In sports, halftime is more than a breather; it’s a recalibration. It’s a chance for coaches and players to analyze what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change to win. Even with hours of prep and film study, surprises happen. The opposing team may roll out a new strategy. Injuries change the game. Momentum swings. And regardless of the scoreboard, teams don’t coast. Even when they’re up by 20, great teams use halftime to regroup and refocus. Because one good half doesn’t win the game.

So here we are, our own halftime. Six months into the year. The locker room of life. What’s our score? Are we winning, losing, or tied?

Some of us may be riding high, crushing goals, building relationships, and running on momentum. If that’s you, celebrate the wins, but don’t take your foot off the gas. What got you here may not get you through the next six months. Double down on what’s working and stay humble. Great teams don’t assume the second half will be just like the first.

Others might find themselves breaking even. You’re in the game, but not ahead. Like a team tied at the half, you’ve got options: you can settle, or you can surge. The second half is wide open, and a clear shift in strategy, attitude, or energy could create that breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.

And then there are those of us who feel like the first half hit like a blitz. The losses weren’t just on paper; they were personal. Maybe you lost a job, a deal, a relationship, or even someone you loved. Maybe the hits were emotional, financial, or physical. And no amount of preparation could’ve stopped the storm that came.

If that’s your halftime story, hear this: the second half is not cancelled.

This is where I want to offer real encouragement. I’ve seen too many people write off the rest of the year when the first half goes sideways. They call it a “lost season” and start counting down to January 1. That mindset will keep you down. As the saying goes, fighters don’t lose because they get knocked down. They lose because they stay knocked down.

It’s time to get back up.

Zig Ziglar said, “If we don’t like who we are, what we are, and where we are, we can change who we are, what we are, and where we are by changing what we put into our mind.” That’s not theory. That’s truth. Our mindset is the control center of our outcomes. And what we feed it matters: positivity, scripture, wise counsel, hope.

And if we’ve been brought to our knees in the first half, maybe our second half starts right there, on our knees in prayer. Surrender doesn’t mean defeat. It means you’re no longer trying to fight every battle alone. God has been with you every step of the way. He’s not leaving you now. In fact, He’s waiting for you to lean in. Whether it’s prayer, community, or trusted advisors, tap into your sources and resources. This is not the time to isolate.

I’ve lived through my share of rough first halves. Seasons where the light at the end of the tunnel seemed far off. But I’ve also lived to see how everything can change in a matter of months. If we choose to shift. If we choose to believe. If we choose to act.

Now is the time to regroup, recharge, and realign. Let’s make the adjustments. Let’s take the lessons from the first half and apply them with fire to the second.

Let’s not just play the second half. Let’s win it. Let’s go.

Where are you halfway through 2025? What is your second-half strategy? If you would like to know more about my faith or why I rely on it so much, or if you just want to share your story, I would love to hear it at gotonorton@gmail.com. And whether we are maintaining our lead or building our comeback strategy, when we play both halves with passion and purpose, it really will be a better-than-good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

The post Michael Norton: Halftime adjustments appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

We are halfway through summer already and economic uncertainty remains prevalent this year for consumers, taxpayers and investors.

Consumers are fighting the inflation the government says we don’t have. This is causing a slowdown in high-end spending as more of us need to shift to necessities that always seem to cost more and never go down in price. Inflation is a major concern, with the expectation it will remain elevated and could peak in the third quarter. Tariffs are a key factor in keeping prices high. This may cause the Federal Reserve to remain cautious, holding rates steady for fear lower rates will increase inflation. The Fed needs to balance the need to control inflation with the potential for an economic slowdown.

Reduced spending contributes to slower economic growth. Real gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to slow to a range of 1.3% to 1.9%.

The labor market, while currently healthy, is starting to show signs of potential weakening with a rise in initial unemployment claims and declining federal government employment. Job growth is expected to slow.

The overall economic cycle is impacted by tariffs and the uncertainty around future trade policy along with global tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Investors are observing all of this uncertainty with a wary eye, even after we had a pullback earlier in the year, which brought some valuations down. The stock market does not like uncertainty and there are plenty of unknowns going into the second half of 2025.

In essence, July finds the economy in a delicate situation, with declining growth, uncertainty around trade policy and potential shifts in inflation.

Taxpayers will need to decipher the new tax bill (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). It still could make sense to consider pushing income, capital gains and even Roth conversions into this tax year, depending on how the changes will affect you.

Financial advisers warn that economic conditions are never perfect, and it is futile to predict geopolitics or any key economic indicator. Therefore, it is crucial to update your financial plan each year to be balanced according to your risk appetite and time frame. Keeping your plan current allows you to be more flexible when there are shifts you may want to take advantage of.

Economists are still on the fence regarding recession. There is a recognized risk with low probability ranging from 28% to 40%. A tighter labor market could reduce more spending and continue to slow economic growth. A recession would be negative growth, so we have a decent margin before we are in the danger zone of a serious contraction.

Positive growth still provides investors with the potential of positive returns, which could be lower given economic uncertainty. Therefore, it is generally not recommended that investors stay on the sidelines waiting for a larger opportunity. Slow steady growth is a better alternative than interest rates that don’t keep up with inflation.

Research from Google AI on The US Economy in July 2025.

Patricia Kummer is managing director for Mariner, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser.

The post Patricia Kummer: Midyear economics appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

In sports, halftime is more than a breather; it’s a recalibration. It’s a chance for coaches and players to analyze what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change to win. Even with hours of prep and film study, surprises happen. The opposing team may roll out a new strategy. Injuries change the game. Momentum swings. And regardless of the scoreboard, teams don’t coast. Even when they’re up by 20, great teams use halftime to regroup and refocus. Because one good half doesn’t win the game.

So here we are, our own halftime. Six months into the year. The locker room of life. What’s our score? Are we winning, losing, or tied?

Some of us may be riding high, crushing goals, building relationships, and running on momentum. If that’s you, celebrate the wins, but don’t take your foot off the gas. What got you here may not get you through the next six months. Double down on what’s working and stay humble. Great teams don’t assume the second half will be just like the first.

Others might find themselves breaking even. You’re in the game, but not ahead. Like a team tied at the half, you’ve got options: you can settle, or you can surge. The second half is wide open, and a clear shift in strategy, attitude, or energy could create that breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.

And then there are those of us who feel like the first half hit like a blitz. The losses weren’t just on paper; they were personal. Maybe you lost a job, a deal, a relationship, or even someone you loved. Maybe the hits were emotional, financial, or physical. And no amount of preparation could’ve stopped the storm that came.

If that’s your halftime story, hear this: the second half is not cancelled.

This is where I want to offer real encouragement. I’ve seen too many people write off the rest of the year when the first half goes sideways. They call it a “lost season” and start counting down to January 1. That mindset will keep you down. As the saying goes, fighters don’t lose because they get knocked down. They lose because they stay knocked down.

It’s time to get back up.

Zig Ziglar said, “If we don’t like who we are, what we are, and where we are, we can change who we are, what we are, and where we are by changing what we put into our mind.” That’s not theory. That’s truth. Our mindset is the control center of our outcomes. And what we feed it matters: positivity, scripture, wise counsel, hope.

And if we’ve been brought to our knees in the first half, maybe our second half starts right there, on our knees in prayer. Surrender doesn’t mean defeat. It means you’re no longer trying to fight every battle alone. God has been with you every step of the way. He’s not leaving you now. In fact, He’s waiting for you to lean in. Whether it’s prayer, community, or trusted advisors, tap into your sources and resources. This is not the time to isolate.

I’ve lived through my share of rough first halves. Seasons where the light at the end of the tunnel seemed far off. But I’ve also lived to see how everything can change in a matter of months. If we choose to shift. If we choose to believe. If we choose to act.

Now is the time to regroup, recharge, and realign. Let’s make the adjustments. Let’s take the lessons from the first half and apply them with fire to the second.

Let’s not just play the second half. Let’s win it. Let’s go.

Where are you halfway through 2025? What is your second-half strategy? If you would like to know more about my faith or why I rely on it so much, or if you just want to share your story, I would love to hear it at gotonorton@gmail.com. And whether we are maintaining our lead or building our comeback strategy, when we play both halves with passion and purpose, it really will be a better-than-good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

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When the lights are the brightest, the stakes are the highest, and all eyes are watching, those who rise to the moment are rarely surprised by it. Why? Because they’ve been there before. Not necessarily in the stadium, on the field, or in front of the big client, but in the quiet, gritty, and repetitive hours of practice. They’ve made the move a hundred times before it ever mattered.

Elite athletes, masterful gamers, accomplished performers, these people don’t just show up and “figure it out.” They prepare. They sweat. They fail. They adjust. And they do it when no one’s watching, precisely so they can deliver when everyone is.

The practice behind performance

Golfers don’t wait for the tournament to learn how to hit out of a bunker or adjust their swing for a downhill lie. They put themselves through every scenario imaginable before they ever step onto the first tee. Likewise, tennis pros hit forehands, backhands, and serves over and over again, against lefties, righties, net rushers, and baseliners, so that nothing rattles them during a match.

Quarterbacks study defenses and prepare audibles not so they might use them, but because they know they will have to. MLB pitchers memorize hitters’ weaknesses and develop sequences of pitches for each batter, each count, and each game condition. They don’t leave anything to chance.

Even a recreational skier knows better than to assume every trail is the same. Shifting snow, moguls, icy patches, and tree lines all require anticipation, balance, and muscle memory.

What’s your game plan?

Now let’s bring that down from the slopes, off the field, and into your life. Because here’s the truth: Life is coming for you. And it’s not always friendly.

We live in a world of distraction, disruption, and division, the “3 D’s.” That’s your opponent. And it’s relentless. Curveballs will be thrown. People will lie to you, some subtly, some blatantly. Situations will knock you off balance, surprise you, and frustrate you.

So the question is: Are you ready?

Have you practiced how you’ll respond when the storm hits? Or are you hoping you’ll just “figure it out” in the moment?

Salespeople who thrive don’t wing it. They role-play objections before they hear them. They rehearse how to respond to pricing pushback, to questions about the competition, to ghosting, and to negotiation traps. That preparation, done behind the scenes, becomes fluidity in the real game.

Building a values-based foundation

You need a life playbook, too. And it starts with knowing who you are, your values, beliefs, and anchors in the storm. When division shows up, is unity your move? When adversity knocks, do you respond with resilience? When offense is hurled your way, do you offer grace?

If the world throws chaos, confusion, and cruelty at you, what are your practiced responses? Are kindness, humility, forgiveness, and compassion just ideas you agree with, or are they moves you’ve practiced until they’re second nature?

Make no mistake: Life will challenge you. It will confront you with opponents in the form of circumstances, people, and inner voices that test your core. If you haven’t prepared, you’ll default to panic, anger, or paralysis.

You’ve got the next move

So today, right now, it’s your move. Not in some hypothetical, far-off, big-moment kind of way. But in this moment. You get to decide what you’re practicing. Because what you practice in private is what you’ll perform in public.

What conversations are you rehearsing? What mindset are you building? What virtues are you strengthening so they’re not just concepts, but quick-draw responses?

Don’t wait for the game to start to prepare. Because, ready or not, it already has, and the next move is yours.

How about you? Are you more likely to take things as they come and deal with it all in the moment? Or are you someone who prefers to be prepared, like the U.S. Coast Guard, Semper Paratus, always prepared? Either way, I always love hearing your stories at gotonorton@gmail.com and when we take the time to plan to win and prepare to win, it really will be a better-than-good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

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The creative process is ever-changing and often requires taking a look back to locate the way forward. The Arvada Center’s three summer exhibitions celebrate this fact by using the past as a guide to finding a way to and through modern times.

“I hope people come away from the galleries with a new understanding of what they can perceive,” said Olive Witwer-Jarvis, exhibitions manager and associate curator at the Center. “The personal stories and struggles on display provide a new look at what’s important.”

Melissa Furness — Embedded: A Mid-Career Survey, Haley Hasler — Origin Stories and Past is Present is Past is Present are all on display at the Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., through Aug. 24.

Set up in the Main Gallery, Embedded is an engrossing look at the career of an artist who is constantly finding new ways to explore themselves and the world around them. Broken up into subsections like In Ruins and Gathering Moss, Furness’ shows that she’s a conceptual artist of the highest order. Guests will see work that was created in places as disparate as Ireland and China, each with unique subjects and mediums worked into beautiful paintings.

History and its impact on our current times is a subject Furness — a professor at the University of Colorado Denver — returns to in fascinating ways, from making surreal recreations of well-known works to displaying discarded bricks from China.

“My work explores human nature and struggle as it manifests itself in relation to contemporary society and the remains of the past,” Furness said in a provided statement. “I am interested in what one culture upholds as significant — objects and ideals that we revere versus those that we discard or discount as unimportant. What does what we throw away say about us as a people versus what we place on a pedestal or seek to preserve?”

The Upper Gallery is home to Origin Stories, where Fort Collins artist Haley Hasler paints portraits that take her friends and family and put them in elaborately staged settings. The end results are transporting, at once familiar and slightly foreign.

“This show includes work from the past as well as my newest body of work,” Hasler said in a provided statement. “The beloved, everyday people around me are transformed in my paintings into gods and goddesses of the everyday realm.”

In Past is Present is Past is Present, located in the Theatre Gallery, visitors can see how Colorado artists use their ancestry, religious and cultural iconography, and mythology to shed a light on contemporary concerns, like our tumultuous political climate and missing Native women and children. The works are fascinating examinations of the artists’ relationship with the past and provide a window into the things that matter most.

“These exhibitions question what’s important and why,” Witwer-Jarvis said. “What makes something like the Mona Lisa so important, when there is so much happening in people’s day-to-day life?”

For more information, visit https://arvadacenter.org/galleries/current-exhibitions.

Go for a Moonlit Ride in Castle Rock

Castle Rock’s Pedal the Moon bike ride goes from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 12 and departs from Castle View High School, 5254 N. Meadows Drive, at 7 p.m. As dusk starts, riders will follow the East Plum Creek Trail for about 6 miles to Festival Park.
According to provided information, the terrain is suitable for all riders and participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes with lights and other items. There will be a decorating station for those who want some glow-in-the-dark decorations. At Festival Park, riders can relax and enjoy some music while participating in some giveaways.
Full details and registration information is available at https://www.crgov.com/3184/Pedal-the-Moon.

Feel the Artistic Power of ‘Mutual Terrain’

RedLine Contemporary Art Center is celebrating Denver Month of Video with Mutual Terrain, curated by Adán De La Garza and Jenna Maurice. The show is on display at the Center, 2350 Arapahoe St. in Denver, from Friday, July 11 through Sunday, Aug. 3.

According to a provided statement from the curators, “Mutual Terrain’ brings together six artists whose works reveal the land as a living presence — one that remembers, resists, and responds. This exhibition invites viewers to reconsider their relationship to the natural world, not as separate from it, but as deeply entangled within it.”

The show encourages and rewards patience, so be ready to take your time. Find more information at https://www.redlineart.org/mutual-terrain-denver-month-of-video-mov.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Car Seat Headrest at Mission Ballroom

Virginia’s Car Seat Headrest are one of the most ambitious bands in the indie rock world. Over the course of their career, they’ve experimented with all kinds of stylistic approaches, from kind-of rock operas to just straight up ripping rock albums. You never quite know what you’re going to get, but the lyrics are always extremely literate and the music is top-notch.

In support this their latest release, The Scholars, the band is coming to the Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St. at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. They’ll be joined by openers Slow Fiction for what’s sure to be an evening of great, adventurous live music. Get tickets at www.axs.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.

The post Clarke Reader: Art Through the Distortions of History appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

Intimacy is a deeply personal and evolving aspect of a woman’s life, shaped by physical, emotional and hormonal changes across different life stages. From early adulthood to post-menopause, the way women experience intimacy can shift in many ways. These changes are natural and should be understood with compassion and openness, both personally and in relationships.

In early adulthood, intimacy is often influenced by exploration, self-discovery and the development of emotional bonds. This period is usually marked by high energy and libido, and fewer barriers to sexual activity. As women move into their 30s and 40s, intimacy can become more emotionally rooted. Relationships may deepen with time and communication often becomes a cornerstone of satisfaction and connection.

Menopause, a significant milestone in a woman’s life, introduces a new phase of change. During this time, estrogen levels drop, which can lead to physical symptoms that impact sexual function. Many women experience a decrease in libido, vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse. Common symptoms include hot flashes, mood changes, anxiety and even urinary problems — all of which can influence how a woman feels about intimacy.

Despite these changes, intimacy does not have to end. Instead, it can be refined. Women are encouraged to explore new forms of connection, whether through emotional closeness, communication, sensual massages or even changes in sexual activity. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with exercise and a balanced diet can also support well-being and sexual health. Hormone therapy, relaxation techniques and open conversations with partners or healthcare providers can help women adapt to these transitions.

Ultimately, intimacy is not defined by our youth. It is a lifelong journey that can flourish at any age when nurtured with care, openness and understanding. Restoring your sense of self is key to reigniting intimacy post-menopause. Your confidence begins with taking care of your body and mind. Whether it’s through regular exercise, a balanced diet or self-care rituals, taking time for yourself can improve your mood and overall well-being, making you feel more comfortable in whatever stage of life you’re in.

For more information, visit urogyns.com.

This guest column was written by Dr. Terry Dunn, the owner of Foothills Urogynecology, a Denver-based practice specializing in women’s health. To learn more, visit urogyns.com.

The post Dr. Terry Dunn: How intimacy changes throughout a woman’s life appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

There are some musicals that are just made for the summer, and “Rock of Ages” certainly falls into that category. The show not only captures some of that wild freedom of the best summer days, but also is full of quintessential 80s songs.

“The show is all about bigger and better. It embraces the big hair of the time and has all the great music,” said Leslie Bonnell, marketing coordinator at the Parker Arts, Culture & Events (PACE) Center, which is staging the show to close its season. “It brings out all the elements of the 80s that people find so nostalgic and fun.”

Produced with Veritas Productions, “Rock of Ages” runs at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave. in Parker, through Sunday, July 20. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Directed by Kelly Van Oosbree (who also does the choreography), the show takes place at one of the Sunset Strip’s last venues and features a group of music fans coming together to chase their dreams and save the soul of the strip.

“I love a good, smart comedy, and that’s what this is,” Nancy Evans Begley, co-founder and producing artistic director with Veritas Productions. She is the executive producer, assistant director and production manager for “Rock of Ages.” “My producing work started with putting together a team and we have an incredible one for this show.”

In addition to a top-notch crew, the show also features performers guaranteed to blow audiences away with their musical skills. Most of the cast is new to the PACE Center, which adds an extra level of excitement for both performers and audiences.

Many theaters end their season during the spring, so having the opportunity to see a show during the summer makes for a special treat. And the PACE Center leans into this fact.

“The season is a little off-set from everybody else’s, which gives patrons the opportunity to experience shows at different venues and then come here during the summer,” Begley said. “This is the kind of show that is perfect for people who don’t like musicals, because they can still sing-along and laugh at the dialogue.”

The show is recommended for those 14-years-old and older, but Begley sees this as an opportunity for parents to have a night out where they’re able to just enjoy themselves.

“We say leave the HOA, leave the board, leave the student council stuff behind and come relive your favorite decade and favorite music,” she said. “In a time when our day-to-day is filled with tension and negativity… you can escape that for two-and-a-half hours. We hope you walk out of the theatre saying, ‘That was really fun. Let’s do more of that.’”

Information and tickets are available at https://parkerarts.org/event/rock-of-ages/#event-description.

FAN EXPO Denver Brings the Pop Culture World to Fans

It’s time for the Mile High City to get its fandom on with the annual FAN EXPO Denver, held at the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St., from Thursday, July 3 through Sunday, July 6.

This year’s event will play host to some top-tier guests, ranging from Star Trek’s William Shatner and Mae Whitman to a slew of Superman performers (a role very close to my heart) like Brandon Routh, Tyler Hoechlin and Tom Welling. In addition, there will be plenty of cosplaying, collector’s items to buy and panels to watch.

Go celebrate the best of pop culture by visiting https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpodenver/.

Independence Day Goes Big at Northglenn

If you don’t want to head to downtown Denver for your July 4th festivities, the City of Northglenn has you covered with events that last for most of the day and provide attendees of all ages with something to do. Held at EB Rains Jr. Memorial Park, 11800 Community Center Drive in Northglenn, activities begin at noon with a car show.

Throughout the day, attendees can take part in a duck derby, listen to music from performers like Skool Daze, Chicano Heat and Jacob Larson, and pick up food from vendors (if they don’t bring their own picnics). Fireworks will close out the evening at about 9:15 p.m.

For full details, visit www.northglenn.org.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Wu-Tang Clan at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

I can think of no better group to listen to on the day we celebrate our independence than the Wu-Tang Clan, Staten Island’s legendary rap group. They are, after all, for the children. And they represent the collective power of a range of voices when they come together while maintaining their individual perspectives. They’re responsible for some of the genre’s most important music and are the best kind of American success story.

Their final tour is coming to Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd. in Greenwood Village, at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 4. For the opener, the Wu-Tang will have Run the Jewels, the best modern rap duo. This has all the makings of a legendary concert, so get tickets at www.axs.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.

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Celebrating the freedoms that we Americans normally enjoy is just around the corner. Taking the time to contemplate and fully appreciate what this date means in our country’s history is most significant this year, given all that is happening at the national level.

Our Constitutional freedoms are under attack both directly and indirectly and there isn’t much we can do about it. Yes, we can protest in gatherings and marches throughout the land. While that will demonstrate the opposition many of us have to President Trump’s policies and actions, it will hardly stop what he is ordering to be done. While he talks about a “regime change” in Iran, such a dramatic action is not in the cards for America during Trump’s tenure.

What is in the cards for us is the mid-term election of Congressional members. The current slim margin of Republican control in both the House and the Senate makes the Republican position quite vulnerable. Democrats need to get their act together, reorganize and run solid candidates focusing on victory in November 2026. It is the best opportunity “we the people” have to overthrow the tyranny and lack of recognition of our Constitutional rights.

In the meantime, we must be vocal and protest by contacting Republican members of Congress seeking their opposition to not only the “Big, Beautiful Bill” but also other ill-conceived legislation that compromises our rights.

Funding for the 73rd Avenue Tavern, aka Barque Restaurant

For better or worse, the almost $4 million funding from Westminster taxpayers’ taxes has been approved by the Westminster City Council via a councilor’s bill to rehabilitate the former Rodeo Market into a tavern (both food and beer). The vote was 6-1, with Council member Ireland voting no.

Subject to the council passing the ordinance on second reading, WCG Construction, Inc. will be awarded the Construction Management/ General Contractor contract for the rehab project at a net cost of $3,966,375. This does not include the previous $900,000 spent on the building for numerous years.

In two separate city surveys, they have highly favored a restaurant in this building. While the business operator is not planning on a restaurant per se, they see such a use as an economic stimulus for the 73^rd Avenue commercial area and bringing vitality back to the area.

Points to ponder on the Barque Restaurant decision

I would venture to say that the decision on investing approximately $4 million of city money in the Rodeo Super Market building is one of the toughest decisions this city council has faced. However, I would speculate on how much influence the November election had on those who are either seeking election or re-election.

Yes, the city owns the building and has not been a responsible landowner/landlord. Why the city chose to purchase the building in 2004 is not clear to me, but the city has irresponsibly treated the building and site.

OK, that all is history. Now, let’s look at the deal with Barque Restaurant.

Councilmember Ireland was right on with her remarks that the parking problem has not been solved. Other developments don’t get away with a “we will fix it in phases as problems come up.”

The site plan calls for five off-street parking spaces yet the city’s parking requirements call for 42 spaces. When the Rodeo Supermarket was in operation, there were approximately 40 spaces available to customers. There was no detailed return on investment study done on this deal.

Staff did point out in the staff memorandum that it would take a projected 22 years to recover approximately $1,392,552 in rent and $2,319,196, which is close to the $3,966,375 to be invested in the building. No bank would have even come close to making such a loan.

A final point to address is the historic value of the building and the importance of this investment in giving the 73^rd Avenue a “positive shot in the arm.”

Believe me; I want the 73^rd Avenue commercial area to survive. I have friends who have businesses in Historic Westminster. However, I don’t think this deal is the solution to the area’s needs. It’s bigger than any one business.

I hope Barque Restaurant is a huge success and I will be a customer there. Let’s hope it can beat the odds of still being in business in five years.

The possibility of selling Western States public lands

The Republican-controlled Congress is seriously considering selling off various public lands in our Western states, including Colorado. The motivation is to help pay for the huge tax break to very wealthy people, dramatically increase funding for immigration control and increase military spending.

The Senate version of the bill revives and expands a public land sale proposal which had been in the initial House version, but was dropped thanks to pressure from Western states’ representatives.

Specifically, the Senate version would require the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service to sell between 0.5% and 0.75% of the 438 million acres the two agencies manage across the West. The upper end of that range is nearly 3.3 million acres or more than 5,100 square miles – about 12 times the land area of our beloved Rocky Mountain National Park.

The pretext of the public land sales is to increase the opportunities to build affordable housing. I can hardly keep from laughing when Republicans came out with that justification. The whole reason is to raise money to help fund the huge tax cut for the friends of the King.

The Senate version would exempt lands that include national monuments, wilderness areas, national conservation areas, national parks and national recreation areas. Public lands with grazing, mining, drilling or timber leases would not be sold.

The public land sales portion of the “One big, beautiful bill” needs an all-out attack to delete it like what happened in the House version. Our public lands really do not need to be sold off to wealthy people who want to pick prime land sites for their 3^rd or 4^th summer home. These lands are a part of what makes America so special. Let’s not lose these assets!

But there is good news! The Senate Parliamentarian ruled on June 23 that the sale of up to 3.3 million acres of US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management property falls OUTSIDE the scope of the rule for the drafted reconciliation bill. This means proponents of the sale of land must either attempt to rewrite the provision so it fits Senate rules or drop it from the budget bill.

It’s a temporary reprieve. I bet the Republican Senators will modify the budget bill to include such land sales. We will see.

Exciting possibilities for the City of Northglenn

It’s always exciting and energizing to plan for the future. The Northglenn City Council is currently involved in the third phase of its Civic Center visioning. Earlier phases have included their recreation center and Parsons Theatre and their dynamic city hall.

This segment focuses on the city-owned land for private development. Recently staff and planning consultants presented two development scenarios for the total site. As a reminder, their 2017 master plan goals and objectives for the entire site included the following: enhance stronger community identity; integrate a vibrant mix of land use; evaluate the best location and design of municipal facilities; provide public gathering places; leverage the success of adjacent development and strengthen connections.

Two scenarios were presented and analyzed. Both concepts included townhomes, apartments, live-work and commercial/retail.

A part of the difference in the two has to do with where the commercial/retail is placed – either fronting on Community Center Drive or tucked in the southern area adjacent to City Hall.

Other differences were the mix and location of townhouses to apartments/condos and dropping the live/work space in Scenario two. Also, there are 60 extra parking spaces in Scenario #1 versus 132 spaces in Scenario #2 for the recreation center.

The city plans a community outreach program over the summer. Ultimately, the real test of this thorough planning and analysis will be the master developer’s reaction to the plan. Staff had noted the need for some flexibility to give the developer some “wiggle room.”

It will be fun to see what the process produces.

Bill Christopher is a former Westminster city manager and RTD board member. His opinions are not necessarily those of Colorado Community Media. You can contact him at bcjayhawk68@gmail.com.

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The title of this column is borrowed from one of the most impactful books I’ve ever read: “Seeds of Greatness” by Denis Waitley. But for anyone who had the privilege of knowing Denis, or simply learning from him through his books, audios, or keynote speeches, those three words are far more than a title. They represent a way of life. A code. A calling.

Denis Waitley didn’t just write about greatness, he lived it. He sowed seeds of inspiration, belief, and transformation in millions of lives around the world. Mine included.

A hero who became a friend. I first met Denis in 1999. At that point, I had already been profoundly influenced by his work, especially his landmark audio program, “The Psychology of Winning.” That program opened my mind and heart to the power of attitude, expectation, and self-leadership. It was one of the first personal development recordings I’d ever heard, and to this day, its lessons are still bearing fruit in my life.

So you can imagine my amazement when I not only met the man behind the voice, but was also blessed to travel with him, work with him, and share stages with him. What began as admiration from afar evolved into a personal friendship and a professional relationship I will always cherish.

He stood tall among giants. Mention the legends of the personal development movement — Zig Ziglar, Stephen Covey, Les Brown, Jim Rohn, Tom Hopkins, Brian Tracy, Jim Cathcart, Tony Alessandra, Tony Parinello — and Denis Waitley is right there among them, not just in reputation but in character.

What set Denis apart was his calm, steady presence. He didn’t need to raise his voice to raise the bar. His intelligence was matched only by his integrity. His humility rivaled his eloquence. And his passion? Unmistakable. He wanted nothing more than to see others win, not just in business or sports, but in life.

From Olympians and CEOs to speakers, students, and everyday strivers, Denis was the coach behind the curtain, the mentor who reminded us to see the best in ourselves before the world ever would.

When I think about Denis Waitley, I think about a legacy of personal impact. One of the most meaningful moments I shared with Denis happened at Zig Ziglar’s 80th birthday celebration. It was a beautiful, star-studded evening filled with icons and influencers. Denis could have sat with anyone. He chose to sit with me and my family. That’s who he was, genuinely kind, profoundly present, and always pouring into others.

His teachings weren’t just theories; they were tools. He taught me to live proactively rather than reactively, and that shift alone has reshaped how I face challenges, opportunities, and relationships. He also instilled the importance of “positive self-expectancy,” the belief that the best is not only possible but probable when we align our mindset with our mission. In competitive situations, that belief has been my slight edge more times than I can count.

His final chapters were just as powerful. Even in his later years, Denis remained a fountain of wisdom. He often told me he had so much more he wanted to say and write. So he did. “The New Psychology of Winning” is a masterwork of updated insights for a new generation. And books like “Empires of the Mind” and “The Dragon and the Eagle” added depth and global perspective to his growing body of work.

Each page he wrote carried his voice. Each sentence, a seed.

My encouragement to you starts here. Denis Waitley may have passed from this world recently, but the legacy he leaves behind is bigger than the man himself. It lives in the lives he touched — mine, yours, and the countless others who’ve been transformed by his words. If you want to honor him, don’t just remember him. Read him. Study him. Share his wisdom, not for him, not even for me, but for you.

Because greatness, real greatness, isn’t something we’re born with. It’s something we plant, nurture, and grow. And Denis Waitley left us all with the seeds.

To know more about what I learned from this great man, email me at gotonorton@gmail.com. And when we continue to learn from the best, it really will be a better-than-good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

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I know, I know. We’re just over a month into summer. You’re still finding sand in the car, your kids are still sunburned from last weekend, and half your house smells like pool towels. But here we are — already in July and realizing: Back-to-school season is basically tomorrow.

The good news? If you start tackling a few things now, you can avoid that late-August scramble where you’re stress-ordering lunchboxes at midnight and wondering how your child’s shoes shrunk two sizes in two months.

Here are some bite-sized (and manageable!) tips to make the back-to-school transition smoother — and dare we say, even satisfying.

1. Start the School Supply Inventory Now (Before Everything’s Sold Out)

Let’s be real — nobody wants to dig through dried-out markers and crumpled folders mid-August. Now’s the time to quietly assess what survived last school year. Grab a bin, round up last year’s supplies, and do a ruthless audit. Keep what still works, toss what doesn’t, and make a list of what you actually need before Target becomes a war zone.

Bonus points: Order online, avoid crowds, and enjoy the smug satisfaction of being ahead of the game.

2. Do a Mini Wardrobe Swap

Nothing fancy — just pull out the school-year staples and have your kids do a try-on session (ideally when they’re in a decent mood … good luck). Figure out what still fits, what needs to be replaced, and what “absolutely cannot be worn anymore because it’s itchy, Mom.”

Make a list, donate what you can, and keep a running tab of what to snag during those back-to-school sales.

3. Tame the Mudroom (or Entryway, or That One Corner Where Everything Piles Up)

Whatever space you use as your landing zone, now’s the time to reclaim it. Create easy-to-manage “stations” — one for shoes, one for sunscreen/bug spray/hats, and one for backpacks and lunchboxes.

Hooks are your best friend. So are labeled baskets. Because nothing kills a morning like a single missing shoe and a kid who suddenly “can’t go to school without their green bucket hat.”

4. Prep the Pantry Like a Snack-Slinging Pro

Back-to-school mornings are chaotic enough — do your future self a favor and get the snack situation under control now. Organize your pantry with easy grab-and-go bins: one for lunchbox snacks, one for after-school munchies, one for breakfast bars. Restock what’s low, toss anything expired (you know it’s in there), and maybe even sneak in some you-snacks for survival purposes.

Backpack packing will feel like a breeze. Or at least less like a tornado.

5. Delegate the Chaos

Overwhelmed already? That’s where we come in. TULA’s assistants are back-to-school prep pros. We can tackle the supply shopping, refresh your mudroom, organize that pantry, even help sort the mystery pile of summer camp art and permission slips currently living on your counter. Whether you need a few hours of help or a total refresh, we’ve got you covered.

Because the truth is, back-to-school doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning — and the right kind of help — it can actually feel like a fresh start. And hey, maybe even leave time for one last weekend getaway before the alarm clocks come back.

This guest column was written by Megan Trask and Cody Galloway, Denver residents and co-founders of TULA Life Balanced. Learn more about their business at tulabalanced.com.

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