by Valley Gadfly | Dec 22, 2016 | Valley Gadfly
Saddle up: It’s time to put on those spurs and get back in the saddle again. The New Year means we’ve got to tighten the cinch and ride cautiously back into winter. Whether your steed is a vehicle or horse it’s best to accelerate and decelerate slowly or there will be hoof prints detouring off the road and into a mud rut or ditch.
Like a horse, your car or jacked-up truck needs to be fitted with proper winter shoes whether riding down the highway or hoofin’ it through the backcountry.
Here are our real cool winter choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to ward off the cold and let excitement seep in with the snow and winter wind:
3 Ride down to Boettcher Concert Hall for an once-in-a-lifetime treat, Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone performed by the Colorado Symphony as you watch on a giant screen, Jan. 6-8. Information: 303-628-7876.
3 Stomp on down to Lowry’s John Hand Theater to see the comedy romp Becky’s New Car playing, Jan. 7-Feb. 4. Information: 303-562-3232.
3 Gallop over to the Colorado Convention Center and catch this year’s International Sportsman’s Expo, Jan. 12-15. Information: 800-454-6100.
3 Put on your marching boots and participate in the Martin Luther King Marade beginning at City Park Jan. 14, 9 a.m. Information: 720-971-1329.
3 For a tasty start to the New Year with giddy-up glamour hop back in the saddle and ride to the newly opened Que Bueno Suerte on South Pearl with cutting-edge Mexican-Spanish cuisine. Information: 720-642-7322.
3 Embrace the weather and make the New Year shine with floral décor and bouquets from Newberry Brothers. They make parties, corporate events and weddings bright all season long. Information: 303-322-0443.
3 Start your brainy preschoolers off right by learning about area preschools at Denver Preschool Showcase, Jan. 14-19. Information: 303-595-4377.
3 Warm up to winter at the Denver Brew Fest with beer, food and music at Mile High Station, Jan. 27-28, 7 p.m. Information: 888-810-2063.
3 Dust off your masks and your dancin’ shoes for a festive early Mardi Gras celebration at the Denver Botanic Garden’s Cajun Carnival, Feb. 3, 6 p.m. Revel in the lush warmth and beauty of Marnie’s Pavilion and the Orangery, while enjoying specialty dinners and drinks from Offshoots Café. It will seem like the Big Easy as the Fat City Mardi Gras Band and Queen City Jazz Quintet play. Information: 720-865-3501.
The Valley’s snow-packed and icy roads can often leave commuters frustrated. So take a deep breath and exhale before rollin’ on down the road. All of our winter neighborhood streets are transformed into blocks of snow, slush, ice and black ice. Keep in mind that only the main streets and striped streets will get city attention.
Longtime locals have learned over the years that while there is just as much horse sense as ever, it’s the horses that have most of it, not the driver in front of them.
Whoopi-ty-aye: If winter has you feeling down, saddle up and ride over to the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo, Jan. 7-22. Those are the cosmopolitan cowboys that have leaned the art of keeping a horse between them and the ground. On my hoss rockin’ to and fro in the snow I’m having a meltdown. Maybe I’ll start a slush fund.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
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.
