MyDenver October 2026
BELCARO & BONNIE BRAE
THE JOY OF BAKING
Holding Court DENVER TENNIS PARK
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REBEL BREAD
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
WHAT WOMEN SHOULD KNOW
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I N V I T E
YO U
T O
A N V A A H SOCIAL CLUB
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12 5 PM - 8 PM LOTUSGROUP 1005 S . GAYLORD ST. DENVER, CO 80209
RSVP TODAY SAWYER.MATZ@WAINSCOTMEDIA .COM
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Contents OCTOBER 2026
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22 F EATU RES
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Bread Theory
Rebel Bread’s Zach Martinucci on building his bakery business from scratch.
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Holding Court
How Denver Tennis Park instills character in players of all ages. 22
Doctor’s Orders
What women in Colorado should know about breast cancer.
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I N TH I S I S SU E
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EDITOR’S NOTE Welcoming October
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LOCAL PULSE Community Calendar
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LOCAL SOCIAL Refresh, Revive, Renew
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Q&A The Pen vs. the Sword
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BOOK NOOK Our Top Reads for October
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PHOTO OP Ancient Engineering
COVER
Denver Tennis Park Photograph by Sawyer Matz
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EDITOR’S NOTE
MyDenver BELCARO & BONNIE BRAE EDITION Publisher Sawyer Matz sawyer.matz@wainscotmedia.com
o
HELLO AGAIN, NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I want to start there, because it’s the kind of thing that’s easy to nod at and move past. Most of us know someone. Some of us are someone. This issue holds honest space for it—not a ribbon and a slogan, but real information for those who need it now or later. Read those pages closely. I start there because it puts the rest in perspective. The bread, the tennis, the good conversations—
that’s the ordinary life the hard stuff interrupts and that we fight our way back to. And ordinary is doing a lot of work in that sentence. There’s nothing small about a morning at Rebel Bread, where someone’s been up since before dawn making something by hand. Or a standing tennis game that quietly turned into a family over the years. Community doesn’t announce itself. It just keeps showing up, one day at a time. The stories worth telling aren’t just the loud ones; they’re the ones already happening on your block if you slow down enough to notice. October and the season help with that. I’m hoping we actually get a winter this year—real snow, the kind that gives you an excuse to stay in with the magazine and a coffee. So this month: Read the tough pages closely. Then go get the loaf, take the long way home, and don’t put off the things that matter. With gratitude,
Sawyer Matz
Publisher, MyDenver sawyer.matz@wainscotmedia.com mydenvermag.com @mydenvermag
Writers Colin Swaysland Emilie Trice Paige Dungan Zach Martinucci Photographer Daniel Brenner WAINSCOT MEDIA Chairman Carroll V. Dowden President and CEO Mark Dowden SVP, Group Publisher Thomas Flannery VP, Content Strategy Maria Regan VP, Director of Digital Media Nigel Edelshain Creative Director Kijoo Kim Art Director Rosemary O’Connell Associate Editor Sophia Carlisle Advertising Services Director Jacquelynn Fischer Operations Director Catherine Rosario Production Designer Chris Ferrante Circulation Manager Kathy Wenzler Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden
MyDenver magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Bonnie Brae and Belcaro, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2026 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
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Since 1926, Bell has been the trusted name families across Denver turn to when they need help at home.
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DIRECTORY OF SPONSORS Many thanks to our committed sponsors, who make it possible for us to bring you high-quality local stories each month. Shopping and doing business close to home are excellent ways to support our community. When you visit our sponsors, please tell them MyDenver magazine sent you!
Aspen Academy
From toddlers to teens, Aspen Academy supports your child’s journey with leadership, values, and real-world learning—all under one roof. 303-346-3500 | aspenacademy.org @Aspen_Academy
Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical
“Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical has been serving generations of Denver-area homeowners since 1926. A century of trusted solutions, expert advice, and honest options for maintenance, repairs, and replacements.” 303-733-7261 | BellPlumbing.com | @bellhomesolutions
Bonnie Brae Liquor
In Denver’s historic Bonnie Brae, we’re more than a liquor store—we’re a community hub to connect, discover new favorites, and get expert recommendations. 303-733-7261 | bonniebraeliquor.com @bonniebraeliquor
Chris Matz Law
Coggeshal Construction
Howard Lorton
KALO Fitness
KGA Studio Architects
KGA is a residential architectural studio specializing in custom homes and remodels. Founded in 1977, we blend thoughtful design with a client-first process to create beautiful, timeless homes. 303-442-5882 | kgarch.com | @kga_studio @kgastudioarchitects
LotusGroup
“KALO is the #1 Multifacted Space for women. Through an ever-evolving, service-rooted approach, we are creating a space where women learn how to support themselves more fully and train in a way that allows them to thrive.” 760-994-6935 | kalofitness.com | @kalo_fitness
Perspective Design Build
Red Leaf Solutions
Denver attorney Chris Matz has fought for clients across criminal defense, family law, dissolution, and parenting and child support matters for over 26 years. Helping good people navigate difficult times. chrismatzlaw.com | @Chris Matz Law
Perspective Design Build is a premier full-service residential interior design firm, with a focus on sustainable and universal design, and a specialization in historic preservation. From comprehensive space planning to the final finishing touches, our expert design process transforms your vision for new builds, additions, and remodels into a beautifully realized home. 303-327-5803 | denverwinecellar.com
Coggeshall Construction works closely with each client, treating each project like a masterpiece, allowing it to take the shape of your dream home. 303-777-0894 | coggeshall.com
Red Leaf Wine Cellars and Saunas designs and installs custom wine cellars, racking systems, climate control, and saunas across the Denver Metro Area and Front Range. 303-327-5803 | denverwinecellar.com
Colorado’s longest-running furniture store, Howard Lorton has served Denver since 1927. Three generations of family, design expertise, and 45,000 square feet of furnishings at 12th and Broadway. Explore the world of fine living with Howard Lorton. 303-831-1212 | howardlorton.com | @howardlortonfurniture 1005 S. Gaylord Street, Denver, 80209
LotusGroup Advisors is a Wash Park–based wealth management firm that integrates public and private investments into personalized financial plans—helping clients build, protect, and use their wealth so they can Make Life Count. 720-593-9861 | lgadvisors.com | @lgadvisors 1005 S. Gaylord Street, Denver, 80209
The Designery Denver
“Boutique kitchen design and remodeling, bringing curated home products and expert craftsmanship to Denver homes that demand something better.” 303-225-0555 | thedesignery.com | @thedesignerydenver
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STRENGTH, REVOLUTIONIZED Customized. Sustainable. Natural. Contemporary.
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Designing with a creative,fresh perspective. Scan to Schedule a Consultation Today! perspective-design.com perspectivedesignbuild
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LOCAL PULSE
Community CALENDAR
Bright Nights at Four Mile
As the days get shorter, Denver lights up with an array of illuminating events, concerts, and seasonal celebrations. From hot indie flicks debuting at the Denver Film Fest to inflatable glow-inthe-dark creatures to candle-lit concertos, October’s cultural events come alive after dark. October 2 to 3, 9 to 11, 16 to 18, 23 to 25, 30
Bright Nights at Four Mile is a family-friendly romp through an oversized world that invokes the classic ’80s film, “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.” This magical menagerie of brightly colored lanterns invites visitors to shrink down to the size of a Four Mile honeybee and explore life as an insect; walk alongside a giant mantis, or through a field of towering wildflowers. Tickets begin at $28 for adults, $30 walk-up, with youth tickets starting at $15 for members and $21 for non-members. To learn more and reserve your tickets, visit fourmilepark.org/ events/bright-nights.
Designed to delight, this trick-or-treating experience has been a Denver staple beloved by families for years. Don your costumes and enjoy mysterious creatures, slithering serpents, mischievous monkeys, and a menagerie of candy stations—it’s the best place in town to trick-or-treat! Make this Halloween one to remember by reserving your timed ticket, which promises to cut down on crowds, giving everyone enough space to make the most of this magical event. The event runs 4:30 to 9 p.m. Get yours at denverzoo.org/events/boo-at-the-zoo.
Bright Nights at Four Mile Historic Park
Boo at the Zoo
Oct. 15 to 18 and Oct. 21 to 24 Glow in the Gardens
When the sun goes down, enchanted landscapes spring to life at the Denver Botanic Gardens’ annual light-up night. A maze of color-coded paths wind through the gardens, revealing glowing tableaus animated by live performances and dotted by elaborate jack-o-lantern displays. Marvel at the artistry of larger-than-life sculptures, freshly carved from real, locally grown pumpkins. Bring your appetite for themed food and beverages that pay homage to the year’s spookiest season. Member tickets start at $34 for adults and $27 for children (ages 3 to 15). Please note that children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and costumes are encouraged! The event kicks off at 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street, Denver. Tickets sell out fast, so secure yours at botanicgardens.org/events/public-events/ glow-gardens.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS AND FEVER.
Wednesday to Sunday throughout October
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October 22, 2026 Denver Film Festival
Light-up night at the Denver Botanic Gardens
The Denver Film Festival returns for its 49th year, as the city’s marquee celebration of cinema. This year’s line-up features a slew of international films by the industry’s rising stars. With plenty of package options available, granting access to the red carpet and VIP events, panel talks, and more, the Denver Film Fest is a must-see for every cinephile. According to the festival’s organizers, over 27,000 attendees are expected to attend this year’s program, including Q&A sessions with directors and industry-networking events. For detailed ticketing information, visit denverfilm.org/programs/ denver-film-festival.
October 17
Broadway Halloween Parade Head to Broadway for the annual spectacle that puts all your neighbors’ hidden talents and alter egos on full display: artists, dancers, puppeteers, steampunk fanatics, and horror fans of all ages come together to see and be seen in celebration of All Hallows’ Eve. Comprised of daring and far-out floats— each built by hand and crafted with care—the Broadway Halloween parade is a testament to our neighborhood’s creative energy and enduring fascination with all things spiritual and supernatural. The festivities run from 6 to 9 p.m. and are free and open to all who celebrate. For more information, visit southbroadwaydenver.org/ broadway-halloween.
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LOCAL PULSE
October 23
Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac Did you know that Stevie Nicks first wrote her iconic ballad “Landslide” while working as a house cleaner and barmaid in Aspen? True story. Inspired by the majestic beauty of the Colorado Rockies, Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac’s seductive sounds are now synonymous with classic rock, but they’re also ideal compositions for a string quartet lit by hundreds of flickering candles in a sacred space. Enjoy an evening of musical nostalgia, including renditions of beloved hits like “The Chain,” “Rhiannon,” “You Make Loving Fun,” “Gypsy,” and, of course, “Landslide.” The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church and lasts one hour. Intended for ages 8 and up (anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult), tickets start at $23.50. To purchase tickets and learn more, visit feverup.com/en/ denver/candlelight.
October 24
South Broadway Halloween Bar Crawl The second annual Halloween Bar Crawl along South Broadway is sure to be an action-packed evening of frighteningly fun libations. Dress to impress and prepare yourself for a descent into drunken debauchery. Last year, 500 locals converged on 28 of South Broadway’s finest bars and venues, and this year’s event promises to be even bigger and better, with all proceeds supporting the parade. The evening kicks off at sundown, when all the spirits come out to play. Learn more at southbroadwaydenver.org/ broadway-halloween.
Candlelight Tribute
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LOCAL SOC IAL
Refresh, Revive, Renew:
An evening With Howard Lorton and MyDenver BY MYDENVER STAFF LAST MONTH, WE teamed up with our partner Howard Lorton Furniture & Design to toast the storied emporium’s 99th year with an evening of design conversation, curated vignettes, and celebration inside their iconic building and showroom. Two Colorado beverage makers, Laws Whiskey House and Crispy Cocktails, kept glasses full all night alongside a generous spread of hors d’oeuvres. Our gratitude to the local partners who brought this night to life — and to every reader who came out to raise a glass with us. Until the next one. PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL BRENNER
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New Construction. Custom Homes. Personalized Renovations.
Elevate your home with a cohesive, luxurious transformation. (303) 777-0894 | coggeshall.com | @coggeshall.construction
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Helping clients build and enjoy their wealth. Make Life Count.
Wealth Management & Financial Advising (720) 593-9861
lgadvisors.com
1005 South Gaylord Street, Denver, CO
LotusGroup Advisors, LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser. This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment advice. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. No strategy can guarantee results. For more information about our services, including our Form ADV, please visit lgadvisors.com.
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PHOTOGRAPH BY EB PIXS
Zach Martinucci, founder of Rebel Bread Bakery
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Bread Theory
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REBEL BREAD makes between 200 and 600 loaves of bread every day, and up to 2,500 pastries, including croissants, muffins, cookies, and scones.
Rebel Bread’s Zach Martinucci on building his bakery business from scratch. BY ZACH MARTINUCCI
I’M REALLY FASCINATED by food cultures and storytelling, and how food has connected people throughout history. My background is in food anthropology, which is essentially the idea that, because we cook and eat multiple times a day, our relationship with food tells us something about who we are, what we value, and how we live our lives. Rebel Bread began in 2018 in Five Points. In January of 2020, we moved into our current location in an old culinary school in the Denver Design District. We’ve since expanded through a few different iterations in the space, and we
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opened the cafe and teaching kitchen one year ago. We tried to repurpose what we could from the culinary school, such as the lockers and benches in our hallways, as a way to pay homage to the space’s previous life. Education has always been really important to us as a company, so it felt like kismet that we found a space already set up to focus on culinary instruction.
I just really want to teach America how to bake bread.”
When we first moved into the Design District space, we were a wholesaleonly business. Then, when COVID hit just a couple of months later, we lost the entire wholesale business overnight. From there, we pivoted to home delivery and started doing farmers markets, including the South Pearl Farmers Market. Over the next couple of years, we focused on building back the wholesale business, baking for coffee shops, restaurants, and grocery programs: we make 200 to 600 loaves of bread in a day, and up to 2,500 pastries, including croissants, muffins, cookies, and scones. OCTOBER 2026 |
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LED BY EDUCATION Throughout Rebel Bread’s history, we’ve always offered classes. We love having people come in who are interested in what we do because we don’t actually get to meet most of the people who eat our products at the various places around town where you can find us. I have always dreamed of opening a baking school, and now that we have the teaching kitchen space, it’s been really fun to see that dream fulfilled. We have a fantastic team of teachers who enjoy working with people of all levels and backgrounds. I grew up in Northern California and studied contemporary Italian culinary traditions and identity at UCLA. I entered my first baking competition while in college. I don’t remember if I won, but it was the first time I got to share my hobby with other people. Everyone was really positive and
supportive, and it made me think: “Maybe I could do something with this.” After college, I attended the San Francisco Baking Institute and completed a Professional Bread and Viennoiserie program. (Viennoiserie being “laminated” baked goods such as croissants and brioche, which required layering butter into dough). The school was one freeway exit away from where I grew up, and my mentor, who had opened a little French retail bakery across the Bay, encouraged me to attend. Then, I got there and realized that a good portion of the students in our program were international, from the UK, India, Mexico, and Brazil. Then I understood how fortunate I had been to be able to enroll in the Institute essentially on a whim. After the program, I moved to Denver and founded Rebel Bread. Rebel doesn’t necessarily have a
set curriculum, but we make sure that all of our classes are rooted in actual education and science. They’re designed to be meaningful, purposeful events that celebrate the art of gathering. Bread Theory is one of the pillars of our baking school—it’s the idea that all bread essentially works the same way, regardless of whether you’re making hamburger buns or bagels or sourdough. The pastry fundamentals of our curriculum give students the ability to add all the various techniques and skills to their repertoire to make different kinds of pastries and breads. LOCAL FLAVOR Grain diversity is another pillar at Rebel and one we care about deeply. Sustainability, supporting local agriculture, and buying flour that’s grown in Colorado has become increasingly important to our business and to our curriculum. Rye, in particular, is a cover crop in the San Luis Valley that uses half the water of the alfalfa and potatoes typically grown there. So we’re trying to raise awareness and persuade local farmers to plant more rye as a potential solution to the region’s ongoing water crisis. Another example is Rouge de Bordeaux, an ancient wheat variety originally from France. It was used for baguettes, but it nearly went extinct.
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Luckily, there was an old French Mill where someone collected seeds from the cracks of the mill’s floorboards. The seeds made their way across the ocean, and it turns out that this particular grain grows really well in Colorado. It has a great cinnamon spice note, and we use it in most of our sourdough— it’s definitely become a characteristic Rebel Bread flavor.
This is our fourth year hosting Bake Fest, which takes place on the first Saturday in October. Proceeds from tasting ticket purchases benefit the organization Culinary Hospitality Outreach and Wellness (CHOW), which is a local nonprofit that supports mental health resources for the hospitality industry, which is really important to our company.
COMMUNITY FOCUS We are lucky to have a really great baking scene in Colorado. A lot of people come here from the coasts or from other major cities and realize they can do their own thing, which they might not be able to afford to do in places like New York or San Francisco, for example. We get a lot of great talent in Denver, and I think our community is very supportive of small businesses in general. I have always loved county fair-style baking competitions. I felt inspired to start something like that at Rebel, so we started hosting a contest in 2023 for local bakers to bring their best bites forward for judgment, as part of a community festival and friendly baking competition we call Denver Bake Fest.
HOMEGROWN HEALTH My family is Italian, and I studied in Bologna during college, where I observed firsthand how Italians can be almost superstitious in the way they approach digestion. We don’t drink large quantities of milk in the afternoon (no cappuccinos after 11 a.m.!), and then there’s the aperitivo before dinner, the digestivo after dinner, and also the little portion sizes and the order of dishes served; all of these cultural things are to improve digestion. So, I often think about how we eat constantly, and I’ve made a choice to try and be surrounded by higher-quality food in my life. Because of that, Rebel is a bakery that I hope is approachable, like an entry point for people to start learning about and consuming
higher-quality food. We give away free sourdough starters. We hold free office hours every Friday, which is an accessible way to come in and learn more without taking a full class. On Friday Nights, we host pizza service, which is another fun way to get the community to come together. I want Rebel Bread to be the place where people come for all levels of instruction. We want to talk about grains. We want to talk about the agriculture behind it, the digestion, the techniques, and processes. We want to share our depth of knowledge in a way that is accessible for people who are interested in taking up the mantle of these cooking and baking traditions. We strive to be the place for meetups and community events. To foster connection among bakers, where they can meet and learn from each other. And ultimately, I just really want to teach America how to bake bread. Zach Martinucci is the founder of Rebel Bread and is dedicated to challenging our relationship with food—one community, conversation, and loaf of bread at a time. OCTOBER 2026 |
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Holding
COURT
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How Denver Tennis Park instills character in players of all ages. BY EMILIE TRICE
FEW PEOPLE GET to attend the US Open, but Denver Tennis Park (DTP) offers an infinitely more affordable opportunity to watch rising stars battle it out on the court. Beginning Oct. 15, DTP hosts the high school boys’ state championships, a tournament that’s open to the public and free to watch. It’s no secret that sports are expensive, for both spectators and, increasingly, for up-and-coming players. The Denver Post recently published its findings on the average cost to participate in youth sports, which have ballooned in recent
years, with some families spending $25,000 per child, per year. Those costs are unsustainable for many families, who feel they have no choice but to “pay-to-play,” lest their child miss out on future scholarship opportunities, social networking amongst their peers, and the self-confidence that comes from applying oneself to a competitive sport. Tennis boasts a storied, lengthy history. In the 11th century, French monks invented a similar handball game known as “jeu de paume” (game
of the palm), widely considered the genesis of modern tennis. The sport took off; by the 1500s, it’s estimated that France had more than one thousand tennis courts, including such esteemed venues as the Louvre and Versailles. While Napoleon, England’s King Henry VIII, and many of Europe’s monarchs were avid players, socalled commoners also embraced the sport en masse. In the 1870s, tennis moved outside, and, in 1877, the first Wimbledon Championship took place in London.
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THE ART OF TENNIS These days, the sport is working to overcome ingrained stereotypes about class and privilege that many associate with rarefied milieus. “A lot of people still consider tennis a country club sport; but really, it’s about as close to a boxing match as you can get,” says Leo Teryazos, a 15-year-old high school sophomore who competed at the state championships in 2025 in the number one singles spot (as a freshman). “I may be biased, but I think tennis players might be the best athletes in any sport. Tennis asks you to run multiple wind sprints and win a reflex duel in the same point and repeat it for hours on end. It simultaneously tests your endurance, power, agility, reaction, and patience. Most sports ask you to be great at one thing. Tennis asks you to be great at everything all at once.” Teryazos aspires to go pro one day. He grew up idolizing Roger Federer and has even emulated his hero’s iconic one-handed backhand, although more out of necessity than flattery. “When I was little and first getting into tennis, I was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and was forced to wear a full hip cast, which immobilized me for a number of months,” he explains. “Although I couldn’t move, my dad used to feed me balls strapped to a chair. That’s actually why I developed a onehanded backhand.” The New York Times recently published an article mourning the endangered technique as a lost art. “Some athletes don’t just win—they do so looking like artists,” wrote Adam B. Kushner. “There is grace, economy, even magic in their movement.” Indeed, tennis is beautiful to watch, and seems to create a calming, almost hypnotic state for its spectators. It’s been argued that tennis’ rhythmic movement allows the brain to engage without overloading its circuitry, which explains why some people report feeling calm while observing the sport.
Polica Houston, CEO of Denver Tennis Park
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Leo Teryazos is a 15-year-old rising tennis star who aspires to go pro.
WIN OR LOSE For the players, however, tennis is a constant recalibration of priorities. Bethany Brookens, Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) Associate Commissioner, believes tennis instills resilience, especially for younger players in their formative years. “You’re either winning a point or losing a point constantly,” she says. “So, how do you overcome missing a shot? You have to serve again, or receive, and you have to keep going, despite losing. You have to keep tackling the game, and that’s what I love.” Teryazos also believes that tennis requires a unique level of concentration. “Tennis is the only sport that I can think of where you’re your own referee,” he says. “I feel that teaches you a lot about yourself. You are also alone out on the court. You can’t sub off. You can’t pass the puck.
Every ball is yours. There is no bench, no substitution, no teammate to hide behind on a bad day. I really like that about tennis. Win or lose, it’s all up to you.” Brookens gives DTP credit for their holistic approach to the game of tennis, especially in terms of youth sports. “They’re looking to develop these young kids into better humans,” she explains. As a nonprofit, DTP collaborates with neighborhood associations, youthserving agencies, municipalities, and corporate partners to deliver free and low-cost programming that removes barriers related to cost, transportation, and opportunity. These partnerships connect young people and families to scholarships, wellness resources, mentorship, and positive recreational experiences while introducing new players to the game.
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A LIFELONG INVESTMENT Ed Anderson, Director of Adult Programs at DTP, can speak from experience about the impact of tennis on developmental and educational outcomes. Anderson grew up in Colorado Springs, the youngest of ten siblings, and tennis opened doors for him in his youth. He won a scholarship to college and continued to play, later becoming a high school teacher and coach. Today, he’s proud that DTP is serving approximately 350 to 400 adults per week, and 575 to 650 kids per week. He also emphasizes that DTP provides scholarships that range from 50% to 100% of the program’s cost, as well as more advanced scholarships that don’t only pay for programming lessons, but
also equipment, tournaments, travel, and so on. Anderson estimates that those advanced scholarships typically amount to $14,000 per player. Investing in youth sports is a form of civic commitment, argues Polica Houston, Denver Tennis Park’s CEO. “During my master’s work at the University of Denver, I had the chance to develop a relationship with worldrenowned sociology of sport scholar, Dr. Jay Coakley,” he explains. “He would remind me that the question is not whether sports build better communities. The question is whether communities are using sports to build better people. At the DTP, I feel that, collectively, we are doing our part.” Perhaps the best part of tennis, however, is that it’s a lifelong sport.
Brookens’ 70-year-old mother is still playing, as is Teryazos’ grandfather. “My grandfather is in his 80s and still plays every day,” he says. “When he comes to town to visit, my dad and I take him to the club, and we hit for hours. It’s the way our family bonds.” For generations, tennis has afforded invaluable in-person connection and instilled mental acuity in players regardless of their age or skill level. At DTP, that legacy is the baseline of its inclusive approach and mission to broaden the sport’s accessibility throughout the local community and beyond. Emilie Trice is a writer based in Denver who can occasionally hit a one-handed backhand.
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Doctor’s Orders
T
What women in Colorado should know about breast cancer. BY MYDENVER STAFF
THIS PAST SUMMER, Marie* went to get her annual mammogram and was told she needed a follow-up appointment for an ultrasound and additional scans. Marie is in her early 40s, and had only had a mammogram once before, when she thought she felt a lump. She had needed an ultrasound then as well, and when it was finished, the technician asked her, “You’re only worried about the right breast? Not the left?” When she nodded yes and asked if there was an issue with her left breast, the technician told her that she wasn’t permitted to tell her any additional information and that she
would have to wait for a phone call from the doctor. Shaken, Marie went home and spent the next several days in a prolonged state of anxiety, awaiting the call. Finally, it came: “You have a small mass, but it’s benign,” the doctor told her. “You should get another mammogram in six months.” Fast forward to this past summer, when Marie received a text from the doctor’s office that her followup ultrasound would cost $980. She was shocked. Her doctor had ordered this, and she had excellent insurance. She called the doctor’s office and spoke to the billing department, which
informed her that it was a mistake and that the ultrasound and additional scans would instead cost $0. Marie was incredulous; she asked how such a mistake could have possibly occurred and was informed that Colorado only passed a bill in 2025 ensuring that “medically necessary follow-up diagnostic and supplemental breast cancer examinations” would be covered by insurance. The doctor’s office hadn’t updated their automated systems, almost an entire year later; hence the erroneous message regarding the $980 appointment cost.
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The most important thing patients with dense breast tissue can do is to be vigilant about getting their annual screening mammogram on time.” –Dr. Erica Pollack, AdventHealth Porter Breast Radiologist
SOBERING STATISTICS Women with dense breast tissue are often required to have followup appointments. While medical professionals say that these additional exams should not cause the patient any concern, it’s also understandable why they do—the statistics are sobering. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 8 women (13%) will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer, and in recent years, the rate of breast cancer diagnoses has risen 1% annually. Add to that the financial burden of having to pay almost $1000 out of pocket for tests ordered by a doctor, and it’s no wonder that women don’t always get mammograms as regularly as advised. Thankfully, Colorado’s law, titled SB25-296, protects women from this financial hardship, and anyone who receives a bill from a follow-up, medically ordered breast examination should immediately call their doctor and confirm the bill’s validity.
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STAYING AWARE Dr. Erica Pollack, a Breast Radiologist at AdventHealth Porter, stresses the fact that “dense breast tissue is very common and normal; however, dense breast tissue can make small cancers harder to see on the mammogram.” Because dense breast tissue is also a risk factor for developing breast cancer, Dr. Pollack explains that, in Colorado, patients with dense breast tissue will be informed of this when they receive their mammogram results in the mail. “The most important thing patients with dense breast tissue can do is to be vigilant about getting their annual screening mammogram on time,” she advises. “Patients with dense breast tissue can also choose to have other screening tests, such as breast ultrasound or MRI; these should be done in addition to mammograms, not in place of mammograms. Keep in
mind that breast density often changes with age, and dense breast tissue is less common in women after menopause.” While the statistics might seem frightening, there is also some good news in the data. The American Cancer Society reports that “breast cancer death rates have been decreasing steadily since 1989, for an overall decline of 44% through 2023. This is most likely the result of finding breast cancer earlier through screening and increased awareness, as well as better treatments.” While the median age of diagnosis is 63, about 1 in 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer are younger than 45. Early detection is paramount to survival, and the best method of catching breast cancer before it spreads or metastasizes is frequent mammograms. Additionally, Dr. Pollack says technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI) have “been
a huge topic in breast radiology, and there are new tools that have emerged to help us interpret mammograms and ultrasounds.” Interpreting those exams still requires a physician radiologist, but AI helps ensure accurate testing. “For example, at the Breast Cancer Center at AdventHealth Porter we use a tool called 3DQuorum, which helps us identify suspicious areas and get results to patients quicker,” Dr. Pollack explains. “AI tools can also help us to identify patients that are at higher-than-average risk for developing breast cancer and who may need to have other types of exams in addition to mammograms.” AdventHealth uses tomosynthesis (aka “3D mammography”), considered the standard of care by health professionals. “Tomosynthesis can really be thought of as a ‘better mammogram’ because it gives us multiple images or ‘slices’ to examine
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while still remaining completely safe in terms of radiation dose,” says Dr. Pollack. “Tomosynthesis allows us to detect small early cancers more easily and also decreases the likelihood that we will confuse benign (normal) tissue with malignant (cancerous) tissue.” KNOWLEDGE IS POWER Certain ethnic groups, such as Ashkenazi Jews, have much higher rates of breast cancer than other groups. In Colorado, if a patient gets a genetic test to check for inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which increase one’s lifetime cancer risk, they might be asked if they have any relatives from the San Luis Valley or Northern New Mexico. This happened to Julia*, who ordered such a test after her mother passed away from brain cancer and wanted more information about her own cancer risk.
Julia lives in Denver, but owns property in the San Luis Valley and visits often. When she asked the doctor why her intake form inquired if she had family from Southern Colorado or Northern New Mexico, the doctor explained that many families living in that region have Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, but simply don’t realize it because their relatives had likely converted to Catholicism at some point. The more information a woman has about her family’s history, the better equipped she is to protect her health. Knowledge is power, and technology has made learning about one’s family tree more accessible than ever before. No matter what, as a woman facing a breast cancer diagnosis of any stage, it’s important to always remember that you are not alone. There are more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., Denver has a variety of support groups
for those dealing with breast cancer, such as CanCare, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hope to those facing cancer by matching them with a survivor who can help them navigate treatment and offer emotional support. Dr. Pollack says that all women should have annual mammograms beginning at age 40 (or earlier for some patients who have relatives with breast cancer). “In addition to improving survival,” she elaborates, “mammography screening allows breast cancers to be detected at an earlier stage, and these can be treated (and cured!) with less invasive surgery and less aggressive treatment.” If you’re a woman in Colorado, put yourself first this October, and schedule your annual mammogram. Because being proactive about your health is the ultimate flex. *names have been changed
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The Pen vs. the Sword Bonnie Brae author Rob Samborn reflects on his non-linear path to becoming a writer and why storytelling is essential to the human condition in the age of AI.
You’ve been described as an elevated Dan Brown because your novels blend historical fiction, adventure, and art history. How did you get your start as a writer? I’ve always had a passion for writing, ever since I was a kid, but I didn’t study creative writing in school; I actually majored in Japanese and International Relations. Shortly after college, I moved from New York to Los Angeles, where I studied and pursued screenwriting at the professional level. I’ve written ten scripts, five of which were optioned for films. One of the scripts I wrote was optioned by a production company founded by DreamWorks execs. Unfortunately, the movie was never made, but when the rights reverted
back to me, I decided to seize the opportunity and adapt my script into novel form. When I queried my first manuscript, I got an agent, we submitted the book to publishers, and I ended up getting a three-book deal. My fourth book, which was published in July, is a stand-alone, but it’s in the same spirit as that initial trilogy. Your books take place during the Renaissance. Why are you drawn to that period of history? The Renaissance is a fascinating historical era. Humanity took a quantum leap during that time, which I find remarkable, but I often ask myself what could have happened to our world if we hadn’t regressed a little bit after the Renaissance. The original trilogy isn’t entirely
historical and, in fact, is set about 70% in the present day. It’s a dual-timeline thriller series about an American couple who travel to Venice, Italy on vacation. The husband comes to believe that his true soulmate is not his wife, but a woman whose soul has been imprisoned in the world’s largest oil painting for almost 500 years. His wife assumes he’s delusional, as one would; however, he’s completely adamant that this is all real. Through a series of past life regressions, he discovers a secret society that, over hundreds of years, has developed a method of extracting people’s souls from their bodies and then trapping them in a painting as a sort of purgatory. The painting is titled “Paradise” (“Il Paradiso”); it’s a real painting by Renaissance master
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Rob Samborn’s latest book was published in July. Samborn’s next author event will take place on Oct. 29 at the Tattered Cover on Colfax.
Jacopo Tintoretto, created between 1588 and 1592. I’m very interested in how or why people are immortalized in a painting, and I’m also fascinated with the concept of soulmates. What is that intangible connection that people can have with other people? And it could be a platonic relationship, of course, or even with an animal. The original trilogy marries those two themes wrapped in a continent- and centuries-spanning thriller. My latest book, “The Swordsman of Venice,” is entirely historical fiction set between 1589 and 1614, and it’s an adventure story with a healthy dose of action. The main character is instructed under the cloak of night to leave Venice for the New World, so it follows his journey as he traverses the Italian Peninsula and then goes across the ocean to what is now present-day Colombia, and then back to Italy. It’s a stand-alone novel but is also connected to the trilogy. So, it’s great for both new and long-time readers.
What are your thoughts on the writing community in Denver? Denver has a strong writing scene. A remarkable number of writers are based here, and we also have a great community of renowned bookstores, such as The Tattered Cover and Printed Page. I’m the ambassador for Denver’s Chapter of the Authors Guild, which is the nation’s oldest and largest professional organization for published writers. The Guild hosts monthly events in Denver. There are also numerous writing groups, workshops, and courses, such as Mile High Writers Workshop, Lighthouse Writers Workshop, and many more, plus all the book clubs in Denver. Many authors lament how the publishing world has changed in recent years, which begs the question: In the age of AI, why is creative writing still important? AI might have some uses for productivity, but it’s an existential disaster for creativity. AI doesn’t actually create anything new; it just rehashes things originally created by human
beings. We need human-created stories, not computer-generated slop. The same goes for visual art and music. No matter how advanced or trained the LLM is, it can never truly understand the human experience of loss. It can’t smell a flower or feel emotions. It doesn’t know how anything feels, whether tangible or intangible. I strongly believe that storytelling is what separates humans from every other species on the planet. Storytelling is a human need—we have an innate necessity to both tell and consume stories—it’s woven into the very fabric of the human condition. Samborn’s latest book, “The Swordsman of Venice,” is available to purchase in print and ebook everywhere (if your local bookstore or library doesn’t currently have it, just ask). His next author event will take place on Oct. 29 at the Tattered Cover on Colfax, where he’ll be interviewed by Denver author Caleb Stephens and do a book signing. For more information about Rob, his books, and upcoming events, visit robsamborn.com. OCTOBER 2026 |
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PARTNER C ONTENT
At The Designery, every home is one of a kind. BY MYDENVER STAFF
THE DESIGNERY OPENED its public showroom in the York Street Yards in January of 2026. “We’re an end-to-end firm, so we do everything from the design concept all the way to the actual construction,” explains owner Rob Glynn. “We offer an initial consultation, which is complimentary, which allows us to get a sense of what the client is trying to accomplish, their budget, and their goals for the project.” Following that initial meeting, The Designery then sends a specialist to take measurements of the space and create 3D renderings, including a virtual reality option, in which clients can don an Oculus headset, be immersed in their custom design, and walk through
their (virtual) space. With expertise in cabinetry, countertops, flooring, tile, and all home improvement products, The Designery also has an exclusive roster of contractors whose services they manage throughout the project, but they’re also happy to work with a client’s preexisting contractor. The firm places special emphasis on kitchen, closet, and bathroom remodeling, and transforming these intimate spaces to reflect their client’s individuality. “We have a holistic approach, and we’re very curated,” Glynn says. “We really focus on thoughtful design that reflects what you’re trying to accomplish and how you want to live.”
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE DESIGNERY
Designing With Care
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FROM THE DESIGNERS When a client can’t quite put their style into words, how do you figure out what they’ll actually love? “Listening is the hardest skill in this job. I’ve learned to pay less attention to the exact words clients use and more to what they keep returning to—or what they mention once and then quietly drop. I was working through the basics on a kitchen when the wife mentioned she’d always wanted a farmhouse sink. Her husband couldn’t stand them. She said an undermount would be fine, and we moved on. But I didn’t really move on. At the final presentation, I showed them a faux apron front on the sink cabinet, and because the cooktop sat directly across from it, I mirrored the same detail there. She was ecstatic. He got the clean look he wanted, she got the apron she’d been picturing for years, and the room got a symmetry neither of them would have thought to ask for. That’s the job. Clients don’t need to arrive with the vocabulary. I just have to listen closely enough to catch what’s already there—including the things they’ve talked themselves out of.” • Kerri, Lead Designer Once a design is approved and construction starts, what part of a remodel do clients worry about most? “Hands down, it’s the schedule. Everyone wants to know: how long is construction going to take, or really, how long are you going to be in my home? That answer can vary depending on the project, the design, and what comes up once we open walls, but we try to take the mystery out of it as much as possible. Our project management team gets looped in early, well before construction ever starts. They actually join our designers during the contractor bid process, so relationships with clients are established from the very beginning. Once the contract is signed, we sit down with the client to walk through the full project timeline: what happens first, what happens second, and so on. We also have a detailed ‘what to expect’ document, and a project manager personally walks every client through it line by line, explaining how each stage could affect their project. The goal is to start that conversation as early as possible. So, when something comes up during construction, and something always does, it’s not a surprise. It’s just the next conversation, and we problem-solve it together.” • Jill, Business Operations Manager
CUSTOMIZATION
Not every remodel requires heavy lifting. The kitchen, for example, can be upgraded relatively easily; simply switching out an island countertop can elevate the entire atmosphere. “Quartz and quartzite are really popular right now,” Glynn explains. “With quartzite, which is a natural stone, it’s very dense and durable but also beautiful, and it’s available in a broad array of colors and shapes.” Adding a statement countertop is perhaps the most effective way to make an uninspiring kitchen feel brand new. In Denver’s older homes, closet space (or the lack thereof) tends to leave many homeowners wanting. “If a client doesn’t want to change their floor plan (which requires permits), we’re happy to build as much organization, storage, and usefulness into the space, no matter how limited it might be,” Glynn offers. “We really get to know our clients before presenting them with designs, so if someone is a hat collector, for example, and needs cubbies to keep their hats pristine, our firm will build that into their custom design.” OCTOBER 2026 |
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BOOK NOOK
Our Top Reads for October Five spooky reads for Spooky Season! BY PAIGE DUNGAN
THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT October in Denver—the cottonwoods turning gold, that first crisp bite in the air— that makes us all want to curl up with something a little unsettling. Maybe it’s the shorter days, or maybe it’s just that Halloween brings out the kid in all of us who used to beg for one more ghost story around the campfire. Whatever the reason, this time of year always sends me straight to the horror and spooky-reads shelves at the shop, and this year’s crop of new releases does not disappoint. Whether you want something to read aloud with little ones, a moody gothic escape, or a nonfiction deep dive into real haunted history, there’s a book here to match your mood. Here are five fresh picks to haunt your nightstand this month. PICTURE BOOK
PLEASE DON’T SCARE THE GHOST
by Carrie Williford, illustrated by Allysa Adams On Halloween night, take your friendly neighborhood ghost trick-or-treating—but be warned, this ghostie scares easily. With sweet, funny text and cozy autumn art, this one is destined to become a new Halloween storytime favorite. YOUNG ADULT
NO ONE LEAVES THE MANOR
by Kelly McWilliams It’s 1921, and four young debutantes have been invited to Greystone Manor to compete for a vast inheritance. Only one can win—and the manor itself is watching. A twisty, atmospheric horror perfect for teen readers who like their gothic mysteries with real bite. ADULT FICTION
NEWBOURNE PARK
by Jennifer Thorne From the author of the gothic favorite “Diavola” comes another bone-chilling estate story. An exhausted Martha Shaw joins her brother for a vacation at an opulent 200-acre estate, only
to find that its rightful master has returned—and brought something dark and hungry along with him.
THE GRASS IS ALWAYS BLOODIER
by Jeneva Rose A family moves into a new home only to suspect it might be haunted, and that something is very wrong with the neighbors. Rose’s first horror novel is a fun, unsettling read for fans of domestic suspense with a supernatural edge. NONFICTION
CHASING THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN
by J.W. Ocker Edgar Award-winning travel writer J.W. Ocker heads to Sleepy Hollow, New York, to explore the real town behind Washington Irving’s classic tale—its graveyards, its legends, and how a small town rebuilt itself into America’s Halloween capital. A perfect read for anyone who wants their spooky season with a side of real history. Whatever your taste—cozy, creepy, or downright terrifying— there’s something on this list to keep you company through the dark October nights. Happy haunting, and happy reading! Paige Dungan is a Denver-based book publicist with 22 years of experience and a lifelong love of great stories. This past April, she opened Little Blue Pigeon, an independent bookstore on Denver’s historic Larimer Square.
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PREMIERE ISSUE February 2026
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PHOTO OP
ANCIENT ENGINEERING BY COLIN SWAYSLAND THESE PHOTOS SHOW the dwelling known as Cliff Palace, located within Mesa Verde National Park in southwest Colorado, and built by Ancestral Puebloans in 1200 A.D. It remains one of the most impressive feats of engineering even today, more than 800 years later. Colin Swaysland is a structural engineer based in Denver’s Wash Park neighborhood who enjoys taking photographs in his spare time.
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