by Mark Smiley | Jun 9, 2017 | Travel
by Diana DeGette
Don’t hold me to it, but there’s a good chance that June in Washington, DC won’t be the wild roller-coaster ride that May was.
It’s no exaggeration to say that nearly every day last month brought stunning news that raised concerns about the state of our democracy, starting at the top. There was one shocking revelation after another involving Russian officials, President Donald J. Trump’s actions, the firing of FBI director James Comey, alleged conversations between Comey and President Trump, and other matters.
But as of this writing in late May, things have started to settle down — in part thanks to the appointment of a special counsel to oversee the FBI’s Russia investigation, which I had called for in a letter to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein earlier in the month while at home in Colorado.
I was especially pleased that Rosenstein tapped former FBI Director Robert Mueller, whom I know to be a man of integrity, professionalism and absolute dedication to justice.
Given the complexities of the situation and what is sure to be a thorough investigation under Mueller’s leadership, we can expect that it will be a long time before his work produces conclusions that can be shared with the public.
So maybe now we can get dispense with dramatic distractions for a while and get back to what Congress should do: pass legislation that improves life for Americans and helps make our country more secure.
If the President keeps to the promises he made in January, this would include major tax reform and an initiative to fix America’s crumbling infrastructure. But his one-page tax plan outline from late April hasn’t yet been translated to legislation, and an infrastructure bill is evidently even further down the road, since there’s been no sign of one yet.
Meantime, the House Republican leadership has forged ahead on its unilateral effort to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, jamming through a TrumpCare bill without waiting for an assessment of its costs and effects from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. The CBO reported in the last week of May that if this bill becomes law, it will ration care and put insurance companies back in charge. Twenty-three million people will lose their coverage within 10 years while the cost for millions others will go up — including those covered through employer plans. The onus is now on the Senate to prevent this damage.
We also should be deep into the process of preparing a budget for Fiscal Year 2018, which starts on October 1. President Trump’s budget blueprint in March, which slashed spending for important domestic and foreign policy priorities in favor of dramatically boosting the military budget, was greeted as a non-starter by congressional Republicans and Democrats alike.
The appropriations process only begins in earnest when the President presents an actual, detailed budget request to Congress, which he finally did on May 23. If enacted, this heartless and short-sighted budget proposal would cripple important domestic and international programs to create needless tax breaks for the wealthy. Republicans and Democrats alike spoke up immediately to protest it.
The delays, chaos and dysfunction that have characterized the Trump administration to date have not only affected the work of Congress. They have also undermined Americans’ confidence about where we’re headed as a country and how it affects our standing in the world.
With respect to the matters involving Russia and President Trump’s campaign and administration, the coming weeks and months will likely bring more revealing investigative reporting, along with rampant rumors, misdirection and misinformation. A truly independent, impartial Special Counsel will follow the cold, hard facts wherever they lead. And the Justice Department can determine whether there has been a violation of federal law in a way that no other approach to these issues can.
But that doesn’t rule out taking other paths to get at the truth. I have long supported the formation of an independent commission to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election, including any possible collusion with the Trump campaign, and to ensure that such interference never happens again.
I first called for that commission in December when the intelligence community made clear that Russia had meddled in the election. That’s why I support, H.R. 356, the Protecting Our Democracy Act, which would establish such a commission. This bill has been ignored by the House Republican leadership, along with other substantive legislation intended to hold the President accountable.
An independent commission would involve experts from outside the government, who would not only seek out the facts, but also suggest solutions. The 9/11 Commission was one such effort, and its recommendations led to changes that helped make the United States safer.
Diana DeGette represents Colorado’s First District to the U.S. Congress. She serves as Chief Deputy Whip and is a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
by Mark Smiley | May 26, 2017 | Travel
by Charles C. Bonniwell
Cherry Creek Valley resident M.J. Mastalir was inducted into the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame at a banquet held at the great hall at the Sanctuary Golf Course on Sunday, May 21, 2017. He joined such golf luminaries as Hale Irwin, Greg Stadler, Dow Finsterwald and Babe Zaharias.
Mastalir was a member of the University of Colorado golf team that won the Big Eight Championship in 1968. He was also a graduate of the University of Colorado Law School and while a law student he was the assistant golf coach to Les Fowler, taking the reins of the team when the Colorado Legislature was in session as Fowler was a state legislator.
In 1985 he formed Real Estate Capital Corporation which was the first national company to finance golf course real estate projects across the country. He lent out a billion dollars in projects before he semi-retired in 2010.
As an accomplished golfer at age 32, Mastalir qualified for the United States Amateur and the following year he qualified for the United States Mid-Amateur. He played in the U.S. Amateur again in 1985. He also participated in the British Amateur in 1984 and 1987. From 1986 through 1993 he served on the USGA Executive Committee rising to the Vice President and chairing the Rules of Golf Committee.
As the rules chair he served as a rules official at all four of golf’s majors — the U.S. Open, the Masters, the British Open and the PGA Championship. At the induction dinner, he described being a rules official at major golf tournaments as “long spells of boredom interspersed with bursts of terror.” He rec
alled officiating at the Masters when the highly temperamental Spaniard Seve Ballesteros slashed a shot into an azalea bush. Ballesteros rushed up to Mastalir about a foot away demanding to know where his ball was. Mastalir told him he had no idea but if it was found he would explain his options. The ball was found and Ballesteros took relief according to Mastalir’s instructions and then rushed away.
In 1999 Mastalir was selected by Golf Inc. as one golf’s 25 most influential people along with golf legends such as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.
Mastalir also served on the Colorado Golf Association Board of Governors for 22 years and was CGA president from 1997 to 1999. He is best remembered as the man who negotiated for the CGA the acquisition of the former Mira Vista Golf Course from the Lowry Redevelopment Corporation after the Lowry Air Force Base was closed. He was key to converting the old military course into the nationally praised open to the public CommonGround Golf Course with the help of golf course architect Tom Doak.
He is a member of the Denver Country Club as well as the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in Scotland. Attending the induction dinner were his wife Debbie and their two children Sarah and Blake who have provided them four grandchildren.
For more information on the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame, visit www.coloradogolf halloffame.org.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 28, 2017 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
As summer rapidly approaches, you may be digging into your drawer to find your swimsuit. Now is the time to start thinking about how that swimsuit will look and feel on you. The Glendale Sports Center understands these types of considerations so they are running a sale to encourage their members to take advantage of personal training. The Glendale Sports Center has always focused on fitness and health but what many may not know is that they offer fitness assessments and personal training for their members.
The fitness assessments are included in the membership and focus on body-composition analysis, equipment orientation, and mini fitness evaluations. This assessment is a good way to gauge where you are on the fitness spectrum and establish a baseline and future benchmark prior to starting an exercise program.
It is recommended that before beginning an exercise program, you undergo a fitness assessment. It provides key information that can be used to develop realistic goals and design an exercise program that will help meet your personal needs and achieve your goals.
When you have created your blueprint, it is time to consider personal training in your master plan. The Glendale Sports Center offers personal training for its members with four different personal trainers on staff with a varying degree of expertise.
Head trainer Beth Eafanti focuses on 30 minute workouts that cater to the busy professional. Deborah Montour trains the older adults who may be part of the SilverSneakers program, and Paul Hogan is a soccer coach who specializes in sports training. The newest trainer on staff, Dan Roake, will train anybody and is considered the most versatile.
These Certified Personal Trainers provide individualized physical conditioning programs based on their clients’ needs and goals. Members can schedule their appointments any time of the day based on their trainer’s schedule.
If you are not sure you need a p
ersonal trainer or are concerned about the financial investment, consider that a personal trainer helps you define your fitness goals. They also offer a personalized workout, instruction, motivation, accountability, variety and efficiency.
When Sports Center members sign up and pay by May 15, 2017, they will receive 10 percent off their personal training package. “We want to make sure people are still using the gym they are paying for,” said Monica Henrichs, Glendale Sports Center Health and Wellness Director. “The summer months have a lot of activities here in Colorado such as hiking, biking, and climbing, and having a personal trainer gear you up for that in May and the beginning of June is helpful.”
Packages range from $58 for one 1-hour session to $635 for 12 sessions and everything in between. The Sports Center also offers buddy packages where two people can split the cost of a one-hour session and receive even more of a discount.
To learn more, call Monica Henrichs at 303-692-5773 or visit www.sportscenterglendale.com.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 6, 2017 | Travel
By Mark Smiley
Disney on Ice presents Dream Big opens at the Denver Coliseum Thursday April 6th and runs until Sunday, April 9th. This particular show features nine different stories, all of which have Disney princesses. Tinkerbell will take audiences on a journey from the classics like Cinderella and Snow White to the story of Tangled and Frozen. Frozen, now four years old, was added to the show three years ago and is an immense hit with audiences. New movies such as Moana are being considered to be added.
Erika Craven, Disney ensemble performer in Disney On Ice presents Dream Big
The Chronicle caught up with one of the performers, Colorado native, Erika Craven. Craven, 25, is an ensemble performer and is in just about every number in the show. She started skating at the age of 4 and after graduating from college in 2014 from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York , she was not ready to hang up her skates. She has been with Disney for three years and is in the last year of her contract. Law school is next for Craven but in the meantime, she maintains a grueling schedule of nine shows per city.
It’s imperative with this kind of schedule, that the performers maintain a certain level of diet and exercise. To handle the rigor of the daily routine, the skaters need to be in top physical form. Craven does yoga four times per week and gets a workout in six to seven times. “I sometimes have to get creative with my work outs so I usually run/dance for cardio and do a mixture of workout videos and at-home workouts when the gyms don’t have very much equipment,” said Craven.
After the shows in Denver, the tour heads to Phoenix, Arizona. “I love performing, it’s always rewarding to see the audience reaction and I love seeing the kids and adults dancing along,” said Craven. I also love the travel and the athleticism that comes with this job. It’s the complete package for me.”
Snow White will be featured in this show
“This is such a great show and it’s been fun to play Colorado and I’m excited to play Denver,” said Craven. “I hope everyone can come out and enjoy it with me.” Tickets start at $15 and are still available by clicking Disney On Ice Tickets or by calling (800) 745-3000.
by Mark Smiley | Mar 24, 2017 | Travel
The INFLATABULL Rodeo Bull Ride On Float by Intex provides a “bull-riding” experience in the water and is around $50 at select retailers both in-store and online.
(BPT) – Visit any retailer’s pool aisle or website, and you’ll quickly realize a challenge your parents and grandparents never had to face – more pool inflatables to choose from than you could ever imagine. Whether you’re shopping for a larger-than-life float island or something to help keep your non-swimming little one safer in the pool, the sheer range of options can be overwhelming, but exciting!
“Shopping for pool inflatables is supposed to be fun, not overwhelming,” says Marvin Natareno, an inflatables expert with Intex Recreation Corp., the leading manufacturer of novelty pool inflatables. “Yet there are so many choices these days that comparison shopping for the best inflatable for your needs can be a challenge.”
Natareno offers some tips for choosing inflatables that will help keep your summer fun going swimmingly:
Grownup fun and relaxation
When shopping for an adult-sized novelty float, Natareno says, keep comfort, quality and originality in mind. Today’s floats can provide a unique, unexpected water experience. For example, Intex is the only manufacturer offering a rodeo bull-themed float. The INFLATABULL Rodeo Bull Ride On Float provides a “bull-riding” experience in the water and is around $50 at select retailers both in-store and online.
Quality counts
When investing in a large novelty float, quality certainly counts. The last thing you want is for it to fizzle flat during summer fun.
“If you’re investing in a large novelty float, you want to know it will last for many summers, not just one,” Natareno says. “Floats with quality PVC construction, well-sealed seams and colors that retain their vibrancy are ones to consider, especially for a more active group.”
Intex offers high-quality floats with everyone’s favorite themes, including the Mega Toucan and Mega Pegasus Island Floats, the Watermelon Island and Popsicle Float. All are available in-store or online through select retailers that can easily be found via a quick online search.
Cost doesn’t always equal quality
When shopping for a reasonably priced, quality inflatable, Natareno recommends looking at the construction and materials, and suggests looking for a brand name that you recognize and that has a long business history.
“Large-scale inflatables are very trendy right now thanks to social media and celebrity commentary,” Natareno says. “You don’t have to pay a premium price to get a quality inflatable that will provide hours of fun season after season.”
Inflatables for kids
Beach balls and classic rings might have been the first inflatable toys for kids, but today there are many more options, from inflatable arm bands meant to help stabilize little ones in the water to whale and plane-shaped ride ons. Manufacturers like Intex make a wide variety of inflatable toys for kids and offer some of the bestselling and most popular tubes and lounges that can be used from pools to rivers and lakes, like the River Rat and River Run tubes.
“Take a quick poll of your kids and see which style of float would be of interest for this pool season. Consider adding new ones each month as the season evolves for more creative fun,” adds Natareno.
Long live your inflatables
Inspect inflatables every time you use them, looking for any tears or sign of wear that can be repaired before they jeopardize the structural integrity of the toy or float. Although chlorinated pool water does a good job of keeping inflatables clean, using them at the beach or lake could mean some dirt. If inflatables become dirty, clean them with a soft brush and liquid soap and water.
Safety First
Large-scale inflatables like the Intex Mega Toucan Island are very trendy right now thanks to social media and celebrity commentary.
Most importantly, follow strict safety practices around pools. When it comes to floats, practicing good safety habits, setting and following rules, carefully reading instruction manuals and vigilant supervision can greatly reduce the likelihood of injury as well as reduce injury severity. Take time to review all safety information to assist in keeping you and your family safe this summer: www.intexcorp.com/safety-information-pools.
by Mark Smiley | Mar 1, 2017 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Eleanore Smiley on the patio of a preferred club guest room overlooking the ocean
An aerial view of Now Sapphire resort in Puerto Morelos, Mexico
My wife and I decided that we needed a family vacation and began to plan a trip to Mexico to have some fun in the sun and relaxation. When researching the different options of where to stay, there are a myriad choices. We decided to focus on resorts in Cancun that were family-friendly. The three websites we relied on most were Trip Advisor, Oyster, and Family Vacation Critic. These sites gave us a good idea, after sifting through hundreds of reviews, which resorts would suit our needs.
After careful consideration, we decided on Now Sapphire, a resort in Puerto Morelos, which is 15 minutes from the Cancun airport. Now Sapphire is part of AMResorts which also owns Dreams and Secrets resorts. Puerto Morelos is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world.
After booking roundtrip airfare on Southwest Airlines, we checked these two purchases and we quickly realized we should carefully select airport transfers, excursions, and anything else we wanted to do or the vacation could quickly escalate in price. Cancun Adventure Tours was the company we used for round trip airport transfers and an excursion to Xel-Ha Aquatic Park.
Upon arrival at the Now Sapphire resort, the staff was friendly and accommodating. We decided to pay the extra fee for Preferred Club and were not disappointed. This Club includes a private check-in and check-out ex
The Now Sapphire pool at sunrise
perience, free WiFi throughout the resort, an oceanfront room, the ability to reserve private bali beds near the pool, and more.
Now Sapphire, a former Paradisus hotel, was completely remodeled in 2010. The grounds are well maintained and the food in the seven restaurants was surprisingly good for an all-inclusive resort. The all-inclusive experience included all food, drinks, pool and beach wait service, 24-hour room service, and more.
The white sandy beach is private but does collect quite a bit of seaweed. The staff works by hand to try to clean it up each day but it does accumulate rapidly. Many reviews online mention this but we found it to be a beautiful beach with warm salt water and a tiki bar steps away to quench our thirst.
The oceanfront of now Sapphire Resort
Now Sapphire is also famed for hosting weddings. Beth Russell from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was a guest at the resort for her son’s wedding. “The wedding was wonderful, the staff sure cares about the way things are put together, for a wedding,” said Russell. “Everything was spot on and we all had a good time.”
Excursions in Cancun are plentiful. Families must choose what fits their needs and decide how much of
Eleanore Smiley swimming with the dolphins through a company called Dolphin Discovery
their vacation they want to fill with excursions. We chose a dolphin experience with a company called Dolphin Discovery. Dolphin Discovery has multiple locations throughout Mexico. We chose to go to Dreams Puerto Aventuras which was approximately a one-hour ride from the resort. The 45-minute dolphin swim was an educational and a fun experience. The company added a manatee and sea lion experience at no additional cost. The guide and trainer were knowledgeable and friendly and the excursion included a lunch buffet.
There are resorts closer to the attractions so if you plan to do more than one or two, consider these venues as three hours in a van each day will eat into your vacation time.
The Smiley Family at Xel-Ha, a natural aquatic park
For our purposes, we did not want to fill each day with activities. We enjoyed swimming in the large pool complete with a swim up bar, relaxing on a bali bed, eating hamburgers and hot dogs at the Barefoot Grill by the pool, taking in a hydrotherapy treatment which is included with a Preferred Club upgrade.
The Hibachi meal at Lemongrass is very popular
Restaurants do not require reservations with the exception of Lemongrass Asian Cuisine’s hibachi meal. Most restaurants open for dinner at 6 p.m. but 24-hour room service is available. In addition, the Coco Café is open 24 hours featuring snacks and specialty coffees. This was especially helpful since tours departed from the resort at 7 a.m. which only allowed time for a coffee and muffin to go.
The combination of Southwest Airlines, Cancun Adventures, Dolphin Discovery, and Now Sapphire in Puerto Morelos provided an affordable and family friendly vacation. If considering this trip, temperat
The private white sandy beach at Now Sapphire
ures in Cancun tend to be best in the winter and spring. Summer temperatures soar into the 90s by August. Temperatures for this reporter’s trip remained in the mid-80s with very little rainfall.
