Bruce's Insubordination Column for December!

 
December, 11 down one to go on the way to MMXVII.
From the Things You'd Never Expect File, I was asked to come back to work for the company that "let me go" about 13 months ago. It's on a limited schedule, I don't really want to give up retirement completely, Saturday nights from 7 to 11. All the years I was working I called the program the Night Train, Saturday's show will be the Insubordination Train because that's what I am.
Which brings me to the topic for this month about admitting when you broke the rules and the importance of not burning bridges behind.
My first full time radio show was for a station playing country music from Midnight to 5 am. The station manager that hired me went on to be corporate vice president for the company that owned it. I left on very good terms with everyone for a station closer to home in Mpls.
A couple of years later I was out of work and searching, I applied for the News Director position at a twin cities radio station with no previous experience and was hired largely on the basis of the recommendation from my former boss who was now a big shot.
My years in North Iowa have been spent from one station to the other for going on 39 years, fired from one hired by the other, off air and brought back only to repeat myself. Now, I could have done or said nasty things about them but I remained friends with the former workers and when the time was right I was hired back by these same people. The point being there's no sense in holding grudges, and a good memory is what you want to leave behind.
What I am doing at this moment is a result of an enduring friendship with the person who is behind this website, and what I'll be doing Saturday night is the same. The person who approached me about doing the air shift has been a friend for decades as well and the employees are glad to have me with them again.
I will be 68 this month and I am so thankful for many things that have led to this point, I've made mistakes, things I might have done differently but life's about learning.
Whether you celebrate the holidays or not I wish you peace and happiness and a bright new year.

Mason City Brewing, downtown Mason City, has music every weekend through the end of the year. This weekend it's Max Hay from Montana. Next weekend, Stephen Simmons of Nashville.  Local bands play too. Pub trivia is held every Wednesday, and they're building an open mic night on Thursdays. No cover. No purchase required.

Are You A Fan Of The Peanuts Soundtrack?

Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Surf Ballroom, you can be a kid in front of the TV again. The Donovan Johnson Band presents "The Music of Vince Guaraldi and The Peanuts" this Saturday, as part of Clear Lake's "Christmas By The Lake" festival. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, which opens at 6:00.  This is the soundtrack album cover--and we own this album. Seriously.

Best Cupcakes In The Area!

Molly Hatchett Tonight At The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, IA

Southern rock/hard rock band Molly Hatchet was formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1971, founded by guitarists Dave Hlubek & Steve Holland. The band is known for their hit song "Flirtin' with Disaster" from their second studio album, Flirtin' with Disaster, released on September 1, 1979.

The band is named after a famous 17th century axe murderess “Hatchet Molly” who would behead her lovers. Talk about high-maintenance!

 Tickets are $20 in advance / $25 at the door.

Looking For A Great Job, In A Great Place?

Central Park Dentistry of Mason City is looking for a Registered Dental Hygienist to join their team.
This is a full-time position with great benefits and an excellent work atmosphere. Please mail or drop off resume with references to: Central Park Dentistry, 23 North Federal Ave., Mason City, Iowa 50401

Here's Raw Material For Your Weekend Plans

November 17-20, 2016

After the Fall - Mason City Community Theatre 215 S Delaware (641-424-6424). Box office open 1-5pm weekdays. Show times Thursday-Saturday 7pm; Sunday 2pm. A man confides in a friend, in the background are key figures in his life, and they move in and out of narrative. They bring the tortured image of his mother's death and of his mother's fury with his father. These intertwining images bring back the memories of inquisition when men were asked to name names of those who had joined with them in a communism that they mistook for a better future…

November 18, 2016

Indoors Farmers Market - Willlowbrook Mall, 1631 4^th St. SW (641-424-4002). 10am-2pm, baked goods, frozen berries, rugs, jewelry, potholders, honey, eggs, homemade cleaners and more! For questions call Glenys Scloemer 641-530-0837

November 18, 2016

FAME : The Musical - NIACC Auditorium, 500 College Drive (641-422-4188).  The Musical is a full-throttle journey traversing the struggles, fears, and triumphs of young artist navigating the worlds of dance, music, and theatre. Show  at 7:30.  Call/ order online for tickets at www.niacc.edu/boxoffice

November 18, 2016

Molly Hatchet- Surf Ballroom, 460 N Shore Dr., Clear Lake (641-357-6151). Southern Rock music filled with style and emotion, such as the Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd and a band from Jacksonville, Florida called Molly Hatchet. Tickets: $20 advanced/ $25 at the door. Doors open at 8pm.

November 18, 2016

Holiday Premier of It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas - The Music Man Square, 308 S. Pennsylvania Ave. (641-424-2852).  Share in the holiday spirit as friends and neighbors gather at The Music Man Square from 5-8pm to experience the nostalgia and warm memories of Christmases past. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season as you stroll the 1912 Streetscape adorned with vintage animated window displays, decor and holiday music. The culinary staff from Hy-Vee East will provide samples from an abundance of savory appetizers, artisan pastries, flavorful cheeses and fancy desserts, paired with tastings of your favorite wine choices. Tickets $50 per person.

November 19, 2016

Holiday Extravaganza - Willlowbrook Mall, 1631 4^th St. SW (641-424-4002). Style show -features styles from Brown's shoes, Tried & True, Emerson's at the Willow and Saxony - starts at 1pm. For questions call Glenys Scloemer 641-530-0837

November 19, 2016

ART ON THE PLAZA 1 Year Anniversary Open House - Art on the Plaza, 11 S. Federal, downtown Mason City.  From 10am-4pm Art on the PLAZA, will host an open house to celebrate our first year anniversary! Please join us for beverages and snacks and a chance to visit with the artist! We look forward to seeing you.

November 19, 2016

Whimsical Christmas Painting - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 302 2^nd St. SE (641-421-3666). Get imaginative for this acrylic on canvas class. Paint a whimsical Christmas theme you will be proud to have in your home. Holiday treats will be provided. Class time: 1pm-4pm. Cost: $30 public/ $27 members.

November 19, 2016
Toys For Tots Collection With Santa Claus – Cannonball 457, East State Street (East Park) (641-423-5328), 1-3pm.

November 19, 2016

Neal McCoy - Surf Ballroom, 460 N Shore Dr., Clear Lake (641-357-6151).  Enjoy country hits such as 'No Doubt About it', 'The Luckiest Man in the World', 'Billy's Got His Beer Goggles On' and more. Tickets: $20 advance/$25 at the door. Doors open at 8pm.

November 19, 2016

Origami Class- Wright on the Park, 17 S. Federal Ave. (phone). Students ages 5-12 are invited to an origami class from 1-4pm. The event is FREE and materials are provided. Joanne Hardinger member of the WOTP education committee, will lead the Japanese Paper folding activities.

November 19, 2016
Roller Derby- River City Dames of Anarchy vs. Harbor City from Duluth, North Iowa Events Center- All Seasons Building, 3700 4^th St SW (641-494-4831) Doors open at 6pm with play beginning at 7pm. Tickets:  $12 per person.

November 20, 2016

KCMR Annual Christmas Concert – NIACC Auditorium, 500 College Drive (641-424-9300)
28^th Annual concert promises to be “An Old Fashioned Christmas”. Toni Timmer &  The Iowa Andrews Sisters headline along with an all-star cast of singers. Concert will be at 2 pm and is a wonderful North Iowa beginning to this special season. Early bird discount tickets are $15. www.kcmrfm.com

November 20, 2016

Soup for Paws -  Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N Pennsylvania Ave (641-423-0536). Patriots for Pets supper is from 5pm to 7pm free will donation with proceeds going to medical bills for the animals.

November 22, 2016

Fall Instrumental Band Concert – NIACC Auditorium, 500 College Drive (641-422-4188) North Iowa Concert Band will perform their Fall Concert, under the direction of John Klemas.  Show begins at 7:30PM with reception following. Admission: $5 adults/ Students Free