by Valley Gadfly | Jan 22, 2021 | Valley Gadfly
“Love keeps the cold out better than a cloak,” Longfellow argued.” February weather plus the pandemic gives us added time to reflect and feel our deepest emotions, whether it be sadness, yearning, contentment or, yes, conceivably love. This month unshrouds and lays bare the constant contradictions in the weather and in life.
There’s something about the dreary spell outside that makes us romantic. It ’twas a brit in 1881 that coined the phrase: “February, fill the dyke with what thou dost like.”
Grab your coat and get your hat, here are our choices for shopping, dining and entertaining to keep you comfy on cloud 9 with your Valentine thru cupid month:
3 Valley families can enjoy the spectacular Sundance Film Festival without leaving home. Reserve your own private movie night as Sie FilmCenter hosts online through Feb. 3 from Park City. Information: 720-381-0813.
3 See circus acrobatics, juggling, and live music as Celestial Chaos performs at the Exdo Event Center Feb. 4-28. Information: rainbowmiltiaarial.com.
3 Join Treasure Box Tours for a Denver Parks Webinar of city’s green gems large and small, Feb. 10, 10-11 a.m. Information: coaarp@aarp.org.
3 View Josh Groban’s first PBS hosted national virtual concert An Evening Of Harmony Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day 6 p.m. Information: 303-296-1212.
3 Make Valentine’s Day magical this year by dining in Glendale. The Village has 45 eateries with breakfast, lunch & dinner options. Pick from popular spots such as Sam’s No. 3 and Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar.
3 Choose the Glendale Sports Center as the centerpiece for a healthy New Year. The YMCA-managed facility is equipped with modern equipment and offers fitness programs for every age. Information: 303-639-4711.
3 Support Rocky Mountain Children’s Health by attending Kaleidoscope dinner event at the Ritz-Carlton Feb. 20-21. Information: 720-507-0905.
3 View the artwork by Tony Ortega on display at the Botanic Garden’s Freyer-Newman Center through Feb. 28. Information: 720-865-3500.
3 In a year like no other, the Denver Jewish Film Festival is bringing the remarkable lineup of films directly to your living room Feb. 8-17. Enjoy emerging filmmakers with powerful feature-film debuts Shiva Baby and God of the Piano. Be inspired by powerful documentaries of social justice or eat your way through culinary fare such as Abe. Use your web browser or TV apps for Roku or Apple TV. Information: 303-399-2660.
February is wintertime in the Valley with the average temperatures in the 20°F to 46°F range. Snowfall is truly the lowest of the season, measuring up to 5.7” on average. Nights are frosty and drop below freezing most of the time. February has ample sunshine that lasts at least 10 hours daily with clear skies for about a week during the month.
Romance during the cold days of February is unique. It’s magical in the sense that you can go skiing together, sip hot cocoa and snuggle with the person you love.
Coming at the perfect time to be savored, Valentine’s Day is a love-note to the rest of the year. Cupid is sharpening his arrows and practicing his aim. But, but be certain to spread only love and not the coronavirus. While romance and roses make a lovely gesture, filling Feb. 14th with both love and laughter is often the best gift of all.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Dec 18, 2020 | Valley Gadfly
The year 2020 has been a year to remember, but between the pandemic and politics one most of us would probably prefer to forget. With Covid-19 turning everyday life on its head and ending the lives of so many, a lot of aspects of the last 12 months are easily lost from memory. One element of 2020, however, was in fact a “golden year.”
Though most of us don’t consider the rat as an adorable rodent, based on last year’s Chinese lunar calendar, pandemic plagued 2020 was the year of the Golden Rat!
Here are our glam, twinkly light choices for shopping, dining and entertaining to give champagne glasses and glittery tiaras extra sparkle to lighten up the New Year:
3 For a colorful, stunning start to the New Year view the final days of Begin Again on view through Jan. 9 at Walker Fine Art in the Prado Bldg. Work was created to inspire healing and hope. Information: 303-355-8955.
3 Learn history of the Great Sioux War at the Jan. 10 Jerome Greene lecture in History Colorado Center, 2 p.m. Information: 303-557-8679.
3 View work by 18 artists who created art exploring challenges facing the New Year at D’art Gallery, Jan. 14-Feb. 7. Information: 720-486-7735.
3 If you missed it during the holiday, the Blossoms of Light display lingers at the Botanic Gardens through Jan. 16. Information: 720-865-3500.
3 Celebrate the New Year at Bull & Bush Brewery that finished its first batch on New Year’s Day 1997. Seating in heated tent, patio. Last call for alcohol 8 p.m., kitchen closes at 10 p.m. Information: 303-759-0333.
3 Bank on a brighter New Year at Denver headquartered Sunflower Bank. Build long-term relationships at a bank remaining true to its community roots. Not too big and not too small. Information: 313-297-0333.
3 Catch music of DJ Ravenscoon as he plays hip-hop and punk rock at the Black Box Jan. 22-23, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Information: blackboxdenver.co.
3 See Dreams In Bloom, exhibition of photos by Fares Micue on display in the Freyer-Newman Center, Jan. 23-May 16. Information: 720-865-3500.
3 Begin the New Year in a universe beyond earthly troubles by attending Celestial Chaos at the Exdo Event Center, Feb. 4-28. The circus production features aerial dance, acrobatics, juggling and live music. The four ring circus of otherworldly delight will boost spectators into the clouds. The production offers audiences connection, inspiration and hope for the New Year. Information: Rainbowmilitiaariel.com.
China’s 2020 Year of the Rat festivities began in mid-Jan. and lasted for 15 days, culminating with the Lantern Festival. As the New York Times reported, China’s Health Commission voiced concerns about the emergence of a little-understood coronavirus. China’s Li Bin warned on Jan. 22 that the number infected had risen tenfold in a week.
By the lunar calendar, 2021 is the Year of the Ox: “This year no explosive or catastrophic events will occur, and it is a year favorable for economic recovery.”
Here’s to a bright New Year and a fond farewell to the old as the clock strikes 12. No one will miss 2020 when it’s gone, and hopefully this year will bring brighter days ahead. Here’s to the things that are yet to come and the good memories that we hold. Raising a bottle of bubbly to Chinese good fortune, we wish you “Ox of Luck!”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Nov 20, 2020 | Valley Gadfly
Goodbye, November. Hello, December. How did this month get here so soon? As Dr. Seuss stated, “It’s night before it’s afternoon. December is here before it’s June.” This month feels like both a beginning and an ending. It’s all the rushing, preparation and celebrating as we try to slow down right in the middle of a near year-long pandemic.
December is Denver’s coldest month. That mean the thermometer may drop below 0 °F on a few nights. Still we are nearer to spring than we were in September.
Here are our silver bells ringing and sugar plums dancing choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to prepare you for the merriment and bah humbug-ness ahead:
3 With jaunty jingles and titillating tales, the world premiere of Winterland at Wonderbound Studios is your antidote to the winter blues. Sunflower Bank is sponsor of the cabaret, Dec. 2-18. Information: 303-292-4700.
3 Take the family to Zoo Lights 30th Anniversary with more than a million lights aglow at the Denver Zoo, Dec. 4-31. Information: 720-990-5105.
3 View Begin Again, new artwork to inspire healing, hope and wonder on display at Walker Fine Art through Jan. 9. Information: 303-355-8955.
3 Book a time, dress in your holiday best for family photos at Lowry’s Eisenhower Chapel Dec. 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 303-344-0481.
3 Make the holidays special with pastries, artisan breads, quiche and sandwiches from French bakery Detour on South Holly St. Tue.-Sat., 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Helpful staff to help you stock up. Information: 303-756-2020.
3 Spruce up for the holidays with décor fabrics from Boris’s Upholstery. Select from over 300 rolls of fabrics in-stock. One-stop home upholstery, custom cushions and decorative pillows. Information: 303-751-2921.
3 See Stories On Stage as it performs Making Merry live streamed from the Nomad Theatre in Boulder Dec. 13, 7-8 p.m. Information: 303-494-0523.
3 Catch Other People’s Pets, the Novel by R. L. Maizes during Dec. 17 virtual JAAMM Fest, 7 p.m. Information: JCCDenver.org/JAAMM.
3 Faced with this year’s historic challenges, take the family to December Delights at Four Mile Historic Park, Dec. 4-27. Outdoor winter spectacular features installations, ice skating, kids’ activities and a scavenger hunt. Event has snacks and a full bar. Open Friday through Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. the stunning space is designed to transform endings into new beginnings. Information: 720-865-0800.
Do You Hear What I Hear? AAAaaALViiiNN! Whether it’s the Chipmunk song or Jingle Bells, holiday songs are inescapable this time of year. They’re on your car radio, in department stores and your dentist’s waiting room. Even Up on the Housetop, click, click, the DINGing and DONGing and RING-A-LINGing dance in your ear drums.
Even if holiday songs don’t top our list, we still remember the words to Deck The Halls, FA LA FA LA! After all, it’s the time of year to “be jolly and don gay apparel!
Although December is filled with love and positivity, let’s face it: this month can leave you feeling pretty cold. So go ahead and cozy up to all those holiday songs and their December-themed lyrics — enjoy them while you can, it’ll be 2021 before you know it! Wishing you and your family health, happiness and prosperity in the New Year.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Nov 2, 2020 | Valley Gadfly
The frenzy of fall has subsided. Pull out your cozy sweaters and take a deep breath of crisp air before pulling on your mask and settling into November. It’s a holiday month and there’s always something to be thankful for. Hopefully, for starters, November morns will no longer hide in the smoke and haze we had through summer and fall.
With the pandemic still affecting how we gather, the celebrated Thanksgiving holiday will bring a more intimate experience that’s, well, a little forced upon us.
Here are our Covid-style Thanksgiving choices for shopping, dining and entertainment as we sit socially distanced, careful not to do anything coronavirusy:
3 Enjoy city’s vibrant cultural scene during Denver Arts Week(end), Nov. 6-8. You’ll enjoy hundreds of in-person and virtual events from visual arts to music, museums and drama. Information: Denver.org-arts-week.
3 Don’t miss Veterans Day speaker Lisette Celmons at the Lowry Speaker Series in Eisenhower Chapel Nov. 11, 7 p.m. Information: 303-344-9471.
3 Catch National Bohemians playing in remodeled Benchmark Theatre with social distance seating, Nov. 13-15 & 20-22. Information: 303-275-3430.
3 Support DCPA by viewing singer-actress Laura Benanti in a virtual concert transmitted live Nov. 13, 6 p.m. Information: denvercenter.org.
3 Embrace the season by enjoying the warmth and abundance of Autumn Chai Teas from Ku Cha House of Tea on E. 3rd Ave. in Cherry Creek North. Open from noon to 5 p.m. daily. Information: 303-322-0183.
3 As the holidays approach shop for vintage and modern timepieces as gifts for family and friends from Cherry Creek Watch Co. nestled in the heart of Cherry Creek North at 231 Milwaukee St. Information: 720-770-2223.
3 Get in the holiday spirit as Denver lights up the City & County Bldg. and downtown light displays on Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 27-Jan. 1.
3 View art by Tony Ortega on display in the Freyer-Newman Center at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Nov. 21-Feb. 28. Information: 720-865-2500.
3 Shop for holiday gifts during Junior League of Denver’s annual Mile High Holiday Mart with strict attendee limits in the venue, Nov. 13-15. Event is at the Denver Marriott South Fri. 3-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun. to 4 p.m. Ticket holders can sign up for an entry time. Entry time reservations are not required, but attendees may need to wait in line during peak hours. Parking is free at the venue. Information: 303-692-0270,
For many, kitchens, living rooms and hallways that are usually flooded with family members and friends will be a bit quieter. We get it: It will seem a bit somber to go from having large crowds gather at home or at a restaurant to hosting intimate gathering of three or four, even if the turkey is plump and your tummy’s full.
But you can flip this fall’s script: As you downscale plans for the upcoming holidays, it is the perfect time to create new memories and long-lasting traditions.
Most of us can be thankful that our family and friends haven’t contracted the coronavirus and we’ve managed to stay healthy. In a year bombarded by the pandemic, Thanksgiving can be a day to remember all of the things, big and small, we have to be thankful for. Have an enjoyable Thanksgiving as you gobble ’til you wobble.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Sep 25, 2020 | Valley Gadfly
October is customarily characterized by comfy sweaters, pumpkin spice, jack-o-lanterns and trick-or-treating. The pandemic, however, has created masked confusion. Some think everyone is dressed as masked schnooks. This year, however, wearing masks gives us 2020 vision. Thus as Halloween approaches humbly ask, “Whoo ghost there?”
Paint on a brave face, we’ll be worse for wear. It’s hard to think of anything that has so radically and rapidly become so integral to our daily lives at home and at work.
Strap on your mask, here are our unisex and reusable ghoulish choices for shopping, dining and entertainment even when wearing a colorful face covering:
3 View exhibit highlighting Masks as an art form plus a universal symbol as a public health issue at DU’s Vicki Myhren Gallery now through Dec. 1. Exhibits feature the work of 30 artists. Information: 303-871-3716.
3 See all of your favorite Dragon Boat Festival performers and vendors during virtual fundraising campaign Oct. 3. Information: 303-953-7277.
3 Watch spooky movies Oct. 8 and 22nd at RiNo’s Ironton Distillery with cocktails and nibbles. Doors open at 8 p.m. Information: 720-532-0937.
3 See displays of jack-o’-lanterns and glowing pumpkins at Denver Botanic Garden’s Glow At The Gardens Oct. 19-23. Information: 720-865-3500.
3 Experience relaxing, warm and friendly fall dining at Toro Latin Kitchen inside Cherry Creek’s JW Marriott. Select from tasty small plates and family-style entrees plus cocktail and wine. Information: 303-253-3000.
3 Extraordinary health care is now open in the heart of Cherry Creek on the corner of 1st Ave. and Cook St. UCHealth building has outpatient surgery center with free valet and self-parking. Information: 720-848-0000.
3 Take the family to Union Station for annual BOOnion Trick-Or-Treat costume parade in the Great Hall Oct. 29. Information: 303-592-6712.
3 Learn about Denver’s African-American experience at Lowry Speaker Series in Eisenhower Chapel Oct. 27, 7 p.m. Information: 303-344-0481.
3 Fall into some old-fashion family fun during annual Pumpkin Harvest Festival at Four Mile Historic Park Oct. 2-4, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. to 6 p.m. Autumn fun includes live music, food trucks, photo booth, pioneer games plus pick pumpkins from park’s patch. Attendees can also enjoy cool fall inspired beverages plus a full bar. Advanced purchase of timed tickets required for safe 90-minute experience. Information: 720-865-0800.
Albeit we’ve already had an early cover-up of snow, most years the season’s first snow habitually arrives near Halloween. It’s the third season of the year coinciding with the dropping of leaves from trees, which is why it’s also called fall. It’s a time when we start to unwind and simmer down, to hang loose, laze and begin to feel cozy at home.
In March as we set clocks to “spring forward” the pandemic forced us to knock off. Now we’re locked in masked confusion as the clock creeps toward “fall back” time.
We don’t formally “fall back” until Nov. 1. Nonetheless, the pandemic’s monster mayhem endures as a devilish fall fad. Large gatherings are a ghostly thing of the past. Before the sun rises earlier on our clocks, we’re stuck in a soul-searching hullabaloo. Even after we gain an hour the ghostly glow will give ‘em pumpkin to talk about.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Aug 21, 2020 | Valley Gadfly
Music routinely triggers that yearning feeling and September — the iconic Earth, Wind & Fire song — reminisces over a nostalgic period that took place in the month of September. As the Valley begins the transition from warm to cool this month we’re hoping along with everyone else that September will be chasin’ the coronavirus away.
The doo-wah virus pretty much chased the first six months of 2020 away. Now our souls are singin’ setback the virus while chasin’ the clouds away, oh yeah!
Here are our heart ringin’ choices for shopping, dining and entertainment heaped with warmth, passion and color to keep you glowing as crisp and golden as an apple:
3 Join dance, cardio, meditation, yoga and other 60-minute classes open to all levels offered multiple times at city’s Sculpture Park on Tues.-Thur., Sept. 1-29. Information: artscomplex.com/sculptureparkfitness.com.
3 Watch classic films from your car at Red Rocks on lower south lot 2 Thurs. through Sun. Sept. 3-27, 7:30 p.m. Information: denverfilm.org.
3 View the Rocky Mountain Bonsai Show Sept. 5-6 at Denver Botanic Gardens, Sat. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. to 4 p.m. Information: 720-865-3500.
3 For a thrill of a lifetime, rappel down 36-stories at 1670 Broadway Office Bldg. Sept. 10-12 to fund Cancer League. Information:cancerleague.org.
3 Enjoy lunch and dinner at Civic Center Park — the centerpiece of Denver’s green space — from 20 food trucks on Wed. & Thur. Sept. 2-Oct. 15, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m. Information: civiccentereats.com.
3 Experience extra good vibes shopping 55 diverse stores in stress-free Glendale, just minutes from Cherry Creek. You’ll find popular-unique retail, dining and entertainment brands. Information: glendale.co.us.
3 Enjoy virtual gala at home with charcuterie board for two and a bottle of wine to aid Mental Health Sept. 17, 5:30 p.m. Information: 303-756-9052.
3 View the provocative religious-political commentary art exhibit Holy Moly at Niza Knoll Gallery, Sept. 18-Oct. 31. Information: 303-953-1789.
3 Support The Lowry Foundation while enjoying food, libations and ice cream at the Lowry Beer Garden and Rocket Ice Cream Sept. 24, 5-9 p.m. A portion of sales on dine-in and take-out at the benefit event will be donated to the non-profit to meet the needs of the historical neighborhood. Venue is relaxing family spot with communal tables and outdoor patio offering beers, burgers and brats. Information: 303-344-0481.
September is a 30-days long goodbye to summer, to a season that left everyone happy but weary of the warm-windy weather. Combined with social distancing and masks, the days dragged on due to the threat of sickness. Life, like the air, didn’t feel fresh. It made us uncomfortable because it was stifling and sometimes suffocating.
Summer clouds dwindle in September and it’s the year’s sunniest month in Denver. Days cool down quickly, dropping around 12 °F by the end of the month.
It’s the end of summer and the beginning of fall. Known as Indian summertime, it’s the transition from warm to cool. September days are indeed here, promising summer’s best of weather and autumn’s best of cheer. Notwithstanding the coronavirus, “Try to remember the kind of September when life was slow and oh so mellow.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
