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.
by Valley Gadfly | May 27, 2016 | Valley Gadfly
Aaah, summer: It’s prime time to let family time shine. Neighborhoods begin taking on a festive buzz. At weekend gatherings, weeknight feasts, and on cafe patios we gather to eat, drink, socialize and bask in summer’s warmth. Outdoor time is the tonic that allows us to step outside our boundaries, meet new friends and discover a new you.
With yet another wet May, we’re eager for a June fling holding spirit-filled glasses garnished with clover. It’s deemed solstice for the soul while rolling in clover.
Here are our “play it cool” choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to blaze into June enjoying sizzling days and serene sunsets as we drink in the sunshine:
3 If you’ve emerged from Winter’s blahs feeling a little lackluster and disheveled get Dolled Up For A Cause while sipping mimosas at the Glamour Bar June 4, 1:30-4 p.m. Information: dolledupforacause.com.
3 Simmer down and begin shopping for supper June 4 at Cherry Creek Fresh Market Sat. and Wed. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Information: 303-442-1837.
3 Settle back and unwind as St. Martin’s Chamber Choir singers entertain at private home summer garden party Fun Raiser June 11. Information: 303-298-1970.
3 See cool cars on the Havana Corridor at the Cruzin’ Havana Car Show & Poker Run sites June 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 303-360-7505.
3 Roar into summer during the Grand Opening of Cherry Creek’s new Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill June 14. Information: 503-222-4174.
3 See the coolest summer movies free during Monday Movie Madness outdoors at Infinity Park June 13-Aug. 8 Information: 303-639-4609.
3 For a blooming good time attend the Cherry Blossom Festival in Sakura Square with entertainment, June 18-19. Information: 303-295-1844.
3 Create a big splash with the family during the South Platte RiverFest, June 25-26 at Confluence Park, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Information: 303-455-7109.
3 Hang out all summer at Four Mile Historic Park watching the sunset to the soundtrack of great tunes each Wednesday night during the Shady Groove Picnic Series June 8-Aug. 17. Enjoy great music, affordable tickets and beautiful surroundings at a Valley tradition. Doors open to the outdoor concerts at 6 p.m., shows begin at 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
Summer solstice occurs when the tilt of earth’s semi-axis is most inclined toward the sun that it orbits. The sun and solstice will come to pass here this year on June 20 at 4:34 p.m. local or Mountain Daylight Time. Welcome summer with open arms. Kenny Chesney’s lyrics say it best: It’s a smile, a kiss, it’s a sip of wine…it’s summertime!
Basking in the sun bedecked and bedazzled we relax and laze around in flip flops gazing up at the heavens during long daylight hours then stargazing at night.
It’s the time of year to utilize all of our senses to savor a season filled with fields of green, a riot of flowers and splashy sunsets. There’s still enough light for a late night bike ride and warm enough to eat as many flavors of Bonnie Brae Ice Cream as you want. Double-dipper scoops of the sweet treat are assurance the heat won’t lick you.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Apr 25, 2016 | Valley Gadfly
May symbolizes the transition between spring and summer. It is a noisy month, when new life is bursting forth and birds return to chirp and sing. The delicate pitter patter of a gentle falling rain freshens the air. It is not that unusual, of course, for the glorious roar of a thunderstorm or two to holler across the Cherry Creek Valley.
To stay lean, green and mean — and ahead of the neighbors — this is the month to aerate and fertilize your lawn plus plant potted, balled-and-burlapped trees and shrubs.
Here are our fresh and fragrant choices for shopping, dining and entertainment so you can romp each day in flowering fields filled with magical May moments:
3 Mayday Alert: The loony “Realish Housewives of Cherry Creek” takes the stage at DCPA’s Galleria Theater May 3-22. Show takes on the events making headlines in this once Tony district. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Buzz over to the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Spring Plant Sale May 6-7, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. to buy pollinator-attracting plans. Information: 720-865-3501.
3 Romp with your dog(s) while enjoying contests, refreshments and demos at Furry Scurry in Wash Park May 7, 9 a.m. Information: 303-751-5772.
3 Race to the Bar Car on Colo. Blvd. May 7, 1-8 p.m. for party hearty fun, Derby Hats, Mint Juleps and Run for the Roses Information: 720-524-8099.
3 Bring the kids and all the kin to enjoy splendid Mother’s Day specials offered May 8 at the Monaco Inn Restaurant. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 Enjoy playing while staying under par by bringing your A-game to the course during May’s National Golf Month. Let the Fit Coaches at Koko FitClub Denver provide the guidance and motivation. Information: 303-872-8380.
3 For action-packed thrills catch the Pacific Rugby Premiership Finals at Infinity Park Stadium May 14, 3-5 p.m. Information: glendaleraptors.com.
3 For a doggone good time catch the Mutts & Models canine fashion show at the Seawell Ballrooom May 21, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-539-7637.
3 Flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping and it’s time to celebrate this gorgeous month during Colorado Corks & Cuisine, May 26. Event is at the 12-acre Four Mile Historic Park, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sample the fruits of local wineries, distillers, breweries and culinary artists while enjoying entertainment by Swallow Hill Music. Funds support Four Mile’s preservation and education initiatives. Information: 720-865-0800.
This month binds our galaxy together as fans of Star Wars proclaim, “May the 4th be with you!,” a pun on “May the Force be with you!,”penned by author Alan Arnold when chronicling the Empire Strikes Back for Lucas Films. The line has become part of May’s pop culture vernacular. The first six Star Wars movies debuted in May.
This month has a “Full Flower Moon,” also dubbed Mother’s Moon or Milk Moon. Based on May’s Moon’s sign, go fishing May 16-21 and plant May 19-21.
All things seem possible during May. Thus we trust the sun will be shinning on your windowpanes all month. Plus, may your purse always have an extra coin or two. As the Book of Songs suggests, “Sweet May hath come to love us, flowers, trees, their blossoms don; and through the blue heavens above us, the very clouds move on.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Mar 25, 2016 | Valley Gadfly
“April showers bring May flowers.” We’ve all heard the rhyme at some point. It’s the popular thing we say this month. It can be traced back to the mid-1500s. In 1557 Thomas Tusser compiled “A Hundred Good Points of Husbandry” (art of horticulture). In the document’s April section he wrote: “Sweet April showers do spring May flowers.”
This is the month when guys and gals start stylin’ and profilin’ by pulling out those bright and patterned outfits they have been waiting to wear for months.
Here are our bright bouquet choices for shopping, dining and entertainment so the weather won’t make you gloomy, whatever the weather or whether we like it or not:
3 Just as days of uncertain weather capture a frame, Robert Anderson Gallery’s show titled Unexpected Developments casts a montage of dreams you’ll want to see, April 1-May 14. Information: 303-257-0684.
3 You’ll be singing in the shower after seeing Sondheim’s musical Sweeney Todd at the Stage Theatre, April 8-May 15. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Follow the footsteps of the fading dustbowl during Denver Symphonic tribute at Boettcher Hall April 9, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
3 Warm rainy mornings or cool sweaty days by enjoying the food, drinks and solitude at Platform T. Information: 303-756-1464 or 303-777-5687.
3 Begin the dog days of summer at Denver Dumb Friends League’s Estate Planning Seminar April 12, 11:30 a.m. Information: 720-241-7151.
3 You’ll be stylin’ and profilin’ once you’ve repaired, revived, restored and refreshed your wardrobe of spring things that are hiding in the closet at Bonnie Brae Cleaners on University Blvd. Information: 303-733-6529.
3 Pop the cork on spring at the annual wine tasting event Lowry Uncorked in Eisenhower Chapel April 22, 6-8:30 p.m. Information: 303-344-0481.
3 Enjoy a splash of laughter as comic Lily Tomlin showers the Paramount Theater with hilarity April 23, 8 p.m. Information: 303-893-8497.
3 Discover the Valley’s shiny spots by exploring Denver’s unique and stylish indoor and outdoor spaces. Doors Open Denver gives you the opportunity to explore the City’s historic and artistic feats of architecture and design, April 23-24. Free self-guided and fee-based guided tours are offered to 69 sights. Twelve new buildings are showcased plus there will be arts and culture activities at 10 sites. Information: 720-898-5900.
“April showers bring May flowers” is a reminder that even the most unpleasant of things including April’s heavy rain can bring about enjoyable things such as a wealth of May flowers. Sara Teasdale said it best: “Yet the back yards are bare and brown with only one unchanging tree — I could not be so sure of Spring, save that it sings to me.”
On those days when you’re trapped inside by rain take time to drench in showers of solitude. It’s time to take a moment and dream of the endless colors of a rainbows.
It is commonly assumed that the first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. Nevertheless, this is the month when we all catch spring fever. As Mark Twain explained the malady, “When you’ve got it you want – oh, you don’t quite know what it is you want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 29, 2016 | Valley Gadfly
Hup, two, three: We are marching our way out of the freezing months of indoor psychosis. Although we enjoyed an unusually warm February, March is normally the first decently eventful month of the year. The old adage says, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” At least according to the calendar spring begins March 20th.
Even on March days when the sun shines hot the wind often blows cold. Charles Dickens described it as “days when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.”
Here are our John Philip Sousa choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to join ranks shoulder to shoulder as the month’s cold and warm days keep marching by:
3 March the kids — boys and girls K to 8th grade — over to Infinity Park and get them enrolled in spring after school rugby March 1-April 7 on Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30-5:45 p.m. Information: 303-639-4713.
3 Keep in step with Junior League’s works at their fundraiser Journey in the Hyatt Convention Center March 4, 6 p.m. Information: 303-692-0270.
3 Drum up friends and attend Ten Thousand Villages grand re-opening and 35th birthday bash on Clayton St. March 4-6. Information: 303-316-8773.
3 If you can’t get the gang up for a breakfast march, order it delivered to your home from Mici Handcrafted Italian. Information: 303-322-6424.
3 No blarney: Don’t miss the Irish dance phenomenon Riverdance playing at the Buell Theatre in the DCPA March 8-13. Information: 303-892-4100.
3 Hear St. Martin’s Chamber Choir sing passion carols on Palm Sunday weekend at St. Andrew’s March 19-20, 7:30 and 3 p.m. Information: 303-298-1970.
3 See quality, depth and diversity of work by Colorado artists at Art of the State show in the Arvada Center March 27. Information: 720-898-7200.
3 Far more than a march, the 54th annual Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade downtown March 12 is an extravaganza. Get out your four leaf clovers and green outfits and join the throngs lining the streets beginning at 9:30 a.m. Adrian Farrell, Consul General of Ireland, is Grand Marshal of this year’s parade, largest west of the Mississippi. You’ll see marching bands, dancers and floats. Information: 303-368-9861.
Keep it up, two, three four: March is a month without mercy for rabid basketball fans. There will be no such thing as a “gentleman gambler” when the Big Dance rolls into the Pepsi Center for the first- and second-round games March 17 and 19. Two teams will advance from the NBA rounds here into the “Sweet 16” regional competition.
This month has prospects for seeing the sun and winning some money. The winds will blow in a wee bit of green tint by St. Paddy’s Day and chase away the winter blues.
Single file by the ranks march ahead to National Goof Off Day March 22. Hark to the cheering, as this is a holiday for everyone, no brains or brawn required. Keep on stomping to the cadence because March 26 is Make Up Your Own Holiday. Listen to the crowd’s roar since spring begins this month and we can all march to our own drum.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
