by Valley Gadfly | Aug 24, 2018 | Valley Gadfly
September is a turning point month. It’s a time to reflect on the summer that was. The harvest is afoot. Football is back and the elections are approaching. The kids are back in school as part of their mission to become smarter than us in record time. Take a breath of that brisk fresh air and inhale as you enjoy top songs of autumnal wistfulness.
September has a natural rhythm and tilt to it and like most three-syllable months sings very well. Oct., Nov. and Dec. sing all right too, but September has it all.
Here are our singsong choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to fill the melancholic season as leaves of brown come tumbling down on our lawns this fall:
3 Capture that old September feeling Dancing in the Streets to celebrate ARC Thrift Stores 50th Anniversary Sept. 8. Dinner fundraiser is at the Hyatt Regency Convention Center, 5:30 p.m. Information: 303-229-1438.
3 Get in a fun and frightful fall mood watching the action-horror film Mandy at the Colfax Sie FilmCenter Sept. 14. Information: 720-381-0813.
3 Enjoy Colorado Cuisine & Cocktails at Distinctly Colorado’s Sept. 15 breast cancer benefit at Infinity Park, 5 p.m. Information: 303-669-3113.
3 Hop, Skip & Jump into autumn with your kids at the Children’s Museum annual stroller friendly 5k Sept. 16, 7:30 a.m. Information: 303-561-0101.
3 Make it an artful autumn by viewing new work by trio of Art All Stars opening at the Robert Anderson Gallery Sept. 14, 5-8 p.m. Gallery’s new space is adjacent to Bluebird on E. Colfax. Information: 303-257-0684.
3 Blast into fall at Bar Car’s 8th Birthday Bash on Colorado Blvd. Sept. 23 from 2-7 p.m. Denver Dumb Friends League fundraiser features live music, free hot dogs and happy hour prices. Information: 720-524-8099.
3 Take in free family science, tech, engineering and math (STEM) festival at East High School Sept. 22, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 720-982-8933.
3 Join St. Martin’s Festival Singers as they sing the rich and beloved vespers at St. John’s Cathedral Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-298-1970.
3 Take steps to end cancer this month by participating in the Light The Night Walk at Washington Park Sept. 28, 5:30 p.m. The Light the Night Ceremony begins at 7 p.m. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society sponsored event funds treatments that are saving lives of patients every day. Walk itself is just less than two miles long around the inner loop of the park. Dogs on leash are welcome. Information: 720-440-8620.
Is September the perfect month in the Cherry Creek Valley? Quite possibly! While known for its warm sunny days and cool crisp nights, September can feature just about every type of weather ranging from severe storms, to heavy snow and extreme flooding. September 1 marks the start of meteorological fall and the season of change.
We see the average high drop 12° from the first day to the last day of the month. The Valley ends the month at — do we dare say — a near-perfect 72° F average high.
There is also clarity about September. On a clear day the sun seems brighter, the sky bluer as white clouds take on groovy shapes. The moon is a wonderful apparition, rising gold and cooling to silver. And what September starts, October is always ready to grab the torch and carry on. Hey, hey, hey, it’s the colorful season: “Awwtumm!”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Mark Smiley | Jul 20, 2018 | General Featured
New Condominium Development Enjoying Strong Interest, Scheduled For November/December Completion
by Julie Hayden
Monaco 155 At Crestmoor Heights: Forty-one low maintenance condominiums include great views of Crestmoor Park, upgraded interior finishes, expansive floor to ceiling windows and underground parking.
Monaco 155 at Crestmoor Heights is one of the newest additions to Denver’s Crestmoor neighborhood and is announcing pre-sales of 41 low maintenance condominiums with starting prices as low as $340,000. The development is located at 155 South Monaco Parkway near Crestmoor Park. The new condominiums are the latest addition to the Crestmoor Heights development, which Community Manager Christine Sheldon says has enjoyed “tremendous success.” The project includes the construction of Cedar Avenue, 25 townhomes. These townhomes were priced from $600,000 t0 $750,000 and sold out within 11 months of their launch.
“There are many people who want to own a condominium in Denver, but prices in the new developments are skyrocketing and not attainable for most,” says Peter Kudla of Monaco 155. “Our condominiums are more reasonably priced and provide a boutique style of living in a great location.” He adds, “Monaco 155 is the perfect option for people who want a comfortable place to live in a community setting, without a lot of unnecessary added amenities and expenses.”
The condos at Monaco 155 are priced from $340,000 to $550,000 and include one- and two-bedroom residences. They range in size from 700 square feet to 1334 square feet. Some of the design features include great views of Crestmoor Park; expansive floor to ceiling windows, underground parking, elevator access, Kitchen Aid appliances and upgraded interior finishes.
“These are the perfect condominium homes for people who want to be connected to family, friends and traditions while living in a quiet, established Denver neighborhood, with easy access to life’s conveniences,” says Sheldon.
New Condos: Monaco 155 at Crestmoor Heights delivers comfortably priced condominiums alongside Crestmoor Park.
The project, which is in the former Mount Gilead Church parcel, was challenged by neighborhood groups objecting to the City’s zoning change that allowed the development. Neighbors were concerned about density and traffic issues, but the City Council voted to allow the development and a follow up lawsuit was unsuccessful. [See Chronicle p. 1, March, July and August 2015.] Crestmoor residents now say they want the project to be the best it can be.
Delivery at Monaco 155 is expected in November and December and Sheldon says, “We’re actively selling residences right now and this is the perfect time to purchase as we are offering pre-sale pricing and up to $8,000 in builder incentives.” She encourages people, “Call us to schedule your personal hard hat tour today!”
The Crestmoor Heights sales center is located at 185 South Monaco Parkway. You can get more information by calling 720- 840-0484 or www.crestmoorheights.com.
by Mark Smiley | Jul 20, 2018 | Glendale City News
by John Arthur
Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale
Eat. Drink. Think. Win.
Photo by Justin Purdy Local youth enjoy a rugby day with Glendale Rugby at Infinity Park during their summer YMCA camp.
Glendale will once again host its annual Trivia Night on Friday, July 27, at Infinity Park Event Center benefiting scores of local youth and providing an evening of enjoyment for participants in the process. Featuring a silent auction, trivia, prizes, food, and drink, the event will help a good cause through good fun. Glendale’s YMCA and Glendale Youth Rugby Foundation are partnering to benefit the young people of the community, raising money to support sport and fitness programming, and to promote youth rugby in the Front Range and greater Colorado.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Denver manages the Glendale Sports Center facilities, housed at Infinity Park, but day-to-day operations are overseen by Executive Director Nicole Limoges. With over a decade of experience with the YMCA, and four years at Glendale Sports Center, Limoges knows the ins and outs of putting on a meaningful, memorable event well. With the help of city staff and volunteers, this year’s Trivia Night promises not only to be an amusing, entertaining evening, but also one that once again benefits Colorado’s kids.
Glendale’s annual Trivia Night was born from a Missouri tradition. Greater Glendale Chamber of Commerce member Mike Boese brought the idea with him from St. Louis — a metropolis that hosts scores of charity trivia events every year. Boese quickly became a Glendale stalwart after relocating to Colorado years ago, not only joining the Chamber of Commerce but also finding himself on the YMCA Board of Directors. In a unique position to help, the financial advisor turned to his Midwestern background and Trivia Night was born.
Partnering with Glendale Youth Rugby and the City of Glendale, YMCA Director Limoges notes that the event continues to expand: “We partnered to benefit both non-profits, and we’ve grown in size, sponsors, and proceeds each year.”
Glendale’s own Barret O’Brien, who owns and operates O’Brien Rugby, is the Executive Director of the Glendale Youth Rugby Foundation. Aside from providing professional custom printing services for Glendale’s numerous professional, club, and youth-level rugby clubs, O’Brien is also a vocal advocate for growing the sport across the nation.
Asked about the YMCA Trivia Night at Infinity Park Event Center, he’s understandably complimentary: “The support we receive from both the city and the YMCA is immeasurable. With the proceeds from last year’s Trivia Night, we were able to sponsor multiple young rugby applicants for summer rugby camps and tournaments. We couldn’t be more grateful to all the participants and staff.” As a side note, O’Brien is also quick to point out that he and his teammates are the reigning champions of Glendale’s Trivia Night, a distinction he no doubt hopes to carry on after this year’s event. Exceptional facilities, participants, and organizers will ensure that regardless who is crowned, the real winners will be the YMCA and Glendale Youth Rugby.
All proceeds generated from Glendale’s Trivia Night are split between the YMCA and Glendale’s Youth Rugby Foundation. Sponsorships, ticket sales, donations and the silent auction all contribute to the overall contributions to both organizations — a boon not just for the enjoyment of event participants but for the beneficiaries as well. For 2018, premier sponsors include insurance and financial services group Country Financial, Credit Union of Colorado, and standout Colorado caterer Biscuits and Berries. A ticket to Trivia Night includes dinner, drinks, 10 rounds of trivia, and the silent auction. With Infinity Park Event Center’s 8,600 square foot International Ballroom as the backdrop, attendees can dine, drink, and bid — not to mention the main event: trivia. The incredible atmosphere generated by the Infinity Park space adds nicely to the event, showcasing the venue’s second-to-none audio-visual production capabilities.
More information, tickets and sponsorships can be found online at infinityparkat glendale.com/trivianight.
by Mark Smiley | Jul 20, 2018 | Travel
Cherry Creek’s Inclusive, Socializing Anniversary Tournament Offers Unadulterated Joy To Play Or Watch
by Glen Richardson
Lure Of The Mallet: Players can’t resist joining in the croquet battles. Friends and liquidcourage make smacking the balls around all the more fun.
Mallets rise, mallets fall. Moreover, it’s fun, offbeat and downright zany! The weird, wonderful and absolutely entertaining-exciting annual summer Wicket & Stick It games are returning to Cherry Creek North this month.
If you live in the Cherry Creek Valley and enjoy playing or watching competitive croquet, chances are you’ve marked your calendar for the annual Cherry Creek competition, Colorado’s largest croquet tournament. Widely considered one of the top croquet tournaments in the Rocky Mountain West, it’s being played for the 10th year Aug. 3, 2:30-7 p.m.
The Outdoor Plaza behind The Container Store at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center is again where the games will be played. The inclusive and unique fundraiser for the Cherry Creek Chamber of Commerce gives attendees the chance to win amazing prizes while enjoying fabulous food and refreshing beverages. Players and spectators receive drink tickets to enjoy a variety of premium beverages including Stella Artois and wine as well as tantalizing morsels from Cherry Creek area restaurants including the California Pizza Kitchen, Sol Mexican Cocina, Brightmarten and others. Moreover, a variety of ticket packages are available.
Round Robin Format
Silver Cup Winners: Celebrating winning last year’s tournament are Karrie Fletcher and Charlie Kercheval with Alpine Bank.
A new Round Robin format for the 10th Anniversary edition guarantees players three games. A total of 64 teams, each with two people, will vie for the Wicket & Stick It Silver Cup. Prizes are also awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place croquet teams. In addition there are a variety of individual player honors including Best Wicket Shot. Start times for players are 3 p.m. or 4:15 p.m.
Sports fans that only want to watch the action have a choice of being either a general admission spectator or live it up as VIP spectator. General admission spectators receive unlimited food and one drink ticket. Or for an extremely enjoyable day where you can participate in Wicket & Stick It’s exciting social life, choose to be a VIP spectator. As a VIP you receive unlimited food and drinks plus a goody bag. Moreover you also get exclusive seating.
General Admission players also receive unlimited food; two drink tickets and the opportunity to play in three guaranteed games. Players choosing the VIP option receive unlimited drinks with personal beverage service plus unlimited food and a goody bag. In addition they receive exclusive seating.
Instructions Offered
VIP Mallet Mavens: For a fun, enjoyable day at the Wicket & Stick It games join in the exciting social life by becoming a VIP spectator or player.
Not sure that you have the skill to become a croquet legend? Not to worry, the Cherry Creek Chamber will have croquet referees on hand to provide instruction for the game’s newbies.
To get ready for the infamous Wicket & Stick It competition, many who take croquet seriously and are planning to play, seized the opportunity to take free lessons along with Chamber members. The Cherry Creek Chamber provided lessons and treats on Monday nights last month (July) at the Denver Croquet Club in Wash Park to prepare for the big tournament.
Each of the game’s 64 teams will have two players. Don’t have a team, but still want to chase croquet glory? Don’t worry, the Wicket & Stick It staff will find you a partner. Collaboration, capitulation and conflict are all dynamics of playing croquet with another person, and sound communication can lay the path to victory and the treasured Silver Cup.
Fun Set And Match
For many the game of croquet may conjure up visions of a well-mannered and civilized sport — stoic players in prim and proper dress. Not these days and certainly not at the Wicket & Stick It games. Instead it’s a fun, festive, offbeat, social event that’s just a lot of enjoyment.
Remember Lewis Carroll featured a surreal version of the game in Alice in Wonderland. A hedgehog was used as the ball and a flamingo as the mallet, while soldiers doubled over to make the hoops.
Whether you’re a spectator or a player that doesn’t rack up wicket points (the scoring moniker) you can still be a winner. Thus whether you join a team or attend as a spectator plan to dress for the occasion. Reason: Awards are also being given out for the Best Dressed attendee and the one with the Best Hat.
Unique, Historic Game
Racking Up Wicket Points: The joy of making a crazy, complicated shot is thrilling and joyous.3
The sport can best be described as a combination of golf (putting skills), chess (strategy) and billiards (angle play). While croquet requires a great amount of skill, few games provide more unadulterated joy to play or watch. Moreover, croquet was the first outdoor sport to embrace equality, allowing both sexes to play the game on an equal footing.
Croquet is believed to have started in Ireland in the 1830s. The game was introduced to England from Ireland in 1852. In the late 1970s, croquet began to be played as a competitive sport in the U.S. and Canada.
The front lawn of Donald Trump’s “winter white house” accommodates several reduced-size courses. Members of the National Croquet Center once played there as “limited reciprocal members.”
In 1985, croquet came to Denver with the vision of Sparky O’Dea who formed the Park Hill Croquet Club. Playing first in Denver’s City Park the club later moved to the big flower garden in Washington Park. They soon discovered the fenced Lawn Bowling Green and today share the space with the Lawn Bowling Club. Information: 303-388-6022.
No Rest For The Wicket: Using a mallet to hit a ball through a hoop may not sound exciting, but once players pick up a mallet it’s hard to put down.
Croquet Attire: Prizes for Best Dressed and Best Hat help but it’s your craziest friends that bring out the laughter and smiles and make the games enjoyable.
