by Peter Boyles | Nov 20, 2017 | Blasting with Boyles
Peter Claus has had a pretty tough year. Betting strongly on the Broncos, he finds himself heavily into the vig and may have to hock the Harley sled and sell off a couple of the guys who work on the job with him to get back in the game.
But the spirit of giving goes on. And by a list and by comments old St. Pete wants to supply the following with holiday cheer.
• Von Miller …. A new Ford truck and a videotape-editing machine.
• Brandon Marshall (just to stay with the Broncos theme) …. Elvis Presley’s Denver Police Department uniform.
• Denver Post sports chick Nicki Jhabvala …. a course in memory improvement.
• Mark Kiszla of the above-mentioned rag …. the Nebula Award for writing the best science fiction of the year, his coverage of Brandon Marshall.
• Governor John Hickenlooper …. Hickenlooper for Senate poster, also on the backside, “So long Cory Gardner.”
• For Michael Hancock .… a goodbye wish to Congresswoman Diana DeGette so he can continue with a government job.
• Channel 9’s Kyle Clark …. gift certificate to the Men’s Wearhouse and a 55 gallon drum of hair gel.
• Chief White with the Denver Police Department …. A Brandon Marshall Broncos game shirt.
• Senator Cory Gardner .…. a pair.
• Congressman Mike Coffman …. another pair.
• Representative Steve Lebsock .… membership to It’s Just Lunch.
• Harvey Steinberg …. the Bowlen family retainer money and the full employment agreement for the Harvester.
• John and Burke Ramsey …. the bill from Dr. Phil.
• RTD’s train to the plane …. the public works project of the year award.
• Stephanie O’Malley, Denver Safety Manager …. The judgeship you’ve always wanted.
• Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers …. Membership in the Southern Poverty Law Center.
• Denver District Attorney Beth McCann …. A course in how to read an autopsy report.
• Denver City Council …. more Black Lives Matter shirts to wear at council meetings.
• Nick Rogers, The Denver Police Union …. gift basket from Channel 4’s Brian Maass.
• The blood of the city John Bowlen …. from Monopoly a get out of jail free card.
• And last but not least …. The long-suffering Broncos Head Coach Vance Joseph …. we wish you well.
Next month it’s New Year’s resolutions.
Merry Christmas everyone, its been one hell of a year.
— Peter Boyles
by Valley Gadfly | Nov 20, 2017 | Valley Gadfly
Go dashing through the snow — it’s the crackling, relaxing, romantic time of year. Just don’t let the horses’ hooves lull you to sleep or you’ll miss Colorado’s snowcapped peaks. Furthermore, for the outdoorsy types, hot chocolate and marshmallow roasts await in the Cherry Creek Valley’s old school holiday winter hideaways. Come on get jolly!
‘Tis the season for snowy adventures — sleigh rides, snowmobiling and skating are really grand. Go ahead and bust out some holly and follow your winter folly.
Here are our happy holiday (hold the tinsel) choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to add sugar and spice and make everything nice this festive season:
3 Timothy P. and his Stocking Stuffers return to play western, bluegrass and folk music. You’ll enjoy holiday favorites plus some fun surprises at the Lakewood Cultural Center, Dec. 1-4. Information: 303-987-7845.
3 Ogden Theatre hosts Sing It To Me Santa public school music benefit with LA Band The Record Co. Dec. 9, 8 p.m. Information: 303-832-1874.
3 ELF The Musical brings splashy, sugar-sprinkled but enjoyable family entertainment to DCPA’s Buell, Dec. 13-17. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Santa and kids mingle plus crafts, music, cookies and hot chocolate at the Glendale Sports Center Dec. 14, 5:30-7 p.m. Information: 303-639-4711.
3 Sunflower Bank is your source for banking solutions to achieve 2018 business and personal goals with locally informed decision-making. Denver headquartered with $4 billion in assets. Information: 303-389-2611.
3 The Salvage Restaurant (Summit Steakhouse) is this year’s holiday go-to-spot for big groups and out of town guests. Half-priced happy hour drinks, steaks, escargot and Beef Wellington with crab. Information: 303-751-2112.
3 St. Martin’s Choir does Christmas tunes from British composers at Saint John’s Episcopal Cathedral Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-298-1970.
3 See the sky sparkle over the 16th St. Mall this New Year’s Eve. Display of fireworks is at 9 p.m. and again at midnight. Information: 303-892-1112.
3 Infuse your soul with holiday magic as Ballet Ariel creates its own special production of The Nutcracker at the Lakewood Cultural Center, Dec. 9-23. Ariel’s production of Tchaikovsky’s famous score features beautiful costumes, exciting choreography and guest artist Paul Noel Fiorino as Drosselmeyer. Performances are Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17, 22 & 23 at 2 p.m. Evening shows are Dec. 16 & 22 at 7 p.m. Information: 303-987-7845.
Dig in! There’s snow on the ground in the mountains and often in and around town this month. Maybe you will finally land that double axel! There’s free skating in the heart of the city at Skyline Park (including Christmas) through Feb. 14. There are also public skate sessions and lessons at the Big Bear Arena in Lowry (8580 E. Lowry Blvd.).
Whether you’re all about the hot toddies, mountain views, or the warm glow of a fire at your favorite dining spot this is the season to rekindle that holiday magic.
The selling season has arrived! Holiday mail, emails, social media posts and TV ads arrive daily. The best gifts are total surprises, something the recipient wouldn’t dream of buying. Or a donation to a favorite cause, requiring no recycling or wrapping paper. May an abundance of the white stuff plus friends, happiness and fun fill your holiday.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Mark Smiley | Oct 23, 2017 | General Featured
Celebrating Its 10th Anniversary, Attendees Can Choose From Music, Dance, Film Author Lectures
The Valley isn’t lacking for festivals, but a select few consistently find a way to differentiate themselves in a crowded field. The 10th annual celebration of Jewish Arts, Authors, Movies & Music Festival (JAAMM) has distinguished itself from the crowd. The 18-day one-of-a-kind culture extravaganza opened Oct. 26 and Valley residents have an array of awesome choices as events continue through Nov. 12 at the Mizel Arts & Culture Center (Jewish Community Center).
The wide variety of November choices contrast from a showing of Ron Suskind’s award-winning film, Life, Animated, to the keynote speech by renowned film critic and historian Leonard Maltin. Also this month audiences can enjoy the Stomp-style Israeli percussion, dance troupe Tararam and acclaimed Israeli-American jazz pianist Tamir Hendelman plus operatic bass Anthony Mordechai Tzvi Russell, performing traditional Ashkenazi Jewish and African American music.
Celebrating the festival’s 10th anniversary there is a wide array of programming choices. Among the lineup of events remaining, several top selections stand out and are not to be missed:
Author Lectures
Author and Rabbi Naomi Levy has penned a book based on a poignant letter written by the 20th century’s most influential physicist Albert Einstein. She talks about the book titled Einstein and the Rabbi: Searching for the Soul in the Phillips Social Hall Nov. 2, 2 p.m. His words captured what she believes to be true about the human condition and how we are all intimately connected.
That evening in the Wolf Theatre renowned civil rights activist and speaker Morris Dees speaks at 7 p.m. He discusses how our commitment to justice for all will chart our nation’s future as America becomes more diverse and as economic disparity widens. Dees will share his experiences and insights, explaining why he became an attorney and founded the Southern Poverty Law Center. Prior to his talk there is a private reception from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
The author of Sons and Soldiers written by Bruce Henderson is another lecture you won’t want to miss. He tells the little-known story of nearly 2,000 German-born American Jews who enlisted in the U.S. Army and were sent overseas as a special unit interrogating German POWs. Known as the “Ritchie Boys,” their contributions in fighting Hitler were invaluable. He speaks in Phillips Social Hall Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. and the lecture is free for veterans.
Dance & Film
You’ll enjoy the excitement, beauty, timing and precision of dance when the Wonderbound Dance Company performs in the Wolf Theatre Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m. With live music accompaniment by Hal Aqua & The Lost Tribe, this is a high octane, humorous and poetically athletic extravaganza.
Described as one of the most truthful films about show business, see the documentary film Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work, showing in the Wolf Theatre Nov. 5, 7 p.m. It exposes the private dramas of the irreverent, legendary comedian and pop icon Rivers. Moreover, it is very funny.
Documentary film Mr. Gaga shows in the Wolf Theatre Nov. 12, 11 a.m. It tells the story of Ohad Naharin, the renowned choreographer-artistic director of Israel’s Batsheva Dance Company. Footage of intimate rehearsals and breathtaking dance sequences make this a breathtaking film.
Music & Singing
Drum-up friends and family to enjoy the Israeli Stomp-style drum and dance sensation Tararam at the Wolf Theatre on Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m. These performing artists produce a blend of rhythm, music, movement and wit, interwoven with choreographed body drumming, amusing sounds and theatrical antics.
Then on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 1:30 p.m. catch the Anthony Mordechai Tzvi Russell concert also in the Wolf Theatre. His singing combines 100 years of traditional Ashkenazi Jewish and African American music. Accompanied by Dr. Alan Mason his concert recently sold-out at the Berkeley Jewish Music Festival.
For many people there’s no better music than jaz
z and if you’re one of them don’t miss award-winning jazz pianist Tamir Hendelman and his trio playing in the Wolf Theatre Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m. Playing alongside upright bassist Alex Frank and jazz drummer Dean Koba they are a phenomenon. Together the trio explores jazz standards, Brazilian music, blues and Tamir’s Israeli roots.
The festival is open to the entire Cherry Creek Valley and features a wide array of multidisciplinary programs in addition to those listed. There’s plenty more to see and experience. Information: 303-316-6360 or maccjcc.org/jaamm.
