Jaycees create first Santa Wonderland for charities

The Fort Walton Beach Jaycees are trading their ghoulies and ghosties for snowmen and elves.

The organization has created its first Santa Wonderland upstairs at SunSations in Destin, next door to Fudpucker’s.

According to a press release, each room is sponsored and themed for a different charity. Decorated Christmas trees are up for silent auction Nov. 27- Dec. 12, with all proceeds going to charity.

The Santa Wonderland is free, with donations going to the American Cancer Society. Hours are noon-5 p.m. Nov. 27-29 and Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20.

Call 850-585-4333 or 642-5292 for more information or if you would like to volunteer.

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Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller celebrate a quarter-century of bringing the world Christmas music with its “25th Anniversary Collection.”

The two-disc set is a retrospective spanning the group’s entire Christmas catalog and featuring 25 of its famous holiday classics.

The first disc is entirely instrumental, and includes “Joy to the World,” “Gagliarda” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” along with nine others.

The second disc features three selections with vocalists, including Johnny Mathis on “The Christmas Song.” The other two with singers are “Still, Still, Still” and “Above the Northern Lights.”

If you enjoy the distinctive sound of Mannheim Steamroller — and I do — you will enjoy this American Gramaphone release.

It’s already out, with prices varying depending on where you find it, from $9.99 to $18.99, which is full retail.

The group also launched a 58-city tour earlier this month to mark the milestone. It looks as if the closest they’re coming to here is maybe Tampa on Dec. 13 or Birmingham, Ala., on Dec. 15.

You may find the full schedule on the Web site at mannheimsteamroller.com.

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Because of early deadlines, I won’t know before Showcase goes to press who won this season’s “Dancing With the Stars” competition.

The only reason I watched the show regularly this time around is because Donny Osmond is one of the competitors. And darned if he didn’t make into the finals!

I’m so proud of him. He and his partner, Kym, were awesome last night, and I think Donny should win.

Yes, Mya, was good most of the time most of the season, but I didn’t care for her attitude of entitlement in the finals, and Donny’s freestyle was way better.

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Happy Turkey Day, everyone!

And thank you, Sarah and Zach, for coming from Tampa to visit us this holiday week. I’m happy you brought your mom and dad and Indie, too.

Hope you enjoyed playing Goofy Golf yesterday.

This is the first year Showcase has come out on Thanksgiving Day, so it seems appropriate to write about things I’m thankful for.

To keep from boring you silly, I’ll make it concise.

I’m thankful for my family, my friends, my relative good health and that of my family and friends.

I’m thankful everyone in my family who wants one has a job.

And I’m thankful for you, dear readers. Hope your holiday is a happy one!