by Valley Gadfly | Apr 19, 2024 | Main Articles
by Glen Richardson
Mom Romp: Annual City Park Mother’s Day 5K run-walk starts at 9 a.m. Flippin’ Flapjacks serves a pancake-sausage breakfast with OJ.
This is the month when we celebrate your first best friend and the person you turn to when you need advice. In 1914 Congress and a Presidential Proclamation established the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.
A day to honor mothers has existed for as long as, well, there have been mothers. They are like glue. Even when you can’t see them, they’re still holding the family together.
Here’s the Chronicle’s guide for showing your mother, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and friends how special they are:
Beach Break
Beach Beckons: For pier to plate dining, take mom to Denver’s only lakeside venue for a special Mother’s Day brunch at The Lake House at Pelican Bay, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Take Mom to Denver’s only lakeside venue for a special brunch at The Lake House at Pelican Bay. In Cherry Creek State Park, this one-of-a-kind location offers breathtaking views, an expansive sandy carpet, and classic brunch choices with champagne, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information: 303-220-5253.
Home Tour
Home Outing: This modern farm house built in 2015 is among homes being shown at the Wash Park Home Tour & Market Street Fair May 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Get mom in a merry mood for Mother’s Day by taking her to the Wash Park Home Tour & Market Street Fair May 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mom and the family can tour homes at their leisure while also enjoying local artisans, vendors, and entertainment at the Market Street Fair located on the 100 block of S. Humboldt St. (between Cedar & Bayaud).
The home tour is in the 100 and 200 blocks of East Wash Park, north of Alameda and east of Downing. Tour home locations are: 138 S. Downing; 140 S. Lafayette; 216 S. Humboldt; 190 S. Humboldt; and 193 S. Franklin.
Hosted by Steele Elementary’s PTA, funds raised directly support programs and services that make Wash Park’s neighborhood DPS elementary school special. Additionally, a percentage of funds raised this year will also benefit families in need through the LOVVE Project, by providing fresh food, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies to Virginia Village neighbors in partnership with Ellis Elementary.
Jazz Jam
Jazz Brunch: Pianist Adam Bodine tickles the ivories at swinging, groovy Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch at Dazzle Denver, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Enjoy a kid-friendly Mother’s Day brunch at Dazzle Denver, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event features a special daytime performance by Freddy Rodriguez Jr. and The Jazz Connection, which blends Latin, funk, and jazz. Freddy continues the legacy
of Denver’s legendary jazz club El Chapultepec. Information: 303-839-5100.
Railroad Mom
Treat mom to the Royal Gorge Route Railroad Mother’s Day Brunch train trip May 11 or 12, departing at 12:30 p.m. Two-hour excursion is in elegant dining car as you enjoy special brunch, spectacular views. Trip runs from the Santa Fe Depot in Canon City, chugs through the Royal Gorge. Information: 719-276-4000.
Runaway With Mom
Race to City Park for a run-walk with mom during the Mother’s Day 5k May 12, 9 a.m. You’ll be cheered by enthusiastic volunteers and spectators, creating a festive and supportive atmosphere that is sure to make the day unforgettable. A pan
Tea Time: Cherry Creek’s Halcyon Hotel hosts this Mother’s Day Tea in the Arbor Room from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
cake-sausage breakfast with OJ is provided by Flippin’ Flapjacks. Information: denvermothers day5k.com.
Take Tea Time
Delight mom at Mother’s Day Tea in the Arbor Room at Cherry Creek’s Halcyon Hotel, May 12. Menu includes baked ham and cheddar sandwiches, deviled eggs, and smoked salmon toast points. The more than half-dozen tea choices come with chocolate Hazelnut macarons, lemon blueberry cake, plus selection of scones. Information: 720-772-5000.
Or, give her a tour of the Molly Brown House plus a high tea with fruit, scones, tea sandwiches, desserts on Mother’s Day, 10:20 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Information: 303-832-4092, ext. 13.
Mom’s Day Dining Ideas
Here are restaurants serving on May 12 to pamper and delight mom and family with fine cuisine on Mother’s Day:
Bon Ami: Quaint little Wash Park French gem on the corner of Alameda & S. Pennsylvania St. serves classic French dishes plus savory and sweet crepes. Information: 303-862-4959.
Edge Restaurant & Bar: Located in downtown’s Four Seasons Hotel, eatery will host a brunch buffet from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information: 303-389-3050.
Fire Restaurant & Lounge: Serving seafood selections, including a whole salmon carving station, plus omelet station. Danish, scones, more choices served. Information: 720-709-4431.
Guard and Grace: California St. steakhouse has appetizers, raw bar, & brunch items. Menu includes Filet Flight, Black Cod, and a burger, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Information: 303-293-8500.
Le Bilboquet: Cherry Creek French eatery is serving a three-course prix fixe brunch. Brunch is from 11:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner is from 5 to 7 p.m. Information: 303-835-9999.
Local Jones: Signature eatery in Cherry Creek’s Halcyon Hotel is hosting a brunch from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner service is from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Information: 720-772-5000.
Monaco Inn Restaurant: Lamb Shank, Lamb Chops & Grilled Shrimp, New York Steak & Fried Shrimp, or Grilled Salmon are specials, noon to 8 p.m. Moms get their choice of a glass of Prosecco or dessert of the day. Information: 303-320-1104.
Panzano: Eatery’s Buffet in the Hotel Monaco has cold-hot bar, plus prime rib-ham carving station, and a “Kid-O” menu. Serving 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Information: 303-296-3525.
Toro Latin Kitchen & Lounge: In addition to standard brunch menu, restaurant in Cherry Creek’s Clio Hotel plans specials, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Information: 303-253-3000.
by Valley Gadfly | Apr 19, 2024 | Main Articles
Location Is Latest Newberry Brothers Growth Spot, As The Florist’s Cherry Creek Greenhouse Plot Flourishes
by Glen Richardson
Greenhouse Growth: These phase-two North Pointe Ten stylish townhomes in Cherry Creek North are where Newberry’s six large greenhouses did business for decades.
Latest On Leetsdale: Rendering of the three-story apartment home with a basement being built on the five-acre Newberry Brothers Florist site at 5231 Leetsdale Drive.
It may have not occurred to you, but gardens and florists are strikingly similar to townhomes and multifamily developments. They attract pollinators or patrons because they are eye-catching, have room to grow, are not too tall, too crowded, or located in the wrong place.
That’s the development strategy being implemented for a luxury three-story apartment complex with a basement, about to bud in the Washington Virginia Vale neighborhood adjacent to both Glendale and Cherry Creek North. The five-acre site is located along Leetsdale Drive east of Forest St. Weldon Newberry started what became Newberry Brothers Florist at the site. His daughter Paula Newberry Arnold, and her son Kien Arnold, sold the parcel to Texas-based multifamily developer Embrey Partners LLC for $9 million. The Newberry business has moved across Leetsdale Dr. to 560 S. Holly St.
Newberry relocated the florist to the Leetsdale site subsequent to selling the Cherry Creek North location where Newberry’s six large greenhouses did business for decades. That corner spot at 2nd Ave. and Garfield Street is where North Pointe Ten is now located. Garfield Development LLC, paid $7.65 million for the North Pointe property. The development’s Phase-One has since sold out. The project’s recently finished Phase-Two — defined as stylish, sophisticated urban residences — is now complete and available for purchase. The 10 four-bedroom, six-bath, attached townhomes are being offered for $3.4 million each.
Development Dig: Construction workers dig, blast, and grade former Newberry Brothers Florist site on Leetsdale Drive, where the three-story apartment complex will be built. Photo: Kevin J. Beaty
Supreme Site
At the time the Leetsdale property was sold, Newberry Brothers Florist described the five-acre site as, “the kind of compact, walkable, mixed-use neighborhood that city officials often propose as the Denver ideal.”
Initially the neighborhood organization — the Preservation of Residential South Hilltop Neighborhood Assn. — was concerned about possible traffic impact and noise. Following negotiations with Newberry Arnold, height restrictions, traffic entry and departure, plus hotels being prohibited, were mutually agreed upon. As a result, neighbors sent messages of support, announcing they, “looked forward to more retail and residential diversity.”
Traffic rumbles and roars along the stretch of Leetsdale Drive where construction workers and excavation equipment are digging, blasting, and grading the property in preparation to build the apartment complex. Behind the property — up the hill to the north — are neighborhood streets with rows of single-family homes. George Washington High School is to the east, and a King Soopers on the west. Another apart-
ment complex sits on the southwest corner of Leetsdale and Forest, plus a multifamily development is just up the street on Forest, behind Inga’s Alpine Tavern.
Striking Setting
New Newberry Digs: The Newberry Brothers business has moved across Leetsdale to 560 S. Holly St. Floral arrangements, event design, and custom work remain the shop’s focus.
The 283 apartment homes will be nestled into the hillside to the north and east, reducing the scale of the building as it relates to the adjacent residential neighborhoods. It is also expected to conceal parking from the public view along Leetsdale Drive.
The property’s unique topographic advantage due to being located on the side of a hill, will create striking views of the Front Range and the south metro skyline for future residents of the apartment complex.
Two internal courtyards are planned as additional amenities. The east edge will be utilized as part of the development’s water quality requirement. The parking structure will be wrapped by apartment units on the west and south sides, providing approximately 395 spaces for residents and guests.
Special Street
Special Spot: Newberry Brothers moved from Cherry Creek North and acquired this center on Leetsdale Drive. The five-acre site is now the florist’s latest development spot.
An enhanced pedestrian corridor or woonerf — a Dutch “living street” urban planning concept — will create a break along Leetsdale Drive. The idea is to promote community with the adjacent neighborhoods, parks, and amenities. The Cherry Creek Trail, Four Mile Historic Park, Creekside Park, Glendale Park (formerly Mir Park), Burns Park, and Crestmoor Park are all accessible within an estimated 10-minute walk. Planned pedestrian-scale improvements adjacent to the complex site along Leetsdale are expected to set the standard for future street improvements to promote walkability on Leetsdale and across the city.
Moreover, the woonerf will create a north-south corridor within the site. In addition, it will offer publicly accessible and highly visible outdoor space. Plaza areas, site furnishings, and pockets of vegetated landscape will soften and screen the outdoor area. The pedestrian area will be further enhanced with a sizable tree lawn. Rows of trees and a landscape buffer between sidewalks and buildings will enhance safety, while adding to streetscape attractiveness. Outdoor spaces will also allow for outdoor gatherings, recreation, and seasonal activity.
Additionally, the community’s future residents will enjoy private amenities. An indoor fitness center and exterior amenity courtyards are among those being planned.
Site Access
Primary access to the apartment complex from Leetsdale Drive will be at the eastern edge of the property, leading visitors and residents to the leasing center. A drop off area with an associated small surface parking lot will be adjacent. The primary entry to a structured parking garage will be accessible nearby.
A second access point is planned on the west edge of the site, extending along the north. The second point will allow for additional parking access while also providing fire access. The rear of the lot will have setbacks, including a 25-ft. building setback between the Protected District and any new building that might be built on the property. A retaining wall is permitted within the 25-ft. setback. The proposed site plan, however, does not include any retaining walls.
Changes to site design, height, massing, and infrastructure are likely before the apartment complex opens. Completion and opening of the apartment complex is projected for mid-2025.
by Charles Bonniwell | Apr 19, 2024 | Main Articles
by Charles Bonniwell
After 2016, Colorado changed from a purple state where members from either party would have a reasonable chance for statewide office to a solid blue state where only Democrats have any chance of being elected. The Democrats also have super majorities in both the State House and Senate.
The one-party state has caused the Democrat and Republican parties to begin to fracture into competing factions.
Democrats
Dafna Michaelson Jenet
Tim Hernandez
On the Democrat side, the pro-Palestinian faction has gone after the pro-Israeli and other members with a vengeance. Rep. Elisabeth Epps from Denver, after speaking on the Palestinian issue, joined pro-Palestinian protestors in the House gallery during a special session.
Another Democrat Representative Tim Hernandez said in a post on X that he is “standing in strong solidarity with Coloradans who bravely stood up and disrupted our job for a Ceasefire in Gaza.”
Reps. Iman, Jodeh, Javier Mabry, Andrew Boesenecker, Jennifer Bacon, and Sen. Nick Hinrichsen met with protestors after they were removed from the gallery by House Democrat leadership, which includes Speaker Julie McCluskie, Majority Leader Monica Duran, and Speaker Pro Tem Chris Kennedy.
The Progressive wing of the Democrat Party has always been strongly represented by Jewish members, many of whom now feel alienated from the party.
Nearly 200 Colorado Jewish Democrats, including elected officials, party leaders, and faith leaders wrote an open letter calling for an end to the divisive, dangerous rhetoric and anti semitism they claim has been displayed by some on the pro-Palestinian side.
State Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, one of the signers, went so far to ask whether Democrats even wanted to have any Jewish members.
Republicans
Dave Williams
Dick Wadhams
As divided as the Democrats are, the Colorado Republicans are as or more divided between their Grassroots adherents and the so-called Establishment Republicans who have controlled the party for over 40 years.
The two sides have radically different views on why Colorado has become so blue. Establishment Republicans like Dick Wadhams, the unofficial spokesman of Colorado’s richest man and biggest Republican contributor billionaire Phil Anschutz, says it is due to an influx of people flooding from California and Illinois, bringing with them, their liberal values. Moreover, he declares Coloradans, whether Democrat, Republican, or unaffiliated, strongly dislike former President Donald Trump and once Trump is gone from the scene Colorado Republicans will automatically rise back up.
Grassroot Republicans note that Establishment Republicans like Wadhams have been in charge of the party for over 40 years and have been the ones who have directed the party during its precipitous decline. They note that Trump went from losing in Colorado by only four points in 2016 to 14 points in 2020.
Trump, they indicate was no less popular or unpopular from 2016 to 2020. Grassroots Republicans say the difference between the two elections was the advent of mass ballot harvesting with all mail balloting. Wadhams and his Establishment friends are widely hated by two-thirds of the Republicans.
While the Grassroots represent a large majority of Republicans, they are totally unrepresented in the Colorado media. The left-wing media, includingThe Denver Post, Colorado Sun, Boulder Camera, Greeley Tribune, and Colorado Times Recorder greatly prefer Democrats and trash Grassroots Republicans in favor of Establishment Republications every time.
Pro Republican media in Colorado is controlled by one man, billionaire Phil Anschutz. Until now he has successfully hidden his overriding role by using a myriad of organizations. He controls, or is thought to control, among others, the Colorado Springs Gazette, Denver Gazette, Colorado Politics, Independence Institute, Complete Colorado, Caucus Room, and Advance Colorado.
Philip Anschutz
Anschutz, like many other billionaires, has moved leftward, or the party itself has moved to the populist right. As a Bush era Republican, he feels alienated by the Trump dominated Republican Party and personally it is said detests Trump and his adherents. Most Grassroots Republicans support Trump and thus the Anschutz publications are constantly attacking Grassroots Republicans. The leftwing and Anschutz media and what they represent are called by the Grassroots the “Uni Party.”
The Grassroots, in the Spring of 2023 pulled off a political upset and took over the Republican Party, electing a slate of Grassroots Republicans, and in particular Dave Williams as Party Chairman.
Since Williams’ election the leftwing and Anschutz media have been unrelentingly attacking Williams.
However, Donald Trump, has ridden to Williams’ aid within the Colorado Republican Party by declaring on Truth Social that Williams “is under Fake News assault because he is doing such a strong job as an advocate for MAGA.”
Local radio used to be a source for pro Trump support but among local radio show hosts all but RNC Committeeman Randy Corporon have become Establishment. 710KNUS shoved Corporan to the least desirable radio time — Saturday nights.
Among websites there is one that is driving Establishment Republicans crazy and that is RINO Watch Colorado. Its “take no prisoners” style has made it beloved by Grassroots Republications and hated by leftwing and Anschutz media.
What Is To Come?
Will the parties begin to split up? If there is any lesson from history, it is that when one faction gains total control new groups arise to challenge its hegemony.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 19, 2024 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Lazer Urbanize MIPS: The Lazer Urbanize MIPS helmet has a panoramic lens that protects from debris and an LED taillight.
This publication has recently reviewed electric bicycles and it goes without saying how important a quality helmet is when riding these or any bike. Bicycle helmets are crucial safety gear designed to protect cyclists from head injuries in the event of a crash or impact. Some helmets feature MIPS technology (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), which is designed to reduce rotational forces on the brain during certain impacts.
With improvements in battery capacity and packaging, it isn’t surprising to see the rise in E-Bike popularity. Battery assisted bikes are now available in everything from high-performance carbon fiber bikes to urban cargo bikes. One challenge with E-Bikes is the fact that they typically have higher sustained speeds compared to standard bicycles.
The following four helmets are ones to consider when shopping for a helmet.
Lumos Ultra E-Bike Helmet
Lumos is known for its smart helmets designed for cyclists, featuring integrated lights and turn signals to enhance visibility and safety on the road. It also has an integrated eye shield which is a nice feature to protect you from debris on the road. The Lumos Ultra E-bike helmet retails for $199.95 and features additional impact absorbing EPS material and is certified to NTA-8776 standards. This means that while it still looks like a bicycle helmet, it protects against higher impact speeds and covers a larger part of the head.
“After researching smart helmets, I was sold on this particular helmet based on the ease of functionality and high level of safety it provides me,” said Ralph Meder. “I like the weight for long rides and the adjustability for a proper, secure fit as well as the added bonus of the flip visor for night rides. I highly recommend this helmet.”
This helmet not only protects, which is most important, it also keeps you visible to others on the road. The Lumos Ultra has a front-facing white light and two rear red lights that provide extra visibility in all directions. The lights are easily controlled using a Bluetooth remote control and can even be controlled with hand gestures from a device such as an Apple watch.
The Lumos Ultra also offers an optional automatic brake light feature, available with the Lumos Remote. This feature alerts drivers behind you when you slow down or stop, adding an extra layer of safety to your rides.
With all of the bells and whistles, one might ask about comfort. All of the components are balanced in a way where it is a comfortable piece to wear. With 22 vents to keep your head cool and wicking pads to prevent sweat build-up, it is one of the most comfortable helmets on the market.
Lumos Ultra has customizable lights, sleek design, long battery life (for the lights), and innovative features, making it a solid helmet for group rides, exercise rides, and night rides. For more information or to purchase, visit www.ridelumos.com/products/lumos-ultra-e-bike.
Sena R2X
Another helmet to consider
Sena R2X: The Sena R2X’s claim to fame is the built in Alexa feature and the capability to speak to other riders while in transit.
is the Sena R2X. Sena’s product range includes a variety of communication systems, Bluetooth intercoms, helmet accessories, and other related devices. The wheelhouse for this company is the commitment to innovation in the field of helmet communication technology.
This helmet features Alexa built in which is a unique concept. The integrated speakers and microphone allow users to use the R2X’s communication features and speak directly to Alexa. It also allows you to connect to your phone to listen to music and for phone calls. In addition, Sena’s Mesh Intercom allows riders to communicate hands-free with any other Mesh user (R2 EVO, R1 EVO, M1 EVO) within a half-mile range. Expect the battery to last eight to 12 hours. These electronics have a two year warranty.
The Sena R2X will also work with Google Assistant and Siri just like any other headset connected to your phone via Bluetooth. The Sena R2X has an aerodynamic design with 12 intake vents for cooling/airflow and three exhaust vents. The inside is well padded and the chinstrap has a pad that velcros over. A dial at the back of the helmet adjusts tightness and fit.
Speaking of the back of the helmet, this helmet also has an integrated rear light with three brightness settings.
For more on the Sena R2X, visit www.sena.com/product/r2x
Thousand Chapter
Thousand is a brand know
Thousand Chapter: The Chapter MIPS helmet is backed with a one-year warranty and has one of the most stylish designs on the market.
n for its stylish and safety-focused bike helmets, and MIPS. Thousand started in 2015 when they launched a Kickstarter campaign and have been shipping helmets ever since. The name came from a goal of helping to save 1,000 lives by making helmets people actually want to wear.
Chapter MIPS Helmet retails for $145 and, in our opinion, is worth the money. It includes a 30 lumen taillight that magnetically attaches to the helmet or multi-use adapter, premium visors to reduce glare and increase your field of vision, and one of the most unique features, a secret poplock.
The poplock has access to a hidden channel behind the logo mark. Simply thread your U-lock or chain lock through. If your helmet is ever stolen while locked to your bike, Thousand will replace it for free. Also, if you are involved in an accident and your helmet is damaged, Thousand will replace the helmet for free. In addition to added security, it has eight vents which we felt kept a cool and comfortable ride.
As commuter helmets go, the Chapter model checks all the boxes especially when it comes to safety. The light runtime is about what a standard commute would take. According to the company the taillight has a one-hour runtime on solid and two hours on flashing.
For more information, visit www.explore thousand.com/products/mips-helmet. Thousand offers a one-year limited warranty and accident replacement.
Lazer Urbanize MIPS
Lazer is a well-known brand that produces helmets for various activities, including cycling. One of the most stylish helmets we reviewed was the Lazer Urbanize MIPS helmet which retails for $169.99. It is an E-Bike rated helmet with eye-shielding panoramic lens.
Lazer Urbanize MIPS: The Lazer Urbanize MIPS helmet has a panoramic lens that protects from debris and an LED taillight.
The removable clear panoramic lens protects from debris on the road as well as wind chill. The lens attached using integrated magnets on the lens and the helmet itself, making it easy to remove or place in a flipped stowed position.
Additionally, a rechargeable LED taillight on the rear provides nighttime safety. Lazer has also made the rear taillight removable allowing the large vent hole where it mounts to be used to slide a lock through to secure the helmet. These features combined with the included winter kit that protects your ears from the cold, make the Urbanize a compelling helmet for commuters or E-Bike riders.
Lazer has also incorporated a MIPS liner inside the helmet which can reduce the chance of injury for certain impacts. The MIPS liner in the Urbanize is nearly a single uncut piece that wraps around the interior of the helmet.
The Urbanize includes a winter kit. With this kit you receive two ear covers and a foam vent blocker. Combined with the lens, the winter kit keeps you protected from cold wind chill while riding without the need for a beanie or additional headwear. For more information, visit www.lazersport.us/products/urbanizemips.
