by Valley Gadfly | Aug 1, 2014 | Valley Gadfly
Gee whiz it’s August already. Isn’t that just peachy-keen? That’s the Valley’s summer idiom for super duper and hunky dory! For residents it is the hey-day time of year full of joy, harmony and the taste of peaches. In addition to being the season when laziness finally finds respectability it also just happens to be National Peach Month.
It is also Happiness Happens Month so don’t tell the kids that August is Back to School Month. They’ll be cool just knowing August is the last of the summer months.
Here are our peachy-keen choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to keep you enjoying the birds and the trees and summer’s sweet scented summer breezes:
3 Like a juicy peach, you’ll enjoy the uplifting story with music that soars as Central City Opera brings The Sound of Music to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House Aug. 2-10, shows at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-296-6700.
3 Celebration Community Garden’s 2nd Farm to Table Dinner will be as luscious and tasty as peaches Aug.9, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-745-1148.
3 Your dog will be swell, dandy and spiffy during PetAid’s Woof Fest in Civic Center Park, Aug. 17, 12-6 p.m. Information: 303-318-0447.
3 Looking to spot a cool design idea? Attend the Architecture & Art Gala in the Design District Aug. 21, 4:30 to 8 p.m. Information: 303-777-6007.
3 You’ll be keen on the selection and prices for brand name designer frames and lenses at Optical Masters on South Monaco Pkwy. Their 25th birthday blowout sale is the real deal, banana peel. Information: 303-377-0751.
3 Grub is delicious, beer refreshing and the music uplifting on the Inn at Cherry Creek’s rooftop finale Aug. 22, 5 p.m. Information: 303-377-8577.
3 Honoring hometown heroes is a peachy keen thing so join Barnes & Noble as they honor Glendale’s heroes Aug. 23, 10 a.m. Information: 303-691-2998.
3 For a peachy twist, take the Urban Homestead Tour to see goats, chickens and bees raised in an array of spaces, 10 a.m. Information: 720-865-3580.
3 Everyone is coming from near and far on the sweet summer weekend of Aug. 15-17 to attend Glendale’s Rugbytown Sevens Tournament. It starts with Free Fan Friday. Stay in the game Saturday for Bruises & Brews to taste 15 craft beers. Then Sunday debuts the Taste of Glendale with 10 eateries serving, 12-4 p.m. Information: www.rugbytown usa.com/srs.
August rushes by like desert rainfall, a flood of frenzied commotion and mayhem. Even though expected, it still catches us unprepared. Like a match flame, it bursts on the scene with heat and stunning crimson sunsets. There is no such thing as bad weather in August, merely different kinds of weather. Open the window and let the air fill the room.
Clouds gather in small huddles to discuss the weather. It is the month when we take pleasure in a cool rain. The related wind braces us up for likely thunderstorms ahead.
The word “peachy” means fine or excellent and doubling it, makes it into a superlative by adding the word “keen” as a suffix. Kids have been using rhyming idioms since the 1930s: Remember: What’s the deal, Banana Peel? Or, What’s cookin’, good lookin’? To which we must ask, is it a peach pie? After all, I’m the boss, applesauce!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Mark Smiley | Jun 20, 2014 | Valley Gadfly
Oh, the simple joys of summer: It’s the season when we walk barefoot in the grass; we watch kids run through sprinklers and throw themselves with abandon onto Slip-and-Slides; and we wear straw hats, t-shirts, sundresses and sandals while eating ice cream. Our gloomy weather had us always saying, “Oh, heaven let your sun shine down.”
Something had to give to drive away our climate madness. Valley neighborhoods have been looking to the sky, wishing on a star and waiting for a brand new start.
Here are our choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to swing into summer enjoying an enlivening, relaxing time filled with ways to make days brighter:
3 Swing into summer on a high note as you enjoy live music in the fresh air at the Shady Grove Picnic Series in Four Mile Historic Park. Weekly series is on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
3 Yo ho, it’s hot! Cherry Creek Shade & Drapery offers shades to cool your home from the heat and cut energy bills. Information: 303-355-4223.
3 Light up your 4th at Four Mile Park’s Old Fashioned July 4th enjoying music, games and festivities, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 720-865-0800.
3 Unwind listening to Jayme Stone’s music stretched out on the lawn at the Clyfford Still Museum July 11, 5:30 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
3 Hit the pavement for sizzling summer deals offered by boutiques and businesses during the Cherry Creek North Sidewalk Sale July 17-20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thurs.-Sat.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 Striking, bright abstract photos make a splash at Robert Anderson Gallery show opening July 18 with reception 5-8 p.m. Information: 303-388-1332.
3 Sip, swing, dine and dance into summer at Alliance Française’s Bastille Day at Four Mile Park July 19, 5:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-0800.
3 Summer heats up with concerts, rodeos, a demolition derby and carnivals at the Arapahoe County Fair, July 24-27. Information: 303-795-4464.
3 Let the kids shine this summer with fun activities alongside engaging them in reading divided up into three age-appropriate themes. Summer reading programs are at all 25 Denver Public Library sites, July 1-Aug. 9. In addition to reading, workshops, craft making and musical entertainment are offered at various branches. Information: www.summerofreading.org.
Summer frolics like a happy child between innocent spring and melancholy autumn waiting for us to embrace her unbridled delight for life. Even while weeding, watering and harvesting there’s time for theatre, musical performances and outdoor barbeques. Or just closing your eyes and listening to the birds singing in the trees.
The secret is in slowing down long enough to notice the miracles that surround us. Watch and listen for those occasions and activities that encourage us to slow down.
It might be stretching out under a tree and allowing yourself to unwind on a dreamy day. Or taking time in the middle of a workday to sit on a park bench and notice the shapes of the clouds as they billow across the sky. George Gershwin’s musical lullaby said it best: “It’s summertime and the livin’ is easy and the fish are jumpin’.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | May 27, 2014 | Valley Gadfly
This may be coming from left field but then this is the time of year when we like to march to the beat of a different drum. With warm weather finally upon us our thoughts turn to creatures that symbolize the sights and sounds of summer including those creepy-crawly June bugs that come out in late spring that we find on our doorsteps.
Maybe you haven’t seen them yet but you are sure to recognize June bugs because they are the size of a Volkswagen with a hyperactive personality and really sticky legs.
Here are our choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to create fair and pleasant summer days without being bugged by mosquitoes, bees and other June critters.
3 A sure sign that summer salad days are here is the opening of the Cherry Creek Fresh Market, May 31-Oct. 25. More than 100 growers and other vendors sell their produce and other products at 1st Ave. and University on Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
3 Summer tabletop settings, a delectable tea, plus a garden and herb sale await those attending this year’s Tea & Treasurers event, June 5-7. The Assistance League of Denver event is at the Bosworth House, 10 a.m-3 p.m. Information: 303-322-5205.
3 Enjoy the great outdoors while sampling wine during the Colorado Urban Winefest at the Infinity Park Festival Plaza June 7, noon-5 p.m. Information: 970-464-0111.
3 Nothing makes a bigger summer splash than a coat of paint and Ireland’s Finest is again giving the lucky winner a free exterior painting of their home. To nominate someone deserving, go to the contest website: www.irelandsfinestinc.com.
3 June brings a special treat to art lovers, the Art Student League’s annual Summer Art Market on Grant St. around the school, June 7-8, 10 a.m. Information: 303-778-6990.
3 See classic cars, enjoy music as you sail into summer at the Cruzin’ Havana Car Show & Poker Run on Havana, June 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 303-360-7505.
3 Make the Inn at Cherry Creek your beer, bluegrass and grub hub this summer. Enjoy free entry with just $5 food and drink tickets as stars entertain on the hotel’s Rooftop Terrace June 27, July 25 and Aug. 22, from 5 to 9 p.m. Information: 303-377-8577.
3 Be smart and do as so many other Cherry Creek Valley families do and plan your Independence Day celebrations around the City of Glendale’s mega fireworks show. The powerful display of pyrotechnics will flicker across the skies on July 3rd at dusk. Gather at eateries, bars, patios and porches to view the dazzling aerial display, one of the Valley’s oldest and largest. Information: 303-759-1513.
The June bug, of course, is a type of beetle. Scientists have described more than 350,000 species, with many more undoubtedly undiscovered. They are about 40 percent of known insect species with the most diversity of any animal on earth. While they don’t serenade us like crickets, June beetles will squeal when you pick them up.
Some of the largest June bugs can be found in populated Southwest cities like Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and a bit surprisingly in Denver and the Cherry Creek Valley.
We interrupt our June bugs tribute for this special reminder: The Cartoon Network ran its first 48-hour marathon of Bugs Bunny’s June bug cartoons in 1993. They aired again last year on June 22-23. Shishkabugs: Now you likely recall that when you cross an insect with a rabbit you got the animated antics of Bugs Bunny!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Apr 29, 2014 | Valley Gadfly
Spring In Full Swing
After a winter that wouldn’t quit, we were eager for spring to get into full swing and for the Colorado Rockies to take another swing at the grand tradition of baseball. Fans did rise and shine to start the new season filling Coors Field to 97.5 percent of capacity for the Club’s 20th home opener at 20th and Blake.
After this winter small things feel like luxuries, even a hot dog at Coors Field. Humphrey Bogart once said, “a hot dog at the ballpark is better than steak at the Ritz.”
Here are our choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to get you into the swing of things so you will be a hit at home and on the town whatever your game plan:
3 Expect lots of dreams to fly over the fence during the Mini Maker Faire at the National Western Complex May 3-4. Inventors and do-it yourselfers display out-of-the-box ideas to catch your attention, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Information: 303-704-7876.
3 You’ll score a home run for Project Angel Heart by attending the Art For Life fundraiser May 9 at the Abend Gallery, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-407-9420.
3 Comedian Shayna Ferm steps into the batter’s box to entertain moms at the Pump & Dump Mother’s Day Show May 10. The raucous evening of comedy is a three-inning show at the Holiday Event Center beginning at 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-668-8700.
3 Score big and head for home with a fairly traded Bunyaad rug during Ten Thousand Villages Oriental Rug Event at Augustana Lutheran Church, May 14-17. Strike a deal on intricate floral and hand-spun dye wool tribals. Information: 303-316-8773.
3 Dig for home plate after scoring on sale of Master Gardener vegetables, flowers & herbs at Harvard Gulch Park May 17-18, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: 720-913-5270.
3 You’ll score big with mom by taking her and the family to enjoy the Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at the Inn at Cherry Creek, May 11. Information: 303-377-8577.
3 Cover all the bases by exploring options and opportunities for self-employment at the Un-Job Fair at Colorado Free University’s Lowry campus May 31. A lineup of self-employment experts will help you reach the big leagues. Information: 303-399-0093.
3 Swing into the game of life by attending this year’s Colorado Corks & Cuisine fundraising event at Four Mile Historic Park on May 22 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. You’ll be at the top of your game as you sip on Colorado’s premier libations while enjoying savory and sweet vittles. Enjoy views of the old west with friends and neighbors while also supporting the mission of Four Mile Park. Information: 720-865-0815.
Eating a stadium dog certainly isn’t a dining experience any more than baseball is something other than entertainment. Nevertheless it is worth noting that hot dogs stir impassioned feelings among fans at Coors Field where baseball buffs consume some 1.5 million of them each season, second only to those Dodger Dogs at LA’s Chavez Ravine.
Everyday things, be they simple, affordable, or sublime take just a little time and attention to make you a hit, even if it is a perfectly ripe tomato sprinkled with sea salt.
A simple daisy can bunt you into scoring position as easily as a dozen perfect roses. But neither is a joy if they are poorly pulled together in an unattractive container. No matter what the blossom or baseball pitch the runner won’t score without care and selection. Life will always throw you curves but when the right pitch comes be prepared to run the bases. Get out the rye bread and mustard grandma; it’s Grand Salami time!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Mar 24, 2014 | Uncategorized, Valley Gadfly
Hippity Hop: Romping Into Spring
Here comes Peter Cottontail! Easter is on the way and so is Passover. Ladies show off their spring finery as the streets begin bursting with flowers, succulents and vibrant colors. It is the month when it is summer in the light and winter in the shade. April sets up her green traffic lights and everyone in the Cherry Creek Valley thinks Go!
At last it is springtime in the Valley as the fences begin to sway, the porches swing and the sky begins to rumble. Hark: Crickets wander, murmuring away happily.
Here are our choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to put you in the mood to enjoy good friends and good books resting on beautiful lawns on sunny days:
Jump into spring as the Snowball Music Festival relocates from Winter Park to Sports Authority Field at Mile High, April 4-6. See 63 artists perform on four stages while checking out snowboard exhibits. Information: www.snowballmusicfestival.com.
Celebrate the beauty of spring in Valley neighborhoods while also exploring the architecture and design of distinctive buildings during the 10th annual Doors Open Denver, April 12-14. Information: 303-322-5205.
Be sure your car is ready to hum a spring tune by getting a transmission performance maintenance checkup at the Valley’s locally owned Aamco car care specialists on West Alameda Ave. Information: 303-462-2626.
Robots are doing amazing things these days but don’t take our word for it; take the family to Robotics at the Hangar, noon-4 p.m. See them perform at Wings Over the Rockies in Lowry. Information: 303-360-5360.
Enjoy global gourmet cuisine at the newly opened Ambli Gourmet Eatery in the Leetsdale Shopping Center, 600 S. Holly St. Take pleasure in savory dishes served on spot with chic décor. Information: 303-355-WINE.
Phantom’s soprano Michelle Gliottoni-Rodriguez gives a recital April 26 at the Broadway Music School Hall, 7:30 p.m. Information: 800-838-3006.
Hop into spring at the family-friendly Infinity Park Easter Eggstravaganza in Glendale April 12 beginning with an Easter Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. Hunts are for two age groups, five and under and another for ages six and up. Those finding a Golden Egg will be rewarded with a special prize. The Big Bunny will of course be available to pose for photos (don’t forget your cameras) with the youngsters. Information: 303-639-4711.
As the Valley landscape begins to emerge from the long winter, so too, we emerge, albeit a little lackluster and disheveled. After sleeping under bear pelts to keep warm we need a fresh spring routine and go in search of fresh frocks, hairdos and haircuts. We’re more than ready for those shorts and sandals on a bright, warm day.
As the newspaperman and U.S. Senator W. Earl Hall once wrote, “Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day.”
For most of us spring tastes light and crisp after a season of hearty, heavier fare. Spring marks the return of salads and early veggies to dinner tables. We’re all set for grilling out. One swallow does not make a spring, nor does one fine day. Still a cone topped with bouquets of scrumptious ice cream is our idea of romping into spring.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
