Americans are buying more Christmas lights than ever, and thereâs a reason for it
and last updated 2020-12-14 12:34:05-05
If Santa were to find his way to Baltimore, Maryland, 34th Street might be the perfect place to land his sleigh and Bob Hoshier might be the perfect person to welcome him to the neighborhood.
The 57-year-old man has lived on this block since the 1980s, the year he first hung up a few strands of Christmas light. His neighbors eventually got in on the decorating and now, every year, this strip of row houses is covered so thickly in Christmas lights that planes landing at nearby Baltimore Washington International Airport might mistake it for a landing strip.
The year 2020 changed how we celebrate the holidays. We Zoom with family members instead of gathering in person. We may be pinching a few more pennies, while missing family and friends even more this holiday season.
The Kanawha County Public Library Book team thought it might be a nice opportunity to look at making some new traditions, saving some family stories and finding a way to balance the holiday stress.
Staying closer to home, we are looking for more things to craft. âQuick and Easy Christmasâ includes 100 crafts in a wide variety of mediums, such as knitting, crochet, paper crafts, sewing, sugar crafts, felt, jewelry making, cross stitch, mosaic making, decoupage, polymer clay and needlepoint. All the crafts use materials that are easily sourced and come with easy-to-follow instructions for all levels.
Neighbors in the News
Richlands graduates receive FFA degrees.
Six recent Richlands High School graduates were recently recognized for earning the American Future Farmers of American degree during the Virtual National FFA Convention. Caroline Rood, Class of 2018; and Jonathon Creech, Morgan Holmer, Kaitlyn Howard, Riley Jarman, and Will Preast, Class of 2019. The requirements to earn the American FFA Degree are holding active membership for the past three years, completing secondary instruction in an agricultural education program and operating a supervised agricultural experience program. Community service, leadership abilities and scholastic achievement are also required.
No Shave November
Jacksonville Police Officers recently contributed $50 each to participate in “No Shave November” to benefit St. Jude s Children s Hospital. Over 50 officers raised more than $2,800 this year for the charity.
Lighting the Island and brightening the holidays for families
The Shelter Island Action Alliance’s 1st Annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest is underway.
If you wish to enter the contest,go to Venmo @ShelterIsland-ActionAlliance with your address or email directly: [email protected]
All participants will be entered to win a grand prize. The grand prize winner will be announced on SIAA’s Instagram on December 23.
Contestants will be vying for a replica of the “Leg Lamp,” and dinner for four at The Ram’s Head Inn.
Entry fees and donations are supporting a Gift Drive, to purchase essential gifts for families in need of support. All gifts will be purchased locally from Shelter Island owned-and-operated businesses.
Easton and Bethlehem managing to have some holiday fun amid pandemic
Updated Dec 10, 2020;
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Despite the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to cause cancellations and postponements in nearly every facet of life, both Easton and Bethlehem aren’t letting it damper their respective holiday spirits. While each city’s typical holiday hubbub will be a bit different this year, they both have plenty of activities to safely participate in.
In Easton, thanks to the Greater Easton Development Partnership and its programs, the fun starts with the Winter Village that’s livened up Centre Square since Black Friday. Organizers this week announced additional hours Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 21-23, for shopping noon to 6 p.m. and for skating on the synthetic rink noon to 4:30 p.m., as well as shopping only 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24.