Happy Officials: Glendale Mayor Mike Dunafon and City Manager Linda Cassaday stand in front of one of the new lanes at the intersection of East Virginia Ave. and South Colorado Blvd.
Several safety improvements at the South Colorado Boulevard and East Virginia Avenue intersection were recently completed. On May 27, 2020, Glendale Public Works hosted a vehicle parade to celebrate the work that was completed. This intersection now features new signal poles and a widened intersection which has new turn lanes. The project was funded with CDOT Highway Safety Funds and the City of Glendale General Fund.
“This is a long time coming,” said Mayor Mike Dunafon. “We worked hard to form the right partnerships including the City of Denver. Today, we are happy to enjoy a much safer and smooth intersection.”
Vehicle Parade: A vehicle parade orchestrated by Glendale Public Works on May 27, 2020, celebrated the grand opening of the new improved intersection at East Virginia Ave. and South Colorado Blvd.
The intersection is now widened by 30 feet, adding two lanes for vehicle traffic and 8-foot pedestrian sidewalks. New ADA pedestrian crossings are now on all four corners of the intersection which includes the City of Denver side. Westbound travelers on East Virginia Avenue now have a dual left turn lane as well as a dedicated right turn lane to head North on Colorado Blvd.
New Wide Lane: One of the new lanes recently added allows motorists to have a dedicated right turn lane to advance on to Colorado Blvd. and head North.
All four traffic signals were replaced and the City of Denver and Sturgeon Electric teamed up to install updated timing hardware. CenturyLink and Xcel Energy relocated electrical and telecommunication facilities located near the roadway which removed hazards.
Ted Trimpa is the Principal and CEO of Trimpa Group, a national political consulting and government relations firm that specializes in progressive public policy advocacy and political strategy.
Governor Jared Polis blazes his own trail and is now living in a whirlwind. Self-made before those of his age hadn’t decided whether they liked vodka or tequila, and never a beacon of fashion — he makes Hickenlooper seem stylish, our Governor has always been on a determined path. Iconoclastic, entrepreneurial, a disrupter and always willing to question the norm, he calls them as he sees them. And thank God for that.
As this once-in-a-lifetime pandemic keeps hitting him between the eyes, he continues not to flinch. While some are ditching and dodging and others reacting with too quick a heavy hand or no hand at all, our governor is being stern, but thoughtful. Methodical but calibrated. Are there civil liberties in question and possible infringements on one’s personal freedoms? Well, of course, yes, but we also must consider what we’re facing.
At the beginning of the pandemic in Colorado, our governor was one of the first to take bold action. Faced with a proven, imminent, public health threat at our ski resorts, one of the most impactful economic drivers of our state, he closed them down.
When Castle Rock restaurant and bar owners, proclaiming respect for, and an exercise of, personal freedom opened their business, blatantly defying the governor’s statewide closure order for non-essential businesses, he closed them down. And it’s near unfathomable that this exercise of personal freedom was done with a packed house on Mother’s Day.
And most recently, when told COVID-19 deaths were being over counted in Colorado, our governor went public explaining what happened and how Colorado would report the new numbers. He even went on FOX — a move that won’t get any kudos at partisan parties any time soon.
And let us not forget he was the first Democratic governor in the country to make methodical and calibrated moves to reopen a state.
Now, with all that said, his COVID-19 press conferences can be, well, an experience. Sometimes you squirm in your seat. The sound system never seems to work quite right. You rarely, if ever, can hear the reporters’ questions. And the governor can get lecture-like, oddly weaving in biblical references, later analogizing music lyrics from a generation way before him, and then use sports analogies.
Oh, and the Cuomo-esque powerpoint slides of data? With font sizes smaller than an ant, formulas that are impossible to follow, I keep having flashbacks to my frustrations during college statistics.
But Jared’s quirks and clear obsession for being in the weeds is endearing and refreshing. Cut through this thicket, and you’ll see that our governor is rocking it. Paraphrasing Queen from the ’70s, “he will, he will, rock you.”
Now, there are some who question the governor’s authority to do any of this, and that he’s infringing on their personal freedoms — concerns that are valid. But we live in a constitutional, democratic, republic and empower and trust our elected leaders to protect us. We must respect them, and let them do their jobs.
Now this does not mean that COVID-19 should be the go-to excuse to suspend laws at will. There must always be a high bar to suspend laws or regulations, particularly when businesses may be closed. Our public and community health must be in imminent risk. We’re still above that high bar in Colorado, and yes, the governor is drawing lines, effectively picking winners and losers, but he’s having to do it at 100 miles per hour. It will never be perfect.
If you’re upset about the governor’s present policies, his approach, or whatever, by all means, speak your mind. But do so in a way that won’t threaten the lives of others, and preferably without the intimidating presence of firearms. In times like these, we should be asking ourselves whose personal freedoms are truly being threatened.
It’s undeniable an asymptomatic person can unknowingly spread the virus to many, who in turn can spread it to many more. Some will get ill; some gravely so; and some will die. Flowing from the initial exercise of personal freedom, one can effectively deny it to others. It’s tautological that a dead person can’t exercise his personal freedoms.
Now I would be disingenuous if I didn’t mention that I too, like many others, have my own frustrations and quibbles with some of the COVID-19 policies. What really are “essential businesses” and shouldn’t we be talking in terms of “essential products and services?” Alcohol and adult use marijuana are “essential,” but adult vaping is not? Target and WalMart get to stay open while small businesses that sell many of the same or similar products do not? This simply is not fair.
But no matter how many tiny-print slides we have to suffer, song lyrics from the ’70s we have to hear, or biblical references that take us back to vacation Bible school, I sleep soundly knowing Governor Polis and his team are in charge. I guess one could say they truly are hitting home runs.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, but this year, for most families, it will be a bit different. But that doesn’t mean it has to be any less special. Show mom you love her with these ideas on how to celebrate Mother’s Day while staying safe and practicing social distancing.
Daily donut specials by Pandemic Donuts.
Brunch To Go
Since you can’t go out to brunch for Mother’s Day this year, bring brunch to your house. With recent closures of Denver restaurants, to-go orders have soared and have kept local restaurants in business. Now there is a new online resource, Togo denver.com (a website run by Visit Denver), that connects users to over 300 local eateries offering to-go alternatives. The website allows users to filter their options, such as breakfast or brunch. So, grab brunch to go from some of your favorites like Jelly Café or Snooze, cheers with an $8 mimosa from Onefold and celebrate mom with a champagne toast at home.
Virtual Family Time
Connect with your family, those near and far, on Mother’s Day with one of the many online platforms available. Several free options make chatting and viewing each other online easy. Zoom is a popular professional videotelephony, online chat system that is available for free for video conferences of up to 100 people. If everyone in the family has iPhones, use the Facetime option for a group chat of up to 32 people. Or use Google Hangouts to wish mom happy Mother’s Day, with up to 150 people available on video chat.
A visit to the Denver Botanic Gardens is one of the most popular activities to do on Mother’s Day in Denver, and since we can’t be there this year to see its spring blooms in person, they have created several different ways to experience the gardens digitally. This year, bring the colorful gardens to your living room with one of their virtual tours. Watch a video tour of the Water-Smart Garden and Pavilion, the Steppe Garden and Shofu-En Japanese Garden. Or use their Gardens Navigator website to learn and see what is blooming now. Users can select a virtual tour created by the staff or create your own of the plants you want to see.
Help support a local business in Denver this Mother’s Day with a paint and plant kit from Green Lady Gardens. Decked out in bright colors, pottery, and an overflowing collection of plants, Green Lady Gardens is a Latin American themed plant boutique in the heart of Denver’s Santa Fe Arts District. Selling both common and rare house plants, accessories and pottery, the plant boutique also sells Paint & Plant kits that create the perfect project while stuck at home. Each kit contains your choice of an acrylic point palette, plants curated and hand selected by GLG, care cards, and everything you need to complete your project. Place your order by emailing hello@ greenladygardens.com and use the no-contact curbside pick-up.
Paint & Plant Kit from Green Lady Gardens.
Paint And Plant Kit From Green Lady Gardens
Send Your Mother A Card From Denver Designers
Send your mom some love the old-fashioned way by sending her a card in the mail. There are so many ways to say I love you, with humor, with pictures, and thoughtful sentiments. Make mom laugh with a quirky card from Craft Boner, a local designer and crafter. Order online at craft boner.com. For a more sentimental and artful Mother’s Day card, shop online at Lanas shop.com — a quality paper goods boutique in Denver’s Santa Fe Arts District.
Place your order by Saturday, May 2nd to ensure delivery for Mother’s Day.
Grab Some Donuts To-Go From Pandemic Donuts
out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pandemic Donuts was created by two service industry workers, Gabrielle Henning and Michael Milton, who were laid off due to recent restaurant and bar closures. Their side business of making donuts turned into a sensation overnight thanks to the magic of social media. Customers can now get a taste of their fried donuts that come one of two ways, yeast or old fashioned. Certain flavors are available on certain days. So, grab some donuts for Mother’s Day and help support a local start-up business at the same time. Pandemic Donuts are made out of the owners’ home and are offering curbside pick-up or delivery in the Denver metro area. Order at Pandemicdonuts.com.
(BPT) – It could be due to a car accident. It might be attributed to an injury at work. It might be the result of a simple fall. Traumatic brain injury can happen to anyone of any age, and it’s probably more common than you think.
March is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) awareness month.
What is traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
A TBI is often caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Severity of TBI can be mild and temporary or severe and life altering. In the worst cases, a person can die from a TBI.
The number of TBI-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations and deaths has increased by 53% and an average of 155 people in the U.S. die every day from injuries that include a TBI, according to CDC data from 2006-2014. There is an estimated $80 billion in lifetime costs within the U.S. alone related to TBI.
“People who experience and survive a TBI often suffer from numerous other health conditions as a result, including headaches, memory loss, anxiety and depression, sleep deprivation, epilepsy and even alcohol or drug abuse,” said Dr. Ramon Diaz-Arrastia, Professor of Neurology and Director of Clinical TBI Research at the University of Pennsylvania. “Concussions in sports have helped bring the frequency of TBIs to light, but there’s still so much work to do because everyone is impacted by this condition either directly or indirectly.”
Who is impacted most by TBIs?
Research shows TBI disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. For example, recent peer reviewed research shows that 53% of homeless people have suffered from TBI, according to health journal “The Lancet Public Health.” Additionally, more than 65% of prisoners and 75% of women experiencing domestic violence have suffered from TBI, according to the “Journal of Neurotrauma.”
People in the military are more susceptible to TBI. Concussions have been capturing headlines for athletes, who also are at high risk of experiencing a TBI. It’s a leading cause of disability and death in children. When someone experiences this type of injury, their life can be forever altered. It also impacts their family as well as society as a whole, as some cannot continue to work, care for a home or even properly care for themselves without assistance.
The need for research and new treatments
“To better address this public health issue, we must create a national registry that will provide critical information to help move forward the medical treatment of individuals with TBI so we can improve their care and research new treatments,” said Dr. Stephanie Kolakowsky-Hayner, President Elect, American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine.
She is joined by leading TBI organizations like the Brain Injury Association of America and the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force to call for action from The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create this type of national registry. The current system is decentralized and relies on states and regions to construct their own registries, leaving millions of people without resources to manage their TBI. The goal is to develop a single, standardized level of care for individuals living with TBI nationwide.
A comprehensive registry would also facilitate more clinical trials, which could advance the treatment of people with TBI. One treatment showing promising initial results is a regenerative cell medicine (SB623) composed of stem cells that are implanted around the injured area. Focused on improving chronic motor deficiency, the Phase II data last year reported the effectiveness of the treatment that may regenerate brain cells following a TBI.
To learn more about TBI visit www.cdc.gov. To learn about research and efforts being made to advance a national registry, visit www.biausa.org.
Month Of Spring Green And A Bit O’ Cheer St. Paddy’s Day Parade, Block Parties, Leprechaun Gardens, Runnin’ Of The Green, A Bit O’ Corned Beef And Off-Kilter Music
by Glen Richardson
Leading up to St. Patrick’s Day on March
17, a sea of green is slowly rolling its way across the Cherry Creek Valley. No
blarney: The Irish-American holiday celebration has turned into quite a party
and fête. Pub crawls, cold pints of green beer, shots of whiskey and
processions of marching bagpipers are everywhere. Bein’ green is no longer
confined to just St. Patrick’s Day in the Mile High City. The mystical,
universal Celtic spirit turns the moon-cycle green, rocking neighborhoods for
31 days, making March the biggest party period of the year.
Parade Pageantry: Denver’s 58th annual St. Patrick’s Day street-stroll is March 14, beginning at 9 a.m. It starts on Wynkoop at 19th, turns down 17th St. in front of Union Station and then turns northeast down Blake St., proceeding all the way to 27th.
Skewed toward the boozy, the
Denver-centered celebration has grown into a Luck o’ the Irish destination for
beer, spirits and a bit o’ cheer. Distilling a resurgence of green,
restaurants, bars, hipster hangouts, speakeasies and dives are filled with lads
and lasses, ladies and lords dressed in green and ready to revel in Irish
customs and tradition.
Here’s the Chronicle’s lucky charm St.
Paddy’s Guide — sprinkled with stardust by leprechauns — to help you pursue
Irish myths and folklore from morning to night.
City’s Biggest Parade
As one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day
parades west of the Mississippi, more than 200,000 people are once again
expected to line the route for this year’s Irish street-stroll on March 14.
Bellco Credit Union is celebrating its 15th year as presenting sponsor of the
parade that’s now in its 58th year. This year’s parade is honoring police,
firefighters and first responders.
Irish Shenanigans: The Fado Irish Pub St. Paddy’s Day Block Party March 14 at Revel Social has become one of the city’s biggest. The pub closed in 2017 after 20 years.
The parade steps off at 9:30 a.m. but many
arrive as early as 6 a.m. to stake out a viewing spot. It starts on Wynkoop at
19th, turns down 17th St. in front of Union Station and then turns northeast
down Blake St., proceeding all the way to 27th. The best spectating spot is
south of 20th Ave. on Blake St., renamed Tooley Ave. for the parade. Another top
watching area is near the parade’s ending blocks along Blake St. from 23rd to
27th Ave.
There is a wee bit o’ added charm and
glamour to this year’s parade as Madison Dorenkamp — last year’s Miss Colorado
USA (2019) — is the 2020 Queen Colleen. In addition, Fox31 News Anchor Aristea
Brady is the parade’s Grand Marshal.
Related Events
The Changin’ of the Sign Ceremony for this
year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade and downtown events will be held at 20th and
Blake St. on March 12, 5 p.m. The street sign change honors full-time Irishman
and longtime Denver District Attorney Dale Tooley.
Luck O’ The Irish Dish: The Monaco Inn Restaurant is again dishing up the Irish-American corned beef and cabbage delicacy for both lunch and dinner March 17.
The Fado Irish Pub St. Paddy’s Day Block
Party is March 14, beginning at 9 a.m. The block party sponsored by the pub
that closed its doors after 20 years in 2017, has become one of the city’s
biggest. It features more than 10 hours of crackling music, cocktails, beer
stations and food trucks. Drinks are from Mile High Spirits for the
festive-bash at Revel Social, the eclectic nightlife space located at 22nd and
Blake near the parade route.
Runnin’ of the Green, the annual St.
Paddy’s Day family-oriented walk-run foot race benefiting Volunteers of America
is March 15. It begins in front of Union Station at 17th and Wazee in historic
LoDo March 15. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and the race starts at 10:15
a.m. The tradition includes a 7K run-walk, a 7K challenged-athlete race plus a
2.2 mile un-timed run-walk. The race is followed up with a fundraising block
party between 17th and 20th on Wazee. VOA is dedicated to rebuilding lives of
those in need. In addition to LoDo’s annual Runnin’ of the Green there is a
Lucky Charm Race March 14 designed to get you ready for the Lucky Laces &
Little Leprechaun Fun Race the following weekend, March 21. Both are at City
Park, 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Event offers a mile, 5K & 10K plus the kids fun run.
Race is followed by an after party for a pint in the Park Mansion.
Off-Kilter Music
The Erik Martin Music School musicians that
rock some of Denver’s best venues treat Valley residents to a St. Patrick’s Day
Showcase in the Soiled Dove Underground at the Lowry Town Center March 1, 1-7
p.m. School performers are known for their stylish piano and drum performances.
Get into an Irish temperament by attending
Celtic Castles & Cathedrals at Bethany Lutheran Church on E. Hampden Ave.
March 7, 3-5 p.m. From riveting tales of love and war, to idyllic odes and
picturesque landscapes, it’s music that resonates and leaves a lasting
impression. In the church’s acoustically superb space, it you’ll hear your
favorites along with new songs. Featuring brass, bagpipes and a pipe organ,
it’s a concert for the ages.
Always one of the best annual St. Paddy’s
Day musical celebrations, the Denver Brass returns to DU’s Newman Center for
the Performing Arts for its yearly Celtic Obsession March 14, 7:30 p.m. and
again March 15, 2 p.m. The all-embracing Irish show features brass, bagpipes,
hammered dulcimer, pennywhistle and guitar plus some of the city’s best Irish
dancers.
Two bands from Ireland are playing at
Lowry’s Soiled Dove March 17, 7:30 p.m. From Connemara on Ireland’s West Coast,
the trio HighTime combines Irish music with a blend of folk, creating a rich,
unique sound and electric energy on stage. The second band, Réalta performs on
dueling uilleann pipes, whistles, bodhran, guitar, bouzouki, double bass and
vocals. Information: 303-830-9214.
The award-winning cast of Once — the Irish
romantic musical drama film — performs music from the show along with Irish
folk favorites, for one night only, at Miners Alley Playhouse in Golden March
17, 5:30 p.m. Show includes a performance by the Connolly Irish Dance Company.
To enjoy authentic, joyous Irish music with
a touch of chamber music, attend the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with
Colcannon at the Lone Tree Arts Center March 18, 1 p.m. Colcannon and
singer-front man Mick Bolger play Irish music with panache, warmth and wit.
Leprechaun Gardens
Discover the legend of the leprechaun
during Leprechaun Gardens at Denver Botanic Gardens, March 7-8. Attendees will
discover the legend of the leprechaun as they design and create a miniature
garden to attract these mischievous garden friends. Materials provided are
appropriate for children ages five and up. Programs on March 7 are 2-4 p.m.,
4-6 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Sunday programs are 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 1-3 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.
Bagpipes Bellow: The annual Denver Brass Celtic Obsession performance is at DU’s Newman Center March 14-15. It is one of more than a half dozen Irish musical events scheduled this month.
A Bit O’ Corned Beef
Once served for St. Patrick’s Day in every
eatery-bar in the Valley during the heyday of Irish restaurants, Corned Beef
and Cabbage has disappeared from all but a few private parties. Nonetheless
Luck o’ the Irish to Ya, as the Monaco Inn Restaurant is again dishing up the
Irish-American holiday delicacy for both lunch and dinner March 17.
Mmmm, the holiday plate is so doggone good
that the Greek-American eatery off Leetsdale at Monaco and Tennessee has become
the go-to restaurant on St. Paddy’s Day.
Served with traditional boiled potatoes,
carrots and celery, the all-the-rage dish is both hearty and authentic. With
such a rare food find, it’s good to be Irish for a day. Information:
303-320-1104.
Fun Food Picks
Head over to Lucked Up, an Irish event
hosted by My Brother’s Bar on Market St. March 7, 4-10 p.m. The beat generation
watering hole is always a great place to get a pint and a burger.
Wee Bit O’ Glamour: Madison Dorenkamp, left, is this year’s parade Queen Colleen. She was last year’s Miss Colorado USA. Fox 31 News Anchor Aristea Brady is the parade’s Grand Marshal.
Then on March 13 plan to stop by the Keggs
& Eggs annual breakfast bash at Jackson’s on 20th St. in LoDo. There are
special performances by indie pop band Lovelytheband, plus Matt Maeson and Sub
Urban. Doors open at 7 a.m.
Offering whiskey, pints and pub grub in a
traditional Gaelic atmosphere on East Colfax the Irish Snug is one of the
city’s Irish hot spots. Offering live music many nights, the Snug annually
hosts the Capitol Hill Hooley on March 17, albeit the 2020 schedule hadn’t been
announced at press time.
Enjoyable anytime, the Baker neighborhood’s
Irish Rover on South Broadway is the perfect pub place to celebrate St. Paddy’s
Day. Sit by the fireplace or in good weather relax on the huge rooftop patio.
Take a break from Irish pubs by spending
time at Pints Pub on W. 13th Ave. The British-style bi-level joint known for
single malt whiskey, also serves artisanal beers and American grub.
Pub Crawls
From Irish jigs, DJs, live bands and green
drinks, Denver’s St. Patrick’s Day bar crawls are the perfect place to
celebrate the green-filled Irish holiday.
One March 14 crawl sponsor is Howl at the
Moon on 19th St. Participants can gallop from one LoDo bar to the next to enjoy
hot parties and drink specials, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Another March 14 adventure has a
noon start at Society Sports & Spirits on Blake St., continuing to 6 p.m.
A Block Party and Pub Crawl has been scheduled on March 17 beginning at the Ginn Mill on Larimer St., 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Chronicle’s annual Valentine courier gives you the ins and outs of when, where, and how to celebrate the month of love. You’ll discover movies, parties, dining and themed events to enjoy with your love and the family you love.
Prom Prompts: Mercury Café again hosts a Valentine’s Day prom benefiting Flyers for Kids. This year’s event is at the California St. café on Feb. 1, 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
For better or worse, this is the month the
Cherry Creek Valley becomes Venus, the Goddess of Love. It’s the sweetest time
of year though it can occasionally be a stormy, swooning affair.
But fear not guys and girls, love conquers
all. The Chronicle has dimmed the lights and lit candles to help young and old
alike make it through all 29 days of partying to commemorate cupid’s holiday.
From Singing Valentine serenades, to a
night of dancing and cocktails at a Valentine Prom and scrumptious dining
specials, the Valley is definitely spreading love this February.
Here’s our annual lover’s guide to the ins
and outs of when, where and how to celebrate:
Art Of Love
Hearts For Art — Show your love for fine
art by placing a paper heart on the floor in front of your “artwork crush” at
the Denver Art Museum. Dates last year were Feb. 11-15. This year’s dates are
to be announced. Information: 720-865-5000.
V Day D’art Reception — Santa Fe art
district gallery hosts a reception for two artist exhibition titled Elements
Feb. 14, 6-9 p.m. Information: 720-486-7736.
Entertaining Romance
Haflet Hobb Love Party — Sing and dance as
talented musicians play a set list of Middle Eastern and North African songs at
the Mercury Café Feb. 8, 7:30-9 p.m. Information: 303-294-9258.
Love Letters — Enjoy Vintage Theatre’s
Pulitzer Prize nominated play with coffee cocktails and dessert at Cherokee
Ranch (6133 Daniels Park Rd. in Sedalia) Feb. 15, 7 p.m. Information:
720-627-7175.
Party & Movie — Theresa Mercado hosts
the 35mm film Hell On Wheels (1996) at the Sie FilmCenter on Colfax Feb. 14,
9:30 p.m. Event begins with a “Vicious Valentine Party” prior to the film
Information: 720-381-0813.
Tequila Lovers Festival — Winter Tequila
Festival connects tequila lovers with great tequila at the Blake Street Tavern
Feb. 22, 3-6 p.m. Information: 303-675-0505.
Valentine Prom — Enjoy a night of dancing
and cocktails at Mercury Café’s annual prom downtown on California St. Feb. 1,
8 p.m.-1:30 a.m. The event is a benefit for Flyers for Kids. Information:
303-294-9258.
Valentine’s Weekend With Phil Hanley — Love
becomes a laughing matter as you watch the stand-up comedian perform at the
Comedy Works in Larimer Square, Feb. 13-16.
Flower Power
Colorado Garden & Home Show — You and
your love will enjoy the multitude of fragrances as you stroll through more
than an acre of professionally landscaped gardens (11 in all) at the Colorado
Convention Center, Feb. 22-March 1. Information: 303-932-8100.
Dishing Out Love: Take your love to Date Night Valentine Cooking Class at Park Coworking on Old South Gaylord Feb. 5, 6-9 p.m.
Love Potions From The Vine — Celebrate the
month of love with a captivating tour of exotic tropical plants that have
inspired myths and tease the senses at the Denver Botanic Gardens 3-4 p.m.
Dates are Feb. 7, 8, 9 & 13, 14, 15. Information: 720-865-3500.
Orchid Showcase — Love blossoms as you
stroll with your love viewing hundreds of colorful orchid blooms in the
Orangery & Marnie’s Pavilion at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Feb. 1-16.
Information: 720-865-3500.
Valentine’s Day Blooms — Grab your love and
participate in a fun afternoon of flower arranging at Kingman Estates Winery
Feb. 9, 1 p.m. Information: 720-560-7270.
Love Bites
BE Loved Dinner — Enjoy a three course
Valentine meal for two at the BE Kitchen located at 2364 15th St. Feb. 14, 7-10
p.m. Information: 303-284-6652.
Coohills’ Valentine’s Day Celebration —
Restaurant across the creek from the Pepsi Center at 1400 Wewatta St. is
offering a six course cupid New York Strip dinner Feb. 14-16, 5 p.m. to close.
Information: 303-623-5700.
Date Night Valentine Cooking Class — Sip on
vino as you and your sweetie shake up classic Italian cocktails and create a
sensual Italian menu together. Cupid event is at Park Coworking on Old South
Gaylord Feb. 5, 6-9 p.m. Information: 303-726-6054.
Edge Prix Fixe Dinner — Join Edge Restaurant
in the Four Seasons Hotel downtown of a dinner to fill your heart. Eatery is
featuring a three course Prix Fixe menu Feb. 14th alongside the regular dinner
menu. Information: 303-389-3050.
Greek & American Specials — In the
Greek language cupid is known as Eros, an ancient St. Valentine symbol. The
Monaco Inn Restaurant south of Leetsdale on Monaco is offering a menu of Greek
(Lamb Shank & Lamb Chops) and American (Prime Rib, Filet Mignon &
Lobster Tail) specials Feb. 14, 4 to 9:30 p.m. Information: 303-320-1104.
Rave Series Valentine’s Day Edition — Enjoy
a candlelit four-course dinner and cocktail pairing as live band serenades you
at LIBERATI Restaurant & Brewery on Champa St. Feb. 15, 6-9 p.m.
Information: 303-862-5652.
Swanky Surprise — The New York French
bistro Le Bilboquet in Cherry Creek North’s luxury St. Paul Collection on St.
Paul St. is offering a prix-fix V Day menu. The swanky spot will post the
surprise special on their website three weeks prior to Valentine’s Day.
Information: 303-835-9999.
Valentine Dining Double — Charcoal Bistro
on Old South Gaylord is offering their second annual Vegan Valentine’s Day
Dinner Feb. 13. They then followed it up with a special price-fixed menu by
Executive Chef Amy Brown Feb. 14. Information: 303-953-8718.
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar — The
eatery in Glendale’s CitySet is offering a four-course menu with optional wine
pairing Feb. 14 beginning at 3 p.m. The happy hour menu will be offered from
3-6 p.m. Raw bar menu with oysters and crab will be available all night.
Information: 303-756-6449.
Musical Romance
A Symphonic Valentine — The Colorado
Symphony plays the most romantic music in the orchestral repertoire at
Boettcher Concert Hall, Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Irresistibly Delicious: Monaco Inn Restaurant is serving Greek and American specials Feb. 14, 4 to 9:30 p.m. Lamb Shank slowly braised in a Greek sauce with spices and red wine is one of specials. Eatery features an extensive wine list.
From Venice With Love — Venetian songstress
Giada Valenti sings songs from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s at the Lone Tree
Arts Center Feb. 15, 8 p.m. Information: 720-509-1000.
Oysterhead Valentine Jam — Jam-band
supergroup composed of guitarist Trey Anastasio (Phish), bassist Les Claypool
(Primus) and drummer Stewart Copeland (The Police) entertain at Broomfield’s
FirstBank Center Feb. 14-15, 8 p.m. Information: 303-410-8497.
Valentine’s Day With The Eli Young Band —
One of country music’s most exciting bands with hit singles like “Even If It
Breaks Your Heart” and “Love Ain’t” plays the Fillmore Auditorium Feb. 14, 7
p.m. Information: 303-837-0360.
Valentine Serenade — The Sound of the
Rockies Chorus will deliver a Singing Valentine to serenade your love by
quartets from the local chorus. Information: 303-335-0825.
Runaway Love
The Course Of Love — Couples run together
at the 5K, 10K and mile LeCourse de l’Amour at Denver City Park Feb. 8, 8-11
a.m. Information: feetonthestreet.com.
Valentine’s Day 4-Mile — Dress up as your
favorite couple for the annual RunDenver Series at Wash Park Feb. 9, 9-11 a.m.
Information:runningdenver.com.
V Day Hook-up
Marriage Ceremony — Denver Clerk & Recorder’s Office at 201 W. Colfax Ave. has judges and clergy on hand to perform free marriage ceremonies Feb. 14, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Information: 720-913-1311.
