PG.
9 GET YOUR SPOOK ON
Events to frighten the most hardened fan of fright
Neighbors with knowledge
By Eric Heinz
Purple and gold dominated the streets surrounding North High School on Sept. 25 for the annual homecoming parade.
Various organizations from and supporting North High had their floats decorated w ith the school colors, Federal Boulevard was blocked off between 32rd and 33nd Avenues, and enough candy was tossed to the c rowd to send a dentist into retirement five times over.
Many of the revelers, who lined the streets from start to finish, and parade participants were teenagers and school employees, but one group of cheerleaders—dozens of whom were stationed along the parade route at West 33rd Avenue waving violet streamers— is hoping to make its presence known in the Vikings’ home.
No, this group of cheerleaders won’t be doing any backflips or any other kind of aerial stunts. But what they do have are lifelong lessons to share and wisdom to help guide high school students on their way to adulthood.
Residents of the Gardens at St. Elizabeth (GSE), a retirement community directly across West 33rd Avenue from the high school, recently decided they would like
to increase their support for the school by creating a group that could interact with students. The residents’ own Vikings-decorated van came through toward the end of t he parade lineup.
For years, some students from North High School have held jobs as food servers at GSE, and some Gardens residents have volunteered at the school. But putting together a formal and active “generational club” is the next goal, said Rick Wohlers, a U.S. Navy veteran whose wife was a high school teacher.
“High school students are super important. They’re our future,” Wohlers said as he wore a Denver North High School T-shirt.
Chris Miller, executive director of GSE, said the residents of the Gardens used to be more involved with the school, and there are now about 15 to 20 residents who are active members of this new group. GSE recently sponsored a hole for a golf tournament to benefit the North High booster club.
“The elders here will go over and help the kids in a million different ways,” Miller said, “and the kids will come over here and help us out in different ways. We’re just at the beginning of the program. People are just excited and want to give back. A lot of the folks w ho live here really want to raise up that next generation and really offer all that they have to give. The kids really respect their elders more than you would think and t hey want that partnership.”
Donna Lucero has worked with and volunteered at North High School for more than four decades. She headed a program that matched tutors from middle and high schools with students at their former elementary schools, which Lucero said helped improve reading levels of the
younger students and graduation rates for the older ones.
Lucero is spearheading the campaign to make the Gardens generational club a reality.
“People at the Gardens were really interested in North High but didn’t have a connection,” Lucero said. “I wanted (residents) to get together, and this (homecoming parade) was a perfect occasion. We’ve been to a c ouple concerts and a couple games, and the more we do together the more they see that seniors are interested and supportive, and the seniors get to see that the next generation is doing awesome.”
Lucero said she gets excited calls from other residents whenever North High students arrive at the Gardens to volunteer, w anting her to meet the new faces.
“It’s really exciting to see the different generations coming together. We are the same community,” she said.
North High Principal German Echevarria said he hopes to increase the employment opportunities for students at the retirement community and that the school has been working with Lucero to connect students to visit more often with the GSE residents.
“The program is in the initial stages. With the return from COVID, rebuilding community connections is key, especially in North Denver since community and culture are key,” Echevarria said. “We are looking forward to growing this partnership with employment opportunities, community events, ROTC and veteran celebrations, and just plain and simple they are our neighbors and we want strong relationships.”
Echevarria said the school’s ROTC program has participated in the Memorial Day a nd Veterans Day events at the Gardens by presenting the colors.
Local officials weigh in on proposed affordable housing tax vote
By Jill Carstens
Aballot issue to help fund more affordable housing in the city is in front of voters this November and is the largest dedicated sales tax ever proposed in Denver.
“I want to help ensure that our neighborhoods remain accessible and welcoming to people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds,” Councilwoman Amanda Sandoval responded when asked to share her vision about how the proposed sales tax to create more affordable housing in Denver, ballot issue 2R, would affect Northwest Denver. If passed, Denver’s sales tax would rise from 8.81% to almost 9.5%. That amount does not reflect the total if other proposed tax hikes on this same ballot also pass. When the proposal was initially unveiled, critics pointed out it lacked details.
“Expanding construction (through the proposed sales tax) of more accessory dwelling units (ADUs) would be one step forward,” said Sandoval, who has been a proponent of rezoning for ADUs in the recent past. “They are an affordable option that also helps families remain in the neighborhoods they love by creating multigenerational living opportunities.”
Her plans for implementing these funds also includes offering down payment assistance programs for firsttime homebuyers to ensure younger residents, like her 22-year-old daughter, have a pathway to homeownership.
See HOUSING, Page 11
WHAT’S INSIDE
PG. 3
SLAUGHTERHOUSE VOTE
Voters will decide on such new businesses
WOMEN'S TENNIS GROUP LOOKS TO ADD MEMBERS PG. 4
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
Events related to the Day of the Dead PG. 4
PG. 6
NORTH HIGH CELEBRATES HOMECOMING
The Vikings were out in full force
PG. 8
MURDER MYSTERY KEEPS GOING Mysteries abound: Adams Mystery Playhouse continues its macabre theme
Ron, left, and Barb Chomko, residents of the Gardens at St. Elizabeth, march in the Sept. 25 North High School homecoming parade. PHOTO
BY ERIC HEINZ
Gardens at St. Elizabeth aims to create generational club with North High School
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Residents unhappy with proposed changes to carriage lot zoning
By Allen Cowgill
The city of Denver is proposing changes to the zoning rules around carriage lots to remove barriers to housing development in the city, and some residents are not happy about the potential change to their community spaces.
Nearly 40 carriage lots are found on the interiors of some historic square-shaped blocks, about 10 in the Sloan's Lake neighborhood and 13 in the Highland neighborhood. Back in the late 1800s these lots served wealthy Denverites who could afford horse-drawn carriages as spaces for them to turn around the carriages or graze their horses.
Today, these carriage lots serve a variety of uses. Some of them have become community parking lots for nearby residents, a few have turned into community gardens and a handful have turned into community gathering spaces adorned with picnic tables, pergolas, basketball hoops and playground equipment for kids.
In terms of development potential, these lots can only be developed by a resident who lives on the same block as the carriage lot. Currently, the zoning code only allows for a small single-family residence, similar to an accessory dwelling unit, to be built on a carriage lot. A new proposal by Denver’s Community Planning and Development Department (CPD) may change that.
In the proposed text amendment changes to the zoning code going before the Denver Planning Board this fall, CPD is including a proposal to allow anyone to develop the carriage lot.
Tina Axelrad, zoning administrator with CPD, said, “The change in the code is to ‘who’ may develop on a carriage lot and not to ‘what’ can be built. Removing rules that regulated ‘who’ may develop ensures more equitable opportunity to develop and live on a carriage lot for all Denverites. More specifically regarding the carriage lot revisions proposed, the ‘why’ is to remove barriers to housing development in the city, to simplify overly complex rules.”
The draft changes were announced in CPD’s newsletter in July along with regular email updates and on their website.
without reaching out to them before the changes were written.
Keith Meyer, a resident of Sloan's Lake who lives next to a carriage lot, expressed his frustration with the process.
“I don’t think any of us are really anti-housing, we all understand the need for more housing in Denver,” Meyer said. “There is a right way to do it and there is a wrong way to do it. For us there has been no community outreach to any of the neighbors that surround these carriage lots. It really feels like they are trying to fast track and slide something through and sneak it into a bundle without actually doing the community outreach that they should be doing.”
Meyer said there was always a historic expectation that the carriage lot would be owned by someone on the block, and that this is a major change from what residents had expected for their neighborhood with no engagement from CPD.
In a letter dated Sept. 11, the Sloan's Lake Citizens Group, a Registered Neighborhood Organization for the Sloan's Lake neighborhood, asked that the city remove all proposed changes to carriage lots from the upcoming bundle of text amendments.
The letter listed concerns from nearby residents including the ability for fire trucks to access the carriage lots since some of the alleys are too narrow to get a modern fire truck down them.
They are also concerned about the potential damage that could take place during construction since many homes and garages about the narrow alleys surrounding the carriage lots and past construction has resulted in damage to nearby homes, according to Meyer.
In addition, the group is concerned that potential development of the lots could make it challenging for residents to get out of or into their existing garages in the narrow alleyways. Also of concern were potential changes to neighborhood character and community spaces.
A carriage lot near West 23rd Avenue and Irving Street serves as a community space complete with basketball hoop, picnic table, pergola and garden.
PHOTO BY ALLEN COWGILL
existing fire hydrant is too far to allow a hose to reach the carriage lot home. Such circumstances may result in the carriage lot development’s denial unless a solution satisfactory to the fire department can be found.”
Axelrad also said any construction would have to follow existing city rules around protecting nearby residences, and that neighborhood character would be preserved as any development would have to follow the existing zoning rules and land use policies for Northwest Denver.
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The changes did come as a surprise to some residents who live near carriage lots. Several residents have concerns that CPD buried what they believe is a fairly major potential change to their neighborhoods in a large block of amendments
In a response to The Denver North Star about concerns around fire safety, Axelrad said, “The city will not approve development of a new house if the Denver Fire Department finds the proposed development cannot assure safe and adequate fire truck and firefighter access to the home. Sometimes, for example, existing alleys surrounding a carriage lot may not be wide enough to accommodate a fire truck, or the distance from an
CPD scheduled a hybrid community meeting for Oct. 7 at Merritt Coworking Space in the Sloan's Lake neighborhood to go through the potential changes to carriage lots and have a Q&A session with residents. This is in addition to a meeting that CPD had with residents surrounding one particular carriage lot in Northwest Denver in late July. If the Planning Board adopts the changes at its Oct. 16 meeting, the proposal may go in front of a City Council committee as early as November. Then it would need to be voted on by the full City Council to pass.
New sidewalk ordinance recommendations passed by Denver City Council
By Allen Cowgill
After a delay of nearly two years since voters passed Ordinance 307, the law to complete and repair Denver’s sidewalks was passed by the Denver City Council for potential changes that could lead to fees for property owners beginning in January 2025.
After the ordinance was passed, a stakeholder committee was formed to devise recommendations for improving the ordinance. As reported in The Denver North Star, Council pushed the implementation of the sidewalk ordinance from January 2024 to July in order to give the committee more time to vet potential changes.
The stakeholder committee submitted recommendations to the city in February for a flat fee structure with different tiers for single-family homes, multi-family homes and commercial properties.
A few months later, the City Attorney’s Office came back with concerns that the proposed structure would not comply with TABOR, an amendment to Colorado’s Constitution passed by voters in 1992.
The task force then submitted a revised proposal in late May, and Council again delayed the start of fee collections, this time to January 2025, so that the new proposal could be considered by Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI),
which will be responsible for billing property owners.
The original fee structure called for billing based on linear square feet of sidewalk at a property. The new proposal calls for a flat fee of $150 annually per account, where an account is defined as a parcel of land—or group of parcels—considered a single entity for billing purposes. Accounts with greater than 230 feet of linear property frontage will be billed an additional “impact fee” of $3.50 per linear foot above the 230-feet threshold.
A large majority, 95.7%, of accounts in Denver will pay the flat fee of $150 per year under this new proposed structure.
A small number of accounts, around 1%, will be billed more than what was indicated by voters in the original ordinance. These are accounts with more than 486 feet of linear lot frontage. About 99% of single-family homeowners in Denver will pay the flat fee of $150 per year. For those paying an impact fee, .05% will pay more under this new structure than the original ordinance called for.
In its letter, the committee stated that changes were designed to address community concerns around fairness for residences on arterial streets or on corner lots, where fees would have greatly exceeded those proposed in the original ordinance. The new program includes includes discounts (called instant rebates) for residents with lower in-
comes, and is the same recommendation that was given to the city by the stakeholder committee in February. It mirrors discounts already given through DOTI’s solid-waste collection program. Households earning less than 30% of area median income (AMI) will not pay any sidewalk fees, receiving a 100% discount. Households earning less than 50% AMI will see a 75% discount, and households under 60% AMI will see a 50% discount. There will also be a discount of 20% for larger buildings that have more than 25% of their units dedicated to income-restricted housing. DOTI will likely focus on repairing the existing sidewalk network for the first few years. Once a history of fee collection over several years is established, the city can then go to the bond market to seek larger amounts of money and begin major construction to add new sidewalks where there are gaps in the existing network.
In the meantime, residents can report safety hazards with existing sidewalks by calling Denver’s 311 call center or Denver’s Online Services Hub. The repair will be added to a list the city will refer to once funds are available.
Allen Cowgill is the council district representative on the Denver Transportation and Infrastructure Advisory Board, and board co-chair. He is also a member of the Ordinance 307 Stakeholder Committee.
Ordinance 309: Measure seeks to ban existing and future slaughterhouses in Denver
By Tracy
Denver voters will decide on Nov. 5 if current and future slaughterhouses should be banned in the city.
Currently, there is only one slaughterhouse in Denver, employee-owned Superior Farms, which has slaughtered, processed and packaged lambs and lamb meat at its location near the Platte River and Western Stock Show complex since the 1950s. About 300,000 lambs are slaughtered each year at the site, which would be forced to close if the ordinance passes.
Here’s what you need to know about Ordinance 309.
WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC IMPACTS IF ORDINANCE 309 PASSES?
The American Sheep Industry Association reports that Colorado is the third highest producer of sheep and lambs in the United States. The total capacity of Colorado’s 21 USDA-inspected facilities is 400,000 sheep per year. Superior Farm’s facility in Denver accounts for 15% to 20% of lamb processing capacity in the U.S.
A study by Colorado State University released in May showed the total annual output of animal processing in Colorado currently exceeds $382 million, provides nearly 600 jobs and creates nearly $45 million in employee compensation. That extends to animal production, animal food manufacturing, support activities for agriculture and forestry, grain farming, truck transportation and wholesale sectors such as grocery.
CSU’s study considered three possible outcomes of the ban. In the most extreme case—Superior Farms closes and leaves Colorado—2,787 jobs and up to $861 million in economic activity would be lost. If half of the facility’s slaughter activity relocates to other parts of Colorado, those numbers re-
duce by half. And if businesses elsewhere in Colorado expand their capacity to 80% of the level once processed in Denver, Colorado may still lose 697 jobs and over $215 million in economic activity.
The report concluded the proposed ban “runs counter to demonstrated consumer preferences and choices,” would “reduce the resilience of the meat supply chain” and would make it harder for new startups in the growing local food industry.
WHAT OTHER EFFECTS WOULD THE PASSAGE OF ORDINANCE 309 HAVE?
Pro-Animal Future, the group behind Ordinance 309, says CSU’s study ignored the potential health and environmental effects of banning slaughterhouses in the city.
Those include ending discharges into the South Platte River as well as eliminating odors from the facility. They also say there would be a reduction in carbon emissions from raising and slaughtering lamb, though that assumes the facility’s production wouldn’t be moved elsewhere.
WHO IS SPENDING MONEY TO SUPPORT AND OPPOSE ORDINANCE 309?
Pro-Animal Future Denver had raised almost $244,276 through Sept. 30. The largest donors are listed on Pro-Animal Future’s website and include the Craigslist Charitable Fund, Animal Charity Evaluators, and the Phauna Foundation founded by animal rights activist Owen Gunden, according to his bio on woodstockfruitfestival.com.
Stop the Ban, Protect Jobs—a group opposing the measure—had raised nearly $957,592 through the Sept. 30, much of it from contributions from Superior Farms. The group has also received money from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Colorado Livestock Association and the United Food & Commercial Workers International.
WHAT’S THE NATIONAL CONTEXT FOR BANNING SLAUGHTERHOUSES?
Voters in Berkeley, California, passed a slaughterhouse ban earlier this year.
That came even though there are no factory farms or slaughterhouses in Berkeley. One of the organizations behind that measure, Direct Action Everywhere, said the aim of the ban is to stop industrial-style livestock production preemptively with the hope that similar bans can be replicated elsewhere.
In July, Direct Action Everywhere brought a measure prohibiting concentrated animal feeding operations in Sonoma County in California. The initiative is on the November ballot and is facing pushback from groups like the Sonoma County Farm Bureau, which says it would force California companies including Straus Creamery, Clover Sonoma and Petaluma Poultry out of business.
Berkeley was also among the first cities in the U.S. to ban the sale of new fur, which became a statewide policy in California in 2023.
Pro-Animal Future, the group behind Ordinance 309, has a second measure on the November ballot in Denver, Ordinance 308, which would prohibit the manufacture, distribution, display, sale or trade of certain animal fur products within Denver city limits.
The group opposing 308, Hands Off My Hat, said the ban would harm the National Western Stock Show where products with fur are sold along with retailers and small businesses that use fur in their products. Ernest House Jr., Ute Mountain Ute Tribal member and former executive director of the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, said Ordinance 308 “poses a direct threat to the cultural practices and economic opportunities of Indigenous and Native American communities.”
The season is always right for ‘turning toward’
The chill in the air this time of year reiterates what I already knew by seeing August in the calendar’s rear view: Summer’s officially over, and fall is in front of us. Pumpkin lattes and aspen leaf peeping aside, fall signifies a definitive change in the climate in our homes and relationships as well. Whether it's shuttling children to school, fending off anticipatory election stress or feeling a little blue about the Farmer’s Almanac winter prediction (spoiler alert: colder and wetter than usual), autumn can be difficult on our mental health, especially for couples who just weeks ago were savoring the spoils of summer. My passion for saving relationships has lured me down many a research rabbit hole, where I discovered the writings of relationship guru John Gottman. Gottman is a psychologist and professor made famous by his uncanny ability to predict with relative certainty whether a couple was headed for a divorce, simply by observing their communication patterns. In a nutshell, criticism, ignoring each other and defensiveness really are as toxic as they feel. What's most interesting about Gottman is his equally astute power to suggest ways of repairing and strengthening relationship bonds, despite our often unconscious efforts to mess up a good thing. Allow me to introduce a powerful concept readers can try at home to both repair and enhance their primary love relationship. The technique is awkwardly called “turning towards” and effectively captures the sentiment Gottman was trying to convey when he first conceptualized this idea.
See HEALTH, Page 11
ERIN OLYER ROHLF, LCSW
Ross, The Colorado Sun
Advantage women's tennis at Berkeley courts
By
On a recent late-summer evening, with the heat dissipating and golden light settling, a cauldron of sounds—including grunts, groans and exultations—wafted off North Denver’s Berkeley Park tennis courts.
With apologies to Roger Kahn, author of the baseball epic “The Boys of Summer,” the sounds came from the park’s “girls of summer.” It was women who populated the courts.
From April to September, teams of tennis players compete here and on courts across the city and state for the chance to win league, district and state titles.
Teams are made up of a dozen or so players who compete in singles, doubles and mixed doubles. Players are ranked on skill level. And there’s a level for everyone.
Leslie Lane, a 10-year veteran at Berkeley, classifies as a Level Four, the highest level player. Friend and fellow team member Susan Gallo plays a level below. Lane plays singles, doubles and mixed doubles. Gallo is a doubles and mixed doubles player.
Like all the teams that play here, there’s diversity among ages, skills and occupations. Lane spends her days in banking. Gallo, a Bay-area transplant, is a department head for the city. But it’s that mixture, both agree, that spices up the competition.
For both women, the odyssey into the game began in their teens. For Kansas native Lane, her first taste of the game began by circumstance.
“I started playing in high school and only because my parents made me drive my sister to a camp,” she recalled. Not wanting to sit around while her sister played, Lane decided that if she had to go, “I’m gonna play.”
“I started to play in high school too,” Gallo said.
While Gallo is mostly self-taught, the father of a high school friend saw her talent and helped refine her game. “He helped me out because we didn’t have the money for lessons.”
But fate took over and, years removed from their start, both Lane and Gallo are committed to playing not only as long as they can, but whenever they can. That means weather is no impediment.
“We play all year long,” Lane said. While that particular late-summer evening was ideal for a match – mid-80s and with a slight breeze – a little seasonal cool down won’t stand in their way. The pair’s mot-
to, “40 (degrees) and sunny,” means it’s time to play. Stocking caps and gloves are the only concession to weather.
While not quite having a pioneer commitment to the game, Gallo agreed that if there’s a chance to play, it’s time for tennis. They’ll break out the leaf blowers when autumn leaves start piling up in abundance.
“When it snows,” Gallo said, “we’ll clean the snow off the courts.”
There are other threads – competition and camaraderie – that weave through the collective pas-
sion for the game expressed by the many women whose tennis community revolves around the Berkeley Park courts.
“One match,” Gallo remembered, “my partner and I had no business winning, but we pulled it out of thin air. We were so happy, so tired.” It was, she said, “a really long match.” But when it ended, “the whole team stood by and cheered us through.”
Lane agreed. She and her doubles partner recently won the district championship. “It was a huge deal to win,” she said. “Super cool … because we lost last year. Our match mattered.”
A tradition that has sprouted up over the years at Berkeley Park, as well as other courts where they play, is an after-the-match camaraderie.
“Every time we have a league match,” Lane said, “it’s a known thing. You play, and afterward you provide drinks and food.” Just outside the fence separating players waiting for their match along with others there for support were coolers with drinks and bags stuffed full with snacks.
Lane and Gallo are not just players, but also students of the game. Each has their “faves.” Names like Serena, Gauff, Rafa and Alcaraz roll off their tongues. Yet both also reserve “flowers” for the greats including Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova.
Despite their love of the game, the friendships their leagues inspire and, of course, the competition, both Lane and Gallo share a single common complaint.
“We need more courts,” lamented Lane. “The game has grown substantially in popularity.” Also, with a boon in pickleball, competition for court time has reached a stress level.
As a city employee, Gallo was circumspect. “I think the challenge is with limited city budgets,” she said, while conceding that the city “tries to do its best.”
Día de los Muertos celebrations have roots in North Denver’s arts community
Where to honor your ancestors on Day of the Dead 2024
By
Each year on Nov. 1, you can find many Denverites walking down the street in a candlelight procession honoring those who have passed.
Denver’s annual Día de los Muertos celebration is now a mainstay in the city, but it hasn’t always been that way. The city’s rich Día de los Muertos tradition dates back to the early 1980s and was started right here on the Northside.
According to the Mexican Cultural Center of Denver, Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, “commemorates honoring loved ones who have passed on and venerating their return.” The spirits of loved ones are thought to come home and visit with their relatives on the first two days of November each year.
This year, North Denver residents have numerous ways to celebrate their loved ones who have moved on. One way is by viewing altars—or ofrendas—created by the community at Pirate: Contemporary Art, a member-run cooperative art space that used to be housed on Navajo land near 37th Avenue. The art space has since moved to Lakewood’s 40 West Arts District, but its Día de Los Muertos festivities are still a go-to for North Denver residents.
This year, the space will have Día de los Muertos altars on display from Oct. 18 through Nov. 3. The altars will be created by students from area schools, including Alameda International Junior/Senior
High School, Maple Grove Elementary, Arvada West High School, Denver School of Innovation and Sustainable Design High School, Littleton High School, Golden High and Ralston Elementary, as well as members of the public.
“Anybody who wants to celebrate somebody in their life is welcome to come and install an altar,” said Pirate: Contemporary Art member Craig Robb.
Previous year’s altars have included wire sculptures of loved ones, painted masks and skeletons on tar paper. On Nov. 1, Pirate will host its annual Día de los Muertos candlelit procession.
North Denver residents can also celebrate Día de los Muertos at BRDG Project Gallery and Event Space, a community art space located at 3300 Tejon St. This year, BRDG Project is working with curator Arlette Lucero to host an event that includes an art exhibition featuring 30 local Chicano and Chicana artists and a ticketed masquerade ball.
“I am so excited to bring the Día de los Muertos Art Show back to my Northside neighborhood where it all began,” said Lucero. “This neighborhood has changed so much over the years with gentrification. In this way, we are honoring the past traditions of this area. We are showing the art of some of our finest from our Chicano(a) community. The Calaveras Ball is something I hope will become a new way to celebrate for years to come.”
The events at Pirate: Contemporary Art and BRDG Project are just a few celebrating Día de los Muertos in and near North Denver.
Additional arts-centered Día de los Muertos celebrations in and near North Denver include: DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS ART SHOW; OCT. 11- NOV. 2
The show will feature local Chicano and Chicana artists such as Al Cardenas, Angela Ramirez, Anthony La Combe, Arlette Lucero, Benjamin Kelly, Cal Duran, Carlos Fresquez,
Danielle Ramos, David Martinez, Esmeralda Patino, Frank Zamora, Holly Wasinger, Javier Flores, Jerry Rael, Josiah Lopez, Judy Miranda, Karen Yust, Mark Martinez Luna, Quinton Gonzalez, Rob Yancy, Shantel Lucero, Shay Guerrero, Sylvia Montero, Tammy Yancy and Tony Ortega. BRDG Project Gallery and Event Space, 3300 Tejon St., Denver.
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS ALTAR EXHIBITION; OCT. 18-NOV. 3
On Nov. 1, an annual celebration will take place with Aztec dancers, adult and children piñatas, a candlelight procession and fire dancers. Pirate: Contemporary Art, 7130 W. 16th Ave., Lakewood.
CLAY SCULPTING: DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS; 10 A.M.-2 P.M., OCT. 19
Attendees can explore their ancestral connections by creating redrock clay sculptures. Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway, Denver.
CALAVERAS MASQUERADE BALL; 7-11 P.M., OCT. 25
A ticketed event featuring music from the Taco Cats, Cipriano and DJ Ramirez, as well as food, drink, dancing, face painting and storytelling. Tickets can be purchased at brdgcalaverasball.eventbrite.com BRDG Project Gallery and Event Space 3300 Tejon St., Denver. Tickets are $35-55.
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS ART RECEPTION; 4-9 P.M., OCT. 26
Presented by Chicano Humanities and Arts Council and The Armory Performing Arts Center.
The Armory Performing Arts Center, 300 Strong St., Brighton.
This painting by Holly Wasinger features artwork of the Dia de Los Muertos holiday, which is being celebrated. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRDG PROJECT
ART OF CULTURA: DÍA DE MUERTOS COMMUNITY ALTAR WORKSHOP; NOON-2 P.M., OCT. 26 AND 27
Join Museo de las Americas to create paper marigolds, papel picado and sugar skulls to contribute to the Museo’s community altar. Museo de Las Americas 861 Santa Fe Drive, Denver. Tickets are $15.
FIRST FRIDAY: DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATION; 5 P.M., NOV. 1 Museo de las Americas, 861 Santa Fe Drive, Denver.
Susan Gallo and Leslie Lane take a break from practice on a busy August evening of tennis at Berkeley Lake Park. PHOTO BY ERNEST GURULÉ
Ernest Gurulé, for Colorado Community Media
Jacqui Somen, for Colorado Community Media
Denver Public Schools
4 Problems With School Debt
Denver voters will be asked to approve $975 million in new debt for DPS. We all agree that our public schools need more money. Our schools need to be fully funded, our schools deserve better. School debt, however, is not the answer.
1) School debt costs way too much money in interest, fees, and other costs. If we approve this new debt, the payback on this $975 million would be approximately $2.2 billion dollars – more than a billion dollars given to Chase bank and/or all other banks.
Paying $2.2 billion to borrow $975 million reduces our schools’ revenue to 44 cents per dollar as we give 56% of our schools’ revenue to the banks. Money from our schools and the children – to the banks. Basic math.
2) Debt drains the school budget, leaving the school with less money over time – much less. Every dollar given to the banks is the same thing as taking that money and throwing it into a trash can. Zero actual service comes from every dollar of debt service.
More debt is not a caring position. We will buy, per tax dollar, twice as much critical maintenance and twice as much A/C for our schools if we do it without debt. Debt service is a
terrible reduction of actual service.
Debt is NOT good for the schools’ budget. It’s imperative that we say NO to more debt. School debt is a counter-productive waste of money. The schools need more revenue, not more debt
3) We need to cut-off the banks or we will all run out of money. We need to stop our addiction to debt. We are in a vortex of debt that is ruining the public budgets. Debt begets debt.
More debt equals more austerity – even though many people are fooled to think the opposite of this. Bonds pay for nothing – every single dollar needs to be repaid from actual revenue – plus enormous amounts of interest, fees, and other expenses.
If you think that it’s a good idea for our schools to have much less budget as the banks take 56% of the revenue, then vote for more debt.
4) Mayor Mike Johnston, if you want to have better schools, we need to find more revenue, not more debt. Carrie Olson, do the hard work, we need to find more revenue – rather than the foolish path of more debt. School debt reduces revenue by half and then some, this is a terrible waste of money.
The children in school today will pay-back this debt when they get out of school and begin to pay taxes. DPS debt is like college debt, but for K-12 children. Let’s call it what it is, Child debt.
The next generation deserves a better world than a world full of debt to be repaid. Debt cheats the next generation.
All numbers are estimates only as DPS has yet to finalize the deal with the Wall-street banks. We publish our amortization schedule for this debt on our website. CitizensforNOnewdebt.org
Please consider a donation to support our political efforts as we work to defeat the additional $975 million in debt requested by the Denver Public Schools. We’ll use every penny received to defeat this addiction to debt. Please join us, we need your help.
North High School celebrates homecoming
By Eric Heinz
From 32rd Avenue, around Highland Park, and back to North High School, the Vikings held their annual homecoming parade with hundreds of people in attendance.
Children tried to bag as much candy as they possibly could as it rained from the parade attendees.
Various school organizations and clubs were represented, as well as participants from organizations outside the school itself. Federal Boulevard was temporarily blocked off to let the procession take place.
Rhoda Krasner, owner and operator of Lakeside Amusement Park, was this year’s grand marshall for the parade.
North High School students, staff and supporters celebrated during the annual homecoming parade. Just about everyone in attendance donned their purple and gold to celebrate the Vikings’ tradition.
PHOTOS BY ERIC HEINZ
Check It Out: Native American Heritage Month
In honor of Indigenous People’s Day and National Native A merican Heritage Month, here are some recommended reads by Indigenous authors and illustrators.
“Berry Song,” written and illustrated by Michaela Goade (for preschoolers to second-graders), is about a Tlingit child and grandmother picking berries and honoring their ancestors and the earth. Dynamic illustrations and song-like text make it ideal to read aloud together.
“Raven, Rabbit, Deer” by Sue Farrell Holler, illustrated by Jennifer Faria (for preschoolers to second-graders), follows a grandpa and grandchild as they take a walk in the snow and encounter forest animals. Grandpa teaches about the animals and their tracks, and shares the names of the animals in Ojibwemowin.
“Sweetest Kulu” is written by Celina Kalluk and illustrated by Alexandria Neonakis (for newborns to preschoolers). This gentle tale celebrates the natural world with lush illustrations of animals bestowing gifts on Kulu, which is an affectionate name for an infant in Inuktitut. It is a love letter to the planet and posterity.
by white foster parents in a community far removed from their cultural heritage. They discover a portal into a Cree folklore-based land and embark on an exciting and fast-moving journey.
“White Horse” by Erika T. Wurth is a gritty horror story with local roots and incorporates Denver landmarks in the telling. A dark family secret is uncovered and an evil entity is unleashed when an accursed bracelet resurfaces. Chilling.
“The Removed” by Brandon Hobson is about the Echota family, which has never recovered from the loss of their son and brother in a police shooting. The grief has manifested in addiction, attempted suicide and troubled relationships. Contemplative, thoughtful and steeped in Cherokee folklore, this beautiful novel explores the spaces between the spiritual and corporeal worlds.
“The Brave” by James Bird (for fourth- through sixth-graders) is a story about Collin, who finds a home and family when his father can no longer care for him and he is sent to live with his Ojibwe mother. His complicated and often painful background is tempered with a touch of magic and a transformative friendship.
“Barren Grounds” by David A. Robertson, (for third- through eighth-graders) is about Morgan and Eli, Indigenous children who are being raised
“Heart Berries” by Terese Marie Mailhot is a deeply moving and often unsettling memoir of a woman writing her way t hrough mental health diagnoses and a deeply traumatic past. Poetically written essays document her difficult and triumphant journey.
Check out these and other great books by Indigenous creators at the Denver Public Library branch near you.
Looking for more ways to celebrate National Native American Heritage Month? Join us at the Smiley Branch library from 10:30-11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, for an all-ages Indigenous storytelling event with Steven LaPointe, a Native American culture and education consultant. LaPointe will share stories and songs accompanied by his drum. Steven L aPointe is from the Owl Bonnet Clan of the Sicangu Lakota of South Dakota.
Wendy Thomas is a librarian at the Smiley Branch Library. When not reading or recommending books, you can find her hiking with her dogs.
WENDY THOMAS
Storied Federal Boulevard mansion continues to serve dinner with murder and a side of laughter
On any given night, you could eat dinner, solve a murder and laugh so hard you cry at the old mansion that sits on the east corner of Federal Boulevard and 24th Avenue.
This Victorian home isn’t just a storied mansion. It houses The Adams Mystery Playhouse, a venue that hosts murder mystery dinner theater shows most Friday and Saturday nights.
Co-owner Marne Wills-Cuellar started making her way in the performing arts with stand-up comedy in the early 1980s. From there she found her footing in improv, going so far as to tour the world under contract of the U.S. Department of Defense. She toured the world performing improv in Korea, Japan, Philippines, Guam, Iceland, Greenland and Germany, and she performed comedy in Okinawa with Group Therapy. When she returned from overseas, she was booking entertainment for corporate events in the states.
One client asked if she could program a murder mystery dinner. The group she booked flopped, but it gave her an idea—her troupe could take on dinner theater themselves. The rest is North Denver history.
Marne and her husband, Carlos Cuellar, bought the Adams Mystery Playhouse in 2006 and continue to produce two or more shows weekly in their mansion-turned-morgue-turned-theater on Federal Boulevard. You can still find Marne and Carlos at the shows most nights directing parking, introducing the cast and bouncing through the audience.
It’s hard to miss Adams Mystery Theater while driving north on Federal. It is an assuming mansion that sits on the right when passing 24th Avenue. Not always a performing arts space, the mansion
has a thickening plot of its own.
According to Marne, the mansion was likely built in the late 1880s (an assumption based on architectural cues), and the first recorded residents were William Simpson and his family. Simpson lived in the mansion until the 1920s. In 1934, Ted Day bought the building to use as his home and space for his mortuary business.
The Day Mortuary would live in the building un til 1965, when Day sold to the Noonan family, and the mortuary became the Day-Noonan Mortuary.
oven-roasted chicken thigh in light spice rub (or a vegan option), herb-roasted potatoes, house salad, chef’s choice rolls and warm homemade chocolate cookies. From there, the fun begins.
During the show, no one is safe. The lead actor walks through the audience getting clues and comically taunting audience members, skillfully weaving sound bites from the audience into the murder mystery script.
During one performance of “Murder at Haunted Blood Mansion,” a bachelorette party from Rock Springs sat in the audience, and the windy town was woven into more than one joke that the whole audience was in on. As the night progresses, each table works together with their new friends to solve the mystery. The winning table gets a prize.
Marne said the show is for everyone. “We get people in their 20s, millennial friend groups, families going out together, senior centers and a lot of corporate teams,” she explained. “Sometimes we worry, are these people all going to enjoy this? And they do—it’s kind of like everybody’s on a ride together.”
Based on Adams Mystery Playhouse’s high ratings and longevity, attendees have shown their appreciation for their time there and have frequented the playhouse many times.
One TripAdvisor reviewer said, “The actors were all very entertaining and had everyone in the crowd laughing! They have very loose scripts it seems and leave a lot of room to improv which was great!
Another attendee, Mike Adams from Denver, said, “It was fantastic. Clever, energizing and a reVisit adamsmysteryplayhouse.com for upcom-
From 2003-2005, Funeria Latina offered their services in the space. Marne and Carlos bought the house in 2006. The
The Adams Mystery Playhouse is located at 2406 Federal Blvd. PHOTO COURTESY OF ADAMS MYSTERY PLAYHOUSE
By Jacqui Somen, for Colorado Community Media
Get your spook on
rub (or a house salad, chocolate
lead actor and comskillfully weavthe murder at Hauntparty from the windy joke that night protheir new winning table everyone. “We get groups, famand a lot of “Sometimes we enjoy this? everybody’s on a high ratshown their apfrequented actors were the crowd it seems was great! from Denver, and a refor upcom-
By Christy Steadman
Whether you’re looking for family fun or something sure to make you scream, Denver is the right place to be this season. Here are some staff picks for a frightfully festive fall.
13TH FLOOR HAUNTED HOUSE
The 13th Floor Haunted House, 3400 E. 52nd Ave. in Denver, has opened for the season on select nights through Nov. 9. For the first time, this year’s haunted house offers two separate entrances, providing a new experience for its annual guests. This year’s haunts are Crimson Night, Nautical Nightmare and a journey through a secluded forest with Macabre. Remember to check out the additional onsite attractions as well. There is no minimum age requirement for the 13th Floor, though the event is graphic and meant to scare. It is not recommended for children age 12 and younger. A Monster-Free Hour is offered on Sundays in October. Ticket prices begin at $19.99 per person, with Fast Pass, Skip the Line, behindthe-scenes tours and VIP ticketing options available. More at 13thfloorhauntedhouse.com.
BOO AT THE ZOO/WILD FALL
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, formerly known as The Denver Zoo, is bringing back its ever-popular Boo at the Zoo, which takes over the attraction several evenings in October after the popular daytime offering of Wild Fall. Wild Fall, included with regular admission, provides the opportunity to learn about creatures that inhabit
our imaginations, such as beasts of lore like Bigfoot, dragons, sea monsters and more. Roaming costumed characters, creature-carved pumpkins, festive food and drink and special animal demos enhance the experience. Boo at the Zoo is ticketed separately and takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 4-5, 11-13, 18-20 and 2527. A sensory-friendly Boo at the Zoo takes place Oct. 31. Boo at the Zoo features mysterious cryptid creatures, seasonal snacks and libations and nine stations serving up wildlife-friendly candy. The zoo is also offering a 21+ event, Monster Masquerade, on Oct. 24. Purchase tickets early to any of the ticketed events as they are expected to sell out. More at DenverZoo.org.
BROADWAY
HALLOWEEN PARADE
The Broadway Halloween Parade got its start a number of years ago as a community parade for the south-Denver area. It has now grown into a regional attraction, drawing thousands of spectators each year. This year, the parade takes place at 6 p.m. Oct. 19. The route follows Broadway between Fifth and Alameda avenues. Put on by the Broadway Merchants Association, this family-friendly event features Halloween-themed floats, bands and marchers. Attendees are encouraged to dress in costume. Free to attend. More at www.thebroadwayhalloweenparade.com.
GHOSTS IN THE GARDENS
shortage of things to experience there. Ghosts in the Gardens, an annual favorite, invites visitors to stroll through the gardens after dark as storytellers share real staff encounters, security guard accounts and the intriguing history of the place that was formerly known as “The Boneyard.” Guests
can also go inside the Waring House for an exclusive visit of the Beaux-Arts style mansion. Families with children age 12 and older are welcome — this event is not recommended for younger children.
Visiting the Denver Botanic Gardens is fun any time of the year, and during the fall, there is no
Northside historic districts, parks and buildings
Last month we looked at different house styles that are typical of our Northside. This month I want to talk about preserving our historical character by looking at historic preservation and discovering some of the many historic districts, listed parks and structures around us.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP or simply the Trust) is the national organization that oversees preservation. It is part of the National Park Service and is responsible for helping save important local and national landmarks that are rural, urban and even archeological. The Trust works closely with state and local governments, the two Colorado Ute tribal preservation offices and community nonprofits to designate areas worthy of preservation.
In Colorado, our State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP) are housed at History Colorado. Denver has an office of historic preservation as well. Individuals and groups nominate places of broad significance to the na-
tional, state and local offices. For instance, The Highland Park Historic District (also known as the Scottish Highland Historic District) received one of Denver’s first national designations.
In Denver, some nonprofit groups help save significant properties. Historic Denver, through its Discover Denver program, has hired local historians to document many of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods. Discover Denver has produced survey reports on the Regis area, Harkness Heights, Grandview, Jefferson Park, Sunnyside, and West Colfax. All of these contain important information on the neighborhoods.
Three of the reports cover areas that are also streetcar districts. However, the best streetcar district, on West 32nd Avenue between Zuni and Clay streets, has not yet been documented. History Colorado, Denver Public Library and The Museum of Contemporary Art have all done work documenting life in many of Denver’s neighborhoods, including some on the Northside.
In the early 1980s, a number of Denver’s historic neighborhoods and parks were nominated to the National Register. Denver proposed most of its historic parks in one batch with all being
Jewels of Highlands Home Tour raises $32,000
The much-loved Jewels of Highlands Home Tour made a spectacular return on Sept. 21, which celebrated the 25th anniversary of the tour.
Approximately 500 tour participants checked in for the tour at Nostalgic Homes Group along West 32nd Avenue and received their tour booklets, which included information about the six beautiful homes on the tour.
Proceeds from sponsorships and ticket sales surpassed $32,000, with every dollar going to directly support students at North High School, the neighborhood's historic public school.
Tour participants then toured the stunning private residences located in the West Highlands neighborhood on their own.
The easily walkable tour included the iconic Carter Mansion at 2959 Perry St., the largest private residence in Northwest Denver; the Dr. Mary Ford House at 3825 W. 32nd Ave.; as well as 4000 W. 32nd Ave.; 3933 W. 30th Ave.; 3106 Lowell Blvd.; and 3362 W. 32nd Ave.
The self-guided tour allowed four hours to peruse the beautiful properties and explore new and time-tested favorites in Highland Square. Tour goers even stopped mid-tour for a coffee, lunch or a bit of shopping at one of the vibrant businesses along the route.
The Jewels Tour included various architectural and design styles from vintage Victorian to bungalow and foursquare to chic new construction.
The event was staffed entirely by parent and
Health
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Turning towards looks like this: Whenever you're mad, irritated or simply feeling a distance growing between you and your partner, make a “turning towards" move to signify your intent to reconnect on either a physical, emotional or energetic level. Turning towards is basically a bid for the other. Picture it as a goodwill token. The “turning towards" concept can be as literal as turning your body to directly face your partner during a difficult moment. The concept also applies to a nonverbal or symbolic gesture of goodwill, which in effect can slow the momentum towards conflict when delivered with sincerity.
for North High
student volunteers from North High School and sponsoring brokers from Nostalgic Homes Group.
“This outstanding event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for area DPS schools over the years, and we’re thrilled that the proceeds now benefit North High,” North High School Principal German Echevarría said. “We are incredibly thankful to Nostalgic Homes Group for their presenting sponsorship and to the homeowners who graciously open up their homes for the tour.”
The last Jewels of Highlands Home Tour took place in 2019 and funds raised were donated to Skinner and Lake Middle Schools. Following 2019, the tour was paused due to the COVID pandemic.
The Jewels of Highlands Home Tour has also supported Academia Ana Marie Sandoval, Denver School of the Arts and Brown International Academy over the years. As in so many years past, The event was organized by Jenny Apel and Nostalgic Homes Group, whose staff has worked with tremendous dedication to champion this event that means so much to schools.
The tour would not be possible without the generous sponsorships by ZAGA Design, Hibler Mortgage Team, Jaxann Riggs of The Mortgage Network, GJ Gardner Homes, First Alliance Title, Discount Rooter, Speaks Orthodontics, Metalmark Fine Jewelry, Councilwoman Amanda Sandoval, Highlands Animal Clinic, Tennyson Pediatric Dentistry and Claro Creative Group.
Rebecca Caldwell is a marketing and communications professional with Denver Public Schools.
Here are a few examples of “turning towards” in real life.
Pretend you and your partner have very different departure times out the door in the morning, and your typical routine is to make coffee for the other to enjoy upon rising. You'll feel less inclined to make coffee the morning after a heated argument, choosing instead to swing through your neighborhood coffee shop drive for your caffeine fix, while leaving the home carafe cold and empty to express your displeasure. Instead, try making your boo’s coffee with the added effort of leaving their favorite mug and sugar spoon at the ready. Or, your typical pattern after a tense conver-
See HEALTH, Page 11
approved in 1986. In the list below you will find the Northside parks.
To recap, we have historic districts that cover parts of the larger neighborhoods, individual historic structures and designated parks. There are too many individual buildings to list in this column, so I am listing districts and parks below. Northside districts, including both Denver and national landmarks:
• Allen M. Ghost, prior to and including 1941, district established in 2010.
• Berkeley Lake Park, built from 1906 to 1910, redesigned by Saco DeBoer in the 1920s, district established in 1986.
• Highland Park, 32nd and Federal, built from 1907 to 1910; the library in the park, designed by Jules J.B. Benedict, opened in 1913; district established in 1986.
• Highland Park Historic District, also known as the Scottish Highland Historic District, built in 1874, district established in 1985.
• Inspiration Point Park, 1910, designed by George Kessler and Henry C. Wright, district established in 1986.
• La Raza Park Historic Cultural District, prior to and including 2021, district established
in 2023.
• Old Highland Business District, prior to and including 1895, district established in 1979.
• Packard’s Hill, 1886-1940, district established in 2017.
• Potter Highlands, to 1943, city district established in 1987.
• Rocky Mountain Lake Park, 1906, district established in 1986.
• Tilden School for Teaching Health, 1915-1931, district established in 2019.
• West 46th Avenue Parkway (West 46th Avenue Parkway from Stuart to Grove Street),
• National Register, district established in 1986.
• West 28th Avenue, prior to and including 1900, district established in 1979.
• Witter-Cofield, prior to and including 1943, district established in 1993.
• Wolff Place, 1883-1926, district established in 2006.
Dr. Rebecca A. Hunt has been a resident of North Denver since 1993. She worked in museums and then taught museum studies and Colorado, Denver, women’s and immigration history at the University of Colorado Denver until she retired in 2020.
Health and wellness: Consistency is key
Starting something new is exciting. Getting back to school. Taking on a new job. Committing to a workout routine. Full of promise and potential. And when it comes to wellness, starting is key! So often I hear folks waiting to start building habits until they have the perfect plan in place. Or until the timing is exactly right for them to be able to dedicate the intense attention they think they need toward their new program. But here is the most super-secret fitness fact I will ever share: Consistency beats perfection and intensity every single time.
Attempting to execute a “perfect” plan often gets in the way of our efforts and leaves no room for the reality and messiness of life. There will always be things that keep us from performing a habit or behavior “perfectly” every single day. If we attach feelings of self-worth and success to perfection, we are setting ourselves up for failure and d isappointment. Perfectionism also goes hand in hand with procrastination. You might put things off not because you’re “lazy” (a word I wish we could banish), but because you’re afraid of failing to meet your own unrealistically high standards.
Instead, let’s talk about one of my favorite words when it comes to habits and behavior change. Consistency. Consistently working regularly and reliably toward accomplishing a goal. Consistency lets us show up for ourselves in ways that are possible each day, recognizing that some days we will accomplish more than others.
Consistency is about trying to do something (big or small) that’s related to our wellness most days. It’s also about being realistic and kind to yourself. Choosing consistency over perfectionism is an act of self-love. When you’re kind to yourself, you are better able to reach your goals.
There are a lot of proven tools to help you build consistency with habits. Here are a few time-tested tips that I use with my clients to help build c onsistency:
Start small (and realistic). Long-term behavior change takes time. Setting small goals that are measurable and easy to achieve helps build confidence that you can work your way up to more challenging goals. For example, setting a goal of exercising for 10 minutes, three times a week is more achievable than trying to exercise for an hour every day, especially if you do not consistently work out at all currently.
Schedule it. Build a habit into your routine. Block out sections of your day that are dedicated to engaging in behavior related to your goal. Scheduling a dedicated time decreases the chances that you’ll get too busy, forget or procrastinate. Remind yourself. Set reminders on your phone, use sticky notes and set alarms to help you stay on track. With busy schedules it’s easy to forget to commit to ourselves. Reminders help us re-engage. Roll with the punches when the (predictable) unpredictability of life disrupts your routine. If you oversleep and miss your morning workout or meditation session, try squeezing in a 15-minute walk at lunchtime or do some deep breathing during a break.
Celebrate milestones. Rewarding ourselves for taking small steps toward reaching our goals is one of the best ways to improve consistency. Think of a reward you can use on a regular basis (a coffee, a bubble bath, watching a favorite show) so you can implement this regularly. If your goals are small, measurable and achievable, you’ll have a lot of opportunities to celebrate.
Reframe setbacks as part of the process. No journey is completely linear. Being able to move past setbacks and stay consistent is what helps people successfully stick with a new habit. Getting back on track afterward can be something to celebrate as a sign of your commitment to consistency! Embrace the process instead of just the end goal. It’s okay to have a big end goal (run a marathon, climb a mountain), but remind yourself that the process is where growth happens and is ultimately what will get you there. Focus on staying consistent with regular, deliberate actions that move you forward in the process toward your ultimate goal.
Notice your perfectionist self-talk and challenge the narrative. Have a few stock phrases you can keep ready to counter messages of perfectionism with patience, forgiveness, and self-compassion: “My progress is still mine even though I m issed a workout;” “2,500 steps is better than zero steps;” “I’ll try it differently tomorrow.”
While slowly building consistency over time may not seem as sexy as going at it full bore, I guarantee the results a lovingly learned, patiently executed, flexible, realistic, consistent practice will yield are as sexy as it gets.
Erika Taylor is a community wellness instigator at Taylored Fitness. Visit facebook.com/erika.taylor.303 or email erika@tayloredfitness.com
REBECCA A. HUNT
ERIKA TAYLOR
REBECCA CALDWELL
your routine. dedicated to goal. Schedchances that procrastinate. your phone, you stay on forget to comre-engage. (predictable) routine. morning workout a 15-minbreathing ourselves our goals consistency. regular basis (a favorite show) so goals are have a lot process. No able to move what helps habit. Getting something to celeconsistency! just the end (run a marayourself that and is ultion staying actions that toward your and chalstock phrases of perfecself-comthough I than zero over time bore, I guarpatiently expractice will
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Halloween masks and costumes are not permitted at this event. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance. Ghosts in the Gardens is offered from 5:30-10:30 p.m. on Oct. 4, 12-13 and 17-20. Cost is $34 general and $29 for members. If walking through the gardens during the nighttime is not your thing, check out Glow Before Dark, which is included with admission, and takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 19-21, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 22-27. These events take place at the York Street Location, 1007 York St., in Denver. More at botanicgardens.org.
PUMPKIN HARVEST FESTIVAL AT FOUR MILE HISTORIC PARK
Four Mile Historic Park is hosting its Pumpkin Harvest Festival again this year, offering family-friendly activities including a pumpkin patch, gold panning, a marketplace, live music and performances, seasonal food, face painting, a Western-themed scavenger hunt, prairie games and more. The festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 12 and 13. Tickets range in cost from $17-$45 (children 3 and younger do not require a ticket). Ticket prices increase on Oct. 7. A build-your-own scarecrow activity is offered for an additional $25. Four Mile Historic Park is located at 715 S. Forest St. in Denver. More at fourmilepark.org/pumpkin-harvest-festival.
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sation is to spend the remainder of an evening in stony silence followed by a restless night on the couch, thereby prolonging the cold spell. Instead, try going to bed early and initiating a cuddly spoon session. Don't underestimate the power of nonverbal communication.
The power of turning towards is equally effective for maintaining positive momentum as it is for quelling negative drift. Dreading another Sunday lunch with your in-laws? Mix it up and take the
TENNYSON FALL FEST & PET PARADE
The Tennyson Fall Fest & Pet Parade is back this year, taking place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 19 along Tennyson Street from West 41st to West 44th avenues. There will be live music, vendors, food trucks, yoga and the highly-anticipated pet parade. This family-friendly event is free to attend. Also, mark Oct. 26 on your calendar for the Tennyson Berkeley Business Association’s Trick or Treat Street. More at www.exploretennyson.com/ fall-festival.
VICTORIAN HORRORS
Perhaps it’s the thrill of visiting the home of someone long-gone, but the Molly Brown House Museum, 1340 Pennsylvania St., is always a good place to go to get some spooky fun in. And this year is no different. Amidst a variety of events at the museum this season, the annual Victorian Horrors stands out. Acclaimed local actors, stationed throughout the decorated museum, give theatrical readings of terrifying tales written by well-known, but long-gone, authors. Victorian Horrors is offered this year on Oct. 10-12, 17-19, and 24-26. Admission times are every 15 minutes from 6-9 p.m. An accessibility-friendly and sign language assistance in-person performance takes place at 5 p.m. on Oct. 19. Cost is $30 general admission and $25 Historic Denver members. Age recommendation for this event is 10 and older. More on this and other seasonal events at mollybrown.org.
gang to brunch. (Have you been to the Radiator on 44th yet? Enjoyed the Bloody Mary bar at Gaetano’s?) Try planning a date night without being asked or grumbling about drink prices and take advantage of Northwest Denver’s many corner bars and restaurants eager for your business. Let me know how turning towards worked for you at eorohlf@gmail.com.
Erin Olyer Rohlf is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), professional therapist and founder of Denver Couples Clinic. Call her at 720-644-1400 or find her at www.denvercouplesclinic.com to learn more or to suggest ideas for future columns.
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“This could be a transformative step toward breaking the cycle of rising costs and creating long-term stability for families,” she said.
“For older adults, it’s critical that they have the opportunity to age in place. We must provide financial assistance that allows them to maintain and stay in their homes. Keeping longtime residents in their homes preserves the rich history and cultural fabric of our community,” Sandoval continued.
Mayor Mike Johnston has said that some funds from this tax would be earmarked to “build 44,000 affordable units” to close the projected gap in need. There are some North Denver properties owned by the city of Denver, like the former Rodeway Inn off 47th Avenue and Federal Boulevard, that have already been cited for such construction.
A glance at Denver’s skyline makes it seem that the city does not lack housing construction. However, much of that construction has focused on luxury units.
Derek Woodbury from the Department of Housing Stability (HOST) explained that inclusionary zoning, enacted by the city in 2022 under the Expanding Affordable Housing (EHA) ordinance, requires mandatory affordable housing to be built within all residential developments of 10 or more units.
“In alignment with state law, the EHA ordinance provides options to building on-site affordable housing, including a fee in lieu of building those units,” Woodbury said.
While it may seem as though there is a high volume of luxury development, the revenue collected through these in-lieu fees supports other affordable housing efforts across the city.
The objective of the purchase of the Rodeway Inn was to preserve the property for future redevelopment by a partner to provide affordable and permanent supportive housing, according to Joaquin Cintron Vega,
chief executive officer at Denver Housing Authority (DHA).
“This includes ensuring that at least 40% of the units are permanently deed-restricted to serve very low-income households,” he said, with very low income defined as 0-30% of Denver’s area median income (AMI).
DHA purchased the Rodeway Inn at 4765 Federal Blvd. in 2020 for about $11 million. It was used recently to house primarily women, transgender and nonbinary people who were in need of shelter.
Vega explained that if the property is deemed unsuitable for developing affordable units, DHA and the city have the option to sell to a developer.
When asked about the fee in lieu a developer could pay instead of building the affordable units Vega responded that the Rodeway Inn property was acquired through the D3 program, which is governed by a partnership through an intergovernmental agreement between the city of Denver and DHA.
In 2019, voters passed a $130 million municipal bond backed by city property taxes that generated $120 million in revenue to create D3. The purpose of the program is to expedite affordable housing projects.
“This means that unlike other developments in the city, through the D3 program developers are not allowed to pay a fee in lieu,” he said. Do sales taxes need to be raised to implement such projects? The Rodeway Inn is utilizing funds previously approved by voters.
Other past North Denver housing projects utilizing partnerships have fused adaptively reused historic structures with a mixed-use community and affordable units, such as Aria Denver off of 52nd Avenue and Federal Boulevard and the redevelopment of the Old Elitch’s property at 38th Avenue and Tennyson Street. Could the same objectives of the proposed sales tax increase be achieved by better managing the in-lieu fees and existing partnerships and fund sources?
Is issue 2R the right answer? Voters will decide.
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