News
Got Expectations? Then Ask for What You Want
Eighteen months have passed since major abdominal surgery and six months since my hospitalization for a blood clot in my lungs, yet I still haven't figured out the new me.
Physically, emotionally and mentally, it's still all a jumble of trying to discern what I can and can't do, what will affect my energy levels, and to what I can commit. It drives me crazy.
I have a few friends in similar predicaments, and we all have less-than-empathetic folks in our midst who just don't understand us -- their newly flaky, non-committal, unreliable buddies. (Are you one of us?)
Entrepreneurs Turn Away From Banks for Loans
DENVER - It sounds like something that may have been a part of one very popular movie in the 1980s.
"Yeah, putting bananas in, what's that car called? The DeLorean," John-Paul Maxfield said of the fact that his business concept sounds a bit like a storyline in the movie "Back to the Future."
The 30-year-old created the business Waste Farmers, which uses composting to convert food scraps from hotels, restaurants and schools into sources for fertilizer, renewable energy and a sustainable food supply.
For years, Maxfield knew he wanted to do something in the bio-resources realm. But it was not until two years ago that he got the nudge to start his business from an unlikely incident.
"In 2008 I lost my job. And I saw it as an opportunity to start something new," he said.
It is a scenario that Lisa Adams has been seeing as a loan officer for the nonprofit company Acción.
"It's one of the most frequent calls I have with people where they've lost their jobs and they can't find work. But they have this idea to start a bakery... making the best of a bad situation and finding the resources to follow their dreams," she said.
Acción, a company founded in New Mexico in 1994, came to Denver more than a year ago. In that time, it has issued 110 loans, totaling about $1 million. But Adams says most small business owners still do not know that the nonprofit has money to lend.
Kaiser Permanente gives $150,000 to help kids get active for free
DENVER – Denver youth will be able to enjoy the city’s recreation centers and pools for free this summer because of a grant from Kaiser Permanente.
On Tuesday, Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper and Kaiser Permanente President Donna Lynne made the announcement.
The grant will allow Denver youth, ages 17 and younger, to use recreation centers and pools for free from June 4 through Aug. 14.
“In this tough economy, parents can’t always afford to send their kids to the pool. By supporting the free admission program we‘re giving all Denver children the opportunity to be active and enjoy the outdoors,” said Lynne. This program demonstrates Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to making the healthy choice, the easy choice for our children and we’re proud to support it.”
Kaiser Permanente Colorado is the state's largest nonprofit health plan, providing comprehensive health care services to 500,000 members through 20 medical offices and a network of affiliated hospitals and physicians.
Colorado Association of Black Journalist Sweat to Help Haiti
Denver is approximately 2,432 miles away from Haiti, but on Sunday March 7th members of the Colorado Association of Black Journalists (CABJ) and other supporters pledged to run, walk and cycle in a race all the way there… at least in spirit.
The Race to Rescue Haiti was created for those who wanted to be active allies in the rebuilding of Haiti, all while building relationships in the community. The event was held in partnership with Matrix Fitness and Spa and 100% of the event proceeds went directly to the Lambi Fund of Haiti, which is helping to distribute food and other basic essentials to the country’s earthquake survivors.
“This was the perfect fundraiser for people who wanted to get active and have some fun while helping a great cause,” said Nadia Gedeon, president of CABJ and co-organizer of the race.
The event lasted a week (from March 7 – 13) and participants were encouraged to secure donations and corporate sponsorships to raise money for the Haitians who are still recovering from the devastating 7.0M January earthquake that killed more than 200,000 and left over 1,000,000 injured or homeless.
“We were eager to find a way to help those suffering in Haiti,” said Kami Banks, vice president of Matrix Fitness and Spa and co-organizer of the race. “We were thrilled to partner with CABJ to create a fundraiser that helped people jump back into shape for a great cause.”
The week-long event raised over $20,000 and was a great success for all those who participated.
“The Race to Rescue Haiti let me get personally involved in doing something to help those devastated by the earthquake,” said Jan Thomas, President of Thomas | Hunt & Associates Public Relations and CABJ member.
“It was a fun, well-organized event, and I had a terrific time there. The Matrix staff members were fantastic hosts, the athletics classes were wonderful and the facility is extraordinary. But, most importantly, we left knowing that our contributions were going directly to those in need.”
“In the Heights”
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical “In the Heights” danced its way into Denver recently. It gives traditional Broadway style a refreshing update of modern music and is a treat to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
With memorable lyrics and relatable characters, “In the Heights” tells the story of the multi-racial Washington Heights neighborhood in New York City. The majority of families living in The Heights originate from different Latin American countries, but they all share the same dream of making it out of the neighborhood they call “El Barrio.” The neighbors share a dysfunctional family-like bond. They start their day together with a cup of coffee at Usnavi’s shop and later grieve together after the death of one of the most beloved characters. The actors’ performances on the stage draw the audience into their intimate relationship. It’s almost as if you yourself can feel the heat from the summer blackout.
“In the Heights” finished its first run at the Temple Buell Theater on May 9th. If you missed it this time, be sure to catch it the next time it comes through town. Or better yet, put it on your list of shows to see on Broadway.