We all await the new decade with hope. How could it be otherwise? We can agree that 2009 was, it barely needs noting, a very challenging year. From the dismal loss of jobs and homes, to the closing of local banks and mom & pop shops, to the continued bankrupting and life-risking wars in distant lands.
I often thought this past year, like Queen Elizabeth II after one of her castles was damaged in a fire and her childrens’ marriages went asunder, it was Annus Horribilis.
And so we look upon the number 2010 as something bright, shiny and blessedly new. For I, like many Americans, am hopelessly optimistic. And though I do hate the saying, surely it can’t get any worse.
Could there be a surge in the housing market? Maybe the banks start loaning again. How about real healthcare reform that would help even the middle class? Or perhaps we’ll see a return to when patriotism was a positive aspect and not a weapon wielded by talking heads on TV and radio? We might even consider an end to these costly wars. Successes in these realms is possible, but only if the American people look beyond muted-racism and the counter productive cult of celebrity and innuendo.
Here in Sun Valley, we’d love to see some more snow, a healthy ski season, a winning season for our hockey team, www.sunvalleysuns.com the success of new businesses and the continued support for our busy non-profits. The Sun Valley Center for the Arts www.sunvalleycenter.org will raise more money to build its state of the art center, which will help bring culture and the arts to all people of the Valley. Idaho’s Bounty www.idahosbounty.org will convince more people that by supporting local farmers, we as a community can be healthier, more sustainable, and more connected to our land, air and water.
To kick it all off, we need to shake off the frustrations of the past year. Perhaps one of the season’s many parties will do. To wit:
THURSDAY DECEMBER 31st:
-
Zou 75 will have an intimate party with all you can eat and drink along with dancing to DJ McClain. Reservations: 788-3310
-
Roosevelt Tavern & Grill will have local DJ Lenny Joseph spin tunes right after dinner around 10 p.m. $40 cover includes party favors and a champagne toast when the clock strikes midnight. With dinner earlier, the cost is $30. Reservations: 726-0051, www.rooseveltgrille.com.
-
Whiskey Jacques, in Ketchum, will have music by Marmalade Hill. $50 cover charge. www.whiskeyjacques.com
-
Brickhouse Bar and Grill in Bellevue and Red Light Variety Show present "New Year’s Eve Burlesque Show" 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are $30 with dinner. $35 ticket includes champagne toast. Call 788-4999 for details.
-
Sun Valley Lodge. www.sunvalley.com The Cocktail Reception in the Lodge Sun Room will be from 8:30-9:30 pm with Aaron Baker performing on the piano. Dinner in the Lodge Dining Room will begin at 9:30 p.m. with live music and dancing with the Brooks Hartell Trio. $145 per person, $85 child under age 12. Reservations: 622-2800.
-
Also in Sun Valley, the Limelight Ballroom party includes heavy hors d’oureves, cash bars, champagne toast, music, dancing. The High Street Band will perform. Cost is $75 adult (no children) 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Reservations: 622-2135.
-
Ketchum’s newest fine dining establishment, SEGO will have dancing with DJ Alex Hegewald from NYC. Enjoy tented and heated outdoor patio spaces, fire pits, lamb and pig roasts, signature cocktails, and fabulous bar snacks created by Chef Taite Pearson. A $10 cover includes a champagne toast at midnight. 10:30 p.m.- 2 a.m.
-
Papa Hemi’s Hideaway in Ketchum will offer a second seating from 8 p.m. to midnight with music by Bart Budwig & friends an award-winning Idaho folk singer/songwriter.
Other parties will take place at such venues at McClain’s Pizzeria in Hailey, the Silver Dollar in Bellevue with music by Electric Snack, at Hailey Hotel with DJ Rage, and the Casino in Ketchum will host The Damphools.
To all in our Valley and beyond: Enjoy and resolve.
With joy for the New Year,
Buzz Chick
