Easy to get lost in the commercials and hectic pace of December. But even with the gift lists and special events we can find the real meaning of the season with little effort. It is all around us as we greet friends, share smiles and genuinely reach out to others with less resources.
Churches open their doors to services and music. Next time you see the same commercial for the umpteenth time, close your eyes and consider the better part of the holiday. And the true meaning of Christmas.
You can help provide a better holiday when you hear the familiar bell and see the kettle for any donation you can offer to those in distress. Locally there will be bell ringing at the New Madison Mini Mart on Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Proceeds will go to the Darke County Emergency Assistance Program.
Remember the live nativity in the village. The churches of the community are having this special event on Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. on Main Street next to the bank. The churches will present live action with portrayals by your neighbors here in the Tri-Village district. Animals will be on the scene.
The churches are providing refreshments. Mark your calendars and bring the children.
Open house at the library is scheduled for Dec. 13. This is an annual holiday event in New Madison. It is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Recently the Phyllis Cole Dubbs Library Service Award has been given on the same evening. This year’s recipient is Marilyn Fritz who has organized the genealogy assistance program with great response. That honor will be noted at 6 p.m. Music, cookies and punch are all part of the festive event.
The school is again collecting plastic lids and there are several drop off points to help with the project. Last year memorial benches were the result. The organizers hope to collect the material for adding recycled benches on the school property.
This week’s special congrats to Allie Downing, senior, announcing her plans to play basketball at Belmont Abbey in North Carolina. This is a Division II school. Congrats to the Tri-Village girls winning the tournament over the holiday!
And congratulations to the school for its program of ”adopting a family” for Christmas with help from local organizations and churches. Thanks to the Harrison Street Baptist Church for its pantry to help those in need and to the Ladies Auxiliary at the American Legion who earlier this fall delivered a ham dinner, box of books, and a load of clothing, including coats, to veterans at the Journey Home. The United Methodist Church assists with the food pantry in Greenville. The Universalist Church presented its Harvest Sounds program in November to assist the Greenville Clinic of the Recovery and Wellness Center.
The spirit of the season is moving in the community.
