by Valley Gadfly | Nov 22, 2019 | Valley Gadfly
“Candles burning low, lots of mistletoe,
lots of snow and ice everywhere we go.” Those were the words that made Stevie
Wonder a miracle of popular music. This is the season when words set to music
melt our hearts. Thus as this year — seemingly more than any other — comes to
an end, “We’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for Auld Lang Syne.”
As we bid farewell to 2019 and turn our
thoughts to 2020, we reflect on the year just past and ponder what to change
about ourselves, our lives and our community.
Here are our choices for shopping, dining
and entertainment to fill the holidays with food, fun and good fortune plus an
auspicious New Year full of kindness yet:
3 See
a live-action adaptation of the beloved children’s tale How The Grinch Stole
Christmas as he comes down from his mountaintop home to DCPA’s Buell Theatre
stage Dec. 3-8. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Attend
this year’s Jewish Family Services Winter Soiree honor event at Infinity Park
Event Center Dec. 5, 6 p.m. Information: 720-428-4633.
3 Take
the kids for sandwiches and treats at the Oxford Hotel Dolls’ Tea with ballet
recital Dec. 8, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Information: 303-628-5400.
3 Wear
a tacky sweater for the Christmas Sweater 5K run-walk at Wash Park Dec. 15, 9
to 11 a.m. Information: coloradorunnersevents.com.
3 For
a relaxing weekend break from the busy holiday shopping season go to Denver’s
original brunch spot since 1971, the Bull & Bush Brewery. Brunch served
from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Information: 303-759-0333.
3 For
your holiday travel needs and great gifts go to Colorado’s top luggage store
for nearly 40 years, Paradise Baggage. Select from premium travel luggage
that’s both sensible and stylish. Information: 303-320-4646.
3 Allow
the Colorado Symphony to march you into 2020 playing polkas, waltzes and
marches at Boettcher Dec. 31. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Then
go to the 16th St. Mall to see New Year’s Eve Fireworks synced to music to
sparkle the city, 9 p.m. and midnight. Information: 303-233-8837.
3 Don’t
miss Denver Botanic Gardens’ signature holiday event for three decades, the
Blossoms of Light now through Jan. 3. The holiday extravaganza transforms the
York Street site into a twinkling winter wonderland. There are fresh and
exciting new features this year including a 360-degree immersive light
experience along with each year’s fun fan favorites, 5-9 p.m. Information:
720-865-3500.
Beyond diet and workout pledges, as the
ball drops and we pop champagne with family and friends, remember the New Year
stands for change. As we sing the Old Scottish folk song Auld Lang Syne, we
hope the nuance of the song’s message resonates with us even if most of us
don’t know the lyrics or even the song’s name.
As we pass the moments before midnight,
consider 2020 as an opening to replace this year’s social media bitterness and
hatred with brimming cups of kindness.
The song’s rhetorical question suggests, “a
cup o’ kindness” should be had in order to look back on the past and begin to
build for the future. It will make life so much better for family, friends and
those around us “for the sake of old times.” It is a chance to spark new
friendships and rekindle those we’ve allowed to fade. Happy New Year!
—
Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at
newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Oct 28, 2019 | Valley Gadfly
Ahhh, turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie!
This month marks a few key holidays like Veterans Day and of course
Thanksgiving. It’s also the month for yearly elections plus voting for
President every four years. But there’s more to the month than elections and
holidays, November is also known as the best movie month of the year.
Turkey Day is one of our most cherished
holidays. Between spending time with family and friends, eating delicious food
and shameless naps, there’s so much to love.
Here is our cuddling, comfort food, family
and friend choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to keep cozy fires
a-burning so hearths never grow cold:
3 Beyond
the bounty of food and football, kick Thanksgiving off by seeing Curious
Theatre’s production of The Thanksgiving Play, Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m. It’s a
wickedly funny parody. Information: 303-623-0524.
3 Attend
Anti-Defamation League’s Torch of Liberty Dinner honoring the Chotin family at
the Seawell, Nov. 6, 6 p.m. Information: 303-830-7171.
3 See
season’s latest fashions at National Jewish Health Fashion Show at Mercedes
Benz of Denver, Nov. 7, 6 p.m. Information: 303-728-6546.
3 Support
VOA’s Service With Style Luncheon being held at the Halcyon Hotel in Cherry
Creek, Nov. 15, 11 a.m. Information: 303-297-0408.
3 Make
Thanksgiving easier and better with reservations at the Monaco Inn Restaurant.
Enjoy family and friends while relishing turkey or a half-dozen other choices
12-6-p.m. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 See
the surprising splendor of urban scenes this holiday season at the Robert
Anderson Gallery, Nov. 6-Dec. 31. The images can also be seen at the Artist
Reception Nov. 8, 5-8 p.m. Information: 303-257-0648.
3 Enjoy
the superb jaw-dropping talent, choreography of World of Dance Live at the
Bellco Theatre, Nov. 18, 8 p.m. Information: 303-228-8260.
3 Attend
Women With A Cause’s gala “We Are Thankful” fundraiser at the Four Seasons
Denver Nov. 23, 6 p.m. Information: 303-675-0405.
3 Get
into the holiday spirit by attending this year’s L’Esprit de Noel, Nov. 21-23.
This is Central City Opera Guilds’ 43rd year hosting the home tour. The tour is
in the architecturally diverse University Park neighborhood near the DU campus.
Florists-table designers decorated the homes to give you new ideas for your
home. Funds support Central City Opera programs. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Information: 303-292-6500.
Now that the autumn is nearly over and
winter is kicking in with its cold weather and snowy landscapes, people tend to
feel peculiar. You’re either cold or getting a cold. November is a whole bunch
of mixed feelings. The Valley’s weather is often mild and beautiful,
nonetheless, the month comes with its dreariness and loneliness.
The 45th of November will never come nor
the clock strike 26:10, but fear not the month’s challenges bold, we’ve books
and friends and hearths that never grow cold.
It’s easy to get caught up in the plentiful
food and movie marathons, but Thanksgiving is really about giving thanks.
Despite lacking a musical repertoire, holiday music soothes tensions, brings us
together. With rock tunes like Groovy Gravy and Jive Turkey, do you know what
music Pilgrims preferred? Plymouth Rock.
—
Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at
newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Sep 20, 2019 | Valley Gadfly
In September we escorted/pushed kids back to school, while
November and December bring major holidays and added stress. Thus October has
become everyone’s favorite fall month. Halloween, crunchy leaves and football
add to our enjoyment. Moreover this is the fall month that encourages us to
relax and find our inner kid.
It’s finally time for cozy sweaters, carving smiles into a
thousand pumpkins, beer festivals, soft pretzels, tasty bratwurst and
outlandish Halloween parties.
Here are our eerie, spooky, hair-raising, spell-binding
choices for shopping, dining and entertainment for a mellow, messy,
leaf-kicking perfect send-off to fall:
3 Catch the
spell-binding opening of the Colorado Ballet season as it performs Don Quixote
at the Ellie, Oct. 4-13. Romantic work features stunning Spanish sets and
costumes. Information: 303-837-8888.
3 See rugby
teams from 12 nations vie at the USA Women’s Sevens at Infinity Park Stadium,
Oct. 5-6. Information: usawomens7glendale.com.
3 Attend
Safehouse’s signature Hope Gala Oct. 12 with entertainment and a buffet dinner
at the Ritz-Carlton, 6 p.m. Information: 303-302-6126.
3 Get the
flavor of fall at Project Angel Heart’s A Taste For Life at the Hyatt
Convention Center Oct. 17, 6-10 p.m. Information: 303-407-9420.
3 Make your
home sparkle for this holiday’s expected and unexpected company with custom
drapery and Roman shades from Cherry Creek Shade & Drapery on E. 6th Ave.
Information: 303-355-4223.
3 Carve-out
Thanksgiving Day plans early by making reservations for your family and friends
to dine at the Monaco Inn Restaurant. Traditional holiday choices, serving 11
a.m.-6 p.m. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 Make the
season special by going to the annual Fall Chili Cookoff at Joy’s Wine &
Spirits Oct. 20, noon to 4 p.m. Information: 303-744-6219.
3 See the sole
U.S. exhibit of the landmark Claude Monet exhibit The Truth of Nature at the
DAM, Oct. 21-Feb 2. Information: 720-913-0130.
3 For
devilishly divine diversion catch some of the 250 blockbuster films showing at
the Denver Film Festival, Oct. 30-Nov. 10. There’s a red-carpet opening Oct. 31
at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House followed by an opening-night party at the
McNichols Bldg. Many of the films are being shown at the Sie FilmCenter and UA
Pavilions, other venues plus two more screening at the Ellie. Information:
720-281-0813.
Ah, fall — there are so many reasons to totally love the
season: The weather is just about perfect, which makes it absolutely ideal for
heading to the pumpkin patch. Jeepers Creepers, just about everyone enjoys
decorating pumpkins and dressing up in bizarre costumes for all the Halloween
parties (especially the kids).
Irish-Scottish immigrants brought All Hallows Eve (Halloween
in the U.S.) here so we all need to send a silent thank you to our ancestors
for the spooky gift.
Whether parties, marathon horror movies or the wonders of
nature, October is about enjoying the last waning days before the onslaught of
the holidays and New Year’s resolutions. As L.M. Montgomery wrote in Anne of
Green Gables, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” This
month if you’ve got it, Haunt It!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at
newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Aug 23, 2019 | Valley Gadfly
It’s hard to believe that September is here: A new school
year is underway along with plenty of fall fun. This month is chock full of
great activities indoors and out to celebrate the changing of the seasons. It
is better to forget that the days are getting shorter and nights chillier so
you’ll enjoy the sight as leaves begin changing colors.
Green slowly gives way to reds, oranges and yellows,
creating brightly colored trees. September will certainly try its best to help
us forget this summer’s heat wave.
Here are our colorful fall choices for shopping, dining and
entertainment so pumpkin pies and cozy September songs swing us on a slow slide
into winter:
3 Jump into
fall by rappelling down the 38-stories at the Hyatt Regency Convention Center
to raise money for the Cancer League. The Over The Edge fundraising event is
Sept. 5-7. Information: 303-534-4317.
3 Swing, sway
into September seeing the legendary musical Miss Saigon playing at the Buell
Theater, Sept. 10-22. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Make it a
September to remember at Denver Jazz Fest in the DCPA Complex downtown Sept.
13-16. Information: 303-882-6693.
3 Slip into
the cool season at the Bridge Project’s Wine, Stein & Dine benefit at the
Cable Center Sept. 14, 5 p.m. Information: 303-871-2651.
3 As summer
turns to fall, make the month of September your turning point by joining the
Glendale Sports Center. No contracts or joining fees to enjoy sports, art,
music and dance. Information: 303-639-4711.
3 Hey hey hey,
you’ll sing every day dining for breakfast-lunch at Morning Story. The dazzling
décor dances the clouds away so you’ll come back. Do remember it’s in the
Leetsdale Center. Information: 303-577-9050.
3 Join
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual Light The Night Walk fundraiser in
Wash Park Sept. 26, 5:30 p.m. Information: 720-440-8620.
3 Bookmark
Sept. 28 for the Shakespeare themed Booklovers Ball dinner-dance at Denver
Public Library, 6:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-2051.
3 Soar to new
heights this September by attending Warren Village’s annual Taking Flight Gala
being held at the Ritz-Carlton downtown. The Sept. 28 evening begins at a
cocktail reception with open bar. Attendees will also enjoy a gourmet seated
dinner, a live and silent auction plus live entertainment, 6-11 p.m. All
proceeds from the gala will benefit the families at Warren Village.
Information: 303-321-2245.
There’s something about this month that causes us to look
back and reflect. Maybe it’s the change of the seasons, the loss of the warmth
of summer or that long, slow slide toward wintertime. Nevertheless, there
always seems to be a certain mix of wistfulness, nostalgia and reflection that
is unlike any other month of the year.
September is when the sun takes a step back, leaves begin to
lull themselves to sleep as autumn awakens. It’s the second spring when every
leaf becomes a flower.
Earth, Wind & Fire’s September is this month’s grooviest
song due to its rhythm and lilt. The four chords in the chorus just keep moving
forward and never land anywhere, much like the four seasons. It’s the end of
summer, the beginning of fall and transition from warm to cool. Ba de ya, say
do you remember stars stole the night away?
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Jul 26, 2019 | Valley Gadfly
“Go to town and simmer down,” is commonly shared straw-hat
season advice. In other words go for a summer romp. You know, let off some
steam and play it cool. You can even jump in the pool and make a summer splash.
“It’s the hay-day time of the year with the trees’es and sweet-scented
breezes.” You’ll find serenity and solitude in a stroll.
It is the month when summer begins winding toward a climax,
the college kids are packing it all away, and Colorado’s cool sunsets never
linger quite long enough.
Here are our cool choices for shopping, dining and
entertainment so you’ll simmer down, settle back, take 10, take time out, go to
town and unwind:
3 Get a cool
start to the dog days of summer by enjoying food, art and music at the Denver
International Festival in Civic Center Park Aug. 3, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. There’s a
Kids Village, beer-wine. Information: 721-319-8441.
3 See state’s
top talent at the Throwdown Showdown at Infinity Park Event Center, Aug. 5-6
& 8. Information: infinityparkeventcenter.com/tickets.
3 Chill out to
foot-stomping music at the final Shady Grove Picnic Series at Four Mile Park
Wed. Aug. 7-21, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
3 Relax at
Sloan’s Lake Art-Music Fest enjoying music, food and booths of art Aug. 10-11,
10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 4 p.m. Information: 303-916-5711.
3 The heat’s
on to get this summer’s painting jobs done. Emerald Isle Painting’s 20 years
residential-commercial painting know-how will transform your project with
quality paint. Information: 303-322-4753.
3 With great
food and beer plus late night menu and Sunday night jazz the Bull & Bush is
the place to be all month long. Don’t miss eatery-brewery’s 48th Anniversary
Concert Aug. 3,10 p.m. Information: 303-759-0333.
3 Taste dishes
paired with wines-spirits at annual Cherry Creek North Food & Wine on
Fillmore Plaza Aug. 17, 5 p.m. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 Catch the
music of former Three Dog Night lead singer Chuck Negron at the Paramount
Theater on Aug. 24, 8 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.
3 See 30 rugby
teams from around the world as they gather at Glendale’s Infinity Park for
three-day Rugbytown Sevens competition. Events include Military Championship
and a Fallen Rugger ceremony. Dates are Aug. 23-25. This year’s Bruises &
Brews Beerfest is one day only, Aug. 24, 3-7 p.m. If you’re a beer aficionado
you’ll enjoy offering from dozens of different breweries plus distilleries.
Information: Rugby town7s.com.
Summer is one of the Valley’s truest pleasures; be it
backyard cookouts, or a sweet ode to cars, girls and partying at the pool or in
town. While school’s still out, it’s time to get down, get sunburned and make
waves. George Gershwin said it best in the opera Porgy and Bess: “Summer time
and the living is easy.” Laziness has respectability.
August days are hot and still. Temperatures top at 88°F,
rarely falling below 75°F or exceeding 95°F. Lows average 62°F, rarely falling
below 51°F or above 67°F.
It’s been a thrilling but grilling summer so far. If the
back of your neck is getting dirty and gritty, open the window and let the air
freshly blow upon face and hair. Yes summer waxes long but then it wanes,
passing its fading green glory to Autumn. Until those cooler days arrive, if
you see a heat wave coming remember to wave back.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at
newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Jun 21, 2019 | Valley Gadfly
Here comes July and the outdoors are open for you to share.
’Tis the end of school and the death of cool. Sure the days feel hot and sultry
because July’s sun-kissed season has begun. There are barbecues spent in the
summer sun, parties with friends and family. Watermelon anyone? Did we mention
red, white and blue everything?
July is a noisy time, when fireworks and new life are
bursting forth and the birds return to chirp and sing. Rain’s pitter patter is
followed by the roar of thunderstorms.
Here are our sweltering choices for shopping, dining and
entertainment to rollick, romp and splash into the sights, sounds and smells to
keep the fireworks bursting:
3 Blast off
this month by watching the mega City of Glendale Fireworks as they light up the
skies July 2nd at dusk (9-9:30 p.m.).The barrage of fireworks begins Valley’s
July 4 celebrations. Information: 303-759-1513.
3 Mama
Magnolia, Shakedown Street, Pint & A Half and Dakota Blonde play Shady
Grove Wed. evenings July 3-24. Information: 303-777-3003.
3 Featuring a
toe-tapping new score, don’t miss Charlie & The Chocolate Factory playing
the Buell Theatre, July 9-28. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Catch the
swashbuckling tale of Billy Budd premiering at Central City Opera’s summer
festival opening July 13. Information: 303-292-6700.
3 Get an A/C
Tune Up or purchase a High Efficiency Cooling & Heating System to stay cool
and comfortable this summer. The air conditioning experts at ARS are offering
cool deals. Information: 303-418-6000.
3 For awesome
summer eats, drinks and dessert, treat the family to Sam’s No. 3 with locations
in Glendale, Aurora and downtown. Chill with a cold beer, cocktails and
milkshakes. Information: 303-333-4403.
3 Help fund
the Denver Dream Center by attending the 2nd annual Cowboy Luau at No. 38 July
13, 4-10 p.m. Information: lacomeevents.com.
3 View, buy
beautiful art as you enjoy live music at the colorful outdoor Cheesman Park Art
Festival July 27-28. Information: 505-273-7376.
3 Chill out at
Sloan’s Lake Park to end the month attending the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival,
July 28-29. A popular event for 17 years, it centers around a dragon boat
competition. Teams of more than 50 boaters race across the lake. See 100 shows
on five performing art stages. There’s an Asian Food Court plus a Marketplace.
At Dragonland, kids try learning projects, watch shows on the kids’ stage.
Information: cdbf.org.
July’s Cherry Creek Valley weather is the hottest of the
year, bringing with it more thunderstorms. Nearly every day in July warms to
over 70° F. The Valley averages 14 days this month with the thermometer
reaching into the 90°s F. Temperatures above 100° F occur every couple of
years. With the heat expect about 1-2-inches of rain.
Lest you think our worst wet weather is over, recall this
folklore forecast: “If the first of July be rainy weather, It will rain more or
less, for four weeks together.”
Yes, this is National Ice Cream Month. There’s also
Chocolate Day and Moon Day. The month’s biggest blast is Independence Day on
July 4th. Perfect days for splashing in the pool or relaxing on National
Hammock Day. We close with this cool Sara Coleridge canto: “Hot July brings
cooling showers, Apricots and gillyflowers.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at
newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
