by Valley Gadfly | Nov 21, 2016 | Valley Gadfly
Boom-bay-yay: It’s time to wrap-up those holiday gifts and get ready to welcome in the New Year. Fresh beginnings, clean starts, reaffirmation of love and promises of a bright future come to mind as the Valley gets set to ring in a New Year. We’re also reminded of the words to Auld Lang Syne written in 1788 by Scottish Poet Robert Burns.
“Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and days o’lang syne!” It is a New Year’s Eve ritual in song.
Here are our should not be forgot choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to fill you with fun, food and good fortune to carry you into a bright New Year:
3 Brighten the holidays and your home by shopping at Paulino Gardens Christmas Open House Dec. 2-4. It’s a winter wonderland of décor and gift ideas plus hot apple cider and cookies. Information: 303-429-8062.
3 Donate toys to kids in need on Old South Gaylord Dec. 3, 12-4 p.m., or Dec. 6 at Denver Mattress (1243 S. Colorado Blvd.) Information: 303-988-2465.
3 Travel through the 12 days of Christmas with the Denver Pops Orchestra at Historic Grant Ave. Dec. 10, 4 and 7 p.m. Information: 303-733-8940.
3 Make and decorate gingerbread to take home at Denver Botanic Gardens workshop on Dec. 10-11, 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. Information: 720-865-3501.
3 The Monaco Inn Restaurant has become a Valley holiday tradition and families can enjoy those familiar smells and tastes again this Christmas Eve 4-8 p.m. and New Year’s Eve, 4-9 p.m. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 Thrilling and beautiful, St. Martin’s Chamber Choir will again sing the Christmas carols of England at St. John’s Cathedral Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. Organist Ralph Valentine adds accompaniment. Information: 303-298-1970.
3 Enjoy fireworks of laughter New Year’s Eve at the Bovine Metropolis Theater shows on Champa 4, 7 and 10 p.m. Information: 303-758-4722.
3 Look up in the sky over the 16th St. Mall New Year’s Eve as fireworks sparkle down at 8 p.m. and again at midnight. Information: 303-892-1112.
3 Take your family on a trip back in time this season. Four Mile Historic Park brings back the true spirit of Christmas, when the holiday wasn’t about shopping but the fun of connecting with family and friends. This year the event is Dec. 3, 12-4 p.m. Ring in the season Victorian style decorating the Four Mile tree, singing carols, creating crafts, music and storytelling. Father Christmas attends. Information: 720-865-0800.
Valley streets, restaurants and pubs ring with the lilting tune Auld Lang Syne each New Year’s Eve. It is sweet, nostalgic and hopeful so thus we sing. Or, at least we hum the first couple of lines then mumble into champagne glasses. Guy Lombardo is credited with popularizing the song when his band played it between radio shows in 1929.
By coincidence, as he did the show from New York’s Roosevelt Hotel he played Auld Lang Syne as the clock hit midnight. Thus the New Year’s tradition was born.
Year’s end — as it is often noted — is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. Be at peace with your neighbors and at war with your vices as you recall those days gone by. As we wrap up the holidays and ring in the New Year, “we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet for auld lang syne.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Oct 21, 2016 | Valley Gadfly
The time continuum has caught up with us: The holidays — Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas — are about to transport us back to the future. It is a far-fetched mode of transport involving slumber, dreams and spirits. We navigate through Turkey Day feasts and fictional characters such as Ebenezer Scrooge and Santa Claus.
Each holiday season is a sister of our past. The past is the future with the lights turned on. For youngsters the future seems far away. Their retort: Hurry up, please!
Here are our time machine choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to usher you into a veritable theme park of holiday attractions that seem oddly familiar:
3 Travel down the red carpet to the Denver Film Festival, Nov. 2-16. La La Land opens the fest and Lost in Paris is receiving the Rare Pearl Award. Jackie closes the Sie FilmCenter event. Information: 720-381-0813.
3 Take time to enjoy the art displayed at Park Hill Methodist Church by the Art Club Nov. 4, 4:30-8 p.m. and Sat. 10-4. Information: 303-388-5113.
3 Seize a moment in time for the Autism Society’s Moonlight Masquerade gala at the Ritz Carlton Nov. 5, 6 p.m. Information: 720-214-0793.
3 Toy with fun choices during the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Winter Gift Market Nov. 11-12, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. to 5 p.m. Information: 720-865-2501.
3 Reserve tables in time to feast on Thanksgiving (Nov. 24) at Cherry Creek North’s Inn at Cherry Creek, 2-9 p.m. An all-you-can-eat turkey dinner will keep family and friends joyful and full. Information: 303-377-8577.
3 Time travel is possible so begin exploring now for new, pre-owned, lease-purchase or trade cars. Wing it to Ariay Auto Sales & Leasing on Cherry Creek North Dr. to land your dream vehicle. Information: 303-500-5100.
3 St. Martin’s Chamber Choir treks through 400 years of Shakespearean music at St. Andrew’s Church, Nov. 13, 3 p.m. Information: 303-298-1970.
3 Travel at light speed as you go back to the future at Blossoms of Lights in the Denver Botanic Gardens, Nov. 25-Jan. 1. Information: 720-865-3501.
3 Always exciting, the 9th annual JAAMM Fest returns to the JCC campus Nov. 3-21. It opens with the premiere of the film Munich ’72 and Beyond. The New York Times’ Alice Hoffman headlines the author series discussing her book The Marriage of Opposites. The array of music series artists includes Israeli superstar Noa at the Newman Center, plus a return visit by New York Jazz artist Eli Degibri. Information: 303-316-6300.
Science suggests that the earth is far older than the original biblical time scale. French scholar Pierre-Simon marquis de Laplace proposed in 1814 that if a supreme intelligence knew the position of all particles at a single point in time, it could calculate the exact state of nature for every preceding and succeeding moment.
For such an intellect, the influential scholar of physics and astronomy wrote, “Nothing would be uncertain and the future as the past would be present to its eyes.”
Far-fetched? For us the holidays are about history, mystery, nostalgia and hope. No matter what our personal beliefs may be, this is the season to toy with ideas. It’s informative to imagine playing with the past, the future and new technologies. The past tells us the holidays are for having fun, and we all know what that does to time.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Oct 3, 2016 | Valley Gadfly
A big Boo to you: Don’t be a Scaredy Cat, this is the Bootiful time of year. Autumn is fading in like a softly sung hymn. There is a rosiness to the leaves around town that wasn’t there only a week ago. Soon the quaking aspen trees in our hills and mountains will be aflame, a riot of gold. Halloween is creeping in to make “spirits” bright.
Jeepers Creepers: For some reason around about Halloween time as the Lion in the Wizard of Oz whispered out loud, “I do believe in spooks, I do, I do, I do!”
Here are our Fang-tastic broom-closet choices for shopping, dining and entertainment so you’ll be the Ghostess with the Mostess as you eat, drink and be scary:
3 Take your family to enjoy the treats at the Pumpkin Harvest Festival at Four Mile Park Oct. 1-2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Build a scarecrow, select a perfect pumpkin and dance to live music. Information: 720-865-0800.
3 Scram to the Sie FilmCenter Oct. 1, 8 and 15 to see the trio of scary Halloween horror films playing, 9:30 p.m. Information: 730-381-0813.
3 See the first ever DCPA production of Tennessee William’s The Glass Menagerie at the Ricketson through Oct. 16. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Run to Wash Park Oct. 21 for a 5K treat-filled run-walk to raise funds for the Boys & Girls Club, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-892-9200.
3 Take breaks from this month’s freakish Halloween happenings by enjoying the spooktacular, fun food at the Monaco Inn Restaurant. They stir up dishes for every taste, no tricks. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 Don’t freak out and let your kids fall behind in math this school year. The trick is to enroll them at Mathnasum’s math learning centers. Surprise: Your child could become crazy about math! Information: 303-333-6284.
3 See Ballet Ariel’s adaptation of Appalachian Spring at the Cleo Parker Robinson Theater Oct. 22-23, 7:30 & 3 p.m. Information: 303-945-4388.
3 Take the kids to Hauntings in the Hangar at Lowry Oct. 29, noon-4 p.m. to see Sci-Fi characters and enjoy space treats. Information: 303-360-5360.
3 For a not-too-scary but exceptionally enjoyable treat for the entire family take them to Colorado Symphony’s Halloween Spooktacular at Boettcher Concert Hall Oct. 31, 2:30 p.m. Kids of all ages will enjoy the music of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Suite, the Star Wars Theme and the Superman March. Musicians trade in their tuxes and tails for costumes and your family can do the same. Information: 303-623-7876.
Sandwiched between blazing summer and chilly winter, October is the “cooling off” month. The Jewish festival of Sukkot begins on Oct. 16 to commemorate the time spent in exile by giving thanks. Halloween celebrations (All Hallows Eve) on Oct. 31 are a reminder of our connection with death and the spirits of those who have left the earth.
There’s a nip in the air but here in Colorado one can never be certain if October is officially the end of summer. Our mindset is simply that the moon is full and bright.
Make no bones about it, this is the month for batty Halloween Ex-FEAR-iences. There’s certain to be low flying bats clownin’ around. But there are also cool prospects for carvin’ out some good times. Take your eye off the goblins long enough to watch each leaf make its final dance to mother earth. Best Witches for making “Spirits” bright.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Jun 24, 2016 | Valley Gadfly
There is a joy to being outside. Lush backyards, gardens, parks and streetscapes provide us with a perfect, secluded world of our own. They resituate us in relation to the natural world and restore connections we may have forgotten were there. Flowers, trees and lawns magnificent in their richest of greens afford a small piece of paradise on earth.
It is a surviving fragment of the old, placid way of life that stands in contrast to the countless construction sites bearing boxy buildings that now depict our Valley.
Here are our “blessed to have a backyard” choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to walk, stroll, run, perch and succumb to nature’s beauty:
3 For exquisitely beautiful outdoor weekend getaways head to Four Mile Historic Park to enjoy live music July 6, 13, 20 & 27. Groups entertain at the Shady Grove Picnic Series, 6 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
3 Escape to a perfectly secluded splash in the sun during Water Fest at the JCC campus pool July 10, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: 303-316-6308.
3 Sprawl out on Glendale’s Infinity Park lawn to see Mamma Mia July 11, The Goonies July 18 & Mrs. Doubtfire July 25, 7 p.m. Information: moviesatinfinitypark.com.
3 Stroll Denver Botanic Gardens with a curator July 14 to learn about new sculpture exhibition and the artists, 9:30 a.m. Information: 720-865-3501.
3 Gather family on Lowry’s Masterpiece Kitchen patio. It’s a stunner with indoor-outdoor bar, cushy sofas plus fire pit. Information: 720-324-8873.
3 Shop for clothes, cooking and BBQ items plus fun backyard stuff at Cherry Creek North’s Sidewalk Sale July 14-17. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 Chill at the Frozen Treat Progressive Party On Havana St. July 17, noon-4 p.m. Sample free ice cream, yogurt and custard. Information: 303-360-7505.
3 Meander Denver Botanic Gardens with margaritas at the Kemp Alliance’s Salt On The Rim event, July 27, 5:30 p.m. Information: 303-864-5300.
3 Connect with friends, neighbors and business associates at the Cherry Creek Chamber’s version of UK’s garden croquet. The annual Wicket & Stick It Croquet Tournament is Aug. 5 on the outdoor plaza behind BRIO Tuscan Grille, 2-9 p.m. Teams battle for coveted Wicket & Stick It Silver Cup plus many more prizes. Enjoy beer, wine plus food morsels from area eateries with player and spectator tickets. Information: 303-388-6022.
“When we’re out back, it doesn’t feel like we’re in downtown Cherry Creek,” a neighbor declared at a recent community backyard luau. Okay, I actually live in a high-rise but with a football field size backyard. It features grand outdoor rooms offering a variety of experiences that give way to mountain vistas on the West.
Outdoor spaces offer us refuge from the city, a place where we can rediscover our natural roots and reconnect with our souls, an oasis that adds to the quality of our lives.
Jogging down a tree-lined path, a family picnic on a sunny lawn and sharing a community garden’s harvest outdoors is something everyone should be able to enjoy. Outdoor spaces boost real estate values while attracting business. It isn’t just about making our planet better; it makes us feel better plus making our lives work better.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | May 27, 2016 | Valley Gadfly
Aaah, summer: It’s prime time to let family time shine. Neighborhoods begin taking on a festive buzz. At weekend gatherings, weeknight feasts, and on cafe patios we gather to eat, drink, socialize and bask in summer’s warmth. Outdoor time is the tonic that allows us to step outside our boundaries, meet new friends and discover a new you.
With yet another wet May, we’re eager for a June fling holding spirit-filled glasses garnished with clover. It’s deemed solstice for the soul while rolling in clover.
Here are our “play it cool” choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to blaze into June enjoying sizzling days and serene sunsets as we drink in the sunshine:
3 If you’ve emerged from Winter’s blahs feeling a little lackluster and disheveled get Dolled Up For A Cause while sipping mimosas at the Glamour Bar June 4, 1:30-4 p.m. Information: dolledupforacause.com.
3 Simmer down and begin shopping for supper June 4 at Cherry Creek Fresh Market Sat. and Wed. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Information: 303-442-1837.
3 Settle back and unwind as St. Martin’s Chamber Choir singers entertain at private home summer garden party Fun Raiser June 11. Information: 303-298-1970.
3 See cool cars on the Havana Corridor at the Cruzin’ Havana Car Show & Poker Run sites June 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 303-360-7505.
3 Roar into summer during the Grand Opening of Cherry Creek’s new Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill June 14. Information: 503-222-4174.
3 See the coolest summer movies free during Monday Movie Madness outdoors at Infinity Park June 13-Aug. 8 Information: 303-639-4609.
3 For a blooming good time attend the Cherry Blossom Festival in Sakura Square with entertainment, June 18-19. Information: 303-295-1844.
3 Create a big splash with the family during the South Platte RiverFest, June 25-26 at Confluence Park, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Information: 303-455-7109.
3 Hang out all summer at Four Mile Historic Park watching the sunset to the soundtrack of great tunes each Wednesday night during the Shady Groove Picnic Series June 8-Aug. 17. Enjoy great music, affordable tickets and beautiful surroundings at a Valley tradition. Doors open to the outdoor concerts at 6 p.m., shows begin at 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
Summer solstice occurs when the tilt of earth’s semi-axis is most inclined toward the sun that it orbits. The sun and solstice will come to pass here this year on June 20 at 4:34 p.m. local or Mountain Daylight Time. Welcome summer with open arms. Kenny Chesney’s lyrics say it best: It’s a smile, a kiss, it’s a sip of wine…it’s summertime!
Basking in the sun bedecked and bedazzled we relax and laze around in flip flops gazing up at the heavens during long daylight hours then stargazing at night.
It’s the time of year to utilize all of our senses to savor a season filled with fields of green, a riot of flowers and splashy sunsets. There’s still enough light for a late night bike ride and warm enough to eat as many flavors of Bonnie Brae Ice Cream as you want. Double-dipper scoops of the sweet treat are assurance the heat won’t lick you.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
