by Regan Bervar | Nov 19, 2021 | Main Articles
“They say the universe is expanding. That should help with the traffic.”
by Luke Schmaltz
Over the past two decades, Denver has undergone a high-speed growth spurt, transforming from an adolescent urban sprawl to a metropolitan powerhouse of international renown.
The spoils of rapid growth are not without consequence, however, as infrastructure scrambles to keep up with influx. One of the negative results — experienced by anyone who travels the Mile High City streets in a moving vehicle — is profound traffic congestion.
The next time you’re sitting in 3:45 p.
Echo3 electric vehicles are enclosed, designed for three adults and classified in Denver as scooters.
m. pre-rush hour traffic as your idling car burns gasoline, make note of your reaction when the inevitable hipster on an electric scooter zips past you and your stranded peers and continues along to their destination. As you languish in an automotive bottleneck, resenting the efficiency with which someone half your age goes twice your speed for a fraction of the money, consider that — just maybe — they might be onto something.
In addition to presenting a profound solution to global warming (EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions and far fewer life cycle emissions), electric vehicles may hold the key to reducing traffic jams. Sure, the hipster scooter or e-bike may not be your cup of small-batch, hand-crafted tea, but there are other options in the EV market that may shorten and simplify your daily drive time. Plus, over the long haul, EVs can most certainly save you money. Ultimately, EVs present several advantages that could, if adopted by a significant number of residents, put a dent in a traffic problem and pollution level that ranks Denver as one of the worst cities to drive and breathe in.
Sharable EVs: Bikes and Scooters
(App-guided Acquisition)
Currently, just two vendors have been authorized by Denver City Council to operate bike and scooter services across the city. Lime and Lyft were awarded contracts while other vendors — some in business locally since 2018 — have been forced to hit the road. Politics notwithstanding, the availability of these recently-dubbed “micromobility” products has been and will be critical to reducing traffic — especially for folks with errands and work commutes that are relatively close to home. Rather than fire up the ol’ gas guzzler to go to the post office down the street and back, a quick trip on a shared EV can get the job done at the same time at a fraction of the cost and with little or no stoplight migraines or parking nightmares. OK, so you might look a little silly slogging to a meeting on a souped-up kick’n’go while your fellow citizens slosh snow and mud all over your tailored suit, but there are weatherproof upgrades for determined conservationists.
In addition to being incredibly convenient, micromobility transportation creates zero carbon emissions, zero noise pollution, can be parked anywhere, and may also be offsetting the collective occupancy of RTD systems. You will never, ever sit in a traffic jam on one of these EVs. Among the down sides is that while they do not require a license to operate, you must be 16 years of age.
Echo3 EVs
(329 Santa Fe Dr., Denver, CO 80223)
In a promotional YouTube video sponso
High-end Electric Cars appeal to environmentally conscious who can’t stand to be seen on a scooter.
red by Colorado & Company/KUSA TV, Echo3 President Rex Halbeisen urges Denver residents to “reevaluate your short trip transportation.” The company delivers, designs and manufactures “the world’s most efficient electric vehicles.” Halbeisen continues with an interesting metric, “78.5% of trips you take are within three miles of your house.” This data demonstrates that three of every four times you fire up your combustion engine vehicle may be unnecessary. Instead, the errand can be accomplished in one of Echo3’s sleek, enclosed, three passenger, scooter-like vehicles. In Colorado, these EVs are classified as low-powered scooters, meaning insurance rates pale in comparison to those of a car, truck, or SUV. It doesn’t take much imagination to realize that a gridlock traffic jam situation where even a fraction of the vehicles are Echo3s is dang-near impossible.
Meanwhile, company marketing director Madeline Espinoza describes more ways in which Echo3 EVs can help reduce everyday vehicle-related headaches. “They go 35 mph, so road rage is impossible,” she begins. “They are street legal, yet you can park them on the sidewalk just like an electric scooter. The benefit of these vehicles is they are enclosed, so they can be used year-round, and I even have snow chains for them. And, if you’re in the city just trying to bop around, this is a really efficient way to do so” she explains.
While never having to shell out money for gas and carrying very affordable insurance are standout benefits, the ability to simply park on the sidewalk is reason enough by itself to entice any longtime Denverite. Espinoza also points out that an Echo3 is cheaper than an RTD pass, offers a reduced-stress driving experience and is even ideal for rural areas. “I drive mine from Littleton to our dealership on Santa Fe Drive. I just take Broadway all the way up,” she says.
When Denver gives you these Limes, you just might get to work on time.
Echo3 demonstrates the advantage of their EVs over traditional combustion engine automobiles.
(257 Fillmore St., Denver, CO 80206)
This new line of EVs developed by Volvo and Geely was launched in 2017 from the former’s headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden. Concerning user experience, Business Insider recently reported, “The interior is built to be something an actual human would use and enjoy — not a button-free, avant-garde exercise in alternative design. This is the all-new Polestar 2, you see, and it drives like a finished version of the [Tesla] Model 3.” The January, 2021, review also praises the Polestar 2 as “more substantive, more satisfying,” so perhaps this product may offset the propensity for road rage due to extremely satisfied and subdued drivers. At any rate, despite the potential sticker shock some buyers may experience, the company’s goals are noble. Polestar’s Head of Sustainability, Fredrika Klarén explains, “As an electric car maker, we don’t have to worry about combustion engines producing toxic emissions, but that doesn’t mean our job is done. Now we must focus all our efforts on cutting emissions in the supply chain and in the production of our cars. This is a historic and exciting time for car makers, an opportunity to seize the moment and do better. For the first time, we can dare to dream about a future with climate-neutral, circular, but still beautiful cars, and the human right of air that is cleaner to breathe.”
This contingency of the electric vehicle marketplace also includes the ubiquitous brand Tesla as well as cutting edge offerings from Hyundai, Ford, Audi, and more. These EVs are poised to offset the lasting effects of traffic congestion — global warming — while reducing America’s number one contributor to global warming pollution — motorized transportation. Although bad attitudes from sitting in three-hour traffic jams eventually dissipate, greenhouse gases trapped in the troposphere do not.
by Mark Smiley | Nov 19, 2021 | Main Articles
by Mark Smiley
Looking for a unique holiday gift idea? Longtime Glendale Chamber Ambassador Laura Lieff wrote a book called Wookie Is Not His Real Name which provides a comprehensive look into snowboard culture through the eyes of a local legend and his community. The biography also illuminates how the life-altering circumstances of a professional athlete were handled with heart and humor. Following a career-ending injury, after which he was told he would never walk again, Wookie endured severe physical, mental, and emotional lows that changed the trajectory of his life. Exemplifying his strength and determination, he pushed through to make it back on his feet and back on a board.
The book is easy to ship and the perfect gift for anyone interested in reading about Colorado snowboard history, sports, family, local lore, Vail Valley culture, fatherhood, coming back from an injury, the outdoors, professional snowboarding, and snowskating, among other topics.
Lieff says, “My goal with this book was to demonstrate how far Wookie has come and how he clawed his way back to the top with courage, grace, and a lot of heart. The biography also shows that even with all the press and praise he’s received throughout the years for snowboarding, and his overall outdoorsmanship, being a father is his greatest achievement.”
Before moving to the Vail Valley in 2013, Lieff was an editor for the Glendale Cherry Creek Chronicle and a Glendale resident for seven years. She now runs her own business, Lieff Ink, and is a writing tutor at Colorado Mountain College and Vail Mountain School. On Friday nights she hosts a radio show on 107.9 Radio Free Minturn.
Wookie Is Not His Real Name can be found in bookstores and retail locations throughout Colorado, including The Bookies. For more information on the book, or to purchase online, visit www.lauralieff.com /book.
by Glendale Sports Center | Nov 19, 2021 | Glendale City News
Here Are 3 Tips To Stay Balanced
by Jennifer Lease, RD, CDN, Director of Nutrition Initiatives, YMCA of Metro Denver
Are thoughts of all the holiday sweets and treats causing you stress?
Do you feel like you can’t enjoy your favorite holiday foods when you’re working on your health?
Are you worried that what you eat during the holidays will throw off progress toward your goals?
You’re not alone!
The holiday season is a time of celebration that usually comes with lots of sweets, treats and traditional dishes that feel indulgent. It can be difficult to find balance during the holidays — wanting to enjoy all the foods you love while being mindful of your health.
You might hear that word balance and feel frustrated by it. What does it even mean? Balance means enjoying nutritious foods most of the time, while giving yourself grace (and space) to enjoy those sweets and treats.
So, how can you find that balance during the holidays and enjoy your favorite foods without the side order of guilt? Here are some tips:
- Balance your plate and practice portion control — You can enjoy a bit of everything with some balance and portion control. Plus, you’ll feel better after the meal, too! The basics of a balanced plate include protein, veggies, and a starch or grain. Try filling half of your plate with veggie dishes and then take a smaller portion of the others you want to try. Holiday dishes tend to be heavy, starchy foods, so don’t forget to add some protein like turkey or chicken to your plate to create that balance. Then, enjoy every bite!
- Move your body — Move your body, not because you think you should make up for eating those holiday treats, but because movement makes you feel good both physically and mentally. Movement can set a positive mindset for the day and the after affect is the feeling of doing something good for your body. Movement also helps with digestion. If you’re feeling super stuffed after a holiday meal, some exercise can help you feel better. Remember, it’s important to find exercise that you enjoy and that truly feels good for you. Exercise is often looked at as punishment for eating “badly,” but it’s really part of a healthy lifestyle that contributes to your overall well-being.
- Remember that every day is a new day — A healthy lifestyle should be sustainable. This means having flexibility and leaving space for the foods you enjoy. You don’t need to “compensate” for what you eat at the holidays. You don’t need to work out for three hours the next day to make up for last night’s meal. Instead, make the intentional choice to enjoy what you want and to be present in the holiday season. Each day is an opportunity to get back on track with your regular eating habits and routine.
Do you want to take the guesswork out of nutrition and work to set realistic healthy lifestyle goals? The nutrition team at the YMCA of Metro Denver can help. Reach out at nutrition@denverymca.org or visit us at denverymca.org.
by Valley Gadfly | Nov 19, 2021 | Valley Gadfly
Brrr! The Old Farmers’ Almanac comes with a winter warning for Denver and all of Colorado: Prepare for a “Season of Shivers.” With a record of 80% accurate forecasts since 1792, the Almanac says things west of Denver may not see as much snow as the Front Range and plains but, “Coloradans should have their coats handy all winter.” Denver typically has at least an inch of snow on the ground for 12 days this month. The snow normally accumulates to five inches or deeper on another two days.
To warm your heart even if the weather is not, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment so the holidays’ harmony stays in your heart all year round:
3 Catch the season’s spirit by taking the family to hear baritone opera singer Bret Thom, entertain compliments of Heaven Creamery on Milwaukee St. in Cherry Creek North, Dec. 2 and 9, 5-7 p.m. Information: 303-635-6779.
3 Let the Jingle Bells rock by attending the White Christmas Ball at the Hyatt Convention Center on Dec. 3-4, 4 p.m. Information: 1940sball.org.
3 Enjoy the Sound of the Rockies a cappella chorus playing Holiday Harmony at the Newman Center Dec. 11, 2 & 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-335-0825.
3 Feel the vibrations as the Colorado Symphony Brass play ballads, carols, and movie tunes at Boettcher Hall Dec. 14, 7 p.m. Information: 303-893-4200.
3 To find the perfect holiday gift this season, shop Morgan Sonsthagen Jewelry located on South Downing St. near Wash Park since 1977. Select from custom jewelry plus ventage and antique jewels. Information: 303-733-1710.
3 Head to On Havana Street to shop and dine this season. Featuring more than 100 diverse restaurants, 20+ international markets, plus dozens of shopping centers; there’s something for everyone. Information: onhavanastreet.com.
3 Shop authentic German Christkindl Market in cozy wood huts at Civic Center Park for artisan gift giving plus tasty treats. Information: 720-772- 9530.
3 Take the family to see DCPA’s adaption of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at the Wolf Theatre on the JCC campus, Dec. 26. Information: 303-893-4200,
3 End the season at December Delights on Dec. 27-Jan. 2 at Four Mile Historic Park enjoying ice skating, kids’ crafts, more. Information: fourmilepark.org.
3 Despite 2020 Covid-19 cancellations Denver’s Santa Claus Shop did not disappoint children last year. The shop provided toys to about 13,000 kids in a first-ever “drive-thru” distribution site. Trying to lurk yet again, make gifts go farther this year by dropping off new, unwrapped toys and books at metro spots on Dec. 7. Denver Mattress at 1243 S. Colorado Blvd. is closest location to the Glendale-Cherry Creek area. Information: givingfirst.org.
Because of snow’s starring role in the lore of yore — no matter how we celebrate or what our beliefs are — music makes this month special. It’s music of good spirit and warm feelings. Consider Jingle Bells and Silent Night. These are simple yet very moving songs in their own special way. They reaffirm family values, customs and traditions.
The inclusive character and images created by these songs are attractive to both kids and adults and have become part of the great nostalgia of the holiday season.
In the spirit of the freezin’ season, remember kindness is like snow, it beautifies everything it covers. Wintertime will officially begin on Dec. 1 meteorologically and Dec. 21 astronomically. But the year’s end is neither an end or a beginning. Thus, when life becomes a snowdrift plan to walk down the lane singing favorite snow angel refrains.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
