Holiday happenings in Greene
…Guess what? Christmas is now just three weeks away! We know it’s a hectic time of year, and we do our best here at the Messenger to help out as much as we can by providing our readers with information about all of the holiday events that are happenin’ in Greene.
We sincerely thank all of you who mailed, faxed, emailed, or phoned us about the many special activities that are going on in your churches, organizations and neighborhoods this holiday season, and we hope you keep sending in your stuff! And speaking of holiday events, be sure to check out the “County Calendar” each week for even more info about upcoming happenings in your community.
We’ve also been reminded that the Christmas season also provides many opportunities to help those less fortunate. For example, the Salvation Army continues to have a serious need for volunteers to help ring bells for the organization’s annual Christmas kettle drive. The kettle drive is the biggest fundraising initiative of the year for the local chapter, and 90 percent of money raised in this drive benefits local residents with the basic needs of food, clothing, utilities and rent assistance. Those interested in signing up for a bell ringing shift at one of the many kettle drive locations should contact the center by calling 724-852-1479.
We also want to remind readers that the Tri-County Leathernecks Association in Greene County is holding its annual Christmas toy drive, in which they collect and distribute toys for area children. This year, the Leathernecks will distribute toys on Dec. 17 at the following four locations, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: The Greene County Fairgrounds, Carmichaels-Cumberland Township Fire Hall, St. Thomas Church in Clarksville and Greensboro Fire Hall. Call Buzz Walters at 499-5348 for more information…
…I also wanted to mention a special holiday service that will be held on Monday, Dec. 12. The sixth annual “Empty Chair at Christmas” Service will be held at 7 p.m. at the Roberts Chapel on the Waynesburg University campus. The service will be led by Pastors Gary Grau and Dr. Donald Wilson. The Waynesburg University Lamplighters will provide some portion of the entertainment for the evening, along with other local musicians/performers. The annual event is sponsored by GriefSHARE, a support group for those touched by the loss of a loved one.
Following the service, we invite everyone to share in refreshments in the fellowship hall of the Chapel.
I have attended every service, and every year I go into the service as a “news reporter” covering a story… but I become so moved by the event that I put my pen and paper down and just watch the room full of loved ones pay their respects to those they have lost. It truly is a special, warm and uplifting program intended to offer comfort and a sense of belonging for anyone missing a loved one.
For more information about this emotional service, contact Cherie Rumskey at the Victim/Witness Assistance Program at 724-852-5229…
…Also, don’t forget that the Rotary Club of Waynesburg will be hosting the annual “Winter Wonderland Gala” at the county courthouse on Dec. 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. Sponsored by Alpha Natural Resources, the event will feature a wide array of food, desserts, seasonal entertainment and “Wonderland” decorations, as well as an auction, wine tasting, holiday photos and much more. Proceeds will benefit local charities. TO RSVP or for more info, call Barb Wise at the Greene County United Way office at 724-852-1009…
…Well, as I type this column I am still reeling – and recovering – from my most recent Black Friday experience. I mentioned last week that I would probably have some interesting stories to share in this column, and I will not disappoint. Because I once again saw the ugly side of human nature that only Black Friday can bring.
I always marvel how the Black Friday shoppers turn into crazed animals ready to do whatever it takes to secure the items they’re after, even if they have to cut in lines, scream obscenities at people, hurt or maim those in front of them, or even just steal a hot item from someone’s cart. And, they do this just hours after they probably sat down with family and friends at a Thanksgiving dinner, where they (hopefully) bowed their heads and gave thanks for their blessings.
Anyway: My Black Friday ordeal consisted of me and a friend standing in line for five agonizing hours at Wal-Mart in order to get a sweet deal on a few items. Words cannot describe just how miserable the experience was. Not only did it seem like time stopped for an eternity, but fighting the bloodthirsty shoppers to get our items was even more difficult than in years past. (Either the Black Friday shoppers are getting tougher, or I’m getting softer in my old age.)
And after FINALLY getting the items I fought so hard and stood in line forever to get, the day didn’t get much better. The mobs of shoppers seemed to get larger and angrier with each store that we went to. And, the checkout lines were so long that in some stores weary and worn-out shoppers were sleeping on the floor. (I waited in line at Best Buy to check out for over two hours.)
To put it mildly, Black Friday was once again pure chaos. We even heard reports of fistfights and fire safety hazards at some of the bigger retail stores.
You know, it’s funny. Each year after Black Friday, I vow that I am never going to put myself through that again. And yet, like Charlie Brown and Lucy with the football (those of you familiar with “Peanuts” will get that reference), I’m ready to do it all over again the following year, no matter how chaotic it gets.
I think it might be time for me to seek some professional help…