Life On
January 2019 FREE
CAPITOL HILL GROWING A FUTURE
THE BEAT GOES ON Wax Trax celebrates 40 years in Cap Hill
Cap Hill resident plants seeds to help homeless
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A POWERFUL MESSAGE Why we should listen to our youth
P15 A PUBLICATION OF
STORIES OF THE UTES
BETTER TOGETHER
Exhibit explores history of Colorado tribes
Denver breweries rally to help ďŹ re victims
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P8
2 Life On Capitol Hill
January 2019
Lady of Capitol Hill
Delberta Clark created a small business to help others thrive`
By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com
S
Delberta Clark holds a plant in her apartment in Capitol Hill. Clark runs a community project where she sells used items and is hoping to add her plants to the inventory this year. PHOTOS BY KAILYN LAMB
NEW BIZ ALERT! Midnight Rambler Boutique (2220 E Colfax) Z Cycle Shop (1405 N Ogden) Rooted Heart Yoga & Wellness (1409 N Ogden) Hot Mamas Exercise (2260 E Colfax)
itting in her apartment across the street from the Capitol Building, Delberta Clark quietly listens to jazz music and surveys the plants she is growing on shelves. Green vines are growing out of the water-filled jars she hopes to sell as part of her small community project down the block, which she calls the We Got Your Back Team. On Grant Street, Clark has set up a small shop of sorts on a concrete slab inside a gated area that’s about 10 feet wide and 300 feet long. She sells used items like plates and furniture, but also her own handmade walking canes. In warmer weather she can be found sitting in a chair, hoping to sell her wares to raise funds for the homeless in the area. “I’m a community person, I like to get involved and do things,” she said. “A city is so big, you have to have a community and focus on the people that you’re around.” Clark, or Lady Clark as she is known in the neighborhood, started the project with the help of Knights of Columbus, a Catholicbased charitable organization at 1555 Grant St., which the building next to her shop. She first connected with the organization after she spent several years picking up trash in the area. The Knights provided Clark with the space at the beginning of 2017. It has also given her portable tents for shade and an electric outlet so she can play jazz on the radio as she waits outside for customers. In 1955, Clark moved to Colorado from Texas. She had her first son when she was 16, and went on to raise several more children as well as eight grandchildren. But now, she said it’s time to give back to herself. “It’s my turn now to live and do what I want to do,” she said. And what she wants to do, at 86 years old, is help others. Before she moved to Denver, she and her late husband Robert would feed homeless people out of their home in Aurora. With some of the money from her shop, she hopes to buy toiletries and other items for the homeless in the area. “I want to be able to buy what I want to buy and support that way,” she said. “They deserve to have more than just hand-me-downs.” She is hoping to eventually get a business license for her store. She is also hoping she can teach people to make things and sell them. By using found items such as plastic soda bottles, people can make and sell their own planters, Clark said. Clark constantly needs to be doing something. In addition to her plants, she makes canes out of large branches she finds. She peels off the bark and carves shapes out of the
Knights of Columbus gave Clark her own space to operate a community project where she sells used goods. She hopes to use some of the profits to buy toiletries and other necessities for the homeless.
Clark moved to Colorado in 1955. She spent some time in Aurora, where she fed the homeless out of her own kitchen. Clark said her mother was the one who taught her to give back to the community. branches. Then she sands and stains them. She can make planters out of wood. She also sews. As a child, Clark’s mother taught her many of these skills, as well as how to use them to help others. Clark said her mother taught her “how to give.” The seeds for her plants have become a metaphor for how she views life, Clark said: A small seed can produce a large plant. Her goal is to encourage others and tell them that everyone has a purpose. “I just like people to feel that they are somebody,” she said. “I just want to be a little drop in the bucket of telling people what they can do.”
CORRECTION In the December issue of Life on Capitol Hill, our story titled ‘They only take what they need’ stated that the former West High School build-
ing was home to just West Leadership Academy. Both West Leadership Academy and West Early College are in the building.
Life On Capitol Hill 3
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4 Life On Capitol Hill
January 2019
Business Matters
Everything for the Acoustic Musician Since 1962
By Kailyn Lamb | klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Sales, Rentals & Repairs New and Vintage
Guitars by CF Martin, Taylor, Collings, Guild, Waterloo and Breedlove
Business Matters is a monthly column on the changing landscape of business and development in north Denver. If there are any inquiries on new developments in your area, or if you are a local business wishing to highlight an upcoming milestone, email Kailyn Lamb at klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com.
DEVELOPMENTS
Ukuleles by Kamaka, Kanile’a, KoAloha, Kala and Cordoba
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Open 7 Days A Week
Rocky Mountain Public Media broke ground on its new headquarters at 21st and Arapahoe streets. COURTESY PHOTO
Buell Public Media Center At the end of November, Rocky Mountain Public Media broke ground on its new headquarters at 21st and Arapahoe streets in Denver, according to a news release. RMPM includes Rocky Mountain PBS as well as the KUVO radio station. The nearly 64,000-square-foot building will include broadcast studio space as well as room for live performances. A learning center will be dedicated to Rocky Mountain PBS children’s programming. “With the Buell Public Media Center, we are laying the foundation for a new era of public media in Colorado,” said Amanda Mountain, president and CEO of Rocky Mountain Public Media in the news release. “In collaboration with partners like the City and County of Denver, Emily Griffith Technical College and others, we will bring a whole new level of community engagement and impact to our collective work to strengthen the civic fabric of our state.” RMPM is currently located at 1089 Bannock St. in the Golden Triangle. The new building will also allow RMPM to expand its education opportunities, teaching people more about media. The company launched its $30 million capitol campaign for the project in 2016. Plans for underground parking boosted the price tag to $34 million. According to the news release, RMPM is $3.5 million away from its goal and has closed on all the needed financing. The company anticipates the project will be finished in 2020.
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East Africa Fund A former Peace Corps volunteer has launched a nonprofit that supports local entrepreneurs in Africa. Founder Samantha Temple founded the organization with nine community organizations in Uganda and Tanzania. The organizations focus on different aspects of their communities, such as special needs children and health as well as poor and disabled individuals. In a news release, Temple talked about how her experience in the Peace Corps introduced her to many of Africa’s entrepreneurs, who often have little resources and funding to do their work. “I put both my two worlds together, Denver and Tanzania, with the hope that the right stories, heard by the right people, can change the future for many,” she said. This year, Temple hopes to connect these organizations with a corporate sponsor that aligns with their missions. For more information on East Africa Fund, as well as the community organizations it hopes to support, visit eastafricafund.org. Giordano’s Giordano’s, a Chicago-based pizza chain, opened a new restaurant on the 16th Street Mall. The restaurant, at 1600 California St., specializes in deep-dish pizzas. It is the first location in Colorado for Giordano’s. Anytime Fitness A 24-hour gym is making a new home at 1244 E. Colfax Ave. near Cheesman Park. Anytime Fitness is set to open early this year, according to the company website. There are
six new Anytime Fitness locations opening in Colorado. Anytime fitness has locations around the world. In addition to the Cheesman Park location, another location is set to open on East Colfax Avenue in Park Hill. Denver already has two Anytime Fitness locations. There will be 50 locations in Colorado. Fontana Sushi Fontana Sushi opened at 701 E. Sixth Ave. in early December. The restaurant is part of a chain with locations in Littleton and Centennial, according to the website. There is a different sushi restaurant in Washington Park at 534 E. Alameda Ave. with the same name. The space on Sixth was formerly home to Uoki, a Japanese restaurant. It was open for 12 years before it announced on Facebook that it would close in July 2017. Poke Moke A new build-your-own poke bowl restaurant opened in Cherry Creek North. Poke is usually made up of rice and sushi-grade tuna, along with vegetables. Poke Moke also offers Korean bulgogi or marinated meats. The restaurant opened at 3003 E. Third Ave. in November. CLOSINGS Wahoo’s Fish Taco The Uptown location of Wahoo’s Fish Taco closed near the end of November, according to a sign posted on its door. The restaurant was located at 225 E. 20th Ave. Wahoo’s still has one Denver location off of Colorado Boulevard. The company has seven other locations, including Boulder, Englewood, Highlands Ranch and Lakewood. Garibaldi Mexican Bistro After three months in the Golden Triangle, Garibaldi Mexican Bistro closed its location at 1043 Broadway in mid-November. The restaurant had taken over the former Quijote’s space, which closed in April. It was the second location for Garibaldi’s, which is based in Englewood. The original location is still open at 3298 S. Broadway. Hi*Rise At the end of November, Hi*Rise announced it was closing on Facebook. The bakery, at 2162 Larimer St., had been located in the Lower Downtown neighborhood since 2009. “The time is right. Don’t wanna go but it’s time to go,” the post read. “We will miss our wonderful customers, neighbors and friends. You are what we’ve looked forward to every day.” The bakery also sold sandwiches, bagels and cookies. CHANGES Plant Garage In September, Urban Roots, a long-time garden shop in the Golden Triangle, closed its doors at 1000 Acoma St. Now, a new owner, Plant Garage, is up and running in the same location. In December, the store offered Christmas trees as well as a selection of plants. Urban Roots was formerly in the location for 16 years. SEE BUSINESS, P27
Life On Capitol Hill 5
January 2019
Corey Lasley Surgical Services Business Manager, St. Anthony Hospital
Beyond health care. This is Corey care. Corey Lasley, a Surgical Services Business Manager at Centura Health, puts a high premium on efficiency and overseeing his department with a positive outlook. To him, everyone who visits the hospital becomes family. At Centura Health, we pride ourselves on being instruments of whole person care, like Corey serving the Denver Metro region. Discover more at centura.org
Care for your whole self.
Centura Health does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, and marital status in admission, treatment, or participation in its
programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy contact Centura Health’s Office of the General Counsel at 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711). Copyright © Centura Health, 2017. ATENCIÓN: Si habla
español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711). CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711).
6 Life On Capitol Hill
January 2019
n i g k r f o o ra w s t
KAILYN LAMB
liv ing’
‘I t b ea
Dave Stidman, left, and Duane Davis stand behind the counter at Wax Trax in Capitol Hill. Stidman said that their love of music has kept them like “perpetual teenagers.”
After 40 years in Capitol Hill, Wax Trax still thrives By Kailyn Lamb } klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com
D
ave Stidman leans back in an old office chair in the basement of Wax Trax Records, the music store he’s been running for 40 years with Duane Davis. The basement is littered with stacks of old vinyl and copies of “Wasted Paper,” a local “fanzine” Wax Trax produced as a way to get the word out about new music in the 1980s. On the cement walls is 40-year-old graffiti from the record store’s original owners, who had one last party on East 13th Avenue before packing up and heading to Chicago to run the recording label Wax Trax! Records in 1978. Stidman and Davis are reminiscing over their four decades in the business: the changes in the music industry, what artists did well and the early days when Stidman lived in the back of the shop at 638 E. 13th Ave. But most of all, they talk about the tunes that have carried them through the years. The pair’s mutual love and knowledge of music was part of what kept the store going, Davis believes. And talking about music every day still hasn’t gotten old. “It was like, `Wow, you make a living doing this,’ ” Davis said, laughing. “It beats working for a living.” Running a record store in the heart of Capitol Hill hasn’t always been easy. A
Although vinyl sales dropped after CDs hit the market, Wax Trax has always had a steady supply of used records, co-owner Duane Davis said. The store recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. KAILYN LAMB car drove through their front window one year. There have been break-ins. And, as the internet changed the way people bought music, there were days
when the duo worried they would have to close their doors. But in the end, Davis and Stidman agreed, it’s all been worth it.
Perpetual teenagers Before running Wax Trax, Davis and Stidman were case workers in the Jefferson County Social Services department. They worked with teenagers in crisis. Although the pair had no business experience, they both dreamed of running a record store. So when the opportunity came to buy Wax Trax in 1978, it was ideal timing to get out of social services. But the duo didn’t escape working with teenagers for long. When they inherited the business, they also inherited Wax Trax’s customer base, many of whom were teens in Denver punk bands. “When you like music and, for us, music is essential to our lives, so it keeps you a perpetual teenager anyway,” Stidman said. “So we kind of related to younger people.” Davis said their experience in working with teenagers in Jefferson County helped to create a good rapport with the Denver community as well as the staff that began working at Wax Trax. The fact that Davis and Stidman were in the know about the latest punk records coming in from Britain helped a lot as well. “You would come to Wax Trax to find out about the music,” Davis said. “We carried all the British trade magazines that SEE WAX, P7
Life On Capitol Hill 7
January 2019
WAX FROM PAGE 6
concentrated on the British punk scene and post punk scene. We poured over those like it was daily bulletins from The Bible.” At the time, punk music was only played in a few venues across Denver. Stidman said the two would frequently go out for shows and support staff members and customers in bands. When the Mercury Cafe first opened, the venue, along with Wax Trax, became “magnetic poles” for the Denver punk scene, Davis said. Changes in the industry Although punk would always be central to Wax Trax’s identity, the pair wanted to start building up inventory with more styles of music. From day one, used vinyl has been a cornerstone of Wax Trax’s business. Stidman learned on the job and quickly figured out what records would sell and which were limited or special presses. Davis joked that Stidman was spending money “like it was going out of style” when they first took over. But it helped Wax Trax build a wider selection. “I wanted to have a store that anybody who came in would find something that they wanted,” Stidman said. “We’d have a bunch of little old ladies come in looking for Elvis records and right next to them we’d have the kids with the Mohawks.” Over the years, the store expanded. Right now, Wax Trax has the CD store on the corner of East 13th Avenue and Washington Street. Two doors down on 13th is the vinyl store. At one point Stidman and Davis had additional retail space across the street on East 13th Avenue where the Hudson Hill bar is today. They also filled the space between the CD and vinyl stores, which is now home to Kilgore Books. But in the late 1990s, all that began to change. With the introduction of CDs, vinyl sales began to decline. Corporate stores such as Best Buy, Davis said, were able to sell CDs for prices lower than what they could buy them for from distributors. Since Wax Trax was working directly with distributors, and frequently importing music in from Britain, it was difficult to compete. “That hurt us business-wise considerably because we had always prided ourselves on being a very reasonably priced store,” Davis said. “By 2000, the picture was getting really grim.” With the invention of Napster, the first music downloading site, the situation worsened. Napster first launched in 1999 as a site where people could download music. After legal issues over copyright infringement, it shut down in 2001. But by then, the damage was done and other sites would start to pop up for music downloading before being similarly shut down. Nationwide records stores had begun to close their doors. When Tower Records, a well-known California chain of stores, filed for bankruptcy in the mid-2000s, local owners really began to worry. “We thought by 2003 that it was over,” Davis said. “It didn’t take long for people to train themselves to think music was free.” The vinyl renaissance Stidman and Davis bought the building Wax Trax is in during the mid-’80s, which helped when music sales began to decline.
‘HOW DOES COMMUNICATION FLOW?’ In its earliest days, Davis said he would put together “fanzines” such as “Waste Paper” to help distribute new information about music, as well as album reviews and band interviews. Now, he puts information about new album releases or music trivia on the Wax Trax Facebook page. “We were always interested in how does communication flow within our community,” he said.
The store also uses the internet and social media pages as a tool to give people something to read about rather than simply sharing store specials. “You want people to be interested in finding out things that they either didn’t know about or that they just like to be reminded of,” Davis said. “Because we’re old enough, we can do that with every decade of music.”
A LOVE OF MUSIC In their first years of owning Wax Trax, co-owners Duane Davis and Dave Stidman would buy beer and pizza for their staff at closing time. And they would discuss music for hours on end, defending their tastes in tunes. “Our love of music is far broader and far deeper than any particular genre,” Davis said. For Davis, his favorite artist is Bob Dylan, but he also enjoys psychedelic 1960s music and 1980s post-punk. Stidman likes blues and Rockabilly music, as well as `60s garage music. Over the years of running the store, he has learned to like `80s punk as well. In Davis’ opinion, Stidman has a world class knowledge on the Rockabilly music of the 1950s. Having this knowledge came in handy when building inventory, but it also helped to influence Denver musicians, Davis said. Most genres are influenced by older styles of music. This became evident with one of their staff members who was really into Crass, a British punk band, Davis said. “You work at this store, and two weeks later he’s playing nothing but Motown,” Davis said. “Once you get into a music, and you mine it for your own sense of self-worth and enjoyment, you start to look for what that music is connected to.”
When the store first opened, Wax Trax co-owner Duane Davis would produce “fanzines” with artist interviews, album reviews and art. “Waste Paper” was one of their “fanzines.” This edition featured cover art by Tom Watkins. COURTESY OF WAX TRAX Vinyl sales also helped the store survive. Davis joked that he and Stidman were well prepared for vinyl sales to tick back up because they never stopped buying inventory. For a while, the store was able to make ends meet by selling American vinyl overseas on eBay, Stidman said. In 2008, the jump in sales continued when Record Store Day launched around the world. Record Store Day started as an annual event on a Saturday in April where
music labels released special editions of CDs or vinyl records to local stores. It has since expanded to include Black Friday as well. Although Stidman said the duo was skeptical of the event at first, it has become of their best sales days. The community also has been there to support the store and keep it going. One customer, Dave Wilkins, has been shopping at Wax Trax for 38 years, Davis said. After several decades, Davis said
Wax Trax started as a hot spot for the punk scene in Denver. When Duane Davis and Dave Stidman bought the store in 1978 they began expanding the inventory so that everyone could find something they liked. KAILYN LAMB Wilkins is “still completely enthusiastic about music.” Sharing their passions for music with their customers and staff has been one of the best parts of owning a music store, Davis said. “It’s just wonderful to work with people that are that committed to music, that committed to the store,” Davis said. “It’s a delight to walk into the store and see them already at the counter doing the work.”
8 Life On Capitol Hill
January 2019
A ‘no-brainer’:’ beer for a cause
By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com
RESILIENCE BUTTE COUNTY PROUD IPA
Jordan Fink, front right, co-owner of Woods Boss Brewing Co. pulled together nine other breweries to make the Resilience Butte County Proud IPA. The beer is being sold by breweries nationwide to raise money for Camp Fire relief. COURTESY OF THE BREWTOGRAPHY PROJECT
Wayne Burns, co-owner and brewer at The Resilience Butte County Proud IPA is he beer industry across the nation Burns Family Artisan Ales in the Valverde a sweeter and darker version of the IPAs is a tight-knit one. So when one of neighborhood in west Denver, has been beer drinkers in Colorado may be used to, their own sent out an email asking making beer for the past 25 years. He said David Lin, founder of Comrade Brewfor help to raise funds for Camp Fire has not brewed an IPA like this for several ing Co. in the Goldsmith neighborhood in PARTICIPATING BREWERIES relief, many breweries jumped at the chance years. Darker and sweeter IPAs usually southeast Denver. The following breweries made Resilience Butte — 1,482 of them in fact. come from older-style recipes, he said. The recipe comes from Sierra Nevada County Proud IPA in Denver. Some breweries may Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is not far from Burns is excited to taste Resilience from the Brewing Co. in California, the brewery that have already sold out. Contact the brewery for more the fire in Butte County that leveled the town of different breweries to see the differences created the brewery-supported Camp information. For a list of breweries that participated Paradise, California. The brewery quickly sent between them. Fire fundraiser. Besides the recipe, it nationwide, visit Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.’s website out the cry for help, hoping others would come at https://www.sierranevada.com/resilience-buttetogether to raise money. Colorado breweries ral- provided most of the ingredients needed “As a beer geek,” he said, “that’s just a fun to make the IPA — but there may still be county-proud-ipa lied in force, with nearly 90 signing up to brew thing.” some differences in the beer. the Resilience Butte County Proud IPA, includ• Comrade • Novel Strand • Alternation For Untappd social media users, the ing Fort Collins-based New Belgium Brewing, Something as simple as having different app has created a special badge for • Black Project • Factotum • Odell one of the state’s largest beer producers. From water than what Sierra Nevada has people who drink the IPA at any of the neighborhood breweries to big beer producers in California can make a difference in • Blue Moon • Great Divide • Our Mutual participating locations. Untappd is an like Blue Moon Brewing Co., Denver breweries taste, Lin said. Breweries may also have Friend app where beer lovers can check-in to • Bruz • Lady Justice wanted to support the movement. different fermenting times based on breweries and mark that they have had • Woods Boss • Burns Family “Being part of our community is important, equipment. •Mockery specific beers. Artisan Ales and that means all community,” said Laura Worley, co-owner of Burns Family Artisan Ales. Worley of Burns Family Artisan Ales “We’ve been absolutely overwhelmed with “This is the biggest collaboration project ever, the email asking brewers to help: Sierra Nevada gratitude and how the brewing community and that’s an honor.” would give out the recipe for Resilience if brewagreed, adding, “there’s a lot of selflessness in stepped forward with this one,” she said. John Legnard, who brewed Resilience for Blue eries would donate 100 percent of the proceeds this industry.” If all the breweries sell every drop of Resiltoward the Camp Fire Relief Fund. For many in the Colorado beer industry, the Moon along with John Garvin, said working on ience, there is the potential to raise about $10 “We know that the rebuilding process will this project was a “no-brainer” for him. He has a wildfires were something that hit close to home. million for Camp Fire relief, Gregory said. take time, but we’re in this for the long haul,” the friend who works at Sierra Nevada and received Jordan Fink of Woods Boss was formerly a In addition to sending the recipe, Sierra letter read. “Our hope is to get Resilience IPA in the email on the collaboration shortly after he firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service and still Nevada worked with its hop distributors to checked in to make sure that friend was OK. Not taprooms all over the country to create a solid volunteers to fight fires on occasion. Kate Power donate ingredients. This way, there was less start for our community’s future.” only do brewers create community within their of Lady Justice Brewing said the fire felt close, cost for brewers. Sierra Nevada will be canSierra Nevada is based in Chico, Califorlocal area, he said, but many in the industry are even though the event itself was thousands of ning its version of Resilience, which is being nia. While staff at the brewery wanted a large connected across the country. miles away. But with Sierra Nevada pulling so distributed across the country. Distribunumber of breweries to make Resilience, the “We’ve got a lot of connections in the indusmany companies together for a cause, she hopes tors are delivering the beer for free as well, response has been much greater than expected. try,” Legnard said. “When somebody as well people see this as an opportunity to get brewerRobin Gregory, a spokesperson for the company, Gregory said. organized as Sierra Nevada puts something ies to work together again. It has been a heartwarming experience for said they were anticipating about 200 breweries. “This was a chance to do something differtogether, you know it’s going to be a success.” Instead, breweries have signed on to make about many, and Gregory said it showed that some On the week of the Thanksgiving holiday, ent while still engaging,” Power said. “It would things were “more important than business.” 17,000 barrels of Resilience across the country. Sierra Nevada founder Ken Grossman sent out be a really cool thing to see this grow.”
T
“Donating 100 percent of a 10-barrel batch is hard for a new business whose primary revenue comes from tap room sales, so we’d essentially be donating a huge chunk of what we normally do,” said Jordan Fink cofonder of Woods Boss. “That would have been $20,000 or more dollars.” Instead, Fink and his co-founder, Chad Moore, reached out to other
HOW DENVER BREWERIES DID THEIR PART
B
usinesses approached making the beer in different ways. For companies like Woods Boss Brewing Co., which has been in business for just over a year, giving 100 percent of the proceeds for a large batch of beer can be a big hit to a startup budget.
small breweries to see if they would be interested in doing a collaboration batch. In the end, 10 breweries from across the state, including Bruz Beers in Denver, brewed Resilience on Wood Boss’s 10-barrel system. Each brewery took a barrel, making the cost easier to manage. Fink said it also had the benefit of spreading the beer into more communities in Colorado. Woods Boss also participated in a different event to raise money for the Camp Fire. After a Colorado-
based artist’s family home was destroyed in the fire, WestFax Brewing Co. brought together seven more breweries, including Woods Boss, for an event. The breweries sold limited edition cans with art by David Heath. Lady Justice Brewing was another company that saw this as an opportunity to do something different with its business model. The brewery sells its beers through a subscription, where members pay per bottle of beer. But earlier this
year, the brewery joined Factotum Brewhouse’s tap lineup in the hopes of reaching more customers, said co-founder Kate Power. The brewery has also done several charity beers, focusing on nonprofits that benefit women and girls. Even though the cause for Resiliencewas outside of their typical mission umbrella, Power said this was a chance to work with other breweries in a new way. “It just really resonated with us because it was such an honest and genuine ask,” she said
Life On Capitol Hill 9
January 2019
‘THIS IS WHERE OUR HEART IS’
History Colorado exhibit celebrates roots of the Ute tribes
from the Ute tribes and learning about techniques that have been passed down through generations. The program will reach 128,000 individuals. For thousands of years, the Ute tribes lived Beaded necklaces, clothes and baskets are off the land of the Rocky Mountains, traveling just a few of the items that can be seen at Writthe region with the seasons, spending winters ten on the Land, which follows the timelines of in the valleys and warm summer months in the Ute people. It follows the tribes’ history in the high trails. Using their knowledge and Colorado: through their early days in the area, skills, the Utes were able to survive before through violence when white settlers began modern sciences came to be. restricting their land and into the contempoWritten on the Land, a new exhibit at Hisrary lives of its people today. tory Colorado, 1200 Broadway, highlights the History Colorado wanted to help teach Ute’s knowledge of math, botany and even enpeople more about the culture and lives of the gineering. The exhibit was done in collaboration with three tribes: the Southern Ute Indian state’s earliest residents, Cook said. Cassandra Atencio, the Native Tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and American Graves Protection and the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and IF YOU GO Repatriation Act coordinator Ouray Reservation. History ColoDenver resident Ernest House Jr., rado is at 1200 for the Southern Ute Tribe, said seeing so much of her own fama member of the Ute Mountain Ute Broadway, Tribe, was one of 30 consultants from Denver. Written ily history on the museum walls has been her favorite part of the the three tribes to help develop the in the Land exhibit. She was happy to see the exhibit. is included in An example of early skills is the general admis- collaboration between the tribes and the museum. Highlighting engineering tribes used to create the sion. For more the tribes as the first people in wickiups the tribes used for shelter. information, the Rocky Mountains has been Throughout the Front Range, House visit www.hisespecially important. said, about 300 wickiups made by the torycolorado. “This is where our heart is,” she Utes are still standing. Ute tribes were org/ said. “That culture needs to be using what modern classrooms call known.” STEM learning — science, technology, engiWritten on the Land is on display at History neering and mathematics — long before those Colorado as a long-term exhibit. The pieces in terms existed. Denver are part of an extension from a com“We look at this example of the Utes as a way of always using a STEM principle to thrive munity museum run by History Colorado in Montrose, the Ute Indian Museum. and survive,” House said. House said he hopes the exhibit will help Exhibit director Liz Cook said that while tell the story of a people that still live in the creating Written on the Land, History ColoDenver metro area, as well as on reservations. rado received a five-year grant for $2 million “History started before 1776,” he said. from the National Science Foundation in House was formerly executive director of 2016 to do more research on the tribes’ early the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs. technology. Some of the pieces on display at About 2 percent of the population identifies the museum show the ingenuity of the tribes, as American Indian, he said, or about 40,000 who used sap to waterproof baskets and math people in the Denver metro area. to lay out the designs of their bead work. One For House and Atencio, the hope is that the of the basket fragments on display at History exhibit will help the future of the Ute tribes — Colorado dates back 7,000 years. inspiring youth to start something similar for “One of the things we’re highlighting in the their own tribes and generating in young Utes exhibit is this idea that Ute people were also a feeling of pride in who they are. scientists,” Cook said. “They were thinking “The kids get to see themselves, then they about science and technology.” can be proud of who they are,” Atencio said. As part of the grant, History Colorado is “Maybe that feeling gets to grow.” conducting STEM research with students By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com
The Ute tribes were known for their bead work. As part of a research grant from the National Science Foundation, History Colorado is researching the STEM principles that the Ute Tribes used in their every day lives. PHOTOS BY KAILYN LAMB
Cassandra Atencio said much of her own family history is on the walls of the Written on the Land exhibit. She said the Rocky Mountain region is where the heart of the Ute people is.
Ernest House Jr., was one of 30 consultants from the Ute tribes that helped History Colorado put together the exhibit. He said wickiups, the housing structures that the Utes built, are an example of the tribes using STEM principles.
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10 Life On Capitol Hill
LOCAL
VOICES
A
Giving in to the moment
s a child, wandering during mountain hikes with my dad, I can remember how the light took on a magical quality as it filtered through tree leaves onto a carpet of pine needles on the path. The mountains have always brought me a sense of peace. But sometimes, I need to push myself to take advantage of the landscape that makes our state so great. In the more than 20 years I’ve spent here, I realized how easy it is to take those mountains for granted. From Denver, the silhouette of the Rockies in the west are a permanent fixture along the skyline. I often forget how beautiful that is. The mountains melt into the background, becoming part of the everyday. Every year I tell myself I am going to hike more or go camping. But life seems to get in the way and I only head west a few times in the summer. Last month I made one of those rare trips — an even rarer occurrence in winter. I went to Breckenridge for
FROM THE EDITOR
Kailyn Lamb
January 2019
the tree lighting. Exiting off Interstate 70 into Frisco, the sun was just starting to set behind the peaks. The warm glow brought me into the moment, a second of beauty with golden light falling on the snow. Even when I left Colorado at the age of 14 to move to Seattle for high school, I lived in a city with a view of the mountains. While the Cascades generally lack the height and majesty of the Rocky Mountains, it was a small reminder of home. One of my first memories of Seattle was a family drive to Ocean City, about three hours southwest of the city. While driving, we could see Mount Rainier in the distance. In the early morning, the light had a purple quality. But the most striking part was a large full moon that sat right above Rainier’s peak. Although I still kick myself for not having a camera at that particular moment, I can still see it in my mind — a peaceful second on a long car ride to the beach. The only time I’ve lived without mountains was during the year I spent in New York City for grad
school. New York has its own special qualities that I will cherish forever. But there was never the sense of peace, or “wow” moments, looking to the west and suddenly remembering just how beautiful those mountains really are. I made up for lost time pretty quickly by spending the year after New York living in the heart of Summit County. When there wasn’t a foot of snow on the ground — which was not often — I ran outside. I kayaked in Lake Dillon. Even after I was offered a job in Denver, I thought about how to make an hourlong commute from the mountains work every day. We are lucky to call such a beautiful state home. Many of the people I know who moved to Colorado did so for the mountains, including my dad. We all take the mountains for granted sometimes. For me, I make sure I balance those moments with a second of reflection. When I make time for the mountains, I make sure to take in as much of their beauty as I can, and give in completely to the moment.
Social consumption laws should protect children
W Looking forward by looking back HELPER HERE AND NOW
Diana Helper
S
lap-Happy New Year! There’s a God by the name of Janus, who looks both forward
and aft, Looking back, things appear rather heinous, look ahead and it’s almost as daft. Old Swivelneck looked at the past year, Saw a mind-boggling bog, Looked ahead — better than last year?
Life On
CAPITOL HILL
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Couldn’t see through the smog. Interesting fellow, Janus. He gave us “January,” of course, and kept his temple doors open in times of war, closed tight in times of peace. When you think of all the festive New Year’s open houses, umm, did that mean “Beware arguments `round the eggnog?” Or “Sorry, it’s so peaceful we don’t want to let you punch-bowl rabble come in and ruin it?” SEE HELPER, P11
hen I returned to Denver City Council in 2011, voters had already approved medical marijuana. Interested operators began to open locations before Denver was able to establish a regulatory framework to define how and where they could operate in our city. The new council worked quickly to catch up with the emerging industry. Denver was able to put in place a regulatory framework before the state, and in fact, our rules became a guide for the state. In 2012, another statewide ballot measure passed legalizing recreational marijuana. The Colorado State Legislature and Denver City Council became the first in the country to create a roadmap for operators and define safeguards for communities where marijuana facilities would be located. While in the middle of our process, Denver and Colorado received a memo from U.S. Deputy Attorney General James Cole of the Obama administration, stating that our efforts must focus on protecting children. Our Marijuana Committee — at the time chaired by Councilman Charlie Brown — worked with all stakeholders to create a 1,000-foot
buffer from key locations, such as schools, daycare, parks and recreation centers, that serve children and youth. We also discussed cultivation facilities and colocation of retail sites with medical and Deborah Ortega storefronts testing labs. To address concerns about marijuana facilities saturating low-income neighborhoods, we considered a citywide cap on licenses or the number of licenses at a specific location. Most recently, Denver voters passed Initiative 300 in 2016 to allow social consumption of marijuana. This created a new set of questions. The ballot language asked voters if Denver should adopt a cannabis consumption pilot program to allow people to use marijuana at social consumption areas in permitted businesses. Excise and License
GUEST COLUMN
SEE ORTEGA, P11
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Life On Capitol Hill 11
January 2019
Ortega FROM PAGE 10
currently requires social consumption areas to have the same 1,000-foot buffer from schools, etc., as marijuana stores and other facilities. Only one cannabis consumption business has opened in Denver and another is going through the licensing and permitting process. The industry has asked that Denver and the state consider the following to create a more favorable business climate: change the distance requirement
to allow business to seek exemptions from the subject of the setback or eliminate the setback for daycares, recreation centers and treatment facilities but maintain the setback for schools; eliminate the 2020 sunset of the pilot program; lower event permit fees for social consumption events; create rules to permit bus tours, tasting rooms and private clubs; consider private clubs as exempt from the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act; consider allowing marijuana and alcohol to be served on the same premises. I have been firm and consistent that protecting our kids remains the most pressing issue.
Helper FROM PAGE 10
Whether Janus made resolutions or welcomed revolutions doesn’t seem to be discussed in our voluminous studies, but everyone’s heard of this futile exercise. Probably exercise is one of the most often not followed through, along with lose weight, help the needy, be more positive, kind and true, wise and thoughtful, say your prayers and floss your teeth. Meet your deadlines! Well, now we’re getting more personal— you can look both ways at your own past and future. Only you can look so far back
According to numerous medical professionals and organizations, childhood and adolescent use of marijuana has lasting impacts on brain development and cognition. Until we know whether proximity to marijuana businesses increases acceptance and use by adolescents, we should err on the side of protecting our kids. I do not support the proposal to allow marijuana entrepreneurs to skirt the buffering requirement by obtaining approval from schools, daycare centers, etc. While this would create a more favorable business environment, I think this approach opens the door to a transactional approach that puts
in your past and conjecture about your future — maybe based on your past. You’ll see the highlights growing up, and lowlights. Don’t spend much time on “wish I’d done that!” because you did or you didn’t, so take it from there. Some have quite a lot more past than future, ahem, but there IS a future after all. Let me tell ya, recently I’ve had this topic to explore. Somehow my neighborhood decided I’m a treasure and wants to do an article for the local newsletter about it. That was flattering and it seemed to me if it’s about “why me?” I could write of my great smart/funny parents who, after all, “brung me up good” — only child, great schools, music, helpful. And our two great kids! It wouldn’t just be a list of she-did-
Art
kids at risk. Is it City Council’s responsibility to create exceptions that allow further growth in the marijuana industry? Should we adopt a permissive regulatory structure that favors business development and growth at its heart? Greater leniency may put the health of workers and patrons exposed to marijuana at risk, as well as lead to greater use by children and young people. At a bar, if you aren’t drinking alcohol, you are not exposed to its toxicity. The same is not true for smoke. Let’s not gamble with our health and take a cautious approach until we have more data on the impacts
this in the neighborhood and city. But as of our last draft, there is the list and little about family or our music, which has to do with so much in life. It’ll all come out somehow and look like I did a lot of helpful things with the help of my husband John, our kids, and many 1,000 wonderful neighbors who deserve huge credit. And for all who are tired of this whole New Year’s bubbly, there’s “Gnu Ears,” the alternative group celebrating the flip-flop
Deborah Ortega is a councilmember at-large on the Denver City Council. At-large council members represent the city as a whole. She can be reached at ortegaatlarge@ denvergov.org. Editor’s note: The Washington Park Profile recently covered the second business going through the licensing process for social consumption of marijuana. Vape and Play anticipated opening by the end of 2018. To learn more, visit http://washparkprofile. com/stories/clearing-thesmoke,270783?
ears of the swift gnu, an African antelope. Start growing your chin-whiskers now, to be ready for the next Gnu Ears Flipflopathon. Diana Helper and her husband have lived in Denver for 63 years. She works on projects with the city, University of Denver, Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation and Open Space and Parks and Recreation.
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12 Life On Capitol Hill
E L
January 2019
E R H E T T B
H G I T L
E
In Civic Center park, John Malpiede created lights for the new year, as well as building a manger for the holiday display. Malpiede would string his own lights for the displays. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MIKE DEGIDIO
John Malpiede, center right, receives a commemorative item from city officials for his Christmas lights. Malpiede was the head electrician for Denver, and started the tradition of decorating the City and County building for Christmas.
An electrician in 1917 launched the tradition of Denver holiday displays By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com
I
n this day and age when factories and machinery produce many of the things we need in our daily lives, it’s difficult to imagine the task of stringing individual light bulbs together to create the holiday displays we know and love. But in early 1900s Denver, that’s how it was done — six months of preparation, 3,300 ornaments, 10 miles of wire and 30,000 light bulbs totaling 260,000 watts. lights are cool, they’re all LED. There’s more Back in 1917, one man was responsible for pizzaz. But I like old-school.” starting the tradition of the Christmas light display on the City and County building at Passing on the legacy 1437 Bannock St. Over a career of nearly 40 The displays made by Malpiede spread years, John Malpiede hand-strung tens of from the City and County building over thousands of bulbs that lined the building to Civic Center park. DeGidio said his and Greek Theater at Civic Center Park. great-grandfather also did light displays He and his crew would also build the giant for the Denver Zoo before the tradition of Christmas trees that stood in front of the Zoo Lights. Malpiede brought in live building and in the park. To Mike DeGidio, Malpiede’s IF YOU GO reindeer for Christmas festivities in addition to creating manger, Santa and great-grandson, he will always be other displays. the man who created Christmas in The holiday But perhaps some of DeGidio’s Denver, as well as a man who loved lights will the holiday season. continue to favorite memories are of getting to “I think it shows in his work — I be on display flip the switch to turn on the lights on mean he did everything,” said DeGiat the Denver Christmas Eve. While his great-grandfather was still alive, DeGidio said he dio, who works in a roofing company City and and owns a painting business. “It was County Build- continued to be a part of the lighting ceremony even after Malpiede retired crazy how much he loved Christing, 1437 from the city in 1956. Former Gov. mas.” Bannock St., through Richard Lamm dedicated a plaque to Malpiede at the Greek Theater of Civic Scrapbook details the history the end of His first year, Malpiede had a $200 the National Center park in 1978. After Malpiede passed away in 1977, budget, according to his 1956 retireWestern ment article in the Rocky Mountain Stock Show his family took over turning on the light during Christmas Eve celebraNews. The humble beginnings of a on Jan. 27. tions. Last month was special for great tradition started with a few red DeGidio because it was the first year he took and green lights and some evergreen trees. his 4-year-old son to participate. As a special The Malpiedes came to the U.S. from Sicily surprise, his son got to flip the switch, markin the late 1800s. DeGidio said his greating the fifth generation to do so. grandfather ran a bar on the 16th Street Mall DeGidio hopes the family legacy continues for a short time before becoming the city’s for years to come. head electrician. He started by creating light “It will all have to carry down,” he said. “I displays for his own home off Julian Street in think (my son’s) going to be very happy. He’s the Berkeley neighborhood in north Denver. getting to that age where he’s really getting DeGidio’s mother collected old photointo things.” graphs of Malpiede’s work on Christmas lights across several decades. She worked with her husband to collect the details about her father-in-law’s storied career in the city of Denver. Pages in her homemade scrapbook show a black-and-white photo of the Malpiede’s home with green and red ink painted on the glowing lights. The pages of the scrapbook are on candy cane-striped and other Christmas-themed paper. Some photos show Malpiede and his crew working on creating large candle displays. Others show staff building a large Christmas tree in front of the City and County building. Many photos have handwritten notes with the year or who’s in the photo. Although his mother has since passed away, DeGidio still has the scrapbook, which also has articles and letters of recognition about the Christmas lights. According to one article, Denver was known worldwide as being the first city to create a Christmas display. A letter from January 1946 from Rep. Dean Gillespie, who represented Denver’s district Mike DeGidio holds up a scrapbook page in the United States Congress, thanked that his mom made showing his greatMalpiede for his work in creating a “veritable grandfather in front of the City and fairyland at Christmas time.” County Building in 1945. DeGidio has “What they do now is nothing compared participated in the lighting events since to what they used to do,” DeGidio said. “The he was a child. KAILYN LAMB
Life On Capitol Hill 13
January 2019
Denver recruits next wave of compost experts City accepting applications for Master Composter Training Program
TO LEARN MORE Denver’s Master Composter Training Program is accepting applications for its 2019 season. Anyone 16 years or older can apply. Applications will be accepted through the end of January with the program, which charges a $40 participation fee, beginning in March.
By Casey Van Divier caseyvandivier@yahoo.com
Every year one environmentally-minded group of volunteers devotes a good deal of time to talking about composting. Between the 35 of them, they manage to spend more than 1,400 hours from May to October teaching the community how to reduce waste. Denver Recycles and Denver Urban Gardens are currently accepting applications from Denverites interested in becoming one of these “master composters.” Of those applicants, 35 volunteers will be selected to participate in the program, which costs $40. The volunteers will also complete 40 hours of composting education. They will then serve as volunteers for the program’s 2019 outreach season. During the six-month season, volunteers will teach public composting classes and participate in other educational events at farmers’ markets, community fairs and schools. To become master composters, and teach the community, the volunteers will undergo 40 hours of instruction including classes, a fullday tour and two hands-on work days. These classes are designed to teach volunteers about the science of composting and waste management, as well as prepare them to teach similar classes to others. Denver’s Master Composter Training Program has run for more than 20 years and is one of many such initiatives across the nation. “It’s not totally unique to Denver, but I do think we’ve probably had one of the most consistently running programs,” said Charlotte Pitt, recycling program manager at Denver’s Solid Waste Management. Denver Recycles is a program of this branch. Pitt added that the program is a “pretty intense commitment.” “It is a fairly intense obligation on their part,
For more information on the 2019 schedule or to obtain an applictaion, contact Judy Elliott at judy@dug.org. Additional information is also available at dug.org/mastercomposter.
Master composters for the 2018 season conduct compost education at the Denver Zoo. COURTESY OF JUDY ELLIOTT
also with the understanding that most of the outreach we do is on weekends,” Judy Elliott agreed. Elliot is the senior education specialist at Denver Urban Gardens and has taught the Master Composter Training Program for upwards of 20 years. Denver Urban Gardens is a nonprofit that supports community gardening in the city. Elliott added that volunteers from past programs have always been up to the challenge. While the program only requires students to complete 40 hours of outreach, the 2018 volunteers completed an average of 49 hours, she said, with some completing close to 70 hours of service. “It’s fascinating,” Pitt said. “We’ve gotten very few people who didn’t come out of the program like `whoa, that changed the way I feel about everything.’” Elliott agreed, citing that many volunteers return year after year because of how much the class covers. The class has even made experts out of participants who had little to no prior composting experience, she said. Those interested can contact Elliott at judy@ dug.org or visit dug.org/master-composter for more information. Applications will be accepted through the end of January, with El-
liott conducting interviews as applications are received. Classes will not begin until March. “I’m definitely looking for communityminded people who have other contacts in the community, can work outside in all kinds of weather, and are willing to teach this practice to others in a non-judgmental teaching style,” Elliott said. She added that anyone age 16 or older is welcome to apply. Over the years, her students have ranged from ages 18 to 83. Composting in the community Primarily, Elliott plans to enlist people who are not only passionate about composting, but who can excel in raising awareness about the practice throughout the community. According to the State of Recycling in Colorado, the state is behind national averages when it comes to composting and recycling; while the nation diverts 35 percent of materials, Colorado only diverts 12 percent. The report found that 37 percent of Colorado waste can be composted, 32 percent can be recycled and 26 percent can be recovered. However, while Coloradans generated more than 9.3 million tons of waste in 2017, they only recycled or diverted a little more than 1
million tons. With the right equipment, anyone can compost in their own backyard, however, Denver also offers the Compost Collection Program, which helps residents to compost additional materials such as meat, bones and processed foods. To have their compost collected by the city through this program, participants must pay $29.25 per quarter. Residents can find information on what is compostable and how to use program materials at denvergov.org. For further information on backyard composting, they can also attend the classes taught by the master composters. The free two-hour classes will begin in May, with the online signup process opening in April. Pitt and Elliott both agreed that, because of these classes and the other outreach done by the master composters, composting in Denver has increased. “I think the combination of all of our organics-based programs really has made the community more aware,” Pitt said. As the programs increase awareness, Elliot said, this increase has in turn heightened the community’s need for the programs. “I’m definitely seeing the elements of climate change exacerbate more of an interest,” she said. “People are asking `what can I do myself to provide for the health of my soil and the health of my planet?’”
City program helps residents see home energy use Staff Report
The city of Denver is offering free Home Energy Scores to residents. The assessment will help people determine how much energy it takes to run their household. COURTESY OF DENVER DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) has launched a new pilot program that will pay for an energy assessment of homes in the city. People who have bought a house in the last 12 months or are under contract for a new property, as well as residents preparing to sell a home, are eligible to receive a Home Energy Score, according to a news release from the city. The scoring system was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy to give people an idea of a home’s energy use. The score is similar to a miles-pergallon rating on a car. Home
Energy Scores are on a 10-point system, and look at the home as a whole, not by square footage. The pilot program will look into how score information can help homeowners understand energy costs. The DDPHE will also look into upgrades people can put into homes that will cut energy costs now or over a long period of time. An assessor will spend approximately one hour in the home to determine the Home Energy Score. The value of having the energy assessment done is $175, according to the release. For more information on the program, as well as to request an assessment, visit www.Denvergov.org/HomeEnergy.
14 Life On Capitol Hill
co
im ng
January 2019
! n o so
Mayor seeks seniors’ words of wisdom Staff Report As the city of Denver celebrates 160 years since its founding, Mayor Michael B. Hancock has created a new community project inviting senior residents to share their thoughts on the future. Denver’s Next 160 asks for words of wisdom on how to preserve the city’s way of life. At the Senior Holiday Luncheon, Hancock shared the first letter, written by his mother, Scharlyn Hancock, according to a news release. “My advice to the next generation is to remember that the people have made this city great. Work to be an asset to Denver
by getting the best education you can; be safe and keep your neighbors safe. Keep your health, mind and body strong, and for the good of all of us strive to be the best you be,” the letter read. The mayor’s office will be sharing responses from Denver’s Next 160 on social media platforms using #DenversNext160, as well as on the city website and at events. To send a letter, use DenversNext160@ denvergov.org. People can also mail responses to Mayor’s Office, Attn: Denver’s Next 160, 1437 Bannock St., Denver, Colorado 80202. People can also share on social media using #DenversNext160.
Robert Anderson Gallery —CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR— J A N U A R Y
F E B R U A R Y
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ in Concert
Mendelssohn Double Concerto featuring Yumi Hwang-Williams
JAN 4-6 FRI-SAT 7:30 SUN 1:00
FEB 1-3 FRI-SAT 7:30 SUN 1:00
■
HalfNotes
HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING`S WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s18)
Native American Portraiture, Dimensional Color Photography & Acrylic Painting
■
Itzhak Perlman with the Colorado Symphony
Kevin John Edusei, conductor Yumi Hwang-Williams, violin Anne Marie McDermott, piano
JAN 10 THU 7:30
Symphonic Tribute to Comic Con — V
Brett Mitchell, conductor
FEB 8 FRI 7:30
A Tribute to Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops
Christopher Dragon, conductor
JAN 12 SAT 7:30
Sondheim & Lloyd Webber Showcase
Christopher Dragon, conductor
FEB 9 SAT 7:30
Dvořák Symphony No. 9
Christiane Noll, Debbie Gravitte, Hugh Panaro, vocalists
JAN 18-20 FRI-SAT 7:30 SUN 1:00
A Classical Romance
Brett Mitchell, conductor
FEB 14, 16-17 THU, SAT 7:30 SUN 1:00
Movie at the Symphony: Amadeus Live
Brett Mitchell, conductor Kelly O’Connor, mezzo-soprano
■
January 2 through February 28, 2019 Opening Reception: Friday, January 18, 5-8pm HalfNotes
F E ATURE D ARTISTS
■
JAN 25-26 FRI-SAT 7:30 Brett Mitchell, conductor Colorado Symphony Chorus, Duain Wolfe, director
The Flaming Lips with the Colorado Symphony
Amadeus Live is a production of Avex Classics International
Christopher Dragon, conductor Members of the Colorado Symphony Chorus
FEB 22 FRI 7:30
Nat King Cole & Me — An Evening with Gregory Porter FEB 23 SAT 7:30 Christopher Dragon, conductor
HalfNotes Please join us for family-friendly activities 1 hour before the concert. These performances include FULL SCREENING OF THE FEATURE FILM! presenting sponsors
3321 East Colfax, Denver | just east of the Bluebird Theater
also supported by
COLORADOSYMPHONY.ORG
Ron Cooper Native American portraiture
Howard Harris dimensional photography
Nicole Korbe acrylic painting
Plus work by selected gallery artists: Cody Brothers, Dan Fong, Helen Hutchinson, Ron Johnson, Janice McDonald, Mieko, Pamela Mougin, Adrienne Moumin, the Obolers, Stephen Podrasky, Wendi Schneider, Janey Skeer and Loretta Young-Gautier. Gallery hours: 12 to 6pm Wednesdays through Saturdays and by appointment
Contact Email: info@robertandersongallery.com Website: robertandersongallery.com
Life On Capitol Hill 15
January 2019
HEAR MY VOICE STORIES from our YOUTH and why we should LISTEN to them
16 Life On Capitol Hill
January 2019
HEAR MY VOICE
Young voices carry a powerful message
In this month’s special report called “Hear My Voice,” 15 young people from around the Denver metro area share their stories, their passions, their hopes for the future. They range in age from 15 to 23. They come from different backgrounds, places and experiences that have shaped who they are, how they view the world and what they want to change. The past year has been marked by the rise of unprecedented youth activism in which young people have fought to be
heard. The stories in this report reflect some of the nation’s most pressing challenges: mental health, immigration, equity, racism, politics, gender and sexuality identity, teen pregnancy and more. The excerpts from these interviews — some will run this month, the rest in the February issue — have been edited for clarity and space. They all point to a common call to action: to listen better, to be more compassionate, to be willing to change. They are aware of their power — 24
percent of the U.S. population is under 18, U.S. Census numbers show. They understand the issues because many live them, and they see the country we are becoming: By 2055, the United States will have no racial or ethnic majority, Pew Research Center reports. These young men and women are adamant in the belief they can make a difference — and that their voices should be heard. “Young voices make up a giant chunk of those living in this country, and
they are widely underrepresented and misunderstood because they are just labeled as ‘kids who have learning and maturing to do,’ ” said Englewood resident Maria Alsubhi, 19, who moved to the U.S. from Saudi Arabia when she was in eighth grade. “We cannot just repress and patronize them — it is frustrating and unfair that we already do ... Listening just expands perspectives, especially listening to a young, excited, refreshing voice.” So, let’s listen.
STORIES AND PHOTOS BY TAYLORE TODD SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
‘People should listen to everyone’ Ikram Zetraoui and Rokaya Abdulameer Denver
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kram Zetraoui, 18, was a freshman in high school when she moved to Denver from Morocco to live with her older sister. A high school senior, she hopes to study psychology and criminology to become a detective or psychiatrist. She has always been interested, she says, in trying to understand how people view themselves. Rokaya Abdulameer, 17, emigrated from Iraq in 2009 to seek shelter from the war. Being from another culture, she says, has taught her not to judge. Also a senior, she plans to study business and pre-law in college next year.
If you knew me, you would know … Ikram: “When I speak my language, people try to protect themselves and they scoot away from where I am. It happened once on a bus, but I didn’t know anyone there, so I didn’t know how to react. One time it happened at school and another girl stood up for me. It’s nice to have allies and people who are going to stand up for you and tell you how to react in that situation because I wouldn’t know what to do. “Anything that’s attached to human services — serving food, giving them their needs — anything that is serving them makes me happy. Seeing people in front of me suffer
Rokaya Abdulameer and going through the same kind of situation, it made me realize that so many people are ungrateful for things they have. And people who don’t have anything are so grateful for what they do have. I just try to find a balance between those two kinds of people.” Rokaya: “Not living in Iraq made it hard to understand where my culture came from, but my parents have taught me everything — our Arabic language, our traditions. I love the people of my culture and everything, really. The food, the dancing, the celebrations. Coming here, “I didn’t know that so many cultures could exist in one place, because I grew up around people who followed the same values and traditions as me and my family.” How I want to change the world Ikram: “People see immigrants as people who are trying to steal their jobs and trying to get their salaries ... Muslim people are seen as ... not on
Ikram Zetraoui the same level of humanity ... At the end of the day, if we really look into America’s deepest economy, we see it’s based on immigrants. I would like other people to see immigrants as how they see themselves. “If I had a chance to change the world, I would probably change how people are viewed ... Why is there so much hatred ... and so many crimes? ... I’m interested in human services, and that’s a way for me to help other people. I’m thinking about doing that as volunteering. I feel like I’m pretty good with other people ... helping people in need — coming together as one, basically.” Rokaya: “The biggest problem right now is that people think everyone from the Middle East is a terrorist and all that, so I guess that’s the biggest thing that I would want to change ... People are not like that, you just have to get to know them. “My biggest goal is to go back and use the opportunities I’ve had in America to help however I can. I was
thinking about it, and there’s a lack of education there. I think that’s my biggest goal is to just go back to the schools in need and just help out. I have pretty good English — maybe I can teach them there.” Why my voice is important Ikram: “If we all come as one collective mind, I feel like we would be so much more successful than just looking back on our mistakes and blaming it on other people and other countries. We need to forget all of this hate that is between us.” Rokaya: “We are the future and this generation has a lot to offer. Knowing different perspectives helps us understand the world more. I think I bring a different perspective, which is why people should listen to everyone, especially those who are from different cultures. Just don’t judge someone by their cover. I think that’s the biggest thing I’ve learned — just to not judge someone if you don’t know them.”
Life On Capitol Hill 17
January 2019
HEAR MY VOICE
‘We don’t recognize the footsteps we are leaving behind’
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Elizabeth Osterhoudt Castle Rock
in Pine Ridge, that’s in South Dakota, some of them don’t even have homes and some of them don’t really have water. So I really want to just make sure that rezes have the supplies they need to just even survive because the winter is coming. “I really want the world to recognize all of the bad things that are being done right now because I think with that recognition some people will take initiative for what happens — like especially with GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance). I just want to raise awareness that it isn’t right to judge someone based on how they identify because that’s not your business. “And for the world, I just think we need to respect the land we live on more. Some people are treating it really bad, and we don’t recognize the footsteps we are leaving behind. And if this earth dies, we have nowhere else to go.”
lizabeth Osterhoudt, 17, is a member of the Pueblo of Jemez Native American tribe and has family who lives on a New Mexico reservation. Growing up in a predominantly white community, she says she has dealt with racism, along with unintended slights and negative assumptions from classmates and teachers. She is passionate about fighting for equal rights of Native Americans and such populations as the LGBTQ community who she says need allies to make their voices heard. She plans to attend college and raise awareness about the injustice that Native people still face. If you knew me, you would know ... “Here, a lot of people don’t know my race, so they just assume I’m Hispanic at first, and then I’ll get a lot of microaggressions and just racist comments to Hispanic people ... But then a lot of people, once they find out I’m Native, really start to target me, in a way. They’ll ask if I live in a tipi ... One time, in the classroom, these two girls presented ‘Indian tag’ as a game in gym. The teacher didn’t do anything. My classmates didn’t do anything. So I had to be the one
Elizabeth Osterhoudt to stand up and say it wasn’t right. And then I get asked a lot if I speak ‘Indian.’ “I was talking with my teacher — he didn’t realize that he was being racist. We were talking about alcoholism, but he told me that I should be careful because I’m Native ... This girl was saying I was her ‘Native American friend,’ so I was sort of held as an object. It’s really
hard to go between being open and an object. You don’t want to be too open about anything because then you’ll be treated like this prized possession.” How I want to change the world “I really want to start branching out to just Native Americans and help out a lot on rezes (reservations) because they are in more need right now … Up
Why my voice is important “It is important to listen to the voices of the young people because they have learned from the older generations. As they mature, they can recognize the mistakes and actions the past generations have committed. From that recognition, they can then carve a new path that will be more efficient in shaping the world to be better.”
‘You can’t be a racist if you travel’ understanding.”
Maria Alsubhi Englewood
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aria Alsubhi, 19, was born in Saudi Arabia and moved to the United States when she was in eighth grade. Because of her dad’s love of exploring, Alsubhi has traveled to seven countries throughout Europe and Asia. She is a freshman at the University of Colorado-Boulder and has goals to serve others. She frequently shadows public health officials, doctors and those working for nonprofits so that she can learn as much as she can about how to make a difference later in life. If you knew me, you would know ... “My family, we travel a lot. We’ve gone to parts of Asia and parts of Europe. Just seeing the way these people live and experiencing a different way of life helps you be able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes a lot easier. It helps you connect with others more and then you can find a different network. For me, personally, it helps me connect with people if I can put myself in their shoes and understand where they’re coming from. Coming from a completely different background than the life I’m living right now really has expanded upon my ability
How I want to change the world “The best way to understand other people is to talk to them. There’s a difference between tourism and actually understanding and meeting the locals … Try to understand where people are coming from and the reasons why they have the beliefs that they do and the reasons why they’ve gotten to the places that they’re in. “Careerwise, I am very passionate about healthcare access and affordability … I feel like here, especially in the States, the bill that you’re going to get after you visit the hospital just makes it so terrifying to go and heal yourself … I want healthcare to be affordable and accessible to everybody whether you’re middle class, the top 1 percent or socio-economically disadvantaged.”
thinks, `Oh, today I’m going to be evil.’ There is a reason why people believe what they believe, and when you get to the root of that, that’s when change can happen ... People are filled with anger when they don’t have anyone that’s listening to them. Maybe my message is just to listen. “Considering the fact that 24 percent of the U.S. population is under age 18, young voices make up a giant chunk of those living in this country, and they are widely underrepresented and Maria Alsubhi misunderstood because they are just labeled as ‘kids who have learning and maturing to do.’ This is dangerous because it leaves no one listening to powerful young voices that are attempting to represent the new generations. We cannot just repress and patronize them — it is frustrating and unfair that we already do ... Listening just expands perspectives, especially listening to a young, excited, refreshing voice.”
‘People are filled with anger when they don’t have anyone that’s listening to them. Maybe my message is just to listen.’
Maria Alsubhi to do that. I’m grateful for it. “My number one belief is `You can’t be a racist if you travel.’ I went to Thailand when I was a kid, and it was the most amazing experience ever, so I got really into Asian culture. There is something beautiful about every single part of the world, and if you choose to focus on that, rather than the ugly statistics, perhaps it helps you kind of be a more well-rounded person and more well-spoken and more
Why my voice is important “No one ever goes outside and
18 Life On Capitol Hill
January 2019
HEAR MY VOICE
‘Hope and humanity is the ticket to safety and prosperity’ Wesley Ferguson Castle Rock
“Being gay defines who I am but, at the same time, it doesn’t. People are like `describe yourself.’ And I’m like `Well, I do a lot of theater, and I do art, and, oh yeah, I guess I’m gay.’ I try not to play up the gay stereotypes. I try to kind of avoid them and just be who I am … I’m really lucky to be gay in the time that I’m gay, so it makes me thankful for being alive now … It’s made me aware of how lucky I am, but also of how much I still have to fight — and people like me still have to fight. I’m also very lucky because I was never really bullied by a single person for being gay.”
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esley Ferguson, 18, told his family and friends he was gay when he was a high school freshman so that he would no longer be hidden in the shadows. The national moment of silence after the Parkland shooting in April spurred an emotional response that propelled him to take action. These days, the senior leads walkouts and peaceful protests for gun control and LGBTQ rights and is part of an outreach organization that encourages youth to register to vote. He plans to study technical theater, with a focus on stage management, in college. If you knew me, you would know … “I just have to speak out. It’s my duty. It’s what I have to do as a human being in America. I have to use the rights that I’ve been given and do what I can to spread goodness in the world. “I first questioned my sexuality in sixth or seventh grade. By seventh grade, I was pretty sure, but I didn’t really tell anyone, and I was kind of scared to come out because I was like
Wesley Ferguson `I don’t know anyone else.’ I came out in ninth grade, around September. I was real proud of coming out as a freshman. All of the upperclassmen that I knew in theater company were just so supportive, and I was like `Oh, my gosh, why didn’t I do this earlier?’
How I want to change the world “I would like universal background checks. I am in favor of an assault weapons ban because it’s a weapon of war and if we’re doing other things the way we should, nationally and globally, we shouldn’t need weapons of war in our homes. We shouldn’t need to be scared of people the way that we are … An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind … I want others to be more accepting of people and be able to see that everyone is human. I believe that hope and humanity is the ticket to safety and prosperity for everyone.
“I want people to understand that gun violence isn’t only about mass shootings, it’s also about things like suicide ... It affects us all. It’s not just about your rights. It’s about my rights. And her rights. And his rights. And their rights over there. “I just want the LGBT community to be seen, just like anyone else. We want a happy home, a happy family, a happy significant other … We want to know that we’re not going to be discriminated against.” Why my voice is important “Everyone has some reason for being the way they are ... They were rude in line because they woke up late and, maybe yesterday, a presentation they had didn’t go well. They were rude on the road because their sister is sick and in the hospital, and they’re really just concerned about getting to her. People aren’t unkind because they want to be unkind, they’re unkind because something made them that way … Anger begets anger, goodness begets goodness. If you can just eliminate all of the anger and all of the distraction in your life — and keep focused on positivity and spreading that — the world would just be a better place.”
‘Everything I do, I do it for my mom’ Brisa Bejarano-Gonzalez Aurora
shouldn’t be going to school. I should be doing something rather than school. I’ve had a lot of that confrontation, but that doesn’t stop me from doing what I want to do.”
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risa Bejarano-Gonzalez, 19, is a freshman at University of Colorado-Denver. She received a $10,000 scholarship from Hide in Plain Sight, a nonprofit that helps homeless students pursue higher education, because of her family’s struggles with homelessness when she was young. She works two jobs to pay her bills so that her mom no longer has to support her. Bejarano-Gonzalez is studying English and wants to become a teacher. If you knew me, you would know ... “We were going from place to place. It was maybe from six months until I was 2 years old. I was really young, so it’s not something I can recollect, you know? But my mom tells me stories now. “What my mom had to go through, every challenge that she had to go through is an eye-opener for me ... Everything I do, I do it for my mom because she’s been through so much throughout her life. What she did was for my own good, for my siblings’ own good. Everything’s basically for my mom. “I used to be ashamed of being Latina. Sometimes it was embarrassing to say where your family came from because you’d get made fun of in school. Now it’s like `You have so many opportunities.’ I appreciate my mom for it. “My mom has always been strong
How I want to change the world “When I think about making an impact, I think about my community, the Latino community. So just looking back from where I come from, a very small town and the Aurora area where I was living before, there are just a lot of kids who don’t have the resources that they need. We do have access to a lot of things — they just don’t know about it. So I’d like to bring that awareness and help that out. “I want to teach high school. My senior year, I took a class called Pathways to Teaching. It was about the teaching world ... I learned so much about teaching and students and how students view teachers ... It’s a very hard profession and I want to be able to do something challenging and help students who have a similar background as me get through what I went through as well.” Brisa Bejarano-Gonzalez and independent. As soon as she knew she was pregnant with me at the age of 19, she packed her bags, came to a country of opportunity and decided she was going to start fresh no matter what obstacles she had to face. She pushed through with the mindset of a better life for her daughter.
“I have (faced racism). Mostly in middle school and the beginning of high school but not so much after that ... (Some people) think that because you’re foreign you’re able to do labor work, you have to do it, and that’s the position you’re supposed to be in. I’ve had a lot of (people) who tell me that I
Why my voice is important “I believe it is important for young voices to be heard because it creates a bigger community of opportunity ... for minorities — homeless, of color, less power, etc. ... People should listen to my story as an eye-opener for those who can’t speak up for themselves — including those who don’t see the struggles that homelessness brings to younger individuals.”
Life On Capitol Hill 19
January 2019
HEAR MY VOICE
‘Trayvon Martin could have been me’
Isaiah Alfonso
‘There’s no reason to be ashamed of who you are’
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Isaiah Alfonso Denver
saiah Alfonso, 16, volunteers with Rainbow Alley, a safe space for young members of the LGBTQ community, where he, too, feels safe. He identifies as non-binary, but mostly as trans male, he says. After dealing with mental health challenges, he fell behind in school, eventually to the point where he knew he couldn’t catch up. He is now working toward a GED and plans to attend college to study psychology. If you knew me, you would know … “I realized when I was pretty young. When I was 5 years old, I loved girly things. I was like `This is how girls are supposed to be.’ All pink and princesses. Then I saw this soccer game of a local soccer team where all the girls had their hair in ponytails and they were all wearing blue and looked the exact same as the boys. I was like `Huh, something seems a little weird here, I think my favorite color is blue now.’ And as time went on, I became slowly more passionate. I was not a girl, I was a tomboy — there’s a very big difference. Then I found out what trans is, and the rest is history. “... Everyone around me was definitely not super restorative of my struggle. But it’s turned out pretty good so far. Most people who were around me back then aren’t around me anymore or have changed for the better. “I’d say that the hardest thing was losing some of the people that I did or, just in general, seeing the backlash I got from people. When you come out, you don’t expect it to be that bad, especially when you’re really young. You just think `No one’s going to give me any crap.’ I was the token queer kid at school ... People didn’t take me very seriously and they were rude. For the most part, my transition, even though I haven’t medically transitioned yet — because that’s a lot of stuff and things to do — but just the social transition itself has, luckily,
Tay Anderson
FOR MORE INFORMATION The Rainbow Alley, operated by the GLBT Community Center of Colorado, provides a safe dropin space, along with youth-led events, counseling and support groups, health services and life skills for LGBTQ youth ages 11 to 21. 1301 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, 303-733-7743, https://www. glbtcolorado.org/programs/rainbow-alley/ gone pretty smoothly.” How I want to change the world “I just want people to know that they can be whatever they want to be and they shouldn’t feel ashamed for being themselves. And I just want people to treat trans people normal … People expect you to look a certain way or else you aren’t real. I just don’t want people to worry about being themselves … and to have the space to be themselves because there’s no reason to be ashamed of who you are or pretend you’re something that you’re not ... As long as you don’t hurt anyone else, what’s the real harm in being you — no matter what you look like?” Being transgender “made me have a perspective where I can appreciate the outlandish a little bit more because I am considered outlandish and weird by most people. I just have this odd perspective on life where I was raised as one thing then found out I was another. “I want to do a lot of public work with LGBT youth. A lot of them don’t know who they are or what they want to be or what they are looking for. I hope that I am someone who can help lead them to where they want to be.” Why my voice is important “Youth have new ideas. We haven’t been raised in the same society that a lot of adults were. We come in with a fresh head and new perspective on things, so we see things that not everyone else does. So many kids are really intelligent, and no one gives them the space they deserve to say these awesome things they are thinking.”
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Tay Anderson Denver
ay Anderson, 20, is running for the Denver Public Schools board election in 2019 because he wants to improve safety in schools. A student at Metropolitan State University of Denver, he is taking a gap year to focus on his campaign. He first ran for school board in 2017 when he was a senior in high school, but lost. Because of family issues, he spent about eight months in foster care when he was 16. His activism began in 2015 when he attended a protest against police brutality. Today, he works to create justice and equal opportunity for people of color.
If you knew me, you would know … “I think we come with a unique experience because a lot of people think that we are still clinging onto the past, and we’re not clinging onto the past — we’re just trying to rectify the wrongs of the past. When Colin Kaepernick takes a knee, he’s not taking a knee to say that this is for Martin Luther King. He’s saying that this is for every unarmed black man that’s been shot in the 21st century, for kids that are still living in poverty, for young people that aren’t allowed to have a voice. It’s also been used against me. I’ve had people tell me that because of the color of my skin, I won’t be able to win a citywide race. I just get to prove them wrong in November. I mean, I might be black, but my blackness doesn’t define where it’s going to take me in the future. “My activism started on July 5th, actually my birthday, in 2015
when Alton Sterling was killed, because I’d had enough of waking up to the news that another unarmed black person was killed by people that we trust to protect us. Trayvon Martin could have been me. Eric Garner could have been me. Philando Castile could have been me. All of these other African-American males that have been killed at the hands of law enforcement could have been me ... I just got tired of injustice.”
How I want to change the world “A lot of people think that I want to be president — which is cool and I would love to do that — but I want to help my city before I try to go save the world. So that’s why I’m running for the Denver school board. My city desperately needs some young perspective on the board of education. They need somebody who knows what it means to sit in those seats and what it means to have failed policies used against them. Before we can go change the world and worry about what’s happening in D.C., we have to fix our cities ...” Why my voice is important “My work has never been about me, it’s never going to be about me. It’s about making sure that the next person who looks like me, who has a funny name like me — my real name isn’t Tay, its Auontai — who have these different, unique characteristics just like myself understand that they, too, have a place in the world. “It’s time for us to stand up, to understand what we’re inheriting — because we can either inherit a system that we helped craft or we can inherit a system we’re forced to recreate.”
20 Life On Capitol Hill
January 2019
Across West 14th Avenue Parkway from the Hamilton Building, the Denver Art Museum’s North Building is under construction for a renovation project. A new welcome center is also being added to the building, which the museum hopes will reopen in 2021.
Brush strokes of history Denver Art Museum celebrates 125 years of culture Emelia Selover, left, waits for Helen Perin to put a piece of cake on a plate during the Denver Art Museum’s 125th birthday celebration on Dec. 4. Selover, who is 4, brought a small cardboard brick toy as a present for the museum. PHOTOS BY KAILYN LAMB
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our-year-old Emelia Selover walked into the Denver Art Museum holding a small cardboard block with blue bricks on it. It was a present she picked out for the museum, which celebrated 125 years in Denver last month. “The museum told me it wanted a present,” Selover said as she enjoyed cake in the lobby of the Frederic C. Hamilton building on Dec. 4. Selover joined her family along with hundreds of others to celebrate the milestone at 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway. The museum provided cake while musical group The West-
By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com
siders sang carols in the lobby area. Museum staff mingled with guests as cake was served. Loree Pettit and her 10-year-old daughter, Emily, talked with Florence Muller, the Avenir Foundation curator of textile art and the curator of fashion at the DAM. Emily is homeschooled in Denver, and Loree said they came to the museum to see the new Dior fashion exhibit. She added that Emily designs her own dresses. “She’s been my fashion queen since she was 2,” Loree said. The DAM first launched in Denver in 1893 as the Denver Artists’ Club, according to a timeline on the
DAM’s website. It would later become the Denver Art Association, before settling on Denver Art Museum in 1923. In 1922, the museum found its first permanent home in the Chapell House, a mansion built in the late 1800s on the corner of Logan Street and East 13th Avenue. The museum later moved to a building on Acoma Street in 1949. In 1971, the museum’s current home in the North Building was completed. It is the only building designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti in North America. In 2016, the museum began fundraising for a $150 million capital campaign to renovate the North Building, which broke ground at the beginning of
Emily Pettit, left, stands with Florence Muller, the Denver Art Museum’s Avenir Foundation curator of textile art and the curator of fashion. this year. Construction on the project is ongoing, with the addition of a new welcome center. The museum plans to have the project finished in time for the building’s 50th anniversary in 2021.
Maren Safran holds her daughter Nora’s hand as she dances to music in the lobby of the Denver Art Museum. The pair live in Platt Park and came to the museum to celebrate its 125th birthday. The Hamilton building opened in 2006. The new building nearly doubled the size of the museum, according to its website.
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Life On Capitol Hill 21
January 2019
Things to Do Submit calendar listings on our website, coloradocommunitymedia.com, go to the Calendar tab and click “Submit an Event.” Priority is given to non-profits, low- or no-cost events and locations within our distribution map. Next Issue Deadline: Thursday, Jan. 17
EVENTS Bilingual Yoga 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5 Cultivate presence through breath-linking movements in this vinyasa yoga class cued in both English and Spanish. This flowing, dynamic class is beneficial for all practitioners. $10 public Denver Botanic Gardens 1007 York St. botanicgardens.org Free First Saturday at the Denver Art Museum 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5. Free general admission tickets are available on-site starting at 10 am. Kids 18 and under receive free general admission to the DAM every day. Current exhibitions include “Rembrandt: Painter as Printmaker”, “Stampede: Animals in Art”, “Claes Oldenburg with Coosje van Bruggen: Drawings” and more. Tickets for “Dior: From Paris to World” have an additional admission price. 720-865-5000. Denver Art Museum 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway denverartmuseum.org Growing Roses in Colorado 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Jan. 5 Roses grow great in Colorado! The consulting rosarian for the American Rose Society shares tips for growing roses in Colorado. $32, $27 member Denver Botanic Gardens 1007 York St. botanicgardens. org
“A Typewriter Revolution” 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12. The members of Buntport Theater challenge the digital paradigm with poems and stories written on, for and about our good old friend… the Typewriter! Single tickets are $15-$28 303-494-0523 Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center 721 Santa Fe Dr. storiesonstage.org Tropical Trails Tour 2 to 3 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 12 and Jan. 26 The plants in the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory enjoy a warm climate year-round. Enjoy the lush vegetation, vibrant flowers and warmth of the tropics as you stroll through the Gardens’ tropical collections with a docent. $14, $12 member, $10 student Denver Botanic Gardens 1007 York St. botanicgardens.org
Yoga with Crystal Singing Bowls 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 3, 10 and 17 Enjoy a yoga class, and while in savasana, soak in the vibrations of crystalline singing bowls. These bowls are believed to promote balance, calming energy and relaxation. $18, $15 member Denver Botanic Gardens 1007 York St. botanicgardens.org
Denver Brass Presents “Rhapsody in Brass” 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12 Join us as we welcome New York pianist Steven Mayer and the acclaimed Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. We’ll bring to life the American sounds of Gershwin, Bernstein, and more. Tickets start at $39. Discounts for students, seniors & new fans. Ellie Caulkins Opera House Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1385 Curtis St. 303-832-4676 denverbrass.org
4th Annual Northwest Beer Fest 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11 Generous samples from over 10 local brewers. Local cider and wine, too. Tickets $30 in advance, $40 day-of. $50 – VIP tickets – Exclusive access 7-8 p.m., VIP section, Private tasting, Master brewer talk from Woods Boss Brewery Can’t attend? Send a teacher for free - $25. The Oriental Theater 4335 W. 44th Ave. 720-420-0030 theorientaltheater.com
Volunteer Open House at History Colorado 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12. Learn about the essential role volunteers play in education, guest services, and visitor support. Current volunteers and staff will be on hand to discuss openings and the rewards of volunteering. We will be handing out prizes to attendees for your participation which will include: the chance to win free tickets to the History Colorado Center & Colorado Center for Women’s History at the Byers Evans
House, the chance to enter into a raffle for a free behind the scenes tour of the History Colorado collections. Call 303-447-8679 History Colorado Center 1200 Broadway historycolorado.org Beatles vs. Stones 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 Two of the greatest bands of all time face off in a highenergy, adrenaline-pumping musical showdown. Tickets are $20 - $45. The show is appropriate for all ages. The Oriental Theater 4335 W. 44th Ave. 720-420-0030 theorientaltheater.com Macramé Air Plant Hanger Workshop Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 In this workshop, Amie Phillips of Boriya + Co, introduces the steps necessary to create macramé pieces. Learn four basic macramé knots and use these knots to craft a plant hanger for an air plant. $48, $42 member Denver Botanic Gardens 1007 York St. botanicgardens.org Mark Padmore, tenor and Paul Lewis, piano 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16. Dubbed “the dream team” by The New York Times, world-class English tenor, Mark Padmore, and internationally-renowned pianist, Paul Lewis, will appear as a part of Friends of Chamber Music’s 65th season. $40 for adults; $10 for ages 30 and under. Box office: 303-871-7720 Gates Hall, Newman Center for the Performing Arts 2344 E. Iliff Ave. friendsofchambermusic.com Happy Hour Chamber Concerts 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18. A Musical Journey Through Time, with Ann Marie Morgan and Sandra Wong. Viola da gamba and nyckelharpa are a match made in heaven, sharing and enhancing each other’s resonances to create a new “instrument”. Sandra and Ann Marie will reach back into the origins of their instruments (15th century), making stops along the way in the Renaissance, Baroque and Folk genres. New compositions from the 20th/21st centuries will also be featured. Works by Bach take on a whole new life in their care. Tickets: $15/$13 in advance; $17/$15 at the door. Epiphany Lutheran Church 790 S. Corona St. happyhourconcerts.org/buy-tickets Invitation to Ikebana: Contemporary 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 Ikebana is an expression of our respect and appreciation towards nature. We observe life
through the arrangement of plants. During each class, participants get hands-on instruction to put together an arrangement to take home. $44, $39 member Denver Botanic Gardens 1007 York St. botanicgardens.org SPREE Holiday Camp: Environment Investigators 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21. SPREE= South Plate River Environmental Education. Join SPREE when DPS has off for fun and educational days filled with games, crafts, adventures and even top secret missions about the environment! at Johnson Habitat Park 610 S. Jason St. thegreenwayfoundation.org League of Women Voters Denver Presents: Dreamers, View the Movie and Meet the Dreamers 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22. This 30-minute documentary tells the story of five Dreamers who are no different from our own young relatives except they have no stable status in our country. Montview Presbyterian Church 1980 Dahlia St., McCollum Room lwvdenver.org Family Workshop: Winter Fairies 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24 Create miniature lands for mystical garden friends. Discover what plants fairies prefer as you design, plant and landscape a tiny oasis for a fairy. Each child can create a container garden to take home. Workshops offer families a hands-on opportunity to learn about the science and enchantment behind the plants in our everyday lives, create tasty treats from scratch and explore the natural world. Classes are designed for families with children ages 5-10. All adults attending the workshop must register for the program. Non-participating siblings do not participate in the activities. $17 non-member child; $15 member child; $12 non-member adult, $10 member adult. Denver Botanic Gardens 1007 York St. botanicgardens.org Preserving Citrus: Marmalade 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24 Learn the history of marmalade and how to make your own with fresh, organic, winter citrus spread. Participants take home one jar of handmade marmalade preserves. $56, $51 member Denver Botanic Gardens 1007 York St. botanicgardens.org Starting Your Garden from Seed 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 26 This class demystifies the seed-starting process and explores unusual seeds. The class is good review for more the advanced gardener who may need a refresher. $37, $32 member Denver Botanic Gardens 1007 York St. botanicgardens.org SEE THINGS TO DO, P22
22 Life On Capitol Hill
January 2019
Things to Do FROM PAGE 21
The INDO EXPO Trade Show 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27. Attendees will find the merchandise to fill the shelves of the following stores: Hydroponic, Garden, Dispensaries, Smoke, Hardware, Apparel, Gift, Jewelry and Accessories, Souvenir, Art and Glass Galleries, Ski and more. Denver Mart 451 E. 58th Ave. go.evvnt.com/323533-2?pid=4951 Art of Smartphone Photography 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31 Whether you’re new to photography or a seasoned professional, there is more to learn about leveraging this accessible digital technology. $29, $24 member Denver Botanic Gardens 1007 York St. botanicgardens.org Comedy with Roger Mondays 10 p.m. 303-320-9200 | Lion’s Lair 2022 E. Colfax Ave. www.lionslairco.com/events Baker Historic Neighborhood Association General Meeting 6:30 p.m., second Tuesday of the month. As always, we will hear from our Community Resource Officer from Denver Police and learn about different items impacting Baker. Come a little early to socialize and meet some fellow Bakerties. Hirschfeld Tower, 333 W. Ellsworth Ave. bakerneighborhood.org
East Evans Business Association Meeting Meets every 4th Tuesday This meeting provides a great opportunity for local businesses to meet, network and raise awareness of what’s happening on the East Evans corridor. 303-671-6639 Panorama Building, 2055 S. Oneida St. Chamberlin Observatory Public Night Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30 p.m. All public nights start with an informative, multimedia astronomy presentation. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for kids and is payable online via PayPal. Reservations are recommended, as nights sell out. Times vary by season. Observatory Park 2930 E. Warren Ave. denverastro.org/das/public-nights Why Not Wednesday Wednesdays 4 p.m. We open wines that most stores wouldn’t dare to open. Whether it’s grand cru champagne, cult cabernet or an amazing bottle of Amarone. Find out what the wine of the week is on our website! 303-282-5103 Pearl Wine Company, 1886 S. Pearl St. pearlwinecompany.com Friends and Neighbors (FANS) of Washington Park 6 p.m., second Wednesday of each month Meetings typically include a brief overview of the latest park news and often feature a guest speaker. Check out the website for the topic of the month. Washington Park Dos Chappell Bath House, 600 S. Marion Parkway fanswashingtonpark.org
ART Resolutions-Women’s Caucus for Art Show @ Core New Art Space Jan. 3 through Jan. 20. Opening reception: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11. This year’s Annual Member’s Show was chosen to represent the “action” of solving a problem or making a decision. Event is free. Core New Art Space, 900 Santa Fe Dr. coreartspace.com Winter Break at the Denver Art Museum Through Jan. 6 Winter Break at the Denver Art Museum means fun for the whole family. The Print Studio, Create-n-Takes, Gallery Games, A Walk in the Woods, and much more are open every day. All Winter Break activities are included in general admission, free for kids 18 and younger. The exhibition “Dior: From Paris” to the World requires separate ticket. Advance purchase is highly recommended. Denver Art Museum 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway denverartmuseum.org Germinal Stage: Harold Pinter’s “The Collection” and “The Room” 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through Feb. 2. Classic one-acts by the Nobel Laureate! 303-455-7108 John Hand Theater 7653 E. First Place Orchid Showcase Jan. 10 through Feb. 17 This annual exhibit presents hundreds of colorful orchid blooms in the Orangery and Marnie’s
Pavilion. Common and rare species are featured, some even so special they must remain behind the greenhouse glass. Denver Botanic Gardens 1007 York St. botanicgardens.org Stampede Public Tours Occurs every day through May 19. In this daily 45-minute tour, see how animals have captivated artists throughout history in Stampede: Animals in Art. Discover and consider the role animals play through themes such as personal connections with animals, how animal materials have been used in art, how animals are used to tell stories or represent political ideas, and how artists use animals in imaginative ways. No reservations necessary. Meet on level 1 of the Hamilton Building. 720-865-5000 Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway denverartmuseum.org/calendar/stampedepublic-tours DaVinci X – The Machines & You Exhibition Hours:Monday Closed for Groups and Private Events, Tuesday through Saturday – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday – Noon till 5 p.m. Guided Tour Times – (Subject to Docent Availability) 1 p.m. Weekdays 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Weekends The DaVinci Machines Exhibition displaying handcrafted inventions built from Leonardo’s 500 year old designs brought to life. DaVinci X Exhibition, Located on the 2nd Floor of the Denver Pavilions – Suite 268 Take Escalator to 2nd Floor Next to Henry’s Tavern at 16th and Welton Check Mall Directories As Well discoverdavinci.com SEE THINGS TO DO, P23
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Life On Capitol Hill 23
January 2019
Things to Do FROM PAGE 22
Clyfford Still Museum Free Day Last Friday of every month In appreciation supporters of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SFCD), and in the spirit of community engagement, the Museum offers free admission on the last Friday of every month. 720-354-4880 Clyfford Still Museum, 1250 Bannock St. clyffordstillmuseum.org
CLASSES, LECTURES, FORUMS Sunday Open Meditation 1st Sunday of the month. Free to the public - all welcome. The Center is open to the public for “drop-in” meditation and contemplative practices, 10 a.m.-noon. Meditation instruction, 10:30 a.m., Padmasambhava Meditation Center, 1900 S. Cook St. padmasambhavameditationcenter. org English Learning Center Monday-Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. & Wednesday and Thursday 6:30 to 8 p.m. The English Learning Center, located at the Evanston Center for Spiritual Wholeness & Healing at 2122 S. Lafayette St., offers affordable day and evening English classes. If you are interested in teaching, assisting, or for more enrollment info. call 303-4200172, or contact Caryn Oppenheim, Exect. Director at Caryn.elcdenver@gmail.com Free Yoga for All Sundays 10 a.m. Relax and stretch with free yoga at a year round class designed for all ages and levels. Bring a mat if you can. Donations are appreciated but not required. 720-244-8252 Alamo Placita Park, East Fourth Avenue & Ogden Street wscc-denver.org Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Sundays 9:30 a.m. Learn both Tibetan and rhythmic English
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chants and brief silent meditations. Led by members of Yeshe Nyingpo Denver, a chapter of the Dudjom Tersar and aligned with the Dalai Lama. 303-294-9258 Mercury Cafe, 2199 California St. mercurycafe.com Sunday Open House and Meditation Sundays 10 a.m. A relaxed and informal Open House in the community room includes information about activities and meditation followed by a discussion and opportunity to meet others. Meditation instruction is available. Shambhala Meditation Center of Denver, 2305 S. Syracuse Way, Ste. 214 denver.shambhala.org Meditation and Kirtan Sundays 4 p.m. Leave your troubles behind and practice meditation and Kirtan every Sunday. Childcare provided. For more info call Ed. 720-810-9071 854 Pearl St., Denver Denver Laughter Club Meets every Monday except major holidays at St. Barnabas Church. 11:45 a.m. All are welcome, free, no jokes just laughter for no reason, with Chi Kung warmups, pure joy!! Call Meredee for more info. 303-877-9086 St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 1280 Vine St. denverlaughs.com Learn to Code Meetup Mondays, 6 p.m. An open house/study group for anyone, at any level, with any interest in computer programming. No prior knowledge/future commitment needed. 720-865-1706 ideaLAB in Community Technology Center of DPL Central library, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway meetup.com/learntocodedenver Belly Dancing Classes Classes held most Mondays, 7 p.m. beginners, 8 p.m. advanced. Classes $10 drop-in — Cafe not open 303-294-9258 Mercury Cafe, 2199 California St. mercurycafe.com Meditation at Noon Tuesdays, 12 p.m. Take 30 minutes to connect to your heart, cultivate inner peace and happiness, and clarify your intention for the day, free.
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303-813-9551 KMC Colorado Capitol Hill, 1081 Marion St. meditationincolorado.org Tech Help Appointments Tuesdays 1 p.m. Get personalized technology assistance and instruction on your own device or a public computer. Call your library for available times and schedule your own appointment. Tuesdays, we have 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. appointments. 720-865-0135 Ross-Broadway Branch Library, 33 E. Bayaud Ave. www.denverlibrary.org Words of Wisdom Tuesdays 2 p.m. One word can say it all. Join us as we explore a key word from each week’s parsha and discover inspiration and guidance for our life’s journey. 303-316-6412 The Jewish Experience Center, 399 S. Monaco Pkwy. Argentine Tango, Practice and Lessons Every Tuesday 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Tango Colorado hosts these low cost Tango lessons, followed by a practice session where dancers can polish the steps they learned, interact with other students and advanced dancers and improve their skills. 303-710-2250 Denver Turnverein Event Center, 1570 Clarkson St. tangocolorado.org/lessons Tuesday Night Blues Tuesdays 7 p.m. intermediate, 8 p.m. advanced. Classes $5, Dance 8:30 p.m., $8 ($10-12 with Live Band) 303-294-9258 Mercury Cafe, 2199 California St. mercurycafe.com
UNNA Monthly Meeting Second Tuesday of the month Evanston Center for Spiritual Wholeness and Healing, 2122 S. Lafayette St. unna.shutterfly.com West Coast Swing Classes Wednesdays, 7 p.m. beginner/intermediate, 8 p.m. advanced. Classes $8 303-294-9258 Mercury Cafe, 2199 California St. mercurycafe.com Denver Socrates Cafe Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Join a group that “seek truth by their own lights.” No regular attendance or preparation required. Speak your own mind, then take turns playing Socrates by asking questions. 303-861-1447 Trinity United Methodist Church, 1820 Broadway meetup.com/Denver-Socrates-Cafe Wednesday Nights Open Stage Wednesdays, 9 p.m. Open Stage for musicians, comics & magicians. Free, sign up with Host 303-294-9258 Mercury Cafe, 2199 California St. mercurycafe.com Thursday Evening Meditation Thursdays 7 p.m. Free to the public - all are welcome. Dharma teachings on Buddhist principles by Tibetan meditation master Chhoje Rinpoche (live or video) followed by meditation instruction. Padmasambhava Meditation Center, 1900 S. Cook St. padmasambhavameditationcenter.org
24 Life On Capitol Hill
January 2019
Find the orchid to match your skills GUEST COLUMN Nick Snakenberg
O
nce considered a hobby for the elite, new propagation techniques and the mass production of orchids has made the joy of growing these amazing plants accessible to everyone. Not too long ago, the only place to find orchids to purchase was through mail-order catalogs. Now, they can be found at almost any garden center, big box store or even your local grocer. Unfortunately, orchids have the undeserved reputation of being difficult to cultivate in the home. While this may be true of some orchid species, thankfully there are hundreds, if not thousands of orchid species and hybrids now available to hobbyist. If you can grow a houseplant in a windowsill, there is an orchid for you. Good plants for beginners One of the best pieces of advice I ever received concerning growing healthy orchids was to research what conditions a plant wants and then provide those conditions. Sounds simple — right? Put another way, don’t set yourself up for failure. Know what conditions you can provide and choose a suitable plant with those conditions in mind. Some of the best choices for the first time orchid grower are: Phalaenopsis — Perhaps the number-one choice for the first-time
The Doritaenopsis Little Gem Stripes orchid. Most orchids prefer to have moist, but not soggy soil. COURTESY OF DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS orchid grower is the Phalaenopsis or Moth Orchid. They readily adapt to our home conditions and reward the grower with flowers that can last for months at a time. Phalaenopsis plants prefer warm temperatures, low light levels and need to stay constantly moist (but never soggy). Paphiopedilum — Another popular choice for beginning orchid growers are Paphiopedilum or Slipper
Orchids. The flowers can be so ugly they are beautiful — it’s all in the eye of the beholder. Paphiopedilum orchids generally prefer low light levels, warm temperatures and must stay moist but not soggy. Paphiopedilum flowers are also long-lasting. Dendrobium — The genus Dendrobium contains hundreds of species so there are a wide variety of cultural requirements for this group
of plants. Most sold in garden centers will require bright light but can dry out slightly between waterings. Some will require a dry rest period in the fall and/or a drop in temperatures to encourage good blooming. You’ll need to research the specific Dendrobium you have. Want some inspiration? Visit Denver Botanic Gardens’ annual Orchid Showcase, on view in the Orangery Jan. 10 - Feb. 17. Included with general admission. Now that you’ve successfully grown and bloomed your first orchid, the sky is the limit. With so many species and hybrids to grow, an orchid hobby can last a lifetime. You can expand your orchid knowledge with the hundreds of books available on the subject, by researching online or by joining a local or national orchid society. The possibilities are endless. As your friends admire your beautiful orchids they will likely marvel at your horticultural prowess. I’ll let you decide whether or not to tell them that it really isn’t as hard as most folks believe. Nick Snakenberg is the associate director of horticulture and curator of tropical plant collections at the Denver Botanic Gardens. He can be reached at horticulture@denverbotanicgardens.org.
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rewarded. Need some inspiration? Join fellow travel lovers Thursday, January 24th for a fun evening! We’ll brainstorm ideas about fun and engaging trips, explore what makes travel meaningful and financial strategies to make it all possible. Shoot an email to Sarah.wells@lpl.com to find out more. Hope to see you there!
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Life On Capitol Hill 25
January 2019
Denver Botanic Gardens, Zoo announce grants Staff Report Denver Botanic Gardens aims to make non-living collection more accessible Last month, the Denver Botanic Gardens announced it had received nearly $250,000 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which it will use to move its nonliving collection into the new Freyer-Newman Center for Science, Art and Education building. The grant was awarded through the Museums for America program. The FreyerNewman Center is set to be completed in 2020, according to a news release from the gardens. The non-living collections are separated into three categories — natural history, library and art. The natural history collection is made up of dried plants and fungi from the Rocky Mountain Region that helps researchers study biodiversity in the region. The library has rare books and works focused on the natural world, including works by Charles Darwin and Robert John Thornton, according to the news release. The collection is made up of about 25,000 titles. The collec-
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tion also has botanical stamps as well as seed and nursery catalogs. The Denver Botanic Gardens art collection includes historic and contemporary botanic illustrations. The Museums for America grant will provide new storage space for the collections within the new Freyer-Newman Center, allowing it to be more accessible to the public. Denver Zoo receives two grants to forward conservation efforts The Denver Zoo announced it received two grants from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums as part of the Conservation Fund Grant awards. The grants will go toward the Zoo’s conservation efforts for vultures in Botswana and a study on socialization in Asian male elephants, according to a news release. The release did not specify the amounts of the grants. The Denver Zoo has had a Field Conservation Team in Botswana working with vultures since 2006. The bird population has been decreasing there in large part due to poisoning by humans, the release said. The grant will help the zoo train 40 wildlife professionals how to respond quickly to poisonings.
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26 Life On Capitol Hill
January 2019
Denver roofs go from By Clarke Reader creader@coloradocommunitymedia.com
In 2017, 54 percent of Denver voters approved an ordinance that aimed to make the city’s roofs greener, and thus, better for the environment, despite big money opposition. But in October of this year, city council approved some changes to the ordinance that some see as a weakening of the voters’ intent. The original green roof ordinance required new buildings 25,000 square feet or higher — with the exception of residentials under four stories — to ensure a certain percentage of their rooftop is used for gardens and vegetative space or solar pannels. A building could cover its entire roof in solar panels to be exempt from the requirement. Existing buildings could receive a total waiver or they could get the percentage that needs to be covered reduced by applying to the Denver Planning Board. Under the new requirements, new Denver roofs must be white or “cool roofs,” which reflect sunshine instead of absorbing it. Property owners also have several other sustainable options to work into the design, including green space on the roof or somewhere else on the property, solar panels,or paying money to the city’s Green Building Fund. Existing buildings have similar options to positively impact the city’s environmental health. Kyle Zeppelin, co-president of Zeppelin Development, said the changes reflect a lack of leadership and dampening of the positive effects residents voted for when they approved
a green roof ordinance in 2017. “These changes are giving industries a reprieve, when this should have been a lever to get more greenspace into Denver,” Zeppelin said. “We had an opportunity to make up some ground on green development. Instead, the results are exactly what the building industry wanted.” Zeppelin Development was behind several projects in the River North neighborhood, such as Zeppelin Station and The Source Hotel. Brandon Rietheimer, founder and campaign manager of the original green roof requirements, approved of the revisions made to the original ordinance. “There were some major flaws in the ordinance I drafted. One was that only a portion of the roof had to be covered and it did not specify that the other portion of the roof had to be a cool roof,” he said. “The largest issue was that nearly 90 percent of existing buildings would have been exempted the way it was written. Significant climate impact would have been lost had we allowed these buildings to be exempted.” Making a positive impact on climate change was a key motivation behind the ordinance in the first place, especially since Colorado could be in for some hot summers in the coming years if data projections from the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) are correct. These projections state that by 2080, Denver could see about 79 days above 95 degrees. The situation could be exacerbated by the fact that Denver has the third worst heat island
green to white in the country, according to the DDPHE. As the Environmental Protection Agency describes it, a heat island is a location where the population keeps the temperature higher than surrounding areas by building lots of unshaded surfaces like roofs and pavement. Heat islands can lead to increases in summertime peak energy demand, air conditioning costs, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, heatrelated illness and mortality, and water quality. Once the ordinance passed, city staff went about looking at the best way to implement the new requirements. About 24 stakeholders got involved and they had nine three-hour meetings on implementation, said Katrina Managan, energy efficient buildings lead in the DDPHE’s Environmental Quality Division. “We reached a consensus about adding some flexibility and expanded options for people to meet the requirements,” Managan said. “I really think we found the sweet spot with these changes.” Rietheimer agreed, saying the new changes will allow for a more significant impact on the urban heat island and climate change by allowing multiple compliance pathways. Where some like Rietheimer see the compromises as a positive, Zeppelin believes the less stringent requirements represent a missed opportunity by the city’s elected and environmental leaders. “We need more forward-thinking leadership as we move forward,” Zeppelin said. “I think the original initiative captured the imagination and energy of a lot of people, and that’s not going anywhere.”
GREEN ROOF ORDINANCE Denver’s original green-roof law: 25,000 square feet. • Buildings must dedicate a percentage of a building’s When it’s time for existroof to green and vegetaing buildings to get new tive space or solar panels. roofs, they are also subPercentage is based on jected to the ordinance. roof square-footage. • Residential buildings • Passed with 54 percent under four stories are of the vote in November exempted. Buildings of 2017. five stories and smaller are exempt from going • Applied to most new beyond a white roof. buildings of at least Denver’s new cool-roof rules: • Roofs must be white or • Exemptions: “cool roofs,” which reflect Parking garages sunshine instead of Temporary or air-supportabsorbing it. ed structures • Property owners also Greenhouses have several sustainable Single-family homes, options to work into the duplexes design, including green space on the roof or Multifamily residential somewhere else on the buildings that are five property, solar panels,or stories or less paying money to the Emergency roof replacecity’s Green Building ments for wind or fire Fund. • There are other exemp• Approved unanimously tions based on technical by Denver City Council in feasibility, characterOctober 2018. defining features and existing green roof • Applies to buildings of at or renewable energy least 25,000 square feet.
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Life On Capitol Hill 27
January 2019
Denver Recycles program mulches Christmas trees By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com
The life of a Christmas tree is short: It spends a month or so in warm comfort, decorated with glowing lights, before it’s thrown out at the end of the year. For the past 25 years, Denver Recycles, a program run by the city Public Works Department, has tried to combat that with Treecycle, which takes used Christmas trees and turns them into garden mulch. Charlotte Pitt, a manager at Denver Recycles, said she enjoys the closed loop nature of the program — trees helping to provide new life in Denver gardens instead of sitting in a landfill. Because no oxygen gets to organic matter in landfills, decomposition creates methane, Pitt said. “Recycling doesn’t work if you don’t have somewhere to put the end product,” she said. “Keeping the trees out is a great way to decrease methane production in the landfills.” For the last 10 years, Denver Recycles has
Business FROM PAGE 4
Gypsy House Cafe A former Capitol Hill coffee spot, Gypsy House Cafe, will be reopening on South Broadway. Gypsy House closed at 1279 Marion St. in March
collected about 20,000 trees per year during the Treecycle event, Pitt said. How many trees are sold in Denver is a harder number to gauge. Dozens of organizations around the city sell real trees, and Denver’s proximity to the mountains means people can cut their own trees there. The mulch from Christmas trees is given away in May during a one-day event with Denver Parks and Recreation. Last year, 855 cars came through the main site, and the city gave away about 5,000 cubic yards of mulch. The trees are stored until March, when Denver Recycles brings in a company to shred them, Pitt said. “We know people aren’t thinking about mulch until May,” she said. “It just makes sense for us to wait.” The city also adds additional branch debris to the mulch to give it a more varied consistency. The mulch is not decorative and should be used as a first layer in gardening, Pitt said. Turning trees into mulch is only one way
2016, after 12 years in business. The spot is now occupied by Little Gingko Asian Cafe. The corner building was well-known for a large mural painted on the outside of the building. Gypsy House has taken over at 1545 S. Broadway. A new mural has been painted on the side of the building. Co-owners and sisters, Doniece and Dena Derani, have started a Go
to recycle, said Doug Hundley, a spokesperson with the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA). The organization, based in Littleton, has a page on its website dedicated to different recycling efforts across the nation. In Illinois, trees are being used to create habitat for herons. “People do a lot of creative things with these trees,” Hundley said. The NCTA represents about 15,000 tree farmers nationwide. Each year, the organization donates the official Christmas tree to the White House. To recycle the trees in Denver, Pitt said it’s important that all decorations be removed. Denver Recycles serves the city and county of Denver’s Solid Waste Management customers. Customers can place their trees on the curb in their regular trash collection spot. If placed on the side of the curb, they should not be bagged. To make sure it collects as many trees as possible, the program takes a page out of the book of Saint Nick himself by having the
Fund Me campaign for the last push to open the business. The pair have raised nearly $3,000 of a $7,000 goal. The new Gypsy House will continue to host open-mic events as well as live music. For more information, visit the Go Fund Me page at https:// www.gofundme.com/gypsy-housecafe.
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TO LEARN MORE Tree pick-up is on regularly scheduled trash days during the first two weeks of January. Trees can also be dropped off at designated locations through Jan. 31. For more information on the Treecycle program, and where to drop off trees, visit www.denvergov.org/treecycle. Denver Recycles is also taking old holiday lights through Jan. 19 at the Cherry Creek Recycling Drop-off, 7352 Cherry Creek S. Drive. For more information on the National Christmas Tree Association, as well as other recycling options, visit www.realchristmastrees. org/All-About-Trees/How-to-Recycle. program run through two weeks of trash services in January. “We drive by every home twice,” Pitt said.
David Yurman The David Yurman jewelry boutique has reopened inside the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, according to a news release. The store is now located in a 1,660-square-foot store in the mall. It opened in early November. The store carries men’s and women’s jewelry, as well as a wedding section. The men’s section
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28 Life On Capitol Hill
January 2019
Bracing for a strike
Denver teachers will vote on a strike this month pending negotiations By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com
The clock is ticking. After more than a year of salary negotiations, teachers say they are getting ready for their last resort: voting for a strike. For the last 18 months, members of the Denver Classroom Teachers Association have been meeting with Denver Public Schools officials, trying to work out a system that pays teachers better. The DCTA is the union representing teachers in Denver. The average salary for DPS teachers during the 2017-18 school year was $50,757 according to the Colorado Department of Education. It is the largest school district in the state. Jefferson County Public Schools, the second largest district, had an average salary of $57,154 for the 2017-18 school year. Cherry Creek School District, the state’s fourth largest district, had an average salary of $71,711. Teachers across the state have been fighting for better pay. Henry Roman, president of the association and an elementary school teacher, said a possible strike in Denver has been a long time coming. After the first several months of negotiations, DPS brought
forth a proposal, but it didn’t meet any of the needs discussed in meetings, Roman said. “After meeting for three consecutive months of a meeting of the minds, once we saw the product, meaning their proposal, we realized that they were not listening to any of the things we talked about,” he said. “In essence, (we) essentially said we wanted a predictable income.” In March, the DCTA gave DPS a timeframe to develop a proposal and, if an agreement could not be made, teachers would hold a vote for a strike on Jan. 18. This is not just a battle between teachers and the district, Roman said. The reason strikes are a last resort for teachers is because of the impact it can have on student learning. Roman said the DCTA has been holding public meetings at the schools, such as South High School, to help involve parents in the process. “It’s so important,” he said. “The working conditions of our teachers are the learning conditions of our students.” Low teacher pay leads to higher turnover rates, Roman said. This affects students who have begun to
build relationships with their teachers. Roman said some areas in the district have turnover rates as high as 90 percent from year to year. But Debbie Hearty, chief human resources officer for DPS, argued that teacher retention is on the rise at 86 percent. Hearty added that finding funding to increase teachers salaries can be difficult with the way education is funded in Colorado as a whole. “We are in complete agreement that our teachers need more money,” she said. “It’s really hard in Colorado with the state-level funding.” Teachers in Denver are paid using the Professional Compensation system, or Pro-Comp. When Pro-Comp was first created, Roman said, it was a sliding scale. Veteran teachers who had been in the district for a longer period of time would get salary increases. But in 2008, the system was changed to what it is today — a confusing setup of one-time bonuses and incentives. It makes it difficult for teachers to read their paycheck and know if they are being paid the correct amount, Roman said. “It became heavily one-time variable pay and that was never the
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intent,” he said. “It doesn’t honor the mission we had in the first version.” That Pro-Comp is a confusing system is something on which both teachers and the district can agree. “Our current system has too many complexities,” Hearty said. “It’s not helpful. I’m deeply committed to simplifying.” The district sent out a new proposal on Dec. 13, the day after a negotiating meeting, hours before the DCTA held a community meeting regarding the possible strike at South High School. The proposal would take funds out of the bonus system and put them into the base salary budget, Hearty said. The proposal also worked to make the bonus system more clear. The proposal also offers to increase the starting salary for new teachers to $45,000. The proposal still has a lot of details to iron out, and the district is willing to hold further talks, Hearty said. Roman said he is hopeful that negotiations will result in an agreement both sides can approve, especially with Susana Cordova coming in as the new superintendent. The district announced that Cordova would be taking over the position in December. Cordova attended DPS schools,
TO LEARN MORE To learn more about the Denver Classroom Teachers Association, visit http://denverteachers.org. The website will also include information on upcoming events. Henry Roman, the president of the DCTA, encouraged parents concerned about the possible strike to attend Denver Public Schools board meetings, as well as any teachers union meetings. For more information on the recent salary proposal from DPS, Dr. Ron Cabrera, the interim superintendent, recorded a video: https://vimeo. com/306204644. according to a news release from the district. She then worked her way up through DPS as a teacher, principal and eventually to deputy superintendent. She will start in her new postion early this year, the release said. “Our hope is the district comes to the table with a proposal that reflects the fact that they have been listening to us,” Roman said.
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