by Valley Gadfly | Oct 22, 2021 | Valley Gadfly
The transition from fall to winter is getting underway. As winter kicks in with its cold weather and snowy landscapes, everyone feels funny. We’re either cold or getting a cold. November is a whole bunch of mixed feelings and songs about it are the living proof. Cozy sweaters and fashionable scarves are our wind-songs in the pines.
This is the month when night comes early and the dawn comes late. We’re pushed out of the sunlight as the piercing chill creates ice in buckets and frost by the gate.
After a year that so often kept people apart, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to harvest happiness and foster a spirit of connectedness:
3 Keep the season bright by enjoying more than a dozen remaining JAAMM Fest events on the JCC campus. November features singer-comedian Jackie Tohn and cookbook author Jake Cohn. Information: 303-399-2600.
3 Cozy up seeing films-documentaries as Denver Film Festival returns to the Sie Film Center, other venues Nov. 3-14. Information: denverfilms.org.
3 Beat the cold at National Jewish Health’s hot Fashion Show Nov. 6th at Mercedes-Benz on S. Colorado Blvd., 6 p.m. Information: 303-728-8748.
3 Don’t miss this year’s sizzling Junior League Holiday Mart at DU’s Gates Field House, Nov. 12-14 with varying hours. Information: 303-682-0270.
3 Enjoy English pub specialties, American fare, at the long bar, patio, and dining room at Glendale’s Bull & Bush. Celebrate the season partying at one of the Valley’s best craft breweries. Information: 303-759-0333.
3 Warm up your Holiday event by treating guests at the Infinity Park Event Center. It’s a cozy winter wonderland with 360-degree video screens to bring your party to life. Information: infinityparkeventcenter.com.
3 See Central City Opera’s L’Esprit de Noel virtual tour of Denver’s 1888 McCourt Mansion, Nov. 19-Dec. 31. Information: lesprithometour.com.
3 Catch Cherry Creek Theatre’s classic play Just A Second at the Wolf Theatre on the JCC campus through Nov. 21. Information: 303-800-6578.
3 To help you enjoy this month’s weather, the Colorado Symphony and Natasha Paaremski fire-up DCPA’s Boettcher Concert Hall playing Piano Concerto No. 2, Nov. 19-21. The work is concise and playful, contrasting the daring music with those more typical of Mozart’s time. Performances are Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. Sun. at 1 p.m. Music by the two titans shines in the hands of Maestro Andrew Litton. Information: 303-893-4200.
We’ve polished off the last of the Halloween candy and pulled out our cozy sweaters. Now we need to take a deep breath of crisp air and settle into November — the very best month of the season. It’s a holiday month, but instead of the rush of Christmas, we get to spend time with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving traditions. Enjoy the month to the fullest. Live life to the maximum by taking a moment to reflect on all that makes you grateful.
Relish November’s warm temperatures — Indian Summer is Nov. 11-20 — because all too soon frost and snow will force us indoors. Most Denver nights drop below freezing, with an inch of snow on the ground for six days during the month. If winter is early, it won’t be late meteorologists warn. Trees simply say, “leave me alone.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Sep 27, 2021 | Valley Gadfly
Awwtumn: Yes, this month begins the mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, cider sipping, and keeping warm by the fire season. Wavering winds and shorter days ebb and flow in a refreshing flux as the month begins. Transitions are always inspiring, lifting our spirits with thoughts of new possibilities. It is the perfect time for us to hit the pause button.
Precious time to gather our thoughts by taking a long stroll outside embracing the fall foliage. By enjoying the superb splendor of life and nature we find inner peace.
As we lose flowers and gain fruit, here are our leaf-peeping choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to warm you up for that annual trip to the pumpkin patch:
3 With witty dialogue and memorable characters catch the classic, hilarious play Steel Magnolias live at the Wolf Theatre on the JCC campus, Fri.-Sat, 7:30 p.m. and on Sun. 2 p.m., Oct. 1-24. Information: 303-800-6578.
3 Hunt for art, other fun stuff at the one-stop Junk In The Trunk garage sale at the Owl Saloon, Oct. 2, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: theowlsaloon.com.
3 Don’t miss alternative music’s Dead Can Dance and singer Lisa Gerrard playing the Mission Ballroom, Oct. 5, 8 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
3 Attend Jewish Family Services dinner-program the Faces Of JFS at Infinity Park Event Center, Oct. 13, 6 p.m. Information: 303-597-5000.
3 For scrumptious food, delicious drinks, plus live music and Glendale-Cherry Creek’s best late night menu go to Inga’s Alpine Tavern. Open Tue.-Sat. to 2 p.m. Sun.-Mon. until Midnight. Information: 720-389-6203.
3 Begin the admission process to enroll your child at St. Anne’s Episcopal School by attending the Parent Previews and tour the campus Nov. 6, 9 a.m. Information: 303-756-9481, ext. 210 or stannes.org/parent-previews.
3 Attend the Full Circle pre-opening tour of Denver Art Museum’s Martin Bldg., new Sie Welcome Center, Oct. 21-23. Information: 720-865-5000.
3 Get in the Halloween spirit at Oct. 30 Costume Contest with gift card prizes at Rocket Fizz, 1 to 3 p.m. Information: OnHavanaStreet.com.
3 Start the fall season off by attending the annual Pumpkin Harvest Festival at Four Mile Historic Park, Oct. 1-3. Event has been refined with catered food, watering holes, s’mores station, and live music from Swallow Hill Music. Kids can build their own scarecrow, take tractor rides. There’s an art district plus marketplace. In addition people can pick perfect pumpkins from the Four Mile Pumpkin Patch. Information: 720-865-0800.
With the dog days of summer’s smoke and severe heat behind us, we can begin planning ways to usher in cooler weather. Are you ready to finally trade out those sandals for boots? What about a brisk walk among the changing leaves? Or, perhaps you’ll hop in the car for a drive to Colorado’s mountains for some of the best leaf-peeping anywhere.
Of course, there’s Halloween to look forward to. For many of us, there’s something inherently fun about thinking of a whacky new costume to wear.
Then in a blink of an eye as we take off our costumes, “ber” month ushers in the holiday season. We think of Nov.-Dec. as peaceful months, but filled with festivities that can also be stressful. This month’s Harvest Moon — acutely bright in the sky is Oct. 20. But don’t worry the moon isn’t hungry because it is already full. Happy Fall, y’all!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Aug 27, 2021 | Valley Gadfly
As smoke and heat stole summer away, we’re all hoping September will chase those memories away. Can you recall when there wasn’t a smoky day, yow! Ironically it was the band Earth, Wind & Fire that penned lyrics to the song September. It was written, released and cracked the top 10 in 1978 to became a dance-pop masterpiece.
We had no idea back then that 42 years later fires would have already burned 7.0 million acres worldwide this year, double the 3.3 million acre 1990s yearly average.
To chase away any early September smoke, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to grasp days filled with peace, relaxation, and clear skies:
3 Start September sipping wine at the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless food and wine tasting fundraiser. The gala is at the Cable Center on the DU campus Sept. 2, 5:30 p.m. Information: coloradocoalition.org/events.
3 For a September to remember attend the Cherry Creek Arts Festival Sept. 4-6 along the creek at the Cherry Creek Mall. Information: 303-355-2787.
3 Make September songs country at the Tennyson Center County Q & Brew benefit at Mile High Station Sept. 10, 6 p.m. Information: 303-433-2541.
3 Don’t miss the last free movie at Glendale’s Infinity Park Sept. 12. Disney & Pixar’s “Soul” starts at 7 p.m. Information: infinityparkglendale.com.
3 For the tastiest rotisserie meats and seasonal sides in town, go to The Rotary on S. Holly St. in Hilltop. Kitchen is fast, staff is top notch, with beer, wine & cocktails. Dine-in or take out. Information:303-537-5327.
3 September starts the holiday season and time to wrap your home with drapery and Roman shades. Shop Cherry Creek Shades & Drapery to make your own September statement. Information: 303-355-4223.
3 Enjoy music by Andrew McConathy & Drunken Hearts at Glendale’s Festival Plaza Sept. 16, 4 p.m. Information: Infinityparkglendale.com.
3 For a smokin’ good time take the family to the Denver BBQ Fest Sept. 17-19 at Empower Field at Mile High. Information: DenverBBQFest.com.
3 For a fabulous September finale take in the Last Days of Summer Concert with Dotsero at The Stampede Sept. 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Hosted by On Havana Street, the concert is free with lots of free parking. There will be a 14 minute intermission and break for the popular Colorado jazz ensemble. Attendees can purchase street tacos at Stampede’s Street Taco Bar. Seating is first come, first serve. Tickets: OnHavanaStreet.com.
Late summer vacations and weekend retreats primed us for new beginnings so we can chase lingering smoke away and be ready for the 21st night of September. “Our hearts will be ringing in the key our souls are singing” if stars, rather than smoke, fill the night skies by that date. With autumn weather, we don’t have time for a waiting game.
As lush foliage begins its journey into deep, autumn hues bright light still penetrates our aspen trees creating artistic shadows that twinkle in moments of magic.
Earth tones and rich tie-dyes emerge to embrace autumn’s arrival. September, none the less, gives a nod to the still warm days ahead. We’re eager to say ta-ta to summer and hello to cool temperatures, football, and everything pumpkin flavored. Contrariwise, burning embers are still singing, “Goodness gracious, great balls of fire!”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Jul 23, 2021 | Valley Gadfly
This is the month that can turn into a griddle where the days just lay there and sizzle. Cartoonist Charles Schultz’s summer snap: “Life is like an ice cream cone; you have to lick it one day at a time.” Sold in a surplus of flavors, it can be paired with desserts, or topped on waffles. August just wouldn’t be August without ice cream.
Be it kids, adults, or the elderly, everybody loves the sweet and refreshing delight on a hot summer day. So get it, scoop it, love it, lick it! Do it ala mode, oh yeah!
To endure past dawn, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to sweeten the final flashes of fun and sun before the days flicker and fade to fall:
3 Attend summer’s biggest entertainment event with musicians, dancers, comedians and magicians at Colorado’s Throw Down Show Down, Aug. 7 at Infinity Park Stadium. Information: infinityparkeventcenter.com.
3 Join the activity driven Children’s Diabetes Foundation Run for the Ring 5K and kids run to fund research Aug. 7, 8 a.m. Information: 303-628-5115.
3 Experience Cherry Creek trying small bites, seeing demos-seminars, Aug. 11-14 plus Fillmore Plaza Grand Tasting Sat. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 Enjoy great theatre again as Lincoln Center brings the musical My Fair Lady back to the Buell Theatre, Aug. 11-14. Information: 720-865-3220.
3 For terrific ice cream chillin’ this month go to old-school fantastic Bonnie Brae Ice Cream on S. University Blvd. Made in house, scoops in wide-range of flavors are smooth and creamy. Information: 303-777-0808.
3 Looking for a new or pre-owned vehicle? Visit Aurora’s Havana Motor Mile — from 6th Ave. to Dartmouth — with a combined inventory of more than 6,280 vehicles among 20+ dealers. Information: onhavanastreet.com.
3 For live music, art, and food go to Riverfront Park’s Aug. 19 session at the 19th St. Bridge, 4-8 p.m. Information: riverfrontparkevents.com.
3 Don’t miss the Art Student League’s Summer Art Market on the streets at Grant & 2nd St. Aug. 28-29, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 303-778-8990.
3 The top 20 domestic and international rugby clubs are bringing their best talent to Glendale’s Rugby-Town 7s sports spectacular at Infinity Park, Aug. 20-22. The weekend also features plenty of entertainment, a beerfest, and a festival atmosphere. The fast-paced games have seven teams of seven players each, competing in two seven-minute halves. Big dudes run into each other at full speed in thrilling sport. Information: rugbytown7s.com.
Following a spring, summer romp, and splash, it’s time to begin thinking about an August interlude. A betwixt and between period of time as we pause between phases of activity during the year. An intervening lifestyle rest similar to the short piece of instrumental music played between the parts of a song or the acts of a drama.
It’s the beginning of summer’s end and the prelude to the equinox. As fall draws near, we welcome ice cream breaks as we hold on to the last days of summer’s final rays.
The soft shades of the Cherry Creek Valley’s golden sunsets will soon sparkle in the crisp air as the cottonwoods begin coloring up. The pink, purple, and orange hues drip across the sky. Time to throw-on and go-on as life becomes entangled with the autumn palette. Fall fashion for bees: Sharp, striking yellow jackets updated with frayed edges.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Jun 25, 2021 | Valley Gadfly
This is the month when what’s called the “dog days of summer” begin. They were first observed in ancient Roman and Greek astrology and were linked with mad dog attacks, thunderstorms, heat, and drought. Nowadays, “the dog days” refers to when the hottest days of summer begin. This is also the first month of the second half of the year.
July is normally Denver’s hottest month. But after last month’s record-setting heat wave hopefully celebrating the 4th of July and American independence will be a breeze.
To keep you patriotic, here are our Star Spangled Banner choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to keep you dancing, having fun, and letting freedom ring:
3 The Four Mile Park Independence Fête & Glendale Fireworks are a huge part of the Valley’s 4th of July culture. Both return on July 2. Gala doings with live music at 5 p.m., fireworks at dusk. Information: 720-865-0800.
3 Keep the holiday spirit going by enjoying Central City Opera’s Carousel opening July 3 at Hudson Gardens, 7 p.m. Information: 303-296-6700.
3 If your girls have rugby skills urge them to join the Girls High School Rugby Camp (9th-12th grade) July 8-11. Information: 303-639-4713.
3 Glendale’s free movies At The Park are Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse July 12 & Raya & The Last Dragon on July 26th. Information: infinityparkglendale.com.
3 Start your summer days at Urban Egg in Cherry Creek’s ANB Bank Bldg. on 1st Ave. 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Sat./Sun. 2:30 p.m. Serving eggs benedict, French toast, sandwiches, soup, and salads. Information: 720-798-3447.
3 Valley’s summer sun can do a number on your roof and your cooling bills. A new energy efficient roof is a great way to start summer. Contact Forest Roofs, your Cherry Creek-Glendale roofers. Information: 303-591-5601.
3 Cool down at this year’s Summer Brew Fest July 24, noon-10 p.m. The Mile High Station event has two bands. Information: 720-946-7721.
3 The Colorado Symphony is at Red Rocks Amphitheater July 25, 7 p.m. Brett Mitchell directs with four vocal soloists. Information: 720-865-2494.
3 We all want to keep freedom’s bells ringing and on July 20 the Lowry Speaker Series brings Colorado’s Attorney General to Eisenhower Chapel, 7-8:30 p.m. Lowry resident Phil Weiser will discuss “Repairing Our Democratic Institutions.” Free (mask not required), also zoom linked or recording available next day. Information: 303-344-0481.
Glendale’s jaw-dropping fireworks that kick-off the 4th of July each summer stir up pride in the hearts of Valley families. It reminds us of Katy Perry’s song “Fireworks.” From her 2010 dance album she doesn’t mention the title until the end of the track, but the absence builds tension. Her meaning is clear and triggers our embrace of freedom.
The 4th of July is a time to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to enjoy barbecues, fireworks, time with our families, and be proud to be an American.
Between all the celebrations, however, reflect on the meaning of Independence Day: Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are why we celebrate. By the dawn’s early light we hope your July 4th holiday party is the most and never ends. Ever wonder why fire doesn’t get the 4th of July off? Because fire works! Happy birthday, America!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
