MyDenver April 2026

LOTUSGROUP ADVISORS

Designed to Be Yours

Rob Osgard of Howard Lorton Furniture & Design

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hHELLO READERS, neighbors, and friends.

In our last two issues, you were welcomed by a thoughtful note from our incredible editor, Seth. Now, it is my privilege to welcome you to the third issue of MyDenver, Belcaro & Bonnie Brae.

This publication is shaped by and focused on community at its core. It is a monthly invitation to pause, step away from the rush of everyday life, and truly take in the neighborhoods we are lucky to call home. So often, we move through our days without slowing down. MyDenver creates space to be intentional, learn about your neighbors, discover local events and happenings, and spotlight the people and

organizations that strengthen our community, all in one place.

You can enjoy MyDenver however it fits into your life: on your phone, laptop, tablet, at home, or on the go. My personal favorite, of course, is the physical magazine. There is something meaningful about sitting down with the pages, taking in the visuals, and letting the magazine live on your coffee table to be enjoyed again and again. Preserving this experience matters. Supporting the local institutions, shops, and businesses that our neighbors dedicate themselves to everyday matters too. Creating a place to learn about and savor your community is exactly why MyDenver exists.

I have lived in Denver my entire life, spending much of my childhood right here in these neighborhoods. I deeply love this city. The streets, parks, shops, and blocks are special, but it is the people who bring them to life.

In this issue, you will find a wonderful interview with the president of FANS of Washington Park, learn about the impact of neighborhood groups, including the Bonnie Brae Neighborhood Association, discover spring decluttering tips, gain insights from the team at LotusGroup, and much more.

It is a pleasure to be part of this community and an honor to share the stories that define it. Please enjoy.

Sawyer Matz Publisher, MyDenver

sawyer.matz@wainscotmedia.com

mydenvermag.com @mydenvermag

MyDenver

BELCARO & BONNIE BRAE EDITION

Publisher Sawyer Matz

sawyer.matz@wainscotmedia.com

Editor Seth Davis

seth.davis@wainscotmedia.com

Writers Paige Duncan Nivale Lightfoot

WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman Carroll V. Dowden

President and CEO

Mark Dowden

SVP, Group Publisher Thomas Flannery

VP, Content Strategy Maria Regan

VP, Director of Digital Media Nigel Edelshain

Creative Director Kijoo Kim

Associate Editor Sophia Carlisle

Advertising Services Director Jacquelynn Fischer

Operations Director Catherine Rosario

Production Designer Chris Ferrante

Print Production Manager Fern Meshulam

Circulation Manager Kathy Wenzler

Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden

MyDenver magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Bonnie Brae and Belcaro, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2026 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

We’re more than a hospital. More than a doctor. More than a treatment. We’re a community. Your neighbor. Your champion. We’re Denver Health.

We’re with you for life’s journey. We offer Emergency and Urgent Care, Primary Care and health care in more than 130 medical specialties.

Participants flow through poses at a Denver

Community CALENDAR

Spring sunlight warms Denver’s neighborhoods, filling calendars with park romps, street markets, and cultural sparks. From Washington Park paws to Lionel Messi goals, here is your mix of adventurous outings blending hyperlocal charm with big-city buzz.

April 17 to 19

Party for Our Planet

The Children’s Museum channels Earth Day with close‑up critter encounters, nature‑themed crafts, and outdoor exploration— hands‑on eco fun designed for curious kids and their grownups. Children’s Museum Denver at Marsico Campus, 2121 Children’s Museum Dr., Denver. Visit mychildsmuseum.org for more information.

April 18

Earth and Arbor Day Celebration

Join Washington Park East Neighborhood Association

for its Earth and Arbor Day Celebration—a fun, educational, family‑friendly event for the whole community. Discover at‑home sustainability tips like waste reduction and energy upgrades. Dive into local ecology with guides on pollinators and natives, celebrate trees with Arbor Day tributes, and learn planting basics. Kids plant seeds to take home. Washington Park Boathouse, Denver. Visit wpena. org to learn more.

April 18

LoHi Spring Bazaar Shop and sip at the second annual LoHi Spring Bazaar—a

lively outdoor fling featuring more than 80 curated vendors, craft beer, and live DJs. This neighborhood kickoff to warmer days transforms the Lower Highland corridor into a pedestrian friendly party. Support the local “maker” economy while finding unique gifts. West 32nd Avenue and Vallejo Street, Denver. Visit denverbazaar.com for more information.

April 18

Colorado Rapids vs. Inter Miami CF Soccer fever hits a peak as the Rapids host Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in a spring MLS showdown.

Due to unprecedented demand, the match moves to the home of the Broncos to accommodate over 75,000 fans. Tailgates start early for this rare global sports experience. Empower Field at Mile High, Denver. Visit coloradorapids. com for more information.

April 24

42nd Annual DPS Shakespeare Festival

This beloved tradition brings the Bard to life through the talent of Denver Public Schools students. As the oldest and largest student Shakespeare festival in the country, the event features young performers tackling classics in

a free showcase. Bring a picnic blanket to cheer on the city’s stars. Skyline Park, 1701 Arapahoe St., Denver. Visit academics. dpsk12.org/o/academics/page/ shakespeare festival for more information.

April 24 to 26

Women+Film Festival

Women+Film Festival screens over a dozen standout features, shorts, and documentaries celebrating female filmmakers and stories of women on screen. This live event produced by Denver Film promises inspiring new films paired with panels and spotlights on local talent. Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave., Denver. Visit denverfilm.org/women plus film festival for more information.

April 26

Unicorn 5K

Frolic into spring at the Unicorn Runner 5K on Great Lawn, where runners earn flashy medals and tees—or choose the untimed half‑mile saunter for kids. Walk, trot, or gallop alongside friends and families in this whimsical neighborhood kickoff full of

laughs and fresh air. Great Lawn Park, 101 Yosemite St., Denver. Visit runmilehigh.com for more information.

April 30

Yoga Alignments Workshop

Refine your practice in this intimate workshop at the Botanic Gardens, where instructor Sasha Sosniak breaks down key poses with focus on alignment, stability, and joyful movement. Drawing from her dancer background and instruction under an all star lineup of yoga mentors, she offers clear cues for all levels amid spring’s blooming serenity. Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. Visit botanicgardens.org for more information.

May

1

First Friday Jazz in the Park

Sonny Lawson Park hosts free jazz every first Friday from May through October, with live sets from 5:30 to 7 p.m., food trucks, and kids’ activities. Linger for Welton Street’s extended nightlife—a

soulful Five Points welcome to warmer evenings. 2401 Welton St., Denver. Visit denvergov.org for more information.

May 2 to 3

Cinco de Mayo Festival & Parade

Celebrate Denver’s Latino heritage at Civic Center Park with two stages of lively music, folk art vendors, kids’ carnival rides and games, a taco eating contest, and

Shoppers browse seasonal produce at the South Pearl Street Farmers Market.

the hilarious Chihuahua Races. The parade kicks off on May 2 at 11 a.m. from Colfax Avenue & Welton Street. Civic Center Park, Denver. Visit cincodemayodenver. com for more information.

May

2

Denver Mini Derby

Catch mini horse races partnered with Next Step Horse Rescue, corgi sprints, the Kentucky Derby live on big screens, and

Children enjoy time outdoors at the Children’s Museum of

bottomless mint juleps at Denargo. Enter best‑dressed contests for man, woman, or couple, and even win a prize for best hat. Delight in the day with live music fueling the festive afternoon. Denargo Market, 4400 Seven Mile Damascus Dr., Denver. Visit denverminiderby.com for more information.

May 2

Humane Colorado Furry Scurry

This annual pet festival and two‑mile dog walk raises vital funds for animals in need, with contests, food trucks, the Flealess Market, and community cheer

at Washington Park. Leash up your furry friend and make a difference. Washington Park, Denver. Visit humanecolorado. org/event/2026 furry scurry for more information.

May 8

Seth Meyers

Overwhelming demand adds a second show for Seth Meyers’ live stand‑up at the Paramount. The Late Night host delivers razor‑sharp observations and stories—an intimate comedy hit for date nights or friend groups. Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place,

Denver. Visit paramountdenver.com for more information.

May 9

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot Denver Center for the Performing Arts brings 45 minutes of Shakespeare to a community parking lot via pickup‑truck stage—bring chairs or blankets for the performance and post‑show talkback. Fresh, accessible theatre that fits right into your day. Riverfront Plaza, 1601 Little Raven St., Denver. Visit denvercenter.org/community events for more information.

May 10

South Pearl Street Farmers Market

Colorado farmers and vendors line historic South Pearl with peak‑season produce, meats, cheeses, eggs, honey, flowers, and ready‑to‑eat bites—steps from unique shops and eateries. The weekly ritual occurs every Sunday from May through November. On the 1500 block of Old South Pearl Street between Florida and Iowa avenues. Visit southpearlstreet. com/farmers market for more information.

A CHAMPION for the Park

Wash Park’s ultimate fan club member

BONNIE SUTHERLAND has called Washington Park home for about 30 years, first on the west side and now on the east, where she enjoys a daily view of the city’s favorite green space. As president of the board for FANS—Friends and Neighbors of Washington Park—she has spent the last few years helping the nonprofit regroup and thrive. Today, she spends her time planning programs and rallying support to keep the beloved park beautiful and welcoming for everyone.

What is FANS, and what does the group focus on today?

FANS was founded in 2006 to handle advocacy and park investments, such as our popular tree guide. Originally a paperback book by expert Sonia John, it is now a digital download that we constantly update as species change. We focus on free programming that helps neighbors understand the park, including Audubon bird walks, garden tours with horticulturists, and educational talks on wildlife management, like our recent session on the banded goose research program.

What drew you to get involved?

A neighbor and former president, Tim McHugh, invited me to join the board a couple of years ago as the group was regrouping after some inactivity during the COVID years. It is incredibly rewarding to work with a dedicated board and partners like the West and East Wash Park neighborhood organizations. We’ve recently collaborated with the People and Pollinators Action Network to create a pollinator corridor, surrounding the park with small native habitats to enhance the existing gardens.

Sloane Clarke, volunteer gardener, uses a FANS-donated Gorilla Cart to move compost in the Big Gardens.

With spring officially here, what’s on deck for FANS this year?

2026 is an exciting year. While the city starts a $3 million bond project, FANS is donating several fun enhancements, including a permanent cornhole game, a swinging bench, and upgraded pull-up bars. We’re also providing two new drinking fountains that feature water bottle filling stations and dog bowls.

Our calendar is full, and it started with a February talk from History Colorado about the history of Washington Park to recognize

Colorado’s 150th anniversary. We’re also working with The Park People to sponsor a new horticulture internship within the park’s two gardens. This summer, look for a free concert with the Wash Park Band at the boathouse.

What are the biggest challenges facing the park?

The park’s popularity is its biggest challenge; it is so well-loved that the upkeep is constant. With city budget cuts to staffing, it is hard for them to get all the help they need. We try to fill gaps by organizing volunteers

for weeding and planting, and we promote education on proper park use to help the staff maintain this massive system.

How can readers get involved?

The best way is to sign up for our newsletter at fanswashingtonpark. org. It includes event details, volunteer calls, and information on our book clubs and croquet events. Anybody who loves the park is welcome; our volunteer group is fluid, and we’d love to have you participate in our programs.

The Purposeful Purge

Clear the chaos, donate with heart, and master the art of repair with a spring home reset.

BY SETH DAVIS

TTHE GARAGE DOOR groans open on a Saturday morning, revealing a familiar scene: a mountain of tangled holiday lights, stacks of “someday” lumber, and outgrown soccer cleats from three seasons ago. For many, this sight bears a heavy psychological weight. Amid the excitement of spring, a cluttered garage becomes a daunting barrier to enjoying the season.

“Overwhelm thrives in ambiguity,” explains Bohne Leah, founder of the Denver-based Be Organized Method.

Leah, an award-winning professional organizer whose expertise has been featured in Better Homes & Gardens, notes that over 95% of her clients use the words “overwhelmed” or “stressed.” Undefined environments activate the brain’s stress response, compromising executive function. Her solution for the spring reset isn’t to start tossing things blindly, but to pause and create a roadmap.

“Clarity reverses that stress,” she says. “When we define the scope, identify ‘hot spots,’ and break a project down space by space, the emotional weight begins to lift. It’s about a shift in focus from the mess to the plan.”

THE ART OF DECLUTTERING

The traditional weekend purge often leads to project burnout. We’ve all been there: The entire contents of a closet strewn across the floor by noon, and by 3 p.m., we are exhausted and living in a space that looks worse than when we started. To combat this seasonal fatigue, Leah suggests a counterintuitive approach: lower the bar. If you believe you have two hours of energy, commit to only one. Finishing before you reach the point of exhaustion builds the consistency needed to complete the project; sustainable progress always outperforms short-lived intensity.

At the heart of her philosophy is the “Belong Phase.” Rather than asking if an item is “good,” Leah asks her clients to consider if it truly belongs in their current life. This discovery process examines why an item is taking up space. If an item supports your daily workflow, it stays. However, if it lingers out of habit, sentimentality, or an aspirational version of yourself that no longer exists, it is likely time to let go. Function also determines placement; Leah advises that frequently used items should live within the natural flow of the home, while less-used items should

be pushed further from daily reach.

Leah applies these principles to both major residential transitions and high-volume corporate environments. The ideas in her method can be lifechanging for individuals and businesses alike who feel held back by spatial and behavioral disorganization. Because physical clutter often mirrors emotional weight, her method is designed to relieve both.

“Creating order becomes a step toward regaining stability and agency,” says Leah. “It is an honor to witness the transformation that happens when someone begins to feel empowered again in their own space.”

To keep that empowerment from fading, Leah suggests habit stacking. Instead of waiting for another massive annual clean, anchor a five-minute organizing session to an existing routine, like waiting for the morning coffee to brew. For families, she recommends a containment-first strategy: assign a designated basket or bin to each family member in hightraffic “sticky” areas—like a kitchen island. Once a basket reaches capacity, that individual is responsible for resetting their items back to their proper homes.

This page, clockwise from top: Before and after views show a kitchen’s transformation from chaos to clarity. An arc Thrift Stores drop-off location accepts donations. Mending Circle attendees celebrate giving their wardrobe pieces a second life during the Denver Tool Library’s free event.

DONATING WITH A DEEPER PURPOSE

Once you have navigated the Belong Phase and identified the items ready to leave your home, the question becomes: where do they go? In our corner of Denver, spring cleaning is a massive recycling effort. Maggie Scivicque and Marty Schmitt from arc Thrift Stores refer to April as their “Green Month,” a peak season where the community’s desire to refresh aligns with arc Thrift Stores’ mission of sustainability.

“It’s a pretty big operation,” Scivicque says of the warehouse where mountains of donations are processed. “People don’t always realize what happens to all this stuff. We take the recycling of it all very seriously.”

arc Thrift Stores doesn’t just sell clothes; they manage a sophisticated system where items that can’t be

sold in-store are ethically recycled, keeping massive amounts of textiles out of Colorado landfills. Beyond the environmental impact, donating to arc Thrift Stores supports Coloradans with intellectual and developmental disabilities by funding 15 advocacy chapters across the state.

While arc Thrift Stores is a cornerstone for local donations, Denver offers a wealth of specialized options.

If your cleaning reveals professional attire that no longer fits your style, Dress for Success can put those suits to work for women entering the workforce. For building materials or furniture, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore is an excellent alternative. The goal is to give your items a second life while contributing to a local ecosystem that supports your neighbors.

THE REPAIR MINDSET

In our modern buy-and-replace culture, it is easy to assume a wobbly chair or inoperable tool belongs in the bin. Garrett Carr from the Denver Tool Library (DTL) suggests a different path: the repair mindset. Choosing to fix something is a radical act of sustainability that reduces demand for new manufacturing.

Beyond the environmental perks, repair offers psychological benefits. Fixing a family heirloom or a trusted appliance creates self-sufficiency and preserves the stories embedded in our possessions.

“Don’t throw away that really cool old thing you have that was your grandpa’s,” Carr urges. “It can be fixed, I promise.”

The DTL acts as a community resource that makes this mindset accessible, regardless of your skill

SPRING RESET RESOURCES

Bohne Leah | Be Organized Method

• Specialty: Residential and corporate organization and move management

• Website: beorganizedmethod.com

• Recognition: Top Professional Organizer 2024 & 2025 (Best of Mile High Awards)

arc Thrift Stores

• Mission: Fundraising for 15 chapters helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Colorado and New Mexico

level. For those who want to learn, Carr highlights the Mending Circle—a free community event for repairing clothes. If your favorite jacket has a tear or a missing button, this is the place to learn garment care. For bigger projects, the DTL will host its next Repair Fair on May 17 from 2 to 6 p.m. Registration is free, and it is an ideal opportunity to bring in small appliances or electronics that need an expert’s eye.

Even if you fix something at your own kitchen table with help from a YouTube video, the goal is to reclaim agency over your environment. When you know how to maintain your items, you are less likely to fall back into a state of overwhelming ambiguity.

THE SEASONAL RESET

As the spring flowers begin to peek out, the effort of a spring reset pays

dividends in peace of mind. By moving from chaos to a plan, we reclaim our homes as sanctuaries. Organizing, as Leah points out, shouldn’t feel like a punishment—it can be a grounding activity that creates a sense of control and calm.

Clear the physical and mental space to host that first neighborhood barbecue of the year, start a new project, or simply enjoy a quiet evening on the patio without the nagging thought of the “mountain” in the garage. This spring, let the reset be about more than just cleaning; let it be about creating a home that truly reflects the life you want to live.

Seth Davis is the local editor of MyDenver and lives in Denver with his wife and two children.

• Accepts: Household items, furniture, clothing, and nonperishable food

• Drop-offs: All back doors at arc Thrift Stores retail locations and 14 dedicated donation centers across the state accept items.

• Pickups: Schedule large furniture pickups online at arcthrift.com.

Denver Tool Library

• Location: 836 Santa Fe Dr., Denver

• Website: denvertoollibrary.org

• Resources: Tool lending library ($150/year), woodworking shop, and community classes

• Next Repair Fair: May 17, 2 to 6 p.m.

• Mending Circle: Recurring community-focused clothing repair

Designed to Be Yours

Designer Rob Osgard of Howard Lorton Furniture & Design shares how professional guidance and deep customization are redefining true luxury for Denver homeowners.

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ASK ROB OSGARD how Howard Lorton Furniture & Design has earned the trust of Denver homeowners for generations, and he does not start with brand names or buzzwords. Instead, he talks about a promise he makes to every client: “good, better, best” at every price point. It is a philosophy built on the belief that real luxury comes from pairing value with deeply personalized design.

“For the amount of money you’re spending, we’re trying to find and procure the best product in that price range possible,” says Osgard.

Walking into the Howard Lorton’s showroom at 12th and Broadway, you are stepping into a four-generation legacy of Denver design. For Osgard, a senior designer and buyer who

BY SETH DAVIS

joined the firm in 1991, the industry is a calling. He recalls a mentor once jokingly telling him that once you fall in love with the craft, you get “lacquer in your veins.”

Today, as the incoming president of the Interior Design Society (IDS) Denver chapter—already the secondlargest chapter in the country— Osgard uses that passion to guide clients through a market that is often more focused on price tags than permanence.

“True luxury is having the finest quality for the best value that you can put together,” Osgard explains.

In an era of 20-inch-thick catalogs and excessive markups, Osgard and the Howard Lorton’s team prioritize the consumer’s investment over the trend of the moment.

THE MARATHON OF CURATION

To provide that value, Osgard’s work begins long before a client walks through the door. As one of the firm’s primary buyers, he participates in a grueling industry ritual: going to market. While the term might sound like a simple shopping trip, Osgard describes it as a true marathon—five days of navigating roughly 300 million square feet of display space, with a schedule that runs from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.

It is a high-stakes hunt for what he calls “new toys”—the latest in fashion, merchandise, and manufacturing technology. This curation is the backbone of the Howard Lorton’s experience. Because Osgard thinks in pictures and possesses a keen memory for progression, he is able to soak in the sheer volume of global design and distill it into a showroom collection that resonates with Denver’s specific sensibility.

THE DESIGNER AS PSYCHOLOGIST

This expert knowledge is delivered through a process Osgard summarizes as “look, listen, and learn.” He views Howard Lorton’s as the “quintessential fancy-looking mom-and-pop shop,” a place where the designers move from standing opposite the customer to standing next to them through the design journey.

“A good designer also is a psychologist, a sociologist...taking all those different things to integrate the client’s needs and emotions and tastes together,” says Osgard. “I think sometimes we’re marriage counselors, too.”

This approach is best illustrated by a local family Osgard “saved” midconstruction after they realized their initial design plan lacked cohesion. By focusing on tactile experiences— having them sit on the furniture and truly look at the construction—he transformed their skepticism into a partnership that has spanned seven houses. It was not about imposing a signature style; it was about developing their specific taste over time.

BUY YOUR OWN LOOK

The creative brief for today’s high-end homeowner has shifted. Post-pandemic, Denver residents are no longer willing to settle for the off-the-floor grays and whites that were often the only options during years of supply chain delays.

“About 85 to 95% of our business is special order now,” Osgard notes.

This shift has birthed the Buy Your Own Look concept, where

customization goes far beyond picking a fabric. At Howard Lorton’s, clients can specify the exact length of a sofa to the inch, select from 2,000 fabrics and 250 leathers from a single line, and even choose the internal core of their cushions.

To help clients find their perfect fit, the showroom features a circle of four chairs, each with a different seat core, allowing for a real-time sit test. It is this level of detail that separates luxury from mere retail. Brands like Hancock Moore, known for superior leather work, and Taylor King represent the pinnacle of this “no corners cut” craftsmanship.

Osgard remains a staunch advocate for traditional eight-way hand-tied springs, noting that as company president Will Cook says, the method represents that someone’s not cutting corners.

HONORING THE BONES OF THE HOME

Whether Osgard is tweaking a grand mountain home in Beaver Creek or finding funky vibes for a vacation rental, his first rule is to let the

architecture speak.

In a recent Beaver Creek project, Osgard avoided a total gut renovation of a beautifully built chateau. Instead, he layered new textures—shearling, textured leathers, and rustic linen florals—to bridge the gap between the home’s classic bones and a modern sensibility.

“You’ve got to look at the bones of the home before you change it,” he advises.

The payoff for this level of detail is often deeply personal. Osgard recalls a project for a client who wanted her home to capture a specific local vibe. After the home was finished and used as a rental, Osgard had the rare opportunity to stay in the house and read the guest book.

“It was like the coolest thing ever because everybody appreciated what we did and got what we were doing,” Osgard recalls.

For Osgard, reading those entries—seeing that strangers found the home “homey and funky all at the same time”— was one of the most gratifying moments of his 34-year career.

EXPERIENCE THE HOWARD LORTON’S DIFFERENCE

Visit the showroom at 12 E. 12th Ave. in Denver to explore the world of fine living. Discover complimentary design services and a curated selection of the world’s finest brands at howardlorton.com.

THE LUXURY OUTDOOR OASIS

This philosophy of respecting a home’s architecture and local character does not stop at the back door. As the April sun begins to warm the Front Range, the design focus naturally shifts to the “outdoor room,” where the goal is to create a seamless transition from the interior.

Just as with indoor spaces, Osgard sees a move toward mixed materials—teak and Ipe wood paired with woven goods and iron. This shift aligns with the mountain modern aesthetic or the updated traditional look, which Osgard describes as colorful and shapely rather than the “18 years of gray boxes” that recently dominated the industry.

To withstand Denver’s intense sun and snow, construction quality is paramount. Osgard points to Woodard, made in Michigan, as a foundational outdoor line with exceedingly well-made iron and aluminum frames. For those seeking higher style or sustainability, Jensen Leisure offers Ipe wood, which possesses the rich appearance of a mahogany and

teak hybrid while being more environmentally responsible than traditional teak. Whether it is Lloyd Flanders, Castelle, or Brown Jordan, the result is a durable extension of the home designed to survive the active Colorado lifestyle.

BUILDING A LIFELONG PARTNERSHIP

Transitioning into a luxury design project can be intimidating, a feeling Osgard understands personally. He admits he was massively shy when he first started in the 1990s, often faking his confidence until he truly mastered the massive amount of technical knowledge the industry requires.

This empathy defines the Howard Lorton’s experience. Whether a client is working with a designer who has 10 years of experience or 45, the goal is to guide them away from gimmicky trends and toward lasting comfort.

“If we do it right, you’re lifetime friends and you’ve got a professional to lean on,” says Osgard.

This commitment to relationship over transaction— bolstered by complimentary in-home design services, free on-site parking, and white glove delivery—has kept Howard Lorton’s at the heart of Denver design for more than a century.

From top: Uncompromising details, from contrast welting to precise pattern matching, define the “no corners cut” approach to craftsmanship.

The “sit test” allows clients to experience a variety of premium seat cores firsthand to ensure their custom piece feels as good as it looks.

An Investment in You

LotusGroup Advisors helps clients build financial security so they can achieve personal goals and live fuller lives.

tTHERE’S AN independent, entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of LotusGroup Advisors, the company Raphael Martorello founded and leads as managing partner.

“I wanted to build an enterprise from a vision, versus bending to corporate rules,” he says. “We’re not a division of a big investment house. Nobody is forcing company priorities on us—or on our clients.”

Martorello set out to provide what clients like (advisors who are competent, caring and committed), while avoiding what they don’t like (constantly rotating advisors who seem self-important, talk in jargon and often aren’t transparent about fees).

Team members at LotusGroup Advisors, headquartered on South Gaylord Street in the Wash Park neighborhood, stress that financial security is a springboard for bigger goals. LotusGroup Advisors is different than most wealth management firms in that it offers both public investment strategies and private/alternative investments under the same roof.

Here’s what advisors at the firm say about why they entered the field, how they find it rewarding, what areas of wealth management they focus on, and why it’s so important to work with a financial advisor.

NICK PIRNACK

PARTNER AND SENIOR ADVISOR

I became a financial advisor 15 years ago because I wanted to help people make intentional choices with their money so they could live more fulfilling lives. The most rewarding part is seeing clients gain self-assurance and freedom to live the life they dream about.

My focus is on successful business owners, particularly those navigating succession planning, exit strategies and comprehensive wealth management during transitions. I strive to help clients design financial strategies that support their legacy goals while addressing the unique complexities of business ownership. We work together to support what they’ve built as they move into their next chapter.

Working with a financial advisor is crucial because life is challenging, with market volatility, tax changes, family dynamics, and unexpected events that can derail even the best intentions. An advisor provides objective and personalized strategies to help you navigate difficulties and identify opportunities that best align with your values and long-term objectives.

SAM REDMAN DIRECTOR OF ALTERNATIVE ASSETS AND FINANCIAL ADVISOR

I started my career on the investment side of the industry, focusing on markets, trading, manager selection and portfolio construction. That background still shapes how I work with clients today.

Over time, I realized that I enjoy helping people design effective portfolios based on the outcomes they want to achieve. The most rewarding part is offering clients guidance to make sense of a noisy financial world and giving them clear, honest insights they can actually use.

The private and alternative investments that are a major focus for me can play a valuable role in a portfolio when aligned with a client’s goals and risk profile.

That said, I’m not solely an alternatives advisor. I work with clients across the full spectrum of investments—traditional portfolios, financial planning, and long-term wealth strategy. Alternatives are a tool I use to enhance diversification in an overall portfolio design.

Financial markets, products and messages can be bewildering. Having a fiduciary advisor—one who has your best interests in mind—helps reduce the risk of costly mistakes and keeps you aligned with your long-term desires. I can also introduce strategies and opportunities that may not be widely available to individual investors and help you understand how it all fits together.

XAVIER LEWIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR

I decided to become a financial advisor when I was 15 years old at my high school career day. An advisor talked about building relationships, solving financial challenges, and helping families create long-term security. I remember thinking, “That is exactly what I want to do with my life!”

It’s rewarding to educate clients and build on their knowledge base—to see that shift when someone moves from uncertainty to clarity and confidence.

I especially enjoy working with families and executives focused on growing and protecting their wealth. They often have complex finances that might include equity compensation, business interests, tax strategy, and estate planning. I truly enjoy bringing clarity and structure to all of it.

People don’t know what they don’t know, and finance can be overwhelming. My job is to help clients spot and navigate potential potholes while pursuing opportunities that fit their long-term plans.

Helping people understand their strategy and its underlying numbers allows them to make better, more clear-headed decisions. That is meaningful value I strive to provide.

WOMEN WEALTH & WINE SERIES

Caring for aging parents while still raising your kids? You’re not alone. Join us for an honest conversation about life in the Sandwich Generation— covering emotional support, financial guidance, and the self-care that often gets forgotten.

Thursday, April 23, 5:30 to 7:30 PM

LotusGroup Advisors

1005 S. Gaylord Street, Denver

Please RSVP to lori@lgadvisors.com.

KEATON HAMILTON FINANCIAL ADVISOR

At a very young age, I saw how lack of resources can create havoc and how significant wealth without wisdom can create its own kind of damage. But pairing wealth with good guidance and intention can be powerful. I wanted to help people achieve that.

Walking alongside families as they move toward their goals and showing them what has been accomplished is very rewarding to me.

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A Bite to Eat

As the weather gets warmer, check out these restaurants for a great meal.

Neon Cowboy

300 S. Logan St., Unit 101, 80209 720-319-8041

@_neoncowboy__

Opened in late 2025, Neon Cowboy blends high-energy bar culture with a playful, chef-driven menu. Expect bold sandwiches, shareable plates, and a cocktail list that leans creative without being overcomplicated. The space carries a retro edge and an unmistakable personality, making it equally suited for casual dinners and late-night gatherings. Bonus points for the extra comfortable bar stools!

Goudy’s Deli and Market

1207 E. Alameda Ave., 80209

720-710-9473

@goudysdelimarket

Part neighborhood deli, part specialty market, Goudy’s focuses on thoughtfully built

sandwiches, quality meats, and curated pantry staples. The menu is straightforward but ingredient-driven, and the market shelves are stocked with specialty goods that make it easy to bring something home. Polished, simple, and community minded.

Tokyo Premium Bakery

1540 S. Pearl St., 80210 720-531-3784

@tokyopremiumbakery

Tokyo Premium Bakery showcases Japanese-style breads and pastries made with precision and balance. Fluffy milk bread, delicate sweets, and savory sandos fill the display cases daily, alongside coffee and specialty drinks. The clean, minimalist setting lets the craftsmanship take center stage. Perfect for a Sunday morning.

La Chiva Colombian Restaurant 1446 S. Broadway, 80210 720-389-9847

@lachivacolombian

La Chiva highlights traditional Colombian cuisine in a colorful and inviting setting. The menu features hearty classics, empanadas, arepas, and generously portioned plates rooted in family recipes. It’s vibrant, approachable, and centered on sharing bold, comforting flavors.

El Nopalito Mexican Food 77 W. Alameda Ave., 80223 720-643-2384

El Nopalito serves classic Mexican fare in a relaxed, unfussy environment. Enchiladas, burritos, tacos, and house green chile anchor the menu, alongside margaritas and familiar favorites. It’s a dependable neighborhood

spot focused on generous portions and traditional flavors.

One Barrel American Bistro & Wine Bar

3401 S. Broadway, Suite. 110, 80110 720-667-4781

@onebarrelenglewood

One Barrel pairs seasonal American dishes with an extensive wine program. The menu leans contemporary and approachable, offering thoughtfully composed entrées and shareable starters designed to complement its broad selection of bottles and pours. Comfortable and intimate, it’s built for lingering dinners.

Yemen Grill and Café

1135 E. Evans Ave. Unit 103, 80210 720-750-7902

@yemengrilldenver

Yemen Grill focuses on

traditional Yemeni cooking, featuring slow-cooked meats, fragrant rice dishes, warm flatbreads, and spice-layered sauces. The menu emphasizes depth of flavor and generous portions, offering a rich introduction to a cuisine less commonly found in Denver. This place is truly incredible.

Chook Chicken

4340 E. 8th Ave.,

80220 and 1300 S Pearl St., 80210

@chookchicken

Chook centers its menu around wood-fired rotisserie chicken served alongside seasonal vegetables, grain salads, and house-made sauces. The format is fast-casual, but the ingredients and preparation are carefully considered. The space also feels a bit more polished. It’s streamlined, fresh, and consistently satisfying.

Satchel’s on 6th 1710 E. 6 Ave., 80218

303-399-2560

@satchelson6th

Satchel’s offers contemporary American cuisine in a longstanding, intimate dining room. The menu typically includes seafood, steaks, pasta, and seasonal vegetables, prepared with a refined but approachable touch. It balances neighborhood familiarity with polished execution and class.

Revival Denver Public House

630 E. 17 Ave., 80203

720-524-7867

@revival.denver

Revival brings Southern-inspired comfort food into a lively and large setting. Fried chicken, brunch favorites, and classic cocktails define the menu, alongside beer and whiskey selections. The atmosphere is energetic yet casual, built for gathering.

Le French 846 N. Albion St., 80220

303-558-0875

@lefrenchdenver

Le French is a family-owned restaurant rooted in French culinary tradition. Crêpes, steak frites, pastries, and wine shape a menu that transitions easily from brunch to dinner. The setting is bright and refined, blending café warmth with bistro influence.

Sienna Wine Bar & Small Plates

3434 E. 12 Ave., 80206

303-355-2202

@siennawinebar

Sienna focuses on wine and globally inspired small plates designed for sharing. Artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and seasonal dishes complement a broad wine list that spans regions and styles. The intimate space encourages slow evenings and conversation.

Mici Italian 727 Colorado Blvd., 80206

303-322-6424

@miciitalian

Mici Italian is a family-owned concept centered on traditional recipes and scratch-made doughs and sauces. The menu features handcrafted pizzas, pastas, and classic Italian comfort dishes served in a casual, simple, and welcoming environment.

Legacy Pie Co.

300 E. Alameda Ave., Suite A, 80209

720-626-2057

@legacypieco

Legacy Pie Co. specializes in scratch-made pies that reflect classic American baking traditions. Fruit pies, cream pies, and seasonal offerings rotate throughout the year, all prepared with straightforward ingredients and careful technique. It’s a warm, nostalgic stop for dessert or a whole pie to take home. The smell alone is worth the trip.

3 STEPS TO THRIVING AS A New Mom

Use these practical tips to help ease the challenges that can accompany the joy of bringing a new baby home.

BY M. REGAN

BECOMING A NEW mother— whether it’s your first baby or you’ve done this before—is a life changing experience filled with joy, adjustment, and plenty of “Am I doing this right?” moments. Every baby is different, every recovery is different, and every mother’s emotional landscape can change from day to day. Follow these steps to support your well being while you recover from delivery and adjust to life with your new little one.

1 TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY.

Your body has just done something extraordinary, and recovery takes time. Physical changes, soreness, fatigue, and fluctuating moods are all normal in the weeks after giving birth. Help boost your energy and mood by resting when your baby sleeps, eating nourishing foods, and accepting help with daily tasks.

2

STAY CONNECTED AND SUPPORTED.

Lean on your partner, relatives, or friends to help with meals, chores,

or holding the baby while you take a breather. Support groups—both in person and virtual—can provide reassurance and remind you that your experiences are shared by many moms. Saint Clare’s Health offers a variety of postpartum classes, including breastfeeding support and newborn care.

3

LISTEN TO YOUR EMOTIONS.

Hormonal shifts and sleep deprivation can create emotional ups and downs. Many moms experience “baby blues,” which can include mood swings and crying spells that typically resolve within two weeks. But if difficult feelings last longer or interfere with daily life, it may be postpartum depression (see sidebar).

Motherhood doesn’t require perfection. Celebrate the small wins, forgive the hard moments, and take care of you. A supported, rested mom is a thriving mom—and that benefits your baby, too.

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

If symptoms like those listed below continue for more than two weeks, talk to your healthcare provider to rule out postpartum depression, a condition that affects 10 to 20% of new mothers within 12 months of delivery. Effective treatments are available, and early support can help you feel like yourself again. Symptoms of postpartum depression may include:

• A persistent sad, hopeless, or empty mood

• Excessive crying or severe mood swings

• Difficulty bonding with your baby

• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed

• Appetite or sleep changes

• Intense anxiety, irritability, or feelings of worthlessness

• Trouble concentrating or making decisions

• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.

BOOK NOOK

Fresh Perspectives

These eclectic picks from bookstore owner Paige Duncan will entertain, enlighten, and inspire.

BY PAIGE DUNCAN

SPRING IN DENVER means longer days, open trails, and that particular restlessness that makes you want to do everything at once—including read. At Little Blue Pigeon, we believe the right book at the right moment can change everything. This season’s list has something for every kind of reader: a noir literary sensation from Japan, an urgent work of history, a lush reimagining of a classic, and a gripping Colorado survival story that hits close to home. Pull up a chair. The season’s best reads are here.

SISTERS IN YELLOW

By Mieko Kawakami

From the acclaimed author of “Breasts and Eggs” comes a gripping noir set in 1990s Tokyo. 15-year-old Hana has nothing—until a mysterious older woman pulls her into a world of found family, fast money, and danger. Haunting and propulsive, this is Kawakami at her best.

Which books would you recommend to our readers? Reach out to lisa. perry@wainscotmedia.com if you’d like to write a Book Nook column!

CHAIN OF IDEAS: THE ORIGINS OF OUR AUTHORITARIAN AGE

By Ibram X. Kendi

The National Book Award-winning author of “Stamped from the Beginning” traces how the Great Replacement Theory moved from the fringes to the center of global politics. Essential, urgent, and impossible to ignore.

MRS. WILSON’S AFFAIR: A GREAT GATSBY RETELLING

By Allyson Reedy

Denver’s own Allyson Reedy gives voice to one of literature’s most overlooked women: Myrtle Wilson. This luminous debut reimagines “The Great Gatsby”

from the inside out, restoring Myrtle’s desires, dreams, and full humanity. A triumph for Denver’s literary community.

THE WAY OUT: A TRUE STORY OF SURVIVAL IN THE HEART OF THE ROCKIES

By Devon O’Neil

Colorado journalist Devon O’Neil reconstructs a harrowing 2017 backcountry ski accident near Salida. Part survival story, part meditation on grief, community, and the real cost of adventure. Essential Colorado reading.

Paige Duncan is a Denver-based book publicist with 18 years of experience and a lifelong love of great stories. She opened Little Blue Pigeon, an independent bookstore on Denver’s historic Larimer Square, on April 1, 2026. Visit littlebluepigeonbooks.com.

Nivale Lightfoot

A West Wash Park resident details the springtime Sunday routines her family cherishes.

BY NIVALE LIGHTFOOT

IN OUR HOUSE, Sundays are sacred— not in the hushed, slow-moving way you might imagine, but in a joyful, fresh air, community-filled way that defines life with three active kids in West Wash Park.

We start in the kitchen, still in pajamas, with music humming in the background. Our favorite breakfast is French toast made with the fluffy loaves from Leven Supply. Our children handle most of the cooking themselves—cracking eggs, whisking, and flipping. They’ve even perfected a frothy latte on the espresso machine.

INTO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

We’re out the door shortly after, heading for a family lap around Washington Park with parents and puppy on foot and the kids on bikes. Some Sundays mean a stop at the south playground to toss a football; other times, we head to the north side— lovingly known as “Quinn’s Playground.” Some dear friends partnered with the

city to design this play area in memory of their son, Quinn, and it’s a place layered with meaning for our family. By midday, we make our way to Gaylord Street for lunch at The Cookery at Myrtle Hill, or head to South Pearl for coffee at our favorite holein-the-wall spot, Hoja. If the kids are feeling extra spunky, we’ll scoot over to Tokyo Premium Bakery for a treat.

Afternoons entail a mix of exercise and socializing. My husband and I swap workout time while our kids bounce in a neighborhood pack on the trampoline. In the spring, gardening is especially enticing: Flowers are in bloom, and baby lettuces are ready for harvest. My husband might take the Cherry Creek Bike Path down to the reservoir for laps on his road bike, while I meet friends at the Wash Park tennis courts or pop into Luxe Lagree for a class.

Balmy spring Sundays bring something extra special: the “front-lawn sesh”—an impromptu, BYO-beverage

block gathering where folding chairs appear as if by magic. Dogs weave between yards, and kids migrate in packs. Our homes and yards may be small, but that just means we pack in tighter—more laughter, more stories, and more connection.

Most Sundays, we cook dinner at home and squeeze in a little meal prep for the week ahead. If we venture out instead, we keep it walkable; BurnDown and Pho Haus are favorites. By the time we walk home, we’re ready to wind down. We’ve moved our bodies, eaten well, and leaned into the sweet rhythm of our neighborhood. In West Wash Park, for our family, that’s a perfect Sunday.

Nivale Lightfoot and her husband Andrew have lived in Denver for 10 years. She runs operations for natural skincare brand Linne Botanicals, is a classically trained chef and nutritionist, and is on the board of BoxBox—a new restaurant concept.

PHOTO OP SKYLINE SANCTUARY

FROM ACROSS Civic Center Park, Terry Hanford noticed a garden framed by the rooftop of the Populus Hotel and the Denver skyline—an urban retreat he hadn’t realized existed while walking near the hotel. One of his joys, as a photographer and member of the Focus Camera Club, is discovering what emerges when he looks more closely at his surroundings.

Have a great image for Photo Op?

Submit your high-resolution shot to sawyer.matz@ wainscotmedia.com.