Indy - Nov. 15, 2023 Vol 31. No. 45 by Colorado Springs Indy & Business Journal

Nov. 15 - 21, 2023 | ALWAYS FREE

A PUBLICATION OF CITIZEN-POWERED MEDIA

FORK IN THE ROAD

BY PAM ZUBECK

Nov. 7 election sees tax measures fail, more right-wing school board candidates installed

CONTENTS

Nov. 15 - 21, 2023 | Vol. 31, No. 45 File photo

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FEATURED VOTERS SAY ‘NO’: Nov. 7 election sees tax measures fail, more right-wing school board candidates installed

Tracie Woods

Citizen-Powered Media Board PRESIDENT Ahriana Platten SECRETARY Ralph Routon EX OFFICIO John Weiss

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BORED AND ANGRY: Springs Utilities is accused of causing damage while replacing a resident’s gas line

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INDY | Nov. 15 - 21, 2023 | NEWS

BORED AND ANGRY

Springs Utilities is accused of causing damage while replacing a resident’s gas line BY PAM ZUBECK | zubeck@csindy.com

O ROTH Y M ACN A K ’ S encounter with Colorado Springs Utilities has felt like a “nightmare.” In early August, Macnak was told that crews hoped to change out a gas line, but she says she was given several different stories by Utilities workers as the project progressed. The work included boring holes in her driveway and digging a trench around her home’s foundation, damaging landscaping and leaving an underground drain broken. She’d like to have that drain repaired, but it sits a few inches above the gas line and no landscaping company will touch it, she says. “Springs Utilities staff generally bullied me and denied the damage they did,” she reports by email. “The 2-day job turned into over a month.... And I’m left with a badly compromised driveway and damaged underground drainage.” Utilities says the city-owned agency is involved in ongoing maintenance and repairs of its gas-line system. “We have a gas system that we own and operate, and we have an obligation

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to maintain it,” Utilities spokesperson Steve Berry says. Utilities’ gas lines have drawn the attention of state regulators in recent years and in 2022, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission warned the city it would impose monetary penalties if the city didn’t comply with the state’s Pipeline Safety Program. MACNAK’S ORDEAL BEGAN when Utilities showed up saying workers needed to change a gas line, though “each person I spoke with gave a different reason for this work,” she says. She was told the plan was to bore underground from the east to the south, lay a new line and then clean and retire the old line. She warned them that the geography of the area — the Pinecliff neighborhood west of Interstate 25 and north of Garden of the Gods Road — might make it a difficult project, says Macnak, who adds she earned a degree in geography. “Springs Utilities dismissed my concerns along with my knowledge,” she says.

Her offer to convert her house to allelectric appliances at her own expense — negating the need for the line replacement — was ignored, she says. A few hours into the project, she looked out the window and saw the trench had been dug with a backhoe around most of her house. “I was in shock,” she tells the Indy while giving a tour of the work site. “No one told me of a massive change in plans.” Regardless, Utilities workers continued to trench, which Macnak says destroyed landscaping and native plants, and damaged an underground drain. Later, a Utilities-hired contractor bored about eight holes in her driveway to depths of 15 feet. At one point, they left for the day without covering the holes, posing a haz-

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ard to humans and wildlife. (“I almost broke my leg in one,” she says, because she wasn’t made aware of the holes, and walked down the driveway to get her mail from the mailbox next to the street.) Macnak wrote to City Council, which also serves as the Utilities Board, recapping her experience. She says Councilor Dave Donelson, who chairs the Utilities Board, told her to work with Utilities — Steve Berry through mediation. The original idea was to bore for a gas line underground, but when workers encountered solid rock, they dug a trench around three sides of Macnak’s house, she says. She also says she felt mistreated. At one point, she notes, when she was

I don’t think there’s any crew that could have done any better.

continued on p. 4 ➔

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explaining the drainage problem, a Utilities public relations staffer told her, “Well, you chose to live here.” In addition, she was given several reasons for the project at different times, including that the gas line was crossing another, that the lines were too old, and that the gas line had a leak. As the project became more chaotic, Macnak was told her garage was built over a gas line and that the garage had not passed a final inspection when it was built in the 1980s. “It felt like they had gone looking for a way to make their mistakes my fault,” she says. She later received a letter from Utilities saying she and neighbors had been informed in advance, but she denies that. Macnak calls the project an example of “bad decision-making and bad planning” on Utilities’ part. “They can’t go to somebody’s home and just roll over them like they own the place,” she says. Berry, with Utilities, says the gas line had not previously been identified as a risk, though it had been in the ground since 1986. “We understand why she’s upset,” he says. “Nobody wants something like this happening around their home. It’s necessary. The foreman spent time with her out there. Tristan Gerhart, our chief

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INDY | Nov. 15 - 21, 2023 | NEWS

financial officer, walked the property with her. The chief operations officer was in direct contact with her. Based on all the information I have, we have done everything possible to restore it in a state [the property was in] prior to our work.” Berry says the project involved capping the existing line and replacing it with a new one. As for the bore holes, he says, “There was a lot of rock under that driveway, so we had to do a lot of potholing to be sure we got the right location. The rock situation is so bad, they broke a boring rod. At that time, Dorothy asked us to stop the work, and that delayed the work as well. “I don’t think there’s any crew that could have done any better,” he says of the job on Macnak’s property. “I would put our gas system and maintenance system at the front of any in the nation.” BERRY ALSO STRESSES THAT Utilities has “a regulatory obligation” to maintain gas lines. A reminder of that came in 2018 when, as the Indy reported, a 2017-18 state audit of Utilities’ gas line program led the PUC to threaten to fine Utilities $1 million for documentation problems state regulators found in hundreds of sites in the city’s natural gas system. Aram Benyamin, Utilities CEO at the time, said the problems never posed a

danger to the public, but the PUC’s Dec. 22, 2017, letter to Utilities noted that “areas of noncompliance that could lead to an imminent hazard to the public or property should be repaired immediately.” More recently, on April 15, 2022, the PUC wrote to Utilities with its inspection results conducted the prior year that found 13 violations. Most dealt with missing or inadequate documentation, but one noted “areas of active corrosion are not being remediated in a timely manner....” The total potential fine for the 13 violations was $92,850, but the PUC noted that “each day of a continuing violation shall constitute a separate violation,” though the total would not exceed $1 million. Travas Deal, Utilities’ chief operations officer at that time — he’s since been promoted to CEO — wrote back to the PUC on July 21, 2022, saying, “Utilities is actively working to enhance and improve its gas pipeline safety program. Furthermore, Utilities takes the items noted by the PUC very seriously and is committed to resolving the unsatisfactory items.” Asked for an update on the status of the PUC’s concerns, Berry reports via email, “The PUC has been conducting annual audits on our natural gas system inspection and maintenance program, education efforts, etc., for the past few

Courtesy Dorothy Macnak

➔ continued from p. 3

A drain pipe exposed when Utilities dug a trench around Macnak’s property

years. In fact, this year’s PUC audit is currently underway. Also, I confirmed that there have been no fines levied against us by the PUC as related to the natural gas system, but they do have the authority to levy such fines if they desire.” As for Macnak, she’s insisting that Utilities excavate her driveway and rebuild it to assure it’s not been compromised by the boring. Her claim is being handled by Utilities, but she has hired an attorney and might file a lawsuit. She also tells the Indy she plans to file a complaint with the PUC.

VOTERS SAY ‘NO’

Nov. 7 election sees tax measures fail, more right-wing school board candidates installed BY PAM ZUBECK | zubeck@csindy.com

OTERS SENT LAWMAKers back to the drawing board in the Nov. 7 election. They simply said “no” to various funding proposals ranging from a statewide measure to mitigate expected spikes in property taxes, to tax increases for school districts, to helping pay for a police training academy. They also elected more conservatives to El Paso County school boards after huge sums of dark money created a blizzard of mailers and digital advertising, especially on behalf of right-wing candidates. In Academy District 20 and Colorado Springs School District 11, the two largest districts in El Paso County, voters installed conservatives and dispatched incumbents. The failure of statewide Proposition HH — designed to provide property tax relief for 10 years using Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights refunds — led to a terse statement issued by Gov. Jared Polis’ office. It was defeated by a margin of 59 percent to 41 percent, with 43 percent voter turnout. The statement said Polis was “currently considering next steps.” Republicans urged Polis to call a special session to address the expected surge in tax bills next year. Tax levies must be set by taxing entities by the end of the year for taxes due in 2024, so there’s not much time to act.

On Nov. 9, Polis called a special session to begin on Nov. 17. “I am calling this session to urge the [L]egislature to bridge partisan divides and put people over politics to provide immediate property tax relief to Coloradans facing extreme spikes from their 2023 property bills,” Polis said in the release. It’s worth noting that Democrats in the Legislature referred Proposition HH to voters with no Republican support, and the measure was embraced by Polis, a Democrat. “Coloradans are looking to us to reduce property taxes and provide relief to families, and as we always have, we will work to deliver solutions that protect and enhance the Colorado we love,” Polis’ statement said. Floyd Ciruli, a political consultant based in Denver, tells the Indy that Proposition HH was basically a gift to Republicans to draw out voters who historically oppose tax hikes. Those voters (Republicans voted in greater numbers in El Paso County than did unaffiliated voters and Democrats) then impacted down-ballot races and ballot measures. “The governor helped the Republicans find an issue they could all rally around

included the left-leaning activist groups Colorado Springs Democratic Socialists of America and Chinook Center, raised less than $3,000, compared to the “vote yes” committee’s $205,500. It’s anyone’s guess whether that opposition tipped the WHILE DEBATES OVER HOW TO scales against the measure. deal with crime dominated the election “It wasn’t the deciding factor,” City in Denver and Aurora, it’s more difficult Councilor Dave Donelson says. Donelto find support for criminal justice facilison was the lone Council member who ties, including courthouses, jails and, in opposed the measure, noting its lack of Colorado Springs’ case, a police academy, specific funding plans, construction time Ciruli says. line, site, and whether a It’s worth noting that the new building would be local courthouse and jail were erected or an existing one expanded nearly two decades renovated. ago using certificates of parThe city’s website says ticipation, a borrowing tool the facility is estimated to that allowed officials to sidecost $12.5 million to $45 step voter approval for those million, depending on projects. various decisions yet to “The public wants to be be made. Other funding protected, but they really do sources, it says, include a — Floyd Ciruli hate to pay for it,” Ciruli says. one-time use of $500,000 Mayor Yemi Mobolade, in to $1 million in Public his first year in office, sought voter perSafety Sales Tax reserve funds, and a mission to retain $4.75 million in 2022 one-time use of up to $4 million from the TABOR refund money for a police traincity’s general fund. The “remainder,” as ing academy, but voters defeated the yet undefined, would come from debt, to measure by a 53-47 percent margin. be repaid over an undetermined number The outcome broke a trend going back of years from PSST and the general fund. 10 years in which voters allowed the city Donelson asserted that voters wantto retain excess funds for parks, stormed their $21 TABOR refunds, which water and other specific projects. will now be returned via a one-time The only organized opposition, which continued on p. 6 ➔ and ignore some of their recent divisions,” he says. “It was a TABOR tax election.”

It was a TABOR tax election.

FEATURE | Nov. 15 - 21, 2023 | INDY

➔ continued from p. 5

credit on utility bills. But Donelson says the measure’s defeat is not a commentary on the public’s view of police. “There’s strong support for the CSPD [Colorado Springs Police Department] in this city,” he says. On that point, he and Mobolade agree. Mobolade issued a statement on Nov. 8, saying, “While this issue unfortunately did not pass, I know we are a community who supports our police department. To our police officers, who we rely on to keep us safe, please know that our city and my administration is firmly behind you. Our residents are asking for a safer Colorado Springs, and we are committed to delivering on that expectation.” He added that the city will “get creative” in piecing together funding for the project. The mayor argues that better training facilities with more space are needed to recruit and retain officers in a city that is 70 officers short of its 818 authorized strength. FOUNTAIN’S MEASURE THAT would have authorized a 1 percent sales tax and its inclusion in the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority also failed, by a 55-45 margin, and school district issues didn’t fare well either. Academy School District 20’s request-

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2023 COORDINATED ELECTION VOTER TURNOUT EL PASO COUNTY JURISDICTION

DEM

REP

UAF

OTHER

TOTAL

El Paso County

38,157

76,968

75,854

2,455

193,434

Academy School District 20

6,597

19,069

17,333

503

43,502

Big Sandy 100J School

184

Cheyenne Mountain School District 12

1,809

3,688

3,476

9,057

City of Colorado Springs

27,867

48,116

51,137

1,626

128,746

City of Fountain

1,069

1,492

1,874

4,514

City of Manitou Springs

744

406

844

2,024

Colorado Springs School District 11

15,382

22,025

24,763

848

63,018

Donald Wescott Fire Protection District

487

1,988

1,388

3,899

Donald Wescott Fire Protection District Northern Subdistrict

477

1,911

1,352

3,776

El Paso County Colorado School District 49 District 5

1,120

2,235

2,338

5,772

El Paso County Colorado School District 49

4,545

12,609

11,308

393

28,855

El Paso Country School District 49 District 2

818

3,388

2,680

6,970

El Paso Country School District 49 District 3

732

2,748

2,313

5,882

Ellicott School District 22

127

698

443

1,288

Flying Horse Metropolitan District No. 2

241

899

743

1,899

Flying Horse Metropolitan District No. 3

127

271

Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8

929

1,340

1,658

3,991

Fremont RE-2 School District

125

Hanover School District 28

203

155

412 9,392

Harrison School District 2

2,950

2,730

3,573

139

Joint School District No. 23JT

117

929

540

1,606

Lewis-Palmer School District No. 38

1,934

7,599

6,249

152

15,934

Manitou Springs School District 14

1,053

926

1,408

3,432

Miami Yoder School District JT60

346

200

624

Widefield School District 3

2,487

4,035

4,279

139

10,940

Accepted mail ballot statistics by jurisdiction and party

ed tax increase for teacher pay raises and maintenance of schools went down 57-43. Ellicott School District 22’s measure seeking a property tax increase to fund operations and capital projects was overwhelmingly defeated 81-19. El Paso County Colorado School District 49’s tax increase to pay for teacher pay hikes also failed 59-41, and a pair of issues in Peyton School District 23JT to issue debt to improve schools and raise taxes to fund that debt were soundly thumped, 55-45 and 57-43, respectively. As Ciruli says, that falls in line with Republicans being motivated to vote in the election to defeat HH, which played into the defeat of local school board measures. For Rob Rogers, a parent of a D20 student and first vice chair of the El Paso Democratic Party, those defeats are an indicator that Republicans have a strategy to undermine public education, and it’s working. He says the strategy, instigated by Christopher Rufo, a senior fellow at conservative think tank the Manhattan Institute who takes credit for sparking the “critical race theory” panic, is to erode trust in public schools and drive the agenda toward privatizing education altogether. “It wouldn’t be supportive [of public education] to make sure a facility is modern and new,” Rogers says, also noting that teacher pay in Colorado is among

the lowest in the nation. “Colorado offers the opportunity for people who want to deconstruct public education,” Rogers says. That’s because unlike in some states, he says, school boards here enjoy autonomy to some degree in running school districts, whereas other states impose rules from the state. Jinger Haberer, D20’s superintendent, posted a message to patrons and staff saying though the ballot measure failed, “[W]e remain dedicated to world class learning and working environments for students and staff. We will also continue to prioritize competitive salaries and benefits, safety and security, and wellmaintained facilities.” She also said the defeat will be used “to re-evaluate and chart a new path forward.” PART OF THAT PATH FORWARD will be with a board of education filled with conservatives. Incumbents Will Temby and Heather Cloninger were defeated by challengers Amy Shandy and Derrick Wilburn. Shandy and Wilburn were backed by $110,235 in campaign money spent by dark-money group Springs Opportunity Fund, fueled with donations from Colorado Dawn, which doesn’t have to report the source of its money. The campaign was directed by Daniel Cole, owner of Victor’s Canvassing LLC and longtime Republican party operative.

Despite news coming out before the election that Shandy has been accused in a lawsuit of bilking the government through fraudulent billings from her former company, she and Wilburn, a sweetheart of the evangelical Christian right, bested Cloninger and Temby by thousands of votes. Temby, a longtime businessman who settled an alleged racial discrimination case with the Justice Department in June, tells the Indy, “Clearly, the school board races are in the big leagues now. It’s hard to compete with the money.” Temby says voters who aren’t particularly engaged in school board issues can be led to believe through a flurry of messaging that change is needed. “Scare tactics work,” he says. Campaign flyers put out by Springs Opportunity Fund in D20 claimed that “Woke-ism is still ROTTING EDUCATION in D20” and that “The Critical Race Theory agenda could be coming to your child’s classroom.” (Critical race theory isn’t taught in Colorado K-12 public schools but rather is a college-level examination of racism’s role in society and culture, despite anti-discrimination laws having been adopted.) Temby and Cloninger did not promote CRT. Temby will leave office, he says, confident that he ran a positive campaign and served with distinction and fairness, but he’s concerned about any

homogenous board. Colorado Springs Teachers. “I do believe a board that has diversity Voters chose the conservatives. of thought is probably in the best interMailers on the moderates’ behalf, est of a school district,” he says. “People funded with $166,789 spent by Students questioning each other in the interest of Deserve Better, also took shots. One said the district is a good thing.” Jorgensen and Melpakam Temby is also bothered “can’t be trusted” due to that the ballot measure “what we’ve come to expect failed. “A lot of the messagfrom them” including “antiing was not supportive of semitic, racist and homoour educators in a couple of phobic behavior.” races and really played off Jorgenson was pressed to a number of national narraapologize in 2022 after posttives,” he says. “How coming a transphobic meme on mitted these districts are social media. to educators in the face of Conservative newcomer a national teacher shortage Haffley says in an email to will be told over time.” the Indy that the flyer was — Will Temby Rogers predicted that, “false and misleading,” but with more conservatives also said, “I was pleased to dominating local school boards, the see so many come together for the betterschools could start resembling those in ment of D11.” Florida and Texas where the state dictates Jorgenson tells the Indy via email, “I how subjects, such as American history, am pleased that people in our communiare taught. In Florida, for example, teachty are invested in putting our schools on ing materials assert “slaves developed the right path and have been consistent skills which, in some instances, could be with their wishes for two election cycles applied for their personal benefit.” now.” A conservative slate backed by dark money also won in D11 two years IN THE WOODL AND PARK ago. Jorgenson also says a “great deal of school district, the battle between conmoney [was] spent on both sides.” servatives and progressives also was Rachel Paul, who was defeated in D11, in full view. The school board in Janusays she relied on making phone calls ary adopted the conservative Ameriand knocking on doors but couldn’t overcan Birthright social studies standards come the $388,000 spent on “false narrathat center on patriotism and American tives” on behalf of the winning four. exceptionalism after the state Board of Kate Singh, who also lost, stresses that Education rejected them. the school board hasn’t heard the last More recently, the district drew headfrom her. lines and a First Amendment lawsuit “I am disappointed in the outcome after adopting a policy that bars teachers of the election, but I remain committed and staff from speaking publicly about to my work in advocating for my childistrict issues without the superintendren — and all children in D11 — as a dent’s permission. The lawsuit has been member of the Special Education Advisettled via modifications of the policy. sory Committee for the district, and as Races for two of three board seats an informed and engaged member of remained a toss-up early this week, with this community,” she says in an email. incumbent conservatives leading, while “Regardless of whether we’re behind the a third race was led by a challenger to the podium or in front of it — when converconservative incumbent. The progressations about our children happen — our sives were backed by $200,000 spent in voices matter. I plan to keep speaking their behalf by Students Deserve Better, a up.” committee funded by teachers and eduRhonda Heschel, a member of Neighcator unions. bors for Education, which supports Messaging by Springs Opportunity teachers, said she worked on behalf of Fund in the D11 races was similar to that progressive candidates, volunteering of D20. “DANGER,” a flyer put out by the hundreds of hours making phone calls committee warned, if the moderate canand knocking on doors, but the low voter didates retained or won office. “These turnout — 40 percent in El Paso County D11 school board candidates are fully compared to 36 percent in 2021 — hurt promoting the woke agenda,” it said. progressive candidates. The dark money group spent $388,414, “We can’t have 30 percent turnout an unprecedented figure locally, to camand expect the right results,” she says paign for the conservative slate, conby phone. “I don’t know how to get more sisting of incumbents Parth Melpakam people involved and to make them care and Jason Jorgenson and newcomers Jill more. I worry about our teachers. They Haffley and Thomas Carey, and against feel unsupported. We’re at a very delimoderate candidates. cate, tenuous place, and I do worry the Those were Rachel Paul, Shay Dabney, more people believe public schools are Kathryn Singh and incumbent Darleen bad, the worse off our teachers are and Daniels, all of whom were endorsed by worse off our students are.”

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EAL FRANCIS, THE FASTrising Chicago artist who Rolling Stone says is “making pianorock cool again,” has fielded his fair share of “sounds like” comparisons, particularly when it comes to his instrument of choice: Elton John, Laura Nyro, Allen Toussaint, to name just a few, all of which he embraced during his Indy interview last year (tinyurl.com/Indy-NF).

Now the 30-something singer-songwriter is taking it a step further with his first official live recording, Francis Comes Alive, which was released earlier this month on ATO Records, a label whose roster has included Brandi Carlile, My Morning Jacket and Chicano Batman. A full concert film directed by Alec Basse is also due for release Nov. 27. Recording over the course of two sold-

out nights at Chicago’s Thalia Hall, Francis and his 11-piece band set out to capture the analog magic of ’70s-rock live albums that include, as you may have guessed from the album’s title and cover photo, Peter Frampton’s multi-platinum Frampton Comes Alive. In keeping with that tradition, the album was recorded direct to 1-inch tape with no overdubs or edits. In the two weeks since the album’s release, Francis and his slimmed-down band have already played a dozen live dates, with a few dozen more to come between now and their New Year’s Eve gig at Denver’s Ogden Theatre. If they follow the same format as last year’s NYE show at Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom (this is apparently becoming a Denver holiday tradition), you can expect the first set to be all originals, followed by a post-countdown set that includes more than a handful of ’60s and ’70s classics. Based on recent shows, this year’s contenders could range from Toussaint’s “Last Train” to Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day,” from Pink Floyd’s “Brain Damage” to the Plastic Ono Band’s “Cold Turkey,” from Rod Stewart’s “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” to Andrew Gold’s “Thank You for Being a Friend.” So if you’ve always dreamed of hearing Frampton’s “Baby, I Love Your Way” performed as good or better than the original — and who hasn’t? — this might just be your lucky year. — Bill Forman

SEWERSLIDE, BACKLIP Wed, Nov. 29 - 6:00pm

FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, EXODUS

Neal Francis, with The Texas Gentlemen, Sunday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m., Ogden Theatre, 935 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, $45; ages 16-plus; watch — tinyurl.com/N-Francis23

DARKEST HOUR, UNDEATH

RENE VACA WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

Fri, Dec. 1 - 8:00pm, Ages 21+

THE EMO NIGHT TOUR Sat, Dec. 2 - 7:00pm

CRASHCARLETON TEST STONE DUMMIES Thu, Dec. 7 - 6:00pm

THE DIVINE INNER TENSION TOUR

HAIL THE SUN TSOSIS, GLASSLANDS Fri, Dec. 8 - 8:00pm, Ages 18+

TAYLOR’S VERSION: A SWIFTIE DANCE PARTY DEC 9 - WEDNESDAY13 DEC 14 - MINDLESS VITALITY DEC 15 - JON WAYNE & THE PAIN DEC 16 - RXP SWEATER SOIREE FEATUIRNG THE BEACHES DEC 29 - THE IRON MAIDENS DEC 30 - GIMME GIMME DISCO JAN 25 - GUTTERMOUTH JAN 27 - VEIL OF MAYA JAN 31 - CHARLIE FARLEY

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WEDNESDAY 11/15 Choral Music of Living Composers, UCCS University Choir; 7:30 p.m., Ent Center for the Arts, tickets.entcenterforthearts.org/events. Countywyde, bluegrass; 6:30 p.m., Front Range Barbeque, frbbq.com/events. Folk/Americana with Kiel Grove (“traveling songwriter” from Texas) and Gipsy Rufina (traveling songwriter from Italy); 3 p.m., What’s Left Records, whatsleftrec.com. Austin Johnson, acoustic blues; 6:30 p.m., Jack Quinn’s, facebook.com/jackquinns. Dan Rodriguez, folk/acoustic songwriter; doors 7 p.m., Lulu’s, lulusdownstairs. com. Bryse Taylor, indie folk; 8 p.m., ICONS, exploretock.com/icons-co.

THURSDAY 11/16 Jeremy Facknitz, singer-songwriter, with Joe Uvegas; doors 7 p.m., Lulu’s, lulusdownstairs.com. Frenship, pop, with Torine, mon cher; doors 7 p.m., Black Sheep, blacksheeprocks.com.

INDY | Nov. 15 - 21, 2023 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Living Vividly, covers; 6 p.m., Mash Mechanix, mashmechanix.com/events. Brandon Henderson, singer-songwriter; 5 p.m., The Well, wellinthesprings. com/events. Lost Junction; 7 p.m., Armadillo Ranch, manitouarmadilloranch.com. Muscadine Bloodline, country duo, with Teenage Dixie Tour, Gabe Lee, WestRock; 6 p.m., Sunshine Studios Live, sunshinestudioslive.com. Nerea The Fiddler, stepdancing and fiddling; 7 p.m., Jack Quinn’s, facebook.com/jackquinns. REO Speedwagon, classic American rock band; 7:30 p.m., Pikes Peak Center, pikespeakcenter.com. Turquoise, post-rock/experimental/ math rock, with Winter Wayfarer, Jellyfish Farm, Sapphires Garden; 7 p.m., Vultures, vulturesrocks.com.

FRIDAY 11/17 Battle of the Bands 2023, with Hickabee, Cami Maree, Mindless Vitality, Shanghai Metro Temple; doors 7 p.m., Lulu’s, lulusdownstairs.com. Blairé, soul/R&B/hip-hop, with Merch, Renee, Mikhya B, Conny Th3 Great; 7

Courtesy Frenship

Thu, Nov. 30 - 7:00pm, Ages 18+

Pop duo Frenship (Brett Hite and James Sunderland) play The Black Sheep Thursday, Nov. 16. p.m., Oskar Blues, coloradosprings.oskarbluesfooderies.com. Blue Frog, Americana/jam; 8 p.m., Armadillo Ranch, manitouarmadilloranch. com. Kolby Cooper, country; doors 7 p.m., Black Sheep, blacksheeprocks.com. Cosmic Beat DJ Party, jazz/soul/funk/ fusion; 8 p.m., The Fifty Niner, tinyurl. com/cosmic-beat. Dan Dameron, guitarist/vocalist; 6 p.m., Buffalo Lodge, bicycleresort.com.

PLAYING AROUND Eric Elison, Gordon Lightfoot tribute; 7 p.m., Stargazers Theatre, stargazerstheatre.com. Elvis & Friends, music of Elvis Presley; 7 p.m., Boot Barn Hall, bootbarnhallco. com. Hot Boots Band, cover band; 5 p.m., The Well, wellinthesprings.com/events. In the Company of Serpents, sludge/ doom, with Worry, Tovenaar, Kalakuta; 7 p.m., Vultures, vulturesrocks.com. PPLD’s 30th Anniversary Shivers Concert Series: Fall Concert, includes cellist Pamela Chaddon, baritone Ivan Thompson, tenor Eapen Leubner, pianist Susan Grace; 6:30 p.m., The Antlers hotel, tinyurl.com/Shivers-23. Pump Up the Jam, dance party with DJ Prominent; 8 p.m., COATI Uprise, tinyurl.com/COATI-jam. Shocktroopers, punk rock, with The

Sleights, Strung Short; 7:30 p.m., What’s Left Records, whatsleftrec.com. The Springstown Shakers, blues; 6 p.m., Mash Mechanix, mashmechanix.com/ events. Tribe, zydeco/jazz/Cajun; 7:30 p.m., Jack Quinn’s, facebook.com/jackquinns.

SATURDAY 11/18 Alesana, post-hardcore, with Limbs, Vampires Everywhere, Across The White Water Tower, Lungburn; doors 6 p.m., Black Sheep, blacksheeprocks.com. Big Sky, Grateful Dead tribute; 8 p.m., Armadillo Ranch, manitouarmadilloranch.com. Bonnie and Taylor Sims, acoustic; doors 7 p.m., Lulu’s, lulusdownstairs.com. Jeffrey Foucault, singer-songwriter; doors 7 p.m., Lulu’s, lulusdownstairs. com.

BIG GIGS

Dylan LeBlanc

Upcoming music events

Singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Dylan LeBlanc will take the Lulu’s stage on Feb. 24. Depeche Mode, Ball Arena, Denver, Nov. 16 Dirty Honey, Summit Music Hall, Denver, Nov. 16 Frenship, Black Sheep, Nov. 16 Muscadine Bloodline, Sunshine Studios Live, Nov. 16 REO Speedwagon, Pikes Peak Center, Nov. 16 Sincere Engineer, Lost Lake Lounge, Denver, Nov. 16 The Last Waltz, Boulder Theater, Boulder, Nov. 17 Kolby Cooper, Black Sheep, Nov. 17 Muscadine Bloodline, Gothic Theatre, Englewood, Nov. 17

Alesana, Black Sheep, Nov. 18 Coven and Lucifer, Oriental Theater, Denver, Nov. 18 Durry, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Nov. 18 Jeffrey Foucault, Lulu’s, Manitou Springs, Nov. 18 The Lacs, Sunshine Studios Live, Nov. 18 Royal Blood, Gothic Theatre, Englewood, Nov. 18 Beauty School Dropout, Globe Hall, Denver, Nov. 19 Pentatonix, Budweiser Events Center, Loveland, Nov. 19 Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Broadmoor World Arena, Nov. 19 Slothrust, Black Sheep, Nov. 19 The Struts, Ogden Theatre, Denver, Nov. 20 Care and Share Benefit show with Melody Ranch, The Mitguards, Carmen and Lewis, The Honey Buns, Begley, Mock & Murphy, Stargazers, Nov. 22 Leftover Salmon feat. Peter Rowan, Boulder Theater, Boulder, Nov. 24-25 Orleans, Parker Arts, Culture & Events Center, Parker, Nov. 25 The Nutcracker/Colorado Springs Symphony, Pikes Peak Center, Nov. 24-26 Brujeria: Esto Es Tour 2023, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Nov. 28 Chase Petra, Globe Hall, Denver, Nov. 28 Mammoth WVH, Gothic Theatre, Englewood, Nov. 28 Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas, Pikes Peak Center, Nov. 28 Alt-J, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Nov. 29 Fit for an Autopsy and Exodus, Black Sheep, Nov. 29 Continued at csindy.com

Jim Green, guitarist/singer-songwriter; 6 p.m., Buffalo Lodge, bicycleresort.com. Rhett Haney, country; 6 p.m., Whiskey Baron Dance Hall, tinyurl.com/whiskdh. The Lacs, country rap duo, with Justin Champagne, Dustin Spears, The Big Blind; 6 p.m., Sunshine Studios Live, sunshinestudioslive.com. The McDeviants, Celtic; 7:30 p.m., Jack Quinn’s, facebook.com/jackquinns. One of These Nights, punk rock, with Years Down, Florissant; 7 p.m., Vultures, vulturesrocks.com. Postcards from the Sky, Chamber Orchestra of the Springs; 7 p.m., Broadmoor Community Church, tinyurl.com/ Postcards-Sky. The Street Deacons, jazz/funk; 6 p.m., Palmer Lake Pub, palmerlakepub.net/ events-1. Ten Years Gone, Led Zeppelin tribute; 7 p.m., Boot Barn Hall, bootbarnhallco. com. Sara Van Hecke, singer-songwriter; 5 p.m., The Well, wellinthesprings.com/ events. What’s in a Name?, Pikes Peak Ringers Handbell Concert; 3 p.m., Calvary United Methodist Church, pikespeakringers.com/calendar/concerts.

SUNDAY 11/19 Al Chesis & Joe Sciallo Delta Sonics Duo, blues; 1 p.m., Armadillo Ranch, manitouarmadilloranch.com. Lucked Out, hardcore, with Lava Gato, Ignorant Bliss, Summer of Peril, Undefined; 6 p.m., Vultures, vulturesrocks. com. Postcards from the Sky, Chamber Orchestra of the Springs; 2:30 p.m., First Christian Church, tinyurl.com/Postcards-Sky. Slothrust, alternative rock, with Pronoun; 7 p.m., Black Sheep, blacksheeprocks.com. What’s in a Name?, Pikes Peak Ringers Handbell Concert; 3 p.m., Broadmoor Community Church, pikespeakringers. com/calendar/concerts.

The RiP Improv

Treat yourself to a big bunch of laughter! Creating unscripted comedy for 18 years.

TUESDAY 11/21 Gvllow, alternative indie, with Mainliners; 7 p.m., Vultures, vulturesrocks. com.

WEDNESDAY 11/22 Aaron Bubeck, acoustic rock/folk; 8 p.m., ICONS, exploretock.com/iconsco. Care and Share Benefit, food donation drive, with Melody Ranch, The Mitguards, Carmen and Lewis, The Honey Buns, Begley, Mock & Murphy; doors 5:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., Stargazers Theatre, stargazerstheatre.com. Gavin Grant, jazz piano; 7 p.m., Analogue, Pueblo, analoguepueblo.com. Dylan Tiefer and guests, Americana/ jam; 6:30 p.m., Front Range Barbeque, frbbq.com/events.

NOV 18

Santa’s Elves present

Whose Got Talent? Refurbish the Elf and his dog visit the North Pole for a Holiday Talent Show with Dancing, Singing, Acrobatics & Elfen Magic! Fun for the whole family!

MONDAY 11/20 Jazz Jam with trumpeter Jonathan Powell; 5:30 p.m., Armadillo Ranch, manitouarmadilloranch.com.

7:30 SATURDAY

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

DEC 9-23

Support Local Theatre ! Donate to The Millibo’s 2023 Give! Campaign

www.givepikespeak.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | Nov. 15 - 21, 2023 | INDY

Your guide to events in the Pikes Peak region stock.adobe.com

Appetizers

CALENDAR

PAID ADVERTISEMENT | TO PLACE YOUR ENTRY CALL 719-577-4545

AMERICAN TONY’S

326 N. TEJON ST. | 719-228-6566 | TONYSDOWNTOWNBAR.COM OVER A QUINTILLION SERVED

SERVING COLORADO SPRINGS SINCE

THE TURN OF THE CENTURY

Winners of 70+ Independent “Best of Awards” in 20 yrs. A great Midwestern Tavern with warm beer, lousy food & poor service!!! Pabst, Fried Cheese Curds, Leinenkugle’s, Walleye Fish-fry, cocktails, burgers and more. 11am-2am daily. HH 4-6. GO PACK GO!

ASIAN FUJIYAMA

22 S. TEJON ST. | 719-630-1167 COLORADO’S FINEST JAPANESE CUISINE & SUSHI BAR

Beautiful, award-winning downtown restaurant with a full-service bar. Enjoy authentic sushi & creative rolls, teriyaki, tempura, udon & more! See our ad or call for great lunch, Happy Hour, & Ladies night specials! Fri. & Sat. 11am-2:30pm lunch & 5-10pm dinner. Sun. 5-9pm dinner.

BBQ BIRD DOG BBQ

3 LOCATIONS + CATERING | BIRDDOGBBQ.COM | 719-573-7671

Bird Dog now offers online ordering from the location of your choice! Order and pay online, then skip the line when you pick it up! Visit our website at www.BirdDogBBQ.com and click ORDER ONLINE to place your order. We also offer our award-winning catering services in individuallyboxed meals! Call 719-573-7671 for details.

GERMAN EDELWEISS RESTAURANT

34 E. RAMONA AVE. | (SOUTH NEVADA & TEJON) | 719-633-2220

For 50 Years Edelweiss has brought Bavaria to Colorado Springs. Using fresh ingredients, the menu invites you to visit Germany. Support local business! We’re open and doing drive-thru and takeout with a limited menu that can be found on our website! www. edelweissrest.com.

SOUTHWESTERN/MEXICAN JOSÉ MULDOON’S

222 N. TEJON ST. | 719-636-2311 | 5710 S. CAREFREE CR @ POWERS | 719-574-5673

Since 1974. Features authentic Tex-Mex & Mexican fare in contemporary Sante Fe-styled establishment. Across from Acacia Park, and west of Powers & Carefree. Josemuldoons.com. Support local restaurants! We are open for delivery, carry out, and dine-in at both locations! Please check our Facebook page for hours daily, as they are subject to change.

THE FAMOUS

31 N. TEJON ST. | DOWNTOWN | 719-227-7333

Colorado Springs’ finest upscale steak house and lounge located in the center of downtown. Dine in an elegant and classic steak house environment. Award winning prime steaks, fresh seafood, premium wines, craft brews and piano bar provide a provocative mix of atmosphere and entertainment. Reservations suggested.

MACKENZIE’S CHOP HOUSE

128 S. TEJON ST. HISTORIC ALAMO BUILDING | DOWNTOWN | 719-635-3536

Offering half off all bottles of wine under $100! Voted Best Power Lunch, Steakhouse and Martini! Downtown’s choice for quality meats and mixed drinks. Mackenzieschophouse.com. Open Mon.-Fri. 11:30am-3pm for lunch, and 5pm- close every day for dinner!

INDY | Nov. 15 - 21, 2023 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Turkey Trot 5K: Huffin’ for the Stuffin’, the annual pre-feastin’ sweat-fest and fundraiser for YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region. Thursday, Nov. 23; race times — Kids’ Tiny Trot (free), 8:15 a.m.; 5K run ($45), 9 a.m.; Briargate YMCA, 4025 Family Place; register at tinyurl.com/TurkeyTrot-CS. Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center Thanksgiving Day Turkey Toss, “be a part of feeding the wolf, coyote and fox families.” Thursday, Nov. 23, 9-11 a.m.; $20$40, reservations required, call 719-687-9742; Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, Divide; wolfeducation.org. Fresh Air Friday Hike, “get out in the fresh air after your day of turkey and pumpkin pie!” A slow-paced 1-mile, naturalist-led nature hike. Friday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to noon; meet at Wapiti Trailhead, Mueller State Park, 21045 CO-67, Divide; tinyurl. com/Mueller-hikes. And BTW: Pikes Peak will be closed on Thanksgiving, Nov. 23.

ART EVENT Colorado Springs School students focus on book banning and censorship with their stage adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s dystopian classic novel Fahrenheit 451. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 17-18, 7 p.m.; 21 Broadmoor Ave.; css.org. Pre-show panel of local authors will discuss censorship in the arts, Nov. 17, 5:30 p.m.

ART EXHIBITS 45º Gallery, 2528 W. Colorado Ave., Suite B, 719-434-1214, 45degreegallery.com. Pottery Palooza, 750-plus pieces by 10plus artists.

STEAKHOUSE

PAID ADVERTISEMENT • 719.577.4545

TURKEY DAY AL FRESCO

Academy Art & Frame, 7560 N. Academy Blvd., 719-265-6694, academyframesco. com. The Beauty of the Earth by oil painter Joni Ware. Artist reception Friday, Nov. 17, 4-7 p.m.; through December. Anita Marie Fine Art, 109 S. Corona St., 719-493-5623, anitamariefineart.com. Storied Places, oil paintings by Chuck Mardosz, Richard Dahlquist and Joanne Lavender. Through Dec. 21. The Bridge Gallery, 218 W. Colorado Ave., #104, 719-629-7055, thebridgeartgallery. com. Desert Dreams Revisited — “Liz McCombs’ desert-themed sculptures which

explore the resilience and tenacity of life in arid landscapes.” Through Nov. 25. Bosky Studio, 17B E. Bijou St., boskystudio.com. The Jane Doe Project: Studies and Sketches by Lindsay Hand. Through Nov. 17. Citizens Art Gallery at City Hall, works by mixed-media/encaustic artist Melissa Porter. Second floor gallery, 107 N. Nevada Ave.; enter through the ADA entrance on the southeast corner of the building. The Colony, 2 S. Wahsatch Ave., #100, thecolony.studio. New work from acrylics/watercolor painter Dan Sampson and multimedia painter Victoria Wekamp. Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, 30 W. Dale St., 719-634-5581, fac.coloradocollege.edu. Solo(s): Krista Franklin. Franklin “creates books, poetry, collages, handmade paper, installations, murals, performances, sound works, sculptures, and lectures.” Through Dec. 16. Mi Gente: Manifestations of Community in the Southwest, with works from the FAC collection; through Feb. 3. Museum free days: Nov. 17, Dec. 9 and 15. Commonwheel Artists Co-op, 102 Cañon Ave., Manitou Springs, 719-685-1008,

FOR FULL EVENT LISTINGS, AND TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN EVENTS, GO TO CSINDY.COM!

CALENDAR Platte Collections, 2331 E. Platte Place, 719-980-2715, plattecollections.myshopify.com. Works by artist/visual storyteller Shannon Dunn. Through December. Surface Gallery, 2752 W. Colorado Ave., 719-359-6966, surfacegallerycos.com. A husband-and-wife show... The Heralds of Unwanted Wisdom by Riley Bratzler; Brett Andrus’ Remembering How to be Human. ZoneFIVE, 1902 E. Boulder St., zonefivecs. com. Daydreams and Night Lights, a juried photography exhibition presented by Radiant Aberration and ZoneFIVE. Through Nov. 30.

KIDS & FAMILIES Cultural Holiday Celebration, Winter Market/FUNraiser, with Lil’ Miss Story Hour. Photos with Black Santa, multicultural books, featured guests, music, food trucks, silent auction. Saturday, Nov. 18, noon to 4 p.m.; Manitou Art Center, 513 Manitou Ave., Manitou; reservations required at tinyurl.com/FUNraiser-23. Stroller Safari: Beast Feast, “registrants will prepare a fun feast for some zoo ani-

DANCE

mals, and participate in other fall-themed sensory activities!” For ages 1-4 with an adult, registration required; Wednesday, Nov. 22, 9:30-11:15 a.m.; Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road; cmzoo.org/events. Balloonacy, “a red balloon drifts through the window of a solitary old man’s home. But then some serious silliness begins....” Through Nov. 19; Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St., fac.coloradocollege.edu.

LAUGH OUT LOUD Lulu’s Comedy Open Mic, Nov. 15 and 22, 9 p.m.; Lulu’s Downstairs, 107 Manitou Ave.; lulusdownstairs.com. Comedy Showcase, with Thad B, Tracey Kellett, Cameron MacKenzie and Joe Bruno. Wednesday, Nov. 15, 7 p.m.; 18 and older; Vultures, 2100 E. Platte Ave.; vulturesrocks.com. The Gateway Show, “stand-up comics tell their best jokes then they go to an un-

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OFF

The Nutcracker, the holiday classic presented by Colorado Springs Philharmonic, Oklahoma City Ballet, Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale and regional student dancers. Nov. 24-26; Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave.; pikespeakcenter.com. commonwheel.com. 2023 Holiday Market with work by 32 Colorado artists. Through Dec. 28. Cottonwood Center for the Arts, 427 E. Colorado Ave., 719-520-1899, cottonwoodcenterforthearts.com. Transformation — A Mixed Media Event, with works by Nancy Stage Robinson. Holiday Art & Gift Market, Saturday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Disruptor Gallery, 2217 E. Platte Ave., shutterandstrum.org. Jesse Allan Rozell’s Playtime “celebrates hedonism, vanity, memory, vibrancy, and chaos — an attractive and sometimes obscured, star-studded view into the men and women of yesterday.” G44 Gallery, 121 E. Boulder St., 720-9510573, g44gallery.com. Whiteout by Rachel Espenlaub, and Greg Johnson’s acrylic works in Unpredictable Order. Gallery 113, 125½ N. Tejon St., 719-6345299, gallery113cos.com. Painter Kathy Jackson’s landscapes in oils and Al Bach’s wooden creations. GOCA (Galleries of Contemporary Art, UCCS), Ent Center for the Arts, 5225 N. Nevada Ave., gocadigital.org. Martha Russo’s Caesura. Through Dec. 2. Heller Center Arts Exchange: “Historia Sin Fin is a graphic novella about a clan of beings not quite like ourselves, living in a

canyon somewhere in the Southwest. Life is good for the clan until one day a sinister cloud drifts over the canyon....” UCCS student artists created works “in response to and in collaboration with” this work by Peter Marchand and Marc Shereck. Through Nov. 18; 1250 North Campus Heights/ UCCS; heller.uccs.edu/events.

continued on p. 12 ➔

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Hunter-Wolff Gallery, 2510 W. Colorado Ave., 719-520-9494, hunterwolffgallery. com. Works by Sculptor Cheri Isgreen. Kreuser Gallery, 125 E. Boulder St., 719464-5880, kreusergallery.com. Collateral BEAUTY: Part 1, No More Silence by Karen Mosbacher; Magnificent Wild, a collaboration of Audrey Gray and Lupita Carrasco; Finding Hope by Melissa Porter. Through Nov. 24; artist talks with Mosbacher, Carrasco and Gray, Nov. 15, 5:30 p.m. LightSpeed Curations, 306 S. 25th St., 719-308-8389. Now You See Me, with works by “experimental artist” Nat Feather. Note: LightSpeed will close at the end of the month. The Look Up Gallery, 11 E. Bijou St. (inside Yobel), thelookupgallery.com. Flow State, new work by Springs artist Nathan Travis.

DISCOVER A WHOLE NEW LEVEL OF TASTE.

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Manitou Art Center, 513/515 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, 719-685-1861, manitouartcenter.org. Works by local artist Gary King. Through Nov. 25.

FOR FULL EVENT LISTINGS, AND TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN EVENTS, GO TO CSINDY.COM!

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | Nov. 15 - 21, 2023 | INDY

CALENDAR ➔ continued from p. 11 disclosed location to get way too high and come back to attempt to tell you more!” Thursday, Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m. Jerry Rocha, Friday-Saturday, Nov. 17-18, two shows each night; Loonees Comedy Corner, 1305 N. Academy Blvd.; looneescc.com. Killer Komics From Outer Space, with Garrett Nygren, Jeremy Cash, Cori Dech, Phil Corridor and Tony Maldonado. Friday, Nov. 17, 9 p.m.; Ultra Flat Black Gallery, 603 W. Colorado Ave.; tinyurl.com/KKomics. Ivan Deckers, Friday, Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m.; 3E’s Comedy Club, 1 S. Nevada Ave., 3escomedy.com.

THEATER John Proctor Is the Villain, “at a rural high school in Georgia, a group of lively teens are studying The Crucible while navigating young love, sex ed, and a few school scandals.” Pikes Peak State College Theatre Department; through Nov. 19, see tinyurl.com/ Proctor-PPSC for dates/times; Studio West, 22 West Sierra Madre St.

Courtesy Theatreworks

THEATER

The Little Prince “follows an aviator who crash-landed in the Sahara Desert where he meets a little prince who loves a rose from a distant world.” Presented by Theatreworks with local actors and puppetry. Friday, Nov. 24, through Thursday, Dec. 7, Ent Center for the Arts, 5225 N. Nevada Ave.; entcenterforthearts.org/theatreworks/current_season.

Miracle in Mistletoe Town OR Cooking the Books for Christmas Dinner, will real estate mogul Ivana Cringe replace the town department store with a burger franchise? Nov. 17-Dec. 23; Iron Springs Chateau, 444 S. Ruxton Ave., Manitou Springs; ironspringschateau.com.

Full-service catering of life’s special moments.

See our holiday menus at www.pbcatering.com

719.635.0200

INDY | Nov. 15 - 21, 2023 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

FOR FULL EVENT LISTINGS, AND TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN EVENTS, GO TO CSINDY.COM!

FAIR AND UNBALANCED

By Mike Littwin Courtesy The Colorado Sun

PROP HH FAILED, SO WHAT’S NEXT?

HE QUESTION IS NOT why Proposition HH, the Jared Polis-backed attempt to slow down runaway property taxes, failed so miserably at the ballot. We already know the answers, starting with the fact that HH was a confusing, seriously flawed referendum that hardly anyone other than Polis and his trickledown-economics buddy, Arthur Laffer, actually seemed to like. Progressives were torn. Conservative TABORites, demanding their TABOR refunds be financed forevermore, were opposed. Everyone else was more or less perplexed. And, from my perspective, the best part about the referendum — that it would dramatically increase school funding — was rarely mentioned so as not to scare voters into thinking that they might have to sacrifice some portion of possible future TABOR refunds in order to, uh, better educate kids. Even Polis, in pushing the referendum, would say he wished the proposed 10-year property tax rates in Proposition HH were lower. Of course, Polis is the so-called progressive governor who has called for the end of Colorado state income taxes. Tax policy is usually confusing. Tax policy that you can’t properly explain to voters in a single sentence — or, for that matter, even in a single paragraph — is not just confusing, but basically doomed. No, the real question, now that Polis has called for a special session of the Legislature to try to salvage the deal, is why he doesn’t seem to have a Plan B. In announcing a special session, Polis tried out a cringe-inducing, break-glassin-an-emergency joke, complete with Polis in safety goggles and with baseball bat in hand, saying that a special session, which Republicans had been demanding, was his Plan B all along. Ha, ha? I just hope it wasn’t a Rockies bat, because the best he could have hoped for was a foul ball. Surprisingly, when Polis announced the special session, he also actually announced he didn’t yet have any plan — B, C or otherwise — to present as the Legislature reopens next week. Excuse me if I’m a little skeptical, though. I’m guessing Polis has a roughed-out plan, at minimum, that he’ll let others carry until the heat from his devastating loss begins to diminish. 13

INDY | Nov. 15 - 21, 2023 | OPINION

After a bruising defeat on Prop HH, Polis needs a quick fix for property taxes.

I admit I have a habit — and it may be a bad habit — of too often looking at Polis’ policy decisions through the lens of what I’m convinced is his plan to someday make a (2028 anyone?) presidential run. As an example, when Polis crushed the idea of safe-injection sites for illegal drug users as a way to address the fentanyl overdose crisis, that looked to me like the safe move for anyone thinking of ever running for president. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom didn’t just threaten, as Polis did, to veto a safe-injection site bill. He actually did veto it. And we know Newsom is running for president someday. He might even be running for president in 2024 if Joe Biden were to decide, in the face of terrible polling news, not to run again.

Colorado voters, who are used to unusually low property-tax rates, demanded action. The consensus was that something needed to be done. And so Proposition HH came through the Legislature with the kinds of compromises that can work at the statehouse but rarely do well when voters — after being predictably deluged with apocalyptic-style advertising from all sides — have to decide what to do. The good news is that the legislators have little choice but to pass something, and soon. If they don’t, property tax increases as high as 40 percent will go into effect. And if nothing happens legislatively, conservatives have already collected enough signatures to put forward a referendum next year that would set a hard cap on property tax collections, which could be a disaster — yeah, I’m going apocalyptic, too — for school funding. Even better news is what we’re hearing

Legislators have little choice but to pass something, and soon. If they don’t, property tax increases as high as 40 percent will go into effect.

BUT POLIS’ TAKE ON PROPOSItion HH wasn’t about presidential aspirations. Property values have skyrocketed.

from Democratic legislative leaders who now seem to understand that Proposition HH — which they, along with Polis, supported — did not provide sufficient relief for low-income homeowners, for renters or for others in real need. For example, here’s a statement from Colorado Senate President Steve Fenberg: “The voters had their say about a long-term, comprehensive approach. Our caucus will now be laser-focused on providing short-term relief to those who are most vulnerable to the rising cost of living — which means working families, renters, and those on fixed incomes — while protecting our schools and fire districts.” Proposition HH provided virtually no relief for renters, who make up about a third of Coloradans. And the tax relief for homeowners was overwhelmingly designed to benefit the wealthy rather than those who have most keenly felt the sticker shock from rapidly rising property values. If Democrats can make just those two changes, that would be a vast improvement, even if one that doesn’t solve the property-tax problem long term. The question, as always, is how to pay for any reduction in tax rates, and whether cuts in TABOR refunds will still be on the table as an option. The safe bet is that in the wake of the defeat of Proposition HH, Republicans will be especially energized on TABOR, which is dependably a contentious issue with voters. Of course, Democrats still enjoy overwhelming majorities in both houses. An even safer bet is that Polis may not have announced a plan, but nothing will pass through the Legislature without the governor’s stamp on it. He’s a politician who listens closely to the voters. I’d guess he already has a pretty good idea of what the voters want now. Maybe the safest bet of all, though, is that a single-issue legislative session on property-tax relief — especially if it involves TABOR — will be even wilder than the Proposition HH campaign. I’d advise anyone watching to have their safety goggles handy. Mike Littwin’s column was produced for The Colorado Sun, a reader-supported news organization committed to covering the people, places and policies of Colorado. Learn more at coloradosun.com. OPINION | Nov. 15 - 21, 2023 | INDY

LOWDOWN

By Jim Hightower jimhightower.com

Two meek proposals:

ETHICS FOR THE COURT?

OW! A COUPLE OF Supreme Court justices say they’re now starting to think that maybe the court should sorta contemplate possibly, perhaps, someday adopting some sort of anti-corruption reforms. This nine-member group of unelected, supremely powerful judges is allowed to make up its own rules of ethical behavior. So — surprise! — they’ve chosen to have no code of conduct like those all other top officials are expected to obey. Unsurprisingly, then, the justices feel free to accept financial payments (excuse me: “bribes”) from moneyed interests seeking favorable legal rulings from the supposedly impartial court. But the general public has begun to notice the corr up t ion , a nd public belief in the court’s integrity has plummeted. Thus, one of the far-right Supremes, Amy Coney Barrett, is now supporting a vague veil of an ethics code for her colleagues, even as she attests that all “are very committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct.” Seriously? Including the notorious money sleaze, Clarence Thomas? But wait, even a progressive justice, Elena Kagan, joins in the charade that an ethical code might produce… well, ethics. Or at least political cover for the lack thereof. A code, she surmises, would “go far in persuading other people that we were adhering to the highest standards of conduct.” Hello — would you be persuaded? Yet, these “Supremes” won’t even take the minimal step of adopting a simple code to measure basic integrity. “It would be a good idea for us to do it,” Barrett meekly says. “It would be a good thing for the court to do that,” Kagan echoes. Stop it! Stop the pitiful posturing. There’s only nine of you — you’re in charge! Convene a Happy Hour, confront

reality, and do the right thing! Just do it — I’ll buy the beer. MEANWHILE... WHICH IS THE “greenest” state in America? You might think California, or maybe Oregon. But go 3,000 miles east and you’ll come upon the physical beauty and ecological vitality of the Green Mountain State: Vermont. And now, Vermont’s green ethic is being advanced in a very innovative way by perhaps the least likely source: the state’s biggest electric utility! These outfits are usually rank profiteers, with their only green concern being the extraction of more dollar bills from consumers. But, says Mari McClure, CEO of Green Mountain Power, “call us the un-utility.” She is flipping the industry model — instead of having thousands of customers hooked on a system of massive, centralized, increasingly expensive and unreliable power plants — GMP is decentralizing. Not just symbolically, but by literally putting its power source in customers’ homes, businesses, schools, etc. Specifically, Green Mountain will install televisionsize storage batteries statewide in homes and buildings, each one soaking up wind and solar energy when the weather is right, releasing stored power when needed. This turns out to be far cheaper than building central power plants, having to constantly replace miles of electric lines downed by storms, and paying for widespread power outages. Plus, it delivers priceless customer goodwill by doing away with infuriating outages that shut down people’s lights, refrigerators, medical equipment, etc. “We don’t want the power to be off for our customers ever,” says McClure. Indeed, power outages cost U.S. utilities about $150 billion a year… while costing customers even more. That’s a failed system! Green Mountain Power is showing that decentralization is a path away from business-as-usual greed — literally generating energy sanity. The question to ask is: What’s your utility doing?

The general public has begun to notice the corruption, and public belief in the court’s integrity has plummeted.

INDY | Nov. 15 - 21, 2023 | OPINION

OPINION | Nov. 15 - 21, 2023 | INDY

Free Will ASTROLOGY

BY ROB BREZSNY

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Edited by Adrian Johnson | Themeless Sunday 60 by Adrian Johnson

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): At the risk of sounding melodramatic, I prophesy that what has been lost will be found. What was last may not catapult all the way into the first spot, but it might — and will at least be close to the first. Here are more zingers for you as you move into the climactic stages of the Season of Turnarounds and Switcheroos: A diff icult test will boost your intelligence; a rut will be disrupted, freeing you to find a smooth new groove; an unsettling twist will ultimately bring you delightful support. To get the best out of the upcoming challenges, Sagittarius, welcome them as opportunities to expand your understanding of how the world works. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Many cultures throughout history have staged rites of passage to mark the transformation from childhood to puberty. In ancient Greece, for example, kids formally relinquished their toys, symbolizing the intention to move into a new phase of their destinies. In accordance with astrological omens, I want to tweak this custom for your use, Capricorn. I propose that you embrace your second childhood. Fantasize about how you might refurbish your innocence, curiosity, playfulness and spontaneous joy. Then select an object that embodies a burdensome or unpleasant aspect of adulthood. Discard it. Find an object that signifies the fresh young spirit you’d like to awaken within you. Kiss it, sing to it, and keep it in a prominent place. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 -Feb. 18): For advice about money, I talk with a banker who sometimes analyzes f inancial trends using tarot cards. To keep abreast of politics on the ground level, I consult with a courtesan who has a Ph.D. in political science and cultivates intimate relations with governmental leaders. For guidance about rowdy ethics and etiquette, I seek input from an activist singer in an all-women punk band. How about you, Aquarius? Now is a favorable time to take an inventory of your posse of teachers, helpers and counselors. Make sure it’s serving you well and providing maximum inspiration and support. Hot tip: It may be time to add a new facilitator or two to your entourage. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Now and then, you glide through a phase I describe as Freedom from Cosmic Compulsion. During these grace periods, fate has a reduced role in shaping your destiny. Your past doesn’t have its typical power to limit you or entrance you. According to my astrological analysis, you are now enjoying such a chapter. That’s why I predict that an infertile status quo will soon crumble. A boring, inflexible rule will become irrelevant. These and other breakthrough developments will give you extra leeway to innovate and invent. You will have a big, bright emptiness to work and play around in. ARIES (March 21-April 19): In accordance with astrological omens, I would love you to experiment with blending the sacred and mundane. Bring your deep self into the daily routine and imbue ordinary rhythms with tender care. Here are a few fun rituals to get you in the groove: 1) Say prayers or chant ecstatic poems while you’re shopping. 2) Build a shrine in a parking lot. 3) Stir up an inspired epiphany while doing housework. 4) If you f ind yourself in a

confusing or awkward situation, dance like a holy person to conjure a blessing. 5) Commune with the Divine Creator during crazy-good sex. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): I’ve met many people who feel their love lives are jinxed. Often, they believe this nonsense because a creepy fortune-teller declared they will forever be denied a satisfying intimate relationship. I hate that! Any astrologer who delivers such crippling bewitchments should be outed as a charlatan. The good news for you, Taurus, is that you are in a grace period for all matters regarding romance, intimacy and togetherness. If you have ever worried there is a curse, obstruction or bad habit inhibiting your love life, the coming weeks will be a favorable time to free yourself from it. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini comedian Drew Carey says, “If I didn’t run from my fears, I wouldn’t get any exercise at all.” Let’s discuss his approach in relation to you. After analyzing the astrological omens, I believe that as 2023 draws to a close and 2024 unfolds, you will feel less and less motivated to run from your fears. In part, that’s because you will face them with more courage and poise; they won’t have the same power over you. In addition, I suspect your fears will become objectively less scary. They will be less likely to come to pass. More and more, your f ine mind will see how they trick you into imagining they’re more threatening than they truly are. Congratulations in advance, Gemini! CANCER (June 21-July 22): I would love to see you intensify your devotion to your masterpiece — however you understand “masterpiece.” It could be a work of art or an innovation in your job or business. It could be a new baby, an adopted pet, a redefinition of what family means, or an invigorated community. Might even be a beautiful alliance or enhanced connection with the divine or a refinement of the best gift you give the world. Life will conspire to help you in unexpected ways during the coming months if you rededicate yourself to this treasure. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Dear Sun, our one and only star: We love you and appreciate you! It’s amazing that you consume 5 million tons of yourself every second to generate the colossal energy you send in our direction. Thank you, beloved Sun! Is it OK with you if we think of you as a god? You are a superpowered genius of nourishment! And by the way, do you know who adores you the best? I’ll tell you: the Leo people here on Earth. They comprehend your grandeur and majesty better than anyone else. Would you consider giving them extra rewards in the coming weeks? They need and deserve a massive delivery of your bounty. Please f ill them up with even more charisma, personal magnetism, vitality and generosity of spirit than usual. I promise they will use it wisely. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo musician and actor Shirley Manson has a message for you. She testifies, “I say embrace the total geek in yourself and just enjoy it. Life is too short to be cool.” This will be especially helpful and inspirational counsel for you in the coming months, dear Virgo. The wish to appear chic or trendy or hip should be so far down on your list of priorities that it drops off the list entirely. Your assignment is to be passionately devoted to your deepest truths, unique desires and imaginative experiments. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): If you’re given a choice to advocate for either a dull, mediocre truth or a beautiful, invigorating truth, give your love to the latter. If you wonder whether you should ask a polite question that engenders harmony or a provocative question that pries loose agendas that have been half hidden, opt for the latter. If you feel nostalgic about an old tradition that stirs up little passion or fresh insight, let it go. Instead, dream up a new tradition that moves you emotionally and excites your mind.

From bbs.amuniversal.com

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Icelandic singer Björk is a triple Scorpio, with sun, moon and ascendant in your sign. Neptune is there, too, giving her even more Scorpionic intensity. It’s not surprising that she describes her daily practice like this: “I have to re-create the universe every morning when I wake up and kill it in the evening.” In another quote, she places greater emphasis on the rebirth: “To wake up in the morning and actually find the day exciting is the biggest victory you can have.” In accordance with current astrological omens, I invite you to exalt and celebrate the postresurrection aspects of your life’s work. It’s time for you to shine and sparkle and shimmer and bedazzle.

Across

39 "C'mon, you can do better!"

13 Happy Meal component

76ers legend Erving, to fans

41 With 36-Across, musical ineptitude

14 Smoking on airplanes, nowadays

Presentation from an aspiring World Cup host

43 One of two on the Syrian flag

16 Second chance, of a sort

44 Pleased with oneself

Green sherbet flavor

46 Trans counterpart

22 Disappointing Super Bowl result

The slightest bit

12 Real head-turner

49 Snow day construction

14 Answering machine sound

50 "Hey, don't look at me!"

15 "Alas, it appears likely"

53 Art student's pouch

17 Actress Kendrick 18 Rio de Janeiro, to Istanbul 19 "___. It's What's for Dinner" ('90s ad campaign) 20 NFL stats 21 Foreboding feeling of fear

52 Drag show tips, often 54 Waffler's response 55 Maine Senator King 56 This, in Medellin 57 "___ me in!" 58 Put to the test, in a way 59 "___ me in!" Down

23 Lucrative, as a contract 25 Casual top 26 Ambulance team: Abbr. 27 Has an outstanding tab 28 "My bad" 29 Unexpected delight 30 Right-click result, often 33 Noisy commotion 34 In good shape 35 Brooklyn, to David Beckham

Highest-status guests

23 Enemy

Cautiously fearful

24 Desert planet of "Star Wars"

Build up over time

Cleverly skillful

27 Other, in Medellin

Clear, as a plane for winter takeoff

42 Larger-than-life figure

Fictional town at the heart of Pixar's "Cars" movies

46 Bring to a halt

22 Tolkien series, to fans

30 Southern corn cakes 31 "Losing My Religion" band

40 "I Fall to Pieces" singer Cline 41 African home of the Carthage Film Festival 45 Exactly as planned 47 Photo app, informally

32 Child's question after scarfing down a plate of broccoli

Peachy keen

Absolutely exhausted

36 See 41-Across

Hidden geeky side

37 Lightly lit?

10 Like many ASL users

50 Beer such as Dogfish Head's Notorious H.O.P.

38 10 to 1, say

12 Ballet handrail

51 Looped in, in a way

48 Sweet bargain 49 Kitchen wrap

Find the answers on p. 16 CANDY | Nov. 15 - 21, 2023 | INDY

Photo illustration, stock.adobe.com

News of the

WEIRD BY THE EDITORS AT ANDREWS MCMEEL

NOPE...

ESIRAE KELLY OF FARMINGTON, MISSOURI, WOKE UP AT 5 a.m. on Oct. 24 to a strange feeling. “I actually felt something move in my ear,” Kelly said in a TikTok video. Fox News reported that Kelly was in such discomfort, she started to cry in the waiting room at urgent care. As a nurse started to flush her ear with water, Kelly “felt whatever that was crawl out of my ear ... and I watched out of the corner of my eye something fall and land on my sweater,” Kelly said. “I watch this black spider with all eight legs crawl across the floor.” She said she screeched and threw up as the nurses trapped the spider in a container. “The nurses were so sweet and passed no judgment like I thought they would,” Kelly said. “I don’t think I could ever sleep without earplugs again.”

s McMeel. www.kenken.com

When in Rome

cages with the number in the top-left corner.

Find the familiar phrase, saying or name in this arrangement of letters.

outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to

Crossword

● The numbers within the heavily

PUZZLE ANSWERS

11-19-23

Officials in Melbourne, Australia, raided a home on Oct. 31, where they found a meth lab, boxes of gemstones and so many LEGOs that they’ll need a truck to haul them away, The Guardian reported. Police found 1,130 boxes of the plastic blocks valued at more than $200,000 and arrested a 36-year-old man and a 32-year-

Joshua Dillon, 37, went on a drug-fueled rampage early on Oct. 29, forcing his way into two homes in Rush Township, Pennsylvania, WTAJ-TV reported. Dillon told homeowners he had been shot and was in danger. After barging in at the last house, he threw a television to the ground, dumped a CD rack, threw a lamp, broke the handle off a cast iron skillet [our emphasis] and rubbed frozen meat on his chest. Dillon had allegedly consumed a quarter-ounce of hallucinogenic mushrooms and now faces felony charges of burglary and criminal trespassing.

produce the target numbers in the top-left corners.

Funnest meth lab ever

So, how was your trip?

● Freebies: Fill in single-box

As college antics go, it stands up: On Oct. 25, someone wearing a giant penis costume was escorted out of the stands at a football game between Sam Houston State University and the University of Texas at El Paso, Huff Post reported. A school spokesperson said the prankster was given “the option to take the costume off or leave the stadium.” Sam Houston was winning the game until the phallic fan was removed; they lost 37-34.

Too many words, according to officials in Spain. Fernando Fitz-James Stuart, the 17th duke of Huescar, recently baptized his second child with a name 25 words long, Sky News reported. The name — Sofia Fernanda Dolores Cayetana Teresa Angela de la Cruz Micaela del Santisimo Sacramento del Perpetuo Socorro de la Santisima Trinidad y de Todos Los Santos — pays tribute to the baby’s mother and father, other members of the family and religious devotions. But register rules limit a child’s name to one compound name and two simple ones, and the duke and his wife will need to shorten the name for legal purposes.

must contain the numbers 1 through 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging) without repeating.

Bigger in Texas

Sofi for short

● Each row and each column

A store in Swansea, Wales, that supports the Barnardo children’s charity has circulated a request to its donors, United Press International reported on Oct. 27: Please don’t send us your sex toys. “Please be mindful that we are a children’s charity and as such we have a range of ages on our wonderful volunteer team,” the statement read. “We therefore ask that you refrain from donating your used and unused marital aids! ... The branch has CCTV so that these items can be traced back to their owners.” In other words, we know who you are.

old woman. “This is the first time our detectives have seized a LEGO collection,” said Detective Inspector Anthony Vella.

Tax deductible?

INDY | Nov. 15 - 21, 2023 | CANDY

1 Each row and each column must contain the numbers 11-19-23 1 through 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging) repeating. ● Each row and each columnwithout produce the target numbers contain the numbers 1 inboxes, the top-left corners. 2 The numbersmust within the heavily outlined called cages, must through 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 ●order) Freebies: Fill in single-box without repeating. combine using (challenging) the given operation (in any to the produce cages with number the in target ● The numbers within the heavily the top-left corner. numbers in theoutlined top-left corners. boxes, called cages, combine using the given 3 Freebies: Fill must in single-box cages with the number in the top-left corner. operation (in any order) to

KenKen® is a registered trademark of KenKen Puzzle LLC. ©2023 KenKen Puzzle LLC. All rights reserved. Dist. by Andrews McMeel. www.kenken.com KenKen® is a registered trademark of KenKen Puzzle LLC. ©2023 KenKen Puzzle LLC. All rights reserved. Dist. by Andrews McMeel. www.kenken.com 11-19-23 11-19-23

● Each row ● and each column produce the target numbers Each row and each column

must contain the numbers 1 in 1the top-leftproduce corners.the target numbers mustorcontain the 6numbers in the top-left corners. through 4 (easy) 1 through Freebies: Fill in single-box (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging) through without 4 repeating. Freebies: Fill in single-box cages with the number in (challenging) without repeating. cages with the number in The numbers within the heavily the top-left corner. The numbers within the heavily the top-left corner. outlined boxes, called cages, outlined boxes, called cages,

●

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Human Resources stock.adobe.com

Focus

Flexing

Human resources and handling the nontraditional workweek BY SARAH MCMAHON

hether it’s a four- day workweek, remote work opportunities or alternative schedules, many businesses and organizations must now address these growing trends to find and retain talented employees. And for employers who are looking at shifting from the traditional workweek model to something more flexible, human resources professionals say they should think first about the work culture they want — especially when it comes to being in the office. HR experts say job applicants are looking for flexible working environments, so businesses must consider whether and to what level that flexibility is possible. And once a company makes that decision, it needs to be clear and intentional in explaining the workweek. “I think embracing flexibility and thinking outside the box when it comes to schedule and work-life balance is imperative,” says Erin Johnson, HR manager at DSoft Technology. “And I don’t think that companies who discount that entirely and don’t find some way of doing that will be suc-

cessful long term.” In Johnson’s role, she says “occasionally we need to connect with recruiters, ... and when we start with a traditional structure of having to be in the office, they will tell you right off that your talent pool decreases significantly.” Changes to the workweek were already on the horizon leading up to the COVID pandemic shutdown in 2020, when many industries moved to online technologies and platforms. The shutdown “created an opportunity to reassess what our working schedule and work environment looks like,” Johnson says. But determining the “normal” workplace post-COVID has been a bit of a guessing game, and local employers are grappling with redefining longstanding traditions. “It’s like a pendulum swing,” Johnson says. “You’ve got the completely in-office, traditional structure and then it swings all the way to the completely remote can’t-goin-the-office structure. And ultimately, it lands in the middle. That’s exactly what’s happening. The pendulum swing is now

landing in the middle, and that’s where you’re getting a surge of hybrid options.” There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to these changes. Some industries need people who are in-person throughout the week, and not all roles can be filled in a four-day workweek or remotely. Yet the traditional, entirely-in-office, five-days-a-week model is losing favor with employees, especially younger generations who want flexibility at the heart of their jobs. According to Forbes Advisor, 65 percent of workers want to be fully remote, with 32 percent favoring a hybrid schedule. And 57 percent of remote workers surveyed said that if their current employer stopped offering remote work, they would consider leaving. Colorado is a leading state for fully remote work, according to Axios Denver. In fact, Boulder leads the nation in remote work with 32 percent of the workforce working from home in 2022. Denver follows at 24 percent and Colorado Springs at 18 percent. The national average sits at 12.7 percent, according to Forbes Advisor. The four-day workweek, however, has

less of a hold in Colorado, though it’s gaining traction through pilot initiatives this year. In Golden, the city began a pilot program in July that will run through the end of the year that moved all police department employees to a four-day workweek by reducing hours from 40 to 32 without a reduction in pay. Clear Creek County has done something similar with their administrative, planning and other non-emergent walk-in services. To achieve this goal, county offices extended their Monday-Thursday hours to give the public more access during those days, with Fridays closed for employees. The county will assess the success of the changes and decide whether they will become permanent. Jen DeFranco is an HR consultant at the Southern Regional Office of Employers Council. She regularly works with local industries and poses questions to businesses grappling with alternative work options. Asking the right questions can help employers be intentional with their continued on p. 22 ➔

CSBJ.com | Nov. 15 - 21, 2023 | COLORADO SPRINGS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Front

stock.adobe.com

The

4,000 and counting:

Helping veterans find jobs THE BOBBI PRICE TEAM

Bobbi Price 719-499-9451 Jade Baker 719-201-6749

arly this m o n t h , Micky Wilson got a job with Boeing. While that might not seem important news to other businesses or job seekers, it’s a big deal: Micky is the 4,000th person Mark Smith Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center staff connected with a job since its inception. That’s 4,000 confirmed veterans and transitioning active-duty military members — and their families — who have gainful employment thanks to peer navigators and a robust business partner network. We’ve placed people at defense corporations like Boeing, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman. We’ve placed people as line cooks, lawn care specialists and landscapers. Mt. Carmel isn’t an employment agency, but we do connect the dots between businesses looking for workers and those transitioning military veterans who need jobs.

Member of Elite 25 and Peak Producers

www.BobbiPrice.com • bobbipriceteam@gmail.com

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Westside 3436 sq ft 4 bed, 3 ½ bath 1 ½-story townhome with total 1-level living. Beautiful mountain & Pikes Peak views. Huge trees. Across the street from Ute Valley Park. A/C. Security system. Gas log fireplace. Former model with vaulted ceilings. Tons of glass & sunshine. MLS# 1911501

WHEN YOU’RE SERIOUS ABOUT REAL ESTATE 20

COLORADO SPRINGS BUSINESS JOURNAL | Nov. 15 - 21, 2023 | CSBJ.com

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We don’t stop with current active-duty members either; we just helped an older veteran get a job at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, for instance. Here are some tips for jobseekers to land the right job, and for businesses to find great employees.

For veterans

• Update your résumé and make sure military skills match the appropriate civilian skills. • Take a LinkedIn class and make sure your profile is up-to-date and all your skills are listed. • Participate in a few mock interviews. For people who have never gone on a job interview, it can be a little intimidating at first. Prepare with a few trial runs. Mt. Carmel does these frequently. • Network. Colorado Springs is one of those towns where someone you know might hold the key to your next job. Networking connects businesses to workers and workers to their new employer. If you don’t know how to network, we teach networking and how to create networking opportunities. • Meet with a peer navigator. If you don’t know what you want to do next, we can provide one-on-one assistance with someone who’s been in your shoes, and can help you define your next steps.

For businesses

• Call us and let us know what kind of worker you need — we can send over some résumés immediately. The hard part is taken care of: We’ve scoured résumés and bios, and we’re sending those that match your job description. If we don’t have anyone that fits the bill, we’ll

connect you to one of our partners. • Attend a job fair and come prepared to interview. A number of organizations run job fairs in Colorado Springs; we do too. Do your research, and find the fairs that attract the kind of workers you need. • Volunteer to help with mock interviews. You can polish others’ interviewing skills and perhaps meet your next employee. • Attend networking events. It’s a great way to see a potential employee’s people skills and a way to hone your own people skills. For some, finding a second or third career is not always easy — particularly for older workers. But we hit 4,000 placements for a reason. Businesses trust us to find workers, and we’ve been successful at helping people transition, at any age, into their next career. It’s important for businesses to know that Mt. Carmel works with every vet, regardless of year of discharge or type of discharge. If someone served, we’re here to help them. And if you are a business looking for workers, call us. We can connect you with the staff that meets your needs. Job placement is just one element of what Mt. Carmel does, but it’s the first thing we start with. So often, holding a job is the first step to stability in a person’s life. Here’s to the next 4,000 — and the 4,000 after that. Each job means a stable life, a sense of purpose and direction, and a stronger community.

TODAY WE WORK cozy homes Get the help you need. Call Pikes Peak United Way 2-1-1 to apply for bill assistance for utilities and other essential services.

GIVING THE SUPPORT YOU NEED TO STAY SAFE AND COMFORTABLE

Mark Smith is the director of transition and employment services at Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center.

Opening Doors to Your Dream Home!

The Front is a collaboration between the Colorado Springs Business Journal, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center and its partners.

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framework. “What’s the goal here?” she says. “Are you just answering to employees’ rumblings? Or is there a strategy?” It’s i mpor t a nt to be “ver y strategic with it and not just, ‘Oh, it’s a t rend ,’ because t hat sometimes can fall flat,” DeFranco says. “I’ll chat with an HR professional, and the leadership does want folks in the office. They feel that that’s the best way to accomplish the culture that they’re seeking.” A nd for employees, some people really want to be in-person and work more effectively that way. “We have had applicants who have expressed that they wanted to work in person. And I don’t think that that should be lost,” says George Russo, director of the Southern Regional Office of Employers Council. “There are certain people who do want to go in.” Even within the traditional framework, though, it’s possible to create f lexible schedules for employees. For Johnson, “it’s about working smarter, not harder,” she says. If the challenge is related to availability and accessibility, then employers can establish parameters to help mitigate those issues. For instance, needing to respond to mobile messages or emails within a certain amount of time. At DSoft Technology, for example, “we have what we call core hours that we’ve

defined as 9 [a.m.] to 3 [p.m.],” Johnson says. “So that obviously doesn’t encompass the entire work schedule, but what we say is that as a general rule, if people can be available between those business hours of 9 and 3 — whether they’re remote or in-person — that helps to establish reachability and accountability for when people c a n c ou nt o n ge t t i ng things done,” she says. “For some industries, flexibility is going to look differently,” says Russo. “A lot of what you hear is that remote work makes it more difficult to have — Erin Johnson culture. And that might be true.” But through careful examination and asking the right questions, businesses can find some solutions. “What does flexibility mean? And are we going to be able to get the work done? Is [flexibility going to benefit] our culture? Or is this going to have a detriment on our culture?” Russo says. Some HR experts point out that a flexible work schedule doesn’t just favor employees. Work-from-home options can benefit businesses in a few ways, too. Businesses may be able to downsize and save money on a physical location, and may not need a physical location at all. Research also shows that it improves employee retention, engagement and productivity. It can also expand the labor pool, Russo says. No matter the model, employers should weigh their options and be intentional when moving forward. CSBJ

You’re getting a surge of hybrid options.

CLASSIFIEDS For more information or to advertise call 719-577-4545 for rates

BUSINESS SERVICES

IRS TAX DEBT PROBLEMS?

Owe back taxes? Unfiled returns? IRS is garnishing wages, levying bank accounts or threatening

Hello,

WHAT TO DO?

Must be 21+ and willing to drive to Palmer Lake (near Monument). Alpine Essentials. 850 Commercial Ln, Palmer Lake * ww.AlpineMJ.com * 719-375-1134 * Open 9am-9pm Everyday.

The Independent has the best calendar of events in town. Check them out or submit your own at csindy.com.

I’m Nancy Drew, a curious little cat gal with lovely short grey fur and sparkling green eyes. I’m ready to investigate my new furever home with you! HappyCatsHaven. org or 719-362-4600.

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...The Indy classifieds from handymen to homes, psychics to pets, art to acupuncture, etc.

Not just a place to live…

but a Home in the Heart of the city

Rio Grande Village

Located on the corner of Rio Grande and S. Corona Beautiful New 1 & 2 BR Townhomes starting at

$823 for 1 Bedroom · $944 for 2 Bedrooms Water, sewer, & trash removal included. Appliances including a dishwasher. Washer/dryer hook-up. Storage. Ceiling fans. Cable ready. Off street parking. Pets when approved by management. Income restrictions may apply

Alpine Essentials-

Will the person who was complaining about not having a recreational dispensary on the north side of El Paso County please contact us? We’ve got some great news. Alpine Essentials Recreational Dispensary. 850 Commercial Ln, Palmer Lake * www.AlpineMJ. com * 719-375-1134 * Open 9am-9pm Everyday.

ET NOTICED

Grab your spot in the lime light. Advertise in the Indy & reach 142,000 readers in Colorado Springs. Call today 719-577-4545

www.csha.us

Please call 387-6709 to check availability.

Bobbi Price 719-499-9451 Jade Baker 719-201-6749

REAL ESTATE

Alpine EssentialsPalmer Lake

collection? I’ve helped hundreds of delinquent taxpayers settle their tax debt problems with the IRS. FREE CONSULTATION. David Kelly, Attorney, 719-577-4466.

EMPLOYMENT

New Recreational Dispo seeks Stoner-

MARKETPLACE

RECREATIONAL DISPENSARY seeking new customers. Must love great customer service and reasonable prices. No reefer madness beliefs. 850 Commercial Ln, Palmer Lake * www.AlpineMJ.com * 719-3751134 * Open 9am-9pm Everyday.

Missed Connection-

Last saw you @ Haunted Brewfest. Beautiful red hairs, tall slender bud, your perfume filled the whole room. I believe your initials were MJ. Please meet me at Alpine Essentials Recreational Dispensary. 850 Commercial Ln, Palmer Lake * www.AlpineMJ.com * 719-375-1134 * Open 9am-9pm Everyday.

1295 Winterhall Point – The Enclaves at Bayfield $549,900 Stucco & stone end unit 3068 sq ft 4 bed, 3 bath rancher townhome with amazing mountain & city views. Master suite with 2 walk-in closets & 5-piece master bath. Open kitchen with wrap around bar. 2 gas log fireplace. Built-ins. 12x12 covered Trex deck & 12x12 patio. Walkout basement with large family & wet bar. 2-car finished garage. A/C. HOA takes care of everything outside for you. Move-in ready! MLS# 7912985. Call Bobbi Price. The Platinum Group. 719-499-9451.

1601 N Billy the Kid Lane – Pueblo West - $28,500

1.47 acre lot at end of quiet cul-de-sac with sweeping unobstructed mountain & Pikes Peak views. Flat at front of lot & moving back the lot gently slopes to allow for a walkout. Backs and sides to open space. Easy commute to both Colorado Springs or Pueblo. MLS# 5628454 Call Bobbi Price. The Platinum Group. 719-499-9451.

DEADLINE FRIDAY, 9:00 A.M. Call your accout executive at 719-577-4545

FREE CAMERA CHECKUP!

Bring in your equipment for a FREE complete check and external cleaning. Get ready for Summer pictures now. Cameraworks 5030 N. Academy 594-6966

RENTALS Rentals Central DOWNTOWN SENIOR LIVING

THE ALBANY HOTEL APARTMENTS. FURNISHED EFFICIENCY STUDIOS WITH UTILITIES INCLUDED, SECURED BUILDING. TWO BLOCKS FROM CITY BUS DEPOT. CALL 634-4841

The Indy can publish your

Notices of Adoptions Name Changes Notices to Creditors

719-634-5905

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FREE UTILITIES!

NEWLY REMODELED 1, 2 & 3 BR Apts starting @ $925. Some w/FP &/or balcony. Sm Pet. 6351251 or 209-8925

CSINDY.COM

213 Coffee Pot Drive Crystal Park - $64,900

113 Steep Road Crystal Park - $100,000

156 Ellers Grove Sand Creek Commons - $275,000

1404 Ledge Rock Terrace Pinon Bluffs Town Homes - $550,000

Build your dream home on this totally private 0.7 acre lot in Crystal Park. Hard to find flat building site surrounded by towering trees & 360 degree views of the city, mountains, & rock formations. Electricity is by the lot & driveway is cut in. Less than 1 mile from the stocked fishing lake, club house, heated pool, & tennis & basketball courts. MLS# 9785523

Build your dream home on this beautiful forested ½ acre lot backing to open space in Crystal Park. Towering pines & aspen. Mountain views & plenty of sunshine. Located in safe gated community of over 2000 acres with only 350 homes sites. Close to stocked ﬁshing lake, club house, pool, & basketball & pickleball courts. Perfect mountain living close to town, located just outside of Colorado Springs. MLS# 4046587

Upper level 1357 sq. ft. 3 bed, 2 bath condo backing to large common lawn area. Central air. Gas log ﬁreplace. Brand new ﬂooring and fresh paint throughout. Open & bright. Move-in ready. Low monthly HOA. MLS# 5866091

Westside 3436 sq ft 4 bed, 3 ½ bath 1 ½-story townhome with total 1-level living. Beautiful mountain & Pikes Peak views. Huge trees. Across the street from Ute Valley Park. A/C. Security system. Gas log ﬁreplace. Former model with vaulted ceilings. Tons of glass & sunshine. MLS# 1911501

www.BobbiPrice.com bobbipriceteam@gmail.com

CLASSIFIEDS | Month 15 - 21, 2023 | INDY

BRONZE - BEST BBQ

INDY | Month 15 - 21, 2023 | CLASSIFIEDS