We’ve made it to the month of May. Hopefully we will FINALLY be able to enjoy some warm, sunny weather! Now that spring has sprung, there are more and more outdoor activities happening in Upper Downtown such as Cinco de Mayo celebrations, Derby Day parties, Viva! Streets Denver, and Civic Center Eats, the annual food truck event. So, get out there and enjoy all that Upper Downtown has to offer.
FINAL Aloft Hotel Update: On April 27th, the Aloft Hotel ceased to operate as an emergency-action shelter. Housing was found for all residents, and the Salvation Army assisted them in their relocation. Currently, the city is working with JBK Hotels and the Marriott Corporation to renovate the building so that it can once again operate as an Aloft Hotel. UpDoNA’s Safety & Quality of Life Committee and HOST will be holding a debrief meeting to discuss what went well and what can be improved upon in future low-barrier shelters.
Mark your calendars! UpDoNA has a lot of upcoming activities, events, and volunteer opportunities for our members:
I am very proud of all that UpDoNA has accomplished to date. We continue to build a reputation of being an organization that works hard to find solutions to issues and one that can be counted on to be a partner and advocate for the betterment of Upper Downtown. Of course, none of this would be possible without our great volunteers and members. On May 1st, members will begin receiving information about the upcoming election for UpDoNA’S open Board of Director positions. Being a board member is a great way to contribute to our continued success. Please consider running for one of the open board positions.
A Run-off Debate for the District 10 City Council position between Chris Hinds and Shannon Hoffman will be held on Thursday, May 4th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Denver Chamber of Commerce, 1445 Market Street. UpDoNA will once again partner with LoDoNA to host this FEF Run-off Debate. Space is limited, so if you haven’t reserved your spot, please use this link to register to attend: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fair-election-fund-district-10-run-off-debate-hosted-by-updona-lodona-tickets-623729029317?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb Ballots will be mailed on May 15th and Election Day is June 6th. This election is very critical for the future of downtown Denver. Please attend the debate so that you are an informed voter.
UpDoNA’s Cares Committee works closely with The Delores Project which provides safe, reliable shelter and services to those experiencing homelessness. On Thursday, May 18th, from 5:30-8:00 p.m., The Delores Project will hold its spring benefit, Planting Possibility, at the Space Gallery located at 400 Sante Fe Drive. If you’d like to support this wonderful organization, please register to attend using this link: https://thedeloresproject.kindful.com/e/plantingpossibility
We are excited to announce that UpDoNA’s second Annual Meeting will take place on June 12th from 6:30-8:30 at Terra, 891 14th Street. Plans are underway for a great evening.
Thanks to Upper Downtown’s two new Community Resource Officers Lieberson and Knabe for their Community Safety Presentation last month. It was a great learning opportunity for UpDoNA members. If you were unable to attend, the presentation was recorded. Please contact me at lisapope@updona.org and I will email you the link.
And finally, thanks to all who attended our Social/Membership Event at Fortissimo Dueling Pianos on April 27th. Everyone had a great time! It is always fun to socialize with fellow members and to meet new neighbors. A special thank you to Fortissimo Dueling Pianos not only for hosting our event, but for also being an UpDoNA Business Member. Welcome to the neighborhood!
Don’t forget to visit and like UpDoNA’s Facebook page. You can find additional events, announcements, and activities posted there.
Talk to you in June!
Lisa L. Pope
President
