Residents begin the next chapter of Valley life this month hoping it will be a fun romp through knee-deep powder and bright sunshine. We live, of course, in a rich and morally complex territory. Plot for the next chapter is presently raw material yet to be written but certain to be enthralling and likely to transform us from the very first page.
With epic changes taking place in nearly every neighborhood, the choices made this year will be rare works of non-fiction destined to become a cultural benchmark.
Here are our novel choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to write a panorama of fascinating, warm and enjoyable ways to craft first-rate winter tales:
3 Enjoy masterpieces of music as the Whiffenpoofs — the oldest and best known collegiate a cappella group — perform at the Newman Center Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m., again at 1:30 p.m. on the 9th. Information: 303-871-7720.
3 Colorado Chamber Players perform pieces for two violins and a piano in Saint Johns Cathedral Jan. 12 at noon. Information: 303-871-7115.
3 The Ziegfeld Follies story of Fanny Brice comes alive as Funny Girl plays Aurora’s Vintage Theatre through Jan. 17. Information: 303-856-7830.
3 Warm up with food and wine being served at the Geyser Peak Wine Dinner at Coohills in LoDo Jan. 20, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-5700.
3 Find that spark again! Whether you’re newly dating, happily married or anywhere in between you’ll find the ideal Valentine’s Day gift at Cherry Creek North’s Oster Jewelers on Steele St. Information: 303-572-1111.
3 Hear a transforming musical tribute to Cantor Regina Heit at a Temple Emanuel fundraising concert Jan. 23, 8 p.m. Information: 303-388-4013.
3 Cook up dubious, fun yarns about fish tails during a Seasoned Chef Cooking School class on Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-377-3222.
3 Attend authentic Chinese New Year’s fundraising gala for the Nathan Yip Foundation at the Hyatt DTC Jan. 30, 5 p.m. Information: 303-817-8400.
3 Kick up your heels and imagine cowboy characters of yesteryear as the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo rides into town with a parade downtown at noon Jan. 7. Then take in Western Americana with a variety of events featuring cowboys, horses and cattle at the National Western Complex, Jan. 9-24. The “Super Bowl” of livestock shows also has horse shows plus a western trade show. Information: 303-296-6977.
As our new chapter opens, Valley neighborhoods are being transformed by massive building projects. Just when readers think there couldn’t possibly be more drama or mystery, multilayered characters unexpectedly add mystifying twists certain to create a gripping ending. Just as with any good book, it’s raw and dazzling, brutal and real.
Like any page-turner breaking new ground, this chapter will most certainly also have inspiring tales and entertaining developments that everyone will enjoy.
The New Year presents all of us with the challenge of how to take this shifting, teeming change and from it find a way to write a book that will give meaning to Valley life. An autobiographical account given the attention and imagination demanded of a rare book, it should draw you into the action and provide a grand and beautiful ending.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.