by Mark Smiley | May 20, 2022 | Uncategorized
Families Struggle To Pay Bills As Electric Prices Rise; Three-Rate Surge To Jolt Rates $16.49 A Month By Year’s End
by Glen Richardson
Costs Up In The Air: Volatility of global energy market is making it harder for homeowners to keep costs down. A utility helicopter is used to string conductor on a Colorado project.
Are you staring at your electric bill and starting to swelter?
You’re spot-on: The average electric bill from Xcel Energy went up $5.24 a month beginning April 1, a 6.4% increase. Rates for the average small commercial customer went up 6.2%, or about $6.62.
Xcel Energy – Colorado’s largest utility with more than three million electricity and natural gas customers — has also filed an overall natural gas rate increase, seeking a $8.14 price hike beginning November 1. More: Xcel is also asking for a temporary rate increase to recoup $550 million in extra electric and natural gas costs due to a 2021 winter storm. Bottom line: The three-rate increase will jump your energy bill by $16.49 a month by year’s end.
Summer Costs Cook
Coal Closure: Closure of Xcel Energy’s Pueblo coal plant is major factor in rising rates. Utility plans to shutter the Comanche 3 Plant by 2031, ending coal-fired electricity in the state.
This month marks the official beginning of summer as the sun’s rays strike Earth at a more direct angle. Summer solstice begins here at 2:13 a.m. on June 21. Use of electricity will soar in the weeks following. As usage jumps due to summer’s heat, utilities add more expensive generation sources to meet the increasing demand.
Weather is the biggest factor for fluctuation in utility bills. On average 50-60% of summer bills are made up of cooling costs. If your HVAC system runs on electricity, then you’ll see higher totals on your electric bill, especially if you place a higher demand on your HVAC system.
Given the surge in Xcel Energy’s rates already, energy bills this summer are increasingly likely to burn a hole in your wallet. That includes energy produced by solar and wind sources.
“Volatility of the global energy market is making it harder for homeowners to keep control of how much they pay for energy,” states Denise Stepto, communications officer for nonprofit Energy Outreach Colorado. The nonprofit helps those facing “utility shutoff” with programs to halt the crisis and assist them to get back on their feet.
Time Of Use Rates
Cutting down on home energy costs is no longer simply just switching off the lights or insulating the attic. Thus, since March, Xcel Energy has offered “Time of Use Rates” that base prices for electricity on when customers use energy. Prices are higher when customers use more energy and lower when they use less.
The system is divided into three rates: Off-Peak hours — before 1 p.m. and after 7 p.m. each day — the price is just 9.9-cents per kilowatt hour. Mid-Peak hours —between 1 and 3 p.m. — costs are 18.9-cents in the summer and 13.6-cents in the winter. On-Peak hours — between 3 and 7 p.m. — costs are 27.9-cents in the summer and 17.3-cents in the winter.
Weekends and holidays count as Off-Peak times. Summer rates run from June through September; winter rates from October to May. “Summer rates are higher because of the large amount of energy it takes to run air conditioners,” explains Xcel Energy regional VP Hollie Velasquez.
Controlling Bills
Beat The Heat: Keep your thermostat just cool enough to be comfortable, and then bump it up a degree. Each degree above 75ºF saves 10-15% in amount of energy used.
Here are tips from energy experts to help you beat the heat and save money: Get an air conditioner checkup or replacement. Cleaning a clogged AC unit filter alone can save 5-15% in energy cost. Keep your thermostat just cool enough to be comfortable, and then bump it up a degree. Each degree above 75ºF saves 10-15% in amount of energy used.
When home, close doors and AC vents in rooms that are not in use. When it cools off at night, turning off your cooling system and opening the windows lets cool air in plus hot air out. Keeping blinds drawn and windows closed helps keep heat from warming your interior. Also, fans use 1/60th the energy of an air conditioner. More: Ceiling fans can cut back the need for air conditioning, saving up to 40% on electricity.
Xcel Energy also urges users to follow these behavioral changes to contain costs: Run dishwashers at night plus wash and dry clothing during the weekend. Also bake major meals in ovens on weekends, then reheat the food.
Activists Aim At Profits
High Wire Rates: Xcel Energy, Colorado’s largest utility, is jolting homeowners with a sky-high three-rate increase that will jump residential electric bills $16.49 per month by year’s end.
As residential energy rates keep going up, Xcel Energy’s profits in Colorado are in the crosshairs of advocates for senior citizens and taxpayers. AARP says the rate hikes hammer residents who can least afford higher energy bills.
AARP asserts the utility is being allowed to add up to 1-1/2% to a clean energy “revenue rider” on the annual electric bill of monopoly members, including surcharges and franchise fees. The organization also says Xcel can add up to 1/2% of their revenue requirement to develop electric vehicle charging stations. Plus, the utility can add the cost of providing those facilities to their base rates.
Moreover, they argue the utility is entitled to a higher rate of return from electric appliances, furnaces, and hot water heaters. Plus, they also get an accelerated depreciation and are
Cool Summertime Idea: Get an air conditioner checkup or replacement. Denver’s Cooler Company is one of many providing air conditioning system service and repair.
able to retain part of the net economic value.
Profit Sharing?
What’s more, the Independence Institute is proposing an initiative that would require investor-owned utilities to share their annual profits by returning to taxpayers at least 5% of the company’s sales in the state.
Institute president Jon Caldara, head of the conservative think tank says, “Colorado’s system of regulating utilities is broken.” He wants to fix it by creating a proposal to make companies share some of their profits with customers.
His proposal would apply to all utilities that are regulated in exchange for being allowed to recover their costs and receiving an okay for a return on their investments. He makes it clear, nevertheless, that Xcel Energy is the target.
by Jessica Hughes | May 20, 2022 | Uncategorized
by Jessica Hughes
The beautiful entrance to the gallery provides even those passing by with a sense of David’s work from the street. Photo provided by Relévant Galleries
Relévant Galleries showcases the larger-than-life fine art photography prints of David Yarrow. Photo provided by Relévant Galleries
Opening last July in Cherry Creek, Relévant Galleries showcases the work of fine art photographer David Yarrow through a variety of larger-than-life wildlife and lifestyle pieces. Yarrow’s work documents the natural world from new perspectives with large archival pigment prints that feature stars and supermodels such as Cara Delevingne, Cindy Crawford, and Jordan Belfort. Often drawing inspiration from the natural wonders of Colorado, it felt like a natural fit with Relévant Galleries to house one of his largest exclusive collections in the United States.
Located between the newly revamped Hotel Clio and North Italia on Clayton Lane, the gallery is a show-stopper for anyone walking by. “The visual impact of the gallery is truly spectacular with an outsider’s view of large-scale black and white images. It is hard to walk by and not turn your head,” says Courtney Olson, the fine art advisor for Relévant Galleries. “That alone brings clients in, however, when they see an icon like Cindy Crawford or Ciara and Russell Wilson in a shot it adds an extra level of intrigue. His work is so unique that people do stop and stare to take it all in.”
Cindy Crawford is one of the many iconic celebrities featured in some of David’s most notable works. Photo provided by Relévant Galleries
Shot in Southwest Colorado on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, much of David’s work features strong ties with Colorado. Photo provided by Relévant Galleries
In the words of David, “Be bold, embrace the unexpected, and aim to create pictures with an impact.” David’s stunning photography is something to be taken in and admired from both up close and from afar. The realness with which he brings natural scenes and not-so-natural scenes to life in one single shot makes an impression on anyone, even if just an admirer. “The world truly needs to experience his work and the impact he makes creating it,” says Olson. Viewing his work is an experience all on its own.
While Denver has long been known as an outdoor recreation destination, in recent years, Denver’s art scene has also become one of the reasons to visit the Mile High City. With new galleries opening up all around the city, Cherry Creek has become a popular destination for the art lover, including the recent addition of Relévant Galleries.
“Cherry Creek North is the premier luxury location in Denver, hosting over 300 unique shops. We have two other sister locations (Clayton Lane Fine Arts & Master’s Gallery) which have had a strong presence in the community for over 10 years. Right now, we believe Cherry Creek is the new cultural hub of Denver,” explains Olson.
With over 50 years of experience in the fine art business, Relévant Galleries represents both world-renowned and local artists, with a dedication to the support and patronage of fine art. The Cherry Creek art gallery is the newest fine art gallery to be introduced to the AD Galleries family, represented by a collection of eight galleries (and growing) in resort towns, including Aspen, Vail, Beaver Creek, and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
“We pride ourselves on creating an unforgettable experience that brings together both stunning images and stories,” Olson assures her clients and admirers of the gallery. “At Relévant Galleries, you will always walk away from the gallery with more than you came in with whether that is an emotional or physical connection to the art.”
To learn more about Relévant Galleries and special V.I.P. events, visit them at www.relevantgalleries.com.
by Mark Smiley | May 20, 2022 | Featured Stories & Advertisers, Uncategorized
by Mark Smiley | Jan 21, 2022 | Uncategorized
by Mark Smiley | Oct 22, 2021 | Uncategorized
Expert: Matthew Kline is a well-respected piano teacher and mindfulness training and meditation expert.
Matthew Kline’s reputation precedes itself. Kline is known around the country as a world class piano teacher who also focuses on mindfulness training and meditation. By bringing his expertise in building communities through outstanding musicianship, Matthew Kline founded Music Lab Dallas in 2016, now known as Now Embodied Sound Studio.
Now Embodied Sound Studio is located in Workshops in the heart of Glendale. He occupied the space in September after moving from Texas. “I’m really impressed by Glendale,” said Kline, owner of Now Embodied Sound Studio. “It’s this beautiful hub in the middle of a larger metropolitan area. This particular location [Workshops] is perfect. I fell in love with this location because of its proximity to everything. It’s so easy to access students of all ages and types. I love being in a multicultural and experimental environment.”
“I’m set up with a larger space [at Workshops] so I can accommodate a few people at a time to experience the calming and relaxing presence of sound as a tool to restore the body into a place of relaxation. This puts the body in a place where it needs to be to heal itself.”
Kline taught piano lessons and piano pedagogy for 15 years at Southern Methodist University (SMU). He honed his skills during his 15 years as Senior Lecturer in Piano Pedagogy, and Executive Director of the Piano Preparatory Department at SMU. But his experience started at an early age.
At age seven, Kline began studying piano with his mother. At age 16 he studied with David Pocock at Western Michigan University, thus undertaking a more formal study.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hope College with majors in piano performance and psychology. While at Hope College, Matthew studied piano with Joan Conway, Jaques-Dalcroze Eurhythmics, and Charles Aschbrenner.
In 1997 Matthew began his Master of Music degree at Southern Methodist University where he studied piano under Alfred Mouledous and Piano Pedagogy under Dr. Sam Holland, the current dean of the Meadows School of the Arts.
Upon completing his Master of Music degree, Mr. Kline returned to Western Michigan University where he completed his Master of Social Work degree. As a Social Worker, Matthew built communities and served as an advocate in hospice care, public school systems, and distributing emergency financial assistance through government agencies.
Kline’s pursuit of excellence has earned him a reputation around the U.S. as an outstanding music educator who strives to meet the personal and musical needs of his students.
“Mr. Kline has a wonderful way of engaging our young son to spark his interest in piano, music, patterns, and rhythm,” said Nicole Kamprath. “Mr. Kline’s methods have taught our son the fundamentals of piano, but also provided a wider knowledge and enjoyment of music.”
Glendale Business: Now Embodied Sound Studio is located at Workshops in Glendale.
His students consistently receive marks of First Class with Honors in the Music Development Program Examinations, while select pupils have even been chosen to perform in the Van Cliburn International Competition for Outstanding Amateurs, as well as the Chicago International Competition for Outstanding Amateur Pianists.
Despite the value of these successes and achievements, Kline’s satisfaction comes from bringing people together through rhythm, motion, and joy. And that is part of the reason he left higher education and started his own company. “I’m really happy to be spreading my own wings away from higher education,” said Kline. “I love what it does and what it offers but it’s really nice to be free and structuring my own world.”
One of the first orders of business for Kline after moving to Denver was to join the Glendale Chamber. “I joined the chamber because it is really important to get my name out in the community,” said Kline. “Also, I love being a part of a community with people who are engaged in the community itself. Who have businesses that serve the community and the population. To me, it’s all about building community. It’s exciting to be part of it.”
That community feel is what drives Kline to take Embodied Sound Studio to the next level. Embodied Sound Studio has what Kline calls three silos of activities: 1. World class piano lessons for students from age 6 to 96; 2. Mindfulness; and 3. Individual sessions that allow people to share what’s in their heart.
Develop The Self Through The Joy Of Playing Piano
The art of studying piano is an art of understanding the self then using that understanding to express universal truths and deepening the connection with the world. Students of piano become skilled at the language of Rhythm, Harmony, and Melody.
“Our son has been studying under Matthew for four years,” said Ling Shiao. “He is a great pianist and a dynamic, engaging, experienced teacher who is committed to his student’s excellence. He makes lessons both interesting and fun for his students using a variety of techniques. He may have a student get up and dance to learn particular rhythms or have the student sing the melody so they can literally feel the music flowing through their body. He’s at once strict and patient, disciplined and flexible, tailoring his lessons to each student’s personality and needs. Our son can go this far on piano and take great pride in it only because of Matthew’s outstanding teaching and remarkable musicianship.”
Play With Others
Making music and performing with others is not limited to those who have studied for many years and have achieved skill and mastery. Anyone can connect with others through the interlocking rhythms and tones present in a community-based rhythm event. This class is intended to build community through listening, interaction and musical exploration. No experience needed.
Enhance Your Presence
Enhance your ability to focus, relax and remain present. A Somatic Sound Bath is a unique and powerful 90-minute experience, combining restorative yoga asana, vocal toning, and sound bath. Sounds produced by singing bowls, the voice, along with other instruments become tools for weaving a tapestry that yokes the mind to the body and individual to the collective. The therapeutic sound practitioner creates an immersive soundscape that deepens relaxation and fosters awareness.
Now Embodied Sound Studio charges $100 per hour for services rendered. They are located at Workshops at 4340 E. Kentucky Avenue, Suite 352A in Glendale. Visit www.nowembodied.com for more information.
by Mark Smiley | Oct 22, 2021 | Uncategorized
Left to right: Denver Academy parents and supporters Michael and Elizabeth King and Campos EPC SmartLab donor Marco Campos at the Grand Opening.
Campos EPC Representatives check out student projects at the DA Middle School Campos EPC SmartLab Grand Opening.
Denver Academy (DA), an independent school serving diverse learners in grades 1-12, recently celebrated the grand opening of the second SmartLab (Science, Math, Art, Robotics, and Technology) at the school provided through a donation from the Campos EPC Foundation.
The DA Middle School Campos EPC SmartLab was completed in the fall of 2020 and serves students in grades 7-8. It utilizes learning materials and a curriculum developed by Creative Learning Systems (CLS) that includes hands-on exploration of mechanics and structures, computer graphics, photo editing, 3D modeling, sound engineering, scientific data and analysis, digital communications, alternative and renewable energy, robotics and control technology, circuitry, film creation and editing, and software engineering.
While the lab opened for DA Middle School students a year ago, the official grand opening of the space was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and took place on Sept. 9, 2021. Representatives from Campos EPC were in attendance, including Founder and Managing Principal of Campos EPC Marco Campos. Attendees were able to view and test some of the projects students have been working on in the lab.
Campos EPC Representatives attend the Grand Opening of DA’s Middle School Campos EPC SmartLab on Sept. 9, 2021.
Denver Academy Head of School Mark Twarogowski attended and spoke about the importance of the Campos EPC SmartLab for the school’s students.
“We are so grateful to Campos EPC for their continued generous support, providing more than $300,000 for our two Denver Academy Campos EPC SmartLabs,” said Mark Twarogowski. “Together, in partnership with Creative Learning Systems, the labs provide the opportunity to immerse our younger students into the world of scientific exploration and discovery in a whole new way.”
Denver Academy Head of School Mark Twarogowski, left, and Creative Learning Systems Regional Sales Manager Jeanne Timmons, at Grand Opening of Denver Academy’s Middle School Campos EPC SmartLab on September 9, 2021.
With the support of Campos EPC Foundation, the first SmartLab at Denver Academy opened in the Elementary/6th Grade Building for students in grades 1-6 in 2019. The school’s youngest students continue to benefit from instruction in the lab through which they’ve learned computer coding, problem-solving, and project management.
Based on the lab’s success, Denver Academy and Campos EPC again partnered with Creative Learning Systems to bring an additional lab to the DA Middle School.
“To be able to continue our partnership with Denver Academy to provide a SmartLab for middle schoolers is so exciting! I can’t wait to see what these bright minds continue to discover,” said Marco Campos, the founder and managing principal of Campos EPC. “Campos EPC is about more than just energy infrastructure; we want to build a better future for our communities and our kids.”
“With STEM occupations growing twice as fast as all others in the US[i], it’s critical that educators provide learners with hands-on, student-led, project-based learning opportunities,” said Creative Learning Systems CEO Ashley Mathis. “For 50 years, Denver Academy has had an exemplary record of providing students with a holistic academic experience. Creative Learning Systems is excited to support its mission of transforming lives and empowering young people by providing customized learning spaces that facilitate experiential, personalized, and collaborative experiences.”
