Weekender 12-24-2015

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2 — Week of December 24, 2015

Sonora, California

THEUNIONDEMOCRAT

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CORERSlOIY 4 Year iu Review It has been an entertaining year in the foothills with plenty of live music, theater and art to look back on.

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Longtime Tuolumne County artist Doris Olsen, who has her work on display at Aloft Art Gallery, painted this downtown Sonora Christmas scene in 1998.

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Full calendar of events Dining, lodging and shopping History, museums, places of interest Parks, camping, fishing g Share custom postcards

PoetryOut Loud

Finalists have been selected to compete in Tuolumne County's Poetry Out Loud contest set for Feb. 2 at Sonora High School •e•

au concert e Columbia Jazz Series will present its annual "day after Christmas" concert on Saturday at Columbia College.

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North and south Travel to the Darwin Falls area of Death Valley National Park and the Crater Lake National Park area of Oregon.

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DEMOCRA T „„',„l„„„l YHE MOTHER LODE'5 LEADING INEORMAYION SOURCE

C e dar Ridge historian'Bob Holton combs The Union Democrat archives for remarkable bits of information.

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T h ings to do in the Mother Lode, including special events this week.

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Entertainment Editor: Mike Morris, 209-588-4548, email weekender® uniondemocrat.corn • Advertising: 209-588-4555 Weekenderispublished each Thursday by The Union Democrat.Please submit news items by 5 p.m. Friday for publication the following Thursday. Include the event name, date, time, location, cost and contact information. Email it to the address above, call it in to 209-588-4548, fax it to 209-532-6451, or deliver it to 84 S. Washington Stn Sonora CA 95370.

Sonora, California

Week of December 24, 2015 -

THEUNIONDEMOCRAT

3

EVENTS

Christmas inners rin communi to ether The Christmas spirit can be found throughout the Mother Lode this week with free meals being offered by volunteer groups today and Friday: • The annual Community Christmas Eve Day Dinner will be served from noon to 6 p.m. today in the Sierra Building at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora. Along with food, live music will be featured and Santa Claus will be present with gi's for children.

• "Christmas With Friends," a free community dinner, will be servedfrom 1 to 4 p.m .Friday at both the Sonora Opera Hall and Veterans Memorial Hall in Santa will visit with kids today at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds.

Tuolumne. For meal delivery or

Union Democrat/File photos

Murphys Friends will once again host its free Christmas Day Dinner at the Native Sons Hall.

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more information, call770-0536.

• Murphys Friends will host its annual freeChristmas Day Dinner from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday at the Native Sons Hall, 389 Main St. in Murphys. The event

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4 — Week of December 24, 2015

Sonora, California

THEUNIONDEMOCRAT

COVER STORY

Past year was filled with art, theater and music There was something — make that many things — to do every weekend of 2015 in the Mother Lode.

From well-established events, such as the Mother Lode Roundup and CalaverasGrape Stomp, to newer events, including Twain Harte's outhouse races, there was plenty to experience during the past year.

Below are some highlights from the year in entertainment: Art The popular Second Saturday Art Night celebrated its fifth anniversary. Not only does the monthly event — which com-

bines art exhibits, live music and more in downtown Sonora — continue to go strong, but it has expanded with a variety of "After 8" offerings. Those included a singer-songwriter showcase dubbed "Songbird Saturday."

Aloft Art Gallery, which got a revamped look this year with help from artist Don Hukari, featured a variety of art demonstrations, while Ventana Art

Gallery hosted several exhibits including Jamestown artist Leslie Hurst's paintings from her month-long trip to France.

The annual InFocus Photography Competition and Exhibition was held at Columbia State Historic Park with a new feature Mike Morris /Union Democrat — a screen showing hundreds Ironstone Vineyards hosted a summer concert series that included classic rockers Boston, The Doobie Brothers and Steve Miller Band. of digital photographs. The winof "Arts-n-Ag," and the Mother ning image for Best of Show was Award went to Forrest Stanley Winners of that show included leen Davids for "The Yummy "Islands in the Sand," by Gary for "Pointing to the Stars."

Lode Art Association hosted Best of Show by Joan Cardoza Pears," and Cardoza also took for "Couch Potato," while the Hunter, and the Charles Moore Meanwhile, the annual its annual art show to coincide the People's Choice for "Moving Mayor's Award went to KathExcellence in Photography Mother Lode Fair had a theme with the fair. the Girls."

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Week of December 24, 2015 -

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Rich Miller /Courtesy photo

Mike Morris /Union Democrat

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Sierra Repertory Theatre's "Mary Poppins" featured the flying nanny and several other special effects.

Strawberry Music Festival, which returned to Tuolumne County following a two-year absence, featured the band Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys on the final day of the fall festival. The event is slated to return to Westside in Tuolumne next September.

Leslie Hurst was one of the many Mother Lode artists with exhibits during the past year. Her show, "The French Connection," was shown at Ventana Art Gallery in downtown Sonora and featured more than two dozen paintings, including the Eiffel Tower.

Theater Sierra Repertory Theatre kicked off this year's season with the heartwarming "Mary Poppins," which featured dozens of special effects including making the famous nanny fly.

That was followed by the funny "Unnecessary Farce" and touching "Music Man" along with the musical "Always, Patsy Cline," crowd-favorite "The Drowsy Chaperone" and the Shakespeare tragedy "Macbeth."

Murphys Creek Theatre performed its signature Shakespeare play during the summer with "The Winter's Tale." The theatercompany started its season with the four-person thriller "Accomplice" and ended it this month with a spoof on Gothic melodramas called "The Mystery of Irma Vep." Stage 3Theatre Company in downtown Sonora opened its season with the controversial "Hughie" followed by the comedy "FiveWomen Wearing the Same Dress." Stage 3 got new management this past year and reached out to the community in new ways, including play readings and live music.

efit Concert was held before an enthusiastic audience at Sonora High School.

That was followed by summer concerts in community parks from Tuolumne toMurphys and beyond. Several venues, including Twisted Oak Winery in Vallecito and Mountain Sage in Groveland, also brought in bands fromaround the region, country and world.

Some of the biggest names in classic rock and contemporarycountry played Ironstone Amphitheatre in Murphys. The summer series started with The Doobie Brothers and was followed by Boston and openers R.E.O. Speedwagon. Blues legend Buddy Guy opened for the Steve Miller Band, and country singerJana Kramer — enjoying

success with her hit "I Got the Boy" — opened for the energetic and entertaining The Band Perry. Daryl Hall and John Oates ended this year's series in late August.

After a two-year absence, prompted by the massive Rim Fire of 2013, the Strawberry

olumne County over Labor Day weekend. Landing for the first time at the historic Westside property in the town of Tuolumne, Strawberry continued to deliverlengendary programming with a family-friendly atmosphere. Performances included amix offolk,bluegrass,

Music Festival returned to Tu-

Americana,blues and more.

Music In the spring, the 20th anniversary of Todd Schroeder's annual Young Artist Grant Ben-

Strawberry Music Festival is slated to return to Tuolumne

next September. Meanwhile, the springfestival held over Memorial Day weekend is set for the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley with performances

by The WoodBrothers,Tim O' Brien, Mary Gauthier, Sarah Potenza and others.

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6 — Week of December 24, 2015

Sonora, California

THEUNIONDEMOCRAT

POETRY OIIT I.OIID

Tuolumne Coun prepares to defend poetry title Earlier this year, Sonora High School's Levi Lowe was crowned California state champion in the annual Poetry Out Loud recitation contest. In April, he went on to the national contest

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the final round of nine (out of 53 state and territorial champions).

This is the farthest that any Californian has gone in the 10 years of the competition. About 350,000 high school students entered the competition at the

beginning of last school year.

Lowe, who is a junior at Sonora High, has elected to spend this year as an exchange student in Italy.

"Never fear," said Bonnie Bryson, the Poetry Out Loud

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coordinator for the county, "we have an amazing depth of talent in our little county. There are very strong competitors at each of our high schools, any one of whom might bring the state title back here for the second year in a row."

"In December there are

contests at Don Pedro, Sonora, Summerville, and Tioga High schools. Home-schooled students can alsoparticipate.The recitationsare rigorously scored in sixdifferent categories,"Bryson added.

"We will pick the top 15 performers to compete in the Tuolumne County finals, which will be held (at 6 p.m.) Feb. 2 at the Sonora High auditorium.

The winner will then go to Sacramento at the end of February to compete against about 40 other county champions for the California title, and the free trip to Washington for the national competition in May." The event is free and open to the public.

School contests were recently completed. This year's finalists are:

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Connections Academy: Min Kerr-Schifrin, Franziska Daumberger, Sam Hince, Kii Kellerman.

Sonora High:Patrick McConnell,Lucia Sedoo, Phoenix Farris, Aaron David, Annatasia Bristow and Ryan Dunlap.

Tioga High: Merana Haven.

Don Pedro High: Jaden Eversole,alternate Zaccaria

Dicker son.

Home school: Savannah Garcia.

In recent years, the county finals have been held in standing-room-only crowds of people both "young and old, who are discovering how entertaining and movinggreat poetry can be when spoken well," organizers said.

Poetry Out Loud is sponsored locally by the Tuolumne County Arts Alliance, at the state level by the California Arts Council, and nationally by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation.

For more information, visit the group's Facebook page or tuolumnecountyarts.org/pro-

Summerville High: Gabrielle

grams/poetry-out-loud.

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Levi Lowe was this year's Poetry Out Loud champ for California.

Sonora, California

Week of December 24, 2015 -

THEUNIONDEMOCRAT

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MUSIC

Jazz concert tofeature cassics 'Moondance,"HappyTogether' Desmond's "Take Five," The Turtles hit "Happy Together" and The Tokens 1961 classic "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."

Tickets are $15 for reserved seating.

• What: Jazz concert.

• When: Saturday, 6 p.m.

• Where: Dogwood Theater, Columbia College.

• Tickets: $15.

• Information: 588-5211.

The Columbia Jazz Series will present its annual "day after Christmas" concert on Saturday in Columbia College's Dogwood Theater.

The concert continues an annual tradition as top former students return for the holidays.

The show will feature the reunion of the 2012-15 Vocal Jazz Quartet of Caroline Walsh (soprano), Sheryl Max (mezzo), Andrea Hayes (alto) and Joel Acker (baritone) as well as the 2007-10 "Frog Combo" of Krista White on piano, Tyler Combs on vibes, Taylor Rose on upright bass and David Tanner on drums.

All of these performers are well-known to Columbia Jazz Series regulars.

They will be joined by Columbia College music professor Clinton Day on vocals, bass and

Advanced tickets are available until today at Mountain Bookshop at The Junction shopping center in East Sonora.

Tickets will be available at the door. The doors will open at

5:30 p.m. and a shuttle for those that need it will be available from the college staff parking lot to the Dogwood Theater.

For more information, call the collegejazz office at588-5211.

JAMESTOWN Gateway to the Mother Lode

File photo

Rod Harris piano, and Jazz Series director Rod Harris on saxes.

Harris said he's looking forward to Saturday's show.

"The reunion concert has become awonderful annual event and I am very proud and delightedto feature the amazing talents of these successful former students," he said.

The concert will feature a variety of old and new favorites including Van Morrison's "Moondance," Dave Brubeck and Paul

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8 — Week of December 24, 2015

Sonora, California

THEUNIONDEMOCRAT

TRAVEL

Darwin Falls is Death Valley's tallest waterfall Sharon Giacomazzi On the western edge of Death Valley National Park, a short hop from the village of Panamint Springs, visitors can walk to Darwin Falls. Off the grid and tuckedaway at the head of short and narrow, scenic Darwin Canyon is Death Valley's tallest waterfall.

Calling all Snow Birds and Desert Rats! Put this place on your list to check out when you hit the road for the land of sand.

Late autumn, winter and spring are ideal seasons to visit.

Huh? A waterfall in the

desert?Yep, a shorttrek leads to acombined 80 feet offalling water divided into upper and lower with smaller cascades and lovely green pools in between.

A permanent stream running through the slender boulderstrewn gorge is a miracle in the desert. The water emanates high abovethe canyon from China Garden springs. That probably doesn't seem like a whiz-bang drop to you, but think about where it is. This is Death Valley, folks! Granted, compared to Yosemite's whoppers, it's a shrimp.

It is truly an extraordinary settingbecause this corner of

the world is one of the hottest and driest places in the United States. Extreme temps and only cupfuls of rain — a rare mon-

soon deluge notwithstandingkeep most travelers from exploring a unique eastern California landscape. Drought is the norm, not the exception, in this harsh no-frills environment. But, oh my, what those cupfuls can do to awaken masses of sleeping wildflower s.

The watery niche is a Garden of Edenformigratory birds en route tomore hospitable places in spring and autumn. However, resident birds cheep and squawk overhead in the tree canopy, flashy dragonflies flit about and frogs sing and belly flop in the pools. Though rarely seen during daylight, mammals take refreshment from the yeararound creek.

In about two miles hikers can reach the lower falls spilling

into the fern-ringed pool. The water pours onto a large boulder and splits into two channels, like an inverted "V." Rimmed by ferns, cattails and other flora, the pool is highly photogenic and utterly charming, all the more so because this tiny speck of green in the vast desert is so rare, so unexpected.

The setting is a delightful spot for a picnic.

Though tempting, please don't swim or wade in the pool and stop Fido from cooling off.

It is the domestic water supply for the settlement of Panamint Springs. Keep it pristine and leave notrace of your visit.

The majority of hikers go no farther than the lower falls at the end of the canyon. However, it is possible to continue above

the falls to the top of the uppermost one. Though rather an easy, short climb on use trails, stay put if you are not wearing shoes with good tread and/or are not sure-footed. At one time, there was a wooden ladder in

place to the left of the fall; it is no longer there.

The trail is obvious as it heads to Darwin Falls on the right side of the canyon alongside a pipe that supplies drinking water to Panamint Springs.

Farther along, jump or rock hop the creek a few times. In about one-third mile the canyon narrows as it meanders through the willows and other vegetation.

The greenery becomes more abundant the closer you get to the falls.

Now on the left side close to

On the trail ofOregontales, coveredbridges andCrater Lake

By CAROLYN BOTELL

ny on Skinner's Butte, known as

For The Union Democrat

the birthplace of Eugene. Named afterEugene Franklin Skinner, one of the initial pioneers and settlers who arrived in this part of the Willamette Valley in 1846 and built a homestead cabin.

There are trails starting from several locations around the base, and it's only about a mile to the top where there is a nice view of the surrounding town.

One side of the park features the Climbing Columns, an area of basaltic rock columns on the westerly face of the butte popular with rock climbers.

Then there's Spencer Butte, on the southern edge of Eugene, with a360-degree view extending to Mount Bachelor on a clear day. Also only about a mile trek to the top, this is the tallest hill in the Eugene area and is a popular place with locals and tourists alike.

And what about that University of Oregon campus — home of Hayward Field, one of the world's most famous track and

I recently had an opportunity to visit family in Oregon, which of course meant adding some sidetrips and localadventures into the mix.

My road trip took me up Interstate 5 to Eugene, Oregon. Over the next four days, my niece and her family helped me discover some ofbest secrets of Eugene,

and how much this great town has tooffervisitors.

The Willamette River winds it's way through Eugene, offering miles of walking and biking trails, water play (in season), and lots of family-friendly activities. Note that it's pronounced ''Wil-LAM-it", there's no "william" in there. My poor family didtheirbestto train me, butI kept saying it wrong every time.

I was like an American speaking bad French in Paris.

We went on lots of walks in ordertogetready for sampling some of the many great restau-

Carolyn Botell /Courtesy photo

The Lowell Bridge crosses the middle fork of the Willamette River. rants in Eugene, and work off all the holiday food. We walked to the top of Skinner Butte and along the river. We trekked to the top of Spencer Butte, and toured the University of Oregon campus. We visited a little jazz club that provides a venue for high school music students to perform. We strolled the down-

town area and visited a historic stately mansion. We also ate: so many great little family-run restaurants and bakeries, so many small markets with all local organic produce. Eugene is a wonderfully green place, in both its scenery and environmental consciousness.

First, let me give you the skin-

field venues? The covered grandstands bring to mind famous European venues, which is fitting since the Prefontaine Classic is held at Hayward Field each year — an event where international athletes get to show their talent on American soil in one of our nation's finest single-day track and field contests.

Last but not least, I must mention the Shelton McMurphey Johnson House, also known as

the Castle on the Hill. I'm not sure what colors it's been over the years, but right now it is a very green castle.

Thomas Winthrop Shelton and his wife, Adah, moved to Eugene in 1873 with their daughter Alberta. The house was designed by Walter Pugh, and built by Nels Roney. Finished in 1888, it cost $8,000 to build, and Alberta went on to live in the

home withher husband, Robert McMurphey. Three of Robert and Alberta's daughters were married in the parlor's bay window alcove of the home — the

Sonora, California

Week of December 24, 2015 -

THEUNIONDEMOCRAT •

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the cli ff,the route iscooland shaded by cottonwood trees. A short section of boulders must

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be negotiatedbefore reaching the 20-footlower falland grotto.

If you decide to go on, visible s r. on the left, a use trail will take ( you to a viewpoint of the three r .. 'r main falls. The uppermost is a tk' ; r slender stream falling through a chute into a pile of boulders.

To accessthe top ofallthree falls, there is a route on the north side at the bottom of the second falls. The use trail then climbs briefly up a steep slopeof loose rocks that can be carefullynegotiated to the top.

In between the series of falling water,there are small cascades and small pools. Again, use good judgment and remain at the split falls area if you aren' t comfortable with the quartermile-long trip to the top.

While you are in the vicinity, Winter is an ideal time of year to visit Darwin Falls. (

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Sharon Giacomazzi/Courtesy photos

The author and hiking companions at the base of the waterfall.

I recommend a visit to the little

town of Darwin, a few miles northeast. It is a truly off-beat community that desert environs

tion of very modest dwellings, pop.43,among the remains of a once populous mining town of 3,500 people. The carcass of AnacondaCopper Mining Company, alatter day venture,

seem to spawn.

Town is perhaps not accurate because Darwin is but a collec-

sprawlsabove the settlement.

Getting There From Panamint Springs, drive one mile west on Highway 190 and turn onto the first road on

the left; continue for 2.6 miles up the dry wash to the trailhead. From Lone Pine in the easternSierra,drive south of town on Highway 395 for just under one mile, then turn left

onto Highway 136. After 17.6 miles, 136 becomes Highway 190. Continue on 190 for almost 30 miles to the unsigned turnoff on the right that leads to trailhead parking.

coveredbridges.Ihad noticed several signs for historic bridge

ited on my travels were Lowell Bridgeand Office Bridge.They were both really lovely and very interesting, and left me wanting

sites on my drive north to Eu-

gene the week before, so when Icame around a corner to find myself face to face with one, of course I stopped to check it out.

Did you know that the state of Oregon has the largest collection of covered bridges in the West, and one of the largest in the nation?

The traditionofcovered bridges in Oregon dates back to the 1850s, when pioneers built bridges from local forests of Douglas fir trees and then covered the timber trusses with

s

house-like structures to protect

Carolyn Bates /Courtesy photo

There are two islands in Crater Lake — Wizard Island and the smaller Phantom Ship Island. same placethat their parents

lead tours or you can explore on

were married years before. The Shelton McMurphey Johnson House is now operated by a local historic society. There is a nominal fee to visit the home, docents

your own using a brochure and signs posted around the house.

All decoratedfor theholidays, touring this historic home was a great break in a busy day.

Towards the end of my visit, Itook offon my own, heading southeast on Highway 58 towards Crater Lake National Park. Along the way, I visited two of Oregon's most historic

the wood from decay in the wet Oregon climate. Historians think that as many as 600 covered bridgesexisted in Oregon between 1905 and 1925, which was the heyday of bridge building in the area.

Today, there are about 50 covered bridges in Oregon, and the vast majority of these are in the southwest corner of the state and particularly the Willamette Valley. The two bridges I vis-

more.

The Lowell Bridge is right there on Highway 58. It crosses the middle fork of the Willamette River, has been on the National Register of HistoricPlaces since 1979, and is the widest of Oregon's remaining covered bridges. Way back in 1874, pioneer Amos Hyland settled in the area and established the town of Lowell, named after his birthplace in Maine. He operated a ferry across the river, until it was replaced by a bridge in 1907.

And guess who built the original bridge? None other than Nels Roney, who also built the Shelton McMurphey Johnson House in Eugene. That original bridge was damaged in 1945, and the current bridge was built then.

Not much further along on

Highway 58 there was another signfora historiccovered bridge called Office Bridge. The name — Continued on Page15

g Q —Week of December 24, 2015

Sonora, California

THEUNIONDEMOCRAT

ARTSSCENE =-ea

Submitted photo

Photographer Gary Johnson received top honors at the International Photographic Competition in Atlanta, Georgia. His image, "Serenity Sea," (above) made it into the prestigious Loan Collection. "Only the best of the best are selected at this level," said Johnson, who has his photography on display at the Aloft Art Gallery in downtown Sonora. "Serenity Sea" will be published in a Loan Collection Book and will be displayed from Jan. 10 to 12 at the 2016 Imaging USA convention in Atlanta. Johnson photographed the image during a five-week trip to New Zealand. "While I was photographing the 'Serenity Sea' image on the southern tip of the South Island of New Zealand, yellow-eyed penguins were hopping up out of the ocean and making their way to their nests to stay for the night," he said. "I was tom between photographing these rare and endangered penguins or stay photographing the water as it retreated back into the sea. I am very happy I stayed photographing this serene location."

EXHIBITS,ETC. ALOFT ART GALLERY:Represents 34 artists who work in various mediums, including painting, photography, ceramics and jewelry; the Mother Lode Art Association also maintains a space in the gallery for its members; Aloft's featured artists during December are four ceramic artists — Marta Magistrali, Alexis Halstead, Larisa Stevenson and Chris "Kina" Halley; 167 S. Washington St., Sonora; aloftartgallery.corn, 5338604.

ART ON MAIN: Featured artist

during December is Marilyn Richards; more than 30 artists displayed at gallery; 466-B Main St., Murphys; artonmainmurphys.corn, 728-1888.

BANNY'S RESTAURANT:AII new works by artist Patricia Cherry, inspired and influenced by images from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope Program, are on display; Mountain Springs Golf and Country Club, 17566 Lime Kiln Rd., Sonora area.

BRADFORD STUDIO B: Working studio and gallery in downtown Sonora; by invitation, the studio offers photographers, jewelers, and potters without a venue a

place to show their art on Second Saturday Art Night; featured artists for December are Irene Deaver and Linda Webb; 19W. Bradford St., Sonora (above the Ventana Art Gallery); 532-2399.

HOVEY WINERY:Sue King is featured during December; 350-A Main St., Murphys; hoveywine.corn, 728-9999.

MEADOW M O NT SHOPPING CENTER:Arts of Bear Valley displays artwork by four artists — Ruth Morrow, Nancy Macomber, Jan Alcalde and Mary Jean St. Claire; the artists medias include watercolor,

mixed media, collage, photography, acrylic and oil; 2182 Highway 4, Arnold; artsofbearvalley.org.

SERVENTE'S HISTORIC SALOON: Cary McGrew and Winnifred Wilson are featured in the window display; 64 S. Washington St., Sonora.

STAGE 3THEATRE:Artwork by Pat Gray, Susie Hoffman and Renee Rondon ison display;208 S.G reen St., downtown Sonora; stage3.org.

TOWN HALL ARTS:Includes a variety of professional art supplies, classes and a gallery of local work (Galerie Copper); Classes include

"Open Paint Wednesdays" on Dec. 30; Copperopolis Town Square, 145 Stone St.; townhallarts.corn, 7852050.

TUOLUMNE COUNTY LIBRARY: Barbara Young is the featured artist at the rotating "Art in the Library" exhibit for December; features watercolor paintings of animals, landscapes, buildings, and people; 480 Greenley Rd., Sonora; 533-5507.

VENTANA ART GALLERY:Features artists from throughout California; exhibits include Beth Little, "A Bit of Her World," through Jan. 3; 48 S. WashingtonSt.,Sonora; 588-0297.

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Angels Camp: 17 Bakersfield: 252 Barstow: 384

Bear Valley: 69 Bishop: 194 Bridgeport: 98

Carmel: 195 Death Valley: 347 El Centro: 575 Escalon: 47 Eureka: 406 Fresno: 114 Jackson: 46 Knights Ferry: 25

Las Vegas: 538 Los Angeles: 354 Manteca: 52 Mariposa: 43 Merced: 53 Modesto: 51 Oakdale: 34 Oroville: 183

Pismo Beach: 292 Redding: 281 Reno: 178 Sacramento: 105 Salinas: 180 San Andreas: 37 San Bernardino: 417 San Diego: 484

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g 2 — Week of December 24, 2015

Sonora, California

THEUNIONDEMOCRAT

TDIIDSDAY • tyQf .r,

JUNCTION SANTA: Santa returns to The Junction shopping center in East Sonora; he will be at his "Santa Land" under the clock from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; parents are asked to bring a camera; 533-3548.

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SONORA SANTA:Santa will be at Courthouse Park in downtown Sonora from noon to 2:30 p.m.; there is no charge to visit with Santa; sonoraca.corn.

CHRISTMAS EVE DAY DINNER:Annual event features full meal, live music and a visit from Santa Claus with gifts for children; noon to 6 p.m.; Sierra Building at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora. (Page 3) CANDLELIGHT SERVICE:The Union Congregational Church of Angels Camp will host an early, family candlelight service at 5 p.m.; 1141 Main St., Angels Camp.

CANDLELIGHT AND CHOIR:The Presbyterian Church of the 49ers in Columbia welcomes the public to a "candles, choir and organ" Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m.; the service includes singing Christmas carols, readings from the Bible, and music by the 49er Choir and other musical groups; at the end, the sanctuary is darkened and the congregation sings "Silent Night" by candlelight; the church is located at Parrotts Ferry Road and Jackson Street in Columbia; 49erchurch.org, 532-2441.

NOTES FOR NOTES:Jill and the Giants play "Notes for Notes" benefit series at 8 p.m.; free show with donations of cash or checks being accepted to benefit Nancy's Hope Community Center; Willow Creek Lounge, BlackOak Casino, 19400Tuolumne Road North, Tuolumne;blackoakcasino.corn.

FDIDAY CHRISTMAS WITH FRIENDS: Free community meal and gifts for children at two locations, Sonora Opera Hall in downtown Sonora and Veterans Memorial Hall in Tuolumne; 1 to 4 p.m.; meal delivery available; 770-0536, sonorachristmasdinner.corn. (Page

3)

MURPHYS CHRISTMAS DINNER:Murphys Friends will host Christmas Day dinner from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Native Sons Hall,389 Main St., Murphys; event includes food, music and Santa; call 736-6177 for information or 7282633 for meal delivery. (Page 3)

SATDDDIIY INDOOR FARMERS MARKET:The Farmory features local produce, organic groceries, gluten-free baked goods, honey, herbs, gourmet treats, free classes and more; open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 10800 Airport Rd., Columbia; alsoopen noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays.

JAZZ CONCERT:Columbia Jazz Series presents its annual "day after Christmas" concert from at 6 p.m. in Columbia College's DogwoodTheater; doors open at 5:30 p.m.; $15 tickets; 588-5211. (Page 7)

TIIESDAY WINTER WONDERLAND CARNIVAL:The Calaveras Big Trees Association presents the sixth annual "Winter Wonderland Carnival" featuring wagon rides, music, games and treats from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; hot cocoa, hot apple cider, cookies and more will be offered; tickets are $12.50 for adults and $8.50 for

children younger than 12; tickets include entrance into the park if purchased online; if space is available, tickets will be available at the door for $15 adults and $10 for children, plus the $10 park entrance fee; purchase tickets online at bigtrees.org; 795-1196.

SONORA COMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLE:AII ages welcome and no experience necessary; 6 p.m. each Tuesday; free; Unity Spiritual Center, 19478 Village Drive, East Sonora; 984-3774.

WEDNESDA Y LINE DANCE LESSONS:Focusing mostly on

Sonora, California

Week of December 24, 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; g3

THEUNIONDEMOCRAT

What's haggeninginlhe Mother lode, Dec.24-31 Have an event listing? Submit online at uniondemocrat.corn/events

I IISIC ON THETOWN BLACK OAK CASINO: "Notes for Notes" featuring Jill and the Giants, tonight, 8 p.m. "Rock of Ages," hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s and today, Friday, 9 p.m. Club 90, dance party, Saturday, 9 p.m. New Year's Eve Party, Ascension, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.; 19400Tuolumne Road North,Tuolumne; blackoakcasino.corn.

Don't miss COMMUNITY MEALS EventsinTuolumne and Calaveras counties include food, music and of course Santa.

(Story: Page 3j

EAGLETAVERN:The Hot Dark, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31; Eproson House, 22930Twain Harte Drive, Twain Harte.

GARDEN CAFE:Love and Light 2015 Series presents Alex Kash with Grateful (the band), "What the World Needs Now Concert"; 1 p.m., Sunday; Columbia Nursery, 22004 Parrotts Ferry Rd.; tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance at Live Oak Music or at the door.

JILL AND THE GIANTS Trio plays Black Oak Casino tonight as part of "Notes for Notes" music and benefit series.

HOTEL LEGER:Plan B, Thursday, Dec. 31., 9 p.m.; 8304 Main St., Mokelumne Hill.

JAZZ CONCERT Columbia Jazz Series will present its annual "day after Christmas" concert on Saturday.

(Story: Page 7j

JACK DOUGLASS SALOON:Open mic, Fridays, 6 to 9 p.m. New Year' s Eve Celebration with Whispering Smith (photo below) featuring Cactus Bob, Prairie Flower and Muddy Barnes, 8:30

p.m. to midnight, Th ursday, Dec.31; $10

WINTER WONDERLAND Sixth annual event features wagon rides, games and hot drinks at Calaveras Big Trees State Park.

at the door includes champagne toast; 22718 Main St.; Columbia State Historic Park.

VI

NEW YEAR' S Plan ahead for New Year's Eve events in the Mother Lode.

Submitted photo

ballroom steps; 2 to 3 p.m. every Wednesday; free; Sonora Fire Museum and Senior Lounge, 125 N. Washington St., downtown Sonora; 588-8071.

HEWVKAII'SEIIE NEWYEAR'S PARTY: The Sonora Elks Lodge will host its "Chinese New Year of the Monkey" 10th annual New Year's Eve Party on Thursday, Dec. 31; dinner at 6 p.m. with dancing to Les Olsen Entertainment from 7 to 11 p.m.; 736-2310.

CONTRA DANCE:A New Year's Eve Contra

Dance will begin at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, at the Aronos Research Women's Club,37 E. Elkin St. in downtown Sonora; live music will be featured and no experience is necessary; admission is $7 adults and $3 children; the dance is alcohol-free; an optional potluck dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m.; for more information, call 532-6025.

MASQUERADE BALL:The Iron Door Saloon in Groveland will host a masquerade-themed New Year's celebration; the band Live Again will play classic and current rock; dinner is $75 per person; there is a $25 cover charge at the door for those attending only the party; 962-8904.

BLACK OAK NEWYEARS:Ascension will play Black Oak Casino's New Year's Eve Party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. starting Thursday, Dec. 31; Willow Creek Lounge, Black Oak Casino, 19400Tuolumne RoadNorth,Tuolumne; blackoakcasino.corn.

BEAR VALLEY NEWYEARS: New Year' s Eve Party at Bear Valley includes fireworks, live music by the Megan Slankard Band and the Jeff Campbell Band and DJ HalfTrack, plus midnight balloon drop; ticket prices include drink tickets, live entertainment and appetizers; adults are $55, while children 12 and younger are $35; bearvalleylodge.corn, 753-2327.

PINE MOUNTAIN LAKE GRILL: Electric Bob 8t Short Circuit, Saturday, 8 p.m. to midnight. Westbound 50, Thursday, Dec. 31; 12765 Mueller Drive, Groveland.

RAWHIDE SALOON: Karaoke, tonight, 7 p.m.;18260 Highway 108,Jamestown.

CALAVERAS COUNTY

TUOLUMNE COUNTY

728-8422, www.murphyscreektheatre.org.

vineyards.corn. www.ironstonevine• Chatom Vineyards yards.corn.

• Tuolumne County Arts — 1969 Highway 4, • Lavender Ridge VineAlliance — 251 S. BarDouglas Flat, 736yard — 425-A Main retta St., Sonora, 5326500, www.chatomSt., Murphys, 7282787, www.tuolumne- • California Cavern, vineyards.corn.

2441, www.lavendercountyarts.org.

9565 Cave City Road, • Chiarella Wines — 431 ridgevineyard.corn.

• Calaveras County nine miles east of San Main St., Murphys, • Metate Hill Vineyards — 448-C Main St., Arts Council — 22 N. Andreas, 736-2708, 728-8318, www.chiMain St., San Andreas, 866-762-2837, www. arellawines.corn.

Murphys, 728-8983, 754-1774, www.calavcaliforniacavern.corn.

• Coppermine Tasting www.vinometate.corn. erasarts.org.

• Mercer Cavern, 1665 Room — 3210 Main • Milliaire Winery — 276 Sheep Ranch Road, St., Vali ecito, 736-2305, Main St., Murphys, 728-1658, www.milMurphys, 728-2101, www.copperminewinwww.mercercaverns. liairewinery.corn. ery.corn.

• Black Oak Casino, corn.

• Domaine Becquet • Newsome-Harlow 19400 Tuolumne Road • Moaning Cavern, Winery — 415 Main Wines — 403 Main St., North, 928-9300, www.

Parrotts Ferry Road, St., Murphys, 728Murphys, 728-9817, blackoakcasino.corn.

Vallecito, 736-2708, 8487, www.becquewww.nhvino.corn.

• Chicken Ranch Casino, 866-762-2837, www. twinery.corn.

• Renner Winery — 498 16929 Chicken Ranch moaningcavern.corn.

• Four Winds CellarsMain St., Murphys, 728-2314, www.renneRoad, Jamestown, 3675 Six Mile Road, 984-3000, www.chickVallecito, 736-4766, rwinery.corn. enranchcasino.corn. www.fourwindscel• Stevenot Winery• Jackson Rancheria Ca- CALAVERAS COUNTY lars.corn.

458 Main St., Mursino, 12222 New York • Allegoric Wine Tasting • Frog's Tooth Vineyards phys, 728-0148, www.

Ranch Road, Jackson, and Art Gallery — 432 — 380 Main St., Suite stevenotwinery.corn.

800-822-9466, www.

Main St., Murphys, 5, Murphys, 728-2700, • Tanner Vineyards 728-9922, www.alwww.frogstooth.corn.

— 435 Main St., Murjacksoncasino.corn. legorieart.corn.

• Hatcher Winery — 425 phys, 728-8229, www.

• Black Sheep WinMain St., Murphys, tannervineyards.corn. ery — 221 Main St., 605-7111, www.hatch- • Twisted Oak Winery• Sierra Repertory Murphys, 728-2157, erwinery.corn.

363 Main St., Murphys Theatre, 13891 Mono www.blacksheepwin• Hovey Winery -350 (tasting room), and Way, East Sonora, and ery.corn.

Main St., Murphys, 4280 Red Hill Road, Fallon House Theater, • Bodega del Sur Winery 728-9999, www.hoveyVallecito (winery and — 457-C Algiers St., 11175 Washington St., wine.corn. tasting room), 736• Indian Rock Vineyards Columbia State HisMurphys, 728-9030, 9080, www.twistedotoric Park, 532-3120, www.bodegadelsur.

— 1154 Pennsylvania ak.corn. www.sierrarep.org. corn.

Gulch Road, Murphys, • Val du Vino Winery 728-8514, www.indian— 634 French Gulch • Stage 3 Theatre Com- • Brice Station Vintners — 3353 E. Highway 4, rockvineyards.corn. pany, 208 S. Green Road, Murphys, 728St., Sonora, 536-1778, Murphys, 728-9893, • Irish Vineyards — 2849 9911, www.valduvino. www.stage3.org. www.bricestation.

Highway 4, Vallecito, corn.

736-1299, www.irish• Murphys Creek corn.

• Vina Mode Winery Theatre, Black Bart • Broil Mountain Vinevineyard.corn.

— 147 Main St., MurPlayhouse, 580 S. yards — 106 Main St., • Ironstone Vineyards phys, 728-1917, www.

— 1894 Six Mile Road, Algiers St., Murphys, Murphys, 728-9750, vinamoda.corn. www.brollmountainMurphys, 728-1251, • Wild Heart Winery-

263-B Main St., Murphys, 207-3384, www. wildheartwinery.corn.

• Zucca Mountain Vineyards — 431-E Main St., Murphys, 736-2949, www.zuccawines.corn.

•

•

TUOLUMNE COUNTY • Gianelli Vineyards — 18158 Main St.,

Jamestown, 984-1500

•

(tasting room), and 12581 Algerine Road,

Jamestown, 532-041 4

• (winery), www.gianellivineyards.corn.

• Indigeny Reserve14679 Summers Lane, Sonora, 533-9463, www.indigenyreserve. corn.

• • Inner Sanctum Cellars — 18204 Main St.,

Jamestown,800-7505919, www.innersanctumcellars.corn.

• La Bella Rosa Vineyards — 17990 Old Wards Ferry Road, Sonora, 533-8668, www. labellarosavineyards. corn.

• Angels Camp Museum, 753 S. Main St., Angels Camp, 736-2963.

• Calaveras County Historical Society and Museum, 30 N. Main St., San Andreas, 7541058.

• Calaveras County Historical Society Red Barn Museum,

•

•

•

•

891 Mountain Ranch Road, San Andreas, 754-0800.

Ironstone Heritage Museum, 1894 Six Mile Road, Murphys, 728-1251.

Mokelumne Hill History Society and Museum, 8328 Main St., Mokelumne Hill, 286-0507.

Murphys Old Timers Museum, 470 Main St., Murphys, 728-1160.

Sierra Nevada Logging Museum, 2148 Dunbar Road, White Pines, near Arnold, 795-6782, 795-1226, www.sierraloggingmuseum.org.

Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum, Main Street, Grovela nd, 962-0300.

Sonora Fire Museum, 125 N. Washington St., Sonora, 532-7890.

Tuolumne City Memorial Museum, 18663 Carter St., Tuolumne, 928-3516.

Tuolumne County Museum and History Center, 158 W. Bradford Ave., Sonora, 532-1317.

Veterans Memorial Hall and Military Museum, 9 N. Washington St., Sonora, 533-0923.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

• Forest Meadows Golf Course and Resort — 18-hole execu-

tive course, Highway 4, inside the gated community of Forest Meadows, 728-3439; www.forestmeadowsgolf.corn.

Greenhorn Creek Golf Resort — 18 holes, par 72, 711 McCauley Ranch Road, Angels Camp, 729-8111, www. greenhorncreek.corn.

La Contenta Golf Course — 18 holes, par 71; 1653 Highway 26, Valley Springs, 772-1081, www.lacontentagolf.corn.

Saddle Creek Golf Resort — 18 holes, par 72, 1001 Saddle Creek Dnve, Copperopohs, 785-3700, www.saddlecreek.corn.

Mountain Springs Golf Club — 18 holes, par 72, 17566 Lime Kiln Road, Sonora, 5321000, www.mountainspringsgolf.corn.

Phoenix Lake Golf Course — Nine holes, par 35, 21448 Paseo De Los Portales, seven miles east of Sonora, 532-0111, www.phoenixlakegolf.corn.

Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course — 18 holes, par 70, 12765 Mueller Drive, Groveland, 962-8620, www. pinemountainlake.corn.

Twain Harte Golf Club — Nine holes, par 29, 22909 Meadow Drive, Twain Harte, 586-3131, www.twainhartegolf. corn.

Sonora, California

Week of December 24, 2015 — g5

THEUNIONDEMOCRAT

TRAVEL

On a road trip from Groveland to western Oregon Continued from Page9 alone was unusual enough to make me curious so I followed a side road to the small town of Westfir and what I soon discov-

ered tobe the longest ofOregon's remaining covered bridges.

Also known as the Westfir

CoveredBridge,itis 180 feet long and has a pedestrian walkway. The bridge was built in 1944 byWestfirLumber Company to carry logging trucks across the river to where their headquarters and offices were located. Office Bridge spans the north fork Willamette River, and the Wild and Scenic designation for this waterway ends just upstream of the bridge.

As I continued on to Crater Lake itself ,Im entally added "plana trip around Oregon'scoveredbridges"to my listofhoped for future adventures.

Only the south "Annie Springs" entrance to Crater Lake National Park is open in winter, so I went south on Highway 97 to connect with Highway 62 west to the park entrance. I passed some beautiful countryside, includingseveral access points for the Pacific Crest Trail, numerous mountain passes and many picturesque lakes.

At Crater Lake, I checked out the Steel Visitor Center, where I saw they do ranger led snowshoe

trips on winter weekends. But I'd missed the hike start time, so I drove on to Rim Village and went for a nice walk along the rim of the caldera in the snow.

Crater Lake National Park was created in 1902 thanks to 17 years of effort by William Gladstone Steel. It all started with the eruption of Mount Mazama about 7,700 years ago, the mountain collapsed to create a caldera, which then slowly filled with water. There are two islands in Crater Lake — Wizard Island is a cinder cone that eruptedafterthe lake began to fill, and little Phantom Ship Island is home to seven varieties of trees.

Crater Lake is one of the deepest lakes in the United States and the entire world, measured at adepth of 1,943 to 1,949 feet.

It also contains some of the clearest water in the world, with no streams flowing in or out so all ofthe w ater comes from precipitation, evaporation and seepage through the rocks.

The lake's surface is more than 6,000feet above sea level.

The deep blue color of the lake is a memory maker as it is the one image that I had in my head from a single childhood visit with my father many years ago.

Now I' ve refreshed that memory, I hope to do so again one day.

After my walk, I had a quick

,J..u

n

Office Bridge picnic lunch at the Sinnott Memorial Observation Station and Museum, enjoying the amazing view under a bright afternoon sun. The building wasn't open, but I found out that it was the first National Park Service building constructed specifically as a museum, and was also the

Carolyn Botell /Courtesy photos

Oregon's Crater Lake is surrounded by pristine mountains.

Lake National Park using rustic

mile walk, I set out for a stroll with visions of lava tubes, pot hole formations, and foaming water rushing through deep basalt lava channels dancing in my head. But I didn't do the entire trail — the pale light of a winter afternoon was quickly fading,

snapping photos on the slippery path. This place deserves anothervisitfor sure.

Finally, as the sun set in a display of brilliance, I followed the Rogue River valley southwest towards Medford, and then continued home to Groveland on

stone masonry construction. Af-

and the trail was covered in

the interstate the next day.

ter lunch, it was time to hit the road for Medford.

When I saw the sign for Rogue River Gorge Viewpoint, I knew thiswas a place to stop.After reading the information displays and seeing the map for a three-

snow and ice. I knew that I was the only car in the parking lot, and while I love a good adventure, the phrase "don't be stupid" was now dancing in my head. So I kept my walk short, and hung on tight to the railing while

There was a moment when I saw the turn for Klamath Falls that I thought "is there time for

Harvest."

8 p.m. "Love Alive," sponsored by Christian Heights Church.

Sunday 4 p.m. — ayou 8t The Law: Civil Rights and Criminal Convictions."

7 p.m. — "A Couple of Cupulas," produced by Lloyd Kramer.

Monday 7 p.m. — "Meeting the Master: Part Two," sponsored by Bahai Faith.

7:30 p.m. — "Mind Matters: Mothering Children With Au-

tism."

8 p.m. — "Inside View," guest Steve Millier, Wine Master.

Tuesday 10 a.m.— "Jenny's Kitchen," hosted by Jenny Baxter, "Sumptuous Salsa."

5 p.m. — "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 2015 Celebration," keynote speaker Clayborne Carson.

7:30 p.m. — Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors, replay of most recent meeting.

Wednesday 10 a.m. "Get Healthy With Shana: Easy Walk."

6 p.m. — Sonora City Council.

8 p.m. — "Kindness Hero Celebration."

9 p.m. "Love Alive," sponsored by Christian Heights Church.

Thursday 10 a.m.— "Ask Attorney Steve: Workman's Comp — Part Two." 7:30 p.m. — "Mother Lode Friends of Music: Orchestra Masterpieces of the Russian Repertoire."

Call 536-1888 for more information.

first structure built in Crater

a detour," but I knew the answer

was "no." I had to get home and back to work so that I could afford mynext adventure.

ABLE 8 Here is the Sonora area public access cable programming schedule from Dec. 24 to 31.

The shows are seen on Channel 8 of the Comcast cable system.

Thursday 10 a.m.— "Ask Attorney Steve: Workman's Comp — Part One." 10:30 a.m. — "32nd Annual Math Bowl.'

Friday 10 a.m. "Tammy's Window On Calaveras: Quilts of Honor," guest Gail Belmont.

-

6 p.m. "Fridays with Frank," hosted by Frank Diggle, "Columbia Lamplight Tour 1998."

7:30 p.m. -"Viewpoint," hosted by Diane Doddridge, "Dry Wells and Dead Trees," guest Tracie Riggs, of Tuolumne County Office of Emergency Services.

Saturday 9 a.m. — Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors, replay of most recent meeting.

3 p.m. — Chapel in the Pines.

7 p.m. "The Church Of The -

-

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'i 6 — Week of December 24, 2015

Sonora, California

THEUNIONDEMOCRAT

BESTOF2015

'Hamilton' topsthe list of live theater NEW YORK (AP) — This year's best-in-theater lists are going to be anticlimactic. There' s one listing that will surely be at the top of every critic's round-up.

But there was plenty of other great stuff including shows about an English king and a Thai king and an Arthur Miller revival that will take your breath away.

Our list ofthebestin theater in 2015: 1. "Hamilton" — It's simply a phenomenon, attracting hordes on Broadway, having an entire category on "Jeopardyl," getting mentioned on "Saturday Night Live," being watched by a sitting president and quoted by a candidate hoping to replace him. The cast album became the No. 1 rap

album in America and also was the first CD included in The J.P. Morgan's Holiday Reading List.

The game has been changed.

2. "Fun Home" — This Tony Award-winning adaptation from Alison Bechdel's graphic novel aboutgrowing up in a funeral home with a closeted gay dad is fresh, heartfelt and brilliant.

Coming to Broadway, it got even better.

3. "An American in Paris"Inspired by the multiple Oscarwinning 1950 musical by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin, this musical is helmed by top director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and is gloriously inventive and balletic.

4. "King Charles III" — Much

i gv

like "Hamilton" uses hip-hop and R&B to retell the story of Alexander Hamilton, here Mike Bartlett borrows from William Shakespeare to frame a tale about what might happen when the current English queen dies. It crackles with intrigue and ideas.

5. "The King and I" — This elegant, thoughtful revival courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater has a cast of 51, a nice political edge, 11 adorable kids and a winning Kelli O' Hara. Everything about it sings.

6. "Constellations" — Nick Payne's touching, playful drama takes on some big topics — the nature of time and mortality — Continued on next page

Tribune News Service

"Hamilton," which has generated more than 1 million tweets this year on Twitter, made both the top theater and album lists.

MIISIC NOTE S Adele's '25,"Uptown Funk' top iTunes chart NEW YORK (AP) — To no one'ssurprise,Adele's"25"isthe best-selling album on iTunes for 2015.

Apple announced earlier this month that Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars' "Uptown Funk" was theyear'sbiggest single, while Adele's "Hello" is sixth on the songs list.

Ed Sheeran's "Thinking out Loud," Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth's "See You Again," Maroon 5's "Sugar," and "Shut Up and Dance"by Walk the Moon ranked second through fifth, respectively.

Coincidently, "Uptown Funk" and "Thinking out Loud" earned Grammy nominations for record of the year, while "Thinking out Loud" and "See You Again" will compete for song of the year.

Drake's "If You' re Reading This It's Too Late" was second behind "25" on the albums list.

Drake's album with fellow rapper-singer Future, "What a Time to Be Alive," ranked sixth.

Taylor Swift's "1989," the "Fifty Shadesof Grey" soundtrack

and Justin Bieber's "Purpose" rounded out the Top 5.

The Weeknd earned three songs in the Top 20 with "Earned It" (No.9), "Can't Feel My Face" (No.11) and "The Hills" (No.15). Swift's "Blank Space" and "Style" came in at Nos. 18 and 20, respectively.

"Star Wars Digital Collection" was the top movie on iTunes, while season five of "Game of Thrones" led in TV shows.

The top non-fiction book was "American Sniper," and Paula Hawkins' "The Girl on the Train" was No.1 for both fiction and audiobooks.

The leadingfree iPhone and iPad apps were "Trivia Check" and "Crossy Road — Endless Arcade Hopper," respectively.

The top paid iPhone and iPad apps were "Heads Up!" and "Minecraft: Pocket Edition."

And the year's top podcast on iTunes was "Fresh Air" followed by "Serial."

LLCool 3 returns as host of GrammyAwards NEW YORK (AP) — The Grammy Awards will celebrate

a lot of new music, but its ceremony will have a familiar face up-front in host LL Cool J. The Recording Academy announced last week that the

rap artist and actor willbe the m aster of ceremonies for the fifth consecutive year.

The Grammys will be telecast Feb. 15 from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Somewhat unique to awards shows, the Grammys traditionally focus more on performances than trophy delivery. The host tends to have a lower profile than on other awards shows.

Recording Academy President Neil Portnow says LL Cool J's personality and energy set the perfect tone for the show.

3ackson's 'Thriller' earns new sales record LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michael Jackson's "Thriller" is still scaring up sales and giving the King of Pop's legacy a new milestone.

The album has sold 30 million copies in the United States, making Jackson the first artist to attain 30-time multiplatinum

"He didn't want to sell records to blacks or whites or Americans," Branca said. "He wanted to sell records to everyone, more popular overseas, with Africa, Asia, everywhere. It' s a total of 100 million copies just continued to sell and sell sold worldwide since its 1982 and sell." release. It includes some of Branca was cautious about Jackson's most recognizable declaring that Jackson and "Thriller" had set an unbreakhits, including "Beat It," "Billie Jean," "Wanna Be Startin' able record.

"You can't say never," he said, Somethin' " and the title track, which inspired one of the most noting Adele's album "21" has famous music videos of all time. sold 11 million copies in the U.S. " 'Thriller' continues to be since 2011. "Nobody saw that the yardstick against which all coming." other albums are measured," But, he added, "You wouldn' t said John Branca, co-executor of want to bet that there's another Jackson's estate. one coming along. Not these "What an exceptional achieve- days." ment and testament to 'ThrillA greatest-hitscollection of er's' enduring spot in our hearts songs by the Eagles is Jackson's and musical history," RIAA closestcompetitor at the mochairman and CEO Cary Sherment, with 29 million albums man wrote in a statement. The sold, according to the RIAA. group monitors music sales and Jackson's music surged in bestows gold status on albums popularity after his unexpected that havesold 500,000 copies death in June 2009 at age 50. and platinum status if they His estate has released new reach 1 million sales. music, the film "This is It" that Branca noted that Jackson features footage of Jackson's fiwrote the album to appeal to a nal rehearsals for his comeback broad audience, which helped concerts and a pair of Cirque du fuel its popularity abroad.

Soleil shows. status, the Recording Industry Association of America and Jackson's estate announced.

The album has proved even

Sonora, California

Week of December 24, 2015 —g7

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BESTOF2 5

Associated Press music editor picks favorite albums NEW YORK (AP) — More than hit singles, albums are works of art that move you to think, reflect, dance and smile.

Here are 10 albums that did thatin2015, according toAssociated Press music editor Mesfin

Fekadu.

1. "Blue Neighborhood," Troye Sivan: Just as the battle for album ofthe year was going down between Kendrick Lamar and Adele, enter a multi-layered, experimentalpop record by a newcomer from South Africa by way of Australia. Released on Dec. 4, Sivan's "Blue Neighborhood" is remarkable from its opening number, the cool mid-tempo jam "WILD," to the other 15 tracks best described as broody pop music. Though just 20 years old, Sivan's voice is mature and striking, and it serves as the anchor for this collection of epic songs.

2. "To Pimp a Butterfly," Kendrick Lamar: Lamar's brave storytelling continues to push the envelope, and his sophomore album not only pushes him ahead of his rap peers, but his pop and rock ones, too.

3."25,"Adele:Idon'tneed to explain this.

4. "Purpose," Justin Bieber: Now this I need to explain.

Bieber's new album is outstanding and though he's been singing for years, with "Purpose" he' s finally actually saying something.

5. "Rebel Heart," Madonna: Most icons dropping albums in 2015 are misses, but Madonna's "Rebel Heart" is a contemporary classic that puts albums from otherfemale artistshalfher age to shame. It's unfortunate that

iree

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•

Tribune News Service

Mesfin Fekadu's Top 10 list includes albums by Kendrick Lamar (above, left), Sufjan Stevens (above, right) and Janet Jackson (below).

Top 40 radio stations didn't play Howard is such a powerhouse, the many hits this album could both with her voice and with the have provided. pen. Songs like "Don't Wanna 6. "Carrie & Lowell," Sufjan Fight" and the untouchable "Gimme All Your Love" are Stevens: Stevens' indie folk adventure dubbed "Carrie & groundbreaking and enjoyable.

9. "Reality Show," Jazmine Lowell" is a must-listen that is highlighted by his breathy vocals. Sullivan: In her first album in 7. "Hamilton (Original Broadfive years, Sullivan returns with way Cast Recording)," Various a confident R&B eflort that is artists: The Broadway play justas strong as herprevious "Hamilton," written by Linreleases, thanks to groovy tracks like "Mascara" and "Let It Burn."

Manuel Miranda, tells the story 10. "Unbreakable," Janet of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton through rap songs, Jackson: Miss Jackson's return R&B jams and pop ballads. It' s to music included a killer tour pure heaven. and analbum fullofupbeat and 8. "Sound & Color,"Alabama touching songs that will make Shakes: Frontwoman Brittany you dance and cry.

Other plays onlive theater list include'Fun Home,"AnAmerican in Paris' Continued from Page16 — through his unconventional presentation of a love story that keeps being remade.

7. "A View From the Bridge" — Director Ivo van Hove has

stripped Arthur Miller's dark classic and made it vibrant. The barefootcastmembers warily circle each other in a revival that will shock and move.

8. "Something Rottent e — Writ-

ten by three guys making their

Broadway debuts, this musical is fresh and hysterical and irreverent, mocking Shakespeare and "Les Miserables" alike.

9. "Skylight" — A tormented Carey Mulligan, a spectacularly spiky Bill Nighy, the marvelous

newcomer Matthew Beard and director Stephen Daldry made alchemy onstage with this revival of David Hare's play about two former lovers reconnecting.

10. "Spring Awakening" — This revival mixes hearing and deaf

performers with elegant ease, adding new depth to a show about the dangers of failing to communicate. Applaud the nonprofit Deaf West Theatre in Los Angeles for making inclusionary, astonishingly alive work.

g 8 — Week of December 24, 2015

Sonora, California

THEUNIONDEMOCRAT

GOOD OLD DAYS

3amestown to be 'blessed' with eight new saloons Bob Holton

1»

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2, Sonora.

• Dear Santa, I love Christmas. We have fun on Christmas.

I do not know what I will get.

My mother and father are your friends.— Owen Sisk, Grade 2,

ft

Pl, ~/i

50 years ago Dec. 23, 1965 MORE ESCAPES — The Sierra Conservation Center lost two more inmates this morning.

The felons fled from the center in astate car shortly after 10 a.m., and wrecked the vehicle a few minutes later on O'Byrnes Ferry Road heading towards Copperopolis. They were apparently unhurt and escaped on foot from the crash scene, about one-half mile on the Tuolumne County side of O'Byrnes Ferry Bridge.

RELIEF ON THE WAY — A federal food stamp plan is being studied by Tuolumne County Supervisors. The program, for assistance to low-income families, is now underway in Humboldt, Los Angeles and Contra Costa counties, and isexpected to be extended to other counties if approval is granted by the U. S. Department of Agriculture. A family with a net monthly income of $250, forexample, receives $80 worthoffood stamps per month, thus increasing its food purchasing power by an average of 35percent.The federalfood stamp program was approved by Congress in 1964.

DOZENS OF LETTERSHere'sa very small sampling of "Santa letters" received at The Union Democrat over the past few weeks, all of which have been forwarded to the North Pole: • Dear Santa, I wish for a race track and a skate board. I have been good.— Ray Smith, Grade

YM4 flic. ' Greet i.n g® i ll tl j 5

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Cke Sweet Joad, ®isles Valuable assets cannot all be t o u s r enewed ayyreciatlon of shown ln dgures. Among our .oldassociations and the value of most valuedassets are the good new friends. bfay your Christmas will and friendship.of our patrons. be very hayyy ls the wish of The spiritof the season brings

DR. JAMES E. McCONNEI,I

To those whose frrt endshly has meant so much to us wo extend the Season'sGreetings.

Mt. View Dairy ALVIN J. SYLVA E Prop.

fr KNTI ST

Because we cannot seo each of you yersonally wo take this way ol' sending osr Christmas Greeting and Best lVtshes for a lfappy Boll.

day Season.

The Union Democrat

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Sonora Inn Coffee Shop

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YULETIDE CHEER Just to greetour fri ends, to Wish -them as we wish y'ouerrtend good wishes, to thank. f lfe's LBest ln a V e r y %terry them foryast kindnesses,and to Christmas.

May the shly of Good Fortune at Christmastide hold a cargo of cont entment aud s all - with y o u throughout the year;

, JACOBS BROS. Union Democrat archives

These Christmas greetings appeared in The Union Democrat on December 20, 1935.

Sonora.

• Dear Santa Claus, please be well at Christmas. I will be good.

My sister would like a Baby Boo Doll. I would like a bicycle. Do you like the snow? I do.— Karen Tate, Grade 2, Summerville.

74 years ago Dec. 19, 1941 As part of the war effort, the

telephonecompany urgently requests the public to refrain from makingany unnecessary telephone calls during blackouts, air raid warnings, and similar emergencies in order to keep the circuits clear for vital calls dur-

ing possible enemy attacks.

88 years ago Dec. 17, 1927

NEWS FROM DETROITDodge Brothers, Inc., is now equipping all passenger cars in its "128 n line of "fours" with the

latestand most efficient type of steel-draulic (mechanical) four-wheel brakes, a company announcement stated today. The cars comprising the new line are the sedan, the de luxe sedan, the coupe andthe cabrioletroadster.

The new four-wheel brakes are

of theexpanding band type, operating mechanically on 12inch drums. The de luxe sedan, in fact,isbeing reduced $25 in price and will hereafter sell at

$950.

104 years ago Dec. 17, 1911 BALD MT. has presented its pocket miners with generous

Sonora, California

Week of December 24, 2015 — g9

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120 years ago /FQ„.C ?.g~'..X;

Sonora Service Station

~e Extend Out.

Sest%%shes

Whoa aE the good wishes ex. od by your tv?ends have beau bes may. come true,

Like awarm, true handclasp our thoughts st tbl» Holiday season reach Out to you Iu wishing you all tbe ioyousness ol the Christmas Seasoa.

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Dee. 21, 1895 SONORA — Several boys, ranging in ages from nine to fourteen, were found to be in a stateofintoxication the other day. Sheriff Yancey busied himself about the affair, and John Bottini, who sells "Tangle-foot Wine," was arrested on a charge of misdemeanor for having furnished alcohol to the youths. He appeared before Judge Cooper yesterday, pleaded guilty and paid a $100 fine.

JAMESTOWN — We are pleased to note that "Jimtown" is still on the boom. Buildings are being reared everywhere, and this little burg will soon be blessed with eight new saloons.

box. Father Traner had his foot crushed and was injured internally.

He died Sunday. One or two others were slightly bruised.

We are informed that those who survived the mishap exonerated the driver, requested that he shallnot be discharged, and also m ade him a present of $10.

161 years ago

for the Grand Christmas Ball to be given under its auspices on the 23rd. The gala event will be held in Turn Verein Hall, and music will be furnished by the entire band membership of twenty-eight.

Dee. 16, 1854 CALAVERAS COUNTYThe citizens of Douglas Flat have taken measures to build a church. Five hundred and seventy-eight dollars have been collected and placed in the hands of a building committee.

The building to be erected will also be used as a schoolhouse.

The citizens are also forming a temperance society. This camp is a lively and thriving place. At Dec. 12, 1882 San Antonio, the miners are not • On Thursday night two boys doing much.They are only making from threeto fourdollars engaged in quite a pugilistic soas-you-please contest on Washper day. At McKinney's Humbug, ingtonstreet,and, after several there are many miners at work, rounds,proposed to take to the and some are doing well. One back streets for a wind up, but company offour men are taking were stoppedby passing citizens. out from six to seven ounces There was considerable blood per day each, and several other companiesaredoing nearly or lost, as both boys were heavy hitters. quite as well.

• Died: At Gopher Flat, Dec. COLUMBIA — We are informed that the unfortunate 9, 1882, of phenomena, Harriet Murry, in the 14th year of her wretch who was so inhumanly age. dealt with by the mob on Thurs• On Saturday last, at Priest' s day evening last, was left hangGrade, the Yosemite stage ing, suspended by the neck from overturned coming down a steep the flume until Friday, when at incline. The brakes broke and a late hour he was finally taken dowll. the driver was pitched off the

younger than 5; call the lodge for reservations by Dec. 31 at 533-1587.

held at the Armory, 695 Main St., Copperopolis; 785-4358, 785-8587.

FIRST TASTE OF THE YEAR: Copperopolis' 30th annual "FirstTast of the Year" wine tasting will feature several area wineries pouring from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9; tickets are $15 advance, $20 at the door and include an engraved souvenir wine glass, hors d'oeuvres and unlimited wine tasting; the event benefits restoring and maintaining the historic Old Church and Armory buildings, historical archive preservation and an annual history program at Copperopolis Elementary School;

SOURDOUGH SHOW:Sourdough Slim's Wild and Woolly Revue will play Saturday, Jan. 9, at Black Bart Playhouse in Murphys; doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the show at 7:30 p.m.; tickets online at wildandwoollyrevue. brownpapertickets.corn; $20 advance tickets, $25 at the door; 580 S. Algiers St., Murphya; 200-9944.

be held Jan. 14to 16 at the Twain Harte Golf Clubhouse; admission to the Gala, from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, is $15 and includes wine, hors d'oeuvres and live music; there is no admission fee from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, for the garage sale; the event supports children' s library programs and the Mi-Wuk Volunteer Library and Community Center; 586-9471.

GALA, AUCTION AND SALE: Sponsored by High Country Friends of the Library, the 11th annual Gala, Silent Auction and Garage Sale will

BIG BAND BENEFIT:Columbia Big Band benefit show at Sonora High School's auditorium; Friday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m.; $15 general admission.

hlay this christmas be tbe bright est youhave 'ever known — may It be a seasonof plenty aud ioy,

LOFT IDCCM CP 133 years ago To ILL 1933

The greatest ' satisfaction ia businessls the loy that.comes !rom human relationship. This greeung ls seat to you as an os-

pressloaol apyreelatlon ol your frreudly patrouage, and with tbe boys that your Christmas may bo aired with bappiuem.

SONDRA GARAGE

May every hour of Christmas. way, aad may sll the ioys dsy bo gay with cheer, may memories hold dear at this lrleuds make bright and'glad the sou be loined lu merry symphon

DR. C. W. SQUIRES

CHAS. SOELZ, Prop.

Christmas greetings. The Birney mine, formerly the famous Bald Mt. mine, is making gold for W. H. Rehm, Charles D. Elsbree, Ray and Len Fulcher; the Wm. Lewis claim has produced about $10,000 during the past three

weeks; and the Stewart claim

has beenyielding about $150 per day for Dan Newman and his partner, Mr. Parr.

THE SONORA BAND has all arrangementswellunder way

OENTIST

NING IAIIIIARV STORYTIME:Angels Camp Museum's preschool story time and art activity will showcase the children's book "Owl Babies," written

by Martin Waddell and illustrated

by Patrick Benson; Friday, Jan. 1, 10 a.m.; free program for preschoolers and their parents; Angels Camp Museum,753 S. Main Street; angelscamp.gov, 736-2963.

POLAR BEAR RIDE:The 19th annual Polar Bear Ride will be held Saturday, Jan. 2; the event is a one-to-two-hour

ride through the Sierra foothills with a lunch stop; leave Jamestown HarleyDavidson at noon, rain or shine; $10 donation to local charities gets a run pin for the first 250 to sign up; 9844879.

ELKS DINNER:The Sonora Elks Lodge No. 1587 will host a "Family Night Dinner" on Tuesday, Jan. 5; the meal, which will be cooked by Roger Stevens Jr. and Sr., includes chicken parmesan, vegetables, Caesar salad and more; doors open at 5 p.m. with a no-host bar and dinner served at 6 30 p.m.; tickets are $12 adults, $6 children 5 to 11, and free for children

2Q — Week of December 24, 2015

0

Sonora, California

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YI N G

Here are the movies playing Friday through Dec. 31 at Regal Cinemas 10 in Sonora:

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip Comedy adventure starring Jason Lee, Tony Hale, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Josh Green, Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney, Kaley Cuoco, directed by Walt Becker. Through a series of misunderstandings, Alvin, Simon and Theodore come to believe that Dave is going to propose to his new girl&iend in Miami...and dump them. They have three days to get to him and stop the proposal, saving themselves not only &om losing Dave but possibly from gaining a terrible stepbrother. Rated PG. One hour, 28 minutes.

Concussion Drama thriller starrmg Will Smith, Alee Baldwin, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Arliss Howard, Paul Reiser, Luke Wilson, directed by Peter Landesman. While conducting anautopsy on former NFL football player Mike Webster, forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu discovers neurological deterioration that is similar to Alzheimer's disease. Omalu names the disorder chronic traumatic encephalopathy and publishes his findings in a medical journal.

As other athletes face the same diagnosis, the crusading doctor embarks on a mission to raise pub-

• -O I s.ij,

" I;s

Tribune News Service

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler in "Sisters" (above) and "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip" (below) return for a second week.

Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julianne Moore, Willow Shields, directed

by Francis Lawrence. Realizing

leyCooper,directed by David O. Russell. This film is the wild story of afamily acrossfourgenerations centered on the girl who becomes

the stakes are no longer just for

the woman who founds a business

survival, Katniss Everdeen teams up with her closest &iends, including Peeta, Gale and Finnick for the ultimate mission. Together, they leave District 13 to liberate the citizens of war-tom Panem and assassinate President Snow, who' s obsessed with destroying Katniss.

W hat lies ahead aremortal traps, dangerous enemies and moral choices that will ultimately determine the future of millions. Rated PG-13. Two hours, 16 minutes.

dynasty and becomes a matriarch in her own right. Betrayal, treachery, the loss of innocence and thescars oflove,pave the road in this intense emotional and human comedyaboutbecoming a true boss of family and enterprise facing a world of unforgiving commerce. Allies become adversaries and adversaries become allies, both inside and outside the family, as Joy's inner life and fierce imagination carry her through the storm she faces. Rated PG-13. Two hours, 3 minutes.

In the Heart of the Sea

Drama starrmg Chris Hemsworth, Benjamin Walker and lic awareness about the dangers Cillian Murphy, directed by Ron offootball-related head trauma.

Rated PG-13. Two hours, 1 minute. Howard. In 1820, crewmen aboard the New England vessel Essex Daddy's Home face a harrowing battle for survivComedy starring Will Ferrell, al when a whale of mammoth size Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardeland strength attacks with force, lini, Hannibal Buress, directed by crippling their ship and leaving Sean Anders. This film follows a them adrift in the ocean. Pushed mild-mannered radio executive to their limits and facing storms, who strives to become the best starvation, panic and despair, stepdad to his wife's two children, the survivors must resort to the but complications ensue when their freewheeling and freeloading unthinkable to stay alive. Their incredible tale ultimately inspires real father arrives, forcing him to author Herman Melville to write compete for the affection of the "Moby-Dick." Rated PG-13. Two kids. Rated PG-13. One hour, 36 hours, 2 minutes. minutes.

Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 Adventure film stan' Jen-

nifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody

)

3oy

Comedy drama starringJennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Edgar Ramirez, Diane Ladd, Virginia Madsen, Isabella Rossellini, Brad-

Point Break Action thriller starring Edgar Ramirez, Luke Bracey, Ray Winstone,Teresa Palmer, directed by Ericson Core. A young FBI agent, Johnny Utah, infiltrates a cunning team of thrill-seeking elite athletes — led by the charismatic Bodhi. The athletes are suspected of carryingout a spate ofcrimes

in extremely unusual ways. Deep undercover, and with his life in imminent danger, Utah strives to prove they are the architects of this string of inconceivable crimes.

These action adventure feats are performed by elite athletes representing the world's best in class in big-wave surfing, wingsuit flying, sheer-face snowboarding, free rock climbing, and high-speed motorcycling. Rated PG-13. Two hours.

Sisters Comedy stamng Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, Ike Barinholtz, James Brolin, Dianne Wiest, John Cena, John Leguizamo,directed by Jason Moore. Fey and Poehler reunite for this film about two disconnected sisters summoned home to clean out their childhood bedroom beforetheirparents sellthefam ily house. Looking to recapture their glory days, they throw one final high-school-style party for their classmates, which turns into the cathartic rager that a bunch of ground-down adults really need.

Rated R. One hour, 58 minutes.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Science fiction fantasy adventure starring Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, directed by J.J. Abrams. Thirty yearsafterdefeating theGa lactic

Empire, Han Solo and his allies face a new threat from the evil KyloRen and hisarmy ofStormtroopers. Rated PG-13. Two hours, 16 minutes.

The Good Dinosaur Animated adventure film starring the voices of Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Maleah Padilla, Ryan Teeple, Jack McGraw, MarcusScribner,Raymond Ochoa, Jack Bright, directed by Peter Sohn. This film asks the question: W hat if theasteroid thatforever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? Pixar Animation Studios takes viewers on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of. Rated PG. One hour, 32 minutes.

Sonora, California

Week of December 24, 2015 -

THEUNIONDEMOCRAT

2g

OIII FTOWN IEOBYBalS

downtown Modesto; galloarts.org, 338-3105.

IN UNIFORM:The Mariposa County Arts Council and the Keith M. Bertken Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 6042 host an art exhibition titled "In Uniform" through March 20 at the Mariposa County Arts Council's Treetop Gallery; 5009 Highway 140, Mariposa; mariposaartscouncil.org.

HAGGIN MUSEUM: "Picasso, Miro & Hawaii Five-0: Prints from the Jack Lord Collection," through Jan. 10; 1201 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton; hagginmuseum.org, 940-6300.

WEST SIDE THEATRE:Red Dog Ash and Special Consensus, Jan. 16. Sourdough Slim's Wild and Woolly Revue, Jan. 23; 1331 Main St., Newman; westsidetheatre.org, 862-4490.

JACKSON RANCHERIA CASINO: Aaron Neville, Feb. 6. Lightning Boy Kory Gibbs and the Thundering Blues Band, March 4. Aaron Lewis, March 24. Paul Rodriquez, May 20; 12222 New York Ranch Road, Jackson; jacksoncasino.corn, 800-822-9466.

BEYO NDB

SUTTER CREEK THEATER: HoustonJones and Susie Glaze and the HiLonesome Band,high-octane Americana, Jan.16.Tom Rigney and Flambeau,hotcajun and zydeco, Jan. 23. Caravan of Thieves, gypsy swing, Jan. 30. Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo, jazz guitarist, Feb. 5. Claire Lynch Band, bluegrass, Feb. 13. The Ray Charles Project, Feb. 20. Maria Muldaur, March 12. Johnny Cash tribute featuring James Garner, March 19. Tempest, March 26; 44 Main St., Sutter Creek; suttercreektheater.corn.

". ~iiI

ORACLE ARENA: POP New Year' s Eve, Dec. 31. Legends of Love, featuring Chaka Khan, Feb. 14. Bay Area Festival of Laughs, March 5.

Bruce Springsteen, March 13. Justin Bieber, March 18. Carrie Underwood featuring Easton Corbin and the Swon Brothers, April 10. Rihanna featuring Travis Scott, May 7. The Who, May 19.

Adele, Aug. 2.Black Sabbath, Sept.

15. Maroon 5, Oct. 16; 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland; oracleareana.corn, 510569-2121.

'VAllEY BOB HOPE THEATRE:"R5: Sometime Last Night Tour," Jan. 26.The Temptations Review, Feb. 13. Jerry Seinfeld, March 11. Styx, March 20. Clint Black, April 27. Joe Bonamassa, April 30; 242 E. Main St., Stockton; stocktonlive.corn, 373-1400.

CAPITAL STAGE:"The Behavior of Broadus," through Jan. 3. "Love and Information," Jan. 27 to Feb. 28; 2215 J St., Sacramento; capstage.org, 916995-5464.

CARNEGIE ARTS CENTER: "Alphonse Mucha: The Golden Age of Art Nouveau," through Jan. 10. "Organic Designs," through Jan. 31; 250 N. Broadway, Turlock; carnegieartsturlock.org, 632-5761.

CROCKER ART MUSEUM: "Rain Forest Visions," through Feb. 14.

"Back to Life: Bay Area Figurative Drawings," through May 1. "Ai

DE YOUNG MUSEUM: Exhibits include "Royal Hawaiian Featherwork," through Feb. 28.

"Prints at the Fair," through Jan. 10.

"Jewel City: Art from San Francisco's Panama-Pacific International Exposition," through Jan. 10. "Oscar de la Renta," March12to May30; Golden Gate Park, San Francisco; deyoung.famsf.org, 41 5-750-3600.

Tim Nighswender i Courtesy photo

Internationally acclaimed artist and social activist Ai Weiwei's "Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads" will be on view starting next month at the Crocker Art Museum in downtown Sacramento."Ai Weiwei is recognized not only for the quality and importance of his work, but also for his strong social conscience," said Scott Shields, the Crocker's associate director and chief curator. "It is especially appropriate, too, that this sculptural group should be installed just in time for the Chinese New Year."

Weiwei: Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads," Jan. 24to May1. "Andy Warhol: Portraits," March 13 to June 19; 216 0 St., Sacramento; crockerartmuseum.org, 916-808-7000.

ENTERTAINMENT CENTER:Shen Yun, Jan. 16 to 17. The Piano Guys, Feb. 4. Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles, April 4. Joe Bonamassa, April 27; fresnoconventioncenter.corn.

FRESNO CONVENTION AND

GALLO CENTER FOR THE ARTS:

Big Earl and the Crying Shame, Jan. 16. Paul Thorn, Jan. 22. Simon & Garfunkel tribute show, Feb. 19.

Little River Band, Feb. 26. Bill Maher, March 6. Kristin Chenoweth, March 24. Blue Man Group, April Bto 9. "Les Miserables," July 22 to 31; 1000 I St.,

SAP CENTER:Harlem Globetrotters, Jan. 15 to 24. Black Sabbath, Feb. 9.

Disney on Ice: Frozen, Feb. 17 to 22.

Rihanna, "Anti World Tour," with Travis Scott, Feb. 28. Justin Bieber, "Purpose Worldwide Tour," March 17.

Ellie Goulding, April 6. Selena Gomez, May 11. Andrea Bocelli, June 4. Adele, July 30 and 31. Demi Lovato with Nick Jonas, Aug. 18; 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose; sapcenter.corn.

THE WARFIELD THEATRE:The Brian Setzer Orchestra, Dec. 24.

Slightly Stoopid, Dec. 31. Rancid, Jan. 1 and 2. "Pussy Riot in Conversation with Zarina Zabrisky," Feb. 10; 982 Market St., San Francisco; thewarfieldtheatre.corn.

22 — Week of December 24, 2015

Sonora, California

THEUNIONDEMOCRAT

©CC S©S ERRY CHRISTMASFROM OUR HOME TO YOURS! We look forward to another year of serving you, your favorite Italian meals!

We have added a delicious new salad to our menu. Our Grilled Chicken Cranberry Salad isseasoned and sauteed chicken with candied walnuts, feta cheese crumbles, and cranberries, drizzled with our raspberry vinaigrette.

We have delicious desserts that include Cannoli with chocolate chips, Tiramisu, and we have many Gelato flavor selections. We also offer Italian Sodas! Our flavors include Strawberry, Peach, Vanilla, Cherry, and Raspberry. All can be served as original Italian Sodas or made with cream.

We offer daily soups that are so flavorful! Monday-Saturday we offer our most popular Minestrone. In addition, each day we offer a soup of the day. Monday-Cream of Asparagus, Tuesday-Seafood Chowder, Wednesday-Split Pea with Smoked Ham, Thursday-Sicilian Sausage, Friday-Clam Chowder, and Saturday-Sicilian Sausage.

Do you have a wedding coming up? Pinocchio's caters all sizes of parties. Give us a call at 209-533-1996 or stop by and we will be happy to help! Please see our catering menu pic on this page for pricing.

In addition to our catering, we offer our Lasagna Rossa (red sauce lasagna) and our Lasagna Bianca (white sauce lasagna) in family size that feeds up to 8 or party size that feed up to 20. Both come with our fresh garlic bread and will feed up to 8 people. Take and bake or we will have it hot and ready for you. Give us a call to place your order.

My wife and Ithank you so much foryourbusiness,patronage,loyalty,kindness,support,and forchoosing Pinocchio's! We are blessed continuously by each and every one of you. Wevalue our customers and will always continue to bring you the best, most fresh, and delicious food we can offer. We look forward to seeing you soon!

With love, Ricky and Krisi Pinocchio

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24 — Week of December 24, 2015

Sonora, California

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