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Creative and wellness play pen

A new business opened in Wheat Ridge for parents and children on Monday.

Space, a community hub for kids, debuted at 3810 Pierce St.

It will host activities for parents and children such as painting on walls, mindfulness workshops, meditations for adults and wellness workshops for kids. The Space can also be rented for events and birthday parties, as well as for book clubs, homeschool groups, yoga and music classes.

The business was founded by sisters Michelle Conrad and Rachel Askelson, who grew up in Morrison together.

“Our vision was to build something that didn’t exist — an intentional, heart-centered space that helps parents feel supported and seen while giving children a foundation in community, mindfulness, creativity, and self-expression,” said Michelle Conrad, the co-founder of Space, in a news release. “Our mission is to normalize emotional wellness and self-growth for children and parents by integrating it into a child-centric, creative play place.”

CU hires new VP of communications

Former Colorado Springs Gazette and Rocky Mountain News reporter Michele Ames was hired as the vice president of communications for University of Colorado, the school announced last week.

Ames will begin on April 14.

She has nearly three decades of work in Colorado media and public policy. She will manage communications for the President’s office and the Board of Regents, as well as work with the university’s four campuses’ communications leaders and the University of Colorado Foundation.

“Michele has a long history with Colorado, the university and Colorado media,” said CU President Todd Saliman in a news release. “We’re excited to put her skills to work as we continue to advance the message that our university is Colorado’s university and everyone can find a path to success with us.”

In addition to covering the state Capitol, Ames was an independent consultant for the last 10 years specializing in elections, health care, food access and affordable housing. She previously worked at CU and founded the communications office for CU Denver, and was also the special assistant to Chancellor Roy Wilson.

“Coming back to the University of Colorado feels like coming home,” Ames said in the announcement. “I’m deeply honored to be able to serve the university’s faculty, staff and students as well as families across Colorado who believe the route to their successful future runs through one of CU’s outstanding campuses.”

Colorado Livestock Association CEO is leaving

Zach Riley, CEO of the Colorado Livestock Association, will step down, the association announced Monday.

Riley will leave in April, according to the association. CLA is a lobbyist and advocate for Colorado’s livestock industry.

“CLA represents the collective efforts of a dedicated board of directors and staff, engaged members, and innovative partners and constituents who have inspired us to think creatively and explore new directions,” Riley said in a news release. “I could not be more thrilled to have been the catalyst of great change and transition.”

Association President Kory Kessinger thanked Riley in the announcement for his contributions to the organization.

“CLA has successfully advocated for livestock producers in Colorado in large part because of his dedication, insight into policy issues, industry knowledge and effective management,” Kessinger’s statement said.