A News and Tribune Publication
DEC. 18, 2014 — Issue 45
! m i h w I kno
ta n a S l a e d l a e r e h t s i s n Jerry Owe TOP THREE NA-FC Library Annual Christmas Sale
LISTINGS Local live music, New Year's Eve event
EVENTS
Lucero at Headliners
2 SoIn
Dec. 18, 2014
Publisher Bill Hanson E di t o r Jason Thomas Design Claire Munn
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On the Cover: Jerry Owens, 63, is Southern Indiana's own, real-life Santa Claus and is available to hire for company and individual events. photo courtesy of moments photography, jeffersonville
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Southern Indiana’s very own Santa
Like opening a Christmas present, Southern Indiana’s surprises continue to delight. Did you know Southern Indiana has its own yearround Santa Claus? Meet Jerry Owens, who takes his mission of being a jolly elf very seriously. So much so that he has an official Jason Thomas, Editor Santa Claus Oath on his website, kentuckianasanta.com. All of us have memories of Santa. Owens, 63, who has been portraying Saint Nick since 1981, makes it his mission to spread joy, Chris Morris writes in today’s cover story. “Christmas is not about how much you spend on your child, it’s about how much time you spend with that child,” he told Morris. Amen.
Owens worked 34 years at the VA Hospital in Louisville before retiring, and cherishes the role of Santa. He hasn’t stepped in a mall since 1993 so as to not confuse youngsters who are visiting with the mall Santa. That’s dedication. Need more proof of how seriously he takes his role? Owens has been attending the prestigious Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School since 2007, Morris reports. The school was founded in 1937. Young or old, Owens works hard to spread a little Christmas cheer. Part of the Santa oath reads: “I shall be dedicated to hearing the secret dreams of both children and adults” and “I know the ‘real reason for the season’ and know that I am blessed to be able to be a part of it.” Words to live by every day. — Jason Thomas is the editor of SoIn. He can be reached by phone at 812-206-2127 or email at jason. thomas@newsandtribune.com. Follow him on Twitter: @ScoopThomas.
Lassoing Lucero
What: 2 Nights of Lucero with Quiet Hollers
When: 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16
Where: Headliners Music Hall, 1386 Lexington Road, Louisville Info: headlinerslouis ville.com
Over its 16 years together, Memphis-based Lucero band has built up a fanbase that’s as diverse as it is rabid. But the one thing that seems to unify Lucero fans of all kinds is the band’s all-or-nothing live show, and “Live from Atlanta,” the band’s latest live record, thoroughly captures that. “Live from Atlanta” is a massive, career-spanning collection of songs recorded over three nights in Atlanta’s Terminal West. It’s a four-LP greatest hits collection of 32 tunes played the way they were meant to be heard, with all the distinguishing
elements you’d hear at Lucero’s live show — horns, pianos, and the trademark instrument of the band’s live sound: whiskey-fueled
audience sing-alongs. The album’s extensive assortment of songs proves that Lucero is a band for everyone. Parts country and parts folk with an added heaping of punk rock, the six-piece cover the musical gamut. Even the band members have varying opinions on how to define their sound. — Headliners, WFPK
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Dec. 18, 2014
3 To Go
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STOCK UP ON BOOKS What: New Albany-Floyd County Public Library Annual Christmas Sale
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 Where: Annex building Info: Call 812-944-8464 or e-mail friends@nafclibrary.org The holidays are here and it’s time for the Friends of the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library Annual Christmas Sale in the library’s Annex Building. There will be many Christmas-themed books, music and movies selling for regular prices of $1 hardback and 50 cents paperback plus our children’s room will feature a treasure trove of holiday books for the kids at our extra low prices.
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Crafting a fun time
What: ‘Day at the Museum’ at Carnegie When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 Where: Carnegie Center for Art and History, 201 E. Spring St., New Albany Info: This event is free and open to the first 100 children who preregister. Call 812-9447336 or email dthomas@carnegiecenter.org to register. Children can create candy cane ornaments and leather jewelry upstairs in the foyer, and make quilt square ornaments, snowman door hangers, and handmade cards in the lower level. Light snacks will be provided.
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Crashing the party
What: Louisville Crashers at Horseshoe When: 9 p.m. to 1:45 a.m., Friday, Dec. 19, Saturday, Dec. 20 Where: Horseshoe Southern Indiana, 11999 Casino Center Drive, Elizabeth Come out and see The Louisville Crashers at Horseshoe Southern Indiana. Legends’ drink menu will tantalize you with specialty drinks, beer, wine, cocktails and more, all served with a twist of excitement. Plus, you can let loose on the dance floor as the hottest acts around perform live on stage.
Gotta Go: Interested in seeing your event in our 3 To Go?
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Delivering hope and ch
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New Albany’s Jerry Owens brings Santa Claus to life By CHRIS MORRIS chris.morris@newsandtribune.com EW ALBANY — A very familiar figure walked into Quills Coffee in downtown New Albany on a gloomy Monday afternoon, a regular stop for this jolly fellow, and automatically brought smiles to those inside. He had a twinkle in his eye, his hair and beard were snow white, and he was wearing a stocking cap. It was Santa Claus. Or was it Jerry Owens? There is really no difference between the two. They both bring instant joy to those young and old, especially this time of year. “I like to see the smiles,” Owens said. “That is my reward. As soon as I walk in the doors, I get smiles. When you have that kind of effect on people, you have to feel like it is your life’s calling.” Everything about Owens screams Santa Claus. If there was ever a real-life Santa walking the streets of New Albany, it’s Owens. His beard and hair are real, his facial features and build are strikingly similar to jolly St. Nick. He looks like he walked straight out of the North Pole. Since 1991 Owens has been portraying Santa, and makes numerous appearances in the area. He
N
SEEKING SANTA
To contact Jerry Owens, or to arrange a persona anasanta.com. Learn more about the Santa Clau Elements of the Santa Claus Coat of Arms on pag
phoToGrAphy
For more information, call 812-282-2300 or visit
Jerry owens, 63, has been taking on the role of Santa Claus since 1991 and makes numerous appearances around Southern Indiana. owens said he doesn’t portray Santa for the money or notoriety, but to bring happiness to people and remind them of what St. Nick stands for. phOTOS COurTESy OF mOmEnTS phOTOgrAphy, JEFFErSOnviLLE sometimes, like the weeks heading into Christmas, makes five stops a day. He is hired for individual and company events, and everything he earns goes back into his Santa character — from buying trinkets to hand out to children, to keeping his outfit accessorized. He charges companies $150 an hour for an appearance, or $100 for individuals. But he has taken less. He has also appeared in a Coca-Cola commercial and was interviewed on the “Today” show three years ago. But Owens, 63, doesn’t portray Santa for the money or notoriety. He said he is all about advancing the character, and what it stands for. He wants to bring happiness to people and give them hope. “When you get dressed in the suit, and walk out the door, you are Santa. You are the image of Santa,” Owens said. “All eyes will be on you. Everything you do will affect everyone wearing the suit. You are Santa to the people you appear for. One thing I have always strived for is to make the figure as believable as I can. If I did anything to harm that it would undo everything I had done to that point. It’s all about who it is ... it’s the most recognizable figure in the world.” But when children ask Owens if he is the “real” Santa, he allows them to make that decision.
“You never tell a child, ‘yes I am Santa,’” h that to the child. I tell them that if you see th have a twinkle in his eye. They will tell me th Santa because they see that twinkle in my ey you do in life where you have a little child w say, ‘I love you.’ When you can have that kind of impact on a child that is all the reward you need.” He said so many parents today try to overwhelm their children with gifts. But he said it’s not the number of gifts that your child will remember, it’s the quality family time spent together around the holidays. “Christmas is not about how much you spend on your child, it’s about how much time you spend with that child,” he said. “So many adults ask me to help them feel like they did at Christmas when they were 5 years old. I tell them it never left you, you just chose not to believe. Put aside the hustle and bustle. My hope is by me portrayi this character, it helps keep that memory aliv Owens, who worked 34 years at the VA H in Louisville before retiring, said he never go a mall or a store where a Santa is sitting. He would not want to confuse children. He also where he goes, he is approached by children he is Santa. He said he doesn’t mind being a cherishes the impact he can have on little one SEE SANTA, pAgE 8
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6 Entertainment
Giving books new life
arnegie will offer two C workshops presented by local artist and art educa-
What: Transform old
books When: Dec. 27, Jan. 3 Where: Carnegie Center for Art and History, 201 E. Spring St., New Albany Info: Workshops are free, but space is limited and registration is required. Please call 812-944-7336 or send an email to dthomas@ carnegiecenter.org to register. Please note registration deadlines for each workshop.
tor Ehren Reed, according to a Carnegie news release. Both workshops involve transforming old books. • Adult Workshop, “Exploring Altered Books”: Saturday, Dec. 27, noon to 4 p.m. Registration deadline: Monday, Dec. 22 at noon. Participants will repurpose old books using a variety of techniques: slicing, stitching, painting, collaging and more. The workshop will emphasize a spontaneous, materials-based approach as we work intuitively to explore the possibilities of this exciting medium. The resulting artworks will range from found poetry to art journals to sculptural objects, using a variety of tools and techniques, as well as found objects and other ephemera. Books and other materials will be provided for workshop participants, but you are welcome to bring along additional materials you might like to use: family photographs, special papers, buttons and sewing notions and old magazines are all wonderful additions. • Teen Workshop, “Secret Keepers: Create Your Own HideAway Book”: Saturday, Jan. 3, 1 to 3 p.m. Registration deadline: Monday Dec. 29 at noon. In this workshop, participants learn how to create a secret compartment inside of an old book - a place to stash special treasures and precious keepsakes. We will use specialized tools and techniques to create a top-secret hiding place and will explore a variety of materials to decorate, alter, and adorn your book, turning it into a one-of-a-kind work of art.” Ehren Reed relocated to Louisville in late 2013 after 14 years as a professional artist and art educator in San Francisco. She currently works as Outreach Programs Coordinator for the Louisville Visual Art Association, is the Director of the Weber Gallery (a program of the Council on Developmental Disabilities), and teaches art in a variety of venues around the Louisville Metro area. Reed maintains a vigorous studio practice and her current work relies upon found photographs as she blends together traditional craft and contemporary media to investigate notions of memory and recollection in a digital era.
MOVIES.: Dec. 19
Dec. 18, 2014
T.V.:
Dec. 18
books: Dec. 23
é “Night at the Museum: Secret
é “The Colbert Report” Series
é “We Should Hang Out Some-
“Annie”
“The People Magazine
“A String of Beads” by
of the Tomb”
Finale (Comedy Central)
Awards” (NBC)
time” by Josh Sundquist
Thomas Perry
Get fat on Frankfort Avenue What: FAT Friday Trolley Hope
When: 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 26 Where: Frankfort Avenue, Louisville
Info: fatfridayhop.org Need to get out of the house the day after Christmas? Come get the gift you really wanted at FAT Friday Trolley Hop on Dec. 26 with special hours. From 4 to 8 p.m., trolleys will run along Frankfort Avenue from Cannons Lane to River Road, and many businesses will refreshments and special sales. Special activities planned for the FAT Friday Trolley Hop on Dec. 26 include: • The Wine Rack, 2632 Frankfort Ave., will host a wine and cheese sampling from 6 to 8 p.m.. • eyedia, 1631 Mellwood Ave., will have all Christmas items at 70 percent off and a special selection of furniture and home decor at 50 percent off. • At Home on The Avenue, 2048 Frankfort Ave., will have a 50 percent off sale. • Heine Brothers, 2714
Frankfort Ave., will offer $1 off all holiday seasonal drinks. • Vint, 2309 Frankfort Ave., will offer $1 off all holiday seasonal drinks. • A Reader's Corner Bookstore, 2044 Frankfort Ave., will give “hoppers” 20 percent off their regular priced purchase, 50 percent off selected Christmas books, buy one get one
free in the fiction rooms, and serve refreshments • The Irish Rover, 2319 Frankfort Ave., will host a Traditional Irish Music Seisuin (informal jam session) in the bar area beginning at approximately 8 p.m. • Varanese Restaurant, 2106 Frankfort Ave., will host drink specials and live music.
Dec. 18, 2014
Entertainment 7
Local SoIn Happenings Feeling left out? Send your establishment’s and/or organization’s upcoming events/new features/entertainment information to SoIn Editor Jason Thomas at jason.thomas@newsandtribune. com
Corydon Jamboree
Where: 220 Hurst Lane, Corydon When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday Saturday, Dec. 20: Christmas Show ($12), David Graves, Amber Martin, Terry Vincent, Dave Newman; Dec. 27: Tiffany Puckett, Bracy Meenach, Meagan Stout General Admission $10; children 6-12, $6; under 6, free. For reservations, directions or any other information call 812-738-1130. [corydonjamboree.com]
Concerts at Headliners
Where: Headliners Music Hall, 1386 Lexington Road, Louisville Info: headlinerslouisville.com Friday, Dec. 26, 10 p.m.: The Holiday Bangover featuring Prince Terrance, DJ Matt Anthony, Scott Carney, Mind Crimes, $5 (21 and over); Friday, Jan. 9, 9 p.m.: Civil Twilight with Knox Hamilton, $12 (18 and over); Thursday, Jan. 23, 9 p.m., WSFR Cover Up Fest (in support of the Salvation Army), The Debut of: Slave Against The Machine (local tribute to Rage and Audioslave), with Turn 3, $10 (18 and over)
Live on State at Wick’s
Where: Wick’s Pizza Parlor, 225 State St., New Albany When: Friday and Saturday Friday: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., Rachel Timberlake; Saturday: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., The Usual Suspects [wickspizza.com]
Live music at the Roadhouse
Where: New Albany Roadhouse,1706 Graybrook Lane, 8 p.m. to midnight Friday, Dec. 19: Mello Judge; Dec. 26: John Colson
Live music at Hoopsters
Where: Hoopsters Bar and Grill, 810 E. 10th St., Jeffersonville Saturday, Dec. 20: Ma’am Overboard; Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Bash, Mad Alice
Live music at Big Four Burgers + Beer
Where: Big Four Burgers + Beer, 134 Spring St., Jeffersonville When: Friday and Saturday Friday, Dec. 19: Kelsey Allen with Rachel; Saturday, Dec. 20: Bobby Wilson; Dec. 20: Aquila
Live music at Charlie Nobel’s
Where: Charlie Nobel’s Eatery + Draught House, 7815 Ind. 311, Sellersburg Friday, Dec. 19: The Strays; Saturday, Dec. 20: Bobby Wilson
New Year’s Eve at Bristol Jeffersonville
What: Tasting six of The Furst wines from one of France’s finest grape-growing areas When: 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31 Where: Bristol Bar and Grille, 700 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville Cost: $180/couple; call 812-218-1995 Ring in the New Year with international flavors at Wines from Around the World at The Bristol Bar and Grille. Master Sommelier Scott Harper paired six wines from countries like Argentina, Australia and France with a five-course meal prepared by chef Richard Doering. The evening will begin at 8 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres paired and an Italian Brut. At 8:30 p.m., the courses will continue with dishes like house-smoked chicken, short ribs and a chocolatenut gâteau dessert. The New Year’s Eve event including five-courses and six wines is $180 per couple, plus tax and gratuity. Guests may also reserve a room at the on-site Sheraton Louisville Riverside Hotel for an additional $99.
Angel gets his wings
What: ‘It’s a Wonderful Life When: Through Dec. 31 Where: Derby Dinner Playhouse, 525 Marriott Drive, Clarksville Ticket: Call 812-288-8281 or visit derbydinner.com Frank Capra’s film classic brought to vibrant theatrical life. This musical exhilarates the mind and heart and celebrates the innate goodness in us all. Enjoy this musical treasure about a young misfit reindeer who just wants to fit in. Santa will be at every performance.
Circus coming to town 90th annual Kosair Shrine T heCircus is coming to town and
What: Kosair
Shrine Circus tickets are on sale now. The big When: Feb. 5-8 event begins on Thursday, Feb. 5 Where: Broadand concludes on Sunday, Feb. 8 in bent Arena, Broadbent Arena at the Kentucky Kentucky Expo Exposition Center. There are ten Center performances during that period. Info: kosaircirDoors open one hour before each cus.com show for elephant and pony rides. Tickets are available at TicketMaster and at the Kentucky Expo Center and Kentucky International Convention Center Ticket Offices. The Kosair Shrine Circus is sponsored by the Kosair Shrine Temple. • Performance days/times Thursday, Feb. 5, at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets: • Reserved Seating Ticket Prices: $18, $22 or $25 depending on seat locations. • Special offers • $10 Tickets* 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 8 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8 *Limited number available these performances only. • Family Four-Pack $65 Includes four tickets, four drinks and four hotdogs: 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 6 only; only available at KEC Ticket Office.
8 SoIn
Dec. 18, 2014
Santa Claus Oath
I Jerry Owens, 63, has been taking on the role of Santa Claus since 1991 and has been attending the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School since 2007. photoS courtesy of moments photography, jeffersonville
SANTA: Owens says he's Santa '365 days a year' CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 “I haven’t stepped foot in a mall since 1993,” Owens said. “Malls are off limits. If Santa is in a chair, even if I am in street clothes I can be a distraction. That is the problem in today’s world, there are too many of us.” Owens has been attending the prestigious Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School since 2007. The school was founded in 1937. He has been used as an instructor at the school. He also has a master’s degree from the International School of Santa Claus. Owens and his wife Diana have three sons, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild and yes, he is Santa Claus to his family. That can be a cool thing for his grandchildren who get to tell their friends that the man with the white hair and beard is their famous grandfather. “I am Santa 365 days a year to them,” he said.
Owens hopes to stay in character as long as he can. But he said he will never do anything to diminish the magic of Santa. “When I begin to bring harm to the character, or can no longer pick the children up, that is when I will stop. That time will come,” he said. Owens makes stops in nursing homes and to Hosparus patients. He said his goal is al-
ways the same, to bring a smile and a little Christmas cheer to a face. “Where else can you get up, go to work, and get a smile everywhere you go?” he said. “I want them all to know, everybody I run into, I want them to understand who he [Santa] is. I want to give people a little hope and give them a little cheer.”
will seek knowledge to be well versed in the mysteries of bringing Christmas cheer and goodwill to all the people that I encounter in my journeys and travels. I shall be dedicated to hearing the secret dreams of both children and adults. I understand that the true and only gift I can give, as Santa, is myself. I acknowledge that some of the requests I will hear will be difficult and sad. I know in these difficulties there lies an opportunity to bring a spirit of warmth, understanding and compassion. I know the “real reason for the season” and know that I am blessed to be able to be a part of it. I realize that I belong to a brotherhood and will be supportive, honest and show fellowship to my peers. I promise to use “my” powers to create happiness, spread love and make fantasies come to life in the true and sincere tradition of the Santa Claus Legend. I pledge myself to these principles as a descendant of Saint Nicholas the gift giver of Myra.
The Eight Elements of the Santa Claus Oath Coat of Arms
T
he eight elements of the Santa Claus Oath Coat of Arms are the Shield, SC Letters, Crossed Candy Canes, Traditional Symbols of Saint Nicholas, Reindeer, Grapevines, Banner and the Colors. Each element represents the following: Shield: The shield shape is consistent with the time of Saint Nicholas. Symbols: The letters S and C rep-
resent the name of Santa Claus. The candy canes symbolize the two legendary Santas, Charles Howard and Jim Yellig. The canes are crossed as Yellig’s and Howard’s paths crossed only once. The lower part of the shield has the three acknowledged symbols of Saint Nicholas, the miter (bishop’s hat) the crosier (shepherds staff ) and three gold coins, representing the gold given to provide dowries to impoverished maidens. Reindeer: There are two reindeer that flank the shield. One reindeer represents designer bearded Santas and the other represents real bearded Santas. The reindeer have come together in unity to uphold the shield and uphold their pledge to the Santa Claus Oath. Grapevines: At the top and bottom of the shield and reindeer there are grapevines. The grapevines are an ancient symbol for the thirst and quest of knowledge. Banner: Completing the Coat of Arms is a banner with “Santa Claus Oath” on it. Colors: The colors of the Santa Claus Coat of Arms are the traditional Christian colors of Christmas. Red is for the blood of Christ, green is for the eternal life in Christ and gold is for Christ the Divine. Santa Claus Oath Coat of Arms by Phillip L. Wenz — Kentuckianasanta.com