MyDenver September 2026
BELCARO & BONNIE BRAE
COLORADO CUISINE
SHEEP AT THE CLAYTON
AN ARTFUL LEGACY
ROBISCHON GALLERY CELEBRATES 50 YEARS
Fostering Hope TRUE COMPANIONS
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FINANCIAL MUSCLE
MATTERS.
LotusGroup Advisors, LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment advice.
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Contents SEPTEMBER 2026
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22 F EATU RES
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Fostering Hope
True Companions is on a mission to find every pet a forever home. 18
An Artful Legacy
After 50 years, Robischon Gallery is still redefining art’s role in society. 22
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The Inspired Third Space
SHEEP’s residency at the Clayton Hotel and Members Club offers a fresh and memorable take on the elevated farmto-table movement.
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I N TH I S I S SU E
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EDITOR’S NOTE Gold to Me
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LOCAL PULSE Community Calendar
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LOCAL TASTES Grape Expectations
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GATHERINGS Aspen Calling
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MY SUNDAY Emily Korson
COVER
A happy pup Photograph courtesy True Companions
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EDITOR’S NOTE
MyDenver BELCARO & BONNIE BRAE EDITION
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GOLD TO ME
DEAR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS, This summer was one for the history books, literally! The country turned 250 while Colorado celebrated 150 years of statehood, and MyDenver was thrilled to share all of this summer’s best events and most inspiring stories with you, our readers. However, we’re not slowing down as we look ahead to fall, my personal favorite time of year. Colorado truly shines this season, when Aspen leaves turn gold, and the landscape radiates with the exquisite gradients of fall foliage. In this issue, we’re delighted to introduce readers to True Companions, a wonderful organization that helps loving pets find their well-deserved forever homes. We’re also celebrating
Robischon Gallery’s 50th anniversary this month, a staple of Denver’s cultural infrastructure, led by longtime director and Wash Park resident Debra Malik Demosthenes. MyDenver even took a weekend trip to Aspen for the mountain town’s annual art week, where we caught up with friends from Cherry Creek and marveled at worldclass art set against the High Rockies’ majestic scenery. Colorado Wine Week takes place in September, which we’re commemorating by wine tasting with local sommeliers at our beloved Bonnie Brae Liquor. Finally, join us as we explore the culinary artistry of SHEEP, a pop-up gourmet dining experience from renowned chefs Kelly Whitaker and Taylor Stark at the Clayton Hotel & Members Club in Cherry Creek. Manifesting a fresh farm-to-table concept, SHEEP reflects all the ingredients that make Denver such an inspiring place to live—passion, artistry, community, and a love for the great outdoors. As always, at MyDenver we strive to include as many voices as possible in every issue. If you have an uplifting story, please never hesitate to reach out. We love to hear from our readers! Thank you for being a part of our summer, and here’s to an extraordinary autumn! With gratitude,
Publisher Sawyer Matz sawyer.matz@wainscotmedia.com Editor Emilie Trice Writers Emily Korson Emilie Trice Rich Laliberte 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 Print Production Manager Fern Meshulam Circulation Manager Kathy Wenzler Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden
Emilie Trice
Editor, MyDenver emilie.trice@wainscotmedia.com mydenvermag.com @mydenvermag
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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Saturday, October 17, 2026, Four Seasons Hotel Denver
Join us at our pinnacle fundraising event of the year, supporting vulnerable dogs and cats in CO.
Reserve seats and sponsorships here
https://truecompanions.ejoinme.org/gala2026
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LOCAL PULSE
Community CALENDAR
Fall into the autumn season this month with our round-up of feel-good social events, rejuvenating activities for mind and body, and vibrant cultural festivities, including Oktoberfest, the Bavarian celebration so nice we included it twice. Prost!
September 8
September 10
September 11 to 20
September 12
Horticulturalist and Herbalist Blake Burger leads this walking tour of the Denver Botanic Gardens’ medicinal plants. You’ll learn about natural healing and the connections between humans and plants, and how to create medicines from within your own garden. Meet in front of Boettcher Hall at 5:30 p.m. and bring your own picnic or preferred drinks for a leisurely yet informative stroll through the gardens. The tour will last until 7 p.m. and is priced at $21 for members and $24 for the general public. For more details, go to botanicgardens.org/programs/ sip-and-stroll.
For nearly a century, Howard Lorton has been transforming homes across Denver, putting this design emporium in a league of its own. Join the in-crowd for this celebration of community, comfort, beauty, and striking interior design. The showroom becomes a guest-led, curated experience with inspiration at every station: new pieces and seasonal ideas created to spark new ideas, ignite conversations, and build lasting connections. After all, home is where memories are made, and Howard Lorton specializes in designing spaces for life’s most treasured moments. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 12 E 12th Avenue, Denver. RSVP at luma.com/azatfb01 and learn more at howardlorton.com.
This annual showcase of all that glitters is a local favorite and perfect for the whole family, whether you’re interested in history and fossils, jewelry and gemstones, or the nitty-gritty of the geological landscape. Held at the National Western Complex, this consortium offers a variety of rare stones, mystical crystals, and other natural treasures just waiting to be discovered. Tickets are free by registering at hartgem.show/ denver.
We’re doubling down on Oktoberfest this month. One of Pearl Street’s most anticipated street festivals, this party pays tribute to Bavarian beer culture and the legendary German Hofbräuhaus. Traditional cuisine such as bratwurst and oversized pretzels will be served alongside overflowing beer steins from local breweries. Enjoy live music, dancing, and fun-loving contests in a family-friendly atmosphere. Dirndls and Lederhosen recommended but not required. Located in front of Platt Park Brewing Co. Entrance at Colorado Avenue and South Pearl Street. Purchase drink tokens in advance on Instagram @southpearlst and visit southpearlstreet.com/ oktoberfest for more details. .
Refresh, Revive, Renew at Howard Lorton
Denver’s Mineral, Fossil, Gem, and Jewelry Show
Oktoberfest on South Pearl Street
PHOTOGRAPH BY MATTHEW MURPHY AND EVAN ZIMMERMAN
Sip and Stroll at Denver Botanic Gardens
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costumes, all the beer you can drink, and a curated selection of charming vendors in traditional wooden chalets. Dust off your Glockenspiel and get ready to dance all weekend long. Located at Fillmore Plaza in Cherry Creek, the festivities kick off on Sept. 20 at noon and end Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. More information at cherrycreektoberfest.com.
September 13
Sound Bath at Wash Park If you’ve never had a sound bath, this open-air event is the perfect introduction to a truly special therapeutic practice. Arrive before 6 p.m. to claim your spot, bring a yoga mat or blanket, and join Amanda Rose of Revive Wellness and the Yoga Social team for a heart-centered evening. Quell your anxiety, quiet your mind, and settle into the healing rhythms of the natural world during this 60-minute outdoor sound bath experience. Washington Park, East Mississippi Avenue and S Franklin St. A sliding-scale donation of $15 to $30 is suggested. More details yogasocial.org/washpark.
Botanic Gardens and is priced at $62 for members and $67 for the general public. To sign up, visit botanicgardens.org/programs/ flower-happy-hour.
September 19 to 20 CHERRY Creektoberfest
This September, Cherry Creek embraces the Oktoberfest spirit with their second annual Cherry Creektoberfest. A collaboration with Denver’s German American Chamber of Commerce, known for brightening the holiday season every year with their beloved Christkindlmarket, Cherry Creektoberfest promises authentic Bavarian cuisine,
September 20
Bonnie Brae Picnic in the Park Bonnie Brae’s beloved Picnic in the Park returns with familyfriendly and kids’ activities including a decked-out bicycle parade and fantastical face painting, as well as delicious bites and beverages courtesy of Ni Tuyo, Campus Lounge, Bonnie Brae Ice Cream, and Bonnie Brae Liquor. Get your groove on to the Pet Friendly Jazz Collective’s musical stylings and try your luck with a slew of prizes and giveaways, not to mention special appearances by State Senator Matt Ball, City Councilman Paul Kashmann, and Aiden McMorrow from the Denver Animal Shelter.
MyDenver will also be in attendance, so make sure to stop by our booth and meet our team in person! This event is free and runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Bonnie Brae Park, 901 Bonnie Brae Boulevard, Denver. More details at bonniebrae.org.
September 21
Wash Park Trash Bash led by FANS Join Wash Park Friends and Neighbors (FANS) to Bash the Trash at Wash Park on the third Monday of each month! Get to know your neighbors while beautifying our locale’s most treasured natural playground, ensuring it continues to bring joy, happiness, and a place to reconnect with nature in the heart of Denver for years to come! Trash pickers and bags will be provided, but personal gloves and a water bottle are highly recommended. Meet at the Southeast entrance to Washington Park off Louisiana and S Franklin at 5:30 p.m. Sign up for a GoDenverParks account to register and learn more at engagedenver. denvergov.org.
September 15 and 17 Flower Happy Hour
Lisa Weddel, co-owner of DIY Designs Inspired by You, dreamed up this fresh spin on happy hour, where you can enjoy a drink while creating a one-of-a-kind floral arrangement that’s yours to keep! Each Flower Happy Hour features a different design style and technique, built around seasonal blooms and thematic prompts. All floral supplies are provided, but BYOB wine, beer, and other beverages. Please be sure to bring valid ID if consuming alcohol. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Freyer-Newman Center Classroom 3 at the Denver SEPTEMBER 2026 |
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LOCAL TASTES
Grape Expectations MyDenver visited Bonnie Brae Liquor for a tasting with its sommeliers and discovered the passion behind every pour. BY MYDENVER STAFF
SEPT. 14 TO 20 is Colorado Wine Week, with local wineries and restaurants hosting special events across the state. MyDenver sat down with Xander Sommers, Court of Master Sommeliers and General Manager of Bonnie Brae Liquor, as well as Will Flowers, a WSET 2 certified sommelier, to learn more about how they select the perfect wine for every occasion. Today, they’re doing a tasting with Matteo Boffo, who grew up in Italy just outside Venice. After a career in Italian kitchens, Boffo turned his focus to wine and now works as a representative for Giuliana Wine Company, a wholesaler based in Denver with an extensive network of vineyards across Italy, Chile,
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explains, has no oak flavor; all the flavor and texture come purely from the grapes. He then opens a bottle of Barbera D’Alba, a red wine also from Piedmont that’s light and fresh, with an almost cherrylike flavor. Boffo explains that Piedmont is world famous for its two wine appellations, legally defined and protected geographical regions where particular grapes are grown for specific wines. Champagne is an appellation, Bordeaux is an appellation, etc. Such appellations are part of a complex trade commission that
France, Argentina, and beyond. Boffo has brought three red wines and one bottle of sparkling wine for Sommers and Flowers to taste from Piedmont in Italy, near the French border, and the Rioja wine region of Spain. Boffo opens a bottle of Contratto Pas Dosé Millesimato Alta Langa DOCG, a sparkling wine from north of Piedmont, one of Italy’s most popular regions for “Metodo Classico”, which is made exactly like Champagne. He explains that a proprietary concoction of sugar and yeast turns the wine bubbly due to the pressure built up within the bottle. This particular winery estate, founded in 1867, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Imbued with a rich butteriness, the wine, Boffo
transcends borders, governing the composition and methods of wine production, such as which grape varieties can be planted, maximum harvest yields, which direction the vineyards face (never north), how the wine is aged, and almost all other aspects of wine-making. Boffo pours from the next bottle, Langhe Nebbiolo, a robust, fruit-forward red wine from the acclaimed winery La Spinetta in northwestern Piedmont that pairs perfectly with hearty meats such as lamb and duck. “Italian wines are bright, they’re vibrant,
Above: Xander Sommers, Court of Master Sommeliers and General Manager of Bonnie Brae Liquor. Top: Will Flowers, Bonnie Brae Liquor’s floor sommelier.
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LOCAL TASTES
they’re very approachable and also extremely food-friendly,” Sommers says. Nebbiolo is the grape varietal that Piedmont is best known for and its name derives from nebbia, the Italian word for “fog,” which some say is a nod to the region’s romantic, misty hills during late harvest season. Finally, Boffo switches from Italy to Spain and opens a bottle of Muga Reserva from 2021. Another historic estate, Muga was founded in 1932. The winery makes its own oak barrels, and its red wine has earthy notes from the clay soil native to the region. The wine is hearty and complements rich meat dishes such as ribeye steaks. Sommers and Flowers are both experts on grape varietals, international vineyards, and the science behind the fermentation that goes into composing the perfect wine. As Boffo heads to his next tasting, they talk about their own preferences and how to determine one’s unique palate and flavor profile. Such knowledge is gained over time, through trial and error, but Bonnie Brae Liquor makes the process simple. Sommers and Flowers are always happy to help their clients choose the ideal wine, whether it’s to celebrate a major life event, or to be simply enjoyed during an intimate dinner at home. “What I love about wine is that it brings people together,” says Sommers.
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Customized. Sustainable. Natural. Contemporary.
Bonnie Brae, at Your Door. Shop Our App for Delivery. (303) 733-7261 orders@bonniebraeliquor.com
Kate Gaston, Owner Designing with a creative, fresh perspective. Scan to Schedule a Consultation Today!
785 South University Boulevard Denver, CO 80209
perspective-designbuild.com | @perspectivedesignbuild
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Fostering
HOPE
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True Companions is on a mission to find every pet a forever home. BY MYDENVER STAFF
IN 1987, veterinarian Dr. William Suro and his wife Nanci Suro placed a donation jar on the counter of their practice to raise money for a stray dog that had been injured in a hit-and-run, requiring multiple surgeries. The Suros named the dog Max, dubbed the money raised “The Max Fund,” and within a year had founded a nonprofit dedicated to sheltering and protecting animals, guided by the principles of “No Kill” animal welfare. This year, MaxFund rebranded as True Companions, a fitting tribute to the deep connections between humans and the animals they care for. Those connections have been proven to dramatically improve the quality of life of both pets and their owners. Studies by leading medical associations, such as the American Psychiatric Association (APA), have shown that owning a pet positively affects mental
health, emotional well-being, social connection, and physical fitness. The American Heart Association, for example, concluded that owning a dog reduces an individual’s mortality rate by 24%. Scientists at Washington State University have observed that petting a dog or cat for ten minutes reduces cortisol, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and relaxes muscle tension, while also releasing Oxytocin, known as the “love hormone.” Additionally, the Journal of Aging and Health published a study showing that adults over the age of 65 who owned a pet for five years or more scored higher on cognitive tests than adults without pets. The research overwhelmingly shows that pets make our lives better, including intangible benefits, such as providing a sense of purpose, a routine, and an unbreakable bond with another living creature.
PROFOUND IMPACT True Companions’ campus now comprises an entire city block and includes a full-service veterinary clinic, two courtyards for socializing and playtime, and multiple shelters subdivided based on types of animals and their needs. Some dogs and cats require physical rehabilitation for medical issues caused by their previous living environments. Todd Perry, True Companions’ COO, recalls how, at the beginning of his tenure, the shelter took in 72 Chihuahua-Poodles who had been victims of a hoarding situation. Following the devastating fires in Los Angeles, they rescued 11 dogs. More recently, they took in a group of dogs that had been hoarded in Oklahoma, and would have likely been euthanized had True Companions not stepped in. Such animals have experienced trauma, necessitating SEPTEMBER 2026 |
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specialized care. “We do a lot to rehabilitate and socialize animals that really have nowhere else to go, and no other place to turn,” explains Perry. True Companions employs eight veterinarians and works with a network of certified clinicians who provide orthopedic surgery, cardiology services, and other highly specialized treatments. Last year, their clinic treated 14,000 patients, a huge increase from just a few years prior, when they saw around 5,600 pets. As a nonprofit, True Companions is supported by charitable donations and by a network of 800 volunteers who walk dogs, pet cats, and provide affection while the animals wait to be adopted. Their veterinary clinic provides low-cost, high-quality medical care not only to client-patients, but to all the animals in their shelters. They subsidize veterinary visits and pet food for low-income owners and offer a range of other services for not only animals, but humans as well.
“A couple of years ago, we worked with a firefighter who had suffered a traumatic brain injury on the job,” Perry says. “The hospital where he was being treated reached out to us and asked if we could help with sensory therapy. It was amazing to see the transformation and the human process he went through with the animal he was paired with. It was almost as though the animal instinctively knew his needs. And through the course of that therapy, he was able to move from a wheelchair to standing and began to regain his mobility. Animals have a profound impact on human beings.” SAVING LIVES True Companions takes its “no kill” mandate incredibly seriously, which differentiates it from other shelter models. Perry elaborates, “We don’t euthanize unless an animal is truly suffering, as determined by a licensed veterinarian.” Other shelters, he
explains, will euthanize animals in order to free up space. Lately, shelters have been literally overflowing with needy animals. Denise Boehler is a writer and animal rescue advocate who currently has seven dogs in her care, the majority of which have some form of special needs. She adopted two of them from True Companions. One had been shot and left for dead in the San Luis Valley. Another had been essentially dropped off the back of a truck. Both have physical deficits from the abuse they endured—neither can walk without assistance—and require a level of care few pet owners can provide. But Denise points out that many shelter animals are perfectly healthy—they just need a home, and someone who will give them a second chance. “It’s triage right now in the animal welfare world,” Boehler says. “There are about a million dogs and healthy, adoptable animals that lose their
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lives every year because of what is known as ‘open shelters.’ We are in an overpopulation crisis right now, and maybe part of the problem is that most people outside of the shelter and rescue world simply don’t know how bad it is.” Boehler points to economic uncertainty and other external factors, including government policies, that have contributed to the crisis. She urges everyone who’s considering becoming a pet owner to forgo buying from breeders, adopt from a rescue shelter, and save a life in the process. A CARING COMMUNITY True Companions has a robust network of donors, volunteers, and medical professionals, but they still rely on the support of everyday animal lovers. On Saturday, Oct. 17, the nonprofit will host its annual gala, which takes place at the Four Seasons Hotel and includes a silent auction that
everyone can bid on virtually. The gala raises critical funds for the shelter and the clinic, for the animals, and for their owners. “What we achieve each year with the gala is irreplaceable by any other event or initiative,” says Kathy Gaines, True Companions’ CEO. “It’s a night of celebration and appreciation for those who continue to support our life-saving mission. We get to share our wins, goals, and plans for the future with the very same community members who want to see our organization grow.” Perry stresses that True Companions is redefining the “no kill” ethos for shelters across the country. “We want to be the lighthouse,” he says. “We want to be the standard of what sheltering should be.” That means more outdoor time for the animals, the best medical care possible, and a deep understanding of the adoption process, ensuring that every animal finds its family, no matter how long
it takes. The gala honors not only the dedicated team that has stewarded True Companions since its founding nearly 40 years ago, it also strengthens the mission looking ahead, securing a future for every pet in need. “I’m constantly amazed by the ways our community supports our animals and programs at the gala each year,” Gaines says. “There are folks who have been coming for 30 years, and others who have just learned about us that same month. I get to shake their hand, learn about their story, and thank them for contributing to such a meaningful cause.” The 2026 True Companions Gala, themed “Game of Homes – Whiskers are Coming,” takes place on Saturday, Oct. 17. The accompanying silent auction opens for bidding on Oct. 13 at 3 p.m. and closes on Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. To bid, visit truecompanions.ejoinme.org/ gala2026.
Every single animal adopted from True Companions has a positive effect on the families they join. We’re saving animals, and we’re also impacting human beings through animal welfare.” - Todd Perry, True Companions COO
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Art dealer and Wash Park resident Debra Malik Demosthenes at Robischon Gallery
An Artful Legacy
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After 50 years, Robischon Gallery is still redefining art’s role in society.
Colorado or regionally based. “I think the dedication to community is what keeps the gallery alive,” Malik Demosthenes says. Today, Robischon’s artist roster includes local stars such as Ana María Hernando, who recently held concurrent solo exhibitions at Denver’s MCA and at Colorado College’s Fine Arts Center in Colorado Springs. She’s also found success outside of Colorado: she exhibited at Art Basel’s flagship fair in Miami Beach last year, and her 2024 public art installation in New York City for the Madison Square Park Conservancy’s anniversary received rave reviews. “Her work is about soft power,” Malik Demosthenes says of the artist’s tulle-based sculptures. “It may appear
feminine, but don’t let your eye fool you. The power is still there.” Malik Demosthenes points out that established artists, such as Hernando, can be difficult to interact with once they’ve reached a certain level of success. “If you saw this artist at their exhibition in New York, for example, it would be almost impossible to have a casual conversation with them,” she explains. “A regional gallery space like Robischon creates instant, direct access and intimacy, which is really lovely.” Art galleries in general have a reputation for being exclusive and elitist, but Robischon deliberately eschews that stereotype. “We cultivate a friendly, nonintimidating atmosphere,” Malik Demosthenes says.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY ROBISCHON GALLERY
DENVER’S ROBISCHON Gallery celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, an impressive milestone rarely achieved in the art world. Wash Park resident Debra Malik Demosthenes has worked for Robischon Gallery for twenty years, stewarding its legacy as Denver’s leading contemporary art gallery. For Malik Demosthenes, however, Robischon is more than a business. “The gallery sees itself as a community resource,” she explains. “It’s an intersection between museums and collectors and viewers of all types. Everyone can come here and have a good experience.” When Jim Robischon started the gallery in 1976, his goal was to focus on living artists, either from
BY EMILIE TRICE
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CONSUMMATE ADVOCATES Like any economy, the art industry cycles through periods of gains and losses, but the past few years have been particularly challenging as the art market struggles through a historic contraction. Well-respected galleries have been declaring bankruptcy and closing in droves, and the art press has been chock-full of stories about artists suing their dealers for nonpayment. Robischon Gallery, however, made the national news two years ago for a completely different reason. When gallery co-owner Jennifer Doran found out that her liver was failing, she reached out to her inner circle for a donor. Eventually, she broadened her scope and asked her gallery’s artists if any of them could be a potential donor. Derrick Velasquez, who’s been represented by Robischon for over a decade and is one of Denver’s best-known local artists, offered to help. Velasquez changed his diet,
began exercising regularly, and underwent all the requisite medical tests and psychological counseling as instructed. He was ultimately approved as a donor. As reported by The New York Times, “Doctors removed 58 percent of his liver and gave it to Doran, thereby saving her life.” Velasquez began showing with Robischon not long after moving to Denver in 2008. His signature wall assemblages, composed of colorful vinyl strips draped over sculptural forms, are instantly recognizable. Velasquez is the recipient of the prestigious Joan Mitchell Fellowship, and his art has been shown at museums across North America. Beyond his work as an artist, however, he’s also a consummate advocate and mentor for Denver’s creative community. Over the past decade, he’s opened multiple galleries across town, including one in his own basement, showing young artists at the very beginning
of their careers. Some galleries could see that as competition, but not Robischon. In fact, Doran has shown up to openings in support of Velasquez’s endeavors, exemplifying the spirit of camaraderie and patronage that’s essential to a SHEEP flourishing arts ecology. at The A lot has changed since Clayton Velasquez first started working with Robischon; however, “what hasn’t changed is how they treat their artists, and the rapport they’ve built over time.” Denver has a tight-knit art scene, and Robischon has been a pillar of its cultural architecture, creating a vital conduit both to and from the larger art world and juxtaposing emerging, younger artists with established names. “They’re looking within and also looking outside,” Velasquez explains. This curatorial approach has greatly enriched Denver’s art discourse, while also bolstering the city’s cultural profile within the wider Art World writ large.
Robischon Gallery
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PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY MADISON SQUARE PARK CONSERVANCY, NEW YORK AND ELISABETH BERNSTEIN.
Clockwise from top left: Kiki Smith’s exhibition opening at Robischon Gallery. Jae Ko solo exhibition Flow at Robischon Gallery. Ana Maria Hernando’s installation at Madison Square Park in New York. John Buck and Paco Pomet at Robischon Gallery. Derrick Velasquez’s solo exhibition at Robischon Gallery.
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Claire Sherman in Intervals at Robischon Gallery.
A SHARED VISION Robischon’s artist program also includes Kiki Smith and Ann Hamilton, two artists whose work is in dozens of museum collections and are considered “blue-chip,” a nomenclature for the industry’s highest caliber of artists. In fact, many of the artists shown by Robischon over the years now belong to the art world’s most esteemed echelons, such as photographer Michael Bernam, an alum of Colorado College. Bernam was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship for his haunting and surreal Western landscapes, and his work is in the permanent collection of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Such accomplishments, however, do not occur in a vacuum. Rather, they arise from the combined efforts of many individuals working towards a shared vision: the gallerist who believed in the work before anyone else, the museum curator who advocated to their board of trustees, even the random gallery-
goer who expressed a deep connection to the work when the artist needed to hear it most. Sustaining a creative practice is exceedingly challenging, especially in the United States. Outside of the United States, however, making art isn’t just difficult—it can be dangerous. Robischon Gallery represents two Iraqi artists, Halim Al Karim and Sami Al Karim, who were politically persecuted in their country of birth. Creating art is an inherently political act, but even more so when self-expression is considered a crime against the state, and the state is a totalitarian regime. “Jim Robischon and Jennifer Doran sponsored Halim Al Karim in order for him to receive his green card by guaranteeing him exhibitions,” Malik Demosthenes explains. “Sami Al Karim came to Denver as part of the relocation efforts for the Iraqi diaspora. Both artists have lived through truly harrowing experiences, yet both create arresting artworks and live lives of
love.” Their stories prove that art is both a form of resistance and an existential imperative, as well as a manifestation of joy, gratitude, and compassion. As Malik Demosthenes reflects on Robischon’s past and future, she’s careful to balance responsibility with privilege. Supporting artists, selling their work, and shepherding their careers is more than a job— it’s a calling. Behind the glamorous openings is a devoted, tireless team that keeps the gears of culture turning. “There’s certainly a level of respect required when showing artists who are revealing their deepest selves through their work,” Malik Demosthenes says, before adding, “but it’s also an awful lot of fun.” Emilie Trice is MyDenver’s local editor and a member of the International Association of Art Critics. Her writing has been published by Artforum, Art Basel, The New York Times, The Paris Review, and Southwest Contemporary. SEPTEMBER 2026 |
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The Inspired Third Space SHEEP’s residency at the Clayton Hotel and Members Club offers a fresh and memorable take on the elevated farm-to-table movement. BY MYDENVER STAFF
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THERE’S AN INVERSE correlation between the rise of the smartphone and the decline of the ‘Third Space,” resulting in a loss of connection, community, and the friendships that make life meaningful. Clayton Hotel and Members Club is filling that gap in Denver’s cultural landscape, creating an elevated yet approachable third space for its members and guests. With the addition of the culinary pop-up SHEEP, which takes over the Clayton’s sixth-floor restaurant until Oct. 4, everyone is invited to experience the club’s understated elegance and intimate atmosphere. SHEEP’s concept bridges sustainable,
The TOMATO dish, part of the first course at SHEEP’s pop-up restaurant at The Clayton.
farm-to-table dining with aesthetic gastronomy—every dish is a work of art. The menu is comparable to New York’s renowned Eleven Madison Park, but without the theatrics, pretension, or exorbitant price tag (also notable: at SHEEP, walk-ins are welcome). A collaboration between chefs Kelly Whitaker and Taylor Stark, SHEEP delights with its thoughtful conceptdriven tasting menu, which follows a thematic order: Smoke, Ember, Flame, Ash. Inspired by open-fire cooking traditions and the cozy romance of a fiery hearth, Whitaker and Stark have created a culinary synthesis of old-world techniques and contemporary tastes.
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PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEFF FIERBERG
SHEEP at The Clayton
FRESH & PLAYFUL During a busy Wednesday night at SHEEP, one local couple, who ordered practically everything on the menu, summarized their experience as “fresh and playful.” That description aptly extends to the chefs’ colorful plating style, which also incorporates organic elements such as sculptural driftwood. In addition to the menu’s core courses, guests can opt to complement their prix fixe selections—which include a vegetarian, fish, and meat option for each course—with additional dishes. Among these, the grilled oyster is extraordinary, encompassing both fire and ice in a single, astonishing bite. The bread is also remarkable, a reference to Chef Whitaker’s introduction to Colorado, when he realized that the most abundant, natural ingredient local to the region was grain. Beginning with a 50-acre farm in the San Luis Valley, Whitaker’s restaurants now source grain from more than 1,000 acres of various farms across the Rocky Mountains. This commitment to the farm-totable ethos is evident across his other SEPTEMBER 2026 |
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Chef Kelly Whitaker. Opposite page: The oyster add-on at SHEEP, which MyDenver highly recommends.
restaurants as well, especially The Wolf’s Tailor and Brutø, both of which have been recognized by a Michelin Green Star. “I really fell in love with the kitchen when I got into a more serious environment. That’s where I began to see cooking as a craft versus just a job, and that gave me something to aspire to and challenged me.” Whitaker explains. “I had been doing random cooking jobs here and there, but when I got to work in a spot with a tasting menu and distinct culinary approach, even as a dishwasher and newer cook, that’s when I saw how much I loved the elevated version of what a restaurant could be.”
SERVING NOSTALGIA For the final course, SHEEP’s Executive Pastry Chef Emily Thompson has designed a rotating selection of fanciful, seasonal desserts with a twist. Biting into a deceptively simple ice cream bar wrapped in a cloud of cotton candy reveals a surprisingly mature flavor composition, while invoking nostalgia for the endless summers of youth. Every aspect of the SHEEP experience has been curated to amplify regional cultures, including the drink menu, which highlights lesser-known wines from Colorado, Mexico, and other underrepresented agricultural lineages, as well as creative takes on root vegetables, such as its delicious BEET cocktail.
The entire experience flows seamlessly, with all the restaurant’s disparate parts working together in harmony. “I like to talk about our projects like an album drop,” Whitaker says. “In a way, it’s my music, but I always like to give credit where credit is due. We have an incredible team of people, and if you break down the way we move as a company, there are different parts of the machine where I can highlight team members like brand manager Jimena, Chef Taylor, the culinary team, and our partners at Wonder. I’ll drive the design of the menu, apparel, and the details, but I’m always open to other people bringing their ideas to the table.”
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FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS SHEEP’s ambiance reflects the interior design of the Clayton overall: sleek minimalism infused with mid-century modern accents and a vintage Western aura. Hotel guests are treated as members upon check-in and have access to all areas, such as a co-working sunroom that recalls the breezy luxury of coastal retreats. The Clayton’s rooftop heated pool remains open year-round, and its members enjoy access to a range of curated events. Members even have a say in the artwork featured throughout the building, and many paintings and photographs on view were created by members themselves. Unlike other private member clubs, which rarely allow children, the Clayton is family-friendly and even orchestrates playtime activities for its littlest guests. Other perks include valet parking, fitness classes, whiskey tastings, and gatherings for sporting events like this summer’s World Cup. Such social events are all opportunities for in-person relationships to
blossom, an important aspect of the Clayton’s value proposition. A recent study published in the journal “Perspectives on Psychological Science” found that Americans are speaking, on average, 300 fewer words every day, a testament to the dearth of our society’s third spaces. Less conversation and face-to-face interactions contribute to the feelings of loneliness and isolation that can accelerate cognitive decline and other aspects of aging. Simply put, friendship is an elixir of youth, but making friends as adults can feel almost impossible, especially for recent transplants to the city or remote workers. The Clayton’s Members Club provides a space for organic friendships to take root, and offers a calendar of curated offerings to cultivate and strengthen those friendships over time. Together with SHEEP, it’s redefining how a third space caters to—and builds—community, with elevated experiences that create moments for connection and memories for a lifetime. SEPTEMBER 2026 |
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PRO INSIGHTS
Raphael Martorello and Nick Parnack
Major Milestones, NEW PRIORITIES Is your financial advisor still the right fit? BY RICHARD LALIBERTE
“ALMOST EVERY MAJOR life event has an impact on finances,” says Raphael Martorello, Managing Partner and Founder at LotusGroup Advisors. “Transitions can trigger anxiety about money, and people want to be reassured they’ll be okay.” A handful of events account for most financial plan resets, including shifts in investment strategy. “Transitions can fundamentally challenge plans and goals,” says Nick Pirnack, Partner and Senior Advisor at LotusGroup. “You may need more than an update to your current plan, requiring bigger thinking.” That often means seeking fresh perspective from a new advisor who broadly considers your emotions, financial situation, and investment strategy. Should you make the leap? Here are four scenarios that often cause people to switch financial advisors, and why a change might make sense.
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PARTNER C ONTENT
RETIREMENT
Saving for retirement is different from entering retirement it A lot of questions come up,” Martorello says. “Will I run out of money? When should I take Social Security? Should I draw retirement funds now or later? People worry because they shift from putting money in to pulling money out .” Being older also means there’s less time to recoup money due to downturns or mistakes.
Why Switch Advisors
Some advisors are more geared toward making investments than considering major factors such as Social Security or tax planning. Others may not square your lifestyle with resources or a realistic timeline in which you could live longer than you think. “You need someone who walks you through realities and builds a plan tailored to you,” Pirnack says.
What to Look For
Seek an empathetic advisor who understands both your situation and you. “Look for a firm with a comprehensive understanding of retirement and registered advisors like ours who are fiduciaries, so they’re not trying to sell you specific investment vehicles,” Martorello says. “You want strategies designed to pursue steady growth while managing downside risk.”
DIVORCE
“Splitting with a spouse can be a wealth destroyer,” Pirnack says. “It’s important that both parties have someone to help them understand the financial implications and what life looks like on the other side in order to build a plan that smooths the transition economically.”
Why Switch Advisors
What to Look For
What to Look For
ADVANCEMENT
RELOCATION
Why Switch Advisors Higher income can bring higher-level opportunities and pitfalls. “You should take a strong look at your advisor and decide if they have the competence and capabilities to execute on the level you deserve,” Pirnack says.
It’s common for one person to handle most of a couple’s finances. That person may want to keep their current advisor. The other spouse—who typically feels less confident about financial matters—could benefit from a new advisor who isn’t closely tied to the ex and hasn’t been guided by the ex’s preferences. “Divorce is done through the state, so it’s good to tap local expertise,” Martorello says. A good advisor will explain investment strategies simply and be both knowledgeable and empathetic. “An ideal firm provides attention and care to clients and is able to help create budgets, make lifestyle plans, figure out housing finances, and connect you with divorce coaches, mediators, and lawyers—all of which LotusGroup does,” Pirnack says.
Financial advice may not be your first priority when moving to a new city. “But once you settle in, having a local advisor can offer advantages,” Martorello says.
Why Switch Advisors
Some people are fine doing video calls with their advisor back home. “Our feeling is that being closer to clients helps us better align planning and execution.” Pirnack says. A local advisor also can help you make community connections. Another aspect: “It can be hard to leave an advisor you’re unhappy with,” Martorello says. “A different location provides an understandable reason to go in a new direction.”
A firm that prides itself on communityconnections can be especially helpful. “Many of us at LotusGroup live in the firm’s neighborhood,” Martorello says. Clients are encouraged to drop by for coffee or a drink. “We limit the number of clients each advisor has so we have time for each person,” Pirnack says. Getting a better job presents challenges such as optimizing transfer of funds from an old 401(k) and setting up a new one; potentially moving to a higher tax bracket; negotiating new benefits; and guarding against what Pirnack calls lifestyle creep. “People who make more tend to spend more,” he says. “The goal is also to save more, which takes discipline.”
What to Look For “You want an
advisor who works with thriving professionals and understands the aspirational element of success,” Martorello says. “We understand this cohort and can tap multiple strategies to bring professionalism, care, and commitment that ensures clients optimize any transition and make life count going forward.”
Richard Laliberte is an award-winning journalist who writes on topics including healthcare, interior design and financial services. SEPTEMBER 2026 |
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GATH ERINGS
The Aspen Art Fair takes place in the historic Hotel Jerome
Aspen Calling MyDenver reports from Aspen Art Week, the annual extravaganza of world-class art set against the majestic scenery of the High Rockies. BY MYDENVER STAFF EVERY YEAR AT the end of July and beginning of August, the art world flocks to Aspen for a whirlwind week of cultural events, including the Aspen Art Museum’s AIR festival, Intersect Aspen Art Fair, and the Aspen Art Fair at the historic Hotel Jerome. This year’s Art Week was especially notable with the inauguration of the Perez Sculpture Park, a private collection of stunning outdoor sculptures spread across 200 acres in Snowmass, which plans to open to the public by appointment and is sure to be on every art lover’s
bucket list. While in Aspen, MyDenver caught up with Cherry Creek art dealer Mason Hayutin, co-founder of GALLERY M, who exhibited at the Intersect Aspen fair and has been a fixture at Aspen Art Week since 2012. “This year, both past and new collectors at Intersect Aspen considered masterworks and contemporary leaders through GALLERY M’s presentation of ‘Eye of Time—An American Reflection at 250 years,’” Hayutin says. Showcasing important photographs by
A bronze sculpture by Deborah Butterfield at Jorge M. Pérez’s sculpture park in Snowmass, which he plans to open to the public by appointment.
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Top: The Aspen Art Fair 2026 VIP Opening Preview and Reception at the Hotel Jerome, photo by Zach Hilty/ BFA.com Right: Whit Boucher, FLORAL VORTEX TWO, 2026. Ink and gold leaf on watercolor paper, 35.75 x 35.75 inches, courtesy the artist Left: Whit Boucher and Hayley Wheeler in his booth at the VIP opening of Intersect Aspen Art + Design
American visionaries Ansel Adams and Edward Weston, GALLERY M also exhibited collages by Peter Tunney, whose work adorns the walls of Le Bilboquet, Cherry Creek’s favorite French bistro and cocktail bar. “Eye of Time—An American Reflection at 250 years,” featuring rare and iconic photographs such as Dorothea Lange’s “Migrant Mother” (1936), arguably the defining image of the Great Depression, will be on view at GALLERY M’s Cherry Creek North location through Oct. 31
ART ON DISPLAY
Denver native Whit Boucher, a former pro skier and artist whose star is on the rise, was also prominently featured at Intersect. “From my love of art inspired by the natural world around me, to growing up in Cherry Hills and spending time professionally
skiing in Vail, it was a complete honor to be selected to exhibit my work at Intersect Aspen 2026,” says Boucher. “I was proud to be supported by my local Colorado community while also sharing my passion for art and the natural world.” Boucher’s intricate botanical drawings, which illustrate Colorado’s unique ecology in the artist’s signature art nouveau style, found an adoring following at Intersect among seasoned and novice collectors alike. In addition to art, visitors to Intersect Aspen and The Aspen Art Fair also enjoyed stimulating conversations by cultural leaders, scholars, and groundbreaking creatives. At Intersect, author and curator Rupert Jenkins (whose book “Outside Influence” MyDenver featured in our July issue) gave a talk about Colorado’s photographic history
with Peter Waanders, President of the storied Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass, which turns 60 this year. Over at the legendary Hotel Jerome, the Aspen Art Fair hosted a fascinating discussion with acclaimed artist and designer Ronald Rael, an architecture professor at UC Berkeley originally from the San Luis Valley, who’s transforming adobe structures across Southern Colorado with 3D printing “robots.” Check out Rael’s sculptural work in the group show “Colorado Currents,” on view at the MCA Denver through Nov. 1. With so many Denver connections, Aspen Art Week delivers an inspired mix of nature and culture, with more local roots than meets the eye. Visit GALLERY M in Cherry Creek North or learn more at gallerym.com. To explore art by Whit Boucher, visit whitboucher.com SEPTEMBER 2026 |
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MY SUNDAY
Emily Korson Wash Park resident and Executive Director of ReCreative Denver balances her Sundays between fitness, family, art, and, on occasion, lawn bowling.
BY EMILY KORSON MY SUNDAYS usually entail attending either a Pilates or barre class at Lifetime Fitness, working in my garden, and taking a walk around Wash Park. I also always make use of open studio time at the Art Students League of Denver, where I take weekly ceramics classes. My educational background is in fine art, primarily painting and drawing, and art education, so I feel very much at home in the studio. Before moving to Denver, my husband and I lived in Portland, San Francisco, New York City, Boston, and Seattle, where I co-founded Seattle ReCreative. That laid the groundwork for ReCreative Denver, which I founded here nearly ten years ago.
Over the past decade, we’ve grown from having a single employee (my childhood friend and co-founder, Chris Scott) to a six-member staff and ten-member Board of Directors. This year, we’re projecting that our organization will serve 25,000 customers, engage over 275 volunteers, and house ten resident artists in our creative reuse store, art classes, gallery, and woodworking workshop. It’s been a rather wild ride getting two nonprofit creative reuse centers off the ground, but I love the community that ReCreative creates. After I’ve finished working in the studio, my family likes to dine out at Hapa in Cherry Creek. We also love Local Goudy’s Deli & Market,
Devil’s Food Bakery, Homegrown Tap & Dough, Perdida, Rebel Bread, and Bonnie Brae Ice Cream. There’s so much to enjoy about our cluster of neighborhoods—from the shops to the parks to the people—and that makes living here so rewarding. My husband and I are co-chairs of the Denver Reed College Alumni chapter, and have planned numerous events in and around our neighborhood. Our favorite has been lawn bowling with the Wash Park Lawn Bowling Club, Colorado’s only such club, which recently celebrated its 102nd anniversary! That’s the sort of tradition that makes Wash Park, Bonnie Brae, and our community so special.
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