recently visited Papa’s Bookshelf in the Lincoln City Outlets for a story we ran a few issues back, and the owner confirmed what I have long suspected — not only is print media not dead, it is making a comeback. I don’t know about you, but after a long day of having to stare at a screen to earn an income, the last thing I want to do when it’s time for a relaxing read is to stare at another screen. Not to mention that you can’t clip an event from a screen and affix it to your refrigerator door with a cute magnet.
So, as the pages of another calendar run out, (I mean that literally, I like a print calendar, too) Patrick Alexander and I would like to thank our readers for another great year. I get so many wonderful comments about our little publication and, though we have plenty of online readers, many people tell me how much they love to “pick up their copy” of the TODAY every week. I would like to send a special shout-out to Kathleen Roff, who called me to give not only kudos, but also a tip about her neighbors in Gleneden Beach who have an entire block of some of the best decorations to be seen on the coast. Go to page 7 for more on that. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to all.
TODAY
435 Promontory Ln, Oceanside
210 Capes Dr. Oceanside
9350 Whiskey Creek Rd, Netarts
1410 Sunset, Oceanside
SALISHAN
7755 N HWY.
Fellowship gives a star turn on Christmas Eve
Looking for fellowship this Christmas Eve? Join with members of the Driftwood Fellowship for the “More Than a Star” celebration at the Lincoln City Cultural Center on Tuesday, Dec. 24.
Hot cider, cookies and other seasonal treats will be served.
The gathering represents bridge building in a fractious age. The Driftwood Fellowship, formerly First Baptist Church of Lincoln City, reached out to the pastor and some of the musicians at the Lincoln City SDA Church about uniting to resurrect the Christmas Eve programs that had been so abruptly ended by COVID in 2020.
“We had such a warm welcome,” said Pastor Valerie Kendall of the Driftwood Fellowship. “We were welcomed, and our idea was welcomed as well.”
Music leaders Drs. Albert and Myra Thompson came on board to help guide the music. The Lincoln City Christian School next joined the celebration, quickly assembling a girls’ choir to work with Kendall.
The music will include contemporary and classic Christmas tunes and wintry seasonal songs.
Music will also be provided by Strawberry Charlotte, the mother-and-daughter singersongwriter duo of Kendall and Haley Dean. Kendall has a long history of working with large adult and children’s choirs. Dean was the lead vocalist and songwriter for the band Shores of Astor.
Pianist Paul Beard will provide accompaniment before and after the main show and during the sing along.
All who attend are invited to sing along with songs they know.
This is the fourth community Christmas Eve celebration at the Lincoln City Cultural Center. The house is usually full. Donations benefiting the cultural center are welcome. Canned food donations are also welcome for the local Coastal Support Services.
The program begins at 5 pm at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, located at 540 NE Hwy. 101.
For more information, go to lincolncityculturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.
holidays
Some light entertainment
By Gretchen Ammerman Oregon Coast TODAY
Alan and Terrie Wagner have big balls. To be fair, those balls are size appropriate for a tree that lives under the flagship decorated conifer, towering high above the street sign at the corner of Stevens Street and Gleneden Beach Loop, where the couple transform their property into a winter wonderland every Christmas.
“I’m a Christmas nut,” Terrie said. “Alan just goes along with it because he’s that kind of guy,”
The property, purchased by Terrie’s grandparents in 1969, was the site of the former Sea Lark Motel, which closed in the 1950s.
When the couple moved from Portland in 2008, they added large outdoor play structures for the growing brood that visits for holidays, currently comprising five kids, 10 grandkids, five great-grandkids, two nephews and two great nephews.
“We bring our crazy with us whoever we go,” Terrie said. “When you have water balloon fights, you need a place to run.”
If you see a gate open on Stevens Street, that is an invitation to peek into the windows at the massive train town, inside of the home and to take advantage of the interactive elements in
the yard.
“I will have props for people to do selfies,” Terrie said. “We don’t ask for anything, but food donations are appreciated. Last year we collected three or four totes full of food for the food bank.”
Because not all of the family can make it out for Christmas Day, the decorations will remain up until the first weekend in January. Though Terrie holds firm that Christmas decorations should not be put up until after Thanksgiving, they can’t wait long to begin the property’s transformation.
“We were late one year and people kept coming by asking when the tree was going up,” she said.
It takes 35 to 37 totes to store the decorations, a number that continues to grow, and takes the couple roughly three and a half weeks to get all of the decorating finished.
“This year the weather really worked for us,” Terrie said. “It will take about a week to take it all back down. If the weather doesn’t work for us then, we will have to dry everything before putting it away. Last year the garage looked like blow-up decoration central.”
The lights usually get turned off by 10 pm.
“The lights are mostly for us and our family,” Terrie said. “But we are glad to be able to share them with the community.”
holidays Have your-elf a merry little Christmas
Tiny folk bring big fun at Waldport treasure hunt
When Rhonda D’Amico left Idaho, she fairy quickly found her elf in Waldport. The reception she received dwarfed the sadness she felt after leaving the home she had gnome for so long.
Part of the positive reception came because when she arrived, she was not alone. Her baggage included tiny passengers with tons of personality, and she was prepared to share them with her new neighbors.
“I learned as a navy brat that if you want to become part of a new place, you have to involve yourself in the community,” she said. “That has worked really well for me here.”
This Christmas marks the second year that D’Amico’s collection of characters from “The Elves Themselves” line was put on display at the Historic Alsea Bay Bridge Visitor Center. One of the elves was gifted to a lucky raffle winner on the evening of the Waldport tree-lighting ceremony and party earlier this month.
businesses. Go into the business, find the true identity of each elf, mark it on your score sheet, and you might find your elf a lucky winner of another of D’Amico’s treasures.
“They are the only thing I own that my kids are interested in inheriting,” she said, covering the ears of elf Karl, who was sitting in pride of place on her lap. “It’s hard to let some of them go, but I can’t keep them all.”
Karl is one of the “real” elves, according to D’Amico.
After the party, the remaining elves went into witness protection, and got jobs behind the scenes at 26 local
Reggie is up for grabs as the grand prize
“They were manufactured by a company that went out of business, then they started selling for a lot of money on eBay so another company started making them,” she said. “Most of mine are the original, some are new. Even some of the brand-new ones are selling for $100.”
The line includes kissing couples, working stiffs and impish elves, all in costume and some with accessories.
“I first saw them in a store in Salt Lake City where there were two of them for sale,” D’Amico said. “They were $30 a piece which wasn’t cheap at the time, but their faces won me over. That’s what got me started on collecting them. I think if I had to pick favorites it would be little Georgie and little Fritz. They are new ones but they are really cute and they capture the spirit of Christmas.”
The elf that will go to the winner of the city-wide hunt is
“Reggie,” complete with a candy cane pole and paintbrush.
“I know most of their names,” D’Amico said. “I used to set them up in different scenarios every Christmas: decorating a tree, playing cards, baking. They were something that brought my kids a lot of joy. Now that I am widowed and my kids are out of the house, I don’t do it as much but I do still occasionally talk to them.”
D’Amico was excited to integrate the elves and her family traditions with the Waldport community and also to support the local businesses.
“You have to figure out the name of each elf by interacting with the store owner or worker,” she said. “My goal is to use my elves to add joy during the holiday, which is what they do for me, and to also drive more business to Waldport.”
For those unfamiliar, the city motto for Waldport is “Find Yourself in Waldport,” but thanks to D’Amico, people will be able to find them-elves in Waldport every Holiday season instead.
“My goal is to have a ‘Find your Elf in Waldport’ contest every year,” she said. “I would love to take credit for the name, but it was Reda Eckerman who came up with it and I thought it was absolutely perfect.”
The hunt will be available until Jan. 6 at 2:30 pm. The winner will be the person that correctly identifies the most elves. In the event of ties, there will be a raffle. Scoresheets can be picked up and returned to the Historic Alsea Bay Bridge Visitor Center at 320 NW Hwy. 101 in Waldport.
Story and photos by Gretchen Ammerman Oregon Coast TODAY
Yule love this fresh approach
‘The Christmas Show’ returns with all-new
format
Red Octopus Theatre Company’s annual holiday tradition, “The Christmas Show,” has been completely reimagined for 2024, opening this Friday, Dec. 20, at the Newport Performing Arts Center.
This year’s event features a brand-new, sketch comedy-style show, written and directed by Darcy Lawrence and starring more than 30 local actors.
Lawrence, a staple in the local theatre community, previously wrote “It’s a Wonderful Carol, Actually,” which debuted locally two years ago and has since been picked up by a production company in Las Vegas and will be performed at Vegas Theatre Company this December. Lawrence directed the world premiere production in Newport in 2022, along with other hits such as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Lend Me a Tenor,” “The Full Monty” and “The Taming of the Shrew.”
Red Octopus Theatre Company initially created “The Christmas Show” to offer an annual holiday theatre tradition in Newport, except instead of presenting the same show every year, they thought they’d mix it up to keep things fresh. Some years, it was a series of short plays; others, it was a full-length play.
The idea came from a good place, and many audience members expressed joy in knowing there would always be something new to see, but others became attached to certain plays and were disappointed when those plays didn’t return. So, the company went back to the drawing board. Could they present something that was both new and the same each year? The surprising answer is yes. The show has been reimagined as a family-friendly, sketch comedy-style production; think Saturday Night Live, but holiday-themed and free from politics and adult humor.
The show begins each year with a cold open, followed by an opening number and a series of comedy sketches and guests. The audience’s favorite sketches will return the following year, intermixed with fresh, new sketches. So, each year, there will
be something familiar and something new — the best of both worlds.
What won’t change are the things the company’s audiences have come to love best and count on: an appearance by Santa Claus, snow inside the theater, hot cocoa and the real star of the night — homemade Christmas cookies. Thousands of cookies are made by hand each year and donated by local baker, writer and theater patron Kate Boyes. When first presented, the cookies were an instant hit and quickly became so popular that audience members were taking full trays of them home to their families, so they are now distributed by hand in individual baggies. Any leftover cookies are given to local charities.
Once again, in keeping with the spirit of the season, the theater company is sponsoring a food drive to support Food Share of Lincoln County. Save $5 per ticket when purchasing tickets in-person at the box office and bring two food donations per ticket. Please, no glass, perishables or soon-to-be expired products.
“My vision for The Christmas Show is a great, holidaythemed sketch comedy that is free of political humor and adult themes,” Lawrence said. “I believe clean is not anathema to funny, and anyone who can’t write comedy without politics and profanity isn’t really trying. In my sketches, Santa will always be real, and the comedy will never be crude or divisive. I want everyone to be able to enjoy this holiday tradition together!”
So, grab your friends and family, don your favorite ugly Christmas sweater, eat your green beans (if you know, you know) and head down to Newport Performing Arts Center for this annual holiday tradition.
“The Christmas Show” runs from Friday, Dec. 20, to Sunday, Dec. 22. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7 pm and Sunday at 2 pm. The Newport Performing Arts Center is located at 777 W Olive Street. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.
CJ McCarty and Pete Theodore •
Photo by Chris Graamans
Karlia Bertness and Lucy Furuheim • Photo by Chris Graamans
Newport Cafe
Two hot dates
Winter solstice is the official first day of winter and is also the longest night of the year. Cultures have been celebrating winter solstice for centuries as a way of acknowledging the end of lengthening nights and shortening days. Some view the holiday as a time for hope, reflection and renewal. After the solstice, the sun will begin setting later in the evening and the days will grow gradually longer, finally culminating in the summer solstice in late June. This year, winter officially begins on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 1:19 am.
Gather with others to celebrate the coming of longer days at two free and festive events in Yachats and Lincoln City this Saturday.
Yachats Winter Solstice Celebration
This tribute to the sun will be held at the Yachats Commons from 4 to 7 pm or “until the bonfire goes out.”
Enjoy the bonfire, food, music, dancing, friends and fun. Free treats include three varieties of chili, freshly popped popcorn and beverages.
A delicious assortment of cookies will again be provided by the Yachats Ladies Club. The chili selection will include a vegan option. Beverages will be provided by View the Future.
Morgen Silverhorn and friends will entertain and lead an acoustic instrument jam session. Bring the acoustic instrument of your choice should you wish to join in.
The Yachats Commons is located at 441 N Hwy 101. For more information, go to Pollyplumb.org.
Solstice Celebration at Driftwood Public Library
This celebration begins at 6:30 pm, and library staff seek to offer a program in which anyone can stop, take a breath, relax and reflect in the company of their community. It is an open mic event, with all manner of performances welcome. Musicians, writers, dancers and readers from the local area are requested to join to honor the start of the winter season in an attempt to provide a small sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping and preparation. Therefore, the readings and music will ideally reflect on various aspects of winter and solstice and what these mean to different interpreters. Cookies, cocoa, punch and tea will be provided.
Doors open at 6 pm at Driftwood Public Library, located on the second floor of the Lincoln City Hall building at 801 SW Hwy. 101. For more information, go to driftwoodlib. org or call 541 996-1242.
Whether you’re a local or just
the central Oregon
Newport Café treats
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.
Coast Calendar
Thursday, Dec. 19
Grill • Lincoln City
Break out your most wretched festive knitwear and you could win a prize. 8:30 pm, 1643 NW Hwy. 101.
Holiday Market Fairview Grange • Tillamook Find artwork, clothes, decor, ceramics, glass, gifts and more for sale from 10 am-5 pm. And families can make ornaments, Christmas cards and decorations for free from 11 am-4 pm. All proceeds go to continue restoration of the Fairview Grange. 5520 3rd Street. FMI, call Larry at 503-801-0603.
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, Dec. 21
Solstice Celebration
Driftwood Public Library Lincoln City
Musicians, writers, dancers and readers are invited to honor the start of winter with readings and music that reflect on various aspects of winter and solstice. Cookies, cocoa, punch and tea will be provided. 6 pm on the second floor at 801 SW Hwy. 101. FMI, call 541 996-1242.
“It’s a Wonderful Life”
North County Recreation District • Nehalem
Riverbend Players present this Christmas classic in radio play format, adapted by Joe Landry and directed by Frank Squillo. 7 pm, 36155 9th Street. $20. For details, go to www.riverbendplayers.org.
“The Christmas Show”
Newport Performing Arts Center
Christmas Model Train Show
Yaquina Pacific Railroad Historical Society Toledo
Add some locomotion to your holiday celebration, with free fun for all ages. 10 am-5 pm, 100 NW 1st Street. Continues Sunday.
Fa-La-La Holiday Singfest Lincoln City Cultural Center
Friday, Dec. 20
DIY All-Natural Yule Swag Creative Heart Studios Lincoln City
Handcraft your own holiday swag using fresh greenery like pine, cedar, eucalyptus and other natural
The Coastal Voices chorus leads this old-fashioned singalong event, packed with new and old favorites, holiday movie classics and other great music. Complimentary cookies and beverages for all. 2-4 pm, 540 NE Hwy. 101.
DIY Yule Glass Jar Oil Lamp
Creative Heart Studios Lincoln City
Handcraft your own holiday oil lamp using a glass jar, fresh greenery, dried herbs and other natural elements. 2-4 pm, 2139 NW Hwy. 101. $40.
RSVP at www.creativeheartstudios.com.
Solstice Yoga
New Moon Yoga • Lincoln City
Celebrate the turning point to longer days with the soothing meditative sequence of Chandra Namaskar led by Brady Jansen, followed by Savasana and Guided Meditation with Melissa Caye. 4 pm inside the Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101.
Winter Solstice Celebration
Yachats Commons
This tribute to the sun features a bonfire, music, dancing, friends and fun along with three varieties of chili, freshly popped popcorn and beverages.
Bring an acoustic instrument if you wish to join in. 4-7 pm, 441 N Hwy. 101.
Christmas Parade
Otis
2820 SE Ferry Slip Road.
$10. Free for aquarium members. FMI, go to aquarium.org.
This festive parade starts at the fire station and winds its way through the streets of Otis. 6 pm, 381 N Old Scenic Hwy. 101.
Red Octopus Theatre Company’s annual holiday tradition returns as a brand-new, sketch comedy-style show — holiday-themed and familyfriendly. 7 pm, 777 W Olive Street. Tickets, $20, available at coastarts.org or by calling 541-265-2787. Continues through Sunday.
Sea of Lights
Oregon Coast Aquarium Newport
Bundle up to enjoy indoor and outdoor light designs inspired by coastal flora and fauna. 5 pm to 8 pm, 2820 SE Ferry Slip Road. $10. Free for aquarium members. FMI, go to aquarium.org.
Solstice Open Mic/Karaoke Celebration
Primaltones Community Venue Newport
Celebrate the solstice with night of music and dancing with open mic and karaoke, followed by a DJ. 8 pm-close, 2925 SE Ferry Slip Road. All ages until 10 pm; then. 21 and over. FMI, go to www.primaltones.com.
“Under the Streetlamp”
Chinook Winds Casino Resort • Lincoln City
See cast members of the hit show “Jersey Boys” perform your favorite doo wop, motown and rock ‘n’ roll hits in a show packed with smooth harmonies, soul-touching music and thrilling choreography. 8 pm, 1777 NW 44th Street. Tickets, $45-$60, available at www.chinookwindscasino. com.
Christmas Model Train Show
Yaquina Pacific Railroad Historical Society • Toledo
Add some locomotion to your holiday celebration, with free fun for all ages. 10 am-5 pm, 100 NW 1st Street.
Sunday Sounds Cafe Chill Waldport
Open mic with host Mac “The Duke” Esposito. Familyfriendly acts, seasoned performers and fledgling talents welcome. 1-3 pm, 540 NE Commercial Street.
“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.
“It’s a Wonderful Life”
North County Recreation District • Nehalem Riverbend Players present this Christmas classic in radio play format, adapted by Joe Landry and directed by Frank Squillo. 2 pm, 36155 9th Street. $20. For details, go to www.riverbendplayers.org.
“Holiday Homecoming”
Depoe Bay Community Hall
The Coastal Voices chorus welcomes in the holiday season with an eclectic program of seasonal music. $20. Half price for 55 and older. Free for 17 and younger. 3-4:30 pm, 220 SE Bay Street.
Santa at the Pelican Taproom
Pelican Brewing Taproom • Tillamook A festive benefit for the Tillamook K9 Rescue, featuring photo ops with Santa, hot drinks and, of course, homemade treats for kids and your four-legged friends. 3-5 pm, 1708 1st Street.
Sunday, Dec. 22
Tuesday, Dec. 24
Victorian Christmas Open House Heceta Head Lightstation • Yachats A magical experience featuring festive treats, live music and a raffle. 4 to 7 pm, 14 miles south of Yachats. FMI, go to hecetalighthouse.com or call 866-547-3696.
Monday, Dec. 23
Christmas Day Service Atonement Lutheran • Newport 10 am, 2315 N. Coast
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, Dec. 19
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.
Ian Joe Bailey
Gilgamesh Brewing • Lincoln City
Bluesy guitar. 6-8 pm in the Lincoln City Outlets, 1500 SE East Devils Lake Road.
Karl Smiley
The Drift Inn • Yachats
This award-winning songwriter loves to mix it up with his unique and personal spin on rhythmic blues, traditional folk and some covers. He plays his own brand of fingerstyle guitar and loves to fly free with his whistling or scat breaks. 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, 541-994-8100.
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, Dec. 20
Waldport Acoustic Jam
Waldport Community Center
Musicians and listeners of all ages and abilities are welcome and a piano is available. 3-5 pm, 265 NW Hemlock Street.
Gabe Hess
Vin & Bräu • Lincoln City
An eclectic blend of feel-good country featuring classic covers and catchy originals. 5-7 pm inside the Pines Dine, 5040 SE Hwy. 101. FMI, go to www.thepinesdine.com.
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.
Ian Joe Bailey
Pelican Brewing • Lincoln City
Enjoy a pint with a view, alongside live music. 6-8 pm, 5911 SE Hwy. 101, 541-614-4216.
6-8 pm, 5040 SE Hwy. 101. FMI, go to www.thepinesdine.com.
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.
Hillstomp
Primaltones Community Venue • Newport
Dance and get down with this Pacific Northwest stomp box blues duo. 7 pm, 2925 SE Ferry Slip Road. Tickets, $18 presale or $20 at the door, available at www.primaltones.com.
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.
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.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Richard Paris & Donna Jose
Beachcrest Brewing Company • Gleneden Beach
What can two people do with guitars, a piano, ukulele and a flute?
Play a blend of classic rock and soon to be classic originals, infuse them with a bit of blues, throw in some stellar improvisations and voilà — laissez les bon temps rouler!! 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.
Whole Lotta Louis
Fishing Rock Eatery & Lounge • Depoe Bay
The music of Louis Jordan, Louis Armstrong and Louis Prima, played by Don Nelson on bass, Richard Robitaille on drums and vocals, Neal Staufenbeil on sax, and Ronnie Jay Pirrello on guitar, harp and vocals. 6-9 pm, 3245 Hwy. 101.
Caveman Dave
The Drift Inn • Yachats
Originally noted for his children’s songs, this singer-songwriter
continues to write and release music for kids and adults, too. 6-8:30 pm, 124 Hwy. 101 N., 541-547-4477.
Christopher Reyne
Schooner Restaurant & Lounge • Netarts
An alternative, folk, indie, pop, rock, songwriter artist from Portland. 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. 22
Sunday Jam
Bay Haven Inn • Newport
A chance for professional musicians to collaborate and improvise. 3-6 pm, 608 SW Bay Blvd.
DTW Lite
Beachcrest Brewing Company • Gleneden Beach
Clean, natural beats with a broad selection of USDA Organiccertified licks and surprisingly global flavors. 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.
The Feel Button
Fishing Rock Eatery & Lounge • Depoe Bay
An evening of music from Santiam Canyon singer-songwriter Sean Paul. 6-8 pm, 3245 Hwy. 101, 541-764-4222.
Johnny Hunt
The Drift Inn • Yachats
It’s music. It’s live. Unfortunately, that’s all we know. We’re sure it
will be great. 6-8:30 pm, 124 Hwy. 101 N., 541-547-4477.
Karaoke
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. 23
David Rogers
The Drift Inn • Yachats
Praised by The Washington Post for his “astonishingly florid” improvisations, David fuses classical, jazz, and world music into beautiful, expressive and virtuosic performances. 6-8:30 pm, 124 Hwy. 101 N., 541-547-4477.
Karaoke
Zeller’s Bar & Grill • Lincoln City 8:30 pm-12:30 am, 1643 Hwy. 101, 541-994-8100.
Tuesday, Dec. 24
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 Latin classics and jazz 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.
Karaoke
Zeller’s Bar & Grill • Lincoln City 8:30 pm-12:30 am, 1643 Hwy. 101, 541-994-8100.
Wednesday, Dec. 25
Looking for live music today? Put on a Santa hat and sing some carols for the neighbors.
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: FAMOUS ANIMALS
(e.g., Name President Biden’s dog that was removed from the White House. Answer: Commander.)
FRESHMAN LEVEL
1. What kind of animal is Punxsutawney Phil?
2. This collie became famous in movies and on TV.
3. Koko loved cats and mastered sign language. She was a ____.
GRADUATE LEVEL
4. The name of this circus elephant became a word meaning very large.
5. This horse beat Triple Crown winner War Admiral by four lengths.
6. Identify the first canine in space.
PH.D. LEVEL
Last Week’s Answers:
7. Cher Ami, the name of a ____, was awarded a medal in World War I.
8. This lioness became famous with the publication of the book “Born Free.”
9. What was the name of the sheep that was the first successfully cloned mammal?
Fri., Dec. 20 9:38 am 3.9 10:02 pm 0.4 4:22 am 7.4 3:08 pm 7.5 Sat., Dec. 21 10:45 am 3.7 10:44 pm 1.2 5:06 am 7.5 4:06 pm 6.7 Sun., Dec. 22 11:57 am 3.3 11:26 pm 1.9 5:49 am 7.6 5:16 pm 5.9
Mon., Dec. 23 1:07 pm 2.8 6:28 am 7.8 6:40 pm 5.5 Tues., Dec. 24 12:11 am 2.7 2:07 pm 2.1 7:06 am 8.0 8:08 pm 5.4 Wed., Dec. 25 12:59 am 3.3 2:57 pm 1.4 7:43 am 8.2 9:26 pm 5.6 Thurs., Dec. 26 1:50 am 3.8 3:40 pm 0.8 8:20 am 8.5 10:27 pm 6.0
Alsea Bay, Waldport
Date Low Tides High Tides
Thurs., Dec. 19 9:22 am 3.7 10:00 pm 0.1
Dreaming of a gray Christmas?
You can see them on the license plates of local cars or spouting offshore from the window of your own: whales are as integral to the Central Coast as crabs and conifers.
The twice-yearly Whale Watch Weeks are times to catch the peak migration times of gray whales along the Oregon Coast. Multiple viewing locations are staffed by graduates of the Whale Watching Spoken Here program and special events are often held.
This year, Winter Whale Watch Week, when whales are heading south to Baja, takes place from Thursday, Dec. 26, through Tuesday, Dec. 31.
And this year, the Visitor Center at Newport’s Hatfield Marine Science Center will be hosting exciting activities and educational programs.
From 11 am to 4 pm daily, the center will be jumping with hands-on activities and crafts, films and games. Daily guest lectures will be given in the center’s auditorium at 11 am.
Gray whales will take center stage, but whales of all species will be celebrated, highlighting their unique adaptations and offering the best whale-watching tips.
Researchers estimate that 19,000-plus gray whales now live in the Eastern North Pacific area. About 30 whales per hour migrate past the Oregon Coast during the peak southbound migration. By comparison, six per hour pass by on the northbound trip, but that return trip is spread over four months. Roughly 200 of these whales drop off the migration route and feed along the Oregon Coast all summer.
Though volunteers will be at 15 locations from Astoria to Brookings, 10 of those locations are on the Central Coast between Manzanita and Yachats, with the Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center being the most popular place to gather. The center has highpowered cameras trained on the ocean, ready to zoom in when a spout has been spotted. It is also a pleasant place to be if the weather is raging outside. For a map of locations, go to orwhalewatch.org/best-places.
The Hatfield Marine Science Center Visitor Center is located at 2030 SE Marine Science Drive in Newport. Whale Watch Week activities are included with the $5 entry fee for those aged five and older. For more information, go to hmsc. oregonstate.edu.
JEROME, LILA & GITL;
Yes, we cran
Oregon is known for cranberries. We are one of the top three cranberry producing states in the United States, with Bandon being our “cranberry capital.” Oregon’s harvest season runs from late October to early December.
Cranberries are perennial plants that come back year after year. They spend most of their growing time on dry land, on low shrubs with very woody vines. At harvest time, the bogs are flooded with water, which causes the cranberries to float. A little agitation separates the berries from the vines, allowing workers to collect them. With harvest season being during the holiday season, it makes sense that cranberries show up on our holiday tables. They just look so festive with their deep jewel-red color. They dress up any food table. This is also the time of year you will see cranberries used to make seasonal flavors of hard cider, beer, wine and cheese.
Cranberries are so versatile. They are amazing in appetizers; they are the ultimate holiday side dish; and they make delicious desserts.
Dried cranberries are available yearround and are a staple in my kitchen. They are a great addition to a bowl of oatmeal or sprinkled on a salad and I think they are the perfect choice for an oatmeal cookie (sorry raisins). The only thing you are not likely to see is a bowl of fresh cranberries placed on a table for snacking. Fresh cranberries can be eaten raw but they are intensely tart, perhaps too tart for the average person. I’m not going to name names, but I once saw someone put fresh cranberries on a charcuterie board. I’m sure they did it for decoration because it looked so vibrant on the board, but all I could think is that someone is going to get a big surprise if they pop one in their mouth. To me, the holiday season is also appetizer season. This time of year, I find myself eating appetizers more than any other time of year. Sometimes you don’t want a full meal, you just want a snack or you want to save your appetite for the big meal and you just need a little something to hold you over. I actually love appetizers for a meal. It’s so fun to nibble on small plates of food.
Pull Apart Cranberry Brie Bread
Large round or oblong loaf of sourdough bread
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary Pinch of sea salt
16-ounce wheel brie cheese, cubed
1 1/2 cups whole berry cranberry sauce, store bought or from the recipe below
For the Cranberry Sauce
3/4 cup water
Zest from 1 large orange
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of sea salt
12-ounce bag fresh cranberries
This week’s recipe is a delicious and festive appetizer that features fresh cranberries. For this recipe, you can take a shortcut and buy a can of whole berry cranberry sauce (not the jellied stuff). But this fresh cranberry sauce comes together so quickly — it really is effortless.
Combine all the sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan. Place the pan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir occasionally until most of the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. This will take about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
To Assemble the Bread
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place a sheet of foil, large enough to wrap the bread, on a large baking sheet. Set aside.
Slice your bread horizontally and vertically to create a grid of one-inch cubes. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bread. The bottom should stay intact to keep it from falling apart. In a small bowl, stir together the butter, rosemary and a pinch of salt. With a pastry brush or a butter
knife, spread the mixture in between the cubes of bread until every nook is covered in butter. Fill the cracks and crevices with the chunks of brie, making sure to evenly space them. Place small spoonfuls of the cranberry sauce in between the chunks of brie or you can spoon it over the brie. It’s your choice. Place the bread on the foil and wrap tightly. Place the baking sheet with the bread into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. The cheese should be nice and melted and the bread should be hot throughout.
Carefully unwrap the bread and let it rest for five minutes. If you serve it hot out of the oven someone could burn their fingers or mouth. Place it on a festive platter for serving. This really is finger food as your guests will simply pull off a piece and enjoy.
Live your way
tree-t
For 10 years, Jill Morris, owner of Jillian’s Hair Salon, has supported animal rescue organizations by collecting food, toys and money around a Giving Tree in her salon.
Last year, shortly after finishing decoration of the Giving tree, Morris got very badly bitten by a dog that she was trying to help.
“It was a dog that I had been watching for a while,” she said. “He was chained on a deck and I didn’t see anyone that had been feeding him for a while. It was Thanksgiving so I just really wanted to feed him.”
Because her own car was in the shop and she was driving a rental, Morris didn’t have the tools she normally carries with her, so she had to stretch past a gate and push the food close enough for the dog to reach. Unfortunately, it was too close, and the dog misunderstood her intentions.
“He thought I was taking the food,” she said. “He bit down hard on my hand and ripped my tendon out.”
After almost a year during which she had
painful surgeries, including a skin graft, and a great deal of rehabilitation, the time rolled around when Morris would usually set up her donations tree. When asked if the incident has changed her feelings toward helping strange dogs, Morris said that it didn’t change them “even a little bit.”
“I would do it all over again,” she said. “I would just have a stick to use to push the food with me next time.”
This year’s recipients of the goodwill shown by customers and friends of the shop will be Ruff Life Rescue in Grande Ronde and the Lincoln County Animal Shelter.
“They both do important work and are always so thankful,” Morris said. “I don’t do it for the thanks, but the thanks are still nice anyway.”
Donations for the tree can be dropped off this Friday and Saturday, Dec. 20 and 21, between 10 am and 5 pm at Jillian’s Hair Salon, located at 1315 SW Hwy. 101 in Lincoln City.
For more information, call 541-996-4247.
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
