Find Fun, Flowers And Flurries

Find Fun, Flowers And Flurries

by | Jan 29, 2018 | Valley Gadfly

February is when we envision going skiing and curling up in front of the fireplace with hot chocolate. This month receives less snowfall than other winter months but the temperatures are similar . . . freezing! If there were ever a time for the coziness of quilts and the warmth of romance, it would be February. We give flowers to warm up our love.

Valentine month requires making love with chapped lips, cracked knuckles and at least five layers of clothes. February’s maximum temperature is just 41-51° Fahrenheit.

Here are our warm-hearted thawed-out choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to get your heart pulsating and turn those flutters into true coupledom:

3 “Piece of My Heart” made Janis Joplin one of the biggest female rock stars of her era. Take the one you love to the musical celebrating the singer at the Paramount Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.

3 Edgy-historic films at the Jewish Film Festival in the elegant Wolf Theatre are sure to make your heart flutter, Feb. 7-19. Information: 303-399-2660.

3 Take your sweetie to the over-the-top Chinese New Year’s Valentine fling in the McNichols Building Feb. 9, 6 p.m. Information: 303-817-8400.

3 Enjoy a dreamy dinner with music and dancing at the Hearts & Hope Gala Feb. 10 in the Four Seasons Hotel, 5 p.m. Information: 303-424-0313.

3 Here’s a loving thought: Learn how you can help — treat your loved ones to assisted living and memory care at Eastern Star Masonic Retirement Campus, devoted to their comfort, safety, enrichment and contentment. Information: 303-800-7023.

3 Switch things up this Valentine’s at Aurora’s steakhouse Salvage Restaurant offering a three course Prix Fix dinner Feb. 10-14. Add a Romance Package with roses, chocolates and a champagne toast. Information: 303-751-2112.

3 Join a Valley Valentine tradition enjoying the sweet sounds of Dakota Blonde in Swallow Hill’s Daniels Hall Feb. 11, 7 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.

3 Allow your love to blossom viewing colorful orchid blooms at Denver Botanic Gardens’ Orchid Showcase Feb. 19. Information: 720-865-3500.

3 Focus your attention, craving, euphoria and energy on your Valentine at this year’s Beaux Arts Bollywood Ball in the Hyatt Regency Convention Center Feb. 24, 6 p.m. The Bollywood film industry serves as the inspiration for an evening of music, dance performances and décor. The social gala is the local fundraiser benefiting National Jewish Health, the leading respiratory hospital in the nation. Information: 303-728-6546.

Poets, novelists and songwriters have described it in countless turns of phrase, but at the level of biology love is all about chemicals. The way you breathe seems to be stolen, floating away and leaving you with a sense of euphoria whenever you meet the gaze of your crush from across the room. It’s icy outside but you’re suddenly sweltering.

Love is a work of heart: William Shakespeare wrote, “Doubt thou the stars are fire, doubt that the sun doth move. Doubt truth to be a liar. But never doubt I love.”

Snowmen may never be anything but round, but the rest of us will slim down naturally in the cold weather. February is the time for comfort, good food, warmth and the touch of a friendly hand while sharing time by the fire. Be it warm or chilly, it’s time to party with your Valentine. Learn by heart: “Love is a flower you’ve got to let grow.”

— Glen Richardson

The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.

Tackling High Blood Pressure: What It Is And What You Can Do

Tackling High Blood Pressure: What It Is And What You Can Do

by | Jan 29, 2018 | Feature Story Middle Left

by Monica Heinrichs

High blood pressure: It’s something we all hear about so often it can start to lose its meaning — and its importance. But controlling it is essential to healthy living and even life or death, especially the older we get. Knowing your blood pressure, monitoring it, and taking steps to keep it in a healthy range is imperative. Here’s what you need to know and how the YMCA can help.

Understanding Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is what your body needs to circulate blood through the body for your tissues and organs to function properly. According to the American Heart Association, the systolic pressure happens when blood is pumped out of the heart and into the arteries. The diastolic pressure happens as the heart rests between heart beats. If blood pressure gets too high, it makes your heart work harder, which over time damages the arteries.

What’s worse: High blood pressure is known as a “silent killer.” This means you likely won’t feel it as it’s quietly causing damage.

Risk Factors

There are many reasons high blood pressure occurs, and that’s probably why it’s so common. Seventy-five million Americans have it — that’s 29% of the population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There are certain factors we can’t control. One is age. Your risk increases the older you get. Men are most at risk after age 45 and women after age 65. Also, high blood pressure is often hereditary. If your parents have it, there is a higher chance that you may have it too.

The good news is that high blood pressure is most often caused by things we can control:

• Being overweight: More of you = more of your blood. This gives your heart even more to do!

• Not being active: Besides contributing to being overweight, not exercising can make you have a higher heart rate, which also makes your heart work harder.

• Smoking: This raises your heart rate, and the chemicals found in tobacco also damage the artery walls.

• Too much salt: Sodium makes the body retain fluid, which increases blood pressure.

• Stress: Simply, stress raises blood pressure. And many people try to relieve stress by eating more and exercising less, which only increases the risk.

What You Can Do

To combat high blood pressure, first go to the doctor and get an accurate baseline reading. Normal “good” blood pressure is near 120/80 mm Hg. The number on top is the systolic pressure, and the number on bottom is the diastolic. If it’s high, start taking active steps to get it under control:

1. By all means, exercise. The recommended amount is at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity, combined with muscle-strengthening exercises at least two days a week.

2. Eat right. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy. Avoid saturated fat. Decrease salt — aim for less than 1,500 mgs a day.

3. Manage stress. Whether it’s meditation, deep breathing, or finding a hobby, do what you can to reduce stress. Exercise is a great option, and you’ll accomplish two things at once!

4. Monitor, monitor, monitor. Because blood pressure is silent, it’s important to actually take your blood pressure. This may mean checking it at home in addition to at the doctor’s office. Regular monitoring can help you know if your lifestyle changes are working, or whether you need to take further action.

5. Treat it with medications if necessary. There are many drugs available for treating high blood pressure, including diuretics, beta blockers, and enzyme inhibitors. Talk to your doctor about your options.

High blood pressure can be dangerous, but it’s something you can get in front of. Take the time to understand and track your health! After all, it’s your body, and you can’t trade it in for a new model.

Monica Heinrichs is the Health and Wellness Director at the Glendale Sports Center. She is originally from Wisconsin and is a Green Bay Packers fan. She is a certified Personal Trainer, Health Coach, and Group Fitness Instructor with eight years of experience working with all types of people toward their health and fitness goals.

Raptors Abroad: Coaching Staff Travels To England In Preparation For Inaugural Professional Season In Glendale

Raptors Abroad: Coaching Staff Travels To England In Preparation For Inaugural Professional Season In Glendale

by | Jan 29, 2018 | Glendale City News

by John Arthur
Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale

Legend has it that the game of rugby began in the United Kingdom nearly two centuries ago. Rugby has grown immensely in scope and popularity ever since. Consistently one of the most played and watched sports internationally, rugby has a substantial foothold in the United States as well, one that promises only to increase with the launch of the nation’s forthcoming professional league, Major League Rugby (MLR). Glendale, Colorado, has long been the focal point of rugby in America — home to highly skilled, championship-winning teams, site of the first rugby-specific stadium in the country, and now home to a founding member team in the new professional league: The Glendale Raptors.

Surrounding the Bath Rugby grounds, the City of Bath in the United Kingdom offers another layer of inspiration for the Glendale Raptors coaches.

Part of what makes Glendale’s Infinity Park such a special place for rugby is the organization’s commitment to retaining exceptional coaching staff. Sourced both nationally and from abroad, Glendale’s coaches are some of the best in the business. In December 2017, Glendale’s Director of Rugby Mark Bullock, and David Williams, head coach for the professional Raptors team, traveled to England to observe some of that country’s top teams and coaches. Knowing the level of support and professionalism rugby enjoys in England, Bullock and Williams endeavored to continue Glendale’s commitment to excellence in the sport by exploring the rugby environment in the U.K. — an effort they believe will improve the Raptors’ chances at success on the American professional rugby stage.

The purpose of the trip to England was multifaceted, with both Bullock and Williams fully immersing themselves in the European rugby scene, observing and interacting with established professional organizations. The Glendale duo took in Champions Cup matches, and visited with coaching and support staff from the London Irish, London Harlequins, and Bath Rugby teams. Coach Williams also met staff from the London-based Saracens Football Club, Bristol Rugby, and national strength and conditioning coaches. In addition to their work on increasing rugby knowledge in preparation for the upcoming MLR seaso

The Bath Rugby ticket office shows how well integrated the club is within the cultural fabric of this United Kingdom city.

n, Williams and Bullock were scouting hospitality at stadium venues, ticket sales, and sponsorship opportunities that could be implemented in Glendale. The Raptors are committed to continuing to create a fun, engaging, meaningful fan experience throughout the forthcoming professional season and beyond.

With the enormous success of Glendale’s Academy program last year, the trip also served as an exploration of how teams in the U.K. handle developmental organization and outreach to their local rugby communities. The Glendale Raptors Rugby Academy is an elite men’s development team for players under the age of 23 (U23). Designed as a feeder team for the professional MLR Raptors, the U23 squad enjoyed great success in 2017, with several players signed to play professionally. Although England’s academy programming presents boundaries of pay and other regulations controlled by the Rugby Football Union, Bullock reported that a number of usable techniques came from discussions with the English teams, knowledge he expects will benefit the Raptors programming. Additionally, Bullock noted an exciting potential exchange program between Glendale and Bath academy players, one that would allow Glendale’s players to improve their skills in the professional English Premiership environment, and provide the Bath squad with increased match opportunities in the U.S.

As part of their trip, and to experience as much of England’s professional rugby expertise as possible, Bullock and Williams attended practice sessions, coaches’ meetings, and sat in on Bath Rugby’s team building exercises. Bullock reported that the teams were quite welcoming: “Bath went out of their way to accommodate us and share their best practices. We were able to discuss their organization and their future plans with Director of Rugby Todd Blackadder and CEO Tarquin McDonald, and spent time talking about team culture and what it takes to be successful.” David Williams also noted that the English clubs, coaches, and players were both informed and curious about the professional league launching in the United States: “All the Premiership clubs were aware of MLR and of Glendale, and were welcoming and inquisitive about our Raptors team and the new professional league. That’s great to hear from these diehard rugby professionals, as eyes and ears are watching and listening worldwide.”

Given the sport’s long history in the United Kingdom, it should come as no surprise that both Bullock and Williams agreed that the fan engagement and response there, as compared to the United States, is considerably more robust — for now. Bullock described enjoying a pint with a few local Bath fans, longtime season ticket holders who were all in the team colors and talking up their squad’s chances to compete at a high level in 2018. Games were sold out, VIP boxes full, and an excited, electric atmosphere surrounded the grounds.

Williams summed up the trip, and the Raptors’ bright future in professional rugby, nicely: “Rugby is a major sport in the U.K. and has been for many years. We have a long way to go to gain the same footprint, but with the national CBS television coverage allowing rugby viewership across the country, and our loyal and growing Raptors fan base encouraging new fans to come to the stadium, we will show the United States the spectacle of the sport of rugby.”

As the first games of the Raptors inaugural professional season draw near, it is clear that the team’s leadership is fully prepared to continue its storied evolution, and to meaningfully engage an American audience.

Mayor Hancock’s Sad Sack Defense On Control By High Density Developers

Mayor Hancock’s Sad Sack Defense On Control By High Density Developers

by | Jan 29, 2018 | Editorials

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock can no longer escape the fact that many of the citizens of the Mile-High City are increasingly viewing him as bought and paid for by some of the worst high-density developers in the country. That reputation has become so prevalent that he and The Denver Post believed it had to be rebutted. The Denver Post has become so financially weakened that it is dependent for its survival on the municipal government.

The Post somewhat quietly abandoned its iconic building between the State Capitol and the City and County Building for unincorporated Adams County. The large building has been rented sub silencio by the municipality thereby saving the Post from having to close. Thus, the paper is no longer in the position to do anything but be a cheerleader for Mayor Hancock and Governor Hickenlooper, the prior mayor of Denver.

Under the heading “Is Denver Mayor Michael Hancock too friendly to developers? Here’s what he thinks,” reporter Jon Murray offered up an extended single soft ball question with no follow up. Murray noted that Hancock was “seen as developer friendly” and that “developers have donated heavily to your campaigns.” Noting that developers “are the ones who are savvy” and “the system kind of favors them” he asks whether there are “things that you plan to try to even the playing field for people who feel like developers are running this town.”

The approximately 500-word answer could be summed up as: No, I have no plans to even the playing field because (1) I am powerless and (2) back in 2011 Denver needed business development. He protested that “I would never sell my integrity — for anyone . . . . not just for me but for my family.” One wanted to ask how that squared with his administration starting off with claims he was a regular “John” for prostitutes working for “Denver Players/Denver Sugar” but no follow up questions were apparently allowed.

He noted secondly that people just didn’t “understand the process” and that “the mayor does not decide where development goes and does not engage in the permitting process. Someone may bring a design to me and I may offer an idea to them, but this is their project, and we stay out of it.”

Wow! It is clear that it is not the public that does not understand “the process” but it is Mayor Hancock who is utterly clueless how the system is supposed to work and how it really works. Assuming the “we” in the quote refers to is the government of the City and County of Denver the mayor is correct that under his aegis the city is little more than a rubber stamp for developers. He goes on, sadly, to note that in his mind all that needs to happen is for a developer see a market need and declares “we need the space.” Game over.

His Honor does not appear to understand that Denver, like virtually every other city in the country, actually has a “Zoning Code” as well as “Master Plans.” We understand he has never read them but it would be nice if he were at least vaguely aware of them. He might also be shocked to find out that there is a “Denver Community Planning and Development Department” headed up by an executive director (Brad Buchanan) and even an 11-member Denver Planning Board that must approve real estate projects before they go on to the City Council. He is apparently unaware that he appointed Mr. Buchanan, as well as each and every member of the Planning Board, and that they are all total developer cronies and hacks and Mr. Buchanan is himself a developer.

The Mayor also appoints members of dozens of board and advisory panels. They all have been systematically stripped of anyone who ever indicated any affinity to parks and open space or even suggests that Denver might want to do a little planning for parking or traffic.

We, of course, understand that he actually did not choose any of these people but they are chosen by Oakwood Homes CEO Pat Hamill and the boys and girls over at Colorado Concern who fund all of his election bids. Perhaps they have an autopen for his signature for all such appointments, so as not to overburden his Honor.

It is consistently rumored that Mayor Hancock spends most of his time when in his office watching ESPN and that his staff has had to put “parental controls” on his office computer to prevent him from going to sites like Ashley Madison.

If you found reading Michael Wolfe’s book Fire and Fury on how the Trump White House works depressing, the relatively short interview by Jon Murray with Mayor Hancock printed on December 12 is even worse.

The 19th century German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck is said to have noted that: “Laws are like sausages. It is better not to see them being made.” The Denver Post did all of Denver a disservice in showing us how Mayor Hancock and his city government actually operate. We all have had our fears, but apparently the reality is even more difficult to stomach.

Mayor Hancock is, of course, highly favored to be re-elected as mayor for a third term next spring. People really do get the government they deserve.

Editorial Board

Alert: Denver In Disaster Danger

Alert: Denver In Disaster Danger

by | Jan 29, 2018 | Main Articles

Denver Ranked Country’s Sixth Most Endangered City; Audit Finds City Isn’t Disaster Ready

by Glen Richardson

Sparking Fear: Winds and hot, dry weather spark fire danger that can change rapidly. The state’s largest — the Hayman Fire — killed five firefighters, destroyed 133 homes and burned 137,000 acres between Colorado Springs and Denver.

Tornado Alley: Denver has avoided a major tornado but in May 2008, just 59 miles north, the town of Windsor was declared a national disaster. The twister killed one and caused $125 million in damages.

Despite the horrific damage inflicted upon Houston, the Florida Keys and Puerto Rico by hurricanes last year, most Cherry Creek Valley residents think they’re relatively safe from Mother Nature compared to most major metro areas. Wrong: Five counties in Colorado — mostly along the urban corridor — are ranked as very high risks. Fact: Denver is the sixth most endangered major city in the country. Moreover, the likelihood for mass shootings, wildfires and terror attacks are equally likely here as anywhere.

To make matters worse the City of Denver is not prepared to continue non-emergency but mission-essential services in the event of a disaster. In a just released appraisal City Auditor Timothy M. O’Brien, CPA, found that insufficient guidance and training could mean a longer recovery period before city agencies restore vital services after a man-made or natural disaster.

Worst Case Scenario

“If the worst should happen, Denver needs to be ready to respond to keep city services going,” Auditor O’Brien warns. “If we faced an extreme weather event, pandemic, terrorist attack or another disaster, we’d need to know Denver could bounce back and continue serving its citizens.”

Non-emergency, mission-essential operations include a broad swath of services the city provides, ranging from assistance to vulnerable populations to services for citizens.

The audit looked at whether agencies had “continuity of operations” plans that would be effective in the event of an emergency. The pla

Wacky Weather: Drought combined with prolonged storms can create significant flooding as the Confluence Park photo and headline, above, from an old Rocky Mountain News [August 4, 1933] illustrate.

ns are created as a guid

e so each agency’s personnel know where to go and what to do in the case of an emergency. They are part of a greater “continuity of government” plan for Denver. Emergency services such as firefighters and police are not included in these plans. They are part of a separate emergency preparedness plan. Standards for effective continuity of operations plans are set by FEMA.

Front Line Flaws

After examining the operations of the Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security, as well as the Office of Human Resources, the audit concluded the city does not have proper planning in place to ensure mission-essential services are up and running after a disaster. For example, the city’s continuity of operations plan lacks critical and up-to-date information. Denver’s continuity of operations plans are incomplete or ineffective according to FEMA standards. These flaws could lead to time-sensitive performance and operation issues, causing increased costs and potential damage to city infrastru

cture, services and reputation.

Mission-essential functions include front-line, time-sensitive services. Many city agencies provide critical services for the health and well-being of some of Denver’s most vulnerable populations, including children who benefit from summer food and after-school meal programs. If a disaster took out everyday functions, everything from paperwork and permitting to other time-sensitive services could fail. This could also mean tax dollars would be wasted if city agencies were not able to do work in a timely manner.

The audit found 29 out of 69 agencies had not reviewed their plans in 2017. Of those 29, three agencies had not reviewed their emergency plan since 2001. Five agenc

ies did not have a continuity of operations plan at all. The audit also found there was no training for the agencies on how to write an effective plan.

Tone At Top

The Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security is supposed to collaborate with government agencies to help them prepare their continuity of operations plans, as directed by Executive Order 85. The order states all agencies should have these pla

ns. The Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security is supposed to provide sufficient guidance and training to ensure agencies have complete and effective plans. The agency is also intended to ensure the plans are kept updated.

While the executive order is not specific about when agencies should update their plans, the continuity of government plan and FEMA both recommend annual updates. “The Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security needs to set a tone at the top to encourage all agencies to make sure they are ready to keep working no matter what happens,” Auditor O’Brien suggests.

The office is primarily funded by federal grants. Recently more money has come from Denver’s general fund as federal funding decreases year after year. In total, the funding for the office continues to decrease. Specifically, the agency’s operating budget dropped from $5.1 million in 2015 to $3.8 million in 2017.

Prepare For Worst

The audit also found there might not be alternate facilities available for some agencies, which would leave employees without a designated place to continue working if they must leave their normal work spaces. The audit team also discovered Denver’s cloud-based continuity planning software contract lapsed for nearly three months. In that time, the files outlining plans to keep the government running could have been lost. Now, the cloud-based continuity of operations planning software is again under contract, but the auditor’s office recommends a review process to update the contract regularly and on time in the future.

Dark Theater Night: In July 2012 a gunman set off tear gas grenades and shot into the audience killing 12, injuring 70 others.

The audit also identified problems with user access and password setting for the continuity of operations software. The agency agreed to all eight of Auditor O’Brien’s recommendations, including training, regular plan updates and testing for continuity of operations plans.

Auditor O’Brien found that through stronger and more robust continuity of operations plans, agencies throughout the city will be better prepared to continue their operations, provide services and protect city data in the event of a disaster or disruption. The agency has already made significant progress in addressing the audit’s recommendations. “Disasters can cost billions of dollars and devastate lives,” Auditor O’Brien said. “It is important for Denver to be ready for the worst when its residents could need city services the most.”