By TERRY JOE WILES
Ya know, since the world population has increased nearly four times since I arrived on New Year’s Eve in 1951, there are four times the opportunity that you can pass on comfort and joy. To family, friends and neighbors. To strangers, the downtrodden and those in need. So find a way to help others with a gift of Christmas Spirit. Donate to a charity, toy drops, Angel trees and many other ways to share blessings. Kindness is anything that lifts another person. Kindness- we all need it.
I know that I have shared a few Christmas memories before, but I feel that it can be revisited without wearing it out. I got a record player when I was about 5 (1955). It was a lil’ briefcase with a lock on the lid and a handle. One lil’ 4 inch speaker not quite the quality of the one in my cellphone, but it was grand at the time. 45’s of the Christmas songs were red and green and I knew the words to them all. Cutting and decorating the tree. Checking and changing the light cause if one was bad the whole string was kaput. Reusing last year’s icicles, bulbs and star for the top. It was a family affair. And the hanging of the mistletoe. Cookies milk for Santa. And I could never figure out how Santa got my presents under the tree because we didn’t have a chimney. May we never forget those times or The Reason For the Season, the birth of Jesus. Merry Christmas to all.
A great way to enjoy the sounds of Christmas will be tonite at the Lowry Hotel. It is decorated with several trees, wreaths, and candles that create a festive Holiday mood. And ”The Al Grzech Trio” will be playing the songs of Christmas from 6:30 til 8 p.m. Jazz at the Museum- 2023. Bring some friends and enjoy the music. It’s free and drinks and snacks are provided. Bring your own eggnog!
Live Music this week- “Oklahoma Moon” will be at La Huertas/Poteau on Thursday. The Patio is wrapped for the winter and is warm and cozy so you can enjoy the music with the food. I just imagine there might be a Christmas song in there, too. Family friendly and the food is awesome. Music starts at 6 p.m. Rumor has it that Rick Ward will be trying out his bionic fingers. Can’t wait to hear him with the band again.
Dawn’s Diner/Red Oak will be closed to let the employees enjoy Christmas with their families.
The Fort Smith Senior Activity Center on Cavanaugh Road will have a Masquerade Christmas ball for its Friday dance. Should be fun. They will have cake for those born in the month of December, too. Awesome entertainment will be provided by “The Red Dirt Duo”. Music starts at 7 p.m.
Muldrow City Limits will have their Christmas dance Saturday. Music starts at 7 p.m. “The Richard Rouch Band” will keep the party going with their brand of country and R&R. Get there early to get a good table.
“The Shady Oak Tribadours” will be playing at Boondocks out on Highway 71. It starts at 7 p.m Friday. A great venue for music and mighty good grub, too.
Then it’s the big one! There’s a few places to celebrate my B’day Dec 31, also known as New Year’s Eve. Poteau will have two parties. On Dewey Avenue, “Make It a Double” will host a dance at the Event Center with a potluck dinner party favors and balloon drop at midnight. Connie and Dave Abbott will be joined by Randy Fennell/ steel guitar and vocals.
Just around the corner on Broadway Avenue, Billy Hoffman host The New Year’s Bash on the 31st. Quite a lineup for the 5 hour party from 8 p.m til 1 a.m. “The Shady Oak Tribadours”- “Hillbilly Vegas” And to ring in 2024 with the sounds of “Billy Hoffman and The Asphalt Cowboys” Tickets are on sale now.
More info on all the NYE parties but “South 49” will be at Red’s Place. “The Midwestern Playboys” will be at the East End Sports Pub, Paris Arkansas. – Larry B. will ring in the New Year at the Fort Smith Senior Activity Center. – “Earl Hearon and the Sound of Country” will be at the Muldrow City Limits. And “The Stagemasters” will be at the Spiro Eagles. Details and more next week.
That ain’t all I got to say but it’s probably enuf! Contact me at 918-649-5736 or [email protected].Thanks to all. And Merry Christmas.
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