GIVE THE GIFT OF THE NUTCRACKER THIS SEASON! This spectacular production will be at Tennessee Wms. Theatre for only 6 nights.  Please make it possible for ALL children to partake of the magic of this show.  Support the TIX FOR KIDS program by making a tax deductible donation in any amount….this donation will go to those children and families whom otherwise could not afford to attend.  Contributions can be made by check, cash or credit card.  Make checks payable to the non-profit company: Paradise Ballet Theater Presenters Inc. (501c3).  Mail checks to 727 Eaton St., Key West, FL 33040.  Credit Card donations can be made by calling 305-240-4580. Thanks a lot for your holiday spirit!  Tickets have been family priced and are as low as $20.  Call the box office for your own tix to this show at 295-7676 or go to www.keystix.com.  Performances are Dec. 17, 18, 19, 21…with matinees also on the 18 and 19.   QUESTION TO PONDER… If giving up TV is too much of a sacrifice, would you consider switching to black & white viewing?  SCHOONER WHARF BAR….12/9… From Noon until 5 PM, it’s Michael McCloud performing. From 7 to 11:00 PM….It’s Sam Ramos & Robert Douglas, The Cool Duo! From 9 until 1AM…the magic of Frank Everhart!   TAVERN ‘N TOWN….12/9… It’s the dazzling CARMEN RODRIGUEA and GORDY MICHAEL performing in the lounge at Beachside Marriott from 5 to 9 PM!  2for 1 Cocktails & Tapas from 5 to 7 PM.   FIONA MOLLOY IS THANKFUL…. “My gratitude list this time of year…Would be much too long to write just here.  All the family & friends whom I hold close and dear…Scattered across the globe, some far away, and others, near.  I am grateful for my parents, and the ancestors who came before me…For the two sons whom my llife was gifted with…and for the youngest, who passed on before me.  Each day I live…each person I meet…Every soul who shares thier story…The beauty that surrounds Key West…God on earth in all His glory!  Dear God, Bless ALL my friends…even those who don’t believe in You!  Thank you!!   HOLIDAY HO-HO-HO DOWN….12/9, & 10th….. The Key West Burlesque presents their final two nights of their Ho-Down Christmas Show…and it is quite an extravaganza!  Marky Pierson is a hilarious hayseed host….and TaTah DuJour and her band of glorious gals and guys dance and cavort  and titillate to the nth degree!  Topping it off is Uncle Bruce Moore, who is the vocal entertainment…and of course, as usual, he is Terrif!  Showtime is 9 PM and these shows have been selling out each night! Tix are $25…..Tix for the 8, 9, and 10 can be bought at www.keystix.com or you can call 295-7676.  If you have not caught this show, please give it a whirl.  It is so much fun, and all involved  give it their ALL!!!!    DID YOU KNOW??? The introduction of the traffic light predated the invention of the automobile.   SHARE THE WREATH AUCTION…12/9… Benefit for AIDS Help….6:30 PM at LaTeDa….24 Faboo Wreaths, just for the holidays….all lit up!!!  $5 donation suggested….Gugi Gomez is the Hostess.. Come early for the best seats!  Questions???  Call 296-6196.   DEBORAH ROTHSTEIN IS THANKFUL….. …”that Margie Randall has come out of a nearly 30 day coma and is heading for a rehab facility…ultimately to return to Key West!  She has lots of work ahead, but she is recovering and her family, friends and doctors are thrilled!”  AMEN!!!   ARTS COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP PARTY…12/9… …at home of Debra Yates, 1205 Von Phister…5:30 to 7:30 PM….   APOCALYPTIC BUTTERFLIES…12/9, 10, 11. I am getting great feedback on this play, presented by The People’s Theater at Downstage, at 3340 N. Roosevelt Blvd.  Put in on your must see list during the holidays!  They are now offering a special price deal for the remainder of the shows…a two ticket for $30, a savings of $20…or one ticket fro $17.  Call to reserve today at 294-6813.  Thursday thru Saturday at 8 PM.  The final three shows will be presented On 12/16, 17, & 18th at 8 PM!  Support Community Theater in Key West!!!!  The cast consists of Kristen Wilson, Kate Henley, Peggy Montgomery, and Wayne Dapser.   AT THE GARDENS…12/9… It’s Rob DiStasi at the piano from 5:30 to 9:30 at The Gardens Hotel at 526 Angela St.  The D’Vine Wine Gallery is open Wed. thru Sun. from 5 to 10 PM!  Jazz on 12/12 has Christine Naughton singing along with Skipper Kripitz, and Tim McAlpine!! from 5 to 7:30 PM!  Christine is a TRUE Jazz singer!   WINE EVENT AT CROISSANTS DE FRANCE…12/9… A wine dinner at 6 PM…featuring Martin Ray Wines….delish! courses and the cost is $49.95 per person.  Call to reserve at 294-2624.   THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB NEED YOUR HELP…12/10… This is a benefit for this wonderful organization that helps Kids!  At The BOTTLECAP Groove Lounge from 5 to 8 PM….Celebrity Brit Bartenders are Tony Konrath, Hugh Ward, & Rosi and Jeff Ware!  Wheel of Fortune….raffles and great prizes!  ALL tips from raffle, games and ornament sale go to benefit the BOYS & GIRLS CLUB in Key West and the Keys!  ALL invited…always fun for a good cause!   POPS YULETIDE FEAST…12/10… For ONLY $50, you get sumptuous Italian buffet and an Open Bar….at the festive home of Bert Whitt and Dennis Beaver, 1207 Whitehead St…..7 PM! To RSVP call 296-6059.  Have a yummy meal and support the POPS Orchestra in KW!!!!  Debra & Patrick entertain!!!!   GINGERBREAD HOUSE MAKING…12/11… Kids of all ages are invited to make Gingerbread Creations at the 4th annual community party from 11 AM until 3 PM, Saturday at the Oldest House, 322 Duval St.  Bring your fave edible decorations…Cash donations accepted for the Wesley House Services!   LIGHTED BOAT PARADE AT SCHOONER WHARF…12/11… You can start at Gerald Adams School at 6 PM to hear the Steel Your Heart Band…and then the George Victory & the Observant  Lion Band…. THEN, go to the Harbor at the Schooner Wharf for the best ever Lighted Boat Contest and Parade!  Fantastic $$$ prizes!  To enter you boat call 292-3302 for info or go to www.schoonerwharf.com.   MELODY COOPER AT THE STUDIOS CABARET…12/11… This cabaret show, called “Bright Moments,” stars Melody and Friends, Gordy Michael & Skipper Kripitz and also Sergio Puig and Ruben Navarro…at 8 PM at 600 White St.  Tix can be bought by calling 295-7676 or going to www.keystix.com or by calling 296-0458.  You will enjoy the jazz, tango, Motown and Spanish pieces planned for this show!!!   PRAYER CHAIN…. During the hustle and bustle of this hectic season, please remember the following in your thoughts and prayers……Jennifer O’Lear…Margie Randall…Doug Childs…Roger Harmon… Rudy Marn…Katherine Raney…Carol Schenck…Sr. Phyllis McMurray. Thank you.   SOUTHERNMOST BEACH CAFE LOCALS SPECIAL… …….located at 1405 Duval…Locals with an ID, can receive 2 for 1 dinner entrees from now till Dec. 24th!   COLOMBIAN GRACE RESTAURANT… PLEASE support this special restaurant on Petronia St.  The darling owner, Zulma Segura, has a great little place here….and only the lucky ones have discovered it so far!  Give it a try!  We were there the other night and had Mother’s Casserole…and it is to die for!  They also really know how to prepare delish fish…all at reasonable prices!  Tell Zulma I sent you!   HAPPY DECEMBER 8TH BIRTHDAY TO… …that saxy DICK MOODY….dearheart, LLOYD BRYANT…and sweetie-pie, BUDDY DYESS!!!   Love to You…and Remember…. Follow your heart!  Never underestimate the power of the heart.  When we are passionate about someone, or something, few obstacles can defeat us.  Our hearts can inspire greatness, sweep aside adversity, break new ground, and draw others along with us. Lynda