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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 7, 2019)
12A | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2019 | SIUSLAW NEWS North Pole romance brings ‘Joy’ to the world I t doesn’t start when the stores put out their holiday wares nor when cut fir trees arrive at city lots, nor when TV regales viewers with hol- iday concerts, tree lightings and movies like “Miracle on 34th Street” and “It’s a Won- derful Life.” It’s not any of those albeit splendid activities that starts the Christmas season in Flor- ence, “where the river meets the sea.” What does start the season is the annual Holly Jolly Follies at the Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St. This year, the show plays Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6, 7 and 8. Visit www. eventcenter.org for tickets. The Follies is a big, shiny package Florence gives to itself every year. Comprised of par- ticipants of all ages indulging in their best performances and full houses of spectators ap- plauding heartily, the Follies is a community event, a party full of joy. That brings us to this year’s event. The Follies have al- ways been a variety show, but in recent years, themes have emerged, dramas with famil- iar characters interspersed be- tween the acts. The story angle came from the creative mind of accomplished writer Rose Ellen Jacobson, who has an af- finity for delightful characters and sparkling dialogue. San- ta’s elves have served her well in the past, and once again the story returns to the North Pole. This year’s title is “Find- ing Joy at Christmastime.” The holidays can be a lone- ly time with no one to share them with. Sarge Elf (Mike Smith), who’s in charge of all the elves, is sad and lonely and yearns for a girlfriend. Sparkle (Zhade Beers), the littlest elf, is determined to fix him up. Sarge’s eyes light up when he sees Joy Merriweather (Pol- ly Coleman), manager of the candy factory, and she seems to fancy him. But both are shy, and Sparkle has her work cut out. Sarge gets an edge when he learns there is trouble in the candy factory. Gertrude, the original candy cane twist- ing machine, has got a screw loose. When Sarge offers to fix it, Joy insists Bob McCormack will take care of it. But Bob lives in Georgia, is very old, and might be dead. Alas, Bob has passed, but his daughter claims that Bob saved the part that would fix Gertrude, and Dasher, Santa’s fastest reindeer, is tasked to fly to Georgia and Christmas party planned for special needs families Florence Families Support Group is again partnering with The Arc of Lane County Families Connected to bring the Tree of Joy Christmas Par- ty to families of Florence with special needs children. The party will be held Wednesday, Dec. 18, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Flor- ence Elks Lodge #1858, 1686 12th St. The holiday party provides dinner and presents for local families. The Tree of Joy Christmas Party gives the opportunity for Florence-area families to share in the experience of a community holiday party in sensory safe environment. The holiday party will pro- vide a comfortable space in social setting. It will include dinner, presents for the kids, arts and crafts and even San- ta, who will make an appear- ance. The overall goal is to bring families together out- side of their homes to enjoy fun, accessible community events. Organizers are looking for donations from local com- panies within the Florence community to help make this a successful event. Currently, there are two gift cans at Fred Meyer, where people can drop off gifts, and a donation jar at the front desk of Bi-Mart. For information regarding Families Connected or the Florence holiday party, con- tact Nancy Berge at 541-606- 9061. Review of Holly Jolly Follies By Burney Garelick Special to the Siuslaw News “Sparkle the Elf,” played by Zhade Beers, encourages “Sarge” (Mike Smith) to “Find Joy at Christmastime” in this year’s Holly Jolly Follies. retrieve the part, and all is well because you can’t have Christ- mas without candy canes. But Sarge is reluctant to approach Joy. The nurturing elves, including Elfis (Ned Hickson), give him confidence by teaching him to dance, and very soon Sarge and Joy get to- gether, and everyone is happy. As a matter of fact, accord- ing to Jacobson, there really was a Bob McCormack. In 1919, a hundred years ago, he started McCormack’s Fa- mous Candy Co. in Albany, Georgia, and started selling candy canes. The company was known as the largest man- ufacturer of striped candy in the world. The candy-shaping process was labor intensive until Bob’s brother-in-law, Fa- ther Gregory Keller, invented a machine in 1952 to twist soft candy into spirals and cut stick candy, and in 1957 another machine to put the crook in the candy cane. Fact and fic- tion sometimes make sweet dance partners. The Sarge and Joy romance evolves among terrific acts of song and dance, starting with “Mr. Santa,” a line dance to a recording of “Mr. Sandman” with altered lyrics. Other dances include ballet, a very clever “Yo Ho Ho Christmas Rap,” contemporary, tap, and the Flight Dance Team that commingles all styles into a unique bouquet. Exotic per- formances include belly danc- er Jennifer Marus and aerialist Sally Brewer, who performs a silks solo. Rhianna Haines and Marty Adams, two members of the fine pit band, take to the stage to tickle the ivories with duel- ing holiday pianos. Splendid songs include a charming arrangement of “Somewhere Over the Rain- bow” and “Wonderful World,” a duet by Denise Dee and Mike Jacobson; “Something Are Your Heels Ready to Party? About December,” duet by lies, Christmastime is here, by do it where the river meets Maree Beers and her sparkling golly, and disapproval would the sea. It makes for a very daughter, Zhade; “Breath of be folly because that’s how we merry Christmas season. Heaven” by Kim Clements; “In My Daughter’s Eyes,” a COMPLIMENTARY SELLERS HOME duet by Tamara and Haylee WARRANTY DURING LISTING PERIOD Cole; “Christmas Isn’t Christ- mas Without You” by Nancy WHEN YOU SELL WITH US! Pearson; and “Christmas Will You Stay?” by Melanie Heard, * 5%- another broker brings the buyer (2.5% listing daughter of Rose Ellen and agent 2.5% buyers agent) Mike Jacobson and director of * 3.75%- listing agent brings the buyer, no other the show. agents involved. A fourth member of the Ja- cobson family in the show is * 2%- seller brings the buyer, no other agents Heard’s daughter Sabrina, age involved. six, who reads a letter to Santa. * 0%- you owe nothing if your home does not sell by Needless to say, the Follies contract expiration date. is a family affair, with parents and children treading the Plan includes: Competitive Commission Rates. Creative boards together, including the & Aggressive Marketing Campaign. Complimentary fabulous Tutu Dads, big bur- Home Warranty during listing period, transferred to ly tattooed men in tutus and the new buyers at closing. Open Houses. Yard sign w/ work boots pirouetting across fl yer box. Professional Photography including drone the stage, all with kids in the aerial pictures. MLS Listing seen on over 3,000+ Real cast. Other comedy includes the Estate Search Websites. NO hidden fees, CANCEL inimitable, incorrigible David anytime, NO fees paid until the homes sells. and Rosemary Lauria as the - PROVEN RESULTS & SALES STATS - Candy Cane Polishing Crew; SAVE MORE MONEY, KEEP MORE PROFITS - an insurance commercial par- ody; and “Pass It Down,” a To get the no obligation process started contact local Real Estate expert: very funny movie theater skit. Andrea Kirkpatrick, Licensed Broker in Oregon So there you have it. Hybrid Real Estate Thanks to the Holly Jolly Fol- 541-505-1943 • oregonbrokerandrea@gmail.com A weekly roundup of shopping, savings and doings around town. FLORENCE SAW SHOP & RENTAL CENTER Pressure Washers • Paint Sprayers Scaffolding • Floor Sander Linoleum Roller • Air Nailer Reservations taken for all equipment MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM-5PM 1550 HWY. 101 & 6TH STREET 541-997-2653 THE OLD SCHOOL FURNITURE STORE NEW FURNTIURE AT OLD SCHOOL PRICES Ashley Furniture PICK-UP & DELIVERY NOW AVAILABLE AT FLORENCE SHIPPING SOLUTIONS 2006 HWY 101, FLORENCE Skilled craftsmen repairing and renewing your favorite boots, shoes, belts, wallets, luggage, handbags and more. 541.683.4115 Burch’s Oakway | | BURCHSSHOES.COM 16 Oakway Ctr, Eugene 1 CLUB ROAD, EUGENE Quality, Style, Selection #1 Brand of home furniture in the USA Come choose your Sofa • Recliner • Loveseat Sectional Special order the fabric you select from our many swatches. Monday - Saturday 10-6 • HWY 101 & 6th Street 541-997-9424 FREE IN TOWN DELIVERY Thanks to all who made the Florence 13th annual Veteran’s Day Parade a success! Th e Florence Veteran’s Day Parade Committee would like to thank all participants in the parade. Many people viewed the a parade to support our Grand Marshalls, World War II veterans. Florence has a large group of veterans, and the parade is a salute to all who have served our great nation. Many volunteer and many hours went into the success of the parade & we were blessed with good weather! Without the help of the following sponsors, this parade would not succeed: TR Hunter Real Estate Shervin’s Tire & Automotive Les Schwab Tire Center Band of Brothers VFW post 3232 American Legion American Legion Auxillary Disabled American Veterans Tony’s Garage •Coast Radio Pro Lumber • Spruce Point Johnston Motor Company Oregon Pacifi c Bank Sea Lion Caves • Clawson’s Wheelhouse Oregon Coast Military Museum Siuslaw News • Lions Club Grocery Outlet • Coldwell Banker Siuslaw River Coffee Roasters • Buck’s God Bless all who have served, especailly people who gave their all for our great nation to be free. 6TH 10-6 6th & & HWY. HWY 101 101 541-997-9424 541-997-9424 MONDAY-SATURDAY Monday-Saturday 10-5 COME IN TODAY AND BROWSE ROOM AFTER ROOM OF NEW FURNITURE BEST HOME FURNISHING ASHLEY FURNITURE INDUSTRIES COASTER OF AMERICA SPECIAL ORDERS— PICK YOUR FABRIC * FREE IN TOWN DELIVERY * STIHL IS THE NUMBER ONE SELLING BRAND OF GASOLINE POWERED HANDHELD OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT IN AMERICA. 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