THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 4, 1994 TAG: 9412020285
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover story
SOURCE: BY MARLENE FORD, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Long : 259 lines
IT WASN'T THE GRINCH who stole the annual Holidays at the Beach parade along Atlantic Avenue this year. It wasn't even a budget crunch that put a screeching halt to Santa's sleigh and Ocean Occasions' eight years of annual winter festivities.
It was low attendance.
People just weren't willing to stand and shiver at the Oceanfront for either a parade of high-stepping real reindeer or antlered dancers prancing around as costumed reindeer. (Both were tried.)
Or, to fa-la-la around a Christmas tree in what amounted to a chilly salt spray just a few hundred yards off the sea.
``This has been a great year for us,'' said April O'Brien, promotions director for Ocean Occasions. ``But when our steering committee came to decide what stayed and what went, Holidays at the Beach - went.''
Although there won't be a parade or tree lighting at 24th Street Park this year, that doesn't mean Scrooge has taken up local residence.
Quite the contrary, there are plenty of holiday events throughout the city. In fact, some of the favorites established by Holidays at the Beach are continuing - just with different sponsors.
For example:
Vicki Harvey, director of education for the 18th century Francis Land House, said: ``The holiday trolley tours that included the historic houses in Virginia Beach were very successful. And when Ocean Occasions decided to stop the tour this year, representatives from all four historic houses in Virginia Beach decided we'd try it on our own.''
``We're sold out,'' Harvey said with appropriate glee. ``This year, we arranged for two trolleys to take people to the decorated houses, but next year we'll do more.''
The ``History after Dark'' trolley tour will visit the Land, Lynnhaven and Adam Thoroughgood houses and Upper Wolfsnare Plantation between 4 and 7 p.m. today. Even through the trolley ride is sold out, the Land, Lynnhaven and Thoroughgood houses will be decorated in natural greenery and 17th and 18th century costumed docents and a variety of entertainment will greet visitors today for free open houses.
And then there's always music:
Traditional musical festivities top the list of holiday events.
The city's oldest community vocal ensemble, the Virginia Beach Chorale, typically gives sold-out performances for the holidays. In addition to plenty of popular holiday music, this season it features the premiere of a new work, ``Jazz Mass,'' by director Lou Sawyer and big band leader Pat Curtis. From bossa nova to salsa to gospel and a jazz waltz, the work is a brand new addition to the sacred fare.
The concert is at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 11 in the Pavilion Theater. Tickets are $6 and $5. Call 486-1464.
Tchaikovsky's ``The Nutcracker'' by the Old Dominion Ballet and directed by Istvan Ament opened at the Pavilion Theater this weekend. In addition to the ``Waltz of the Flowers'' and the battle of mice and tin soldiers, a special treat for audiences is the appearance of former Virginia Beach dancer, Ryan Martin. Martin is now a soloist with the Makarov Company in St. Petersburg, Russia.
``The Nutcracker'' continues today at 3 p.m. in the Pavilion Theater. Tickets are from $10 to $22. Call 428-8000.
For more music, there is the Virginia Beach Symphony's 11th annual ``Messiah Sing-Along'' at 8 p.m. Dec. 19. Conductor David Kunkel welcomes individuals or entire choirs to come and sing ``Hallelujah'' to their favorite choruses of Handel's masterwork. Free. Call 426-2225.
And, there is the Virginia Symphony Holiday Pops and Virginia Symphony Chorus at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 in the Pavilion Convention Center. Tickets are $15 to $34. At 3 p.m. Dec. 18 in the Pavilion Theater, JoAnn Falletta conducts the Virginia Symphony with the Virginia Symphony Chorus in a holiday Casual Classics concert. Tickets are $15 to $25. Call 623-2310.
Don't forget the children:
Even without the dancing reindeer or a frigid tree lighting ceremony, there's still plenty more to do in the city - especially for little kids and even grown-up kids.
The Sugar Plum Bakery's third annual Holiday Festival and Gingerbread Village features between 220 and 300 hand-decorated gingerbread houses created by the bakery and local youngsters. The village will have it's grand illumination at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Mayor Meyera Oberndorf will flick the switch, there will be a miniature train in motion, carolers entertaining and hot cider for all. Viewing the village is free and open through Dec. 18. Call 437-4882.
A brand new event this holiday season is the train display at Fire Station No. 10 on Providence Road. These are the G-scale trains - the great, big, hand built model trains that are about 10 to 14 inches per car.
Organized by Master Firefighters Keene Black and Dennis Keane and the Big Train Operators Club, the layout will be three levels, have 10 active tracks, multiple sidings, scenery and buildings. In addition, the KIDZSHOW fire safety trailer and WAGS the fire dog will be on hand. This event runs this Friday through Dec. 17 from 6 to 10 p.m. It's also free. Call 427-4228.
One other activity for children and adults is as much giving as getting. The Virginia Beach Department of Parks and Recreation is looking for Santa's helpers to man Santa's Switchboard. That is anyone who would like to call a few Virginia Beach youngsters and pass on the holiday spirit is invited to call 471-5884. Helpers of Mr. or Mrs. Claus will be supplied with the names of youngsters. (A warm heart and good ho-ho-ho are all that are required.)
If you're looking for something else to do. Try one of these.
HISTORIC EVENTS
Holiday Open House, ``A Plantation Christmas,'' Francis Land House, 3131 Virginia Beach Blvd., 1 to 4 p.m. today. The Armed Forces School of Music performs. Free. Call 340-1732.
Colonial Activity Day, Francis Land House, 3131 Virginia Beach Blvd., 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 28. $2.50 adults and $1 children. Call 340-1732.
Yule Log Celebration. Adam Thoroughgood House, 1636 Parish Road. 5 to 8 p.m., today. Free.
Scherenchnitte Workshop. Adam Thoroughgood House, 1636 Parish Road. Saturday, 2 p.m. Create a Christmas decoration. $15. Call 664-6283.
Christmas Open House. Lynnhaven House, 4401 Wishart Road, 1-5 p.m., today. Free. Call 456-0351.
MUSIC
``Carols Around the World.'' Virginia Chorale Society at Community United Methodist Church, 1072 Old Kempsville Road, 8 p.m. Friday. Free-will offering. Call 495-1021.
``In a Holiday Mood.'' Virginia Beach Chorale, Pavilion Theater, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 11. $6 and $5. Call 486-1464.
Christmas Festival '94. London Bridge Baptist Church, 2460 Potters Road, 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. today. Free. For tickets call 486-7900 during work hours.
``Alleluiah.'' A concert by the Son Rise Singers and the Charles Wesley Choir of Virginia Beach United Methodist Church, Pacific Avenue at 19th Street, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Free. Call 428-7727.
Messiah Sing-Along. Virginia Beach Symphony Orchestra, Pavilion Theater, 8 p.m. Dec. 19. Free. Call 426-2225.
Virginia Symphony Pops. Pavilion Convention Center, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11. $15 to $34. Call 623-2310.
Virginia Symphony Casual Classics. Pavilion Theater, 3 p.m. Dec. 18. $15 to $25. Call 623-2310.
Christmas Music at Pembroke Mall:
Dec. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, Princess Anne High School Chorus, 4 to 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 10, First Colonial High School Orchestra, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dec. 13, Plaza Middle School Jazz and Strings, noon to 1 p.m.
Dec. 14, Bayside Middle School Jazz Band, noon to 1 p.m.
Dec. 15, Bayside Middle School Orchestra, noon to 1 p.m.
Dec. 17, Strolling Strings, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Independence Middle School, 1 to 2 p.m.
Dec. 19, Bayside High School Chorus, 7 to 7:30 p.m. and 8 to 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 20, Tallwood High School Chorus, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Kempsville Recreation Center holiday concert, 2 to 4 p.m., today in the theater. Reservations are not necessary and seating is limited. Call 474-8492.
DANCE
``The Nutcracker.'' Pavilion Theater, 3 p.m. today. $10 to $22. Call 428-8000.
``How the Children Found Christmas.'' Tattercoats Ltd., a children's ballet at the Virginia Beach Center for the Arts, 8 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 4 p.m. Dec. 11. $6, $8. Call 420-6633.
New Year's Eve dinner/dance, 7 p.m., Dec. 31, Lake Wright, Northampton Boulevard sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. $25 per person, $30 per couple. Call Ernie at 420-5603.
Tidewater Square and Round Dance Council's 24th annual Dance for Joy, 2 to 9:30 p.m., today, Bayside Middle School. A contribution of $3 per person will be donated to the Joy Fund. Public invited.
THEATER
``Smoke on the Mountain.'' Phoenix Productions at Regent University Theater, 8 p.m. Dec. 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 29, 30 and 31. $8-$10. Call 579-4245.
``Scrooge, the Stingiest Man in Town.'' Kempsville Playhouse, Kempsville Recreation Center, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14, 15 and 16 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and 18. $5 to $7.50. Call 425-0639.
``Christmas on Broadway.'' Kempsville Playhouse, Kempsville Recreation Center, 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Dec. 10. For ticket prices, call 428-1012.
CHILDREN
``Merry Mollusks,'' Marine Science Museum, 717 General Booth Blvd., Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. Call 425-FISH.
Sugar Plum Holiday Festival. Pavilion Convention Center, Grand Illumination of Gingerbread Village at 7:30 p.m. Friday and continuing through Dec. 18. Free. Call 437-4882.
Gingerbread workshop to the Sugar Plum Holiday Festival. At Bayside, Bow Creek, Seatack and Princess Anne recreation centers Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additional workshops will be held at the Pavilion. The cost is also $10. Call the individual recreation centers for information about the gingerbread decorating sessions.
``Miracle on 34th Street.'' Throughout the season children who bring a can of food to Center Court at Lynnhaven Mall when they visit Santa will receive a ``Miracle on 34th Street'' sticker. The food will be donated to the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia.
The Wappadoodle Puppets present holiday shows at Great Neck Community Center at 2:30 p.m. today, 496-6766, and at Bow Creek Community Center at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, 431-3765.
``On Track with the Virginia Beach Fire Department.'' G-scale model train layout, Fire Station No. 10, 5656 Providence Road, 6 to 10 p.m. Friday through Dec. 17. Free. Call 427-4228.
The Catholic Elementary Education Foundation ``Breakfast with Santa Claus,'' 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Saturday, St. Gregory's school cafeteria, 5345 Virginia Beach Blvd. Tickets $5 for adults, $3 for children, under 2, free. Pictures with Santa $2 each. Call 499-6860 between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
A holiday storytime with a special visitor will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Bayside Library, 936 Independence Blvd., for children 3 to 5. Includes stories, songs and more. To register, call 460-7518.
RELIGIOUS PROGRAMS
Virginia Beach United Methodist Church holiday events.
Dec. 11, 8:30, 9:45 and 11 a.m., worship services, ceremony of the lighting of the Advent candles, followed by a holiday reception.
Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m., a special Christmas concert ``Alleluia.''
Saturday, Dec. 24, three candlelight services, 7, 9 and 11 p.m.
St. Andrews United Methodist Church concert ``The Gift of Christmas,'' 7:30 p.m., Dec. 11, Tucson and Princess Anne roads. Nursery. Call 467-1047.
Kings Grant Baptist Church ``The Majesty and Glory of Christmas,'' 5 and 7 p.m., Dec. 11, 873 Little Neck Road.
Community United Methodist Church, ``The Light Before Christmas,'' children's Christmas cantata, 5 p.m., Dec. 11, 1072 Old Kempsville Road. Call 495-1021.
Atlantic Shores Baptist Church Living Christmas Tree Thursday to Dec. 11 at 1861 Kempsville Road. Decorated three-story tree with more than 100 singers. Tickets are $7.50 in advance and $8.50 at the door. Call 479-1133 or any Heaven & Earth location.
Virginia Beach Community Chapel candlelight service, 7 p.m., Christmas Eve, 1261 Laskin Road. Carols and a Christmas message. Call 428-1881. Christmas Concert, 6:30 p.m., Dec. 11 with soloists, strings and dramatic readings.
Virginia Beach Christian Church Choir Christmas Cantata ``From Heaven's Throne,'' 7 p.m., today, 2225 Rose Hall Drive. Call 481-3494.
Providence Presbyterian Church children's Christmas pageant at 4 p.m. today in the church sanctuary. Other special holiday programs include a concert by the handbell choirs at 7 p.m., Dec. 11, and special music at the worship service at 11 a.m., Dec. 18, when the Chancel Choir will present ``Christmas Oratorio'' by Camille Saint-Saens. The church is at Providence and Whitehurst Landing roads. Call 420-6159.
HOME TOURS
A Christmas Home Tour sponsored by the Point O' Woods Garden Club and Civic League, 2 to 5 p.m., Dec. 18. Tickets are $3. Call Shirley McClaskey at 486-7256, Midge Moore at 340-4596 or Caroline Farrar Forlines at 486-8110.
Cape Henry Woman's Club of Virginia Beach 32nd annual ``Christmas in the Country,'' home tour, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday. Fort Story. The cost is $6. Tickets for the home tour are $3. Women must wear low heels. Call 671-9041 or 340-5441.
OTHER
Second Annual Surfrider Christmas Gala, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., today at 605 Virginia Beach Blvd. There will be baked goodies, festive holiday flags, crafted wooden treasurers, Christmas tree topiaries, custom designed jewelry, wearable art, wreaths and more.
The Grand Illumination at the Founders Inn continues through December and includes a live nativity scene and horse drawn carriage rides, thousands of lights. Free.
Angel Tree Lecture and Tea, hosted by the Virginia Beach Republican Women's Club, will present Linn Howard, author of ``The Angel Tree,'' 2 p.m., Friday, Virginia Beach Center for the Arts. The cost is $15 per person. For reservations, call 428-5495 or 481-1433. ILLUSTRATION: [color cover photo of Santa Claus, no credit given]
Photo by PETER D. SUNDBERG
Organized by Master Firefighters Keene Black, left, and Dennis
Keane, the Big Train Operators Club will display its large-scale
model trains at Fire Station No. 10 on Providence Road.
Photos by MARLENE FORD
Glenda Knowles is a docent for the Francis Land House portion of the
trolley tour.
Norma H. Bass, left, a soloist in ``Jazz Mass,'' joins Jeanette
Winsor of the Virginia Beach Chorale and Pat Curtis, co-composer.
by CNB