Trail running and stand-up paddle boarding on rivers with water flowing quickly over rocky terrain are regular excursions on my winter schedule, so it comes as little surprise that I sprained my ankle this week. Except I did it while… walking.
Slowly.
Luckily, I am also a fast healer so I can take advantage of another of my favorite activities, watching the growing number of Christmas lights adding extra beauty to the Central Coast.
In the next few weeks, trees in public spaces will be festooned and powered up, owners of private residences will show their creative sides and hot
See page 20 for some suggestions of ways to walk off that Thanksgiving meal by exercising your oohing and aahing muscles.
By Gretchen Ammerman
435 Promontory Ln, Oceanside 210 Capes Dr. Oceanside
9350 Whiskey Creek Rd, Netarts
1410 Sunset, Oceanside
Niece Anavay enjoys the angel selfie station at the Depoe Bay lights display
SALISHAN
Hats off to this holiday fair
Forget your troubles and just get happy at the Happy Holidays Craft Fair in Newport this Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29 and 30.
And if the craft fair alone isn’t enough to spark joy, Santa will also be making an appearance.
Started in Yachats in 2023, the fair offers a great opportunity for people in and around Newport to find high-quality gifts and treasures in the run up to the holidays. Locals and visitors will enjoy the warm holiday atmosphere and find just the right gifts hand crafted by nearly 30 artisans from the Pacific
Northwest. From felted hats to jams and pickles, woodworking, soaps and fine art to jewelry, photography, calendars and so much more, the Happy Holidays Craft Fair brings delightful and thoughtful gift ideas to those who enjoy meeting the artisans and seeing art being created. Soup, sweets and beverages will be available for purchase.
The fair will take place from 10 am to 5 pm this Friday, Nov. 29, and Saturday, Nov. 30, at Shilo Inns Newport Oceanfront Conference Center, located at 536 SW Elizabeth Street.
For more information, call 541-272-7812.
Felted hat by Deb Coddington
Glasses painted with alcohol inks by Chastity LeClerc
Winter Arts Festival offers warm welcome
Enjoy art, music and food at the third annual Lincoln City Winter Art Festival, presented by the Lincoln City SeaGals, at the Lincoln City Cultural Center this Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29 and 30.
The center will be filled with booths from 30 local and regional artists with wares that include blown and stained glass, pottery, sculptures, oil and acrylic paintings, fiber arts, metal art, driftwood art, jewelry, photography and more.
Live music begins at 1 pm on Friday with The Foulweather Friends taking to the auditorium stage. With Steve Johnson on guitar and banjo alongside fiddlers Karen Johnson and Amy Barrow, the Friends are an outgrowth of the Foulweather String Band, which has been part of the Central Coast music community for many years. The trio’s compass is drawn to old timely tunes and songs, often incorporating Celtic influences and producing a comfortable, root-sy listening experience.
On Saturday at 10 am, local favorite “Guitar Bobby” Wentz will hit the stage. Hang around and spend the afternoon enjoying the fun music of Lincoln City’s own Richard Paris.
Fuel up at the fabulous Food Cafe, with finger-licking-good meats and sides from Phill’s Smok/n/Grill and, for your sweet tooth, the Bakery Babes Bake Sale will have yummy goodies handmade by the Lincoln City SeaGals.
Two raffles will be held: one to score a wood carving generously donated by Artist James Lukinich of James L Creations and the second for the chance to win donated art by one of the vendors. Raffles will begin at 3 pm on Saturday. Ticket holders need not be present to win.
The center’s Chessman Gallery and the Fiber Art Studio will be open as well as artist studios located downstairs.
The fair runs from noon to 6 pm this Friday, Nov. 29, and 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, Nov. 30, at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, located at 540 NE Hwy. 101. For more information, go to lincolncityculturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.
Photos by Gretchen Ammerman
Where the wild things are
Roar into the holiday season with Wild Fern Mercantile in Lincoln City
By Linda Turner Griepentrog For THE TODAY
If Santa were loading his sleigh with gifts for everyone on his list, he’d definitely be stopping at Wild Fern Mercantile in Lincoln City. This delightful store has things sure to be on several lists this season, all nestled into about 450 square feet of display space.
Whether you’re looking for handmade candles or a great shirt, you’ll find it at this well-appointed shop.
“My customers are about two thirds visitors and one third locals,” said owner Christine McGowan. “There are many return customers from both categories.”
McGowan grew up locally, and after 20 years as a property manager she decided to take a “leap of faith” and open a store.
“I love to visit small gift shops when I travel and I thought our area needed a store with a homey style and good quality giftables,” she said. “My goal is to have a little bit of everything.”
McGowan works with many local artists who supply a lot of her merchandise and she notes a spirit of cooperation among other small businesses to support each other.
items, room fragrances, tile coasters with clever sayings and a host of specialty food items. Jacobsen Salt Co.’s line of products fill an entire shelf and include the obvious, salts, but also seasoning blends, caramels and honey. Just along the wall is a grouping of handmade pine needle baskets and cleverly crafted lavender sachets.
So, what will tempt you at Wild Fern Mercantile? Oh, so many things! There’s jewelry from Northwest artisans, greeting cards, stickers, hilarious magnets, seasonal décor
This time of year, stocking stuffers abound at Wild Fern. Whether you pluck them off the decorated tree or from their place in a basket or bucket, there’s something for everyone on your list, including the kiddos. Look for fun stickers, puzzles and journals sure to appeal to the young ones, as do the assorted stuffed toys. And let’s not forget the furry friends, with toy and leash options. If you prefer something live, there’s a grouping of luscious house plants, and for the holidays, fresh handmade wreaths. For those without green thumbs, choose an air plant to sparkle in the window.
Clothing items in the store include hats, sweatshirts, hoodies and T-shirts. Whether you want something emblazoned with “Beach” or with some motivational sayings like “Be Still,” “Breathe About It” or the wise words of “Control the Controllable,” you’ll find it here.
The selection of gifts changes seasonally, but there’s always home décor items included in the product mix, like pillows and baskets, room diffusers and small wall hangings. Glasses, pitchers, mugs and canisters add ambience as well. Set the mood with the funny tile coasters with sayings, like “Trust me, you can dance — Vodka” or “I’m not bossy — I’m just aggressively helpful!” Surely, you know someone who needs one of these.
For those on the go, Wild Fern offers several different bag and tote options, from shoulder bags to zippered pouches. And, of course, there’s a perfect greeting card or tag available to go with your gift.
If you’re hungry while shopping, pick up one of the myriad biscotti flavors or perhaps a small bag of Big Foot Popcorn in unique flavor offerings like Northwest Rain Forest Crunch, Forest Berry Blend or Caramel Apple. Get a package to go as well, as you’ll no doubt love it and want more to snack on while you’re wrapping all your newly acquired gifts.
Wild Fern Mercantile is located at 4847 SW Hwy. 101, in the historic Taft district of Lincoln City. Winter hours are Monday through Saturday, from 11 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. Current extended holiday hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 5 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
naturalist’s calendar
Newport Cafe
Dive into learning
You don’t have to feel conflicted about driving to a presentation on climate change solutions thanks to a new webinar series launching on Monday, Dec. 2. Presented by Seven Capes Bird Alliance in partnership with Mid-Willamette Bird Alliance, Coast Range Association, Sierra Club Oregon Chapter and Wild Salmon Center, the three-part series will explore the vital connections between coastal forests and marine ecosystems.
On Monday, Dec. 2, Dr. Dominick DellaSala, chief scientist at Wild Heritage, will launch the series with “Old Forests Do It Best as Natural Climate Solutions.”
Old forests provide irreplaceable benefits increasingly needed in a climate emergency
by cleansing the air we breathe, purifying our drinking water and acting as a carbon filtration system for the atmosphere. Our ancient coastal forests store more carbon per acre than nearly any forest on earth and are part of a vast interconnected temperate rainforest system. DellaSala will focus on the benefits ancient forests provide to communities and nature, and how federal forest-climate policies involving the Northwest Forest Plan and National Old Growth Amendment are missing the mark on much-needed forest protections.
The presentation will stream from 3 to 4:30 pm. Pre-registration is required. For more information and registration information, go to sevencapes.org/timberandtides.
Tackling the burning questions
Learn about the vital role of prescribed fire in habitat restoration and management with the MidCoast Watersheds Council at Newport’s Pacific Maritime Heritage Center on Thursday, Dec. 5.
For millennia, Indigenous tribes across the Americas utilized prescribed fire as a primary tool for large-scale habitat management. These intentional burns shaped ecosystems, promoting biodiversity and maintaining balance.
This presentation will feature experts from Oregon State University Extension, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the US Forest
Service, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in fire management and ecological restoration. They will delve into the role of prescribed fire in restoring and maintaining ecosystems on the Oregon Coast. The discussion will include valuable insights into how prescribed fire can serve as a key tool for fostering ecological resilience.
The presentation begins at 6:30 pm at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, located at 333 SE Bay Blvd. in Newport. For more information and a link to view the presentation on Zoom, go to midcoastwatersheds.org.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting the central Oregon coast, Newport Café treats everyone like they’re family. Our exceptional comfort food, huge portions, and extensive menu means you will find something you like and get a lot of it. Because our menu offers delicious daily specials, you can have all of our home cooked meals at a price you can afford. Proud home of the 8 lb burger.
NE 6th Street & Hwy. 101, Newport • 541-574-6847 • thenewportcafe.com
Saturday, Nov. 30 • 10 am to 4 pm
Coronado Shores Beach Club
255 Shore Drive, Gleneden Beach
(Highway 101 to NW Lancer Street, follow the directional signs).
Paintings, Baked Goods, Crafts from Peru, Jewelry, Watercolor Art, Resin Art, Found-object Art, Lavender Items, Greeting cards, Afghans, Hat/Scarf Sets, Earrings, Sand Jars, Sun Catchers, Clocks, Plant Hangers, Painted and Wrapped Rocks. Handmade Tamales.
Brown Pelican • Photo by Ruth Shelly
Coast Calendar
Thursday, Nov. 28
Friday, Nov. 29
Lincoln City Winter Art Festival Lincoln City Cultural Center
Enjoy art, music and food at this bustling event, featuring booths from 30 local and regional artists with wares that include blown
art and more. And keep your eyes peeled for a visit from Santa. 10 am-5 pm, 536 SW Elizabeth Street. FMI, call 541-272-7812. Continues
Paint Your Own: Holiday Décor Lincoln City Ceramics
Make something special for your loved ones this year, while enjoying free hot cocoa and coffee along with a Christmas movie. 11 am-6 pm, 412 SE Hwy. 101.
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.
cranberry sauce and pie. Noon onward, 1643 NW Hwy. 101. $27.95 for adults, $13 for kids aged 12 and under. Hey, cool
Free Fishing Days
Throughout Oregon Fish, crab or clam anywhere in Oregon with no license, tag or endorsement needed. Area closures, bag limits and all other regulations still apply. Sunrise to sundown.
Happy Holidays Craft Fair
Shilo Inns • Newport
Find high-quality gifts and treasures from felted hats to jams and pickles, woodworking, soaps fine art and more. And keep your eyes peeled for a visit from Santa. 10 am-5 pm, 536 SW Elizabeth Street. FMI, call 541-272-7812.
Lincoln City Winter Art Festival
Lincoln City Cultural Center
Enjoy art, music and food at this bustling event, featuring booths from 30 local and regional artists with wares that include blown and stained glass, pottery, sculptures, oil and acrylic paintings, fiber arts, metal art and more. 10 am-4 pm, 540 NE Hwy. 101. FMI, go to lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Holiday Bazaar
Coronado Shores Beach Club Gleneden Beach
A packed sale featuring everything from paintings and jewelry to Afghans, hats and scarves to baked goods and handmade tamales. 10 am to 4 pm, 255 Shore Drive, take NW Lancer Street from Highway 101 and follow the signs.
Small Business Saturday Passport
Salishan Marketplace Gleneden Beach
Shop, sip, munch and support local businesses. Explore the marketplace and hunt for clues at participating businesses to receive stamps. Drop your completed passport in the main plaza for the chance to win a gift valued at $50. 11 am-3 pm, 7755 N. Hwy 101.
Soul Light Spa Saturdays
Luminous Soul Center Gleneden Beach Mini-Sessions, aura pictures, chakra and energy balancing, intuitive readings. $77. 1-4 pm, 6645 Gleneden Beach Loop. Reservations required. Contact Jaya at 971-313-2383.
Comedy on the Coast
Chinook Winds Casino
Resort Lincoln City
An evening of comedy headlined by James Johann, featuring Matt Holt and hosted by Alfonso Ochoa. $15. 7 pm, 1777 NW 44th Street.
Sunday, Dec. 1
“Christmas on the Homefront” Tillamook Air Museum Tillamook
A new exhibit highlighting Christmas 1941, offering a look at holiday artifacts from the era, holiday wartime propaganda, and how American lives were changed as the US entered World War II. 10 am-4 pm, 6030 Hangar Road.
Open mic with host Mac “The Duke” Esposito. Family-friendly acts, seasoned performers and fledgling talents welcome. 1-3 pm, 540 NE Commercial Street.
Storytime with Santa Pioneer Joe Coffee Co • Gleneden Beach
Meet Santa for storytime and fabulous photo ops. And get crafty with cookie decorating at Depoe Bakery and ornament making at Adventure Collective. 1-3 pm in the Salishan Marketplace, 7755 N. Hwy. 101.
“A Course in Miracles”
Congregational Church of Lincoln City
This ongoing spiritual self-study program offers a warm welcome to all. 2-3 pm, 2435 NW Oar Place. FMI, call Pam at 541-961-0084 or Mary Anne at 480-310-3433.
“String Trios of the 18th Century” Congregational Church of Lincoln City
The Oregon Bach Collegium presents string trios from the Baroque and Classical eras, featuring the Baryton trios of Haydn. 3-4:30 pm, 2435 NW Oar Place.
Carols of Christmas Coming First Presbyterian Church • Newport
The Porchlight Singers present a winter concert on the cusp of Christmas. Admission by donation. 4 pm, 227 NE 12th Street.
Resin Pour: Beach Scene Lincoln City Ceramics
Monday, Dec. 2
Tuesday, Dec. 3
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. Aaron Meyer • Saturday, Nov. 30,
Thursday, Nov. 28
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.
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. 5:30-7:30 pm, at Salishan, 7755 N. Highway 101, 541-764-9026.
Young Jim Carr
The Drift Inn • Yachats
This Eugene singer-songwriter conveys his longing for truth and love in his own unique poetic way. 6-8:30 pm, 124 Hwy. 101 N., 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
Zeller’s Bar & Grill • Lincoln City
8:30 pm-12:30 am, 1643 Hwy. 101, 541994-8100.
Karaoke
Bay Haven Inn • Newport
Have a great time with local host Precious. and support a small, local venue. 8:30 pm-midnight, 608 SW Bay Blvd.
Friday, Nov. 29
Waldport Acoustic Jam
Waldport Community Center
The Empty Train Band
Fishing Rock Eatery & Lounge • Depoe Bay
Folks meets Bluesicana for a holiday evening of good cheer with a casual groove. 6-9 pm, 3245 Hwy. 101.
Garibaldi Jam
Garibaldi Community Hall
Mostly old-time favorites and Country-Western standards. Cut a rug on the large dance floor or simply sit and enjoy. 6-8 pm, 6th Street and Acacia Avenue.
Family Karaoke Night/Open Mic
The Pines Dine • Lincoln City 6-8 pm, 5040 SE Hwy. 101.
Matt Neely
The Drift Inn • Yachats
Serving up high-energy bluegrass favorites, country classics, gritty blues and sultry acoustic jazz. 6-8:30 pm, 124 Hwy. 101 N., 541-547-4477.
Ian Smith
The Drift Inn • Yachats
An evening of classics from a local legend. 6-8:30 pm, 124 Hwy. 101 N., 541-547-4477.
Rock the Holidays
Newport Performing Arts Center
Tex Brooklyn Experiment The Drift Inn • Yachats
Covers of blues, rock, jazz, country, zydeco, standards, reggae and requests plus original tunes ranging from “Chicken Minuet” to “Loose But Not Sleazy.” 6-8:30 pm, 124 Hwy. 101 N., 541-547-4477.
Karaoke
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.
EZ-Eddy and the Jumpers
Snug Harbor Bar & Grill • Lincoln City
A blues party featuring E.Z. Eddy Campy and friends. 8:30 pmmidnight, 5001 SW Hwy. 101.
Karaoke
Zeller’s Bar & Grill • Lincoln City
9 pm-2 am, 1643 Hwy. 101, 541-994-8100.
DJ Metal
Chinook Winds Casino Resort • Lincoln City
Musicians and listeners of all ages and abilities are welcome and a piano is available. 3-5 pm, 265 NW Hemlock Street.
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. 5:30-7:30 pm, at Salishan, 7755 N. Highway 101, 541-764-9026.
Dylan Crawford
Beachcrest Brewing Company • Gleneden Beach
Chilled-out rock and reggae. 5:30-7:30 pm, at Salishan, 7755 N. Highway 101, 541-234-4013.
Reb Conner
Pelican Brewing • Lincoln City
Enjoy a pint with a view, alongside live music. 6-8 pm, 5911 SE Hwy. 101, 541-614-4216.
Playing club hits in the Rogue River Lounge. 10 pm-1:30 am, 1777 NW 44th Street. Lincoln City, 888-244-6665.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Flatt Stanley Incident
Beachcrest Brewing Company • Gleneden Beach
Feel-good bluegrass, country and folk. 5:30-7:30 pm, at Salishan, 7755 N. Highway 101, 541-234-4013.
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. 5:30-7:30 pm, at Salishan, 7755 N. Highway 101, 541-764-9026.
The Bruner Trio
Fishing Rock Eatery & Lounge • Depoe Bay Rock and blues. 6-9 pm, 3245 Hwy. 101, 541-764-4222.
Acclaimed rock violinist Aaron Meyer plays an evening of highenergy holiday favorites and rock classics at this benefit for the Oregon Coast Aquarium. 7 pm, 777 W Olive Street. Tickets, $35, available at coastarts.org.
Eric Sappington
Schooner Restaurant & Lounge • Netarts
Spend an evening with this coastal singer-songwriter. Call for reservations. 7-9 pm, 2065 Netarts Basin Boat Road, 503-815-9900.
Karaoke
Snug Harbor Bar & Grill • Lincoln City
Hosted by Doctor B. 8:30 pm- midnight, 5001 SW Hwy. 101.
Karaoke
Zeller’s Bar & Grill • Lincoln City 9 pm-2 am, 1643 Hwy. 101, 541-994-8100.
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, Dec. 1
Sunday Jam
Bay Haven Inn • Newport
A chance for professional musicians to collaborate and improvise. 3-6 pm, 608 SW Bay Blvd.
Sunday Jazz Jam
Beachcrest Brewing Company • Gleneden Beach
Instrumentalists and vocalists are welcome to sit in. 4-6 pm at Salishan, 7755 N. Highway 101, 541-234-4013.
June Rushing Trio
Fishing Rock Eatery & Lounge • Depoe Bay
Husband and wife June and Joren Rushing, along with multiinstrumentalist Robin Remaily, present classic hits from the golden age of radio. From Patsy Cline and Marty Robbins to the Beatles, they do it all with style. 6-8 pm, 3245 Hwy. 101.
Zeller’s Bar & Grill • Lincoln City 8:30 pm-12:30 am, 1643 Hwy. 101, 541-994-8100.
Karaoke
Snug Harbor Bar & Grill • Lincoln City Hosted by Doctor B. 8:30 pm-midnight, 5001 SW Hwy. 101.
Monday, Dec. 2
Karaoke
Zeller’s Bar & Grill • Lincoln City 8:30 pm-12:30 am, 1643 Hwy. 101, 541-994-8100.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
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.
Lincoln City Bluegrass Jam
Eagles Lodge •
and contemporary bluegrass, old-time Americana and country music. Bring your acoustic instrument to play and sing in the Jam Circle, or just come to listen. All welcome. 6-8 pm, 737 SW 32nd Street.
541-765-2288. Karaoke
Zeller’s Bar & Grill • Lincoln City 8:30 pm-12:30 am, 1643 Hwy. 101, 541-994-8100.
Wednesday, Dec. 4 Karaoke Zeller’s Bar & Grill • Lincoln City 8:30 pm-12:30 am, 1643 Hwy. 101, 541-994-8100.
in Newport
Finding perfect pitch
New symphony director aims high for Newport ensemble
Story and photo by Eliot Sekuler For the TODAY
With a new executive director bringing fresh ideas and an ambitious agenda, the Newport Symphony Orchestra is entering a new era.
Founded in 1989, the symphony has flourished under the musical direction of highly regarded conductor Adam Flatt, who has led the ensemble since 2007. The orchestra’s new executive director, Dan Howard, will oversee fund-raising, marketing and community engagement while working with Flatt to shape the programming.
“I’m very ambitious,” Howard said. “I aim high.” Tall, buoyant and informal, with a disarming smile and rapid-fire way of speaking, Howard spells out his ideas for improving the orchestra’s musical quality and expanding its audience, including establishing a signature Newport Symphony “sound.”
“People talk about the `sound’ of orchestras,” he said, referring to the trademark style of some orchestras, shaped through the direction of their conductors by a variety of choices those conductors make in the seating arrangements, in the way the string musicians are instructed to bow their instruments, in phrasing and simply through the musicians’ frequent interaction.
“The more an ensemble plays together, the more they develop a `sound.’ There is a ‘Newport sound’ now, but we don’t play together enough for it to be immediately obvious to other people.”
Currently, the orchestra performs five programs, each with two performances, at the 328-seat Newport Performing Arts Center. It also presents a free Independence Day concert at Newport Middle School, which accommodates 900, and
the “Chamber Music on the Bayfront” series in the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center’s intimate Doerfler Family Theater.
“Right now, we’re doing two or three chamber concerts each season,” Howard said. “I’d like us to do four or maybe five of them.”
Another key priority for Howard is the expansion of the audience base by increasing the appeal of the ensemble to younger audiences and to a broader public.
“We need to find a way to tell the story of this music in such a way that it gets out into the community,” he said.
“I think people will respond to the stories that the music has to tell if we can tell the story in a way that humanizes it, makes it more accessible and lets our community know that the music is not unapproachable. It’s not a stuck-up art form.”
a lot of time and effort to get it right, but it’s going to be an effort that’s well worth it.”
Holiday Concert
Join the Newport Symphony Orchestra for the annual Concert by Candlelight, “Baroque and Beyond for the Holidays” on Wednesday, Dec. 4.
Hear the orchestra bring Baroque masters like Handel and Bach to life along with a dash of your favorite holiday tunes arranged by local composer Dave Robertson. Principal Flutist, Erin Adair, and Principal Violist, Shauna Keyes, will perform “Concertino for Flute and Viola,” which world-renowned composer Ernest Bloch wrote while living in Agate Beach.
Howard arrived at the Newport Symphony Orchestra with leadership experience at the National Repertory Orchestra in Breckenridge, Colorado, and as vice president and general manager of the Boise Philharmonic. He also spent 10 years teaching music in the Boise public school system and has worked as a professional trombonist in orchestras and touring musical theater productions.
The concerts will be presented at 2 pm and 7:30 pm at the Newport Performing Arts Center, located at 777 W Olive Street. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.
Howard is especially enthused about youth outreach and its potential for drawing young people into the orchestra’s audience.
“We got a very generous grant recently that will fund musicians in the classroom,” he said. “We’re going to take a trio of musicians and send them to every kindergarten through second grade classroom in Lincoln County. It’s going to take
“I understand what it’s like to sit on the stage,” he said. “I understand what it’s like to play for an audience. I know how the energy of the audience affects their performance, how the quality of their fellow musicians really matters to them. And I know how important it is for the musicians to be able to just show up and make music without worrying about little things: a wobbly music stand, how they’re going to be fed, how the lights get turned on and off. If they’re worried about those things, then I haven’t done my job correctly. I want them to feel good about coming here. Adam Flatt is going to program the music they love to play, and I’m going to make sure they have a great time doing it.”
For more information on the Newport Symphony Orchestra and to purchase tickets, go to newportsymphony.org or call 541-2652787.
www.folcas.com
831 NE Avery Street, Newport • 806-535-9472 • 806-790-1680 artfitoregon@gmail.com • artfitoregon.com • F/artfitoregon Sharon and Mike
Introductory promotion - Four classes for $60
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: TWO WORDS IN ONE
The definition of two different words is given. Combine the two words to make one longer word. (e.g., A brown color + A man. Answer: Tangent (tan + gent).)
FRESHMAN LEVEL
1. Not on + Frozen water.
2. A motor vehicle + A household animal.
3. The heart, for example + A family member.
GRADUATE LEVEL
4. A two-digit number + A common insect.
5. To stroke lightly + A violent protest by a crowd of people.
6. An offense against a religious law + A monarch.
PH.D. LEVEL
7. A poisonous snake + An order to stand still.
8. To ask for as charity + Part of a baseball game.
SPECIAL THANKS FROM TRACEY TAYLOR TO MY PARTNER IN LIFE, CHRISTIE; TO MY BUSINESS PARTNERS, JEROME, LILA & GITL; TO OUR LOCATION PARTNERS, LINCOLN CITY OUTLETS; TO OUR INSTRUCTORS, STEPHANIE, CHERYL, JEWEL, ANNIKA, MATT, KELLY, JOANNE & SARAH; TO MY FAMILY FOR ALWAYS STEPPING IN, SAM, ARIEL, AUSTIN, TAYLOR, JOSIAH, HANNAH, ERIKA & NICOLE
on the cover Tree’s company
Get into the holiday spirit with tree-lighting ceremonies along the
Central Coast
Christmas lights are one of the season’s greatest gifts, whether on a cozy conifer in a corner, on a towering community tree or dancing on the side of a hill in ever-changing shapes.
The Lincoln City Cultural Center Tree Lighting Party
This fun and festive annual event, taking place on Friday, Nov. 29, will kick off at 2 pm with the popular Make-n-Take Ornament Workshop in the Maker’s Place.
Enjoy delightful caroling from the Sweet Adelines at 4:30 pm, followed by the Tree Lighting countdown at 5 pm. Santa is scheduled to arrive right after the tree is illuminated at roughly 5:15 pm, and will stay until every wish is heard.
Newport City Hall Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
The City of Newport will hold its annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 6, on the front lawn of City Hall beginning at 5:30 pm. After the tree lighting, a brief reception will be held inside City Hall featuring hot chocolate, cider and cookies.
This year’s city tree is a 25-foot-tall noble fir that was donated by Starker Forests in Philomath.
Complimentary cookies and hot chocolate will be available after 4:30 pm, thanks to event sponsor Kenny’s IGA.
This year’s community tree was generously donated, transported and installed by Weyerhaeuser and decorated by the cultural center’s Visual Arts Director Krista Eddy along with staff, volunteers and members of the community. Weather permitting, the tree will be illuminated every evening through December in front of center, located at 540 NE Hwy. 101. For more information or to volunteer, call Operations Director Judy Hardy at 541-994-9994.
Newport Mayor Jan Kaplan and City Manager Nina Vetter will assist with the tree lighting, which will feature for the first time a lighted three-foot crab as the tree topper, created by Newport Signs in partnership with the Newport Chamber of Commerce.
The Oregon Coast Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines will add their special brand of cheer through song.
Newport City Hall is located at 169 SW Hwy. 101. For more information, call 541-574-0649.
Waldport Christmas Tree Lighting Fest
Enjoy Waldport history as the holiday season ramps up at the Alsea Bay Bridge Visitor Center & Museum from 1 to 6 pm on Sunday, Dec. 8.
Before and after the tree lighting, which will take place outside of the building after sunset, enjoy hot cocoa, snacks and holiday shopping inside.
Alsea Bay Bridge Visitor Center & Museum is located at 320 NW Hwy 101, just south of the bridge.
And, keep your eyes peeled for the Dec. 13 edition of Oregon Coast TODAY, which will contain a map of the Waldport Holiday Lights Tour.
For more information, go to findyourselfinwaldport.com.
Depoe Bay Christmas Light Show
A towering, 20-foot tree with 3,200 lights stands as the centerpiece of this neighborhood lights show, opening this Sunday, Nov. 30.
Now in its fourth official season, the show will light the night with more than 38,000 individually controlled LED lights synchronized to holiday music, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
What began as a personal holiday project and hobby for local resident Bill Masella has grown into a beloved seasonal tradition. Each year, the show continues to evolve, offering an even more spectacular light display that brings joy to all who visit. This year’s event promises to be bigger and brighter than ever, with new lighting features and musical arrangements designed to transport visitors into a magical holiday world.
Highlights of the displays include two eight-foot-long Orcas, whale tales, starfish and an Angel Wing selfie station, where you can press a button on the kiosk to change the color of the wings.
Music synchronized to the lights creates a visually and audibly immersive experience.
Those walking to see the show can press the button on the hillside and the music will play through speakers for a few minutes. Car radios can be tuned to 92.1 FM or, for a more accurately timed show, download PulseMesh to your smartphone.
Donations will be accepted to support Depoe Bay charities including Neighbors for Kids and the food pantry.
The show is located at 354 SW Coast Avenue in Depoe Bay and runs Sunday through Thursday from 4:30 to 9:30 pm and Friday and Saturday from 4:30 to 10:30 pm through the holiday season. Weather permitting on Friday and Saturday, coffee or hot chocolate and candy canes will be served from 5:30 pm while supplies last. For more information, go todepoebaylights.com.
Owen and Colin Zantello with grandma Norma at the Lincoln City event
• photo by Josh Zantello
A pop-up event in Toledo
Rain can sometimes kill the vibe at a Christmas Tree-lighting ceremony, but in Toledo, it only adds to the fun. The town’s popular Umbrella Parade kicks off an evening of fun this Saturday, Nov. 30, followed by a tree-lighting ceremony and a Community Christmas Party. The Umbrella Parade goes from top of Main Street to the plaza in front of Cobblestone Pizza, where the huge tree is sitting.
After the treelighting, everyone is invited to the Toledo Elks Lodge for the Community Christmas Party. Santa will be there, along with holiday face painting, cookies, hot cocoa and Christmas carols sung by the Sweet Adelines. There will be plenty of holiday crafts for the kids, too. Main Street will be closed for the
event starting at 3 pm to ensure space for the parade, which will begin at 5:15 pm. Everyone is welcome to bring a decorated umbrella and participate in the parade. All participants who want to be part of the Umbrella Decorating Contest must be registered by 5 pm, when the judging will begin. Prizes will be awarded at the tree lighting to the best decorated umbrellas in three categories: a prize for kids aged up to 17, an adult prize and a family prize. Toledo Elks Lodge is located at 123 Alder
For more information on the Community Christmas Party, call 541-3363183. For more information on the Umbrella Parade, email childrens@cityoftoledo.org or call 541-336-3132.
cooking
Food for when it’s pouring
When most people think of Oregon wine, they think of Pinot Noir and rightfully so. Our Pinot Noir is world-class, but so is our Chardonnay. These grapes can grow throughout the world in a wide range of climates and soils, which results in a variety of different styles of Chardonnay. In Oregon it’s the combination of our climate, soil and growing season that makes ours so special. Because of our cooler climates, the grapes have a longer growing season and this produces grapes with higher acidity. This higher acidity makes wine that is tart and crisp.
These grapes grow in many parts of Oregon such as the Willamette Valley and Yamhill Carlton area. The soil in these areas is pure magic — ancient, volcanic and rich in clay, chalk, and limestone. Chardonnay grapes love this soil. All these factors combine to make a white wine that is dry, rich and medium to full bodied.
When pairing wine with food there are a few things to consider, such as the sweetness of the wine and the richness or spiciness of the food. The wine should complement the food not compete with it. We all know the golden rule at this point — don’t ever cook with wine that you wouldn’t drink. Please steer clear of those bottles of cooking wine in the stores. It is cut-rate wine that wasn’t ever good enough to drink and to add insult to injury, it then has salt and a sweetener added to it. Just say no! You can find a good bottle of Chardonnay at an affordable price point and, believe me, your food will thank you for it.
Typically, Chardonnay is paired with food that isn’t too spicy or strongly flavored. Foods like mild cheeses, pork, chicken or pasta dishes that have butter or cheese sauces are perfect. Vegetable and seafood dishes are great as well. Asian food pairs beautifully too, as long as it isn’t too spicy. On any given week I make chicken for dinner at least three times. Chicken is pretty quick cooking, especially boneless, skinless breasts and there is so much you can do with it. Because I eat so much of it, I am always looking for new ways to cook it. It’s hard to beat seared chicken with a quick pan sauce. It has a lot of flavor with minimal effort and it’s one pan that makes for easy clean up. Whatever you decide to serve with the chicken, whether it’s mashed potatoes, polenta or pasta, be sure to pour this sauce on everything.
Chicken in Chardonnay Sauce
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and black pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chardonnay wine
2 tablespoons butter
Slice both chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. You will now have four pieces of chicken. Doing this will allow the chicken to cook more quickly. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the flour in a large shallow bowl. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour, coating all sides. Shake off the excess.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add all four chicken pieces. If your skillet isn’t big enough, you will do this in two batches. Sear the chicken until golden brown for about four minutes on each side. Set the chicken aside on a plate and cover to keep it warm.
Add the wine to the skillet. If you are cooking on a gas stove, remove the skillet from the heat to add the wine. This will prevent the wine from igniting. Place the skillet back on the burner over medium heat. With a wooden spoon, scrape the
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon cold water
1/4 cup heavy cream
Chopped parsley, to garnish, optional
bottom of the skillet to loosen the browned bits and incorporate them into the wine. Those brown bits are flavor. Bring the wine to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Add the butter and garlic and cook for one minute. Next, add the chicken broth and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
Stir the cornstarch and water to make sure the cornstarch is dissolved. Stir this into the simmering wine sauce. Cook for one minute. This will thicken the sauce and give it more body. Taste the sauce for seasoning. Add more salt if needed.
Add the chicken into the wine sauce and simmer for five minutes to reheat the chicken. Place the chicken on two plates and spoon some of the wine sauce over. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022
Convention Center: 9pm – 1:30am
No Cover Charge • No Host Bar Live Music by Dance Hall Days 21 years and older
Showroom: 10pm – 1:30am
No Cover Charge • No Host Bar Club Hits spun by DJ Metal & Co. 21 years and older
Shuttle service to Lincoln City hotel properties 7pm - 2am
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 ONLY Bingo Hall: 9am
• $40 Paper Buy-in
• $75 Machine Minimum
• Over $35,000 in Payouts
• 18 and older
SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022 ONLY Bingo Hall: 1pm & 6pm
