׉?ׁB!בCט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://nmOKf6keK7DLdiHxGRAa_gha2dnVJbOGN-tVR_CNhuc`׉ 7cassandra://z894vpxkixqgz4C_1zpCQfZmycmn_NxnGlyALBfIvoA͵F`q׉ 7cassandra://gyL9u1AXv0pc6eouQj2LXu7s2UfMZujaf2telnl2SIQ8`g7ŁCGנg7ŁCG <Ǵ9ׁHhttp://DENVERVOICE.ORGׁ ׁ Ј׈Eg7ŁCG׉EK$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE RECIPES FOR HAPPY GATHERINGS DENVER VOICE VENDORS, UNVEILING THE 2024 DENVER VOICE WRAPPING PAPER! 2024 Special Issue Check out this year’s 100% recyclable wrapping paper insert with designs inspired by Denver VOICE vendors. BOARD MEMBERS, AND STAFF SHARE FAVORITE RECIPES FOR ALL OCCASIONS. PAGE 4 LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD NONPROFIT CREATED BY SENATOR JAMES COLEMAN GIVES YOUNG ATHLETES A SECOND CHANCE. PAGE 8 HELP US IMPROVE THE DENVER VOICE ANNOUNCING OUR 2024 READERS’ SURVEY. PAGE 2 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 4, 5, 6 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 11 RESOURCES PAGE 10 DECEMBER 2024 | Vol.29 Issue 12 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: ORIGINAL ART BY LANDO ALLEN ׉ 7cassandra://gyL9u1AXv0pc6eouQj2LXu7s2UfMZujaf2telnl2SIQ8`g7ŁCGg7ŁCG בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://54LD20MM_td1OEP3MppYYxqnLp-AqDjoSpnSgkVmLMU`׉ 7cassandra://MxrsacoUher8WP3Zhy26Tb6jyX4LP7r6iH5dPyPMUTcir`q׉ 7cassandra://nAQtPq9f_N82w7n1lD-QnCDDEUrTvHjh16FCcXPJ3v8#`g7ŁCGט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://jxFAxIEoKHVzxKztUZEzFCYlGP87Xbhe2QzZG4UIT0Ev`׉ 7cassandra://c4b8hWtJ5uvy_VgtZB9WqVEslapnHIdR0aKRWMnvWPYlj`q׉ 7cassandra://2OgTjz6L7J5aIExMNuvCFKXN8K0fNaoAyeD0PLXSkf8&u`g7ŁCGנg7ŁCGuc̏9ׁHmailto:ads@denvervoice.orgׁ ׁ Јנg7ŁCGv9ׁH$http://denvervoice.org/subscriptionsׁ ׁ Јנg7ŁCG̫9ׁHmailto:program@denvervoice.orgׁ ׁ Јנg7ŁCGg9ׁHhttp://denvervoice.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉EFROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK DEAR DENVER COMMUNITY, If there’s one word to describe 2024, it would be “impactful.” We overcame multiple leadership ROBERT DAVIS BOARD PRESIDENT changes, funding gaps, and internal consternation about the sustainability of our organization. Through it all, we learned a lot about the value of our work and the impact it has on the Coloradans we serve. As we look ahead to 2025, I can say with confidence that the Denver VOICE is not going away any time soon. So far, the Denver community helped us raise more than $100,000 to continue operating. That money is going to rebuild our award-winning paper by adding new contributors, hiring new vendors, and fostering new partnerships to tell the stories that other publications overlook. But we’re not stopping there. We also want to create more income-earning opportunities for our vendors. That’s why we are working to launch a merchandise line of t-shirts, prints, greeting cards, and other artworks created by our vendors. We are also creating new partnerships with service providers. This will help us position the Denver VOICE as a bridge for our vendors to find stability. As the calendar turns to 2025, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. I am also thankful for all the love and support of the Denver community that has gotten us this far. We couldn’t do this work without it. Happy holidays and Happy New Year! President, Denver VOICE Board of Directors THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTOR ADRIAN MICHAEL is a Denver-based photographer who specializes in editorial, portraiture, documentary, and street photography. He’s been creating images for over 15 years and has a passion for capturing the true essence of people`. DENVER VOICE SURVEY Please take 5 minutes to complete our Denver VOICE Reader Survey! Your input will help us rebuild the Denver VOICE vendor program and improve our street paper. To participate, scan the QR code below. DENVERVOICE.ORG E.ORG MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Giles Clasen ART DIRECTOR Andrew Fraieli WRAPPING PAPER INSERT DESIGN Hannah Bragg PHOTOGRAPHERS/WRAPPING PAPER ARTISTS Lando Allen Rea Brown Raelene Johnson Jason Martin Adrian Michael Jerry Rosen Larmarques Smith Charles Spring WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the Denver metro area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,600 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. WRITERS/RECIPE PROVIDERS Lando Allen Albert Bland Rea Brown Giles Clasen Robert Davis Andrew Fraieli Raelene Johnson Mackenzie Langley Adrian Michael Jamie Miller Elisabeth Monaghan Charles Spring BOARD OF DIRECTORS Robert Davis, President Chris Boulanger, Vice President Isabella Colletti, Secretary Antonio Diaz, Treasurer Michael Burkley Mackenzie Langley Eduardo Platon Charity Von Guinness Cabal Yarne @OCE With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • (720) 320-2155 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 VENDOR OFFICE 989 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204 OFFICE HOURS: Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 2 DENVER VOICE December 2024 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US ׉ 7cassandra://nAQtPq9f_N82w7n1lD-QnCDDEUrTvHjh16FCcXPJ3v8#`g7ŁCG׉EWINTER WISH LIST Drop-offs are accepted Wednesdays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., or by appointment. NEW ITEMS NEEDED: • Socks • Toiletries (individual or travel-size) • Toothpaste, deodorant • Chapstick, sunscreen • Hand warmers HOW 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. 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 1 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. Contact program@denvervoice.org for volunteering information. 5 SUBSCRIBE If you are unable to regularly purchase a newspaper from our vendors, please consider a subscription. We ask subscribers to support our program with a 12-month pledge to give $10 a month, or a one-time donation of $120. Subscriptions help us cover our costs AND provide an amazing opportunity to those who need it most. Go to denvervoice.org/subscriptions for more information. @denverVOICE 2 ADVERTISE Our readership is loyal, well-educated, and socially concerned. Readers view purchasing the paper as a way to immediately help a person who is poor or homeless while supporting long-term solutions to end poverty. If you are interested in placing an ad or sponsoring a section of the paper, please contact us about rates at ads@denvervoice.org. 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! @DenverVOICE 4 December 2024 DENVER VOICE 3 ׉ 7cassandra://2OgTjz6L7J5aIExMNuvCFKXN8K0fNaoAyeD0PLXSkf8&u`g7ŁCGg7ŁCG בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://KSlEHqa0psBOi0YyfIdTrDcd9GCYVdYZdxcrj1xCMIU`׉ 7cassandra://k4d4HCWovAArNQL4Q-dJTwy7A-VCDj2gANVjht9zDfw͞*`q׉ 7cassandra://S7dyTKnSg1p3c2mWSafLTJ3NPW_J54Stl_Xb7fwJz_w2h`g7ŁCGט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://5oLCSKb_8Z4CnhWB9dZX9J9Xa7ptxqeOB_Aktei5ncsn`׉ 7cassandra://eueyeMmSae2f8mcG9XwqumqNJhLeQCXUGJ6BF6m5T5Y͟`q׉ 7cassandra://qwKfPhbLMZW8EJf1UpfyYaaMOWKc6fnqpTbI1zkna5A4`g7ŁCG׉EHOLIDAY RECIPES Enjoy these recipes from Denver VOICE vendors, volunteers, contributors, and staff to celebrate the holidays with the people you love. CHOCOLATE PIE By Mackenzie Langley, Denver VOICE Board Member INGREDIENTS: ☐ 2 T cocoa ☐ ¾ c sugar ☐ 2 egg yolks (slightly beaten) ☐ 2 T margarine ☐ 4 T fl our ☐ 2 c milk ☐ 1 t vanilla STEPS: 1. Preheat oven to 300 °F. 2. Sift together cocoa, fl our & sugar, add egg yolks. Put the mixture in a pan. Add milk, & stir the mixture over medium heat constantly until thickened. 3. Remove pan from the heat. Add margarine & vanilla & stir until smooth. 4. Pour into a 9-inch baked pastry shell. 5. Top with meringue & bake in the oven at 300°F until golden brown. POLISH HOLIDAY COOKIES By Robert Davis, Denver VOICE Board President INGREDIENTS: ☐ 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature ☐ 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened to room temperature ☐ 2 c all-purpose fl our (plus a little more for rolling) ☐ Powdered sugar, for rolling & sprinkling ☐ 1 can Solo apricot pastry fi lling ☐ 1 can Solo cherry pastry fi lling ☐ 1 large egg, lightly beaten with a splash of water STEPS: 1. Preheat oven to 350° 2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, combine the cream cheese & butter. Gradually add the fl our while continuing to beat until a soft, sticky dough forms. Bring the dough together into a ball in the bowl with clean hands, then cover with plastic wrap. Let chill in the refrigerator for 3 hours. LANDO’S HOLIDAY ROAST By Lando Allen, Denver VOICE vendor INGREDIENTS: ☐ 3 to 3 ½ lb boneless rump roast ☐ ¼ c virgin olive oil ☐ 1 T each of fresh herbs (minced garlic, thyme, rosemary) or your favorite rub for seasoning ☐ 4 t salt ☐ 1 t ground pepper STEPS: 1. Put your uncooked roast into the freezer overnight. 2. The next day, take the roast out of the freezer. 3. Preheat oven to 425°F. 4. Mix the herbs and olive oil in a small cup or bowl. 5. Place the roast in a roasting pan with a rack. 6. Rub the herb mix all over the meat. 7. Cover the roast, put it in the oven, and cook at 425°for 15 minutes. 8. After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F and cook the roast for 2 hours. 9. Remove the roast and let it sit 15-30 minutes before serving. 3. Divide the dough into quarters. Dust a clean work surface with fl our & powdered sugar & roll out the fi rst quarter until 1/8 inch thick. Using a 1½- to 2-inch square cutter, depending on how big you want them, cut out little squares. Take any scraps & roll them out again to make as many squares as possible. Arrange the squares on a rimmed baking sheet. 4. Scoop ½ teaspoon of the apricot fi lling into the center of the fi rst square. Bring two of the opposite corners together & pinch to seal. It will look like a tiny tube. Repeat until all of the squares are fi lled & formed. Repeat the process with the next quarter of the dough, but use the cherry fi lling for the second batch. Brush the squares with the egg wash to help seal. 5. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden brown. 6. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks. While still warm, dust with powdered sugar. Let cool completely. Repeat process with the last half of the dough, making one tray of apricot & one tray of cherry. CURRY CHICKPEAS AND SWEET POTATOES By Giles Clasen, Denver VOICE Development Manager When My partner and I were traveling, we found a small vendor serving bowls of curried chickpeas with cabbage. I have been trying to recreate the dish ever since. This is my best effort. The crisp cabbage adds an excellent texture to the soft chickpeas and sweet potatoes. We usually double the recipe and eat the leftovers for a week. The dish holds up very well in the fridge. If you’re in a hurry, or want to simplify the recipe for a lighter meal, you can leave out mushrooms and sweet potatoes and still have an excellent dish. INGREDIENTS: ☐ 2 T extra virgin olive oil ☐ 1 medium white onion, diced ☐ 3 cloves garlic, minced ☐ 1-2 bird’s eye chilis, or 2-3 jalapeno peppers, or crushed red pepper fl akes (add sparingly to achieve your desired heat level) ☐ 4 oz Panang or Red Curry Paste ☐ 1½ t cumin ☐ 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes ☐ 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk ☐ 2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained & rinsed ☐ 1 large sweet potato cubed ☐ 1 lemon, juiced ☐ ½ T brown sugar, or ½ teaspoon stevia ☐ 8 oz sliced white mushrooms ☐ Salt to taste ☐ 1-2 t curry powder (optional) ☐ Chopped fresh red cabbage (optional, but highly recommended) ☐ Lime wedges (optional) ☐ 1 c basmati or other long-grain rice STEPS: 1. In a Dutch oven or large heavy pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion & garlic. After fi ve minutes add sweet potatoes & cook for 10 additional minutes. 2. Add the curry paste & cumin & stir until toasted, about 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes & lemon juice & gently scrape onions from bottom. 3. At the same time boil chickpeas in separate pot for 8-10 minutes to achieve a soft texture. When chickpeas reach your desired texture, drain the water & add chickpeas to Dutch oven. 4. Add coconut milk & brown sugar. Stir & reduce to low heat. Let simmer until the sauce is thick & creamy, between 1015 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, peppers & curry powder to taste. You can create a strong or mild curry to meet your taste. 5. Garnish with cabbage & lime wedges over rice. 4 DENVER VOICE December 2024 ׉ 7cassandra://S7dyTKnSg1p3c2mWSafLTJ3NPW_J54Stl_Xb7fwJz_w2h`g7ŁCG׉EROASTED CHICKPEAS By Elisabeth Monaghan, Denver VOICE Managing Editor SWEDISH MEAT LOAF SUPPER By Raelene Johnson, Denver VOICE Vendor INGREDIENTS: While gathering the recipes submitted for this issue, I noticed a couple of them have chickpeas/garbanzo beans among the ingredients – which inspired me to share this recipe for roasted chickpeas. They’re great on salads, as a garnish for soup, and as a healthy snack. INGREDIENTS: ☐ 1 15 oz. can of chickpeas (preferably no salt) ☐ ¼ c extra virgin olive oil ☐ ¼ t Sea salt ☐ ¼ t spices of your choice (If you prefer spicy, use a pinch of chili powder. For sweet chickpeas, use ¼ t sugar & ¼ t cinnamon) STEPS: 1. Preheat oven to 425°F. 2. Rinse the chickpeas & lay them out on a sheet pan. Pat dry. 3. Mix the olive oil, salt, and spices in a small bowl. 4. Drizzle the olive oil over the chickpeas. 5. Once the chickpeas are coated, spoon them onto a baking sheet & spread evenly. 6. Bake for 30 minutes or until crunchy. 7. Remove the roasted chickpeas & let them cool. INGREDIENTS: Meat Loaf ☐ I can (4 oz) mushroom (pieces & stems) drained & fi nely chopped ☐ ½ c onion, fi nely chopped ☐ ¼ c fresh parsley, snipped ☐ 1 c fresh rye or white bread crumbs (about 2 slices bread) ☐ 2/3 c milk ☐ 1 egg ☐ ¼ t salt, ¼ t black ground pepper, ¼ t ground nutmeg or allspice ☐ 1 lb lean (90%) ground beef ☐ 1 lb lean ground pork Noodles & Cream Gravy ☐ 1 package (12 oz) uncooked egg noodles ☐ 1 jar (12 oz) mushroom or beef gravy ☐ 2 T milk ☐ ¼ c sour cream ☐ ½ T Earth Balance vegan “butter” ☐ 1 T lemon juice ☐ 1 t vanilla extract ☐ ½ c unsweetened vegan coconut yogurt (SO Delicious is a good brand for this) ☐ ½ c creamy peanut butter ☐ ¼ t baking powder ☐ ½ t sea salt ☐ ¼ c cane sugar ☐ 1 ½ T - 2 ½ T all-purpose fl our ☐ ½ t baking soda ☐ ½ c vegan chocolate chips STEPS: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. Mix the fi rst group of ingredients in a mixing bowl, then add the second group. Mix thoroughly. 3. Place the mixing bowl in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to cool. 4. After 10 minutes, roll the cookies out. 5. Using a scoop spoon or your hands, place the dough at least two inches apart on a baking tray. 6. Bake the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes or until desired doneness. SWEET POTATO PIE, A NUTRITIOUS HOLIDAY DESSERT By Albert Bland, Denver VOICE Vendor INGREDIENTS: ☐ 3 raw sweet potatoes ☐ 1 graham cracker pie crust ☐ ½ stick butter ☐ 1 egg ☐ 1 t cinnamon ☐ 1 t nutmeg ☐ ¾ c dark brown sugar ☐ ¾ c 2% milk STEPS: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F – 400°F degrees. 2. Peel the hull of sweet potatoes & chop them into half or quarter-sized pieces. 3. Place in a midsize pot. Fill the pot 2/3 full with water. 4. Place the pot on the stovetop & bring the water to a boil. 5. Once the potatoes are soft, strain the water from the pot. 6. Add the butter until it’s melted, then stir the potatoes & butter until it becomes until it is a smooth consistency. 7. Remove from heat. 8. Add the egg, nutmeg, cinnamon, brown sugar & milk. 9. Stir until the mixture is fl uffy. 10. Pour the mixture into the pie crust. 11. Bake the pie in the oven for an hour or until the top of the pie is slightly crisp. 12. Let cool. STEPS: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. For the meatloaf, fi nely chop mushroom & onion 3. Transfer to 2-quart mixing bowl 4. Add parsley, bread crumbs, milk, egg & seasoning to mixing bowl. Mix well 5. Crumble ground beef & pork into mixing bowl & mix lightly but thoroughly 6. Place into a loaf-shaped pan 7. Bake 1 hr & 15 min – to 1 hr & 20 min, until meat is no longer pink. (Use meat thermometer to make sure the loaf has reached 160°F.) 8. Remove the meatloaf & let it stand for 10 min 9. Meanwhile, boil the noodles until done then drain them. Whisk in sour cream & remove from heat. Cut meat loaf crosswise in half & serve with the noodles. 7. Let cool. 8. Make sure no one saw you make these, fake sleep, and then, when they’re not watching, eat the cookies. PZZZZZZ COOKIES By Rea Brown, Denver VOICE Vendor THIBODEAUX’S BLUEBERRY CRUNCH By Charles Spring, Denver VOICE Vendor INGREDIENTS: ☐ 2 ½ c fresh blueberries ☐ 1 ½ c sugar ☐ ½ c black walnuts ☐ 2 eggs ☐ 1 c fl our ☐ ½ c melted margarine STEPS: 1. Preheat oven to 125°F. 2. Spread the berries evenly in 10-inch pie plate/pan. 3. Sprinkle ½ cup of sugar, along with the black walnuts, over the berries. 4. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of sugar with the eggs, fl our, & melted margarine. 5. Blend well and pour over berries & nuts. 6. Bake for 45 minutes at 325°F. 7. Let cool for 2 minutes & serve warm with ice cream of your choice. (Best with vanilla ice cream.) December 2024 DENVER VOICE 5 ׉ 7cassandra://qwKfPhbLMZW8EJf1UpfyYaaMOWKc6fnqpTbI1zkna5A4`g7ŁCGg7ŁCG בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://jlygi11g9aTBA29422mXusblSpLiVnVNE33kNe7N96YL`׉ 7cassandra://JnC94tZZIK-ue1KViatOdmylTV3iJMHnH3FmnOf2rsw͠`q׉ 7cassandra://DP9yHHK8aFwQVzSdyVqlXSCCMTwzVEi8RTD3HRKk-Tc4`g7ŁCGט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://YFda4Cn7m07s6mwp-qJbwz45dleADNy38S9eFSlcyloY`׉ 7cassandra://qu_J9lv1sNXD08X0OR45G2pf7SU-ipaPf9_i1swih2M͖`q׉ 7cassandra://hh5D2zxrrOMPWgIPAoRzC3oySLG2jATkbh5U-f4J57I0`g7ŁCG׉EDANISH BROWN COOKIES By Andrew Fraieli, Denver VOICE Art Director HEARTY CHICKPEA STEW Jamie Miller, Denver VOICE Contributor This recipe, called Brunekage in Danish, is from my Danish partner’s grandmother. A classic for Christmas in Denmark, the cookies come out just almost crunchy, but keeping a hint of softness with more Christmas spices throughout than our normal U.S. holiday cookie fare. Together, the recipe makes two rolls of dough which is enough for about 50 cookies, though they are thin and easy to dash right through. INGREDIENTS: ☐ 125 g Brown Syrup (Harder to fi nd in the U.S., it is called Mørk Sirup in Danish and is cane sugar syrup mixed with beetroot sugar syrup.) ☐ 250 g butter ☐ 250 g sugar ☐ 62 g blanched almonds, fi nely chopped ☐ 17 g candied citron (Easy to fi nd at Safeway closer to Christmas, this looks like small pieces of green gummy candy.) ☐ 3.5 g clove powder ☐ 17 g candied orange peel (Similar to the candied citron, except orange.) ☐ 10 g cinnamon ☐ 8 g baking soda ☐ 375 g fl our STEPS: 1. Combine the syrup, butter, and sugar in a medium-sized pot and melt over burner until it reaches boiling. 2. Once boiling, remove from burner and let cool until next day inside the pot. 3. Preheat oven to 320°F. 4. Blanch the almonds by quickly dunking them in boiling water and then squeezing them, slipping off the almond’s outer skin. Chop fi ne, and stir into the butter/sugar/syrup pot. 5. Finely dice the candied citron and orange peel and stir into the pot. 6. Dissolve the baking soda in a few tablespoons of boiling water and stir in. 7. Finally, mix in the fl our. 8. We are aiming to make the dough into about 2 inch thick rolls, the number of which will depend on the size of the freezer ziploc bags, or others larger similar bags, we use to shape them. Pour about 2.5 inches of dough into the bag, and roll the bag of dough into a sausage shape sizing up to about 2 inches thick. Do this until the dough is out, about 2 bags, take out the air and seal them, then put them in the fridge. 9. Take a stick of butter and grease a bare cookie sheet. 10. Once the dough has fi rmed up from the cold, take out the dough sausage and cut thin, 1/8 inch thick slices and lay them out on the pan. If it becomes diffi cult to cut, place the sausage back in the bag and in the fridge to cool down and fi rm up again. 11. The cookies only bake for about 6-7 minutes, but they must be watched. They will rise slowly, and eventually fall down again. Once they have fallen completely, remove them from the oven. 12. Let cool on the sheet for a minute, then transfer to cooling rack. This stew is great for days after especially since the fl avors all marinate with time! INGREDIENTS: ☐ ¼ c olive oil, plus more for serving ☐ 4 garlic cloves, chopped ☐ 1 large yellow onion, chopped ☐ 1 (2-inch) piece ginger, fi nely chopped ☐ Kosher salt& black pepper ☐ Garlic salt ☐ Cinnamon ☐ 1 ½ t ground turmeric, plus more for serving ☐ 1 t red pepper fl akes, plus more for serving ☐ 2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained & rinsed ☐ 2 (15 oz) cans full-fat coconut milk ☐ 2 sweet potatoes ☐ 1 c vegetable or chicken stock ☐ 1 bunch Swiss chard, kale, or collard greens, stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces ☐ 1 c mint leaves, for serving ☐ Plain yogurt for serving (optional) ☐ Toasted pita, lavash, or other fl atbread, for serving (optional) STEPS: 1. Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large pot over medium. Add garlic, onion & ginger. Season with salt & pepper,& cook, stirring occasionally until onion is translucent& starts to brown a little at the edges, 3 to 5 minutes. 2. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric, 1 teaspoon red-pepper fl akes, & the chickpeas, & season with salt & pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, so the chickpeas sizzle& fry a bit in the spices& oil, until they’ve started to break down& get a little browned& crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove about a cup of chickpeas & set aside for garnish. 3. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, further crush the remaining chickpeas slightly to release their starchy insides. (This will help thicken the stew.) Add coconut milk & stock, & season with salt & pepper. 4. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any bits that have formed on the bottom of the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until stew has thickened, 30 to 35 minutes. (Taste a chickpea or two, not just the liquid, to make sure they have simmered long enough to be as delicious as possible.) If after 30 to 35 minutes, you want the stew a bit thicker, keep simmering until you’ve reached your desired consistency. Determining perfect stew thickness is a personal journey! 5. Divide among bowls & top with mint, reserved chickpeas, a sprinkle of red pepper fl akes & a good drizzle of olive oil. Serve alongside yogurt & toasted pita if using; dust the yogurt with turmeric if you’d like. 6. As stew thickens, preheat oven to 400°F. Cut 1 sweet potato. Season with cinnamon, salt, garlic salt & pepper to your liking. Once oven is preheated, cook sweet potatoes for 35 minutes or until soft. 7. Add sweet potatoes & greens & stir, making sure they’re submerged in the liquid. Cook until they wilt& soften, 3 to 7 minutes, depending on what you’re using. (Swiss chard & spinach will wilt & soften much faster than kale or collard greens.) Season again with salt and pepper. 6 DENVER VOICE December 2024 ׉ 7cassandra://DP9yHHK8aFwQVzSdyVqlXSCCMTwzVEi8RTD3HRKk-Tc4`g7ŁCG׉EcWRAPPING PAPER 2024 Special Issue This ninth-annual wrapping paper insert is perfect for wrapping your holiday gifts or using for a special DIY holiday decoration. It features art inspired by the original designs of our vendors. CHARLES SPRING JASON MARTIN & JERRY ROSEN LANDO ALLEN LARMARQUES SMITH RAELENE JOHNSON REA BROWN December 2024 DENVER VOICE 7 ׉ 7cassandra://hh5D2zxrrOMPWgIPAoRzC3oySLG2jATkbh5U-f4J57I0`g7ŁCGg7ŁCG בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://_TkhizTHRzZCfZxEPonsY-zvWRdBOkBdSHo_zUpNwRk$`׉ 7cassandra://Nnk-s6IKHV4IHqNp3FRlnhSTiSU3P2mk9KCfffJlg-8m)`q׉ 7cassandra://MqyZjoA5ZnHS3YNJ2ykU2hoDYiYM1W6fLxJp_uOeVOA&l`g7ŁCGט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://sAT9WMPvdBy81A9tNyaBxORRikOg2Xzo-wMn7lY_NDA9A`׉ 7cassandra://TA-L8kEOiM6RTQvu592JS4wmeY1GxVVLTPGRdP4FTRḮY`q׉ 7cassandra://NL96fCTSohtOYIebh_mcwO-grDq902f3Dndju4UKAaU)|`g7ŁCG˓נg7ŁCGρ9ׁHmailto:program@denvervoice.orgׁ ׁ Јנg7ŁCG΁̰9ׁHhttp://careasy.org/nonprofiׁ ׁ Јנg7ŁCǴ݁v9ׁHhttp://Chancesports.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉E )COMMUNITY PROFILE SENATOR JAMES COLEMAN (D) POSES FOR A GROUP PHOTO WITH TRACK COACHES AND YOUTH ATHLETES OF HIS CHANCE SPORTS ORGANIZATION. | CREDIT: ADRIAN MICHAEL CHANCE SPORTS LEVELS THE PLAYING FIELD BY ADRIAN MICHAEL ON A THURSDAY EVENING IN NOVEMBER, at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College in Denver, Colorado, State Senator James Coleman (D) watches his daughter and other teen athletes race against each other during track practice. Coleman stands along the race sidelines wearing a lapel pin on his suit that says Chance Sports while his daughter wears a shirt with the same message. Chance Sports was launched with the vision of creating opportunities for all children to be able to play competitive sports by providing scholarships to those in financial need. “We provide scholarships to kids who are 350% or below the federal poverty line. Our scholarship range is on a tiered system from $500 to $5,000 a year per athlete, and we have just over almost 500 athletes on scholarship,” said Coleman. In 2022, Coleman and former Colorado Representative Colin Larson (R) founded Chance Sports after Coleman learned teammates on his son’s basketball team were quitting the team due to not being able to afford sports fees and other costs. Recognizing a problem, Coleman sought solutions and reached out to the Daniels Fund, an organization that provides funding for sports programs. “I was told to go bigger than just funding my son’s sports team; [that I] should create an organization to help more kids out,” Coleman said. “We partnered with the Daniels Fund, which provided our organization with $500,000. Additionally, the sale of the Broncos team provided funding for local Denver Metro Municipalities to fund sports. We were blessed to get $200,000 from the City of Denver in 2022, $500,000 from the City of Aurora in 2023, and funding from corporate partners and individual donors. “When we talk about sports, we always say kids deserve a chance, and it was simple. We want to help level the playing fields for as many kids to have a chance to be able to compete, and so that’s how we came up with the name,” said Coleman. “The beautiful thing about Chance Sports is we are strictly funders,” said Coleman. “We partner with our clubs, but we directly scholarship athletes. We give funding to the athlete. The way it works is we raise money, and if an athlete qualifies for a scholarship, we give them a digital card that allows them to be able to use it at pre-approved vendors (such as Dick’s Sporting Goods). We cover travel costs, including gas, flights, and hotels as well as club dues and fees, and the beauty of this is it makes our program highly scalable, and we can get dollars out quickly to families on a digital card, and it gives families dignity,” he added. Service has been part of Coleman’s entire life. He grew up attending church and doing nonprofit service-oriented work. “That’s part of why I ran for office. What I love about this TWO FEMALE ATHLETES RUNNING DURING TRACK PRACTICE. | CREDIT: ADRIAN MICHAEL 8 DENVER VOICE December 2024 ׉ 7cassandra://MqyZjoA5ZnHS3YNJ2ykU2hoDYiYM1W6fLxJp_uOeVOA&l`g7ŁCG׉E\COMMUNITY PROFILE NATIONAL STORY COMMUNITY PROFILE Coleman knows the benefits of playing sports besides just the physical aspect. There is peer-to-peer relationship building, mentorship with coaches, and mental health aspects. “A lot of our kids are suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness. Kids are committing suicide. I don’t want to be negative, but that’s just a reality,” said Coleman. “Sports have so many benefits; the biggest is safety. I always say, ‘When I know where a kid is, I know where a kid is not.’ When I see these kids out here, I know they’re not doing something else they should not be doing. These are tangible benefits that you may not learn unless you’re playing a sport.” According to the United Nations, Transforming our TWO ATHLETES NEAR THE FINISH LINE DURING TRACK PRACTICE. | CREDIT: ADRIAN MICHAEL is it’s an immediate impact. The work I do in public office is very important. I get to see this and help implement something with my own hands, and that’s also another reason why I love doing this,” said Coleman. Being the second youngest legislator in the Senate and having been in office for eight years — four years in the House, four years in the Senate — Coleman is often asked, “How can you do the legislative work and do this, too?” Coleman’s answer: “I have no choice. I have an obligation to pay it forward and pay it back to the people who raised us, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to support our community. T]he vision of Chance Sports is to help one kid at a time and be able to have an opportunity that [kids] otherwise wouldn’t have,” said Coleman. “We know [our program is] working by seeing high school students who received our scholarships continue their athletic careers in college. We started in 2022; we gave our first scholarships in February 2023, and in that short amount of time, we’re already seeing it work. I think that helps meet the vision of these kids to go on to the next level.” According to data from the Healthy Sports Index, high school athletes are more likely to graduate from a four-year college (73% girls, 59% boys) compared to non-athletes (67% girls, 53% boys). A higher percentage of high school athletes also receive A/A- grades than non-athletes. World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, sports often provide safe environments at the grassroots and community levels, where participants are brought together in pursuit of common goals and interests; learn values of respect, tolerance, and fair play; and develop social competencies. Coleman said that Chance Sports has seen a lot of engagement from the community, and many people have reached out and provided the organization with support from individuals, donors, and former athletes. But according to Coleman, the biggest benefit is from within — being able to give back and seeing opportunities for his kids. “My son has a team to play on; my daughter has a family outside of her [own] family that she gets to come and compete with. The more kids we have to be able to play, the more that benefits us.” The long-term goal for Chance Sports is growth. “We’re going global,” Coleman said jokingly. “We have an opportunity to potentially scale to Eastern Michigan next year and potentially scale to Ohio and Tennessee. We have so many opportunities to help more and more kids. I want to make sure that we can sustain and make sure the program is consistent. If you’re a family in need of a scholarship, if you’re a club that wants to partner with us and help more kids play your sport in your club, if you’re a funder or a donor that wants to invest and help more kids afford to play, or if you just want to learn more information to get involved and be an advocate, check us out at Chancesports.org.” 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. The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. DONATE YOUR CAR! VOLUNTEER WITH US! We are looking for volunteers to help us at community events, or to assist with paper distribution and basic offi ce administration at our offi ce (989 Santa Fe. Dr.). If you are interested and would like to know more, contact us at program@denvervoice.org. YOUNG CHILDREN ATHLETES TAKE OFF FROM THE STARTING LINE DURING TRACK PRACTICE. | CREDIT: ADRIAN MICHAEL December 2024 DENVER VOICE 9 ׉ 7cassandra://NL96fCTSohtOYIebh_mcwO-grDq902f3Dndju4UKAaU)|`g7ŁCGg7ŁCG בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://1_ZnRAfMkpv4KSwqbXZ6w_yTl2mv0plCUt4u9ZsgMRYO`׉ 7cassandra://TJIRqfPEm2FTg4jInwI9lhVLJWIQNRk0hKpH5buawWckd`q׉ 7cassandra://qOOW-MNwtyh1qCTFL_El0J28XXdZS0KThp2yx7jvy78`g7ŁCGט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://a9yQHIoypq4pHwNN4cUJt647fW1vAJd2q5gy4EXBMMk`׉ 7cassandra://w1iq_4fr8Ukb5ADNqlPJKj5ZKRcIGLdhp7nZuw4YwTsn`q׉ 7cassandra://e9yWMTZrmmRjPTsm_yzD2PXtH3YIBNCJ9jNnHYzNpeE"`g7ŁCGѕנg7ŁCGl4̠9ׁH"http://coloradocoalition.org/vigilׁ ׁ Јנg7ŁCG l:̬9ׁH!http://shopcherrycreek.com/eventsׁ ׁ Јנg7ŁCG lA9ׁH"http://dairyblock.com/events/dairyׁ ׁ Јנg7ŁCG lہ9ׁHhttp://denver.org/event/lightׁ ׁ Јנg7ŁCG lρ9ׁH'http://denver.org/milehighholidays/treeׁ ׁ Ј׉E&RESOURCE LIST MEDICAL / MENTAL HEALTH / DENTAL SERVICES ACS COMMUNITY LIFT: 5045 W. 1st Ave., Denver; https://rentassistance. org DENVER HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER: 777 Bannock St.; https://www. denverhealth.org DETOX LOCAL: Features information including mental health and substance use resources specifically for the AAPI (American Asian and Pacific Islander) community; http://www.detoxlocal.com DRUG REHAB USA: Addiction hotline - 888-479-0446; Organizations that take Medicaid: http://www.drugrehabus.org/rehabs/treatment/ medicaid/united-states/colorado/denver HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER: 112 E. 8th Ave.; 303-572-7800; HIV/ Hep C/ Gonorrhea/ Chlamydia testing available. Services are restricted to active IV Drug Users. Offers clean syringes to active users, as well as safety training on proper disposal of dirty syringes; M-F – 9am-12pm: http://www.harmreductionactioncenter.org INNER CITY HEALTH CENTER: 3800 York St.; Emergency walk-ins - 303296-1767; Dental – 303-296-4873; M-F - 8am-2pm LIVER HEALTH CONNECTION: 1325 S. Colorado Blvd.; Suite B302; Resources and support for those affected by Hep C. Free Hep C testing offered; 800-522-4372, 800-359-9272; info@hepcconnection.org; https://www.viventhealth.org NATIONAL AIDS HOTLINE: 800-342-AIDS/800-344-7432 NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: Text or call 988; https:// www.988lifeline.org NATIONAL RUNAWAY SAFELINE: 800-RUNAWAY/800-786-2929; https:// www.1800runaway.org RAPE ABUSE AND INCEST NATIONAL NETWORK: 800-656-HOPE; https:// www.rainn.org SALUD CLINIC: 6255 Quebec Pkwy, Commerce City; 303-697-2583, 970-484-0999; https://www.saludclinic.org/commerce-city STOUT STREET CLINIC: 2130 Stout St.; 303-293-2220; Clinic hours for new and established patients - M, T, Th, F - 7am-4pm, W - 9am-6pm; https://www.coloradocoalition.org/healthcare SUBSTANCE ABUSE REHAB GUIDE: HELPLINE – 888-493-4670; https:// www.detoxrehabs.net/states/colorado/ U.S. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE: 800-799-7233 (English and Spanish); 800-243-7889 (TDD); https://www.thehotline.org EMERGENCY SHELTER INDIVIDUALS IN NEED OF SHELTER ARE ENCOURAGED TO GO TO “FRONT DOOR” SHELTER ACCESS POINTS: • For individual men – Denver Rescue Mission Lawrence Street Community Center, 2222 Lawrence St. • For individual women – Samaritan House, 2301 Lawrence St. • For youth ages 15-20 – Urban Peak, 1630 S. Acoma St. • Families in need of shelter should call the Connection Center at 303-295-3366. ADDITIONALLY, DENVER PARKS AND RECREATION WILL OPEN ALL CURRENTLY OPERATING RECREATION CENTERS AS DAYTIME WARMING CENTERS DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS ON FRIDAY, NOV. 8 AND SATURDAY, NOV. 9, FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED A PLACE TO WARM UP. Denver Public Library locations are also available during regular business hours. Double-check library hours: denverlibrary.org/ locations. For more information about shelter access, visit denvergov.org/ findshelter or text INDOORS to 67283 for updates. DROP-IN DAYTIME CENTERS HAVEN OF HOPE: 1101 W. 7th Ave.; 303-607-0855; Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Private showers & bathrooms, laundry, lunch, etc; https://www.thoh. org FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN DENVER DENVERVOICE.ORG/RESOURCE-LIST THE GATHERING PLACE: 1535 High St.; 303-321-4198; Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8:30am-5pm, Tues. 8:30am-1:30pm; Daytime drop-in center for women, their children, and transgender individuals; Meals, computer lab, phones, food bank, clothing, art programs, GED tutoring, referrals to other services, etc; https://www.tgpdenver.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER: 231 East Colfax; Mon.-Fri. 9am12pm; 303-572-7800; Provides clean syringes, syringe disposal, harm-reduction counseling, safe materials, Hep C/HIV education, and health education classes; https://www. harmreductionactioncenter.org LAWRENCE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER: 2222 Lawrence St.; 303-2940157; day facility, laundry, showers, restrooms, access to services https://www.homelessassistance.us/li/lawrence-street-communitycenter OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES: 1567 Marion St.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-5:30pm. Drop-in center; bathrooms, coffee/tea, snacks, resources, WIFI https://www.odmdenver.org T. FRANCIS CENTER: 303-297-1576; 2323 Curtis St. 6am-6pm daily. Storage for one bag (when space is available). Satellite Clinic hoursMon., Tues., Thurs, Fri. 7:30am-3:30pm; Wed. 12:30-4:30pm https:// www.sfcdenver.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES: 846 E. 18th Ave. For those 60+. TV room, bus tokens, mental/physical health outreach, and more. https://www. seniorsupportservices.org SOX PLACE (YOUTH SERVICES): 2017 Larimer St. Daytime drop-in shelter for youth 12-30 years old. Meals, socks, clothing bank, personal hygiene supplies, internet access, intentional mentoring and guidance, crisis intervention, referrals to other services. Tues.Fri. 12-4pm & Sat. 11-2pm. https://www.soxplace.com THE SPOT AT URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES): 2100 Stout St. 303-2910442. Drop-in hours Mon.-Fri. 8-11am. YOUTH AGED 15-20 IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE OVERNIGHT SHELTER SERVICES: 303-974-2928 https://www.urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-andservices/drop-in-center URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES): Youth 14-24 in Denver and Colorado Springs. Overnight shelter, food, clothing, showers, case workers, job skills and training, ID and birth certificate assistance, GED assistance, counseling and housing. 730 21st St. 303-974-2900 https://www. urbanpeak.org FREE MEALS CAPITOL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: 1100 Fillmore St., Sat. lunch at 11:30am; https://www.capitolheightspresbyterian.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES: https://www.mealsforpoor.org CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: 1530 Logan St.; sandwiches & coffee Mon.-Fri. 8:30am; https://www.denvercathedral. org CHRIST’S BODY MINISTRIES: 850 Lincoln; Mon. closed, Tues.-Thurs. 10am-3pm, Fri. 8am-11pm; groceries & hot meal on Sat. at 2pm (at 16th & York); Sun. church service at 6pm, dinner at 7pm; https:// www.christsbody.org CHRIST IN THE CITY: Home-cooked meal, weekly; Lunch in the Park is on Wednesdays from 12-1 at Benedict Fountain Park (Tremont and 22nd); https://www.christinthecity.org CITYSQUARE DENVER: 2575 S. Broadway; 303-783-3777; Food pantry Tues. 10am-6pm; https://www.citysquare.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES: 1820 Broadway (in front of Trinity United Methodist Church); Hot meals served M, T, Th., F - 11:4512:15; https://www.mealsforpoor.org DENVER RESCUE MISSION: 1130 Park Avenue West; 303-294-0157; 3 meals 7 days/week, 5:30am, 12pm, 6pm; https://www. denverrescuemission.org HAVEN OF HOPE: 1101 W. 7th Ave.; 303-607-0855; M-F. 7am-1pm. Not open weekends; Breakfast is at 8am, lunch is served at 11am; https:// www.havenofhope.org HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE: 1400 Cherry St., free vegetarian feast on Sun., 6:45-7:30pm; https://www.krishnadenver.com HIS LOVE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH: 910 Kalamath St.; Community dinner on Thurs., 6-6:45pm, Men’s breakfast 1st Sat. of the month, 8-10am, Women’s breakfast 2nd Sat., 9-11am; https://www.hislovefellowship. org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH: 1900 California St.; Sandwiches, M-Sat., 10-10:30am; https://www.holyghostchurch.org OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES: 1567 Marion St.; 303-830-2201; Sat. morning breakfast: 8am, Sun. dinner (required church attendance at 4:30pm); meal served at 6pm; https://www.odmdenver.org/home ST. ELIZABETH’S: Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St. on Auraria Campus, 7 days/week, 11:00am; Food, coffee; https://www.stelizabethdenver. org ST. FRANCIS CENTER: 2323 Curtis St., Wed. & Fri. 3-4:30pm (except third Wed. of each month); https://www.sfcdenver.org SAME CAFÉ: 2023 E. Colfax Ave; 720-530-6853;Restaurant serving mostly organic food—not free, but pay what you can or work off your meal in the kitchen; Open Mon.-Sat., 11am to 2pm, Closed Sun. & holidays; https://www.soallmayeat.org VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA: 2877 Lawrence St., breakfast (8am), lunch (11:30am), dinner (5pm) Mon.-Thurs., 12pm on Fri., 1pm on Sun. Food & clothing bank 9:30am-4pm Mon.-Thurs.; https://www. voacolorado.org/gethelp-denvermetro-foodnutrition-themission LGBTQ+ SUPPORT THE TREVOR PROJECT: 866-488-7386: https://www.thetrevorproject.org LGBT NATIONAL YOUTH TALKLINE: 800-246-7743: https://www. lgbthotline.org/youth-talkline PRIDE INSTITUTE: 800-547-7433 TRUE COLORS UNITED: 212-461-4401, https://www.truecolorsunited. org VETERANS & SENIORS DENVER INNER CITY PARISH: 1212 Mariposa St.; 303-322-5733; VOA Dining Center for Seniors, aged 60 and older, W-Sat. 9am-12pm; Food Bank, W-F; Tickets at 9am, food bank open 10am-12pm; dicp. org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES: 846 E. 18th Ave.; For those aged 60 or older; TV room, bus tokens, mental/physical health outreach, 3 meals, M-F -7am-7pm; Sun. 11am-4pm; https://www. seniorsupportservices.org VA MEDICAL CENTER: 1700 N Wheeling St.; Aurora 303-399-8020: https://www.va.gov/findlocations/facility/vha_554A5 VETERANS GUIDE: https://www.veteransguide.org; Veterans Disability Calculator https://www.veteransguide.org/va-disability-calculator YOUTH SERVICES SOX PLACE (YOUTH SERVICES): 2017 Larimer St.; 303-296-3412Daytime drop-in shelter for youth 12-30; Meals, socks, clothing bank, personal hygiene supplies, internet access, intentional mentoring and guidance, crisis intervention, referrals to other services. T-F - 12-4pm & Sat. 11am-2pm. Instagram: @Soxplace THE SPOT AT URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES): 2100 Stout St. 303-2910442; Youth aged 15-20 in need of immediate overnight shelter services, 303-974-2928; Drop-in hours Mon.-Fri. 8-11am https:// www.urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-and-services/drop-in-center SUNSHINE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (YOUTH SERVICES): 833-931-2484; Services for youth facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions; https://www. sunshinebehavioralhealth.com URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES): 730 21st St., Denver; 303-974-2900; Ages14-24; Serving Denver & Colo Springs; Overnight shelter, food, clothing, showers, case workers, job skill/straining, ID and birth certificate assistance, GED assistance, counseling and housing; https://www. urbanpeak.org 10 DENVER VOICE December 2024 ׉ 7cassandra://qOOW-MNwtyh1qCTFL_El0J28XXdZS0KThp2yx7jvy78`g7ŁCG׉E EVENTS THE MILE HIGH TREE The Mile High Tree is back! Join in the free festivities at this festive holiday attraction, the Mile High Tree. It’s a brilliantly lit, 110-foot-tall immersive art installation that provides a dazzling lights-and-music show. WHEN: Nov. 22–Dec. 31, 2024 COST: Free WHERE: Civic Center Park, 101 W. 14th Ave. INFO: denver.org/milehighholidays/tree 2024 ANNUAL LIGHT THE LIGHTS The annual Light the Lights celebration kicked off a daily, 8-minute holiday light and music show schedule at Denver’s City and County Building. The City and County Building will showcase a festive, static light display before, between, and after the two nightly shows until 10:45 p.m. WHEN: Nov. 27, 2024–Jan. 26, 2025; 5:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. each night. COST: Free WHERE: City & County of Denver Building INFO: denver.org/event/light-the-lights/121146 MISTLETOE MARKET New to the holiday season, Dairy Block will host its first-ever Mistletoe Market in the [heated] Alley! Mistletoe Market will feature a wide variety of local CO vendors (12 new vendors each weekend!), live carolers & holiday music, festive cocktails, photo ops, and a screen-printing station for the first 50 attendees. The four-weekend event is free to attend and held in the Dairy Block Alley. WHEN: Nov. 30 &Dec. 1; Dec. 7 & 8; Dec. 14 & 15; Dec. 21 & 22, 2024 COST: Free WHERE: Dairy Block Alley, 1800 Wazee Street INFO: dairyblock.com/events/dairy-block-mistletoe-market SATURDAY NIGHT LIGHTS Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the season! Bring the whole family for a night of music, dancing, and entertainment - all under the glow of one million dazzling lights. Visitors can prepare to dance on a light-up dance floor to a live DJ’s set, stroll through a tunnel of lights, and pose for a free photo booth keepsake — creating new memories for the whole family. The festivities will be scattered throughout the district, creating fun and excitement on every corner as you wander! WHEN: December 7, 14, & 21: 5 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: Throughout Cherry Creek North (Keep an eye out for Santa & Mrs. Clause as they stroll about Fillmore Street, between 2nd & 3rd Ave) INFO: shopcherrycreek.com/events WE WILL REMEMBER: ANNUAL HOMELESS PERSONS’ VIGIL This is annual vigil honors those who have died in the previous year. For many, this will be the only service to mark their death. WHEN: December 21, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: In front of Denver City & County Building, 1437 Bannock Street. INFO: coloradocoalition.org/vigil December 2024 DENVER VOICE 11 PUZZLES COURTESY OF STREETROOTS M I C R O Y O C T O O M G F O S C A L E Y H E C T A J E T Y T E G D E K A I T T C H P G F A F I N P Z D A T I G E I Z A N E G V S A U O R P Z C Q Y C D M A O C Q Y T M C E T E S T A T L E A E E N U D T O E H O R O D T E M N V L Q A Z E G R D G T S R G U T T C I N T O D I E S U B D I V I S I O N O I Z P R E F I X X P E T A L L P E T H W E O Y O L B A I L A P D E T B O X N M E R K I W D I U N I T S A A M E M M C B C C E X P O N E N T I A L A P B O Atto Centi Decadic Deci Deka Exa Exponential Factor Femto Giga Hecto Kilo Mega Metric Micro Milli Multiple Nano Peta Pico Prefix Scale Size Standardized Subdivision Ten Tera Unit Yocto Yotta Zepto Zetta 9 7 2 7 4 8 6 8 6 7 8 3 4 9 7 1 4 5 3 6 3 9 1 6 7 8 7 9 7 2 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://e9yWMTZrmmRjPTsm_yzD2PXtH3YIBNCJ9jNnHYzNpeE"`g7ŁCGg7ŁCG בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://5EnzSCdGU__COxfTVhnIaS4rwqHTidsGf6DGoja8Ys8`׉ 7cassandra://srhZLVMVESzcTF3Kfi9xSxHuFISvfl7ejkNUO08wkX0i`q׉ 7cassandra://JUkE7ku2Y_r9F3CMn4BpZJNrdpadviHYI9ooC2lmHR0'`g7ŁCGנg7ŁCG9ׁHhttp://DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATEׁ ׁ Ј׉ERWHAT DO WE DO TO HELP? Since 2007, the VOICE has provided jobs for more than 4,600 people experiencing housing or financial instability. For every dollar we take in, we put $3.00 directly back into the pockets of those who need it most. WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN DO MORE. SCAN THIS CODE TO SET UP YOUR DONATION TODAY! DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE ׉ 7cassandra://JUkE7ku2Y_r9F3CMn4BpZJNrdpadviHYI9ooC2lmHR0'`g7ŁCG׈Eg7ŁCGg7ŁCG ,12-2024g7v}\C