Florence Center Stage

FLORENCE CENTER STAGE December 2021

Holiday Events in the Florence area Florence Holiday Festival & Historic Old Town Tree Lighting Empty Bowls — 25th anniversary CROW Ho Ho Holiday Windows & Radio Show Santa Paws FRAA Holiday Arts Festival Plus Gallery Shows all over town!

Featuring the Florence Events Center — A publication of the Siuslaw News

2 • Arts & Entertainment • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • December 2021

Your time and talent matter to us!

Come make a difference as a vitally important vounteer at the Florence Events Center!

If quality entertainment, enriching cultural events, or the arts in general are important to you, come show your love and support to help keep the fabulous Florence Events Center fabulous.

The FEC and the nonprofit Florence Arts, Culture & Entertainment (FACE) are looking for volunteer leaders, doers, organizers, supporters, and cheerleaders to help at the FEC and support those who use it. If you are trustworthy, dependable, dedicated, vibrant, fun, and enthusias�c, you will make a difference at the Florence Events Center!

We have opportuni�es for volunteers of every aspect of our work—from �ckettakers, room setup, and fundraising to event booking/produc�on to sound, ligh�ng, and stage management. We’ll even provide training for the technical aspects of staging events!

Please contact the volunteer coordinator at the Florence Events Center to learn more about the impact you can make!

VOLUNTEER AT THE FEC! • Theater Assistants

• Florence Winter Music Festival

• Stage Crew

• Kiwanis Kids Concerts

• Event Crew

• Florence Festivals of Books

• Event Set-Up

• The Galleries at the FEC

• Sound Technicians

• FACE’s Famous Indoor Yard Sale

• Lighting Technicians

• Publicity & Advertising

• Reception/Office Crew

• Performance Grant Committee

The Florence Events Center 541-997-1994 715 Quince Street • Florence OR 97439 EventCenter.org FlorenceArts.org

DECEMBER 2021 • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • Arts & Entertainment• 3

Introducing the

FLORENCE CENTER STAGE This monthly guide — published by the Siuslaw News, Florence Events Center and area partners — contains information on the arts, entertainment and events on the Central Oregon Coast.

To submit, email editor@thesiuslaw news.com

Florence to ‘make spirits bright’ with holiday festivities

T

his year, “Making Spirits Bright” is the theme in Florence during the holiday shopping season.

The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting several events to encourage shopping at small local businesses and entertain shoppers.

New this year will be the Flocal gift card, a local Florence-area merchant reloadable electronic card that works like a Mastercard. It can be printed or used from a smartphone.

According to Chamber President/CEO Bettina Hannigan, the Flocal card will work at all participating merchants and make great gifts for anyone — family, friends, guests, coworkers, or employees. They can be shared by email or text message too. Businesses can give them as employee rewards, use them in customer loyalty or marketing programs, as survey incentives, contest prizes, or for customer appreciation or retention. Cards do not expire.

Local participating merchants will be listed at FlocalGiftCard.com.

“We are excited to offer this new local com-

merce-building program to boost sales at our member’s businesses. People can buy them as gifts or for themselves or others,” said Hannigan. “Cards will have bonus offers making them even more valuable than the dollar value registered on the card.”

Any merchant that accepts MasterCard can sign up.

Dec. 4 also marks the beginning of the Chamber’s “Making Spirits Bright” Holiday Festival on Bay Street in Historic Old Town Florence from 4 to 7 p.m. Many shops will offer refreshments, prize drawings, and spe-

cial holiday prices. The Chamber will sponsor a tree located in the gazebo at Gazebo Park on Bay St. with the theme “Anchored in Hope.”

Children can get lighted balloons at Gazebo Park, event sponsor Banner Bank will provide glow necklaces, local DJ Al Rojas will provide musical entertainment, and Santa and his elves will make their rounds via truck provided by Florence Public Works.

The annual City of Florence Tree Lighting will be at 5:30 p.m. at the Siuslaw River Bridge Interpretive Center on Bay Street.

Merchants are encouraged to stay open until 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, and to serve refreshments.

Many shopkeepers will also enter the “Making Spirits Bright” Merchant Decor Contest that will run through Dec. 24.

Shoppers can participate by voting for their favorite by using a map and entering it for a chance to win prizes. A full list of participating shops will be available at Florence Chamber.com.

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4 • Arts & Entertainment • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • DECEMBER 2021

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Music and holiday magic come back to the Florence Events Center on Dec. 11 after two years of closures.

Two-time Grammy nominee Charles Suniga rings in the holidays on that day with seasonal music and special renditions of classic songs.

The concert is proudly presented by the Friends of Moments of Peace and is produced by former Florence resident and radio personality Lonny Whelchel of Sure Hits Productions.

“I think we all could use a little Christmas,” Whelchel said.

Suniga a Florence native and a Siuslaw alum who has been performing since he was seven years old. His Moments Of Peace series has received critical acclaim in the music industry and is very popular with listeners.

“His music has a profound impact on people from children at Emanuel Hospital, to travelers at the Portland International Airport and at annual Lane County Home Shows” Whelchel said.

Suniga has been nominated twice for the prestigious Grammy award in the easy listening category, but the signer, songwriter and composer tends to shun awards and prefers to concentrate on spreading his music to the masses.

“It’s all about the music,” he said.

Suniga will be joined by “The Angels” along

with special guests vocalists performing traditional holiday tunes.

“Charles will also perform some of his newest compositions spiced up with his dry sense of humor,” Whelchel added.

This performance at the Florence Events Center will be the third Christmas special after two years due to Covid restrictions and closures from 2020.

“The last performance was in 2019, so it’s overdue and were ready to bring the holiday magic back” says Whelchel.

A special thanks to our great sponsors for their continued support, Doug Barrett, Rich Colton from Three Rivers Casino Resort, Dan Lofy of Dan Lofy Construction, Ann Jensen of Florence A&W, Teresa Lofy of Coastal Home Services and Siuslaw News.

Mike Bones from Bones nursery will be making set decorations and the rhodies bloom for this presentation.

“These terrific businesses have been with us from the beginning starting back in 2018. We’re blessed,” Whelchel said.

Tickets for the Dec. 11 concert at 6 p.m. are $20 per person and are on sale now at the Florence Events Center box office and 541-9971994.

This concert is organized and produced by Sure Hits Productions of Eugene in association with Moments of Peace.

‘Make it a Night’ at the FEC

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#1 Realtor in Western Lane County ABR, GRI, CRS, Principal Broker Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate Florence Branch PO Box 276, 1875 Hwy. 101 Florence OR 97439

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Charles Suniga & Angels bring holiday magic to FEC Dec. 11

Christina Voogd - Principal Broker

Are you coming to the Florence Events Center for a show?

“Make it a Night” at the FEC and enjoy dinner too!

The Florence Events Center Catering Service is happy to announce that small meals will be offered beginning one hour before select concerts and per-

formances as part of our Make it a Night program. Meals will be announced on the FEC website (www.eventcenter.org) and Facebook page (www.facebook. com/florenceeventcenter) prior to the events.

The first Make it a Night event will be on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 5

p.m. before the Charles Suniga concert. Choose between a mini chicken or mini vegetable pot pie, green salad and a roll for $12.50 per person. Coffee or Tea included; other beverage options are available for purchase.

To reserve your meal today, call 541-997-1994.

8 • Arts & Entertainment • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • DECEMBER 2021

Bring pets to visit Santa Paws

The holidays wouldn’t be the same without pictures with Santa Paws, right? Oregon Coast Humane Society is offering Pictures with Santa Paws again this season. Kurt Kennedy, who plays Santa Paws for OCHS, is a longtime supporter of the organization and this particular fundraiser. It’s turned into a great money-maker for the animals and a lot of fun for the community.

This year’s events with Santa Paws will be held at the Oregon Coast Humane Society, located at 2840 Rhododendron Dr., from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, and Wednesday, Dec. 8.

Community members are asked to make a donation during the event to support the animals in the humane

society’s care.

People can take their own pictures and have pictures emailed to them that will be taken by the shelter elves.

OCHS Executive Director Elizabeth Thompson says that Kennedy’s participation in this annual event is a real blessing after another long year of social distancing.

“This event brings such joy to the animals and parents, and the human children and their families.

We appreciate Santa having time for this event to support our shelter pets and commu-

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For a limited time and while supplies last only.

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Appalachian Road Show & Karla Bonoff headline the Florence Winter Music Festival.

Florence Arts, Culture & Entertainment, the only nonprofit 501(c)3 which supports the Florence Events Center, is back and ready for business!

The FACE Team, (formerly known as Friends of the Florence Events Center) has completed its renaming process, and is promoting this list of fantastic events and projects: Florence Festival of Books, The Galleries at the FEC, Indoor Yard Sale, Wallflowers & Wine, Winter Mu-

sic Festival , Kiwanis Kids Concerts, Dancing With Sea Lions, and the Living Voices History Program at Siuslaw Middle School.

Plus these ongoing projects: Performance Grants for Local Nonprofits, Buya-Brick at the FEC Walk of Fame, volunteering for FEC operations and special events, and many other meaningful volunteer efforts.

FACE is proud to present the 19th Florence Winter Music Festival, Jan. 28 to 29,

2022, with headliners Karla Bonoff and Appalachian Road Show, along with a full slate of world-class bluegrass, folk, and Americana artists.

Tickets are available at WinterMusicFestival.org.

To volunteer for the festival or join the FACE team, call 541-997-1994 during business hours, or go to FlorenceArts.org.

Join FACE as members welcome the community — and the world — back to the Florence Events Center!

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DECEMBER 2021 • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • Arts & Entertainment• 9

Ho Ho Holiday Windows & Radio Show at CROW

L

ocal non-profit youth theatre organization CROW (Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops) is excited to announce its Holiday Window Display and Parking Lot Radio Show. The event is FREE, family friendly and welcome to all.

Starting on Thursday, Dec. 2, the public can come and enjoy CROW’s four dazzling holiday window displays, which were once again co-designed by Brian Sandahl and Melanie Heard.

“Being the ‘new kid in town,’ working on these windows with Melanie has given me a sense of connection to the community of Florence,” said Sandahl, a former Disney Parks designer. “It is my hope that viewing the holiday windows will bring families together and kick off a joyous spirit in all!”

The windows will feature familiar Christmas themes such as Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves and more.

Heard said she “doesn’t want to give too much away, because you’ll just have to see it for yourselves. We’ve added a special effect that will make you ooh and ah!’”

This event is not just for kids, as adults will love it, too.

Although the windows will be illuminated every night in December from 5 to 8 p.m., the extra special effect is only available Thursday, Friday and Saturday

CROW’s Ho Ho Holiday Windows & Radio Show will take place at CROW Center for Performing Arts, 3120 Highway 101 in Florence, in December. evenings in conjunction with the parking lot radio show.

But what is a “parking lot radio show,” you might ask? It’s simple.

All you need to do is back your car into a

space facing the building, and tune into the FM station specified on the sign. Then, sit back and enjoy four short stories, written

by Rose Ellen Jacobson, which match the windows. In addition to the stories, there will be hilarious made-up commercials, a fake

weather report, adorable holiday jokes, “Dear Santa” letters read by CROW kids and much more. The show runs about 45 minutes.

The format matches the Halloween Window Display and Parking Lot Radio Show Sandahl and Heard designed in October.

This time, CROW has also added a “Look and Find” contest for both kids and adults. Visitors can count how many candy canes, cookies, red plaid bows and big black buttons they find in the windows. Then, they can email their findings to CROW at crowtheatrekids@yahoo.com for a chance to be entered into a raffle for great prizes.

People are also encourage to snap a picture with their favorite window and share it with CROW. The Ho Ho Holiday Windows & Radio Show is sponsored by Florence Shipping Solutions, Coast Insurance, Linda Moy & Eloyd Ray, Frances & John Rickaby, Rick & Akiko Marsh, Diane David, and Kathy Shamey and Bonnie Kramer.

“We could not have done it without our sponsors,” said Heard. “They are responsible for the many magical props, lights, special effects and components in each window. Thank you!”

For more information, people can “like” CROW on Facebook or visit www.crowkids.com.

CROW kids perform live Dec. 11

CROW proudly announces a special outdoor live vocal music event, to take place on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the CROW Center for the Performing Arts, 3120 Highway 101 in Florence. The event will feature several CROW kids who will entertain audiences in the parking lot (weather permitting) with holiday songs & cheer.

“We know our CROW kids will warm your hearts with their beautiful voices,” said CROW Artistic Director Melanie Heard.

“And while you’re at it, you can enjoy our four amazing Holiday windows and come back another time for the Parking Lot Radio show!”

Hot chocolate will be provided.

Guests must wear facial coverings/masks and maintain social distancing during this event for the safety of everyone in attendance. CROW asks for all guests to please use good judgement and not to attend if they have any COVID symptoms or exposure that might put others at risk.

Heard expressed delight at the chance to hear “her kids” sing again in front of an audience. She encouraged the general public to come and support the singers, at this first live performance in many, many months.

“Bundle up, bring a smile, and sip on some cocoa while our students sing for you!”

Note: The Parking Lot Radio program will be on hold for the 11th only, due to this special event. But, it is available every other Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in Decem-

ber from 5 to 8 p.m.

For more information on this event and the CROW Holiday Window Displays and Parking Lot Radio Show, visit www.crowkids.com or find “CROW” on Facebook.

10 • Arts & Entertainment • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • DECEMBER 2021

Peace Harbor’s annual Light Up a Life remains virtual for 2021 For 26 years, local families have gathered to remember loved ones at PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center Hospice’s Light Up a Life celebration.

With COVID-19 still circulating, an in-person gathering wasn’t an option this year — but this special and muchloved event will still go on, culminating in an online video ceremony on Dec. 11.

“This time of year can be very hard for those grieving the loss of a loved one,” said Kit Thienes, Oregon region manager for home care and hospice.

“With the added tragedy and isolation caused by COVID-19, giving people another avenue to grieve is important to us.”

Throughout the winter, community members are encouraged to visit the Peace Harbor Light Up a Life website.

Visitors can watch last year’s video, which includes a blessing from Peace Harbor chaplain Dow Cobb, and find a

link for submitting names to this year’s video.

At 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, the Hospice team will debut a video of the traditional name-reading and candle-lighting ceremony on the Peace Harbor Facebook page. Participants can watch together from the comfort of home and post live comments for moderators or fellow attendees.

Anyone is welcome to join, Thienes added — whether or not their loved one was cared for by Peace Harbor Hospice.

“We hope that having a virtual event will allow even more people to participate,” Thienes said. “We hope this ceremony can help bring peace and comfort during this very difficult time.”

The Light Up a Life website can be found at www.peacehealth.org/PeaceHarbor-LUAL. Learn more at the Peace Harbor Facebook page at www.face book.com/PeaceHarbor/.

Works from artists Larry Bishop, a woodworker, and Claudia Ignatieff, oil painter, will be on display at Backstreet Gallery in December.

Artists featured at Backstreet Gallery

It’s holiday time with a dynamic duo at Backstreet Gallery throughout December. Oil painter Claudia Ignatieff and woodworker Larry Bishop are the featured artists and their reception will take place on Saturday, Dec. 11.

Ignatieff found her niche in painting portraits of animals, both wild and domestic. Oregon coastal scenery and the Pacific provide background interest. Her distinctive style captures the character of each animal in a most beguiling way.

Accomplished woodworker Bishop uses the texture and the color of the woods he selects in his designs. He also

employs the use of segmentation and inlaid woods to produce a myriad of patterns and textures.

Bishop focuses on choosing materials from the indigenous woods of the Pacific Northwest. But, he also uses other woods from around the world.

Just in time for holiday shopping, the community can join Backstreet’s artists at the reception on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Backstreet Gallery, 1421 Bay Street.

The gallery is open daily, except Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at www.backstreetgallery.org.

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