by Regan Bervar | Jan 19, 2023 | General Featured
“Inspiring hope in a cynical world might be the most radical thing you can possibly do.”
by Luke Schmaltz
Every once in a while, a childhood dream matures into an inspirational, sustainable, ongoing pursuit.
In the face of an increasingly apathetic world, Demi Merrit and company have managed to do exactly this — harnessing compassion, empathy, and charity to improve the lives of Denver’s less fortunate, four-legged residents.
Demi’s Animal Rescue Thrift Store and Cat Lodge is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization located at the Denver/Aurora border near East Evans and Holly intersection. Their website states that the five-person staff is focused on, “…solving pet homelessness through adoption, spay/neuter, and pet retention. We do not discriminate against any animal that is in need and open our door to all regardless of their breed, age, or special care required. We strive to see the day that pet homelessness is eliminated worldwide.”
True Grassroots
All animals adopted through Demi’s have passed an examination by a licensed veterinarian. Photo: Demi’s Animal Rescue
Demi’s Animal Rescue (DAR) was founded in 2010 in Merrit’s basement when she was still in high school. She discovered her passion for animal advocacy while volunteering, doing fundraisers, and fighting to end breed specific legislation. She eventually began helping people in the community with emergency vet bills and then, with the blessing of her parents, she began fostering animals in “cat rooms” built by her family. From these humble beginnings, DAR was grown into what it is today — a place where animals can grow, improve, rehabilitate, and find homes.
Adoption Is Easy
Meanwhile, DAR’s Development & Operations Manager, Jessica Roeger, encourages anyone interested in pet ownership to work with shelters and rescues. She offers insight into the ease of the adoption process. “We try to make adopting from a rescue an enjoyable experience,” she begins. “We have a short application that is required to be submitted if you are interested in adopting. From there, it is typically reviewed within 48 hours, and we can schedule a meet and greet with the animal(s) you are interested in. If there are concerns on the application, we like to educate people in hopes that we can approve the application after that discussion. An amazing home can’t always be chosen based on a questionnaire which is why we like to engage in conversation to get a real idea of who they are.”
Demi’s Animal Rescue is operated by five staffers and numerous volunteers.
DAR’s current facility was opened in 2021 and features a few unique distinctions. The premises, “…provide two free-roaming adoption rooms for cats that have helped to increase the number of lives we can save,” Roeger says. “The Cat Lodge also provides a space for some of the most at-risk cats including FIV+, bonded pairs, seniors, and shy cats. Since being founded in 2010, we have grown every year in terms of adoptions, fosters, lives saved, and funds raised.”
A Thrifty Twist
Cherry enjoys a treat at Demi’s Animal Rescue. Photo: Demi’s Animal Rescue
Roeger explains how the thrift store aspect of the organization fits into the overall operation. “We wanted to get creative in providing income to the rescue so we can continue to grow, which brought the idea of a thrift store for sales to help support the rescue. It took a lot of planning and a lot of rejection before we finally found a landlord willing to rent out space to a non-profit, but our determination paid off.”
Roeger continues, “All sales from the thrift store help support the daily operations of the rescue. The extra income allows us to save more lives and to take on more complicated cases, such as an animal with medical needs or behavioral issues. Having the thrift store and adoption center has also helped get our name out more into the community, which has increased interest in adopting, volunteering, and donating.”
An Endearing Mission
Demi’s Animal Rescue Thrift Store features high-end clothing, accessories, household items, and more.
In addition to adoption services, DAR also helps with pet retention for struggling animal owners. Roeger encourages people to reach out to local organizations for help before giving up. “If you are struggling with food, supplies, basic veterinary care, or training, there are places dedicated to helping with some of this or rescues willing to assist, including us,” she says.
“We place a large focus on helping animals that are the most in need, which is why you may not see as many animals come through our rescues as others,” Roeger continues. “We ensure that every animal is healthy (veterinarian approved) prior to adoption. We address behavioral issues so that we can ensure success for both an adopter and an animal. When you adopt from us, or support us in another way, you can ensure that the extra mile is being taken for all animals and that we will provide support in any way possible.”
DAR welcomes donations of clothing, household items, books and DVDs. Demi’s Animal Rescue Thrift Store features plenty of the above as well as high-end boutique items, name brand clothing, and more. Shoppers are welcome Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
by Glendale Sports Center | Jan 19, 2023 | Glendale City News
by Claudia Morlan, YMCA of Metro Denver
Photo: Courtesy of EGYM
The YMCA Metro Denver has a great fitness tool that takes the guesswork out of strength training. EGYM combines state-of-the-art technology and connects individuals to electronic equipment that is personalized and adjusts to you while helping you keep a routine and making workouts fun.
The smart equipment adapts and takes you through a workout with an interactive screen. It’s been a great addition to members’ workouts, and for one group, it has made an incredible impact.
4Abilities is a group that believes in empowering their members to maximize their independence so they can lead happy and healthy lives. Director Kelly Wilson founded the group in 2018 after her son Ryan told her that no one is really disabled, everyone has abilities. Some are just different from others and those differences make us all stronger. Kelly created 4Abilities as a Program Approved Service Agency, and now runs the nonprofit to provide community-based support services to individuals with different abilities.
A healthy life means prioritizing exercise — and Kelly and the 4Abilities members knew they needed to find a place that could offer something for each of them. Each member of the group is unique, and they knew they needed to find a location that could offer diverse opportunities so that everyone could partake in exercising.
As they researched different locations, they discovered that the YMCA Metro Denver offered the EGYM circuit. EGYM proved to be accessible and non-intimidating and could be individualized to each member in a very easy way. The members immediately fell in love with the program.
“The EGYM machines are accessible for every member of our group, and the prompts are simple to follow. Our members are able to be independent and do the workouts they enjoy on their own terms,” said Wilson. “The Y has become a sweet spot and safe haven for our members, and it is one of my favorite spaces to be in with the group.”
Currently, 4Abilities members go to the Aurora YMCA three times a week. They each have found their own workouts that work best for them:
Josh loves boxing. He will put his earphones on and do his own boxing workout in a room at the Y and he will not leave until he has burned over 600 calories. He has Down Syndrome, which can lead to low muscle tone. Since he has started working out at the Y, he has gotten much stronger and has increased his muscle tone — two things that will prolong his life according to research.
Kelly’s daughter, Shannon, has scoliosis and uses the pool to swim, which is an effective low-impact workout.
Ryan enjoys EGYM, elliptical, stairs, and treadmill cardio offerings. Because of his training at the Y, he was able to climb Mount Bierstadt this past fall.
And Sean enjoys going to the Y because he can be independent and do his workouts, while also having the opportunity to be social.
“Everyone can do what they’re passionate about, which makes working out fun,” continued Wilson. “The visuals incorporated into EGYM are awesome, the machine loads the weight for members, and the screens show them how to move through the reps. The screens on the bikes allow you to pick your terrain and set up your workout for you so all you have to do is pedal. Embedding these things into the equipment helps our members develop muscle memory. They have gained so much strength in different areas because of this. You don’t get this at other gyms.”
EGYM is an amenity offered at five YMCAs throughout the metro area. Learn more about EGYM at the YMCA.
by Mark Smiley | Jan 9, 2023 | Travel
Multipurpose Bag: The SHYLERO Beach Bag XL is a multipurpose bag suitable for the pool, picnics, vacations, and much more.
By Mark Smiley
Spring break is around the corner and many valley residents consider heading to a tropical destination. Or perhaps, they consider a staycation at places like Great Wolf Lodge or Gaylord Rockies. When they travel with their families, they undoubtedly need a reliable and durable pool bag.
One to consider purchasing for such a trip is the SHYLERO Beach Bag XL. This beach bag is durable and waterproof which is important when trying to keep your items dry at the pool or beach. It features a canvas-like fabric with ripstop construction and can easily hold 22 pounds of items.
Rope Handle: This beach bag features rope handles that makes it easy to carry all of your essentials that can easily fit up to 22 pounds of items.
This bag is large enough with big inner pockets including a zippered pocket and waterproof interior lining – sized at L22″xH15″xW6″. One review online indicated: “I’ve been looking for a bag for at least two years and finally found what I want – colorful, large and well made. We are now able to carry six beach towels, multiple containers of sunscreen and still have room for phones, keys, etc without having to worry about the handles pulling from the bag. The rope style handles are comfortable to carry on our shoulders. Great purchase.”
As mentioned in the online review, this beach bag features rope handles that makes it easy to carry. The bag even features a built-in keyholder and bottle opener making it a true multipurpose bag that is not only suitable for the pool but also a picnic, cruise bag, travel bag, sports bag, vacation bag, overnight bag, gym bag, grocery bag, or even a carry-on luggage handbag for the flight to store your laptop and other essentials.
Another online review states: “This is much better quality than you typically find in discount souvenir stores at the beach! It’s lightweight and big enough to carry everything I need. I love that it also has several zipped pockets inside and outside to securely store items.”
This beach bag retails for $49.99 and can be purchased at www.shylero.com. SHYLERO is backed by 100% warranty that if you are not fully satisfied with your bag, receive your money back.
by Charles Bonniwell | Dec 16, 2022 | Editorials
Winter is just beginning but come spring the quadrilateral event of electing a new mayor for the City and County of Denver will arrive. Denver almost never throws out an incumbent mayor so it’s the only chance a person seeking the position will have for the next 12 years. The incumbent mayor Michael Hancock is almost universally deemed the worst mayor in the city’s 164-year history beating out even Mayor Wolf Londoner who was removed from office for corruption in 1891. Nonetheless, we Denverites have elected him three times including once unopposed. Thus, once you are elected as mayor of Denver you are unlikely to leave office with the exception of term limits.
Since this is a once in 12-year opportunity, 22 individuals have announced their candidacy covering an extraordinarily diverse group, including a Republican. City politics is basically a Democrat only event these days. The candidates are divided between the corporatists who backed Hancock for three terms, and the radicals who helped elect various councilmembers two years ago.
The radicals have a large group to pick from, including: Lisa Calderón, the Executive Director of Emerge Colorado, an organization that promotes left-wing women candidates for office, and who ran four years ago for mayor; Deborah Ortega, a term limited councilwoman for the city at large who has served in government for almost 40 years; and Leslie Herod, a term limited state representative from Denver.
The leading corporatist candidate is Kelly Brough, the former longtime President and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, and former chief of staff for then mayor John Hickenlooper. To the great annoyance of Channel 9News’ Marshall Zelinger, some white men have also announced they are running, including: Chris Hansen, who represents both Denver and Glendale in the state senate; and Mike Johnston, who also has represented northeast Denver in the state senate and ran for governor until John Hickenlooper entered the race. Zelinger indicated that he did not feel “comfy” with white men running when women and persons of color had already entered the race. More than a few Channel 9News viewers noted that, as a white man himself, Zelinger should resign to provide an opportunity for women and persons of color to occupy a “comfy” position at Channel 9.
Do any of the candidates care about the ever-increasing cost of living in Denver beyond housing? Do any of them care about the quality of life for the average Denverite and not just the ever-growing army of the homeless? Do any of them care about the ever-diminishing parks and open space? Do any of them have any plans to bring back downtown from the wreckage that it has become?
Denver was once a beautiful city with an enormous number of parks and open spaces, as well as wonderful neighborhoods. Denver was far from perfect, but it took only 12 years of Hancock to destroy much of it. Will the next mayor be just another mayor like Lori Lightfoot of Chicago, or another developer whore like Hancock? Or will someone arise who is better and different? Over the next 90 days we will be looking intently if such a person exists and we hope you will do the same.
Thomas Wolf
Lisa Calderón
Terrance Roberts
Leslie Herod
Deborah Ortega
Chris Hansen
Kelly Brough
by Jessica Hughes | Dec 16, 2022 | General Featured
by Jessica Hughes
Bird walk leaders at Bluff Lake Nature Center. Pictured from left to right: Jason Bidgood, George Ho, Steve Hebert, and Lisa Pera.
Thousands of snow geese flock to the reservoirs and farmland of the Eastern Plains. Photo by Jessica Hughes
Colorado is home to over 400 species of birds that either live here year-round or pass through during seasonal migrations. But when is the best time to see them? While most think of birding during warm-weather months, birdwatching is a year-round activity, with winter being one of the best times for viewing.
“Colorado winters are full of sunny, mild days which allow birders to enjoy the outdoors. Plus, the lack of leaves on the trees allows for better viewing of the birds,” says George Ho, Bluff Lake Nature Center Bird Volunteer/Monthly Bird Walk Leader. “Winter is great for birding.”
“There are plenty of ducks, geese, and raptors that migrate south to our parks and lakes to spend the winter in our (relatively) warm climate,” says Ben Jacques, Bluff Lake Nature Center Outdoor Explorers Program Coordinator. Also, since they must keep their bodies warm, they spend a lot of time moving around searching for food. This makes them easier to spot and hear through the bare foliage.”
“Plus, with shorter sunlight hours, good winter birding doesn’t require a 4 a.m. alarm,” says Jacques.
So, what should you expect to see? From the admired bald eagle to song sparrows, there is a variety of winter fowl to catch your eye. “Bald eagles are more plentiful in the winter here in Colorado because they come south to us from the north. Waterfowls like ducks are abundant in winter as well,” says Ho. “Winter sparrows are also popular to see. These include the white-crown sparrows and the juncos as well as the year-round song sparrows.”
He also says birds of prey are abundant, including owls like the great horned owls, hawks like the ferruginous, and the year-round red-tailed hawks, plus falcons like the prairie falcons and the American kestrels.
The best part is you don’t have to travel too far to see these beautiful birds in flight. Below are a few places close to home that make a great afternoon outing or a fun family day trip.
Bluff Lake Nature Center
Within Denver’s city limits, Bluff Lake Nature
A Red Tail Hawk swooping in on its prey. Photo by George Ho at Bluff Lake Nature Center
Center is one of the best places for birdwatching in Denver. The 123-acre nature preserve has spotted 226 different species of birds according to their active community of birders who record their encounters.
For the beginners and families, the center offers bird walks throughout the year. Led by an expert guide, discover how and where to spot certain birds and learn about the different species you can find in Colorado. The walks are free, but you need to sign up in advance on their website. Download their printable birds of Bluff Lake checklist and keep track of what you spot.
Visit their birding page to learn more at www.blufflake.org/birdwatching
Cherry Creek State Park
Cherry Creek State Park is one of Colorado’s most popular parks due to its plethora of summer activities, but most may not think of it as a top birding spot. There are plenty of birds you can see year-round but in winter, soaring bald eagles perch high in cottonwood trees, while gulls meet around the marina and swim beach area. The reservoir eco-system also attracts raptors species including golden eagle, red-tailed hawk, northern harrier, and ferruginous hawk. Because the reservoir typically remains un-frozen throughout the winter, waterfowl and shorebirds are popular to see as well.
Barr Lake State Park
With more than 350 species of birds spotted, Barr Lake State Park is the metro area’s premier birding lake. About 30 miles northeast of Denver, Barr Lake offers one of the best set-ups for winter birdwatching. Walk the 8.8-mile trail that circles the lake, with several wildlife viewing stations and the wildlife refuge at the southern end of the lake. The lake’s large number of bald eagles, including a pair that nests there every year, are what draw in the birding crowds, both amateurs and experts.
Eastern Plains
Beyond Denver and the Front Range, the Eastern Plains create the ideal environment for bird watching in Colorado. The High Prairie and surrounding areas welcome over 40
The Red-winged Blackbird is just one of many birds to spot this winter. Photo by Lisa Pera
0 species of birds including warblers, snow geese, grosbeaks, mountain plovers, and buntings. They make their homes amongst the grasslands, craggy outcrops, isolated ponds and reservoirs, plus rivers lined with cottonwoods and willows. There are 20 birding trails on the Eastern Plains featuring a variety of sites where you can view wildlife.
One of the most significant annual migrations in the state is the Snow Goose migration. Every winter, in January and February, the wind-swept plains and open-water reservoirs near Lamar, Colo., turn white, not with snow, but a swirl of 200,000+ snow geese descending upon the High Plains of Colorado. By way of the Western Central Flyway, the annual migration lasts up to two weeks and can be seen within state wildlife areas, local reservoirs, and area farms where they stop to feed.
High Plains Snow Goose Festival
In celebration of this migration, Lamar County hosts the annual High Plains Snow Goose Festival, taking place Feb. 3-5, 2023. As one of the largest birding festivals in Colorado, the event hosts a variety of programs, tours, and seminars that highlight the area’s landscape and unique birding heritage. Sign up for birding tours, shop the local craft fair, and listen to lectures to learn more about the migration and other local fowl. The event is free but tours and lectures require an advanced purchased ticket. For more information visit highplains snowgoose.com.
Birding Tips
The bird walk leaders at Bluff Lake Nature center say the best time to see birds is when they are most active, at dawn and dusk, when they are feeding. Patience and a good pair of binoculars are essential to get the most out of bird watching. “Plan your bird watching around a bird’s basic survival needs (food, water, and shelter) and you’re bound to get some birds in your binoculars,” says Jacques.
Jacques also suggests if you are new to birdwatching there are many beginner-friendly groups around Denver to join. The Denver Field Ornithologists, Denver Audubon, Bluff Lake Nature Center, Tuesday Birders, and multiple bird feeding stores run free bird walks in the area. Or download the free Merlin bird ID app by Cornell Lab for a great field guide on your phone.
by Mark Smiley | Dec 16, 2022 | Travel
Christmas Festivities Run Until January 1, 2023
by Mark Smiley
Advice: Lucy’s psychiatry booth is a running gag in the Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz. In a parody of the lemonade stands which are operated by many young children in the United States, Lucy van Pelt operates a psychiatric booth.
Slide: Guests can take slippery rides down two-story-tall ice slides, and traverse through ice tunnels and arches.
Colorful Displays: Ice carvings range in size from details as tiny as a coin to scenes more than 30 feet tall. The environment is kept frozen by a chilling system that maintains the attraction’s temperature at 9 degrees Fahrenheit. Colored ice is created by a chemist who mixes special food colorings to ensure sculptures maintain their bright colors the entire season.
Ice! is Back: ICE! features more than 10 scenes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and classic characters including Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang.
The Gaylord Rockies Resort’s annual holiday tradition, ICE!, returned November 18, 2022, and runs through January 1, 2023. Using more than two million pounds of ice, the classic holiday story and animated special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” is brought to life by a team of 40 ice artisans who work for approximately six weeks to create the 17,500-square-foot, frozen attraction.
The artisans, using skills passed down from generation to generation, start with more than 6,700 massive ice blocks — created by three different ice manufacturers — and tally more than 12,000-man hours on the project.
ICE! features more than 10 scenes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and classic characters including Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang. Ice carvings range in size from details as tiny as a coin to scenes more than 30 feet tall. The environment is kept frozen by a chilling system that maintains the attraction’s temperature at 9 degrees Fahrenheit.
“We can’t wait for our guests to experience the magic and wonder of ICE! during this year’s Christmas at Gaylord Rockies celebration,” said Suzy Hart, general manager of Gaylord Rockies Resort, back in November 2022. “ICE! is a one-of-a-kind attraction and we’re excited to welcome this Gaylord Hotels tradition back this year with ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ and all the beloved Peanuts characters in the classic holiday story.”
More Than Ice
While ICE! is the signature attraction for Christmas at Gaylord Rockies, there are more festive activities, events, attractions, and decorations throughout the resort.
Mistletoe Village on the convention center wing of the hotel features a Build a Bear Workshop, cookies with Mrs. Claus, a gingerbread house decorating station, and gift shop. The west side of the hotel features decorations and holiday activities including snow tubing, ice bumper boats, Snowball Build & Blast, and ice skating.
Renovations Underway: Upon visiting the Gaylord Rockies Resort, you will notice construction around the property. The sign indicates that exciting new exterior enhancements are coming soon and guests can expect a revamped front drive and Pinyons Patio. A 10-year plan will see more enhancement and expansion projects coming to the Gaylord.
An original Gaylord Hotels production, “Cirque: Spirit of Christmas” features high-flying stunts, acrobatic feats, elaborate staging, and a dramatic musical score. This Cirque-style show, centers on Noel, a child dismayed by the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Throughout the 75-minute show, Noel is visited in dreamlike chapters by trapeze artists, acrobats, aerial silk performers, and others who help rekindle the Christmas spirit.
Exclusive Access For Overnight Guests
This year, Gaylord Rockies is offering perks and special access to overnight resort guests so they can wait in line less and enjoy more. These perks include:
- “Chill Pass” privileges to ICE!, offering front-of-line access and shorter wait times for this year’s signature attraction. “Chill Pass” is free for eligible guests. Attraction tickets are required and sold separately, in advance.
- An invitation to “Extra Cool Hour,” which provides early-entry into ICE! and Mistletoe Village one hour before it opens to day guests. “Extra Cool Hour” is free for eligible guests. Attraction tickets are required and sold separately, in advance.
In addition to more than a dozen special events and activities during Christmas at Gaylord Rockies, guests can enjoy many of the year-round amenities. Arapahoe Springs Water Park is open to overnight guests, with three water slides, indoor and outdoor pools, and a 750-foot-long lazy river.
Gaylord Rockies is near Denver International Airport and is a Marriott property that opened in December 2018. The 486,000 square feet of convention space makes it the largest combined resort and convention center in Colorado. It is the fifth Gaylord property to open with the others located in Washington, D.C., Nashville, Orlando, and Dallas.
The Gaylord Rockies Resort is located at 6700 North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard. Guests are encouraged to book their experiences early, as advance online reservations are required for all ticketed events.
For tickets, more information, or to book an overnight stay, guests may visit: ChristmasatGaylordRockies.com.
