by Valley Gadfly | Aug 1, 2014 | Valley Gadfly
Gee whiz it’s August already. Isn’t that just peachy-keen? That’s the Valley’s summer idiom for super duper and hunky dory! For residents it is the hey-day time of year full of joy, harmony and the taste of peaches. In addition to being the season when laziness finally finds respectability it also just happens to be National Peach Month.
It is also Happiness Happens Month so don’t tell the kids that August is Back to School Month. They’ll be cool just knowing August is the last of the summer months.
Here are our peachy-keen choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to keep you enjoying the birds and the trees and summer’s sweet scented summer breezes:
3 Like a juicy peach, you’ll enjoy the uplifting story with music that soars as Central City Opera brings The Sound of Music to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House Aug. 2-10, shows at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-296-6700.
3 Celebration Community Garden’s 2nd Farm to Table Dinner will be as luscious and tasty as peaches Aug.9, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-745-1148.
3 Your dog will be swell, dandy and spiffy during PetAid’s Woof Fest in Civic Center Park, Aug. 17, 12-6 p.m. Information: 303-318-0447.
3 Looking to spot a cool design idea? Attend the Architecture & Art Gala in the Design District Aug. 21, 4:30 to 8 p.m. Information: 303-777-6007.
3 You’ll be keen on the selection and prices for brand name designer frames and lenses at Optical Masters on South Monaco Pkwy. Their 25th birthday blowout sale is the real deal, banana peel. Information: 303-377-0751.
3 Grub is delicious, beer refreshing and the music uplifting on the Inn at Cherry Creek’s rooftop finale Aug. 22, 5 p.m. Information: 303-377-8577.
3 Honoring hometown heroes is a peachy keen thing so join Barnes & Noble as they honor Glendale’s heroes Aug. 23, 10 a.m. Information: 303-691-2998.
3 For a peachy twist, take the Urban Homestead Tour to see goats, chickens and bees raised in an array of spaces, 10 a.m. Information: 720-865-3580.
3 Everyone is coming from near and far on the sweet summer weekend of Aug. 15-17 to attend Glendale’s Rugbytown Sevens Tournament. It starts with Free Fan Friday. Stay in the game Saturday for Bruises & Brews to taste 15 craft beers. Then Sunday debuts the Taste of Glendale with 10 eateries serving, 12-4 p.m. Information: www.rugbytown usa.com/srs.
August rushes by like desert rainfall, a flood of frenzied commotion and mayhem. Even though expected, it still catches us unprepared. Like a match flame, it bursts on the scene with heat and stunning crimson sunsets. There is no such thing as bad weather in August, merely different kinds of weather. Open the window and let the air fill the room.
Clouds gather in small huddles to discuss the weather. It is the month when we take pleasure in a cool rain. The related wind braces us up for likely thunderstorms ahead.
The word “peachy” means fine or excellent and doubling it, makes it into a superlative by adding the word “keen” as a suffix. Kids have been using rhyming idioms since the 1930s: Remember: What’s the deal, Banana Peel? Or, What’s cookin’, good lookin’? To which we must ask, is it a peach pie? After all, I’m the boss, applesauce!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | May 27, 2014 | Valley Gadfly
This may be coming from left field but then this is the time of year when we like to march to the beat of a different drum. With warm weather finally upon us our thoughts turn to creatures that symbolize the sights and sounds of summer including those creepy-crawly June bugs that come out in late spring that we find on our doorsteps.
Maybe you haven’t seen them yet but you are sure to recognize June bugs because they are the size of a Volkswagen with a hyperactive personality and really sticky legs.
Here are our choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to create fair and pleasant summer days without being bugged by mosquitoes, bees and other June critters.
3 A sure sign that summer salad days are here is the opening of the Cherry Creek Fresh Market, May 31-Oct. 25. More than 100 growers and other vendors sell their produce and other products at 1st Ave. and University on Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
3 Summer tabletop settings, a delectable tea, plus a garden and herb sale await those attending this year’s Tea & Treasurers event, June 5-7. The Assistance League of Denver event is at the Bosworth House, 10 a.m-3 p.m. Information: 303-322-5205.
3 Enjoy the great outdoors while sampling wine during the Colorado Urban Winefest at the Infinity Park Festival Plaza June 7, noon-5 p.m. Information: 970-464-0111.
3 Nothing makes a bigger summer splash than a coat of paint and Ireland’s Finest is again giving the lucky winner a free exterior painting of their home. To nominate someone deserving, go to the contest website: www.irelandsfinestinc.com.
3 June brings a special treat to art lovers, the Art Student League’s annual Summer Art Market on Grant St. around the school, June 7-8, 10 a.m. Information: 303-778-6990.
3 See classic cars, enjoy music as you sail into summer at the Cruzin’ Havana Car Show & Poker Run on Havana, June 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 303-360-7505.
3 Make the Inn at Cherry Creek your beer, bluegrass and grub hub this summer. Enjoy free entry with just $5 food and drink tickets as stars entertain on the hotel’s Rooftop Terrace June 27, July 25 and Aug. 22, from 5 to 9 p.m. Information: 303-377-8577.
3 Be smart and do as so many other Cherry Creek Valley families do and plan your Independence Day celebrations around the City of Glendale’s mega fireworks show. The powerful display of pyrotechnics will flicker across the skies on July 3rd at dusk. Gather at eateries, bars, patios and porches to view the dazzling aerial display, one of the Valley’s oldest and largest. Information: 303-759-1513.
The June bug, of course, is a type of beetle. Scientists have described more than 350,000 species, with many more undoubtedly undiscovered. They are about 40 percent of known insect species with the most diversity of any animal on earth. While they don’t serenade us like crickets, June beetles will squeal when you pick them up.
Some of the largest June bugs can be found in populated Southwest cities like Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and a bit surprisingly in Denver and the Cherry Creek Valley.
We interrupt our June bugs tribute for this special reminder: The Cartoon Network ran its first 48-hour marathon of Bugs Bunny’s June bug cartoons in 1993. They aired again last year on June 22-23. Shishkabugs: Now you likely recall that when you cross an insect with a rabbit you got the animated antics of Bugs Bunny!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | May 27, 2014 | Glendale City News
by Glen Richardson
When the Glendale Raptors and San Francisco Golden Gate went toe to toe in the deciding clash of the inaugural Pacific Rugby Premiership season at Infinity Park May 17, it produced a match the likes of which even the best script writers couldn’t conjure up. Accompanying incredibly good rugby was a stack of subplots together with a controversial referee call that kept the huge crowd on the edge of their seats until
the final whistle.
There have been some monumental rugby games here — the Collegiate All-Stars, two Churchill Cups, and the North American Four among others — but none that have created more excitement and drama highlighted by bruising hits and jaw dropping tries. There were five lead changes during the 80-minute contest, but despite an up-and-under try by Glendale Center Chad London in the waning minutes, the Raptors came up one point short, 39-38.
Making the game all the more remarkable is that the Raptors were ranked at the bottom of the Pacific League’s power rankings at the start of the season. Going into the playoff, however, the Raptors were ranked number one with an 11-1 record, two games ahead of San Francisco. In their previous match-ups during the season they were tied with a win apiece.
Seesaw Action Game
Despite San Francisco’s early domination, Glendale moved surreptitiously back into the game with two quick bang-bang scores due to Golden Gate penalties. Fullback Dustin Croy scored first compliments of convincing decoy runs from Centers Landon and Justin Pauga. Then Pauga scored again after bouncing off a Golden Gate player at the try line and the Raptors had erased SF’s lead. Just as San Francisco threatened to score again, flanker Spencer Scott poached the ball and passed off to wing Bret Willis who scampered down field to score. With the conversion good, Glendale had a 24-15 halftime lead.
A nifty scramble by Golden Gate had them within inches of the try line to open the second period. On the next play San Francisco scored but the conversion was missed leaving the Raptors up 24-20. A penalty on the Raptors followed by big SF runs plus an easy conversion put them up 27-24. Kicking the restart deep Golden Gate cleared its lines with a boot. Glendale’s Croy committed two defenders and passed to Preston Bryant who moved downfield and passed to London. Following broken tackles and a ruck, Scot took the ball untouched for anther Glendale score. Graham converted and the Raptors were back on top 31-27 with 30 minutes remaining. Golden Gate hit back within minutes with a quick try to get revenge and back into the game. The conversion was missed, but they had reclaimed the lead 32-31.
Just as quickly Glendale’s Croy dotted down in touch. Believing Glendale had gone ahead for good, players and fans went delirious with excitement. After watching two video reviews, however, the points were wiped off the scoreboard as referees ruled that while Croy did dot down, he was touched before he could do so. With five minutes to go Glendale was caught playing the ball in a ruck. SF kicked the penalty to the corner and took a lineout. With a short plunge and conversion they were up 39-31. Down eight points with less than five minutes to play, Mike Graham chipped a kick over the defense and reserve wing Max Statler gathered the ball and passed to London who raced in for a Glendale score. With a penalty following the kickoff, the Raptors kicked for a lineout inside SF’s 22. Glendale won the set piece but Graham opted to grubber down one point and San Francisco scooped up the ball and kicked it to touch to end the game.
by Valley Gadfly | May 27, 2014 | Main Articles
The jaw-dropping Glendale Fireworks — considered the Valley’s premier Fourth of July display — will again light up the Valley Basin on July 3.
One of the oldest and largest in the area, the powerful display of pyrotechnics has become a Cherry Creek Valley Independence Day tradition. Families and friends gather at eateries, bars, patios and porches from LoDo to the Dam to view the dazzling aerial display. The mega fireworks show will flicker across the skies at dusk (generally between 9 and 9:30 p.m.)
Best places to watch the mesmerizing fireworks are north of Virginia, south of Cherry Creek Drive South, west of Colorado Boulevard and east of Cherry Street. Many families gather in and around the parking lots at CitySet and at Whole Foods for close-in viewing. The City of Glendale sponsors the fireworks show. Rain date is July 26. Information: 303-759-1513 or www. glendale.co.us.
by Valley Gadfly | Apr 29, 2014 | Valley Gadfly
Spring In Full Swing
After a winter that wouldn’t quit, we were eager for spring to get into full swing and for the Colorado Rockies to take another swing at the grand tradition of baseball. Fans did rise and shine to start the new season filling Coors Field to 97.5 percent of capacity for the Club’s 20th home opener at 20th and Blake.
After this winter small things feel like luxuries, even a hot dog at Coors Field. Humphrey Bogart once said, “a hot dog at the ballpark is better than steak at the Ritz.”
Here are our choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to get you into the swing of things so you will be a hit at home and on the town whatever your game plan:
3 Expect lots of dreams to fly over the fence during the Mini Maker Faire at the National Western Complex May 3-4. Inventors and do-it yourselfers display out-of-the-box ideas to catch your attention, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Information: 303-704-7876.
3 You’ll score a home run for Project Angel Heart by attending the Art For Life fundraiser May 9 at the Abend Gallery, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-407-9420.
3 Comedian Shayna Ferm steps into the batter’s box to entertain moms at the Pump & Dump Mother’s Day Show May 10. The raucous evening of comedy is a three-inning show at the Holiday Event Center beginning at 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-668-8700.
3 Score big and head for home with a fairly traded Bunyaad rug during Ten Thousand Villages Oriental Rug Event at Augustana Lutheran Church, May 14-17. Strike a deal on intricate floral and hand-spun dye wool tribals. Information: 303-316-8773.
3 Dig for home plate after scoring on sale of Master Gardener vegetables, flowers & herbs at Harvard Gulch Park May 17-18, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: 720-913-5270.
3 You’ll score big with mom by taking her and the family to enjoy the Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at the Inn at Cherry Creek, May 11. Information: 303-377-8577.
3 Cover all the bases by exploring options and opportunities for self-employment at the Un-Job Fair at Colorado Free University’s Lowry campus May 31. A lineup of self-employment experts will help you reach the big leagues. Information: 303-399-0093.
3 Swing into the game of life by attending this year’s Colorado Corks & Cuisine fundraising event at Four Mile Historic Park on May 22 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. You’ll be at the top of your game as you sip on Colorado’s premier libations while enjoying savory and sweet vittles. Enjoy views of the old west with friends and neighbors while also supporting the mission of Four Mile Park. Information: 720-865-0815.
Eating a stadium dog certainly isn’t a dining experience any more than baseball is something other than entertainment. Nevertheless it is worth noting that hot dogs stir impassioned feelings among fans at Coors Field where baseball buffs consume some 1.5 million of them each season, second only to those Dodger Dogs at LA’s Chavez Ravine.
Everyday things, be they simple, affordable, or sublime take just a little time and attention to make you a hit, even if it is a perfectly ripe tomato sprinkled with sea salt.
A simple daisy can bunt you into scoring position as easily as a dozen perfect roses. But neither is a joy if they are poorly pulled together in an unattractive container. No matter what the blossom or baseball pitch the runner won’t score without care and selection. Life will always throw you curves but when the right pitch comes be prepared to run the bases. Get out the rye bread and mustard grandma; it’s Grand Salami time!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
