I don't think it's by coincidence that Autumn warms our hearts shortly before Winter enters the scene and freezes everything in sight. The vibrant, earth toned colors, the shorter days that make tending chickens in the dark a common occurrence, and the rains and winds that eluded us throughout the summer and early fall, but are now back in full force, remind each of us that for everything there is a season. Perhaps, not by accident and very gratefully, we have somehow managed to create and schedule the most anticipated, festive and brightly lit activities during this, the coldest, bleakest, and stormiest of our four seasons. In anticipation of all that is still to come, all that will lift our spirits, warm our hearts, enlighten, form gatherings and be cause for celebration, I wanted to take just a minute and share a few of the events I am looking very much forward to this winter. They all take place in, or around the Portland area, some indoors and others, outside, but I believe, all will be a most memorable addition to an already fun and blustery Northwest winter calendar.
Post5 Theatre 'Thank you' Party
On Tuesday evening, December 2nd from 5:30 - 9:30 pm, Post5 Theatre Company is hosting a celebration to thank all who have supported and enjoyed watching their productions and to celebrate their beautiful new space on the corner of 16th and SE Lambert St. There will be food, live music, raffles and more. Simply check out www.post5theatre.org for information regarding this and other future events.
"As You Like It," written by William Shakespeare, directed by Ty Boice
This most fun and silly comedy written by Shakespeare takes place in the Forest of Arden but is performed by the very talented actors of the Post5 Theatre group who, while speaking old English, are wearing clothes from our era, and using "props" more familiar to any of us than they might have been to those in the audience centuries ago. My granddaughter and I have now seen this play three times and will, more than likely, return again next weekend. It's funny, beautifully spoken, energetically acted and the musicians are perfect! A wonderful introduction to Shakespeare for those of all ages, and levels of Shakespearean understanding. As I understand, the last play date is being extended through December 13th. Go to www.post5theatre.org for more scheduling information. Tickets, $15.00; "Pay what you can," Sundays.
Christmas Ship Parade
2014 marks the 60th year of Portland's Christmas Ships Parade. The ships come in all shapes and sizes, each are decorated differently and all sail regardless of what the weather is doing. Not only is it fun, if not a bit chilly to watch this parade, but it is even more fun to skipper a boat and there is still time to become a part of the fleet if you are so inclined. There will be more than 60 boats this year, cruising the Willamette and Columbia Rivers beginning December 5th with the last parade taking place the evening of the 21st. Google www.christmasships.org for more information, timetables and route information. Truly, a most beautiful sight for everyone.
Oregon Historical Society Oregon Author Book Sale
I am so looking forward to this outing. On Sunday, December 7th, local authors, and their most recent books will be highlighted for four hours during this special event at the Oregon Historical Society in downtown Portland at 12th and SW Park Ave. From 12:00 - 4:00 pm, 85 local authors will be present, all will have published a book during 2014, all will be available to sign books and, of course, sell books, which, by the way, make wonderful gifts for almost everyone on one's holiday list. This event is free to the public and offers all of us an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary talent that is represented by our Oregon authors. You're invited to find more information at www.ohs.org. Hope to see you there.
Singing Christmas Tree
For the 52nd year, the Singing Christmas Tree will be performing from now until Sunday, the 7th of December at the New Hope Auditorium. Three hundred and fifty adults and children will be singing a combination of contemporary and traditional holiday music which when combined with the color and pageantry of the choral presentation creates a most memorable and favorite family outing. If interested in the times and pricing, please go to www.singingchristmas tree.org.
Tuba Concert
Whether you enjoy playing the tuba, or simply listening to the tuba being played, you will be pleased to know there is a Tuba Concert scheduled on the Pioneer Courthouse Square on December 13th from 1:30 - 3:00 pm. If you are looking forward to listening, just arrive a few minutes early. If you're interested in playing with the band, registration and rehearsal information can be found at www.tubachristmas.com. Think I speak for almost everyone when I say there's nothing like the sound of a tuba to lift one's spirits higher than ever thought possible.
Whale Watching
Traveling through the Coastal Range between Portland and the coast is not always feasible during the winter months and caution is advised; however, if weather allows, and it is possible to reach the coast between the 27th and 31st of December, you may be able to catch glimpse of over 200 Gray whales during our annual Winter Whale Watch Week. They are on their way to the warmer waters of Mexico, but stay long enough along our beautiful coastline to give those humans, brave enough to make the journey, a wonderful show of blowing, breaching and fluking galore. Don't worry if you're not able to make this trip during the winter. Our annual Spring Whale Watch Week will take place, again, in March and catching another glimpse of everyone heading back to the colder waters in the Arctic Ocean will be sure to delight all those young, and old, alike. Want more information? Just go to www.eugenecascadescoast.org.
"Woman on the Scarlet Beast," written by Caroline Miller, directed by Cassandra
Boice
This poignantly written play is based on a true story and tells of three generations of women; a grandmother, a mother and her daughter, all who live in the same home and who are struggling with each other in an effort to find forgiveness for the past. A touching, heartfelt story, 30 years in the making and written by a local Portland author, "Woman on the Scarlet Beast," will be performed at the Post5 Theatre from Friday, January 23rd - Sunday, February 8th. I am looking so very much forward to this opening night and production as I am familiar with the writings of Caroline Miller and am always encouraged by her style, honesty, quick wit, and love of words. For dates and ticket information, please check out www.post5theatre.org.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
These are just a few of the many activities, events, get-togethers, theatre productions, outings, and excursions that will be happening in my area during the next couple months. Remember, you can Google the name of your city and then, "fun things to do." Lists will be provided explaining the "how-to's" for seasonal activities offered locally. By enjoying a few of these most wonderful highlights of the season, you will be experiencing the very best that winter has to offer. Enjoy all you'll be doing, even if that includes a bit of hibernating. Best wishes for a lovely, cozy and not too terribly cold winter.
Christine
Post5 Theatre 'Thank you' Party
On Tuesday evening, December 2nd from 5:30 - 9:30 pm, Post5 Theatre Company is hosting a celebration to thank all who have supported and enjoyed watching their productions and to celebrate their beautiful new space on the corner of 16th and SE Lambert St. There will be food, live music, raffles and more. Simply check out www.post5theatre.org for information regarding this and other future events.
"As You Like It," written by William Shakespeare, directed by Ty Boice
This most fun and silly comedy written by Shakespeare takes place in the Forest of Arden but is performed by the very talented actors of the Post5 Theatre group who, while speaking old English, are wearing clothes from our era, and using "props" more familiar to any of us than they might have been to those in the audience centuries ago. My granddaughter and I have now seen this play three times and will, more than likely, return again next weekend. It's funny, beautifully spoken, energetically acted and the musicians are perfect! A wonderful introduction to Shakespeare for those of all ages, and levels of Shakespearean understanding. As I understand, the last play date is being extended through December 13th. Go to www.post5theatre.org for more scheduling information. Tickets, $15.00; "Pay what you can," Sundays.
Christmas Ship Parade
2014 marks the 60th year of Portland's Christmas Ships Parade. The ships come in all shapes and sizes, each are decorated differently and all sail regardless of what the weather is doing. Not only is it fun, if not a bit chilly to watch this parade, but it is even more fun to skipper a boat and there is still time to become a part of the fleet if you are so inclined. There will be more than 60 boats this year, cruising the Willamette and Columbia Rivers beginning December 5th with the last parade taking place the evening of the 21st. Google www.christmasships.org for more information, timetables and route information. Truly, a most beautiful sight for everyone.
Oregon Historical Society Oregon Author Book Sale
I am so looking forward to this outing. On Sunday, December 7th, local authors, and their most recent books will be highlighted for four hours during this special event at the Oregon Historical Society in downtown Portland at 12th and SW Park Ave. From 12:00 - 4:00 pm, 85 local authors will be present, all will have published a book during 2014, all will be available to sign books and, of course, sell books, which, by the way, make wonderful gifts for almost everyone on one's holiday list. This event is free to the public and offers all of us an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary talent that is represented by our Oregon authors. You're invited to find more information at www.ohs.org. Hope to see you there.
Singing Christmas Tree
For the 52nd year, the Singing Christmas Tree will be performing from now until Sunday, the 7th of December at the New Hope Auditorium. Three hundred and fifty adults and children will be singing a combination of contemporary and traditional holiday music which when combined with the color and pageantry of the choral presentation creates a most memorable and favorite family outing. If interested in the times and pricing, please go to www.singingchristmas tree.org.
Tuba Concert
Whether you enjoy playing the tuba, or simply listening to the tuba being played, you will be pleased to know there is a Tuba Concert scheduled on the Pioneer Courthouse Square on December 13th from 1:30 - 3:00 pm. If you are looking forward to listening, just arrive a few minutes early. If you're interested in playing with the band, registration and rehearsal information can be found at www.tubachristmas.com. Think I speak for almost everyone when I say there's nothing like the sound of a tuba to lift one's spirits higher than ever thought possible.
Whale Watching
Traveling through the Coastal Range between Portland and the coast is not always feasible during the winter months and caution is advised; however, if weather allows, and it is possible to reach the coast between the 27th and 31st of December, you may be able to catch glimpse of over 200 Gray whales during our annual Winter Whale Watch Week. They are on their way to the warmer waters of Mexico, but stay long enough along our beautiful coastline to give those humans, brave enough to make the journey, a wonderful show of blowing, breaching and fluking galore. Don't worry if you're not able to make this trip during the winter. Our annual Spring Whale Watch Week will take place, again, in March and catching another glimpse of everyone heading back to the colder waters in the Arctic Ocean will be sure to delight all those young, and old, alike. Want more information? Just go to www.eugenecascadescoast.org.
"Woman on the Scarlet Beast," written by Caroline Miller, directed by Cassandra
Boice
This poignantly written play is based on a true story and tells of three generations of women; a grandmother, a mother and her daughter, all who live in the same home and who are struggling with each other in an effort to find forgiveness for the past. A touching, heartfelt story, 30 years in the making and written by a local Portland author, "Woman on the Scarlet Beast," will be performed at the Post5 Theatre from Friday, January 23rd - Sunday, February 8th. I am looking so very much forward to this opening night and production as I am familiar with the writings of Caroline Miller and am always encouraged by her style, honesty, quick wit, and love of words. For dates and ticket information, please check out www.post5theatre.org.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
These are just a few of the many activities, events, get-togethers, theatre productions, outings, and excursions that will be happening in my area during the next couple months. Remember, you can Google the name of your city and then, "fun things to do." Lists will be provided explaining the "how-to's" for seasonal activities offered locally. By enjoying a few of these most wonderful highlights of the season, you will be experiencing the very best that winter has to offer. Enjoy all you'll be doing, even if that includes a bit of hibernating. Best wishes for a lovely, cozy and not too terribly cold winter.
Christine
