by Glendale Sports Center | Apr 21, 2023 | Glendale City News
by Amanda-Scates Preisinger, MPH, Senior Director of Health and Well-Being, YMCA of Metro Denver
Some say fitness is mind over matter, but true health requires both mind and matter. Mental health is how we think, act, and feel; We all have mental health. During Mental Health Month (this May), mental self-care is front-of-mind for us at the YMCA of Metro Denver, especially since we aim to provide workshops and experiences that promote mental health in our community.
Just ask Betsy Schwartz, Denverite and YMCA of Aurora member. “It’s all so connected — mental and physical health,” she shared with us recently. “I can see when I’m looking at the mirror in Body Pump class how much stronger my arms are, which is good for my mental health… There’s also endorphins that release when you really work up a sweat, and so I’ll bike.”
She is not alone. Recent studies have found that physical exercise can significantly improve mental health, and that regular, positive activity boosts cognitive function and can combat depression. This is true not only for older adults, but also for teens and pre-teens.
It’s particularly encouraging to work out in a space where you’re known and appreciated, which is why the YMCA is committed to providing Denverites a safe, encouraging community with opportunities for physical as well as mental self-care. “It’s all the benefits of physical exercise plus the community,” as Betsy has said.
In addition to improving physical health, finding ways to grow social/emotional skills and mindfulness can have other significant health benefits as well. The YMCA focuses on incorporating social and emotional elements throughout our programs. Samantha Church, manager of YMCA Out of School Time, manages teams that “build social and emotional pieces into our curriculum and check in with the kids every day. We have conversations about what it means to be a friend and how to express emotions in a healthy way.”
Her team members are also part of regular learning cohorts on trauma-informed care and how to provide kids with consistent emotional and social support.
Because of its importance, our YMCAs also offer a variety of programs focused specifically on mental health, including mindfulness. Betsy and a fellow member Jane recently joined the Y’s Mindful Eating Program and were both surprised about how much they learned to appreciate food and other aspects of life in the process.
“It’s slowed me down a little bit — to be aware,” Betsy explained. “It made me look at food not as a reward or something to avoid, but something to hopefully live with for a long time, slow down, taste it, and enjoy… It’s journey and a practice, kind of like yoga.”
“With mindful eating, you start applying the same tactics to other things you do,” Jane added. “It teaches you to appreciate what you have.”
In an increasingly stressful world, it is more important than ever before that we support each other mentally and emotionally to lead happy and healthy lives.
To learn more about our mental health workshops, events, and resources at the Y, please visit denverymca.org/mentalhealth.
by Charles Bonniwell | Apr 21, 2023 | Editorials
Kelly Brough
The Denver voters at the April election winnowed down a large field of 16 potential candidates for Mayor to Kelly Brough and Mike Johnston. We could have done worse, like when we three times elected the worst mayor in the city and county’s history, Michael Hancock. Was there a candidate who could have become a mayor like Wellington Webb, Frederico Peña, Robert Speer, and Benjamin Stapleton, who with all their faults, helped build and maintain Denver as an incredibly great place to live? We don’t know. But our choice now is between Mike Johnston and Kelly Brough.
Another troubled former great city, Chicago, has elected Brandon Johnson to be mayor with the strong endorsement of the all-powerful teachers union. The press has been warning that teachers unions across the country are trying to elect their candidates to the detriment of the citizenry. The endorsement of the Denver teachers union is however, kryptonite in Denver. Even the incredibly desperate Westside Investments refused to disclose in its unsuccessful campaign to destroy Park Hill Golf Course open space that the Denver Classroom Teachers Union had endorsed its “Yes on 20.” The teachers union is endorsing no one in the Denver race, but there is no doubt it is backing the former Denver union teacher Mike Johnston.
Even more concerning is the avalanche of dark money that is coming in for Johnston from across the country. There is never money without promises and Johnston refuses to say what those promises were. Johnston’s cavalcade of standard liberal bromide positions earned him the also unwanted endorsement of the hedge fund-owned Denver Post, whose endorsement has lately become a political kiss of death.
With nothing new or interesting about Johnston, we turn to Kelly Brough. People in Glendale know a great deal about the former head of the Denver Chamber of Commerce. She succeeded now U.S. Senator Michael Bennet as chief of staff for then Mayor John Hickenlooper before going over to the Chamber. Unfortunately, while the people in Glendale found Bennet a delight to work with, not so much the perpetually dour Brough. People in Glendale almost don’t recognize the campaign photo of Brough with a huge smile. She has the backing of most of the Denver business community which unfortunately includes the high-density apartment developers who want to gobble up every inch of park and open space in the City and County of Denver.
Mike Johnston
When asked by The Denver Post whether she supported the redevelopment of the Park Hill Golf Course property most of her answer was such gobbledygook that the Post refused to print it. But at least she was not bought off by Westside Investments like Johnston who supported the open space grab.
She does have the endorsement of former mayor Wellington Webb, which is one of the few endorsements that carries weight with us. Sadly, she counter-balanced that with promoting endorsements from two of the worst former mayors in the metro Denver area — Adam Paul of Lakewood, and Herb Atchison of Westminster.
If we had to pick a former Denver mayor she most politically resembles, it would be William H. McNichols, who reigned in Denver from 1968 to 1983. He did little during those 15 years to improve the city, but he was not interested in destroying it either like Hancock.
Brough has had a lot of pain in her life, with her father being murdered and her husband killing himself, so she can empathize with others in pain today in Denver. Moreover, she can could grow and shine in the position of mayor. As we said politics is a matter of choice and here we choose and endorse Kelly Brough.
by Mark Smiley | Mar 21, 2023 | Travel
by Michael Wheaton
Bullets Then Brews: Bullets then Brews co-host Ian Jouett, left, poses with Hilary Walsh.
Outdoor Practice: Hilary Walsh shoots at an outdoor gun range using a suppressor.
Selected as Luxury Agent of the Year by Homeowner Magazine, Hilary Walsh is making headlines in her brief three and a half years as a broker associate. The former cosmetologist has always had a lifelong passion for real estate and had been flipping houses that she lived in for the past 20 years. In 2019, she decided to give up her career in luxury hospitality, obtain a real estate license, and use her passion for helping others in a rewarding new career.
Driven by the success she creates for her clients, Walsh is highly competitive and creative in her strategies, driven by the ultimate goal of creating lifelong experiences for families to enjoy the home and lifestyle of their dreams. “Put people first, and the business will follow,” she says.
Walsh’s mission of putting people first has been the catalyst for her success. In her brief career as a real estate agent. She has received numerous honors, including:
- Being named the Fastest Growing Agent Award 2021 by Homesnap,
- Featured on the cover of Real Producers Magazine in May 2022, and
- Was recently highlighted on the cover of Denver Homeowner Magazine for her 2022 Luxury Agent of the Year Award.
In Walsh’s opinion, real estate is one of the hardest industries in which to build a thriving and successful career. Although real estate is sometimes viewed as a glamourized industry to make “easy money” without actually having to work much, Walsh knows that in reality agents generally work seven days per week, are on-call at all hours of the day, and can’t be afraid to get their hands dirty. However, she also knows that if you are self-motivated, real estate can allow an amazing freedom in how one wants to shape one’s career.
Accolades aside, Hilary’s passion for people expands well beyond her career. The 44-year-old mother of two is also actively involved in her community. She supports L&D Gives, a local non-profit that assists the homeless community, co-hosts the annual Ferrari of Denver Christmas Toy Drive to benefit the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children, is involved with various programs for first responders, and she recently started “Bullets then Brews” events to help instruct women and others how to use firearms safely to protect themselves and their families. Her motivation to develop firearm skills and safety events arose from a plethora of concerns expressed by her clients regarding a spike in crime during the pandemic.
“During the pandemic, I had countless people reach out to me (especially women) who didn’t feel safe,” said Hilary Walsh. “They were waking up to news of gunshots and break-ins in their formerly peaceful neighborhoods. They wanted to be able to protect themselves and their families. I now work with a great number of people in law enforcement, including Darren Weekly, the new Douglas County Sheriff.”
Growing up in Northern Michigan, Walsh was accustomed to shooting firearms, albeit mostly for sport. However, she understood that for many, shooting firearms, especially for protection, was somewhat new to her clients and friends. She wanted to find a fun and exciting way to teach others how to use firearms safely while also having fun. That is when she developed the id
Target Practice: Hilary Walsh tries out multiple rifles during indoor target practice.
ea of “Bullets then Brews,” a quasi networking event which brings together people who want to acquire shooting skills while being able to meet like-minded people for libations after shooting at the gun range. Her primary goal was to make sure it was done in a safe manner, as pairing booze and guns is dangerous. That is when she stumbled upon The Gallery Sportsman’s Club and Range (The Gallery) — a 20,000-square-foot shooting facility near the Colorado Mills Mall in Lakewood, Colorado.
Opened in April 2022, The Gallery boasts two fully immersive shooting bays with seven 25-yard-long gun-ready lanes and eight 20-yard entirely tactical lanes, along with a restaurant and lounge. The restaurant, aptly named the Barrel Room, offers typical bar-food fare like nachos, flatbread, and burgers, along with a full bar. But before entering the Barrel Room, patrons are required to secure any firearm in their car or in the facility’s complimentary valet lockers. A
Ready And Aim: Hilary Walsh takes aim at an indoor gun range.
government-issued ID also must be presented. Each ID is scanned and sent to the range, ensuring that no one can shoot after sipping. In fact, after checking in at the Barrel Room, customers cannot use the range for the remainder of the day.
In addition to the restaurant and lounge, The Gallery has the Trigger Press coffee shop, and also a retail store the sells firearms, ammunition, as well as outdoor supplies like coolers, camping gear, and hunting and fishing licenses.
“We’re trying to build a place that is welcoming and friendly for families,” said Megan Hymanson, The Gallery co-founder and operations director. Hymanson, along with her husband Mark, a Marine Corps veteran, are the primary owners of The Gallery, making it a woman and veteran-owned business.
“The fact that this is a women-owned business makes it even more fitting,” said Walsh. “Given the amenities, The Gallery is certainly the ideal place to host the Bullets then Brews events.” It offers the use of a selection of 80 firearms to choose from for rental, or you may bring your own firearm. Staff is available for assistance.
Appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages are provided during shooting time, with drinks and dinner available afterward in The Gallery’s on-site restaurant.
Bullets and Brews is sponsored by Hilary Walsh of @milehimodern; Ian Jouett of @ kingofthemortgagejungle; George Rock of @rockthebankofdenver; and Josh Miller and Brian Renkema of Elk Point Construction.
by Mark Smiley | Mar 21, 2023 | General Featured
by Mark Smiley
Changing Of The Guard: The City of Glendale transitions from outgoing, retiring City Manager Linda Cassady, to incoming, Council appointed City Manager Chuck Line.
Outgoing City Manager: Linda Cassaday started her career with the city in 2003 and has been City Manager since 2019. She retired from the City, effective March 31, 2023.
After Glendale City Manager Linda Cassaday announced her retirement, the Glendale City Council appointed longtime city executive Chuck Line to succeed her. Line came to the city in 1999 where he served as the Community Development Director until 2004. He then assumed the role of Deputy City Manager in August 2004, a title he has kept until now.
Chuck Line has worked under four city managers during his tenure. Veggo Larsen, Cliff Dodge, Jerry Peters, and Linda Cassaday have been instrumental in Line’s career. “Veggo Larsen taught me if I knew where I was going to die, I would never go there, and he also taught me what not to do as a city manager,” said Line, incoming City Manager, City of Glendale. “Cliff Dodge taught me a lot about the inner workings, especially of the state and the legislature, because he had spent so much time in the legislature, and understanding how the impacts of the different legislation comes down.”
“Jerry [Peters] taught me about interpersonal relationships with different people. He was probably one of the most intuitive people that I’ve known on understanding people and having empathy and understanding people’s motivations and thoughts. And then, Linda [Cassaday] has taught me how to manage the inner workings of the city and how to properly manage projects and to implement them. I would say I have some really good examples. And also, all of those city managers, outside of Veggo, had good relationships with the city council.”
Chuck Line assumes the position of City Manager during a time of stability and growth. For example, the 4 Mile District, a 10-acre entertainment district, located in the heart of downtown Glendale, which has been envisioned for over 20 years, is expected to be completed on his watch.
“I am making this transition with a Mayor [Mayor Mike Dunafon] that has been around a long time, who has the same policy objectives as staff, and the rest of the council,” said Line. “Everyone gets along and we have a very stable council and Mayor during this whole time period.”
Linda Cassaday, outgoing City Manager of Glendale, gives a glowing endorsement for Mr. Line. “Chuck is incredibly bright and has been at the city longer than I have,” said Cassaday. “Chuck and I have worked really closely, especially over the last four years. This is a natural progression and it is going to be great for the city.”
Cassaday started her career with the City of Glendale as a consultant in November 2003. Previously, she was a CPA and in public accounting, mostly on the audit side of things. She specialized in governments, non-profits, and low-income housing tax credits. She became Finance Director in May 2004. Cassaday escalated to Deputy City Manager, and has been City Manager since 2019. Her last day with the city was March 31, 2023.
New City Manager: Chuck Line has been with the City of Glendale since 1999. He became City Manager on April 1, 2023.
Cassaday had a hand in many projects in her nearly 20 years at the City of Glendale. What is she proud of the most? “The whole transformation of the city with the building of Infinity Park,” said Cassaday. “It wasn’t my vision . . . but it was fun to be part of the team who built the stadium, event center, and sports center. All of that has transformed Glendale.”
The most challenging time during her tenure was when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “I would say that 2020 was the most challenging timeframe because the new rules were coming out so quickly and unfortunately the Governor’s office did not involve the municipalities with communication,” said Cassaday. “Often we would find things out from our businesses and residents first. That was challenging.”
“The biggest thing during COVID was we wanted to be a resource for our businesses,” said Line. “It is hands down the hardest external thing that businesses ever had to deal with. They were burdened and we didn’t want to create additional burdens on them. We wanted to be that bridge between all of the different agencies that were putting out requirements.”
Cassaday will have an adjustment as she moves to the warmer climate of Florida. Cassaday was born in Denver and has never lived outside of Colorado. She has lived in Colorado Springs, Greeley, and Denver. “It is a little daunting to move from Colorado to some place different,” said Cassaday. “I can’t imagine a Christmas at 75 degrees but it will be a fun new adventure. It is going to be a huge adjustment. I am used to getting up early in the morning. It will be nice to wake up when I wake up.”
“Linda is probably one of the hardest workers I have ever known,” said Line. “She intimately understands not only the finances of the city but also has a really good sense of how to diplomatically talk to the different department heads about the interactions that they have with the inner workings of the city.”
Chuck Line grew up in Nebraska, and graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha in May 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. He then received a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska in 1996. He graduated from the University of Denver School of Law in 2004 while working at the City of Glendale.
Cassaday admits that the team she has been surrounded by has helped her achieve, “In terms of what I can take away, it is just all of the people that I have worked with,” said Cassaday. “We have such a great team in Glendale. It is unusual in city government to find staff that cares as much as they do and works as well together as they do. It has truly been an honor to work there.”
Part of that team is Public Works Director Josh Bertrand who started at the city in 2007. He will now serve as Deputy City Manager under Line. “Josh has been great,” said Cassaday. “He came to us as the first turf manager when we built the stadium. He was involved in what kind of grass we needed to plant and what kind of maintenance and equipment we needed. Josh has been an integral part of this since he started in 2007. He has been a great team player not just in public works. Josh has always felt that he was a part of the bigger circle of people in the city. That is what made him an ideal choice as Deputy City Manager.”
Also promoted is Kieran Nelson, who will now serve as Director of Infinity Park Operations. Line looks forward to working with his new team. “It is my opportunity to create those same relationships with Keiran [Nelson], Josh Bertrand, Ken Lecrone [Finance Director], Chief Haskins [Chief of Police], and to have that same type of interaction where we can bounce things off of each other,” said Line. “We can make decisions as a group. All of these people are incredibly talented and they are knowledgeable and they make good decisions and it is important for me to utilize them.”
“All of these pieces are covered,” said Cassaday. “Infinity Park is a huge part of the city’s operations between the stadium, the events center, and the sports center. And Kieran takes on all of the facilities. It is a really good team that has worked together for the last several years.”
“The metropolitan area is undergoing challenging times,” said Mayor Mike Dunafon. “We have a great team in Glendale to meet those challenges and prosper.”
by Glendale Sports Center | Mar 21, 2023 | Glendale City News
As a parent, one of the most important — and sometimes challenging — things you may do is advocating for your child’s physical and emotional well-being. Childrens’ voices aren’t always heard, and sometimes they need adults to speak up on their behalf.
How To Advocate For Your Child At school
Being involved in your child’s education plays a powerful role in their academic success. If you’re wondering how to advocate for your child at school, keep in mind that you and your child’s teacher should work together to develop plans that make the school experience as positive as possible. Regular communication with your child’s teacher can help shed light on any problems or issues your child is having in the classroom, as well as assure you how your child is doing in school.
How To Advocate For Your Child In Social Settings
If your child needs help with bullying, it might be time for you to step in. When bringing up an ongoing issue with another parent, have the conversation privately rather than in front of other people. Begin by asking the other parent for their help. Don’t blame or shame, just stick to the facts and try to avoid using the word “bully.” Admit that you may not have the whole story (there are always two sides), so be open to what the other side is. You might even mention how awkward you feel bringing up this topic. Focus on working together to find a resolution that works for everyone. If the bullying doesn’t stop, follow up with the parent again.
In addition to directly communicating with other parents, have regular communication with school personnel. Ask your child’s teachers, coaches, and guidance counselors how your child is doing socially and emotionally at school and within their peer groups. If the bullying is happening at school, they need to be made aware so they can help. Lastly, be sure to keep tabs on your child’s online presence and make sure they’re using social media safely to help prevent cyberbullying.
How To Advocate For Your Child In Healthcare
Your child has rights as a patient and you also have rights and responsibilities as a parent. Some of those rights include taking part in all decisions regarding your child’s care and treatment, asking questions freely, whether to ask to see another doctor, get a second opinion, or change doctors or hospitals, and asking for things to be explained more clearly if you don’t understand fully.
At home, parents can prepare their child for an upcoming medical experience by being honest and informative. For example, if a child needs to visit their primary care doctor for a vaccination, parents can inform the child a few days beforehand. They might say, “It’s important to keep your body healthy, and part of that is going to the doctor even when we feel well, so they can help us continue to feel great in the future.” Then, as the appointment nears, parents can explain the vaccination procedure step by step, with sensory details, such as “first, you’ll feel cold soap that cleans your skin,” and “next, you’ll feel a poke that lasts less than 20 seconds.”
For more information around advocating for your child’s well-being, check out the full article here
To learn more ways you can keep kids healthy from Children’s Hospital Colorado experts, join five area YMCAs in the Denver metro area for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 29. More details at https://denverymca.org/healthy-kids-day.
by Charles Bonniwell | Mar 17, 2023 | Editorials
Editorial —
Amanda Sawyer, Bought and Paid For By Developers
Buyer of Politicians and Liberal Interest Groups, Andrew Klein
Nineteenth century showman and con artist P.T. Barnum’s most famous purported saying is: “There is a sucker born every minute.” Westside Investment Partners and its head Andrew Klein certainly appear to believe that to be true of Denver. At the PBS12 mayoral debate all the candidates were jointly asked:
“Raise your hand if you are receiving campaign donations from Westside Investment Partners or any related entities who own golf course property and are pushing for its development.”
No one raised their hand but, in fact, former state Senator Mike Johnston, state Senator Chris Hansen, and city Councilmember Debbie Ortega all took money from Klein and support the high-density development on Park Hill Golf Course. This is enough that no one on the Editorial Board will vote for or support any of those individuals for mayor.
Denverite has reported Westside Investment Partners’ leaders and staff are supporting eight City Council candidates, including Amanda Sawyer who ran four years ago against high-density development. Sawyer, who quickly became almost unbearably smug, self-important, and arrogant upon assuming her city council position, has now become a high-density developer backer. This demonstrates that there must be something in the water in District 5 as her two predecessors, Marcia Johnson and Mary Beth Susman, also became corrupted by developers soon after coming into office. Incumbents in Denver are almost impossible to beat, especially when backed by developer money, but Michael Hughes is trying to unseat Sawyer in District 5 and we wish him the best.
It isn’t just politicians that Klein and Westside Investment Partners have corrupted with their money. A Who’s Who of venerable liberal organizations including Volunteers of America, Habitat for Humanity, St. Thomas Episcopal, Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance, Denver Classroom Teachers Association, and many others, signed onto one of most dishonest ad campaigns to get Denver voters to approve their high-density development on April 4th.
The development is being sold on the ridiculous canard that because there is a city-wide shortage of high-quality, affordable housing we must approve their development of 2,550 new homes on half of 155 acres of open space. The most revolting assertion is that it causes the “creation of the fourth largest park in the city.” By taking half the land now for high-density development no one but a fool would believe that they will not be back for the other half in a blink of an eye.
The hucksters who told us at one time that we had to destroy South Vietnam in order to save it are back at it to tell you that you have to destroy a 155-acre park to save it. The homes will not be affordable, but will go for Cherry Hills prices and disrupt a wonderful Black neighborhood for rich White yuppies.
The destruction of Park Hill Golf Course is Mayor Michael Hancock’s final middle finger to the people of Denver. In 12 years as mayor he has made the city so unlivable that he is moving to Miami when his term is up. Hopefully Denver voters will give him the middle finger back by voting “NO” on Referred Question 20.
