heal itself.”

One of our main attractions in town is The Pueblo Levee Mural Project, which has been an exciting endeavor from inception, with its original creator Dave Roberts in 1979, to the present day paintings on the updated walls. With world records made, broken and reimagined for the future, it boasts a collaboration of efforts from many local artists who have shown us parts of our history and culture through a visual medium. The history of Pueblo is being told and retold right now, with each mural, each brushstroke, each day an artist uncoils the rope and lifts the lids off of their colored paints. Ramu recalls, “Since the beginning I dreamed of the Pueblo Levee Mural Project becoming the longest mural in the world.”

“My first mural in 1992 was 65 ft tall x 120 ft wide and … depicted the history of the Pueblo Colorado Fuel and Iron Mill,” Ramu said. “That was a big learning curve for me, but I love a good challenge.”

Of course a project of this scale requires the involvement of many community members, she worked closely in collaboration with the Pueblo Conservancy District Board, as the Levee Mural Art Coordinator, guiding the mural artists and art review process. The project has 100 new murals, over 60 artists and has covered close to 100,000 sq ft. This is half of the original record, held from 1995 to 2018, with another 180, 000 sq ft to go.

One cannot help but notice the other improvements to our river corridor. Michael Cuppy, owner and president of Northstar Engineering & Surveying, Inc., shared his story and involvement in Pueblo’s history making moments.

“We are very proud that NorthStar Engineering and Survey-

ing, Inc. could help with the design and construction of new recreation improvements, including two iconic pedestrian suspension bridges and trails to the Pueblo levee, which is an essential flood control facility for downtown Pueblo,” he said. “These new bridges help provide access and viewing to this wonderful stretch of the Arkansas River through the heart of Pueblo.”

Charles W. Lee and G. Harvey Nuckolls. Nuckolls and Lee were appointed to the conservancy district in the early 1920s and oversaw the construction of the levee after the devastating flood in 1921. The levee was later reconstructed and remediated by Northstar Engineering and Surveying, Inc. in 2021.

It is an honor and privilege to be included in Pueblo’s story, the history of our town. We have overcome so much together and continue to thrive through our cultural diversity. Let us be reminded of how we can positively impact each other every day.

The Pueblo Conservancy District’s ceremony for the new pedestrian bridges starts at 3 p.m. Sept. 29. with parking on the southside of the main street bridge on the Arkansas river. A shuttle will be provided between the two bridges. Email Corrine at cor_koehler@yahoo.com for reservations. Enjoy an evening of music, friends, food and beverages as the bridges are dedicated.

THRIVE TIP:

Experience Pueblo in a way that involves all of your senses, be present and enjoy the pause of being in the movement. Be the one with the story to share.

PSJ Happiness Index: 4/4

• Social Support -4/4 Experiencing the environment around us can be done any time of the day, any place in the world, without rules, guidelines, or restrictions.

• Health - 4/4 Pausing to truly feel and live in the moment can be deeply rewarding and beneficial to mental and physical health. Slowing down can help calm our nervous system and enrich our experiences.

• Freedom - 4/4 There is nothing stopping us from telling and retelling our stories. Share your story with anyone and everyone.

• Generosity -4/4 Being happy and sharing that with others comes with zero financial obligation. So help create history, walk tall and uplift those around you with your story.

THRIVE TIP:

EXPERIENCE PUEBLO IN A WAY THAT INVOLVES ALL OF YOUR SENSES, BE PRESENT AND ENJOY THE PAUSE OF BEING IN THE MOVEMENT. BE THE ONE WITH THE STORY TO SHARE.

Art of subtlety

By Jennifer Bruton

The Impossible Players’ sponsored troupe, NextGen Players, presents two short plays: “The Candidate” by Brent Holland, directed by Taylor Filler, and “Bad Auditions by Bad Actors” by Ian McWethy, directed by Darin Stuart. Don’t let the title fool you, there are no bad actors in this troupe.

As I entered the building, I was escorted into the newly-renovated theater by the troupe’s friendly volunteers. The theater recently replaced their classic wooden church pews with more modern theater seats. I noticed the set was simple, but quite effective. Black and white geometric designs in the backdrop only hinted at the adventure we were about to embark on in “The Candidate,” allowing the actors to carry the show.

REVIEW SQUAD: locally sponsored theatre troupe impress with two simple-but-tactfully designed plays

The lights came up on four actors, dressed simply, in black trousers and solid-colored tops, which we soon found out were part of their identity. We quickly pick up on the confusion of the characters—all beautifully portrayed by Samantha Smith-Ingo (Black); Seth Wesolowski (White); Eric Griffin (Blue); and Adison Wisthoff (Red). Though, the meaning behind the title of the play takes its time revealing itself. A well-written book or play, like this one, builds suspense, keeping the audience engaged as we try to anticipate the ending. Each actor developed a unique character, each of whom has a distinct personality and angle, as well as a theory about why they are trapped in this room.

The actors’ use of diction and projection was impressive, with no need for additional amplification. Each actor speaks their lines deliberately and clearly, a true treat in an era where “low-talkers” and mumblers are so often portrayed in movies and television series.

A striking element is the physical nature of these roles. Manipulated by sound effects reminiscent of a sci-fi movie, achieved through the use of loud humming elements, both in high and low pitches during the show. The actors often crumble to the ground, are knocked out for a period of time, which is when the humming sounds occur. Physical acting is an advanced skill and clearly the directors took time to assist with ensuring the action looked believable.

Without giving anything away, shout out to Chy Hubbard, whose vital role ties the whole play together.

During the intermission, the stage crew quickly and efficiently reset for the next play, “Bad Auditions by Bad Actors.” The new set was minimal but quite effective, eliciting the feeling of a blank rehearsal space with a table for the casting director. A single rehearsal cube was used by the various characters as everything from a chair to a horse!

I can’t say enough positive things about this particular play!

Theatre nerds will be familiar with (and the uninitiated will be introduced to) the usual actor stereotypes: the diva, the method actor who never, ever breaks out of character, the clueless newbie who knows nothing about the stage, the one dimensional

actor who plays every character with rage, a furry- I could go on but I can’t give it all away!

These young performers take on one of the biggest challenges of any actor, acting badly on purpose. Kieran Varela plays the character of the “Casting Director” along with Dakota Lowe who cleverly plays Roger, the director’s assistant; they keep the show moving with excellent timing, incredible facial reactions and great use of physical comedy. In fact, Valera and Lowe don’t leave the stage. And though he’s not always speaking, keep your eye on Lowe, who adroitly walks the line, staying engaged (hilariously) in the show without upstaging his fellow actors. Audiences are sure to be delighted as each of the large cast of actors takes the stage in an effort to be cast in the fictional Red Barn Theater’s production of “Romeo and Juliet.” Just when you think the last audition can’t be topped… it is! The future of theatre is in great hands with NextGen Players. Kudos to the directorial debut of Taylor Filler and her assistant director, Lily Miller. Congratulations also to Darin Stuart (director) and Asia Thompson (assistant director). The production staff and crew also deserve a shout out for making the experience smooth for the audience. I applaud both teams for their attention to detail, keeping the movement and action natural while allowing the audience to see the actors’ faces. I’m surprised at how often that tenet is overlooked, even on the Broadway stage. From dialects, physical action, projection, and many more theatre basics, these young actors have obviously learned a lot from their experiences with The Impossible Players and I can’t wait to see what they achieve next!

The play “The Candidate” used monochrome colors emphasize the costume design, which symbolizes the characters’ identities. Photo courtesy of the Impossible Players’ Facebook.

“The future of theatre is in great hands with NextGen Players.”

-Jennifer Bruton

Photo courtesy of Impossible Players’ Facebook

First Friday Art Walk GUIDE

Art in the valley

Beulah Valley Arts Council hosted its 67th annual Arts & Crafts Festival in the beginning of August. From car shows to live performances, Beulah showcased the many ways art manifests itself. A fine art show was held in the nearby fire station and vendors offered unique pottery, honey products, handmade soap and homemade jams among other items. The food trucks and beer garden kept the crowd satisfied and cool during the three-day event.

| COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |

Photos by Rory Harbert

Photos by Rory Harbert.

ARTS & CRAFTS

Bridging Gaps: A Crafting Social Support Group

2:30-4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 27, Senior Resource Development Agency, 230 N. Union Ave. Info: 719-583-6611

Colorado State Fair

Through Sept. 4, 1001 Beulah Ave.

Info: coloradostatefair.com

Indoor Makers Market

Second Thursday of each month through March, 330 Lake Ave. in gymnasium

Info: Apply through Sept. 15; text Angel at 719-601-7578; bit.ly/4586HFw?r=qr

INKWELL: Analogue’s Creative

Writing Open Mic

7-9 p.m., second Thursdays, Analogue

Books & Records, 216 N. Main St.

Wynot Productions: “Avenue Q”

Mulitple showings at the Sangre de Criso Arts & Conference Center.

7:30 p.m. showings: Sept. 1-2, Sept. 8-9 and Sept. 14-16.

2:30 p.m. showings: Sept. 3 and Sept. 10.

Info:

sdc-arts.org/exhibition/avenue-q

Non-Members: $25

Members: $20

MUSIC

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

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. FOOD

Pueblo Farmers Market

7 a.m.-noon Fridays, Mineral Palace Park, 1600 N. Santa Fe Ave.

8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through September, Pueblo Mall, 3429 Dillon Drive (JCPenney parking lot)

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

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 1 - Friday

Urban Sketchers of Pueblo Art Show

There’s a Chile in the Air Art Show

5-8 p.m., Steel City Art Works, 216 S. Union Ave.

Info: steelcityartworks.org

First Friday Opening with Creative Consortium of Pueblo

5-8 p.m., Liminal Space Gallery at the Pueblo Arts Alliance, 107 S. Grand Ave.

Info: puebloarts.org

Sept. 9 - Saturday

Comedy Night: Thomas Nichols

Dinner service 5-7 p.m.., show 7:30-9 p.m., El Nopal’s Blue Cactus Room, 1435 E. Evans Ave.

Info: e.afit.edu/t85KKvv

Sept. 7 - Thursday

Industrial/manufacturing sewing student showcase

8-10 a.m., Pueblo Community College, 900 W. Orman Ave., Gorsich Advanced Technology Center, Room GC234A.

Info: RSVP, call 719-424-4142

Sept. 15 - Friday

Kip Moore with special guests The Cadillac Three

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

Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

Sept. 16 - Saturday

Picture Perfect Workshop with Bill Crane

8 a.m.-noon, Grand View Church, 8326 CO-78, Beulah

Info: beulahvalleyartscouncil.org

All Pueblo Sings! Community Sing Along

3-4:15 p.m., Pueblo Divine Science Church, 115 E. Routt Ave.

Info: 719-542-0156 or 719-289-5866

Sept. 21 - Thursday

Travis Tritt with special guest Cody Cozz

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

Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

Sept. 22-24 - Friday - Sunday

29th annual Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival

3 p.m.-midnight, Downtown Pueblo along Union Avenue

Info: pueblochilefestival.com

Pueblopalooza

Noon-9 p.m., Analogue Books & Records, 216 N. Main St.

Info: analoguepueblo.com

Smiles go Miles

Fuel & Iron Food Hall hosted wholesome fundraiser for travel

By Ben Cason

On August 3rd at Fuel and Iron, we got to see what Tyler Shown called, “a microcosm of pay it forward community.”

Shown, a Pueblo native and community organizer, had a dream to be able to give his newly-married friends a chance to travel and enjoy the world. He decided to do it by connecting with the community in Pueblo.

The couple are nurses who have lived in Pueblo. Shown said they had been looking at a vacation to Hawaii but canceled it. Shown said, “I just thought, why don’t I just buy the tickets? They’ve had a rough year, they deserve it.”

Shown is an avid traveler, who has adventured all around the globe from Thailand to the United Kingdom. Shown picked up his passion for videography while traveling.

The Smiles Go Miles Concert Fundraiser was a three-hour event with opportunities to give to a young family who couldn’t go on a vacation.

Shown has always connected to people with music. “It’s a great way to raise money and support our musicians,” Shown said. “I love to show off and support musicians’ talent. It’s the easiest medium for total entertainment value.”

Adrian Hernandez, Christian Jaquez, Kayla Slaughter and Naomi Zia-Ahmadi all performed for a crowd in the food hall.

People were able to relax, enjoy their food and hear the music. All four are Pueblo area locals.

“We were looking for a living room at-home environment,” Shown said. “We brought in more couches for that family feel. People were also sitting at tables and on the floor. We had a very intimate environment.”

Throughout the night there were opportunities to donate to Smiles Go Miles, Shown’s fundraising method for the young family. Shown also created t-shirts and sold them, with proceeds going towards the fund.

Fuel and Iron’s bar sold the “Jolly Mule,’’ named after Shown’s video production company ‘Jolly Mule Productions.’ Proceeds from this drink sale also went to help with the family’s vacation.

Between all of the different fundraising avenues, the event made $2,100 according to Shown. $1,100 was given to the family for their trip and the rest was given to the musicians and crew who had been donating their time and talent.

“I chose common people to support, which is a rare thing to do,” Shown said. “People think they need to be struggling to be shown support and love. This event was about saying it’s important to support your neighbor regardless of their circumstance.”

“People think they need to be struggling to be shown support and love... it’s important to support your neighbor regardless of their circumstance.”

-Tyler Shown

In addition to the music and drinks, the food hall had mini massages from Stefan Anderson-Finley and Acudetox treatments from New Leaf Therapy. The Street Champs podcast also had a booth and was in attendance supporting Smiles Go Miles.

The Fuel and Iron Food Hall was packed to the brim for the event, with each of the restaurants receiving plenty of business through the night.

“Fuel and Iron is such a great addition downtown,” Shown said. “The capacity is exactly what Pueblo needs. Nathan (Stern) is so pro-Pueblo. Anything I wanted they did.”

The event was filled with creatives in town coming to support. Photographers, videographers, artists and more were given leeway to make content throughout the event.

Shown said, “It’s hard to explain to people who don’t live here, but we’re blessed with the most creative people. Those people need opportunities to be creative.”

According to Shown, when designing the stage and layout for the event it was done with the thought of how it would be shot. Shown, a videographer by trade, has experience recording bands and looked to make Fuel and Iron friendly for that type of video work.

Throughout the planning process Shown had been planning

to present the money on the night of the event to the couple. He invited them weeks before, but at the last second they couldn’t make it to the event. They didn’t know it was for them.

Shown was upset at first, having organized the event for them.

Shown said, “My friend told me, don’t let them not coming deter you from what you are doing. This is why you are supporting them in the first place, they are so busy they can’t make time.”

“This moment of presenting the money would have been for us, not for them,” Shown said. “It’s not about that. It’s about sending a family on a trip because they are good people and deserve a trip. I wanted to get people together for a good time and to laugh, I had no reason to be upset.”

The money was given to the family in private to support their next trip. The event itself successfully achieved Shown’s goal, both in having community and helping someone who needed it.

“What’s most important is that we were all together,” Shown said. “People are looking for a purpose and we create an opportunity for purpose when we are all together.”

The event raised over $2,100 in funds towards a young family’s vacation. The event was created out of generosity, wanting to give a family some much needed reprieve and memories to cherish. Photos by Gillian Brown.

“People are looking for a purpose and we create an opportunity for purpose when we are all together.”

-Tyler Shown

Photos by Gillian Brown

Season preview

By Ben Cason

As we prepare for another wild year of Pueblo high school football, here’s where all the teams stand:

Central Wildcats: 6-4 last year

The Central Wildcats have won four consecutive Bell Games and enter 2023 with a talented young roster. Long time coach Kris Cotterman returns to lead the Wildcats, he’s been at the helm since 2017. Central began last year 6-2 with serious playoff hopes before losing the final two games and missing out on the playoffs. One of the major strengths of this Wildcat roster is their skill players. Running Back Amari Brown returns for his junior year. He’s been terrific in the Bell Game, as a freshman he ran for 110 yards and a touchdown in a 42-0 win. Last year he ran for 186 yards in a 30-0 win. Brown ran for a total of 1250 yards last year in just eight games. Fullback Michael Montoya returns for his senior year, last year he broke out with 13 rushing touchdowns. Kaden Clay also returns for his senior year as the team’s number one receiver. The Wildcats potent ground game totaled 2908 total yards last year, with 36 touchdowns. Genaro Pino and Josiah Barela split time as the quarterback last year, but it appears Pino has won the job out of camp. Central’s defense is full of talented upperclassmen, and made an improvement of over six points per game allowed last year. This Wildcat team took a major step last year, and returns many of the same players. Expect them to contend for the 3A Southern 2 League title if everyone can take one more step. They also should be favored in the Bell Game.

Key Games: vs East (8/31), vs Centennial (10/6), vs Lewis-Palmer (10/20)

Centennial Bulldogs: 3-7 last year

Longtime former County Hornet head coach Jeff Wilson enters year two of his tenure with the Bulldogs. Wilson coached County for 31 seasons before returning to Pueblo football in 2022. Centennial made some progress last year after having gone 1-13 in 2020-21, they went 3-7 including a riveting 5542 win against league rival Sierra in October. However, the Bulldogs again couldn’t retake the Bell and struggled through stretches of the season. As the season went on Centennial was forced to switch quarterbacks when senior Uli Fesuluai went down with an injury. Jayden Hudran came in and now is in line to start at quarterback as a senior. Hudran threw for 3 TD and 3 INT as the starter, but added 286 rush yards and 3 TD. Centennial lost four of their top five rushers from last year, but Jordan Gallegos and Ricky Cordova look to be in position to produce on the ground. One of Centennial’s strengths last year was their offensive line. Centennial is young at the skill positions and in the secondary. This team may be in a bit of a rebuild, but you can never put it past the Bulldogs to contend for the Bell. The team will look to continue their upward trajectory under Wilson with a tough schedule this year.

Where the high school football teams stand at start of year

Key Games: vs Central (10/6), at Sierra (10/20), vs South (10/26)

South Colts: 3-7 last year

2022 was the first time since 2012 the Colts failed to reach five wins. Longtime head coach Ryan Goddard has been brilliant in his tenure with South, entering his 13th season with nine playoff appearances and the 2017 state championship on his resume. The Colts haven’t missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons since 2011-12. One of the major stories with South in 2022 was the Cannon Game, which they lost 23-0. The game featured a major brawl with 1 minute left before half time, and the game was suspended. South will look to wash out the bad taste of last year with a young team. Sophomore Caeden Herrera is in line to inherit Goddard’s air raid offense as quarterback. Herrera appeared in three games last year backing up Kaleb Ortiz. South lost Ortiz, running back Elijah Aguilar and star receiver Mateo Esquivel. South will be very young at receiver and in their secondary, but Goddard has built up a reputation for strength at these positions. Defensively South was steady last year and ended on a major bright spot upending Centennial 40-6 then beating Central 16-14. This year will be about developing chemistry with the young guys on the team and rebuilding the Colts feared passing attack. East will present a major challenge in the Cannon Game, but South and Coach Goddard always have a few tricks up their sleeve.

Key Games: vs East (9/22), at Lewis-Palmer (10/13), vs Central (11/3)

East Eagles: 8-3 last year

The East Eagles enter 2023 with a great deal of hope and a new division, the Pikes Peak League. They join County, Canon City, Discovery Canyon and Sand Creek. East was a powerhouse team in 2022, winning a controversial Cannon Game and rolling through their tough schedule with an 8-2 record winning the South Central League. Their season ended prematurely as they were beaten 49-6 in the first round of the playoffs by eventual runner-up Lutheran. Sophomore Zayden Stevens emerged as a star at the QB position, but transferred to Vista Ridge for 2023. Domnick ‘Bam Bam’ Sierra won the battle for the starting QB position. The senior has been at defensive end and punter. East lost a bit of depth at running back and receiver but should still have plenty of contributors. Izaiah Trujillo emerged with a strong year leading the team in receptions (30), yards (633) and touchdowns (10). He returns for his junior year. Gabriel Garcia and Isaiah Garcia return at running back spearheading the Eagle ground attack. East nabbed 19 interceptions last year as a team, and returns a dangerous senior-heavy defense. The Eagle pass rush was young last year but gained

ground as the season continued. Tony Valdez’s Eagles will be hard to score against and have the potential to be a top-tier offense. I expect East to be neck and neck with County for the new Pikes Peak League title. They also should be the favorite for the Cannon Game.

Key Games: at Lutheran (9/15), vs South (9/22), at County (11/3)

County Hornets: 4-6 last year

The 2022 County Hornets just kept getting better week after week. They were beaten in the Pigskin Classic by Pueblo West 41-7 in week two. From then on they didn’t lose a game by more than two scores. In the first year under Ramon Enriquez, who spent 15 years on former Hornet coach Monte Pinkerton’s staff, County opened up their passing heavy offense. Cohen Glenn as a sophomore played QB. He had 12 total touchdowns to 12 interceptions. He enters 2023 as the starter with a year under his belt leading the Hornet offense. Patrick Noga split carries with Cody Lanier last year, and this year looks to receive more of a lion’s share of the touches. Jonathan Gonzales could be one of the best receivers in Pueblo this year as a senior. He had 25 catches for 418 yards and 4 TD’s last year. County’s offensive line is stacked with seniors and the defense will have plenty of talent. They lost standout pass rusher Ken Shorten, who had 11 sacks last year. County turned the ball over 22 times in 10 games last year. If they can cut that down and see their young players take a step forward this team can contend for the new Pikes Peak League. Pueblo West as always will be a major challenge, but County might have the pieces to pull a neutral site upset.

Key Games: vs Pueblo West (9/1), vs Central (9/22), vs East (11/3)

Pueblo West Cyclones: 7-5 last year

Pueblo West was able to withstand a brutal schedule to make the playoffs in 2022. They were beaten by Ponderosa 33-14. Clint Buderus returns to lead Pueblo West, who have made the playoffs in each of Buderus’ full seasons. Gavin Lockett returns as a junior at QB, he had 1274 yards passing with 13 TD’s and 12 INT’s in 2022. He was a dual threat quarterback last year and should be very involved in the run game again. West lost Jacob Trader at running back, who had 1052 yards rushing last year and 14 TD’s. There are a few players who will get touches this season looking to establish themselves at the regular running back. Senior Donovan Robinson and junior Brock Keck could be one of the better WR duos in Pueblo this year. Pueblo West lost their top three tacklers from 2022 and will be looking for new guys to step up. Under Buderus Pueblo West has developed linebackers consistently. West again will play a tough schedule looking to win the 4A Southern League. Montrose and Mesa Ridge put together strong years last year and should be significant challengers to the Cyclones. West has won the last seven against County, so they should be favored against the Hornets. I think that it may be a closer game than people expect.

Key Games: vs County (9/1), at Palmer Ridge (10/6), vs Montrose (10/27)

Faith-based organizations Southside

FINDING COMMUNITY IN FAITH

The Pueblo Star Journal shares its third entry of a four-part series focusing on faith-based organizations in each cardinal direction. September dives into Southside. Look out for our comprehensive directory on the Westside in our next issue!

Aberdeen Baptist Church

301 Cleveland St, Pueblo, CO, 81004

719-542-5935

Services 11:00 am Sunday

Agape Fellowship

611 Broadway Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81004

7109-542-1411

Services 10:00 am Sunday, 6:30 pm Wednesday

The Avenue Church

3030 Thatcher Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81005 719-561-1512

Services 9:00 am, 10:30 am Sunday

Bethlehem MBC of Pueblo

1044 Spruce St, Pueblo, CO, 81004 719-542-0420

Calvary Church

5 Tulane St, Pueblo, CO, 81005 710-561-4173

Services 10:30 am Sunday

City Church

224 S Union Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81003 719-299-4779

Services 10:30 am Sunday

Covenant Reformed Presbyterian

3913 Sandalwood Ln, Pueblo, CO, 81005

719-404-1833

Services 10:50 am Sunday

Diocese of Pueblo Catholic Church

101 N Greenwood St, Pueblo, CO, 81003 719-544-9861

Faith Christian Fellowship of Pueblo

2612 S Prairie Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81005 719-250-2046

Fellowship of the Rockies

3982 W Northern Ave, Pueblo, Co, 81005 719-544-5000

Services 5:00 pm Saturday, 9:00 am, 10:30 am Sunday

First Ame Church

613 W Mesa Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81004 719-544-8125

First Church of God

528 W Abriendo Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81004 719-542-8541

First Church of the Nazarene

84 Stanford Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81005 719-564-3209

GraceLife Church

540 Alma Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81004 719-546-0551

Services 10:00 am Sunday

Holy Family Catholic Church

2827 Lakeview Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81005 719-564-2696

Services 4:00 pm Saturday, 8:00 am and 10:00 am Sunday

King of Kings Lutheran Church

2561 Vinewood Ln, Pueblo, CO, 81005 719-564-7360

Services 9:30 am Sunday

Lake Avenue Community Church

1345 Lake Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81004 719-542-0113

Photo courtesy of Pueblo Shares

Lynn Gardens Baptist Church

3804 W Pueblo Blvd, Pueblo, CO, 81005 719-564-4434

Mesa Bible Church Pueblo

702 Main St, Pueblo, CO, 81004 719-299-4673

New Beginnings Church

631 W Corona Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81004 719-546-0891

New Bethany Baptist Church

2622 Lakeview Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81004 719-561-4427

New Life Bible Church

2320 S Prairie Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81005 719-583-8393

Our Lady of Mt Carmel Catholic Church

421 Clark St, Pueblo, CO, 81003 719-542-5952

Services 8:00 am Sunday English, 11:00 am Spanish

Pueblo First Seventh-day Adventist Church

3910 O’Neal Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81005 719-564-6193

Rocky Mountain Baptist Church

2901 O’Neal Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81005 719-546-9602

Services 11:00 am Sunday

Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox

1010 Spruce St, Pueblo, CO, 81004 719-544-8554

Saint Mary Catholic Church

217 E Mesa Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81006 719-296-8778

Saint Michael’s Orthodox Christian

810 W Summit Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81004 719-545-4148

Saint Peter the Apostle Episcopal

3939 W Pueblo Blvd, Pueblo, CO, 81005 719-561-4567

Shrine of St Therese

300 Goodnight Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81004 719-542-1788

Trinity Lutheran Church

701 W Evans Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81004 719-544-3016

Services 9:00 am Sunday, 5:30 pm Saturday

Victory Outreach Pueblo

900 E Routt Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81004 719-584-7722

Wesley United Methodist Church

85 Stanford Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81005 719-561-8746

Services 10:00 am Sunday

Westminster Presbyterian Church

10 University Cir, Pueblo, CO, 81005 719-561-8031

Word of Faith Christian Center

3939 Redwood Ln, Pueblo, CO, 81005 DID

faith@pueblostarjournal.org

Proud together

Southern Colorado Equality Alliance hosted Pueblo Pride Aug. 20 at Mineral Palace Park. With about 180 vendors sprawled across the park, the community shared their unfiltered selves and celebrated each other through cultural performances, arts and food from an array of food trucks.

Photos by David Lobato and Jordan Clark.

Photo by David Lobato

Photo by David Lobato

Photo by David Lobato

Photo by David Lobato

Photo by Jordan Clark

Photo by Jordan Clark

Photo by Jordan Clark

Photo by Jordan Clark

Photo by Jordan Clark

ARTS & CRAFTS

Bridging Gaps: A Crafting Social Support Group

2:30-4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 27, Senior Resource Development Agency, 230 N. Union Ave. Info: 719-583-6611

Colorado State Fair

Through Sept. 4, 1001 Beulah Ave. Info: coloradostatefair.com

Indoor Makers Market

Second Thursday of each month through March, 330 Lake Ave. in gymnasium

Info: Apply through Sept. 15; text Angel at 719-601-7578; bit.ly/4586HFw?r=qr

INKWELL: Analogue’s Creative Writing Open Mic

7-9 p.m., second Thursdays, Analogue Books & Records, 216 N. Main St.

Wynot Productions: “Avenue Q”

Mulitple showings at the Sangre de Criso Arts & Conference Center.

7:30 p.m. showings: Sept. 1-2, Sept. 8-9 and Sept. 14-16.

2:30 p.m. showings: Sept. 3 and Sept. 10.

Info:

sdc-arts.org/exhibition/avenue-q

Non-Members: $25

Members: $20

HISTORY

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

“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

FAITH

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 Rocks in the Park

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

GAMES

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.

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

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.

PUEBLO CHILE & FRIJOLES FESTIVAL

Photo courtesy of Pueblo Shares

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.

FOOD

Pueblo Farmers Market

7 a.m.-noon Fridays, Mineral Palace Park, 1600 N. Santa Fe Ave.

8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through September, Pueblo Mall, 3429 Dillon Drive (JCPenney parking lot)

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

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

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.

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

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 1 - Friday

Urban Sketchers of Pueblo Art Show

There’s a Chile in the Air Art Show

5-8 p.m., Steel City Art Works, 216 S. Union Ave. Info: steelcityartworks.org

First Friday Opening with Creative Consortium of Pueblo

5-8 p.m., Liminal Space Gallery at the Pueblo Arts Alliance, 107 S. Grand Ave.

Info: puebloarts.org

Sept. 9 - Saturday

Comedy Night: Thomas Nichols

Dinner service 5-7 p.m.., show 7:30-9 p.m., El Nopal’s Blue Cactus Room, 1435 E. Evans Ave. Info: e.afit.edu/t85KKvv

Sept. 5 - Tuesday

Creek Week Proclamation

9 a.m., Pueblo County Courthouse, 215 W. 10th St.

Sept. 7 - Thursday

Industrial/manufacturing sewing student showcase

8-10 a.m., Pueblo Community College, 900 W. Orman Ave., Gorsich Advanced Technology Center, Room GC234A. Info: RSVP, call 719-424-4142

Free presentation: “Taking the Field: Soldiers, Nature, & Empire on American Frontiers”

7-8:30 p.m., PCC’s Hoag Theater, 900 W. Orman Ave. Info: 719-583-1633

Sept. 9 - Saturday

Best of Bessmer: Kickoff

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Celebrating 150 years of steel in Pueblo, Steelworks Center of the West kicks off month-long celebration of Bessemer with face painting, food trucks and more. Free admission with free museum and tunnel tours.

Sept. 12 - Tuesday

History Colorado Members-Only Behind-the-Scenes Tour: North Storage

1-2 p.m., via Zoom Info: calendar.time.ly/63iq9y15

Sept. 13 - Wednesday

Museum Basics: Oral Histories

5-7 p.m., via Zoom

Info: $25, calendar.time.ly/63iq9y15

Sept. 15 - Friday

Kip Moore with special guests The Cadillac Three

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

Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

Sept. 16 - Saturday

Picture Perfect Workshop with Bill Crane

8 a.m.-noon, Grand View Church, 8326 CO-78, Beulah

Info: beulah

All Pueblo Sings! Community Sing Along

3-4:15 p.m., Pueblo Divine Science Church, 115 E. Routt Ave. Info: 719-542-0156 or 719-289-5866

Sixth Annual Artisan Textile Fashion Show

3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. , 710 S Main St. Info: artisantextilecompany.com. $6 per ticket, seat limited.

Sept. 21 - Thursday

Travis Tritt with special guest Cody Cozz

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

Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

Sept. 22 - Friday

29th annual Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival

3 p.m.-midnight, Downtown Pueblo along Union Avenue

Info: pueblochilefestival.com

Sept. 23 - Saturday

29th annual Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival

10 a.m.-midnight, Downtown Pueblo along Union Avenue

Info: pueblochilefestival.com

Sept. 24 - Sunday

29th annual Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival

10 a.m.-5 p.m., Downtown Pueblo along Union Avenue

Info: pueblochilefestival.com

Rob Schneider: The Narcissist Confessions

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

Info: pueblomemorialhall.com

Sept. 30 - Saturday

BIKE THE BESSEMER

Photo courtesy of Palmer Land’s Facebook

3rd Annual Bike the Bessemer

8 a.m.-1 p.m., 1144 S. Aspen Road

Info: $50 per person, www.palmerland.org/event/2023-bike-the-bessemer

Confluence Park Volunteer Day

9 a.m.-noon, Confluence Park at Stockyard Road

Info: PuebloCreekWeek23.eventbrite. com or 719-583-6566

Pueblopalooza

Noon-9 p.m., Analogue Books & Records, 216 N. Main St. Info: analoguepueblo.com

OCTOBER

Oct. 1 - Sunday

Creek Week opening day

Info: 719-406-5201, www.fountain-crk.org/creek-week-2023-registration or fountaincreekoutreach@gmail. com

Oct. 5

Info: booksagain-pueblo.com

Oct. 6

Books-by-the-Bag Sale (public)

10 a.m.-4 p.m., Books

Again, 622 S. Union Ave. Info: booksagain-pueblo. com

Oct. 7 - Saturday

Books-by-the-Bag Sale (public)

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

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PUEBLOSTARJOURNAL.ORG/EVENTS/SUBMIT

Dan Bublitz Jr. for Cooperative Care

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

Info: pueblomemorialhall.com