by Valley Gadfly | Nov 21, 2016 | Valley Gadfly
Boom-bay-yay: It’s time to wrap-up those holiday gifts and get ready to welcome in the New Year. Fresh beginnings, clean starts, reaffirmation of love and promises of a bright future come to mind as the Valley gets set to ring in a New Year. We’re also reminded of the words to Auld Lang Syne written in 1788 by Scottish Poet Robert Burns.
“Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and days o’lang syne!” It is a New Year’s Eve ritual in song.
Here are our should not be forgot choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to fill you with fun, food and good fortune to carry you into a bright New Year:
3 Brighten the holidays and your home by shopping at Paulino Gardens Christmas Open House Dec. 2-4. It’s a winter wonderland of décor and gift ideas plus hot apple cider and cookies. Information: 303-429-8062.
3 Donate toys to kids in need on Old South Gaylord Dec. 3, 12-4 p.m., or Dec. 6 at Denver Mattress (1243 S. Colorado Blvd.) Information: 303-988-2465.
3 Travel through the 12 days of Christmas with the Denver Pops Orchestra at Historic Grant Ave. Dec. 10, 4 and 7 p.m. Information: 303-733-8940.
3 Make and decorate gingerbread to take home at Denver Botanic Gardens workshop on Dec. 10-11, 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. Information: 720-865-3501.
3 The Monaco Inn Restaurant has become a Valley holiday tradition and families can enjoy those familiar smells and tastes again this Christmas Eve 4-8 p.m. and New Year’s Eve, 4-9 p.m. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 Thrilling and beautiful, St. Martin’s Chamber Choir will again sing the Christmas carols of England at St. John’s Cathedral Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. Organist Ralph Valentine adds accompaniment. Information: 303-298-1970.
3 Enjoy fireworks of laughter New Year’s Eve at the Bovine Metropolis Theater shows on Champa 4, 7 and 10 p.m. Information: 303-758-4722.
3 Look up in the sky over the 16th St. Mall New Year’s Eve as fireworks sparkle down at 8 p.m. and again at midnight. Information: 303-892-1112.
3 Take your family on a trip back in time this season. Four Mile Historic Park brings back the true spirit of Christmas, when the holiday wasn’t about shopping but the fun of connecting with family and friends. This year the event is Dec. 3, 12-4 p.m. Ring in the season Victorian style decorating the Four Mile tree, singing carols, creating crafts, music and storytelling. Father Christmas attends. Information: 720-865-0800.
Valley streets, restaurants and pubs ring with the lilting tune Auld Lang Syne each New Year’s Eve. It is sweet, nostalgic and hopeful so thus we sing. Or, at least we hum the first couple of lines then mumble into champagne glasses. Guy Lombardo is credited with popularizing the song when his band played it between radio shows in 1929.
By coincidence, as he did the show from New York’s Roosevelt Hotel he played Auld Lang Syne as the clock hit midnight. Thus the New Year’s tradition was born.
Year’s end — as it is often noted — is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. Be at peace with your neighbors and at war with your vices as you recall those days gone by. As we wrap up the holidays and ring in the New Year, “we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet for auld lang syne.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Oct 21, 2016 | Valley Gadfly
The time continuum has caught up with us: The holidays — Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas — are about to transport us back to the future. It is a far-fetched mode of transport involving slumber, dreams and spirits. We navigate through Turkey Day feasts and fictional characters such as Ebenezer Scrooge and Santa Claus.
Each holiday season is a sister of our past. The past is the future with the lights turned on. For youngsters the future seems far away. Their retort: Hurry up, please!
Here are our time machine choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to usher you into a veritable theme park of holiday attractions that seem oddly familiar:
3 Travel down the red carpet to the Denver Film Festival, Nov. 2-16. La La Land opens the fest and Lost in Paris is receiving the Rare Pearl Award. Jackie closes the Sie FilmCenter event. Information: 720-381-0813.
3 Take time to enjoy the art displayed at Park Hill Methodist Church by the Art Club Nov. 4, 4:30-8 p.m. and Sat. 10-4. Information: 303-388-5113.
3 Seize a moment in time for the Autism Society’s Moonlight Masquerade gala at the Ritz Carlton Nov. 5, 6 p.m. Information: 720-214-0793.
3 Toy with fun choices during the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Winter Gift Market Nov. 11-12, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. to 5 p.m. Information: 720-865-2501.
3 Reserve tables in time to feast on Thanksgiving (Nov. 24) at Cherry Creek North’s Inn at Cherry Creek, 2-9 p.m. An all-you-can-eat turkey dinner will keep family and friends joyful and full. Information: 303-377-8577.
3 Time travel is possible so begin exploring now for new, pre-owned, lease-purchase or trade cars. Wing it to Ariay Auto Sales & Leasing on Cherry Creek North Dr. to land your dream vehicle. Information: 303-500-5100.
3 St. Martin’s Chamber Choir treks through 400 years of Shakespearean music at St. Andrew’s Church, Nov. 13, 3 p.m. Information: 303-298-1970.
3 Travel at light speed as you go back to the future at Blossoms of Lights in the Denver Botanic Gardens, Nov. 25-Jan. 1. Information: 720-865-3501.
3 Always exciting, the 9th annual JAAMM Fest returns to the JCC campus Nov. 3-21. It opens with the premiere of the film Munich ’72 and Beyond. The New York Times’ Alice Hoffman headlines the author series discussing her book The Marriage of Opposites. The array of music series artists includes Israeli superstar Noa at the Newman Center, plus a return visit by New York Jazz artist Eli Degibri. Information: 303-316-6300.
Science suggests that the earth is far older than the original biblical time scale. French scholar Pierre-Simon marquis de Laplace proposed in 1814 that if a supreme intelligence knew the position of all particles at a single point in time, it could calculate the exact state of nature for every preceding and succeeding moment.
For such an intellect, the influential scholar of physics and astronomy wrote, “Nothing would be uncertain and the future as the past would be present to its eyes.”
Far-fetched? For us the holidays are about history, mystery, nostalgia and hope. No matter what our personal beliefs may be, this is the season to toy with ideas. It’s informative to imagine playing with the past, the future and new technologies. The past tells us the holidays are for having fun, and we all know what that does to time.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Oct 3, 2016 | Valley Gadfly
A big Boo to you: Don’t be a Scaredy Cat, this is the Bootiful time of year. Autumn is fading in like a softly sung hymn. There is a rosiness to the leaves around town that wasn’t there only a week ago. Soon the quaking aspen trees in our hills and mountains will be aflame, a riot of gold. Halloween is creeping in to make “spirits” bright.
Jeepers Creepers: For some reason around about Halloween time as the Lion in the Wizard of Oz whispered out loud, “I do believe in spooks, I do, I do, I do!”
Here are our Fang-tastic broom-closet choices for shopping, dining and entertainment so you’ll be the Ghostess with the Mostess as you eat, drink and be scary:
3 Take your family to enjoy the treats at the Pumpkin Harvest Festival at Four Mile Park Oct. 1-2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Build a scarecrow, select a perfect pumpkin and dance to live music. Information: 720-865-0800.
3 Scram to the Sie FilmCenter Oct. 1, 8 and 15 to see the trio of scary Halloween horror films playing, 9:30 p.m. Information: 730-381-0813.
3 See the first ever DCPA production of Tennessee William’s The Glass Menagerie at the Ricketson through Oct. 16. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Run to Wash Park Oct. 21 for a 5K treat-filled run-walk to raise funds for the Boys & Girls Club, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-892-9200.
3 Take breaks from this month’s freakish Halloween happenings by enjoying the spooktacular, fun food at the Monaco Inn Restaurant. They stir up dishes for every taste, no tricks. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 Don’t freak out and let your kids fall behind in math this school year. The trick is to enroll them at Mathnasum’s math learning centers. Surprise: Your child could become crazy about math! Information: 303-333-6284.
3 See Ballet Ariel’s adaptation of Appalachian Spring at the Cleo Parker Robinson Theater Oct. 22-23, 7:30 & 3 p.m. Information: 303-945-4388.
3 Take the kids to Hauntings in the Hangar at Lowry Oct. 29, noon-4 p.m. to see Sci-Fi characters and enjoy space treats. Information: 303-360-5360.
3 For a not-too-scary but exceptionally enjoyable treat for the entire family take them to Colorado Symphony’s Halloween Spooktacular at Boettcher Concert Hall Oct. 31, 2:30 p.m. Kids of all ages will enjoy the music of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Suite, the Star Wars Theme and the Superman March. Musicians trade in their tuxes and tails for costumes and your family can do the same. Information: 303-623-7876.
Sandwiched between blazing summer and chilly winter, October is the “cooling off” month. The Jewish festival of Sukkot begins on Oct. 16 to commemorate the time spent in exile by giving thanks. Halloween celebrations (All Hallows Eve) on Oct. 31 are a reminder of our connection with death and the spirits of those who have left the earth.
There’s a nip in the air but here in Colorado one can never be certain if October is officially the end of summer. Our mindset is simply that the moon is full and bright.
Make no bones about it, this is the month for batty Halloween Ex-FEAR-iences. There’s certain to be low flying bats clownin’ around. But there are also cool prospects for carvin’ out some good times. Take your eye off the goblins long enough to watch each leaf make its final dance to mother earth. Best Witches for making “Spirits” bright.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Mark Smiley | Aug 29, 2016 | Valley Gadfly
Chill out: This is the month when we begin to think of cozying up by the fireplace. Is it getting a little chilly out there, or is it just us? September begins the season of crunching leaves and shorter days. Kids frolic in leaf piles on the lawn and are back in school again. And what else? Pumpkin-flavored everything is upon us.
Fall is celebrated as the season of awe. Sarah Morgan Bryan-Piatt explained September thus: “It is the summer’s great last heat. It is the fall’s first chill: They meet!”
Here are our bright choices for shopping, dining and entertainment as daylight begins to fade to fall to help you fill the season with a heaping harvest of happiness:
3 Savor a taste of fall weather while having appetizers, entrees and desserts from local eateries during the Taste of Colorado, Sept. 2-5. The Civic Center Park event even adds a side of music. Information: 303-295-6330.
3 Your family will still fall for Star Trek at 50. Episodes of original series play at Sie FilmCenter Sept. 8, 7 and 10 p.m. Information: 720-381-0813.
3 Thinking of renovating and remodeling this fall? The Colorado Fall Home Show is at the Convention Center Sept. 9-11 Information: 303-932-8100.
3 Cozy up for Colorado Symphony’s Rocky Mountain High John Denver concert at Boettcher Hall, Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
3 Blast into the season of awe feasting on tasty barbecue during the Swine Emporium grand opening Sept. 24, noon until midnight. This new kitchen in the Bar Car is featuring a slider trio special. Information: 720-524-8099.
3 Get fit as a fiddle this fall. The changing season is the perfect time to get into the best shape ever. Expert coaching and advanced technology at KoKo FitClub obtains life-changing results. Information: 303-872-8380.
3 Even if every leaf isn’t a fall flower, the Dahlia Show at Paulino Gardens will brighten up the season Sept. 10-11. Information: 303-429-8062.
3 The fall art scene turns to decorated masks this month. See 500 displayed in the Cherry Creek Mall, Sept. 12-Oct. 9. Information: 303-321-2828.
3 Hear, see and experience the latest in high-end, high fidelity audio equipment during this fall’s Rocky Mountain Audio Fest, Oct. 7-9. Returning to the Denver Marriott Tech Center, it is the biggest consumer fair for audio and home entertainment in North America. Attendees will enjoy eight floors and more than 170 exhibit rooms. There’s dozens of seminars plus live entertainment. Information: 303-393-7918.
Whether it’s a song about the summer coming to an end, the sun making way for rain and snow, or the classic sight of autumn leaves, we bet you’re gonna fall for fall. This month’s real cool front is likely days or weeks away. Simmer down; fall doesn’t have to be a depressing time to work and study. So welcome y’all into fall’s beauty.
To enjoy the season you just have to layer up, embrace the change in the air, and listen to some music that suits the mood of the season. Time to turn over a new leaf!
Baseball season has hit the home stretch, while football season is just warming up. Jewelers aren’t the only place to see gold in autumn; visit our parks. The Old Farmer’s Almanac offered the best advice for fall. In 1993 they wrote: “Of autumn’s wine, now drink your fill; the frost’s on the pumpkin, and the snow’s on the hill.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Mark Smiley | Jul 22, 2016 | Valley Gadfly
Summer’s sky is in full bloom. Puffy white clouds — those feather canyons in the sky — are everywhere. Joni Mitchell’s lyrics depict them thus, “Rows and flows of angel hair and ice cream castles in the air.” August is when you’re authorized to be laid-back, stretch out on the grass and scrutinize those hovering palettes of heavenly clouds.
In meteorology, a cloud is a visible mass of liquid droplets or frozen crystals of water and various chemicals suspended in the atmosphere above us.
Here are our last month of summer puffy, unearthly choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to keep you partly cloudy, with low humidity and hints of fall:
3 With cloud cover blocking out the sun most days, set up a neighborhood block party during Denver Days through Aug. 7. Plan a picnic, social event or service project around town. Information: 720-865-9090.
3 Soak up time in the shade with friends and fellow workers at Cherry Creek North’s Food & Wine, Aug. 13, 6-9 p.m. Information: 303-606-7332.
3 Enjoy cloud cooled Wednesday evenings through Aug. 17 listening to music at the Shady Grove Picnic Series. Information: 303-777-1005.
3 You’ll be in the clouds when your duck wins the Hope Floats fundraiser at Lowry’s Great Lawn Park Aug. 20, 11 a.m. information: 303-928-7100.
3 Take cover in the garden-level Grind Kitchen with a new American menu plus craft cocktails, homemade sodas & beer. Information: 720-749-4158.
3 Pick a shady spot to live adjacent to Sloan’s Lake in new row homes for sale with a cool community garden on site. Information: 303-934-9091.
3 Chill under cloudy skies for the yearly ice cream social plus rock & roll in the Rose Garden Plaza on Havana Aug. 23, 6 p.m. Information: 303-360-7505.
3 See Lowry Foundation’s Artists In August show beneath the shady Wings Over The Rockies Aug. 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 303-344-0581.
3 Brews will be brewing in the shade for you to taste during the Bruises + Brews Beerfest at Infinity Park, Aug. 27, noon-4 p.m. Event features tastings from 15 Colorado breweries including Comrade Brewing, honored at the 2016 World Beer Cup. There will also be live music and three distilleries. Plus there’s certain to be cloud cover for watching the international 7s rugby action. Information: Glendalebeerfest.com.
Clouds soak up sun’s solar rays during the day and allow the evening to buzz with delightful aroma. Like a grapevine-covered trellis, they keep us tucked under shaded cover so we can enjoy cool strolls. Cloud cover allows us to enjoy a picnic with a bottle of wine and the scent of sun-kissed flowers as we wait for those magnificent sunsets.
On a representative August day in the Cherry Creek Valley the sky is partly cloudy 34 percent of the time, and mostly cloudy or overcast 40 percent of the time.
To be sure clouds and cloud cover block the sun and help keep us cool. But like our assumptions about Valley weather, Mitchell’s lyrical and poetic finale articulates our August outlook best: “I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now. From up and down, and still somehow it’s cloud illusions I recall. I really don’t know clouds at all.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Jun 24, 2016 | Valley Gadfly
There is a joy to being outside. Lush backyards, gardens, parks and streetscapes provide us with a perfect, secluded world of our own. They resituate us in relation to the natural world and restore connections we may have forgotten were there. Flowers, trees and lawns magnificent in their richest of greens afford a small piece of paradise on earth.
It is a surviving fragment of the old, placid way of life that stands in contrast to the countless construction sites bearing boxy buildings that now depict our Valley.
Here are our “blessed to have a backyard” choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to walk, stroll, run, perch and succumb to nature’s beauty:
3 For exquisitely beautiful outdoor weekend getaways head to Four Mile Historic Park to enjoy live music July 6, 13, 20 & 27. Groups entertain at the Shady Grove Picnic Series, 6 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
3 Escape to a perfectly secluded splash in the sun during Water Fest at the JCC campus pool July 10, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: 303-316-6308.
3 Sprawl out on Glendale’s Infinity Park lawn to see Mamma Mia July 11, The Goonies July 18 & Mrs. Doubtfire July 25, 7 p.m. Information: moviesatinfinitypark.com.
3 Stroll Denver Botanic Gardens with a curator July 14 to learn about new sculpture exhibition and the artists, 9:30 a.m. Information: 720-865-3501.
3 Gather family on Lowry’s Masterpiece Kitchen patio. It’s a stunner with indoor-outdoor bar, cushy sofas plus fire pit. Information: 720-324-8873.
3 Shop for clothes, cooking and BBQ items plus fun backyard stuff at Cherry Creek North’s Sidewalk Sale July 14-17. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 Chill at the Frozen Treat Progressive Party On Havana St. July 17, noon-4 p.m. Sample free ice cream, yogurt and custard. Information: 303-360-7505.
3 Meander Denver Botanic Gardens with margaritas at the Kemp Alliance’s Salt On The Rim event, July 27, 5:30 p.m. Information: 303-864-5300.
3 Connect with friends, neighbors and business associates at the Cherry Creek Chamber’s version of UK’s garden croquet. The annual Wicket & Stick It Croquet Tournament is Aug. 5 on the outdoor plaza behind BRIO Tuscan Grille, 2-9 p.m. Teams battle for coveted Wicket & Stick It Silver Cup plus many more prizes. Enjoy beer, wine plus food morsels from area eateries with player and spectator tickets. Information: 303-388-6022.
“When we’re out back, it doesn’t feel like we’re in downtown Cherry Creek,” a neighbor declared at a recent community backyard luau. Okay, I actually live in a high-rise but with a football field size backyard. It features grand outdoor rooms offering a variety of experiences that give way to mountain vistas on the West.
Outdoor spaces offer us refuge from the city, a place where we can rediscover our natural roots and reconnect with our souls, an oasis that adds to the quality of our lives.
Jogging down a tree-lined path, a family picnic on a sunny lawn and sharing a community garden’s harvest outdoors is something everyone should be able to enjoy. Outdoor spaces boost real estate values while attracting business. It isn’t just about making our planet better; it makes us feel better plus making our lives work better.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
