by Mark Smiley | Jul 24, 2017 | Valley Gadfly
Every month, but especially during the summer, flowers add enjoyment and meaning to our lives and community. Across cultures and time they speak a universal language of enjoyment, respect, appreciation and love. They articulate our underlying need to reach out, to bond, and to express compassion, concern and understanding.
This is the 50th anniversary of San Francisco’s Summer of Love. That era’s Flower Power theme is still relevant and, in fact, is as significant and timely today.
Here is our bouquet of choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to add beauty, vitality and enjoyment to inspire a smile and feeling of joy to each day:
3 Wednesdays blossom with music at the Shady Grove Picnic Series with the Rocky Mountain Jewgrass, The Deltaz, La Pompe Jazz & Atomga at Four Mile Park Aug. 2-23, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
3 Fashion flowers with an adult and kids Serenity Project fashion show at Wings Over The Rockies Aug. 5-6, 7 p.m. Information: 719-640-7469.
3 Love blooms on stage each weekend as On Golden Pond plays the John Hand Theater in Lowry Aug. 7-28. Information: 720-530-4596.
3 Chill out tasting food and enjoying wine at Cherry Creek North’s Food & Wine along Fillmore Plaza Aug. 12, 6 p.m. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 For a love affair between wine, food and music make Brik on York this summer’s hangout. You’ll enjoy global wines, Neapolitan pizza and Italian-influenced fare in exposed-brick digs. Information: 303-284-6754.
3 Wilting in the heat? Locally owned Cherry Creek Shade & Drapery can keep you cool, offering consultations on sun-blocking shades, screens, shutters plus custom draperies and blinds. Information: 303-355-4223.
3 Enjoy ice cream and the Six Foot Joe & The Red Hot Rhinos concert at The Gardens on Havana Aug. 22, 6 p.m. Information: 303-360-7505.
3 Become a budding collector buying at Artists In August Show at Wings Over The Rockies Aug. 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 303-344-0481.
3 Enjoy a bouquet of beer from 20 breweries showcasing their top brews at Glendale’s Bruises+Brews Beerfest at Infinity Park Aug. 27, 12-4 p.m. As the City says, “beer and rugby are better together.” Admission includes a ticket to the RugbyTown 7s tournament (The “bruises” part!). There will also be a few distilleries and a couple of hard ciders available. Join rugby fans and beer aficionados. Information: glendalebeerfest.com.
Each summer flowers beautify nature and the scenic view around us. Flowers have been radiating, exuding and symbolizing peace throughout the millennia. Rooted in opposition to the Vietnam War, the Flower Power movement was centered in San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury district. Hippies living there were dubbed “flower children.”
The area became the focal point of psychedelic rock music. In the summer of 1965, the Beatles’ hit single All You Need Is Love served as the movement’s anthem.
As you enjoy flowers this summer, consider their ongoing potential to express the best of human character and action. Flowers offer much more than just beauty. They embody our hopes and wishes that transcend place and time. As the First Lady of Flowers Lady Bird Johnson often suggested: “When flowers bloom so does hope.”
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Jun 23, 2017 | Valley Gadfly
Take Ten: Simmer down, settle back and take time out to unwind. July is a noisy time, when fireworks and new life are bursting forth and birds chirp and sing. Enjoy the glorious roar of fireworks along with summer thunderstorms. To rephrase Katy Perry, you gotta ignite the light and let it shine. Just own every day like it’s the Fourth of July.
On Independence Day and at weekend gatherings, weeknight dinners and on restaurant patios we gather to eat, drink, socialize and bask in beautiful views.
Here are our rapid-fire action choices for shopping, dining and entertainment so that each day will be a blast of food, fun and fireworks with jaw-dropping velocity:
3 Light the fuse for pyrotechnic fun by viewing Glendale’s Fireworks Show July 1. The dazzling display begins at dusk (9-9:30 p.m.) and can be seen from Valley eateries, bars, patios and porches. Information: 303-759-1513.
3 Chill out on Wednesday evenings at the Shady Grove Picnic Series in Four Mile Park July 5, 12, 19 & 25, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
3 Pack up a picnic and enjoy free movies on Infinity Park’s Jumbo Screen July 10, 17 & 24, 6:30 p.m. Information: moviesatinfinitypark.com.
3 Find hot deals at shops and businesses during the Cherry Creek North Sidewalk Sale, July 13-14 10 a.m-5 p.m., Information: 303-394-2904.
3 For food and fun try Del Frisco’s Grille in Cherry Creek. Grab lunch, dinner or a drink in the modern, inviting and stylish spot. Happy hour on the rooftop patio is great on summer nights. Information: 303-320-8289.
3 Need to free up some space? Edgemark Self Storage is a brand new, state-of-the-art facility that’s just opened on S. Birch St. in Glendale. It’s clean, and boasts temperature control and Wi-Fi. Information: 720-550-6551.
3 Join Glendale Y’s Trivia Night fundraiser at Infinity Park Event Center including dinner and prizes July 22, 5-9 p.m. Information: 303-639-4711.
3 Attend On Havana Street’s annual free Dotsero Jazz Concert and Pizza Party at the Rose Garden Plaza in Aurora, July 25, 6 p.m. Information: 303-360-7505.
3 To capture July’s patriotic spirit make plans to take the family to Four Mile Historic Park’s Independence Celebration on Saturday July 1, 5-10 p.m. You’ll see historic demonstrations, take the kids on wagon rides and play old-fashioned games while enjoying live music. Food trucks and a beer garden are on site. Moreover there’s free admission plus you can stay to watch the Glendale Fireworks Show. Information: 720-865-0800.
Allow the summer breeze and sun’s rays to wake you up gently in the morning. Rise up, be fresh and see the bright opportunity in each day this month. Choose to shine even if you have to create your own sunshine. Remember, you’ll never have this day again so have a blast and make it count. Don’t look back you’re not going that way.
The Dog Days of Summer begin in July and it is the hottest of the year bringing with it more thunderstorms. Temperatures average 84-91 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Roman Senate named this month in honor of the Roman general Julius Caesar’s birthday. It’s the month we’re reminded this is a land full of power and glory. As the words of Lee Greenwood so beautifully express it: “I thank my lucky stars to be living here today. I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | May 26, 2017 | Valley Gadfly
“Good morning, sunshine,” said the morning moon as she opened the window to greet the day. After our late May snowstorm we’re truly ready to start feeling like winter is over and done for another year. The beginning of this month is the breezeway to summer and you can feel the sun’s rays as you slowly begin decompressing.
June 21 of course begins summer solstice, marking the longest day of the year. We can all enjoy early dawns and long days with late sunsets and shorter nights.
Here are our warmhearted choices for shopping, dining and entertainment so that every window opens to great possibilities and you can romp, splash and seize summer:
3 Begin the month at the first of 10 free Sunday City Park Jazz events June 4, 6 p.m. The soul-funk-do-wop mix of The Other Black featuring Wesley Watkins opens at City Park Pavilion. Information: cityparkjazz.org.
3 Chill out with family and friends at the kid-friendly Lowry Beer Garden Anniversary Party fundraiser June 8, 4-9 p.m. Information: 303-366-0114.
3 Enjoy food and music as you view great art at the Art Students League Summer Art Market on Grant St, June 10-11. Information: 303-778-6990.
3 Seize summer as you have a savory time at the Denver Greek Festival on the Greek Cathedral campus June 16-18. Information: 303-388-0314.
3 Looking for a cool summer eatery with a bar, large covered patio plus children’s play area? Try The Goods Restaurant directly connected to the Tattered Cover Bookstore on Colfax. Information: 303-355-5445.
3 Spruce up for summer with new fabrics for your drapery, upholstery, cushions and pillows from Boris’s Upholstery. Enjoy cool deals of 20-50% off fabrics to fit your style and budget. Information: 303-751-2921.
3 June’s hottest deal is the Art of Brunch, a free Santa Fe Art District art crawl at 30 galleries June 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 303-953-1789.
3 Swing-sway into summer to disco, Motown and jazz at Tunisia Concert on Havana Street’s Rose Garden Plaza June 27. Information: 303-360-7505.
3 This summer is sure to be a hot one, so be sure to reserve a shady spot on Wednesday nights at Four Mile Park’s Shady Grove Concert Series, 6:30 p.m. The series kicks off June 14 as the Tallgrass trio cools the air with songs of happiness. Favorites like Perpetual Motion and Rocky Mountain Jewgrass are returning. New faces include The Deltas and The River Arkansas. Bring the family and a picnic. Information: 303-777-1003.
Heat from the sun begins to intensify this month due to the angle of sunlight plus added day length. However, the land and oceans are still relatively cool, so the maximum heating effect is not felt just yet. The Valley’s hottest temperatures won’t begin to appear until late July and August, or even later as the stored heat is finally released.
The hallmark of June is the return of color. The skies seem bluer, the grass begins to grow again, and the flowers bloom, bursting open with color and fresh life.
The sun’s rays reach the ground here during 70 percent of daylight hours. Typically on 10 days this month the sky is clear, with maybe 30 percent cloud cover. Fences begin to sway and the porches swing as the sky begins to rumble. June is one of the most active months for thunderstorms. This is also the month when showers come wrapped in rainbows.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Apr 28, 2017 | Valley Gadfly
It’s May in the Cherry Creek Valley. Kids are playing in the sprinklers, there are festivals every weekend and everywhere you look things are in full bloom. Wander neighborhood streets, gardens and parks and they’re pumping out beautiful foliage and fabulous flowers. It’s the month to get tanned, rested and ready for summer.
May is one of the most gorgeous months of the year. The bees are buzzing, the flowers are blooming and the birds are chirping. It is emblematic of love and success.
Here are our surefire sunlit choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to make the month shine bright, beautiful and bold like a bountiful bouquet of flowers:
3 May is with us; the month of sunshine, flowers and the fun Furry Scurry two-mile walk around Wash Park May 6, 9 a.m. Vendors offer pet-related products, plus food, demos and contests. Information: 303-751-5772.
3 Spring for Denver Recycles’ free mulch giveaway May 6 at Havana Nursery and four satellite sites, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Information: 720-913-1311.
3 May is the month of big celebrations so don’t miss Denver Film Society’s 40th May 11 at Wings Over the Rockies, 7 p.m. Information: 303-595-3456.
3 Maybe May is lucky so head to the Hold ’Em Poker fundraiser game in Phillips Hall at the JCC May 18, 5:30 p.m. Information: 303-316-6312.
3 The most special day in May is Mother’s Day so show her how special she is by treating her at the Valley’s favorite neighborhood Italian Bistro Shells & Sauce on Sunday, May 14. Reservations: 303-377-2091.
3 Another May new buds and flowers shall bring: Ah, it’s the last month of spring and time to treat yourself to energy efficient window shades from Cherry Creek Shade & Drapery. Information: 303-355-4223.
3 May is magical so catch the Illusionists playing at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House live from Broadway, May 19-21. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 For a marvelous May day custom take free Lawn Bowling lessons at Wash Park, May 20, 11 a.m. Info: washingingtonparklawnbowlingclub.com.
3 May is a fun time for outdoor festivals, food and fun and nothing could be finer than Colorado Corks & Cuisine at Four Mile Historic Park May 25, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Enjoy brewed, distilled, vented, and plated summer creations at this out-of-doors artisans event. Your support for the annual Four Mile fundraiser goes to help both community events and low-cost school programming year-around. Information: 721-865-0800.
In any given year, no month ever begins or ends on the same day of the week as May does. May is the month of flowers and also the month with the shortest name. Going back to ancient times, May was a time for outdoor festivities and celebration. People back then celebrated by marching in flower-decked parades (not unlike modern-day parades).
Among the changing months of the year, Scottish poet and playwright James Thomson declared, “May stands confest. The sweetest, and in fairest colors dressed.”
’Tis the month when the Valley is covered with plants and flowers sprouting colors that sizzle in the sunshine. With each day going by hope is reborn, dreams come true and a little step is taken toward happiness. Our wish then: May this May be unbelievably exceptional, amazingly colorful and filled with joy, laughter and love.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Mar 24, 2017 | Valley Gadfly
“A gush of bird-song, a patter of dew, a cloud, and a rainbow’s warning, suddenly sunshine and perfect blue, all of a sudden it’s April.” Okay, we know this isn’t Paris, but our tiny space on the planet is one of a half-dozen spots considered Paris of the West. Joyful, refreshing and magnificent, this month is glorious from the opening day.
We can’t be sure raindrops won’t yet be falling on our head. What’s more, April showers can’t hurt us and it won’t be long till sunshine and flowers pop up to greet us.
Here are our “splendor in the grass” choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to give you an appetite for action and adventure as spring is served:
3 It’s springtime, baby! Dance over to the JCC’s Wolf Theater to see Cherry Creek Theatre’s production of The Baby Dance playing Thurs. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. through April 23. Information: 303-800-6578.
3 Roar into spring viewing cars, cars and more cars at the Denver Auto Show in the Convention Center April 5-9. Information: 303-225-8000.
3 Remember cool jukebox tunes? Spring to the Buell Theatre to see the jukebox musical Mamma Mia, April 11-16. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Go to Central Christian April 16 for a Brunch & Egg Hunt at 9:15 a.m. followed by worship service at 10:45 a.m. Information: 303-744-1015.
3 The Inn at Cherry Creek is serving traditional Easter choices April 16, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Choose from Rack of Lamb, Grilled Salmon, Glazed Ham, Stuffed French Toast or Eggs Benedict. Information: 303-377-8577.
3 There are few rites of spring more satisfying than clean windows. For clean interior and exterior windowpanes without the pain let Justin’s Window Cleaning make them sparkle. Information: 720-626-2146.
3 Tune into the season sampling lighter wines at Lowry Uncorked in the Eisenhower Chapel April 21, 6-8:30 p.m. Information: 303-344-0481.
3 Spring for the Kingston Trio’s 60th Anniversary tour tickets when they play the Paramount Theatre April 29, 8 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.
3 Plan to connect to spring and explore our environment during Doors Open Denver April 29-30. The Denver Architectural Foundation event allows individuals and families to connect to unique spaces, including high-profile historic places plus see feats of architecture and design through self-guided or guided fee-based tours. Headquarters is at Union Station. The free Box City event for kids’ grades K to 5 is on again this year.
The hallmark of April is the return of color. The skies seem bluer, the grass begins to green again, and the flowers bloom, bursting open with color and fresh life. The trees begin to bud and the birds and bugs are active again. It’s the time of the year as Mark Twain suggested, “For good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience.”
Like the song American Pie, April is boldly original, therapeutic and grand. It’s also noisy: There’s the pitter-patter of falling rain and the roar of thunderstorms.
Whenever the month is discussed or debated we start singin’ bye-bye Miss American Pie. The whole world wakes up from the long winter’s nap. No matter what your interpretation may be, April’s emotional resonance is unmistakable. It’s the Green Party’s spring rally minus pie throwing. Did February March? No, but April May!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Mar 1, 2017 | Valley Gadfly
Ah March is finally here! Albeit we enjoyed an unusually mild February, March conjures thoughts of spring and warmer days, with the spring equinox just three weeks away. As the season begins changing think of ways to make this month meaningful and thus all the more memorable. From Latin, memorable was first used in the 15th century.
Spanx founder Sara Blakely says life should be a stretch: “It’s important to be willing to make mistakes. The worst thing that can happen is you become memorable.”
Here are our catchy, clever and captivating choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to make this month march ahead in momentous, memorable ways:
3 Who doesn’t remember the Beatles and their music? See Rain, a multi-media event showcasing their music and songs in high definition imagery at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, March 2-3. Information: 720-865-4220.
3 Join and play a part in MSU’s listening and learning Music For Stage & Screen classes March 7-14, 6-8 p.m. Information: 303-556-5095.
3 Make St. Paddy’s Day memorable by joining the Runnin’ of the Green 7K plus party in LoDo March 12, 10:15-2 p.m. Information: 303-297-0408.
3 Join laddies and lassies at Augustana Church to hear St. Mary’s College Women’s Choir March 17, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-388-4962.
3 With few Irish eateries left, the Monaco Inn Restaurant has become the Valley’s St. Paddy’s Day corned beef and cabbage connection. Served for lunch and dinner March 17, it’s luscious. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 Spruce up for Easter and Spring with upholstery, drapery, cushions and pillows from Boris’s Upholstery. Now offering 20-50 percent off on home decor fabrics to fit any home and budget. Information: 303-751-2921.
3 Hear Rabbi Joe Black play and sing at the Mercury Café Habitat Interfaith Alliance benefit March 18, 6:30 p.m. Information: brownpapertickets.com.
3 Kiss March goodbye at Stage Kiss — a tale about lovers sharing a stage kiss at the Bug Theatre, March 24-April 15. Information: 303-477-9984.
3 For action, drama and madness there’s nothing like the Men’s College Basketball Semifinals. See the games at Infinity Park Event Center on full room wrap-around screens April 1, 3:30 p.m. Event benefits Morgridge Academy for chronically ill children at National Jewish Health. Attendees will enjoy a gourmet buffet, open bar, plus Basketball Pop-A-Shot, shuffle golf and arcade games. Information: 303-728-6576.
To make the month of March memorable one needs to consider the words of great thinkers like Joshua Foer, author of the international best seller Moonwalking with Einstein. His advice to us: “If you want to live a memorable life, you have to be the kind of person who remembers.” Gosh, oh my golly, why didn’t I think of that?
Foer’s book reminds us all that, in every way that matters, we are the sum of our memories. For us then the task is to change our understanding of human memory.
Remember? “If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” — Matthew Broderick in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. One more: “There’s no place like home.” — Judy Garland in Wizard of Oz. The Chronicle’s choice: “Make it simple. Make it Memorable. Make it inviting to look at. Make it fun to read.” — Ad man Leo Burnett.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
