by Mark Smiley | Apr 27, 2018 | Feature Story Middle Left
by Sandra Stratton-Rusch
Every day, people are wandering into Pilates studios, situating themselves on gliding tables, and experiencing a workout that leaves them refreshed and happy. What is this exercise and why is it becoming so popular?
First, taking the mystery out of Pilates
Many people are intimidated when they think of Pilates. There’s the strange table with springs and pulleys. There are moving components and straps of different lengths and widths. It can be unnerving.
In explanation, Pilates is a system of controlled movements on a specially designed apparatus. Participants position themselves on the chairs and tables, and use the pulleys and straps to pull their body weight, working and toning the entire body evenly. Created by Joseph Pilates, the method improves flexibility, builds strength, and develops control and endurance for a full-body workout.
That sounds positive and great. But what does that really mean? And why do people love it? The reasons are plenty!
- It strengthens and lengthens
Unlike traditional weight lifting, Pilates strengthens both the large muscles and the tiny muscles surrounding them. This lengthens the appearance of muscles and improves overall alignment. Imbalances go away, posture improves, and people actually feel taller.
- Pilates is fitness based, Not dance based
When Joseph Pilates’ contraptions were first being developed, they were discovered by dancers, who quickly realized that Pilates movements could both build strength and help them recover from injuries. Because of this, Pilates fell into the dance family, and as such, it’s been practiced in studios, it’s appealed to more women than men, and it’s often grouped with classes like Yoga or aerobics.
Since then, Pilates has evolved to become more of a means of fitness and athleticism. People are recognizing that it’s not just for dancers — it’s for all people who want to be fit.
- It’s easy to be consistent
With any fitness routine, it can be difficult to keep going, stay motivated, and not get burned out. In my 30 years of teaching Pilates, I can say that Pilates stands apart from other approaches. It’s an experiential exercise, which means you have to experience it to know what it’s like, and once you do, it’s easy to get hooked. People find it fun and invigorating. The movements are soothing and stress-relieving, and people work muscles — large and small — without realizing it.
- There are options — Mat or Reformer
Another thing people love about Pilates is that there are options in how the classes are offered. Pilates Reformer uses the power of the tables, chairs, and towers to guide people through the exercises and provide support for doing specific movements and stretches.
Pilates can still be practiced without the Reformer through Mat Pilates. Mat Pilates involves the same movements, just without the additional support of the equipment. Which one you pick is a matter of preference and budget. (At the YMCA, Pilates Reformer classes involve additional fees, whereas unlimited Mat Pilates classes are included with YMCA membership.)
- It makes people happy
Finally, the biggest reason people love Pilates is that it simply makes them happy. It alleviates pain and perfects imbalances. It aligns the mind and body and promotes better sleep. Pilates routines change regularly, so it continues to be a challenge. Yet it’s not a daunting workout that turns people away. I see it every day when I teach. People are happy to come to class, and even happier when they leave feeling healthier and taller!
For me personally, Pilates has helped me recover from a serious car/bike crash. And it’s helped me stay strong and fit throughout my adult life — I’m 65! I love to do it, I love to teach, and I love to share the power of Pilates with others. If you’ve ever considered giving it a try, do not let the tables and pulleys intimidate you. Come into a studio, and discover all the reasons you’ll love it too.
Sandra has been introducing people to the benefits of Pilates for over 25 years. She is a Certified Precision Nutrition Coach, Certified ACE Personal Trainer, and Certified PMA Pilates Instructor. Sandy teaches at the Littleton Family YMCA.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 27, 2018 | Glendale City News
by John Arthur
Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale
Glendale Raptors Lock Ben Landry powers through the Austin Elite defense as he aims to score a try with back row player Connor Cook in support. (Photo by Seth McConnell)
Under cloudy skies and with intermittent rain and snow, the Glendale Raptors hosted Austin Elite Rugby at Infinity Park for both teams’ inaugural professional match on Saturday. The typically fickle spring weather in Colorado didn’t dampen the spirits of either team, with both displaying the high-level competition and poise that will be a mainstay of professional rugby in the United States. With temps in the high 30s throughout the first half, the inaugural season of professional rugby got underway. The season-opening game of the week, Saturday’s match was broadcast live on CBS Sports Network.
The Raptors Fan Zone, a tailgate-style party that begins two hours before kickoff, was also full and swinging despite the weather. The first thousand fans through the doors even received a free gift. Those in attendance had to split their time between a number of popular activities: the young and young-at-heart had their faces painted and got temporary Raptors tattoos, as well as enjoying trying their hand at the rugby toss game.
Fans of all ages looked on in wonder at the real birds of prey brought by special guests HawkQuest to further the Raptor-themed activities, interacting with eagles, hawks, and owls at close range. A highlight of their visit was the outstretched and nearly six-foot wingspan of a mature bald eagle, spread gracefully during the National Anthem. A professional photo booth also meant that fans could memorialize the historic day.
A young rugby supporter enjoyed face painting during the pre-game Fan Zone at Infinity Park before kick off of Major League Rugby between the Glendale Raptors and Austin Elite. (Photo by Seth McConnell)
Boggy Draw Brewery’s tent was a popular stop as well, fans enjoying the local craft suds while washing down empanadas from Lazo Foods and wraps from the California Wrap Runner food truck. With the Raptors official sports performance partner Arcanum on scene to share their unique product line, and DJ RIPM spinning tunes, the excitement for kickoff began to build.
In the opening moments of the match two Raptors players were shaken up, a portent of the hard, aggressive play that would characterize the day. Austin was issued a yellow card 10 minutes in, but the Glendale side was unable to capitalize on the advantage. The Texas side drew first blood, touching down for five points 14 minutes in, and converting to take an early 7-0 lead: the points would prove the only ones Austin would put up in the opening half. Raptors flyhalf Will Magie converted a penalty attempt 21 minutes in to cut into the Austin lead. Plenty of penalties were seen throughout the day, as the two teams felt out their debut on the professional stage. Austin made its own penalty attempt at 30 minutes in, but was unable to convert.
The Fan Zone wasn’t the only place jumping for the Raptors home opener. The team’s VIP area was completely sold out, packed with longtime fans, members of the Raptors owners group, and anyone looking for Infinity Park’s royal treatment. The Raptors media room was also full, the season opener for Major League Rugby having attracted local and regional news personnel by the dozens, including longtime Denver news anchor and local celebrity Tom Green. The team’s new mascot, Rudi the Raptor, seemed to pop up all o
Glendale Raptors back row player John Quill takes the ball into contact against Austin Elite during opening day for Major League Rugby on April 21, 2018 at Infinity Park. (Photo by Seth McConnell)
ver Infinity Park on Saturday: dancing in the stands, giving high fives, patrolling the Fan Zone, and posing for photos. The O’Brien Rugby Shopping Maul was also packed to the rafters, with official Raptors merchandise flying off the shelves and into the waiting arms of excited fans, new and old.
Glendale responded to the initial Austin try in the 32nd minute, with a try of their own by back row Connor Cook — the conversion after by Will Magie seeming to give the Colorado squad new life. Rallying powerfully late in the first half, Raptor back row John Quill found the try zone at 37 minutes, converted again by Will Magie to increase the Glendale lead. Raptors Head Coach David Williams noted that the team seemed to gain momentum as the game progressed: “Once we gained some pressure through multi-phase attack and created opportunities, we did well. We let ourselves down a bit in the first half, giving Austin the ball back in easy territory.” Playing into injury time, veteran Raptors lock Ben Landry touched down for more points in the 41st minute. Magie went into the break perfect on kick attempts, giving the Raptors a 24-7 advantage at the break.
Official Raptors sponsors attended the game en masse, enjoying the atmosphere of the team’s professional debut. Official credit union Westerra had representatives on site, encouraging fans to open a Raptors VISA card the next time they stop by a branch, as were ambassadors for the team’s official hotel, Hampton Inn & Suites. Not just in the Fan Zone, Arcanum Sports Performance stayed on to watch the Raptors do battle with Austin as well, informing curious fans about their line of products. One of the team’s newest sponsor partners, historied distiller Tullamore Dew, hosted a tasting station where VIPs could sample their blended Irish whiskey.
The Raptors looked in form entering the second half, with fullback Maximo de Achaval touching down a try four minutes in. Magie converted to put the team up 31-7. Glendale’s Harley Davidson, who plays both winger and fullback, found the try zone again at 47 minutes, and with the successful conversion, further extended the Raptors lead. A minute later, the Raptors would lose Ben Landry for the remainder of the match, as he was red carded for a dangerous tackle. Austin capitalized on the penalty, finding the try zone at 52 minutes and converting to cut into the Glendale lead. The Texas team would put more points up at 59 minutes, converting to bring the match within striking distance.
A missed penalty kick by Will Magie in the 64th minute kept things even, and a flurry of penalties in the minutes that followed saw Austin again knocking on the door. The rough and tumble match again came to a head 72 minutes in, when Raptor Connor Cook was red carded for a tackle the ref deemed too dangerous. A yellow card on Raptor prop Kelepi Fifita just two minutes later would further Austin’s numbers advantage, meaning the Glendale side would finish the match three men down. Austin touched down for five in the 75th minute, but missed the conversion, bringing the score to 38-26 in Glendale’s favor. With time quickly running out, the Raptors secured victory off the foot of Will Magie. Burning precious seconds, Magie converted a penalty attempt to push the
The Glendale Raptors secure possession at a lineout in front of their home crowd at Infinity Park against Austin Elite Rugby during the opening Major League Rugby match. (Photo by Seth McConnell)
Raptors advantage to 41-26 in the 80th minute, sealing the team’s first professional win.
Raptors Assistant Coach Ted Browner was happy with the victory: “It was great to get the win. Austin brought the physicality and that was a great wake up call for us. We’re all excited about the remaining season.”
Raptors Head Coach David Williams was also glad to secure the early season win, though acknowledged that conditions were not ideal: “Weather was an issue and both teams had to play to the conditions,” he said. “Once we stuck to our game plan and forced Austin to kick the ball back to us, we gained some momentum and turned it into points.” John Quill was named Man of the Match, the veteran back row man looking composed in his first professional Major League Rugby match. A longtime Raptor, Quill holds 25 USA Eagles caps. The Raptors second game of the regular season will see the team on the road, traveling to Seattle to take on the Seawolves in a sold-out Starfire Stadium on April 28 at 8:30 p.m. Mountain Time. The match will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
Throughout the inaugural MLR season, CBSSN will broadcast the game of the week, with AT&T Sports or Cox Communications broadcasting non-game of the week matches along with ESPN+. Check out the complete regular season schedule, and purchase tickets to the rest of the home matches at Infinity Park. Be sure to follow the team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 27, 2018 | Travel
Scholarships Will Help Fund YMCA Summer Camp Programming
by Mark Smiley
Finding high-quality, affordable childcare can be a challenge for any family. Every year, the YMCA of Metro Denver serves more than 2,700 children in summer day camps as a leading child services provider. By offering scholarships to those in need, parents have found a safe, nurturing environment without the high price tag.
In 2017, the YMCA distributed over $750,000 in scholarships across the metro area. This year in Glendale alone, the YMCA estimates they will award $30,000 in scholarships for child care at the Glendale Sports Center. For one working father, these scholarships have been invaluable to his family.
“The Y offers a helping hand when you need it,” said Jdell Garner, father to 9-year-old Rosa Garner, who attends YMCA summer camp and after school programming at the Glendale Sports Center. “The extra funding has been a blessing. Without them doing that, Rosa wouldn’t be here.”
YMCA summer camps feature field trips, fun physical activities and educational weekly themes which allow kids to learn, play and thrive in a secure environment. Rosa Garner said, “I look forward to being here and I feel safe at the YMCA.”
Since enrolling Rosa in childcare at the Y nearly five years ago, Garner has noticed a change in her character. He said, “Rosa is learning how to be a leader and a young adult when she’s at the YMCA. She interacts with supervisors, stays organized and welcomes new kids.
He continued, “It’s a very uplifting experience to have her here. She normally comes home very happy and as long as she’s happy, I’m happy.”
The YMCA is recognized as a leader in childcare not only for the safe environment but the imaginative activities that nurture a child’s spirit, challenge their minds and strengthen their bodies. There is also a strong sense that anyone and everyone is welcome and respected.
“The YMCA of Metro Denver believes everyone should have the opportunity to participate in YMCA membership and programs regardless of their ability to pay,” said Nicole Limoges, Executive Director of the YMCA Sports Branch and Glendale Sports Center at Infinity Park. “Luckily, we are able to provide the amount of financial assistance we do because of the generosity of our donors.”
The YMCA of Metro Denver manages the Glendale Sports Center, a state-of-the-art fitness facility featuring programs that support physical, intellectual and spiritual strength. Glendale summer camp scholarships go quickly each year. Limoges recommends applying for 2019 programming in early February. For more information on child care at the Glendale Sports Center managed by the YMCA, visit www.denver ymca.org/glendale/child-care-day-camps.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 27, 2018 | Feature Story Bottom Left
I have often said that the internet has done more to divide and enrage us as a society than most people probably anticipated when Al Gore created it. The power of social media can be great when we get constant feeds of kittens playing with giant balls of twine, but usually it’s just people screaming about guns, Trump, the police and how cruise ships are filled with dangerous viruses. Honestly can anyone tell me that we are truly better off with the internet than we were before it? We are a bunch of whining, celebrity-obsessed, political junkies who use this little handheld device to try to convert those who have opinions different than our own, and we wield this power with extreme prejudice.
BUT, and this is a big BUT, there are a few AWESOME things that have emerged from the internet cesspool. In my opinion the very best thing the internet and our cell phones have given us are ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft. These apps have allowed so many people access to fast, reliable, cheap transportation that didn’t previously exist in cities like Denver, Des Moines or Detroit.
Sure, if you live in Manhattan or Chicago there are taxis everywhere (if they are willing to pick you up), but in most cities the wait for a taxi can be too long and the prices too arbitrary. Uber/Lyft have an ingenious product that allows us to quickly get a ride, allows us to know who the driver is before the car arrives (and how other passengers have rated the driver), and even lets us know the price before we order the ride.
Plus it allows people who need full or part-time work an opportunity to make some money on a schedule that works for them. Unlike taxi drivers, Uber/Lyft drivers know who they are picking up and they can decide based on the passenger rating if they even want to pick them up. While it is not a perfect system, it has significantly reduced the amount of DUIs we have seen in our office as many people would prefer an easy, cheap ride compared to an expensive, life-changing DUI. This is technology working for us in a self-contained system that makes sense and is easy to use and understand. Hooray Uber/Lyft!
However, the influx of paid drivers on the roads has not been without the drawbacks. While our law firm has seen a decrease in DUIs (That’s a Good Thing!) we have seen an increase in automobile accidents that occur where our clients are either passengers in an Uber/Lyft, have been hit by an Uber/Lyft driver, or are Uber/Lyft drivers themselves and have suffered injuries.
So, the question we are often asked is: “Can I file a claim against Uber/Lyft for these injuries?” And the answer is absolutely YES. In fact, Uber/Lyft acts just like any other business. These are massive companies with significant liability insurance policies in case you have suffered a bad injury (as a passenger or while driving your own car). In addition, and this is critical, you can still use your own medical payment coverage on your auto policy to help defray the costs of medical expenses while the case is resolving.
Further, in catastrophic injury claims your own underinsured/uninsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can also work in conjunction with Uber/Lyft’s coverage to maximize your recovery. As I’ve stated many times before, when discussing automobile insurance, the best investment you can make for yourself and family is to purchase as much UM/UIM coverage as possible through your own auto policy. Trust me. I’m not an insurance broker, I don’t make a penny if you buy more insurance, but I have seen the effects of what happens when insurance brokers don’t do their jobs correctly. Remember: Purchase the maximum medical payment coverage and maximum UM/UIM coverage available.
If you are an Uber/Lyft driver you might need help too. We have represented many of you who were injured by another careless driver and you have the right to recover for your injuries. Be aware that your own personal automobile policy may NOT offer you the same medical payment or UM/UIM benefits if you were driving your car for Uber/Lyft at the time of the accident.
Automobile insurance carriers are getting smarter (and cheaper) and they don’t want to act as your worker’s compensation in the event of a workplace accident. It’s important you understand your coverages in the event you are involved in a catastrophic accident. The worst time to find out you have bad insurance coverage is after the accident has already occurred. And don’t think for a second that Uber/Lyft will pay you work comp benefits if injured, this is usually an add-on you need to have purchased through the company.
So, to the thousands of you using Uber/ Lyft in the Denver metro area I say good job! Way to be responsible. The other drivers who are busy tweeting obscenities, smoking weed or taking selfies never think about how their bad decisions could ruin another person’s life. For all the bad the internet has given us it’s nice to have a few products out there that make a real difference in our lives. But if you are involved in an accident in any fashion with an Uber/ Lyft driver (or a taxi cab for that matter) you have options and we would be happy to help you! Now you can resume your normal internet surfing.
Danny is a managing partner of Foster, Graham, Milstein & Calisher (FGMC). His practice focuses on personal injury. The law firm of FGMC, located in Cherry Creek, is a full service law firm focusing on: criminal defense, personal injury, real estate, litigation, liquor licensing, construction law, tax/estate planning, bankruptcy and zoning. This article does not create an attorney-client relationship and is for informational use only (what do you expect from an attorney!)
Danny Foster, Esq.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 27, 2018 | Editorials
The most recent scandals of Mayor Michael Hancock involving his sexual harassment of Police Detective Leslie Branch-Wise and the payoffs to hide his actions with taxpayer funds, have raised the uncomfortable question of exactly what function does the 13-member City Council actually serve?
The City Council costs Denver taxpayers millions every year. The individual Council members annually make $91,197 with City Council President bringing in $102,197. They recently gave themselves a 10.3% raise to be phased in. In addition, they have a plethora of generous government perks and benefits. Each has his or her own paid assistant as well as a generous allowance for an office. But that is just the tip of the iceberg with an entire staff for the City Council as a whole, travel benefits and the list goes on and on.
What do we the citizens get for all that money? It appears to be virtually nothing. The City Council simply rubber-stamps almost every high-density development brought before them from the Community Planning and Development Department, notwithstanding the pleas and howls of residents from across the city.
Yes, we have a so-called “strong mayor” form of government in Denver but it is not technically yet a dictatorship, although a majority of the City Council seem to treat it as such. While claiming that the City Charter gives them little power, the Council a few years back gave up its role in overseeing the parks and open space in the City and County of Denver. As a result, the Mayor has destroyed or monetized park after park from City Park to Hentzell Park to Overland Park and on and on.
In theory, under the City Charter the City Council appropriates all money to run the city, passes or changes laws and investigates wrong doing by various city officials. In fact, it performs none of those functions. The mayor prepares the budget and doles out small favors to individual council members in return for passing the budget and then rubberstamps all expenditures thereafter. No meaningful legislation has been passed for years other than changing the zoning laws to make them ever friendlier to high density developers.
The joke of the investigative powers of the City Council were on full display regarding Detective Leslie Branch-Wise. Councilman Rafael Espinoza wrote a confidential letter demanding an investigation into the sexual harassment by the mayor, which was leaked to the press. The City Council first declined to investigate saying they didn’t want to re-victimize Ms. Wise-Branch. When Branch-Wise in fact demanded that they investigate and have open hearings they then stated that the City Attorney, who is controlled by the mayor, told them they can’t. Well that was easy.
In the last City Council election in 2015 we strongly endorsed Wayne New, Paul Kashmann and Rafael Espinoza. Each of them overcame long odds and all of the money of lobbyists and high-density developers and pulled upset victories. Each of them has regularly voted against the worst of the high-density developments and the destruction of open space and parks.
They are, of course, a minority of three in a 13-person council. But it is not sufficient to simply be the “vote of the people” but they needed to be the “voice of the people” and in that regard they have abysmally failed. Given their mild if not meek personalities they raise not one peep about the destruction of the city and the quality of life for its citizens. There is no public opposition in the public arena by any of them to any of the worst of the worst of the mayor’s and his administration’s actions.
Of course, while we have a strong mayor form of government, Mayor Hancock is anything but a “strong mayor” and in fact he is a total “empty suit” or more accurately an “empty workout outfit.”
Perhaps we should amend the City Charter and convert the government to one run by a High Commission. One person would be designated to it by the Brownstein Law Firm, one from the lobbying firm of CRL Associates, two from the crony capitalist executives comprising Colorado Concern with the High Commission rounded out with three high density developers. That way at least when Denver citizens petition the Denver government to address their grievances they are talking to people who could actually get something done. We would finally have that “open, honest and transparent” Denver government that Mayor Hancock spouts off about ad nauseum.
In the meantime, the 13 City Council members will continue to draw their soon to be six figure salaries while doing absolutely nothing other than ignoring the voices of citizens who still bother to go to City Council meetings having not yet heard that they are talking to little more than cardboard figures placed behind a large dais in the ornate Denver City Council Chambers. The High Commission form of government comprised of the real powers to be in Denver sounds reasonable in comparison and would be a lot less expensive for all involved.
— Editorial Board
