Stanley Marketplace, which will open its doors within the former Stanley Aviation headquarters at 2501 Dallas St. in Aurora later this year, announces the addition of new retailers Tootsies the Nail Shoppe, Kismet and wax. These businesses join the already announced Stanley Beer Hall by Kevin Taylor Restaurant Group, Endorphin and Kindness Yoga.

Comprised of more than 100,000 square feet on 22 acres, the reuse urban marketplace will be home to a spacious community park, indoor/outdoor event venue, office space and a wide array of dining, shopping and recreational options. Joining the ranks of well-known urban marketplaces across the U.S., including San Francisco’s Ferry Building, Seattle’s Melrose Market and New York’s Chelsea Market, Stanley will be home to both well-known and smaller, independent Colorado retailers.

With two locations in Denver’s Berkley and Washington Park neighborhoods, Tootsies the Nail Shoppe offers pedicures and manicures. Kismet, with three other Denver area locations, sells women’s clothing and accessories, as well as home decor. wax., which will open its second Front Range location within Stanley, offers comprehensive waxing services, brow and lash tinting and skincare for men and women. All businesses are independently owned.

Flightline Ventures, a Stapleton-based firm comprised of longtime neighborhood residents who saw a need for a community-based marketplace and sought to fulfill it, is behind the development of Stanley. Partners Mark Shaker, Lorin Ting and Megan Von Wald teamed with the City of Aurora to make the vision a reality. Aurora also recognized the need for a gathering place in the neighborhood, and made the group aware of the building, which had previously been vacant for several years. The marketplace will represent the first stage of redevelopment activity along Westerly Creek, part of Aurora’s long-term plan for urban revitalization.

“It’s just thrilling to watch the pieces of this project fall into place,” said Aurora City Manager Skip Noe. “The anticipation for the Stanley Marketplace continues to build in the community, and we are counting down to opening day.”

Information about additional tenants and programming will continue to be released in the coming months.

“We’re incredibly excited to announce these businesses as the most recent additions to the Stanley family,” Shaker said. “Based on our research, the community definitely sees a need for their services, and we’re happy to welcome them to Stanley.”

Governor John Hickenlooper, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, and Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan have issued proclamations declaring the week that ends on Father’s Day, June 9-15, as Men’s Health Week. This awareness period is part of a national effort to celebrate fatherhood while helping to educate men, boys and their families about disease prevention, medical screenings and living healthy lifestyles.

(Aurora Proclamation: http://www.menshealthmonth.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/City-Aurora-2014.jpg)

(Denver Proclamation: http://www.menshealthmonth.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/City-Denver-2014.jpg)

(Colorado Proclamation: http://www.menshealthmonth.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/CO-2014.jpg)

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of National Men’s Health Week. The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Bob Dole and Congressman Bill Richardson and was signed by President Bill Clinton on May 31, 1994.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, men have higher rates of death from cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports women nationwide are 100 percent more likely to visit their doctor for annual exams and preventative services than men.

“Despite advances in medical technology and research, men continue to live an average of five years less than women,” Hickenlooper said. “Educating the public and health care providers about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and early detection of male health problems will result in reducing rates of mortality from disease.”

Aurora Mayor Hogan said, “Men’s Health Week is such an important week for us all. Our health not only affects our individual quality of life, but also that of our families, so take the time to encourage the men in your life to seek out medical advice and early treatment for diseases and injuries.”

“We applaud Governor Hickenlooper, Mayor Hancock, and Mayor Hogan for helping raise awareness of the health issues facing men and their families by declaring June 9-15 Men’s Health Week,” said Ana Fadich, Men’s Health Network vice president. “Men’s health is truly a family issue, impacting not only men but also the women in their lives. We hope that by promoting the health and well-being of men and boys around Father’s Day, they will take action and set a doctor’s appointment in June.”

In preparation for Men’s Health Week, MHN encourages health care professionals, private industry, faith-based organizations, community groups and other interested organizations and individuals to plan activities and events which focus on men’s health during the week of June 9-15. For ideas and open resources in both English and Spanish, visit www.menshealthmonth.org.

The fourth season of ABC’s reality series “Extreme Weight Loss” debuted Tuesday night with a red-carpet reception at The United Artists Denver Pavilions Theatre downtown.

Charita, the Colorado Springs contestant, was guided on her year-long weight loss journey by Anschutz Health and Wellness Center’s Dr. Holly Wyatt along with other participants who spent the first three months’ of their quest at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Health and Wellness Center in Aurora.

Wyatt, alongside fitness specialist Chris Powell, was the guiding force behind steering participants toward their yearlong goal of safely losing up to half their body weight. ABC will air 13 two-hour episodes of the hit show locally from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays on Channel 7.

Charita, who is featured with Oklahoma resident Ty in the first episode, and Wyatt attended the red carpet premiere along with more than 200 community and Anschutz medical campus leaders and CEO and executive producer JD Roth.

During the run of the show, Wyatt is writing a blog at http://www.thedenverchannel.com/entertainment/extreme-weight-loss-medical-director-holly-wyatt-blogs-about-charita-ty-weight-loss-journey.

Here’s a snippet from her first blog entry:

– Watching the show –

Watching this first episode of EWL with my friends and colleagues up on the big screen at The United Artists Denver Pavilions Stadium 15 Theatre in downtown Denver, I couldn’t help but feel a little frustrated and disappointed in the final outcome.

Of course, I knew what had happened with Ty already, but seeing it play out from start to finish was hard.

When I signed on as the medical director for EWL I believed everyone could succeed in the transformation process. I like the fact that EWL is not a competition. The goal is for everyone to transform their life in their own unique way.  No one ever gets voted out, no one competes for a spot and everyone CAN BE the hero in their own life story.

I hated seeing Ty fail. It is hard watching someone give back a life preserver when they are in a very big ocean and you know they can’t swim.

“Taking this journey as their doctor, cheerleader and biggest fan is one of the most memorable and meaningful aspects of my career,” Wyatt said. “I also struggled with weight in my teens and twenties so I can empathize with the physical and emotional challenges they face.”

Other Colorado participants are father and daughter team Jeff and Juliana of Denver. Jeff, 423 pounds, and 15-year-old Juliana, 265 pounds, “have a strained relationship”, according to the “Extreme Weight Loss” press release.

“It was incredible. In just one year with Holly and her team, we learned so many new things about weight loss, scientifically – as well as psychologically and emotionally,” said Matt Assmus, executive producer of “Extreme Weight Loss.” “The most amazing thing is that even though Holly’s team consists of the foremost obesity experts in the world, they wanted to learn from our experience. It’s that desire to keep learning that will help Holly and her team lead the field of health and wellness.”

Learn more about the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center Extreme Weight Loss programs at http://www.anschutzwellness.com/wellness-services/abc-extreme-weight-loss.

Charita poses with a cutout of her former self. (University of Colorado Hospital photo)

Cindy Jones, the affable owner of the Tin Cup restaurant at Aurora Hills Golf Club, has stretched her spatula to add the eatery at Fitzsimons Golf Course to her culinary resume.

Jones, who officially took over the Fitz restaurant in January, has been sprucing up the golfers’ 19th hole and has brought the Tin Cup’s breakfast and lunch menus to the new place.

The Tin Cup, which for my money is the best public golf course restaurant in Aurora, features homemade breakfast burritos as well as house-fried tortilla chips and house-made salsa, with several grab and go items for golfers on their way to the next hole.

Jones also hired Rose Decker, who famously worked at the long-gone Plainsman in Aurora for 20 years, as the manager at the newly named Tin Cup 2.

“(Decker) is such a go getter and makes everyone feel so welcomed,” Jones said. “We’re getting great feedback from everyone and we have very reasonable prices, and people are coming from the hospitals and (other office buildings) that area to eat. We also have to go menus for (local workers) to call in: 303-340-3093.”

If you’re hitting the links at Fitzsimons or work nearby, check out the new and improved fairway fare at TC2.

Cindy Jones, right, has expanded her Tin Cup Bar & Grill ‘empire’ to Fitzsimons Golf Course.

The Dunkin’ Donuts takeover of Denver continues with the opening of the seventh metro area location (and first in Aurora) Tuesday, March 25.

For you coffee lovers, you can enjoy a free medium iced coffee for the first week. The new location is at 16601 Smoky Hill in Aurora.

The first year fundraiser for Warren Village, a troubled girls sanctuary in Aurora, will be an All-Star Breakfast featuring keynote speaker Liz Murray, who will share her story “From Homeless to Harvard.”

Murray has certainly had to overcome adversity and has had a journey similar to many residents of Warren Village.

The event is breakfast fundraiser begins at 7:30 a.m. on March 13 at the Marriott Denver City Center. Radio super star Gloria Neal will emcee. (Love my Glo!).

Sponsorships are still available for this most important fundraiser in support of Warren Village. Successfully breaking the cycle of homelessness for single parent families, Warren Village will celebrate their 40th Anniversary on Sept. 13. Details to come.

To become a sponsor, contact:  Keisha Myco at kmyco@warrenvillage.org.

Liz Murray

Kenny Sonoda, founding father of the Sonodas chain of sushi restaurants, has opted to call it quits on his LoDo eatery at 1620 Market St. after nearly 19 years.

Sonoda, 65, is trying to retire, but his original spot at 3108 S. Parker Road in Aurora, a place he opened in 1995, will remain open.

Here’s what Sonoda posted on www.sonodassushi.com:

“With over 26 years in the business now behind me the time has come for me to hand up the knives and announce my retirement. And yet it is with more than a bit of sadness that I announce the closure of my Downtown Restaurant on Market Street on Feb. 15.

“In 1973 I first came to Denver, Colorado,to help build and open the Gasho of Japan, a Japanese Hibachi style steak house in downtown Denver (1627 Curtis St.). In 1976, I returned to Denver to build a free standing building of Gasho of Japan Restaurant. This time I build a replica of a 400-year-old Gasho farm house, found in Takayama City of Japan, the sister city to Denver, Colorado. This Gasho of Japan restaurant was located in DTC on Belleview and I-25 where Shanahan’s Steak House is currently standing.

“In 1988, I opened my first Sonodas Sushi Restaurant in Aurora, Colorado. I was one of the first to introduce the cuisine to Denver hen the concept of sushi and sashimi was still unknown. I worked hard to teach Denver about a tradition and a delicacy that I love so very much. I cannot say that I ever imagined that sushi would become the trend it has, but I am happy that my adopted country has grown to love it in the way that I have my entire life.

“I have been fortunate to met and get to know entire families. I have watched their children grow and have children of their own but it is no time for me to retire and enjoy the next chapter of my life. I will miss all of you. That task now falls on the shoulders of the man who started Sonodas with me so many years ago — my friend and master sushi chef Makoto Kawafne.

“Makoto will continue to serve you and your families at his Aurora location. Your Welcome Club points can be used there as always and he will greet you with the same family spirit that I have.

“And one more time, Domo Arigato.”

As a proud Auroran for more than 15 years, On the Town Junior and I, along with my On the Town sister when she visited from Chicago, made it our tradition to dine at the original Sonoda’s. We had the time of our lives! Thanks, Kenny, for the memories!

Hello, my building’s gym. Why did we ever break up?

If you, like me, are struggling with New Year’s weight loss resolutions, ABC’s hit series “Extreme Weight Loss” is holding an open casting call between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in our area at the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center (12348 E. Montview Blvd.) on Feb. 15.

With the rising rates of obesity in America, the show says it is extremely important for everyone to know about this opportunity to get healthy and lose weight.

“Extreme Weight Loss” documents the makeover of courageous obese people who, in 365 days, set out to safely lose half their body weight and ultimately reveal an amazing metamorphosis.

Trainer and transformation specialist Chris Powell (below) guides each of the participants through their journey. By assuring that they have the proper nutrition and exercise, Powell helps individuals whose lives have become out of control because of the weight.

In each of the two-hour episodes, the participants undergo a transformation of their bodies, but also of their lives.

Anyone who contacts me (and subscribes to this column) who is interested in auditioning, will get a front-of-the-line pass for the open call.

Extreme Weight Loss/ABC photo

The inaugural Aurora Sports Festival will be held this weekend, Jan. 31-Feb. 2, in conjunction with the USA Weightlifting National Junior Championships. Participants of all ages will gather for this U.S. Olympic Committee-sanctioned competition at the Crowne Plaza, Denver International Airport Convention Center.  Several Colorado youth athletes will be competing for the Junior Champion title, including:

• Erin Amos – Colorado Springs, (16-17 age group, 48 kilograms);
• Paige Holman – Pueblo West, (14-15 age group, 48kg);
• Ellen Kercher – Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs, (junior age group, 53kg – Junior American Record holder at 48kg);
• Ruby Haman – Colorado Springs, (16-17 age group, 58kg) – trains in Denver;
• Rosa Jad – Denver, (junior age group, 63kg);
• Darren Barnes – Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs, (junior age group, 56kg – Junior & Senior American Record holder at 56kg);
• Dalton McGregor – Colorado Springs, (junior age group, 77kg – trained by 1992 Olympian Paul Fleschler).

Additionally, Olympic coaches Jim Schmitz and Dennis Snethen will attend the Aurora Sports Festival along with Robin Goad, the last American to set a world record at the Olympic Games in 2000, and Michael Cohen who competed in the 1980 Games. Goad’s daughter, Sydney, will compete in the 48kg class, and Cohen’s sons Michael and William will compete in men’s categories.

In addition to the 2014 USA Weightlifting National Junior Championships, the Aurora Sports Festival also will feature:

• Colorado State High School Powerlifting Championships (Saturday);
• North American Powerlifting Federation Pro Invitational Benchpress Championships (Saturday);
• Rocky Mountain Lifting Club Powerlifting Championships – sanctioned by USA Powerlifting (Sunday);
• “Survival of the Fittest” CrossFit Competition, hosted by Devil Dogg CrossFit (Friday – Sunday).

“USA Weightlifting is thrilled to hold our 2014 National Junior Championships in Aurora this year,” said USAW CEO Michael Massik. “These young athletes work so hard and are truly an inspiration to all athletes and aspiring Olympic qualifiers.”

Admission for the Aurora Sports Festival is $8 daily for adults, or $20 for a three-day admission ticket. Kids ages 12 and under are free.

For more information on Aurora, upcoming events or meeting facilities, visit www.VisitAurora.com or call 303-326-8698.