by Valley Gadfly | Feb 24, 2020 | Valley Gadfly
After shivering through February’s cold and snow there’s finally signs of a Wee Bit O’ Green tint to those winter blues. As the calendar turns over to March we begin contemplating four leaf clovers, leprechauns and a fairytale spring. As we give a wink to St. Patrick’s Day our kinships and blood ostensibly retains an Irish green tint.
According to Irish myths and folklore, good
luck will pursue you morning and night, thus your pockets will be heavy and
your heart light by just pushing your luck.
Here are our lucky charm choices for
shopping, dining and entertainment to make sure flowers line your path and
sunshine lights your day as if on the Emerald Isle:
3 Open
your heart as you enjoy dinner and entertainment and have a ball at this year’s
black tie Denver Heart Ball fundraiser in the Hyatt Regency Convention Center
March 7, 6 p.m. Information: 303-801-4630.
3 Taste
food from 20 eateries with wine and cocktails at Great Chefs of the West at
EXDO March 12, 6 p.m. Information: 720-748-9991, ext. 451.
3 Take
your youngsters to see the updated version of The Velveteen Rabbit at the
Arvada Center through March 13. Information: 720-898-7200.
3 Get
in step for spring by attending the Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade in LoDo
March 14 beginning from 19th and Wynkoop at 9:30 a.m. Information: dspdp.com.
3 For
slumbering spring-summer sleep, purchase one or more cozy eco-friendly
mattresses from SleepNation’s half-dozen Valley locations including at 1390
South Colorado Blvd. Information: 303-954-9435.
3 Enjoy
mounds of perfectly seasoned Irish corned beef and cabbage, boiled potatoes,
fresh carrots and celery at the Monaco Inn Restaurant for lunch and dinner on
St. Patrick’s Day March 17. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 Attend
Denver Jewish Day Schools annual dinner and biggest fundraiser at the Grand
Hyatt March 18, 5:30 p.m. Information: 303-369-0663.
3 Learn
impact of tree varieties, tilling practice at the Tree Diversity Confab at the
Botanic Gardens March 20, 8:30-4 p.m. Information: 720-865-3500.
3 Let
the spirit of the spring season dance into your world by attending Colorado
Ballet’s Tour De Force at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House March 6-8. The program
includes the world premiere of an all-new work by Julia Adams, and closes with
Celts, by choreographer Lila York. The finale is an astonishing array of dance
images of Ireland that is both insightful and electrifying. Information:
303-837-8888, ext. 2.
The Irish would unquestionably say March is
“raithe an gheimhridh” or winter-time from glen to glen and down the mountain
side here in Colorado. The days, however, do start to warm rapidly. Denver
averages a daily top temperature for the month that’s between 50-58 degrees
Fahrenheit, warming-up another 8°F by the month’s end.
If it’s cold outside at night even if
there’s a clear sky, every single Irish person tells their nearest and dearest
to watch out and be careful on the morning roads.
Sure and begorrah: The astronomical first
day of spring begins this year on March 19, 6:50 p.m. Denver time. That
hopefully means increasing sunlight, warming temperatures and the rebirth of
plants and flowers. A time for sun and a bit o’ cheer and may a guardian angel
always be near. But alas, don’t delight in too much green beer.
—
Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at
newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Dec 16, 2019 | Valley Gadfly
With every New Year comes a clean slate so the question becomes what do we do with this fresh start? Everyone from poet-singer Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey to Winston Churchill have offered words of inspiration. Even William Shakespeare motivates us to focus on all the positive opportunities that a New Year will bring.
T. S. Eliot, the Nobel Prize poet and
editor-publisher, said it best: “Last year’s words belong to last year’s
language and next year’s words await another year.”
Here are our choices for shopping, dining
and entertainment to help you approach this New Year with resolve to find the
opportunities hidden in each new day:
3 Don’t
hesitate, Escape to Margaritaville playing at the Buell Theatre through Jan. 5.
The musical comedy features the original songs and the most-loved Jimmy Buffett
classics. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Untangle
the beauty and mystery of the New Year at Denver Botanic Garden’s Orchid
Showcase Jan. 9-Feb. 16. Information: 720-865-3500.
3 Kickstart
the New Year by kicking up your heels at the annual National Western Stock Show
& Rodeo Jan. 11-26. Information: 303-296-6977.
3 Blast
into the year to the lights, sound, smoke and screaming fans at Hairball
playing at the Paramount Jan. 18. Information: 303-623-0106.
3 Get
the New Year off to a roaring start by building a banking relationship at
Sunflower Bank. Attention and financial guidance have made them the largest
Denver headquartered bank. Information: 303-297-0333.
3 This
is the year for youngsters to get their Rugby On. Glendale’s Youth Rugby
programs invite all players to develop rugby skills while also practicing
teamwork and sportsmanship. Information: 303-639-4713.
3 For
a Black & Bluegrass blast join Temple Emanuel in honoring Rabbi Joe Black’s
10 years Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-388-4013.
3 Dance
into the year at Neverland as Colorado Ballet presents Peter Pan at the Ellie
Jan. 31-Feb.9. Information: 303-837-8888.
3 Dig
into the New Year by getting a free tree application from Denver Digs Trees
through Feb. 14. The nonprofit offers 10 tree varieties free and/or at reduced
cost for planting on private property and the public right-of-way. The tree
distribution and sale is on April 23. To complete an application or get more
information, including tree varieties, visit TheParkPeople.org. or call
303-722-6262 for a free paper application.
January is the kickstart month of the year
and home to Capricorn and Aquarius zodiac signs. Because it is the first month
of the year it sets the tone for the remaining 11 months. It always seems to us
that there’s a freedom that comes with January. It is positively a month for
passion while also reminding us of the value of nostalgia.
As we enter the roaring ’20s, whether it
will turn out to be the razzle-dazzle year many are predicting will depend a
great deal on what each of us brings to the New Year.
There’s debate about when the old decade
ends. Some say this decade ended Dec. 31, 2019, and the new one started Jan. 1,
2020. Others say the new decade doesn’t start until Jan, 1, 2021; the old one
ends on Dec. 31, 2020. What we know for sure is a New Year’s resolution is
something that goes in one year and out the other.
—
Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at
newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
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.
