Two veteran women in Denver’s media scene – Kelly Ford at KYGO radio and Libby Weaver at KDVR-Fox-31 – have announced they were leaving their posts.

Ford, a 20-year country music super station morning show anchor, gave a heart-wrenching 10-minute farewell over the air on Aug. 31. A few days later, Fox-31 management confirmed Weaver’s departure at the end of the year or in early 2013.

“I am thrilled with my decision… and so are my kids….to finally be home at night!” Weaver told me. “But this isn’t retirement. It’s the next chapter… and I’m excited to see what air jordan 5 femmes the future holds.”

Ford said during her tearful farewell to listeners that the split from the Lincoln Financial Media-owned station was “a mutual decision.”

“I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to say goodbye,” Ford said, her voice cracking. “I’ve had on air partnerships that have lasted longer than most marriages.” She thanked co-anchors over the years including Jonathan Wilde and Mudflap McGrew, who together won countless national awards.

KYGO’s on-again-off-again traffic reporter for 20 years, John Morrissey, was also dismissed on Friday. He joined Ford on the last show but, couldn’t keep from breaking down. “It’s been a great run,” he said.

In a real class move, Ford ended her long goodbye by reciting a litany of listeners who have been regular callers to the show over the years.

Ed Koswoski, vice president of news and digital content at KDVR/KWGN-TV, issued a statement regarding Weaver’s departure.

“Libby Weaver will be leaving KDVR around the end of this year or early January, after almost 13 years. We will miss her presence on the air and in the newsroom.”

Weaver’s co-anchor Ron Zappolo, who’s had a 35-year career in Denver television, had previously announced he would step away from the anchor desk and back to sports coverage at the end of his contract in March.

For a full recording of Ford’s farewell, go to www.kygo.com.

Baby steps

Say a big baby hello to the newest air jordan 6 femmes member of the Evrod and Danielle Cassimy family. Malakai James Cassimy entered the world at 4:17 a.m. Sept. 1 weighing in at 8 pounds, 14 ounces and measuring 21.5 inches long.

The bouncing baby boy is the first child for the Cassimys. Dad, Evrod, is a fatally handsome fixture on CBS4 as an anchor and reporter who joined the station in August. And Mom’s no slouch either. Congrats to all the Cassimys!

Caption: Malakai James Cassimy

Restaurant auction

Everything must go inside Pagiliacci’s, the North Italian restaurant that closed last month after 59 years of operation by four generations.

The online auction takes place beginning at 2 p.m. Wednesday with inspections available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the restaurant at 1440 W. 33rd Ave.

Contact information: Roller Auctioneers, 303-289-1600. A list of items up for auction with pictures are posted here.

Last push

The eighth annual Denver Food and Wine is upon us with events happening today and Saturday on the campus of Metropolitan State University of Denver. And if you still want tickets to the Grand Tasting from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, here’s an insider’s tip: go to www.denverfoodandwine.com and you’ll see a coupon for $20 off the regular admission price.

Here’s what’s happening today:

2:30 p.m. – A dueling culinary demo “Cooking for Reality TV” with Chef Kelly Liken (Iron Chef America) and Chef Jenna Johansen (Around the World in 80 Plates).  Cost is $20 and includes a ticket to Restaurants Rock.

3:30 p.m. – Spiegelau Glass Beer Seminar includes a set of glasses to taste Pilsner, Heffeweisen IPA/APA and Belgian style beers and to take home. Cost is $50 and includes a ticket to Restaurants Rock.

 5:30 p.m. - Riedel Glass Seminar where a Riedel expert will prove that shape matters when drinking wine out of the correct glass. Attendees to the seminar held at the MSUD Hospitality Learning Center, will get to take home a selection of Riedel glasses. Wines will be paired with cheeses from Whole Foods Market. Cost is $75 and includes a ticket to Restaurants Rock.

 Purchase of a ticket to either the Spiegelau Glass Beer Seminar or Riedel Glass Wine Seminar gives you a ticket to “Cooking for Reality TV”.

6:30 p.m. - Restaurants Rock featuring tastes from top Denver chefs, “Star at the Bar” cocktails from master mixologists and live entertainment from Opie Gone Bad. The event takes place at the new SpringHill Suites by Marriott and the Metro Hospitality Learning Center. Tickets are $35.

Saturday’s big show:

Noon to 4 p.m. (VIP and trade at 11 a.m.) – Grand Tasting where food, wine and spirits enthusiasts will sip more than 600 featured wines, signature spirits and sample cuisine from more than 40 chefs. Celebrated master Chef Dario Cecchini, the Mad Butcher of Panzano, Italy, along with Panzano Executive Chef Elise Wiggins of Panzano restaurant and Daniel Asher of Root Down restaurant will provide cooking demonstrations on the Viking Culinary Stage.

The Grand Tasting is set up under tents on the quad at MSUD – 7th and Lawrence Way (across from the PepsiCenter). General admission tickets are $75 with coupon from www.denverfoodandwine.com.

Denver Food and Wine is a benefit for Metropolitan State University of Denver, The Denver Post Community Foundation and the Colorado Restaurant Association Education Foundation Scholarship Program.

Eavesdropping on a golfer to his teammate who’s about to tee off at The Sanctuary during a charity tournament: “Hit it like it owes you money.”

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.

Although celebrity couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic had kicked around the names Denver, Aspen and Colorado for their son who was born in Denver by a gestational surrogate Wednesday night, they settled on a much more conservative approach by naming their baby boy Edward Duke.

According to the New York Post, Edward weighed in at 7 pounds 4 ounces. “The couple were in the delivery room for the four-hour labor and birth,” the Post said.

Giuliana and Bill, who cut the baby’s umbilical cord, told E! News that the couple are “so in love with the little guy already.” Giuliana is a host of E! News and Bill is a motivational speaker and entrepreneur. air jordan 11 femmes They both star in the Style Network reality show Giuliana & Bill, which dealt with their very public fertility issues.

Good luck charm? The Rancics dined at Elway’s Vail on the Saturday before the birth of their child. Reportedly the dinner and the delivery went well.

Documentary film fest

The DocuWest Documentary Festival has selected 39 films out of 300 submissions for the 2012 line-up composed of 15 feature films, five medium length pieces and 19 shorts from all over the world.

Selected documentaries – most of which are premiering in Colorado for the first time – include 2012 film festival favorites and award-winning films that have screened at Sundance, SXSW, Hot Docs and Full Frame.

The 2012 DocuWest Documentary Film Festival will be held Wednesday through Sunday in Golden and Boulder. The venues are Foothills Art Center, 809 15th St. in Golden, and at the American Mountaineering Center, 710 10th St., Golden with additional screenings taking place at The Dairy, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder.

Tickets are now available, including discounted ticket pricing with five-packs, festival all-access passes, and for seniors and students. For the screening schedule and to purchase tickets, go to www.docuwestfest.com.

Tavern time

Frank Schultz and his tireless team at the Tavern Hospitality Group, owner of all the Taverns in the metro area, are building a custom-designed Tavern on the lower concourse of Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

Tavern Mile High will have the same type of amenities as the neighboring Taverns: high-end architectural design, central bar accessible from three sides, HD TVs and more. The new place is expected to be open by the first or second regular season home game.

What differentiates the Broncos home field Tavern from the other locations is that Tavern Mile High will only serve beverages, no food.

“We met with the Broncos earlier this year to discuss forming a partnership,” Schultz said. “After brainstorming, we decided it would be beneficial for both us and them to put a Tavern in the stadium.  It’s a wonderful marketing opportunity for us to brand the Tavern.  On their end, the Broncos are excited about it because they’re trying to bring more of a local Colorado feel to the stadium.  We’re a locally owned and operated company so it was a great fit for both of us.”

In addition to the new Tavern hang-out located off Gate 4, Schultz is sponsoring the Broncos First Possession Payoff where a winner will receive $1,000 for every point that the Broncos score during their first offensive possession for all regular season home games.

“Last season when Tim Tebow was the quarterback, the Broncos only scored 18 points (the average annual total of all first offensive possession during the 2011 season’s home games) so I figured it was no big deal,” Schultz said. “Then they signed Peyton Manning!” But Schultz won’t shirk his obligation to the contest.

“The First Possession Payoff not only gives someone a chance to win $1,000 per point, but offers a Broncos VIP fan experience to stand on the sidelines and watch the Broncos warm up for up to an hour and a half before the game, and then to actually see them play up close and personal is pretty cool.”

To enter, visit any tavern that is part of the Tavern Hospitality Group. For more details, go to www.tavernhg.com.

Taita time

Taita, the new Peruvian restaurant at 1521 Marion St. on Capitol Hill, owned by a brother act, opened this week.

Details are sketchy, but according to the website (still a work in progress): “Taita Peruvian Cuisine & Bar will feature an outstanding new Peruvian menu with a touch of air jordan 12 femmes American influence in an upscale and cozy atmosphere. The menu is inspired from a wide selection of Peruvian delicacy and will appeal to a variety of clientele.

“The menu is Jose Aparicio’ s pride. It is a culmination of over 20 years of cooking experience. Jose’s food is differentiated through the use of the freshest and specially selected ingredients.”

More info as it comes at www.taitadenver.com.

The seen

After the Broncos pre-season home game Sunday, Hall-of-Fame QB John Elway was dining with Super Bowl teammates and fellow Hall-of-Famer Shannon Sharpe and (future Hall-of-Famer?) Rod Smith and Elway’s namesake restaurant in Cherry Creek. A Hall of Fame (or soon to be Hall of Fame) table.

The Ritz gets ritzier

The Ritz-Carlton Denver may be a bit more ritzy in light of earning a four-star rating for 2012 awarded by Forbes Travel Guide.

The 202-room luxury hotel is only one of 209 properties in the world to earn four-star status. The hotel joins its spa component The Ritz-Carlton Spa Denver, which has garnered the four-star rating three consecutive years since opening in May 2008.

“I extend my sincerest appreciation to our ladies and gentleman for earning this significant achievement for The Ritz-Carlton Denver,” said general manager Steven Janicek. “Everyone should be extremely proud of their tireless service commitment to our guests and for creating meaningful and memorable experiences for years to come.”

Laugh out loud

Comedian Ron White, the scotch drinking funnyman from Blue Collar Comedy, has offered his time to headline a benefit where all proceeds will go to the victims of the Aurora theater tragedy at 7:30 p.m. today at Comedy Works in the Landmark Village.

The 5 p.m. show sold out, so White added a second show at 7:30. Tickets are $75 and available by calling 720-274-6800 or by visiting www.comedyworks.com.

Back in the saddle

SaddleUp! Foundation’s second annual Pack Your Bags – a Denver Suitcase Party on Aug. 17 was a knee-slapping success by selling out the event to 500-plus patrons and raising more than $100,000.

Guests enjoyed music from country singers Richie Law, American Idol contestant, and break-out star Jessie James, fiancee of Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker.

The event was so in demand that 120 would-be attendees were turned away and asked to make a donation in lieu of attendance. KWGN news personality Natalie Tysdal and her husband, Tyler Tysdal, purchased the Bernese Mountain Dog during the live auction.

The private jet, Westwind II, was donated by Chuck Latham Associates and the hangar was provided by MAYO Aviation. Raffle ticket and live auction winners grabbed their suitcases and boarded the jet bound for The Trinchero Family Estates in Napa, Calif.

Eavesdropping on a wife and a husband of a certain age during dinner at Ambria: “I hear Yoga is really good for old people.”

“Do we know any old people?”

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.

Frank Schultz and his tireless team at the Tavern Hospitality Group, owner of all the Taverns in the metro area, are building a custom-designed Tavern on the lower concourse of Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

Tavern Mile High will have the same type of amenities as the neighboring Taverns: high-end architectural design, central bar accessible from three sides, HD TVs and more. The new place is expected to be open by the first or second regular season home game.

What differentiates the Broncos home field Tavern from the other locations is that Tavern Mile High will only serve beverages, no food.

“We met with the Broncos earlier this year to air jordan 13 femmes discuss forming a partnership,” Schultz said. “After brainstorming, we decided it would be beneficial for both us and them to put a Tavern in the stadium.  It’s a wonderful marketing opportunity for us to brand the Tavern.  On their end, the Broncos are excited about it because they’re trying to bring more of a local Colorado feel to the stadium.  We’re a locally owned and operated company so it was a great fit for both of us.”

In addition to the new Tavern hangout located off Gate 4, Schultz is sponsoring the Broncos First Possession Payoff where a winner will receive $1,000 for every point that the Broncos score during their first offensive possession for all regular season home games.

“Last season when Tim Tebow was the quarterback, the Broncos only scored 18 points (the average annual total of all first offensive possession during the 2011 season’s home games) so I figured it was no big deal,” Schultz said. “Then they signed Peyton Manning!” But Schultz won’t shirk his obligation to the contest.

“The First Possession Payoff not only gives someone a chance to win $1,000 per point, but offers a Broncos VIP fan experience to stand on the sidelines and watch the Broncos warm up for up to an hour and a half before the game, and then to actually see them play up close and personal is pretty cool.”

To enter, visit any Tavern that is part of the Tavern Hospitality Group. For more details, go to www.tavernhg.com.

Twist her arm

Phat Thai, a new restaurant in Cherry Creek North, is hosting a female arm wrestling contest at 9 tonight at 2900 E. Second Ave.

Guests can check out a ladies only arm wrestling match while sipping cocktails delivered on wheels by the Denver Roller Dolls roller derby league, as well as noshing on Phat Thai fare.

Ticket proceeds benefit Big City Mountaineers, an outdoors-focused mentoring program for urban youth, and drink sales to the Denver Roller Dolls. Tickets are $10. Reservations: 303-388-PHAT. More information on the restaurant: www.phatthaidenver.com.

Lottery luck

During a typical touring Broadway show’s run at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, the only way to get legitimate tickets is through denvercenter.org or the box office at 303-893-4100. But The Book of Mormon, playing through Sept. 2 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, sold out in a matter of hours.

But the producers of the multi Tony-winning musical set aside 24 tickets for each performance that are $25 apiece. Entries for the lottery are accepted in person at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House box office beginning two-and-a-half hours prior to each performance. Each lottery winner may purchase up to two tickets.

Denver Center Attractions warns consumers that scalpers, also known as “second party vendors” selling tickets online at a rate more than double the standard price and are not authorized ticket sellers. Tickets bought through these vendors may not be valid.

Taita time

Taita, the new Peruvian restaurant at 1521 Marion St. on Capitol Hill, owned by a brother act, opens this week.

Details are sketchy, air jordan spizike but according to the website (still a work in progress): “Taita Peruvian Cuisine & Bar will feature an outstanding new Peruvian menu with a touch of American influence in an upscale and cozy atmosphere. The menu is inspired from a wide selection of Peruvian delicacy and will appeal to a variety of clientele.

“The menu is Jose Aparicio’ s pride. It is a culmination of over 20 years of cooking experience. Jose’s food is differentiated through the use of the freshest and specially selected ingredients.”

More info as it comes at www.taitadenver.com.

You say crayfish, I say crawfish

Swedish chef Patrik Landberg at Charcoal, at 43 W. Ninth Ave., invites guests to put on the Swedish version of the feedbag during Kraftskiva!, an all-you-can-eat crayfish buffet from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday.

Butcher blocks, crayfish bibs and wet naps provided. The boffo buffet includes herring, shrimp salad with deviled eggs, Swedish meatballs, gravlax and cold crayfish with dill dipping sauce.

Price is $39 per person. Reservations: 303-454-0000 or www.charcoaldining.com.

The seen

After the Broncos pre-season home game Sunday, Hall-of-Fame QB John Elway was dining with Super Bowl teammates and fellow Hall-of-Famer Shannon Sharpe and (future Hall-of-Famer?) Rod Smith and Elway’s namesake restaurant in Cherry Creek. A Hall of Fame (or soon to be Hall of Fame) table.

Eavesdropping on a woman at Blue Bonnet: “My mom used to tell me , ‘Eat your brussel sprouts and they will make your breasts grow.’ Didn’t happen so in my adult life, I’m giving them another go around.”

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.

Aaron LaPedis will be celebrating the second release of his award winning book The Garage Sale Millionaire, published by Wiley, from 5 to 7 p.m. this evening at Fascination St. Fine Art Gallery, 315 Detroit St., in Cherry Creek North. LaPedis will donate 50 percent of all book sales as well as 15 percent of gallery sales and 100 percent of the suggested $10 donation to The Gathering Place of Denver.

The Gathering Place is Denver’s only daytime drop-in center for women, their children, and transgender individuals who are experiencing homelessness and poverty. They provide adidas neo programming and services to an average of 260 people every day. The Gathering Place strives to provide a community of safety and hope where positive relationships, choice, and essential resources transform lives.

More information: www.fascinationstart.com.

Manis matter

Get pampered and informed during Manis that Matter, a chance to meet lymphedema expert and director of rehabilitation services Jane White from Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Western Regional Medical Center while getting a complimentary manicure and drink of your choice.

The event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. this evening at Beauty Bar, 608 E. 13th Ave. White will provide tps for safe pamering while managing lymphedma, a risk involving the lyphatic system that can happen to cancer patients.

For the past 15 years sister act Cindy Johnson and Jeanie Peterson have had soul — make that SOL as in Store of Lingerie at 248 Detroit St. in Cherry Creek North.

To mark that milestone, the sisters are throwing a party from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the store. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit the Morgan Adams Foundation, which raises funds and awareness for pediatric cancer (www.morganadamsfoundation.org).

Hearty partiers will enjoy a chance to win a $500 SOL shopping spree, a live performance by SOL girl and singer Tiffany Vartanyan, a first look at the 15th anniversary campaign, a video air max 90 retrospective of the SOL ad campaigns, a photo op in a 1920s Nash Roadster, the new fall collections including the debut of the Marie Jo Daisy bra in majestic purple, libations by St. Germain, Stella Artois and Cupcake Wines and treats from Big Fat Cupcake.

“SOL has been a labor of love since Day 1,” said co-owner Jeanie Peterson. “And although we set out to help women feel fabulous about themselves, we have been privileged to get that same feeling in return from our incredible staff and customers. We take pride in the fact that after 15 years, we still love coming to work every day and we are looking forward to seeing what the next 15 years will bring.”

SOL has grown into one of the country’s leading lingerie stores specializing in bra fitting and fine European intimate apparel. More information at www.sollingerie.com.

Caption: SOL sisters Cindy Johnson and Jeanie Peterson

Great gala

Oil-and-gas guy Roger Hutson, a huge supporter of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, was the event sponsor for The Book of Mormon gala Friday night in the Seawell Ballroom.

The theme was black and white — in keeping with the male Mormon doorbell-ringing uniform of black pants, white short-sleeve button-down shirt and skinny black tie — and Bouquets dressed up the ballroom with white floral centerpieces and bicycles suspended from the ceiling.

Hutson, who purchased several tables for a few dozen of his closest friends, gifted Casa Bonita Dive Team T-shirts — a reference to a South Park episode by South Park and Book of Mormon creators and Coloradans Matt Stone and Trey Parker — to each of his guests.

Epicurean Catering served a superb meal featuring Kobe beef. The after-party featured one of Jerry Barnett’s talented troupes along with dessert bars, coffee and cocktails.

Saturday’s performance of Book of Mormon attracted a gaggle of a high-powered Denver gang of city officials and local boosters who gathered for a pre-curtain dinner at Restaurant Kevin Taylor inside The Hotel Teatro.

They included Deputy Mayor Cary Kennedy, power lawyer Cole Finegan,  regional FEMA director and presidential appointee Robin Finegan, United Airlines government affairs director Lori Fox, former Democratic National Committeeman JW Postal, Downtown Denver Partnership CEO Tami Door and Trey Rogers, former chief legal counsel to Gov. Bill Ritter.

Caption: Denver florist Bouquets’ table decorations.

Giddy over Gidding

HGTV hunk John Gidding, star of Curb Appeal and Designed to Sell, will high tail it to the Mile High City from 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday for the official ticket release party of New Genesis’ Perfect 10 Date & Experience Auction.

Gidding will be the special guest at the ticket release party at HW Home Cherry Creek North, 199 Clayton St. He will also be one of the five dream experiences with a home makeover package up for auction at the Oct. 13 event. New Genesis is a nonprofit helping to change the homeless landscape in Denver through transitional shelters.

Golfing for good

The opportunity to play über private The Sanctuary golf course in Sedalia is one I never take lightly. It’s a privilege to be invited to play the most breathtaking golf course along the Front Range.

So when Water For People, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing permanent access to drinking water around the world, invited me to play in its golf tournament last Wednesday, I said, “What time?”

And so it was that I was paired with three nice guys who air max 90 femmes tolerated my sketchy shots throughout the round. The sold-out tournament’s major sponsors are the Coca Cola Co., CDM and Re/Max, owned by Dave and Gail Liniger, who also own the course. Last year, the tournament raised $350,000. The Sanctuary has hosted the tournament all eight years. For more information, visit www.waterforpeople.org.

Caption: Me on the 18th green

More on Mormon

New steakhouse sheriff

Fogo de Chao (pronounced fo-go dee shoun – who knew?), the Brazilian steakhouse at 1513 Wynkoop St., has named Shawn Giarmo general manager of the Denver location.

Giarmo brings 16 years experience in the restaurant business, including the past eight years with Fogo de Chao in five different cities across the country.

His favorite cut of the restaurant’s 16 signature grilled meats is the house specialty picanha, a prime cut of sirloin seasoned with sea salt, thinly sliced, skewered and cooked at a high temperature.

Eavesdropping on “Elder” (Gayle) Novak talking about the musical while dressed up like a Mormon male character in The Book of Mormon during the gala Friday night: “It’s vulgar and touching.”

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.