Oregon Coast TODAY by Oregon Coast TODAY

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IBy Gretchen Ammerman Oregon Coast TODAY

Featuring: Lori Latham, Abstract Painter & Kelly Howard, Master Glass Blower

Artists' Reception at Volta Gallery

Saturday, Nov 23rd, 4:30 - 7pm

t’s not that I don’t look forward to all of the information we receive weekly to help us fill these pages, but it is with particular delight that I see the words “Seven Capes Bird Alliance,” formerly Audubon Society of Lincoln City, in my inbox. Because with those press releases come at least two and often up to five of Ruth Shelly’s amazing bird photos.

She really captures the personalities of her subjects, like the gull to the right, trying with all of his might to ingest a sea star twice the size of his head.

I asked Ruth about the organization’s recent name change.

“About two years ago we had decided to change it because we cover more areas than just Lincoln City,” she said. “There was also a movement starting to happen in Audubon Societies all over the country to disassociate from the name. Audubon owned slaves,

desecrated indigenous graves and was known as a white supremacist. We want to be a welcoming and inclusive group and didn’t want people to feel excluded by the name.”

Hearing that Portland had used the word “alliance” in their new name provided a base for the local group.

“We felt the word alliance really spoke to what we are all about. But we next had to describe our service area in a way that was natural, not political. Our new name reflects that we cover south from Cape Perpetua to Arch Cape in the north. Several other organizations are now choosing the word alliance in their names, so ‘bird alliance’ is becoming a healthy new name for former Audubon chapters across the country.”

As I write this it is election day, and I hope our country can take a page from this small group of local birders. See details of their upcoming outing on page 22.

435 Promontory Ln, Oceanside

210 Capes Dr. Oceanside 9350 Whiskey Creek Rd, Netarts

1410 Sunset, Oceanside

Caramel

SALISHAN

Rug Ba

Whet your appetite for crafts, in Newport

After rebranding its annual winter market as the Coastal Creations

Artisan Market, Newport Parks and Recreation also added a new Artists

Reception to start the weekend. The reception will take place this Friday, Nov. 8, followed by the market on Saturday, Nov. 9.

The reception is only for people aged 21 and older and tickets are $10.

“Our fall Artisan Market was already a big success, so we wanted to add something unique that also gives the artists another opportunity to showcase their work and talents,” said Recreation Program Specialist Jenni Remillard. “The artists are really excited. Some of them are even planning on talking about what goes into creating their raw materials and bringing in pictures of that process, while others will be doing live painting, spinning of yarn, felting, jewelry making, wood burning and more. This is a great opportunity for people to get an upclose look at a variety of art processes.”

The Flying Dutchman Winery will offer free tastings and Siren’s Lure Bakery

will have food and signature baked goods available for purchase. One food item is included with admission. The evening will be rounded out with Native American flute music by two-time Grammy nominee Vince Redhouse.

The Coastal Creations Artisan Market will bring together more than 80 artists in the center’s large and small gyms as well as the dance studio.

“Shifting to an artisan market opens up avenues for us to showcase more artists, especially with Newport’s thriving artisan scene,” Remillard said. “The items our artists bring are a wonderful variety from 3D-printed items to fine art paintings and everything in between. There really is something for everyone.”

The Artist’s Reception runs from 6:30 to 8:30 pm this Friday, Nov. 8, and the Coastal Creations Artisan Market is from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, Nov. 9. The Newport Recreation Center is located at 225 SE Avery Street. For more information, go to newportoregon.gov or call 541-265-4859.

in concert

JAt home on the stage

im-Isaac Chua, an award-winning pianist with a passion for supporting nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity, will perform at the inaugural Keys for Homes: Concert for a Cause fund-raiser this Friday, Nov. 8, in Newport.

“We’re thrilled to host Jim-Isaac for what is sure to be a spectacular evening,” said Lucinda Taylor, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln County. “I was blown away by his talent and his enthusiasm for supporting stronger communities. I especially appreciate his passion for making his music accessible to all. His target audience is absolutely everyone, from classical music lovers to anyone hearing a piano concert for the first time.”

Currently living in Poland, Chua grew up in Tri-Cities Washington, where he began volunteering at a young age and was introduced to the Habitat organization.

“Growing up thinking about this organization and meeting people from it I realized how important this cause is because a home is one of the most important things to have,” he said. “It’s also very inspiring because when you are going out and performing in different places like I do, you realize even more the importance of home. Habitat is an organization I have a lot of love and respect for.”

During Chua’s fall 2023 tour of the United States, Poland and the Philippines, the Filipino-American pianist gave more than

a dozen concerts in notable halls such as Krzysztofory Palace, CSI Fine Arts Center and Fernan Cebu Press Center where the Cebu Arts Society wrote that, “[Chua] gifted us with one of the most beautiful piano performances we have ever seen.”

The underlying theme and message of the concerts is home, whether it is the physical place or the people closest to you.

“Several of the composers were in exile and/or lost people very close to them,” Chua said, “so it is a message everyone can relate to, and one closely related to Habitat for Humanity’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.”

Chua will introduce each piece so that everyone has the chance to appreciate and love the masterfully composed music.

“I like to talk to the audience members, especially about the theme of the concert,” he said. “This concert is really open for everyone, even people who have not heard classical music before. We want this event to be as warm and friendly as possible because gathering around music is a wonderful way to bring different people together.”

Friday’s concert will start at 7:30 pm at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, located at 333 SE Bay Blvd. in Newport. The fundraising event will include a wine pull and silent auction, including an opportunity to win lunch with Chua and Taylor.

For more information and ticket sales, go to habitatlincoln.org/keys-for-home.

Grand Funk Railroad pulls into Lincoln City this Saturday All aboard!

Iconic, multi-platinum rock group Grand Funk Railroad will take the stage at Chinook Winds Casino Resort this Saturday, Nov. 9, as part of their 2024 “The LocoMotion Tour.”

The group, famed for the hit “We’re an American Band,” will perform several of their Top 40 tunes, packed with soulful vocals, muscular instrumentation and forceful pop melodies. The high-energy, five-piece group includes two original founding members: drummer and vocalist Don Brewer, who wrote and provided the vocals for “We’re an American Band;” and bassist Mel Schacher, called the “The God of Thunder” by his fans.

“We’ve gotten to that age where it’s a little difficult to find bands that have been around as long as we have that have two founding members,” Brewer said. “We’ve been through ups and downs and we feel very fortunate to still be together. We are brothers in life.”

Brewer, Schacher and former founding member Mark Farner have even been mentioned in an episode of “The Simpsons.”

“I remember I got the script from them for our approval and I loved that they were going to mention each one of us by name,” Brewer said. “It was kind of weird but in a very good way.”

Joining Brewer and Schacher are singer Max Carl of 38 Special, lead guitarist Mark Chatfield of The Godz and keyboardist Tim Cashion, former guitarist for Bob Segar and Robert Palmer. Carl penned and sang 38’s biggest hit, “Second Chance,” and was co-founder of California’s legendary Jack Mack and the Heart Attack. Brewer refers to him as “the best blue-eyed soul singer on the planet.” Chatfield also played guitar and toured with Bob Seger’s Silver Bullet Band for more than three decades.

Originating from Flint, Michigan, this top selling American rock group of the ’70s laid the groundwork for such bands as Foreigner, Journey and Van Halen. The fact that Grand Funk’s legacy still looms over the Classic Rock

landscape after 55 years is a testament to the group’s influence and staying power. Their mega-hits, which also include “I’m Your Captain/ Closer to Home” and “Some Kind of Wonderful” still receive airplay on Classic Rock radio.

“We’ve always played what I call honest rock and roll,” Brewer said. “We could finish a record in three days. We didn’t overcomplicate things and spend two years examining the fuzz in our navels. I think the music speaks for itself. I look in the audience when we are playing a song like “Some Kind of Wonderful” and there are four generations there that know the song.”

“We’re an American Band” has received notoriety in recent years, being used in movie soundtracks as well as television and radio advertising. The huge hit was featured in a General Motors national TV ad campaign and in Disney’s animated feature film “The Country Bears,” the Cuba Gooding Jr. film “Radio” and in the swashbuckler “Sahara” starring Matthew McConaughey.

Internationally acclaimed Grand Funk has toured the world, selling out in the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan and South America. A 1971 performance at New York’s Shea Stadium sold out faster than The Beatles. The group’s widespread appeal is also evident in its prestigious recording achievements. Throughout their career, Grand Funk has had 19 charted singles, eight Top 40 hits and two Number One singles. The group has now accumulated seven gold and 10 certifications with record sales in excess of 25 million copies

sold worldwide. Most recently, “We’re an American Band” and “Some Kind of Wonderful” each went platinum in 2022. The multi-talented band carries on the tradition of Grand Funk hits and creates a new chapter in the legacy of the band, who drew 25,000 people to their Molson Canal Series Concert outside Buffalo, 20,000 in Albany, New York and 20,000 fans to downtown Orlando, Florida.

“I still love getting up on stage and making a fool of myself,” Brewer said. “The only thing I get tired of is traveling. But I never get tired of the songs. There are artists that don’t want to play their hits, but that’s what you are known for and that’s what people come to hear. I just want the audience to arrive ready to sweat and smile.”

Grand Funk Railroad takes to the stage at 8 pm this Saturday, Nov. 9, at Chinook Winds Casino Resort, located 1777 NW 44th Street in Lincoln City. For more information, go to chinookwindscasino.com or call 888-244-6665.

A passport to adventure in Lincoln City

Explore Lincoln City and Lincoln City Parks and Recreation have launched the new Lincoln City Hiking Trails Passport. This latest addition to the Adventure Passports collection invites visitors and locals to explore nine of Lincoln City’s most scenic and diverse hiking trails.

The Adventure Passports currently include digital passports for the Lincoln City Art Trail, Lincoln City Tap & Brew Trail and Exploriences Passport. These digital interactive guides offer a curated selection of experiences, from scenic hiking trails to local craft breweries, each revealing hidden treasures and insider tips. By blending technology with exploration, the passports provide immersive and educational journeys, enabling visitors to explore Lincoln City’s natural wonders, cultural hotspots and local favorites at their own pace.

“We’re thrilled to introduce yet another great way visitors can discover the hidden gems of Lincoln City’s trail system,” said Kim Cooper Findling, director of Explore Lincoln City. “The Lincoln City Hiking Trails Passport encourages outdoor adventure while helping people connect with the unique ecosystems and landscapes that make our region so unique.

We can’t wait for people to explore our trails and find their own favorite scenic overlook, forest path, wetlands area or birding spot.”

Highlights of the Lincoln City Hiking Trails Passport include: diverse trails ranging from easy walks to moderately challenging hikes, family-friendly options suitable for all ages and skill levels, unique features like Oregon’s 79th Heritage Tree, opportunities to spot native plant species and local wildlife and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Devils Lake and Lincoln City.

The passport is designed to be user-friendly and accessible. After completing a hike, participants can easily check in at each trail head location on their passport using their mobile devices, earning points towards fun prizes. Passport users who complete all nine trails will receive a free 12-ounce aluminum water bottle with attached carabiner, perfect for future hiking adventures. Prizes are available for pick-up at the Lincoln City Community Center, located at 2150 NE Oar Place.

For more information, go to explorelincolncity.com/ hikingtrailspassport.

The view from The Knoll

Regatta Park

FINANCIAL COACH TRAINING

Stand By Me is a financial empowerment program that offers free financial coaching to individuals seeking help with their budget, credit, debt, and savings.

“This is a fantastic program! We so appreciated the support. We were given helpful tools to use. Our coach was very understanding and took the time to get to know us and meet us where we were at.” --Stand By Me Participant

A falls favorite

Rainy season makes Drift Creek

Falls a spectacular sight

By Michael Edwards For the TODAY

At the base of Drift Creek Falls, a rainbow flickers in the turbulent mist. The steady thunder of water striking boulders drowns out a boisterous group of hikers crossing the suspension bridge 100 feet above the canyon floor. High up on the basalt cliff’s face, an American dipper darts behind the falls and seconds later re-emerges into autumn light, flies underneath a big leaf maple’s moss-laden branches and vanishes into the cool airspace above the creek. The slate gray aquatic songbird’s presence signals that the water here is clean and alive with tasty invertebrates.

Spanning the realm of the dipper is the 240-foot-long Drift Creek Falls suspension bridge. For those with vertigo, the stroll across the bridge can be unnerving. If it helps calm your stomach, know that the bridge has a 165,000-pound weight limit. For perspective, that’s equivalent to 550 three-hundredpound black bears, 262 eight-hundred-pound Sasquatches, or some whimsical combination of the two. From the bridge’s perch, visitors look down onto the falls and into an emerald, creek-cut canyon lined with ancient cedar, spruce, hemlock and fir.

Hikers who follow poet Robert Frost’s advice and take the path “less traveled” the North Loop Trail in this case, will enter into an old-growth forest grove. This section of trail is a quiet place to sit, unplug and breathe.

On one fall morning, after a few minutes of stillness, inquisitive chickadees approached. A Wilson’s warbler hopped on a sun-bathed vine maple, its olive yellow feathers melting into the foliage. The last of the season’s dry winds blew flecks of plant matter between shadows and light. The silence is such that the subtle scrape of drooping hemlock branches brushing against the bole of an ancient Douglas fir was audible. The old

fir’s gnarled branches were the size of mature trees. Though its immense crown is broken, the fir is thriving. Might there be a northern spotted owl perched up there; the bird’s big chocolate brown eyes scanning the forest floor for a plump red tree vole?

The trees closest to the parking area were logged more than 60 years ago and though the difference between the 60-year-old forest and the centuries-old forest is noticeable, the regenerating capacity of our temperate rainforest is also visible.

Along the creek, red alders thrive and Douglas fir trees have colonized the sunlit hillside. Throughout the decades, storms topple some of the firs, creating gaps in the canopy. The fallen trees become nurse logs and home for fungi, insects and small mammals. Canopy openings allow sunlight to reach the forest floor which spurs growth in conifers and ferns. Standing dead trees, or snags, provide habitat for insects which attract woodpeckers.

A rectangular cavity in a fir snag is a clue that the young forest is home to crow-sized pileated woodpeckers. Look for the flash of their bright red head feathers and listen for their loud laughing call and powerful drumming.

Public Service Announcement: Though you might not see them, Ewoks do live in the forest and they are sticklers about visitors packing out their trash. If they see you discarding plastic fruit cocktail cups or colorful dog poop bags along the trail, our typically mild-mannered furry friends will take note

and they will infiltrate your REM sleep. That lovely dream about sailing the South Pacific with your sweetheart will involve an uninvited Ewoks getting tangled in the rigging, and unless C3PO is there to translate, the boat is going down. To the person hiding his Dasani water bottle under the nurse log: Che Womok!

The Drift Creek Falls hike is a 3.1-mile, round-trip walk from the parking lot to the suspension bridge and a little further if you take the alternative North Loop Trail through the magnificent old-growth grove. The trail’s 518-feet elevation gain is felt on the return trip to the car. Exposed roots, wet rocks and a slick clay surface makes for slippery conditions so leave the flip flops at home.

To get to Drift Creek Falls, follow Highway 18 east from Lincoln City and take a right onto Bear Creek Road. Follow Bear Creek Road south for 3.5 miles and merge onto Forest Service Road 17. Drive FR 17 seven circuitous miles to the trailhead. At the trailhead, there is a vaulted toilet, an information kiosk and a picnic table. A $5 parking pass is required and must be secured prior to arrival. For more information and passes, go to fs.usda.gov/main/siuslaw.

Coast Calendar

Thursday, Nov. 7

Friday, Nov. 8

Hey, cool calendar! How do get my event listed?

Easy, just follow these steps:

1) Host an event that is open to the public.

2) Email the details to calendar@oregoncoasttoday.com or call 541-921-0413.

3) That’s it.

Saturday, Nov. 9

Bonny Wood Green

Yachats Community Presbyterian Church

Flute player and singer Nuala Kennedy takes to the stage with Eamon O’Leary and Jefferson Hamer for this Yachats Celtic Music Festival performance. 1 pm, 360 W 7th Street. Tickets, $20, available at www.purplepass.com.

Tap Takeover

Vin & Bräu • Lincoln City

Taste beers from Claim 52 Brewing and chat with new owner Jerry Mardsen. 6 pm inside the Pines Dine, 5040 SE Hwy. 101. FMI, go to www.thepinesdine.com.

Coastal Creations Artisan Reception

Newport Recreation Center

A 21-and-over reception ahead of tomorrow’s artisan market, featuring light refreshments, demonstrations, live music and the chance to chat with artisans of all kids. $10. 6:30 to 8:30 pm, 225 SE Avery Street. FMI, go to newportoregon.gov or call 541-265-4859.

Central Coast Jazz Alliance

Teen Night

Lincoln City Community Center

Featuring Nintendo Switch, foosball, table tennis, computers, musical instruments and help with homework. 3-5 pm, 2150 NE Oar Place. All participants must have parent permission filled out prior to attendance. FMI, call 541-996-1248.

Lincoln City Cultural Center

A well-curated mix of original and hard bop tunes with creative arrangements from composer and guitarist Bill Hartsell, Sandy Schaefer on drums, John Bringetto on trumpet, Greg Berton on bass and Matt White on saxophone. $20. 7 pm, 540 NE Hwy. 101.

Trivia Night The Pines Dine Lincoln City Show off your knowledge while getting in the running for locally sponsored prizes for first and second place. 6 pm, 5040

Hwy. 101.

Guided Meditation and Healing Circle

Luminous Soul Center • Gleneden Beach

$33 donation. 7 pm, 6645 Gleneden Beach Loop. Reservations required. Contact Jaya at 971-313-2383.

Yachats Big Band

Yachats Commons

Swing to music from the ’30s to the present, performed for your listening and dancing pleasure. Hot beverages and refreshments available. $5 donation requested. 7 pm, 441 Hwy. 101 N.

“Angel Street”

Theatre West • Lincoln City Set in 19th-Century London, this classic tale tells the story of suavely handsome man slowly driving his gentle, devoted wife to the brink of insanity with an insinuating kindness that masks more sinister motives. 7:30 pm, 3536 SE Hwy. 101.

Tickets, $15 to $20, available at theatrewest.com or by calling 541-994-5663.

Feltland Workshops

Tillamook Public Library • Tillamook

The first in a series of felt miniatures workshops for people aged 14 and older. 4-5 pm, 1716 3rd Street.

John Doyle and Mick McAuley

Yachats Community Presbyterian Church

The Yachats Celtic Music Festival continues with a performance from this guitar-accordion duo. 5 pm, 360 W 7th Street. Tickets, $20, available at www.purplepass. com.

“Angel Street”

Theatre West • Lincoln City 7:30 pm, 3536 SE Hwy. 101. See Thursday listing.

Keys for Homes: Concert for a Cause

Pacific Maritime Heritage Center • Newport

This Habitat for Humanity fund-raiser features a performance from award-winning pianist Jim-Isaac Chua alongside a wine pull and silent auction. 7:30 pm, 333 SE Bay Blvd. FMI, go to habitatlincoln.org/keys-for-home.

Coastal Creations Artisan Market

Newport Recreation Center

Check out work by more than 80 artisans, from 3D-printed items to fine art paintings and everything in between. 10 am to 4 pm, 225 SE Avery Street. FMI, go to newportoregon.gov or call 541-265-4859.

Holiday Magic Bazaar

American Legion Hall Newport

Find handmade crafts, door prizes and raffles, with food available on site. 10 am-3 pm, 424 W. Olive Street.

Artisan Showcase

Little Whale Cove Depoe Bay

21 artisans will show their work, from painting, glasswork and jewelry to quilting, card design, local authors and much more. 10 am-3 pm in the recreation center at 305 SW Singing Tree.

Native American Marketplace

Netarts Community Club

A chance to learn about and purchase trade goods from Native American-run businesses and producers. 10 am to 4 pm, 4929 Netarts Hwy. FMI, go to netartsbaywebs.org/events.

Seán Dagher

Yachats Community Presbyterian Church

The Yachats Celtic Music Festival continues with this versatile Montreal musician, playing Irish bouzouki, mandolin, oud and banjo. Noon, 360 W 7th Street. Tickets, $20, available at www.purplepass.com.

Word Surfers Writing Group

Driftwood Public Library Lincoln City

Connect, create and collaborate with others in the craft of writing. All genres and mediums are welcome. 1-3 pm, second floor, 801 SW Hwy. 101. FMI, contact Chris at 541-224-6498.

Soul Light Spa Saturdays

Luminous Soul Center Gleneden Beach

Mini-Sessions, aura pictures, chakra and energy balancing, intuitive readings. $133. 1-4 pm, 6645 Gleneden Beach Loop. Reservations required. Contact Jaya at 971-313-2383.

Cayley Schmid and Aaron Guest

Yachats Community Presbyterian Church

The Yachats Celtic Music Festival continues, with instrumental Celtic tunes on fiddle and piano. 2 pm, 360 W 7th Street. Tickets, $20, available at www. purplepass.com.

Kevin Burke

Yachats Community Presbyterian Church

This Irish fiddle luminary brings his talents to the Yachats Celtic Music Festival. 4 pm, 360 W 7th Street. Tickets, $20, available at www.purplepass. com.

Country Night

Primaltones Community Venue • Newport

Line dancing and country music along with happy hour specials and a line dancing lesson. 7 pm-close, 2925 SE Ferry Slip Road. FMI, go to www. primaltones.com.

“Angel Street”

Theatre West • Lincoln City

Set in 19th-Century London, this classic tale tells the story of a suavely handsome man slowly driving his gentle, devoted wife to the brink of insanity. 7:30 pm, 3536 SE Hwy. 101. Tickets, $15 to $20, available at theatrewest.com or by calling 541-994-5663.

Major Tomboys

Newport Performing Arts Center

This all-femme David Bowie tribute band love to dress up in costumes and share their interpretations of Bowie’s music with those who also long to rock out in their frock coats and bippety boppety hats.

$15-30. 7:30 pm, 777 W Olive Street. FMI, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.

“What my Ancestors Taught Me”

Latimer Quilt & Textile Center • Tillamook

An open house for this new exhibit of work from Stephanie Craig alongside a collection of items from her ancestors and other members of the Grand Ronde. Noon-4 pm, 2105 Wilson River Loop Road.

Circle of Light Sunday Gatherings

Luminous Soul Center • Gleneden Beach

Guided meditation, sound healing, inspirational offerings and afternoon tea. Noon-1:30 pm, 6645 Gleneden Beach Loop. $11. RSVP to luminoussoulcenter.com. FMI, call 971-313-2383.

Sunday Sounds

Cafe Chill Waldport

Open mic with host Mac “The Duke” Esposito. Family-friendly acts, seasoned performers and fledgling talents welcome. 1-3 pm, 540 NE Commercial Street.

“A

Monday, Nov. 11

Chair Yoga

Lincoln City Senior Center

A gentle form of movement while your body is supported. Open to anyone 50 and older. A donation to the instructor is suggested. 11:30 am, inside the Lincoln City Community Center at 2150 NE Oar Place.

Call Shot Pool

Newport 60+ Activity Center

Interested in a new, fun game of pool to play with others? This game invites Bank, Combination and Carom Shots. Get ready to chalk your cue. 2-4 pm, 20 SE 2nd Street. FMI, call 541-2659617.

Tuesday, Nov. 12

Haiti Children’s Relief

Congregational Church

soundwaves

Your guide to live music on the Central Oregon Coast

Don’t see your favorite band or venue? Email the details to soundwaves@oregoncoasttoday.com and we’ll get you listed.

Thursday, Nov. 7

Lincoln City Music Circle

Lincoln City Community Center

Acoustic instruments, voices and audiences of all ages are welcome to “solo, jam, or pass” and a piano is available. 4-7 pm, 2150 N Oar Place.

Jon Franke

Myril Eatery & Wine Bar • Newport

An eclectic mix of folk, swing, bluegrass and country standards. 5:30-7:30 pm, 1000 SE Bay Blvd.

Bret Lucich

Oshen’s Restaurant • Gleneden Beach

An experience to remember from this singer-songwriter, entertainer and musician, with a wide variety of music for listening and dancing. 6-8 pm, at Salishan, 7755 N. Highway 101, 541-7649026.

David Rogers

The Drift Inn • Yachats

Rogers Fuses classical, jazz, and world music into beautiful, expressive and virtuosic performances. 6-8:30 pm, 124 Highway 101 North, 541-547-4477.

Jam Session

Snug Harbor • Lincoln City

Open mic jam session. All musicians welcome. 8:30 pm-midnight, 5001 SW Hwy. 101.

Karaoke

Bay Haven Inn • Newport

Have a great time with local host Doctor B. and support a small, local venue. 8:30 pm-close, 608 SW Bay Blvd.

Friday, Nov. 8

Bubba Lew

Beach Daisy Wine Cellar • Yachats

Local artist performing acoustic blues, ballads and cowboy tunes. 5-7 pm, 2118 Hwy. 101 N.

Ronnie Jay Pirrello

Luna Sea in Seal Rock

Bluesy stuff with guitar, harp and vocals. 5:30-8 pm, Luna Sea, 10111 N. Hwy. 101, Seal Rock, 541-563-LUNA.

Rich McCloud

Pelican Brewing • Lincoln City

Enjoy a pint with a view, alongside live music. 6-8 pm, 5911 SE Hwy. 101, 541-614-4216.

Annieland

Fishing Rock Eatery & Lounge • Depoe Bay

Lice music from Anne Bertucci and Barbara La Pine. 6-9 pm, 3245 Hwy. 101, 541-764-4222.

Bret Lucich

Oshen’s Restaurant • Gleneden Beach

6-8 pm. See Thursday listing.

Family Karaoke Night/Open Mic

The Pines Dine • Lincoln City 6-8 pm, 5040 SE Hwy. 101.

Cayley Schmid & Aaron Guest

The Drift Inn • Yachats

Celtic music duo playing as part of the Yachats Celtic Music Festival. For full festival details, go to yachatscelticmusicfestival.org. 6-8:30 pm, 124 Hwy. 101 N., 541-547-4477.

Karaoke

Bay Haven Inn • Newport

Have a great time with local host Doctor B. and support a small, local venue. 8:30 pm-close, 608 SW Bay Blvd.

DJ Metal

Chinook Winds Casino Resort • Lincoln City

Playing club hits in the Rogue River Lounge. 10 pm-1:30 am, 1777 NW 44th Street. Lincoln City, 888-244-6665.

Saturday, Nov. 9

Wild Hog in the Woods

Beachcrest Brewing Company • Gleneden Beach

This Oregon string band plays a wild mix of old-time, swing, sleaze-jazz, ragtime, blues and tin-pan alley tunes with honest verve and gusto. 5:30-7:30 pm, at Salishan, 7755 N. Highway 101, 541-234-4013.

Hundred Pound Hound

The Pines Dine • Lincoln City

Locally grown funk. 6-8 pm, 5040 SE Hwy. 101.

Sonny Hess Band

Fishing Rock Eatery & Lounge • Depoe Bay Blues. 6-9 pm, 3245 Hwy. 101, 541-764-4222.

Bret Lucich

Oshen’s Restaurant • Gleneden Beach 6-8 pm. See Thursday listing.

Cayley Schmid & Aaron Guest

The Drift Inn • Yachats

Celtic music duo playing as part of the Yachats Celtic Music Festival. For full festival details, go to yachatscelticmusicfestival.org. 6-8:30 pm, 124 Hwy. 101 N., 541-547-4477.

Dan Dingman

Schooner Restaurant & Lounge • Netarts

’60s and ’70s acoustic folk plus classic and progressive rock. Call for reservations. 7-9 pm, 2065 Netarts Basin Boat Road, 503-815-9900.

Grand Funk Railroad

Chinook Winds Casino Resort • Lincoln City

They’re an American band. See them live. 8 pm, 1777 NW Hwy. 101. Tickets, $55-$70, available at www. chinookwindscasino.com.

Karaoke

Snug Harbor Bar & Grill • Lincoln City

Hosted by Doctor B. 8:30 pm-close, 5001 SW Hwy. 101.

Karaoke

Bay Haven Inn • Newport

Have a great time with local host Precious and support a small, local venue. 8:30 pm-close, 608 SW Bay Blvd.

DJ Metal

Chinook Winds Casino Resort • Lincoln City

Playing club hits in the Rogue River Lounge. 10 pm-1:30 am, 1777 NW 44th Street. Lincoln City, 888-244-6665.

Sunday, Nov. 10

Sunday Jam

Bay Haven Inn • Newport

A chance for professional musicians to collaborate and improvise. 3-6 pm, 608 SW Bay Blvd.

Amy White Quintet

Beachcrest Brewing Company • Gleneden Beach

Sunday jazz featuring Beachcrest founders Matt on saxophone and keys and Amy White on vocals along with friends Sandy Schaefer on drums, Bill Hartsell, and Greg Berton on bass. 4-6 pm at Salishan, 7755 N. Highway 101, 541-234-4013.

Mike Tolle

Luna Sea at Seal Rock

Acoustic folk blues. 5-7:30 pm, 10111 NW Pacific Coast Hwy., Seal Rock, 541-563-5862.

Stan & Terry

Fishing Rock Eatery & Lounge • Depoe Bay

Acoustic guitar duo featuring Stan Eng and Terry Schumacher. 6-8 pm, 3245 Hwy. 101.

Tex Brooklyn Experiment

The Drift Inn • Yachats

Enjoy original songs, old standards, unique arrangements, requests and fun from Bill Stiffler on bass, Morgen Silverhorn on horns, C.M. Ducks on guitar and Robert “Tex Brooklyn” Rubin on piano and accordion. 6-8:30 pm, 124 Highway 101 North, 541-547-4477.

Karaoke

Snug Harbor Bar & Grill • Lincoln City

Hosted by Doctor B. 8:30 pm-1 am, 5001 SW Hwy. 101.

Monday, Nov. 11

Overdue Bills

Moose Lodge • Waldport

Enjoy blues and ballads as well as original music at this free veterans’ dinner. 4-7 pm, 250 NW John Street.

Lavinia Ross

The Drift Inn • Yachats

Lavinia sings songs from sources as varied as Joni Mitchell, Kate Wolf and Peter Rowan, as well as her own compositions. 6-8:30 pm, 124 Highway 101 North, 541-547-4477.

Tuesday, Nov. 12

Linda Yapp

Zurita in Nye Beach • Newport Mellow acoustic classics and easy listening to dine by. 5:30-8 pm, 711 NW 2nd Court, 541-272-5078.

John Bringetto Duo

The Drift Inn • Yachats Classic jazz and Latin standards. 6-8:30 pm, 124 Hwy. 101 N., 541-547-4477.

Jam Session

Wing Wa Taphouse • Depoe Bay Open mic jam session. All musicians welcome. 8 pm-close, 330 US-101, 541-765-2288.

Wednesday, Nov. 13

Axon

The Drift Inn • Yachats

Alan Chamberlain’s compelling rich baritone vocals span a diversity of stylings including folk, blues, gospel, western and jazz. 6-8:30 pm, 124 Hwy. 101 N., 541-547-4477.

Amy White Quintet • Sunday, No. 10, in Gleneden Beach

A place where everyone can Flourish

Whether you choose your clothes by color, comfort or character, Flourish Boutique in the Lincoln City Outlets will help you update your wardrobe in a way that complements the best of your personal style.

“I think the gal who needs help putting an outfit together can get that kind of positive help here more than a lot of places,” said owner Karry Blodgette. “But we don’t put pressure on people and can tell if they just want to shop in peace.”

Shopping in person has benefits beyond not having to wait for a delivery after making a purchase.

“The level of boutique service that you get in a shop like ours, we are really good at,” Blodgette said. “And we don’t care if the customer is buying a $59 dress or a $359 dress. I have invested in assuring that the selection is as broad as possible, including fabric, color and style size.”

Shopping in person also assures a good fit the first time.

“Even clothes from the same manufacturer can have a very different fit,” Blodgette said. “Our sales staff is great at helping people find things that are best for their body type.”

The style suggestions can go both ways.

“I learn from my customers, too,” Blodgette said. “Sometimes I have a customer come in in an outfit and I’m like ‘Darn, that’s stinking cute.’”

As cooler weather and the gift giving season nears, Blodgette is preparing by stocking pajamas, robes and loungewear.

shopping for perfect as much.”

Gift giving is often difficult, but the staff at Flourish can help make it easier.

“The women who work here love fashion,” Blodgette said. “We know how the clothes will wash, what to pair it with and we know how to gift it if you let us.”

“I’ve also moved into some combo-sized items that would make great gifts,” she said. “Lines that are small/medium for example, so you don’t have to get the size of the person you are

Blodgette is a longtime clothing store owner on the Central Coast, having previously operated a shop in Depoe Bay. And her influence on local retail has become multigenerational.

“When I originally opened this store, it was going to be a collaboration with my son, Grant,” she said. “He ended up leaving town but has since moved back and opened Better Days Vintage Co. It’s so cool to be in the same town as my adult son again.”

As the world rebounds from the supply chain issues caused by the COVID pandemic, Blodgette is relieved to be seeing a positive trend in clothes manufacturing.

“What I’m really seeing is that we have great post-pandemic fashion,” she said. “We lost some brands and others just went quiet for a little while, and now they are back.”

As someone who enjoys exploring fashion ideas but not wasting money, Blodgette is happy to be the first point of contact for a new product.

“I am a pretty cautious buyer,” she said “If something is going to fail it is going to fail for me first because I put it to the test. I’m happy to say that some of the quality is back for some of our brands and it continues to get better.”

The boutique carries more than clothing, including shoes, handbags, jewelry and more.

“We are stocking socks from novelty to cashmere blend,” Blodgette said.

“We also have a lot more gifts and smaller personal items like hair and bath and body accessories.”

Another aspect of Flourish is the multi-generational aspect of the clothes in the boutique.

“We get a lot of mother-daughter pairs shopping together, which I love,” Blodgette said.

Being part of the community is the primary thing that helps maintain her joy at being a shop owner.

“I’ve had customers come in that are now grown but that I first met as little kids, it is a beautiful journey,” she said. “Also, people often come in that are looking for a new outfit for a special reason like a wedding or graduation, and we are a part of that and I think that’s something special.”

Often away on buying trips, Blodgette feels safe leaving her shop in the hands of her staff.

“I’ve pretty much always had good staff, but we have the best team I’ve ever had right now,” she said. “We also have a staff that’s very eclectic, from conservative to funky.”

“I like clothes that bring out your personality,” Blodgette said. “Not what’s in fashion right now. Those are the pieces that are going to last for the buyer, which is what I aim for.”

Flourish Boutique is located in the Lincoln City Outlets, located at 1500 SE East Devils Lake Road. Hours are 10 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday and !0 am to 6 pm on Sunday. For more information, go to the Flourish Boutique NW page on Facebook or call 541-614-4046.

lively All blings must pass

Diamonds by the Sea holds a gem-uinely great final sale

TFor the TODAY

he store is spacious, airy and well-lit, its glass display cases sparkling with neatly arranged arrays of rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and pendants. It’s a friendly, welcoming space conveniently located beside such Lincoln Plaza anchors as Joann’s, Rite Aid and Safeway, For the past 30 years, Diamonds By The Sea has been Lincoln City’s go-to store for fine jewelry and now, owner Kathryn Heater plans to wrap up her long career as a jeweler/ gemologist, with a mammoth retirement sale, beginning Tuesday, Nov. 5 and continuing through the holidays until Dec. 28, when the shop’s doors will finally close.

The sister store in Newport will remain open, having been sold to long-time store manager McKenzie Hall.

“Even though she’s not biologically related, she’s been with us since she was 18 years old,” Heater said. “So, it feels like it’s remaining in our family. I am also proud to report that Ms. Hall is nearing completion of her Graduate Gemology degree so there will still be a gemologist/appraiser on the premises.”

The business had its beginnings in Toledo, where Heater’s parents, Harold and Betty Smith, opened the family’s first jewelry shop in 1953, Smith’s Jewelers. The business moved to Newport in 1964, and a second store opened in 1977 with the new name, Diamonds by the Sea. Heater’s tenure at the business began at the age of six, when she would work behind the counter after school and on weekends.

“It was my second home,” she said. “I was there all the time. I knew from an early age that I would go into the business.”

Her passion for the business led her to study at the Gemological Institute of America in California, where she graduated as a GIA Graduate Gemologist. Those credentials enable her to judiciously purchase the stones her store sells and accurately evaluate the pieces her clients bring for appraisal. Diamonds by the Sea offers a broad assortment of jewelry, ranging from stylish fashion options to traditionally crafted pieces in yellow and white gold. A display case at one side of the store features an assortment in sterling silver. A collection

of whimsical musical clocks hangs from the walls. But as the store’s name suggests, diamond jewelry — in all sizes, cuts and settings — dominates the shop’s display cases.

For Heater, diamonds have a special appeal, both for their physical properties, their beauty and for the narratives they engender for those that buy them, gift them, wear them, and often, pass them along to their families.

“As a gemologist, I have an incredible love for natural diamonds,” she said. “Every diamond you see — whether they’re the tiniest speck or a two-carat diamond earring — has spent about six million years in the ground before it made it to the surface for cutting and polishing. Nothing is as hard, as durable and as long-lasting as a diamond. And there’s nothing that can touch them for beauty.”

Over the years, Heater has taken special satisfaction in the role her jewelry has played in the special events of her customers’ lives.

“I’ve been able to share many of their happiest moments,” she said. “Their engagements, their weddings, their anniversaries and their birthdays.”

She recounted the story of customers Cecil and Floraine, who were in their 80s when they came to the store to look for an engagement ring.

“We sat down and talked and got to know each other a little,” Heater said.

The couple had been high school sweethearts in the 1930s and eloped immediately after graduation.

“Floraine’s parents weren’t having it. They had the marriage annulled and the family moved away from town. The two remained separated for 60 years.”

Decades later, they were reunited, and Heater helped them

find a wedding set to replace the pearl ring that Cecil had purchased so many years ago for their elopement. Heater attended the wedding as a guest of honor.

Customers can reap the benefits of Heater’s long experience in selecting great jewels as she offers the entire Lincoln City inventory at a substantial discount.

“We’ll be bringing in all kinds of extra merchandise as we’ll sell everything clear to the walls,” she said. “And it’s happening at the best time of the year, leading into and during the holidays. It will be the best sale you’ve ever seen in a jewelry store.”

For the past 60 years, the business has been a constant, demanding presence in her life.

“There were lots of things I had to miss,” she said. ”At the holidays, I could barely find time to put up a tree. So now, I’m looking forward to spending time with three daughters and four grandchildren, to a Christmas when I can decorate my house, maybe make some fudge and not be in the store until 9 pm on Christmas Eve. Because I am done!”

Diamonds by the Sea is located in Lincoln City at 4079 NW Logan Road and in Newport at 2005 Hwy. 101. Both locations are open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. For more information, go to diamondsbytheseainc.com or call 541-994-6373 (Lincoln City) or 541-265-7755 (Newport).

Story and photo by Eliot Sekuler

SUDOKU is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. King Features

SUPER QUIZ

Take this Super Quiz to a Ph.D. Score 1 point for each correct answer on the Freshman Level, 2 points on the Graduate Level and 3 points on the Ph.D. Level.

Subject: MALAPROPISMS

Provide the correct word for the malaprop. (e.g., The cafeteria food is not fit for human constipation. Answer: Consumption.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. I’m fading into Bolivian.

2. I prefer decapitated coffee.

3. My boyfriend takes me for granite.

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. The sunset had all the colors of the rectum.

5. He died interstate.

6. Stella and Fred said they have a monotonous relationship.

PH.D. LEVEL

7. The only sure way to avoid pregnancy is through obstinance.

8. He was a man of great statue.

9. This action is unparalyzed in the history of the state.

Monogamous. 7. Abstinence. 8. Stature. 9. Unparalleled.

Tickets have dropped for the Angel’s Ball

You’ll be saying aloha to the holidays when Angels Anonymous presents its signature event, the Festival of Trees and Angel’s Ball, on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Chinook Winds Casino Resort.

This year, the Angel’s Ball has a new twist, or should we say hula. Hawaiian-style fun will be provided by Hot Lava Polynesian Entertainment. To further add to the evening’s theme, buffet-style dining will provide all the delicacies you would expect at a luau.

In addition to live entertainment and the fabulous buffet, the evening will include the live auction of wonderfully decorated Christmas trees, a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction.

Formal wear is not required but encouraged.

The Festival of Trees, with evergreen trees spectacularly decorated by businesses, individuals and families, will be on display in the casino Convention Center from Wednesday, Dec. 4, until the day of the

Tillamook Bay, Garibaldi

Siletz Bay, Lincoln City

Angel’s Ball. Public viewings are available Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon to 8 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive straight from the North Pole to make a pre-Christmas appearance for photos and Christmas requests on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 8 pm. Sponsors are still needed, so put on your thinking caps and plan a dazzling tree for your family or your business to sponsor at the Festival of Trees and watch it raise money at the live auction on the night of the ball. The cost for a space and a tree to decorate provided by Angels Anonymous is $100. If you provide your own tree, the cost is $50. Individuals are also invited to create wreaths that will be part of the evening’s silent auction. The cost is $25 to sponsor a wreath.

Tickets to the ball are $125 per person or a table of eight for $1,000. For more information, go to angels-anonymous-lc.org or call Phil Robertson at 541-921-7359 or Roger Robertson at 541-996-7474.

Yaquina Bay, Newport

Nov. 14

Alsea Bay, Waldport

Duck out for a quick stroll

The Seven Capes Bird Alliance welcomes birders of all abilities to go on a walk along the scenic Salmon River this Saturday, Nov. 9.

During the walk in the Cascade Head Scenic area beginning at Knight Park, participants will wander through woodlands and by a marsh to look for grebes, gulls, cormorants, waterfowl and raptors. The walk offers participants the chance to learn more about protected estuarine habitats and the birds and other wildlife that depend on them.

All Seven Capes Bird Alliance bird walks are free, family-friendly, easy to moderately easy and no pre-registration or experience is required. Binoculars and guidebooks are provided. Walks are held rain or shine; dress appropriately for coastal weather and muddy trails.

The group will meet at 9 am in the Knight Park parking lot on Three Rocks Road, just north of Lincoln City. For more information, go to sevencapes.org.

Photo by Ruth Shelly

Netarts hosts Native American markeplace lively

Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS will mark Native American Heritage Month with a Native American Marketplace at the Netarts Community Club this Saturday, Nov. 9.

Celebrated each November, American Heritage Month honors the history, traditions and contributions of the Indigenous peoples of the United States.

The marketplace will include multiple vendors and artists, ranging from fry bread and smoked fish to beadwork, purses, woven baskets and flint knapping. Guests will be able to learn about and purchase trade goods from Native American-run businesses and producers.

The marketplace will run from 10 am to 4 pm at Netarts Community Club, located at 4929 Netarts Hwy. in Tillamook. For more information, go to netartsbaywebs.org/ events.

Donations sought

Operation Christmas Child will be collecting donations from November 18 through 26 to help give kids a holiday season to remember.

Drop-off centers are located at Calvary Chapel, 4406 SE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City; and Newport First Baptist Church, 208 NW 6th Street. Donations of gift items as well as money are welcome.

The Calvary Chapel location will be open for donations from 11 am to 2 pm on Monday, Nov. 18, and Tuesday, Nov. 19; 4 to 6 pm on Wednesday, Nov. 20; 11 am to 2 pm on Thursday, Nov. 21; 4 to 6 pm on Friday, Nov. 22; 11 am to 2 pm on Saturday, Nov. 23; 1 to 3 pm on Sunday, Nov. 24; and 8 to 10 am on Monday, Nov. 25.

Newport First Baptist Church will accept donations from 4 to 6 pm on Monday, Nov. 18; 1 to 3 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 19; 9 to 11 am on Wednesday, Nov. 20, and Thursday, Nov. 21; 3 to 5 pm on Friday, Nov. 22; 9 to 11 am on Saturday, Nov. 23; 1 to 3 pm on Sunday, Nov. 24; and 9 to 11 am on Monday, Nov. 26.

For more information, call 541-614-1218.

in concert Ch-ch-ch-change your plans for this weekend

New wave and David Bowie fans should prepare for a Major Crush: two epic concerts from popular Portland-based bands in one weekend at the Newport Performing Arts Center.

First up, this Friday, Nov. 8, is Camp Crush, the highly danceable new wave indie pop duo. Inspired by bands like The Cure, Berlin and Blondie, the two seamlessly bridge influences of the past and modern-day pop sounds to create a dynamic, mesmerizing sound. The result is a very ’80s new wave prom vibe that audiences are encouraged to lean into. Seating will be limited to allow room for dancing, and costumes are welcome but not required.

Formed in 2017 by singer-keyboardist Jen Deale and drummer Chris Spicer, Camp Crush launched onto the Northwest music scene with vocal-forward synth-rich pop tunes and dynamic live performances. As described by Happy Mag, “The duo glides through a cinematic brand of indie-pop that is completely endearing and damn-near mesmerizing.”

On Saturday, Nov. 9, the all-femme Bowie tribute band Major Tomboys hits the stage.

Founded by lead singer Renée Muzquiz and former keyboardist Lauren Hatch in the summer of 2018, these self-proclaimed Bowie nerds love to dress up in costumes and share their interpretations of his music with those who also long to rock out in their frock coats and bippety boppety hats. Joined by Ruba Tuesday on lead guitar, Sarah FitzGerald on bass, Rachel Brashear on keyboards, Jolie Clausen on drums and Dani Tanzella on saxophone, the group will have you singing along with your favorite tracks before you know it — from “Wham bam, thank you, ma’am” to “Ch-ch-ch-changes.”

The Camp Crush concert begins at 8 pm on Friday, Nov. 8. General admission tickets are $20.

The Major Tomboys concert begins at 7:30 pm on Saturday, Nov. 9. Reserved seat tickets range from $15 to $30. The Newport Performing Arts Center is located at 777 W Olive Street. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.

cooking

A core food for fall feasts

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. It’s an old rhyme that has some truth to it. Apples contain potassium and vitamin C and are rich in fiber and antioxidants, so there are definite health benefits. There are about 1,500 farms in Oregon that grow apples and we are one of the top 10 apple-producing states in the United States. Our apple season usually runs from July to mid-November. Some of the more popular varieties grown here are Honeycrisp, Fuji and Gala. Apples have the distinction of being one of the mostconsumed fruits in the world. If you are looking to have a quintessential autumnal day, I think going to a U-pick orchard and soaking up the fall vibes while picking fresh apples would be hard to beat.

The humble apple is a treasure trove of delicious recipes waiting to be made. In the hands of a cider maker, the apples are ground down and pressed to create that crisp fall favorite, apple cider. The cider can then be filtered and pasteurized to make apple juice. In the hands of a brewer with time and fermentation, you’ll have the refreshing adult beverage, hard cider. A similar process is used to make the pantry staple, apple cider vinegar. In a bakery, the apples can become pies, muffins, cobblers or fritters and in the hands of a candy maker, you get the autumn classic, the caramel apple.

If you find yourself with a surplus of apples, you can slice them thin and dehydrate them to make a wholesome snack of apple chips. You can cook apples to make applesauce or you can add spices and cook it down even further to make a batch of apple butter. The possibilities are endless!

To peel or not to peel, that is the question when cooking apples. Normally I am an advocate of eating foods whole, meaning eating food in its natural state and not stripping anything away. I’m sure you sense there is a BUT coming up. I love apples, but I don’t love cooked apple skins. It’s a textural thing for me, so I choose to peel my apples before cooking them.

This week’s recipe is a variation on the classic, Bananas Foster. Apples Foster is autumnal comfort food. Apples sauteed in sugar and spices and a splash of rum, served a la mode with a sprinkling of granola for crunch. It’s the perfect finish to a fall-inspired meal.

Apples Foster

6 tablespoons salted butter

2 pounds apples (pick your favorites), cored, peeled (or not) and sliced into inch-thick wedges

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, optional

Place the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter is melted and starting to sizzle, add the apples.

Sauté the apples, stirring occasionally, until softened, about five minutes.

Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom and salt. Continue to sauté the apples for about five to seven more minutes until they are tender. If you like the apples to be completely softened you might want to sauté them even longer. I like my apples to retain a little crunch.

At this point you will add the bourbon or rum. If you have a gas cooktop, you will remove the skillet from the heat to add the alcohol. The open flame combined with the alcohol can cause flames to shoot up. If you are using an electric stovetop there

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 cup bourbon or rum, optional (if not using alcohol, add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)

3/4 cup of your favorite plain granola vanilla bean ice cream, to serve

is no need to remove the skillet from the heat. If you are using vanilla instead of alcohol, you will add it at this point. Stir to incorporate the alcohol or vanilla and stir often for about two minutes. Most (not all) of the alcohol will cook off and you will be left with the wonderful flavor and aroma. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the apples cool for five minutes. You don’t want them piping hot when you serve them, as this will melt the ice cream quickly.

Use a slotted spoon to place the apples into four bowls.

Place a scoop of ice cream on top of the apples and then sprinkle the granola over.

Spoon the sauce left in the skillet over the apples, granola and ice cream and serve immediately.