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November 24, 2016

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Brazos Valley holiday happenings

By SHAUNA LEWIS

The Eagle Several upcoming holiday events in the Brazos Valley include Christmas lights and decorations and a variety of festivities such as horse and carriage rides, photos with Santa, plays, parades and shopping.

The Texas Renaissance Festival, at 21778 FM 1774 in Todd Mission, will end its season that began on Oct. 8 with a three-day Celtic Christmas themed weekend from Nov. 25-27.

The Texas Renaissance Festival, which first opened in 1974 and is the largest Renaissance festival in the nation, features nearly 60 acres with Renaissance era entertainment, including eight themed villages lined with approximately 400 shops, 25 entertainment stages and costumed entertainers throughout the grounds.

Travis Bryant, Texas Renaissance Festival spokesman, said Celtic Christmas is his favorite themed weekend of the festival.

“It’s really one of the most magical weekends we have,” Bryant said.

During Celtic Christmas the entire festival grounds will showcase holiday music and decorations.

“After dark the whole village will be lit up with Christmas lights,” Bryant said.

Holiday-themed contests will include a fantasy costume contest and a pumpkin pie eating contest. The weekend after Thanksgiving typically kicks off holiday shopping, and Bryant said that Celtic Christmas will feature a wide array of one-of-a-kind gifts. Shops will be selling handmade items such as art, dolls, board games, toys, jewelry, pottery, stained glass, clothing and food items.

Father Christmas, the British version of Santa Claus, will also be available to take photos with children, Bryant added. Mother Christmas and the Court of Elves will be on hand to greet and entertain visitors, as well.

For those who would like to stay after dark, the festival will have a TRF After Dark event at 8 p.m. on Nov. 26, called “Naughty is Nice Ball.”

The event will feature entertainment including The Harp Twins, twin girls who play rock music on electronic harps.

Camping is also available on the festival grounds, from 8 a.m. on Nov. 24 through noon on Nov. 28.

Children 12 and under will be admitted to the festival for free on Nov. 27. For more information, visit www. texrenfest.com or call 800-458-3435.

Santa’s Wonderland Another local business providing visitors with a taste of Christmas is Santa’s Wonderland, at 18898 Texas 6 South in College Station.

The park began its holiday season on Nov. 11, and will be open through Jan. 1. It is composed of Santa’s Town, a nostalgic Texas Christmas village, and the Trail of Lights.

Visitors can choose from a hayride or a VIP horse and carriage tour for a viewing of the Trail of Lights, a display of millions of holiday lights.

Other activities include live music, shopping, a food village, visits with Santa, campfires, photos with Marshall Frostbite (Santa’s Wonderland’s mascot), a winery, a children’s train that offers rides, mechanical bull rides,

Father Christmas (right) will be available to take photos with children at the Celtic Christmas themed weekend at the Texas Renaissance Festival Nov. 25-27 in Todd Mission.

Christmas movies shown on a giant outdoor LED movie screen, a petting zoo and pony rides.

For more information, visit www. santas-wonderland.com or call 979-6907212.

Lights On Another local Christmas lights display will be available from 6-11 each night during Lights On, Nov. 24-Jan. 1, at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park, 1000 Krenek Tap Road in College Station.

Visitors to the 47-acre park can view more than one million lights. There is no admission fee.

More events Nov. 26 Holiday Sip & Shop: A Wine and Wassail Walk – The Holiday Sip & Shop event will be held from 4-8 p.m. in multiple Downtown Bryan locations.

This event provides an opportunity to leisurely stroll through stores and enjoy a sampling of wine and non-alcoholic holiday beverages while downtown is decked out for the holidays. For more details, including a list of participating businesses, visit www.downtownbryan. com.

Twilight Firelight –Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site, at 579 South Main St. in Anderson, will celebrate the holidays as if it was the 1850s during the event from 4:30-7 p.m. Visitors can tour the candle-lit historic inn restored to its 1850s appearance, and learn about its history and culture, ride a replica stagecoach, listen to period music and visit with interpreters in period clothing. A donation of $10 for adults and $5 is suggested for a stagecoach ride from the courthouse square in Anderson to Fanthorp Inn. For more information contact Jon Failor at 936878-2214 ext. 224 or jon.failor@tpwd. texas.gov.

Visitors walk by the entrance to Santa’s Wonderland, a College Station holiday-themed park consisting of Santa’s Town, a nostalgic Texas Christmas village, and the Trail of Lights. The seasonal park is open through Jan. 1.

Truce of 1914” – Performance will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Rudder Theatre, at 401 Joe Routt Blvd. in College Station.

Description: Out of the violence of the Great War’s trenches comes a silence, then a song as a young German soldier steps into a man’s land singing “Stille Nacht.” Thus begins an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music and peace.

For more information, visit mscopas. org.

Dec. 1 Nov. 28 “All is Calm: The Christmas

A teamster harnesses and hitches mules to Fanthorp Inn’s 1850s reproduction stagecoach for

Holiday Magic – Event will be held 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Sue Haswell Memorial Park, at 1142 East William J. Bryan Parkway in Bryan. Activities will include letters to Santa, sledding on real snow, hot chocolate, cookies, train rides, inflatables, pictures with Santa and holiday crafts and games. For more details, visit bryanparksandrecreation. com.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, at 1000 George Bush Drive West in College Station, will hold its annual lighting of a 19foot Christmas tree at 5:30 p.m. in the front of the museum. Modeled after the ceremony at the White House, the free event will include musical entertainment, a celebrity guest tree lighter and a public reception. The Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours will also be held from 5:30-7 p.m. in the rotunda. For more information, visit bush41.org or call 979-691-4000.

Dec. 2 Christmas in the Park – The City of College Station will hold its annual three-day event at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park, at 1000 Krenek Tap Road in College Station on Dec. 2 from 6-10 p.m., Dec. 3 from noon-10 p.m. and Dec. 4 from 6-10 p.m. Free daily activities include old-fashioned hayrides to view light displays throughout the park, free cookies and hot cocoa, and photos with Santa. On Dec. 3 visitors can enjoy dance performances, inflatables, a petting zoo, two real snow slides and a Holiday Vendor Village with a variety of items including arts, crafts, jewelry and candles. Guests may bring their own refreshments, but coolers must be 48 quarts or smaller. Alcohol, glass containers and pets are not allowed.

Food vendors will also be available.

For more information, visit cstx.gov/ Christmas or call 979-764-3486.

Jingle Bell Market – The Ant Street Inn, 107 West Commerce St. in Brenham, will host the Jingle Bell Market in the ballroom from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3. The market will have arts and crafts and handmade and rare items. Downtown shops and boutiques will stay open late on Dec. 2.

For more information, call 979-836-7393 or visit www.antstreetinn.com.

Christmas Stroll and Lighted Parade – Event in Downtown Brenham starts at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 with the

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Thursday, November 24, 2016 Frymire Auditorium, 1002 George Bush Drive West in College Station.

Free event is for ages pre-K to second grade. Consider the wisdom of the ages brought to life in these stories to inspire hearts and minds. Aesop was the champion of the underdog and sought to bring joy to all. For more information call 979-691-4014, email reservations. bush@nara.gov or visit bush41.org.

Continued from 1 lighting of the courthouse square, followed by caroling, rides on the Firetruck Invader and other activities.

On Dec. 3, there will be entertainment; story time; Sip, Shop and Stroll and other activities. The lighted, oldfashioned Christmas parade will start at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.downtownbrenham.com.

Tuba Christmas – The BryanCollege Station Public Library System will host its annual Tuba Christmas concert at 7 p.m. in front of the Carnegie History Center, 111 South Main St. in Bryan, as part of the Downtown Bryan Association’s First Friday event. Tuba, euphonium and bass players will perform. For more details, contact Larry Koeninger at lkoeninger@bryantx.gov or 979-2045411 or Peggy Noynaert at pnoynaert@ bryantx.gov or 979-209-5622. For more information, visit www.bcslibrary.org or www.tubachristmas.com.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” – The Brazos Valley TROUPE will hold showings of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at the 29th Street Studio, at 3705 E. 29th St. in Bryan, at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 2; at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 3; and at 3 p.m. on Dec. 4. Description: The Herdmans, the worst kids in town, learn the true meaning of Christmas. For more details, visit bvtroupe.com.

“Christmas with Rockapella” – Rockapella will sing all the festive favorites. Held at 6 p.m. Dec. 2-4 at Miramont Country Club, at One Miramont Blvd. in Bryan. All tickets will include a three-course meal. For more information, visit mscopas.org.

Christmas on the Square – Main Street of Caldwell will have its Christmas on the Square De c. 2-3 in Downtown Caldwell. On Dec. 2 the event will include performances by local youth, school, band and dance organizations. The next day the event will be held 3-6 p.m., and will feature bounce house s, a Who House and Grinch’s Lair, photos with Santa and the Grinch, a Christmas market, a lighted parade, a Rudy Run, holiday movies, train rides, a wreath contest, a gingerbread house contest, dancing lights on the courthouse, lighted window displays and a street dance.

The re will also be a Red & Green Chili Cook-Off starting with registration at 6:30 a.m., and wrapping up with a best booth and ugly sweater contest at 5:30 p.m.; awards at 6:30 p.m.; and a free street dance at 7 p.m. For more details, visit www.facebook.com/ christmasonthesquarecaldwell or contact 979-567-3901 or mainstreet@ caldwelltx.gov.

Dec. 9

The Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site’s Christmas on the Brazos event in Washington, featuring Barrington’s Candlelight Christmas will be held Dec. 10. The Candlelight Christmas feature includes a tabletop tree decorated with candles.

Dec. 3 35th annual Christmas Arts & Crafts Show – Will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 at the Brazos. Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive in Bryan. The Christmas gift shopping event will feature more than 100 booths offering items such as handmade jewelry, wearable art, ceramics, homemade jellies, salsa and sweets.

For more information, visit http:// elmoreproductions.net.

“The Nutcracker Ballet” – Ballet Brazos will hold two performances of “The Nutcracker Ballet” at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Rudder Auditorium, at 401 Joe Routt Boulevard in College Station. For more details, visit balletbrazos.org.

Holidays in the Rotunda – Held 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at George Bush Presidential Library and Museum’s rotunda and classroom, at 1000 George Bush Drive West in College Station. The fre e annual eve nt will take place in front of the museum’s decorated 19-foot Christmas tree in the rotunda, and will feature live entertainment and Santa’s Workshop.

Children will be able to make holiday ornaments in the classroom, while a variety of entertainers will perform in the rotunda. Cookies, hot chocolate and punch will be served. Visitors can bring a camera for photos with Santa.

Collection boxes will be available at the event near the main entrance, to collect canned and non-perishable food items for the Food for Families holiday food drive. For more information call 979-691-4014, email reservations.bush@ nara.gov or visit bush41.org.

Dec. 4 Jingle Bell Fun Run – The Colle ge

Station Parks & Recreation Department will hold its 27th annual Jingle Bell Fun Run at 1:15 p.m., followed by the B/CS Christmas Parade. The twomile run starts at the intersection of University Drive and South College Avenue, and ends at the intersection of Texas Avenue and Villa Maria Road.

Registration is $20, and will be held through Nov. 25. Dogs are welcome. The run will not be time d, and a shuttle will be available to pick up participants at the end of the route to transport them back to the start line. Participants can register at rectrac.cstx.gov or at the Stephen C. Beachy Central Park, at 1000 Krenek Tap Road in College Station.

Packet pick-up will be Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit cstx.gov/christmas or contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 979-764-3486 or parks@ cstx.gov.

B/CS Christmas Parade – Held at 2 p.m. starting at Parking Lot 50 on University Drive (near the intersection with College Avenue), continuing to Texas Avenue and ending at Sulphur Springs in Bryan. For more information, visit bcsparade.com.

Choral Holiday Concert – Held at 3 p.m. at Rudder Auditorium, at 401 Joe Routt Blvd. in College Station. Hear the Century Singers, Singing Cadets and the Women’s Choir perform their annual Holiday Concert. For more information, call 979- 845-5974.

Dec. 6 Holiday Gift of Aesop: Storytelling by Barbara Hailey – 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Annenberg Presidential Conference Center’s

Check out the Christmas Day Edition of T he Eagle for all the local business holiday greetings!

Downtown Bryan Christmas Parade – Lighted Christmas parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. at 24th and Bryan streets, head south, turn on 28th Street and head back up Main Street. Parade will feature floats, vehicles, fire engines and Santa. For more information, visit www.downtownbryan.com.

Second annual Cocoa and Carols Sing Along – Held 7-8 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 217 West 27th St. in Bryan. Free admission.

Join in singing traditional carols at the church, following the Downtown Christmas Parade. Enjoy cookies and cocoa afterward, while listening to the bell choir play.

“Laugh Out Loud! Holiday Ha-Ha Edition”- The Brazos Valley TROUPE will hold showings of this holiday play at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 9 and Dec. 10, at the 29th Street Studio, at 3705 E. 29th St. in Bryan. Description: BVT’s improv team, The Oxymorons, are back for another season series of guaranteed laughs generated by family-friendly suggestions. For more information, visit bvtroupe.com.

Dec. 10 Breakfast with Santa – 9 a.m. to noon at Lincoln Recreation Center, 1000 Eleanor St. in College Station.

Enjoy a free breakfast. Activities will include entertainment, Christmasthemed carnival games and more. All participants ages 15 and under will receive a gift from Santa. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 979.764.3779 or visit cstx.gov/lincolncenter.

Holiday Storytime Party – Held 10-11 a.m. at Larry J. Ringer Library, 1818 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South in College Station. Free winter wonderland-themed party for all ages will feature crafts, stories and food. For more information, call 979-764-3416.

Brazos Valley Christmas Community Concert – Free concert held at 7 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2815 Welsh Ave. in College Station. The concert will feature uplifting Christmas music and a viewing of nativity sets from

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Thursday, D4 November 24, 2016

Our Neighbors

Sunday, November 20, 2016 3

Tell us your good news

Email the details and high-quality digital photos to neighbors@theeagle. com. Photo prints and information can also be dropped off at our office, at

Warming up the crowd

1729 Briarcrest Drive in Bryan during business hours. News items may also be faxed to 776-8923. The submission deadline is Tuesday at 10 a.m.

ROSS STARS AT McMURRY

B.J. Ross of Bryan was recently named a National Christian College Athletic Association Student-Athlete of the Week.

Ross, the quarterback for the McMurry University football team in Abilene, had a hand in three touchdowns in McMurry’s 34-28 come-from-behind win over Louisiana College on Nov. 5. Ross had 311 yards of total offense, throwing touchdown passes of 12 and 4 yards and scoring a 4-yard rushing touchdown.

Ross is a 2016 graduate of Bryan High School.

PROMOTIONS

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Members of this year’s Aggie Dance Team warm up the crowd during the Aggie Women’s basketball home opener in Reed Arena.

cS cHEERLEADERS College Station High School cheerleaders have been invited to perform in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida on Dec. 31.

The teams invited to perform in the pre-game performance are trophy winners from Universal Cheerleaders Association. Ten squad members will travel to Orlando for a week of rehearsals prior to their Citrus Bowl pre-game performance.

The cheerleaders performing are Amanda Billiter, Halle Fouch, Bella Guterrez, Katie Horton, Logan James, Katelyn Kocman, Meagan McMurray, Emily Turner, Celestial Van Cleef and Katie Varner.

While in Florida, the cheerleaders will visit Disney World.

For more information or to sponsor the team, visit www.CSHSCheerCitrus.com or contact Susan Keough with College Station High School at 694-5800 or skeough@csisd.org.

The game will be televised on ABC.

DOWNLOAD THE THEEAGLE.COM APP FOR iOS & ANDROID Breaking news • Sports highlights Photo galleries • Latest headlines • Weather

Brazos County Sheriff Chris Kirk recently announced the promotions of Deputy Tracy Hamilton and Lieutenant Sean McCarroll. Hamilton joined the Sheriff’s Office in 2010 as a detention officer, and recently received her Peace Officer Certification from TEEX. Hamilton will now be assigned to the Patrol Division. McCarroll has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 1993 and most recently worked as a Criminal Investigator. With his new rank, McCarroll will be assigned to the Special Services Division, where he will oversee the training, recruiting and crime prevention divisions.

HELPING THOSE IN NEED

The Maternity Department at CHI St. Joseph Hospital recently received a gift of more than 300 infant caps, 300 sock puppets and greeting cards to give to families in need. The items were crafted and donated by 80 youth and their leaders from local congregations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who spent a Saturday morning creating the items and delivering them to the hospital.

4 Sunday, November 20, 2016

Thursday, November 24, 2016 D5

PET PARADE

BETA SIGMA PHI

The Eagle is looking for pictures of your pet lounging around, causing mischief or snoozing in the sun. Submissions could be featured in the paper and on theeagle.com.

Send your cutest pet photo to news@theeagle.com and we’ll print a selection every Sunday.

Please include the owner’s name and hometown, pet’s name and names of anyone in the photograph.

Andi is ready to find some bargains while Black Friday shopping.

The cat lives with owners Susan and Raymond Olson at The Nest Bed, Breakfast and Spa in College Station.

The Gamma Gamma Master chapter of the Beta Sigma Phi International Sorority bestowed the Torch Bearer Degree on Susan Adams, Jan Bannett, Joyce Meads and Diana Kratchman recently. The Torch Bearer Degree is the seventh and highest degree. To receive it, members must have been active for 12 years in the Master degree and complete cultural programs.

VETERANS DAY

Allen Academy held a special Veterans Day assembly at the school Nov. 11. Guest speakers were Cmdr. Christopher Marrs, executive officer of the Naval ROTC unit at Texas A&M, and Brig.

Gen. Joe Ramirez Jr., commandant of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M. The Allen Academy band, orchestra, and the entire Lower School performed military and patriotic songs. Alex Jones, a member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, concluded the assembly with taps.

KEEPING BOWLS FULL

Michael Pentecost says his cat Smudge likes to “help” with the laundry in his Downtown Bryan apartment.

Rusty is spoiled rotten by his owners Mike and Deborah Armstead of College Station. The dog will celebrate his 11th birthday in December.

Dexter and Rhyder are always ready to play, especially when a ball is involved. The pair of dogs belong to Ashley and Robbie Lozanski.

The 11th annual Empty Bowls project raised about $5,000 for the Brazos Valley Food Bank. The project aims to raise awareness about hunger. Hundreds of hand-crafted bowls were painted by volunteers for the event, and participants who made a minimum donation of $20 received a lunch of soup, bread and water along with the purchase of their selected bowl. The event was sponsored by U Paint-It in College Station.

Danno was adopted from the Bryan Animal Shelter in 2013.

He currently resides with John and Kathryn Thomas in College Station. He recently won re-election as the Commander in Chief of the household. Won in a landslide. The dogs were afraid to vote against him.

Note: His personal cup of catnip next to him.

BRIDGE SCORES The Nov. 11 Star Duplicate Bridge winners were: N/S -- 1.

Sheryl Pace and Richard Duble, 2. Phyliss Maness and Joe Nance; E/W -- 1. Jane Turner and Dan Turner, 2. Sandie Murphy and Diane Rektorik.

The Nov. 14 Star Duplicate Bridge winners were: N/S -- 1.

Puddin Barnes and Jim Evans, 2. Karen Bachman and Maxine Nobbman; E/W -- 1. Beth Stuart and Ridley Ruth, 2. Harry Suggs and Alan Wolfenden.

CALENDAR Monday

Star Duplicate Bridge Club, 9:15 a.m. Brazos Center. For partnerships, call ahead 703-1769.

College Station Noon Lions Club, noon. Hilton Hotel.

690-8525. New members welcome. Check website for program: www.csnoonlions. org/.

Community Bible Study (a non-denominational Bible study for men or women), 7 to 8:30 p.m. First Baptist Church, 2300 Welsh Ave., College Station. The Gos-

pel of Matthew – a 28-week College Station Kiwanis of the American RevoluClub, noon. Paolo’s Italstudy meeting Monday evetion, 6:30 p.m. Outback ian Kitchen, 809 Univernings. Call 575-0992 for Steakhouse, College Stasity Drive, College Station. more information. tion. Prospective members 450-3236.

Brazos Valley Community welcome. www.txssar.org/ Band, 7:15 p.m. Covenant Brenham Rotary Club, noon.

Independence/.

Faith Mission Canner y Game Night for senior adults, Presbyterian Church.

Kitchen, 314 Alamo St., 7 to 9 p.m. Southwood Brenham. Brenhamrotary.

Community Center. Table Br yan Noon Lions Club, org. games and dominoes pro11:30 a.m. Brazos Cen- Bluegrass Jam Session, 1:30 vided or bring your own fater, 3232 Briarcrest Drive. to 3:30 p.m. Southwood vorite game. 764-6371 or 776-8338.

Community Center. Open mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Brazos County Senior Citito all senior adults who zens Association potluck enjoy listening or playing luncheon, noon. 1402 bluegrass music. Begin- College Station Morning Lions Club, 7 a.m. College Station Bristol St., Bryan. Visitors ners welcome.

Hilton, 801 University Drive welcome. 822-6873.

Independence Chapter, Sons

Tuesday

Wednesday

t e p a r Sponso

E., College Station. 846partnerships, call ahead 4039.

703-1769.

Learn to play 42 dominoes, Brazos County Senior Cit9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Southizens Association potwood Community Center. For luck luncheon, noon. senior adults. 764-6351 or 1402 Bristol St., Bryan. mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Visitors welcome. 822Bryan Rotary Club, noon. Bri6873. arcrest Country Club. Bryan- Friday Bridge, 12:30 to 3:30 rotary.org. p.m. 1402 Bristol St., Bryan.

No partners needed. Hosted by the Brazos County Senior Thanksgiving Citizens Association. 8226873.

Friday Night Jam Session, 6 Star Duplicate Bridge to 10 p.m. VFW Post 4006.

Club, 9:15 a.m. Pebble Everyone is welcome. AdCreek Country Club. For mission is free.

Thursday Friday

in our Adopt-A-Pet Section!

Call today and be a Sponsor.

Include your Business Logo or as an Individual Sponsor.

Call for more information and details

979.731.4737

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Diversions

5 D5

CIVIL RIGHTS COMIC WINS

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS

March: Book 3, a graphic novel about the later years of the civil rights movement, won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. John Lewis, a congressman from Georgia and one of the key players in the movement, collaborated on the book series.

Former Beatles drummer Pete Best is 75. Actor Dwight Schultz (The ATeam) is 69. Actor Colin Hanks is 39.

Actress Katherine Heigl (left) is 38.

Actress Sarah Hyland is 26.

Struggling with abuse in family relationships

D

AP photo James Hetfield, left, and Kirk Hammett of Metallica perform at Webster Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2016, in New York.

Review: Metallica roars on new album

By JIM HARRINGTON The Mercury News

Metallica had never gone longer without issuing a new studio album, making fans wait eight years for a follow up to 2008’s double-platinumcertified Death Magnetic.

Yet, Hardwired ... to Self Destruct proves worth the wait.

The legendary band’s 10th album, which hits stores on Nov. 18, finds vocalist-guitarist James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo in dominant form, flexing through one mighty metal number after another.

It’s an album that starts off strong and just keeps getting better. The most accessible, catchiest tracks are loaded up front — especially title

number Hardwired and Atlas, Rise! — while the second half is more complex and ambitious, filled with material that should continue to reveal its treasures over time.

The record has some incredibly bleak and dark moments — even by Metallica standards. Hetfield sounds like the voice of a divided nation on the fantastic opening number, Hardwired, a tune that should remain in the band’s live repertoire for the rest of its career.

“In the name of desperation/In the name of wretched pain/In the name of all creation/Gone insane” Then comes the punch line: “We’re so [expletive].”

Yeah, there are a lot of people who can identify with

those lyrics right about now.

And, in that sense, Metallica has once again delivered an album that echoes and underscores the mood of millions.

But, ultimately, this isn’t about adding to the despair.

It’s more about exorcising the demons, as we find reassurance in the growl of the amazing Mr. Hetfield on such offerings as Atlas, Rise!

“All you bear/All you carry/All you bear/Place it right on, right on me” The music, written by Hetfield and Ulrich (with an assist from Trujillo on ManUNkind), is proudly punishing, combining machinegun rhythms with the kind of fret fireworks we’ve come to expect from Hetfield and Hammett. Ulrich, in particular, is an absolute titan here.

ear Annie: As a child, I endured horrible physical and verbal abuse by my parents. As an adult, I found myself in an abusive relationship with a man. He lied to me about having a vasectomy and intentionally got me pregnant to keep me in his life “forever.’’

I was pregnant and destitute with nowhere to turn, so I made the biggest mistake of my life. I contacted my parents. They fed me and made sure I had everything I needed for my son. Over the years, I allowed my son to have a very limited relationship with them, and I monitored it closely. I thought I was protecting my son by not telling him all of the horrible things my parents and his father did to me.

Now my son is 18 and has a very negative opinion of me. He moved in with my parents. It turns out that both my parents and his father have done nothing but badmouth me in every way to my son for years. They must make stuff up about me, because I have never given them any reason to say bad about me. I am a good, kind person. I have spent my life helping others. I have also been in counseling since I became pregnant, making sure I don’t continue the cycle of abuse.

My parents and my son’s father have destroyed the relationship between my son and me. Because they spoil him rotten, he believes everything they say. He treats me not based on how I’ve treated him but based only on how my parents and his father talk about me. I am devastated to have lost my son to them. I have tried telling him the truth about them, but now it is too late. I have tried counseling with my son, as well. The therapist did not realize the scope of the abuse, so counseling failed. Now my son won’t go to counseling anymore.

DEAR ANNIE I feel that I am still being abused, and I am completely hopeless.

Is there any way at all to get my son back? — Hopeless in NY Dear Hopeless: I’m sorry for your separation from your son.

Because he is 18, there is no legal course you can take here. Time is the only thing that can give your son back to you. Focus on your own well-being, physically and mentally. Be the healthiest you that you can be. As he matures more, he should be able to see for himself that Grandma and Grandpa aren’t telling the whole story.

Dear Annie: I grew up in the 1950s and was taught by parents, schoolteachers and preachers that a man isn’t supposed to wear any kind of head covering indoors. This was further enforced by drill sergeants when I joined the Army. Now it seems that just about anywhere you go, including restaurants, there are some men sitting and wearing hats or caps, even while eating. Have the rules of common courtesy changed that much? I think it looks disgusting. — Appalled Dear Appalled: Unfortunately, it’s a custom that seems to have fallen by the wayside, as fashion and what’s considered acceptable have changed a great deal in general. I doubt that the people who wear hats indoors know it is rude to do so; perhaps they were never taught. But I agree with you. It would be nice if we could lift up those baseball hats and show them some manners.  Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

HOROSCOPES The stars show the kind of day you’ll have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)  Your friends have a different impression of a certain matter than you do.

Try to keep money out of the discussion. How you spend or invest your money is your business — no one else’s. Nevertheless, everyone will want to weigh in. Tonight: Wherever the turkey can be found.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)  You feel the pressure to verbalize a wish, especially right now. Avoid all power plays, no matter what.

A decision you make is the way it is going to be. Others mean well, but they might not express their ideas clearly.

Don’t become resentful. Tonight: Take a walk after a great dinner.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)  You might be in the mood to be less involved with others and will want to escape challenging communication. Think rather than act; the results will be better. What was a restriction around a friendship could suddenly disappear.

Tonight: Take the high road.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)  To have a successful conversation, both parties must be willing to open up.

You will find that a personal situation is dominating your thoughts. You might not be able to tame someone else’s will and desire. A friend could become too pushy. Tonight: Where the action is.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)  Passion rules several moments of your day.

Others could be churning up the waters. Pressure builds to socialize as well. Willingly

make a schedule adjustment.

A close friend or loved one could be shocked by your innate rebelliousness as it surfaces. Tonight: Defer.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)  Pace yourself �you always wind up with more to do than you originally had anticipated. Your sense of direction emerges later in the day, when a friend demands to be in control in order to get what he or she wants. You know how to handle this issue. Tonight: Opt for togetherness.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)  Defer to others, and know full well what to do and why. You might receive an unusual amount of demands from a key person in your life.

You can be caring, but that by itself is unlikely to work in troubled waters. Recognize your limits. Tonight: Mix mischief with your turkey.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)  You might want to

SUDOKU

be defiant or cause a problem.

Is it worth the hassle? Some people can’t just float from one mood to another like you can.

Someone could carry quite a grudge for a while. Know what you need to do to change the beat. Tonight: Home is your castle.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)  You could be in the mood to do something very different. Others might react strongly, as they tend to prefer proven methods. Your creativity can be threatening to many people; today is no exception. Be willing to change direction. You know what you want. Tonight: Speak up.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)  You might find yourself waffling between two alternatives. Each has its limits, but neither really suits you. Find a different solution, and you will be a lot happier. Others will like your positive attitude and smile once you find your path. Tonight: Expect a little surprise.

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Level: MODERATE

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9 without repeating a digit. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www. sudoku.org.uk.

The solution for today’s puzzle will be on tomorrow’s Diversions page.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

 You could be much

more positive about a situation if you weren’t so concerned about the results. Stay present in the moment. Be more direct in how you handle a personal matter. You might decide to break the status quo. Give it a try! Tonight: The world is your oyster.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)  Slow down and refuse to get into a difficult situation that is uncomfortable. You’ll want to spend more time with a loved one, yet you might fear another person’s reaction. You will do what you want. The less said, the better. No one needs uproar right now. Tonight: Play it cool.

— Jacqueline Bigar

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Log on to

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6

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Continued from 2 around the world. This event showcases vocals and instrumental performances by community members from local churches, A&M Consolidated High School vocal ensemble members, Brazos Valley Symphony members and local community theater performers.

Ages 8 and up invited, and Christmas attire is encouraged. For more information, call Bishop Nathan Sharp at 979-224-6062.

Magic of Christmas – Held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Brazos County Expo, 5827 Leonard Road in Bryan.

The fre e community event hosted by CHI St. Joseph will include crafts, refreshments, a strolling magician, Christmas music, ornament making, a silent auction, bounce houses, train rides and face paintings. For more information, call 979-774-2187.

Christmas on the Brazos – Held at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, 23400 Park Road in Washington. “An Afternoon with Dickens” will be held 1-3 p.m. at Independence Hall, where staff will be dressed in period clothing and will regal visitors with tales of Olde Time Christmas as told by author Charles Dickens. At 4 p.m. “Christmas Lore and Traditions” will be held at Independence Hall; this program will show how people embraced Christmas in early Texas. From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Star of the Republic Museum, there will be a make-andtake period crafts session. Regular admission fees apply, but there will

be no charge for crafts. From 5:30-9 p.m. Barrington Living History Farm will hold its Candlelight Christmas event, where visitors can celebrate an 1850s Christmas and meet St. Nick.

The eve nt will include the lighting of a Christmas tree, carol singing and an evening service with a traveling minister, and visitors can discover how enslaved people celebrated Christmas. For more information, visit wheretexasbecametexas.org.

Home for the Holidays – Held 10 a.m.-6 p.m. in Downtown Navasota, which will be transformed into a winter wonderland. Ice skating will be available from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Starting at noon the area around City Hall will feature a Christmas train, snow slide and more. Many downtown businesses will also host activities throughout the day, such as photos with Santa, live dulcimer music and cookie decorating.

Several nonprofit organizations will be selling items such as holiday snacks, beverages and crafts throughout the day. At 6 p.m. the event will feature the Christmas Parade, followed by the lighting of the community Christmas tree at City Hall at 7 p.m. For more information, call 936-825-6475.

Dec. 11 Holiday Pops Concert – 5 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, 2201 Earl Rudder Freeway in College Station. Hear favorites such as “Silent Night” and “Jingle Be lls,” participate in an interactive sing-along and attend a cookie reception following the concert.

Performance will fe ature the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra brass

The Brazos Valley Symphony performs during last year’s Holiday Pops Concert at Christ United Methodist Church in College Station. and percussion musicians, organist James Faith, The Sanctuary Choir, The Canticle Ringers of Christ United Methodist Church and the Colle ge Station High School Women’s Choir. For more information, visit bvso.org.

Dec. 12 Holiday Concert – Held at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1100 Carter Creek Parkway in Bryan. Enjoy the chorale’s interpretations of familiar holiday songs, and join in singing. For more information, call 979-476-8199 or visit bvchorale.org.

Dec. 13 Holiday Gifts on the Cheap – Free event held 4:30-6 p.m. at Larry J. Ringer Library, 1818 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South in College Station. Participants will make simple, inexpensive holiday gifts. Supplies provided. For more information, call 979-764-3416.

Dec. 17

Dec. 14 Holiday Open House – 10 a.m.noon at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Seniors are invited to visit informational stations highlighting local senior programs. Event will also feature holiday treats, entertainment, door prizes, special guests and Mr. and Mrs. Claus attending to take photos with guests. For more information, contact Marci Rodgers at mrodgers@ cstx.gov or 979-764-6371.

Dec. 15

Children color at the City of College Station’s Breakfast with Santa event last year. The event includes a free breakfast and holiday activities.

Dec. 16 “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” – The Brazos Valley TROUPE will hold showings of the play at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 16 and at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 17, at the 29th Street Studio, at 3705 E. 29th St. in Bryan. Will showcase the best of holiday tunes, including pop, R&B, comedy, country and western, traditional and sacred holiday music – performed by current and past TROUPE members. For more details, visit bvtroupe.com.

Polar Express Pajama Party – The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley, at 4001 East 29th St. in Bryan, will hold the Polar Express Pajama Party from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Dec. 16 and 17. The event will feature a pajama party at the museum, with train rides, dinner, crafts, story time and a visit from Santa. Cost is $20 per child and $10 per adult. For more information, visit www.cmbv.org or call 979-779-5437.

Brenham Children’s Chorus Christmas Concert – Held at 7 p.m. on Dec. 15 and Dec. 16 at Brenham’s First Baptist Church, 304 North Market St. For more information, visit www. brenhamchildrenschorus.com.

Breakfast with Santa – Will be held from 9-11 a.m. at Neal Recreation Center, 600 North Randolph Ave. in Bryan. Ages 12 and under are invited to enjoy breakfast, holiday crafts, cookies, hot chocolate and pictures with Santa. Free for Neal Recreation Center members, $5 for non-members.

Registration begins Dec. 1. For more details, visit BryanParksandRecreation. com.

Dec. 31 The Queen’s Ball – The Queen’s Ball New Ye ar’s Eve party is being held at Blackwater Draw from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. This ticketed event features hors d’oeurves, a cash bar, DJ, casino and a champagne toast at midnight. All proceeds from the event will go toward the restoration of the Queen Theatre.

For more information, visit www. downtownbryan.com.

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