Florence Center Stage, February 2022

FLORENCE CENTER STAGE February 2022

Inside: “Turning Anxiety Into Peace” A Taste of Art and Wine Festival CROW ‘lets it go’ with new show Last Resort Players present “John & Jen” & more!

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

2 • Arts & Entertainment • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • February 2022

Presenting the 2022 Wine, Chowder & Glass Float Trail The popular annual Florence Wine & Chowder Trails, and Great Glass Float Giveaway, a large community-wide tasting and treasure hunt with attendees from all over the west coast, is getting a seasonal makeover.

To warm up peoples’ palates on Presidents’ Day weekend, the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2022 Wine, Chowder & Glass Float Trail Feb. 18 to 20.

On the menu? Clam, crab, and other seafood chowders by local experts and a variety of Oregon wines direct from the wineries.

Organizers expect approximately a dozen or

more samples of each.

Saturday will feature wine tasting at several indoor venues in and around Old Town.

Sunday will feature chowder tasting at restaurants and galleries in, or a centralized

location near, Historic Old Town Florence. Chowder tasters can get a ballot to vote for the region’s best chowder.

The gorgeous glass floats will be on display all weekend around town.

Searchers can get a passport and map to approximately three dozen sites to find the artful objects, “hidden” in plain sight, and get the merchant’s

stamp.

Passports will be available online at FlorenceChamber.com and at the Visitors Center. All the glass floats will be given away Sunday afternoon in Old Town.

FRAA invites people to ‘A Taste of Art and Wine Festival’

Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA) is joining the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce’s 11th annual Wine & Chowder Trail. It will be making a stop this year at the Florence

Events Center, Saturday, Feb. 19, from 10 a.m. to 5p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Not only can the community experience a taste of wine from

regional wineries, they can also enjoy the art and fine craftsmanship of local artisans with FRAA’s “A Taste of Art and Wine Festival.”

FRAA is the organizer for the

festival, bringing together both local and regional artists and craftsmen to fill the booths, with their latest creations. The event will include works of art in wood; See ART page 3

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

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ART from page 2 art for the garden and growing ideas for the garden; fiber creations of all kinds, such as hand-woven clothing, felted and quilted items and knit and crocheted items to wear; glass works of art; jewelry designs in various media; pottery, paintings and more.

Some of the artists will be demonstrating their painting techniques.

In addition, FRAA will host a juried art show for local artists displaying their works. Both 2D and 3D artwork will be awarded prizes of $300, $200 and $100, as well as a people’s choice award.

Admission to A Taste of Art and Wine Festival is free. People will be able to find a float — part of the Wine and Chowder Trail — and join FRAA for a great weekend in Florence.

For wine glasses and tasting tickets, and for more information on the Glass Float Hunt and Chowder trail participation cards, go to the Florence Chamber’s event site, wineandchowdertrail.com.

For updates on all the events happening at the Florence Events Center, visit www.eventcenter.org.

For more information on A Taste of Art and Wine Festival, contact FRAA Event Chair Claudia Brown at 541-902-1933.

FRAA’s Art Center is at 120 Maple St. in Historic Old Town Florence. Learn more online at fraaoregon.org.

FEBRUARY 2022 • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • Arts & Entertainment• 3

LRP prepares for March musical

Last Resort Players, Florence’s own homegrown community theatre, is proud to announce their upcoming spring musical “John & Jen.” Told almost entirely in song, this show is a story of joy, laughter, sorrow and redemption and illustrates the eternal bonds between brothers and sisters, mothers and sons.

Music Theater International calls “John & Jen” “a truly original musical that honors brothers and sisters, as well as parents and children, set against the background of a changing America between 1950 and 1990.

‘John & Jen’ is brimming with intelligence, wit and beautiful melodies. ...

With a cast of only two people, John & Jen is a tour-de-force for two actors, taking them from childhood, through adolescence and beyond. It is a musical about connections, commitments and the healing of the heart.”

Director Jim Wellington said, “‘John & Jen’ is a jewel of a show. Often re-

ferred to as a ‘chamber musical,’ it is designed to be staged and presented with the mere suggestion of sets and scenery. This allows all the focus to be on the music and lyrics, the actors and the story they present. I love this kind of staging because it encourages the audience to engage their imagination and become part of the show, resulting in a fully immersive experience.”

Cast in the role of John is James McKinney, a talented singer who last appeared in LRP’s “Mamma Mia!” as adventurer/travel writer and potential father of Sophie, Bill Austin. Jen will be played by Jacquelyn Serrano, who appeared in last summer’s “Vagina Monologues.” Music direction will be done by local favorite Laura Merz.

Show dates are March 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26 and 27t. Show times Thursday through Saturday are 7 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. All performances will be at the Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St.

PHOTO BY KATHLEEN WENZEL

Two veterans of the Last Resort Players’ most recent musical, “Mamma Mia” done in 2019, James McKinney and Jacquelyn Serrano, will appear as the entire cast of LRP’s first return musical, “John and Jen.” Ticket price is $18, plus ticketing fee. Tickets will be available soon at the Florence Events Center Box Office and online at eventcenter.org.

4 • Arts & Entertainment • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • FEBRUARY 2022

For The First Time in Forever — CROW Returns with ‘Frozen Jr.’

We are doing everything we can to safely serve our community.

We are open: Noon to 8pm every day 1285 Bay Street, Old Town Florence (541) 902-8338

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For the first time in forever, CROW (Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops) is excited to announce the cast has been selected for their upcoming production of “Frozen Jr.,” to be performed April 22 to 24 at the Florence Events Center.

The exciting show will be performed “concert style” via both in-person, live performances and a livestream option. This simply means that staging and choreography will be reduced, but the show will be presented with full costumes, lights, sets, and special effects.

“We are overwhelmed with excitement and joy to be finally creating live theatre again,” said CROW Artistic Director, Melanie Heard, who admitted she felt like the character of Princess Anna opening up the gates. “It has been a long two years without performances. But our kids are ready to sparkle!”

CROW is approaching rehearsals and performances cautiously and with COVID safety protocols in place.

“Our board will do everything we can to ensure that our families and the community are able to safely enjoy this experience,” said Ellen Jacobson, Board Member and CROW Executive Producer. “As COVID changes day by day, so shall we adjust and do whatever we can to keep going in a safe manner. The show simply must go on!”

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The smaller cast of 26 features some brand new and returning talent, and the CROW creative team is excited to work with all of the young stars.

The role of Elsa will be played by Haylee Cole, with Elyse Stewart opposite her as Anna. Hans will be played by Owen Harklerode, Kristoff will be played by William Owens, Sven the reindeer will be played by Nyx Harklerode and Olaf the Snowman will be played by Eric Clement.

Other cast members include Alex Fuller as Bulda, the Queen of the Hidden Folk; Dante Galli as Pabbie, the King of the Hidden Folk; and Maggie Walls, Abigail Hummel, Hosanna Stone and Reese Flescher as Young/Middle Anna and Elsa. The other cast members can be found online at www.crowkids.com.

CROW has already begun the extensive planning and preparation required to produce the show.

The “Frozen Jr.” production team is in the process of securing backdrops,

preparing set pieces for painting and design, creating special effects, making costumes and props, organizing a delicious “Butter Braid Pastry” community-wide fundraiser and readying the needed administrative materials for the first rehearsal.

“Directing our shows is such a huge job, but it is just an incredible feeling to be able to finally do it again,” Heard said. “I am beyond grateful to be able to do this important work again. Our community needs a dose of CROW magic!”

Sponsorship and program advertising opportunities are available for local businesses or individuals. People can contact CROW at 541-999-8641 or crowtheatrekids@yahoo. com.

Tickets go on sale for “Frozen Jr.” on Feb. 1 through the Florence Events Center Box Office, eventcenter.org.

For more information, please visit www.crowkids. com/frozen-jr.

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FEBRUARY 2022 • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • Arts & Entertainment• 5

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Chamber offers wellbeing seminar B urnout. Anxiety. Fear. organizations and creatives Confusion. Depression. grow sustainable businessLack of focus. es and apply The pandemic the physiology has promptand psychology ed a heightneeded for sucened awareness cess. Her clients around these and audiences very emotions. include Google, Even more conNike, Starbucks, cerning is the the U.S. military fact that many of and NASA. Her Keynote Speaker us have experiwork in the field Cortney McDermott enced firsthand of self-developthe struggles involved in nav- ment has been featured by igating these feelings.

NBC, Success magazine, the “And, we’re going to do Huffington Post, Women’s something about it,” said Bet- Health and scores of other tina Hannigan, president and health and lifestyle media CEO of the Florence Area outlets.

Chamber of Commerce.

“People who are feeling any On Wednesday, Feb. 9, fear and anxiety right now will Hannigan and her board will better understand their negahost “Turning Anxiety Into tive triggers and learn how to Peace” — a presentation by transform these triggers into Cortney McDermott, an in- positive results — personally ternationally renowned key- and professionally — through note speaker, bestselling au- Cortney’s inspiring and genuthor and mind-body expert ine approach,” Hannigan said. who helps leading organizaDuring this live-streamed tions disrupt old patterns of event, McDermott will presbehavior. ent a 20-minute TED-style “This is designed for anyone talk followed by a 40-minute who is burned out, defeated, Q&A. All are welcome. discouraged or overwhelmed “This is about investing in due to this pandemic and the mental wellbeing of our is seeking a way to redirect valued communities,” said their energies toward peace, Jason Hawkins, chief adminpower, purpose, and success,” istrative officer, PeaceHealth Hannigan explained. “This Peace Harbor Medical Center is perfect for businesspeo- in Florence. “We are so grateple, working people, parents, ful for the Florence Chamstudents, elected officials, ber’s vision to bring Cortcommunity leaders, leaders ney’s inspiring expertise to of nonprofit organizations. Oregon. It is an honor to be Everyone should participate part of this effort to not only in this opportunity for their address mental health but to personal well-being, for their provide a resource to help business or organization and prompt much-needed healtheir community.” ing during this worldwide McDermott uses her prin- pandemic.” ciples and practices to help The event is presented by some of the world’s leading the Florence Area Chamber

of Commerce, underwritten by a grant from PeaceHealth and sponsored locally by the 85 Oregon Chambers of Commerce.

Registration is $25; members of chambers of commerce can register for $10. A number of sponsored scholarships will be available to those unable to pay the fee.

Registrants will get an access code to log in immediately prior the presentation. To register, visit www.

AnxietytoPeace.org.

“We decided that if we were going to offer this opportunity to our chamber members, why not offer it to chambers of commerce statewide,” Hannigan added. “Over the last two years, the Chamber has continued to help guide and support the community’s businesses through the pandemic providing information about free PPE resources, business counseling seminars, positive local advertising and public relations, and sourcing recovery money to help keep people employed and businesses’ doors open for as long as possible. This is just one more logical, positive step we can take in our leadership role to uplift our community and bring positive attention to it.”

For more information on the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce and how to join or volunteer, contact Hannigan at 541-997-3128 or visit FlorenceChamber.com.

PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a notfor-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Oregon and beyond. Visit online at peace health.org.

6 • Arts & Entertainment • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • FEBRUARY 2022

Florence Festival of Books seeks committee members

By Judy Fleagle, FFOB Co-founder & Co-chair

If you are new to Florence or an established resident looking for worthwhile volunteer work, consider joining the Florence Festival of Books Planning Committee.

Without more members there will probably not be another Florence Festival of Books.

The festival celebrated its 10th milestone year last year. And it has become one of the major events in Florence as well as one of the most popular book fairs in the state among authors. It would be a

shame to see it end after becoming of the tables had been eliminated. such a popular event.

This allowed for social distancing.

After cancelling in September 2020 due to COVID, the Florence Festival of Books for authors and publishers returned this past September at the Florence Events Center. Much was the same — Friday afternoon panel discussion, Friday evening Keynote Speaker and the book fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

But there were differences. Every participant and attendee wore a mask. And there was a much wider space for walking from table to table Crowds for all events were small. at the book fair be-cause one-third But those that attended seemed

pleased to be there. Comments heard over and over both days were how pleased both participants and attendees were that the Festival of Books was happening in 2021.

There was a happy vibe!

In spite of COVID, rain and small crowds, the Florence Festival of Books was a success for its 10th milestone year.

After 10 years, the FFOB Planning Committee is a well-oiled machine that has figured out what needs to be done. They just need enough people to do it.

The committee meets only half the year — once a month April to

May, twice a month June to August and once a week in September prior to the event, with an evaluation meeting afterwards.

The 2022 schedule is planning for Sept. 23 to 24.

All interested in helping keep this popular event alive can contact the Florence Events Center, 541-9971994 or aleia@eventcenter.org. Aleia will forward contact info to FFOB Co-founder and Co-chair Judy Fleagle, who will send everything needed to know about the FFOB to those interested and meet with them.

Give it serious thought. You are needed!

Community invited to visit local Toastmasters

For those looking to develop or improve their public speaking, communication and leadership skills, Siuslaw Tale Spinners Toastmasters has transitioned to online and in-person club meet-

from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Siuslaw Tale Spinners Toastmasters is made up of local residents who can help people build their skills in a supportive, selfpaced environment.

All people need to join the meeting is a computer, tablet or smartphone with a microphone and camera. Email crystalclark tm@gmail.com for more info and the meeting code..

ings. The group invites the community to visit the next meeting.

The Tale Spinners meet the first three Thursdays of the month at the Port of Siuslaw Campground meeting room and via Zoom

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FEBRUARY 2022 • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • Arts & Entertainment• 7

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

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