AROUND THE COMMUNITY: ‘White Christmas’ next show out of Abrams

Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. invites the community to its performance of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.” The musical, directed by Debra Jolly, will be presented Dec. 1-4 and Dec. 8-11 at the Nancy Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams. Shows are at 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 1 p.m. Sundays. “’White Christmas’ is a long-time tradition for those of us who remember the beloved movie televised every Christmas and remember the sacrifices made by the soldiers and those on the homefront of World War II,” Jolly said. “It is about longing for home and family and love, especially when you are far away, not knowing when or if you will get home again.” Veterans are an important part of “White Christmas,” and a generous donor gifted 50 free tickets for veterans. Veterans are encouraged to call the box office, 920-826-5852, to reserve free tickets while supplies last. “White Christmas” is a story about a song-and-dance team, played by Bobby Buffington and Preston Pelegrin, who put on a show in a Vermont inn and fall for a stunning sister act, played by Elizabeth Jolly and Ali Carlson. The show is full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written. The score features “Blue Skies” and, of course, the unforgettable title song, “White Christmas.” The colorful costumes ring true to the happy 1950s look. “The number of costumes required is daunting, especially with a community theater budget and a theater building that needs a new roof, but we had a wonderfully hard-working and frugal costume crew to make it work,” Jolly said. New at the theater for this performance is a side stage to keep the show moving seamlessly through scene changes. Also new is a winter-themed special effect. Tickets are on sale now for this tale of joy and goodwill by visiting the website at abramsspotlightproductions.com or calling the box office. Prices are $17 for adults, $15 for senior citizens and children and $8 for any child 4 and under. Library to give out books for Halloween Shawano County Library’s fifth annual Trick or Treat Book Giveaway will occur during the city’s trick or treat hours from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 31. The book giveaway is planned on the 400 block of South Franklin Street. The main library will be closing at 4 p.m. that day. In the past, the library has distributed an average of 945 books to children at this event. Several book giveaways occur throughout the county during the year with an average of 2,800 books being gifted to children annually. Book giveaways are sponsored by the Friends of Shawano County Libraries, Inc. For information, contact the library at sha@shawanolibrary.org or 715-526-3829. Frigo Cheese fire is ‘Remember When’ topic Lena’s “Remember When” Series will hold another hour of reminiscing from 6-7 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Lena Village Hall, 117 E. Main St. The planned topic is the “Frigo Fire” which occurred in January 1996. Ed Patenaude, who was village president during that time, will present on how life in Lena was impacted because of the fire. The “Remember When” sessions are held the first Wednesday of each month and features a main storyteller who shares personal recollections and connections to Lena’s past. For information, contact the village hall at 920-829-5226. Shivaram hired as New North co-chair Sachin Shivaram, CEO of Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry in Manitowoc, has been named as a new co-chair of New North Inc., joining Michelle Schuler of Microsoft. He takes over the co-chair responsibilities of Tim Schneider, who has accepted the role of president and CEO of Bank Five Nine in Oconomowoc. The co-chairs serve as primary representatives of the organization and share its top leadership roles and responsibilities, leading the board of directors and executive committee in fulfillment of the organization’s mission, vision and work programs. “We are excited to have Sachin as a new co-chair of New North,” says Barb LaMue, president and CEO of New North Inc. “He is a leader within our region’s manufacturing industry and has a real passion for economic development. Sachin also has been a great ambassador for our region, helping to tell our story to those who may be considering relocation to the New North.” Shivaram holds a bachelor’s degree in history and literature from Harvard University, a law degree from Yale Law School and a master’s degree in political science from the University of Cambridge.