October 2021 FLORENCE CENTER STAGE

October 2021

FLORENCE CENTER STAGE PRESENTING

Featuring: CROW Spooky Entertainment Chili Cook Offs

the new FACE of Florence Events Center!

Upcoming Seasonal Events & much more from the Florence area!

Featuring the Florence Events Center A publication of the Siuslaw News

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

The folks at the Florence Events Center and Florence Arts, Culture, & Entertainment want you to know that we’re back in the swing of things at The Florence Events Center.

Summertime in Florence is heating up ... and so is the FEC calendar!

The Florence Events Center staff and the folks at FACE (the 501c3 nonprofit in support of the FEC) are open for business.

We’re showcasing in-person entertainment, The Florence Festival of Books, art gallery events, monthly meetings, and so much more.

Volunteer opportunities abound for both organizations:

nts a t s i s s rA

VOLUNTEER

e • Theat rew C e g a t •S ew r C t n e • Ev -Up t e S t n • Eve ians c i n h c Te d n u o S • ians c i n h c g Te n i t h g i •L Crew e c fi f n/O o i t p e c • Re

AT THE

FEC!

Perhaps you’re interested in one or more of these opportunities... and can share your talents and expertise to help welcome guests from western Lane County, and the world, to the FEC. Get started by calling Kim Gomez during business hours.

Thank you -- and see you at the FEC!

• Florence Winter Mu sic Festiva • Kiwanis K l ids Conce rts • Florence Festivals o f Books • The Galle ries at the FEC • FACE’s Fa mous Indo or Yard Sa • Publicity le & Advertis ing • Performa nce Grant Committe e

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

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

Introducing the new

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

Meet the new FACE in Florence

F

lorence Arts, Culture, & Entertainment (FACE) will host a Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event on Thursday, Oct. 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Galleries at the FEC, 715 Quince St. The event will feature food, friends, fun and festive libations.

“Come to the FEC and meet the FACE team,” said FACE President Rachel Pearson. “People will be able to rediscover our fantastic list of events: Florence Festival of Books, The Galleries at the FEC, Indoor Yard Sale, Wallflowers & Wine and the Winter Music Festival.”

People will also be able to learn about: • Performance Grants for Local Nonprofits • Buy-a-Brick at the FEC • Dancing With Sea Lions Sculpture Installation • The Kiwanis Kids Concerts • Living Voices History Program at Siuslaw Schools • and a world of meaningful volunteer efforts.

Attendees will also be able to join FACE as

either an individual & organizational member.

“Thank you, and see you there!” Pearson said.

The FACE mission statement is simple: “To support Florence’s Arts, Culture & En-

tertainment at the FEC.” Its organizational goals are: “To excel at Three Things: 1. Fund capital improvements at the FEC; 2. Provide grants to help school groups, CROW, the Last Resort Players and other nonprofit performing arts groups afford to use the FEC; and 3. Host engaging Arts, Culture & Entertainment events as fundraisers for the FEC.” “Our corporate identity is that we are

leaders, doers, organizers, supporters and cheerleaders for the FEC and those who use it,” Pearson said. “Our corporate values are to be known as trustworthy, dependable, vibrant, fun, high quality, enthusiastic and engaging while carrying out our mission.

And if that describes you, we urge you to join us.”

In the past, the group has provided the FEC with its state-of-the-art sound, lighting and security systems, backstage equipment and landscaping improvements. They are currently focusing on assisting the FEC staff with best practices for staging in-person events in the postCOVID-19 world.

As part of their rebranding initiative, the group launched a FACE website, FlorenceArts.org, to announce events, encourage volunteerism, grow membership, facilitate fundraising and celebrate event sponsors.

To contact FACE at the Florence Events Center, call 541-997-1994, visit the FEC during office hours at 715 Quince St. in Florence or visit FlorenceArts.org.

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

CROW plans something spooky to fill the air(waves)

Local nonprofit youth theater organization CROW was saddened when its board of directors decided to cancel the 2021 Scare-CROW Haunted Maze for the second consecutive year due to COVID safety concerns. Always looking for new and exciting ways to reach people, the organization has created a safe and creative new alternative event for families to enjoy this Halloween season.

Throughout October (after the 7th), the public is invited to come and enjoy CROW’s four highly decorated “Macy’s style” window displays, which will be co-designed by retired Senior Art Director from Disneyland, Brian Sandahl, and CROW’s Artistic Director, Melanie Heard.

“The displays will be lit up with spooky lighting and

packed with tons of fun props you’ll have to see to believe,” said Heard.

“They will be family friendly, with a big dash of seasonal humor added in.”

Starting on Oct. 7, 8 and 9, and continuing on T h u r s d a y, Brian Sandahl Friday and Saturday nights from 5 to 8 in our lot, and tune into the p.m. through the end of the station specified on the sign month, CROW will be offer- on the front of our building original parking lot radio ing,” said Heard. “Our kids programming. and adults will tell you some “Come and park your car hair-raising stories, mixed

the jokes.”

The deadline for sponsorship is Sept. 30, and sponsorships are $250 each.

The idea to decorate the CROW building for Halloween was suggested

by CROW Board Member Amy Owens.

Melanie Heard “It will with clever Halloween jokes, be nice for families and the and perhaps a few groaners. general public to have a We will also be mention- destination that they can go ing the names of some local to and enjoy some Hallowsponsors, so let us know if een fun,” said Heard.

CROW’s Technical Diyou want to sponsor one of

rector Chris Owens offered to figure out the radio broadcasting logistics. And from there, the idea took off.

“CROW hopes you’ll bring your friends and family to see the window displays, and to tune in to “K-R-O-W” in the parking lot,” Heard said.

The CROW Center for the Performing Arts is located at 3120 Highway 101.

The radio program will be about 30-ish minutes in length.

“We may not be able to do our big Haunted Maze this year, but this IS something we can do, and we hope it will make you grin like a Jack-o-lantern.”

For more information, follow CROW on Facebook or visit crowkids.com.

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October 2021 • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • Arts & Entertainment• 5

Autumn Festival to kick off fall in Mapleton Blissful Seasons presents the Autumn Festival in Mapleton on Saturday, Oct. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 10650 Highway 101, the former Champion and Davidson’s Mill site.

There will be a Chili Cook Off, so people are encouraged to get their best chili recipe and cook up a pot of their finest.

Rules: Registration required, must make six quarts minimum and must bring your own propane cooker. No fee for entry, but tickets will be sold of tastings of the Taster’s Choice Chili.

There will be three judges who will award a first, second and third place award, along with a Taster’s Choice Award.

Amy Ogden Clawson will emcee the event, and will hopefully will sing a song or two.

There will be live music. Robbie Dee Woody will play her violin. Sydney Crapser and his band “SYDNEY” will play blues and rock. The Johnny Kallas Band will play original songs.

There will also be a flag ceremony to honor our past and present veterans and military and a moment to honor America the Beautiful.

At Autumn Festival, the community will find food trucks and vendors, 4H and a variety of small animals, the Oregon State University Extension Service and Lane County Sheriff ’s Office emergency vehicles on display. Siuslaw Valley Fire Marshal Tony Miller will be present to kick off National Fire Prevention week, which starts Oct. 3.

In addition, there will be multiple car clubs showing off their cool cars. This incldes Oregon Coast Hot Rods, Cascade Corvette Club and more.

Finally, Oregon State Rep. Boomer Wright, and former Mapleton educator, will top off the event with one of his famous pep talks — as any of his past students will remember.

For more information, call 541-9999254.

Florence Wine & Chowder Trails, Great Glass Float Giveaway to return in February (541) 997-3434 FAX (541) 997-3435 733 Highway 101 Florence, OR 97439

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An artful, flavorful Florence tradition is moving from October to February.

The 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 2021 event will move to Feb. 18 to 20, 2022.

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.]

“February is actually a fabulous time to visit Florence for this kind of event,” said Florence Area Chamber of Commerce president/CEO Bettina Hannigan. “Hotel rooms will be more affordable than summer or fall and restaurants will likely have recovered from their summer shortages

of food, supplies, and staff. They’ll be really eager to serve our visitors.”

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.

For more details, visit FlorenceChamber.com.

6 • Arts & Entertainment • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • October 2021

CROW, OCHS pair for ‘Pawsome’ fundraiser

LansingCroft.com

following and have a Facebook page.

All proceeds from the sale of the 2022 fundraiser calendar go directly to supporting operational expenses for both non-profit organizations. Any profits will be split 50/50. It’s no secret that CROW and OCHS have both continued to struggle to make ends meet during COVID. Calendars cost $15 each, plus $6 flat rate shipping (if mailed).

The calendar is 8.5-by-11 inches and is made with high quality, glossy photo weight paper.

To purchase a calendar in person, people can visit the Humane Society Thrift Shop, 1193 Bay St. in Florence, during business hours or the animal shelter, 2840 Rhododendron Dr. To purchase a calendar with shipping, people can visit www.crowkids.com/tutu-dads.

“There are limited quantities available, and this calendar makes a hilarious gift. Put one on your wall, and we know it will put a big smile on your face as you navigate 2022,” said Heard. “Plus, you can feel good knowing that you are supporting youth arts education and Florence’s amazing no-kill animal shelter.”

If people have any questions about this project, they can contact CROW at crowtheatrekids@yahoo.com or OCHS at exec.director@oregoncoasthumanesociety.org.

“Some fundraisers are really...FUN!” Heard added.

We are open for dine-in, take-out, sidewalk & patio seating

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

2020

VOTED

EST OF

B

E

Local youth arts organization CROW (Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops) recently teamed up with the Oregon Coast Humane Society (OCHS) to create a oneof-a-kind, humorous photo calendar featuring the adorable pets of OCHS and CROW’s amazing Tutu Dads.

CROW Artistic Director — and Calendar Photographer — Melanie Heard and OCHS Executive Director, Elizabeth Thompson collaborated to create the calendar and “the result is something pretty fabulous,” said Heard.

“Each calendar month features a creative photograph of an adopted (or adoptable) pet, posed with an adorable Tutu Dad.” According to Thompson, “When Melanie invited us to partner on this special FUN-draiser, we were thrilled. It is PAWSOME to partner with another local non-profit in a way that supports our community members, both two-legged and fourlegged.”

Heard thanked OCHS and its staff, particularly Abby Stollar, for being a huge help in the production.

For those who may not know, the Tutu Dads are a group of local fathers and community members who support CROW through comedic dance presentations. They have become somewhat of an icon in Florence, and one Tutu Dad even reported that he had been asked for his autograph in the grocery store.

The Tutu Dads have developed a fan club

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Winter Music Festival to return in 2022

October 2021 • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • Arts & Entertainment• 7

Darlings Chili Cookoff 2021

T

he newly formed cultural organization FACE (Florence Arts, Culture & Entertainment) announced the return of the Florence Winter Music Festival to the Florence Events Center.

Festival chair Kirk Mlinek says, “I am excited to announce the return of the Winter Music Festival for Jan. 28 and 29, 2022. The Friday night bluegrass, Saturday afternoon Americana, and the Saturday night headlining and opening bands will be announced shortly. This year’s festival experience will include more workshops, room for music-related vendors, more space for jamming, and food options all sure to please.”

In addition to each afternoon and evening’s top-notch music by nationally-touring bands, each day

features music workshops, jam sessions, food, and drink. A complete festival overview will be available soon at WinterMusicFestival.org, as well as schedules, artist profiles, early-bird ticket pricing and more.

The festival, celebrating its 20th year, is sponsored by the all-volunteer nonprofit FACE, formerly known as the Friends of the Florence Events Center.

Check WinterMusicFestival.org for developing information regarding COVID-related protocols during the festival.

On Saturday, Oct. 2, Darlings Marina & RV Resort is hosting its 2021 Chili Cookoff from 3 to 5:30 p.m. People can be part of the event as either a contestant or taste-tester. For more information, visit darlingsresortrv. com and www.facebook.com/iheartdarlings.

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

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