by Valley Gadfly | Dec 17, 2021 | Valley Gadfly
January is the month that wipes last year’s slate clean. Winter makes the Mile High City sparkle. Snowmen, mittens, unsure weather, plus resolutions to carve out a better New Year.
A second year of the pandemic marked 2021. Living through difficult and stressful times can pave the way for growth and strength. Set resolutions allowing you to bounce back quickly.
Because it’s a long countdown until spring, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to help you embrace the good, bad, and ugly created by cold weather:
3 Continue to enjoy the Winter Spectacular at Four Mile Historic Park through Jan. 2 starting at 5 p.m. Enjoy ice skating, scavenger hunts, a holiday market, kids craft, plus much more. Also enjoy playing Reindeer Games! Information: 720-865-0800.
3 Catch the Rico Jones Quintet with Max Light on guitar when they entertain at Dazzle @ Baur’s on Jan. 5 from 6:30-8 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
3 Take the family to the National Western Complex to see the livestock and horse shows at the National Western Stock Show Jan. 8-22. Information: 303-297-1166.
3 Enjoy legendary pianist Markus Groh and the Berlin Philharmonic Piano Quartet when they play Boettcher Hall, Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Keep your youngsters Grades K-to-8 in shape at Glendale’s Winter Indoor Youth Rugby program Feb. 5, 12, 19, and 26. Co-ed Saturday mornings practice basic rugby skills for spring season. Information: glendaleyouthrugby.com.
3 Start the New Year in a maintenance free patio home by Eastern Star Masonic Retirement Campus on S. Quebec St. between Evans & Yale. No more mowing, watering, shoveling, or climbing ladders. Information: 303-800-7023.
3 Catch Hawaiian music legends Keola Beamer & Henry Kapono when they entertain at Swallow Hill’s Daniels Hall on Jan. 20 at 8 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
3 Enjoy tastes of seasonal and craft brews plus live rock music at this year’s Denver Winter Brew Fest at Mile High Station, Jan. 22, 1 p.m. Information: 720-946-7721.
3 See the Jan. 25th show playing at the Paramount Theatre featuring the life and music of George Michael through the music of Wham! Information: 303-623-0106.
3 The Colorado Symphony and Denver Young Artists Orchestra (DYAO) present a free musical concert at Boettcher Hall Jan. 26, 7 p.m. The Symphony again shares its vision of music education by allowing the young musicians to perform the free concert under the mentorship of the full-time professional musicians. The free concert includes partnership sponsorship by the Denver Arts & Venues. Ticket Information: coloradosymphony.org.
Winter is the time for comfort, for good food, and warmth. A time for the touch of a friendly hand and a talk beside the fire. January is the time to enjoy your home in Denver!
Denver’s average sliding 31-day snowfall during January is essentially constant, remaining about 1.9-inches. Snowfall rarely exceeds 4.7-inches nor falls to none.
For 2022 we wish you 12 months of success, 52 weeks of laughter, 365 days of fun, 8,760 hours of joy, 525,600 minutes of good luck, and 31,536,000 seconds of happiness.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Nov 19, 2021 | Valley Gadfly
Brrr! The Old Farmers’ Almanac comes with a winter warning for Denver and all of Colorado: Prepare for a “Season of Shivers.” With a record of 80% accurate forecasts since 1792, the Almanac says things west of Denver may not see as much snow as the Front Range and plains but, “Coloradans should have their coats handy all winter.” Denver typically has at least an inch of snow on the ground for 12 days this month. The snow normally accumulates to five inches or deeper on another two days.
To warm your heart even if the weather is not, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment so the holidays’ harmony stays in your heart all year round:
3 Catch the season’s spirit by taking the family to hear baritone opera singer Bret Thom, entertain compliments of Heaven Creamery on Milwaukee St. in Cherry Creek North, Dec. 2 and 9, 5-7 p.m. Information: 303-635-6779.
3 Let the Jingle Bells rock by attending the White Christmas Ball at the Hyatt Convention Center on Dec. 3-4, 4 p.m. Information: 1940sball.org.
3 Enjoy the Sound of the Rockies a cappella chorus playing Holiday Harmony at the Newman Center Dec. 11, 2 & 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-335-0825.
3 Feel the vibrations as the Colorado Symphony Brass play ballads, carols, and movie tunes at Boettcher Hall Dec. 14, 7 p.m. Information: 303-893-4200.
3 To find the perfect holiday gift this season, shop Morgan Sonsthagen Jewelry located on South Downing St. near Wash Park since 1977. Select from custom jewelry plus ventage and antique jewels. Information: 303-733-1710.
3 Head to On Havana Street to shop and dine this season. Featuring more than 100 diverse restaurants, 20+ international markets, plus dozens of shopping centers; there’s something for everyone. Information: onhavanastreet.com.
3 Shop authentic German Christkindl Market in cozy wood huts at Civic Center Park for artisan gift giving plus tasty treats. Information: 720-772- 9530.
3 Take the family to see DCPA’s adaption of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at the Wolf Theatre on the JCC campus, Dec. 26. Information: 303-893-4200,
3 End the season at December Delights on Dec. 27-Jan. 2 at Four Mile Historic Park enjoying ice skating, kids’ crafts, more. Information: fourmilepark.org.
3 Despite 2020 Covid-19 cancellations Denver’s Santa Claus Shop did not disappoint children last year. The shop provided toys to about 13,000 kids in a first-ever “drive-thru” distribution site. Trying to lurk yet again, make gifts go farther this year by dropping off new, unwrapped toys and books at metro spots on Dec. 7. Denver Mattress at 1243 S. Colorado Blvd. is closest location to the Glendale-Cherry Creek area. Information: givingfirst.org.
Because of snow’s starring role in the lore of yore — no matter how we celebrate or what our beliefs are — music makes this month special. It’s music of good spirit and warm feelings. Consider Jingle Bells and Silent Night. These are simple yet very moving songs in their own special way. They reaffirm family values, customs and traditions.
The inclusive character and images created by these songs are attractive to both kids and adults and have become part of the great nostalgia of the holiday season.
In the spirit of the freezin’ season, remember kindness is like snow, it beautifies everything it covers. Wintertime will officially begin on Dec. 1 meteorologically and Dec. 21 astronomically. But the year’s end is neither an end or a beginning. Thus, when life becomes a snowdrift plan to walk down the lane singing favorite snow angel refrains.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Oct 22, 2021 | Valley Gadfly
The transition from fall to winter is getting underway. As winter kicks in with its cold weather and snowy landscapes, everyone feels funny. We’re either cold or getting a cold. November is a whole bunch of mixed feelings and songs about it are the living proof. Cozy sweaters and fashionable scarves are our wind-songs in the pines.
This is the month when night comes early and the dawn comes late. We’re pushed out of the sunlight as the piercing chill creates ice in buckets and frost by the gate.
After a year that so often kept people apart, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to harvest happiness and foster a spirit of connectedness:
3 Keep the season bright by enjoying more than a dozen remaining JAAMM Fest events on the JCC campus. November features singer-comedian Jackie Tohn and cookbook author Jake Cohn. Information: 303-399-2600.
3 Cozy up seeing films-documentaries as Denver Film Festival returns to the Sie Film Center, other venues Nov. 3-14. Information: denverfilms.org.
3 Beat the cold at National Jewish Health’s hot Fashion Show Nov. 6th at Mercedes-Benz on S. Colorado Blvd., 6 p.m. Information: 303-728-8748.
3 Don’t miss this year’s sizzling Junior League Holiday Mart at DU’s Gates Field House, Nov. 12-14 with varying hours. Information: 303-682-0270.
3 Enjoy English pub specialties, American fare, at the long bar, patio, and dining room at Glendale’s Bull & Bush. Celebrate the season partying at one of the Valley’s best craft breweries. Information: 303-759-0333.
3 Warm up your Holiday event by treating guests at the Infinity Park Event Center. It’s a cozy winter wonderland with 360-degree video screens to bring your party to life. Information: infinityparkeventcenter.com.
3 See Central City Opera’s L’Esprit de Noel virtual tour of Denver’s 1888 McCourt Mansion, Nov. 19-Dec. 31. Information: lesprithometour.com.
3 Catch Cherry Creek Theatre’s classic play Just A Second at the Wolf Theatre on the JCC campus through Nov. 21. Information: 303-800-6578.
3 To help you enjoy this month’s weather, the Colorado Symphony and Natasha Paaremski fire-up DCPA’s Boettcher Concert Hall playing Piano Concerto No. 2, Nov. 19-21. The work is concise and playful, contrasting the daring music with those more typical of Mozart’s time. Performances are Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. Sun. at 1 p.m. Music by the two titans shines in the hands of Maestro Andrew Litton. Information: 303-893-4200.
We’ve polished off the last of the Halloween candy and pulled out our cozy sweaters. Now we need to take a deep breath of crisp air and settle into November — the very best month of the season. It’s a holiday month, but instead of the rush of Christmas, we get to spend time with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving traditions. Enjoy the month to the fullest. Live life to the maximum by taking a moment to reflect on all that makes you grateful.
Relish November’s warm temperatures — Indian Summer is Nov. 11-20 — because all too soon frost and snow will force us indoors. Most Denver nights drop below freezing, with an inch of snow on the ground for six days during the month. If winter is early, it won’t be late meteorologists warn. Trees simply say, “leave me alone.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Sep 27, 2021 | Valley Gadfly
Awwtumn: Yes, this month begins the mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, cider sipping, and keeping warm by the fire season. Wavering winds and shorter days ebb and flow in a refreshing flux as the month begins. Transitions are always inspiring, lifting our spirits with thoughts of new possibilities. It is the perfect time for us to hit the pause button.
Precious time to gather our thoughts by taking a long stroll outside embracing the fall foliage. By enjoying the superb splendor of life and nature we find inner peace.
As we lose flowers and gain fruit, here are our leaf-peeping choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to warm you up for that annual trip to the pumpkin patch:
3 With witty dialogue and memorable characters catch the classic, hilarious play Steel Magnolias live at the Wolf Theatre on the JCC campus, Fri.-Sat, 7:30 p.m. and on Sun. 2 p.m., Oct. 1-24. Information: 303-800-6578.
3 Hunt for art, other fun stuff at the one-stop Junk In The Trunk garage sale at the Owl Saloon, Oct. 2, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: theowlsaloon.com.
3 Don’t miss alternative music’s Dead Can Dance and singer Lisa Gerrard playing the Mission Ballroom, Oct. 5, 8 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
3 Attend Jewish Family Services dinner-program the Faces Of JFS at Infinity Park Event Center, Oct. 13, 6 p.m. Information: 303-597-5000.
3 For scrumptious food, delicious drinks, plus live music and Glendale-Cherry Creek’s best late night menu go to Inga’s Alpine Tavern. Open Tue.-Sat. to 2 p.m. Sun.-Mon. until Midnight. Information: 720-389-6203.
3 Begin the admission process to enroll your child at St. Anne’s Episcopal School by attending the Parent Previews and tour the campus Nov. 6, 9 a.m. Information: 303-756-9481, ext. 210 or stannes.org/parent-previews.
3 Attend the Full Circle pre-opening tour of Denver Art Museum’s Martin Bldg., new Sie Welcome Center, Oct. 21-23. Information: 720-865-5000.
3 Get in the Halloween spirit at Oct. 30 Costume Contest with gift card prizes at Rocket Fizz, 1 to 3 p.m. Information: OnHavanaStreet.com.
3 Start the fall season off by attending the annual Pumpkin Harvest Festival at Four Mile Historic Park, Oct. 1-3. Event has been refined with catered food, watering holes, s’mores station, and live music from Swallow Hill Music. Kids can build their own scarecrow, take tractor rides. There’s an art district plus marketplace. In addition people can pick perfect pumpkins from the Four Mile Pumpkin Patch. Information: 720-865-0800.
With the dog days of summer’s smoke and severe heat behind us, we can begin planning ways to usher in cooler weather. Are you ready to finally trade out those sandals for boots? What about a brisk walk among the changing leaves? Or, perhaps you’ll hop in the car for a drive to Colorado’s mountains for some of the best leaf-peeping anywhere.
Of course, there’s Halloween to look forward to. For many of us, there’s something inherently fun about thinking of a whacky new costume to wear.
Then in a blink of an eye as we take off our costumes, “ber” month ushers in the holiday season. We think of Nov.-Dec. as peaceful months, but filled with festivities that can also be stressful. This month’s Harvest Moon — acutely bright in the sky is Oct. 20. But don’t worry the moon isn’t hungry because it is already full. Happy Fall, y’all!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Aug 27, 2021 | Valley Gadfly
As smoke and heat stole summer away, we’re all hoping September will chase those memories away. Can you recall when there wasn’t a smoky day, yow! Ironically it was the band Earth, Wind & Fire that penned lyrics to the song September. It was written, released and cracked the top 10 in 1978 to became a dance-pop masterpiece.
We had no idea back then that 42 years later fires would have already burned 7.0 million acres worldwide this year, double the 3.3 million acre 1990s yearly average.
To chase away any early September smoke, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to grasp days filled with peace, relaxation, and clear skies:
3 Start September sipping wine at the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless food and wine tasting fundraiser. The gala is at the Cable Center on the DU campus Sept. 2, 5:30 p.m. Information: coloradocoalition.org/events.
3 For a September to remember attend the Cherry Creek Arts Festival Sept. 4-6 along the creek at the Cherry Creek Mall. Information: 303-355-2787.
3 Make September songs country at the Tennyson Center County Q & Brew benefit at Mile High Station Sept. 10, 6 p.m. Information: 303-433-2541.
3 Don’t miss the last free movie at Glendale’s Infinity Park Sept. 12. Disney & Pixar’s “Soul” starts at 7 p.m. Information: infinityparkglendale.com.
3 For the tastiest rotisserie meats and seasonal sides in town, go to The Rotary on S. Holly St. in Hilltop. Kitchen is fast, staff is top notch, with beer, wine & cocktails. Dine-in or take out. Information:303-537-5327.
3 September starts the holiday season and time to wrap your home with drapery and Roman shades. Shop Cherry Creek Shades & Drapery to make your own September statement. Information: 303-355-4223.
3 Enjoy music by Andrew McConathy & Drunken Hearts at Glendale’s Festival Plaza Sept. 16, 4 p.m. Information: Infinityparkglendale.com.
3 For a smokin’ good time take the family to the Denver BBQ Fest Sept. 17-19 at Empower Field at Mile High. Information: DenverBBQFest.com.
3 For a fabulous September finale take in the Last Days of Summer Concert with Dotsero at The Stampede Sept. 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Hosted by On Havana Street, the concert is free with lots of free parking. There will be a 14 minute intermission and break for the popular Colorado jazz ensemble. Attendees can purchase street tacos at Stampede’s Street Taco Bar. Seating is first come, first serve. Tickets: OnHavanaStreet.com.
Late summer vacations and weekend retreats primed us for new beginnings so we can chase lingering smoke away and be ready for the 21st night of September. “Our hearts will be ringing in the key our souls are singing” if stars, rather than smoke, fill the night skies by that date. With autumn weather, we don’t have time for a waiting game.
As lush foliage begins its journey into deep, autumn hues bright light still penetrates our aspen trees creating artistic shadows that twinkle in moments of magic.
Earth tones and rich tie-dyes emerge to embrace autumn’s arrival. September, none the less, gives a nod to the still warm days ahead. We’re eager to say ta-ta to summer and hello to cool temperatures, football, and everything pumpkin flavored. Contrariwise, burning embers are still singing, “Goodness gracious, great balls of fire!”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Jul 23, 2021 | Valley Gadfly
This is the month that can turn into a griddle where the days just lay there and sizzle. Cartoonist Charles Schultz’s summer snap: “Life is like an ice cream cone; you have to lick it one day at a time.” Sold in a surplus of flavors, it can be paired with desserts, or topped on waffles. August just wouldn’t be August without ice cream.
Be it kids, adults, or the elderly, everybody loves the sweet and refreshing delight on a hot summer day. So get it, scoop it, love it, lick it! Do it ala mode, oh yeah!
To endure past dawn, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to sweeten the final flashes of fun and sun before the days flicker and fade to fall:
3 Attend summer’s biggest entertainment event with musicians, dancers, comedians and magicians at Colorado’s Throw Down Show Down, Aug. 7 at Infinity Park Stadium. Information: infinityparkeventcenter.com.
3 Join the activity driven Children’s Diabetes Foundation Run for the Ring 5K and kids run to fund research Aug. 7, 8 a.m. Information: 303-628-5115.
3 Experience Cherry Creek trying small bites, seeing demos-seminars, Aug. 11-14 plus Fillmore Plaza Grand Tasting Sat. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 Enjoy great theatre again as Lincoln Center brings the musical My Fair Lady back to the Buell Theatre, Aug. 11-14. Information: 720-865-3220.
3 For terrific ice cream chillin’ this month go to old-school fantastic Bonnie Brae Ice Cream on S. University Blvd. Made in house, scoops in wide-range of flavors are smooth and creamy. Information: 303-777-0808.
3 Looking for a new or pre-owned vehicle? Visit Aurora’s Havana Motor Mile — from 6th Ave. to Dartmouth — with a combined inventory of more than 6,280 vehicles among 20+ dealers. Information: onhavanastreet.com.
3 For live music, art, and food go to Riverfront Park’s Aug. 19 session at the 19th St. Bridge, 4-8 p.m. Information: riverfrontparkevents.com.
3 Don’t miss the Art Student League’s Summer Art Market on the streets at Grant & 2nd St. Aug. 28-29, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 303-778-8990.
3 The top 20 domestic and international rugby clubs are bringing their best talent to Glendale’s Rugby-Town 7s sports spectacular at Infinity Park, Aug. 20-22. The weekend also features plenty of entertainment, a beerfest, and a festival atmosphere. The fast-paced games have seven teams of seven players each, competing in two seven-minute halves. Big dudes run into each other at full speed in thrilling sport. Information: rugbytown7s.com.
Following a spring, summer romp, and splash, it’s time to begin thinking about an August interlude. A betwixt and between period of time as we pause between phases of activity during the year. An intervening lifestyle rest similar to the short piece of instrumental music played between the parts of a song or the acts of a drama.
It’s the beginning of summer’s end and the prelude to the equinox. As fall draws near, we welcome ice cream breaks as we hold on to the last days of summer’s final rays.
The soft shades of the Cherry Creek Valley’s golden sunsets will soon sparkle in the crisp air as the cottonwoods begin coloring up. The pink, purple, and orange hues drip across the sky. Time to throw-on and go-on as life becomes entangled with the autumn palette. Fall fashion for bees: Sharp, striking yellow jackets updated with frayed edges.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
