Now is the time to plan for the onslaught of summer events and other happenings that are planned for Golden and the towns and cities in surrounding areas. It’s impossible to review and cover all that is being announced, but a least this is a start and might come in handy when you’re looking for something special to entertain your summer guests or your own family.

But before we jump into the future, I’d like to recommend two very interesting and outstanding exhibits that I saw recently and found to be as good as touted, if not better.

“Chihuly Venetians: from the George R. Stroemple Collection” is nothing short of fabulous. This exhibit opened April 7 at Foothills Art Center, 809 15th St. in Golden and will be available for viewing until June 30.

It’s a one-of-a-kind showing of Venetian glassware that has been so artistically created by Chihuly. Its distinguished impressions will remain with you for a lifetime.

Another unique and skillful exhibit is brought to Golden by the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum. It’s called “Male Call: Quilts Made by Men” and has received both accolades and honors for the unusual designs and expressions prominent in this display. The quilts are definitely masculine in appearance.

Thanks to the Quilter’s Guild of Dallas and the Helen Hibbs Endowment Fund, this exhibit has been showing since January at the quilt museum, 1213 Washington Ave., but will close on April 28. I think you’ll find that, in addition to being functional, these quilts can make excellent wall hangings and would be beautiful, design-wise, for any office.

If you’re a quilter or feel the urge to become one regardless of gender, be sure to take advantage of seeing this attractive exhibition that will ease you into being creative in your own special way. That special way could be the art of quilting.

In addition to mentioning the above, outstanding art shows, there’s another one coming to the Jefferson Unitarian Church, 14350 West 32nd Ave., Golden. It’s the Castle Clay Artists Spring Show and Sale, which is held at this location each year. The viewing and sale hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, April 26 and 27, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 28.

More than 22 clay exhibitors, 10 jewelrymakers, four glass blowers and even Harriet’s Little Soap Company will give you plenty to see and plenty to buy. This exhibition has become a great outlet for purchasing seasonal graduation and wedding gifts, and comes just in time for sprucing up your home décor after the winter clean-up.

Looking not too far ahead

If you were amongst the one million bicycle riding enthusiasts who lined the 518-mile course to watch the USA Pro Challenge last year, you might what to stake your claim to a choice location for this year’s event. Starting in Durango on Aug. 20, the riders will be traveling until Aug. 26, through an abundance of Colorado towns and resort spots that are ideal for cheering the competitors on as they travel at high speeds through the crowds. The final group segment of the race will travel from Golden to Boulder on Aug. 25, and the race will end Aug. 26 with a time trial in Denver. Last year we saw 135 pro riders compete, and this year’s competition is destined to far surpass that figure. This is a celebration all ages seem to enjoy, with its added pomp and ceremonies. That goes for Golden or any of the nearby destinations, and you won’t have to worry about gasoline consumption — just relax and enjoy the day. Many areas can also provide camping spaces for those who want to wave their cowbells in the higher mountains. For complete information on this outstanding event, go to www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com. You’re gonna love it!

Seniors, mark your calendars

This year’s Senior Law Day is set for Saturday, June 2, at Waterstone Community Church, 5890 S. Alkire St., Littleton. This is an educational seminar that provides information specifically for older adults. The cost to attend is $12 per person ($15 after May 13), including breakfast and lunch.

Attorneys and community resource people will be available to answer individual questions and each attendee will receive a copy of the new Colorado Law Handbook 2012, a Colorado Bar Association publication. In addition, entertainment will be provided by the Joe Peterson Orchestra and the JPO Andrews Singers, who will provide music during lunch time. There will even be an opportunity to sign up for a 15-minute consultation with an attorney. You can’t beat this offer.

Eighteen workshop topics will be covered, from Theft Prevention and Elder Abuse to Fraud and Reverse Mortgages and many, many more subjects to fit your need for understanding or information. Goldenites can obtain a registrationform at the District Attorney’s Office at the Jefferson County Administration and Courts Building, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, or at the Golden Visitor’s Center 1010 Washington Ave. The registration deadline is Wednesday, May 23.

Dorothy Akal is a Golden resident and longtime Golden Transcript contributor who writes about Golden happenings in Avenue Flashes. To contribute an item for her column, call or fax information to 303-279-4990. Dorothy Akal is a Golden resident and longtime Golden Transcript contributor who writes about Golden happenings in Avenue Flashes. To contribute an item for her column, call or fax information to 303-279-4990.

Dorothy Akal is a Golden resident and longtime Golden Transcript contributor who writes about Golden happenings in Avenue Flashes. To contribute an item for her column, call or fax information to 303-279-4990.