The Burnsley Hotel, a 17-story all-suites hostelry originally constructed as an apartment building in 1963, will close Dec. 12, according to a 9News report. The story, however, does not quote hotel management nor RedPeak Properties, the Denver-based real estate firm allegedly buying the property at 1000 Grant St.

When I contacted hotel general manager David Milito, he would not confirm nor deny the 9News story except to say, “It’s not something I’m able to talk about at this time.”

A call to Mike Zoellner, president and CEO of Zoellner, was not returned Tuesday.

The Burnsley has not only been a popular temporary quarters for business travelers but was known by Capitol Hill residents for its great happy hour and dining room.

Shortly after it was built as an apartment building, the property was converted into an all-suites hotel with a jazz club, according to the website.

Denver philanthropists Joy and Franklin Burns purchased the hotel in 1969 from an investment group that included singer Ella Fitzgerald and actor Kirk Douglas.

9News also reported that RedPeak plans to convert the hotel into apartments or condos.

Note to self: Since I live one block from The Burnsley, I’m making it my mission to revisit the bar at least once before the alleged closing to partake of the extremely happy happy hour.

Colorado gives

Colorado Gives Day, the day when Coloradans dig deep in their pockets to generously donate to local nonprofits, takes place Dec. 4. Last year, $12.8 million was distributed to Colorado charities.

One way to support that day is to attend a breakfast with Nuggets coach George Karl from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Dec. 4 at Coohills restaurant, 1400 Wewatta St. The event will benefit Progressive Health Center and Cancer Care Initiative.

The cost is $28 per person, but space is limited so tickets must be purchased by Nov. 30 by e-mailing dbravo@progressivehealthcenter.org or by calling 303-788-9399.

Anyone who makes a $100 donation or more to the Denver Health Foundation will receive a $100 Hyde Park gift card valid through Dec. 31, and a chance to win a 007 package that includes an Omega watch.

For more information on the free event, go to www.denverhealthfoundation.org. RSVP by Nov. 30 to candice.jones@dhha.org or call 303-602-2978.

Manning’s his man

Elmore Leonard, the 87-year-old author and winner of this year’s National Book Foundation lifetime achievement award, is the interviewee for Proust Questionnaire in the December edition of Vanity Fair.

Among the questions in the interview, Leonard is asked, “Which living person do you most admire?”

His answer? “Peyton Manning.”

Triple threat

For the third year in a row, Conde Nast Traveler has named The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain No. 1 on the magazine’s list of the Top 50 Ski Hotels in North America.

The magazine touts The Westin Riverfront’s “excellent location by the lifts” and extensive amenities, including the “amazing hot tubs and pool” and Spa Anjali.

For more information or reservations, go to www.westinriverfrontbeavercreek.com or call 1-866-949-1616.

Author, author

Denver Center Attractions and Nancy Rebek Productions present Works in Progress: An Intimate Evening With David Sedaris, best-selling author and NPR contributor, for eight performances Jan. 21-27 in the Garner Galleria Theatre.

Sedaris will present select readings that may be included in his new book Let’s Explore Diabetes With Owls, due to be published in April. Audience reaction will, in part, determine the final edits to the publication.

Patrons may purchase a limit of four tickets per performance. Tickets are on sale at www.denvercenter.org or by calling 303-893-4100.

Eavesdropping on a sports talk show host talking about the death of actor Larry Hagman: “Later in life Larry had liver problems because he was a heavy drinker. I think he had psoriasis.”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.

Welcome to Blacktie-Colorado’s new periodic column for nonprofit organizations! If you have questions about this email, please write to Brett McCann-Lehl at brett@blacktie-llc.com. If you want to start getting Blacktie Bulletin emailed to you, sign up here.

BY BLACKTIE-COLORADO.COM

TODAY’S TOP HEADLINE: Colorado is getting some help from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Gov. John Hickenlooper and Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia plan to announce an education funding grant from the foundation Monday at the state Capitol.

TALK ABOUT A PAYOFF: Elias Gutierrez arrived at the Hyatt Regency Convention Center feeling pretty special. His story was going to be featured in a video shown at the Denver Scholarship Foundation’s annual fundraising dinner; when it ended, he would step to the microphone to thank the 1,250 guests for supporting the DSF and the financial aid it gives to promising young people such as himself.

LATEST ‘CAPTURED EVENTS’ ON BLACKTIE
* November 15, 2012 – Bright Beginnings Goodnight Moon gala

GIVING GURU DEBOSKEY: “Giving 10 percent of your holiday spending to charities could make a world of difference.”

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENT on Blacktie-Colorado for just $150 a week. Email Brett McCann-Lehl at brett@blacktie-llc.com.

THE DENVER CSU ALUMNI NETWORK is looking for projects in the first half of 2013 to participate in as a volunteer group. Email: knpohly@yahoo.com

PANHANDLING BAN SILENCES A BELL-RINGER: The new panhandling ban in downtown Colorado Springs has eliminated a bell-ringing site for the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign, but with about 60 other collection locations in the area, the nonprofit’s coordinator for El Paso County can live with that.

DANIELS DEADLINE APPROACHES: High school seniors in Colorado who demonstrate Character, Leadership, and Service are encouraged to apply for the Daniels Scholarship Program by the Nov. 29 deadline by visiting www.DanielsFund.org/Apply.

SPONSORED EVENT: HANDEL’S MESSIAH (PART 1: CHRISTMAS)
Saturday, December 8, and Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, 7:30 pm (Doors open at 6:15 pm)
Saint John’s Cathedral
1350 Washington Street
Denver, CO 80203

Please note that the first two rows of seats are reserved for patrons. For information on becoming a Patron, please contact Stephen Tappe at 303-577-7726. Please also note that your ticket guarantees you a seat within your chosen row only. The nursery is open for these performances.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH (ABOVE) IS USING EFFICIENT TICKETS. Consider Efficient Tickets, Blacktie’s sister company, for your next ticketed event. Online ticketing is inexpensive, consumer-friendly and provides your organization with valuable purchasing and entrance data. Contact Brett McCann-Lehl at 303-339-3819.

HAVING TROUBLE MANAGING DONATION REQUESTS? Blacktie can set up a website for your business or organization that makes it easy for you to be responsive to charity requests and carefully manage all aspects of the process. Here’s a request page we set up for a local company. For information about BT Donation Tracker, call Don Knox at 720-272-0961.

GREENWOOD FOUNDATION HELPS OUT: The Wyoming State Museum has put a rare Lakota horse mask back on display in Cheyenne following recent conservation and stabilization work. The museum received a grant from the Greenwood Fund at the Denver Foundation to restore the mask, one of 50 such horse masks known to exist.

PUEBLO’S 2012 SLEIGH BELL CELEBRATION to be held from Nov. 30 from Dec. 2 at the Historic Robison Mansion and Carriage House, 840 S. First St., will benefit the Canon City Pregnancy Center.

AURORA MONEY TO BE ALLOCATED: Families of those killed and some of the victims wounded in a shooting spree at a movie theater in Aurora in July, will soon receive payments from a charitable fund set up on their behalf, the Colorado governor’s office said Friday.

DID YOU KNOW? You can advertise your nonprofit event easily and affordably to 300,000 readers in the 17 Colorado Community Media newspapers from Thornton to Castle Rock? Blacktie offers discounted rates to organizations that have not previously advertised in the CCM publications. These publications include Arvada Press, Castle Rock News-Press, Centennial Citizen, Douglas County News-Press, Englewood Herald, Golden Transcript, Highlands Ranch Herald, Lakewood Sentinel, Littleton Independent, Lone Tree Voice, Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel, Parker Chronicle, Westminster Window, Westsider and Wheat Ridge Transcript. Call Brett McCann-Lehl or Don Knox at 303-832-2903 for more details!

COMING EVENTS ON BLACKTIE: DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER!
11/20/2012 – Working Minds Train-the-Trainer Workshop
11/27/2012 – NCNRC November Monthly Nonprofit Networking Event
11/27/2012 – Let’s Talk – Conversations About Women’s Health
11/28/2012 – Capitol Rock
11/28/2012 – FGI-Spring/Summer 2013 Trends Overview
11/29/2012 – Glitter in the Galleries Wine Tasting Gala
11/30/2012 – Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award Yearend Celebration Luncheon
11/30/2012 – Members’ Holiday Party
11/30/2012 – Practices in Arts Integration
DECEMBER
12/1/2012 – Practices in Arts Integration
12/1/2012 – Raise the Arts with Peter Kudla & RedLine
12/3/2012 – QPR Certified Gatekeeper Instructor’s Course
12/4/2012 – iDE’s Second Annual Leaders in Their Fields Luncheon
12/4/2012 – Historic Elitch Gardens Theatre Foundation Benefit Holiday Party
12/4/2012 – Meet the Women With A Cause WE Scholars
12/5/2012 – Meet the Women With A Cause WE Scholars
12/5/2012 – Archway Housing & Services presents ‘The Sound of Music’
12/6/2012 – Denver Republican 1st Thursday Breakfast
12/6/2012 – Denver DOVIA presents a Database Options Panel
12/8/2012 – Meet the Women With A Cause WE Scholars
12/13/2012 – Alliance of Professional Women Holiday Networking Luncheon
12/15/2012 – Aurora Symphony Orchestra – Holiday Masterworks
12/16/2012 – Aurora Symphony Orchestra, Holiday Masterworks Concert
12/20/2012 – Benefits 101
12/31/2012 – Denver’s Grandest New Year’s Eve Party – Co-sponsored by MIX 100 FM

DO YOU HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR A FUTURE ISSUE OF BLACKTIE FOR BUSINESS? Send an email to the editor, Don Knox.

Bling king Steve Rosdal retired from Hyde Park Jewelers a few years back, but he was itching to get in the biz in some capacity.

Now he has opened SHR Jewelry Associates  at 231 Milwaukee St. in Cherry Creek North. Rosdal’s new business specializes in diamond acquisitions from private individuals and dealers.

He will also be purchasing and selling estates and previously owned fine watches, precious metals and jewelry.

Rosdal started his career in the jewelry business in 1973 and built extensive experience in fine timepieces, diamonds and fine jewelry.

“I am excited to get back to the aspects I love most about the jewelry industry,” Rosdal said.

The officce of SHR Jewelry Associates is not the typical retail jewelry store model. It has a small showroom , but most of its sales will come from the personalized service that Rosdal and director Jourdan Block offer.

Through his connections in the jewelry community, Rosdal is able to source specific pieces, whether watches or fine jewelry, for his customers.

SHR Jewelry Associates is open by appointment only by calling 720-379-6505 or by contacting Rosdal at steve@steverosdal.com.

More Tebow time

Former Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow who now plays for The Jets has signed a deal to be the “spokesmodel” for TiVo, the TV recording device.

According to a story in The Hollywood Reporter,” the 25-year-old athlete will spread the gospel of TiVo via a social media and national advertising campaign including a series of TV commercials,” the company said. “TiVo will also offer a ‘Tim Tebow Zone’ listing Tebow’s favorite shows, movies and recommendations for kids’ programming.

“I had no idea how great TiVo was until I started using it,” Tebow said in a statement Wednesday. “I was blown away by the TiVo experience — it was so much more than I thought. With always being on the road, I love having the ability to find exactly what I am looking for and watch it anywhere, any time.”

Tebow can add TiVo to his endorsement roster, which includes  Jockey International, Nike and FRS Healthy Performance energy drinks. You can read the rest of the story at http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/tim-tebow-lands-tivo-endorsement-390393.

Boffo Bender’s

Bender’s Bar and Grill at 10710 Westminster Blvd. in Westminster has been taken over recently by former Denver Post sports columnist Jim Amstrong, along with restaurant-partner veterans Rich Salturelli, who owns City Pub at Yosemite and Hampden, Chris Fuselier, owner of The Blake Street Tavern, and CU Boulder sports information director Dave Plati.

Armstrong, who never met a sports subject he didn’t like to debate, will be on site four to five days a week to chat and argue with customers. But his new passion is this sports bar with 26 big screen TVs, including two on the patio.

“I’m a card-carrying wing junkie, so I made it a point to have awesome wings,” Armstrong said. And he wasn’t wrong. On a recent taste test, Mr.On the Town and I were pleasantly pleased with the menu selections. We sampled wings of all sorts, brat burgers, sweet Italian sausage, honey bourbon brats, cheddar brats, beer brats, spicy chicken italian sausage, extremely spicy Polish sausage and regular brats boiled in beer and spices, plus bottomless baked beans and homemade chips.

If you’re watching your waistline, you can wash it all down with a Diet Pepsi. But the sports-bar enthusiasts will likely enjoy the selection of 16 brewskis on tap along with $1.99 for Coors, Coors Lite and Miller Lite all day every day, plus a “boatload of microbrews on tap”.

Overlooking the green rink at the Ice Centre you can catch some fun local hockey games or enjoy the great patio overlooking the Promenade Fountain.

More information at www.benderswestminster.com or call 303-974-5215.

Taxi turkeys

For the 20th year in a row, Metro Taxi drivers will volunteer to deliver meals to residents in need by delivering food from the legendary Daddy Bruce Randolph Thanksgiving program on Saturday.

Metro Taxi Denver drivers will assist the Epworth Foundation’s annual Denver Feed a Family Thanksgiving program by delivering more than 1,800 food baskets to Denver residents unable to leave their homes.

At midnight tonight, three city blocks surrounding Epworth United Methodist Church at 3401 High St. will be closed to set up a giant assembly line for Thanksgiving food baskets.

After hundreds of volunteers sort and pack the food that Wal-Mart has donated and hauled in, volunteer drivers from Metro Taxi will begin delivering food baskets to the elderly and shut-ins Saturday morning.

The drivers will navigate more than 120 routes and make more than 1,800 personal deliveries to needy residents in northeast Denver who would otherwise not have access to the donations.

“This is not a business decision for us, this is simply the right thing for us to do and we are so proud of our drivers who step up to help their neighbors,” said Metro Taxi Denver Operations Manager Bobby McBride. “We have people on staff here who have been helping feed families through the Daddy Bruce Thanksgiving program for 20 years. The giving spirit of Daddy Bruce Randolph that the Epworth Foundation carries on is an important tradition to the community and to our company.”

For more information on Metro Taxi, visit www.metrotaxidenver.com. To learn more about the Epworth Foundation,the history of the Daddy Bruce Randolph Thanksgiving tradition, and to donate to the cause, visit www.epworthfoundation.org.

Ta-ta for now

I’m taking a much-needed vacation for a week to visit my Chicago sister, so will not be publishing the week of Nov. 19-23. Will still be compulsively checking e-mails, however, so don’t forget me! And, to all my much appreciated and adored readers, have the happiest Thanksgiving. Peace out.

Eavesdropping on a man at the Hyatt Regency at Colorado Convention Center: “What joker makes us with a 70-year life expectancy and a 40-year warranty on our body?”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.

After hurdling numerous stumbling blocks, Punch Bowl Social, the much-anticipated diner and bowling alley from Denver restaurateur Robert Thompson, will open at 8 p.m. Friday at First and Broadway in the old Big Lots building.

The opening night event will include live music by The Epilogues, with the ticket take going to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado. Tickets can be purchased at www.punchbowlsocial.com for $15 to cover the charity donation and entertainment. Food and drinks will also be available to purchase.

“We are proud to bring PBS to the Baker District and launch it in conjunction with such a worthy charity as Big Brothers and Big Sisters,” Thompson said.

The 24,000-square-foot bar, diner, bowling alley and coffee-house also includes ping-pong, marbles, deck-shuffle, shuffleboard, darts, pinball, foosball, pool tables, board games and a wall of throwback video games.

Punch Bowl is open daily starting at 6 a.m. for the coffee shop, breakfast served from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., lunch and dinner 11 a.m. to midnight, happy hour 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and a late-night menu till 2 a.m.

More information a www.punchbowlsocial.com.

Snow show

Former U.S. Vice President and Nobel Laureate Al Gore will join an all-star cast of professional skiers in Denver for the Saturday screening of Flow State, the 63rd annual Warren Miller action snow sports film, beginning at 6 p.m at the historic Paramount Theatre on the 16th Street Mall.

Olympian Ted Ligety, one of the stars in the movie, will join the former vice president during intermission of the 6 p.m. show.

The duo will discuss the “I Am Pro Snow” campaign, an initiative aimed at raising awareness of the impacts of climate change on winter sports.

“Our goal in establishing a partnership with The Climate Reality Project is to ensure that our ski community can continue to enjoy the winter lifestyle for years to come,” said Johnny Alamo, Warren Miller Entertainment executive director of Partnerships & Strategic Alliances. “Former Vice President Gore and Ted Ligety have been instrumental in supporting the ‘I am Pro Snow’ campaign, and everyone at Warren Miller Entertainment is honored to have them join us in Denver.”

Miller’s Flow State guides viewers to the top of the world’s most striking peaks, taking viewers on an exhilarating journey across the globe. The film closes with an epic adventure to north of the Arctic Circle where a vast landscape of glaciers, icy water and untouched snow are being threatened by climate change.

Visit www.warrenmiller.com for ticket information, movie trailers, photos and more. Tickets can also be purchased at the Paramount Theatre box office at 1621 Glenarm Place or at its online box office at www.paramountdenver.com/box-office.

Crafty

The Chef and Brew Festival  from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave., is taking the craft brewery movement to a new level with 12 of Denver’s top chefs and 12 of the city’s best brewers challenged to celebrate and create the ultimate and food pairings. Guests will have the chance to vote for the overall winner.

“Chefs and brewers are incredibly creative people and we really wanted to channel that in the festival format,” said Mike Burns, one of the festival’s organizers. “Craft beer is finally starting to take the main stage at the dinner table with many craft beers delivering as much if not more complexity than wine.”

Beer and food will be served in a tasting format with two-ounce beer pours paired with an appetizer from each chef. This year’s competitors are Elise Wiggins from Panzano paired with Prost Brewing, Troy Guard of TAG Burger paired with Wit’s End Brewing, Sheila Lucero of Jax Denver paired with Funkwerks, Jensen Cummings of Row 14 paired with Caution: Brewing, Chris Cina of Ghost Plate and Tap paired with Breckenridge Brewing, Brendon Doyle of City O’ City paired with River North Brewing, Jay Leandro of Pub 17 paired woth Crooked Stave, Travis Masar of Uncle paired with Hogshead Brewery,Victoria Vittori with Crock Spot paired with Strange Brewing, Sean McGaughey of Aria/Opus paired with West Flanders Brewing, Taylor Drew of Russels’ Smokehouse paired with Elevation Beer Company and Tory Treadway of Wynkoop paired with Wynkoop Brewing.

Tickets are $39 in advance and $49 at the door. To purchase tickets, go to www.chefandbrewfestival.com.

Aspen advances

Aspen reached the top of the chart at $1,235 per square feet, according to a new study analyzing the home building costs (looking both at construction and overall project costs) for the top luxury winter vacation destinations in the U.S., according to a study released Tuesday by Chris Pollack, president of Pollack+Partners, a high-net-worth design/build cooperative

The study said that Aspen came in first while Whistler, British Columbia, scored on the low-end at $715 per square foot.

The study identified seven winter vacation destinations and compared the cost to build a custom estate on a per square foot basis. Telluride ranked third at $1,138 per square foot and Vail came in at No. 5 at $910 per square foot.

“Our study offers insight into …spending trends in some of the most desirable ski resorts in North America,” Pollack said. “In addition to construction costs, our analysis accounts for overall project costs, which many clients discount or do not acknowledge when establishing or discussing the budget…The top segment of the market tends to be less susceptible to fluctuations in the real estate market and the overall economy…”

For more comparisons, go to www.pollackpartnersllc.com/pre=releases-home-building-cost-analysis.php.

Eavesdropping on a man: “The most honest people in the world are children and drunks.”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.

Welcome to Blacktie-Colorado’s new periodic column for nonprofit organizations! If you have questions about this email, please write to Brett McCann-Lehl at brett@blacktie-llc.com. If you want to start getting Blacktie Bulletin emailed to you, sign up here.

BY BLACKTIE-COLORADO.COM

BLACKTIE IS SPONSORING A FREE SEMINAR TOMORROW on how to use video to enhance your fundraising and events. It’s 8:30 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center, 7800 E Tufts Ave. Register here.

NONPROFIT CUTS OFF BOY SCOUTS: The UPS Foundation says it will no longer give grants to the Boy Scouts of America as long as the group excludes gays and lesbians from being scouts or scout leaders. The philanthropic arm of the Atlanta-based shipping giant made the change Thursday after an online petition protesting the foundation’s annual grants to the Boy Scouts attracted more than 80,000 signatures.

LATEST ‘CAPTURED EVENTS’ ON BLACKTIE
* November 10, 2012 – Craig Ferguson tickles Colorado’s funny bone at annual event

TURKEYS NEEDED: The Denver Rescue Mission has more than 18,000 requests for Thanksgiving turkeys from local organizations serving the homeless, yet so far has had only 385 turkey donations.
The Denver Post’s Ryan Parker reports that at this point last year in advance of Thanksgiving, the nonprofit had gathered 1,500 turkeys.

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENT on Blacktie-Colorado for just $150 a week. Email Brett McCann-Lehl at brett@blacktie-llc.com.

THE DENVER CSU ALUMNI NETWORK is looking for projects in the first half of 2013 to participate in as a volunteer group. Email: knpohly@yahoo.com

WOMEN FARE BETTER IN GOVERNMENT POSTS: It will take until 2085 for women to reach the same levels of leadership as men in the work force, the Denver Business Journal reports. A study by the University of Denver and The White House looked at four sectors: politics and government, nonprofit, business, and entrepreneurship. Women held 26 percent of government leadership roles, 20 percent of top entrepreneur roles, and 21 percent of nonprofit leadership roles, the report says.

SPRINGS-BASED FOUNDATION GIVES $150K: Fourteen local nonprofits will receive $150,000 in grants from the Colorado Springs Osteopathic Foundation. The nonprofits will provide access to health care, food, transportation, counseling, therapy and health education.

NEW ADVERTISER: HANDEL’S MESSIAH (PART 1: CHRISTMAS)
Saturday, December 8, and Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, 7:30 pm (Doors open at 6:15 pm)
Saint John’s Cathedral
1350 Washington Street
Denver, CO 80203

Please note that the first two rows of seats are reserved for patrons. For information on becoming a Patron, please contact Stephen Tappe at 303-577-7726. Please also note that your ticket guarantees you a seat within your chosen row only. The nursery is open for these performances.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH (ABOVE) IS USING EFFICIENT TICKETS. Consider Efficient Tickets, Blacktie’s sister company, for your next ticketed event. Online ticketing is inexpensive, consumer-friendly and provides your organization with valuable purchasing and entrance data. Contact Brett McCann-Lehl at 303-339-3819.

GOOD FOR YOU: Four longtime volunteers recently completed leadership training in Florida through NeighborWorks of Pueblo, a nonprofit that works to revitalize neighborhoods and help families with home ownership. NeighborWorks America recognized Joe and Pam Kocman for their efforts in the Eiler Heights neighborhood, and Torrence (T.C.) Neal and Al Neal were chosen for the training because of their years of service to the annual Juneteenth celebration in Bessemer.

NONPROFIT PARTNERSHIP: Petplan pet insurance will celebrate its two-year partnership with Morris Animal Foundation by participating with the nonprofit for Giving Tuesday. This charitable social movement was founded by nonprofit and corporate communities to make a difference and embrace the spirit of the holidays.

PITKIN DOLES OUT MONEY: Pitkin County will allocate $1.8 million in grants to a host of health and human-service agencies, senior services and nonprofit organizations next year, including $3,000 to the Pauline S. Schneegas Wildlife Foundation near Silt, which rehabilitates bears brought to it from Aspen and elsewhere.

HAVING TROUBLE MANAGING DONATION REQUESTS? Blacktie can set up a website for your business or organization that makes it easy for you to be responsive to charity requests and carefully manage all aspects of the process. Here’s a request page we set up for a local company. For information about BT Donation Tracker, call Don Knox at 720-272-0961.

DID YOU KNOW? You can advertise your nonprofit event easily and affordably to 300,000 readers in the 17 Colorado Community Media newspapers from Thornton to Castle Rock? Blacktie offers discounted rates to organizations that have not previously advertised in the CCM publications. These publications include Arvada Press, Castle Rock News-Press, Centennial Citizen, Douglas County News-Press, Englewood Herald, Golden Transcript, Highlands Ranch Herald, Lakewood Sentinel, Littleton Independent, Lone Tree Voice, Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel, Parker Chronicle, Westminster Window, Westsider and Wheat Ridge Transcript. Call Brett McCann-Lehl or Don Knox at 303-832-2903 for more details!

COMING EVENTS ON BLACKTIE: DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER!
11/15/2012 – Video Marketing can jump start your holiday giving campaign!
11/15/2012 – Cherry Creek Business Women’s Network November 2012 Luncheon
11/15/2012 – CPGR Luncheon Program
11/15/2012 – Benefits 101
11/15/2012 – CPGR Program in COS via Webinar
11/15/2012 – Bright Beginnings Goodnight Moon Gala
11/15/2012 – Rooting Down, Rising Up
11/17/2012 – The Prairie Dog Coalition of the Humane Society of the United States: Living on Burrowed Time Fundraising Gala
11/17/2012 – KATA Foundation’s Bravehearts Hoot ‘N’ Holler
11/20/2012 – Working Minds Train-the-Trainer Workshop
11/27/2012 – NCNRC November Monthly Nonprofit Networking Event
11/27/2012 – Let’s Talk – Conversations About Women’s Health
11/28/2012 – Capitol Rock
11/28/2012 – FGI-Spring/Summer 2013 Trends Overview
11/29/2012 – Glitter in the Galleries Wine Tasting Gala
11/30/2012 – Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award Yearend Celebration Luncheon
11/30/2012 – Members’ Holiday Party
11/30/2012 – Practices in Arts Integration
DECEMBER
12/1/2012 – Practices in Arts Integration
12/1/2012 – Raise the Arts with Peter Kudla & RedLine
12/3/2012 – QPR Certified Gatekeeper Instructor’s Course
12/4/2012 – iDE’s Second Annual Leaders in Their Fields Luncheon
12/4/2012 – Historic Elitch Gardens Theatre Foundation Benefit Holiday Party
12/4/2012 – Meet the Women With A Cause WE Scholars
12/5/2012 – Meet the Women With A Cause WE Scholars
12/5/2012 – Archway Housing & Services presents ‘The Sound of Music’
12/6/2012 – Denver Republican 1st Thursday Breakfast
12/6/2012 – Denver DOVIA presents a Database Options Panel
12/8/2012 – Meet the Women With A Cause WE Scholars
12/13/2012 – Alliance of Professional Women Holiday Networking Luncheon
12/15/2012 – Aurora Symphony Orchestra – Holiday Masterworks
12/16/2012 – Aurora Symphony Orchestra, Holiday Masterworks Concert
12/20/2012 – Benefits 101
12/31/2012 – Denver’s Grandest New Year’s Eve Party – Co-sponsored by MIX 100 FM

DO YOU HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR A FUTURE ISSUE OF BLACKTIE FOR BUSINESS? Send an email to the editor, Don Knox.

Hyde Park Jewelers owner Michael Pollak and his terrific team threw a posh party Wednesday to celebrate the opening of the Omega watch boutique, a store within a store, inside Cherry Creek Shopping Center.

Just in time for the holidays, Hyde Park and Omega partnered to create the special space dedicated to selling the watch brand that is also preferred by the fictional character Bond – James Bond – whose movie,  “Skyfall” debuted in the United States on Nov. 9.

The movie’s release coincided with the 50th anniversary of the James Bond series that started with “Dr. No” in 1962. Daniel Craig took the iconic Bond role for the third time.

Guests at the Hyde Park Omega unveiling were treated to a sneak peek viewing of “Skyfall.”

“Hyde Park is honored to be selected as the first jeweler in the nation to open an Omega boutique,” Pollak said. “We are proud to present more than 300 watches and provide a total brand immersion experience.”

Omega and Hyde Park cooperated on the design and build-out of the boutique to create a unique experience inside the fine jewelry store. In “Skyfall,” Craig as secret agent 007 wears an Omega Seamaster watch.

In addition to the Cherry Creek store, Hyde Park operates a store at the Forum Shops in Las Vegas and at the Biltmore Fashion Park in Phoenix. Hyde Park also recently acquired Newport Beach Traditional Jewelers, an elite independent jeweler on the West Coast.

Seen at the soiree were: Omega honcho Gregory Swift, power broker Steve Farber, milkman Eddie Robinson, money man Steve Chotin, events expert Sylvia Atencio, 5280 magazine founder Dan Brogan, Denver 7’s Christine Chang, businesswoman Cary Dooley and marketing man Bradley Joseph.

Tasty time

Project Angel Heart’s annual A Taste for Life featured a plethora of Denver restaurants serving up boffo bites during the Thursday night event that supports the charity’s mission of delivering nutritious meals and improving the quality of life, at no cost, for those with life-threatening illnesses.

The tasty evening, which took place at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, included presenting sponsor DaVita, executive chef sponsor Health One, Auction sponsor Colorado Business Bank and sommelier sponsors AARP, Seattle Fish Co. and Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck as well as beverage sponsors Alamos, William Hill, Hangar Vodka, Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey, Maestro Dobel Diamond Tequila and Great Divide along with lounge furniture sponsor American Furniture Warehouse.

Stand-up comedian Chuck Roy served as master of ceremonies with musical entertainment by The Big Swing Trio + 1.

Project Angel Heart’s executive chef Jon Emanuel thanked participating chefs for supporting the event. “I love seeing the Denver food community’s support of Project Angel Heart,” he said. “Every year, I am humbled to be surrounded by so many of Denver’s finest restaurants, caterers, confectioners and chefs. Seeing all of them come together to give back to the community and support our mission is truly inspiring, and a reflection of the overwhelming generosity of this great Denver community industry.”

Sage hotel room rates on sale

Denver-based Sage Hospitality has discounted room rates at 16 of its Colorado hotels up to half-off regular prices from Nov. 14-18. Each Sage property is dropping prices from 20 to 50 percent for holiday travel.

Guests who book Nov. 14-18 can stay at one of the participating properties from Nov. 21 through Jan. 6. To make a reservation, go to www.hotelhalfoff.com.

“We consider this a chance to give our guests an early holiday gift,” said Ed Blair, general manager of the Embassy Suites Denver-Downtown/Convention Center, which is offering a 30 percent discount over select dates. “Downtown Denver has so much to offer everyone this holiday season – from the Parade of Lights weekend to the amazing shopping to the cultural offerings like the Becoming Van Gogh (exhibit at the Denver Art Museum), this sale is the perfect way to celebrate the season.

The list of all 16 discounted hotels is at www.hotelhalfoff.com.

Chef stress

Did you watch the debut of Bravo network’s “Top Chef Seattle” on Wednesday. Colorado chefs Tyler Wiard (Elway’s executive chef), Jorel Pierce (chef du cuisine at Euclid Hall) and Eliza Gavin (chef/owner at 221 South Cafe Bistro in Telluride) were put through the “blender” in challenges where they were divided into three groups in three locations.

While Wiard and Gavin advanced to make it to Seattle, Pierce got chopped. What ultimately gave him the hook? After passing the chicken butchering test, judge Tom Colicchio chastised Pierce for making a fondue that the Craft restaurant owner called too salty. Pierce was told to pack his knives and go.

Wiard and Gavin will continue on the journey to Seattle and their quest to be named Top Chef, an event that will change their lives.

Colicchio, Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck and Hugh Atkinson are joining the fetching Padma Lakshmi as season No. 10 judges.

Eavesdropping on a man to two women at Coohills before attending an “after party” at the condo of a man in the Waterside lofts: “It’s a long time since I’ve been out with two attractive women and ended up in a man’s loft. How did this happen to me?”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.

Welcome to Blacktie-Colorado’s new periodic column for nonprofit organizations! If you have questions about this email, please write to Brett McCann-Lehl at brett@blacktie-llc.com. If you want to start getting Blacktie Bulletin emailed to you, sign up here.

BY BLACKTIE-COLORADO.COM

NEW CEO AT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS: Amid an overhaul of top leadership, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado said Friday that it has selected sales veteran Dave Ryan as chief executive. Ryan has worked at Denver-based CiviCore, which provides technology services for nonprofits, since 2007, most recently as chief operating officer and vice president of sales. He takes over as CEO and president of BBBS on Jan. 7.

NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY HONOREES:
* SM Energy, Outstanding Large Business;
* Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, Outstanding Small Business;
* Latino Community Foundation of Colorado, Outstanding Foundation;
* Barbara Grogan, Outstanding Philanthropist;
* Carolyn Schaefer Wollard, Outstanding Professional in Philanthropy;
* Optimist Club of Monaco South, Oustanding Service Organization;
* Julie Gomez-Nuanes, Outstanding Volunteer;
* Arthur & Julie Seiden, Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser;
* The Brighton Youth Commission, Outstanding Youth Group;
* Briana Johnson, Outstanding Youth.

LATEST ‘CAPTURED EVENTS’ ON BLACKTIE
* November 08, 2012 – 2012 Heart of Hearts Gala
* November 09, 2012 – Path to Prosperity Breakfast
* November 07, 2012 – Denver Scholarship Foundation, Annual Ed Gala
* November 08, 2012 – National Philanthropy Day in Colorado

DANIELS FUND BEHIND NEW BOOK: Wounded military personnel recovering in hospitals across the Rocky Mountain region will soon receive a book containing heartfelt letters of gratitude thanking them for their service from a group of college students. “We hope that the members of our military find strength and inspiration in discovering how these young Americans feel about them, and what these young people intend to do with the precious gift of freedom secured for them by the men and women in our armed forces,” said Linda Childears, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund.

COLLEGE FUND GRANT RENEWED: Ford Motor Company Fund has renewed a $50,000 grant to the American Indian College Fund for the Ford Motor Company Blue Oval Scholars Program.

BLACKTIE IS SPONSORING A FREE SEMINAR on how to use video to enhance your fundraising and events. It’s 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 15 at Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center, 7800 E Tufts Ave. Register here.

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENT on Blacktie-Colorado for just $150 a week. Email Brett McCann-Lehl at brett@blacktie-llc.com.

THE DENVER CSU ALUMNI NETWORK is looking for projects in the first half of 2013 to participate in as a volunteer group. Email: knpohly@yahoo.com

GOOD FOR YOU: Gerry Montgomery is being honored this week with awards from the Colorado Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and a statewide philanthropic network.

GOOD FOR YOU II: Skeptics of the amount of difference that one person can make should talk to Joan Davids. The Dillon resident was recently honored by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation at the Pink Tie Affair in Denver.

NEW ADVERTISER: HANDEL’S MESSIAH (PART 1: CHRISTMAS)
Saturday, December 8, and Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, 7:30 pm (Doors open at 6:15 pm)
Saint John’s Cathedral
1350 Washington Street
Denver, CO 80203

Please note that the first two rows of seats are reserved for patrons. For information on becoming a Patron, please contact Stephen Tappe at 303-577-7726. Please also note that your ticket guarantees you a seat within your chosen row only. The nursery is open for these performances.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH (ABOVE) IS USING EFFICIENT TICKETS. Consider Efficient Tickets, Blacktie’s sister company, for your next ticketed event. Online ticketing is inexpensive, consumer-friendly and provides your organization with valuable purchasing and entrance data. Contact Brett McCann-Lehl at 303-339-3819.

HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY: The Bee Vradenburg Foundation celebrated its 10 year anniversary at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center with a free public reception and talk by noted arts administrator and program director for the arts at the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Ben Cameron.

HAVING TROUBLE MANAGING DONATION REQUESTS? Blacktie can set up a website for your business or organization that makes it easy for you to be responsive to charity requests and carefully manage all aspects of the process. Here’s a request page we set up for a local company. For information about BT Donation Tracker, call Don Knox at 720-272-0961.

DID YOU KNOW? You can advertise your nonprofit event easily and affordably to 300,000 readers in the 17 Colorado Community Media newspapers from Thornton to Castle Rock? Blacktie offers discounted rates to organizations that have not previously advertised in the CCM publications. These publications include Arvada Press, Castle Rock News-Press, Centennial Citizen, Douglas County News-Press, Englewood Herald, Golden Transcript, Highlands Ranch Herald, Lakewood Sentinel, Littleton Independent, Lone Tree Voice, Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel, Parker Chronicle, Westminster Window, Westsider and Wheat Ridge Transcript. Call Brett McCann-Lehl or Don Knox at 303-832-2903 for more details!

COMING EVENTS ON BLACKTIE: DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER!
11/14/2012 – American Wine Society Explores the Wines of the French Southern Rhone Valley
11/15/2012 – Video Marketing can jump start your holiday giving campaign!
11/15/2012 – Cherry Creek Business Women’s Network November 2012 Luncheon
11/15/2012 – CPGR Luncheon Program
11/15/2012 – Benefits 101
11/15/2012 – CPGR Program in COS via Webinar
11/15/2012 – Bright Beginnings Goodnight Moon Gala
11/15/2012 – Rooting Down, Rising Up
11/17/2012 – The Prairie Dog Coalition of the Humane Society of the United States: Living on Burrowed Time Fundraising Gala
11/17/2012 – KATA Foundation’s Bravehearts Hoot ‘N’ Holler
11/20/2012 – Working Minds Train-the-Trainer Workshop
11/27/2012 – NCNRC November Monthly Nonprofit Networking Event
11/27/2012 – Let’s Talk – Conversations About Women’s Health
11/28/2012 – Capitol Rock
11/28/2012 – FGI-Spring/Summer 2013 Trends Overview
11/29/2012 – Glitter in the Galleries Wine Tasting Gala
11/30/2012 – Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award Yearend Celebration Luncheon
11/30/2012 – Members’ Holiday Party
11/30/2012 – Practices in Arts Integration
DECEMBER
12/1/2012 – Practices in Arts Integration
12/1/2012 – Raise the Arts with Peter Kudla & RedLine
12/3/2012 – QPR Certified Gatekeeper Instructor’s Course
12/4/2012 – iDE’s Second Annual Leaders in Their Fields Luncheon
12/4/2012 – Historic Elitch Gardens Theatre Foundation Benefit Holiday Party
12/4/2012 – Meet the Women With A Cause WE Scholars
12/5/2012 – Meet the Women With A Cause WE Scholars
12/5/2012 – Archway Housing & Services presents ‘The Sound of Music’
12/6/2012 – Denver Republican 1st Thursday Breakfast
12/6/2012 – Denver DOVIA presents a Database Options Panel
12/8/2012 – Meet the Women With A Cause WE Scholars
12/13/2012 – Alliance of Professional Women Holiday Networking Luncheon
12/15/2012 – Aurora Symphony Orchestra – Holiday Masterworks
12/16/2012 – Aurora Symphony Orchestra, Holiday Masterworks Concert
12/20/2012 – Benefits 101
12/31/2012 – Denver’s Grandest New Year’s Eve Party – Co-sponsored by MIX 100 FM

DO YOU HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR A FUTURE ISSUE OF BLACKTIE FOR BUSINESS? Send an email to the editor, Don Knox.

Commerce City will host a special event to commemorate the past and celebrate the future as the demolition of the former Mile High Greyhound Park begins starting at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Following a brief ceremony with remarks from councilman Rene Bullock, Ward IV councilman Rick Teter, city manager Brian McBroom, as well as a special presentation to Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver, a demolition of the clubhouse entrance will occur and continue until the building is down.

I have to say from a personal standpoint, this makes me sad. Mr. On the Town and On the Town Junior and I had so much fun going to the greyhound races and chomping on turkey legs.

I realize that the races can be highly controversial because of the alleged mistreatment of the dogs, and no way would I support that. But the experience was fun, highlighted by the announcer yelling, “Here comes Rusty!” when the mechanical rabbit got the race going.

Art meets The Curtis

The Curtis – a Doubletree by Hilton Hotel  is going Dutch with a new package that celebrates Denver Art Museum’s exclusive Becoming Van Gogh exhibit with a “Gough With the Flow” package that includes two VIP tickets that lets guests bust through the lines.

The package, starting at $159 per night, includes accommodations for two in a guest room with one kind or two queen beds, two VIP tickets to the exhibit, one bottle of Starry Night wine, a bix of Dutch chocolates and hotel car transportation to the Denver Art Museum.

The offer is good through Jan. 20, based on availability. To make a reservation, go to www.thecurtis.com or call 1-800-525-6651.

Art meets beast

The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver will hold the second annual Art Meets Beast festival, a two-day event showcasing a whole bison roast as well as a bison butchering workshop starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday at MCA Denver, 1485 Delgany St.

“Art Meets Beast is not just an opportunity for people to learn more about local production of food, it’s also a chance to have fun at the museum and have great meals,” said Sarah Baie, director of programming. “We want to invite audiences to consider the connections firsthand between food and culture by looking more closely at the food we eat.”

Most of the events are sold out except for the 4H livestock showcase from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The event includes a sheep, goats, pigs and a miniature pony presented by The Urban Farm. Music by B. Sue with former retailer Brandi Shigley. The event is free with museum admission.

For more information, go to www.mcadenver.org.

She be crazy!

Denver’s Tupperware lady Dixie returns to the Garner Galleria Theatre for Dixie’s Tupperware Party now through Dec. 30.

The play stars Dixie Longate, who has packed up her catalogs and left her children in an Alabama trailer park to journey across America. Dixie throws a good old-fashioned Tupperware party filled with funny tales, heartfelt accounts, free giveaways and audience participation.

“I am all tingly with excitement knowing tht I am coming back to Denver again,” said Longate. “Everyone was so neighborly the last time I was there I figured why not come back to help more people with their food storage needs? I’m ready to party like I just got out on parole!”

For more information, go to www.denvercenter.org or call 303-893-4100.

Barolo truffle time

There’s still time to get in on Barolo Grill’s once a year truffle time. During dinner, you can order either the five-course pre-set truffle dinner with wine pairings or just get truffles added to a dish.

I went to the five-course dinner Wednesday, and will tell you it was heavenly! So, if you’re trolling for truffles, go to Barolo. Reservations: www.barologrilldenver.com or call 303-393-1040.

Four Seasons GM gets more duties

Thierry Kennel, general manager of The Four Seasons Hotel Denver has been promoted to regional vice president, which means he will assume additional responsibilities as regional vice president for three other Four Seasons properties.

Kennel will oversee operations at Four Seasons Hotel Palo Alto (my hometown), Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City and Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis.

Prior to arriving in Denver nearly three years ago, Kennel served as general manager at Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. He recently celebrated his 25th anniversary with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Congrats, Thierry!

And speaking of the Four Seasons…

EDGE, The Four Seasons Denver steakhouse, is offering a pre-holiday three-course menu for $33 per person on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights through Dec. 1.

The menu includes a choice of appetizer, main course and dessert. Tax, beverages and gratuity are additional. There’s an optional three-course wine pairing from the sommelier for $20.

Reservations: 303-389-3343.

Eavesdropping on a wife and a husband: “How do you like this outfit?”
“It’s fine.”
“Just fine?”
“Well, it’s not cut down to your navel or up to your hip, so it’s just fine.”
Wife leaves the room.

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.

Goodwill Industries of Denver will open a new Outlet World store at 4355 Kearney St. on Saturday.

I am a huge Goodwill supporter. Not only do I donate on a regular basis, but as I sit here writing, I’m doing so on a Goodwill desk that I bought on senior citizen’s day for around $22. I don’t think of myself as a “senior” but Goodwill does, so that’s fine with me.

Outlet World is housed in a 221,000-square-foot warehouse. which will sell gently used goods by the pound. Shoppers can select items from bins of clothing and other items  that are then weighed at checkout and purchased at deeply discounted rates.

The more you buy, the less you pay per pound. This store model gives goods that have not sold in Goodwill’s traditional retail stores one more chance to be purchased.

It’s another example of Goodwill’s effort to get the most value out of every donation while keeping as many goods as possible out of landfills.

The grand opening celebration will take place at the Outlet World store opening at 9 a.m. Saturday. Festivities will include hot beverages in the morning and a food truck at lunchtime. Plus kids’ activities will be held throughout the day.

One lucky shopper will walk away with a new iPad.

Profits from all Goodwill thrift stores go to help programs in the our community that seek to reverse the cycle of poverty through career preparation and skills training for at-risk youth, struggling adults and individuals with disabilities. More information at www.goodwilldenver.org.

Holiday sale

Denver Botanic Gardens is holding its annual holiday sale where more than 45 artisans will showcase their gift items.

The Gardens will be filled with distinctive holiday gift items including speciality foods, natural bath and body products, clothing, seasonal items, jewelry and more.

Rev up for Restaurant Week

The ninth annual Denver Restaurant Week(s) will be held from Feb. 23 to March 8.

DRW restaurant participants will once again offer diners a multi-course dinner for two for the “Mile High” price of $52.80, not including tax and tip.

Registration for Denver Restaurant Week for restaurants will open on Nov. 13. Questions: Contact Valerie Farrell at 303-571-936 or e-mail drw@visitdenver.com.

Happier hours

Swing by Rioja after work between 4 and 6 p.m. Thursday to enjoy a delicious Tapas Tasting & Wine Pairings event hosted by Olive Oil from Spain. Chef Jen Jasinski’s food paired with Spanish wines and Spanish olive oils.

Olive oil tips, tricks and secrets from Alfonso Fernandez, the world-renowned olive oil expert. Tickets are $20, RSVP to alex@finnpartners.com.

Sage advice

Sage Hospitality has announced that 16 of its Colorado hotels will be offering up to 50 percent off select holiday dates with the Hotel Up to Half-Off Sale.

For four days, beginning at midnight Nov. 14 and lasting through midnight Nov. 18, each Sage Colorado property will drop its rates anywhere from 20 to 50 percent for holiday travel, similar to a Black Friday sale.

Guests can enjoy a discount on a holiday getaway from Nov. 21 to Jan. 6, but the reservation must be made during the four-day half-off sale booking time frame. To make a reservation, go to www.hotelhalfoff.com/.

“We consider this a chance to give our guests an early holiday gift,” said Ed Blair, general manager of the Embassy Suites Denver-Downtown/Convention Center. “Downtown Denver has so much to offer everyone this holiday season – from the Parade of Lights to the shopping to the cultural offerings like ‘Becoming Van Gogh’.”

Wine time

Le Grande Bistro at 1512 Curtis St. is hosting an American Wine Society tour of the Southern Rhone Valley of France with travel guide Jeb Dunnuck, editor of The Rhone Report (www.Therhonereport.com) starting at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 14.

Dunnuck started The Rhone Report in 2008 and is now one of the more authoritative resources for information and reviews of Rhone wines.

At the event, chefs will prepare a menu of small plates paired exclusively with Rhone region wines. The event is $65 for AWS members and $75 for non-members. Tickets are available through www.blacktie-colorado.com.

Eavesdropping on a trick or treater on Halloween: “As I reached in our bowl of candy to give her some, she said ‘I’m lactose intolerant, do you have dairy free candy?’ She had a choice, left over Italian sausage from dinner or an apple!”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.