by Valley Gadfly | Feb 22, 2023 | Main Articles
Calling All Denver Irish Leprechauns, Four-Leaf Clover Wearers, It’s Time For Wearing Of The Green
by Glen Richardson
Casey’s Cuisine: Shepherd’s Pie is among Irish menu choices at Casey’s Bistro & Pub in the Lowry Town Center. Restaurant also has Irish Whiskey Chicken, Bangers & Mash, plus Irish Nachos.
Music Magic: Irish concerts are one of the charms during St. Patrick’s Day weekend. With more than a million records sold, Irish folk band Altan entertains at the Lakewood Center March 11.
Luck, charms, shamrocks, and shenanigans, Dublin days in Denver begins March 9 at 3 p.m. (weather permitting) when the city paints a green strip down Blake Street. From that day and after, St. Paddy’s Day events begin with just a “wee bit” O’ Blarney. The green stripe signifies the parade route and is followed by the Changin’ of Blake’s Street sign to Tooley Street, honoring 1970s Irish former District Attorney Dale Tooley.
All the days thereafter, according to Irish folklore, will be filled with fond memories, happiness, and laughter throughout St. Patrick’s Day on March 17.
Get ready for one of the nation’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day Parades on March 11, followed by days of revelry from shamrock-covered bars serving classic pub grub with music, drinking, and a whole lot of green. Embrace the luck and prepare for revelry and merrymaking with the Chronicle’s yearly guide to partying in green garb:
Concerts
Luck of the Irish, March 4-5: The Aurora Singers entertain with haunting ballads, lullabies, and songs to stir your Irish soul at South Middle School, Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Information: 303-343-3377.
Gobs O’ Phun, March 5 & 17: Brothers-in-law duo-duet Denis Sullivan and Martin Lambuth accompany themselves with guitar, bodhran, and harmonica at Swallow Hill’s Quinian Café, 7 p.m., and on St. Paddy’s Day, 8 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
Young Dubliners, March 10: Irish-American rock band and lead singer-rhythm guitarist Keith Roberts perform at the Soiled Dove Underground in the Lowry Town Center, 8 p.m. Information: 303-830-9214.
Celtic Awakening, March 10-12: The Denver Brass Celtic show with the Colorado Pipes & Drums, Wick School of Irish Dance, the Rocky Mountain Highland Dancers, and Irish tenor Todd Teske bring Irish magic to the Newman Center, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
Altan, March 11: The 1987 Irish folk band formed by lead vocalist Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh and her husband Frankie Kennedy and sold over a million records is at the Lakewood C
Popular Procession: Denver’s Irish parade is accompanied by Celtic Music Groups, Acoustic Bands, plus Irish Music Bands. Hip hounds march along with horses in the annual parade.
enter, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-987-7845.
Parade & Princess
Set to step off March 11 at 9:30 a.m., Denver’s St. Paddy’s Day parade is one of the largest in the country with nearly half a million people expected. Featuring Irish step dancers, marching bands, elaborate floats, and bagpipers, the Mile High version is legendary.
St. Paddy’s Swarm: Nearly a half million people are expected downtown for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 11. Irish marching bands, floats, and bagpipers annually draw state’s single largest gathering in one place.
Many claim it annually draws Colorado’s single largest gathering in one place.
If you’re attending, you’ll want to get a spot early since some people arrive by 6 a.m. to find a prime place for spectating. The parade launches from Wynkoop at 19th, turns down 17th in front of Union Station, and then turns NE down Blake St. proceeding all the way to 27th. Information: 720-577-6884.
Competition to be Denver’s next Irish queen — known as Queen Colleen — was set from Feb. 11, after the deadline for the Chronicle’s March issue. Currently Miss Colorado All American Girl, Molly Casey served as Queen Colleen for 2022. Born and raised here, she is 100% Irish and still visits her family’s homestead in Cork, Ireland.
Pub Grub
The Abbey Tavern: A bright, relaxing eatery on E. Colfax serving American breakfasts and brunch, patrons can also choose from an Irish Breakfast, a Corned Beef Hash Skillet, Irish Eggs Benedict, plus Shepherd’s Pie. Irish Bread Pudding is available for dessert. Information: 303-321-5151.
Casey’s Bistro & Pub: Located in the Lowry Town Center, this lively restaurant-bar’s menu includes Irish Nachos, Bangers & Mash, Shepherd’s Pie, plus Irish Whiskey Chicken. Information: 720-974-7350.
The Irish Rover: This friendly Baker neighborhood pub on South Broadway is celebrating St. Paddy’s Day March 12-17. With a fireplace and huge rooftop patio, diverse food choices are always available. Irish selections include a Corned Beef Reuben, Shepherd’s Pie, and an Irish
Corned Beef Custom: Corned Beef & Cabbage has become a yearly St. Paddy’s Day Special at the Monaco Inn Restaurant. The hoped-for coming year fortune dish is being served for lunch and dinner March 17.
Breakfast. Information: 303-282-4643.
Monaco Inn Restaurant: When Irish eateries began to shutter a dozen years ago, this South Monaco Parkway restaurant started offering Corned Beef & Cabbage as a St. Patrick’s Day Special. The dish quickly became a draw, and will again be the March 17th Special for lunch and dinner. Information: 303-320-1104.
Scruffy Murphy’s Irish Pub: An authentic slice of the Emerald Isle on Larimer St. near Coors Field, the kitchen serves Shepherd’s Pie, Banger’s ’n Mash, plus Irish Spring Rolls. Information: 303-291-6992.
Pub Places To Play
Clancy’s Irish Pub, March 17-18: State’s oldest and longest running Irish Pub has live music Fri., 8 a.m.-1 a.m;, Sat., 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Among outdoor headlines Fri.-Sat. are Bleed N Green, No B
ueno, and The Delta Sonics, plus dozens more entertaining inside. Information: 720-456-7320.
Keggs & Eggs, March 17: Annual St. Paddy’s Day morning concert hosted by rock station KTCL returns to Jackson’s Sports Bar across from Coors Field, 7 a.m. Singer Matt Maeson and bands Holdfast and Ripe entertain. Information: 303-298-7625.
Pig & The Sprout, March 17: Restaurant at 19th & Chestnut Place hosts 5th annual St. Paddy’s Day bar crawl with a $1,000 costume contest, 4 p.m. Information: 720-535-9719.
St. Paddy’s Day Block Party, March 11, 17-18: Live music and parties at the Gin Mill & Larimer Beer Hall noon-4 p.m. Sat.; 3-7 p.m. Fri. 17th & 1-4 p.m. Sat. 18th. Information: 303-295-0706.
Running Luck
Races & Irish Festival, March 12: Family 7K, 2 mile race-walk at Wash Park, 10 a.m. Post-race party with Irish music and dancers, plus Beer Garden. Information: rungreen7K.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Jan 19, 2023 | Main Articles
Property, Violent Crimes Soar Past New York City, Chicago; With 100 Cars Stolen Daily, Auto Theft Is Nation’s Second Highest
by Glen Richardson
Once amazingly safe, crime in the Mile High City is now worse than New York City or Chicago, and growing increasingly dangerous as the new year begins. Ranked on a scale of 1 (low crime) to 100 (high crime), Denver outranks New York City in violent crimes by 2.5 points. Denver’s property crime has doubled that in New York City. Chicago continues to edge Denver in Violent Crime (19.2 points), but property crimes in Colorado’s capital are 4.5 points greater than in the Windy City.
Denver’s violent crime rate has been rising over the last 10 years and especially the last two. Furthermore, police don’t believe the pandemic triggered the crime spike. Denver Police Department records show 6,810 aggravated assaults, robberies, and homicides through mid-December, up from just 4,924 in 2019. Property crimes during the same period totaled 42,100, up from 26,133 in 2019. Most come from just a portion of the city’s 78 neighborhoods. The higher-income neighborhoods located east of Broadway and south of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard have lighter violent crime numbers than Denver’s urban core and southwestern neighborhoods.
Auto theft is now an epidemic in Denver and the second highest in the nation. Denver Police Department data as of Dec. 5, 2022, showed auto theft had skyrocketed 71% compared with the city’s three-year average. The car theft rate in Denver is now averaging 19.8 crimes per 1,000 residents. Nearly 100 vehicles are stolen every day in Denver. Furthermore, Colorado now leads the nation in auto theft per capita.
Least Safe City
People wielding guns recorded 6,810 assaults, robberies, and homicides through mid-Dec. 2022.
Denver now also ranks as one of the nation’s least safe cities, according to data
from website WalletHub. The study analyzed 182 U.S. cities for home and community safety, natural disaster risk, and financial safety, then gave each city an overall score and reported the results. Denver is sandwiched in between Little Rock and New Orleans in terms of overall safety.
Colorado’s largest city ranked 166th for home and community safety, in between Baltimore and Fort Lauderdale. Denver’s growing troubles with elevated property and violent crime, low first responder recruitment, high homelessness concentrations, and growing drug overdoses played large roles in the low ranking. While Denver doesn’t have hurricane or earthquake risks, the city ranks extremely high for risks from wildfires, hail, and tornados. The website ranked Denver 139th for natural disaster risk.
On the plus side, the Mile High City’s financial security ranks high. Of 182 cities, Denver ranked 62nd for financial safety. The city’s high concentration of high-income workers and rebounding post-COVID unemployment likely pushed the personal financial measurements higher.
Risky, Safe Spots
Hate Crime Rally: Colorado had more hate crimes in 2021 than any year since the FBI began tracking them in 1990. Photo is of Denver Asian-Pacific Islander hate crime rally.
Auto Theft Epidemic: Stolen vehicles are often wrecked and stripped according to local police. Chart, below, shows thefts per 1,000 residents from 2008 to 2021. From six per 1,000 residents in 2008, thefts jumped to 18 in 2021. At end of 2022 it’s at 19.8.
Five Points continues its multi-year streak as Denver’s most violent neighborhood. The Montbello, and Green Valley Ranch neighborhoods that straddle Interstate 70 rank second and third. The city’s urban nightlife center and public transit hub Union Station ranks fourth. Capitol Hill and Central Park (previously Stapleton) are fifth and sixth, trailed by East Colfax in the seventh spot. Most of Denver’s other high-violence neighborhoods are seated in the city’s southwestern edge.
Five neighborhoods have remained steady for violent crime: Washington Park West, Regis, Cory-Merrill, Clayton, and East Colfax.
The biggest news, though, is the drop in violent-crime counts for four of the five areas among the highest in overall offenses: Capitol Hill dropped from 163 in 2021 to 157 in 2022, North Capitol Hill from 104 to 85, and the Central Business District from 185 to 131. Union Station also dropped, albeit a single point, from 167 to 166.
The city’s south-end Wellshire neighborhood — at E. Hampden Ave. between Colorado Blvd. and University Blvd. — is Denver’s safest area. North Park Hill, Wash Park, Country Club, and Hilltop also recorded low violent crime rates compared to the city’s other districts.
Crime Surge Statewide
T
Busy Beat: Calls to potentially deadly crime scenes continue to surge in Denver. Officers are pictured at a September shooting next to the Carla Madison Center where two juveniles were hospitalized. Photo: Jeremy Sparig
he 2022 crime rate statewide was also up — averaging 530 crimes per 100,000 residents — with no relief in sight for the year ahead. While slightly lower than 2021’s peak, crimes in Colorado remained 7.3% higher than in 2019, and 20% higher than in 2008. Incidents of robbery, arson, car theft, vandalism, prostitution, and the purchase of stolen property continued to increase in 2022. Compared to other states, Colorado ranks first in motor vehicle theft and second in property crimes.
Concurrent with Colorado’s rising crime rates, since the start of the pandemic, incarceration in the state’s Department of Corrections facilities have dropped by 15.5%. Moreover, the number of offenders on parole declined by 14.1%, and the number of offenders on probation fell by 14.4%.
For the sake of public safety and justice for victims, law enforcement officials imply that a rise in crime should create a corresponding rise in arrests, convictions, and incarceration.
Hate Crimes Climb
Surge In Violence: Memorial where six people were shot on E. Colfax Ave. on Nov. 2, 2022. Photo by Denverite’s Kevin J. Beaty
Colorado had more hate crimes in 2021 than any year since the FBI began tracking them in 1990. There were 285 reported to the agency, up from 280 in 2020. Data for 2022 isn’t yet available. The state saw a 138% jump in reported hate crimes between 2018 and 2019, and an additional 23% surge in 2020.
In the last five years, three out of every 10 Coloradans experienced a hate crime. More: an October 2022 Hate Free Colorado survey found that most of those crimes go unreported. The survey also indicates that racial and ethnic minorities are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to experience hate crimes than white Coloradans. It also found that only 18% of hate crimes are reported to law enforcement and just 29% are reported to workplace managers or others in authority.
Collected statewide data indicates that 60% of hate crimes in the state are committed based on someone’s race or ethnicity; 20% due to sexual orientation; another 12% because of religion. Additionally, the FBI found the offender’s race was overwhelmingly white.” This is a wake-up call that more must be done at the local, state, and federal level to address the rise in hate,” warns Scott Levin, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League.
Denver Vs. NY & Chicago Charts:
New York, NY Denver, CO United States
Violent Crime 28.2 30.7 22.7
Property Crime 24.9 50.8 35.4
Chicago, IL Denver, CO United States
Violent Crime 49.9 30.7 22.7
Property Crime 46.3 50.8 35.4
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 Jessica Hughes | Dec 16, 2022 | Main Articles
by Jessica Hughes
As we all look to the new year with fresh intentions and a goal-oriented mindset, one new year resolution that has become popular over the years is Dry January. A health campaign that started in 2013, Dry January is a way to begin the new year with healthy habits and a clear mind by removing alcohol consumption for the entire month.
Whether you need a break from drinking after the holidays, kick-start a healthier routine, or have always preferred not to drink, achieve your goals without feeling deprived, with curated mocktail menus from these local Denver bars.
Honey Elixir Bar
Non-alcoholic potions that tend to the body and mind, from Honey Elixir Bar. Photo courtesy of Honey Elixir Bar Facebook
Where: 2636 Walnut St. #104, Denver, CO 80205
Encouraging rejuvenation over depletion, Honey Elixir Bar is a drinking experience that is meant to reinvigorate and stimulate, not tear down. Their chic mocktails and cocktails are met with equally chic interiors of their funky lux lounge where sipping has become a lost art form. You won’t find any imitations of well-known cocktails, as their mocktail menu is truly original with favorites like the Chocolit and the Mai Chai.
The cornerstone of their elixir bar is the fermented drink, Jun. Similar to kombucha, Jun uses honey and green tea instead of black tea and cane sugar. Honey has partnered with two local master brewers of Jun, Ish’s Brew and Ling Elixirs (both based in Boulder) to offer this healthy alternative as the basis for many of their mocktails. Do note, Jun does naturally contain 3-4% alcohol.
For truly non-alcoholic drinks, sip and savor their natural cacao or shift your consciousness with invigorating drink potions infused with botanicals, herbs, and super foods. Even their cocktails are made with high-quality spirits, honey instead of sugar, and high-quality botanicals, so no need to feel guilty with these alcoholic drinks.
An artful cocktail bar paired with crafty mocktails at Room for Milly. Photo courtesy of Room for Milly Facebook
Room For Milly
Where: 1615 Platte St., Suite 145, Denver, CO 80202
With a nod to travel and an ultra-modern-chic atmosphere, Room for Milly is designed to be a place for friends to gather over a good conversation, admire an artful interior, and enjoy a good cocktail. Along with their beer, wine, and sake menu, the bar also features a tantalizing list of zero-proof beverages. The select group of three include: the Cantab, a jasmine iced tea with umb shrub and pomegranate; the Clara with seedlip spice, tonic; and the Avenue No. 3 with seedlip spice, ginger, jasmine tea, honey, and citrus.
Forget me Not
Where: 227 Clayton St., Denver, CO 80206
Located in the heart of Cherry Creek, Forget Me Not is a cocktail bar that infuses the art of decor, sophistication, and color in both its drinks and its interiors. Placed in the middle of their large cocktail menu are three delightful zero-proof drinks that won’t make you miss the liquor. Choose from the Perfect Vision with seedlip grove, coconut water, verjus, rose water; the Deep Roots with seedlip garden, tarragon, beet, ginger, citrus stappi red bitter; and the Green Machine with seedlip grove, cucumber, salted lemon, and ginger.
Lady Jane
Where: 2021 W. 32nd Ave., Denver, CO 80211
Located in the trendy LoHi neighborhood, Lady Jane is an unpretentious cocktail bar that makes serving
Forget Me Not’s Green Machine made with seedlip, cucumber, and salted lemon. Photo courtesy of Forget Me Not Facebook
delicious drinks look easy. On their menu, are four mocktails that do anything but mock other cocktails. With four original drinks, including a pomegranate-ginger spritz, a spiced apple sour, coffee colada, and a pink guava cooler. While you will find more cocktails than mocktails on the menu, even their alcoholic drinks serve up fresh local ingredients with high-end spirits to minimize the guilt factor.
Death & Co.
Where: 1280 25th St., Denver, CO 80205
Don’t despair, even the most sought-after cocktail lounge, Death & Co. is home to a surprisingly decent list of mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. The swanky RiNo location invites cocktail and mocktail purveyors alike, with the carefully curated zero-proof drink selection. Choose from three different options: the Alpenglow with hibiscus, black tea, bay leaf, lime, and seltzer; the Holidays in the Sun with non-alcoholic dry Aperitif, Moroccan mint tea; and Out of Time with Three Spirits Livener, blueberry, cold brew, and coconut. In addition to their mocktails, they also offer a brief selection of non-alcoholic beer and wine.
by Regan Bervar | Dec 16, 2022 | Main Articles
“Space has the ability to produce a triple bottom line, or ROIII: Return on Investment, Innovation, and Inspiration.”
by Luke Schmaltz
NASA’s Artemis I rocket launched on November 16, 2022, with re-entry and splashdown on December 11, 2022. This demonstrated the first major goal of bringing a human-rated spacecraft to space.
The Orion Capsule is perched atop the Artemis I Space Launch System. Image: eandt.theiet.org
The towering monstrosity of hardware stands at 90 meters (322 feet) and was built to the tune of $40 billion, a number projected to double in the next few years as the project moves forward. The growing aerospace economy is made possible, to a large degree, by a contingency of Colorado-based companies making space exploration possible. The imminent objectives of the Artemis 1 project involve an unmanned mission to the moon, followed by manned missions designed to establish a populated base camp near the south pole of Earth’s celestial sister. This will provide the necessary research and lay the groundwork for a similar mission to Mars.
Mankind’s last trip to the Moon was in 1972, aboard the final Apollo 17 mission. In the 50 years since, aerospace technology has transformed amid revolutionary innovation. The current landscape of the industry presents a hybrid collaboration of government agencies and private sector companies working together to return humans to the surface of the Moon.
Lockheed Martin Space
Atop the towering Artemis I Space Launch System (SLS) sits the Orion capsule — primarily built and engineered by Lockheed Martin Space, a Denver/Boulder-based company. This spacecraft has been specifically developed to take human beings deep into space. State-of-the-art technology includes advanced propulsion, communication, navigation, radiation protection, and life support systems. The capsule also features the biggest heat shield ever built which will protect astronauts as they re-enter Earth’s atmosphere. Currently, the company is contracted for six Orion missions with a potential six more on the table. In the upcoming Artemis III mission, Lockheed’s Orion capsule will enable the first woman and the first African-American to set foot on the Moon.
Maxar
Once the Orion capsule reaches the Moon, it will dock into Gateway, an orbiting spaceship which will serve as a communication hub and staging area. A Westminster-based company, Maxar, develops the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) which makes altitude control, movement, and maneuvering possible through electricity-generated bursts of ionized atoms. This sustainable approach removes chemical propellants from the equation as astronauts use the Gateway module to make their final descent to the lunar surface.
Advanced Space
Lunar Outpost’s MAPP rover will help establish wireless 4G/LTE lunar communications. Image: moonmarkets.moonvillageassociation.org
Humanity’s return to the Moon is largely empowered by Colorado companies. Image: pbs.org
Based in Westminster, this team of innovators recently launched CAPS, the Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System. According to the company website, this piece of orbiting technology will “serve as a pathfinder for NASA’s Artemis program, and demonstrate our proprietary peer-to-peer navigation capability…” The unorthodox orbit of the microwave oven-sized module will provide uninterrupted communication with Earth by passing within 1,000 km of the Moon’s surface at the South Pole and then traveling in a twisting elliptical path to as far as 40,000 km from the Moon’s North Pole. Proper and precise execution of this near rectilinear halo orbit (NRHO) will act as a pathfinder for the Gateway spacecraft and ensure it maintains a constantly unobstructed view of earth.
Lunar Outpost
NASA’s lunar astronauts will eventually be establishing a manned base at the Moon’s South Pole, at which time on-site communications infrastructure will be essential. This Golden-based robotics company leads the private sector in the potential monetization of lunar infrastructure (the cislunar economy) while positioning themselves to be a successful NASA partner. Currently, they have partnered with Nokia’s NASA Tipping Point project along with Intuitive Machines to build, establish, test, and integrate the first ever 4G/LTE network on the surface of the Moon.
In late 2022, Intuitive Machines will deliver numerous payloads via their Nova-C lander. This will be remotely operated to install a low-latency, long-rage, wireless communications network. This system will include transmission modules and antennas, which will be deployed by Lunar Outpost’s M1 MAPP (Mobile Autonomous Prospecting Platform) rover — a surface vehicle the size of a small dog which will be operated remotely from Earth.
These companies represent the tip of the Colorado-based aerospace iceberg. An estimated 180+ additional companies are working to contribute to revolutionizing humanity’s interaction with space in one way or another. While lunar exploration seems to have gone out of style over the last 50 years, there’s a new attitude on the horizon. The cislunar economy is once again inspiring the aerospace industry to shoot the Moon.
