by Regan Bervar | Jan 19, 2023 | General Featured
“Inspiring hope in a cynical world might be the most radical thing you can possibly do.”
by Luke Schmaltz
Every once in a while, a childhood dream matures into an inspirational, sustainable, ongoing pursuit.
In the face of an increasingly apathetic world, Demi Merrit and company have managed to do exactly this — harnessing compassion, empathy, and charity to improve the lives of Denver’s less fortunate, four-legged residents.
Demi’s Animal Rescue Thrift Store and Cat Lodge is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization located at the Denver/Aurora border near East Evans and Holly intersection. Their website states that the five-person staff is focused on, “…solving pet homelessness through adoption, spay/neuter, and pet retention. We do not discriminate against any animal that is in need and open our door to all regardless of their breed, age, or special care required. We strive to see the day that pet homelessness is eliminated worldwide.”
True Grassroots
All animals adopted through Demi’s have passed an examination by a licensed veterinarian. Photo: Demi’s Animal Rescue
Demi’s Animal Rescue (DAR) was founded in 2010 in Merrit’s basement when she was still in high school. She discovered her passion for animal advocacy while volunteering, doing fundraisers, and fighting to end breed specific legislation. She eventually began helping people in the community with emergency vet bills and then, with the blessing of her parents, she began fostering animals in “cat rooms” built by her family. From these humble beginnings, DAR was grown into what it is today — a place where animals can grow, improve, rehabilitate, and find homes.
Adoption Is Easy
Meanwhile, DAR’s Development & Operations Manager, Jessica Roeger, encourages anyone interested in pet ownership to work with shelters and rescues. She offers insight into the ease of the adoption process. “We try to make adopting from a rescue an enjoyable experience,” she begins. “We have a short application that is required to be submitted if you are interested in adopting. From there, it is typically reviewed within 48 hours, and we can schedule a meet and greet with the animal(s) you are interested in. If there are concerns on the application, we like to educate people in hopes that we can approve the application after that discussion. An amazing home can’t always be chosen based on a questionnaire which is why we like to engage in conversation to get a real idea of who they are.”
Demi’s Animal Rescue is operated by five staffers and numerous volunteers.
DAR’s current facility was opened in 2021 and features a few unique distinctions. The premises, “…provide two free-roaming adoption rooms for cats that have helped to increase the number of lives we can save,” Roeger says. “The Cat Lodge also provides a space for some of the most at-risk cats including FIV+, bonded pairs, seniors, and shy cats. Since being founded in 2010, we have grown every year in terms of adoptions, fosters, lives saved, and funds raised.”
A Thrifty Twist
Cherry enjoys a treat at Demi’s Animal Rescue. Photo: Demi’s Animal Rescue
Roeger explains how the thrift store aspect of the organization fits into the overall operation. “We wanted to get creative in providing income to the rescue so we can continue to grow, which brought the idea of a thrift store for sales to help support the rescue. It took a lot of planning and a lot of rejection before we finally found a landlord willing to rent out space to a non-profit, but our determination paid off.”
Roeger continues, “All sales from the thrift store help support the daily operations of the rescue. The extra income allows us to save more lives and to take on more complicated cases, such as an animal with medical needs or behavioral issues. Having the thrift store and adoption center has also helped get our name out more into the community, which has increased interest in adopting, volunteering, and donating.”
An Endearing Mission
Demi’s Animal Rescue Thrift Store features high-end clothing, accessories, household items, and more.
In addition to adoption services, DAR also helps with pet retention for struggling animal owners. Roeger encourages people to reach out to local organizations for help before giving up. “If you are struggling with food, supplies, basic veterinary care, or training, there are places dedicated to helping with some of this or rescues willing to assist, including us,” she says.
“We place a large focus on helping animals that are the most in need, which is why you may not see as many animals come through our rescues as others,” Roeger continues. “We ensure that every animal is healthy (veterinarian approved) prior to adoption. We address behavioral issues so that we can ensure success for both an adopter and an animal. When you adopt from us, or support us in another way, you can ensure that the extra mile is being taken for all animals and that we will provide support in any way possible.”
DAR welcomes donations of clothing, household items, books and DVDs. Demi’s Animal Rescue Thrift Store features plenty of the above as well as high-end boutique items, name brand clothing, and more. Shoppers are welcome Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
by Valley Gadfly | Jan 19, 2023 | Main Articles
by Glen Richardson
The cupid countdown has begun as fans cherry-pick February choices to make their crush feel special so they can catch or connect, be it girlfriend, boyfriend, or spouse. Even the cynical admit February fans the flames of their heartstrings. To help young and old alike make it through the next 28 days, the Chronicle has collected cool choices for the romantic and not so romantic. Here’s how to impress your soulmates, sidekicks, buddy, or beau, so you survive with your sanity intact:
Singing Surprise: Leave your sweetheart speechless with a serenade at home, work, in a restaurant, or anywhere. Singing telegrams draw a crowd, laughs, and sometimes tears.
Entertaining Romance
The Clocktower Clockettes present Cupid’s Delight, a Valentine burlesque, variety & comedy show at The Clocktower Cabaret, Feb. 10-14, 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. Cast sets hearts aflame with aerial acts, singing, dance, and comedy. Information: 303-293-0075.
Sounds of the Denver Brass and Colorado Dance Company present Fiesta, a sizzling blend of rhythm & romance, blazing brass & fiery dance in the Newman Center. Your heartbeat will keep time to the rhythms Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
“So This Is Love,” is a night at Dazzle@ Baur’s listening to the foremost musical ambassadors of romance: Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole. The Legacy Valentine’s Day evening is Feb. 14, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
Pianist Jeffrey Siegel plays Musical Valentines by Schumann, Chopin, and Mendelssohn at the Arvada Center Feb. 15. The pianist who has been a soloist with the word’s great orchestras entertains at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Information: 720-898-7200.
Flower Power
Bold Blossoms: Arrangements such as these from Newberry Brothers Florist are a lovely love token. Florals from longtime local artisans last longer than many and feel specially made.
Shop for Valentine’s Day flowers at Newberry Brothers Florist located at 5301 Leetsdale Dr. Longtime local artisans create unique arrangements to inspire, celebrate, and bring people together using the freshest flowers. Information: 303-322-0443.
Learn to create a floral centerpiece during a Valentine Centerpiece Workshop hosted by Brooks Floral & Co. at 1489 S. Broadway, Feb. 9. Evening of designing, fun, and connection is from 6-8 p.m. Drinks and snacks provided. Information: 720-296-2431.
Food Feasts
Blue Island Oyster Bar
Romantic seafood restaurant with a raw bar in nautical surrounds is on E. 2nd Ave. in Cherry Creek North. Top-rated eatery serving lunch and dinner, annually has a Valentine menu. Special spot for slurping fresh oysters. Information: 303-333-2462.
Coohills
Reminiscent of charismatic European restaurants, this 1400 Wewatta St. eatery is serving a five course New York Strip Valentine dinner Feb. 14, 15 & 16. Upscale space has open kitchen and modern interior. Information: 303-623-5700.
D Bar
Valentine’s day or any day, foodies and sweet lovers line up at this popular uptown restaurant on E. 19th Ave. for drinks, dining, and dessert. With a passion and background in pastry, space has a unique dessert bar. Information: 303-861-4710.
Give Love A Boost: Lip-smacking sweets and pastries from bakeries such as Holly Street’s Detour will boost relationships with all of your loved ones.
Detour
Treat your love to the tastes of this boulangerie — a French Bakery vs. a pastry shop — along Holly St. and Florida Ave. in Virginia Ave. Choose lip-smacking pastries, croissants, quiche & sandwiches in a cozy, cheery spot. Information: 303-756-2020.
Inga’s Alpine Tavern
For a starry-eyed V-Day, stop in for drinks and creative bites at this hip Leetsdale Dr. space 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Rob Wivchar — man of 1,000 songs — sings 6-9:30 p.m. Plus, enjoy a pizza-wine deal! Kitchen in lively spot is open late. Information: 720-389-6203.
Jimmy’s Jersey Street Café
Quaint neighborhood eatery serving tasty Italian fare. A cute, comfortable restaurant where friends and family can gather for V-Day or any holiday. The pièce de ré·sis·tance is the Bananas Foster for two, flamed table side. Information: 720-328-9481.
La Merise
It’s romantic Paris at this French Bistro that has drawn romance-seekers to the corner of 3rd Ave. & Clayton in Cherry Creek for years. Moderately priced home-style meals in a cozy setting with a sunken terrace. Information: 720-596-4360.
Monaco Inn Restaurant
A 30-plus year holiday hot spot, eatery in Monaco Square Center serves New York Steak with Shrimp, Lamb Chops with Shrimp or Salmon specials Feb. 14. Regular menu is also available. Treated like family and the hospitality is genuine. Information: 303-320-1104.
Panzano
Posh yet casual restaurant in the Hotel Monaco on 17th St. downtown is foodie favorite that beckons Valentine’s Day diners each year. Treat your special someone to cocktails or wine and Northern Italian cuisine. Information: 303-296-3525.
Luck And Love: Treat your Valentine to an authentic Mexican experience in Que Bueno Suerte’s dramatic and colorful bi-level space with two bars, artwork, plus a mix and match menu.
Que Bueno Suerte
Creative S. Pearl St. Mexican restaurant serves traditional and modern plates in a dramatic and colorful bi-level space with two bars. Surroundings and artwork plus mix and match menu is ideal for Valentine’s celebrations. Information: 720-642-7322.
Viale Pizza & Kitchen
An airy, down to earth neighborhood bistro-lounge serving traditional Italian cuisine plus New York inspired pizza. Eatery in the Century 21 Plaza on S. Colorado Blvd. annual has memorable V-Day specials. Information: 303-495-2065.
Musical Message
Send your sweetheart, and coworkers a Singing Valentine Feb. 14, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Orange Peel Moses has been writing & singing telegrams for 15 years. Elvis, Lady Cupid, Love Bug, and Tuxedo Joe are popular choices. Information: 303-931-8466.
Recipe For Love
Cook Street School of Culinary Arts is hosting a Cooking with Cupid celebration. Classes at 43 W. 9th Ave., are Feb. 9-11, 6-9:30 p.m., Feb. 12, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wine and dishes to spoil your palate are also available. Information: 303-308-9300.
Runaway Love
Fiery V-Day Dance: For a sizzling blend of rhythm and romance take your Valentine to see Fiesta Feb. 11 as the Colorado Dance Company and Denver Brass entertain at the Newman Center.
Meet cupid and find a sweetheart or run with your sweetie at the Valentine’s Day 4-Mile in Wash Park Feb. 12, 9 a.m. There’s also a free Kids 200 Meter. Dress up as your favorite TV, Movie, or Book couple to win a prize. Information: halsports.net.
V-Day Shindig
For a wing-ding dinner-dance, attend The Valentines Affair in the Space Gallery Feb. 11, 6-10 p.m. Party in the soaring ceiling site at 400 Santa Fe Dr. with stunning architecture includes gift bag and flowers for the ladies. Information: 720-707-7835.
by Laura Lieff | Jan 19, 2023 | Main Articles
by Laura Lieff
Phoenix Airport: Rows of unclaimed baggage went on for miles due to thousands of cancelled Southwest flights. Photo by Storm Gloor
There is a new way of traveling and it doesn’t include checking your bags at the airport. During the week of Christmas, thousands of flights were cancelled across the country, but the largest meltdown happened in Southwest terminals in cities like Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, and Chicago, causing travelers to miss family dinners, ski trips, and time with friends. Additionally, those weary travelers had no idea where their luggage was or if they would ever see it again.
Media outlets all over the United States showed photos of seas of baggage accompanied by headlines such as “Horror stories, misery at LAX and Burbank airport as Southwest meltdown strands thousands” (Los Angeles Times), “1,000 Southwest flyers slept overnight at Denver airport amid ‘nightmare’ flight cancellations” (USA Today), “Unclaimed luggage piles up at airports following Southwest cancellations” (NPR), and “Long lines, unclaimed baggage, and frustration” (The Denver Post), among many others.
According to The New York Times, “more than 2,500 flights, or 62 percent of [Southwest’s] planned flights” were cancelled on December 28, and that continued for the next several days. In addition, “some passengers, unable to rebook Southwest flights, rented cars, or spent hundreds of dollars to buy tickets on other airlines.”
Hunting For Lost Luggage
Longtime Vail Valley residents and seasoned travelers Chelsea and Matt Rummenie dealt with four flight cancellations over the course of a few days. They drove to Denver International Airport from Vail on December 23 and spent hours on an airplane that never took off. They booked a hotel near the airport only to be told upon arrival that there were no rooms available. Hundreds of dollars and many days of frustration later, the couple never got out of Colorado. They missed spending the holidays with their families — a trip that had been planned for months — and they didn’t see their bags until 2023.
“We’re still trying to get our money back for all the cancelled flights, Ubers that we took to and from hotels that didn’t have space for us, and time spent driving up and down I-70 to locate and retrieve our belongings,” says Chelsea.
On January 2, Chelsea and Matt drove back to DIA to locate their belongings. After rummaging through mountains of bags, they finally found their luggage, which thankfully still had the thousands of dollars in gear, clothes, and Christmas gifts inside. “We couldn’t believe what we were seeing,” Chelsea explains. “Thousands of bags piled up and very few employees available to help. It’s a bigger issue than just delayed and cancelled flights.”
Ten Days: It took ten days for Vail residents Matt and Chelsea Rummenie to locate and retrieve their bags from a flight that never left Colorado. Photo by Chelsea Rummenie
Something’s Gotta Give
Following the nightmare that was the luggage crisis of the 2022 holiday season, more and more people around the country are choosing alternative methods of getting their bags to and from their desired locations. Carly Fields, a Los Angeles resident who flies at least once a month for work, says she refuses to check a bag because she fears that it will get lost. Instead, she makes sure everything she needs fits in her FAA-approved carry-on.
“I’ve had too many issues with cancelled flights and lost luggage so now I only carry-on my bag,” says Fields. “It doesn’t matter how long I’m out of town — I would rather pack fewer clothing choices or find a place to wash my clothes than risk being without my belongings.”
For those who travel with gear, and therefore don’t have the carry-on option, shipping luggage and equipment is becoming a popular alternative. Greenwich, Connecticut, resident Stephanie Spooner travels to Colorado with her family every year and has learned that, with two kids and a ton of stuff, shipping their ski equipment and clothing gives her peace of mind.
“Flying across the country is already stressful, so the last thing we need is dealing with lost luggage,” Spooner explains. “Also, if our skis and equipment get lost, our ski trip is ruined.”
Spooner uses TripHero — a locally owned and operated company out of Edwards, Colorado, that ships luggage and sports gear — because it saves her time, money,
and aggravation. Other options are Paradise Baggage out of Englewood, Colorado, which is family owned and operated, as well as ShipGo, which is headquartered in West Palm
DIA In Disarray: A sea of luggage remained in January 2023 as weary travelers searched for their lost belongings from delayed or cancelled holiday flights. Photo by Chelsea Rummenie
Beach, Florida.
More Choices And Flexibility
Although flights can always get cancelled and bags can get lost any time of year, traveling during peak times — such as the December holidays, President’s Day weekend, and March spring break — is when shipping luggage has become more of a necessity. In 2023, many have said that shipping luggage and equipment is going to be their new method of travel as it alleviates frustration, saves time that would be spent standing around at baggage claim, and allows for more autonomy if flights are cancelled.
TripHero COO Patrick Mcilvain adds that their goal is for “people to start their vacation the moment they leave their home and experience traveling in a way that is hassle-free.” He continues, “By shipping bags rather than lugging them around airports, travelers have more flexibility and peace of mind that their luggage will be waiting for them at their hotels, vacation rentals, or homes rather than the other way around.”
For more information visit www.gotriphero.com, www.paradisebaggage.com, or www.shipgo.com.
by Peter Boyles | Jan 19, 2023 | Blasting with Boyles
OPINION
Bill Wilson, in the world of recovery founded Alcoholics Anonymous, now known as AA, and one of the codes to know a fellow alcoholic was to ask them; “Are you a friend of Bill’s?” Bill Wilson set the stage for so many of us afflicted by the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction, always remembering that alcohol is a drug.
I had my first drink when I was 13 years old. I’ve written about it off and on over the last 37 years. I was playing baseball with some older guys and when the game was over, we went to this girl’s house. I had my first drink and first-time sexual experience. I personally believe I was born alcoholic, cultural alcoholic, and genetically predisposed to alcoholism.
I had my last drink following the murder of my best friend Alan Berg, who by the way, was the first real in-recovery alcoholic I’d ever known. I was in a Chinese restaurant on Hampden Avenue three weeks after that and that’s where I met the followers of Bill.
I literally turned myself in to a pair of great physicians who helped me. I went to my first AA meeting at the Air Force Academy Officer’s Club. To illustrate how bad I’d become, until recently I believed there were four people in the car, one a woman who was a very dear friend. But she took me aside later and said, “Peter, I wasn’t in the car.”
Alcoholism is a disease and that’s why cities like Denver and others around the country can’t come to terms with the alcoholics and addicts who have now become the unhoused. They treat them like they have the plague and you’ve seen some of the results.
Having set that stage, recently on talk radio and Denver television news, is what I would dub the smearing of an Aurora police officer. His name is Nate Meier. He was found drunk on duty in March 2019, armed, as officers are. I have developed great sources in the Aurora Police Department. They tell me stories about what happened with their brilliant previous chiefs, the amount of true support they feel from a ridiculous City Council, and how they’ve generally been screwed over by their own government.
Now I know this factually. The officer has been sober, went into alcohol treatment and has nearly three and a half years of sobriety. He speaks at the police academy, shares his story with employee groups, and went on to say something I find myself saying, he saved his own life. A life he could have lost.
He took the test to be promoted and he scored high on the Career Service test, and that I believe is very competitive. Now he is being attacked principally in talk radio and alternative press. And one of the charges that was made by the uneducated self-righteous is that he should be fired, he should not be promoted, and that being in recovery is untrustworthy.
That’s quite an alarming accusation for all of us in recovery, including federal judges, district attorneys, airline pilots, doctors, nurses, people in positions of responsibility, people who carry guns and badges and make decisions on other peoples lives. I’ve met people from these professions in recovery, and that is why Bill decided there would be no last names.
I chose to break my own anonymity to talk about my disease, alcoholism. But now it shows you exactly why we don’t use last names, because of people like the media and elected officials.
My hope for them is they never have a family member or anyone they love and care about go through the darkness of alcoholism into the light of recovery. This is 2023 for heavens sake, finally learn something.
— Peter Boyles
