by Jessica Hughes | Apr 1, 2026 | Glendale City News
by Jessica Hughes
Goodwill of Colorado helps support people and its communities through 25 workforce and community programs.
Thrifting has re-emerged as a popular trend driven by a shift toward sustainable, eco-conscious, and budget-friendly choices. According to Goodwill’s annual reporting, Goodwill Industries reached record revenue of $7 billion in 2025 across its more than 3,400 North American stores, fueled by a 7% increase in sales. Much of that growth has been driven by younger shoppers, including Gen Z and millennial consumers, who increasingly view thrifting as both economical and sustainable.
“There’s less of a stigma attached to shopping second-hand; that perception has flipped completely,” says Stephanie Bell, the brand manager of Goodwill of Colorado. “Now, there is more of a status and cache in finding a unique item. People love the thrill of a thrift and saving money at the same time.” And as prices continue to climb across the country, many shoppers are turning to secondhand stores as a practical way to stretch their budgets, putting stores like Goodwill right in the center of this trend.
Yet beyond the bins of donated goods and the shopping among a treasure trove of unique items, there is an organization with a broader mission. Goodwill retail stores are part of a nonprofit system designed to support individuals, families, and communities by funding a wide range of programs and services that help people find employment, build job skills, and pursue education.
Shopper thrifting at the Glendale Goodwill store.
Goodwill of Colorado, the state’s oldest thrift operation with a nonprofit mission, reinvests much of its revenue into these programs that support local communities. “About 90 cents of every $1 made goes back into the community,” says Bell.
Goodwill of Colorado operates 25 workforce and community programs across the state, supporting more than 143,000 Coloradans in 2024 alone, including veterans, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those who have experienced incarceration.
One of the organization’s most notable initiatives is the Excel Center in Aurora. The school is the state’s first tuition-free high school for adults, developed through a partnership with the Colorado Department of Education, and offers adults the opportunity to earn a high school diploma at no cost, along with childcare, career coaching, and flexible scheduling designed for adult learners. Since launching in Colorado, the Excel Center has graduated a growing number of students, with more than 100 earning diplomas since August 2024 alone.
Patrick Spaulding and his team at the Leetsdale Goodwill store in Glendale.
Working alongside Goodwill’s Career Development Services, the ReHire Colorado program helps individuals facing barriers to employment successfully return to the workforce. Today, more than 3,000 people are employed by Goodwill across the state, many through the organization’s fair-chance hiring practices that prioritize opportunities for those who might otherwise struggle to find work. According to Goodwill, roughly two-thirds of its social enterprise employees reported experiencing a barrier to employment before joining the organization — challenges that can include disabilities, language barriers, past incarceration, or extended gaps in work history.
The impact of these programs is often evident in the stores themselves. At the Goodwill location on Leetsdale Drive, serving the Glendale and Cherry Creek communities, about 55 employees make up a workforce rich in diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Team members speak six or seven different languages, and the staff includes refugees, individuals with disabilities, and people working to rebuild their careers after incarceration.
Patrick Spaulding, the store’s manager, said providing opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds is one of the most rewarding parts of the job. “We hired a refugee from Chad who speaks very little English, and this was her first job in America,” Spaulding said. “Just because you don’t speak English doesn’t mean you can’t work.”
Spaulding also recounts many success stories of the store’s employees who have turned their lives around through career advancements within the organization, as well as four individuals who came through partner programs like CW STEP (Colorado Works Subsidized Training and Employment Program) — one of several programs that collectively saw more than 43,000 individuals in 2024 receive free job training, career coaching, and placement for those with financial challenges and who haven’t been in the workplace for a while.
The stores themselves rely heavily on community donations. Clothing and textiles make up roughly 60% of donated goods, while electronics are among the least commonly donated items.
Goodwill of Colorado Déjà Blue Boutique in Cherry Creek — the only Goodwill boutique in Colorado.
“There are very few things we don’t take,” Spaulding said.
For shoppers and donors alike, that means everyday choices can have a ripple effect. Donating unwanted items keeps usable goods out of landfills, while shopping secondhand helps fund programs that support education, job training, and employment opportunities across Colorado.
It turns out that what is better for the planet is also better for local communities and improving people’s lives.
So, the next time you consider throwing something away — or buying something new — it may be worth remembering that a donated sweater or a thrifted find can do more than save money. It can help support your community.
by Valley Gadfly | Apr 1, 2026 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
Welcome to April, the first full month of spring! No-fooling, despite starting with April Fool’s Day, this month features 30 days of blooming flowers, patio dining, and April showers.
April in Denver brings a distinct charm as the city awakens from winter. The weather can be quite variable, ranging from pleasant 70-degree sunny days to an occasional snowstorm.
With the soft laughter of April suns and the shadow of April showers, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment, so spring and happiness will come:
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera is back to thrill Denver audiences featuring Maria Bjornson’s original design. The beautiful, spectacular production is in DCPA’s Buell Theatre April 1, 7:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-4220.
Don’t miss the Los Angeles-based pop rock band Lany entertaining in the Mission Ballroom April 7, 7:30 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
Catch comedian, writer, and podcaster Charlie Berens playing at the Paramount Theatre April 11, 5 p. m. Information: 303-623-0106.
After a four-year wait, Uchiko has finally opened in Cherry Creek’s Ginny Williams space, featuring lunch and happy hour specials. Standout space has sunlit dining room, sushi bar, plus lively front bar. Information: 303-444-1922.
Looking for a special space for your special occasion? With an 8,600 sq. ft. ballroom, plus 360 degrees of high-definition screens Infinity Park Event Center will make your event distinctive. Information: 303-248-7100.
Chicago Indie rock band Ratboys and violinist Julia Steiner entertain at the Bluebird Theatre, April 13, 8 p. m. Information: 303-377-1666.
Hip hop duo Black Violin plays the violin and viola at the Paramount Theatre April 21, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.
Vocalist Lucia from Veracruz, Mexico, sings jazz, Latin, and pop at Dazzle, April 28, 8:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5200.
Hear New York fashion designer Zang Toi at the Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show. Event raises funds for The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation as it honors type 1 heroes at the in the Sheraton Denver downtown hotel April 7, 11:30 a.m. Information: 303-863-1200.
April is the angel of months, the young love of the new year. It marks the transitional period when the Mile High City shakes off its winter slumber and slowly bursts into bloom.
The days grow warmer, the flowers start to blossom, and the promise of sunny afternoons fill the air. It’s a time to admire the majesty – and quirkiness – of Mother Nature.
Winter’s done, and April’s in the skies. A time for new hope. And of new energy to go after your goals and your dreams. Haven’t you heard the joke about April? April-ly not.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 1, 2026 | General Featured
by Mark Smiley
A Tribute to Joni Mitchell featuring Liz Barnez, Rebecca Folsom, and Celeste Krenz performs at Four Mile Historic Park in 2025. The show is returning in 2026 as part of Swallow Hill Music’s Summer Music Series at Four Mile. Photo credit: Kit Chalberg, Courtesy Swallow Hill Music
A popular summer music tradition is returning to Glendale’s backyard as Swallow Hill Music brings back its Summer Tribute Concert Series at Four Mile Historic Park.
The Wednesday evening concert series, which runs June 3 through July 15, features seven performances celebrating legendary artists such as The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, John Prine, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers, the Grateful Dead, and the Traveling Wilburys.
Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m., with the park opening at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking and lawn seating.
In recent years, the series has shifted to an all-tribute format, which organizers say has helped draw record crowds eager to relive the music of iconic artists performed live by skilled regional musicians.
Returning acts include several Front Range favorites, such as The 3eatles, a Beatles tribute band; Shakedown Street, honoring the Grateful Dead; and The Traveling Wilburys Revue. The lineup also includes A Tribute to Joni Mitchell, featuring Liz Barnez, Rebecca Folsom, and Celeste Krenz, as well as Sugar Britches, performing the songs of the late folk legend John Prine.
Two performers will make their debut in the series this year: The Other Brothers, paying tribute to the Allman Brothers Band, and Colorado Springsteen, celebrating the music of Bruce Springsteen.
The concerts take place on the lawn at Four Mile Historic Park, offering a relaxed setting where attendees often bring picnic dinners and blankets to enjoy an evening of live music outdoors. Outside food, coolers, and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed, although outside alcohol is not permitted. A bar will be available onsite.
Tribute bands have grown increasingly popular in recent years, with acts like Brit Floyd, Bjorn Again, and Hell’s Belles touring nationally and internationally. These performances allow fans to experience the music of legendary artists live, often with remarkable attention to detail.
For performers like Sugar Britches, the tribute format also offers a chance to honor musical heroes.
“Playing these shows really makes us appreciate John Prine’s legacy,” said Brian Johanson of the band. “After John Prine passed, there was just such a big hole in the world, and I really wanted to pay homage to him.”
Johanson said the connection audiences feel during the performances is powerful.
“The last two years at Four Mile Historic Park, I have had several people come up to me after the show in tears telling me how much the show meant to them,” he said. “Seeing that connection to our hero and knowing we can help keep his legacy alive makes it worth it.”
Swallow Hill Music, a Denver nonprofit dedicated to music education and performance, uses ticket sales from events like the summer series to help support its programs and expand access to the arts.
2025 Swallow Hill Summer Concerts at Four Mile Historic Park
All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. (doors at 5:30 p.m.)
June 3 — The Other Brothers: A Tribute to the Allman Brothers
June 10 — The 3eatles: A Tribute to The Beatles
June 17 — A Tribute to Joni Mitchell (featuring Liz Barnez, Rebecca Folsom and Celeste Krenz)
June 24 — Sugar Britches: A Tribute to John Prine
July 1 — Colorado Springsteen: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen
July 8 — Shakedown Street: A Tribute to the Grateful Dead
July 15 — The Traveling Wilburys Revue: A Tribute to the Traveling Wilburys
Tickets and additional information are available through Swallow Hill Music’s website at www.swallowhillmusic.org/four-mile.
by Laura Lieff | Apr 1, 2026 | Travel
Head West For A Desert Adventure
by Laura Lieff
View From The Top: The Fleming family enjoys visiting Arches National Park, which is known for its natural stone arches, towering pinnacles, and massive balanced rocks.
Spring is the time of year when everything and everyone emerges — flowers bloom, spring cleaning starts, and Cherry Creek Valley residents begin looking for places to visit outside of the city. One exciting destination, which is just over the Colorado border in Utah, is Moab. Known for its many outdoor adventure options — including mountain biking, hiking, off-roading, and fossil hunting — Moab is also a gateway to the magnificent Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
One way to enjoy Moab is on wheels — just ask the hardcore gearheads who love off-roading and are looking forward to the 60th Annual Easter Jeep Safari event which takes place March 28 through April 5. Additionally, Cruise Moab, an annual event that began in 1996, is happening April 15 through 19 this year. Those who prefer riding mountain bikes, dirt bikes, and motorcycles usually journey to Slickrock Bike Trail as it features just over 10 miles of scenic and rugged terrain and is located approximately three miles from town. Founded by Dick Wilson in 1969, Slickrock was originally meant for motorcycles. Over five decades later, nothing has changed as a variety of aficionados flock to the area to spend time on their preferred wheels.
Longtime motorcycle mechanic and enthusiast, Dan “The Wrench” Rolfe, has been enjoying Moab for the last 12 years — both on his mountain bike and on his CT-90 motorcycle. “I like Slickrock because it’s a ‘cycle’ trail with great views and terrain that is easy to maneuver,” Rolfe explains. “Also, the traction it provides allows you to go up and down steep landscapes and traverse laterally in places whe
Red Rock View: Fleet Fleming stays cool in the desert heat while climbing around Arches National Park.
re you would normally slip out.” Rolfe is featured in the 2019 documentary film, 50 Years of Slickrock, which chronicles the history and development of the trail that arguably put Moab on the map.
Family Trip
While many Colorado residents head to Moab for camping and mountain biking, there are other ways to enjoy a weekend in the desert and make a family vacation out of it. Depending on where you live in Denver, and the number of stops made while driving, the journey to Moab is about five and a half hours. If that sounds like a trek, keep in mind that the panoramic views along the way are likely to make the time go by quickly.
“We started going to Moab because it is an ideal overnight stopping point when we travel to and from Arizona,” says Boulder native Nicole Ford. “After doing that a few times, we realized that it’s worth spending the weekend there because of all the kid-friendly restaurants and activities offered. Also, we found a dog-friendly hotel with a great pool which is the place to be after a day of exploring in the sun.” Some of the Ford family’s favorite Moab restaurants include Tai Bella, The Sultan, and Antica Forma and her hotel of choice is the Element.
Moab History
Ancient Artwork: While hiking through Mill Creek Canyon, keep an eye out for pictographs and petroglyphs that show detailed figures, animals, and shapes.
Because there is an abundance of history to explore in Moab — including petroglyphs (pecked/carved art), pictographs (painted art), dinosaur fossils, and dinosaur footprints — a weekend might not be enough to see everything. On the way into town, stop at Sego Canyon to see rock art that reflects three cultural styles: Ute, Fremont, and Barrier Canyon. The petroglyphs and pictographs left behind on the sandstone walls depict humanlike figures, abstract shapes, horses, and shields, among other types of rock art. “Sego Canyon is always our first stop when we travel to Moab because seeing that type of history is always exciting for me, my wife, and our son,” says 30-year Colorado resident Brian Fleming. “Checking out rock art that has been there for such a long time is our favorite way to begin the weekend.”
Another place to see pictographs and petroglyphs is Mill Creek Canyon where the hike along the creek features panels that show detailed figures, animals, and shapes that stand out the most on the black rocks. The trail’s “finale” is a picturesque waterfall that offers a memorable destination point before turning back to the trailhead. For those looking for dinosaur tracks, the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Bone and Track Sites are highlights. Accessible via a short pathway, the Track Site displays footprints from theropods, sauropods, ornithopods, ankylosaurs, birds, and crocodilians. The Bone Trail, located about a mile from the Track Site, has fossilized dinosaur bones embedded in rock along a family-friendly hiking path with educational panels.
Additional family-friendly spots include Moab Giants and the Moab Rock Shop. Since 2015, Moab Giants has offered various exhibits and experiences for people of all ages. The indoor/outdoor dinosaur museum showcases state-of the art, life-size land and sea dinosaurs that roamed the area. Another stop for fossil hunters and rockhounds is the Moab Rock Shop. Founded in 1960 by Lin Ottinger, this family owned and operated store has been a staple for over 50 years. In fact, many of Ottinger’s discoveries were donated to museums and universities and he discovered at least four species of dinosaurs.
Magic In The Desert
The two most well-known attractions near Moab are the national parks — Arches and Canyonlands. For those staying in the heart of town, Arches is a much closer option (five miles away). It’s also a smaller park which is ideal for families with young kids or for people who prefer to spend a shorter amount of time walking around the park. Known for its legendary red rock topography, Arches boasts over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of towering pinnacles, and massive balanced rocks that can be seen while hiking or driving. The Windows Section is a favorite destination within the park as it contains some of the most iconic views.
Conversely, Canyonlands is best-suited for visitors looking for an all-day adventure. Shaped by the Colorado and Green Rivers, Canyonlands is divided into three districts that have dramatic buttes, spires, canyons, and desert landscapes: Island in the Sky (40 minutes from Moab), The Needles (90 minutes away), and The Maze (the most remote and challenging as its ranger station is accessible by 46 miles of dirt road).
If visiting national parks is not part of your agenda, keep in mind that the magic of Moab is the variety of ways to experience the desert. Whether you are camping, staying in a hotel, off-roading, hiking, mountain biking, or fossil hunting, it is a breathtaking destination for all ages and all types of adventure-seekers. Discovering historical petroglyphs and pictographs, finding dinosaur bones, and then cooling off at the pool are definitely memorable ways to spend time. Regardless of
Desert History: Sego Canyon’s rock art dates back thousands of years and features multiple cultural styles.
your chosen itinerary, spring is an ideal season to head west into the desert and see different landscapes and wildlife, enjoy diverse cuisine, explore new terrain, and participate in unique activities.
Pro Tips:
- Check the weather before you leave because you’re going to Moab to be outside.
- Pack a cooler — no matter what your accommodations are — because having water and snacks ready for consumption is essential in the desert.
- Make sure to pack layers and plan for the daytime versus nighttime temperature changes.
- Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, a bathing suit, and comfortable walking shoes are crucial.
- Arches National Park requires timed entry reservations so plan ahead by booking online.
