by Valley Gadfly | Jan 29, 2016 | Valley Gadfly
If your head is spinning around and you can’t see clearly any more you’re love-struck. Yes, February is Valentine month where everyone shows up to dinners, dances and single extravaganzas wearing scarves, boots, gloves, hats and jackets. It’s apparently much easier to fall in love when it’s bitter cold outside and the snow is falling.
Evidently giggling, smiling, cold, wet, rosy creeks are warm hearted and loving. A few hot toddies and peppermint schnapps no doubt boost that affectionate feeling.
Here are our radiant choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to fill those snowy days with romance as you bundle-up together and sit by the fire:
3 Love, magic and mischief collide as the Symphony marks 400 years since the Bard’s passing with music you’ll adore during the Shakespeare Fest in Boettcher Concert Hall, Feb. 4-5, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
3 Enjoy a romantic dinner and overnight stay at the Ritz Carlton to benefit Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Feb. 6-7. Information: 303-839-6782.
3 Help kids make geodesic domes and sculptures at the English Teacup’s Valentine’s Day Gum Drop Feb. 13, 11 a.m. Information: 303-360-7505.
3 Warm up with dinner and an overnight stay in the Inn at Cherry Creek with Valentine weekend getaway package. Information: 303-377-8577.
3 Let Dr. Fred Grover Jr., M.D., re-energize your love life in just 45 minutes. You’ll experience the regenerative benefits of Platelet Rich Plasma from this Cherry Creek physician. Information: 303-355-2385.
3 Treat your Valentine to the first ever Denver concert by Jimmy D. Lane in the Riviera at the Breakers Resort Feb. 14. Information: 303-888-5455.
3 Get a running start on the love season by participating in the Valentine’s Day 5K run in Wash Park Feb. 14, 10 a.m. Information: 303-522-4387.
3 Get your heart pumping by attending the Denver Heart Ball in the Hyatt Regency (Convention Center) Feb. 27, 6 p.m. Information: 303-801-4655.
3 Make an impression and win the hand of your Valentine by attending the Queen of Hearts Ball in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House Feb. 25, 5:30 p.m. Broadway singer-actor Tom Wopat entertains, including songs accompanied by the Colorado Ballet dancers. The enjoyable evening includes cocktails, appetizers plus a three-course meal by Kevin Taylor in the Chamber Grant Salon. Information: 303-837-8888.
Love reaches the highest heights and deepest depths this month as Valentine blows in to create a loss of balance, slipping and falling. When stumbling and fumbling you are in jeopardy of meeting someone and falling in love. Meteorologists call it Dynamic Turbulent Advection or behavior that entangles adjacent people particles.
With just the right amount of velocity the resulting steam and fog plus a warm push permits the atmosphere to cause a turbulent and chaotic cupid response.
The potential for storm clouds, high wind and downbursts exists in February. Should you forget about your Valentine a deep low may form over your head. High winds could come from the affected person’s lover or spouse and cause severe damage. So simply slip-slide through the month whether you’re fond of the weather or not.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Dec 17, 2015 | Valley Gadfly
Residents begin the next chapter of Valley life this month hoping it will be a fun romp through knee-deep powder and bright sunshine. We live, of course, in a rich and morally complex territory. Plot for the next chapter is presently raw material yet to be written but certain to be enthralling and likely to transform us from the very first page.
With epic changes taking place in nearly every neighborhood, the choices made this year will be rare works of non-fiction destined to become a cultural benchmark.
Here are our novel choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to write a panorama of fascinating, warm and enjoyable ways to craft first-rate winter tales:
3 Enjoy masterpieces of music as the Whiffenpoofs — the oldest and best known collegiate a cappella group — perform at the Newman Center Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m., again at 1:30 p.m. on the 9th. Information: 303-871-7720.
3 Colorado Chamber Players perform pieces for two violins and a piano in Saint Johns Cathedral Jan. 12 at noon. Information: 303-871-7115.
3 The Ziegfeld Follies story of Fanny Brice comes alive as Funny Girl plays Aurora’s Vintage Theatre through Jan. 17. Information: 303-856-7830.
3 Warm up with food and wine being served at the Geyser Peak Wine Dinner at Coohills in LoDo Jan. 20, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-5700.
3 Find that spark again! Whether you’re newly dating, happily married or anywhere in between you’ll find the ideal Valentine’s Day gift at Cherry Creek North’s Oster Jewelers on Steele St. Information: 303-572-1111.
3 Hear a transforming musical tribute to Cantor Regina Heit at a Temple Emanuel fundraising concert Jan. 23, 8 p.m. Information: 303-388-4013.
3 Cook up dubious, fun yarns about fish tails during a Seasoned Chef Cooking School class on Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-377-3222.
3 Attend authentic Chinese New Year’s fundraising gala for the Nathan Yip Foundation at the Hyatt DTC Jan. 30, 5 p.m. Information: 303-817-8400.
3 Kick up your heels and imagine cowboy characters of yesteryear as the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo rides into town with a parade downtown at noon Jan. 7. Then take in Western Americana with a variety of events featuring cowboys, horses and cattle at the National Western Complex, Jan. 9-24. The “Super Bowl” of livestock shows also has horse shows plus a western trade show. Information: 303-296-6977.
As our new chapter opens, Valley neighborhoods are being transformed by massive building projects. Just when readers think there couldn’t possibly be more drama or mystery, multilayered characters unexpectedly add mystifying twists certain to create a gripping ending. Just as with any good book, it’s raw and dazzling, brutal and real.
Like any page-turner breaking new ground, this chapter will most certainly also have inspiring tales and entertaining developments that everyone will enjoy.
The New Year presents all of us with the challenge of how to take this shifting, teeming change and from it find a way to write a book that will give meaning to Valley life. An autobiographical account given the attention and imagination demanded of a rare book, it should draw you into the action and provide a grand and beautiful ending.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Nov 23, 2015 | Valley Gadfly
We’re always getting wrapped-up in the season’s glitter whether celebrating Christmas or Chanukah. That doesn’t mean that enjoying “home for the holidays” shouldn’t include a splash of holiday color. Beyond the tinsel, however, winter solstice is also a reminder to reconnect, share laughs and celebrate the joy of family.
Late dawn. Early sunset. Short days. Long nights. For those of us living in the Valley, this season’s solstice marks the longest nights and shortest days of the year.
Here are our astronomical choices for shopping, dining and entertainment so you and the sun can connect with the equinox to make your holiday season shine:
3 Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossoms of Light is the perfect way to kick off the season. Lit-up through Jan. 2, the illuminated O’Fallon Perennial Walk & Romantic Gardens are back. Information: 720-865-3500.
3 Celebrate Chanukah enjoying food, music, storytelling and carnival games in the Rose Founders Bldg. Dec. 3, 11 a.m. Information: 303-320-2819.
3 For Ring-a-Ding entertainment see this musical review playing weekends at Lowry’s John Hand Theatre. Dec. 4-19. Information: 303-562-3232.
3 Delight in the magical adventures of toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes and Sugar Plum fairies as Ballet Ariel performs The Nutcracker at the Lakewood Cultural Center, with seven holiday performances in December. Information: 303-987-7845.
3 Celebrate the Solstice Season dining or giving private parties in the warm Italian ambiance at Shells & Sauce. Information: 303-377-2091.
3 Warm up with the kids and pets at the 5K chip-timed Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run-Walk in Wash Park Dec. 13. Information: 720-644.4397.
3 Shop the Christkindl Market for German gifts and treats at Skyline Park on the 16th St. Mall now through Dec. 23. Information: 303-531-6161.
3 You’ll hear joyful, soul-soothing songs by making plans to take in the Valley’s favorite choral tradition, the St. Martin’s Chamber Choir Holiday Concert featuring the Christmas Oratorio Die Geburt Christi (The Nativity of Christ) by Heinrich von Herzogenberg (1843-1900). Modeled on the cantatas of Bach, it tells the Christmas story with choir, soloists and orchestra, and features adored German Christmas carols as the audience sings along. Enjoy the most soulful solstice music ever at Saint John’s Episcopal Cathedral Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-298-1970.
Winter solstice is celebrated in the Valley with a variety of holidays. Christmas, of course, is the most prevalent. In addition there are Saturnalia, Korachun, Chanukah and Kwanzaa, among others. Solstice is always a signal to celebrate: A time of year to have fun enjoying endless activities as our bright sun shines even when it snows.
Catch the spirit: It’s beginning to feel a lot like the holidays! Shops in Valley neighborhoods are taking on a festive buzz, as storekeepers do a brisk business.
There’s a wonderland of sidewalk markets and eateries, plus clothing shops and bookstores decked out for the season. Families gather to sing, dance, exchange gifts and eat. Whether Christmas lights or eight nights of lights, may this solstice be sunny and bright so every wish comes true. It is the season, after all, that’s good for the soul!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Nov 2, 2015 | Valley Gadfly
Ahh, Thanksgiving: A time to reflect on all that is good in our lives and express gratitude for it. A holiday to celebrate life properly stuffed with relevancy and technology. With an Internet connection and a search engine, anyone can be a top turkey these days. Furthermore, on the Web we can discover and learn new things.
Great gobblin’ gadgets: The @ sign is now the season’s symbol. In 1863 when Lincoln declared the holiday, photography was the most radical technology to be had.
Here are our source code choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to help you think technology, turkey and thankfulness while feasting on bits and bytes:
3 Cinema has championed some of the most awe-inspiring technologies in visual arts. See 200 titles during the Denver Film Festival at the Sie Film Center and at the Ellie, Nov. 4-15. Information: 303-595-3464.
3 You won’t see old tintypes but there’s a photo tribute to the Who at Robert Anderson Gallery, Nov. 6-Jan. 2. Information: 303-388-1332.
3 Enjoy pageantry, music and classic flair at Opera Colorado’s Aida playing Nov. 7-15 at the Ellie, 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Information: 303-698-2334.
3 Featuring a central location and select merchandise this year’s Mile High Holiday Mart is Nov. 13-15 at DU’s Gates Field House. The Junior League event is a shopping extravaganza. Information: 303-692-0270.
3 Whether you crave holiday choices or local favorites, the entire family can feast affordably at the Monaco Inn. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 Recycle the leaves gathering outside at the Cherry Creek Transfer Station 8 a.m.-2 p.m., weekends 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: 720-913-1311.
3 Keep those tech toys plus watches and autos charging with batteries from newly opened Battery Giant @ 6th and Grant. Information: 303-832-1454.
3 Make plans to take in the 39th edition of Central City Opera’s L’Esprit de Noel Nov. 20-21. Considered Denver’s signature holiday event, this Year’s walking tour will feature homes in Denver’s historic Country Club neighborhood beautifully decorated by local florists and table designers. The homes are in the area first developed as a residential neighborhood in the early 1900s. The earliest homes were built on Franklin Street. The tour features some of these historic homes, which have been updated for modern family lifestyles. Information: 303-292-6500, ext. 114.
This month you are likely thinking ahead about the details of your Thanksgiving Day. Whether you are making travel plans, emailing relatives about dinner reservations, or planning your shopping list and holiday meal, using your tablet can serve as one place to consolidate all needs and preparations to keep things organized and streamlined.
There’s talk today about how technology separates us. Families gather around the table to eat together but end up giving gadgets more attention than they do each other.
However using the technology can also bring us closer together. Skype and others give us the opportunity to talk face to face with friends and loved ones, no matter where they are in the world. With a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone, people are leveraging tech devices to ease holiday stress versus using fowl language.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Sep 25, 2015 | Valley Gadfly
Our expectation as we go outside for work or play this month — on, say, a haunting cloudy day with autumn leaves crunching underfoot — is the Valley’s mystical transformation into fall. It is an unnervingly freakish feel. Streets are filled with spooky people who by all appearances are enjoying a moonlight cemetery excursion.
The hootenanny of Halloween happenings kick-up as quickly as the fall foliage in offices, homes, street corners and paranormal parties producing ghoulish possibilities.
Here are our spine-chilling choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to ward off evil spirits, witches and monsters so you can sink your teeth into fall fun:
3 For a relaxing break from this month’s freakish Halloween events take in the music review Sondheim On Sondheim. Dazzling show plays weekends at the Cherry Creek Theatre, Oct. 2-25. Information: 303-800-6578.
3 Four Mile Park’s Pumpkin Harvest Fest is perfect spot to enjoy fall fun, foliage and music Oct. 3-4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 720-865-0800.
3 Monumental paintings and lithographs by Fritz Scholder titled Super Indian are at the Denver Art Museum, Oct.4-Jan. 17. Information: 720-865-5000.
3 See musical story of a poet who keeps mythical creatures as pets as St. Martin’s Choir, Ballet Arts and Confluence String Quartet perform at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-298-1970.
3 Enjoy top fun on Halloween and every Thursday and Saturday as the Bull & Bush offers King and Queen cuts of prime rib. Information: bullandbush.com.
3 City’s oldest remaining greenhouse City Floral welcomes the season with fun Fall Festival Oct. 17-18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 303-355-4013.
3 Haunted by roof or storm damage to your home? Don’t freak out with spooky offers, contact Core Contractors. Information: 303-997-1559.
3 Delight in frightful fun while viewing fabulous fall foliage by taking the entire family to Denver Botanic Gardens’ newest event, Glow At The Gardens, Oct. 14, 21 and 28. There will be colorful pumpkin displays, luminaria-lined pathways and cocktail parties each evening, 6-9 p.m. Fall-themed activities, scary stories and scavenger hunts are included. All activities are built in to the admission price but there are separate costs for food plus a cash bar. A different musical group will entertain in the Glow Lounge each evening. Information: 720-865-3500.
Like humans, plants have different personalities and change their colors as Halloween looms. That’s why some have colorful masks while others don’t. Whether you have a big yard, live near a park or are a hop, skip and jump from downtown, observe and take pleasure in autumn’s parade of bright yellow, orange and red colors.
The cool waves of fall colors coupled with streets filled with costumed creatures create hypnotic and haunting surroundings that produce an eerie, frightening feeling.
Rustic architecture, tree-lined sidewalks and creepy characters make every street a Boo Boulevard. Expect haunted houses, tortured souls and spooky parties to cast a spell every “witch” way you turn. Enjoy carving out memories as well as carving pumpkins but with a monstrous 31 days of Halloween fun be sure to take a few “coffin” breaks.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Aug 31, 2015 | Valley Gadfly
This will be a September to remember if summer’s mugginess soon dissipates into the crisp exhilaration of cooler temperatures and colorful leaves. To rephrase Earth, Wind & Fire’s September lines: Ba de ya, say do you remember life in September? Heading outside after the stultifying heat and rain of summer is a perk of autumn.
During fall the Cherry Creek Valley becomes a natural playground. It is a time to embrace the great outdoors as the refreshing autumn breeze begins to blow our way.
Here are our choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to kick those end of summer blues and fall into the Valley’s golden, cozy fall season:
3 You’ll harvest a belly full of laughs at the quirky, witty fall comedy playing at Lowry’s John Hand Theater on weekends this month. Shows are at 7:30 p.m., matinees 2 p.m. Sunday. Information: 303-562-3232.
3 The bridge to fall fun is the Greenway Foundation’s music and dinner gala at the 19th & Platte Historic Bridge Sept. 10, 6 p.m. Information: 303-455-7109.
3 See Indian dances, drum groups and more at DAM’s Friendship Powwow on Acoma Plaza Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 720-865-5000.
3 For a colorful fall fling attend Four Mile Park’s fall fundraiser with food, spirits and fun in the park Sept. 16, 5:30-9 p.m. Information: 720-865-0800.
3 Discover a happy, safe and fun early education environment for your kids this fall by attending the Grand Opening of the Primrose School at Colorado Station Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Information: 303-757-7727.
3 Cook up fall feasts from menus at Seasoned Chef Cooking School’s Fall Harvest Food Class Sept. 23, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Information: 303-377-3222.
3 Gypsy Cattle Drive stomps out end of summer blues at grand finale Inn at Cherry Creek’s rooftop show Sept. 25, 5-9 p.m. Information: 303-377-8577.
3 Make this a September to remember by attending Denver Public Library’s month-long BrewHaHa events. It is a celebration of all things brewed from the delicious smell of a fresh cup of coffee, to the quiet conversations had over tea and the social scenes created around craft beer or kombucha, to the ideas that flow from a start-up collective. Learn more at any of library’s 26 locations around town and attend a series of special events, tasting and informational programs highlighting all things brewed. Information: denverlibrary.org/brewhaha.
We know it’s not an easy task to say goodbye to those carefree days of backyard BBQs, weekend strolls and late nights of patio lounging and pitchers of sangria, but it’s time to face the inevitable: With fall only weeks away and summer’s heat beginning to fade, now is the perfect time to get out and enjoy all our Valley has to offer.
Fall begins on Sept. 23 as the center of the sun crosses Earth’s equator. The days begin to get shorter and nights longer, especially noticeable at our higher altitude.
Ahh, one of the popular things to do in the fall is watch football games and cheer our favorite teams loudly! You’ve also gotta love seasonal drinks like pumpkin spiced lattes, apple cider and hot cocoa. Fall is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. Now, if money did in fact grow on trees this would truly be a September to remember.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
