by Mark Smiley | Mar 1, 2017 | Feature Story Bottom Left
There is a spirit to Saint Patrick’s Day in Denver that is unlike any other time. Regardless of your actual heritage, everyone’s a little bit Irish during the weekend. You might think it’s simply a time to wear green, drink at an Irish pub and follow a leprechaun to the pot of gold. But it is also about good spirits and friendship and faith in the future — just as prayed for by St. Patrick.
This year the Luck O’ the Irish will be manifest in the form of everything from mass services indicating the religious adoration of St. Patrick — patron saint and national apostle of Ireland — to musical concerts. The holiday, nevertheless, will be most noticeable by wearing green, eating traditional Irish dishes, and drinking green beer and cocktails.
The annual Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade that steps off on March 11 is one of the largest St. Paddy’s Day parades west of the Mississippi, and the biggest annual parade in Denver. In recognition of its 55th year, this year’s parade theme is The Emerald Celebration. More than 250,000 people are expected to line the streets of LoDo to see horses and stagecoaches, marching bands, dancers, quirky floats and Irish-themed characters.
Emerald Parade
At 9:30 a.m. the parade exits onto Wynkoop from the Coors Field parking lot onto 19th St. (behind Denver Chophouse). The parade proceeds on Wynkoop to 17th St. and takes a left on 17th to Blake, and finally ends at 27th St. and Blake. The best place for families to watch the parade is on Blake St. between 23rd to 27th Avenues. If you plan on staying for the entire parade, remember that the weather changes quickly so it is a good idea to dress in layers. In over 50 years of parade history it has only snowed twice. The temperature average is in the 60s on parade day.
To avoid traffic and parking issues it is also a good idea to arrive early. Close-in parking often fills up an hour or more before the parade starts. To make parking easy and stress-free, the parade committee has partnered with Parking Panda, allowing parade goers to purchase guaranteed parking passes at several lots and garages near the parade.
Adrian Farrell is again the Grand Marshal of the parade. He is Ireland’s first Consul General to the U.S. Southwest. The Consulate’s priorities are to advance Irish economic initiatives and partnerships between Ireland and states of the Southwest U.S. Also in the parade is Laura Farley, this year’s Queen Colleen. She will serve as spokesperson for the parade committee and attends a variety of events during her yearlong reign. A Denver native, she earned degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Metro State U. She attended St. Brendan’s School of Irish Dance beginning at age 10, continuing until she reached the rank of champion.
Let The Green Begin
The City and County of Denver will kick off St. Paddy’s activities on March 6 with a Proclamation Ceremony at the City & County Bldg. The proclamation is signed during a regular City Council session. The lighting of the Denver City & County Building to green will also take place. The session is scheduled to begin at noon.
A Changing of the Sign Ceremony at the corner of 20th and Blake follows on March 9. Each year the City renames Blake Street “Tooley Street,” in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. The change is in honor of the late Dale Tooley — longtime Denver District Attorney, one-time mayoral candidate and full-time Irishman. This usually takes place between noon and 3 p.m.
Then Lassies and Laddies get their Luck on March 12 for the Runnin’ Of The Green benefiting Volunteers of America, 10:15 a.m.-2 p.m. Considered the kickoff to the Denver running season, it is one of the largest 7K races in the nation. In addition to the 7K run/walk there is a 7K challenged-athlete race and a 2.2-mile untimed run/walk. Voted the best post race party, this year’s Festival-Expo following the races features live Irish music, Irish dancers and the Colorado Youth Pipe Band.
Concerts
Gobs O’ Phun
The annual Gobs O’ Phun St. Patrick’s Day Concert is in the Tuft Theatre at Swallow Hill March 10, 8 p.m. Gobs O’Phun is an Irish/ Scottish acoustic folk duet featuring Denis Sullivan and Martin Lambuth, brothers-in-law who play guitar, bodhran and harmonica. Much of their repertoire is robust, fast-paced and humorous, yet sprinkled with a variety of love songs, historic accounts and beautiful ballads. Presented with ad-libbed humor and audience participation attendees feel like part of the clan. Information: 303-777-1003.
Solas
The quintessential Irish-American band Solas is currently on a world tour and plays Daniels Hall at Swallow Hill March 12, 7 p.m. It is a celebration of a band that has become one of the most influential groups in the history of Irish music. The group is anchored by founding members Seamus Egan (flute, tenor banjo, mandolin, whistles, guitars, bodhran) and Winifred Horan (violins, vocals). They form the backbone of the uniquely definable Solas sound. Longtime members Eamon McElholm (guitars, keyboards, vocals), and Mick McAuley (button accordion, vocals) and newest member, the dynamic Moira Smiley (vocals, banjo), are musically at the top of their game. Solas is the standard bearer not only for great Irish music, but music in any genre and is a concert not to miss. Information: 303-777-1003.
Céad Mile Fáilte
Augustana Arts welcomes céad mile fáilte (pronounced k¯ed m¯el˘a fawlta), to a special St. Patrick’s Day celebration March 17, 7:30 p.m. Singing traditional Irish folk songs and pub tunes it features the Saint Mary’s College Women’s Choir who are making Denver the last stop of their biennial national tour. They will be performing with the Colorado Women’s Chorale led by conductor Nancy Menk. The laddies, Colorado Men’s Chorale, will also be on hand for a round of traditional Irish folk songs and pub tunes. Last, but not least, organist extraordinaire David Eicher will perform Poulenc’s Litanies a la Vierge Noire de Rocamadouri. Information: 303-388-4962.
Entertainment
Celtic Yarn
The BiTSY Stage presents The Lass Who Went Out With The Cry Of Dawn, March 8-April 2. It is a lively Celtic yarn that weaves attendees through a landscape filled with magic, mystery, and the reminder that as we thread our way through life, things are not always as they appear to be. Performances are Saturdays at 1 and 3 p.m.; Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Fridays March 10 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. There is a special fundraiser performance on Saturday, March 18 at 8 p.m. Performances are free with donations accepted at the theatre 1137 S. Huron St. Information: 720-328-5294.
St. Paddy’s Day Festival
The Knights of Columbus St. Patrick’s Day Festival is March 11 at the Knights of Columbus home located at 1555 
Grant St., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be live entertainment throughout the day with Bagpipers and Step Dancers. Meals will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fellow Knights, especially those 4th degree, are encouraged to march in the parade with full honor guard regalia. Information: 303-880-9820.
Irish Grub
Casey’s
Located in the Stapleton Town Center, Casey’s — named after the famous Irish Writer Sean O’ Casey — is one of the few Irish restaurants remaining in Denver. The menu includes Irish-American fare like shepherd’s pie plus corned beef and cabbage. Information: 720-974-7350.
Green Russell
Frank Bonanno’s signature barbecue eatery and drinking establishment on Larimer Square often features Irish-inspired menu items. St. Patrick’s Day offerings usually include Irish nachos with smoked corned beef, swiss fondue, bacon, shredded cabbage and scallions. Information: 303-893-6505.
Monaco Inn Restaurant
Nothing’s better on St. Patrick’s Day than a traditional plate of corned beef, cabbage and roasted new potatoes. Always a popular holiday eatery, this South Monaco Parkway restaurant has for the last several years offered Corned Beef & Cabbage as a St. Patrick’s Day Special. They will be doing the same again this year for lunch and dinner on March 17. This pink corned beef and cabbage dish is slow roasted, and quickly gobbled up. Mmmm, it’s good to be Irish for a day. Information: 303-320-1104.
Tilted Kilt Smokes Out
Tilted Ki
lt, the popular Irish restaurant at 16th St. and Lawrence downtown, closed in early February. The eatery is being “un-chained” and will become Burnt Barrel, a Colorado Spirits & Sports Space. It is expected to reopen sometime this month but apparently won’t offer Irish dishes.
Pub Place To Play
Fadó
This Irish pub (pronounced f’doe) is hosting St. Paddy’s celebrations on March 11 and 17 with food trucks, live music and Irish dancers. With hospitable surroundings, you’ll enjoy good food and drink plus friendly conversation. It’s what the Irish call “craic.” Information: 303-297-0066.
Keggs & Eggs
An annual radio station hosted music event, it is at the Blake Street Tavern on March 17. It kicks off at 7 a.m. with green beer, whiskey and rock performances. The lineup for 2017 includes American Authors, Bishop Briggs and Bryce Fox. Information: 303-675-0505.
Scruffy Murphy’s
This is one of the most authentic slices of the Emerald Isle you’ll find in Denver. Just minutes away from Coors Field, Scruffy’s is the perfect place to grab a pint or enjoy some traditional Irish pub fare such as shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash. They host musical acts from DJs to rock bands Thursday through Saturday. Information: 303-291-6992.
Irish Rover
Amidst the dive-y rock clubs and indie boutiques along South Broadway you’ll encounter this relaxed and friendly pub. It’s a great place to enjoy a pint or two, chat with the locals by the fireplace or sit on a high stool at the bar. Moreover, their huge rooftop patio is a great place to get above it all in Denver. Information: 303-282-4643.
by Mark Smiley | Jan 30, 2017 | Feature Story Bottom Left
by Ruthy Wexler
Early in the morning of October 19, Hilltop resident Denise Gibbons observed city workers removing the 2-hour parking limit signs from her street. Alerted, neighbor Joanne Davidson dashed out to inspect the 500 blocks of Albion, Ash, Bellaire and Birch, only to discover that every single 2-hour parking limit sign was gone.
Two months before, residents had received a letter, dated August 8, 2016: “Parking Operations has determined that it is appropriate to remove existing 2-hour restrictions [in Hilltop neighborhood] ….”
But since the letter concluded, “We encourage all households to provide feedback in support of or in opposition of [sic] the proposed time changes,” residents thought they could make their case.
“I don’t know for sure how many people communicated their displeasure but every last one … on my street did,” Davidson said. Lee Johnson drafted a petition to keep the signs in place; everyone on his block signed it. “It strikes me,” Johnson wrote, “that unanimous opposition … should be given significant weight.”
Residents believed the city was open to their input and might be willing to reverse their decision to remove the signs. However, they soon learned that the city was unwilling
The 2-hour parking limit signs were installed in the Hilltop area in the early 1990s, when inadequate parking at the University of Colorado Health Sciences campus at 9th and Colorado, plus their policy of charging employees to park, caused increasing numbers to seek out residential streets.
“We were a parking lot for the hospital,” recalled Joan French, who has lived in Hilltop for 44 years. “It was a nightmare.” One resident recalled asking a driver to park closer to the curb; the young man yelled, “I’m late to class!” A doctor, answering an emergency call, had to drive over her own lawn when a strange car blocked her driveway. Residents routinely called police to tow cars.
Renderings of the 9th and Colorado property. Photos provided by Continuum Partners, LLC
For almost 25 years, Hilltop felt protected by the signs. Now, they asked Councilwoman Mary Beth Susman to convene a meeting. On Nov. 29, three representatives from Parking Operations, Alyssa Alt, Sean Mackin and Cynthia Patton met with approximately 20 residents (many still away for Thanksgiving) and explained that according to their studies, the neighborhood did not exhibit 75% occupancy of parking spaces, the criterion for adding parking restrictions. (“The study was done when the signs were still in place!” French exclaimed.) And since CU Hospital complex had moved to Aurora, there were no longer “parking impacts” from the 9th and Colorado site.
But something new was being built on that 26-acre site, residents pointed out — a development containing shops, apartments, parks and restaurants. Until the effects of the complex were seen, couldn’t the signs stay in place? The cost of enforcing them is too expensive, said the parking people. Residents suggested just keeping the signs, not monitoring them. No, Patton said, but assured residents that the signs, if needed, could be easily reinstalled since workers removed only the center posts.
Susman, who lives in Hilltop, believes that Parking Operations would reinstall the signs if warranted. “Neighbors panicked when the signs went down,” she said. “I understand the fear, we lived with Colorado University Health Sciences Campus … but I don’t think it’s necessary now.”
“At that meeting, we were basically told our feelings didn’t count,” said Davidson, who felt, with others, that communication had broken down. The August 8 letter stated that residents had requested the signs’ removal, which many found hard to believe. Davidson surveyed numerous neighbors “and not one said they wanted the signs gone.” Joan French heard that Parking Operations claimed the principals of the area’s two schools, Streck Elementary and Hill Junior High, had requested the signs’ removal; Parking Operations denied they ever said that. Nancy Kuhn, Communications Director for Denver Public Works, explained that the office had been in touch with the schools only to help manage traffic overflow. Hearing a rumor that paid parking would be installed in the new development, unsettled residents wondered: is the developer involved?
“I’m very surprised at that question,” said Frank Cannon, of Continuum LLC, the firm in charge of the 9th and Colorado project. “Of course not. … The idea that any discussion about parking is going on behind closed doors to remove signs I didn’t even know about is disheartening to me as a developer. I’ve made extensive efforts to reach out to the community.
“Do we have adequate parking? Absolutely, for every square foot,” Cannon stated. “We’ll have metered parking along the streets inside our development. We’ll have more than 2,500 off-street spaces all in garages.”
Asked whether customers or workers will pay to park in the garages, Cannon said, “At this point, we are not assuming paid parking.”
The new development is not the only reason residents want the signs back. The quiet streets of Hilltop are surrounded by urban growth. Lee Johnson explained, “The 2-hour restrictions [in Hilltop] provided ample parking for people coming and going to the nearby schools … an appropriate balance of the needs of individuals to park [with] the desire to reduce long-term parking, with its attendant concerns about traffic and safety, in a residential neighborhood.”
Kuhn pointed out that Parking Operations has a wide range of responsibilities. “We work to adjust or remove restrictions so that on-street parking, a valuable public asset, is available for users.” She added, “Once redevelopment has occurred at [9th and Colorado], we’ll have a better sense … what management strategies are needed.”
In this tug of war between rigid formulas and subjective experience, Hilltop residents offer what they feel is common sense. “They said it was a big cost to enforce the restrictions,” French said, “but when one considers how much money has been spent on meetings, postage, crews to remove the signs …”
Protecting the neighborhood is a win/ win, residents feel. “If cars start parking every which way like they used to, property values go down and the City stands to lose,” said French. “The City should be leading the charge for historical preservation and maintaining our neighborhood’s integrity.
“I believe it is very short-sighted of the City to take those 2-hour signs down,” French said. “It would cost nothing to keep them in place.”
by Mark Smiley | Nov 21, 2016 | Feature Story Bottom Left
by Amy Springer
Once upon a time, oh who am I kidding, on a beautiful Sunday this October, we were in Indio, California, to attend the Desert Trip festival, or as it is more poignantly known, “Oldchella.”
Oldchella is, essentially, a three-day music festival for old people, with performances by the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Who, etc. You get the picture. The performances lasted for hours and by day three, some in our group had had enough. We mustered up a small group for the festival finale, which was to be closed out by Roger Waters, a founder of Pink Floyd.
My family prepared for what we thought would be a pretty garden-variety concert. Our musician son had tickets for the pit, and Mr. Waters had promised a special show that he would play only twice, once that night and the second time a week later during the second weekend of Oldchella. He also promised some sort of “state of the art” sound system and a visual show. Ya, whatever, a concert is a concert, right?
Not so fast. I’ll start with the sound. If you’re old like me, you remember when the original Star Wars was released and a new sound system was debuted. It started in the back of the theater and then reached a deafening crescendo with “The Audience is Listening!” We sure were. Well, Mr Waters’ sound system made that sound like a couple of cans connected by a piece of string. I mean, at times it sounded like an entire fleet of low flying helicopters were landing on your head… in a polo field… with 80,000 plus people in attendance. It consisted of numerous towers of speakers strategically placed throug
hout the venue. The effect was as if you had been dropped into Vietnam during an air raid. And that was just the beginning.
Visually, the show was indescribable. The best I can do is say it felt like a 3D IMAX production, deftly created by Salvadore Dali, with the score being played live by Pink Floyd to perfection. There were lasers, flying pigs, reality bending optical illusions and pointed references that were sometimes ugly, like the images of human trafficking accompanying the song “Money.”
The musicality was such that our musician son opined that Mr. Waters should consider changing the name of the band to something along the lines of “a group of the most well prepared and talented musicians in the world, and oh, also that guy from Pink Floyd.” And it wasn’t like Roger was conceited or suffered from self-aggrandizement. Nope, when it was someone else’s turn, he simply stepped aside. The same can’t be said of the other geezer performers. At one point, he even had a disabled veteran play lead guitar on one of his songs, which brings me to the “comfortably numb” part of this story.
If one thing is abundantly clear, it’s that Mr. Waters is obviously a pacifist and a man of strong moral convictions. His repeated references that he is a voice to all victims rings true. I mean, this man puts his money where his mouth is. He works with disabled veterans and victims of war and crimes. He freely admits his mistakes when he’s wrong, like when he prohibited members of Pink Floyd from using the band name in later years. He is opinionated and speaks his mind. So why, then, did the majority of the crowd empty out of the venue before he played his great hit “Comfortably Numb”?
To understand, you probably have to go back to earlier in the show when he played “Pigs (Three Different Ones),” prominently featuring the word “charade.” During this particular song, the giant screens behind the stage showed various and sundry images of Donald Trump, some with him literally vomiting money, others with his face painted a la Andy Warhol with garish lipstick and eyeliner, images of him as a pig, and culminating in disturbing direct quotes of Trump being flashed across the screen. As recorded, the song itself is nearly 12 minutes long, and the onslaught against Trump in the live performance lasted longer than that. The crowd went wild, especially when a giant pig balloon was unleased with a skull morphing into Trump’s face imposed with the words “Racist Sexist Pig” among others on one side, and “together we stand divided we fall” on the other.
The excited reaction of the crowd was understandable not just because of Trump’s recently-surfaced embarrassing Access Hollywood audio/videotape, because that the show was in deep-blue California, but also because the show was on the night of the second presidential debate. The debate where Trump gleefully promised that one of his first acts as President would be to en-sure Hillary Clinton was incarcerated. No due process, no deference to the numerous Republican-controlled investigations into her alleged wrongdoings which led the FBI Director (also a Republican) to publicly acknowledge that no reasonable prosecutor would prosecute the case against her. Trump’s attitude — “to the guillotine,” to the cheers of his supporters in attendance at the debate, was pretty scary stuff and the Oldchella crowd was anxious to vociferously express its displeasure.
But then, shortly thereafter, Roger Waters blasted Israel and the reaction wasn’t quite so, shall we say, positive. Waters has a bit of a history in this regard, and to most, it isn’t pretty. He’s an avid supporter of the BDS movement (Boycott, Divest and Sanctions), a pro-Palestinean anti-Israel hate group that urges artists and business people to cease doing business with Israel. He refers to Israel as “occupying” the West Bank, and has tried to personally shame performers into participating in his cultural boycott of the nation. Ironically, The Jerusalem Post recently noted that many of the Oldchella performers, including The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney and Neil Young “have all been victimized by and explicitly rejected BDS pressure, including personal appeals from Waters himself.” Some bands claim they even received death threats after refusing to bow to the BDS’ demands. I’m sure it made for some interesting moments backstage at the festival.
In the same October 19 article, The Jerusalem Post described BDS like this: “Though it often presents itself as a movement working to achieve Palestinian rights, to the founders and leaders of the BDS movement it is merely a tool to end the existence of the State of Israel. This violent aim is sometimes reflected in the tactics of boycott supporters.” It’s pretty safe to say that this narrative is likely shared by most, if not all, western nations.
But to simply shun Waters and leave his show in exodus for expressing these unpal-atable views misses the point. Waters is, in my opinion, woefully ignorant when it comes to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. While it may be tempting to characterize it as a classic case of David vs. Goliath, the analogy does not work unless you are prepared to accept Goliath as the huge, friendly neighbor who just wants to get along and David, despite his miniscule size, is rather intent on ensuring Goliath suffers a painful and untimely death. Waters’ speech was offensive to the point where many in the crowd simply could not stand by and take it anymore. When he was finished, I turned to my husband and said “I wish he hadn’t said that.” But we didn’t leave.
We didn’t leave because we understood from the show that Waters is not just a pacifist, he is also an activist. He does fantastic work with wounded veterans, including American veterans. His father was a soldier killed in World War II, and he performs benefit concerts to raise money for veterans’ causes. In 2012, he reported to the Boston Herald that he shares “enormous empathy with the men [veterans]” and added, “I’ve been around the sense of loss and what loss from war can do to people.” It must make sense to him that the loss and suffering of the Palestinian people equates to the loss from war, all wars.
Had we walked out after Waters’ BDS proclamation, after recognizing his courage in relentlessly calling out Donald Trump or being a “charade” and a “pig,” our hypocrisy would have been on full display. Just because one is a fan of his music doesn’t mean that we care what Waters thinks about anything. Nonetheless, it’s difficult not to admire the fearlessness he displays when expressing his own opinions and his charitable tendency to put his money where his mouth is. Mark Zuckerberg recently faced a similar quandary when questions arose regarding Facebook board member Peter Thiel’s support of Donald Trump. In an internal memo, Zuckerberg pointed out that while he/the company “care[s] deeply about diversity” … “[t]hat’s easy to say when it means standing up for ideas you agree with. It’s a lot harder when it means standing up for the rights of people with different viewpoints to say what they care about. That’s even more important.”
Although I have been on this planet for many years, an important lesson reemerged that October night, one that Mark Zuckerberg knows and I thought I knew, but I guess I really didn’t appreciate. If you admire someone’s talent and views when they agree with you, you really can’t ostracize or hate them when they don’t. Each view is potentially worthy of merit and consideration, no matter how unpalatable it is.
Amy Springer is a senior litigator with Springer and Steinberg, P.C. specializing in complex divorce litigation.
by Mark Smiley | Oct 21, 2016 | Feature Story Bottom Left
Enjoy Warmth, Good Cheer By Shopping In Spots That Make Everything Nice About The Holidays
Neighborhoods in the Cherry Creek Valley are awesome shopping destinations featuring charming main streets, independent boutique and retail destinations. As we head into the holiday season, area neighborhoods are buzzing with excitement. To help you enjoy shopping, we’re excited to introduce you to some of the extraordinary retailers on streets and neighborhoods in the Valley. Without further ado, here are our gift guide picks to make shopping delightful.
Best Of Broadway
Like its eateries and entertainment spots, businesses on Broadway are pretty cool. Along this roadway that has long been a major transportation corridor, retailers are finding bright and witty ways to bring a unique flavor to shopping. Among buildings and shops being renovated you’ll discover great gifting ideas.
Paradise Baggage: Located on the south end of Broadway (4442 S. Broadway), this store has more than 35 years experience matching travel goods to the needs of shoppers. Join them on Nov. 5 for A Night Of Wishes to raise money for Make-A-Wish Colorado, 6-9 p.m. There’s a silent auction plus in-store specials with 100 percent of the money raised from a silent auction and 15 percent of sales donated. Information: 303-320-4646.
Brushstrokes Studio-Gallery: Located at 1487 S. Broadway it 
is the artistic home of painters John K. Harrell, Kit Hevron Mahoney, Anita Mosher and Kelly Berger. From representational to abstract, the artists’ work covers a gamut of styles and subject matter. Select from original fine art and giclee reproductions. Watching the process unfold is a treat for holiday shoppers at this warm, welcoming studio-gallery. Information: 303-871-0800.
Ebanista: Shop a superlative collection of furnishings and objects de’art at this store in the Denver Design District (595 S. Broadway, unit 101N). See Ebanista’s interpretation of European classic furniture and custom upholstery, textiles, rugs, pillows and mirrors, There are also oil paintings, rock crystal chandeliers, lamps, silver, bron
zes and ceramics, all characterized by a distinctive quality. Information: 303-282-1690.
The Wizard’s Chest: This family-owned Castle at 451 Broadway is filled with holiday magic for all ages. Wind-up toys rattle across tabletops, a young engineer buys her first solar robot kit, and a group of friends conquer an army of orcs in the corner. There are magic tricks, books, jigsaw puzzles, puppets, stuffed animals and science toys. The Gathering and Pokemon have become a ritual in the store’s open-play area. Information: 303-321-4304.
Paulino Gardens: Make this garden-greenhouse center at 6300 N. Broadway your holiday shopping and decorating hot spot. They sell live Christmas trees in several sizes and heights. You’ll also find poinsettias, evergreen boughs, wreaths and garlands. Also select from indoor-outdoor plants, pots, tools, fire pits and books. Gift certificates are available and never expire. Information: 303-429-8062.
Cool Colorado Blvd.
For shoppers and commuters this thoroughfare is simply “The Boulevard.” Officially it’s State Highway 2, but as it enters the metro area it becomes Colorado Blvd. From the 9th and Colorado project on the north through Glendale to Hampden Ave. this north-south strip is in the crosshairs of developers with an appetite for new
retail space.
Adams & Jane: Whether updating your home for the holidays or looking for home furnishing gifts this store is the place to stop. Offering home furnishing plus design services, the shop is in the Century 21 Plaza at 1350 S. Colorado Blvd. (soon relocating to Shops at 9th Avenue, 899 Broadway). Principal Amy Adams understands the relationship between interior design and the customer’s lifestyle. Information: 720-550-8230.
Colorado Gold Mart: Looking for holiday cash? Glendale’s only full service jeweler and watchmaker, located at 1124 S. Colorado Blvd., will loan you money on gold jewelry, diamonds, Rolexes and vintage watches. Information: 303-692-0553.
Dardano’s Shoes: For 70-plus years and four generations Dardano’s has specialized in comfort footwear, accessories and shoe repair. For yourself or as gifts you’ll find more than 60 brands of footwear and accessories to choose from in this expanded retail space at 1550 S. Colorado Blvd. Information: 303-692-9355.
Right Time Watch Center: You better watch out if you’re planning to give a timepiece for the holidays. Time is ticking away but we’re telling you where to find hundreds of brands of new and used timepieces. This watch shop at 1585 S. Colorado Blvd. has been in business since 1979 and is devoted to all phases of time products. Information: 303-691-2521.
Glinting South Gaylord
One of the oldest shopping districts in Denver, you’ll encounter shops converted from late 19th century houses. The district’s quaint shops offer unique gifts, fine art, fashion and more. The block is located between Mississippi and Tennessee Avenues.
Arts At Denver: This Old South Gaylord gallery exhibits oil paintings by more than 30 Colorado artists in a welcoming environment. Shop their annual November-December holiday shows. Information: 303-722-0422.
Hanna By Design: Choose from contemporary jewelry and art in this distinctive Old South Gaylord setting. Located at 1061 S. Gaylord St., this gallery of jewelry and art is two blocks west of University between Tennessee and Mississippi Avenues. Information: 720-502-5459.
The Tended Thicket: If you’re looking for beautiful gifts and gardening item
s this store at 1034 South Gaylord is a must. They have so many items that you really have to take your time strolling through this quaint gift shop. Information: 303-722-6815.
Mile High Holiday Mart: Choose from unique and exclusive items at this Nov. 11-13 shopping event at the Gates Field House located at the intersection of Asbury Ave. and South Gaylord St. Their award-winning cookbooks are also wonderful holiday gifts. Information: 303-692-0270.
Cheery Cherry Creek
To be sure Cherry Creek isn’t the walkable neighborhood it once was and treasured retailers have abandoned the district because of rising rents and construction. Nevertheless, there’s still an exceptional mix of classic and contemporary shopping spots worth the hassle.
Steve Rosdal Jewelers: Rosdal has been a Denver jeweler for more than 40 years, and has an intimate knowledge of diamonds, fine jewelry, and watches. Located at 231 Milwaukee St., his SHR Jewelry Associates cater to individuals looking to buy or sell jewelry. Select from the highest quality certified, conflict-free loose diamonds and estate jewelry. They also have the expertise and experience needed to locate stones that meet the most exact requirements. Information: 720-379-6505.
Show Of Hands: This unique gift shop at 210 Clayton St. showcases handmade crafts, jewelry, wall art and furniture. Choose from a fun selection of items beautifully handmade for gift giving, collecting and decorating. Information: 303-399-0201.
Paradise Pen & Montblanc Boutique: This new store in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center is known for its high-end pens. Located on the upper level near the mall’s expanded wing, shoppers can also find a line of luxury watches and jewelry. Information: 303-329-3200.
Adornments: A boutique women’s shop offers an artistic style of clothing and accessories. Nowadays a district rarity, this shop has been in Cherry Creek for 24 years. Located on 2826 E. 3rd Ave. between Fillmore and Detroit, owner Helen Wicker and her staff can help shoppers tap into the holiday spirit with selections and gifts to adore. Information: 303-321-7992.
Dan Sharp Luxury Outerwear: Shop this salon at 218 Steele St. and be dazzled by fur, cashmere and other luxury winter wear in an atelier that also deals in vintage jewelry. Select from European coats and wraps made of shearling, cashmere, leather and fur. There are also pieces made from classic, as well as non-traditional fabrics and treatments. Information: 303-333-6666.
Mad Peaches Med Spa: Looking for perfect holiday gift(s)? Gift certificates to Mad Peaches (75 S. Madison) impress both women and men. Moreover they can be used toward services, products and boutique items. The receiver gets to decide! You can pick them up or call and they will send them to recipients. Information: 303-474-4436.
Glowing Glendale
A shopping and sporting Mecca, Glendale is a 384-acre enclave surrounded by Denver. Despite its seemingly small stature, this village has a big personality, and has built itself to reflect that while remaining grounded. Known as Rugby Town USA and home of Infinity Park, the ambitious G180 development is anticipated to make Glendale the Valley’s premier retail, entertainment and dining icon.
The Bookies: A bookstore like no other, this community focused, independent store at 4315 E. Mississippi Ave. is a holiday shopping bonanza. Home to over 100,000 titles, you’ll find something for everyone. Pick from children’s books, craft and science kits, board games and a carefully curated adult section. Information: 303-759-1117.
Device Pitstop: Just opened in Glendale’s Skyline Plaza, this store buys, sells, trades, repairs and upgrades computers and mobile electronic devices. The store at 760 S. Colorado Blvd. B1 allows you to buy gently used, refurbished or repaired devices as gifts. Select from computers, smartphones, iPods, laptops and tablets. Information: 720-398-9045.
Central City Opera: Give family and friends gifts to next summer’s Central City Opera (July 8-Aug. 6). Gift cards can be purchased for any amount. The Opera’s Box Office is located in Glendale’s Wells Fargo Bldg., 400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 525. The elite music festival is less than an hour away and the company offers opera favorites, American works, plus new and rarely performed pieces. Information: 303-292-6700.
Cost Plus World Market: Looking for gifts that are diverse and distinctive? This retail store at 770 S. Colorado Blvd. has an eclectic array of imports. Choose from unique gifts, furniture, home decor, imported rugs and curtains. There’s also specialty foods and wine. Information: 303-758-0530.
by Mark Smiley | Oct 3, 2016 | Feature Story Bottom Left
by Congresswoman Diana DeGette
Congress has returned to Washington, having failed throughout the spring and summer to take meaningful action on some of the nation’s most pressing problems. Thanks to Republican legislators’ intransigence, we are now confronted by an issue that grew substantially worse while we were away: the spread of the Zika virus on American soil.
Fortunately, Colorado faces little threat of an outbreak, as researchers at Colorado State University recently proved. The mosquito that spreads the disease doesn’t thrive in our climate. There could be isolated cases involving travel to Zika-affected areas or intimate contact with people who have traveled there, but no mass spread is expected.
However, in meetings and at events throughout August, constituents raised justifiable concerns with me about Zika. They’re rightly concerned that the country is grappling with an ailment that only recently emerged on the world’s consciousness and is directly affecting Americans now.
Throughout the year, I’ve vocally supported President Obama’s request for nearly $2 billion for Zika research, prevention and treatment. Democrats throughout Congress have done the same. But the majority refused to fully fund that effort. In fact, in late summer as Congress prepared to reconvene, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said current Zika funding would run out when the fiscal year ended on September 30.
Nevertheless, there was delay in DC at this critical point in our fight against this persistent and pernicious disease, and the funding effort fell short.
Clinical trials on a possible vaccine, which have just gotten under way on a limited scale through the National Institutes for Health, can’t be carried out with no funding. In fact, NIH says it’s irresponsible to start any larger trials unless we can see them through.
There are infants in Zika-affected areas who show no signs of the virus now, but may do so as they develop. Longitudinal studies tracking their progress will be impossible without sufficient support.
And even though infection rates will drop with the arrival of cooler temperatures, they won’t go to zero. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito that carries the illness has been shown to effectively survive the winter and come back in the next year.
Earlier this summer, President Obama addressed the nation about the Zika threat once it began to spread in parts of the continental United States. He reassured us that public health experts don’t expect to see the kind of widespread outbreaks that had occurred in Brazil, Puerto Rico and elsewhere. However, he noted that “we cannot be complacent because we do expect to see more Zika cases.”
Congress must provide sufficient Zika funding immediately to state and local authorities along with federal agencies such as the CDC so they can do what’s necessary to combat Zika. And the funds shouldn’t come from other important health efforts, such as developing a vaccine for Ebola, nor be weighed down by provisions that are likely to cause needless controversy.
With the right support, we can speed the development of a vaccine, allow more people to get tested and get a prompt result, and ensure that states and communities have the resources they need to fight the mosquito that carries the virus.
Congress shouldn’t drag its feet, borrow funds from elsewhere, or do anything less than fully support this effort. We must ensure that we have the resources we need to take every step necessary to protect the American people from the Zika virus.
Diana DeGette represents the people of Colorado’s First District in the United States Congress.
by Mark Smiley | Aug 29, 2016 | Feature Story Bottom Left
As I get older more mature I am finding different things becoming important to me when dating than I did say 10 years ago. Let me explain… When I was a young, optimistic, single guy I wanted the moon, the stars and the sun when I was prospecting single ladies. Everything was based on wants. I want a woman who is smoking hot with a great body. I want a gal who is sharp as a tack and can handle herself in social situations. I want a lady who has no kids and has never been married. I want to find a chick that is happy and healthy within her. I want a babe who is baggage free and only has eyes for me. Heck I even wanted a girl that had stacks of cash. I think you get the point. I wanted the world in a woman and when it became apparent to me that she deviated away from my grand vision I would label her as “not right for me” and move on to the next.
Then I lived some life. It’s not that my standards have dropped, they have just changed. Sure the qualities I was looking for as a young dater would be nice to find today in one perfect woman who is crazy about me, but like I said, I now have some life experience behind me and that is just not reasonable. Back then the importance was WANT and now the emphasis is on what I DON’T WANT. Sometimes in life making sure that you understand what is toxic for your constitution is much more important than searching for someone who fits a certain idea in your mind.
Now when I date I put my shallow “wants” on the back burner and focus on the “don’t wants.” Here’s an example. I don’t want someone who constantly has a problem and if she doesn’t have one she is sure to manifest one. I don’t want a woman who is an attention whore more concerned with making sure every man finds her attractive instead of feeling good just knowing that I think she’s beautiful. I don’t want a gal who is always broke financially and can’t take care of herself. I don’t want a chick that has issues with being content with who she is. I don’t want a chick who thinks getting the perfect selfie is more important that striving to be the best self she can be. I could go on, and I will… I don’t want a babe, just kidding, I am done. You get what I am laying out here.
Again, I love all of the “wants” that I listed earlier and I am very open to having all of those qualities in a woman but those wants don’t cloud my brain anymore making it possible for the “don’t wants” to sneak into my life. I wish you would try this. Some people call it settling but I call it growing up and being aware. Being aware that how you are perceived by the Jones’ is less important than finding what makes you happy, healthy and prosperous.
What sounds better to you? A woman who turns every head in the room and is a flight risk, or a lady who turns your head because you know she’s loving and loyal? I’m not going to lie, and guys you know this, men want to have the most attractive chick in the room. We are just wired that way. There is nothing wrong with that but more times than not that visually pleasing, delicious looking, jaw dropping chick has more issues than Time magazine. Problems you don’t need.
Instead of judging a book by the cover and being the pot that calls the kettle black, try reading the books that will inspire you and you just might find that black kettle is just like you. Imperfectly, perfect.
See you next month!
Your pal, Sheik.
