Yearly Archives:' 2014
Have You Heard June 2014
Have You Heard #55 Denver is experiencing a great economic turn-around, and we’re hot, hot, hot! Houses are selling within minutes of being listed, new businesses are moving in, and signs of new construction seem to be on every corner. May it bring prosperity and opportunities for our community. As our growth progresses, remember those who are in need of help through no fault of their own. Keep supporting your favorite causes with your time, support, and donations. In Step with our Have You Mets:
BJ Dyer received the “Freer Award” from the Garden Club of America for outstanding achievement and contribution in the field of flower arranging.
HYM Barbara Brooks has been invited to sit on the Governor’s re-election voter marketing committee.
Arc Thrift Stores received a “2014 Ethics in Business Award” from Golden Rotary and Colorado School of Mines. Ed Greene was the event MC, with Congressman Ed Perlmutter, Frances Owens and Lloyd Lewis on hand. HYM Kirk Montgomery has left Channel 9 News where he’s worked since 2001. He moves on to a new station WILX-TV in Lansing, Michigan. Best of Luck Kirk… We will miss you!
Let us all congratulate HYM Jamie Theronne Angelich for receiving “THE DONALD SEAWELL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD” from the Denver Center Alliance at their Spring Membership Luncheon on May 8, 2014! This award honors a member who most exemplifies a spirit of inclusiveness and philanthropy. Summer is a great time for Jamie. She and her husband, Alan, are celebrating their 25th anniversary, and Jamie and Alan are going on a trip to Africa to visit their son, Adam, who is studying abroad in Capetown, South Africa; They also will go on a Safari at the Lion Sands River Lodge Reserve National Park. Congratulations Jamie and Alan!
Natalie Rekstad-Lynn joined “Women Moving Millions”, a global contagion of women making gifts of $1 million or more for the advancement of women and girls. There are now 10 “Women Moving Millions” in Colorado, and 190 worldwide. Also an active supporter of The Women’s Foundation of Colorado since 2007, Natalie now serves as a member of their Board of Trustees. Her ultimate vision: A world where men and women effectively lead together with full opportunity and equality.”
HYM’s Gayle Novak and Terri Fisher will chair the Multiple Sclerosis Gala on September 13, 2014. The gala will honor HYM Sandee Walling.
Have You Met Rebecca Saltman is teaching a class on “Social Entrepreneurship” at Metropolitan State College.
Get Well Soon:
Nikki Fisher, Julia Ann Hicks, Sam Adams, Keith Montoya, Rebecca Colvin, Leslie McKay, Juan Grado, Joshua Barry, Rocky Sealanders.
Condolences:
Virginia Henry, Todd Eccles, PJ Cain, Jen Nuanes, Father Tomas Fraile, General Jim Hall, David Condit, Dr. Vincent Harding.
Babies:
Caitlin & Peter Johnson baby girl
Theresa Grace Aaron & Barb Silverstein baby boy
Elliott Marcus Dan & Johanna Gibbs baby girl
Grace Jeanne Anthony and Sakari Graves– baby girl
Kinley Lionne Says Grace: June is also my birthday and the day that Sakari and I first met! We are overjoyed by the arrival of our first child and would like to thank you all for your love and support over the last nine months. If you are interested in helping us celebrate the arrival of our little girl, we encourage you to make a contribution to the Denver Health Foundation in lieu of a gift to our family. Denver Health delivers around 3,200 of Denver’s babies each year and cares for 35% of Denver’s children:
Birthdays:
Happy 80th birthday Willie Nelson (yes that Willie Nelson!)
Happy 80th Birthday Ed Connors
Happy Birthday to our step mom Marge Koontz – 90 years old!
In the Romance Department:
Genia Larsen married Christopher Herndon
Jennifer Gargotto married Chase Beck
Brittani O’Brien married Aaron Georgas
Taylor Schreck married Grant Stauffer
Katie Nicole Stinnett married Jeff Hooper
Gina Comminello married Michael Stutzer
Lisa Korsen is engaged to Matthew Whipple
Happy Anniversary:
100th anniversary for American Red Cross of Colorado
35 years for Ronald McDonald House
60 years for Radio KEZW 1430.
20 years for local Great Divide Brewing Company.
And 90 years for local business J.E. Dunn Construction.
Community News:
Kate Sneed is the new Associate Development Director for the Nathan Yip Foundation and Emily Barrett has been named a new board member.
Artist and friend Cheryl St. John was featured in “Artists to Watch” in Southwest Art Magazine”, June 2014.
Pat Cortez was given the “On the Shoulders of Giants Award” at the Latinas First luncheon on May 2nd. Metropolitan State University’s Center for Visual Art presents “Paper Work” – a show featuring paper art – from June 20th through August 2nd at 965 Santa Fe Drive in Denver.
Lauren Cannon Davis and Leigh McMahon are chairing Kempe’s 2014 “Salt on the Rim” on July 19th at the Wellshire Event Center. For more info go to: www.kempe.org
The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce sponsored “Young Professionals Night Out at History Colorado” on June 12th from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information e-mail: jessica.schwartz@denverchamber.org.
University of Denver celebrates its 150 year anniversary with the “Denver 150 Festival” and a free family concert series on Driscoll Green starting in June. For more information e-mail: Chris Wiger at chris.wiger@du.edu.
David Ethan Greenberg, University of Denver Vice-Chancellor, has received the Bonfils Stanton Foundation 2014 Community Service Award.
Veronica Caraveo-Chavarria, owner of Little Angels Child Care, a licensed family child care home in southwest Denver, earned this year’s “Quality Enrichment” award from the Denver Preschool Program; and the “The Commitment to Quality” award went to Anne Watkins, a teacher at Mile High Montessori’s Sun Valley Early Learning Center, for her tireless commitment to advancing quality early childhood education in their 4-year-old classrooms. An early childhood teacher for more than 15 years, Anne was selected from a pool of nearly 600 classroom teachers.
Excelsior Youth Center welcomes new CEO Susan Hebert, and with overwhelming gratitude, says goodbye to former CEO Joan Gabrielson after 41 years of service to Excelsior. They are saddened to see Joan leave, but excited to welcome Susan Hébert as their new CEO.
Elaine Neal was recently recognized with the “Stellar Woman Award.” Elaine began her Criminal Justice career in 1972 as a Probation Officer with Denver Juvenile Courts. She arranged for juveniles to get into alternative schools, or drug treatment or any other kind of program she thought might help. Where there was no program, she helped create one. She served 28 years as a Probation Officer. She currently serves on the boards of the Denver Police Officers Foundation; District 5 Denver Police Citizens Advisory Board and Steps to Success.
Colorado Springs News:
The Women’s Foundation of Colorado Springs announced that their annual luncheon in Colorado Springs will be held on Wednesday, September 24th at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort this year. For more information contact: Deidre McCormack at 719-577-5522.
Author Wendy Wilkinson of Manitou Springs is a 2014 International Book Awards (Honoring Excellence in Independent & Mainstream Publishing) finalist for her recent book “Pirate’s Plunder.”
And – winner of two 2014 International Book Awards is Colorado Springs girl Mara Purl (sister of actress Linda Purl) for her books: “What the Heart Knows” and “Where the Heart Lives.”
The Colorado Springs Gazette, The Colorado Springs Independent and The Colorado Springs Business Journal will host the first in a series of political debates at 6 p.m. Monday, June 16 at Centennial Hall, located at 200 S. Cascade Ave. in Colorado Springs. During this first debate, incumbent U.S. Congressional representative Doug Lamborn will debate challenger Maj. Gen. Bentley Rayburn.
Have You Heard Spring 2014
HYH # 54 Ahhh – Spring is here and the beauty is all around us – as always in Colorado! Enjoy and embrace as you focus on all the upcoming summer activities out there. Remember those less fortunate and in need by continuing to give to the many worthy charities. And keep visiting us online at www.blacktie-colorado.com.
KEEPING UP WITH OUR HAVE YOU METS
Congratulations to Have You Met Rhiannon Burns Hendrickson and her husband Levi Hendrickson on the birth of their son Ethan. HYM Jamie Angelich will receive the “Volunteer Award” at the Invisible Disabilities Association’s fundraiser “It’s Not a Laughing Matter” on October 24th. HYM and Cherry Hills Village Mayor, Doug Tisdale, will be the honorary chairman of the event. A kickoff party was held at the home of Scott Lynes recently and was attended by 100+ supporters.
And – On Saturday, August 23, Bessie’s Hope will celebrate its 20th anniversary at their “Copacabana Night.” The organization will also present its first annual “Community Angel Award” to HYM Jamie Angelich. Ed Greene will emcee the special event, and HYM Jerry Barnett’s 10-piece band with singers and dancers will provide their exciting “Copa Club Tropicale Show” and dance music. The event Chairperson is HYM Adrienne Ruston Fitzgibbons, Décor Chair is Kay Ray, and Social Media Chair is HYM Louise Richardson.
HYM Keri Christiansen hosted a fun “Oscar Party” with: HYM and Denver PR Rock Star, Wendy Aiello, is in the running for “Leukemia Lymphoma Woman of the Year” in honor of her mom who is battling leukemia and a her dear friend, Have You Met, Linda Goto, who recently passed from the disease. Wendy needs your support to help find cures for blood cancers and to assist patients and families as they battle these diseases. LLS is an organization that is doing the right things with the money it raises, and Wendy is proud to be associated with such a remarkable organization. Every dollar Wendy raises is a vote to cure cancer. If you want to help Wendy by making a donation to her campaign, go to http://www.mwoy.org/pages/rm/denver14/waiello, and help her in this noble and worthwhile cause. 5280 Magazine’s new ranking of Denver’s most powerful includes HYM Monica Owens along with my childhood friend, Lilly Marks, Vice President for Health Affairs, University of Colorado and Executive Vice Chancellor of the Anschutz Medical Campus.
HYM Cindy Acree will once again be honored by the Colorado Neurological Institute (CNI) as they hold their 2014 “Cindy Acree Hope Awards Celebration” on May 1st. This event is named in honor of former Colorado Legislature Representative, Cindy Acree – heroic epilepsy patient, stroke survivor, community leader – and one of our Have You Met’s! Cindy recently announced that she will be leaving Denver to go live in Arkansas to be close to her mother. Best of luck Cindy, we will miss you…
Get Well Soon: Anne Green, Sheila Glanville-Conlee, Rebecca Colvin, Tommy Lucero, Ray Bellucci, and Keith Brooks
Baby News: Congrats to former Blacktie-Colorado IT guy Kurt Lindberg & his wife — on the birth of their baby Jack. Big sisters are Ava and Lauren. Kevin and Nyadak Rucker are expecting a baby. Nidal & Veronica Allis are expecting a baby. Princess Ilene Wallace and her husband Fred are expecting a baby. Shannon Sullivan and Matt Sjovall birth of their son Remmington Everett Aaron & Lina Dungy baby girl Khaleesi Rose Heidi Hemmat and Jason Stone baby girl Skyler Grace Jen & Sterling Mount baby boy Brock.
Weddings: HYM David Alexander and Brandt Wilkins got married
Condolences: Larry Ames, Vivian Tate, Phil Nash, Kelly de la Torre, David “Dougal” McDougal, Lorraine Smith, Gary Garrison, and my dear friend – Edna Chang-Grant.
Engagements: Lana Mott and Trevor Williams are engaged. Michael Sharon and Dana Rommerdahl are engaged. Lloyd Lewis and Claire O’Berst Holz are engaged.
Special Birthdays: Happy 80th Birthday to HYM Sue Miller; 80th Happy Birthday to Gloria Steinem, who has a home in Colorado.
Anniversaries: Central City Opera Guild celebrates 40 years Bessie’s Hope celebrates 20 years. Chris Daniels and the Kings celebrate 30 years of performing. ArtReach celebrates 40 years. Dine & D’art National Urban League celebrates 100 years. The US Youth Soccer, the nation’s largest youth sports organization, celebrates its 40th anniversary. Sage Hospitality 30 years Mile High Adventist Academy celebrates 100 years. And – the “legendary” Casa Bonita Restaurant celebrates their 40th anniversary – Now who hasn’t taken their child or grandchild to Casa Bonita – at least once?
Community News: Lynne Valencia was honored with the “Most Powerful and Influential Women” Award. She is the VP of Community Relations for 9 News and Denver’s Women’s Commissioner. HYM Juanita Chacon reports that her friend Katherine Archuleta was just named “2014 Top Hispanic Businesswoman of the Year” by Hispanic Business Magazine. Katherine has served on a number of Boards and Commissions locally and nationally and has been an amazing leader in our community. She was the President’s National Policy Advisor for the 2012 campaign.ent his second term. She is one of the key women who shaped Denver and we are the beneficiaries of her commitment to the city and the non-profit community. Congratulations Katherine, well deserved! Hispanic Magazine…… If the women cited in our 2014 Woman of the Year index are an all-star team, it shows the deep bench the national team has put together. Their business acumen, social and institutional leadership, impressive educations and the number of boards they sit on make this a legendary team. Katherine Archuleta took top honors as our Woman of the Year. The former Denver kindergarten teacher first saw service in Washington as deputy chief of staff for then-Transportation Secretary Federico Peña, but she returned as chief of staff for Labor Secretary Hilda Solis in 2009. She now directs the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Craig Hospital’s recent “Push Dinner” honored former Olympic Snowboarder Kevin Pearce with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Inspiration Award. Carnivor Wine arrived in Denver recently to host a special introductory evening at Ocean Prime Restaurant. The event was hosted by former Denver Bronco, and founder of the nonprofit Judi’s House, Brian Griese and included a wonderful four-course menu with wine parings provided by Carnivor Wine. The media contact was our very own HYM Bradley Joseph of Silver Spur Marketing.
Lauren Arnold is the Interim Executive Director of the Adoption Exchange. Elycia R. Cook, Executive Director of FRIENDS FIRST, made the “Women Making History” list by the Colorado Black Women for Political Action group. This alarming report from the Alzheimer’s Association. There has been an 87% increase in Alzheimer’s deaths since 2000.
Colorado Springs News: HYM Katie Carrol, Director of Communications & PR, reports that The Colorado Springs Gazette Newspaper won 63 awards from two state journalism contests on Friday, February 21. The paper’s three-day “Other than Honorable” series by Dave Philipps garnered 11 awards, plus a Best of Show from the Colorado Press Association and Colorado Associate Press Editors and Reporters contests. The series examined how soldiers injured during war were being discharged with no benefits. Series photographer, Michael Ciaglo, won a second-place award for best photo essay from the Colorado Press Association. Winners of both contests were honored at the annual Colorado Press Association Convention in Denver. The Gazette took home 15 other first-place awards. The honorees were Ryan Maye Handy, Christian Murdock, Mark Reis, Paul Klee, Jerilee Bennett, Barbara Cotter, Rich Laden, Monica Mendoza and Ciaglo. The Colorado Press Association presented the entire Gazette staff with first-place awards for their work covering the Black Forest fire and a special section on the first anniversary of the Waldo Canyon fire. The staff also won a second-place general excellence award in the Colorado Associated Press Editors and Reporters contest. The Gazette won 20 second and third place awards in the annual Colorado Associated Press Editors and Reporters contest. Second place awards went to Carol McGraw, Carol Lawrence, Ciaglo, Reis, Bennett, Junfu Han, Handy, Allison Noon, Linda Navarro and Jakob Rodgers. Third-place awards went to Debbie Kelley, Reis, McGraw, Ciaglo, Bill Vogrin, David Ramsey and Brent Briggeman. The Gazette won 20 second and third place awards in the Colorado Press Association contest second-place awards went to Cotter, McGraw, Bob Stephens, Megan Schrader, Murdock, Ramsey, Rodgers, Nichole Montanez, Tom Roeder, Erin Prater, John Schroyer, Handy, Reis, Wayne Heilman and the design and layout staff. Third-place awards went to Vogrin, Kelley, Ciaglo, Schrader, Handy, Klee, Garrison Wells and Scott Rappold. Sue McMillin, the news director for The Gazette, has been awarded a fellowship for a Pakistan-United States journalists exchange by the East-West Center, an organization that promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the U.S., Asia and the Pacific through cooperative study, research and dialogue.
Have You Heard February/March 2014
Have You Heard #53
A special tribute to an irreplaceable man!
It’s hard to grasp that our beloved Walt Imhoff is gone. Our community has lost a hero and a champion we won’t be able to replace. Here are a few thoughts from some other members of our Blacktie team:
Kenton Kuhn: What a pleasure it was to know Walt Imhoff and what a great friend he was to Blacktie. I never failed to learn something new in my meetings with Walt.
Pam Cress: The entire world is a little less bright without Walt. People come in and out of one’s life, but the news of his passing was like a falling star for me. He was so steady and comforting to everyone around him that we just tended to think he would be there forever, and losing him leaves a big gaping hole. Rest in Peace Walt.
Elizabeth Byrnes Crony (Blacktie V.P. 2001 – 2006): With the passing of Georgia and now Walt, Linda Goto then Leo, Guenther… my mind continually flips thru “thousands” of mental photos of things we all did together. All the events, committee meetings, our wedding, Peyton’s baby showers… It is a strange feeling – like my Denver family is fading.
May 2014 be your year to thrive and enjoy good health. Live each day joyfully. Going forward, Blacktie is working to build on our success and increase our presence in the community. We are grateful to all of our readers and supporters and hope you continue to support and believe in us as we keep improving our service to you. Enjoy all the great events coming up; and remember to be kind to one another and not take those you love for granted.
Keeping Up with Our Have You Mets!
Colorado Homes & Lifestyles Magazine featured a story on event designer and HYM John Tobey.
HYM Natalie Rekstad Lynn was named one of the Denver Business Journal’s “People on the Move.” Natalie is a senior consultant with Black Fox Philanthropy – a company she founded. And on January 17th, Natalie’s husband, Scott Lynn, CEO of Atkinson Construction, was awarded the 2014 Golden Beaver “2014 Management Award” for his excellence in the construction industry.
HYM Rhiannon Burns Hendrickson was named one of the nominees for Denver Business Journal’s 2014 “40 Under 40 Awards.” Rhiannon is the founder of Orapin Marketing. Good luck Rhiannon!
HYM Bradley Joseph was featured in Colorado Expression. Bradley is the owner of Silver Spur Marketing.
HYM Quinn Washington was the selection committee chair for the Colorado Ethics in Business Alliance (CEBA) Committee. And he is the co-chair of the upcoming “Red Wine and Seafood” Benefiting Volunteers of America on March 6th. Quinn also was the year-end celebration chair for the Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award event.
HYM William J. Hybl is the 2014 Mizel Institute Community Enrichment Award winner and will be honored at the 2014 Mizel Institute Annual Dinner Gala on Wednesday, May 2nd at Wings Over the Rockies.
HYM Dianne Reeves performed with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra on January 25th.
HYM Jim Guttau is now the Public Relations Director for the Denver Four Seasons.
HYM Jeremy Bloom was featured in USA Weekend.
HYM Artist Ken Elliott is one of the 30 featured artists in the Open Press exhibit starting on February 28th through April 12th at McNichols Civic Center. The “Open Press” is a Celebration and Exhibition of Tradition and Experimentation of the Fine Art Print.
Erica Sarzin Borrillo, wife of HYM Paul Borrillo received the “2013 True West Award” from Culture House as the “Best Actress in a Dramatic Role” for her performance as Mary Tyrone in a “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” playing at the Germinal Stage Theatre.
HYM Barbara Brooks hosted her fabulous annual “Holiday Champagne Party.” Proceeds from the event were donated to Homefront Cares:
HYM Mary McNicholas and her husband Kevin hosted the “Denver Zoo Executive Holiday Party” at their home:
Terri Fisher hosted her lovely annual holiday party:
At the 2014 Denver Jewish Film Festival:
At the 2014 Fine Arts Foundation “Citizen of the Arts” Jubilee:
Anniversaries:
Denver Office of Strategic Partnerships celebrates 10 years of building partnership and collaboration between the nonprofit sector and the City of Denver.
Douglas/Elbert Task Force’s Benefit Concert celebrates 30 years with Colorado’s own Firefall.
St. Martin’s Chamber Choir celebrates their 20th season.
University of Denver celebrates 150 years.
The Colorado Business Hall of Fame celebrates 25 years.
The Open Press celebrates 25 years.
Happy 20th anniversary to one of my favorite restaurants, Carmine’s on Penn.
Happy 10th anniversary to Facebook.
Condolences:
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of: Jerry Gray, Ken Gordon, HYM Guenther Vogt, Craig Johnson, Laura Lewis, Jeff Parr, Robin Rule, Max Barber, Gene Steinke, Mikki Wolf, Paul Messenger, Muriel Sigman, and Justin Miller.
Marriages and Engagements:
Matt Need and Chel Johnson are engaged.
Sarah Manns Pfauth is engaged to David Trujillo.
Ashton Altieri married Jennifer Mainprice.
Leslie Banks is engaged to Chris Osmond.
Aaron Dungy married Lisa Nathan.
Gail DeVore married Michael Raizen.
Baby News:
Pamela Grieve Stromberg & Benjamin Thomas– baby boy Benjamin Thomas.
Gabriel Conroy and Ruth Danzer– baby girl Iona Lucille.
Jill Hodges Moreno and Rob Moreno– baby girl Vivienne.
Maia & Jamie Stone– baby girl Amalia.
Lola & Rob Salazar are grandparents to twins Lola & Penelope.
Special Birthday Wishes:
Happy 100th birthday to Marion Downs, founder of the Marion Downs Hearing Center.
Happy 90th birthday to former Denver District Judge Roger Cisneros.
Happy 70th Birthday to Pat Bowlen, owner of the Denver Broncos, and husband of HYM Annabel Bowlen.
Get Well Soon:
Patricia Robinson, Roque Marquez, Eunice Romano, Lisa Stelzig Holste.
Community News:
2014 Dr Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award Recipients for 2014:
- Rose Shipp, posthumously awarded, founder, African-American Quilters and Collectors Guild
- Tom Luehrs, Executive Director of the St. Francis Center
- Murugan Palani, Board Chairperson, Rocky Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council
- Pastor Robert Woolfolk, Mrs. Eddie Woolfolk, Agape Christian Church, The Honorable Menola Upshaw Lifetime Achievement Award
- Thelma Gash, former Principal, Denver Public Schools, The Honorable Menola Upshaw Lifetime Achievement Award
- Josie Brady, Dr. Joyce Marie Davis Outstanding Youth Award
Each was nominated by a member of the community and selected by the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Commission, let by co-chairpersons Vern L. Howard and Charlezine“Terry” Nelson of the Blair/Caldwell African American Research Library.
Arapahoe House’s “Ruston Award” winner for the year 2013 is Christine Powers.
Fred Hamilton received the prestigious 2014 “Citizen of the West Award” on January 13th at the national Western Events Center.
Looking forward to the Gala Opening of the historic Union Station in Downtown Denver this summer. 50 charitable organizations will benefit from ticket sales from the event.
Parents, child advocates, service providers, educators and others who care about Colorado kids are invited to “Speak Up for Kids Day!” to explore the latest issues in health and early childhood policymaking, acquire new advocacy skills and talk to lawmakers.
To attend “Speak Up for Kids!” please register online to attend the event from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, March 13 at the Denver Art Museum and State Capitol. Speak Up for Kids Day! is sponsored by the Colorado Children’s Campaign as well as Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), whose president, Gloria Higgins, is an original DPP Board member, and Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Eric Sondermann is the new board chair for the “Colorado I Have a Dream Foundation.”
Walt Imhoff, 1931-2014
Our entire world is a little less bright without Walt Imhoff. He was one of those guys who had the talent to be immensely successful but be a really, really nice guy at the same time. He was consistently warm and pleasant at every fundraiser he attended and supported, which were quite numerous. He was “old school,”–classy, handsome, diplomatic, charismatic, approachable.
RIP, Walt. We have lost you here but the universe has added a bright star.
For pictures of Walt on Blacktie for the past 14 years or so, click on the photos link on Blacktie and search his name.