Holiday plans are the talk of the town

As I write this column this week, I would like to wish every reader a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving. May each of you find something to be truly thankful for, regardless of your circumstances in life — and perhaps you may consider letting someone else know that you are thankful for them and the part they play in your day-to-day life.

Right on the heels of the last turkey sandwich, bowl of turkey soup, slice of pumpkin pie or any selection you might name from the plethora of those leftovers we all know and love, the town and village of Groton will set the wheels in motion on all of the plans that have been in the works for months to celebrate the remainder of the holiday season.

First up is the Village of Groton’s 4th annual “Home for the Holidays” celebration on Main St. from 1 to 4 p.m. December 5, featuring the Christmas caroling contest at the Graves Memorial, the chili cook-off in front of Casper’s Diner, the holiday gift show in the Masonic Lodge, a bake sale in support of the 2016 After-Prom Party, National Train Day at the Groton Hobby Shop, and the infamous Festival of Trees.

In the midst of all the fun and festivity, Santa Claus will arrive on Main St. at 2 p.m.

Participating businesses in the Festival of Trees will have their decorated Christmas tree on display, and “voters” cast their ballots for the best tree by placing a non-perishable item for the Groton Food Pantry under the tree. The business with the most food to donate to the GFP will be declared the winner.

To participate in the caroling contest or chili cook-off, contact Christine at (607) 898-3220 or email dougstrash1983@aol.com.

Speaking of caroling

The Groton Community Choir, under the direction of Ginny Casey, has been rehearsing for months in order to perform its sixty-fifth musical cantata. This year’s production will be: Joy! Unspeakable Joy!, created by Kenna Turner West with Dale Mathews; arranged and orchestrated by Steve W. Mauldin.

Performances are at 7 p. m. on Dec. 5 at Groton Assembly of God, 701 S. Main St.; 3 p.m. at Groton Community Church, 204 East Cortland St.; and 7 p.m. at Dryden Baptist Church, 138 Virgil Rd. in Dryden on Dec. 6. Light refreshments will follow each performance.

Annual tree lighting

The Village of Groton’s 6th annual tree lighting will take place on Dec. 10. Once again, Jodi Metcalf, owner of Bun Appetit Bakery on Main St., has taken the lead on planning for this heartwarming gathering of families and friends to kick off the holiday season in style.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive with much fanfare, as they are delivered on Main St. at 6:30 p.m., right across from Bun Appetit, via truck driven by Mike Browe, of the Drain Brain, along with a police and firefighter escort. Apparently, Santa’s sleigh must remain at the North Pole that evening, as his elves will be busy cleaning and polishing it for “the big ride” on December 24!

Everyone who is present for the festivities that night will be treated to free hot cocoa, sugar cookies and candy canes, and music by DJ Dale, as well as gifts from Santa for all the children who are present.

There will also be free raffle drawings for gift cards from a variety of businesses, but you must be present to win.

Pie and bake sale

If you have perhaps found yourself lacking a pie or other baked item for Thanksgiving, it’s not too late. The Groton Assembly of God Women’s Ministries annual homemade pie and bake sale will be at the First National Bank of Groton on Main St. from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Cops, Kids and Toys

The Groton Girl Scouts and Doug’s Trash Removal will be collecting new and unwrapped toys for Cops, Kids, and Toys to help families in Tompkins County who may need a little extra help in that area to provide something under the Christmas tree.

The collection box is in the office of Doug’s Trash Removal, 110 Main St.

A “beary” good idea

The First National Bank of Groton invites the public to stop by the bank to pick up a teddy bear to dress up for the holiday season. The bank provides the bear — you provide the clothing — and the finished products are distributed to local children during the holidays.

If this resonates with you as a way you can help children, stop by the Groton Bank and pick up your bear. The bank is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

The completed bears will be on display at the Groton office Dec. 7-12, and then delivered to the children who will give the bears a loving forever home.

Making ends meet  

A free money management workshop will be conducted by the Cornell Cooperative Extension from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8 at Groton Elementary School, 516 Elm St., room 43. Free childcare is available.

During this workshop, you will learn how to set financial goals, develop a spending plan, track your spending, and get the most for your money.

Reserve your spot by calling Cornell Cooperative Extension at 272-2292, or sending an email to ebw52@cornell.edu.

This event is sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension – “Tompkins! Families!”, with funding from the NYS Children & Family Trust Fund (NYSOCFS) and support from the Groton Elementary School.

Vendors wanted

Vendors are being sought for a craft show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 12 at Howard Farms Winery, 608 Cortland Rd. Call 898-9576.

Parking reminder

The Town of Groton prohibits parking of any vehicles on all town highway right-of-ways within the town limits between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. from November to April.

Violators will be subject to a fine and vehicles may be towed away at owner’s expense.

Groton Town Talk appears weekly.Submit items to Linda Competillo, (607) 227-4922 or lmc10@cornell.edu.