׉?ׁB!בCט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://ssYTPmEnGTCECfBvCJiiKA-3cB8iPzyIHo6t7BSPi3o`׉ 7cassandra://wfPCOiA2AL1cqCQAuJdn-GAcOG06RGcHCaPiv6GreHQ͒`q׉ 7cassandra://TlDikAIgzFxTUUYk6zF5XtBY-DCYWa892MQRMP4aGas1`fxj{megϑנfxj|megҁ <Ǵ9ׁHhttp://DENVERVOICE.ORGׁ ׁ Ј׈Efxj{meg׉EX$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE IN GOOD COMPANY PROFILES OF SOME OF THE AREA’S STANDOUT LOCAL THEATER YOU SIMPLY MUST EXPERIENCE! PAGES 4-7 GETTING UNCOMFORTABLE GRAND JUNCTION THEATER DEMONSTRATES THE POWER OF ADVOCACY. PAGE 4 BEHIND THE CURTAIN HELEN HAND KEEPS BROTHER’S LEGACY AND FIREHOUSE THEATRE ALIVE. PAGE 5 A MATTER OF ACCOMMODATION ARTISTIC DIRECTOR FOCUSES ON MEETING EACH ACTOR’S SPECIFIC NEEDS. PAGE 6 NO GUTS, NO STORY CURIOUS THEATRE CONTINUES TO EXPLORE DENVER’S HUMANITY. PAGE 7 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 12, 13, 15 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 JULY 2024 | Vol.29 Issue 7 SINCE 1997, WE HAVE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TO WORK. DONATE TODAY TO ENSURE OUR VENDORS CONTINUE TO HAVE JOBS. (DENVERVOICE.ORG) FROM YOUR VENDOR: MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, TATANIA AND BOTTOM: COURTESY OF PHAMALY THEATRE COMPANY ׉ 7cassandra://TlDikAIgzFxTUUYk6zF5XtBY-DCYWa892MQRMP4aGas1`fxj{megfxj{meg בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://Eu1sr_1s58fqF6fPvVRDIaspFigDLTuqv_cSTCWy8tU$`׉ 7cassandra://4cx1rcMwf_1g3KvNcjZkV2HIRUmui0c99o10pe-pqtAit`q׉ 7cassandra://2LFfgOYLLfctBX-uJNYv1zoXTVOi66ecWQXeXd1Tdj4#`fxj|megט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://sQY0_dUEf-tI_etTO2shvhB3TQCS48b7tz6RomCmVMg5 `׉ 7cassandra://eKtPAWTePYzp5j8dHY1-ra5e7jdGzrDwOUQXya9KKSMp`q׉ 7cassandra://NpkZZJYvCJ1LacEoswIQJ90ULAnnB16Ok6Jc7vhV9kU%t`fxj|megԔנfxj|meguc̏9ׁHmailto:ads@denvervoice.orgׁ ׁ Јנfxj|meg߁v9ׁH$http://denvervoice.org/subscriptionsׁ ׁ Јנfxj|megށ̫9ׁHmailto:program@denvervoice.orgׁ ׁ Јנfxj|meg݁g9ׁHhttp://denvervoice.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉EJEDITOR’S NOTE ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR Native community. Among the is Phamaly. Since FOR THIS YEAR’S JULY ISSUE, we profile three local theater companies along with a story by Jacob Richards about Grand Junction-based Get Uncomfortable Productions. Additionally, we have an article on Native American painter, Jerry Rael, written by Giles Clasen. As Clasen explains, Rael’s works present a lost era of the American West, but his paintings also act as a protest of the past and present treatment of the theater companies the included in this issue late 1980’s Phamaly, a disabilityaffirmative company, has produced some of the area’s best shows performed by a group of incredibly talented actors, who, without Phamaly, would not have an opportunity to perform. Robert Davis covered Curious Theatre, which has produced thought-provoking plays designed to challenge ideas and stir emotions for nearly 40 years. Jamie Miller profiled John Hand Theatre (Firehouse Production Company), whose mission is to build a community of positivity, kindness, inclusivity, and joy through the theater arts. We have so many more exceptional theaters along the Front Range, including Miners Alley, Aurora Fox Arts Center, Town Hall Arts Center, Benchmark Theatre, and several others we weren’t able to cover in this issue. Whether or not you’re a long-time resident, visitor, or someone who has just moved to the area, there is no shortage of amazing art or exceptional theater here, and I hope this issue inspires you all to get out and experience the remarkable work of Colorado-based artists. ■ ROBERT DAVIS is an award-winning freelance reporter for the Denver VOICE. His work has also appeared in Colorado Newsline, Business Insider, Westword, the Colorado Sun, and Medium.com. INTERIM OPERATIONS MANAGER Isabella Colletti MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan JAMIE MILLER graduated from the University of Georgia with bachelor’s degrees in journalism and business management. She enjoys exploring the Colorado mountains, reading a good book at a local coffee shop, and doing yoga. JACOB RICHARDS is a community organizer and writer on the western slope of Colorado. His columns have appeared across the West including The Denver Post, Salt Lake City Tribune, and The Daily Sentinel. When not working in the wilderness, he is working on a project called “A People’s History of the Grand Valley.” PROGRAM DIRECTOR Connie Gaitan GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Lanie Lee Cook Emma Hurt Aaron Sullivan ARTISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Rea Brown Giles Clasen Robert Davis Gigi Galen WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. 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DENVERVOICE.ORG E.ORG @deeOCE 2 DENVER VOICE July 2024 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US ׉ 7cassandra://2LFfgOYLLfctBX-uJNYv1zoXTVOi66ecWQXeXd1Tdj4#`fxj{meg׉EHOW TO HELP The money we take in from vendors helps us cover a portion of our printing costs, but we depend largely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to help us pay our rent and keep the lights on. 1 4 GET THE WORD OUT We rely on grassroots marketing to get the word out about what we do. Talk to people about our organization and share us with your network. Support us on DONATE Donations to the Denver VOICE are tax-deductible. Go to denvervoice.org to give a one-time or recurring donation. You can also mail a check to: Denver VOICE | P.O. Box 1931 | Denver, CO 80201 3 VOLUNTEER We need volunteers to help with everything from newspaper distribution to event planning and management. 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July 2024 DENVER VOICE 3 ׉ 7cassandra://NpkZZJYvCJ1LacEoswIQJ90ULAnnB16Ok6Jc7vhV9kU%t`fxj{megfxj{meg בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://eL4JKkOmnaAd4coo1CVxU83zWdKE74QknyaRXDtV5hUm?`׉ 7cassandra://HCZ_YO_AXIkwVmvybrcuP4A1djWcW_LH47jeagkWn1w̓`q׉ 7cassandra://rwvZbMlgPNjY-JRcprxD1IctG17SBHGH0h5GphaH8SU*`fxj|megט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://K6xgQd_5Sjc4s6BYXvETG0omaFtKQRskA5B7dGVTnTE=`׉ 7cassandra://x3lX9-QSAQzqk_ifhPpRnVtrnpqfvCSHOXp2OuhWAoÙ`q׉ 7cassandra://fcV0zUJZYhADoiRX9vBlgrbIUeTNo2S-McLbSmvz3eM(`fxj|megנfxj}megv 9ׁH'https://www.firehousetheatercompany.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EIN GOOD COMPANY: Profile of Get Uncomfortable Productions GET UNCOMFORTABLE: Advocacy Theater in the Grand Valley BY JACOB RICHARDS LOGAN SHIRLEY WAS WALKING AROUND NEW YORK CITY one day in 2016, when he had a realization: “New York City doesn’t need the kind of theater that I want to do.” But Shirley knew that his hometown of Grand Junction, Colorado, on the other hand, was exactly the kind of socially conservative community that could use a healthy dose of “advocacy theater.” “I’m simply not interested in just entertainment. It doesn’t make my soul soar,” said Shirley, now the founder and creative director of Get Uncomfortable Productions in Grand Junction. He credits his interest to his time at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City, which “stretched me as an actor. I fell in love with theater that pushes boundaries.” For example, Shirley and Get Uncomfortable Productions just finished a performance of “Hand to God.” The play follows a puppet club that brings chaos to a church basement in Texas through sex, sin, and a foul-mouthed puppet named Tyrone. Shirley, who played the demanding dual role of Jason and Tyrone, said “‘Hand to God’ is a challenging play for audiences. “They have only two hours to process what us actors have had weeks to process. We just about broke even on ‘Hand to God.’ The response has been very positive,” he said. “We have a remarkable amount of local theater in our community, much of which is family-focused, but I do think there is room for something for the adults; something worth getting a babysitter for,” said Shirley. COURTESY OF GET UNCOMFORTABLE PRODUCTIONS COURTESY OF GET UNCOMFORTABLE PRODUCTIONS Shirley attended Grand Junction’s Bookcliff Christian School as a child but said he was “always uncomfortable in a Christian school.” Shirley said that despite growing up in the church, and being the son of a pastor, religion never quite worked for him. Theater, on the other hand, worked well for him. He began acting locally at a young age with the now-defunct Performing Arts Conservancy, under the direction of Rachel Nelson. He did his first paid acting gig for Nelson in a summer show called “Hold onto your Hats.” He also participated in choir and plays while he was a high school student. Get Uncomfortable Productions is a family affair with his parents taking active roles on and off the stage. According to Shirley, his father Ray and mother Diana supported him in everything that he has wanted to do. As creative director, Shirley has not shied away from difficult subjects. The company’s “Good Chaos” variety show last winter touched on themes of alcoholism, domestic violence, and LGBTQ+ issues. Get Uncomfortable also produced Shirley’s play, “The Earth Exposed,” which takes place in a fictionalized Grand Junction. “I write about characters in extreme situations,” he said. “We did have two people walk out on that one … Not sure if it was the foul language or the joint that was rolled on stage.” Shirley said that other than those two people, Get Uncomfortable Productions’ shows have been generally well-received. “Good theater is theater that surprises — that defies expectations — that often hurts. Good theater is something that hits you and knocks you back on your heels,” he said. Shirley’s productions certainly do that, but the next one will be a little lighter: William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.” “We need a little reprieve from the heaviness,” he explained. Get Uncomfortable Productions’ shows are produced on shoestring budgets and performed in a church basement. But what they lack in funds they make up for with talent and fearlessness. When the curtain comes up, Logan Shirley and the cast are sure to transport audiences out of their comfort zones. ■ COURTESY OF GET UNCOMFORTABLE PRODUCTIONS COURTESY OF GET UNCOMFORTABLE PRODUCTIONS 4 DENVER VOICE July 2024 ׉ 7cassandra://rwvZbMlgPNjY-JRcprxD1IctG17SBHGH0h5GphaH8SU*`fxj{meg׉EIN GOOD COMPANY: Profile of Firehouse Theatre Company BEHIND THE CURTAIN WITH FIREHOUSE THEATRE BY JAMIE MILLER WHEN JOHN HAND WAS MURDERED IN MARCH 2004, his sister, Helen Hand, did not let his dreams die with him. Instead, she brought them to life. Despite being a practicing clinical psychologist, Helen stepped up to run the two organizations John founded: the nonprofit John Hand Theatre (Firehouse Theatre Company), launched in 2002 inside the old Lowry Air Force Base, and Colorado Free University, founded in 1987. John had a knack for building organizations centered on community, self-discovery, and growth. Helen describes John as the more outgoing of the two siblings, while she was more shy. What they had in common was that neither had much theater experience when stepping into their roles at the John Hand Theatre. Helen’s experience was limited to 10th grade, when she helped with costumes and had a one-liner performance in the play “The Mouse That Roared.” Since becoming executive director of the theater, Helen has produced over 60 plays and supported hundreds of actors. In an ironic turn of events, she certainly has found her roar. She has continued John’s vision of creating a community founded on exploration and empathy, where actors and audience feel seen and valued. “I think sometimes I can feel his presence here. And people who do the productions say that they can too,” Helen said. Being a part of the Denver theater community has helped Helen feel close to her brother and evolve outside her comfort zone. “The theater is a perfect place for people to grow and change. The personal growth from being involved has been amazing … I want everyone to experience those ‘ah-ha’ moments I have had when they come in here,” Helen said. And she is doing a good job of encouraging that experience. “Helen possesses an incredible drive to continue learning COURTESY OF JOHN HAND THEATRE and strives to keep improving,” said Julie Kay Wolf, creative director at John Hand Theatre. “She is a testament that we can all learn and grow throughout our entire lives. She said not too long ago to me that she never expected to be growing and learning so many new things later in life. That is so inspiring.” John Hand Theatre is on track to produce six shows this year. The most recent was “These Shining Lives,” a true story about the friendship and strength of four women working for Radium Dial Company in the 1920s. Helen said the show development process is extremely intentional. In a small theater without a big red curtain, creativity, and love are at the heart of each show’s build-out. “Our artistic vision is to stage shows that encourage people to look at life through other perspectives and develop empathy. We try to find a balance in the kinds of stories and topics — a mix of funny and serious — that leave people with a sense of inspiration or admiration for the human spirit,” Helen said. According to Helen, intentionality goes beyond the shows and extends into the audience experience. Everyone who sets foot into the theater is “framily” — a term Wolf coined for friends and family.. Helen explained that the theater is always growing this “framily.” They cast a wide net by always hosting open auditions and making diversity a main priority. “We try to be really intentional about having as diverse of a cast as possible. Even with older plays, you know, breaking some of the limitations that might have been set in the script,” Helen said. The theater continued to fulfill its duty of bringing casts and audiences together, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it seemed impossible. In the summer of 2021, Firehouse Theatre performed the murder mystery “Skullduggery,” which was presented in a “drive-through theater” format engineered by Director COURTESY OF JOHN HAND THEATRE COURTESY OF JOHN HAND THEATRE COURTESY OF JOHN HAND THEATRE Maru Garcia. The audience remained in their vehicles and drove between three stations in the theater parking lot. Each station had a different actor performing a scene of the show. They found a way to come together even while staying apart. Helen said that although audience attendance is increasing in the intimate 86-seat theater, it has not recovered to prepandemic levels. But the show must go on — and Helen knows it. That is why Helen considers every closing night a celebration, complete with a champagne toast tradition. “We like to spend some time processing what the experience has been like, giving everyone a chance to share appreciation for each other and acknowledge the gift that they brought to the community,” Helen said. Helen’s behind-the-scenes presence is a large part of bringing these “gifts” to the stage, and last year, she was recognized for her contributions to local artist Rick Long’s series “Unsung.” The “Unsung” collection is a portrait celebration of 22 impactful Denver theater artists “that never got their curtain call.” “Denver’s theater scene would not be the same without her. Helen has such a big heart and it shows in the lives of those touched by the Firehouse Theatre Company,” Wolf said. To view upcoming shows and find ways to support the John Hand Theater (Firehouse Theatre Company), visit https://www.firehousetheatercompany.com. ■ July 2024 DENVER VOICE 5 ׉ 7cassandra://fcV0zUJZYhADoiRX9vBlgrbIUeTNo2S-McLbSmvz3eM(`fxj{megfxj{meg בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://QDJvElrxJQPhz0bSBukN-BdChqWRhFg7YzmhWk2ZiZIP`׉ 7cassandra://57bhDWoz0ANXyEuBMMp8QQbsCtZMhT8vDXFu1PDpup8|`q׉ 7cassandra://t5jquAwOgwHLj5tkUTBQxnXTRhsRKkAVl74-lke66A4*D`fxj}megט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://1c4HDlyuVACiB82JS2kskJAjSjNegp2ch180SWhpSBw`׉ 7cassandra://LtzSwlVA1lRCQWqAZEWxZIBdNjQQIEGwpqLJrDqtIRw|`q׉ 7cassandra://0GOOe5DxqoBKwDX6d8u8bjWmAFFTKtY3Moh6PESVBjI&`fxj}megנfxj}megRY9ׁHhttp://www.phׁ ׁ Ј׉EIN GOOD COMPANY: Profile of Phamaly Theatre Company A MATTER OF ACCOMMODATION BY ELISABETH MONAGHAN FOR 35 YEARS, Phamaly Theatre Company has produced plays and shows with casts that are made up entirely of performers with disabilities, establishing a reputation for being among Denver’s best live theater organizations. In May of 2021, Ben Ranaan, who also is disabled, worked in the disabled theater sector for 15 years before relocating from Cincinatti to become Phamaly’s artistic director. According to Phamaly’s website, Raanan’s artistic focus is centralized around creating artistically rigorous theater with, for, and about the disabled community. Before joining Phamaly, Ranaan worked with theater companies, where the focus was on specific disabilities. Rather than being a theater for performers who have Down Syndrome, or who are deaf or mobility challenged, Phamaly works with actors who have all kinds of disabilities. For Ranaan, that means balancing everyone in the company’s individual needs. Recognizing that each actor has specific needs for how they will move about on stage, Ranaan tries to be as reactive as possible instead of proactive. “I like to see what people need in any given moment and react to what I’m seeing, rather than kind of a certified idea of ‘here’s how I’m going to accommodate this person, and this person, and this person,’ because things change on a daily basis here, and I’m going JENNA BAINBRIDGE PERFORMS IN EVITA. COURTESY OF PHAMALY THEATRE COMPANY to react to what I see in front of me, I’m going to live in the moment, I’m going to create right here and now, versus some big elaborate plan I had that isn’t going to work. “I have a toolbox of techniques or accommodation tactics that I’ve used in the past, but for me, it makes no real sense to actually approach disability and approach accommodation until I know who the actors are, and I’ve gotten a chance to sit down with them and see where their heart lies,” he said. While Phamaly employs only actors with disabilities, Ranaan wants people to understand that the company strives to create the best production possible — not just the best production for a disability company. “Coming to a Phamaly show is the same as seeing a show at Vintage Theatre, Aurora Fox Theatre, Town Hall, or Miners Alley. When you come to see a Phamaly show, the emphasis is on the professionalism. The emphasis is on work that has brought us to the levels where we’re presenting the same quality of work that you would see in any company in Denver,” said Ranaan. According to Ranaan, his approach to accommodating an actor’s specific needs means he talks to them to understand how they want to interact with the space that is the stage, and how or if the actor wants to present their disability as part of their role. For example, rather than deciding whether a character’s wheelchair should be hidden by building it into a costume, or rather than hide the fact that one of the actors is blind, Ranaan looks at each situation and works with the actor to find out what they want and how he can best accommodate them. “There was a story about a blind actor in our company. People would comment that they didn’t know she was blind until they saw her after the show, and while that’s fantastic, I think that’s not always what some of our actors want,” said Ranaan. “So we look at each message of inclusivity on its own singular scale. If we have two blind actors, where one wants to use a cane, and one wants to feel out where they are URINETOWN ENSEMBLE. COURTESY OF PHAMALY THEATRE COMPANY REGAN LINTON (L) AND JENNA BAINBRIDGE (R) PERFORM IN “INTO THE WOODS.” COURTESY OF PHAMALY THEATRE COMPANY 6 DENVER VOICE July 2024 ׉ 7cassandra://t5jquAwOgwHLj5tkUTBQxnXTRhsRKkAVl74-lke66A4*D`fxj{meg׉EIN GOOD COMPANY: Profile of Curious Theatre and make it look like they’re not blind — those are separate accommodations that we have to look at very specifically to accommodate each one. But if someone’s doing a really hard scene, they may go, ‘I don’t want to have to worry about where I am on the stage. [I want] somebody to guide me and get me to where I need to be, so I can focus on the acting, and I’m not pulled out of the moment.’ It’s kind of like that in every show. I think it’s very easy sometimes to homogenize disability… I think the thing that makes Phamaly strong is that there is no set model,” said Ranaan. In the three years since joining Phamaly, Ranaan has remained steadfast in his commitment to accommodating each of his actors while remaining focused on creating artistically rigorous theater. And while he endeavors to remain present and reactive in his role as artistic director, he also works diligently to embody Phamaly’s mission. Ranaan is proud that Phamaly has maintained its values and morals since its inception, despite how much the world has changed over the past 35 years. “The views on disabilities have changed, let alone the views on everything else,” said Ranaan. “I’m pretty proud of the fact that we’ve developed a really good space in rehearsal and in performance, where actors are given the emotional environment needed for them to create their best work.” Ranaan also takes pride in being affiliated with a theater company that has given current and former company members opportunities for success outside of the Denver theater scene. For instance, since leaving her role as a company member and former artistic director for Phamaly, Regan Linton has understudied the role of Ani for the Broadway production of “Cost of Living.” She’s also working on promoting the award-winning documentary “Imperfect” (2021), which follows actors from Phamaly through their production of the musical “Chicago.” Jenna Bainbridge is another Phamaly success story. As a member of the the play “Suffs,” Bainbridge is the first wheelchair user to originate a role on Broadway. As Ranaan explained, Bainbridge wasn’t brought in because of her wheelchair. They gave her the part because of her talent. Bainbridge also performed with the “Suffs” ensemble at the 2024 Tony Awards. To learn more about Phamaly, or to purchase tickets for their upcoming show, “A Chorus Line,” visit www.phamaly. org/show/a-chorus-line. ■ PHOTO BY ROBERT DAVIS NO GUTS, NO STORY Curious Theatre Company Explores Denver’s Humanity BY ROBERT DAVIS THERE’S MAGIC IN THE WALLS of the old church in the Golden Triangle neighborhood that Denver’s Curious Theatre Company has called home for the last 26 years. The theater is where audiences go to be challenged, said company artistic director Jada Suzanne Dixon. It’s a place where up-and-coming playwrights and artists can explore Denver’s humanity — and their own — through the collective experience of feisty, provocative, and progressive theater. “What are the things that inspire us? What are the things that scare us? What are the issues that are in our world that we see reflected in plays by playwrights that matter to us, that are aligned to our mission, even if it scares us?” Dixon told the Denver VOICE. “That’s the thing we want to lean into, and not run away from.” Denver’s theater scene already carries a lot of weight. The Buell Theatre and Ellie Caulkins Opera House have attracted national tours of plays like “Wicked,” “Hamilton,” and “The Book of Mormon.” While these venues and plays are important, Dixon said Curious Theatre focuses its energy on providing Denver with a place where audiences can be sparked to action. BEN RANAAN GIVES CURTAIN SPEECH. COURTESY: PHAMALY THEATRE COMPANY “We’re leveraging theater and sort of the collective experience for both artists and patrons alike, to be moved to be inspired and hopefully spark action towards some type of change, whether that’s on an individual level, or community level, or larger society as a whole,” said Dixon. One of Curious’ latest plays, called “The Cost of Living” by Martyna Majok, is a great example of Curious offering its audience a way to reinterpret a contemporary issue. Rent, food, and gas are all more expensive in Denver than they were before the pandemic. The play dives into how the stress of living a more expensive life wears on the play’s four main characters. “How John and Jess, Ani, and Eddie navigate their separate realities but also engage and spar with each other offer lessons in accommodation that go beyond issues of disability to ones of class, yearning, and economics,” Lisa Kennedy, The Denver Post’s art critic, wrote in her review of the play. Even though these plays take place on stage, there is something to be said about the history captured in the church where the stage lives, Dixon said. The church, which is located at 1080 Acoma St., dates to the 1890s when nearly everyone in Denver was looking for relief from plummeting silver prices, which wrecked the city’s economy. About 100 years later, Curious Theatre took over the building to create a “different vibe” in Denver’s arts scene, Dixon added. The theater is starting to take a new shape as well. In May, the company announced it is working to raise $250,000 by July to cover a budgetary shortfall. This is happening at a time when Denver’s theater community is still reeling from the pandemic. To help raise money, Curious Theatre listed their church building for sale in May. Dixon told Denverite that the move is about “excitement” and not uncertainty. Unfortunately, the cost to maintain the church has grown beyond the theater’s budget, she added. So, selling the property seems to make sense for the organization’s long-term future in Denver. “Now we have an opportunity to talk to other people, get their thoughts, be partners with others, and maybe model an innovative solution for the future,” Dixon said. ■ July 2024 DENVER VOICE 7 ׉ 7cassandra://0GOOe5DxqoBKwDX6d8u8bjWmAFFTKtY3Moh6PESVBjI&`fxj{megāfxj{megÁ בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://omkPQkXusMEFt75BH5kSzM3tSayOYB61uDs5C3X95lIʔ`׉ 7cassandra://SUsqG8nk7OTv6k1oTV3gnBACTgj2XeEy651vJg4Q3a4ͅo`q׉ 7cassandra://SBfpUwYhCIbKMjh79qYOU9WpZ5Pwbkt5mTvVSkl-RUE,`fxj}megט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://RrtOSb67ehIKtThpgyQ2IUdU6xErWc_1qupNDWIoo2Q%`׉ 7cassandra://ocfOjPGHxyHWcm5l0Dkd_up5NW6ullOIv6z8k3ov6Y8͈`q׉ 7cassandra://GJm5PwJNDFsm5d8IFzoMBKI0iTUQVE2gPz2dc82UBFg,f`fxj}megנfxj~meg9ׁHmailto:progam@denvervoice.orgׁ ׁ Јנfxj~meg̰9ׁHhttp://careasy.org/nonprofiׁ ׁ Ј׉E COMMUNITY PROFILE SATISFYING HIS SOUL Native American Artist Speaks Out Through His Work BY GILES CLASEN PAINTER JERRY RAEL has something to say, and he uses his painting as his platform to share his thoughts. Rael paints abstract images of Native men and women. They are often on horseback in beautiful landscapes. He said he sees his work as a celebration of his Indigenous and Chicano heritage. “I’ve always been pretty fascinated with the Native American culture, even as a young kid. We used to play a lot of Cowboys and Indians, and I used to always want to be the Indian,” Rael said. At face value, Rael’s paintings display a lost era of the American West. His work often utilizes Native or Western forms riding on horses through Southwestern scenes. Rael uses positive and negative space in his images to explore the mysticism of the natural world. The faces of his subjects are indistinguishable and are often facing away from the viewer and walking into the unknown. His images invite the viewer to explore meaning beyond their beauty. Rael said that he intentionally leaves his paintings open to interpretation. To Rael, his work is a protest of the past and present treatment of the Native community. “There’s a lot of messages in [my paintings] that are kind of subliminal,” Rael said. “Certain people are able to grasp the meaning. Some others, they see just the beauty of the image, and that’s okay. But other people, they can read a little bit deeper into it and see the story behind the painting.” Rael’s style and art grew out of a series of coincidences. He studied art at the University of New Mexico, but painting became more of a hobby while he taught in Denver Public Schools and raised a family. When Rael retired, his wife pushed him to start painting again. A chance encounter with a friend led Rael to join the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1. This isn’t a smoke-filled drinking establishment many associate with the VFW. Instead, the Post, located on Santa Fe Blvd., is dedicated to healing and is a place for military veterans to develop as artists and sell their art. Rael has thrived with the support he receives at the VFW by winning local and national awards. He sells many paintings each month, and institutions like the Children’s Hospital in Colorado Springs have purchased his work. According to Rael, he tries to make his work accessible to any collector creating small pieces that sell for $200 and larger works that sell for $2,000. “I paint, foremost, to satisfy my spirit, my soul,” Rael said. “I know I can’t satisfy everybody. I don’t try to. I do this for me, to share my visions and thoughts. But I am always thinking about what is likely to be received well and sell.” When younger, Rael painted much more intricately detailed images. As Rael aged his hands became crippled by arthritis making it impossible for Rael to focus on detailed imagery. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN 8 DENVER VOICE July 2024 CREDIT: GILES CLASEN CREDIT: GILES CLASEN ׉ 7cassandra://SBfpUwYhCIbKMjh79qYOU9WpZ5Pwbkt5mTvVSkl-RUE,`fxj{meg׉ECOMMUNITY PROFILE COMMUNITY PROFILE “Abstract Expressionism is what I call my work now,” Rael said. “My hands are starting to hurt; the arthritis is pretty bad in them now. I can’t do the real small stuff like I used to. I can’t do the fine detail. So now, it’s a little bit more of a loose approach in form.” Today, Rael holds the brush loosely, moving in swooping gestures to create representational forms. He uses a kaleidoscope of colors and Native designs to depict the historical Southwest. Some paintings include Native men and women beside white cowboys moving together. The paintings never depict violence. They are about community, even communities at odds with one another. Rael said he seeks to depict communal suffering tied to hope. “You could pretty much say that my work is about the relationship between a conqueror and the conquered. We’re all caught up between those two dualities. My artwork speaks to that in some way, and sometimes, I don’t know the answer,” Rael said. Rael finds inspiration in his grandfather, the Colorado land rights advocate Apolinar Rael, who participated in the lawsuits against the Taylor Ranch in the San Luis Valley. The nearly 80,000 acres of land had been promised as a communal and economic resource to the Native and Chicano farmers and ranchers when the land was granted to the United States from Mexico in 1844. In 1960, Jack Taylor bought the land and closed it to those who had been guaranteed access. The Colorado Supreme Court restored access to the ranch following nearly 40 years of lawsuits. “My grandfather took Jack Taylor to the Supreme Court. And so on his gravestone, there are a couple of horses and it says something to the effect that, ‘He dared to dream and that his dream, someday, would come true.’ That means so much to me and I think about it often,” Rael said. Dreaming is an important aspect of understanding the broader world for Rael. It helps him connect to something bigger. “I do get a lot of visions. And a lot of my dreams are about pain in that culture, in my people, and pain today. And so, it’s only fitting that I do this kind of work,” Rael said. According to Rael, he does not see his work as divisive. He hears from people of all backgrounds how meaningful they find his art, and he tries to make it inviting and open to all. Rael hopes his paintings bring people to see that suffering is communal and that suffering in one community predicts suffering for other communities. “We aren’t the only people suffering,” Rael said. “White people, all people are suffering. The same greedy powers that took from the Native community are taking from all people and hurting us all today. It’s all about standing up and speaking for the people through the artwork.” But Rael is pleased if someone looks at his art and sees a beautiful painting of Native Americans and cowboys traversing the landscape of his people. ■ Need to get rid of your car, truck, or motorcycle? Consider donating it to Denver VOICE. Call (855) 500-7433, or go to: careasy.org/nonprofi t/denver-voice. Your donation helps Denver VOICE succeed in its mission to provide individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty the chance towards a more stable life. DONATE YOUR CAR! CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS! CREDIT: GILES CLASEN CREDIT: GILES CLASEN The Denver VOICE is gearing up for an exciting – and busy! – summer. We need volunteers to help us represent the Denver VOICE at events like PrideFest and Dragon Boat Festival, and to help us run open houses at the offi ce during the First Friday Art Walks. If you’re interested in volunteering for events like this, scan the QR code above, or contact our Program Director Connie Gaitan at progam@denvervoice.org. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN July 2024 DENVER VOICE 9 ׉ 7cassandra://GJm5PwJNDFsm5d8IFzoMBKI0iTUQVE2gPz2dc82UBFg,f`fxj{megƁfxj{megŁ בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://WgXpMi1q_BLu7_rjUSOuqYVfBf3DK9ZWT2wFZbZncK4m`׉ 7cassandra://qIFAn7zAK1M-FjSdDLnVFsD39umONa54emSyFbebGMMf`q׉ 7cassandra://7YQmYjM8UmJQToJmYV5lEDUH47Mhk9J2Da_mVu7otlk#`fxj}megט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://iebKBekM1YJa_S58X7IOXQkkxZ218YDqLw7api0VGIYH`׉ 7cassandra://pF56T9Wb6GO3c_WsjNV851nFoAX_WWuBWK5Pq0UpVAko`q׉ 7cassandra://nzRrd-4L0wbt-YYaauZ_i4JK3hoPUl3r9gkiK_peQuo#`fxj~megנfxj~mehh 9ׁHhttp://avantifandb.comׁ ׁ Јנfxj~mehE9ׁH(http://infinityparkatglendale.com/eventsׁ ׁ Јנfxj~mehS9ׁH1http://denvergov.org/Government/Departments/Parksׁ ׁ Јנfxj~meȟ9ׁHhttp://denverlibrary.org/eventsׁ ׁ Јנfxj~mehY9ׁHhttp://mcadenver.orgׁ ׁ Јנfxj~mehY9ׁHhttp://denverfilm.orgׁ ׁ Јנfxj~meh%9ׁHhttp://lm.orgׁ ׁ Јנfxj~meg%9ׁHhttp://lm.orgׁ ׁ Јנfxj~meg6%9ׁHhttp://lm.orgׁ ׁ Јנfxj~meg_U9ׁHhttp://mcadenver.orgׁ ׁ Јנfxj~megY9ׁHhttp://denverfilm.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉E hEVENTS Tourism Edition At last, summer is here! And it has a lot to offer. Check out the events below for your summer-of-fun bucket list. Courtesy of Deborah Lastowka. LIVE MUSIC FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES The Levitt Pavilion has quickly become the darling of Denver’s live music scene … and some folks have yet to go there! Round up your friends and fam, bring your blankets and chairs, and kick back for a night of eclectic musical performances. WHEN: Various dates through September WHERE: Levitt Pavilion, 1380 W Florida Ave. CITY PARK JAZZ Jazz in the park is back! Enjoy live music, sunsets, food trucks, cute dogs, and community at this beloved summer event. WHEN: Sundays through August 4, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. WHERE: City Park Pavilion, 2001 Steele St. PERFORMANCES IN THE PARK Free family-friendly outdoor concerts in Wheat Ridge. WHEN: Wednesdays through July 31, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. WHERE: Anderson Park Pavilion, 4355 Field St. SUMMER ROOFTOP PARTIES Experience intimate musical performances while enjoying craft beverages and sweeping views from one of Denver’s sweetest rooftops. WHEN:Friday nights in July and August, doors at 6:30 p.m. COST: $18 - $20 WHERE: MCA Denver, 1485 Delgany St. CROSSCURRENTS This free riverside music festival includes performances by Girl Talk, Moto Bandit, South of France, and more. WHEN: July 13, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. WHERE: Confl uence Park, 2250 15th St. 10 DENVER VOICE July 2024 COST: Free INFO: crosscurrentsdenver.com INFO: mcadenver.org FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK The Santa Fe Arts District comes alive every Friday night, offering a great opportunity to contemplate art and to people watch. WHEN: First Fridays, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: The bulk of the galleries is along Santa Fe Drive, between 5th and 11th Aves. INFO: denversartdistrict.org ART COST: Free, donations accepted INFO: cityparkjazz.org COMEDY COST: Free INFO: rootedinfun.com COLORADO-COMEDY.COM Colorado Comedy provides an ongoing calendar of free/low-cost comedy showcases and open mics across the state. The site also highlights comedy podcasts, clubs, and classes. COST: Free INFO: levittdenver.org THE UNDERGROUND MUSIC SHOWCASE (UMS) Discover your new favorite band at this 3-day “mess” of a festival. One of Denver’s best weekends — hands down. WHEN: July 26 – July 28 COST: 3-day passes start at $90 WHERE: Various venues along Broadway/South Broadway INFO: undergroundmusicshowcase.com SUMMER SESSIONS Check out Denver’s newest music series, also featuring food + drink. WHEN: July 18 and August 15, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. WHERE: 19th Street Bridge, S. Platte River Dr. COST: Free INFO: summersessionsdenver.com ׉ 7cassandra://7YQmYjM8UmJQToJmYV5lEDUH47Mhk9J2Da_mVu7otlk#`fxj{meg׉E FILM FARMERS MARKETS SUMMER MOVIE SERIES Watch a whole slew of movies this summer while enjoying food + drink specials on Avanti’s patio. WHEN: Every Thursday through Sep 12, 8:30 p.m. WHERE: Avanti Food & Beverage, 3200 Pecos St. FILM ON THE ROCKS Film on the Rocks is back, baby! Come watch contemporary classics in the coolest outdoor venue around. WHEN: July 8, July 15, and August 19, doors at 6:30 p.m. COST: Tickets start at $20 WHERE: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy. INFO: denverfilm.org FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT Free Monday night movies series. Selections include Trolls Band Together and Barbie. WHEN: July 8 and 27, gates at 6 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: Infi nity Park, 4599 E Tennessee Ave. SUNSET CINEMA Bring your own chairs, blankets, family, and friends to the Performing Arts Complex and enjoy an animated selection of movies this summer. There will be pre-show performances along with themed food trucks, drinks, and other cinema snacks available for purchase. WHEN: July 9, July 23, Aug 6, and Aug 20 doors at 6:30 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: DPAC Galleria, 16th St. & Arapahoe St. SCI-FI SERIES Denver Film and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science join forces to untangle fact from fi ction in your favorite science fi ction fi lms. WHEN: July 10, 17, 24, 31, Aug 7, 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave. SUMMER CINEMA SUNDAYS Enjoy a double-feature movie screening, pop-up markets, food and drink specials, and themed activities at this family-friendly event. WHEN: July 14 and Aug 4, doors at 10:30 a.m. WHERE: Holiday Theater, 2644 W. 32nd Ave. COST: $3 - $10 INFO: mcadenver.org REEL TO REAL Reel to Real is a four-week series that brings to life Colorado’s history, culture, and communities through film. After each screening, History Colorado curators and other experts, will lead a discussion covering the film’s historical context, impact, and thematic connection to the state. WHEN: Aug 6, 13, 20, 27, 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave. COST: View schedule / buy tickets online INFO: denverfi lm.org CINEMAQ FILM FESTIVAL CinemaQ is Denver’s only LGBTQ+ Film Festival celebrating the vibrant and diverse stories in the community through a captivating selection of curated movies, panels and discussions, and iconic events. WHEN: Aug 8 – Aug 11, times vary. WHERE: Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave. COST: View schedule / buy tickets online INFO: denverfi lm.org July 2024 DENVER VOICE 11 COST: View schedule / buy tickets online INFO: denverfi lm.org INFO: denverfilm.org MIXED TASTE Mixed Taste is a long-running, beloved program where even the most mismatched subjects fi nd unexpected common ground in an interactive lecture series. WHEN: Wednesdays from July 10 – August 14, doors at 6 p.m. COST: $5 students / $20 GA WHERE: Holiday Theater, 2644 W 32nd Ave. INFO: mcadenver.org DPL EVENTS The Denver Public Library is your friend, offering a variety of free/low-cost workshops on writing, meditation, current events, history, film, English and Spanish language classes, U.S. citizenship, and more! WHEN: Various dates/times COST: Most events are free WHERE: Denver Public Library branches INFO: denverlibrary.org/events DPR ACTIVITIES Denver Parks & Recreation offers a number of free/low-cost activities for the entire family, including tennis lessons, standup paddleboarding, kayaking, group hikes, youth sports, dancing, arts and crafts, and more! Be sure to also check out their summer pool schedule as well. WHEN: Various dates/times COST: Free or low-cost WHERE: Various locations INFO: denvergov.org/Government/Departments/Parks-Recreation MISCELLANEOUS INFO: infinityparkatglendale.com/events COST: Free INFO: avantifandb.com HEAD TO A LOCAL FARMERS MARKET FOR FRESH PRODUCE AND UNIQUE WARES. ARVADA FARMERS MARKET, 5700 Olde Wadsworth Blvd. Sundays, 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., through September 29. CHERRY CREEK FARMERS MARKET, 3000 E 1st Ave. Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., through October 12. CITY PARK FARMERS MARKET, City Park Esplanade. Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., through October 26. GOLDEN FARMERS MARKET, 1019 10th St. Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., through October 5. HIGHLANDS FARMERS MARKET, Lowell Blvd. & W. 32nd Ave. Sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., through October 13. LAKEWOOD FARMERS MARKET, Mile Hi Church at 9077 W. Alameda Ave. Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., through September 28. SOUTH PEARL STREET FARMERS MARKET, South Pearl St. between E. Iowa Ave. & E. Arkansas Ave. Sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., through November 12. UNIVERSITY HILLS FARMERS MARKET, 5505 W. 20th Ave. Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., through October 26. ׉ 7cassandra://nzRrd-4L0wbt-YYaauZ_i4JK3hoPUl3r9gkiK_peQuo#`fxj{megȁfxj{megǁ בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://qsB6KWNGu0yX_sKKRxngTtorPTSrR1UcbI1FBK5Z7PE`׉ 7cassandra://t9XoR26_BWh-ODVB3-oli5kMUPlg_Oout7--2DaQSmopU`q׉ 7cassandra://rC4C2119HomGLraqM3GM9DlnvsEaso0nc2A3SPSZULM&`fxj~mehט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://IWVbK9Q5knAcm3vVQTNz0L_ChzjrOLiGbi_nl_h13vc1`׉ 7cassandra://IoTuJfdI7XYs0Ze-3sfRjU2KNrZMEZJtfPqBeEHPPQs{R`q׉ 7cassandra://OXmhjePEgFyjdXh2_0szbm93KGwTskxmLUi7bFS84hU(`fxj~meh׉EFIN YOUR OWN WORDS MY BABY BLUE BY CHARLES SPRING, VOICE VENDOR My baby blue Lovely so true In and out No doubt True blue Eyes too So blue as the Ocean And so true is The person Angry is her eyes So cold like blue steel But yet so happy To appeal Happy is her eyes so warm Like the sun But yet can be so Ready to be done My baby blue A face — kind and gentle A soul — warm and true A heart — loving and kindle Lovely, pretty, beauty Are you My baby blue A true blue SUMMER’S HERE! ILLUSTRATION BY GIGI GALEN, VOICE VENDOR ILLUSTRATION BY GIGI GALEN 12 DENVER VOICE July 2024 ׉ 7cassandra://rC4C2119HomGLraqM3GM9DlnvsEaso0nc2A3SPSZULM&`fxj{meg׉EIN YOUR OWN WORDS PAGE TITLE SIDE EFFECTS OF CANCER TREATMENT BY RAELENE JOHNSON, VOICE VENDOR WHEN I CHOSE TO DO RADIATION AND CHEMO, I didn’t realize the things that I would end up going through. If I had known, maybe I would have chosen differently. I fooled myself into believing I could and would get through my cancer treatment without any real side effects. Now, I’m cancer-free, and I have side effects from the radiation treatment I had in December. That was over five months ago, and my glands are swollen on the left side of my body. I have to go through therapy to work on getting the glands unswollen. If that wasn’t bad enough, my fingernails have been dying and breaking off, and now, the same thing is happening to my toenails. My toenails breaking hurts worse than the pain I’ve felt from my brittle fingernails breaking. I wish my fingernails and toenails would break off all at the same time. Instead, I have to wait weeks for them to change, and these changes are not for the best. It is hard to see all of the negative changes that are happening every day as a result of my treatment. Watching my nails falling out is harder than when I had to shave my head, so I didn’t have to watch as my hair fell out slowly. When I eat, I can taste metal. That means food tastes even worse when I eat with metal utensils. So, for now, plastic utensils are my best friends for eating food with. I do not know for how long I will have to eat with a plastic fork. Cancer and treatment for cancer are very hard on the body. I don’t know what will show up next. Just because I’m not in treatment anymore doesn’t mean cancer side effects will not show up months after the treatment has ended. It seems like cancer keeps telling me, “I’m not done with you, yet!” So, when I get up and wonder what today will bring, I might find some new bad thing happening to me. But I say to myself, “We will deal with it as it comes. At least I’m cancer-free. To keep complaining doesn’t do anything for you. It can’t change anything, so just deal with it because you can’t heal if you stay in dark thoughts.” I’ve found that when you let doubt and fear creep into your mind, it will affect how you deal with treatment and whether or not you’ll get through it okay. I have learned to stay positive through writing about Self. I am grateful that I have the best cancer doctors at the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center. I am hoping that after I lose my fingernails and toenails, nothing else bad will pop its ugly head up. I do know that whatever happens, I will deal with it the same way I have so far — with the best attitude and laughter, by staying at peace from the inside to the outside — letting nothing worry me. I hope that by sharing my story, it can help anyone who is faced with health challenges. You can stay positive to win your fight. Just keep fighting the good fight, because only in light can you win. For me, I will continue going to my cancer docs every six months for checkups, but that is okay. I am alive now, and I plan to be here for a very long time. ■ ACROSS Across 1. Cousin of a herring 5. Film legend Greta 10. Place to enter a PIN 13. Vulcan’s forte 15. Crazy as ___ 16. Glimpse 17. Busy 19. Phone no. add-on 20. Rule in some leases 21. Shows how it happened 23. Oregon’s fourthlargest city 25. Opposite of FF 26. Hot stuff 32. CD follower 35. Gossipmonger 36. In place 37. Attention-getter 39. Makeup artists? 41. Be inclined 42. Burgundy grape 44. Corn pancake of Colombia 46. Bake sale org. 47. Common features of tablets and smartphones 50. Farm layer? 51. Special dress 55. Mathematical curve 60. Crossword constructor’s task 61. Night before 62. 20-sided die, for example 64. Transgression 65. Like a beaver, idiomatically 66. Sawyer of ABC 67. Adjective that happens to describe the number of letters it contains 68. Second-stringers 69. Certain compass pts. DOWN 1. Threw 2. Pay tribute to 3. Fly-catching? 4. Sell off 5. Lass 6. Controversial apple spray (anagram of LARA) 7. Boxer’s wear 8. Ravel composition 9. Unity 10. “Just ___!” (“Hang on!”) 11. Phone message 12. Big Apple baseballers 14. ___ Pacific (Hong Kong airline) 18. Author Allende 22. Hang around for 24. Fanatic 27. Fab Four drummer 28. Vocation 29. Lone Star State sch. 30. Spendable thing that rhymes with “spent” 31. Icelandic epic (anagram of DEAD) 32. Wholly absorbed 33. Cincinnati’s home 34. Waiter’s handout 38. Coffee shop order 40. Cry at an awards ceremony 43. Pop star nickname 45. Aslant 48. Vehicle with caterpillar treads 49. Mecca residents 52. Turkish money 53. Combined 54. De Mille of dance or Varda of film 55. Mexican money 56. Passionate 57. Rip apart 58. Theater box (anagram of LEGO) 59. Offshore 63. Shirt part PUZZLES COURTESY OF STREETROOTS ANSWERS ARE ON PAGE 14 RAELENE JOHNSON. CREDIT: KAREN BEEMAN July 2024 DENVER VOICE 13 PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR ׉ 7cassandra://OXmhjePEgFyjdXh2_0szbm93KGwTskxmLUi7bFS84hU(`fxj{megʁfxj{megɁ בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://iCWQFZG6uZ1l3BZAAq0IiLsm_wYPbacqZFYXWhSuyf0?`׉ 7cassandra://w_LUSLb8z0-pYOFXE8tQlxLeJIfsdD-PCanPuX222Wwfd`q׉ 7cassandra://TUuBiBnPz9OoxVBqCCynYgCgXsN1WGWnxyz_5tasXVQ"d`fxj~meh ט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://ei-mFqg8KeJAoxjl1p19vRogfWcJsCg05fYMKddbhDsX`׉ 7cassandra://0pdD2guJVtVI9TNLkETX6CF_vfNtC6WkG9RnWEx5EUQjL`q׉ 7cassandra://ynX2kkl8YI_f0jqYQVxaBKPhcUaPHq6F3hTD-DtHPfk%8`fxj~meh נfxj~meh ̧{̲ 9ׁHhttp://DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATEׁ ׁ Ј׉E!DONOR LIST WE LOVE OUR DONORS! WHEN YOU SUPPORT THE DENVER VOICE, YOU ARE HELPING SUPPORT HUNDREDS OF HOMELESS AND IMPOVERISHED INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE WORKING TO REALIZE SELF-SUFFICIENCY THROUGH EARNING A DIGNIFIED INCOME. YOUR GIFT MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS. HERE, WE LIST THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN $500 AND MORE IN THE LAST YEAR. DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE $10,000+ Meek-Cuneo Family Fund Anonymous Individual Donor Matt and Nikki Seashore Acorn Hill Foundation Inc. Pivotal Energy Partners USA, Inc. Cisco Francis Trainer and Trainer Family J. Albrecht Designs Master Goldsmith $5,000 - $9,999 Anschutz Family Foundation Laurie Duncan and Duncan-Mcwethy Foundation Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Alexander Seavall Frederic K Conover Trust Mary Walker & Walker Family Foundation The Christian Foundation Bank of America Charitable Foundation Sustainable Housing and Development Foundation Envestnet $1,000-$4,999 Christopher Boulanger Joshua Kauer Katherine Standiford Jill Haug Donald Weaver Whole Foods Foundation Michael Dino Alex Salva Signs By Tomorrow Rose Community Foundation Russell Peterson SEI Giving Fund Chris and Susan Pappas Julia and David Watson Gaspar Terrana Warren and Betty Kuehner Sidney B and Caleb F Gates Fund Megan Arellano James and Cyndi Lesslie Keyrenter Property Management Denver Mathew Rezek The Credit Union of Colorado Foundation Jana and Jim Cuneo Kroger Paul Manoogian Lori Holland Jeremy Anderson and Thomas Stalker Maggie Holben Michael J. Fehn and Jan Monnier Jim Ashe Courage and Community Foundation George Lichter Family Foundation Lisa Wagner Elsbeth Williams KO Law Firm Graham Davis Peter Iannuzzi $500-$999 Margaret Ramp John Gibson Sheryl Parker Ruth Henderson Fire on the Mountain Craig Solomon Seth Belzley Laura Saunders Robert E and Anne T Sneed Family Foundation Barbara and Robert Ells Carol and Louis Irwin Edwina Salazar James Stegman Jennifer Stedron Stephen Saul WalMart Nikki Lawson CEDS Finance Impact Assets Courage and Community Foundation Louis Irwin Mary Livernois Mr B’s Liquor Wines For Humanity KL&A Engineers and Builders 14 DENVER VOICE July 2024 SPONSORSHIP LEVELS THE DENVER VOICE’S ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT LEVELS PROVIDE BUSINESSES LIKE YOURS THE OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST IN WORK EMPOWERMENT, HOMELESS PREVENTION, THE CHALLENGING OF COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS, AND TO BE A PART OF PROVIDING OUR COMMUNITY WITH QUALITY AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE THROUGH OUR WRITERS AND VENDORS – AN INVALUABLE PART OF DENVER’S COMMUNITY. YOUR INVOLVEMENT WILL HELP HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING POSITIVE ACTION TO COMBAT HOMELESSNESS AND IMPOVERISHMENT. AS A SPONSOR, YOU HAVE A WAY TO REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY AND GIVE SOMETHING BACK AT THE SAME TIME. ANNUAL SPONSORSHIPS BENEFITS INCLUDE YOUR LOGO LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE HOMEPAGE, MONTHLY AD SPACE IN OUR PAPER, AND SPECIAL EVENT PERKS FOR YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYEES ALL YEAR LONG. IT’S A GOOD DEAL FOR A GOOD CAUSE, AND YOUR GIFT IS 100% TAX-DEDUCTIBLE! ABOVE THE FOLD: $5,000 • One complimentary full page ad in the newspaper ($1,000 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Above the Fold Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper GALLEY: $2,500 • One complimentary half page ad in the newspaper ($600 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Galley Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper HONOR BOX: $1,000 • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Honor Box Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper FLY SHEET: $500 • Two complimentary tickets to our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event ($50 value) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Fly Sheet Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper DON’T LOOK NOW! PUZZLES ARE ON PAGE 13 ׉ 7cassandra://TUuBiBnPz9OoxVBqCCynYgCgXsN1WGWnxyz_5tasXVQ"d`fxj{meg׉ESUMMER WISH LIST Q Drop-offs are accepted Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., or by appointment. NEW ITEMS NEEDED: Socks Toiletries (individual or travel-size) Toothpaste, deodorant Chapstick, sunscreen Hand warmers GENTLY-USED ITEMS NEEDED: Men’s shoes or boots (sizes 8-12) Men’s jackets (sizes L, XL, XXL) Women’s jackets (sizes M, L, XL) Backpacks, carrier bags USB-C charging cables Ball caps, hats Fold-up umbrellas, backpacks VENMO YOUR VENDOR: If you would like to help out a specific vendor by donating a few extra dollars, scan the QR code below to make a payment through Venmo. Please be sure to write your vendor’s name in the comments. Thank you! A ASK A VENDOR THIS COLUMN IS A PLACE FOR DENVER VOICE VENDORS TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM OUR READERS AND STAFF. THIS MONTH’S QUESTION WAS SUGGESTED BY DENVER VOICE VENDOR RAELENE JOHNSON. What is your best childhood July 4th memory, or what are your current traditions for celebrating the summer? ALBERT BLAND Getting up early, thanking God for another blessed holiday, then gathering myself together for a wonderful cookout at home, or over at a relative or friend’s house, where we have a good time. Then, enjoying the fireworks in the city. May you all have a very safe 4th of July! RAELENE JOHNSON As kids, we loved summer vacation. On the 4th of July, we would go up into the mountains of Maine and have a picnic. We would do fireworks afterward. Those were the carefree days when we were children. JERRY ROSEN I usually go see fireworks on July 4th. It’s really beautiful to see all the lights on display. It’s really amazing. RODNEY K. WOOLFOLK BAR-B-Q!!! Concerts in the park, ice cream, swimming. BY REA BROWN, VOICE VENDOR @DenverVOICE July 2024 DENVER VOICE 15 ׉ 7cassandra://ynX2kkl8YI_f0jqYQVxaBKPhcUaPHq6F3hTD-DtHPfk%8`fxj{meǵfxj{megˁ בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://TOAsiOdbe0K-zmdnXQAtQPGwrQu9zuTZzPIUz9dSTgM_`׉ 7cassandra://i58axZPoxtfwP-BQLiGQ8tdJwmV1K8mVhigaZUHa_VEt`q׉ 7cassandra://tEnCSxDun1jWI6J2Dj4kkSMXniWrW8VY1A1y2FZJG9k,P`fxj~meh׉EQHOW IT WORKS HEAD TO BIRDCALL LOCATED AT E. EVANS AVE OR IN FIVE POINTS ON OUR FUNDRAISING DAY AND ORDER SOME DELICIOUS MADE-TO-ORDER GOODNESS! SAVE THE DATE JULY 17TH Before checkout, make sure to enter our promo code Voice717. At the end of the night, Birdcall will add up all sales associated with the code and donate 25% back to us! ׉ 7cassandra://tEnCSxDun1jWI6J2Dj4kkSMXniWrW8VY1A1y2FZJG9k,P`fxj{meg׈Efxj{meg΁fxj{meǵ ,7-2024fxjx}\F