December 3rd: Civil War!!! OSU vs. UO @ Corvallis. Throw on a pot of Vicki's famous chilli, grab a 6-pack of Stella Artois, and kick back for kick-off! GO BEAVS!

Or, head to the Wooden Nickel in Silverton for Bonfire and Tailgate Party starting at 4:30. Beer, dogs, and chili outback with Glenn. Grub is complimentary!! Losers plan on wearing black on Friday!

December 4: First Friday in Silverton Tree Lighting Holiday Celebration 6 p.m. Friday, on Main Street 503-873-5615 Festivities begin at 6 p.m. with the tree lighting at 7 p.m. Hot chocolate, candy canes, holiday carols along with family and friends ~ what a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season ~ Santa Claus, atop a fire truck ladder, sprinkles the top of the Christmas tree with fairy dust to magically light the tree for the season. Then tuck in to Hinsdale Cellars or Mac's Place to warm yourself.

December 5: Wrestling season begins!!! - oh ya, basketball too.
http://silvertonhigh.silverfalls.orvsd.org/content/wrestling-schedule
http://silvertonhigh.silverfalls.orvsd.org/content/boys-basketball-schedule
http://silvertonhigh.silverfalls.orvsd.org/content/girls-basketball-schedule

December 5: Victorian Tea @ St. Paul's, Silverton. Tickets are still available $10 each @ 1:00. This is really for gals only, great stop with the kids and Grandma, or that special aunt. Full traditional tea along with a presentation of the nutcracker from the Silverton Ballet. Call 503-873-2044 to reserve your seat. After a day of tea and sammi's head back out to the Jingle Bell Ball!

December 5th: 1st Annual Jingle Bell Ball, 6-11pm. Oregon Garden's J.Frank Schmidt Pavillion
Tickets: $50 ~ A celebration benefiting the Oregon Garden Foundation. Dancing & entertainment by De Nada Band, Food & no-host bar. Holiday Semi-formal attire. Proceeds benefit the projects of the Gardens.$24 of ticket price is tax deductible. (Jingle Bell Ball is in lieu of the Annual Silverton Hospital Auxiliary Ball) RSVP by November 27th. (503) 999-2761 (800) 874-8100 / info@oregongarden.org www.oregongarden.org/jinglebellball

December 4-6: 41st Annual Willamette Christmas Association's Greens Show
Americraft Building (formerly Jackman Long Building) at the State Fair Grounds. 10am-8pm-Friday / 10-6pm Sat & Sunday Admission: Tickets are available at the door the day of the Show $5 general admission and $4 for Seniors.

If you missed the wineries over the Thanksgiving Weekend, you can still stop in over the holidays.

December 12-13. Pudding River Wine
The hospitality is wonderful and the wine exquisite. Very exciting to find this gem just down the road. The Chardonnay, both steel and oak, were wonderful. Great Pinot. They also have an amazing Vionier, can I just say YEAH! The winery is open the second weekend of each month. 9374 Sunnyview Rd NE, Salem OR , www.puddingriver.com. Tel: 503-365-0391

December 12-13 Vitis Ridge is also a must for the second week in December sweep. Their Marechal Foch and award winning Syrah are divine. Their selection of dessert wines are delish and would make fabulous hostess gifts for the season. (hint hint) . http://www.vitisridge.com/vitis_products.htm

For more wine options check out: Second Saturday Wine Tours 12 to 5 p.m. the second Saturday of every month. 503-873-8475 or www.eastvalleywine.com. A unique opportunity to visit boutique wineries and visit with the owners while sampling wine and food. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the East Willamette Valley where quality wines are created.

December 12-13 Christmas Festival at Silver Falls State Park 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At South Falls Lodge and surrounding day use area. Engage in various Christmas crafts – make a wreath, gingerbread house, cards and ornaments. Learn how the park changes during the winter, and what birds you might encounter this time of year. Enjoy storytelling for kids and music from the RoundHouse Band. Special appearances by JR Beaver and Santa. Co-sponsored by Silver Falls State Park and the Friends of Silver Falls. $3.00 per vehicle day use fee, otherwise there is no charge. Some crafts may have a material fee. For more information, call 503-873-8681 ext 21 or 503-873-8735. <-- This is actually quite fun! Grab a tree at Reinhart's tree farm and head down the hill to the wine tasting.
http://www.oregonstateparks.org/images/pdf/events/SF_Holiday_2009.pdf

December 12, Gingerbread Tea @ Deepwood, 3-5 pm
Historic Deepwood Estate 1116 Mission Street SE, Salem, A sweet and tender event. Stop by before the Festival of Lights parade. The little ones will be served a warm meal and experience the special joy of a Victorian home decorated for Christmas as they make fun gingerbread children or houses. A special holiday story will be read for the children in front of the Deepwood Christmas tree. $15 per person, reservations required. 503-363-1825

December 12, PGE Festival of Lights Parade at 6:30 pm ~ Salem
The PGE Festival of Lights Holiday Parade is the largest nighttime illuminated holiday parade west of the Mississippi! The whimsical holiday experience has become a family tradition for thousands of Oregonians since 1989 and continues to grow exponentially each year, reaching Salem and the surrounding areas to make this a truly regional Pacific Northwest event. Not only does the parade provide a magical experience for the whole community, as a non-profit event the parade also supports each of the Salem/Keizer high schools through an annual scholarship program. http://www.folholidayparade.org/ <<-- check out the web for the parade route. Note-to-self - remember to dress warm and bring hot chocolate (and try not to burn your hand with the hot chocolate)

December 14, 15, 16 ~ Eola Hills Wine Cellars
Join Eola Hills Wine Cellars and world-renowned pianist Michael Allen Harrison for an enchanting winter evening of fine wine and beautiful music. The evening will include heavy hors d'oeuvres, Dessert Intermission and Case Discounts. $49.95 per ticket.Concert begins at 7:00pm. We ask that you arrive between 6pm and 6:30pm. This is very intimate and seating is limited.
Concerts usually sell out early so call now for your reservations at 503-623-2405 (800-291-6730) or reserve online. http://www.eolahillswinery.com/events.php#cmas

Mac's, Silverton, has good tunes playing in December.
November 28 - Curtis Salgado, $15 cover
December 12 - Colin Lake & Wellbottom $5
December 26 - Tommy Hogan & the Killer Bees (blues) $5
December 31 - New Year's Eve party with the FLEXTONES! These boys know how to rock it! $5
http://macsplace.woodennickel.com/
Always have to give a plug for the pesto, sundried tomato, chicken, artichoke pizza! Fantab.
ROCK ON!

Boon's Treasury,
If you decide to totally break your diet Boon's has some tasty spicy Tot's with ranch. It's quite a serving so plan to share. Great Happy Hour menu, cozy and warm atmosphere and awesome Spanish coffee.

Radio station 103 should be playing Holiday tunes until end of year. Enjoy.

December 25th ~ Friday ~ MERRY CHRISTMAS, Everyone!

December 31st ~ Thursday ~ Happy New Year's Eve!

April Happenings 2009

Silverton First Friday – April 3rd
Do you need a reason to go out on Friday? If so, here ya go.
Shops, galleries and pubs open late in downtown Silverton.
And after you've checked out first Friday head down the road for the Fine Wine & Fest.

1st Annual Mt. Angel Fine Wine & Fest ~ APRIL 3rd & 4th
The Willamette Valley Events Center is proud to announce the 1st Annual Mt. Angel Fine Wine and Food Festival.
This event will run from Friday, April 3rd to Saturday, April 4th. Admission $10 includes wine glass, if you don't want a glass $4.
And we'll know who you are because you'll be carrying around a dixie cup!
Live Music as well, both days!
Friday April 3rd
5:30 to 7:30pm - Lloyd Jones
8:30 to 11:00pm - Jim Mesi Band
Saturday April 4th
3:00 to 4:45p Linda Hornbuckle & Janice Scroggins
5:00 to 6:45p Bill Rhoads & Allan Hager
7:00 to 8:45p Terry Robb
9:00 to 11:00p Kolvane
Complete details can also be found on their website www.WoodenNickel.com

Mac's Live Music Schedule, $5 cover 9pm, Saturdays
April 11th - Miriams Well
April 18th - Kolvane
April 23rd - Bugs Henderson
Coming Thursday, April 23rd at 8pm, Glen has lined up Texas Guitar Legand Bugs Henderson & The Shuffle Kings to perform LIVE at Mac's Place!
April 25th - Flextones

Ladies Night Out ~ April 9, Thursday
Oregon Garden Pavillion, 7-10 pm $35 per person
Tickets include a complimentary cocktail upon arrival, food, and access to some of the best shopping deals in the valley.
Lots of prizes and raffles will add to the evening's spirit! Guests will also find prizes in booths, or can buy spins on the big wheel loaded with prizes from all merchants.
LNO Ticket Holders OnlyThe Oregon Garden Resort is joining in the fun by offering room packages for Ladies Night Out ticket holders. This special package includes a room for two, free garden entry, breakfast for two, and two 50 minute spa treatments for only $219. For reservations, contact The Oregon Garden Resort at 503-874-8100.

Grand Raffle PrizeWith their admission, guests are entered into a raffle for a romantic weekend at Domaine Margelle, a reclusive country getaway. The lucky winners retreat will include a sumptuous dinner prepared by local culinary artist chef Jeff Nizlek.

Diamond RaffleBack this year by popular demand, women can buy a commemorative glass filled with a sapphire cocktail and a Diamond Raffle ticket for $10. Two lucky women will win either a diamond tennis bracelet or diamond pendant from Allison & Israel Jewelers

East Valley Wine Tour, 2nd Saturday in Silverton
11-5 pm. Saturday ~ April 11
Second Saturdays of the month is a great opportunity to come tour the East Willamette Valley Wineries! Some of them are open every weekend, but this is a chance to visit those that are only open once a month.

April 15- Tax Day – git r’ done.

Tulip Wine Down @ Woodburn Tulip Festival
April 18-19
The Tulip Wine Down event will take place this year in the lovely country side of Woodburn Oregon. The Tulip Wine Down is an all Charity base event helping non-profits within the Mid-Willamette Valley. This year event will host 10 wineries in Oregon along with fabulous food vendors with local cuisine - and chocolate. Join us for the best wine event of the year! Cost: $5.00 Entry Fee (The price of the entry fee goes to local non-profits) Each Vineyard will be charging a tasting fee. Time:11-6 Saturday & 12-5 Sunday Families are welcome this year.
Exciting news we also will have a beer offered this year!! www.tulipwinedown.com

Wooden Nickel:
April 15 - TATTOO Party Silverton Wooden Nickel 8pm

Wulapalooza ~ April 25, Saturday
Wulapalooza is Willamette University's annual earth, art, and music festival! This event features a main stage with a variety of student, local, and professional bands and musicians; jazz stage; art show; craft vendors; clothing flea market; mud wrestling and much more. Admission is free with a suggested donation of a can of food for the Marion-Polk foodshare. Saturday April 25th - 11am-11pm on Brown Field. Sorry, never been, so no feedback, but just like saying the word.

Oregon Ag Fest ~ April 25 & 26th
Admission: $7.50 ~ Oregon State FairgroundsChildren 12 and under FREE ~ Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. / Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.mPublic info: (503) 581-4325 or (800) 874-7012Media info: (503) 363-8434 http://www.oragfest.com/ Always a fun stop with kids, especially if it’s raining. Usually get free trees too!

Retail Therapy:
Saturday Market in Salem will be back in action beginning April 4th! Corner parking lot of Summer and Marion Streets. Just remember you have to plant what you purchase - (note to self).
Woodburn Outlets: New Stores - J.Crew, Anne Taylor, Kenneth Cole, vAN's, Coach and can we say NORTHFACE!!! opening March 20th.
April 3-6 CAbi is having their entire store at 30% off.
Have you been to the Reed Opera house recently? There are some really cool shops. Check out the yuppy puppy for all your poochy bling - and bling for you too. It's so easy to get lost in The French Unicorn. And the new Bon Bon's - Paparie and Chocolat - creative papers and cards and gifts along with McTavish shortbreads and of course Chocolates! Head upstairs for some great cheap tacos at La Perla Tapatia and then to the basement for a cannoli at Little Cannoli's Bakery. As Rachel would say "YUMMO"!

Wooden Shoe Bulb Company - Woodburn
24th Annual Tulip festival March 25-April 26th
Over 40 acres of Tulips!
My favorite time of year is when the tulips bloom! There is nothing like the colors of their tulip fields in the spring.
Every year the varieties are arranged differently in a new pattern of color as they rotate the tulip fields to a new location.
Admission: $10 per car load on the weekends, $5 on the weekdays. http://www.woodenshoe.com/springshow.html

March Happenings 2009

March Happenings 2009

Boon’s Treasury888 Liberty St. NESalem OR (503-399-9062)http://www.mcmenamins.com
Boon’s has a full music calendar this month. Too full to list them all.

Daylight Savings begins March 8th, remember to change your clocks ~ Spring forward! ~

Sip! McMinnville's 16th Annual Wine & Food ClassicWine, Food, Arts, Music & Guest ChefsEvergreen Aviation & Space Museum500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, Just off Hwy 18 In McMinnvilleFriday March 13th ~ 3-9:30 pmSaturday March 14th ~ 12-9:30 pmSunday March 15th ~ 11-5 pmAdmission$15.00 ~ 3 day pass $30 ~ www.macwfc.org Ticket price does not include wine tasting fees, which may vary by vendor and are collected at vendor booths.

May you always have a clean shirt, a clear conscience, and enough coins in your pocket to buy a pint!

Willamette Valley Vineyards
Oregon’s 6th Annual Wine, Cheese & Pear Jubilee
March 7 & 8th ~ 11-6pm
Oregon's premier event featuring award winning wines paired with localartisan cheeses and Oregon pears. Have fun exploring the nuances of this special coupling. Learn the art of cheese making from the people at Oregon Gourmet Cheeses, Rogue Valley Creamery, Willamette Valley Cheese Company,Tillamook, Rivers Edge Chevre, Fraga Farms, Juniper Grove Farms and more. Enjoy a variety of pears and fun recipes from the Oregon Pear Bureau. Your$5 admission includes wine and food tasting, and a free Riedel wine glass! This is a great deal and a very fun time, cheap date too! Sunday afternoons are the least busiest times.

May the hinges of our friendship never grow rusty.

East Valley Wine Tour, 2nd Saturday in Silverton11-5 pm. Saturday ~ March 8th Second Saturdays of the month is a great opportunity to come tour the EastWillamette Valley Wineries! Some of them are open every weekend, but this is a chance to visit those of us that are only open once a month.Check out: Vitis Ridge, Paradis, Pudding River Wine Cellars, Silver FallsVineyards, Marquam Hill Vineyards

May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past.

First Friday ~ SilvertonFriday March 6 th, 7pmCome to Silverton and stroll through all of the shops and galleries.Finish off with a pint at Mac’s Place.

May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live.

Shamrock Run March 15th , 6:30am-10:15 am

Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland

Whether you're Irish or just wish you were, take part in the 31st Annual Shamrock Run. You have your choice of race distance--either 5K, 8K or 15K.If you'd rather walk, there's the Shamrock Stride, a 3.5-mile fitness walk.The wee ones can take part in the kids' 1K run, the "Leprechaun Lap." Formore information, check out the official web sitehttp://www.shamrockrunportland.com/

St. Patricks Day March 17th, Monday Great Harvest Bread Co. 339 Court St. Salem.Irish Soda Bread, Guiness’nWhite Cheddar Bread, Blarney Scones, FrostedShamrock Cookies, Irish White Bread (yep-it’s green!) Dance a jig for a free cookie! Jiggalicious.

Equinox @ Eola Amity Hills Celebrate the first ever Equinox in the Eola Amity Hills! We're bringing together 25 wineries from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA and even a few from outside the AVA who make great wines from our AVA, some outstanding caterers and you!
When: March 20th 6:00PM to 10:00PM
Where: Zenith Vineyards http://www.zenithvineyard.com/special-events/
Wines by: 25 amazing wineries will be pouring including: Amity Vineyards; Argyle Winery; Bethel Heights Vineyard; Brooks Wines; Bryn Mawr Vineyards; Carter Vineyard; Cherry Hill Winery; Cristom Vineyards; CubanisimoVineyards; Domaine Coteau; Domaine Serene; Dukes Family Vineyards; Evesham Wood Winery; Holloran Vineyard Wines; KathKen Vineyards; Kristin HillWinery; Lewman Vineyard; Methven Family Vineyards; Orchard Heights Winery; Redhawk Winery; St. Innocent Winery; Stangeland Vineyards; Toluca Lane; Witness Tree Vineyard and Zenith Vineyard
Gourmet Food by: Extreme Chocolates; Loustic Catering, Olive You Events &Catering, Red Hills Provincial Dining, Joel Palmer House and Vibrant TableCatering & Events. The fabulous band The Groove, will provide the music for dancing.
Tickets: $25 per person in advance; $30 on the day of the event
Make it a special overnight event: The Phoenix Grand Hotel has a great lodging and transportation package and most wineries will have special tasting room hours and deals on Saturday the 21st.
Tickets are limited, get yours soon! jeri@cristomwines.com . Cristom

La Margarita Co. 545 Ferry St. SE, Salem OR,

Pedro - 503-362-8861 since 1984! ~ www.lamargaritasalem.com

Cooking classes.

Wednesday, March 4th, 6pm

Classic Spanish rice dish; seafood andchichken paella Margaritas $40

Wednesday, March 25, 6pm

Our famous Enchilada Suiza! (oh dear this is a fav of mine too)Margaritas $40

Tequila Tasting coming April 29th!!! Call quickly to reserve seating for classes and tastings.Pedro is the host with the most and serves some amazing Mexican food.

SPRING BREAK MARCH 23-27TH

Annual Spring Beach Clean up ~ Oregon Coast Saturday 10-1 pm., March 28th,http://www.solv.org/programs/spring_beach_cleanup.asp

May those that love us, love us. And those that don’t love us, May God turn their hearts.And if he doesn’t turn their hearts, May he turn their ankles, So we’llknow them by their limping.

February Happenings 2009

February is American Heart Month. If you want to show your support on national Wear Red Day then wear your red on the First Friday in February.

REMINDER.... all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketingcompanies Feb 09 and you will start to receive sales calls..... YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS (minutes used)To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone:888-382-1222.It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of yourtime. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cellphone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a differentphone number.I just finished registering my number and it only took about 20 seconds!And it didn't hurt.

Pinot Noir & Chocolate Celebration ~
Feb 7th & 8th, 11-6 Willamette Valley Vineyards
Romance is in the air at the Vineyard…come celebrate our 11th annual Pinot Noir and Chocolate celebration! Taste award winning Pinot Noir Port paired with decadent chocolate from acclaimed chocolatiers including: Dagoba, Godiva, Extreme Chocolates, and more. New chocolates as well as some of your favorites! Spend the day with a loved one and find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. Compete in a Pinot Noir and Chocolate pairing contest and win a Romantic Valentines Day Package for you and your sweetie. $5 admission includes wine tasting and a free Riedel wine glass! Admission is complimentary for Oregon Wine Guild members
Our favorite time to go is in the last 2 hours on Sunday. The crowds have gone and the chocolatiers do not want to pack home their goods. Unless they change this fun event to upstairs it's quite fun to mingle down in the cellar!

3rd Annual Wine, Beer, Seafood & Music Festival- Confluence 2009February 13-15, 2009Gardiner, OregonOregon wineries and microbreweries will offer tastings and sales of theirpremium wines and micro-brewed beer. Cooking demonstrations, ice sculpture,seafood vendors, music, etc.

CASA celebration at Papa Di Vino'sHost: Marion County CASASunday February 15th , 5-9pm1130 Royvonne Ave SE #104, Salem503-364-3009CASA advocates make a difference everyday for kids in foster care. Comemeet a few and support the cause and learn how you can help kids in fostercare find a safe and permanent home. Papa Di Vino will donate a portion ofproceeds for the night to CASA. http://www.marioncountycasa.org/ Come on people,it takes a village!And what a great reason to check out this new wine bar.

32nd Annual Newport Seafood and Wine Festival ~ The Mothership of winefestivals.February 20-22, 2009 32nd Annual Newport Seafood & Wine FestivalNewport, OregonThe premier seafood & wine event of the west coast and the originalNorthwest seafood and wine festival.I'm hearing the best time for this crazy event is first thing Friday, soplan to take the day off and head to the beach.