January
FREE
2012 The
News for the Mid-Willamette Valley
January L Events C ocal alendar Page 2
Oregon Mid-Winter Square Dancing Festival Comes To Albany
photo by Oliver J. Anderson
By Rod Porsche Albany Visitors Association Forget everything you think you know about square dancing. The dancing on display at the Oregon Mid-Winter Festival is far removed from the days of the old scratchy record player of your youth. The difference is the music and the talent of the live professional callers. “It’s not just Country and Western songs either,” Albany resident Roger Putzler said. “It’s become more modern with great variety of music — one caller I know from Portland actually features a rap song.” Putzler should know, he’s been active in square dancing for 52 years. Along with his wife Linda, they are the chairmen for this year’s Mid-Winter Festival: Dancin’ in the Moonlight, held at the Linn County Fair and Expo Center January 27-29. Hosted by the Emerald Empire Area Council, which meets at the Emerald Square Dance Center in Springfield, the Mid-Winter Festival began in 1960 began at the Lane County Fairgrounds. In 2005, the Festival moved to the Linn County Fair and Expo and has been there ever since, including the Golden Jubilee in 2010. Approximately 1,500 participants of all skill levels are expected for the three day festival that includes three types of dance: square dance, round dance and clogging. Square dance usually has eight dancers in a square, made up of four couples, with a caller choreographing the dancers, usually using a patter or singing call. Round Dance is usually couples; however individuals often will dance by themselves if they do not have a partner. Round Dance is often listed as ballroom dancing. Clogging is a dance performed by individuals, while wearing shoes, usually with taps, or occasionally with wooden soles. So, what is it about square dancing that keeps folks like the Putzlers so involved? “It’s great physical, mental and social exercise,” Roger Putzler said. “The callers can be great stage performers and that makes it spontaneous and exciting.” Ready to find out for yourself? Those interested in learning more about square dancing or are encouraged to come out to the Expo Center to take a look. Admission is free. A dance demonstration will also be held at the Heritage Mall on Friday, January 27 from 11 to noon. For a complete schedule of events, go to www. MidWinterFestival.com.
Winter On
The Oregon Coast By Stephanie Schmitgall Most people tend to think summer and fall are the best seasons to be on the Oregon coast. But, if you haven’t experienced the coast in the winter, you are missing a whole new world. The excitement of a winter storm on the coast is like nowhere else. The windwhipped waves put on a dramatic show as they pound the rocky shorelines with a force that sends salty spray high into the air. The rain dances across the beach, while the clouds tumble around in the sky. Of course, this is a show you will prefer to watch from a warm and dry hotel room, with a cozy fire close by. But the sound and beauty of it all is truly something to witness. Don’t think winter is all storms and rain though. It’s not unusual to have the sun break though and put some dazzle on the world. Especially in late January or in February you can experience some incredibly warm and sunny weather. It may not last too long, but come enjoy it when you can. The winter months also bring the mighty creatures of the deep, the whales, migrating down the coast from Alaska waters to enjoy the warm lagoons of Baja, California in Mexico. From mid-December through January thousands of whales will pass along the Oregon coast, generally close to shore so it’s easy to spot them as the blow and breach. During Whale Watching Week, December 16 – January 1, you’ll find 28 designated sites along the Oregon coast that are manned by knowledgeable hosts who provide all types of information about the whales and ways to spot them. The Inn At Spanish Head Resort Hotel in Lincoln City is one such spot. From Fathoms 10th floor restaurant and lounge or from you own oceanfront room with floor-to-ceiling windows, the Inn is an ideal spot to witness this annual event. And what better time to rekindle a romance than in front of a warm fireplace with a glass of wine or hot cocoa and someone quite special while that
winter storms blows across the sky outside. Or on a chilly, drizzly day, how perfect is a dip in the hot tub or a soothing massage offered at many hotels or local spas. Winter time also brings fewer people on the Oregon coast, so you can enjoy a long, romantic dinner in a quiet restaurant. Fathoms Restaurant and Lounge, on the 10th floor of the Inn At Spanish Head, offers spectacular ocean views to complement any meal. And remember, the Dungeness crab season it at its best during the winter months too. Or linger a bit longer over that cup of coffee in the morning with no pressure to get up and move on because others are waiting for your seat. Leisurely stroll the many interesting galleries, bookstores, bakeries, antique stores and restaurants the coast has to offer. The winter pace is simply slower and a time to truly relax and find yourself again. There’s also plenty to do, if you prefer to out and experience it all. Beautiful handblown glass floats are released on the Lincoln City beaches from late October through May. What fun to search, and find one! Shop ‘til you drop at the Outlet Stores. Take in a show at Chinook Winds Casino. The February Seafood and Wine Festival in Newport is always a favorite pastime. Or there are so many local theatre options, jazz festivals and symphony concerts to enjoy.