Around Charlestown / Charlestown / Opinion
Around Charlestown: Santa Claus is coming to [Charles]town
- Ruth Ann Bartholomew
The holiday season is upon us. Soon we will be baking and cooking, buying and wrapping, and traveling to join our families and friends in celebrating this season of holidays centered on being thankful for all our blessings and Jesus’ birth. There will be a lot going on in Charlestown in the next two months for all to enjoy.
This Thanksgiving, Charlestown United Methodist Church is blessed to give back to the community by offering free Thanksgiving dinner bundles to people in need. Each bundle will include classic Thanksgiving favorites — turkey, sides and desserts — and each will have all the supplies needed to prepare a feast for up to 10 people. If you could use a dinner bundle or know of someone who could use a little help or a reminder that they are loved, do not hesitate to email ruthannbartholomew@yahoo.com with the recipient’s name, address and contact phone number soon. The delivery or pick-up date will be Monday, Nov. 24, with additional information to be given after registration.
Charlestown UMC is excited to announce its Blessings Locker. The locker will be stocked with non-perishable food items, toiletries, school supplies, winter outerwear, etc. Items available will change. The way it works is if you need something, take it, it’s yours for free! If you have something you can’t use or would like to donate items, just drop them off. You will find the locker, which is under cover and well lit, by the back doors of the church. Please help spread the word so we can help as many people as possible.
Charlestown UMC will also be hosting game and movie nights at the church from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Jan. 3. Bring your favorite game to play or use some of ours. While games are being played in the community room, a holiday movie will be shown in the fellowship room. Free pizza, chips, desserts and beverages will be served. This evening of fun is open to people of all ages.
Santa has just notified Chief Randy Porter of the Charlestown Fire Department that he will be coming to Charlestown on Saturday, Dec. 13 to deliver special early gifts to some lucky township children. Of course, Rudolph and his crew will be resting up for Christmas Eve, so Santa, Mrs. Claus and Elf Kerri will be escorted by the fire department to all of his stops in the township. If you would like to have a special delivery made to your child/children, all you need to do is purchase a gift for each child. Please register by emailing SusanForgacs3@gmail.com with your email, street address and a contact phone number. Wrap and label the package with the child’s name, the address of the delivery (in Charlestown Township only) and a contact phone number. Drop off gifts at the fire station Monday, Dec. 1 or Monday, Dec. 8.
Deliveries will begin at 5 p.m. Dec. 13 and will continue until all deliveries are made. Delivery times cannot be scheduled. This will be something your kids will always remember — and it’s free!
Show your holiday spirit by entering the Charlestown Christmas Lights contest! There will be three $100 prizes given for the winners of the Most Traditional, the Most Colorful and the People’s Choice. Register your home at SusanForgacs3@gmail.com. Include your name, street address and phone number. Judging will take place Monday, Dec. 15. Winners will be notified by phone. So get out there and do your best to LIGHT UP CHARLESTOWN!!!
Finally, after a more than 60-year absence in the township, retail sales have returned to Charlestown. Dollar General opened for business last month and is located on the corner of state Route 5 and Esworthy Road. I’m sure it will be a convenience to residents and to the many campers who enjoy the nearby campgrounds at West Branch State Park.
Please email me at ruthannbartholomew@yahoo.com with any items you would like me to include in this column.
Ruth Ann Bartholomew