Old friends, new shows and Singing Grams
“Sometimes you have to meet your blessings halfway.” — Tylan Bailey, who achieved his dream of becoming a teacher in his 40s after 23 years as a Georgia grade school custodian.
Check out a great interview on Jan. 7 KOIN’S morning show segment, “Foodie Friday!” on Youtube of former Ukiahan Keith Asner, now running a restaurant in South Portland. Keith opened “The Humble Dumpling” last May, featuring late night food that looks delicious.
“We at The Humble Dumpling are big fans of the notion that good things come in small packages. I believe opportunities will come to those who are willing to embrace honest, creative, and sincere connections with the people who will determine their success. The Humble Dumpling will prove me right or wrong,” said Keith.
In the interview, Keith said he has tried several businesses that brought him to this point. He’s been a theater production manager, writer, actor, play director, graphic designer, marketing director, marketing/branding/ packaging consultant, and more. He attended University of London and Cal State, Northridge.
His older brother, Kevin Axt, who grew up here in Ukiah, is a Grammy Award-winning bassist who has toured with artists such as the Tierney Sutton Band and Chuck Mangione.
Grand opening of the eatery is Feb. 1. It is located at 6050 A So. Macadamia in Portland, Open Tues-sun., 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Phone: (360) 784-1957.
Website: humble-dumpling.com
SPACE Presents Nora’s Ark
Near & Arnold’s School of Performing Arts & Cultural Education (SPACE) presents Nora’s Ark. The musical theater program returns with this fun, jazzy, timely musical. A one-act show that explores the effects of a changing climate as well as the realities of putting too many animals on one boat. Great fun for the whole family. Directed by Evan Gaustad, with musical direction by Janice Hawthorne Timm, choreography by Oscar Montelongo Medina.
Performances are at the SPACE Theater at 3 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22, and 3 p.m. on Saturday Jan. 29. Tickets available at the Mendocino Book Company and SPACE Box Office. For more information, call 707-462-9370 or visit www.spaceperformingarts.org.
UPT Update & Singing Grams
With Omicron spreading, Ukiah Players Theatre (UPT) has decided to not have the show “Bring On The Men.” Instead, Feb. 11, 12, 13 and 14, UPT will bring the performers to you with “singing grams” for Valentines. All of the performers have been vaccinated and have received their booster shot.
You may remember when local Barbershop Quartets performed singing telegrams almost every year. It’s such fun to open the door to that kind of talent.
For $50, performers will come to the address you provide and sing to your special someone. For an additional $25, a bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate to over 21 years old can be added. But if you DON’T want a Gram coming to your door, or you just want to support UPT, for $25 your address will be put on a “NO GO LIST.”
On sale Jan. 22 at ukiahplayerstheatre.org or call (707) 462-9226.
Golden Girls — Reunion
Awhile back, it was said “somewhere in the world the TV show ‘Golden Girls’ is playing.” One person quipped, “This whole coronavirus lockdown would not nearly have been as good without Golden Girls. This show is insanely timeless…”
Another fan wrote, “When you create television that transcends time and transports you that way, you’ve truly made something special.”
With an ensemble cast starring Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue Mcclanahan, and Estelle Getty, the show is about four older women who share a home in Miami, Florida. The show ran seven seasons on NBC (first episode date: Sept. 14, 1985; final episode date: May 9, 1992. Theme song: “Thank You for Being a Friend”). The legendary actor, Betty White, passed away on Dec. 31, 2021, at age 99 — the last of the Golden Girls. One can only imagine the four in heaven!
If you want an hourplus of laughter, watch “Golden Girls — Reunion — Lifetime TV, 2003” (11 years after the final episode originally aired).
Unique recycle
Leah Schuch, a secondgrade schoolteacher in Indiana, saved her Christmas cards from last year, cut off the colorful front of each card, then wrote personalized messages on the back, resulting in unique holiday postcards which she then sent to her students. She does the same with birthday and other greeting cards she receives.
“It’s a great way to recycle them and pass on the warm wishes to someone else.”
She was featured in “Guideposts,” Dec/jan 2022 issue.