by Mark Smiley | Aug 30, 2017 | Feature Story Bottom Left
by Ruthy Wexler
Every neighborhood wants one — and now Mayfair has got one: a bar like Cheers. For those too young to remember, Cheers was a TV sitcom about a bar whose salient quality got expressed in the show’s theme song: Where everybody knows your name. That idea — a friendly neighborhood haven — was what Mia Peterson and Michael Bruntz had in mind when they bought the Aqua Lounge on Krameria and 14th a little more than a year ago.
A Vision For Mozart’s
The first thing Bruntz and Peterson did was restore the bar to its original name: Mozart’s. Then they looked around. “Whatever was good, we kept,” Bruntz recalls, “like the hardwood floors, the old walk-in coolers, the grand piano. Then we redid the surfaces, painted the walls, bought new furniture.”
In addition, the partners sought to replace the old bar’s persona. The Aqua Lounge was an LBGTQ bar; the new partners wanted to welcome everyone: gay, straight, young and old. They changed the front window by installing a garage door — which, rolled up expands the space invitingly.
“That stated our vision,” Bruntz explains. “We were opening Mozart’s up to the whole neighborhood.”
They had the old neon sign restored back to Mozart’s Lounge and held their Grand Opening in November 2016. Now — almost a year later — the partners believe Mozart’s is becoming everything they imagined.
“I realized we’d achieved our dream on New Year’s Eve,” Bruntz recalls. “People came in to drink and dance and celebrate. A lot of them walked over. Then someone came up to me and said, ‘I was looking for a bar where we could dance tonight … and I remembered seeing this was open again …’”
Mia’s moment of recognition arrived when a friend from Brooklyn visited this past spring and exclaimed, “You’ve literally built a Cheers!”
Someday We’re Going To Own This Place
When Bruntz and Peterson met at work more than 15 years ago, they had no idea they’d end up as business partners. They were just good friends who happened to live in the same neighborhood, Mayfair, and enjoyed hanging out at the then-Mozart’s Lounge. During one of those visits, they realized they shared a vision: to create a community gathering place. “Someday,” they vowed, “we’re going to own this place.”
They tried to buy it several times but the purchase didn’t go through until 2016 — at which point the two fell headlong into a huge learning curve. “That next year was the longest and quickest ever,” laughs Peterson. “I enjoyed applying some of the business practices I learned in the corporate world to our little mom and pop. I’ve always embraced the entrepreneurial spirit.”
Bruntz had to step out of his comfort zone to buy the bar. “Up until this I was doing what I was supposed to, thinking about retirement, my IRA, all that. And running a bar isn’t known as a big security move. But I’d turned 50. I wanted to do something really meaningful to me.”
Family And Fun
On a Wednesday evening in July at Mozart’s, Bruntz appears happily in his element, sharing a laugh with a Vietnam vet who stops by most every night, giving a hug to Laura Sanford, another regular, whose friends have thrown her a birthday party at her favorite bar.
Watching Laura return to her confetti-laden table, Bruntz beams. “I love the people part. I love my customers.”
Asked why she loves Mozart’s, Laura didn’t hesitate. “It’s family.”
“The owners,” she confides, “
are absolute sweethearts.”
Explaining their business philosophy, Peterson explains, “We think community is what’s important. So we emphasize local — beers from local breweries, musicians from around here. We also have a great bar staff, which makes everything easier.”
Live music — an eclectic mix of jazz, funk, classical and old-school rock — happens on weekends. On weeknights, Mozart’s offers lighthearted fun — Music Video Bingo on Wednesday; Karaoke on Thursday and darts twice a week. Connecting goes on all the time.
“A neighborhood couple just celebrated their 20th anniversary here,” Peterson smiles. “That’s what we like to see.”
Socializing Then And Now
The original Mozart’s started out as a place to connect: Mozart’s Hall opened on Larimer Street in the late 1800s as a bar and social center for German immigrants (some of the original equipment made the move from downtown). In the ’50s, the bar relocated to its current spot at 1417 Krameria, changing owners a few times in the process.
And now Bruntz and Peterson are at the helm. They look forward to a busy football season, celebrating with free Broncos touchdown shots, starting an Open Mic night, hosting private events and holiday parties, building out the modest menu (currently standard pub fare) — and continuing to make sure the neighborhood has a fun, safe and friendly place to hang out.
“It’s extremely rewarding to see new faces from all walks of life,” says Bruntz, “and from all parts of the city, come and enjoy the bar.”
He adds, “When we did this, Mia and I decided to not look at risks but at rewards. I have truly found my passion. I love realizing the potential of this place. Seeing what could be and making it that way.”
by Mark Smiley | Jun 23, 2017 | Feature Story Bottom Left
by Mark Smiley
The Glendale Sports Center is best known for its sports, fitness, and teen programs. Many are unaware it offers music lessons as well. The arts and humanities division of the Glendale Sports Center currently offers private piano, drum, and guitar lessons. Lessons are $36 each hour and sold in groups of four.
Music lessons are open to the public so one does not need to be a member of the center. Group lessons are offered at a discount if you have membership. Instruments are provided so participants do not need to bring their own.
Lessons are one hour. Lessons are open to all ages. Alex Tripp (piano), Kevin Lee (guitar), and John Olson (drums) are the instructors who are lined up to teach participants. “With music no longer offered in schools, the Sports Center has been a great resource to ensure my son is getting this fundamental curriculum,” said Kristal Steeves, parent of a participant.
Emily Andrews, Program Coordinator for the Glendale Sports Center has been with the Center for almost a year and is committed to building the programs. “Our instructors are phenomenal,” said Andrews. “We are very lucky to have such a dedicated and committed team to offer these great programs.”
Private pickleball and tennis lessons are also available. These lessons can be either 30 minute or 60 minute. Prices vary so call the Glendale Sports Center for more details.
To sign up for a lesson, visit www.sportscenterglendale.com or call 303-639-4711.
by Mark Smiley | May 26, 2017 | Feature Story Bottom Left
by Kurt Woock
Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale
Name the only two days each year when no teams from any of the four major sporting leagues play.
Who was Tom Cruise’s first wife?
If you know the answer to either of those questions, consider attending Trivia Night, a fundraiser for the YMCA of Glendale and for the Glendale Youth Rugby programs, which will be held on July 22 in the International Ballroom of the Infinity Park Event Center.
Trivia Night began 851 miles away in St. Louis. Mike Boese grew up there. As he puts it, “On any given weekend, there’s probably 20 different nonprofit trivia events going on.” There’s a website dedicated to keeping track of them. The events are a true community effort. “Most of these events are in a Catholic school gymnasium,” he said. “It’s a potluck evening.”
Boese and his family moved to Denver about five years ago. He works as a financial advisor with Country Financial. He joined the Glendale Chamber of Commerce to meet people, and soon found himself on the local Y’s board of directors. Last year, he pitched the idea of hosting a trivia event for a fundraiser to Nicole Limoges, executive director for the YMCA Sports Branch & the Glendale Sports Center at Infinity Park. She told him to run with it. “From my point of view, I owe so much of this to Mike. He really threw his expertise into this. This was all his idea.”
Following the St. Louis template, last year’s Trivia Night was a potluck event, with Boese as MC, and was held in the Denver Jewish Day School gym. Boese even recruited his Aunt Colleen to travel from St. Louis to help keep score. It was a success, as 65 people brought dishes to share and took their shot at trivia glory. “Not only are you able to give back, but you have a pretty good time doing it.”
Giving back is at the core of the event. Limoges said the goal is to raise $20,000, which will be split between the YMCA and the Glendale Youth Rugby programs. “The YMCA serves the Glendale community, and there are families in need,” Boese said. “They need scholarships, otherwise they couldn’t take advantage of these programs.”
A few changes are in store for this year’s event. First, the event won’t be in a school or church basement or gym: The City of Glendale has donated use of the International Ballroom at Infinity Park Event Center. “This year, a lot of credit goes to Linda Cassaday (Glendale’s Deputy City Manager) for getting on board and saying ‘we’re going to step up and make a difference.’” Also, the potluck has been replaced by a catered dinner from one of the night’s sponsors, Biscuits & Berries. Guests will also receive two drink tickets, and a cash bar will be available all night. Tickets for the night costs $40 for an individual, $75 for couple, and $300 for a team of 8. People or companies can sponsor the entire night, or even just a round of questions.
After an hour of food, drink, and socializing, the trivia begins. If all goes well, Aunt Colleen will again be on hand. “She and I have been working on putting together questions,” Boese said. Boese will lead the crowd of up to 300 in 10 rounds of 10 questions each. He said for each round, he tries to include two questions that nearly everyone can answer and two questions that are unquestionably difficult. The rest of the questions are where the night is won or lost.
Traditionally, each round has a theme. For some rounds, each clue involves a video, photo, or audio clip; a good pairing given the International Ballroom’s A/V capabilities. Short breaks between rounds are an opportunity for other entertainment. This year, there will be a silent auction, with opportunities to bid between rounds. Last year, guests had the option to participate in a “last person standing” type game in which Boese reads the name of a public figure, and participants guessed whether that person was currently living. After each name, those who guessed incorrectly sat down. Those who guessed correctly played another round. The last person standing won half of the total one-dollar entry fees collected (which that person ended up donating to the night’s total proceeds).
In the end, though, the main competition is for the trivia crown. Each table of 8 works together. Last year’s winning score was in the low 80s out of a possible 100 (though tables are able to purchase one mulligan per round).
In just its second year, Trivia Night has the markings of an annual tradition.
Two more important pieces of information: The day before the MLB All Star Game and the day after are bad days to watch sports: Nobody is playing. And on May 9, 1987, Tom Cruise married Mimi Rogers.
by Mark Smiley | May 3, 2017 | Feature Story Bottom Left
Signing 5-year Extension with Shopping Center
By Charles C. Bonniwell
Tim Schmidt the managing partner of Elway’s Restaurant has indicated to the Chronicle that the restaurant has decided to sign a five-year extension for its space on the western portion of the Cherry Creek Shopping Center on top of the two years left on its present lease. Elway’s has been in the Shopping Center for 13 years.
Schmidt stated that: “In our opinion the Cherry Creek Shopping Center is the best shopping center in Colorado if not the entire rocky Mountain region. We like to associate ourselves with the best brands as we believe we also have one of the best brands in Colorado.” In addition to the Cherry Creek location there are Elway’s Restaurants in downtown Denver, Vail and at Denver International Airport.
Schmidt acknowledged that the restaurant had previously been exploring whether to expand to the empty Cool River Café location in Greenwood Village as reported in the April issue of the Chronicle, but not in lieu of the Cherry Creek space.
Schmidt acknowledged that the Shopping Center is going through a period of transition and the Shopping Center may redevelopment the western portion of the project with Bed Bath & Beyond leaving this fall. Elway’s would adjust it space to fit any redevelopment. The parking fees charged at the mall are less of a concern to Elway’s as it validates for parking.
Schmidt has had extensive discussions with his partner football great John Elway and the Shopping Center’s manager Nick LeMasters about the real estate risk concerning the Cherry Creek area with all the recent and expected development. He however, remains extremely optimistic about the Cherry Creek and the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. He notes that the thousands of expected new apartment dwellers, condominium owners and hotel patrons will be wanting to dine somewhere and he expects Elway’s will garner its share of that new market demographic.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 28, 2017 | Feature Story Bottom Left
Array Of Choices Include Tea, ToursAnd A 5K Run; Make ReservationsFor Busiest Dining Day Of The Year
Momma Mia, lest you forget May 14 is Mother’s Day! Want to pamper and delight mom? Are you “At Wit’s End?”
That’s what Erma Bombeck — her column titled At Wit’s End ran in 900 newspapers for years — would write. She was the patron saint of motherhood comedy. Her material was carpooling, drive-through-everything, lost clarinet reeds, dirty ovens, and bumbling husbands who drift through the house opening cabinets and never closing them.
Thinking about Mother’s Day always reminds us of Bombeck’s columns and all the mothers juggling between family, career and kids. Mum’s the word, but here are our suggestions of what to do, where to go so mom will have a relaxing time on her special day with the kids and grandkids:
Baseball
Coors Field
Looking to make this Mother’s Day extra special? How about a fun-filled day of baseball and celebrating mom at Coors Field May 14, 1:10 p.m. Bring mom to Coors Field on Sunday, May 14 and have your family picture taken on the field by the team photographer. It includes a ticket to watch the Rockies take on the Dodgers. More: Exclusive post-game field access for your family photo plus digital rights to the photo sent vie email. Information: 303-292-0200.
Comedy
Comedy Works South
Comedy Works South at the Landmark is hosting a Mother’s Day Family Show with John Heffron on May 14, 3 p.m. Heffron won the second season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Information: 720-274-6800.
Paramount Theatre
Attend matinee Mother’s Day show, Saturday, May 13, 3 p.m. With sharp wit, comedians Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood take the live stage for a hilarious, original show. Information: 303-623-0106.
Dining
Ambli
Serving dinner menu for Mother’s Day from 11:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Enjoy tapas, salads, flatbreads plus entrees. Information: 303-355-9463.
Barn At Raccoon Creek
Enjoy brunch with mom at this Littleton event venue on West Bowles Ave., 9 a.m-3 p.m. Information: 720-287-8193.
Four Winds
Treat mom to native cuisine at the American Indian
Council — 205 W. 5th Ave. — May 14, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy three sisters finger foods, puddings, fruit and berries, hot and iced teas. Information: 720-456-8251.
Monaco Inn Restaurant
Mother’s Day always brings families out to enjoy time together at this popular eatery. This year’s specials are Lamb Shank, Lamb Chop & Grilled Shrimp, New York Steak & Fried Shrimp or Grilled Trout. The regular menu is also available plus brunch will be served from 10:30-2 p.m. Information: 303-320-1104.
Shells & Sauce
Treat your mom on her special day to brunch or dinner at this favorite Valley neighborhood Italian Bistro. Features creative fare plus house-made desserts mom will love: Information: 303-377-2091.
The Weber
Lavish time with mom and the family in the intimate, inviting yet calm and relaxing atmosphere of The Weber. Located inside the Inn at Cherry Creek, the food and friendly service here offer the comfort and familiarity of home. Information: 303-377-8577.
Entertainment
Stories On Stage
For a humorous and heartfelt celebration of Mother’s Day, take mom to see Motherhood Out Loud playing May 7 at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the Su Teatro Cultural & Performing Arts Center, 721 Santa Fe Dr. Information: 303-494-0523.
Gifts
Paulino Gardens
One of Colorado’s largest garden centers, you’ll find a huge selection of houseplants, flowers and vegetable plants for mom. There’s also a variety of pottery, specialty food items, wicker baskets plus decorated gift plants and wind chimes that make great gifts. Information: 303-429-8062,
Trinity United Methodist Church
Looking for something special for mom? Trinity United Methodist Church on Broadway is holding a Mother’s Day Alternative Gift Sale May 7, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jewelry, food and craft items are offered from nonprofit groups. Information: 303-839-1493.
Running
Mother’s Day MD5K
Join the 8th annual Mother’s Day 5K May 14. The starter’s gun goes off at 9:30 a.m. at Denver’s City Park. The race will be followed by a brunch in the park. Information: Info@Mothersday5k.com
Tea
Brown Palace
With the sounds of a harpist or pianist floating in the air, afternoon tea at the Brown Palace Hotel is an experience your mom won’t soon forget. The longstanding tradition comes with tea pastries, scones and tea sandwiches. Information: 303-323-3111.
Molly Brown House
Tea honoring Margaret Brown and all the great moms, including yours is May 13, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Mom will love the savory sandwiches, sweet treats and specially blended tea, plus a chance to stop in the museum store. Information: 303-832-4092.
Tours
Fairmount
On May 13 — the day before Mother’s Day — take mom on the special two-hour tour Famous Women of Colorado, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Mothers and grandmothers are free when with a paying adult or child. Expectant mothers are also free when accompanied by a paying spouse or a significant other. Information: 303-399-0692.
by Mark Smiley | Mar 24, 2017 | Feature Story Bottom Left
The 11th Commandment: ‘Thou Shall Turn Off Thy Cell Phone’
by Danny Foster, Esq.
One of the rites of passage for most Jewish teenagers is when they become Bar Mitzvah (boy) or Bat Mitzvah (girl). It’s a formal entry into adulthood in the Jewish community, even if the teenager is only 13-years-old. I guess way back in the old days 13-years-old was already a proper age to get married and start a family, so adulthood made sense. In Colorado, and the rest of the United States, you are not considered adult until age 18; that’s when the stupid actions of youth become adult criminal behavior with life-long repercussions. In some circumstances a teenager under the age of 18 can actually be prosecuted as an adult if the crime is particularly violent. But this isn’t an article about the juvenile criminal justice system, it’s about my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah which occurred in February right here in Denver at Temple Emanuel.
Along with the teenager’s studying, stressing and celebration (can you say Lox, bagels and a great DJ?), the parents also undergo their own rite of passage, which is giving a small talk to their child in front of the congregation. I usually do not relish the spotlight (yeah right!) but I was particularly excited to talk to my daughter and let her know that I was proud of her, that I loved her very much, and as my parental piece of advice I urged her and her friends, siblings and cousins to do us all a favor and power off their iPhones once in a while. Yes, my Bat Mitzvah talk was about re-connecting with the real world and to stop being a robot to the iPhone. No meaningful connections happen on Snapchat, Facebook or Twitter. Face-to-face communication is a lost art form and it is dooming their generation to becoming senseless drones. I challenged Lucy and her friends/siblings/cousins to make a meaningful attempt to pick one day a week where they simply unplug. It is, after all, possible to do that. In my house we have a rule, whoever rides shotgun in the car may not be on their phone at all. It’s a small step, but I honestly fear my children won’t be able to navigate their way around Denver because they haven’t been watching the scenery while we drive. Insanity!
Another more important issue about this generation and technology is the real legal trouble they are getting into, often unwittingly, due to their over active iPhone addiction. Our law firm has represented too many adolescents and teenagers who have faced significant legal problems as a result of things they posted or looked at. Criminal behavior that was unthinkable 10 years ago. Did you know that if a minor sends your child a picture of them naked, then YOUR child can be guilty of possessing child pornography? Even if they didn’t request the pictures. And guess who else could be in trouble? How about the person who owns the phone (yes, YOU parents!).
It’s a brave new world. Due to these issues and many other land mines associated with modern-day adolescence and teenage life our law firm has for several years conducted seminars at high schools to discuss these issues face to face with the students. A few years ago we expanded our seminar program and created “Get Ready for High School Boot Camp” for all students grade 8-11 AND their parents. We try to give some useful advice about drugs/ alcohol, sext-ing, Internet bullying and other crimes, and hopefully enable parents and children to begin the difficult dialogue on very tricky, complicated issues that are incredibly important.
Our law firm invites you to attend on April 25 or April 26 from 6-8 p.m. Or April 27 from 6-8 for high school seniors heading into college. There is no charge, the only requirement is that the child must attend with at least one parent/guardian. The seminar is capped at 100 total people per night, so if interested book ASAP. The link to register is www.FosterGraham.com /bootcamp. (In the event this fills up and you are unable to get into the seminar, make sure to go to FosterGraham.com and sign up for our quarterly newsletter and you will be the first to learn about upcoming seminars and other legal hot topics.)
While I cannot promise Lox and bagels at this seminar we can promise you will walk away with something much more valuable. And while my daughter was embarrassed that I called her technology use out at her Bat Mitzvah, I saw a whole lot of parents nodding their heads in agreement. Many of them came up to me afterwards and thanked me for saying exactly what needed to be said. It’s time that we as parents took back control and had our kids tune into the greatest reality show on the planet…. it’s called LIFE and the wi-fi is always free and there’s no chance of running over on your data plan!
Danny is a managing partner of Foster, Graham, Milstein & Calisher (FGMC). His practice focuses on personal injury. The law firm of FGMC, located in Cherry Creek, is a full service law firm focusing on: criminal defense, personal injury, real estate, litigation, liquor licensing, construction law, tax/estate planning, bankruptcy and zoning. This article does not create an attorney-client relationship and is for informational use only (what do you expect from an attorney!)
