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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (April 25, 2018)
10 A SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018 Harrisburg columnist GENTRI’s music ‘Gives soul to the universe’ to appear at City Club ‘GENTRI’ On Friday, May 4, Dorcas Smucker, a featured columnist for the Eugene Register- Guard, will be the guest speak- er at the monthly meeting of the City Club of Florence. Smucker’s husband is a Mennonite pastor. Together, they reside in Harrisburg, Ore., and have six grown children. Her column, titled “Letter from Harrisburg,” has appeared in the newspaper for the past 18 years. Her columns can be humorous, personal and poignant and cover a wide variety of subjects, ranging from personal and family his- tory to current events, but they all have a style that engages the reader. In addition to her column, Smucker is also the author of six books. During her presentation she will be discussing those books as well as idea inspiration, Dorcas Smucker pleasures and pressures of writing a regular newspaper column. She will also be able to field questions from those in attendance. The City Club meeting will be held at the Class Act Theatre, 509 Kingwood St., on Friday, May 4. The doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and the presentation will begin at noon and last approximately one hour. Rhodendron queen display at Pioneer Museum through May From now through May 31, the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum is featuing a display of the Rhododendron Festival Queens and the courts. The display includes pho- tos, programs and memorabil- ia starting with the first festi- val in 1908 and through the present. The museum, founded by local pioneer family members, us run by volunteers, many of whom are descendants of Florence’s founding families. The museum, located at Second and Maple streets in Florence’s historic Old Town District, is open Monday through Friday, from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free for mem- bers and children age 15 and under. Regular admission is $3. The curtain opened last Thursday at the Florence Events Center to a full house as “The Gentlemen Trio” known as GENTRI took the stage for an excit- ing vocal performance. GENTRI was established in June 2014 and is comprised of three highly trained tenors: Brad Robins, Casey Elliott and Bradley Quinn Lever. They all praised their accompanist and producer, Stephen Nelson. The concert was divided into sections describing different stages of love. To enhance the songs, an overhead screen portrayed a quote that tied the songs together. The screen was also used for showing videos for some of the songs that were performed. Starting with young love, Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are,” set the stage for this concert. They included a love song medley of 13 songs which complemented Pride and Prejudice’s “Mr. Darcy,” who said “You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” The audience felt that young love when GENTRI performed “Bless the Broken Road” composed by Rascal Flatts. The love of family was highlighted in an original song by Nelson, Anjanette Mickelson and Kathryn Jorge entitled “Lullaby.” As a baby is sung to sleep, a video of her parents performing modern ballet is shown. To share their love of life, the trio showed a video of service they did in a leper colony in India through Rising Star Outreach. GENTRI agreed with Mark Review B Y V ICKIE K ENNEDY Twain who said “Sing like no one’s lis- tening, love like you’ve never been hurt, dance like nobody’s watching, and live like its heaven on earth.” The trio met through a musical theater production of “Les Misrables.” They included several of musical theater’s show tunes “All I Ask of You” from Phantom of the Opera, and “If Ever I Would Leave You” from Camelot. They included South Pacific’s “Some Enchanted Evening” and “Tonight” from West Side Story. Whether they sang solo or as a trio, their tone was rich, their pitch was per- fect and their harmony enhanced their performance. As a group that earns its living making music, love of music was something that they shared throughout the concert. GENTRI agreed with Plato who said “Music gives soul to the universe.” The screen showed a kaleidoscope of shapes and colors as the trio belted out three of Queen’s songs including “Somebody to Love”, “We are the Champions” and “Don’t Stop Me Now.” The Gentlemen Trio connected with the audience when they asked who trav- eled the farthest to attend this concert. The unofficial winner was from Kaysville, Utah. However, the biggest fan of the evening was a woman who has followed this trio over eight or nine states. She was attending her 15th GENTRI concert that evening. Then there was a musical challenge. Nelson, who is passionate about film scoring, was challenged to create a new song from two established pieces. Two members of the audience were asked to choose a favorite show tune and a favorite pop tune. Nelson was able to professionally blend “Hedwig’s Theme” from Harry Potter by John Williams and “Party in the U.S.A.” sung by Miley Cyrus in a rendition that delighted the audience. Their well-known music video por- trayed everlasting love. “For those who love, time is eternal,” by William Shakespeare was aptly proven by “Home” written by Mickelson, GENTRI and Nelson. The line that drew the audience in was “and soon dear you’ll find me when the stars meet the sea.” After a standing ovation, GENTRI seemed to have saved the best for last in their soulful rendition of Les Misrables’ “Bring Him Home.” Each note was per- fectly executed as they sang from their hearts. GENTRI was the sixth concert in Seacoast Entertainment Association’s 2017-18 season. Don’t miss SEA’s next thrilling con- cert on May 24, with the performance of Vivace. For ticket information, call the Florence Event Center at 541-997-1994. Florence Elks show support for Siuslaw schools On Thursday, April 12, the officers of Florence Elks Lodge #1858 presented Siuslaw Elementary School with school supplies and classroom materi- als as part of the Promise Grant awarded by the Elks National Foundation. Earlier this year, the lodge partnered with Seacoast Entertainment in presenting the Living Voices program at both the Siulsaw middle and ele- mentary schools, which was also funded by the Promise Grant. “We were really pleased to make this contribution to the elementary school this year,” said Karen Smales, local chair- person for ENF and Leading Knight of the Florence Lodge. “Last year we made a similar contribution to the middle school as part of our 2016-17 Promise Grant. We look for- ward to continuing this tradi- tion.” On hand to receive the sup- plies were Leonard Ulrich, Assistant Principal, and Crystal Osburn, Registrar. Several offi- cers from the Florence Elks Lodge made the delivery, including Bruce Smith, Karen Smales, Ron Tate, Bob Richardson and Kevin Hart, along with Joyce Middleton a 2 018 Rhododendron Festival Court hododendron Festival Court Introducing P rincess Lainey Goss Sponsored by: COURTESY PHOTO Representing the Florence Elks Lodge #1858 (back row, from left): Bob Richardson, Lecturing Knight; Ron Tate, Loyal Knight; Bruce Smith, Exalted Ruler, Joyce Middleton, Trustee and Karen Smales, Leading Knight. Representing Siuslaw Elementary School (front row from left): Leonard Ulrich, Assistant Principal SES; Crystal Osburn, Registrar. Trustee of the Lodge. Over the last year, the Florence Elks have successful- ly secured multiple grants from the Elks National Foundation, allowing it to support programs in the schools, provide addi- tional help for local veterans, participate in a project with Habitat for Humanity, and make donations to local chari- ties including Food Share and Backpack for Kids. “The Elks are celebrating our 150th Anniversary this year,” said Bruce Smith, Exalted Ruler of the Florence lodge. “We are really proud of the community investments we make through the grants we have secured from the Elks National Foundation. “The grants help bring addi- tional funds into our local com- munity and support the volun- teer and service commitments of our Lodge members. It’s really a win-win for everyone.” Smith added that member- ship in the Elks Lodge is a great way to serve and have a lot of fun as well. For more information, con- tact the lodge at 541-997-2610 or visit www. florenceelks.org. Unitarians make donation to Palliative Care Program Coronation: Thursday, May 17th, 6:30pm Florence Event Center 541-997-1994 Tickets $10 Adults, $6 Students eventcenter.org Area Chamber of Commerce Dr. Stephen Kerner and Medical Social Worker, Donna Becker with PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center’s Palliative Care program, recently received a donation of $2,692 from the Florence Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Palliative care programs serve patients who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness and desire alleviation of symptoms — whether social, physical, emotional or spiritu- al. “I feel that FUUF’s contin- ued support makes us capable of reaching out to those in greatest need,” said Kerner. “It has been very rewarding travel- ing to community members who are unable to seek out medical care on their own.” Kerner said the contribution will continue to make the pro- gram’s mission possible. Each year, FUUF members select four quarterly local groups they want to support and donate to. January through March’s offering was designat- ed for the Palliative Care Program in Florence. For more information regarding the Palliative Care Program, email Donna Becker at dbecker@peacehealth.org or call 541-902-6734. What’s Happening with the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce? wanted BUTTONS RHODY DAYS BANNER CARRIERS & PARADE ENTRIES Discounted Pre-Sale Rhododendron Festival Carnival Tickets on Sale Now! ALL DAY UNLIMITED CARNIVAL PASSES $20 EACH Get tickets online fl orencehchamber.com or at the Visitors Center 290 Hwy 101 Florence BANNER CARRIERS: 9-17 years old and get a carnival pass at the end of the parade route. PARADE ENTRY FORMS on the Rhododendron Festival event page on the Chamber of Commerce Website For more info or to sign up call or email Terry at events@fl orencechamber.com #541-997-3128 Wear your button to these sponsoring restaurants and ask for $1 off your bowl of clam chowder! Good thru Rhody Weekend. May 18th - 21st. Beachcomber Pub Bay Street Grille Firehouse Restarant Le BouchonCafé ICM Restaurant Homegrown ANNUAL MEETING Join us June 14th Th is evening is a chance for the entire community to celebrate their hard work and dedication to the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce. Th is is also a ceremony to recognize the retiring board members as well as hear from the new Chairperson of the board. A great night for networking as well! 6pm Th ree Rivers Events Center We Need Sponsors Donate today to the Florence Fire- works Fund presented by the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, then come enjoy the Festivities in Old Town and the Fireworks Show over the Siu- slaw River on Monday the 4th of July. Deliver or Mail Donation to: Florence Area Chamber of Commerce 290 Hwy. 101 Florence, OR 97439
