Home For The Holidays

by Valley Gadfly | Nov 15, 2024 | Main Articles

As Beloved Blockhead Charlie Brown Says, ‘Good Grief, The Holiday Season Is Here Already’

by Glen Richardson

Winter Takes All: The 1940s-era White Christmas Ball returns to Wings Over the Rockies Dec. 7. The Metropolitan and Hot Tomatoes Jazz Orchestras play.

Ho Ho Ho, ’Tis the Season: The Nutcracker is at the Ellie, ice skating is down­town, and rooftop at Cherry Creek’s Halcyon Hotel. Plus, there’s a host of Hanukkah events including Latkes & Lights at the JCC. Then New Year’s Eve brings fireworks, light displays, plus the Symphony’s an­nu­al A Night in Vienna at Boettcher Concert Hall.

The holidays will rock again in Glendale- Cherry Creek, and downtown. ’Tis time for high-spirited merriment, as we prepare for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Here are the Chronicle’s annual picks to fill your December with fun, food, and good fortune to carry you into a bright new year:

Balls

White Christmas Ball, Wings Over the Rockies, Dec. 7, 5:30-11:59 p.m. An evening of 1940s era dancing to the Metropolitan and Hot Tomatoes Jazz Orchestras. Informa­tion: 720-924-1945.

Winter Solstice Ball, El Jabel, Dec. 7, 6-11:30 p.m. Live music, DJ play hits, and local cosplayers. Information: elevateimmer sivecolorado.com.

Concerts

Santa Drone Tracker: Denver’s drone-in-the-sky with Santa will light up the sky downtown for 15 minutes from Nov. 22-Dec. 31 beginning at 7 p.m.

White Christmas Symphony, Dec. 5 —Celebrate the season as the multi-platinum Irish sensation Celtic Women entertain with the Symphony at Boettcher, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.

Take 6 Christmas, Dec. 11-12 — The vocal cats perform an acapella Christmas- jazz, R&B, and pop at Lone Tree Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. Information: 720-509-1000.

Holly Jolly Holiday Concert, Newman Cen­ter, Dec. 14, hour performances at 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. Seasonal music and singalongs. Information: 303-871-7720.

Chris Daniels & The Kings, Dec. 20 —Daniels entertains with horn-drenched rock and soul in Swallow Hill’s Daniels Hall, 8 p.m. Information: 303-777-1725.

Home for Christmas, Dec. 21-22 — Holiday music that will fill you with joy, nostalgia, and warmth at Auraria’s King Center, 2:30 p.m. Information: 303-556-2296.

Dance

Nutcracker Dolls: Colorado Ballet’s 58th season has 26 performances at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Nov. 30 through Dec. 29.

Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum, a festive dance performance at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Dec. 7 through 21. Information: 303-295-1759.

The Nutcracker, Colorado Ballet’s 58th season has 26 performances at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Nov. 30 through Dec. 29. Information: 720-865-4220.

Dining

Lunch With Santa, a kids’ matinee at Dazzle, with piano styling by Ralph the Elf doing holiday songs-stories Nov. 30, noon. Information: 303-839-5100.

Handy to Home choices for the holidays, restaurants listed within the Glendale- Cherry Creek neighborhood by Open Table:

Del Frisco’s Grille, chophouse at 100 St. Paul St. open Dec. 24, noon-9 p.m.; 25th until 8 p.m.; Dec. 31 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Information: 303-320-8529.

Fontana Sushi, Japanese eatery specializing in sushi and sashimi in Wash Park at 534 E. Alameda Ave. Information: 303-778-8818.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, Japanese yakiniku (grilled barbecue) dining experience at 100 Steele St. Information: 720-826-3214.

Hana Matsuri Sushi in Glendale’s City Set on the corner of Colorado Blvd. and Cherry Creek South Dr. Information: 303-600-8477.

Electrifying Neighborhoods: Neighborhoods get into the holiday season action with decked-out homes, many with LED color-changing lights set to music.

Mehak India’s Aroma, an Indian eatery in the lower level of the Promenade at 250 S. Steele St., Suite 100. Information: 720-638-9350.

Trio Of Hotel Restaurants: Hotel Restaurants open for the holidays include Local Jones in the Halcyon Hotel on Columbine St.; Narrative in The Jacquard on Milwaukee St.; plus Toro Latin Kitchen, in Hotel Clio on Clayton Lane.

Kona Grill adjacent to the front entrance of the Cherry Creek Shopping Center on East 1st Ave. Information: 720-974-1300.

SOL Mexican Cocina at 200 Columbine St. Unit 110 in Cherry Creek North serves coastal Baja cuisine. Information: 303-953-2208.

Hanukkah

Latkes & Lights, Jewish Community Cen­ter’s family gala has latke competition, games, plus live music Dec. 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information: 303-399-2660.

Hanukkah Family Festival at Temple Emanuel on Grape St. with latkes, dreidel playing, plus crafts Dec. 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information: 303-388-4013.

Denver’s North Pole: Cherry Creek’s “Winter Wanderland” has free outdoor events including a Holiday Market with dozens of vendors on Fillmore Plaza, Nov. 21-Dec. 24.

Chabad of Cherry Creek Celebration, in Cherry Creek North’s Grant Plaza. Treats, crafts, Menorah lighting Dec. 29, 2:30 to 5 p.m. Information: 303-744-9699.

Holiday Lights

Blossoms of Light, holiday light displays at Denver Botanic Gardens on York Street, Nov. 20 through Jan. 12, 4:30 -9 p.m. Information: 720-865-3500.

Zoo Lights, at the Denver Zoo, Nov. 23-Jan. 5, 5-10 p.m. An 80-acre wonderland with over a million lights. Information: 720-337-1644.

Mile High Drone Show, 40 nights, 400 drones light up the sky downtown for 15 minutes Nov. 22-Dec. 31, beginning at 7 p.m. Information: 303-892-1112.

Ice Skating

Halcyon On Ice, Halcyon Hotel’s rooftop lounge, Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, noon to 9 p.m. Music, drinks, dining, and ice skating. Information: 720-772-5000.

McGregor Skate, an outdoor plaza at McGregor Square adjacent to Coors Field (1901 Wazee), Nov. 29-Jan. 26. Information: 303-313-6090.

Markets

Cherry Creek Holiday Market, dozens of vendors on Fillmore Plaza (2nd Ave. & Fillmore) with drinks, Nov. 21-Dec. 24. Information: 303-394-2904.

Christkindlmarket, German Holiday Market with artisan gifts, treats, plus German biers in Civic Center Park, Nov. 22-Dec. 23. Information: christkindlmarketden ver.com.

Mistletoe Market, Nov. 25-Dec. 17 – New this year in the Dairy Block (1800 Wazee) with vendors, carolers, and holiday music. Information: 303-30

Home Time: Of the holidays and home Charlie Brown says, “Be it ever so humble, there is no place like home.”

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New Year’s Eve

Concerts

Greensky Bluegrass, Dec. 30-31 — Bluegrass jam band plays the Mission Ballroom, 8 p.m. on the 30th, 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve. Information: 720-577-6884.

A Night in Vienna, Dec. 31 — Colorado

Symphony plays polkas, waltzes, and marches in Boettcher Concert Hall, 6:30 p.m. to midnight. Information: 720-865-4220.

Dazzle’s New Year’s Eve Gala, Dec. 31 —The Jacob Larson Band — a funk and soul ensemble — rings in 2025 beginning at 10 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.

Parties

Decadence, Colorado Convention Center, Dec. 30-31 — Electronic music performances on two stages, 6:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Information: 303-228-3000.

Sheraton Cocktails, Dec. 31 — Casino games, DJs, live band, toasts & confetti at the Sheraton Denver, downtown, 8 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Information: 303-893-3333.

Gatsby’s Gala, Dec. 31 — The Ritz-Carlton on Curtis St. hosts Roaring ’20s event with live band, DJs, and dancing, 8 p.m.-midnight. Information: 303-312-3800.

Denver Black Tie Party, Dec. 31 — Park Ave. West’s Asterisk has bands, DJs, plus casino games with midnight balloon drop. Information: 720-808-1114.

$975 Million School Bond On Nov. Ballot Adds AC In 29 Schools

by Valley Gadfly | Oct 18, 2024 | Main Articles

Top-Notch Schools In Denver Don’t Come Cut-Rate; Nov. 5 School Bond On Ballot Seen As Passport To The Future

by Glen Richardson

Board Backs Bond: Denver’s School Board unanimously approved the $975 mil­lion DPS bond package on Aug. 15, 2024.

With temperatures hovering between 84°F and 87°F as Denver schools started in mid-August, the $975 million DPS school bond on the November ballot includes $240 to install air conditioning at 29 schools.

The proposal — which would not raise taxes — has $124 million budgeted for new school construction and new school buses. There is another $100 million allocated for upgrades to existing school buildings.

Civic organizations — including those previously critical of DPS at times — have endorsed the bond measure. Nonprofit Den­ver Families for Public Schools — their board is made up of charter school leaders — gave endorsement after discussions with DPS educators, graduates, and community members. Educate Denver — an alliance of local civic leaders — also added their backing.

Cooling Challenge

Voters should realize that the average Den­ver Public School building was constructed 56 years ago, a time when central air conditioning was uncommon. The age of many K-12 buildings make adding AC a difficult feat. Building plans for many aren’t available or are inaccurate. Moving equipment into school spaces that can’t be demolished are challenging. Furthermore, crews are often required to work night shifts during school years.

Construction work during the summer when schools are closed — called “summer slammers” are fast-paced, usually requiring 60-hour work weeks to complete before students return for the school year.

As Denver’s temperatures continue to warm-up, hot classrooms increase concerns about the safety and well-being of students and staff. The U.S. Department of Education says that temperatures above 79 degrees can pose health risks and adversely affect test performance and knowledge retention. Hot classrooms in Denver have forced DPS to declare “heat days,” causing them to cancel school during hot spells.

Safety Upgrades

Cool Cory Kids: Air conditioning would be added at Cory Elementary School on S. Steele St. in the Cory-Merrill neighborhood if the bond issue is approved.

As hate crimes and mass casualty events continue to endure in schools, parents and families will be pleased to know that the school bond includes $28 million for safety upgrades to Denver school facilities.

The proposed funding would allow DPS to purchase weapons detection and crisis communication systems for area schools. Moreover, secure vestibules would be added to 17 schools. Vestibules will feature controlled entryways, with a desk and a transaction window. School staff members manning the window will screen visitors before allowing them into the primary sections of the school.

Safety and security of students is one of the foremost needs, and most important provisions in the bond package, parents and grandparents tell school officials. Ensuring that students and staff can learn and work in a secure environment is simply a must. “It’s essential and imperative,” they assert and proclaim.

Upkeep, New Build

The measure includes $301 million for what DPS calls, “critical maintenance” at 154 buildings. The work includes mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades, as well as general renovations.

Another $124 million would go for new school construction, plus new school buses. This would involve building a new elementary school and expanding another new campus by adding middle school grades. More: upgrades to existing school buildings adds $100 million. A new school-based health clinic plus upgrading existing clinics are in­cluded. It would also upgrade restrooms, cafeterias, and outdoor classrooms.

Proposed new technology is allocated $55 million. Funding will include classroom sets of Chromebooks for grades K-5, replacing student and teacher devices, and hotspots that allow students access to the internet at home. Specialized career and technical education programs such as aerospace engineering are allotted $51 million.

Tech Ed & STEAM

Safety Step-Up: Security vestibules with controlled entryways, and a transaction window would be added at 17 schools under DPS proposal.

Committed to graduating students that are career, college, and life ready, the bond has $51 million budgeted for technical education and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) spaces. Included is $3 million to pay for elementary and middle school equipment across the district.

A major portion of the funding would add regional CTA or Career & Technical Education Centers. The centers will offer students programs that provide Industry Credentials. The new spaces will afford access to approximately 1,500 district students. The centers will focus on high-growth, high-wage careers within the Denver community.

The STEAM and CTE programming at Mile High elementary and middle schools will give students an early exposure to possible high-growth, high-wage careers. Funding will also allow for career and technical ed programs in aerospace, engineering, broadcasting, and plant science.

Theater, Sports

The bond measure also provides funds to upgrade and add new facilities to theater and sports facilities at Denver schools

Middle and high school stage upgrades, plus theater seating is budgeted at $43 million. $18 million of the amount will go to build a new auditorium at one campus.

Another $33 million will go for athletic facilities upgrades at Denver schools. Funds would pay for installing artificial turf, updating high school w

Stellar School: Opened at its present site in 1925, highly rated East High School is one of city’s many older schools that would benefit from the DPS school bond. Notable alumni include the Father of Nano-electronics Robert T. Bate, and singer July Collins.

eight rooms, replacing scoreboards, and adding lighting to athletic fields.

Mergers, Closing

The bond also adds nearly $3 million “to support school program movement, consolidation, closure, and other capacity needs from 2025 through 2028.”

DPS has closed 13 of about 200 schools since 2020 due to shrinking enrollment, driven by falling birth rates and rising housing costs, which continue to push families out of the city. The district. which serves about 88,000 students, has lost 5000 students since 2019.

On the bright side, Denver Public Schools’ graduation rate rose from 76.5% in 2022 to 79% in 2023, the highest rate for the state’s largest district in at least a decade. Its dropout rate remained the same at 3.8%.

Thanksgiving: Carving Memories

by Valley Gadfly | Oct 18, 2024 | Main Articles

As Families, Friends Come Together For Thanksgiving 2024, Denver Rescue ­Mission, Food Bank, Many Others Need Your Help

by Glen Richardson

Turkey Trot: Wash Park is again hosting the Mile High United Way Turkey Trot on Nov. 28. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m., race begins at 9 a.m.

You gotta love Thanksgiving: Unlike Halloween, there’s nothing scary. Furthermore, unlike Christmas, there are no gifts to be purchased. Thanks­giving, of course is about expressing thanks. It’s a formal occa­sion to reflect on the year’s blessings and challenges, fostering a sense of gratitude and perspective. It’s a holiday that strengthens bonds and shared experiences among family and friends.

Thanksgiving always falls on the fourth Thursday in November. Arriving as early as Nov. 22, it can arrive as late as this year, Nov. 28. Furthermore, the holiday features fun and often free events, plus plenty of family-friendly activities. For many, it is also a once-a-year event when extended family members come together, bridging distances both geographical and emotional.

While an old-fashioned home cooked Thanksgiving is still common, in 2024, half of Americans are planning to eat out. This year 64% of respondents say they will get part or all of their holiday meal at a restaurant. Why? “It’s just easier.” Moreover, they say professionally cooked food is preferred. Many also believe it’s cheaper than buying all the ingredients to cook at home.

Dining Out Options

When this article went to press, Open­Table — the restaurant platform that helps diners make reservations and restaurants thrive — listed 10 local eateries open for Thanksgiving. Additional restaurants will announce Thanksgiving plans as the holiday draws closer.

Thanksgiving Feast: Local Jones restaurant in Cherry Creek’s Halcyon Hotel is serv­ing Thanksgiving from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Capital Grille: The eatery at 1250 Larimer St. is featuring slow-roasted turkey and gravy with Brioche Sage Stuffing. Also serving French Green Beans with Marcona Almonds plus Cranberry-Pear Chutney. Table is also served Sam’s Mashed Potatoes and Pecan-Crusted Sweet Potatoes with Hot Honey. Serving Pumpkin Cheesecake for dessert. Pre-order Oct. 31 to Nov. 7. Information: 303-539-2500.

Del Frisco’s Grille: Restaurant at 100 St. Paul St. in Cherry Creek North had not announced what was being served as this issue went to press. In past years they have served a three-course meal with roasted turkey breast. Information: 303-320-8529.

Edge Restaurant: Spend Thanksgiving at the steakhouse in the Four Seasons Hotel at 1111 14th St., serving a Thanksgiving buffet from noon to 8 p.m. Appetizers include an apple Waldorf salad and raw bar. Carving station has peppercorn crusted prime rib, bourbon maple glazed ham, and turkey roulade with sage pesto, served with spiced acorn squash and sweet potato casserole. Dessert selections from the Hotel’s pastry chef include pumpkin pie parfait, an apple pie cone, or brown butter sage tart. Information: 303-389-3050.

FIRE: Restaurant in the ART Hotel at 1201 Broadway is featuring a Thanksgiving Buffet Nov. 28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Serving all your favorites including roasted white and dark meat, sourdough stuffing, whipped potatoes with country gravy, and green beans, plus cranberry sauces, pumpkin pie, and des­serts. Information: 720-709-4431.

Local Jones: Located in the Halcyon Hotel at 248 Columbine St., restaurant is serving Thanksgiving from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Chef is doing all the cooking and baking, including two special pies: Butterscotch Pumpkin Pie and Pecan Pie. Information: 720-772-5022.

Banking On Food: Support Food Bank of the Rockies by donating time and funds to the region’s largest hunger-relief organization. Photo by Joel Fischer.

Toro Latin Kitchen: The Pan-Latin eatery with Asian influences in Hotel Clio at 150 Clayton Lane in Cherry Creek is serving Thanksgiving from noon to 4 p.m. From starters to desserts, you’ll enjoy the prix fixe Thanksgiving menu featuring an Achiote-marinated Turkey Breast, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and drizzl­ed with a cranberry and port wine demi-glace. Information: 303-253-3000.

Turkey Hamburgers: You don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving to enjoy turkey. The long- running Cherry Cricket at 2641 E. 2nd Ave. in Cherry Creek North serves Turkey Burgers every day. Information: 303-322-7666.

Turkey Sandwiches: Sam’s No. 3 in Glendale at 435 S. Cherry St. serves a triple-decker Turkey Sandwich and an Open Face Hot Turkey Sandwich every day. Information: 303-333-4403.

Ditch The Turkey: Want a change from turkey this Thanksgiving? Ace Eat Serve located on the corner of 17th Ave. and Pennsylvania St. in mid-town, serves Whole Peking Duck on Thanksgiving. Information: 303-800-7705.

Turkey Day Doings

Hip Holiday’s Parade: The 98th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will again be broadcast by NBC from New York City on Nov. 28.

51st Mile High United Way Turkey Trot: Event is at Washington Park, Nov. 28, registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Opening ceremonies are at 8:45 a.m., followed by the first of four start waves each half hour beginning at 9 a.m. The Lil Gobbler Family Fun Run starts at 10:40 a.m. There is also a Lil Gobbler Family Zone at the Finish Village.

Pumpkin Pie 5K & 10 K: Races are at City Park, on Saturday, Nov. 16, beginning at 9 a.m. Finishers get a slice of pumpkin pie among Thanksgiving goodies.

Gobble, Gobble, Give

Denver Rescue Mission: Expects to serve 290,000 meals this holiday season, 5% more than in 2023. Also anticipates serving more than 3,039 Thanksgiving-Banquet-in-A-­Box meals, plus serving another 1,000 meals to guests at the Mission on Thanksgiving Day. Information: 303-297-1815.

Epworth Foundation: Honoring Daddy Bruce Randolph, Foundation will pass out Thanksgiving Baskets on Nov. 17th starting at 9 a.m. More than 5,000 baskets are expected to be passed out to 40,000 individuals. Baskets weigh about 45 lbs. and are designed to feed a small family. Information: 303-296-6287.

Food For Thought: Consider donating time, food, and funds to help the Denver Rescue Mission or other groups feeding the hungry this year.

Food Bank of the Rockies: Providing food to the largest area of the United States, volunteer or give funds. Bank procures and distributes food to more than 800 partners in Colorado-Wyoming. As the largest hunger-relief organization in the region, donations go further through partnerships. Information: 303-371-9250.

Project Angel Heart: Organizing the largest-ever Thanksgiving delivery on Wed., Nov. 27, 400 volunteers are needed. They also need volunteers on Nov. 25 to chop veggies and prepare and pack meals. Also, please donate to cover a special Thanksgiving meal. Information: 303-830-0202.

Samaritan House: Catholic Charities Shel­ter is hoping to have 15,000 turkeys donated this Thanksgiving. Another 3,000 Thanksgiving Banquet-in-a-Box meals will be distributed. Church supplies turkeys to 140 additional churches, schools, and non-profits. A special Turkey Drive event is being held at Red Rocks Church on Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Information: 303-294-0241.