Governor John Hickenlooper, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, and Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan have issued proclamations declaring the week that ends on Father’s Day, June 9-15, as Men’s Health Week. This awareness period is part of a national effort to celebrate fatherhood while helping to educate men, boys and their families about disease prevention, medical screenings and living healthy lifestyles.

(Aurora Proclamation: http://www.menshealthmonth.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/City-Aurora-2014.jpg)

(Denver Proclamation: http://www.menshealthmonth.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/City-Denver-2014.jpg)

(Colorado Proclamation: http://www.menshealthmonth.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/CO-2014.jpg)

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of National Men’s Health Week. The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Bob Dole and Congressman Bill Richardson and was signed by President Bill Clinton on May 31, 1994.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, men have higher rates of death from cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports women nationwide are 100 percent more likely to visit their doctor for annual exams and preventative services than men.

“Despite advances in medical technology and research, men continue to live an average of five years less than women,” Hickenlooper said. “Educating the public and health care providers about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and early detection of male health problems will result in reducing rates of mortality from disease.”

Aurora Mayor Hogan said, “Men’s Health Week is such an important week for us all. Our health not only affects our individual quality of life, but also that of our families, so take the time to encourage the men in your life to seek out medical advice and early treatment for diseases and injuries.”

“We applaud Governor Hickenlooper, Mayor Hancock, and Mayor Hogan for helping raise awareness of the health issues facing men and their families by declaring June 9-15 Men’s Health Week,” said Ana Fadich, Men’s Health Network vice president. “Men’s health is truly a family issue, impacting not only men but also the women in their lives. We hope that by promoting the health and well-being of men and boys around Father’s Day, they will take action and set a doctor’s appointment in June.”

In preparation for Men’s Health Week, MHN encourages health care professionals, private industry, faith-based organizations, community groups and other interested organizations and individuals to plan activities and events which focus on men’s health during the week of June 9-15. For ideas and open resources in both English and Spanish, visit www.menshealthmonth.org.

Stonebridge Companies president and CEO Navin Dimond and his wife, Rita, were feted last week (and with good reason) during Setting the Table, a table-setting competition and celebration of the couple’s record $1.5 million contribution to the newly named Rita and Navin Dimond Hotel Management Program at Metro State University of Denver.

MSU Denver president Stephen Jordan said that the Navins’ gift, “Will inspire our hospitality program on its way to pre-eminence. (The financial gift) creates a fellows program within our hospitality program.

The event, attended by Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, pitted table-mates against neighboring table teams in setting the most precise and creative table for 10.

With as much humility as I can muster, our table, called The Savoy, took home first place. It didn’t hurt that my “plus one” was Judie Seidel-Davidson, who has spent her storied career in the hospitality industry.

The event took place in the ballroom of the Stonebridge-owned Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel, a spectacular transformation of the nearly 150-year-old Colorado National Bank building at 918 17th St.. Do yourself a favor and take a stroll through the stunning lobby.

Stonebridge Companies CEO Navin Dimond, Metro State President Dr. Stephen M. Jordan and Rita Dimond. Below right, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper also posed for the fete. (Metro State University of Denver photos)

The opening of the new Nancy P. Anschutz Center Boys and Girls Club on Tuesday was a celebration despite a horrific shooting that occurred just 11 days earlier.

Boldfaced names like Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, Phil and Nancy Anschutz, John and Paige Elway and Jack A. Vickers celebrated the opening of the new center at the Jack A. Vickers Boys & Girls Club.

Denver politicos and movers and shakers joined the celebration of a new Park Hill community center that replaced a shopping area that was torched by a gang in 2008.

Boys and Girls Club President and CEO John Aragoni held the sentiments of many in attendance when he said: “The community here had gone through its ups and downs. But we want to recognize its past with an eye on its future.”

‘Mythbusters’ visit Denver

Local pizza place, Patxi’s, is helping the Denver Museum of Nature & Science in preparation for a new exhibit coming to the Denver facility by hosting stars of the Discovery Channel series, “Mythbusters.”

Two of the show’s hosts, Tory Belleci and Kari Byron, will be at the opening party from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at the Patxi’s Cherry Creek location, 185 Steele Street. Call 303-331-1000 for more information.

Guests are invited to stop by Patxi’s for dinner and the chance to meet Tory and Kari, who will be greeting dinner guests from 6 to 8 p.m. The duo will be making the rounds, saying hello to dining guests that evening.

The exhibit, MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition, is on display at the museum Oct. 11-Jan. 5, 2014. Museum visitors can watch live demonstrations by their MythBusting facilitators and peruse props and gadgets from the show.

To celebrate the exhibit, Patxi’s will give guests the chance to “bust” a common myth: Liquor before beer in the clear? Try it and find out! Add a shot of Jim Beam to any draft beer for just $6.50. Offer available at both Patxi’s locations on Oct. 11-17.

Tory Belleci, left, and Kari Byron will be at Patxi’s on Wednesday to celebrate the new “Mythbusters” exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. (Discovery Channel photo)

Go Peru!

Taita Peruvia Cuisine turns 1 and is celebrating for one week beginning on Monday, Oct. 7 and continuing until Sunday, Oct. 13.  There will be a prix fixe menu featuring the most traditional Peruvian dishes from the Taita menu.  The price is $29 per person and happy hour drink specials will be available all week open to close.  Live music will be featured on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Oct. 10-12).

Taita Peruvian Cuisine, located at 1521 Marion St. (just north of Colfax Avenue), opened in the fall of 2012 and features a traditional Peruvian menu with a touch of American influence in an upscale and cozy atmosphere.

The menu, inspired from a wide selection of Peruvian delicacies, is Jose “Chef Pepito” Aparicio’s pride: a culmination of over 20 years of cooking experience.

For more information about the first birthday celebration, menu, hours and more, visit www.taitadenver.com or call 720-708-6486.

38^th Cider Days this weekend in Lakewood

The 38^th annual Cider Days returns to the Lakewood Cultural Center this Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5-6.

The center is at 801 S. Yarrow St. in Lakewood. Admission each day is $7 for adults and $4 for children, 3-12 years old. Saturday’s event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday will be from noon-4 p.m.

This fun event celebrates Lakewood’s agricultural heritage and offers live entertainment, demonstrations, cider tastings and food.

On Sunday, Oct. 6, the event will host a cider tasting at noon, sponsored by the newly formed Rocky Mountain Cider Association. There will be 20 ciders available at the tasting, including 14 from Colorado producers, which will be the largest collection of state-made ciders gathered in one place. Tickets for groups of four 2.5-ounce tasters of cider can be purchased for $5. Other ciders will be from producers in Montana, England, France, Spain and New Zealand.

For more details, visit www.lakewood.org/CiderDays/.

Sign of the times – on a South Havana storefront: “I broke up with my gym. We were not working out.”

Eavesdropping on a driver seeing the name of a South Colorado Boulevard business: “Chin Massage? Sounds like this place has a limited business model.”

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. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com. Want to advertise your business here? Contact Trisha at trilind@hotmail.com.

“Girl” power.

Sonia Riggs, formerly the executive director of the American Institute of Architects Colorado, is the heir apparent to eventually take over Pete Meersman‘s chief cheese job with the Colorado Restaurant Association as Meersman prepares for his departure.

CRA chairman of the board Rich Yoke appointed a search committee to advertise, screen, interview and select someone to serve as the new CRA chief operating officer, a position that will transition into the president and chief executive officer when Meersman, who has led the CRA for 30-plus years, leaves the association Nov. 1, 2014.

As of that date, Meersman will become the CRA’s chief strategy officer by serving on various affiliated boards and working on special projects until November 2019.

“Sonia will officially begin work at CRA on Nov. 20,” Meersman said in a mass e-mail. “She will be at CRA building on occasion before then for other meetings.

“Sonia’s professional references raved about her when I talked to them. (All four AIA references not only praised her, but they asked me not to hire her because they wanted her to stay there.) I spent a morning last talking with Sonia in person. She has a great personality and sense of humor. She will fit in well with our very talented staff.”

Congratulations to Riggs, and I look forward to meeting you!

Sonia Riggs will take over for Pete Meersman as president and CEO of the Colorado Restaurant Association when Meersman leaves the group in 2014.

A really big “shoe”

Jeff Shoemaker, who has been a prominent proponent and supporter of the Platte River Redevelopment, will be performing George Gershwin‘s Rhapsody in Blue as part of a benefit concert supporting Up Close and Musical, a local nonprofit that raises funds to provide free concerts to area elementary schools performed by members of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.

For the Oct. 5 concert, Shoemaker will be accompanied by CSO musicians under the guidance of conductor Eric Bertoluzzi. The event is being held in honor and memory of Shoemaker’s parents, Penny and Joe Shoemaker, who were co-founders of the Helen Marie Black Music Education Fund dedicated to engaging young people throughout the metro area in the world of music.

Doors to Hampden Hall (on the second floor of the Englewood Civic Center at Hampden and South Jason) open at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 seniors and free for students under 18 and available at www.englewoodarts.org.

Juicy Lucy or Larry

Sullivan’s, where I enjoyed dining recently, is honoring breast cancer research by donating a portion of sales in October from the restaurant’s new $39 prix fixe menu.

The premium 8-ounce hand-cut filet is paired with your choice of a starter, soup or salad, garlic horseradish mashed potatoes and Bordelaise sauce.

Sullivan’s is located at 1745 Wazee St. and the phone number for reservations is 303-295-2664.

“Orange” you glad for a deal?

Denver hotel The Curtis – a Doubletree by Hilton has an “orange crush” on the Denver Broncos.

According to spokeswoman Julie Dunn, “We’re mad about Manning, wild about Welker and delighted over Decker. that’s why we’re inviting hardcore fans to join us in rooting on the Broncos this fall with a stay at Denver’s only pop culture-themes hotel, and then to come back and do it all again in December.”

Here’s the “Booking Broncos” breakdown:

Rates start at $129 per night when you book your football stay at the Curtis on Oct. 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Oct. 26 or 27 vs. the Washington Redskins (and former Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan) or Nov. 16 or 17 vs. the (4 and 0) Kansas City Chiefs.

And the rest of the story … say “Play it again, Peyton” and earn a second visit to the Curtis for $83 per night – in honor of Welker – plus $18 valet parking with homage to Manning on Dec. 7 or 8 vs. the Tennessee Titans or on Dec. 12 against the San Diego Chargers.

To take advantage of the Curtis Orange Crush offer, call Scott at 720-889-4747. For more information on the Curtis, go to www.thecurtis.com or call 800-525-6651.

And, speaking of the Curtis…

The third annual Denver Public Safety Luncheon, presented by Columbine Health Plan, will be held from 11:30 to 1 p.m. Oct. 9 at the aforementioned Curtis Hotel.

Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock and the heads of the public safety departments for the city will each give a brief talk on something “new or unique” that people might not know about public safety.

The first Denver Public Safety Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to retired Denver Police Division Chief Jerry Kennedy, who made headlines when he was a police captain as the recipient of a Lincoln Mark IV courtesy of Elvis Presley, the King of rock ‘n’ roll.

The goal of the event is to inform the business community and other interested parties on public safety in Denver. Net proceeds benefit six Denver charities that focus on public safety: the Friends of the Denver Fire Department, Denver Health, the Denver Justice Council, Crime Stoppers, the Denver Police Foundation and the Denver Sheriff’s Foundation.

Sponsor tables are $1,500 and individual tickets are $175 or $100 for those attendees under 35 years old. To register, go to http://ezregister.com/events/7818.

Angels with a heart

I can’t throw enough praise on Project Angel Heart, the nonprofit organization that provides healthy meals to ailing men, women and children in the Denver area and Colorado Springs, which has been named Top Company of the Year in the Nonprofit Category by ColoradoBiz Magazine.

The 26th annual Top Company Awards took place earlier this month at The Seawell Grand Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

Project Angel Heart was selected, in part, for the successful completion of a $7.1 million capital campaign and subsequent move to a larger home in Denver’s Globeville neighborhood, as well as for the depth of support the organization received from donors and volunteers.

If you care to help out Project Angel Heart, you can make a donation at www.projectangelheart.org.

Major makeover

Colt & Gray, one of my favorite Denver fine dining (but unstuffy) establishments, reopened Friday night after an astonishing turn-around time for a remake of one week.

The interior has been reworked to add roughly 30 much-needed seats considering how popular the place is. The bar has also been reconfigured to incorporate with the main dining room rather than looking like a separate entity.

Colt & Gray is still working on the build-out of its sister speakeasy Ste. Ellie and charcuterie dispensary Viande, which should be ready to rock in roughly six weeks.

More details at: http://denver.eater.com/archives/2013/09/26/renovation-report-colt-gray.php.

Eavesdropping on CBS4’s sports anchor Vic Lombardi on Facebook: “I can honestly say the NFL Red Zone has changed my life. My family hates me more than ever. Thanks, NFL.”

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. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com. Want to advertise your business here? Contact Trisha at trilind@hotmail.com.

It was a blast from the past during an invite-only lunch Tuesday at the Pepsi Center when my Internet marketing  guru and man about town Bradley Joseph accompanied me to the unveiling of the new Pepsi Vision scoreboard at (where else?) the Pepsi Center.

Before the unveiling, a boffo buffet lunch was served and I had a deja vu moment walking down memory lane with Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Joe Sakic and famed former goalie and new Avalanche Coach Patrick Roy.

I covered those two during the hey days when I was working with my sidekick Dahlia Weinstein at The Rocky Mountain News. Those were the days, my friends, we thought they’d never end, but we were naïve.

It was good to catch up with my former Avalanche heroes, and I had the chance to tell Roy that he was and is my son’s sports hero.

Here are the facts about the new Pepsi Vision scoreboard, which is beyond impressive:

*  Largest surface area of any scoreboard in the NBA or NHL (more than 4,400 square feet)

* 27 x 48 feet lengthwise with 21 x 25 feet end screens

* Screen spans blue line to blue line in hockey and 3-point line to 3-point line in basketball

* Daktronics “black” package

* Full 1080p HD capabilities with no image distortion

* More than 8 million LEDs

* Weighs more than 70,000 pounds

* Installed over Summer 2013 without disrupting arena event schedule

* Almost eight times more video display viewing area than the old scorebaord

*  More than 2 million cans of 12-ounce Pepsis could fit inside

* Three levels of catwalks for service

* Built in Brookings, S.D.

The new Pepsi Vision scoreboard in Pepsi Center, home of the Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets. (Pepsi Center photo)

New sports sheriff

Ken Chin has been hired as the first executive director of the newly aligned Metro Denver Sports Commission (MDSC; now Denver Sports), which is now part of Visit Denver.  Chin comes to Denver with nearly 20 years of experience in sports business marketing.

Most recently, he served as vice president, business development and events, for the Atlanta Sports Council (ASC), the sports division of the Metro Atlanta Chamber.  In that position, he was part of the senior team that launched the first Chick-fil-A Bowl Alma Mater, a made-for-television, celebrity-amateur golf event.

Chin also played a leading event role with ESPN College GameDay’s first appearance at the inaugural Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game (Alabama vs. Clemson) in 2008.  He oversaw production for the ASC’s Atlanta Sports Awards show from 2007-2013 and for the Naismith Awards hospitality events held in Atlanta during the 2013 NCAA Men’s Final Four.

“Ken Chin brings the perfect mix of experience in both managing major sports events, and in recruiting and creating these types of events for city destinations,” said Richard Scharf, president and CEO of Visit Denver. “We were particularly pleased with his experience in creating partnerships and outreach that involve an entire community in bringing major sporting events to the region.”

Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock, and one of Denver’s biggest sports fans, helped create the alignment between Visit Denver and the Metro Denver Sports Commission that resulted in Denver Sports. “Denver is one of the great sports cities of America. In Ken, we have a phenomenal individual to lead Denver Sports and help bring major new sporting events to our region,” Mayor Hancock said. “The city looks forward to working with Ken and the Visit Denver team on the future of Denver Metro sporting events. Together, the future is bright for stimulating the regional economy and strengthening our national and international recognition.”

Chin said he was delighted to be joining a successful team in The Mile High City.  “Denver already has an outstanding reputation as Sports City U.S.A. and does an outstanding job hosting world-class sporting events. I look forward to working with Mayor Hancock, the Denver Sports Advisory Board and the Visit Denver team, to help elevate Denver’s sports image and bring even more world-class sports events to this area.

This girl’s got game

From my cancer surviving pal Cindy Atherton: “We’ve chatted about this already but I’m just getting to your column where you mention it.  The logo that was created for the floods last week, the big “C” with the umbrella in the shape of a heart, is 10 times more creative!  Although I wish it didn’t have to be created.”

A reader’s option for a new Colorado logo.

Winner winner

Lois Saul was the most recent winner in the subscription sweepstakes for two tickets to the “Clean Guys of Comedy” performance coming up. Thanks Lois, for subscribing, you rock. Pass it on for your peeps to subscribe to www.blacktie-colorado.com/pennyparker. We will be giving away many valuable prizes!

Eavesdropping on a man at the Pepsi Center unveiling of the new electronic signage: “Wow, that sign is bigger than my townhouse, plus my neighbor’s townhouse.”

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. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com. Want to advertise your business here? Contact Trisha at trilind@hotmail.com.

Bob Brenner, the “Extreme Weight Loss” record breaker on the hit ABC television series, was so transformed by his experience on the show that he has announced plans to become a certified life coach to help others realize weight loss success.

To achieve his life coach certification, Brenner is partnering with the Colorado-based school Coach Training Alliance to become a credentialed coach. He is expected to earn his life coach certification in November.

During his year-long journey on “Extreme Weight Loss” season three (season four is being filmed at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Health and Wellness Center in Aurora), Brenner lost a record 253 pounds – or 56 percent of his body weight – through a commitment to healthy eating, regular exercise and mental perseverance.

His next extreme transformation is a total career makeover – going from Milwaukee undercover cop to national life coach. Brenner also remains good friends with “Extreme Weight Loss” host Chris Powell. Both guys will be in Denver together this weekend.

Bob Brenner, before his 253-pound weight loss for the ABC reality series, ‘Extreme Weight Loss.’ (Photo courtesy of Bob Brenner, iCoach Transformation)

Bob Brenner bikes and runs as part of his fitness regimen. Below, Brenner and his son. (Photos courtesy of Bob Brenner, iCoach Transformation)

Shooting down brain diseases

Local comedian and former Rocky Mountain News sports columnist Sam Adams will attempt to surpass the career scoring record belonging to NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the span of 24 hours on Saturday at the Hyatt Denver Tech Center.

“Poppin4PSP” is a one-man Pop-A-Shot basketball marathon fundraiser being staged to heighten the public’s awareness of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and related neurodegenerative brain diseases.

Starting at 7 a.m. in the Hyatt DTC atrium, Adams will play Pop-A-Shot basketball for 24 hours, hoping to surpass Abdul-Jabbar’s career record of 38,387 points throughout his 20-year NBA career.

To achieve his goal, Adams needs to average 54 points per game, playing an average of 30 games per hour and attempting 1,300 shots per hour for 24 consecutive hours on a Pop-A-Shot basketball machine.

To donate and support Adams’ goal, go to http://poppin4psp.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1081450&lis=1&kntae1081450=513D98B09F98458B8DDC46565D3578D9&supId=389720211.

Former Rocky Mountain News columnist Sam Adams is testing his shooting aim with a 24-hour Pop-A-Shot marathon on Saturday. Adams, who now is a professional comedian, is raising awareness and money for  Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and related neurodegenerative brain diseases. (Photo courtesy of Sam Adams’ Facebook page)

Volunteer here

For the first time since the initiative’s inception, Xcel Energy employees will be joined by community members in the third annual Xcel Energy Day of Service, in partnership with CBS4, from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

There are nine volunteer projects, and community participation from across the state is welcome. This year should be Xcel Energy’s biggest Day of Service with 1,300 employees and 1,000 community participants.

View the list of project opportunities and sign up to volunteer by visiting www.xcelenergy.ivolunteer.com.

Open wide for “Im-burger-amo”

Take a bite of the “Im-burger-amo” at TAG Burger Bar (1222 Madison) through the month of September and $1 per burger will go to Work Options for Women, an organization that trains impoverished women culinary skills to gain employment.

This great veggie burger, named for Denver restaurant consultant and vegetarian John Imbergamo, combines black beans, garbanzo beans, corn, fire-roasted jalapeños, panko, cotija cheese and tomatillo salsa. It’s topped with guacamole, crispy fried zucchini chips, Sriracha aioli and cilantro slaw, and served on a toasted bun with a side of fries and a house made pickle.

The Im-burger-amo at TAG Burger Bar in Congress Park is a tribute to veteran restaurant guru, John Imbergamo. For every veggie burger sold, $1 will go to Imbergamo’s pet charity, Work Options for Women. 

Domestic violence center fundraiser

The movie “Havana 57,” from the novels of Harlan Abrahams, will be shown during a fundraiser for the Rose Andom Center, a facility that will house a myriad of agencies set up to help those dealing with domestic violence, at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Wolf Theater, Mizel Arts and Culture Center, on the campus of the Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center, 350 Dahlia St.

“Havana 57″ is the first full-length English-language feature film shot entirely on location in Cuba since the revolution is 1959. The movie was inspired by “Col. Carlo” novels written by Abrahams.

Special guests Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey will share some new news about the Andom Center. Donations requested. Checks should be made payable to “The Denver Justice Center”, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.

Tickets for the movie are free, but an RSVP is required by sending an e-mail to havana57movie@gmail.com. Tickets will be sent via e-mail and collected at the door.

Food and wine time

There’s still time to get in on the Denver Food and Wine action today, Saturday and Sunday. Tonight, Art of the Cocktail from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton Denver, 1881 Curtis St., will pit chefs and bartenders against each other in competitions to win $500 cash plus an overnight at The Ritz and breakfast at Elway’s in the hotel.

Tickets to the lively and tasty event are $50 at www.denverfoodandwine.com.

On Saturday, the Grand Tasting, the granddaddy of Denver food fests with an expected 4,500 food and wine fans, will serve bites from 35 local restaurant and 600 wines and spirts from Southern Wine & Spirits of Colorado from noon the 4 p.m. under a tent pitched on the grounds of the Metropolitan State University campus. The Grand Tasting is presented by US Foods.

Tickets are $95 at www.denverfoodandwine.com.

On Sunday, the DFW weekend wraps with a wine pairing dinner, beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday at Panzano Restaurant, 909 17th St., featuring Panzano executive chef Elise Wiggins, and Denver restaurant chefs Paul C. Reilly of Beast + Bottle, Bob Blair of Fuel, Aaron Whitcomb of Ya Ya’s Euro Bistro and featuring award-winning chef/author and restaurant owner Brian Polcyn. Reservations: 303-296-3525.

Denver Food and Wine is a fundraiser that benefits The Denver Post Community Foundation, Colorado Restaurant Association Education Foundation and the Metropolitan State University of Denver Hospitality Learning Center.

Light the night

I told you earlier this week that Denver’s City and County building is bathed in teal light this month in honor of ovarian cancer and prostate cancer awareness.

That prompted me to ask Mayor Hancock’s office what other colors, months and diseases make the City and County building glow throughout the year.

Here’s the answer:

* January – holiday lights (through the end of the Stock Show);

* February – red for heart awareness;

* March – blue and pink for the March of Dimes’ premature baby awareness;

* April 1 only – light blue for autism awareness;

* June 4th and 5th – teal for the ovarian cancer walk;

* September – teal for ovarian and prostate cancer awareness;

* October – pink for breast cancer awareness;

* November – purple for Alzheimer’s awareness;

* December – holiday lights.

We’ve got a winner!

The first giveaway winner in the www.blacktie-colorado.com/pennyparker subscription drive is Terri Alexander, client services manager for Project Angel Heart, a charitable organization that provides nutritious meals free of charge for people with life-threatening illnesses.

Alexander won two VIP tickets to Saturday’s Denver Food and Wine Grand Tasting on the grounds of Metropolitan State University (a $500 value).

But wait, there’s more. From today through Wednesday at 6 p.m., anyone who’s a veteran or newbie subscriber will be entered in a drawing to win two Denver Beerathon VIP tickets. The first Denver Beerathon, on Sept. 14, features a self-guided tour of 26 downtown-area bars, pubs, taverns and restaurants offering special deals for ticketholders.

The VIP ticket directs beer lovers to check in between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. is at Fado Irish Pub and Restaurant (1735 19th St.), and includes a VIP-only party with a buffet, prizes and giveaways and a $20 Uber car service pass plus a $25 day of event pass (new Uber users only),  Altitude Peak Fitness two week unlimited pass, $99 room rate at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel among other goodies.

The link for $99 rooms at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel (regularly rooms are about $350) is:  https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/denverbeerathon. More information on the Beerathon at www.denverbeerathon.com.

Eavesdropping on a signature taker to a male voter at a library on Parker Road and Florida: “Are you a Colorado voter?”

“No, Denver.”

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. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com. Want to advertise your business here? Contact Trisha at trilind@hotmail.com.

Hotel honcho Walter Isenberg is known for his mustachioed face as much as he is known for turning Denver dirt into high-end hotels.

Behind every deal – the JW Marriott, The Oxford Hotel, The Courtyard by Marriott and the upcoming Union Station Hotel – there’s been Isenberg’s iconic moustache.

But there’s not much he won’t do for charity – especially when it’s his wife, Christie Isenberg‘s pet charity, Concerts for Kids, an organization that raises funds for children’s charities.

In an attempt to raise $100,000 for the Concerts for Kids’ Celebrity Waiter event on Saturday at Ocean Prime on Larimer Square, Isenberg will (reluctantly) submit his lip fuzz to Denver Mayor Michael Hancock‘s razor during the event.

“I’ve done many a crazy thing in my day, but this is a first,” Isenberg wrote in his pledge plea e-mail. “I’m hoping I can convince 100 people to kick in a grand each to see this happen. Now I know for a fact none of you have (including my wife) has ever seen me without a mustache. Why? Because from the moment I could actually grow one, I did and it’s been floating above my upper lip ever since.”

A few local notables weighed in on Isenberg’s facial hairlessness decision. (I can’t vouch for the authenticity of these quotes, however):

“It’s about time one of Denver’s longest running mysteries will be solved — and no DNA will have to be tested this time,” said Denver DA Mitch Morrissey.

“I can’t wait to put that straight edge to work and slice off that little caterpillar … revealing the real Walter. I’m not even going to practice … hope my hand is steady,” Mayor Hancock said.

“I wish he had done this 25 years ago. That mustache has always made him look sketchy and it certainly didn’t help me attract a better clientele,” said Gov. John Hickenlooper referring to his early days at the Wynkoop Brewing Co.

To help Isenberg reach his fundraising goal (he’s raised $35,000 so far), e-mail a pledge to Rebecca@concertsforkids.org.

For tickets to the celebrity waiter dinner (reservations are being accepted from 5 to 9:30 p.m.), call Ocean Prime restaurant at 303-825-3663. Check out the celebrity waiter lineup at www.concertsforkids.org.

Sage Hospitality CEO Walter Isenberg will have his trademark mustache shaved off if $100,000 can be raised for his wife Christie’s charity, Concerts for Kids.

Light show

The Denver City and County Building in Civic Center Park changes colors from time to time throughout the year. For September, the lighting color is teal in observance of Ovarian Cancer Awareness month.

One in 71 women will get ovarian cancer in her lifetime, and there is no screening test. The most frequent symptoms are two weeks or more worth of bloating, pain in the abdomen, urinary urgency or frequency and feeling full quickly when eating. Getting diagnosed early can save your life.

Next up: The City and County Building will be bathed in pink lights in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

The Denver City and County Building will be lit up in teal to observe Ovarian Cancer Awareness month in September. (Denver City and County photo)

Dining for a cause

Work Options for Women is Parallel Seventeen’s Dining for a Cause partner for the month of September. All month, mention Work Options for Women and 10 percent of your food purchase will go toward WOW’s mission of helping impoverished women gain skills to get out of poverty and to gain employment in the food service industry.

Kick off Happy Hour from 4 to 7 p.m. this afternoon at Parallel Seventeen, 1600 E. 17th Avenue. More information: http://workoptionsforwomen.wordpress.com/

Let go my logo!

When Colorado’s new logo and tagline were unveiled Thursday at The Colorado Innovation Network Summit, Facebook comments lit up the Internet like the City and County building during the holidays.

I asked readers of this column to weigh in on their opinions of the state’s new marketing symbol.

Some said our state’s new symbol reminded them of a hazmat warning. No one who contacted me supported the decision to deviate from the time-honored version of our state flag.

Candice Pulliam wrote, “In my opinion, the new logo design is 1. a waste of money;  2. not very artful;  3.  doesn’t say ‘Colorado’ to me; 4. doesn’t make a strong enough visual to be used in large format … I could go on.

“But mostly, to my knowledge, Denver people weren’t given a choice … To me, this is not an image that identifies Colorado in an interesting or recognizable way. I can, however see it as a tattoo.”

From reader Jules Dworak: “This is an atrocity! Pretty sure the biohazard bag is where they dumped the only logo Colorado should ever have!”

Claire Walter weighed in, “Like the (other) naysayer, it reminded me of Sugarloaf’s long-time logo all in a blah monotone. Bring back this one.”

Gala Grant

One nonprofit will be awarded the first Gala Grant Denver worth an estimated $121,000 in in-kind donations from local industry experts and proceeds to be acquired at the special event through ticket sales and auction items.

Application deadline is Thursday. A major fundraising event will be held to benefit the winner of the Gala Grant Denver award in February, which will tap the resources of some of Denver’s best event specialists.

“The Gala Grant Denver is made possible by a group of presenting partners who decided that giving back to their community together was more powerful than giving individually,” said Shelly St. John, lead auctioneer with The Auction Divas.

These Denver event specialists have come together to offer nonprofits a change at bolstering their fundraising efforts. The Gala Grant presenting partners are:

* The Auction Divas

* Blacktie Colorado

* Bolder Events

* The Hazel Miller Band

* John Tobey Events

* Relish Catering

* The McNichols Building

* Up and Up Creative

Applicants can go to www.facebook.com/galagrantdenver for more information and to apply.

Root Down takes off

Root Down, the lower Highland favorite fresh eatery, opened Monday (Labor Day) in Concourse C of Denver International Airport. The restaurant is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and features a brunch and dinner menu in addition to cocktails, Colorado beers and wine.

Subscribe!

Do you know folks who aren’t subscribing to my Blacktie-Colorado column? Say what?

How ’bout if we give them some incentive to sign up. This evening, one lucky subscriber will win two VIP tickets to Denver Food and Wine, the most fun you can have under a tent, from 11 a.m. (VIPs get early admission) till 4 p.m. Saturday on the grounds of the Metropolitan State University of Denver campus.

Here’s the catch: To be eligible to win the tickets, you MUST be a subscriber. This evening, Blacktie’s accounting firm of PricewaterhouseCooper (see, just like the Academy Awards … hee hee), will draw the name of the winner, who will be notified and announced in my Friday column.

To subscribe, go to www.blacktie-colorado.com/pennyparker. Click on my icon, then click on “subscribe.” VIPs at Denver Food and Wine get a respite from the heat with umbrella-clad tables, fancy fare from The Brown Palace and fine wines in a private area. Ticket value: $500.

The seen

Pop star and teen heartthrob Justin Bieber and entourage was spotted by Facebook posters on Monday who said they saw him at Beta nightclub, 1909 Blake St., and at Chloe Discotheque on 14th and Market.

Spotted on the snowless slopes, “Today Show” fourth-hour host Hoda Kotb with a “new (male) friend” hiking in Colorado’s mountains during Labor Day weekend.

“We did a 2-mile hike straight up a mountain,” Kotb told co-host Kathie Lee Gifford during Tuesday’s show. “You can’t breathe and your chest is about to explode because of the (lack of) air.”

“He has the nicest smile,” Gifford interjected. “What does he see in you?”

On Kotb’s return flight to NYC, she chatted and posed for pictures with singer Aaron Neville who performed during Denver’s Taste of Colorado at Civic Center Park.

Eavesdropping on one male golfer commenting on another man’s watch on the deck enjoying a beer after golf at Fossil Trace: “That’s a nice watch … is it a Rolodex?”

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. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com. Want to advertise your business here? Contact Trisha at trilind@hotmail.com.

High-res images

It’s not often (or ever) that I get invited to two ground-breaking events in one day.

But on Wednesday I found myself at 250 Columbine in Cherry Creek North where representatives from Western Development Group (headed by Phil’s son Christian Anschutz) and Denver dignitaries followed by a preview party for Washington Park Station, which recently broke ground at Louisiana Avenue and Washington Street adjacent to the light-rail station.

The two construction projects are very different: 250 Columbine is a mixed-use development with retail, residential and office spaces, and Washington Park Station is a five-story apartment building from Zakhem brothers John and Mike along with former hockey super turned star investor Peter Forsberg and Taco Bell franchisee Rob Alvarado.

Both projects, however, indicate a healthy economic recovery for Denver’s commercial real estate sector.

250 Columbine will encompass an 80,000-square-foot office building (ready for tenant improvements in the late fourth quarter of 2014), 70 condominium residences (ready for occupation late first quarter of 2015) and roughly 30,000 square feet of retail space all over two levels of underground parking.

Denver-based PCL Construction is the general contractor for the project, and OZ Architecture, also of Denver, is the architect.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock waxed nostalgic about his formative  years spent late-night at Village Inn, which has been reduced to a pile of scrap metal.

“Christian and I grew up in this great city,” Hancock said. “(Village Inn)  is the place where we came to sober up before we went home to our parents. We came to soak up the ‘water’ we drank with pancakes.”

David Steel, a partner in Western Development, took advantage of the mayor’s and four city council members’ presence to plead his case for angled parking along that block, which has yet to gain Council approval.

“It’s very cagey to invite the mayor and four City Council people then announce you need city approval for angled parking,” teased Jeanne Robb, City Councilwoman whose District 10 includes Cherry Creek North.

Across town at Hanson’s Grill & Tavern in the South Pearl neighborhood, Zakhem and Zakhem, brothers and business partners, hosted a celebration of the start of construction on the five-story 32-unit apartment building with 2,800 square feet of retail space.

The brothers bought the land six years ago, but more recently acquired the key corner spot that completed the plot.

“The zoning allows for mixed use and due to it being so close to the light rail station, we thought a for-rent product would be an ideal fit for this wonderful neighborhood,” John said. Rent will vary from $1,100 for a one-bedroom to $2,000 for a two-bedroom unit. “We have incorporated some great design features, including garage doors in the living spaces that will allow the units to have an indoor/outdoor feel and spaciousness.”

For more information on 250 Columbine visit www.250columbine.com; for Washington Park Station, call 303-532-5511.

Marvelous Mayes

Denver-based Curious Cork, importer of Tuscan Sun Wines, is bringing in bestselling author, cook and designer Frances Mayes for an evening that includes a four-course dinner and wine tasting beginning at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at Pizza Republica in the Colorado Convention Center, 890 14th St.

Mayes, author of the romantic “Under the Tuscan Sun” and “Bella Tuscany” draws on her long connection to Cortona, Italy, in Tuscany and her friendships with noted winemakers throughout the country.

Guests will enjoy the dinner paired with the six Tuscan Sun blends, and get to meet Mayes. The evening begins with cocktails, bruschetta, pizza and misto bars.

The four-course dinner features poached pear salad; pesto, porcini and parmesan pasta; osso bucco with herb polenta, olive oil poached tomato, Milanese sauce and rosemary and cantucci with vin santo semi fredo or ice cream with spun sugar.

The Tattered Cover Book Store will be on hand to sell all of Mayes’ books including her recent cookbook “The Tuscan Sun Cookbook.” Mayes will also be signing books.

Tickets for the event are $110, and can be purchased at https://www.blacktie-colorado.com.

Delightful

The fourth edition of Penny Parker Presents The Fourth Evening of Decadent Delights on Sept. 30 will take your taste buds on a culinary adventure while supporting Sense of Security, the Colorado nonprofit that covers non medical expenses for breast cancer patients (www.senseofsecurity.org).

The enchanting evening begins at 6 p.m. at Balistreri Vineyards (66th and Washington) with a cocktail party sponsored by Downslope Distilling followed by a multi-course dinner at 7. Some of Denver’s finest chefs who will blow your culinary mind are: Troy Guard (TAG, TAG Raw Bar, TAG Burger Bar), Tyler Wiard (culinary director for Elway’s restaurants), Michael Bortz (City Bakery), Alex Seidel (Fruition), Brian Laird (Sarto’s), Sean Yontz (formerly with El Diablo) and Lance Barto (The Social).

Robert Eldridge is back for the fourth year performing acoustic guitar during dinner. Emcee Les Shapiro is sure to get the party rolling and pump up the live auction.

Tickets are limited and available at www.blacktie-colorado.com. Enter event code SOS930.

Our friends at Uber are providing $40 off one ride for new users. To claim your discounted ride, sign up for an Uber account by downloading the app to your iPhone or Android and enter the code DDELIGHTS under “promotions” or sign up at www.uber.com/go/ddelights.

For more information, contact event manager Trisha Lindeman at 720-985-6947 or at trilind@hotmail.com.

Seasonal cessation

The summer dining season of the Highland’s Garden Café, 3297 W. 32nd Ave., will close on Saturday following the restaurant’s traditional seasonal schedule.

Chef/owner Patricia Perry, who opened the Café in 1994, said, “We have had a wonderful summer season and I ‘d like to thank everyone who made this happen, especially our hard-working staff and amazing guests.”

The Café will reopen in April for guests to enjoy the spring tulips forsythia, lilacs and roses that have drawn diners to Highland’s Garden Café for nearly two decades.

If you’d like to be added to the mailing list, contact Perry at patperrychef@comcast.net.

Subscription drive

Do you know folks who aren’t subscribing to my Blacktie-Colorado column? Say what?

How ’bout if we give them some incentive to sign up. On Wednesday, one lucky subscriber will win two VIP tickets to Denver Food and Wine, the most fun you can have under a tent, from 11 a.m. (VIPs get early admission) till 4 p.m. Sept. 7 on the grounds of the Metropolitan State University of Denver campus.

Here’s the catch: To be eligible to win the tickets, you MUST be a subscriber. On Wednesday, Blacktie’s accounting firm of PricewaterhouseCooper (see, just like the Academy Awards … hee hee), will draw the name of the winner, who will be notified and announced in my Sept. 6 column.

To subscribe, go to www.blacktie-colorado.com/pennyparker. Click on my icon, then click on “subscribe.” VIPs at Denver Food and Wine get a respite from the heat with umbrella-clad tables, fancy fare from The Brown Palace and fine wines in a private area. Ticket value: $250.

The seen

Actor Kurt Russell and a group taste-testing his GoGi wine line at Elway’s Cherry Creek on Wednesday. He’s named the Chardonnay “Goldie” after forever girlfriend Goldie Hawn.

The Viognier is called LuLu after his mom. And the Pinot Noir is called Bosty Boy in honor or his son, Boston. Read more about GoGi wines at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kurt-Russell-Wines-Gogi/202104946484539.

Meanwhile in downtown Denver, former Doobie Brother Michael McDonald, in town Wednesday for a Denver Botanic Gardens concert with local vocal Hazel Miller, was spotted sipping cocktails in the bar at Panzano inside the Hotel Monaco.

Kurt Russell dips the signature wax to one of the bottles of his GoGi wines, a Pinot Noir, Bosty Boy named after his son, Boston. The wine’s name, Gogi, is Russell’s nickname.

Eavesdropping on a man at the 250 Columbine ground breaking ceremony: “Another parking lot disappears.”

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. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com. Want to advertise your business here? Contact Trisha at trilind@hotmail.com.

9News traffic and weather reporter Amelia Earhart went national, appearing on the “Today Show” Friday.

Earhart appeared on the NBC morning show, “Today,” to talk about her planned plane flight around the world to re-create her namesake’s deadly trip taken in 1937.

Earhart appeared on “The Today Show” with Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, Natalie Morales and guest host Carson Daly.

She is taking a two-week trip with Patrick Carter, starting in Oakland, Calif., with stops in Miami, Brazil, Africa, India, Australia and the southern Pacific islands (including Holland Island) before returning to Oakland.

“I’ve been having this conversation by entire life,” Earhart said of the round-the-world flight. “It always comes up. When I think about the best way to honor being a namesake of Amelia it’s about adventure. There’s not a lot of things we’re entitled to, but we’re entitled to developing our own adventure. This is my version of adventure and the best way to keep Amelia ‘s spirit alive.”

See the entire interview at  http://www.today.com/video/today/52651327/#52651327.

RIP

I am so sad to report that Lew Cady,  former advertising man and publisher/owner of “Little Kingdom Come,” the tongue-in-cheek newspaper about Central City and Blackhawk, died Sunday morning after a long illness.

I have written about Cady’s antics for years because the “kindly curmudgeon,” as I called him, had a thing about being first at new restaurants and other various establishments. It was his obsession and he kept a journal chronicling his accomplishments. Who’s on first? Lew Cady.

With the exception of this year, I would follow our fearless leader through our routine tour of the National Western Stock Show — with a precise route — that ended (always) in the Cowboy Bar. We’d eat peanuts in the shell that you throw on the floor, and Cady and company would drink Coors original.

I’ll never forget the year that the iconic Cowboy bar added cosmopolitans to the bar menu. I thought Cady would blow a gasket. Another tradition: Cady would smuggle in a beef stick or smoked sausage and cheese to share with his posse.

My heart is breaking for his wonderful wife, Leslie, and his children. The last time I saw Cady was at the Governor’s Mansion during a meeting of the Central City Press Club, a motley crew who just used the gatherings as an excuse to imbibe in adult beverages.

Cady and Gov. John Hickenlooper were the best of friends having attended a number of baseball games away and at home.

The good guv had this statement about Cady’s death: “Life today is not quite today what it was yesterday. In my wallet I carry a couple of yellow post-it notes. They are printed. At the bottom is the Railyard Ale logo, and above it, spread over six lines, is: Coming out,/ all beer is pretty/much/the same./ But going in,/ there is a difference. The whole post-it is double-boxed, and very elegant. Lew created a hundred such pads that he referred to as ‘restroom reminders,’ and we had our wait staff and bartenders “post them” in the rest rooms of our various LoDo competitors. I’ve been carrying them in one wallet or another for almost 20 years. They are pure Lew Cady. We will all miss him tremendously!”

I loved Lew and will miss him terribly. Funeral and/or memorial services are pending.

This sticky note is one that Lew Cady made for John Hickenlooper when he was a brewpub owner. Hickenlooper would leave the sticky notes advertising his Wynkoop Brewery at his rival restaurants. (Photo courtesy of Devany McNeill)

McIntosh makes it

Mark McIntosh, a long-time media personality and motivational speaker in Denver (see his talents at www.seekvictory.com) and one of the nicest guys you could ever meet, posted and boasted (and rightly so) about an honor he’s been bestowed by his Missouri hometown school system on his Facebook page last week. Here’s the post:

“To all my Raytown South High School Alumni, the weekend of October 11-12 a new class of Hall of Fame members will be inducted into the Raytown Schools Alumni Hall of Fame. I’m honored to be one of the six inductees. Part of the festivities include attending the Ray-South/Raytown game on Friday October 11. I invite all of you to join me and cheer on the Cardinals as they kick the Blue Jays’ butts on the gridiron!”

Congrats, Mark!

Mark McIntosh will be inducted into the Raytown Schools Alumni Hall of Fame in October. (Photo courtesy of seekvictory.com)

Block party

Uptown, the hip neighborhood east of downtown Denver, will host its fourth annual Block Party from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the park at Marion and Park Avenue.

The event is open to the public, and will feature food and live music, and it’s part of Denver Days, during which time Mayor Michael Hancock’s office is asking Denver neighborhoods to get involved with the communities by hosting block parties, organizing service projects and organizing neighborhood activities.

Proceeds from the Uptown Block Party will benefit MetroCareRing, an Uptown food bank.

Entertainment will be provided by Marty Jones and the Great Unknowns and Colfax Dub Allstars. Tom “Dr. Colorado” Noel also will be making a special whiskey keg presentation. Food will be served by Steuben’s, Billy’s Gourmet Hot Dogs, Tony P’s Pizzeria, Taita Peruvian Café and Sweet Cow MooMobile.

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

Fashion first

The first annual Urban Nights fashion show on Aug. 23 at Mile High Station is a benefit for Urban Peak, a non-profit organization that provides a full convergence of services for youths ages 15 to 25 who are homeless or at immediate risk of becoming homeless.

The fundraiser will feature a fashion show along Colorado’s longest urban runway showcasing the latest trends from local designers, entertainment by Grammy-nominated Deborah Cox, a silent auction and an after party with a headliner DJ.

The VIP party and silent auction begin at 6 p.m. and doors open for general admission at 7 p.m. The fashion show starts at 8:15 p.m. and the after party begins at 11 p.m.

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

Sign of the times

Sent in by a reader: “I can still remember a sign I saw on a large ranch in Texas. It said: “Trespassers will be shot. Survivors will be prosecuted.”

“YIKES! Needless to say, we didn’t enter the property!”

Eavesdropping on a driver and a passenger passing the Denver Dumb Friends League on Quebec Street:

Driver: “I see they’re advertising where you can buy two cats for $15.”

Passenger: “Must be having a sale where every cat must go! Last week, they were selling cats at one for $10 and before that it was one for $17. They keep marking ‘em down; pretty soon they’ll be paying you to take a cat!”

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. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com. Want to advertise your business here? Contact Trisha at trilind@hotmail.com.