by Mark Smiley | Jul 23, 2026 | Uncategorized
A Smart Upgrade For Campers, Tailgaters, And Backyard Grillers
by Mark Smiley
The Ignik Gas Growler keeps a portable propane supply safely off the table and on the ground, connecting to camp stoves and tabletop grills with a flexible hose.
If you’ve ever packed a cooler, camping gear, and a portable grill, only to discover several green one-pound propane bottles rolling around in the back of your vehicle, the Ignik Gas Growler offers a much better solution.
The refillable propane system replaces disposable propane cylinders with a compact, refillable tank that is easier to transport, less wasteful, and more economical over the long run. After spending time with the Growler, it’s easy to see why it has developed such a loyal following among campers, tailgaters, and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Ignik Gas Growler is available in several sizes, but the five-pound model is the sweet spot for most users. It provides enough fuel for multiple weekends of camping while remaining light enough to carry with one hand. The rugged protective sleeve includes padded handles, a sturdy base, and a high-quality hose that connects directly to most portable propane grills, camp stoves ,and fire pits.
One of my favorite features is also one of the simplest. Because the Growler connects with a flexible hose, the propane tank can remain safely on the ground while your portable grill sits on a picnic table or folding table. Anyone who has struggled to balance a one-pound propane bottle underneath a tabletop grill will immediately appreciate the convenience. It creates a much more stable cooking setup, keeps the heavier tank off the table, and frees up valuable workspace.
Another major advantage is cost. Disposable propane bottles have become increasingly expensive, often costing several dollars each. Refilling a five-pound propane tank costs considerably less on a per pound basis. Frequent campers and tailgaters can recover t
The Ignik Gas Growler replaces disposable one pound propane cylinders with a durable, refillable five pound tank housed in a rugged protective sleeve.
he initial investment surprisingly quickly.
The environmental benefits are equally appealing. Millions of disposable propane cylinders are thrown away every year. By switching to one refillable tank, outdoor enthusiasts can significantly reduce waste while enjoying the same convenience.
The build quality is excellent. The protective sleeve feels durable enough to withstand years of camping trips, and the hose and fittings inspire confidence. Nothing about the Growler feels cheap or poorly designed. Instead, it has the feel of a premium product built for regular outdoor use.
With the premium feel, comes a premium price. The Ignik Gas Growler retails for $149.95 so it is significantly more expensive than buying a handful of disposable propane bottles. You’ll also need to refill the tank at a propane filling station rather than simply purchasing a replacement cylinder at the grocery store. Fortunately, propane refill stations are readily available at many hardware stores, RV dealers, and propane suppliers.
For anyone who enjoys camping, tailgating, overlanding, RV travel, or even grilling at the neighborhood park, the Ignik Gas Growler is an outstanding investment. The convenience of a refillable system, the lower long term operating cost and the ability to place the tank safely on the ground while cooking make it one of those products you quickly wonder how you lived without.
by Mark Smiley | Jul 23, 2026 | Editorials
Best in the World: Bull & Bush Brewery team members celebrate their award-winning performance at the 2026 World Beer Cup in Philadelphia, along with David Lin, owner of Comrade Brewing (second from left). The Glendale brewery earned a gold medal for Ghoul Fuel: Rum Diaries Edition and a silver medal for Kauai Pie, adding two more international honors to Colorado’s rich brewing legacy.
Bull & Bush Brewery is celebrating 55 years of serving award-winning craft beer, classic pub fare, and unforgettable memories with a full day of festivities on Saturday, August 8. The anniversary celebration will feature exclusive beer releases, special whiskey selections, brunch with DJ High Deaf, an evening performance by Colorado favorite DeVotchKa, and commemorative merchandise honoring Glendale’s most beloved family-owned brewpubs.
Bull & Bush Brewery, one of Colorado’s most iconic family-owned brewpubs, is proud to celebrate its 55th Anniversary, marking more than five decades of serving exceptional handcrafted beer, classic pub fare, and elevated hospitality located in the heart of Glendale.
The 55th Anniversary celebration will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, featuring a full day of festivities, including an evening celebration with live music from Colorado’s very own DeVotchKa.
Guests attending the anniversary celebration can look forward to:
- Exclusive 55th Anniversary beer releases
- Special anniversary whiskey selections
- Brunch with DJ High Deaf
- Evening live music with DeVotchKa
- Commemorative merchandise
“For 55 years, Bull & Bush Brewery has been more than a restaurant or brewery hub where friendships are made, milestones are celebrated, and traditions are passed from one generation to the next,” said Erik Peterson, Minister of Progress at Bull & Bush Brewery. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us over the years, and we’re excited to celebrate this milestone with the community that has made it all possible.”
Since adding its brewery in 1996, Bull & Bush Brewery has earned numerous awards at prestigious competitions, most recently:
- Gold Medal, 2 Silver Medals, and 3 Bronze Medals 2026 US Open Beer Championship
- Gold Award and Silver Award 2026 World Beer Cup
- Gold Medal 2025 Great American Beer Festival
- 2025 Grand National Champion and Brewery of the Year at the US Open Beer Championship
Bull and Bush Brewery is located at 4700 Cherry Creek Drive South in Glendale. For more information, visit www.bullandbush.com.
by Mark Smiley | Jul 23, 2026 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Leadership: Emagine Entertainment’s leadership team celebrates the opening of Emagine Parker, the company’s first Colorado theater and first location west of the Mississippi River. Pictured (left to right) are Chris Becker, Chief of Staff and Finance; Lauren Goldstein, Owner/Bookings; Jon Goldstein, Partner/Owner; and Melissa Boudreau, Chief Experience Officer. Photo courtesy of Emagine Entertainment
Emagine: Emagine Parker, located at 18625 Stage Run in Parker, is Emagine Entertainment’s first Colorado theater. The fully renovated, 32,000-square-foot entertainment destination features 10 auditoriums, including two premium large-format EMX theaters, luxury heated recliner seating, a full-service bar, expanded dining options, and state-of-the-art 4K projection with Dolby Atmos sound.
After more than 40 years of vacationing in Colorado, Jon Goldstein has finally brought a piece of his family’s business here.
The CEO of Northwoods Theater Group, an affiliate of Emagine Entertainment, recently opened Emagine Parker, the company’s first Colorado location and its first theater west of the Mississippi River. The former AMC theater at 18625 Stage Run has been transformed into a completely reimagined, 32,000-square-foot entertainment destination featuring luxury heated recliners, premium large-format EMX auditoriums, Dolby Atmos sound, 4K laser projection, a full-service bar, expanded food offerings and the company’s first self-ordering concession kiosks.
For Goldstein, opening in Colorado is more than a business decision. “I’ve been coming to Colorado since I was 16 years old,” said Goldstein. “My parents decided they were skiers, and they came out here one time. They came home and said, ‘We’re never going to Vermont again.’”
His family eventually bought a mountain getaway, his brother now lives in Edwards, and his daughter recently graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder. “We love the mountains,” Goldstein said.
The Parker theater had also been on his radar for years. Goldstein first considered purchasing the building in 2012 while AMC still operated the location. At the time, he wasn’t convinced his growing company had the infrastructure to operate another theater if necessary. After expanding through the acquisition of eight Minneapolis-area theaters in 2016, Emagine had the leadership team and operational experience to take on larger projects.
When the Parker property became available again about 18 months ago, Goldstein didn’t hesitate. “They asked me if I would do it, and I said yes, and that’s how I got here,” he said. Rather than simply reopening the theater, Emagine invested heavily in creating an experience that Goldstein believes today’s audiences are looking for.
“I don’t really compete with Netflix and HBO Max,” he said. “They’re in the home entertainment business. I compete with the Rockies or the Avalanche or going to Red Rocks or even just going to a restaurant.”
Luxury Seating: Every auditorium at Emagine Parker features luxury heated recliner seating, including spacious front-row recliners, along with immersive Dolby Atmos sound and state-of-the-art 4K projection. The theater’s redesigned interiors are intended to create a premium moviegoing experience that rivals any home theater.
Goldstein believes movie theaters must offer something people cannot get in their living rooms. “You have to upgrade the experience for people to make it great,” he said. “If you don’t make it great, they have other options, and they’re going to vote with their wallet.”
That philosophy is reflected throughout Emagine Parker. Every auditorium features heated luxury recliners, while guests can enjoy craft cocktails, beer, and wine from a full-service bar, an expanded food menu, and enhanced gathering spaces before and after the movie. The theater also serves as the launch site for Emagine’s first self-ordering kiosk system, designed to reduce concession wait times and improve the guest experience.
Although Emagine has grown into a regional chain, Goldstein said the company still thinks like a family-owned business. “We like to think of ourselves as a mom-and-pop company,” he said. “I still read every customer email for every single one of our theaters.”
His attention to detail extends even to popcorn containers. While many theaters use paper bags, Emagine serves popcorn in sturdy tubs to prevent butter from soaking through. “It’s just part of the experience,” Goldstein said.
Goldstein believes customers are willing to pay for quality if they receive value in return. “People nowadays are going to pay for whatever, as long as you deliver to them something that’s worth the price,” he said. “It’s about value more than anything.”
Despite years of predictions that streaming services would replace movie theaters, Goldstein never believed the industry was dying. “I’ve been in this business 25 years, and I’ve been told I’m going out of business for 25 years,” he said.
He believes the communal experience of watching a film together remains something streaming cannot replicate. “I always say the best effect of a movie is an audience,” Goldstein said. “You can share a laugh or a horror scene or a drama and cry. People like to do that with other people.”
Emagine officially opened to the public on July 1, after hosting a private preview benefiting HopeKids Colorado, raising support for families with children facing life-threatening medical conditions. Looking ahead, the company plans a second phase of development that will add a dedicated venue for local live music and performances, further expanding the theater’s role as a year-round entertainment destination.
Goldstein hopes movie lovers from across the Denver metro area will make the drive to Parker. “I hope they’ll come and check us out,” he said. “I think that we provide the best experience. We differentiate ourselves from the other theaters in town, and we just hope people appreciate that and will support us so that we can keep supporting the community.”
For more information, visit www.emagine-entertainment.com.
by Mark Smiley | Jul 23, 2026 | Main Articles
City Hall Pushes Sweeping Zoning Changes Despite Growing Opposition
by Mark Smiley
Once defined by tree-lined streets and neighborhood character, many Denver communities are now facing waves of dense apartment development. Critics call it overdevelopment that ignores residents’ concerns and forever changes the neighborhoods they chose to call home all in the name of “affordability.”
Denver’s next major political battle will not be over homelessness, crime, or downtown redevelopment. Instead, it will be fought block by block in neighborhoods where homeowners believe City Hall is preparing to rewrite decades of zoning policy with little assurance that the changes will actually make housing more affordable.
Mayor Mike Johnston’s administration continues to move forward with its Unlocking Housing Choices initiative, one of the most significant proposed overhauls of Denver’s residential zoning code in decades. The proposal would allow more duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and other forms of “middle housing” in neighborhoods that have traditionally been reserved for single family homes. City planners argue the changes are necessary to increase housing supply, improve affordability, and provide more housing options as Denver continues to grow.
Throughout 2026, the city has hosted public meetings, conducted financial studies, and worked with a 26-member advisory committee to refine the proposal before it reaches the Denver City Council. Officials describe the process as transparent and collaborative, saying community feedback is helping shape the final recommendations.
Many residents, however, remain skeptical.
An effort by the City of Lakewood to drastically alter single family zoning in the name of “affordability.” Lakewood went through a many month investigation to support its rezoning of the city to allow for more duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and other multi-family structures. It caused an uproar in the Lakewood and after months of litigation citizens rejected the rezoning in a city wide election by a wide margin earlier this year.
Homeowners across Denver argue that City Hall is using the housing crisis as justification to dramatically increase density in established neighborhoods without proving the changes will actually lower housing costs. Instead, they fear increased traffic, crowded street parking, additional pressure on aging infrastructure, and the gradual loss of neighborhood character that attracted families to these communities in the first place.
The skepticism is fueled by Denver’s recent track record. Over the past several
years, the city has expanded affordable housing programs, encouraged higher density development, and adopted new incentives intended to increase housing production. Yet home prices remain out of reach for many middle income families, while rents continue to strain household budgets.
That has led many residents to ask a simple question. If previous housing initiatives have not made Denver significantly more
affordable, why should homeowners believe another sweeping zoning overhaul will accomplish what earlier policies could not?
City officials respond that Denver simply has not built enough housing to meet demand. They also point to recent state housing legislation that encourages municipalities to expand housing opportunities and remove barriers to development. From the city’s perspective, increasing supply remains the best long term solution to improving affordability.
Critics argue the issue is not that simple.
Increasing density does not automatically create affordable housing. Developers build projects that make economic sense, and in many of Denver’s most desirable neighborhoods, newly constructed duplexes and townhomes often sell for prices approaching or exceeding $1 million. Replacing one expensive home with several expensive homes may increase inventory, but it does little to help teachers, police officers, firefighters, or young families purchase their first home.
Many neighborhood organizations also question whether public input is truly influencing the outcome. While City Hall continues to hold meetings and solicit feedback, some residents believe the administration has already decided to pursue higher density and is now focused primarily on determining how to implement the changes rather than whether they should occur at all.
Many Denver homeowners fear proposed zoning changes could permanently alter established neighborhoods such as Washington Park, Belcaro, and Hilltop by allowing higher density housing on lots currently occupied by single family homes.
The debate reflects a broader frustration with City Hall. Denver’s housing shortage developed over decades as population growth, rising construction costs, restrictive zoning, and policy decisions combined to reduce affordability. Now, many homeowners feel they are being asked to bear the burden of correcting those mistakes while receiving few assurances that the proposed changes will actually solve the problem.
There is little disagreement that Denver needs more housing. The real question is whether the city’s approach will deliver the affordability residents have repeatedly been promised.
Changing zoning regulations is relatively easy. Creating housing that working families can actually afford is far more difficult.
As Denver moves closer to adopting its recommendations, City Hall should recognize that homeowners are not simply resisting change. They are asking elected officials to demonstrate, with evidence rather than projections, that permanently changing established neighborhoods will produce measurable improvements in affordability.
Until that case is made, opposition to Denver’s zoning overhaul is unlikely to fade. For many residents, the debate is no longer about housing. It is about whether City Hall is asking neighborhoods to sacrifice their character without proving the promised benefits will ever materialize.
by Mark Smiley | Jul 23, 2026 | Glendale City News
by Mark Smiley
Storm Gloor
Glendale Mayor Pro Tem Storm Gloor has been elected to the Colorado Municipal League (CML) Executive Board, giving the city a stronger voice in statewide discussions on municipal policy and local government issues.
Gloor was elected during the Colorado Municipal League’s Annual Business Meeting on June 24, held as part of the organization’s 104th Annual Conference in Westminster. He joins a 21-member board responsible for overseeing the nonprofit organization’s finances, management, and policy direction while representing the interests of Colorado’s 270 member cities and towns.
His election places Glendale alongside leaders from communities across Colorado who help guide the League’s legislative priorities and advocacy efforts at the state Capitol.
The Colorado Municipal League plays a significant role in shaping legislation that affects local governments. According to the organization’s newly released 2025-2026 Annual Report, CML tracked 218 bills during the 2026 legislative session. The League successfully helped defeat 17 bills it opposed, secured amendments to 18 others, and saw 17 of the 30 bills it supported become law.
Gloor was one of five new members elected to the Executive Board. Others include Boulder Council Member Matthew Benjamin, Northglenn Mayor Pro Tem Shannon Lukeman-Hiromasa, Durango City Manager José Madrigal, and Centennial Mayor Pro Tem Amy Tharp.
Also elected to leadership positions for the 2026-2027 term were Golden Mayor Laura Weinberg as president, Breckenridge Council Member Carol Saade as vice president, and Parker Mayor Joshua Rivero as secretary-treasurer. Lone Tree City Manager Seth Hoffman will serve as immediate past president.
The Colorado Municipal League is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to serving and representing Colorado’s municipalities through advocacy, education, training, and legislative leadership. Gloor’s election gives Glendale direct representation on the organization’s governing board as it continues to address issues affecting cities and towns across the state.
