The Florentine Players Newsy Letter ***October 2015*** LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT by Molly Anderson Happy Fall to all of The Florentine Players, Here we are coming to the end of another successful Florentine Players season. One more show and then we start once again setting our calendars, picking our shows, and doing it all again. Many people think that this is a slow time for us, but that is anything but the truth! Our winter off season is spent in very serious discussions about picking the very best Melodrama, selecting a dedicated and hard working director, and making solid plans for the rest of the season. It's an exciting time of year!! Now onto the pressing news at hand Errorplane!! This is sure to be a hilarious show that you won't want to miss. This cast has not only been hard working, but adaptive and flexible in the most amazing way. Somewhere along the lines, some dates were switched around. On the evening of September 27, I had to break the news that the show was going to have to go on a week earlier than the cast and crew had expected. Through posts I read on social media, it was made abundantly clear, that this wasn't a popular piece of news. But within every single post that I saw from a cast or crew member, one resounding theme rang out. We CAN do this. There was never a doubt that the show will go on. And that is just one more thing that makes The Florentine Players the most amazing troupe in this city. When you come to this show, take an extra moment to pat them on the back and thank them for all of their hard work. I hope to see you all at the show!
ERRORPLANE The people who, just last year, brought you the hit adaptation of 'Oscar' are reaching ever higher (around 39,000 feet, cruising altitude) for their latest and most exciting stage adaptation yet. The Florentine Players invite you to carefully board 'ERRORPLANE: An Adaptation of the Famous Disaster Movie Spoof From the Eighties About An Airplane, That May or May Not Have Starred Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.' Doors open at 6 and the show will start at 7. There will be a cash bar and snacks for sale. This is an all ages show. Admission is $10. For reservations call 402-455-6341. October 15, 16, 17, 2015 at 7:00 PM and a special matinee show October 18, 2015 at 2:00 PM
Tombstone Tour October 11 and 18, 2015 2 6:30 PM General Crook House Museum Historic Fort Omaha Join DCHS on its annual Tombstone Tour, an exploration of Omaha's past through its cemeteries and permanent residents. This year will feature new cemeteries and new stories. Our first tour, on October 11, will take us to three cemeteries in North Omaha, including Prospect Hill, Omaha s Potter s Field, and the Mormon Pioneer Cemetery. The second tour, on October 18, will take us to Temple Israel, Holy Sepulchre, and the Bohemian National Cemetery. With refreshments provided at each cemetery stop, we will toast to the memory of those who have gone before us. Your tour guide will regale you with cryptic commentary, plus you'll receive a souvenir booklet on cemetery history. Boarding begins at 1:30 pm at the General Crook House Museum located in Historic Fort Omaha; pre boarding refreshments and snacks provided. The bus will depart at 2 pm sharp and return to the Museum by 5:30 pm. Heavy appetizers, wine, and ghost stories will be provided at the Museum after the tour. Cost is $50 for members and $55 for non members. There is a maximum of 50 passengers per bus, so don't delay! Schedule Board the bus at 1:30 pm at the General Crook House, Historic Fort Omaha. The bus will depart at 2 p.m. sharp and return by 5:30 p.m. Enjoy refreshments on board and at each cemetery stop. Appetizers, wine, ghost stories and more will be provided at the Crook House after the tour. October 11 Prospect Hill, Omaha's Potter's Field, Mormon Pioneer Cemetery October 18 Temple Israel, Holy Sepulchre, Bohemian National Cemetery Registration Fees: Members $50; Non members $55 PRE PAID RESERVATIONS ONLY! Deadlines are as follows: For October 11 Tour Reservations due by October 2 For October 18 Tour Reservations due by October 9 To Register: For More Information Please Call 402 455 9990 or members@douglascohistory.org COMMUNITY UPDATES
by Carol Hodges **THE FLORENCE HISTORICAL FOUNDATION** The Christmas Open House at the Bank is set for Sunday, December 6, 2015. This is a fun activity for all. Historical Foundation Board members bring homemade treats and... they are delicious. And of course there is Santa Claus for both the young and old at heart. This is also an opportunity to vote for your 2016 Board members. AND, if you are interested in running for the Board, contact Carol Hodges at cbhodges444@gmail.com. Mark your calendars: Sunday, DECEMBER 6, from 3pm 6pm. Other items mentioned at a recent Board meeting included the successful completion of many projects: NEW Florence City Hall Main Hall flooring and painted walls (these are beautiful), new Florence City Hall roof, and new air conditioners for the Main Hall West Wing and Fire Barn. Other important projects are in the works - - keeping the Foundation busy attending to its historical properties. One exciting new endeavor involves the printing of Florence currency. Apparently old Florence currency is a model for wildcat currency in the Smithsonian! The plan, orchestrated by Board member, Nick Batter, is to print a near replica of that currency. It will be printed for use in designated Florence businesses who have agreed to honor the money - - for a discount. MORE ABOUT THIS LATER STAY TUNED! **THE FLORENCE MILL** Connecting Agriculture, History and Art The last Florence Market was held September 27. It featured an antique apple press and cider making. Please make a note to attend these markets in 2016. They feature food, crafts, art, live music, pony rides, fresh produce, and much, much more. The Mill s ArtLoft Gallery is featuring David Helm through October 4. Coming attractions include the North Hills Pottery Tour on October 3 & 4, and the Omaha Camera Club Exhibit on October 10. The Florence Mill is located at 9120 N. 30 th St ( near the I-680, Exit 13/Mormon Bridge. ) The Winter Quarters Mill Museum and ArtLoft continues to be open Wed-Sat from 1-5pm. Information is compliments of Linda Meigs. Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/theflorencemill **NOCC** North Omaha Commercial Club The North Omaha Commercial Club has been active in the Florence community for over 70 years. The motto of the NOCC is To Further the Interests of North Omaha. The NOCC traditionally meets on the last Monday of the month (with exceptions for holidays). For more information, please contact NOCC President Mele Mason at 402-455-9422, melemason@aol.com. **WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION** Down the road and over the hills, situated in the quaint community of Fort Calhoun, is the building of the Washington County Historical Association. Director, Julie Ashton, has noted that we want to preserve the history of our pioneer families in the County, and tell that story of our past to the next generation in new and engaging ways. The association has set up a fairly new exhibit in the center bank galley of the museum that features stories of community bands (musical) in Washington County at the turn of the 20 th century. Other renovation plans are in progress. The Association has interesting speakers and performers for their popular Washington County Chat Series (WCHATs), and the Jam and Bread event started again in September. Jam and Bread starts at noon and runs until 1:30. It features a circle jam session (bring your choice of instrument and join the group), hot homemade soup, fresh bread and artisan cheeses from the local cheese-monger, as well as locally made granola. Many other activities are featured at the Museum including classes, and holiday affairs. For more information go to www.wchamuseum.com.