03 18 WALKDENVER TO INSTALL ARTWORK ALONG COLFAX By Stacey McDole WalkDenver and Denver Vision Zero Coalition are having a pretty good year, so far. Recently, the nonprofit WalkDenver named Jill Locantore, its previous Associate Director, as Executive Director. She succeeds Gosia Kung, who stepped down in late 2017, as WalkDenver’s first Executive Director. In addition to a change in leadership, WalkDenver received a $10,000 grant towards a community art project from Denver art program “P.S. You Are Here,” a collaborative initiative between Mayor Michael Hancock and Denver Arts & Venues launched in April 2014, to fund its Vision Zero Community Art Project. According to its website, “P.S. You Are Here” is “a citywide creative placemaking and neighborhood revitalization program that cultivates collaborative, community-led outdoor projects in Denver’s public spaces.” This is exactly what the Vision Zero project aims to do. The Vision Zero Community Art Project, led by the Denver Vision Zero Coalition—a group of organizations like WalkDenver who support Mayor Hancock’s adopted Vision Zero program to decrease traffic-related deaths and injuries— have been working on an art installation for the Colfax corridor. Denver muralist Pat Milbery and East High School art students are designing a mural to raise awareness about traffic safety. Milbery and the students will welcome input from the community to help settle on a design. The Vision Zero Community Art Project aims to address issues of traffic safety along Denver’s Colfax corridor by installing these murals in areas of high pedestrian and vehicle interactions.
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A pedestrian makes his way east along Colfax Avenue toward Franklin Street. In the background, in the middle of Colfax Avenue, one can see a clearly marked pedestrian island. Photo by Haines Eason. Community engagement will target neighborhood residents, business owners and patrons, as well as families of the victims, who are the real impetus behind the project. Community members have been asked to share their personal stories and to assist with artistic design and installation. “Colfax is part of Denver's "High Injury Network" [or HINs]— the five percent of the streets where 50 percent of the traffic fatalities occur. And the intersection with Franklin and Park is particularly dangerous, especially for people walking,” Locantore says.
Smaller-scale projects such as sidewalk stencils and artistic street signs will also be installed in high-impact areas. “Regarding the Vision Zero Community Art Project, we have a candidate location for the first mural on East Colfax which we hope to finalize soon, and [we hope to install it] by April of this year,” says Locantore. The project’s goals are to bring the community together to create public art installations that raise CONTINUED ON 11
SEE MORE OF THE OLD KIRKLAND AT THE NEW KIRKLAND New location greatly expands viewable holdings By Haines Eason There’s no doubt Denver is more and more on the map as attested by the seemingly endless stream of newcomers bent on making a go of it here. But what about when it comes to the city as a travel destination in of itself? In recent years, some might have considered stopping over for a brewery or pot-shop tour before hitting some mountain powder, but recently The New York
Councilwoman Robin Kniech talks gentrification and remedies.
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Times gave the city itself a nod—or gave the Golden Triangle one when it put the neighborhood on its “52 places to go in 2018” list. Just what was it about the Triangle that caught the Times’ eye? The newly expanded Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, set to reopen its doors March 10. “I keep saying this is my favorite room or this is my favorite room,” says Renée Albiston, marketing and outreach manager for the Kirkland. “The fact is you are never bored visiting our museum; there is a new surprise at every corner, and the unique salon-style display appeals to even the grumpiest non-museum goer.” Albiston is on to something. The Kirkland is fairly unique in that it is a museum of art and design with much
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Local high schooler interviews new East High Kenyan student about his experiences.
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of the holdings comprised of functional decorative objects: furniture, silver and dishware, timepieces and more. Complementing these are paintings and sculpture—original works by Vance Kirkland and both Colorado and regional visual artists. But just what is salon-style display? “Many museums will feature single items on pedestals, a single cup on a pedestal,” Albiston explains. “We feature vignettes. Our founding Director and Curator Hugh Grant displays in vignette or salon style because he wants visitors to get an understanding and feel for how these objects CONTINUED ON 10
We take a deep dive into the Degas exhibit now open at the Denver Art Museum.
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LIFE • MARCH 2018
REPRESENTATIVE Publishers Jill Farschman Jay Farschman Editor Haines Eason Associate Editor Jason McKinney Advertising Jill Farschman Alecia Duncan Operations & Creative Manager Calendar Editor Alecia Duncan Photographer Haines Eason Kevin Ryan Writers Liz Clift, D. Todd Clough, Electa Draper, Haines Eason, Peter Jones, Allie Kelly, Robin Kniech Stacey McDole, Jason McKinney Stephen Molyneux, Kevin Ryan, J.L. Schultheis-Price
EDITORIAL editor@denvermetromedia.com Press releases, story ideas and news tips due by March 19 for the March issue, published the first Wednesday of each month.
ADVERTISING sales@denvermetromedia.com 303.778.8021 Get your message to your neighbors in Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Congress Park, Uptown, Alamo Placita, Cherry Creek North, South City Park and Golden Triangle.
Gentrification, displacement and government By Robin Kniech, Denver City Council, AtLarge All cities, including Denver, are dynamic and always changing. When the pace of growth outstrips the pace of infrastructure, change is experienced as a challenge to overall resident quality of life and must be a priority for government throughout the city (such as the nearly one billion dollars in mobility, parks and public improvements that voters recently approved). Similarly, communities across Denver are impacted by skyrocketing housing prices and individual displacement, creating an impetus for city council to prioritize new funding and expanded policies that will help city wide. But there are additional unique challenges and responsibilities when an area with many families of color and unique cultural history and amenities experience large-scale displacement. This change is known as gentrification and it doesn’t only impact individuals. It tears the fabric of closeknit communities. Many of the housing policies and investments passed in recent years can be utilized in ways that help prevent displacement. However, we haven’t often talked about them in this way, and they aren’t yet big enough or broad enough to meet the scale of the challenges. In response to calls from the community to elevate the dialogue on gentrification, this overview provides background for those seeking to better understand why government must have a role, and it proposes concrete steps for fighting displacement. It is offered with great humility. These
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Femme Left and Denver ISO educate for liberation By Stephen Molyneux Local groups Femme Left and the Denver branch of the International Socialist Organization (ISO) collaborate to educate about socialism, for liberation. Mae Black is in both organizations and each meet at The Deer Pile, above
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ideas don’t add up to a complete solution. However, we must reject all-or-nothing thinking that can be an excuse for inaction. Where we can make an impact, we must, and we can certainly do much more to fight displacement.
THE PROCESS OF GENTRIFICATION
- Bank redlining (refusal of a loan to someone because of the area they live in and the perception of it being a poor investment) and government-sanctioned segregation created a few neighborhoods with concentrations of low-income people or people of color, followed by lack of investment over decades. - Communities fight to bring back investment and amenities (parks, better transportation, grocery stores, better housing). - Improving conditions attract new residents and businesses. - Rents and property values rise. - Longtime residents are displaced or experience a change/loss of racial diversity, institutions of cultural identity.
HARMS OF GENTRIFICATION FOR THOSE WHO STAY
- Loss of support network (neighbors, family and childcare). - Loss of services (culturally-specific groceries, hair salons). - More money goes to housing, less to cover food, education, etc.
HARMS OF GENTRIFICATION THOSE WHO MUST MOVE
- Cannot enjoy amenities that finally arrived. - Increased commute time and cost, less time with family. - Loss of home/neighborhood.
ROLE OF GOVERNMENT
A growing preference for urban living and growth are also powerful drivers of gentrification, but government’s historic role in segregation and disinvestment creates special responsibility to utilize public
City O' City, on Capitol Hill. I sat down with her and Jonathan Cunningham of the ISO there on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018, after they co-facilitated a discussion called "MeToo: Taking A Stand Against Women's Oppression." Two weeks later, they co-hosted "Socialist Feminism: Intro to Social Reproduction Theory." Femme Left came into existence in early 2017 to fight capitalism and social inequality, organizing to respond to the needs of their community. "It birthed out of a lot of different trans, gendernon-conforming (GNC), woman-and femme-identifying people getting active again after the election and feeling uncomfortable at protests, or they felt
policy tools to mitigate and reduce the negative effects of past discrimination. The goal is to continue investing in areas with great need, without fueling involuntary displacement. This work requires collaboration beyond government, including real space for leadership from impacted residents. There are many possible tools, a few of which are listed below and there is great potential for future partnership between government and community to take our actions to the next level.
EXPANDING EXISTING CITY TOOLS
- Broaden property tax rebates to more homeowner families. - Fund creation/preservation of more affordable homes in rapidly changing areas & mixed-use buildings, dedicate portion to existing residents. - Keeping projects affordable for 99-plus years. - Expanding zoning and land use links to affordability (density bonus, accessory units).
PROPOSALS NOT YET APPROVED
- Goals for training and hiring vulnerable residents on city projects. - Protecting renters with lease copies, non-discrimination for voucher holders, expanded eviction defense. - Resident decision-making on community-scale infrastructure. - Broadening use of community landtrusts beyond new construction.
NEW IDEAS NEEDED
- How to maintain culturally diverse businesses and nonprofits. - Preserving affordability for non-subsidized housing (rent control of private owners is prohibited in Colorado). - Strategies to increase wages. - Improving inclusivity and access to higher opportunity neighborhoods. We want to hear from you. Please contact our office at kniechatlarge@ denvergov.org or 720-337-7712.
they couldn't really talk at meetings," Black says. "The [Denver] Autonomous Assembly was focused on directly facing fascists, and some of us didn't feel safe in that kind of activism. So, it was kind of born out of that, and then we didn't formalize and become a named organization until May 1, on May Day, last year." Femme Left has since initiated an ongoing self-liberation skillshare series while recently launching a small press, which is open to submissions, and establishing chapters in Kansas City and Madison. Self-reliance, self-education and self-care are the three branches of CONTINUED ON 3
MARCH 2018 • LIFE
DEVELOPMENT Every month, LIFE will provide answers to the community’s burning questions about new and ongoing developments. If there is a pile of dirt you’re curious about, or if you want to know how much longer your street parking will be sacrificed during construction, email Stacey McDole at capitolhill303@gmail.com. She’ll do the investigation for you and report back. ________________________________________
First Avenue and Broadway: First Avenue Hotel
The boards will soon come down at the building that used to house El Diablo and Sketch restaurants in Baker. Zocalo Community Development will develop the boarded-up First Avenue Hotel on Broadway into much needed affordable housing units with groundfloor retail and parking. The developer is about a year into planning and pre-development work with city and state partners to make sure the project reaches its full potential. Per David Zucker, LEED AP, Principal & CEO for Zocalo, the process is slow but has been coming along, and the community should see movement on the site soon. “We are excited to be given the opportunity to continue the story of this building that has been part of Denver since 1909,” says Zucker. “Zocalo really appreciates this support and we are very excited to open the doors on this project so the neighborhood and Denver community alike can fully enjoy this historic building.” The previous owner, who filed for bankruptcy in 2012, neglected to do necessary safety repairs to the 100-plus-yearold building. In 2015, the property went to auction and was picked up by Digital Cowboy. The critical stabilization work that
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the self- series, which is partly supported by the Denver Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) General Defense Committee. Denver Socialists - ISO formed in 2012. "The ISO doesn't want to like dictate anything to Femme Left," Cunningham says. "When they offer the opportunity to work with them we are grateful, but
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the property requires will commence in the next few months. The building will feature 102 affordable studio and one-bedroom apartments to accommodate essential menbers of our workforce, those earning in the range of $35,000 annually. Zocalo will also retrofit the first floor to allow for retail spaces. A healthy list of interested business owners has already knocked on Zocalo’s door as this building is situated at one of the last vacant corners on Broadway. Through all these changes, Zocalo will preserve the building's historical character and designate the building as a historical landmark in both state and national registries. For inquiries, please contact Marc Feder at marc.feder@federcommercial. com and Madeline Grawey for residential inquiries at 720-774-6101.
Modera West Wash Park
A new, eight-story, 241-unit apartment building will occupy the lot currently held by the Visiting Nurse building on Grant Street and Speer Boulevard. Demolition of the office building was set for the week of Feb. 12, 2018 (at press time, the Visiting Nurse Association building had not yet been demolished). Modera West Wash Park, as the project is currently called, is being developed by Mill Creek Residential, a Dallas-based developer. The apartment will boast a brick-and-glass façade, underground parking garage, fitness center and rooftop pool. The architect is Davis Partnership and the general contractor is Martines Palmeiro Construction. The company is also building an eight-story, 197-unit property on Capitol Hill at 12th Avenue and Grant Street. Per Brian Wynne, senior managing director of Mill Creek Residential, the structure should be rising above grade around May of this year with a target date for completion in first quarter 2020. Once the current office building is razed, utility work will begin on the parcel and will continue for approximately two months. Leasing prices have not been set. Other Colorado Mill Creek proper-
Gone from the corner of Grant Street and Speer Boulevard is the Visiting Nurse Association building, and incoming is Modera West Wash Park. Photo by Haines Eason. ties are Modera Observatory Park, Modera River North and Post River North.
Denver Art Museum expansion
Preparations for the expansion and renovation of the Denver Art Museum (DAM) are underway. The project will take three years to complete The Hamilton Building, just south of 13th Avenue, will be open seven days a week to ensure visitors have plenty of access to DAM during the construction period. “Nearly half of the DAM’s visitors last fiscal year came to the campus free of charge, thanks to several free days, festivals and our Free for Kids program,” says Shadia Lemus, communications manager for DAM. "It’s important for the community to still have all-access to the museum during renovations."
Renovations to the Gio Ponti-designed North Building will include updates to major systems, in addition to new and expanded gallery spaces. Thanks to a large donation from the Sie Foundation, a new, glassed welcome center will house fast-casual dining, formal dining and event spaces, and it will be named after the generous donors—the Anna and John J. Sie Welcome Center. Other new spaces will include a center for learning and engagement, design and graphics gallery, Western American Art galleries, outdoor site improvements and a conservation lab where the public can watch art conservationists at work. The museum and the new welcome center are slated to re-open by the end of 2021. For information on project details, visit denverartmuseum.org/north.
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we understand why they have a project for only non-cis-male identifying people, and we want to support that space and that project however we can." Femme Left prioritizes non-male voices. General assemblies and some of their events are open only to trans, GNC and woman-identifying people. Find out more about Femme Left at femmeleft. com and Denver Socialists - ISO at denversocialists.org.
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pslmc.com/ER The Denver Socialists - ISO table after the Women's March, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018, in Civic Center Park. From left to right, ISO members Richard Folsom, Jason Metter, Jim Bullington, Mae Black and Jonathan Cunningham. Photo by Stephen Molyneux.
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2001 High St, Denver 80218
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LIFE • MARCH 2018
Stop in to Cherry Creek now to try one of Von Miller’s favorite restorative treatments, the full body cryo tank, at VIVE Float Studio +, 250 Steele St.
BUSINESS Column and photos by J.L. Schultheis Price
OPENINGS
VIVE FLOAT STUDIO +
Cherry Creek North (CCN) has a new oasis. It’s Vive Float Studio +, an escape from today’s stresses and worries. As the name indicates, there are float rooms here for relaxation but there’s more to the story with the + at the end. Roughly 3,400 square feet of former Continental Deli space at 250 Steele St.
has been totally transformed. Owner Andi Sigler crafted an enticing space, drawing on inspiration from her original float business in Frisco. In addition to four private float/ shower rooms with high ceilings and ample space so no one gets claustrophobic, there are a slew of other options to boost body health. The Halo Room provides the latest in salt therapy. It’s a dry salt treatment dispersing tiny crystals to aid respiration. Next door is an infrared sauna—one that heats your core without triggering major sweats—that my tour guide says is seven times more detoxifying than steam treatments. Vibro-acoustic treatment (VAT) combines a vibrating water table with music that mirrors the vibrations in a relaxation
Always free parking (200 spaces!) in back!
There’s an expanded DIY bar on display during Social Fare’s Sunday brunch hours which also include a kids’ BYO pancake buffet. package. A special cryo room can treat areas of injury. It’s also popular for facial treatments. There’s one feature I can’t wait to try—the full-body cryo tank like the one Von Miller uses. The concept may seem intimidating but your head is above the treatment tube for the entire two to three minute process. I could handle that. “You will have the best night’s sleep you’ve ever had after a treatment,” says studio director Keanna Casanova. Cold therapy first became popular with ice baths, and this is its next evolution. It boosts oxygenation of your core and extremities. So wrap yourself in -319 degree temps and chat with the technician monitoring your deep freeze. Time will fly. Clean, comfy and curative is Vive’s mission. Sigler’s vision includes a Quiet Center where guests can relax and sip tea before or after treatments. Individual recliners surround the glow of a steam fireplace. The studio opened Jan. 27 and currently offers introductory pricing. There are also multi-month membership choices that provide access to the Quiet Center daily and to a number of services for one set price. Find details at vivefloatstudio.com.
SOCIAL FARE
Elizabeth
Just good food & Colfax drinks next door to the Tattered Cover, two blocks from City Park.
2550 E. Colfax Ave. | 303-355-5445 thegoodsrestaurant.com facebook.com/thegoodsrestaurant
Second Home exited the dining space inside CCN’s J.W. Marriott one Sunday evening in January after a nine year run; the following morning, Social Fare opened in the space. While the name flipped, much stayed the same. The focus is still comfort foods and some favorites from Second Home were retained. “The idea is for folks to come socially and share a lot of menu items,” says manager Shara Dowd. Sunday brunch is still a thing. The old pajama brunch for kiddos gave way to a pancake extravaganza where kids eight and under can decorate pancakes and pile on fruit and bacon, do crafts or view movies while supervised. It’s complimentary, too. Hours run 7:00a.m.-1:00p.m. Parents will welcome the expanded DIY Bloody bar that added ingredients to build other cocktails like a Tequila Sunrise or Screwdriver. There’s even a recipe book to juice creativity. Social Fare’s menu is broad, as you’d expect from a hotel. There are appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and snacks available. Comfort dishes include fried chicken, meatloaf, braised short ribs and a three cheese grilled sandwich. Burgers built from several proteins are offered, too, but those with an adventurous palate
can find intriguing offerings like a tempting wild mushroom, kale and butternut squash risotto. The restaurant has an adjacent lounge area where all wines and whiskeys are 20 percent off each Wednesday. All brands, all price points. Could be a great way to sample something new. One of the best things about Social Fare is that the hotel will offer three hours of free valet parking for diners. The phone number is 303-253-3000.
KIAN RUG COMPANY
After you’ve devoured brunch, stroll around the corner to explore Kian Rugs. The space that once housed Design Within Reach in CCN is now all about floor furnishings. After years on South Broadway and in Grand Junction, two brothers have opened a rug gallery in CCN. “We were always looking for a bigger location. One selling luxury items. Most of our customers and designers were from the Cherry Creek area,” says Mori Torabbeigi, who runs the shop with his brother, Moe. The duo opened a wholesale family business in 1995 and added retail 11 years later. Their CCN showroom opened in late December. I had my doubts about the space as a rug store but it really works. Design Within Reach had built numerous wall panels into the space that are ideal for hanging and displaying carpets. The shop sells traditional rugs, antiques, modern and contemporary styles. They also do some custom work and carry only hand-knotted rugs. One carpet in stock contains 10 million knots and the company employs over 100 workers in India to handle custom orders. The business caters to two distinct groups. Roughly half their shoppers favor contemporary but others, like me, still lean toward traditional floor patterns. The building is slated for renovation soon but Torabbeigi is not concerned. “We have an agreement that if they are going to do construction, the landlord will find us another location. We plan to stay in Cherry Creek for the next 20 years.” The address is 2500 E. Second Ave. Doors open 10:00a.m. daily, except Sunday when it’s 11:00a.m.
TEALEE’S TEA HOUSE AND BOOKSTORE
“She was good people.” With four simple words from the heart, Denver native Risë (Ree’-sa) Jones paid tribute to her inspirational grandmother as she introduced area guests to her new business venture—TeaLee’s Tea
MARCH 2018 • LIFE
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Despite a sudden snow storm, TeaLee’s Tea House and Bookstore on 22nd Street near Welton still opened, and the place was packed.
Rustic, laid back, overseen by a large buck: the Owl Saloon on E. Colfax offers city dwellers a great mountain saloon experience plus tater tots. Lots of tots.
House and Bookstore, which is named after the late Evelyn Jones. Jones paid tribute on a very snowy Saturday morning in early February—a day she wondered would ever arrive—and the place was packed. Jones and husband Louis Freeman will run the venture at 611 22nd St. near Welton St., but there’s been an outpouring of public support for this black-owned venture, too. City Council president Albus Brooks helped dedicate the space. He challenged the community to come around and invest as he had. It was a family affair for many. “My kids are here today,” Brooks said. “It’s a blessing to have you in Five Points.” The morning’s events could be summed up in one word: Finally! It has been a long journey. Jones had to surmount significant health challenges but, from those treatments, TeaLee’s emerged. “At the end of my recovery period, my husband asked the question: “What do you really want to do with your life?” Indirectly, I answered, “I want a teahouse.” What she really envisioned was a “black-owned (and managed) business (to) trade with each other while spending our dollars multiple times with our neighbors.” A survey of potential customers was favorable but it took years to open the doors. Renovations to the vintage structure weren’t simple and, yes, permitting problems arose, but the results are prime. Inside TeaLee’s at street level, there are cozy corners for lingering plus a lively bar where baristas are hard at work. Afternoon Tea and High Tea can be ordered in advance if you desire. Otherwise, there are plenty of options to build
my first comment focused on the many entrepreneurs taking a page from his book, and following a taco-centric path. “I noticed that,” he says with a good-natured chuckle but then rapidly dismissed it as not his concern. “Honestly, I kind of go through my day with blinders on and just try to make our concept better every day. It’s all about the current shift and what we’re doing tomorrow.” Morrison is rarely idle. He’s planning a pop-up brunch at his other eatery, Fish & Beer in RiNo, on April 8. “We’re toying with the idea of adding brunch there. I think it would do well.” Back on The Hill, the latest TTW space features soaring ceilings, which I hope will dampen the decibel level. This spot seats 50-53, most at community tables or an extensive counter/bar top. Its interior is similar to the York Street location but there’s no patio. This space pays tribute to TTW’s amazing run. Reviews and rankings from Food Network, Huffington Post, Cheap Flights, The Denver Post and other publications document Morrison’s big successes. Final food prep will be done behind the bar. That’s sort of a company trademark. While the menu is likely to stay very close to the other two Denver locations, Morrison gives his kitchen managers input on the final menu. The same goes for the guy behind the bar.
your own special goodie plate. A daily quiche is served along with a soup du jour, and a charcuterie plate that rotates daily. Sandwiches include honey-roasted turkey with Brie, chutney, and greens; a curried egg salad with marcona almonds, currants and endive, and a salmon and English cucumber stack with Japanese mayo. In addition to a café that features delectable bites and an abundant love of tea, espresso or hot chocolate are offered. A gift shop occupies one wall of the café. Downstairs, there’s a bookstore and events center stocked with volumes Jones hopes will inspire both the African-American community and other guests. What inspired me was Jones’ own story. Read it at tealeesdenver.com. TeaLee’s is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00a.m.-7:00p.m.; the number is 303-593-2013. Launching a business while recovering from a life-threatening condition has been financially daunting. The couple has set up a gofundme.com page and welcomes any pledges.
TACOS, TEQUILA, WHISKEY
Yippee! There’s another address for Pinche Tacos fans. Whoops, I meant Tacos, Tequila, Whiskey (TTW). I’m well aware that the name was legally changed years ago (for multiple reasons) but I bet you’re still calling it Pinche, right? This café debuts March 1 in a new building at 215 E. Seventh Ave. With this space, Kevin Morrison now owns a total of five eateries in Colorado and Arizona. I remember his modest food truck beginnings so it’s been impressive documenting his journey. When we talked about number five,
“My bartender has learned our basic cocktails but will have free reign to create his own cocktails,” Morrison added. Small batch tequilas continue as a focus. Like the other locations, there are liquor lockers you can rent; the proceeds go to charity. TTW sells you the bottles at retail versus restaurant prices and will craft cocktails utilizing your stash. It’s a feature found at all TTW locations.
CANOPY
A pair of new offerings on Broadway has neighbors buzzing. First up there’s Canopy, a spacious new bar at 8 Broadway. It’s the fourth drinking establishment from Greg Gallagher and company, and his first venture outside downtown Denver. The bar area is a spacious, relaxed room ideal for some serious drinking. In back, there are two pool tables and a game space plus a photo booth. A compelling mural by local street artist Jaime Molina anchors the back wall of the space and it’s magnetic. It pulls guests further and further into the sprawling bar under a canopy of bare bulb lights that illuminate the space. “People in this area like nice finishes,” says Isaac Leon, the manager. “This is a downtown finish without downtown prices.” His team’s research determined that CONTINUED ON 6
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LIFE • MARCH 2018
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Baker was eager for a bar that would be different from area dives. This is the team’s largest venture to date but there’s no kitchen. No food is prepared on site. Food trucks will fill that need but there’s no lack of food spots just outside Canopy’s front door if you can’t wait. In addition to dedicating space for a food truck, Leon hopes to add a bike parking area out front. He believes the neighborhood needs one and hopes that cyclists will stop in. He’s also reached out to area dining spots with an offer. Leon envisions a staff-swapping venture where businesses can contact each other if they need some fill-in help. Part time workers could then work for several ventures within a block or two, pitching in during emergencies. I’m pretty deep into this write up and haven’t touched on the adult beverage offerings yet. Must be saving the best for last! Canopy has over 20 craft brews on tap plus a feature called “Dad’s Fridge” where the old American faves like Schlitz are $3.50 a can/bottle. Cocktails get their due with a focus
on those popularized during Prohibition; they run just nine dollars each. A nine buck Sazerac is noteworthy. The house also carries a slew of infused vodkas. Fans of KU and FSU will find a place here. The bar features 12 TV screens that will carry some of those university games. In fact, maps of the two campuses adorn the walls near the front of the space. Expect to hear “I lived right here!” from time to time as alums locate their former haunts. Don’t overlook the neon sign in back. It reads, “So glad you’re not here.” Yes, not. That’s sassy signage sure to be a popular background for your next Instagram blitz. Canopy opens at 4:00p.m. Monday-Thursday. Friday’s open time is 2:00p.m. On weekends, it’s 11:00a.m.
CHUBBY CATTLE
There’s nothing wrong in a dose of entertainment with your next meal and Chubby Cattle, the new Baker eatery, has embraced this concept in a huge way. Chubby Cattle’s first location in Las Vegas was a hit so they’ve brought the act to 2 Broadway contiguous to Canopy. At the heart of the restaurant is a conveyor belt that delivers hot pot ingre-
dients to you. You control your own hot pot tableside. First, choose a hot pot style. Some are spicy hot; others, thankfully, aren’t. Think seasoned broth and you’ve got the concept. It’s the Chinese/Mongolian take on fondue. Healthy foods are emphasized. You begin with selecting your main dish— beef, lamb, chicken, seafood and duck are just some of the choices—and then add veggies and other ingredients you find appealing. Noodles are a popular item. In addition to wheat noodles, there are ribbons made with potato or fish. The glass noodles on the menu left me shaking my head because they don’t contain glass; they are simply transparent. There’s a train system incorporated into the architecture to deliver food to your table. It may or may not play Star Wars music when the meal arrives. Place your order on an iPad and take your changes on a musical flourish. If chef duties sound fatiguing, Chubby’s kitchen offers grilled skewers, dumplings, fried rice and much more. Confused? Check out chubbycattle. com/chubby-cattle-denver for additional info.
DELHI DARBAR
Where to begin? This space at 100 E. 20th Ave. and Lincoln Street was briefly advertised as Gumba’s Italian Restaurant & Bar. Before I could get their details into print, the owners scrapped the Italian menu in favor of Indian entrées. One source indicated Gumba’s was too close to Coperta on East 20th Avenue, which also features Southern Italian fare. Now dubbed Delhi Darbar, it’s a lunch and dinner spot that features an all-youcan-eat lunch buffet. Indian food lunch buffets seem to be in demand and there are limited Indian options downtown. The buffet is already drawing ‘em in. Darbar is based on a Persian word used to designate a King’s court hall or meeting room. The dinner menu includes samosa, a trio of soups including Mulligatawny, masala, vindaloo, tandoori and several tempting chef’s specialties. The eatery is open daily at 11:00a.m. Browse their menu at Delhidarbardenver. com.
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MARCH 2018 • LIFE
SCHOOLS By Kevin Ryan While the State of the Union address failed to shine even a dim light on the state of education, remarks made two days later by the president about “vocational” being a “much better word than in many cases a community college” stirred a response from the Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE). The response criticized the President’s use of “vocational,” stating that it is not a better word but rather one that is outdated. The ACTE explained the preferred term, “career and technical education” is actually used in federal and state laws and by the U.S. Department of Education.
Class of 2017 largest in Denver Public Schools history
Data from the 2017 Colorado Department of Education’s (CDE) graduation and dropout rate study showed that 3,749 seniors graduated from DPS schools last spring, making it the largest graduating class in the district’s history. In addition, Denver Public Schools (DPS) statistics showed students are grinding it out to graduation even if
that means extending their time in school beyond the traditional fouryear time frame. One of the programs that has propelled the district’s 75 percent, five-year graduation rate is Accelerating Students through Concurrent Enrollment (ASCENT). ASCENT, according to a Denver University fact sheet, “allows seniors to remain enrolled in high school for a fifth year consisting entirely of college classes, if they have met all of their high school graduation requirements, have taken 12 credit hours of college classes prior to the end of their senior year and are considered college/career ready.”
DPS offers priority access to students in Free and Reduced Lunch Program
As Denver grows, the city is undergoing shifts in demographics and a major reduction of school-aged children in many neighborhoods. As a result, DPS began a pilot program in 2016 with the goal of creating more integrated schools. The pilot aimed to prioritize enrollment for students eligible for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program (FRL), “an indicator of poverty” according to the district, in some high-performing, low-poverty schools. “Research shows that at whatever income level, all students benefit from being in diverse schools,” says DPS Superintendent Tom Boasberg, “that is true both academically and socially.”
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After the district received positive feedback from the community regarding DPS’ Strengthening Neighborhoods Initiative, more schools expressed interest in participating in this pilot. As a result, DPS opened priority seating at select schools during the 2018 School Choice process. The Denver Green School (DGS) (6700 E. The DPS class of 2017 was the largest graduating Virginia Ave.) marked class in district history. Courtesy photo. seven seasons of community farming at the close of 2017. The Dinner: Igniting Global Understanding, unique DGS program provides learn- Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders, will kick ing opportunities for all grade levels off at 6:00p.m. on Thursday, April 26. as classes visit and work at the farm Denver Language School (451 Newmultiple times during the spring and port St.) sent three middle school stufall. The farm produced 7,000 pounds dents to compete at the second annual of fresh food for the school cafeteria, National Chinese Math, Science and the farm stand and donation programs. Arts Competition. The competition, The farm also brought the community which was held in Utah this year, orgatogether by hosting over 200 volunteers nized by College Board and the Conand reached more than 1,500 families. fucius Institute, is designed to challenge Shares for the 2018 garden harvest are elementary and middle school students now on sale at sproutcityfarms.org. to showcase their Chinese while comDGS will dig into another season down peting in math, science and the arts. 67 on the farm next month. schools from nine states competed in The Denver Museum of Nature and this year’s event. Science will host this year’s Denver Dr. Kristin Waters will be the next Center for International Studies principal of George Washington (DCIS) (574 W. Sixth Ave.) Foun- High School (655 S. Monaco Pkwy.). dation’s annual fundraising event. CONTINUED ON 8 The aptly named event, The Passport
LIFE YOUTH VOICES: NEW LANGUAGE, NEW LIFE AT EAST HIGH SCHOOL Junior Musa Mihigo talks moving to Denver from Kenya By Allie Kelly The flight from Kenya to Colorado is 21 hours and 20 minutes. The plane takes off in a humid airport, finally landing in Denver, where the weather is always unpredictable. Just a year ago, East High School junior Musa Mihigo left his home in Kenya for the mountain-shadowed streets of Denver. Beginning his first year at East, Mihigo found himself in a different world, a community fueled by thousands of students where English is spoken in every classroom. One of many students who face the challenge of assimilating to a new country, Mihigo is split between polarizing cultures. Originally from the Congo, Mihigo moved between Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya before settling in America with his family. “I speak seven languages,” Mihigo explains. “Really, I speak 10 languages, but there are seven that I am good in.” Raised speaking French, Mihigo
is familiar with the hard work of building a new vocabulary. “The most shocking part of [moving to America] is the language itself,” says Mihigo. “The challenging part about learning English is trying to translate words from my own language.” Yet being enrolled in the English Language Development (ELD) program at East, Mihigo spends time with students like him: immigrant students, and students with limited English experience. “My ELD class helps me learn because I can ask questions,” explains Mihigo, “I am nervous to ask [questions] in my other classes with a large amount of students.” East prides itself on being an inclusive environment, offering resources to help students succeed, regardless of their cultural or economic backgrounds. Mihigo credits his ELD classes for allowing him to thrive both socially and in the classroom. Still, Mihigo thinks of himself as just a normal student. His hobbies include playing soccer, drums, piano, guitar and singing.
For the East community, interacting with immigrant students like Mihigo demands an attitude of acceptance— especially in today’s heightened political climate. “My Dad wanted us to know about our future,” says Mihigo, “and what our future can be like in other countries.” At East and beyond, Mihigo is conscious of his future. “I want to go to college,” he concludes. “I want to become a firefighter.” While Mihigo is not personally affected by Trump’s recent attack on DACA, he sympathizes, “Some immigrants come from countries where they suffer. They come here to find peace. The United States is a country where they can live a better life.” _________________________________________ The preceding is an entry in this month’s Life on Capitol Hill Youth Voices Series in which a story, written by a student from a school in our coverage area, is featured each month. If you are a student who would like to contribute a story or know of a student
who is interested, please send an email to editor@denvermetromedia.com. Allie Kelly is a high school junior and the Features editor for the East High Newspaper, The Spotlight, where this story was first published. In addition to journalism, Kelly also writes essays and short stories and is an active competitor in Speech and Debate. When not writing, Kelly enjoys skiing the back bowls at Mary Jane.
Musa Mihigo. Courtesy photo.
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LIFE • MARCH 2018
and your membership in Colorado Senior Lobby can help preserve senior funding in Colorado and help set the direction of senior services in the future. At the event you will hear from legislators, elected officials, and Senior Day at the Capitol sponsors that serve seniors. The morning session starts out at the Capitol (200 E. Colfax Ave). Seniors are hosted in the historic Old Supreme Court Chamber in the North 2nd floor mezzanine. We provide a continental breakfast starting at 8:00a.m. and the morning program starts at 9:00a.m. From 8:00a.m. to 9:00a.m. you can visit exhibitor tables set up in the north rotunda plus tour the Capitol. The morning session features state legislators who join us in the Old Supreme Court Chamber to talk about senior issues and legislation. The Governor, Speaker of the House, Senate President and all legislators are invited (schedules pending). This is a free event with no reserved seating; however, priority is given to seniors and the disabled. The afternoon session is being held
at the Scottish Rites Masonic Center (1370 Grant St.). This historic building is just southeast of the Capitol. We are offering box lunches that can be paid for online at a cost of $10 each or you can send in an order form with a check. You are also welcome to bring your own lunch. The afternoon program will feature a discussion of senior legislative Senior Day at the Capitol gives older adults the issues led by Colorado chance to see and listen to their legislators talk Senior Lobby featuring about senior issues. Part of the excitement of the organizations that serve day is being hosted in the Old Supreme Court Chambers. Courtesy photo. seniors and legislators. The Lobby will be streaming the morning session. They Senior Lobby. Attending Senior Day at are also finalizing locations across the Capitol is a good first step towards Colorado that will host a Senior Day at becoming educated on issues impacting the Capitol streaming event. However, older adults in Colorado today and in the the Lobby encourages you to attend future. All ages are welcome! Please visit Senior Day at the Capitol in person their website at ColoradoSeniorLobby. and to become involved with Colorado org.
Sunshine Week: it's your right to know
workshops on the Colorado Open Records Act, Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act, Colorado Open Meetings Law and court access. The workshops will be followed by a luncheon featuring Eli Stokols, MSNBC political analyst, as well as the winners of CFOIC’s Sue O’Brien Award for Public Service and the Ruth Anna Citizen Champion Award. Learn more via the link above. You can help make Sunshine Week burn even brighter in 2017. There are endless ways to participate, regardless of whether you’re part of a group or simply an individual who cares about freedom of information. If you're in a civic group, organize local forums, sponsor essay contests or press elected officials to pass
proclamations on the importance of open access. If you are an educator, use Sunshine Week to teach your students about how government transparency improves our lives and makes our communities stronger. If you are an elected official, pass a resolution supporting openness, introduce legislation improving public access or encourage training of government employees to ensure compliance with existing laws mandating open records and meetings. If you are a private citizen, write a letter to the editor or spread the word to friends through social media. No matter how you choose to participate or where you come from,
you’ll find an array of examples in our Idea Bank, which includes links to some Sunshine Week “Bright Ideas.” Sunshine Week was created by the American Society of News Editors and is now coordinated in partnership with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, but freedom of information isn’t just a press issue. It is a cornerstone of democracy, enlightening and empowering people to play an active role in their government at all levels. It helps keep public officials honest, makes government more efficient and provides a check against abuse of power. There are many ways in which you can make a difference in the continuing battle against unnecessary government secrecy.
Schools
effort at Bruce Randolph School which was the lowest performing middle school in Colorado when she took the helm. Among notable achievements were a 25 point increase in reading progress, 97 percent of students earning college credits on their way to graduation and recognition by President Barack Obama in his 2011 State of the Union address.
Dr. Waters began her career in education as a classroom teacher in south central Los Angeles and has successfully held a number of leadership roles within DPS. While her current role as Chief Operating Officer of the Denver Scholarship Foundation has been fulfilling, she says she feels at home in a school. “I miss the day-to-day excitement of connecting with students and working with teachers.” Camryn Torres, a 2015 graduate of Manual High School (1700 E. 28th Ave.) and current Howard University student, is taking a gap semester to travel the world with Denver-based, Up with People. In addition, five Manual seniors, Danne' Watkins, Kyler Stanford, Darsharee Farrow, Shabias Zepher and Nichole Burton have been accepted to travel with Up with People this summer. The nonprofit utilizes music and action to empower youth to be positive agents of change with a mission to build a more hopeful, trusting and peaceful world. If you’re interested in learning more
about Up with People, email Beyah Rasool at brasool@upwithpeople.org. The application deadline for Denver School of the Arts (DSA) (7111 Montview Blvd.) musicians interested in attending the Young Artist Seminar at the Rocky Ridge Music Center in Estes Park June 19 through July 15, is March 15. Complete information can be found at rockyridge.org. The East High School (1600 City Park Esplanade) Theatre Company will be performing Footloose Thursday, March 1 through Sunday, March 4 in the East High School Auditorium. Tickets for the spring musical are available at eastangels.seatyourself.biz. The Mercury Café at 2199 California St. will host the East Jazz Combo and Angelaires on Wednesday, March 21 at 7:00p.m. For more information and tickets, visit mercurycafe.com/ events.
NEIGHBORHOOD In each edition LIFE dedicates editorial space to Registered Neighborhood Organizations and nonprofits with news to share. Consideration is also given to organizations with news of free events. Want to see your organization featured here? Email editor@denvermetromedia. com. _________________________________________
Colorado Senior Lobby to host Senior Day at the Capitol
Senior Day at the Capitol is on Wednesday, March 21. First, you don’t have to be a senior to attend, you just need to have an interest in issues impacting seniors. This is a very special event organized by Colorado Senior Lobby. If you have not attended before, please plan to do so this year. Your voice
Join the American Society of News Editors (ASNE) and the Reporters Committee in the annual nationwide celebration of access to public information, Sunshine Week, and what it means for you and your community. Find all the free resources you need to get started at sunshineweek.org. Launched in 2005, Sunshine Week has grown into an enduring annual initiative to promote open government and push back against excessive official secrecy. This year Sunshine Week is March 13-19. On March 16, 9a.m.-2:30p.m., the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition will host sunshine laws
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Chosen from three finalists, Dr. Waters’ track record and proven leadership stood out. She most recently served as principal of Denver South High School where she had a hand in helping South improve ratings on the district’s School Performance Framework. Dr. Waters also led the turnaround
Have school news? Email editor@ denvermetromedia.com.
St. Barnabas Episcopal Church EASTER Schedule 3/25 3/29 3/30 4/1 4/1
Palm Sunday: 7:45 am and 9:30 am Maundy Thursday Service: 7:00 pm Good Friday: Services 12:00 pm and 7:30 pm Choral Concert Easter Sunday: 7:45 am and 9:30 am Easter Brunch: Potluck between services
stbdenver.org | 1280 Vine Street, Denver | contact-us@stbdenver.org
MARCH 2018 • LIFE studios and artwork to you. Must register by March 15. | Art Students League of Denver Art Students League of Denver, 200 Grant St. moprint.org/studio-tour
CALENDAR Submit calendar listings on our website, denvermetromedia.com. Priority is given to non-profits, low- or no-cost events and locations within our distribution map. NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21
ARTS & GALLERIES Daily, 02/28-03/02 | 1:00p.m.-4:00p.m. Niza Knoll Solo Art Exhibit Multi-disciplinary artist Niza Knoll is expanding on her series of pieces inspired by Botticelli’s famous “Birth of Venus” painting in addition to showing sculptures, photography and new abstract paintings. | 303-953-1789 Niza Knoll Gallery, 915 Santa Fe Dr. nizaknollgallery.com Sat, 03/10 | 11:00a.m. Grand opening Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art The new museum offers far greater visibility for the museum’s three collections (international decorative art, Colorado and regional art and works by Vance Kirkland) which will complement the collections of the museums nearby. | 303-589-9423 Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, 1201 Bannock St. kirklandmuseum.org Sat, 03/24 | 5:00p.m.-8:00p.m. Ink Mixer Stop by Ink Lounge for some adult beverages where you're invited to continue to celebrate Denver's Month of Printmaking. You'll get the chance to meet many of the studio owners from the tours that day and poke around the studio. | Ink Lounge Screen Printing Studio, 29 S. Fox St. moprint.org/ink-mixer Sat, 03/24 | 10:00a.m. MoPrint Studio Tour- Various Locations The Denver-metro and surrounding area has a growing community of printmakers and they want to show off their
CURMUDGEON By D. Todd Clough
Community recreating The Carla Madison Recreation Center at the corner of Colfax and Josephine opened in January to great fanfare. A few weeks later than originally planned, but considering the scope of work involved with this project, completely understandable. This is Denver’s first new recreation center since 2011. Upon my first visit I was looking for something to gripe about—that is my job after all—I am the curmudgeon or at least I play one on TV. But here is the deal: it is a really wonderful facility. It is a place where everyone in our community is welcome and many are showing up. The center is averaging more than 1500 visits per day. It is a place that we all should be proud of; now for $44 million it should be as impressive as it is. “The Carla” is full of opportunity for fun and fitness. A lap pool, a separate kids pool equipped with a lazy river and a super dooper waterslide, a gorgeous and generous-sized gymnasium, nicely appointed locker rooms (including a family locker room), an impressive open space area with oodles of high-tech exercise machines and tons of weights (bad pun alert!). There is also a fitness studio, spinning room, plenty of parking (including special spaces for those with fuel efficient cars), plenty of bike racks, an
Fri, 03/30 | 4:00p.m.-8:00p.m. Clyfford Still Museum Free Day 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 Wednesdays, 02/28 - 03/28 | 7:00p.m. Denver Socrates Cafe 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
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A short talk and guided relaxing meditation to help increase a peaceful good heart. It is an ideal way to unwind after work and recharge for a great evening ahead. Free. | 303-813-9551 KMC Colorado Downtown, 1336 Glenarm Pl. meditationincolorado.org Thu, 03/08 | 5:30p.m. League of Women Voters Denver presents: Equity in Education, Colorado Style Not only will this event provide you with the background for the need for increased equity to combat the achievement gap, as well as the general underfunding of our schools, it will provide participants with specific actions we may take to solve this | 303-321-7571 Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia St. lwvdenver.org/index.html Sat, 03/10 | 5:00p.m.-7:00p.m. America's Nuclear Arsenal How Big is our Button? What is the Nuclear Triad? What is the capability of the US Military’s Nuclear Enterprise? Get answers to these questions and more. FREE, reservation required at www.meetup.com/SecularHub | Secular Hub Secular Hub, 3100 Downing St., Unit C meetup.com/SecularHub
Thursdays, 03/01-03/29 | 7:00p.m. Cherry Creek Toastmasters Improve your communication and leadership skills and network with others that share your goals and aspirations. Guests are welcome! | 303-947-3408 Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 4610 E. Alameda Ave. toastmasters.org
Mon, 03/19 | 5:30p.m.-7:00p.m. League of Women Voters Denver presents: Another Look at TABOR Please join us and Carol Hedges, Executive Director of the Colorado Fiscal Institute, and author of “Ten Years of TABOR”, for an insightful presentation on TABOR and what impact it may have on Colorado's future. | 303-321-7571 Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia St. lwvdenver.org/index.html
Fridays, 03/02-03/30 | 7:00a.m.-8:30a.m. Daybreak Toastmasters Cat got your tongue? Public speaking and more. Call Bob after 6p.m. Now meeting on the second floor of the building. | 720-308-9090 State of Colorado Centennial Building, 1313 Sherman St. daybreaktoastmasters.org
Wed, 03/21 | 6:15p.m. The Citizens' Climate Lobby Citizens Climate Lobby is a non-profit, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change. | 303-322-0079 Daniels Fund, 101 Monroe St. facebook.com/CitizensClimateLobbyDenverChapter
Fri, 03/02 | 7:00a.m. Denver GOP First Friday Breakfast Great speakers and conservative camaraderie. This months speakers are Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams and Denver Clerk & Recorder. Please RSVP and order breakfast to support Pete's. | 303-782-9555 Pete's Greek Town Cafe, 2910 E. Colfax Ave. denvergop.org
Mon, 04/02 | 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m. Learn to Code Meetup 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
Fridays, 03/02-03/30 | 5:00p.m.-6:00p.m. Happiness Hour
outdoor climbing wall and a big ‘ol rock for bouldering. The rooftop deck is a special place and can be used for special events. All of this, and it is free for Denver residents 18 and under and for those of us 60 and over. For everyone else a pass costs 30 bucks and change a month—$332 and a dime per year or a day pass for six bucks. This is a screaming deal in my book. It is a really cool place and I am happy that it is in my neighborhood. Here is a little history about this recreation center. Originally it was slated to be built in Congress Park, but noooooo the Congress Park Neighborhood Association put up a stink. So, Denver Parks and Recreation decided to take the designated dollars (around five million beans) and buy a hunk of ground at Josephine and Colfax (with an old Safeway store that was being used by the Church in the City and a Corner Store). Unfortunately, the City didn’t have enough money to build the recreation center at the time, so out came the bulldozers and a dog park (one that I deemed as “The World’s Most Expensive Dog Park”), and a community garden were built as temporary uses until the City could find some more money to build the center. What we ended up with is a recreation center that is way better than the private gyms that many of Congress Park residents pay five to ten times (or more) for. Karma? It is important to note that along with all of the other accoutrements at the center, the designers did fit in a dog park. It has evolved from “The World’s Most Expensive Dog Park” to now being “The CONTINUED ON 13
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LIFE • MARCH 2018
INTER-NEIGHBORHOOD COOPERATION LOOKS INTO TRANSPORTATION, THE SLOT HOME DEBATE AND THE POSSIBILITY OF A DENVER OLYMPIC BID By Kevin Ryan Denver’s Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation (INC) consists of delegates from the various Registered Neighborhood Organizations (RNO) around the city of Denver advocating for citizens by addressing city issues. INC meets monthly to discuss topics ranging from neighborhood specific development trends to city-wide events and their potential community impact. On Feb. 10, INC delegates and members met at St. Rose of Lima Church to discuss issues including transportation, zoning and planning (ZAP) and a recent announcement that Denver is considering a bid to host the Winter Olympics. Joel Noble, Transportation
Committee chair, opened with a brief overview of Blueprint Denver and shared that the city has announced a series of meetings to discuss potential strategies for land use and transportation. Noble also shared points from the committee’s work with the pass program working group which addresses how to improve the Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) pass programs. Though the recommendations are not final, the group reached a consensus on a youth pass, student pass and low-income pass. Zoning and Planning (ZAP) committee member Ean Tafoya presented information about slot homes. “A slot home,” according to the Denver City Slot Home Strategy Report,
Kirkland
tion) is that its existence is due to unconsummated love and the redemption only children can offer. Vance Kirkland and Hugh Grant’s mother were friends in the ‘20s and ‘30s. Kirkland asked her to marry him; she declined; they remained friends. She married eventually, and she and her husband adopted Hugh, and through Vance and Hugh’s mother’s friendship, Hugh came often to the studio, initially helping with chores around the building. In time, Hugh became an assistant in the studio, and Vance, when he passed away, left his studio and much of his estate to Hugh. The Times is correct: the new Kirkland is a captivating, must-see place. Learn more at kirklandmuseum.org.
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would have been utilized in a home.” The Kirkland is one of only a few museums nationally to display this way, two other prominent institutions being Barnes Museum in Philadelphia and Isabella Stewart Gardner in Boston. As for the specifics, the museum’s new location is 38,500 square feet and allows the curator to show roughly 6,000 of the museum’s 30,000 items. This means 2,100 more items are viewable in the current location than in the previous. Also of note, funding for the new building’s $22 million price tag came from the Merle Chambers Fund. But perhaps the best thing about the Kirkland (in this writer’s estima-
The Joy of Easter
“is a multi-unit residential structure consisting of attached dwelling units arranged side-by-side and primarily perpendicular to the street.” Denver is currently drafting a Slot Home Text Amendment that aims to “improve design quality and sense of community in Denver’s neighborhoods.” Despite a report that the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) has taken 2026 off the table, a Denver exploratory committee, formed by Mayor Michael Hancock in January, will continue to seek public input around hosting future Olympic Games. The INC was not invited to participate in the Mayor’s committee but has elected to send representation to the community outreach subcommittee. Larry Ambrose
The Bugatti Room (yes, that Bugatti, same family as the car makers) at the new Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art. The image depicts the "salon style" arrangement of the museum's holdings. Courtesy photo.
Business
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free of charge!
and in with The Owl Saloon at 5026 E. Colfax Ave. The new owners earned their spurs running several area drinking houses including The Bar Car on Colorado Boulevard. This vision is something new: “With all of Colfax’s color and variety, what Colfax nor Denver doesn’t have is a tribute to all of Colorado’s mountain saloons. You know the ones; woody/rustic, a mountain dog w/ a bandana patiently waiting in a jeep just outside, log cabin/country store feel, dollar bills and hats hanging from the ceiling.” I didn’t see any dollars stuck to the ceiling yet; the décor is definitely rustic but appealing. Pours start daily at 3:00p.m. The kitchen swings into gear Wednesday-Saturday dishing up Kick Ass Tots, 12” pizza and sandwiches. Tater tot enthusiasts will be in hog heaven with a dish of The Owl’s green chili tots. You can get more details at theowlsaloon.com where the motto is “We are certain you’ll have a hoot!"
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is representing the INC. “What we’re trying to do is advocate for a balanced and fair presentation of all sides of this because it is so skewed to the favorable,” Ambrose says. A Facebook group called “Sharing the Gold” has been created as an open public forum. The INC had not released a position statement on the potential Olympic bid as of press time. The next INC meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 10 at 8:30a.m. at 2600 Leyden St. in the Park Hill Congregational Church. The INC will also be hosting a Park Hill Golf Course Community Forum at Park Hill Congregational Church on March 10 at 1:00p.m. which will address the potential changes for the Park Hill Golf Course land.
doors close at 3:00p.m. That adds up to 27 extra hours in the week to satisfy cravings for their unusual croissant flavors. The list includes a guava cheese blend, and an apricot and almond that’s a stunner with just the right dash of tart fruit to complement the almond paste. Yes, I’m writing from personal, recent experience. Éclairs, tarts and tall cakes fill a second pastry case and the Pin also offers Paris-inspired sandwiches you can sit and enjoy or grab on the run. They’re located next door to Rosenberg’s bagels.
REZENED
After anchoring the northwest corner at East 21st Avenue and York Street near City Park for several years, ReZENed’s owner, Connie Higgins, decided the space was too small to sell large furniture pieces any longer. ReZENed merged in November with 2NDS, a consignment clothing space Kathleen Doyle ran briefly on Welton Street. The two businesswomen now operate from this single location. One added focus now is men’s and women’s consignment clothing. You can also still find home accessories like lamps and accent pieces. Call 303-596-6252 if you’d like to learn more about their consignment policies. ReZENed opens daily at 10:00a.m.
FLYCUTZ BARBERSHOP
FlyCutz Barbershop is back in business at 5034 E. Colfax Ave. after a lengthy renovation by the landlord necessitated a brief relocation. The company has been in operation for two years and plans to stay in their CONTINUED ON 11
MARCH 2018 • LIFE
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new home for many more. “We’re trying to stay local and true to the community and area families,” a spokesman says. The hair space is open seven days a week. Call 303-901-7074 for details. Reservations can be made through styleseat.com. The barbershop is located right next to the new Owl Saloon.
SAFEWAY CHERRY CREEK
Renovation crews have begun work on the former Safeway store in CCN. Its future still remains a mystery, however. “The building is not being demolished. We are in the process of renovating the building and it will be repurposed for other retail uses,” says Nick LeMasters, the shopping center’s GM. “We are not prepared to announce the retail uses at this time but will do so at a later date.”
COMPUTER DOC
Launched in 2016, the computer repairs space at 4956 E. Colfax Ave. is now closed but they’re not gone entirely. The business has gone mobile and will come to you. Their number remains 720-613-4168.
BROTHERS BBQ
The area’s long running smokehouse just passed the 20-year mark and signage at the southeast corner of Washington Street and East Sixth Avenue across from Pablo’s is boasting about the milestone. I have it on the best authority (read about him in the next item) that this place is a Must Try for BBQ lovers.
CLOSINGS The start of the year is always a tough time for independent businesses but this past January was peppered with eatery closures. Restaurants were dropping faster than dinner checks. Two of the spots had endured— even thrived—five or six years in business, so some of these may come as a surprise.
CHARCOAL
I vividly recall the evening Charcoal opened on West Ninth Avenue in the Golden Triangle. That date was my son’s 21st birthday and we made a night of it back in 2011. Charcoal won much recognition for its Scandinavian-influenced cuisine and growing ingredients on their roof in the Golden Triangle. It also won my heart. Owner Gary Sumihiro says running the original space demanded more time
WalkDenver
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awareness around the highest rated HINs in Denver, starting with the Colfax corridor. The ultimate goal is to end traffic fatalities and injuries altogether. “We're considering a second location somewhere near the Colfax and Federal interchange to highlight the safety issues on that side of Colfax. [We] hope to install [that project] by June,” says Locantore. The organizations have been working to make pedestrian crossing safer in high-traffic areas. One biker and 14 pedestrians were killed in traffic-related deaths in 2017, according to the Denver Police Department. Vision Zero and WalkDenver want these numbers to be zero. Along with the awareness-raising
than he could devote so he decided to go out on a high note. Several years ago, the culinary team spun off Charcoal Bistro on Old South Gaylord Street, which happily remains in business although their Swedish pancakes don’t come with lingonberries (insert frown here).
TONY P’S UPTOWN
Tony Pasquini has pulled the plug on Tony P’s on East 17th Avenue in Uptown. The shocking purple twostory eatery on the corner of Clarkson Street was the third location Pasquini had launched on my beat. There was one up the street in what’s now the purple Hamburger Mary’s space, and another on Milwaukee Street in CCN at an address that now houses Big Daddy’s Burger Bar. There is still a Tony P’s at 32nd Avenue and Zuni Street. The original Pasquini’s on South Broadway remains in business, too. Tony’s sister has continued at the helm of the Broadway spot since the siblings severed their business relationship years ago.
THE HOUND
A shorter run has ended for The Hound, a neighborhood eatery that rose from the bones of The Irish Hound bar on Saint Paul Street last year. Mark Berzins, the head of Little Pub Co. who also operated Irish Hound, told me, “I loved the way it turned out and I am very proud of the execution by the staff, especially the kitchen. It just did not work the way we thought it would. I think it is time to let someone else breathe new life into the old dog.”
WHITE FENCE FARMS
A reader shared this one: White Fence Farms Chicken on Corona Street and East 9th Avenue closed sometime around Christmas. “Though many have tried, no evening food place has survived in the King Soopers neighborhood,” he pointed out. White Fence opened several grab ‘n go locations in 2016 but they struggled at several locations then vanished.
SPINSTER SISTERS
The CCN retail location of Spinster Sisters has shut its doors after a brief run on East Third Avenue near Stitch. The Colorado-based soap and body care company began at local craft fairs, expanded to several brick and mortar locations and is now back down to two, one in Boulder on the Pearl Street Mall and the other in Golden. Send biz thoughts to Jeanne at LifeBIZ@comcast.net.
murals, several intersections in Denver’s busiest arterials now have “pedestrian islands” which protect walkers and bikers when crossing wide intersections. New flex posts also slow drivers down. “Subjectively, as someone who regularly walks through that intersection, the changes have made it feel much safer,” Locantore says. “We are looking forward to seeing over time how crash rates compare before and after the changes.” In 2017, WalkDenver and Vision Zero also received a grant from Arts in Society, a collaborative grant program funded by Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Hemera Foundation and Colorado Creative Industries, administered by RedLine. For more information on their projects, visit WalkDenver.org and Denvergov. org.
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LIFE • MARCH 2018
Calendar
Take an introductory class in this African-Brazilian art form with its roots in Bantu traditions, which were carried to Brazil by enslaved Africans. Free, other classes available. | 303-294-9258 Mercury Cafe, 2199 California St. mercurycafe.com
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FILM Sat, 03/10 | 6:30p.m.-9:30p.m. "13th” Award winning film. Free Showing and Discussion Ava DuVermay’s acclaimed documentary exposes how the 13th Amendment, that prohibited slavery in one clause, insidiously transformed slavery into our present legal prison system of mass incarceration. | 303-322-7738 Althea Center for Engaged Spirituality, 1400 Williams St. Sun, 03/11 | 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m. Netflix and Chill - "If a Tree Falls" You bring a pillow and we’ll bring the popcorn, candy, and drinks. We’ll watch this incredible film exploring the effectiveness and limits of activism, who we label terrorists and why, and then talk about our connection to these issues. | McNichols Building, 144 W. Colfax Ave. warmcookiesoftherevolution.org Wed, 03/14 | 6:30p.m.-8:30p.m. Indigenous Film Series The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is pleased to partner with the International Institute for Indigenous Resource Management and the Denver American Indian Commission to present Indigenous Film, a monthly indigenous film series. Admission is free. This month, "To Brooklyn and Back: A Mohawk Journey." | 303-744-9686 Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. dmns.org
FITNESS Sat, 03/03 | 12:00p.m.-6:00p.m. SloHi City Park Grand Opening Party Join us for a day of bikes, friends, and a chance to check out the new shop. We are planning on a family friendly ride around City Park, prize giveaways, a film showings, and cargo/ electric bike demos. | 720-726-6588 SloHi Bike Co. City Park, 3217 E. Colfax Ave. slohibikeco.com
Sundays, 03/04-04/01 | 4:00p.m. Meditation and Kirtan Leave your troubles behind and practice meditation and Kirtan every Sunday. Childcare provided. For more info call Ed. | 720-810-9071 854 Pearl St.
Saturday, 03/31 | 11:00 AM
Art+Feminism Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon Did you know that only 10% of Wikipedia’s editors are women? Art + Feminism, an international edit-a-thon (now in its fifth year), has taken on both the editorial gender imbalance, as well as representation of women artists on Wikipedia. Help Arthyve keep chipping away! Art researchers, historians and librarians/ archivists will be on hand to assist including our friends from the Denver Public Library. Bring your computers! Leon Art Gallery 1112 E. 17th Ave. Visit arthyve.org/events for more info! YogaZo CO at Denver Bicycle Cafe Join us for another class hosted at the Beer Hall at The Denver Bicycle Cafe! Class will start at 2:00 and is 1 hour, but stay after and enjoy drink specials and making new friends! All level of yogis are welcome, just bring your own mat. | 720-446-8029 Denver Bicycle Café, 1308 E. 17th Ave. facebook.com/events/1653235071637742
Mondays, 03/05-04/02 | 1:00p.m.-2:00p.m. Yoga for Stress Reduction (for self-identified men) This yoga is an opportunity to practice in a safe space through movement, breath, and yogic teachings and philosophy. The practice is for anyone experiencing anxiety, stress, past or current trauma and/or on a path to self-healing. Mats provided. | 720-865-1111 Denver Public Library: Central branch, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway denverlibrary.org Mondays, 03/05-04/02 | Times Vary-1:00p.m. Denver Laughter Club Mirthful laughter for no reason, healthful practices for stress management and joyful living. Chi Kung warm ups, playful laughter exercises, and deep relaxation! Free. Call Meredith for info 303-877-4826. | 303-877-9086 St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 1280 Vine St. denverlaughs.com Tuesdays, 03/06-04/03 | 6:30p.m.-10:30p.m. Argentine Tango, practice and lessons 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 Tuesdays, 03/06-04/03 | 12:00p.m.-12:30p.m.
Sundays, 03/04-04/01 | 10:30a.m. Capoeira Angola Introductory Class
Saturdays, 03/03, 03/17 & 03/31 | 2:00p.m.-3:00p.m.
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MARCH 2018 • LIFE
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DEGAS AND THE WOMEN: CLEAR-EYED PORTRAYALS OF INNER LIVES By Electa Draper It’s odd that a Denver Art Museum (DAM) exhibition showcasing the perfectionism of French painter Edgar Degas 100 years after his death proves to be such a refreshing respite—a step forward in the portrayal of women—from modern media’s barrage of “idealized” images that so few women resemble. The dominant imagery of female perfection has been under attack for years as unrealistic and harmful to little and big girls’ psyches, yet the bombardment has barely slowed. Degas, a celebrated 19th century French Impressionist, is considered by art historians to be without peer at freezing the human form in a telling moment—especially women. Degas has been called the supreme painter of the ballet, traditionally a grueling and punishing arena for the female body. Degas was also, among a long list of character flaws, unapologetically misogynistic. Misogyny is definitely not “in,” with modern practitioners scurrying like cockroaches from the light of the #MeToo movement. And there’s Time’s Up, a recent attempt to organize a counterattack on the sexual harassment, abuse and assault prevalent in so many industries. These themes all get a booster shot of attention during March, Women’s History Month in the U.S. And yet this is a great time to view an exhibition of an artist who was an admitted chauvinist. Degas’ work, devoid as it is of any sentimentality, shows us the raw, natural power of the feminine. And, despite the abundance of tutus, his work doesn’t seek to define or confine feminine beauty. The Denver Art Museum is the only U.S. venue for the exhibition, “Degas: A Passion for Perfection,” which runs through May 20 and includes more than 100 artworks and a narrative examining his creative process and life. This exhibition was organized and first shown by the Fitzwilliam Museum in
Cambridge, England. It is striking that several women given a recent preview of the DAM exhibition commented on the same thing: Degas’ subjects seem like real girls and women, stripped of any artificial glamor. “Degas’ works don’t idealize the ballet dancers or attempt to capture perfection in their form or movement,” writer Kimberly Field says. Instead, the paintings and drawings— like an unposed photograph—convey facts about women. Degas appears to have dedicated himself to evoking the natural —even gritty—rather than the sublime. His brand of perfectionism lays in brilliantly seizing the fleeting moments that reveal women at their most unguarded—in conversation with a friend or pulling up her tights offstage. Degas painted “the blood, sweat and tears that permeated the rehearsal rooms,” art historian John Richardson told Vanity Fair two decades ago. “People call me the painter of dancing girls,” Degas said. “It has never occurred to them that my chief interest in dancers lies in rendering movement and painting pretty clothes.” His words don’t ring as true as his art. You don’t come away from this exhibition remembering the pretty clothes. You remember the startlingly recognizable expressions and gestures of two women in fraught conversation in “At the Cafe” (1875-77). You can’t forget the extreme, even confusing, awkwardness of the bather, not at all seductive, in “After the Bath” (1881). You admire the quiet competence and strength of “The Laundress Ironing” (1882). The 1880 masterpiece “Dance Examination” depicts the scrutiny of a young dancer by two older women peering over her shoulder while a third ballerina takes critical stock of her own feet turned out in ballet’s second position. The pastel was described by Financial Times writer Rachel Spence at
Curmudgeon
color and at times they are connected to equipment in the weight room changing the colors—okay, it is cool and all, but it is not how I would spend $165,000. However, it is a better deal than the LED light snow fence out at the airport that cost $11.5 million. Here is the best part of “The Carla”— all shapes, sizes, ages and flavors are going there! A bunch of East High Kids are there doing healthy things, families are flocking there, hipsters, jocks and old chubby guys like me—all of us are welcomed. It is the epitome of egalitarian—the exact opposite of the expensive, exclusive and snotty private clubs…and… “The Carla” has just as good of stuff as those others do.
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World’s Smallest Dog Park,” but it is still a dog park, and my doggies really like this mini-park. A bunch of folks within the City ranks went to bat figuring out how to get the recreation center built—I am giving kudos and thanks to all of them but especially to Jeannie Robb, my former Councilperson, and to Carla Madison (the center’s namesake) a City Councilwoman who died in 2011 at 54 years old. Okay, so I need to come up with something to complain about—I mean critique. So here it is … the commissioned art LED light sculpture installed on the front of the building—the lights change
the Cambridge exhibition as “a festival Somehow, at least for now, this of clandestine movements and furtive unwavering gaze of Degas is a truer way of glances.” seeing girls and women than “the gilding The exhibition, which opened in mid- of the lily” we see in most contemporary February, displays familiar masterpieces, media. The lovely harshness of his such as “Three Women at the Races” scenes does women more justice than (1885) and “Woman Scratching Her all the airbrushing done in all of the Back” (1881), in which a women strains— photoshopping out there. bent over her belly rolls—to get her hand Degas propels us into a different on that itch. Degas, who never married conundrum. His personal failings are and was considered celibate, obsessively hard to ignore, especially as gripped as painted women’s fleshy backs. But then he also repeatedly painted women ironing and visited other select subjects, such as horse race scenes, over and over. Timothy Standring, Gates Family Foundation Curator of Painting and Sculpture at the DAM, says the exhibition reveals the creative process of an artist who revisited the same subjects but was endlessly inventive and Edgar Degas, "Four Ballet Dancers On Stage," innovative with technique 1885-90, Oil paint on canvas, Museu de Arte de and material. Sao Paulo. Courtesy photo. The review of the Cambridge exhibition in the Financial society is right now by the dilemma of Times said it offered “insight rather loathing misdeeds against women by than simply adulation” of Degas. The contemporary artists and actors, while same could be said of Degas’ painting, still admiring the body of work. Degas sculptures and sketches with regard to was by most biographical accounts a very women. unsympathetic and bitter man, a self“I have perhaps too often considered proclaimed misogynist and avowed antiwoman as an animal,” an elderly Degas Semite. But 100 years after his death, we told another painter. “Women can never don’t want to live without his work. forgive me; they hate me, they can feel “Degas: A Passion for Perfection” is a that I am disarming them. I show them special ticketed exhibition that includes without their coquetry, in the state of a complimentary audio guide. For ticket animals cleaning themselves.” information, visit denverartmuseum.org.
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LIFE • MARCH 2018
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PLANINA + MARRAKECH EXPRESS Sat 03.10 $20 advance
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Fri 03.08 $16 advance
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GEORGE KAHUMOKU JR, LED KAAPANA + JEFF PETERSON Sat 03.17 $27 advance
M U S IC The upper register—and lower case—of k.d. lang By Peter Jones Her name is k.d. lang. There—I have stylized it in violation of Associated Press, my natural inclination and every tendency to capitalize a proper name. “I never got too bent out of shape if people didn’t do it,” the Canadian singer-songwriter says of a favored stylization she has used since the release of her first album in 1984. Not every journalist has been as stubborn as me in adapting to Lang’s— err lang’s—penchant. But after more than three decades of insisting that what’s good for album covers is not necessarily the obligation of writers and critics, I have not so much given in—as given out—to a musician I respect. I always used to think it was pretentious for an artist to use all caps or all lower case in their names, but after interviewing lang recently, I have come to realize it was instead, perhaps, me who was being pretentious. Lang is, in fact, among the least-pretentious musicians I have interviewed. But as you may have just noticed, I still refuse to begin a sentence—any sentence—with a lower-case letter. So, there. We all have our limits. “That’s your job, though,” lang says, as we continued this odd line of questioning. “That’s the job of the press to keep us on the straight and narrow with capitalization and such.” For lang, it just came down to a
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matter of preference. incredible,” lang says. “I just loved the way lower-case Before long, lang was dabbling in printing looks aesthetically,” she says. “I pop, folk and jazz. 1992’s Grammy-winremember being in school and looking ning Ingénue was void of any country at an ‘ee cummings’ poster. I just started influence and produced “Constant Cravdoing it and then it became sort of a mar- ing,” the artist’s most durable hit. keting tool, I guess.” A complete performance—track by Whatever cobwebs grow on her shift track— of the release is the centerpiece of key, let it be known—in all caps—that lang her current tour. performs Sunday, March 11, at the Para“It’s a totally different ball game to mount Theatre as part of a tour in which the Grammy winner will sing Ingénue in its entirety. Suffice it to say that capitalization has been the least of lang’s controversies over the years. Her proud lesbianism and outspoken veganism—even while playing amid country’s Nashville establishment in the mid-1980s—attracted almost as much attention as her crystalline vocals. Born Kathryn Dawn Lang in Alberta, Canada in 1961, lang was k.d. lang’s stop at the Paramount Theatre quite literally a country girl—at on March 11 will feature a full performance least by Canadian standards— of 1992’s Ingénue. Photo by Matt Duboff. having grown up in Consort, a town of about 650 people in prairie country. sequence a record than a show,” she says. “Although I never liked country music “But I think when the audience has a relaas a kid, country has been this dance part- tionship to it, it’s up to the performer to ner that once in a while we’ll have a go at sell the sequence. It’s like being a good it, but it’s just part of me,” she says. actor.” Amazingly enough, when this shortAt 56, lang’s angelic voice has shown haired androgynous Canadian first little wear, largely because she was smart emerged on the international scene, from the beginning. American country music was exactly “Fortunately, I was thinking longevwhere she landed. ity when I was a youngster,” she says. “I’ve Although generally too country for never done more than three shows in a rock stations and too weird for coun- row. I don’t smoke. I don’t drink when I’m try, lang’s soprano channeled something touring and I don’t talk very much. I keep close enough to Patsy Cline that even a very monastic approach to touring.” some in conservative Nashville took Although lang concedes her voice notice. Loretta Lynn and Kitty Wells were has gotten a tad deeper over the years, it among the guests on lang’s 1988 release is still a thrill to behold as she walks the Shadowland. stage, often barefoot, sharing a voice that “I knew I was challenging the norms, could sing the phonebook and still make and if I wanted to be a country star, I prob- it sound interesting. ably would have toned it down and curled “As long as it’s not the Ukrainian, my hair or something,” she says. Jewish and Eastern European names, I A career highlight of the period was might be able to do it,” she says with a her 1989 Grammy-winning duet with Roy laugh. Orbison on a remake of the latter’s classic For more information, visit hit “Crying.” paramountdenver.com and kdlang.com. “Sharing a mic and hearing that voice Contact Peter Jones at pjoneslifemusic@ of this gentle introverted man, it was aol.com.
FEATURED GALLERY BY JASON MCKINNEY The Center for Visual Art (965 Santa Fe Dr.) is presenting, “Sangre Colorado,” a mid-career survey of Carlos Frésquez through March 24. The exhibition spans 40 years of the influential Chicano artist who has been shown nationally, internationally and is featured in major collections. Through paintings, prints and installations, Frésquez pays homage to his Chicano background and blends multiple influences from punk, pop culture and modern masters while employing reverence and humor. The exhibition begins in the '70s with Frésquez's undergrad work, when the Chicano Rights movement was gaining a foothold in Denver. Frésquez brought Chicano culture into the classroom as a student and, as a professor today, he continues to forward a the dialogue of equal rights. Frésquez’s intention is to make the viewer reassess their “commonly held beliefs about the human condition and the facade of hierarchy among different groups of people.” As a title, “Sangre Colorado,” is intended to express “a playful use of language paired with imagery to convey meaning that is on one level humorous, but with a serious message behind the pun.” Sangre is Spanish for “blood” and Colorado, which translates as “red color,” when combined together are a play on the colloquialism, “redblooded American.” From his early abstract work, to his layered multimedia paintings as half of the Los Supersonicos artist duo, to his set design and the recurring motif of the curtain, the exhibit extends the entire span of Frésquez’s career.
MARCH 2018 • LIFE
CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS
By Jason McKinney
Fillmore Auditorium Presents:
Steel Panther
Friday, March 9 | 8:00p.m. | 1510 N. Clarkson St. | fillmoreauditorium.org | $15 Steel Panther first burst on the scene during the early aughts under the name Metal Shop, then Metal Skool, before morphing into their current moniker. They gained popularity on the Sunset Strip and became famous for their comedy glam metal alter egos and their hilarious, profanity-laced lyrics. Their on-stage personalities parody the 1980s glam metal lifestyle with stage names like lead singer Michael Starr, drummer Stix Zadinia, bassist Lexxi Foxx and guitarist Satchel. They started out doing weekly shows at the (in)famous Viper Room and hit the big time not too long after. They have appeared on a Discover Card commercial and The Drew Carey Show, in addition to appearing on Gene Simmons Family Jewels and Las Vegas. They have opened for Guns ‘n’ Roses and have released four full-length albums as well. Globe Hall Presents:
Titus Andronicus Monday, March 19 | 8:30p.m. | Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St. | globehall.com | $15 Punk/indie rockers Titus Andronicus have spent the past decade honing their sound with four albums that vary wildly in style. Pitchfork called their first album, 2008’s The Airing of Grievances, “the sound of a violent, overblown and irreverent indie band” but that was praising them and gave them a positive review. Their sophomore effort (The Monitor) was a concept album loosely centered around themes relating to the American Civil War and that year (2010) Rolling Stone named them one of the seven best new bands of the year. They have opened for The Pogues, Bright Eyes and Okkervil River and have appeared at Coachella, Lollapalooza and the Roskilde Festival in Denmark. They switched things up yet again with their third release, 2012’s Local Business, which was a strippeddown release recorded live in the studio with almost no overdubs and helped them sound as close as possible to how they do live. 2015 saw them do a 93-minute, 29-song, five act rock opera, and they added a 15 minute music video covering Act Two as well. These guys certainly don’t repeat themselves. Their new album, A Productive Cough, will be released in March. Dazzle Denver Presents:
The Bad Plus Tuesday & Wednesday, March 20-21 | 6:00p.m. & 8:30p.m. (both nights) | 1512 Curtis St. | dazzledenver.com | $20
Consisting of bassist Reid Anderson, pianist Ethan Iverson (Orrin Evans recently replaced Iverson in January of this year) and drummer Dave King, the Bad Plus have been performing since 2000. They combine elements of modern avant-garde jazz with rock and pop influences. The trio has covered versions of songs by Nirvana, Aphex Twin, Blondie, Pink Floyd, Ornette Coleman, Pixies, Rush, Tears for Fears, Neil Young, David Bowie, Yes, Interpol, Black Sabbath, Queen and Radiohead. The trio served as artists in residence at Duke University in 2010-11. While there, they premiered their version of Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring.” The Bad Plus has 13 studio albums and two live releases, with their most recent album Never Stop II available now.
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Béla Fleck
M A R C H
A P R I L
Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with Olga Kern
CLASSICS
MAR 2-4 FRI-SAT 7:30 SUN 1:00 Brett Mitchell, conductor Olga Kern, piano MAR 9-10 FRI-SAT 7:30
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SPECIAL
L I ST E N / H EA R 1 0 3
HalfNotes
The American Voice
Colorado Symphony Chorus, Mary Louise Burke, associate director
Carnival of the Animals
FAMILY
HalfNotes
MAR 11 SUN 1:00 Christopher Dragon, conductor
CLASSICS
APR 6-8 FRI-SAT 7:30 SUN 1:00 Andrew Litton, conductor Alban Gerhardt, cello
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Video Games Live™ Returns!
Copland’s Rodeo Conducted by Andrew Litton
Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto No. 5CLASSICS MAR 16-18 FRI-SAT 7:30 SUN 1:00 Andrew Litton, conductor Zhang Zuo, piano ■
Star Wars: A New Hope – Live In Concert with the Colorado Symphony MAR 22 THU 7:00 MAR 24 SAT 2:00 1STBANK CENTER
APR 12 THU 7:30 Brett Mitchell, conductor Colorado Symphony Chorus, Duain Wolfe, director
Béla Fleck: Concerto for Banjo and Orchestra No. 3
SPECIAL
APR 13-14 FRI-SAT 7:30 Brett Mitchell, conductor Béla Fleck, banjo
Wagner: The Ring Without Words
CLASSICS
APR 20-22 FRI-SAT 7:30 SUN 1:00 Brett Mitchell, conductor ■
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Brett Mitchell, conductor
Tickets: altitudetickets.com Concert performance includes FULL SCREENING OF THE FEATURE FILM!- These performances will be presented at the 1stBank Center.
Colorado Symphony Ball 2018
FUNDRAISER
APR 28 SAT 6:00
Presentation licensed by DISNEY CONCERTS in association with 20th Century Fox, Lucasfilm and Warner/Chappell Music. © 2017 & TM LUCASFILM LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
John Denver: SYMPHONY POPS A Rocky Mountain High Concert Celebration with the Colorado Symphony MAR 23 FRI 7:30 Andres Lopera, conductor
HalfNotes Please join us for family-friendly
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LIFE • MARCH 2018
GARDENING Planning a garden is about more than immediate returns By Liz Clift I’ve been pouring through seed catalogs recently, looking for plants that will make up this year’s garden. Each year, I like to try at least one “experiment-for-me” plant. Last year, it was ground cherries— which I expected (because I didn’t do my research) to be more vine and less nightshade—and lemongrass. The ground cherries refused to thrive in the pots I started them in, despite everything else with a similar soil combination, doing well. I tucked the ground cherry seeds into my thin, poor soil, where they grew well, shooting up thick, strong stalks. The lesson, of course, was in trying different combinations to see what worked. It’s likely I wasn’t keeping the soil for my starts warm enough for the seeds to sprout. The lemongrass grew happily but I should have planted it in a pot to make it easier to move inside during the cold months. It’s a perennial herb; however, lemongrass doesn’t always come back in
IVES ON THE HILL
Always classic: Tony Giordano By D. Todd Clough. Tony Giordano, affectionately known by many as Tony G., has been a fixture in commercial real estate around our fair city since 1976. Meet him one time and you are no longer a stranger and you most certainly will not forget him. He has been especially active selling properties on Colfax for the past 20 years, having started in the real estate business in his hometown of Chicago in 1969. Giordano started off in the residential realm but quickly came to
areas that have hard freezes like we do— in fact, it struggles in anything less than growing Zone 9a (we’re in roughly Zone 5b). If you’re not very familiar with it, it’s that stalky grass-like herb you’ve probably seen at King Soopers or Sprouts, and once the woody outside is removed, it’s used in a lot of Thai cooking (a cuisine I’ve been trying to learn more about) and is also excellent at helping repel some of the insects we consider nuisances. This year, I’m considering peanuts (which will be more difficult in our climate, with its cool nights), raspberries (which I know grow well here and which I appreciate for their perennial nature) or one of the Thai eggplants (I’ve got my eye on a Thai yellow eggplant that all reviews indicate will be difficult to grow). Depending on which new plants I choose for my garden—and that is still subject to change as I continue to browse seed catalogs—I will likely choose a theme for the rest of them. I know this year I’m looking to grow fewer plants in the nightshade family, which is a strike against that eggplant. I’m a bit enamored, however, with the idea of a “gothic” garden filled with deep purples accented by a couple of yellows, reds or whites. I’ll also likely plant a mushroom log or kit this year (depending on my access to freshly cut wood), with the knowledge that I’ll get crops of mushrooms as long as there is material for them to decompose—and
the realization he wasn’t cut out to sell homes to picky housewives complaining about pink bathroom tiles and out-ofdate appliances. He calls himself a ghetto kid who now wears $1,000 (or $2,000) suits. Born in the South Side of Chicago and raised in a lower-middle class neighborhood on the west side. His dad was a straightlaced laborer. Mom, who was way tougher than the old man, raised him and his two brothers and was a phone operator for Illinois Bell at their house. At 74 years old, he shows no sign of slowing down and has no intention of retiring. Tony states he plans to work until the day before he dies. His sister-inlaw gives him grief about taking a day off before he passes. Odds are that he won’t. “If I fell off my pile of money I wouldn’t break any bones,” he’s been know to quip, so he keeps on rolling, rarely missing a beat.
what’s better for a gothic garden than something that feasts on the dead? I’m also toying with the idea of which flowers and herbs I’ll want this year. I tend toward medicinal and culinary herbs, with flowers in both my herb garden and vegetable garden that can be used as edible flowers or medicines. Calendula and chamomile are definitely on my list and I expect the beebalm I planted years ago to make a return in its usual place. Nasturtium are also almost certainly going to make it into my gardens somewhere due to their nature to “sacrifice” one plant in the face of an aphid or spider mite invasion, thus sparing other nasturtiums and other plants, in general—plus the flowers are delightful in salads! Part of what makes these new planting adventures fun is getting to know the preferences of the new plant(s), and in the case of perennials, getting to leave something for whoever comes next, which is a different kind of stewardship—one that acknowledges that we might not reap the benefits of the things we plant (literally or metaphorically).
In my early 20s, I dated someone who let me have a lot of say in his garden. We were located in an area that was suitable to a lot of plants and I insisted on planting a fig tree—the only perennial we planted— because I love figs as a plant and as a fruit.
Within a year, I’d moved across the country and worked at a bed and breakfast that had a fig tree in the front yard. The tree, according to the owner, was more than 50 years old and she let me pick as many figs as I wanted because there were more than she could eat, even if she served them to guests. That fig tree may never have grown heavy with fruit for the people who planted it, but we got to reap the rewards, and that too is a type of stewardship.
Tony Giordano, sporting his signature fedora. Photos by Haines Eason. Known in his business circle as the “Terminator” (because of that go-go-go ethic), he chases every lead and is impeccable at follow-up and followthrough. Neither giving up or giving in are in his DNA. One of his biggest pet peeves is people who will not return phone calls. When asked what his favorite part of the commercial real estate business he proudly proclaims, “Mixing-it-up with
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the knuckleheads!” When asked for an interpretation, he elaborated about the art of negotiating a deal, the give and take and the intensity of making the deal work. Tony and his partner, Louis Lee of Dunton Commercial, have focused their talents on East Colfax for a number of years and are up for the challenge of transforming the formerly gritty urban neighborhood into a more welcoming, commerce friendly and trendy corridor. But who is Tony G. behind the scenes? He is as passionate about his personal life as he is about his career. He is a voracious reader (typically nonfiction), a jazz aficionado, and he enjoys CONTINUED ON 19
M W OV E ED
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KIDS & CAMPS GUIDE Calendar
MARCH 2018 • LIFE
Check out historic demonstrations, tour the Four Mile House Museum, explore our 12-acre grounds, pan for gold, or greet our farm animals. Free days are courtesy of the support provided by your Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. | Four Mile Historic Park Four Mile Historic Park, 715 South Forest St. fourmilepark.org
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Meditation at Noon Take 30 minutes to connect to your heart, cultivate inner peace and happiness, and clarify your intention for the day, free. | 303-813-9551 KMC Colorado Capitol Hill, 1081 Marion St. meditationincolorado.org
Wed, 03/14 | 10:00a.m.-1:00p.m. Create Playdate This playful program for toddlers and their parents, grandparents, or caregivers includes: a fun new art project each month inspired by artwork in the museum, storytime in front of the artwork, and instructor-guided close looking to explore the art. | 720-913-0130 Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway denverartmuseum.org/programs/create-playdate
Tuesdays, 03/06-04/03 | 12:15p.m. Civic Center Moves- Full Body Conditioning w/ Pearl Street Fitness McNichols Building, 144 W. Colfax Ave. civiccenterconservancy.org
Saturday, 03/17 | 9:00 AM
KIDSTUFF Wednesdays, 02/28-03/28 | 11:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Baby Play and Explore Unstructured play and social time for children (0-18 months) and their caregivers. Enjoy books, music and a variety of developmentally appropriate toys in our warm and inviting space. Great opportunity to introduce your little one to the library. | 720-865-1111 Denver Public Library: Central branch, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway denverlibrary.org Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 02/28-04/03 | 10:30a.m.-11:00a.m. Toddler Storytime In the Berger Children's Pavilion, Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their parents or caregivers. Craft activity immediately follows the program. Free. | 720-865-1111 Denver Public Library: Central branch, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway denverlibrary.org Wednesdays, 02/28-03/28 | 10:30a.m.-11:30a.m. Toddler Storytime Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their parents or caregivers. Craft activity immediately follows the program. Floor 1, Berger Children's Pavilion. | 720-865-1111 Denver Public Library: Central branch, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway denverlibrary.org Thursdays, 03/01-03/29 | 10:30a.m. Preschool Storytime & Craft Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for 3-5 year olds and their parents or caregivers. Craft activity immediately follows the program. | 720-865-1111 Denver Public Library: Central branch, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway
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Denver’s 1st Annual Children’s Festival of Stories Presented by Second Star to the Right, this day-long free public event features national, regional and local children’s books authors and illustrators of board books, picture books, chapter books and middle grade novels. McNichols Building 144 W. Colfax Ave. Visit denvercfos.com for more info! denverlibrary.org Thursdays, 03/01-03/29 | 11:30a.m. Toddler Play & Explore Enjoy unstructured play and social time for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their caregivers. Enjoy books, music, and a variety of developmentally appropriate toys in our warm and inviting play space. | 720-865-1111 Denver Public Library: Central branch, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway denverlibrary.org Tuesdays & Saturdays, 03/03-04/02 | 10:30a.m. Young Children’s Storytime Young children are invited for a half hour of stories and fun, with a different topic each week. Free. | 303-322-1965, ext. 2731 Tattered Cover, 2526 E. Colfax Ave. tatteredcover.com
OUTREACH Wednesdays, 02/28-03/28 | 5:00p.m.-6:00p.m. Early Onset Parkinson's Support Group Weekly Early Onset Parkinson's support group meeting. Our focus is early onset, however, all people with Parkinson's and their caregivers are welcome. | 303-818-1106 Unity Temple of Denver, 1555 Race St. Weekdays, 02/28-04/02 | 12:00p.m. Home for the Heart AL-ANON Mondays - Group Al-Anon Adult Children of Alcoholics. Tuesday through Thursday - Group Al-Anon. Fridays - Group Al-Anon (Meditation the first 10 minutes). Room 114, In lower level. | Trinity United Methodist Church Trinity United Methodist Church, 1820 Broadway al-anon-co.org Wednesdays, 02/28-03/28 | 6:00p.m. LifeRing Secular Recovery Meeting A network of people who support one another in living free of alcohol and other non-medically indicated addictive drugs. | 303-875-5088 First Unitarian Church, 1400 Lafayette St. liferingcolorado.org Wednesdays, 02/28-03/28 | 6:30p.m. Marijuana Anonymous A fellowship of people who share experience, strength and hope with each other that we may solve our common problem and help others to recover from marijuana addiction. | Unity Church on the Hill, 1555 Race St. marijuana-anonymous.org
Fri, 03/09 | 12:00p.m.-4:00p.m. Four Mile Historic Park Free Day
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18
LIFE • MARCH 2018
Calendar
CONTINUED FROM 17
Thursdays, 03/01-03/29 | 6:00p.m.-7:30p.m. FREE Support with Binge Eating Challenges This support group is ideal for individuals at least 18 years old who are struggling with a binge type eating disorder. All groups are free of charge. We hold confidential groups facilitated by specialists to allow you to gain the support you need. The Eating Disorder Foundation, 1901 E. 20th Ave. eatingdisorderfoundation.org Thu, 03/01 | 7:00p.m. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Family and friends are always welcome, as well as those who have a mood disorder such as depression or bipolar disorder. The group is for adults over age 18. Donations appreciated. | 303-329-3364 Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 915 E. 9th Ave. beyondbipolar.com Mondays, 03/05-04/02 | 7:00p.m. Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous Through shared experience and mutual support, join a meeting to help each other to recover from the disease of food addiction. | 303-775-8062 Trinity United Methodist Church, 1820 Broadway foodaddicts.org Mondays, 03/05-04/02 | 8:00a.m.-7:00p.m. Grant Street Reach Providing meals at no cost to its clients and it is sustained by committed and compassionate volunteers. | 303-839-1432 St. Paul Lutheran and Roman Catholic Community of Faith, 1600 Grant St. grantstreetreach.org Tuesdays, 03/06-04/03 | 6:30p.m.-8:00p.m. Moderation Management Weekly meetings for problem (vs. chronic) drinkers who want to reduce their intake of alcohol. Email: denver@moderation.org. | First Unitarian Church First Unitarian Church, 1400 Lafayette St. moderation.org Tuesdays, 03/06-04/03 | 3:30p.m.-4:30p.m. Start a New Life Join Neil and Brian to discuss the challenges of being homeless. Create a support system and camaraderie with others. Learn vocational tools and save for an apartment. Get ideas on handling family issues. We'll work your way through homelessness. | 720-865-1111 Denver Public Library: Central branch, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway
denverlibrary.org Fri, 03/09 | 9:30a.m.-11:30a.m. Parents of kids with disabilities Support Group Parents and caregivers of kids, any age, with disabilities or any special needs. Whether babies or school age or adults, our kids are our joy but sometimes we get tired and need to connect with other parents traveling a similar journey. | Corona Presbyterian Church 1205 E. 8th Ave. Tue, 03/13 | 1:00p.m. Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group Provides a safe, secure environment for all patients with any type of pulmonary fibrosis and their family members, care providers and significant others. | 303-398-1912 National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St. nationaljewish.org
RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY Saturdays, 03/03-03/31 | 5:00p.m. Catholic Mass 303-839-1432 St. Paul Lutheran and Roman Catholic Community of Faith, 1600 Grant St. saintpauldenver.com Sundays, 03/04-04/01 | 11:00a.m. Catholic Mass Catholic Mass with Children's education and nursery available. | 303-333-9366 Ten Thirty Catholic Community, 1100 Fillmore St. 1030catholic.org Sundays, 03/04-04/01 | 9:00a.m. Catholic Mass 303-534-4014 St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Parish, 1060 St. Francis Way stelizabethdenver.org
Sundays, 03/04-04/01 | 9:30a.m.-10:45a.m. Episcopal Services 303-388-6469 St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 1280 Vine St. stbdenver.org Sundays, 03/04-04/01 | 8:30a.m. Interdenominational Service 303-800-8269 Denver United Church, 660 S. Broadway denverunited.com Sundays, 03/04-04/01 | 10:00a.m. Interfaith Devotions 303-744-6456 Baha'i Center of Metro Denver, 225 E. Bayaud Ave. denverbahais.org Sundays, 03/04-04/01 | 10:30a.m. Lutheran Worship 303-839-1432 St. Paul Lutheran and Roman Catholic Community of Faith, 1600 Grant St. saintpauldenver.com Sundays, 03/04-04/01 | 10:00a.m. Orthodox Mass 303-698-2433 Saint Augustine Orthodox Church, 55 W. 3rd Ave. staugustinedenver.org Sundays, 03/04-04/01 | 9:30a.m. Sunday Progressive Service Please join us in celebrating our next era of active, progressive service in the 21st century! We value, accept, appreciate and celebrate each person's uniqueness, creativity, and talents as expressions of God. ALL are welcome. | 303-388-6469 St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 1280 Vine St. stbdenver.org
Sundays, 03/04-04/01 | 10:00a.m. Christian Science Service 303-839-1505 First Church of Christ, Scientist, 1415 Logan St. christiansciencecolorado.org
Sundays, 03/04-04/01 | 10:00a.m. Worship Service With pre-worship coffee at 9:30a.m. and post worship social time at 11:30a.m. | 303-860-1819 Metropolitan Community Church of the Rockies, 980 Clarkson St. lifelegacyphotography.com/mccr
Sundays, 03/04-04/01 | 8:30a.m. Contemporary Services 10:45 Service offered as well. | 303-322-5733 Church in the City-Beth Abraham, 1580 Gaylord St. churchinthecity.org
Sat, 03/10 | 9:00a.m. Shabbat Services 303-388-4239 Temple Micah, 5209 Montview Blvd. micahdenver.org
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MARCH 2018 • LIFE
HISTORY Denver's Mountain Parks: a historic conservation legacy By Kevin Ryan The commitment of the federal government to protect public lands, historically, has been tenuous, and recent actions have brought us back to a conversation of commerce versus conservation. For Denver, the mountains just beyond the city provide more than a dramatic backdrop or increased realestate value, they are part of what defines the collective identity of its citizens. In 1912, with the hard work of a few imaginative and determined individuals the Denver Mountain Parks (DMP) were born. Red Rocks and Winter Park are the best known but only account for a mere fraction of the 14,141 acres comprising one of the most unique municipal park systems in the United States. John Brisbane Walker, entrepreneur and successful developer, left Denver in 1893 for New York to run The Cosmopolitan, a magazine known for serializing such stories as H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds. In 1905, Walker returned to Denver flush with cash (from the sale of The Cosmopolitan to media tycoon William Randolph Hearst) and a big idea. By 1906, having purchased over 4000 acres around Morrison, including what was then called Park of the Red Rocks,
Lives
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investing his hard-earned funds on the ponies, hustling youngsters at the pool hall and, above all, spending quality time with beautiful younger women. He admits that he specializes in women who tend to be a little crazy.
19
Walker and his son opened a scenic park, renaming it Garden of the Titans. But Walker pushed beyond his successful venture in Morrison by proposing Denver purchase more than 40,000 mountain acres west of Morrison to create the “most extensive and magnificent system of parks possessed by any city in the world,” according to a 1910 Denver Post story. Some questioned Walker’s motivations in suggesting the city purchase land he owned, but interest surged. Civic leaders organized the Mountain Parks Committee to explore Walker’s idea and, in 1911, after surveying potential sites, presented a mountain park plan. The committee drafted the Mountain Parks Charter Amendment which gave Denver the authority to acquire and govern land outside the city limits for parks use. Voters approved the amendment in a 1912 municipal election and state lawmakers confirmed the action a year later. Wasting no time, the city contracted the famed Olmsted landscape architecture firm, lauded for designing Central Park in New York City and the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, to survey, advise and assist in the design of the mountain parks. Frederick Olmsted Jr., whose father established the firm in 1857, completed a comprehensive plan for the parks in 1914 on three main tenets: that there be an established road system, the land and scenery must be protected, and public access should be provided so that people may enjoy the mountain scenery. Genesee Mountain Park, established in 1912, was the first mountain park but not before nearly being lost to the sawmill. In 1911, learning that 1,200 acres
of Genesee Mountain had been sold for so does the importance of its outdoor logging, Warwick M. Downing and E.W. spaces, according to W. Bart Berger, Merritt, a real estate investor, solicited founder and chair of the Denver Mountain donations to purchase the property to Parks Foundation. The foundation, which hold in a trust until the city was able aims to increase awareness, also acts as to purchase it in 1913. By 1914, with increasing public interest in wildlife restoration, Denver had created a municipal wildlife preserve at Genesee which would house the first generation of the famed Genesee Bison herd. Lookout Mountain Park became the second mountain park in 1913 shortly before construction began on The Lariat Trail, the park’s first road. Lookout Mountain Park is home to the parks' first picnic shelter. It would Travelers stop for water at a spring-house. inspire a design standard and style Spring houses were essential because cars illustrating a commitment to the in the early 20th century were notorious for overheating when clambering up mountain natural surroundings. In 1917, roads. Photo courtesy Denver Public this park would also become the Library, Western History Collection. contentious final resting place of legendary William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody. unofficial representative for the parks. On Aug. 27, 1913, the Denver Improvements in the parks continue Mountain Parks officially opened, but funding continues to be a challenge. marking the beginning of over 100 According to the 2008 Denver Mountain years of a park system that has since Parks Master Plan, the mountain parks expanded to include: 22 developed parks, account for 70 percent of Denver’s 24 conservation areas, two bison herds, parkland but receive only one percent of the nation's highest city park, extensive the department’s operating budget. But hiking trails, scenic roads, a world- the plan also illustrates a cooperative renowned amphitheater and a ski area. effort that includes restoration of historic The Denver Mountain Park system park structures, establishing interpretive is managed by the Denver Department signage, educational programs and of Parks and Recreation, but, because “suggests concepts to extend the DMP it resides outside city limits, it is not vision into the future. represented by city council. This makes the mountain park system unique, and For more information, visit: makes it vulnerable. As Denver expands, mountainparksfoundation.org.
Giving back to the community is important to him as well. He has been a mentor to troubled youth on a number of occasions. A couple of years ago he was mentor to a high school student who was withdrawn, rebellious, and a chronically low achiever in school during their first year together. Getting him to motivate
was as difficult as splitting an atom with a Swiss army knife. In their second year together (the student’s senior year) the student began to blossom. He took ownership of his future and became a positive role model for some of the younger students at his school. Tony was there to celebrate his student’s
graduation from high school. The leadership at the school is certain that this dramatic turn around would not of happened without Tony’s consistent and dogged support. Always dapper in dress and ready to flirt, Tony G. enters everyday with a gleam in his eye and an optimistic heart.
LIFE ON CAPITOL HILL SERVICE DIRECTORY Call me, Cecilia V Rivas Schuermann, at 303–261-2577 or any questions. Thank you
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