by Mark Smiley | Nov 19, 2018 | Glendale City News
by John Arthur
Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale
Infinity Park Event Center is no stranger to orchestrating talent and production during events, but is now conducting its own Glendale Throwdown Showdown Talent Show. (Photo by Seth McConnell)
The Infinity Park Event Center will host a talent showdown this December, celebrating a decade of elevated events and bringing three nights of exceptional entertainment to the Front Range. General Manager Bobbi Reed says that while the landmark anniversary is certainly significant for the venue, the Throwdown Showdown is less about the Event Center’s 10-year birthday and more about producing an in-house event that will not just showcase the venue itself, but also provide exposure to a broader audience: “We wanted to do an event here that we produced, since typically we’re acting solely as a venue. We wanted to build on the brand that we’ve cultivated in the last 10 years,” she said. “This gives us an opportunity to expose the Event Center to a different audience — maybe folks that haven’t been here for a non-profit fundraiser or a corporate meeting or even a rugby game. It gives us a chance to expand our exposure; and doing that through something that is entertaining and fun is good for us and the audience.”
Working with Imprint Events, a national event planning organization with offices in Colorado, Las Vegas, and Florida, Infinity Park’s Talent Showdown will take place December 10-13, capitalizing on the same competition model as that of the seemingly endless popularity of recent television programming like American Idol, The Voice, America’s Got Talent, and others. Imprint organizes events for hundreds of clients annually, and has connections to the high-end talent, recruiters, and promoters that will make the year-end event at Infinity Park a smash for audience members. Reed notes that recruiting call-outs began in early November, and are open to any number of disciplines, ranging from dance troupes to comedians, magicians to bands — among others.
The talent shows themselves will be held in Infinity Park Events Center’s 8,600 square foot International Ballroom, a space with accommodations for any number of performance types. In addition to elegant venue space, the ballroom includes state-of-the-art audio-visual capabilities, including unique 360-degree surround screens, LED lighting, and in-house audio production. With capacity for 1,200 guests, there is never a bad seat in the ballroom. Reed expects that the Talent Showdown will likely become an annual event, and that the multi-day organizational model is designed specifically to build excitement for a crowd that might not typically find themselves at Infinity Park: “It’s all about spreading the brand. We don’t typically produce events, we’re more like real estate for rent, so this is an opportunity for us to put something on that will reflect positively on Infinity Park, on Glendale. This is something that we want to do for many years,” she said. “This is a chance for people to come and do something fun. It gets lots of people in here to see something different. We’re expecting some top-notch performers: the entertainment won’t be just the competition, but the acts themselves.”
Competition will consist of nine unique preliminary acts on each of the opening nights, with audience members deciding finalists via a mobile app designed specifically for the event. Ticket sales launched in early November, and everyone interested can visit the Infinity Park Event Center website to purchase. Multi-night tickets are available for a special rate. What’s at stake for participating talent contestants is considerable. Exposure through the wide-ranging web and social media reach of Infinity Park is perhaps the largest draw, but the likely presence of recruiters and talent scouts will only further that chance at exposure. All contestants selected to compete on finals night will be awarded nominal prizes, and the top three performers will receive additional prizes, some including cash.
Guests have a lot to look forward to. In addition to 18 separate acts over the first two nights, an additional showdown for the finals, exposure to regional talent, and available food and drink at one of Colorado’s premier entertainment venues, first-time attendees will get to experience three evenings of fun at Infinity Park Event Center. For a closer look at what Infinity Park has to offer, for updates on the talent participating in December’s Throwdown Showdown, and to purchase your tickets for the event, visit http://infinityparkeventcenter.com.
Please send audition tapes, bios and photos to auditions@imprintgroup.com. Questions? Call 303-623-1492 for more information. Application deadline Wednesday, November 21.
by Mark Smiley | Nov 19, 2018 | Editorials
Jamie Giellis
The 2018 statewide elections in Colorado are over. While a blue wave may not have occurred nationwide it certainly did happen in the Centennial State. Republicans not only didn’t win the governorship it lost all statewide offices it held including Attorney General, Secretary of State and Treasurer by wide margins. In Denver all the sales tax hikes were approved as prognosticated in our August 2018 editorial. Statewide the voters shot down new taxes for education and roads although Denver voters likely would have approved both.
We Denverites love our taxes, perhaps reflecting the fact that Denver is home to a very significant number of federal, state and local employees. But we also demand value for our money which many feel we are not getting from our governing city government. Neighborhoods are being destroyed with inappropriate and endless high-density projects, parking downtown has become an arduous chore at times and our roads are increasingly jammed with no relief in sight.
It would appear that many citizens of Denver have had it with Michael Hancock who is viewed as a clueless puppet of high-density developers. The publicity of the mayor’s sexual harassment of police officer Leslie Branch Wise, and his use sub silencio of taxpayer money to pay her off, has been the last straw for many in the city.
Four years ago, not a single person qualified for the ballot to oppose Hancock’s re-election. The situation has dramatically changed today with at least three highly qualified candidates willing to take on his Honor. Last month we identified two of those individuals — Penfield Tate and Lisa Calderon. Since then another highly qualified candidate has entered the ring — Jamie Giellis.
Giellis, age 41, is the president of the River North Art District. She has b
Large scale apartment project on Speer Boulevard.
een identified by The Denver Post as an important force in the development of RiNo, South Pearl Street and the Golden Triangle in her role as founder of Centro which specializes in urban planning.
Urban planning is exactly what has been sadly lacking for the last eight years as can be seen by the virtual destruction of what was one of Denver’s most scenic roadways — Speer Boulevard. Massive condo and apartment buildings crowd the roadway with no setback and totally devoid of any open areas and trees.
As Giellis correctly noted: “A broad vision for Denver is missing and the current mayor has been responding to, and not necessarily planning for, all the issues that come along with quickly growing urban areas.”
As far as we are concerned the more qualified candidates for mayor the better. Under Denver’s Charter if no person reaches the 50% level in the first round of voting there is a runoff between the top two candidates.
It is not that Hancock will be easy to defeat. Those that control the mayor have been raising large sums of money for his re-election, from the high-density developers and other lowlifes that have been raping Denver for fun and profit for years. But the voters of Denver may, at long last, have become disenchanted with Harasser-in-Chief and all the money in the world will hopefully not save him.
by Mark Smiley | Nov 19, 2018 | Feature Story Middle Left
by Libby Barrett
Stress during the holidays is common. In fact, it’s even expected. But it’s not something people should just accept. Stress anytime of the year should be held at bay. Here’s what you can do to take the season in stride.
The Effects Of Holidays
It first helps to understand why stress is so rampant this time of year. The American Psychological Association reports that the stress of the holidays has three main culprits: money, time and commercialism.
People feel pressure to give gifts while at the same time not overspending or going in debt. Additional stress comes from growing pressures to shop, wrap, plan meals, and prep for celebrations. Feelings of loneliness can also increase this time of year.
During the holidays and year-round, it’s important to get a handle on this stress. This is because when we’re under stress, our bodies release cortisol and other stress hormones, which can negatively affect our health. Further,
the Mayo Clinic explains that long-term stress can lead to anxiety, depression, digestive problems, headaches, heart disease, sleep problems, weight gain, and memory and concentration impairment.
To counter these risks, these six strategies can help.
Stay active. Physical exercise is known to relieve stress. Research shows it stimulates the production of endorphins and enkephalins, which are the body’s natural feel-good hormones. Based on this, as time-crunched as the holidays may seem, it is important to stick with your exercise routine.
Grab a buddy and go to a class together, which will also combat feelings of isolation that can increase around the holidays. Also, when shopping, park your car far from the entrance so you’ll get some extra steps in. If you’re going out of town, research exercise options where you’ll be. Many gyms do trial or out-of-town packages. Or find some fun exercise routines online that don’t require a gym or equipment.
Don’t over commit. Remember that saying no doesn’t make you a scrooge. If you have to decline a few party invites, it’s okay! During the holidays, it’s important to make time for you. Take care of yourself and family by maintaining your routine as much as possible and getting plenty of rest.
Set a budget. Before you start shopping, establish how much you truly have to spend on gifts and adhere to your budget. It can be easy to get carried away with lavish last-minute presents, but keep in mind it’s the thought that counts. Expenses quickly add up and can create stress going into the new year, especially if you’re holiday shopping on credit.
Stay hydrated. During the holidays, alcohol is often the beverage of choice at many events. While a festive cocktail can take off the stress initially, overindulging can lead to dehydration. Be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and drink alcohol responsibly.
Try yoga. Yoga is an ancient mind-body practice that focuses on connecting breath with movement, which studies say can engage the parasympathetic nervous system and promote relaxation, digestion, and a sense of calm. And yoga may help reduce stress and anxiety, while enhancing mood and overall wellbeing.
You don’t have to be a master Yogi to try this beneficial exercise. There are classes for all levels and skillsets, and some that don’t even require floor work.
Practice gratitude. Finally, when you’re feeling stressed, try to think of four or five things that you’re grateful for. Experts say cultivating gratitude is one of the best ways to improve emotional well-being and increase satisfaction and happiness. Especially during the consumerism of the holidays, take the time to slow down, reflect on what you have, and be grateful.
This holiday season, relax and focus on peace and happiness. Stay in the moment and try to keep a handle on stress.
Libby is a certified yoga and group fitness instructor and holds specialty certifications in Barre, Silver Sneakers, and BodyPump. She always incorporates cross-training to improve total health and wellness. Her goal is to help everyone love their body while building strength and confidence.
by Mark Smiley | Nov 12, 2018 | Feature Story Bottom Left
Density vs. The Neighborhood Balancing Affordable Housing And Community Safety
by Amanda Sawyer, Candidate for Denver City Council, District 5
All eyes have been on the November elections, but now the focus shifts to May 2019, when Denver will choose who should fill the 15 spots that will make up our next Mayor, City Council and County Clerk. There are already 45 candidates running for those 15 positions, so you can tell people in Denver are not happy with the current leadership. And the biggest issue on everyone’s mind is affordable housing.
When it comes to the cost of living in Denver, we are a city in crisis. Historically, “affordable housing” is defined as one third of average median income. This is a particularly big deal in neighborhoods with high incomes, because middle income earners like teachers and first responders can’t afford to live there. And there are not enough local housing options for retirees on fixed incomes when they are ready to cash out of their homes and move. We need more affordable housing, especially in these neighborhoods. But where should it go? And, what are the other unintended consequences such as traffic and infrastructure issues?
City planners will tell you that the solution is to build high-density developments along transit corridors. We have already seen this in East Denver in developments like 9th & Colorado and Boulevard One. The problem with this solution is the streets that the City considers to be “transit corridors.”
Let’s look at Holly Street. It is considered a transit corridor, so planners want to add density there. To be fair, there may be places on Holly where added density could work. But to make a blanket generalization that all of Holly Street — a two lane road that runs through neighborhoods filled with families, small businesses and schools — should be developed because the City considers it a transit corridor? That doesn’t make sense.
Take, for example, the Green Flats proposal, on Holly between Cedar and Alameda. The design is attractive, and I appreciate the developer’s attention to green building. He has also been generous with regards to privacy, setbacks, and the number of parking spaces. In another location, this is an excellent project. But, it’s not a good fit for this particular block.
The current development plan provides for 35 parking spaces, accessed solely via the alley that runs from Alameda to Cedar. There are approximately 11 vehicles using that space now, so this would add 24 cars. According to neighbors, the southern entrance to the alley is dangerous because people drive Alameda at high speeds and the alley isn’t clearly visible. They already have to wait for a red light at Alameda and Holly before they can pull out. Their other option is to use the northern entrance to the alley at Cedar between Hudson and Holly. The businesses on that block offer amenities specifically to draw families to the location, so there are always kids at that entrance. The bike racks and cornhole games are located no more than 20 feet from the alley that would be the only vehicle access to this development. It’s already a dangerous situation and 24 more cars will make it worse.
Adding more cross-traffic at Cedar and Holly is also a bad idea. There is no logical way to put a stoplight at this intersection. It would cause a bottleneck that would back up northbound traffic on Holly down onto Alameda and Leetsdale. The City already acknowledged there is essentially no solution to this problem when it installed a flashing crosswalk at this intersection. I’ve personally seen multiple people almost killed in that crosswalk. The proposed development and the additional 24 more cars it will bring to this already highly congested area don’t make sense.
Holly will also be virtually unusable dur-ing the construction phase of this project. While that is temporary, it will force drivers to use the neighborhood streets as our main north-south roads. This will create a safety risk for the neighborhood kids, especially on streets like Fairfax and Dahlia that connect Alameda to 6th Avenue. And, remember, this project is proposed three blocks from the playground of a Denver Public Elementary School which families with young children use every day as their main entrance to the school grounds.
In addition to traffic and safety issues, the proposed development has had the unfortunate effect of driving out other residents. One neighbor has already moved. The property immediately to the south is for sale. Other neighbors have told me they will move if the project is approved. In this case, even the beginning proposal stage has already caused at least two residents to leave the neighborhood, which is a shame.
Finally, I’m concerned that this developer wants to seem like he’s compromising without actually compromising. I experienced this attitude personally while researching the Green Flats project. and I’m not alone. When concerns about the project size were brought up in mediation, the developer’s concession was to lower the number of units from 27 to 23. This seems like a fair compromise; except as I understand it, he intends to combine units that were originally designed as single units into larger units with more bedrooms. If true, this would lower the officially measured density of the project without actually altering its size. As I write this no one has seen revised plans for the project so the truth of that remains unclear. But if the information is correct, the post-mediation “change” is a distinction without a difference.
And, more importantly, it is indicative of a concerning business culture among the development community, where a spirit of camaraderie and partnership with the neighborhoods seems to be lacking. It’s time to change the conversation. Solving Denver’s housing crisis is the most important issue we face. Denver has to add density. We need to come together to find creative solutions. But do we have to add to our existing traffic issues, give up the character of our neighborhoods and the safety of our children, to do it? The final hearing for the Green Flats Project is scheduled for November 7.
To comment, attend the final hearing for the Green Flats Project November 7 at 3 p.m. at 1437 Bannock St. #379. Amanda Sawyer is a licensed Colorado attorney and MBA. She and her husband are raising their kids in East Denver, and she is running for Denver City Council District 5 because she believes we need fresh eyes on the issues that face our neighborhoods. You can find out more about her platform at www.sawyerforfive.org.
by Mark Smiley | Oct 24, 2018 | Glendale City News
by John Arthur
Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale
The Infinity Park arch sits just off the turf field in Infinity Park’s open space and just shows you the work of laying the new advanced synthetic grass.
Exciting things are unfolding at Infinity Park this fall, as America’s premier rugby venue recently installed a new, state-of-the-art turf playing surface ahead of welcoming the top women’s rugby sevens teams on the planet for an Olympic-qualifying tournament, in addition to ushering in a second season of professional men’s play in Major League Rugby. Though tournament competition was held on Infinity Park’s natural grass pitch, the new turf saw plenty of practice action over the weekend tournament, felt the cleats of the pro Raptors side as they took on the Utah Warriors, and will be the battleground for amateur and divisional play for many years to come.
The sole U.S. venue for the HSBC World Rugby Women’s 7s Tournament Series in 2018-2019, the installation of the new turf at Infinity Park was completed just days before the October competition kicked off. An important part of the route to qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games, the USA Women’s Sevens tournament represents the highest level of competition on the globe. The reemergence of rugby sevens in the 2016 Rio Olympics massively impacted interest in the sport, earning tens of millions of fans as sevens action received Olympic glory for the first time in nearly a century.
The HSBC tournament has enjoyed a massive increase in viewership in just the last 12 months, with millions of broadcast and social media views and triple-digit percentage growth in overall audience. Twelve international teams competed in the October tournament, co-hosted by Glendale and USA Rugby, including the United States, Russia, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, England, France, Ireland, Canada, Fiji, China, and a 2018-19 invitational side from Mexico. Alongside the Olympic qualifying competition was a Saturday beer festival, featuring dozens of local Colorado breweries, cider makers, and distillers. Championship rounds took place October 21, and served as the first hints at which international teams will represent their countries at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Ahead of the competition, and with the assistance of a sizeable grant from Arapahoe County, Glendale installed a new turf playing surface. Including the latest player-safety technology, Infinity Park’s new turf field meets World Rugby regulation 22, which not only requires laboratory, manufacturer, and on-site testing, but also allows competition to take place from the local to international level with the full confidence that the preservation of participant welfare won’t be a concern. A top priority for the premier rugby governing body on the planet, as well as the coaching and training staff at Infinity Park, the new surface adheres to the highest standards of competition and safety.
More dependably useful for all levels of play, the material installed in October is better at preventing injury because it is softer, deeper, and more technologically advanced than the original Infinity Park turf it replaces, employing a unique and proprietary Desso iDNA X 60 artificial grass with a Pro-Play drainage shock pad. The Desso system, one of the first installed at a rugby-specific facility in the United States, uses what the company calls a three-dimensional resilience system, meaning that the synthetic grass will long retain its shape and will improve in quality through intensive use. The fibers are light reflective, delivering the much more natural appearance of lush green grass when compared to other synthetic turf.
The view from the top of the City of Glendale’s High Altitude Training Center, shows the new turf field is complete and ready for competition. Photo by Justin Purdy
Josh Bertrand, veteran Supervisor of Glendale’s Public Works Department, overseer of installation, and a consummate wealth of knowledge on all things related to Infinity Park, says that in addition to meeting World Rugby regulations, added safety is the most important feature of the new field: “This surface will play better and last longer. It will give additional peace of mind to parents and active youth that use Infinity Park, while also protecting our divisional and professional athletes from injury.” The Pro-Play pad uses thermal bonded, cross-linked polyethylene foam that combines exceptional fall protection and drainage properties. The same product is used by international sporting federations that include field hockey, soccer, and Gaelic and American football, among others. World Rugby field regulations are stringent, and stipulate that high-impact contacts with the turf — like some of the “flying tackles” that make rugby so exciting for fans — are more easily absorbed. Glendale’s brand new, bright green surface will be safely absorbing player contact for years.
Co-hosted by Glendale and USA Rugby, October’s Women’s Sevens tournament brought the number of 2018-2019 tournament rounds to six, providing increased competition and promising more opportunity on the road to Tokyo in the summer of 2020. The HSBC USA Women’s Sevens Tournament at Infinity Park preceded other international stops on the tour, but once again demonstrated that Infinity Park remains the epicenter of American rugby at every level. With future stops at a total of six locations worldwide, including the U.S., Dubai, Australia, Japan, Canada, and France, it seems that the grass, real or synthetic, might actually be greener in Glendale.
