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Sunday, December 14, 1997 Page:
We’re now heavily into the holiday season, and as usual, my “To Do” list
is still quite lengthy. I’ve read some lists of tips on “How to Have a
Hassle-Free Holiday” in women’s magazines the past few days. Some of the
tips make sense, such as “Start in September” (too late), “Send New Year’s
instead of Christmas cards,” (they usually are whether they’re intended to be
or not), and “Incorporate quiet times into each day” (yeah, right)One tip I
read in two separate magazines, and it made me cringe each time. The idea was
to make the Christmas turkey a couple of days ahead, carve down the bird,
clean up the disgusting roasting pan, etc. Then on Christmas Day, the turkey
was served cold. Supposedly when hot gravy was poured over the meat, no one
was the wiser. I have trouble believing that. I think the hot gravy instantly
congealing on the stone cold turkey would be a dead give-away.
Perhaps if I stopped reading tips on how to get things done and just did
the things I’d like to do, I’d be done with time to spare! In the end it
doesn’t really matter anyway. Christmas will come whether you or I or anyone
else is ready or not. And whether the turkey is hot or cold, the table is
perfectly set or the forks are askew, whether every gift was just right or
there need to be some post-holiday exchanges, Christmas will come. Remember
that great piece of T-shirt philosophy…Front of shirt: Don’t sweat the small
stuff. Back of shirt: It’s all small stuff, and enjoy the season!
* * * *
Today is the day that Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves arrive at the Slocum
Fire Hall to visit all the Slocum children from 2-4 p.m. Santa has a special
treat for everyone and his elves will be busy painting faces and helping the
children make a Christmas craft. Moms and dads, bring your cameras, have some
punch and cookies and visit with your neighbors while you wait for the kids.
Enjoy the Christmas spirit provided by the Slocum Volunteer Fire Company.
* * * *
Today is also the last day to place your hoagie order with St. Paul
Lutheran Church’s Happy Group. Pickup is Thursday at the church. Deliveries
are available to factories and businesses. Regular hoagies ($2.25) and turkey
hoagies ($2.50) can be ordered through Joan (868-1072), Bob (474-9712) or Ruth
(868-3700).
* * * *
Orders for Peppermint Crunch candy are also due today. Cost is $5.50/pound.
The candy is being sold by the Friendship Circle at Christ United Methodist
Church. Alice (474-5426) and Helen (474-5322) are ready to take your order
today. Pickup is next Sunday.
* * * *
St. Jude’s Annual Children’s Christmas Party is at 2 p.m. this afternoon in
Father Nolan Hall. All children (grades 4 and under) are welcome. Santa will
have goody bags for everyone. Parents, please attend the party with your
children. The party is free of charge.
* * * *
The Woman’s Club of Mountaintop will hold its Craft Night at 6:30 p.m.
Monday at the Presbyterian Church (9 Chestnut St.). This month Kathy Whiton
will lead the group in making wooden Santas. Ho, Ho, Ho!
* * * *
Once again the Women’s Club of Mountaintop is asking our community to help
the lonely during this holiday season with a gift donation for the White Haven
Center. Gifts should be new, wrapped and marked with a tag (male or female;
small, medium or large). Gifts may be given to any club member and dropped off
at Rundle Realty (Route 309) in Mountaintop. Suggested items are bathrobes (S,
M, L), belts/suspenders (34-40), gloves/mittens (adult), toiletries/nail care
kits, lotions/powder/lipstick, nightgowns/pajamas (S, M, L), slippers, socks,
knee highs/pantyhose, polo shirts/blouses, scarves, underwear (S, M, L),
wallets, hair accessories, sweatsuits, neckties, costume jewelry, nail polish,
entertainment tickets (movies/sports), gift certificates,
umbrellas/rainhats/ponchos, calendars, picture frames, music/story cassettes,
VCR movies, blank VCR tapes, boxed all occasion cards/note cards, small
lamps/floor lamps, bed spread (single), throw pillows, silk plants, magazine
subscriptions, hair dryers, electric shavers, coin purses. Thank you to all
who share in this project and have a happy holiday season.
* * * *
Fairview Elementary School’s annual Second Grade Holiday Program will
commence at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the school. Children are to be in the center of
the second grade pod at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Hoyt will have his arts and crafts for
sale following the performance, a portion of the proceeds to benefit PTA.
* * * *
The Mountaintop Quilters will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the MSK Library for
their Christmas Party. You know what to do.
* * * *
A Belated Happy Birthday to Jacob Popowycz, who turned 3 years old Friday,
Dec. 5. The whole family- Mom, Dad, Joey and Joshua, wish you the best year
yet, Buddy!
* * * *
The Mountaintop Senior Center will have a visiting nurse as a guest speaker
this Tuesday, Dec. 16. Then on Thursday, senior participants will enjoy the
lighting of the Christmas Tree in the morning followed by a special Christmas
Dinner. Be sure and plan to stay for the Christmas Party, complete with a
visit from the jolly ol’ man himself. The Center is open weekdays, 10 a.m.-2
p.m. to anyone 60 years and older. For more information, please call 474-9338.
The Center and all of its programs are sponsored by the Bureau for the Aging.
* * * *
The Book Discussion Group, sponsored by the Friends of the Marian
Sutherland Kirby Library, will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Community Room
of the library. The book for discussion is Paris Trout by Pete Dexter. The
book for January will be The Modern Mephestopheles by Louisa May Alcott. New
participants are welcome. No reservations required. For more details call the
library at 474-9313.
* * * *
The Crestwood High School Concert Band, Flute Ensemble and Jazz Band will
present their 1997 Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. Thursday in the high school
auditorium. The concert is sure to bring out the holiday spirit in everyone
with classic pieces such as “Nut Cracker Suite” offered by the Concert Band,
“Pachebel’s Canon” being performed by the Flute Ensemble with feature
violinist Crystal Lee joining in and “Jingle Bell Rock” played by the
Crestwood Jazz B and, among other holiday favorites. CHS Band Director,
William J. Pensziwiatr and student teacher Mary Fazio invite everyone to join
the Crestwood musicians for an evening of holiday music, laughter and
foot-tapping fun. Admission is free.
* * * *
The Welcome Wagon Club of Mountaintop’s Children’s Holiday Party from 11:15
a.m. to 1:15 p.m. is happening this Friday at the Presbyterian Church of
Mountaintop. If you registered and paid, don’t forget to come!
* * * *
1998 Entertainment Books are being sold by the Mountaintop Area Knights of
Columbus. Price is $25 and books can be used immediately at area restaurants,
sporting events, movie theaters, shows, car washes, hotels, for travel and
elsewhere. Proceeds go toward various Council charities. Books may be
purchased at Triangle Pharmacy in Mountaintop or by calling Tony Biago
(868-5180).
* * * *
That’s what’s happening this holiday season on the hill. Remember me with
your announcements at 50 Valley View Drive, Mountaintop, [email protected] or
474-0828. Have a great week!
Dianne E. Deming is the Mountaintop columnist for The Times Leader. Her
column appears Sunday.