Saturday, December 10, 2011

Final Events in December

I hope you've been able to take advantage of the many events taking place in and around Defiance this Holiday Season. If not, there's still time for a few more that you won't want to miss.


Defiance College Choral Union presents 
G.F. Handel’s Messiah 
Andrew Schultz, Conductor 
St. John United Church of Christ 
on the Defiance College campus 
Sunday, December 11, 7:30 p.m.
Free Admission


There's still time to see Nuncrackers at the Huber Opera House in Hicksville. Saturday, December 10 at 7:30pm and Sunday, December11 at 2:30pm.  For ticket information call 419-542-9553. 

Defiance High School Christmas Concert- Tuesday, December 20th, 7:00pm at the Defiance Community Auditorium.  $5.00 for 
adult and $3.00 for students.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

For our Neighbors to the West

For those of you that know me well, you know that I have many Guilford relatives in Hicksville. Thank you to one of my favorite relatives, Katie Balser Haggerty, for sharing the following information with me!


Saturday, December 3, 5:00pm- Hicksville Christmas Parade. The Hicksville Chamber of Commerce 2nd annual Christmas Parade and lighting of the Village Christmas Tree Sat. Dec. 3, 5:00 pm. The parade line-up will form at the Defiance County Fairgrounds, Multi Purpose Building around 4:15 with the parade descending at 5:00. It will move north on Maple Street, then turn west on High Street to end at the Land Office/Johnson Memorial Library area. Families are invited to gather downtown to watch the parade and then asked to join Santa at the Land Office for the official turning on of the Village Christmas Tree. 

An evening sure to please will continue with Pastor Rick Scheer sharing a scripture reading and blessing for the season, the Hicksville Choir performing several carols, The News Tribune providing warm beverages and cookies, The Hicksville Rotary Club sponsored horse and wagon rides around the Village and Johnson Memorial Library hosting kids crafts inside the library. Santa also has a special treat for the kids as he will be available for pictures in his sleigh in front of the Village Christmas Tree. With great support from community organizations, they are able to offer this event free to the public.

Holiday Happenings

This holiday season there are plenty of happenings in and around Defiance, beginning this week. If you missed Siberian Solstice a few weeks ago, you have two different opportunities to catch them.

Siberian Solstice- Thursday, December 1st, 7:00pm at Schomburg Auditorium on The Defiance College Campus. This event is free for Defiance College students, faculty and staff, otherwise, the admission is $5.00. Also, Sunday, December 4th, 6:30pm at Defiance Christian Church, 955 Stanley Rd, Defiance. Free will offering.

First Friday in Downtown Defiance- You guessed it. It's this Friday, December 2nd, 4-8pm. Santa is coming to town, riding a trolley, which marks the opening of Santa's house at the corner of Clinton St. and 1st St.  http://visitdefianceohio.com/   Downtown merchants will be open with many specials so get some of your holiday shopping done. While at Breadstyxs you can listen to Rob Lawson sing while you have your picture sketched by a caricature artist.

These next 3 events listed below are very near and dear to my heart. The Defiance College plays an integral part in Defiance's performing arts community. For many years, Dick Stroede was the leading force behind these performances. Dick's legacy continues and Andrew Schultz has done an outstanding job continuing these holiday traditions.


Enjoy these Defiance College Community Musical Events of the Season 


Defiance College Chamber Singers 
Holiday Choral Concert 
St. John United Church of Christ 
on the Defiance College campus 
Sunday, December 4, 4:30 p.m. 
FREE Admission 

Defiance College Community Band 
Holiday Concert 
Defiance Community Auditorium 
Tuesday, December 6, 7:00 p.m. 
FREE Admission
* Rumor has it that Scrooge, played by my husband, Frank Brown, will be making a special appearance!


Defiance College Choral Union presents 
G.F. Handel’s Messiah 
Andrew Schultz, Conductor 
St. John United Church of Christ 
on the Defiance College campus 
Sunday, December 11, 7:30 p.m. 
Free Admission
* This is a must see performance and I'm not just saying that because I am a member of Defiance College Choral Union and a soloist!

Defiance High School Christmas Concert- Tuesday, December 20th, 7:00pm at the Defiance Community Auditorium. I'm not sure of the charge for this event so check back as the event draws closer.

  

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Thanksgiving Weekend

Most people's minds are on family and friends gathering for Thanksgiving dinner. After that, it's all about Black Friday and getting the best deals. Shopping is not that appealing to me, let alone fighting a bunch of crazed shoppers.  If you're looking for something to do on Friday, other than shopping, you might want to consider this:
Archbold's 
PARADE OF LIGHTS
Celebrate the Holidays with a family-friendly Parade!
Enjoy the many floats, all lit with lots of lights; many of them animated!
Friday, Nov 25, 2011   6:30 pm  Downtown Archbold
For additional information visit http://www.archboldchamber.com/TPage52.aspx

Granted, this is not in Defiance but I consider it "around Defiance"! If you've never been to this parade, now is your chance since the weather is going to be great. The high is 58, with a low of 46. Not too bad for Northwest Ohio in November. We haven't been there for a few years but I'm hoping to take the grandkids this year! You'll know you're in Northwest Ohio when you see the John Deere tractor decorated in holiday lights!

After the parade, enjoy the Festival of Lights.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS  November 25 ~ January 1, 2012
Travel through Ruihley Park after dark to see the many lit displays, celebrating the season!
There is no cost to drive or walk through the display!
Directions: St. Rt. 66 (N. Defiance St.), West on Williams St., Archbold, Ohio

Friday, November 18, 2011

For the younger crowd (or young at heart)



Saturday, November 19, 10pm-2am- All Star Band at Miami Erie
I want to make sure I include things for a variety of ages and taste so here's one for those of you that can stay up past 10pm!  You may want to head to Miami Erie bar and grill on Clinton St. in Defiance.They're having a live band, "All Star Band" with Govang, Schooley, Katt & Spencer. My sources tell me that it's a pretty good band and best of all, there's no cover charge. Make sure you're at least 21. 

Keep checking back as I'm working on December happenings that will get you in the holiday spirit! Stay tuned.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

But Wait, There's More....

I would be totally remiss if I didn't mention another happening in Defiance this weekend.

Sunday, November 20, 3:00pm- Siberian Solstice is performing at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 671 Clinton St., Defiance. This is the church located at Triangle Park, next to the Defiance Jr. High. Free will offering or bring a new unwrapped toy or, how about both?!! This is a benefit for 98.1 Mix Christmas for Kids.
If you’re not familiar with Siberian Solstice, please visit their website http://www.siberiansolstice.com/members.htm


Wednesday, November 16, 2011

There's nothing to do. Oh, really?!!

I can't tell you how many times I've heard that there is nothing to do in Defiance, Ohio. Really, really? Oh contrar mon ami! There are many opportunities in the Defiance area & I've decided to begin a blog to keep people up to date on things going on in and around the Defiance Ohio area. I love to take advantage of the many things going on around the area and want to share information for those of you looking for something to do. No more excuses of "Oh, I don't get the paper" or "I wish I would have known that. I would have loved to go"!! So, here is my first attempt at informing you of some of the events going on in Defiance this coming week. Keep in mind, I can't possibly know all of the events occurring in and around the area but, if you let me know of an event that I haven't posted, I'll add the information, keeping in mind that I may use some discretion in what I choose to post. Also, you won't typically find sporting events on this blog as most high school events can be found on the school's website.
I will do my best to give the correct information, especially re: times and locations but we know that these are subject to change and/or misinformation is sometimes given. Forgive me if this occurs. You get what you pay for!

THIS WEEKS EVENTS:

THURSDAY, NOV. 17, 5-8:30 pm. I will start off with something that I just recently posted on my facebook status. Tomorrow night, November 17 at 5:00pm is the Defiance Downtown Merchant's Ladies Night. I believe that it will continue until 8:30pm. It's a fantastic opportunity for us women to get out of the office and look at what the downtown merchant's have to offer. Many merchants have snacks available as well as goody bags. Last year, Stambaugh Jewelers had great goody  bags!!! My friend, Mary Weisgerber, will have her recently opened "a little slice of heaven" cheesecake and bake shop open. Come in and sample the goodies she has prepared for this special night. I did see chocolate covered cherries that she is preparing for Thursday night as well as many other treats! Four All Seasons is advertising that they will "wine and dine us". Can you say Pinot Grigio?

I'm a bit torn about adding another event for the same night but here it goes. If you aren't in the mood for Ladies Night (although I don't know what woman wouldn't be drawn to food, drinks, goody bags, shopping, etc) the Town and Gown Series is presenting "The Role of Ohio Women on the home front during the Civil War". This free event begins at 7:30pm at Schomburg Auditorium on the Defiance College Campus. Please note that it has been moved from the Stroede Center for the Arts.


FRIDAY NIGHT, NOV. 18 at 8:00pm- A Beautiful Evening of Song at St. Mary Catholic Church, Jefferson St., Defiance.
I'm really excited about this. Alan Busteed, a DHS grad and violinist, will be performing, as well as Bowling Green State University A Capella Choir, BGSU Vocal  Jazz Ensemble, DHS A Capella Choir, clarinetist Megan O'Connor, along with Carolyn Small, who is also one of three Defiance women being honored that night. Other honorees include Maggie Buhrer(who doesn't love Maggie), and Berta Trevino. There is a reception at the St. Mary Parish Ministry Center after the concert.
Now, if that's not enough entertainment in one night, the fun continues at Kissner's Restaurant on Clinton St. Those of you that know me, know that I've spent a few evenings in this establishment! After the concert, everyone is invited to Kissners for complimentary sloppy joes and listen to Alan Busteed's brother band, Fishing Ice. Did you hear me? Complimentary sloppy joes!! Where else but Defiance Ohio would you get complimentary sloppy joes? By the way, Kissners is now carrying Yuengling.

THURSDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17-19, 7:30pm- Young People's Theater Guild presents Godspell Jr. Cost is $5.00 and being held at the Stroede Center for the Arts (now you know why the Town and Gown Series has been relocated to Schomburg). The Stroede Center for the Arts is located on Wayne Ave in Defiance.  YPTG is near and dear to our hearts as my husband, Frank, directed many performances, including Godspell, when Sophie was in elementary school.

THURSDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17-19, Defiance Area YMCA FESTIVAL OF TREES, all events being held at the Defiance Eagles Aerie 372. Could someone please explain to me what an Aerie is?!! Yes, the Festival of Trees actually began on Wednesday but I am just beginning the blog today so I didn't include yesterday. There are many events associated with the Festival of Trees. For a detailed listing go to their Facebook page.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 & 19-"90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN"  author Don Piper . Friday night, 7:00pm at the Defiance Community Auditorium, (with doors opening at 5:30pm) and Saturday, 7:00pm at the Bryan High School gym. These events are FREE. Prior to Don Piper speaking,  area praise bands will be performing beginning at 6:00pm at both events.  This sounds really interesting as Don Piper recounts his experience when he was killed instantly in an auto accident and pronounced dead. He tells of the 90 minutes that he spent in heaven during this time. His book, written in 2004, was on the NY Times best seller list for four years. If you can't attend Friday or Saturday's event, he is also speaking at the Sonrise Church in Ney (Rt. 127) on Sunday, the 20th at 9:30am.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, ELTON JOHN/BILLY JOEL/ABBA TRIBUTE BAND.  This event is held at the UAW Hall on Baltimore Road in Defiance The doors open at 7:00pm with the show beginning at 8:00pm but get your tickets ahead of time. Tickets are $25.00 and can be purchased by contacting Lisa Beardsly at 419-784-5399 or 419-439-3532This is a fundraiser event for Relay for Life. Hors d'oeuvres are served throughout the evening with a cash bar (beer and wine). I went to this event last year and it was a great time. 

EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT- At Miami Erie Bar & Grill, $1.00 draft beers. They also have Yuengling on tap!