December 12, 2013

THURSDAY Only

December 12….29th Annual Ransom Canyon Christmas Tour of Homes - This year’s tour features four lovely homes plus the Chapel, each in their unique settings. As you approach the Chapel gardens, you will be amazed by the Three Crosses of Calvary and this year the “He is Risen” empty tomb project has been added. A live nativity symbolically gathers at the foot of the cross as a choir sings Christmas praises. Up the pathway, the Chapel beckons all to its warmth and beauty. Inside, the inspiring 12 foot high walnut cross surrounded by natural stones looks out to the lovely courtyard. We welcome you in for hot apple cider, homemade cookies and Christmas music. A shuttle service will be provided for those who choose to ride up to the Chapel rather than walk the garden pathway. There will be a drawing for a door prize: Dinner at Triple J Chophouse and tickets for two at The Cactus Theater. This annual tour of homes benefits the Ransom Canyon Memorial Chapel. To purchase tickets, please contact Mary Ann Crow 777-4883. Tickets: $12.50 each or 5 tickets for $50 in advance at the following locations:

Ransom Canyon City Hall @ 24 Lee Kitchens Drive 829-2470
The Slatonite @ 139 S. 9th Street in Slaton; 828-6201
The offices of Drs. Ed & Lisa Wentz @ 4013 84th St; 794-8124
American Bank of Commerce (ABC) Bank @ 50th & Memphis 775-5000
Christian Brothers Automotive @ 6207 82nd; 794-1200.

Tickets also may be purchased after 5:30 p.m. the night of the event for $15.00 at the Ransom Canyon Fire Station at 1 Ridge Road. For additional information please contact Carol Farris 829-2637

December 12…."Downtown Abbey" Special Screening at LHUCA - Flatland Film Series has partnered with KTTZ to wrap up this year with a premiere screening of "Downton Abbey", Season 4. You can choose from one of the following: a reception at 3 p.m. followed by the screening at 4 p.m. or a reception at 6 p.m. followed by the screening at 7 p.m. The event is free but there is limited seating. Call 762-8606 to be placed on the Will Call list. Period dress is encouraged! Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts; 511 Avenue K.

December 12….(Rescheduled from last week) Lubbock Fun Club Singles "SOS" Monthly Dinner – All SOS'ers, singles and "marrieds" are invited to the December dinner. We would love to see our old SOS friends that have gotten married. Please invite our married friends if you are in touch with them. Come one, come all and have a great time! Cattle Baron Restaurant, 82nd & Quaker; 6:30 p.m.

December 12….The Lubbock Chorale: Magnificat - Pursuing the "bookend" theme of masterworks both ancient and modern, the Chorale will perform two settings of the beloved biblical "Song of Mary" - the Magnificat in D Major by Baroque master Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) and the Magnificat of contemporary British composer John Rutter (b.1945). St. Pauls on-the-Plains Episcopal Church, 1510 Ave. X; 8 p.m.
THURSDAY through DEC. 23

December 12-23 (Repeats Dec. 27 - 30)….Polar Express - The Polar Express comes to West Texas to recreate all the sights and sounds of the time-honored story. Picture the excitement of children dressed in pajamas with golden tickets clutched in their hands as they board the train and prepare to embark on their journey to the North Pole. The story begins when the Conductors calls "All aboard" and gleefully punches everyone's ticket. Little faces will peer out the train's windows as we pull out of the station on our way to the North Pole. Guests will hear the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack as the story reading begins and the book's characters come to life. Dancing chefs will serve hot cocoa and cookies to all riders in a merry fashion as the doubting hobo wanders through the train. The train stops where children will behold the magic of the North Pole from their warm train seats. With a jolly "Ho, ho, ho" Santa waves to everyone and climbs aboard where he will greet each child and present them with the iconic silver sleigh bell - listen carefully, only believers can hear its ringing! Christmas carols will be sung as elves dance along as the journey back to the station begins after a memorable ride that sets the for the whole holiday season. This annual event sure to become one of your family's treasured traditions. Tickets may be purchased by calling 877-726-7245 or visiting www.westtexaspolarexpressride.com. 103 North Steck Avenue, Wolfforth, TX; 4:30. 6:30, 8:30 p.m.
FRIDAY only

December 13….New Neighbors Club Christmas Luncheon and Musical Program - New Neighbors Club invite everyone to join them for lunch and listen to the musical magic of Christmas songs performed by members of the Lubbock Chorale. You do not need to be new to the Lubbock area or member to attend this event. Cost for the Luncheon is $14 and reservations are required. For more information about the Luncheon or other Club activities, contact Mary Valentini at 799-4450 or email: newneighbors@ymail.com. Women’s Club, 2020 Broadway; 10 :30 a.m.
FRIDAY and SATURDAY

December 13 - 14….National Ranching Heritage Candlelight at the Ranch - Experience the 35th annual Candlelight at the Ranch celebration at the National Ranching Heritage Center. The museum and historical park annually hosts the holiday event, where visitors walk down luminaria-lighted paths into Christmas scenes from life on the open prairie. Admission is free, but a donation of $2 per family is appreciated. “The holidays were an important part of family life on the Plains, whether it meant gathering around the stove to pull taffy, stringing popcorn for the tree or enjoying carols and hymns around the fire,” said Emily Wilkinson, Candlelight at the Ranch coordinator. “Regardless if preparations for the winter were done together or alone, the thought of family was always at the center of the celebration.” Traditional activities throughout the museum and historical park include period-dressed volunteers re-enacting holiday preparations and celebrations from the late 1700s to mid 1900s. Events occur in such diverse structures as the train depot, a half-dugout, an XIT division headquarters building, the one-room schoolhouse, a Spanish compound and the two-story, 1909 Barton House. Visitors will see re-creations of holiday meal preparations, tree decorating, making gingerbread houses, rehearsing for a school play and playing traditional holiday music on the piano. A chuck wagon will recall cold nights on the trail, as hot coffee boils on an open fire. In the refurbished Santa Fe Depot, holiday travelers wait for the train. In the decorated Four Sixes Barn, children can write letters to Santa and mail them in the authentic post office set up for the occasion. There, visitors can also buy hot chocolate and cider. Candlelight at the Ranch has continued to be a tradition on the South Plains and the surrounding region because it is real. Visitors can look through a door or window and get a glimpse of what came before us. They can bring their children and grandchildren and let them see that Christmas was much more than how many presents are under the tree. Cogdell’s Store at the National Ranching Heritage Center will be open for shoppers in search of unique gift items. For additional information, contact Emily at (806) 742-0498 or by e-mail at emily.wilkinson@ttu.edu. The National Ranching Heritage Center, 3121 4th Street; 6 – 9 p.m.

December 13, 14 (Repeats Dec. 20-23)….Madrigal Dinners - Mixing in a measure of Christmas cheer is Lubbock Moonlight Musicals second annual production of the Madrigal Dinners! The show will feature vocal solos, duets, trios, and choral music from the Renaissance to the present. There will be plays, dances, and much audience participation. Come join the King and Queen while they celebrate the Yuletide season! Tickets are available through Select-A-Seat at 806-770-2000 or by visiting http://www.ticketsage.com/_lubbock/. Christine DeVitt Icehouse Theatre, 511 Ave K; 7 p.m.

December 13, 14 (Repeats Dec. 20, 21)…."Inspecting Carol" - It's "A Christmas Carol" meets "The Government Inspector" meets "Noises Off" in this hilarious hit theatrical production from Seattle. A man who asks to audition at a small theatre is mistaken for an informer for the National Endowment for the Arts. Everyone caters to the bewildered wannabe actor and he is given a role in the current production, "A Christmas Carol". Everything goes wrong and hilarity is piled upon hilarity. Perfect anytime, this delight is particularly appropriate at Christmas. Directed by Mickie Klafka. Ticket Prices: $10 for adults; $8 for students/seniors. To reserve tickets visit http://catsplayhouse.net/Make_Reservations.html. CATS Playhouse, 2257- 34th Street; Doors open at 7 p.m. and show starts at 7:30 p.m.

December 13, 14 (Repeats Dec. 20, 21)…."Cactus Family Christmas" - Continuing the Cactus tradition, we are proud to once again present our "Cactus Family Christmas". Join the Cactus stars, along with the newest faces from 2013 for a spectacular Christmas celebration presenting traditional holiday classics as well as contemporary favorites. These concerts always sell out, so get your tickets early! Tickets are $25.00. For more information visit www.cactustheater.com or call 806.762.3233. Cactus Theater, 1812 Buddy Holly Ave; 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY through SUNDAY

December 13 - 15 (Repeats Dec. 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)….Santa's Land Drive-Thru Christmas Park - We would love to invite you to stop by and see the lights and Santa and Mrs. Claus (make sure and check face book or call to make sure Santa will be present if you are wanting photos with Santa) (please bring your camera). The park includes four acres of land thousands of lights,100 plus wooden cut-outs, 20 inflatables, tons of Christmas trees, lighted towers, color cubes and decorated antique cars. Visitors are able to stay inside their cars or get out and mingle while enjoying a warm fire and some hot chocolate. Admission is free donations will be accepted to help keep the lights on. If you want to make sure Santa will be present please call (806) 891-1291 find us on facebook.. Santa's Land Drive-Thru Christmas Park is located in Tahoka,Texas (30 miles south of Lubbock). Park is located at South 11th and Ave O (use Google map) just off of Hwy 87. Open at 6:30 p.m. Lights out no earlier than 10:00 p.m. If Santa is present, he departs the park at 9 p.m.

December 13 – 15…. Ballet Lubbock’s "The Nutcracker" - Artistic director Yvonne Racz Key is proud to announce Ballet Lubbock alumnus Lori Wilson will be dancing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Opposite Wilson will be Maximilien Baud, dancing the role of Cavalier. This year’s The Nutcracker will feature exciting new production elements to enhance the family tradition. One new addition is the use of magic during the show. To create new illusions, Ballet Lubbock teamed with a professional magician, Irving Quant, to work with the production team and cast. The production will also debut new costumes designed by production manager Janie Bush. “Magical illusions, beautiful new Snow Scene costumes, new set pieces, and a newly decorated Christmas tree make this a production you won’t want to miss,” she says. “Every year, Ballet Lubbock’s presentation of The Nutcracker is filled with new and exciting production elements.” Conducting the Ballet Lubbock Nutcracker Orchestra this year will be Mr. David Cho, the current resident conductor of the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are now on sale through Select-A-Seat. They can be purchased online at www.selectaseatlubbock.com, by calling 806-770-2000 or at any Select-A-Seat location. Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane; Friday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m.

December 13 - 15...."Twas The Night Before Christmas" - It's four days before Christmas, and the New York Evening Post needs a holiday feature story. President James Monroe is counting on reading it to his family on Christmas Day. But writer Clement Moore has writer's block. Besides that, he must work at home amongst his five children who are, needless to say, very anxious for St. Nicholas to arrive. Clement's frustration mounts—then the magic begins. The sounds of bells, moving toys and visions of Sugar Plum Fairies all conspire to help Clement, as the events from the classic poem come to life. Interwoven with carolers, a song to St. Nicholas, dancing fairies and much more, including, of course, a visit from the old elf himself, this delightful musical concludes with the complete original poem set to exquisite music. Commissioned and first produced by Stages Theatre Company, this fresh telling of the most popular Christmas poem ever told will delight audiences of all ages. To reserve tickets, visit http://www.lubbockcommunitytheatre.org. Lubbock Community Theatre, 4232 Boston Avenue. Shows are Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.
SATURDAY Only

December 14….The St. Luke’s First Ever Great Church Give-A-Way - Drop Off your unwanted items (clothes, toys, furniture, household items) to 45th & Memphis, West parking Lot between 7:00-8:30 a.m. on December 14th. Then, after 8:30 all attendees choose 3 items for themselves free of charge! All persons welcome. Donate your unwanted items and help someone else. Call 806-797-4393 with questions. St. Luke's Lubbock, 3708 45th St.

December 14….Elf Workshop - Want to create a fun gift for mom, dad or other family member? You can come make your gifts for them with the help of our creative elves and get 25% off! Must have a reservation to attend the gift making "elf workshop!" Call 793- 3271 to reserve your spot. They are going to love what you make! The Mud Room 3302-82nd St; 10 am – 1 p.m.

December 14….The Haven Open House – Drive or walk through the Haven and visit the animals who are waiting to greet you. You are welcome to stop in the Visitors Center to meet staff members and volunteers with refreshments from 2 - 5 p.m. The Haven is having a donation drive every Saturday from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. until Christmas. Visit havenacs@gmail.com for the wish list. Another way to support the Haven is to have your pet’s picture made with Santa at PetSmart on December 14th from 11 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Pet owners and family may also be in the picture. The Haven, 4501 N FM1729.

December 14….Christmas Scavenger Hunt on 34th Street - Completed sheets will be entered to win $150 34th Street Bucks courtesy of The 34th Street Association of Lubbock! Pick-up your scavenger sheets at Holly Hop Ice Cream and begin your hunt, then drop them off there after completing your journey. Also, Santa will be on hand at the shop for pictures (parents, bring your own camera or camera phone!). Children can share their wish list with Santa from 1 to 3 p.m. Scavenger hunt on 34th Street runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Holly Hop Ice Cream Shoppe, 3404-34th St.

December 14….Science Spectrum Holiday Wonderland - Join the Science Spectrum for a new Holiday family event that is sure to become a favorite Holiday tradition. Enjoy These Activities:

Free photos with Santa Claus. (B.Y.O.C. / Camera)

· Visit the Science Spectrum’s Holiday Train display, giant Christmas Tree, and other festive decorations.
· Visit the Special 5 & Under Area at the North Pole Party Place

· Enjoy “Cool” Holiday Science Experiments and Demonstrations
· Decorate and Eat your own Holiday Cookies.
· Win Awesome prizes in the "Gift Wrap Your Friends" Contest
· Make your own Holiday crafts
· Sip hot Cocoa and Spiced Cider
· *See The Light Before Christmas film in the OMNI Theater.
Holiday Wonderland is geared for families with children ages 2 to 12. All event activities are Free, other than film and museum admission. Standard admission ticket rates will apply for the OMNI Theater and the Science Spectrum Museum. For additional event infovisit sciencespectrum.org or call 806-745-2525.

*Special Holiday Promotion OMNI Ticket Rates for The Light Before Christmas: $6.00 Adults; $5.50 Children (ages 3-12); $5.50 Seniors (60+)

Science Spectrum Museum, 2579 S. Loop 289; 1 to 4 p.m.

December 14….Mae Simmons Christmas Carnival - Mae Simmons Community Center will host their 5th annual Christmas Carnival and all ages are welcome with plenty of activities for the entire family! Children will enjoy carnival games and a Christmas art project in Santa’s Workshop. Walk through the winter wonderland and listen to Christmas carols, then have your photo taken with Santa Claus! Bring your own camera or let us take a photo for $1/photo! Thanks to our door prize sponsors! Concessions will be available from the Candy Cane Snack Shop. Admission is free! Mae Simmons Community Center, East 23rd and Oak Avenue; 3 - 6 p.m.

December 14….Lubbock Wine Opener - Save the Date for the Lubbock Wine Opener benefitting Cystic Fibrosis, a relaxed, yet lively Holiday evening for more than 200 expected guests. From wine novices to wine enthusiasts, The Lubbock Wine Opener is a fun evening for all experience levels! Sip Great wines poured by international and domestic wineries. Savor great cuisine presented at festive tasting stations where the area’s hottest chefs prepare their specialties. Along with delicious food and wine pairings, guests will be treated to a large silent and live auction highlighting wine, cuisine and gift items as well as live music from Horseshoes and Hand Grenades and entertainment by DJ Chuck Colbert. Tickets are $45 in advance or $55 at the door and include a souvenir wine glass and all food and drink tastings. Tickets can be purchased online at netx.cff.org/lubbockwineopener or by calling 214-971- 2222. Cystic fibrosis, CF, is a genetic disease that affects approximately 30,000 people in the United States. A defective gene causes the body to produce abnormally thick, sticky mucus that leads to chronic and life-threatening lung-infections and impairs digestion. When the CF Foundation was created in 1955, few children lived to attend elementary school. Today, because of research and care supported by the CF Foundation with money raised through donations from individuals, corporations and foundations, the median age of survival for a person with CF is 37 years. We know that the money we raise buys science, which buys time, which buys lives. Stone Creek (located at 4907 N CR 1700 Shallowater, TX); 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.
SUNDAY Only

December 15…. Last Stop Christmas Shop - ReChic Designs, is hosting a "trunk show" called Last Stop Christmas Shop...and there will NOT be a fee to shop! This is the perfect opportunity to finish your Christmas shopping all in one place! There will be vendors selling women's clothing, kids clothing, shoes, jewelry, home decor, hair accessories, food items and much more!! Vendors include: ReChic Designs, Texas Two Boutique, Wild West Designs, F.A.I.T.H Jewelry, Matilda Jane, Fibi & Clo, LipSense and others! Crusty's Woodfired pizza will also be serving lunch! Included are complimentary drinks and dessert as well as a children's craft area. Lubbock Firefighter Union Hall, 8517 Urbana; 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

December 15….Flying J Christmas Concert - The Flying J Wranglers from Ruidoso, NM and the Cactus Theater proudly bring you the annual Flying J Wranglers' Western Christmas. A holiday show that features rich melodious western yodeling, vocals, fiddle and guitars in a program of traditional favorites and new and classic western/cowboy Christmas songs, instrumentals and homespun comedy. For a really special holiday treat, catch the lighthearted antics of the Wranglers this holiday season. Tickets are $25.00. For more information visit www.cactustheater.com or call 806.762.3233. Cactus Theater, 1812 Buddy Holly Ave; 7:30 p.m.
MONDAY Only

December 16….Cactus Kids Theatrical Co. Presents - The Cactus Kids Theatrical Co. proudly presents the culmination of the 2013 Fall semester. Under the direction of Cami Caldwell and associates, Terri Caldwell and Sheena Fadeyi, the students have attended classes and rehearsals since September 16th. As part of the "Caldwell Entertainment Incubator", we strive to encourage and motivate each student to perform at their full potential at a professional venue while in a fun, rewarding environment. Come see what they have accomplished in 3 short months - prepare to be impressed! Check website for details www.cactustheater.com. Admission is free. For more information visit www.cactustheater.com or call 806.762.3233. Cactus Theater, 1812 Buddy Holly Ave; Dec. 8th: 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; Dec. 9th & 16th at 7:00 p.m.
TUESDAY Only

December 17….Lubbock Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Chamber Brass Quintet - Lubbock’s favorite annual holiday concert is sure to become your new tradition. Five of the finest brass musicians in North America invite you to join them in celebrating the season at this entertaining and informative evening. Featured twice on "Performance Today", an NPR syndicated broadcast, the LSO Brass Quintet will definitely put you in the holiday spirit. This narrated performance features holiday selections from a variety of periods and styles. Bring your family members and friends to this very special night of seasonal music. To purchase tickets visit www.lubbocksymphony.org. Saint John’s United Methodist Church, 1501 University Avenue; 7:30 – 9 p.m.

Last Week's Trivia Winners....

Trivia Question #1: Can you name which holiday film this memorable quote appeared in?

"We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup."

Answer: The quote appeared in the movie "Elf".

Winners: Nikki P. and Mickie K. both of Lubbock

Trivia Question #2: Can you name which holiday film this memorable quote appeared in?

"You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down."

Answer: "It’s a Wonderful Life"

Winner: Nicole S. of Lubbock

This Week's Trivia Question....

For this contest, two (2) winners will receive a Family 4-pack to ride the Polar Express. To win these tickets, answer the trivia question below and email it to us at info@lubbockfunclub.com using the fun phrase "Ride This Polar Train" as your subject title.

The Question: In the song "Jingle Bells"...who was "seated next to me a day or two ago" ???

The deadline for this contest is FRIDAY (tomorrow!) at 9 a.m. and the winner will be contacted by noon. Please....we ask that you only enter the contest once to be fair to everyone.

Looking Ahead...Thru December

December 19…."Christmas On Broadway"
December 22….Pancho Clos
December 22, 23 - "Cactus Kids Christmas Celebration"
December 23….Cookie Decorating with Santa
December 23, 26 - 27….Maxey Holiday Camp Week 1
December 24…."Rock City Christmas Eve"
December 28…."Midnight Hamburger Band 2013 Reunion"
December 30, 31….Maxey ‘s New Years Camp Week 2
December 31…Lubbock Senior Center New Year’s Eve Gala
December 31…2nd Annual New Year's Eve - New York Time

Got an idea especially for the ladies?
steph@lubbockfunclub.com

Got an idea to promote something just for the guys?
shane@lubbockfunclub.com

Special event coming up? Send us the details!
info@lubbockfunclub.com

Go to CALENDAR OF EVENTS for even MORE fun things to do!

Many more UPCOMING FUN THINGS TO DO are listed on our website...lots further out than the weekly postcard. Click here to go to our CALENDAR OF EVENTS for more info on these activites and MORE>

UPDATE YOUR PERSONAL SETTINGS ... see link below Every email you receive from us has an opportunity to change your email, update your address or add in custom profile choices. Be sure your 100% confidential profile is complete. It helps us be of better service to you. Thanks!

To unsubscribe...click on UPDATE YOUR PERSONAL SETTINGS at the same location and choose "No Lists."

If you are having trouble seeing the photos, read our online version

If you are having trouble seeing the photos, read our online version.