East/West Tidbits

It’s the second week of December and if you have noticed it has become increasingly more commercialized over the years. However, it is still the most colorful time of year! It also marks midwinter and the shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere. The December solstice, known as the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, marks the shortest day and the longest night for half of the world. Yule is the ancient Pagan celebration associated with that moment in midwinter. Many modern traditions like caroling and Yule logs (which used to be an actual log, not a chocolate cake) stem from the ancient 12-day festival. Few months present as many multicultural celebrations as December. The last month of the year is a “world of holidays.”

November Observances This Week: December 11 is Holiday Food Drive for Needy Animals Day; December 12 is National Poinsettia Day; December 13 is National Cocoa Day; December 14 is Roast Chestnuts Day; December 15 International Tea Day; December 16 is National Chocolate-covered Anything Day and December 17 is National Maple Syrup Day.

Now, here are some things you can do during your December season. ° Saturday, December 11 beginning @ 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Event is hosted by Carnegie Hall and is entitled, Woven Reed Holiday Ornaments Section 2. Weave beautiful handmade ornaments for your holiday displays.. Students will learn to use flat reed to weave a pair of reindeer, a star, and a large snowflake that you can use for wreaths, holiday themed trees, or to hang over your table. All materials provided. Beginners welcome. Cost is $68.00 for member; $76.00 for nonmembers and is for ages 13 and older. Tickets are available at carnegiehallwv.secure.force.com/ticket. ° Saturday, December 11 @ 7:30 p.m. Event hosted by Big Draft Brewing and Cross Creek on Main. At just 17 years old in 2020, Lillie King entered the music scene at a sprint with her self-titled EP release on Mon Hills Records. Staying true to her WV roots, Lillie’s sound is based in mellow, pop-country that will get everyone on their feet. Being a live performer at heart has helped her create a new, high-energy show featuring original music and cool covers that’ll leave you singing along for days. You can score the tickets at www.etix.com/ticket/p/4661320/lillie-king-white-sulphur-springs-cross-creek-on-main. ° Saturday, December 11 @ 2:00 p.m. a Holiday Wreath Workshop will be hosted by Gillespie’s Flowers & Productions, Inc. They have gathered all the right supplies, seasonal embellishments, and mixed in a large dose of holiday spirit. Come join one of their designers as they share their tips and tricks for wreath making with you as you design your own silk holiday wreath. Reserve your spot today at www.gillespiesflowers.com/book-online ° Sunday, December 12 @ 3:00 p.m. Event will be hosted by Greenbrier Valley Chorale at Carnegie Hall. The Greenbrier Valley Chorale will be back performing LIVE at Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg with a wonderful selection of holiday and Winter favorites. You can get your tickets at carnegiehallwv.secure.force.com/ticket

Noteworthy News: Friday, December 17 @ 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. The Marvel Center will be hosting “Cookies With Santa”! Come see Santa and get your picture taken! We will be located in the cafeteria. Bring your camera and a donation of either nonperishable foods, or winter items like gloves, hats, socks, etc. ° Saturday, December 18 @ 8 p.m. There will be an Annual Ugly Sweater Party hosted by the Lewisburg Elks Country Club. Come and celebrate the holidays with your “Ugliest” sweater! Bring a snack to share. Specialty drinks. And the Trophy for the “Ugliest” sweater!!! Caldwell Pentecostal Holiness Church is having a live nativity on December 11@t 6 p.m. at “the old church lot in Caldwell off Rt. 60 on the Camp Ann Bailey Road.” Live singing by the church choir, hot chocolate and cookies served at the church afterwards. ° After a successful first rehearsal, “The 2021 Community Christmas Cantata Singers” report there are still spots available for vocalists desiring to share in song, the celebration of Jesus’ birth! Practices are being held each Sunday evening at 5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Fairlea until the dates of the cantata performances (Dec. 18 at 8:30 p.m. in the Chapel of The Greenbrier and December 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Baptist (Fairlea). As in the past, the cantata is under the direction of Jeff Bryant and will feature a live orchestra accompanying the choir. To receive more information on this year’s cantata or a full list of safety protocol measures to be followed, please email FBC’s church office at fbcsharp@gmail.com or call 304-645-3533.

Birthday Shout-outs: December 12 – Laura Osborne and April Dawn Taylor and Michelle Shawver; December 13 – Margee Carr-Tincher and Darlene Meade Wallace; December 14 – Stacie Luchsinger Simms; December 15 – Butch Kessler; December 17 – Suzanne Adkins and Nathan Hamrick. If you see these birthday busters out and about, be sure to give them a birthday shout out. So, I would like to wish a happy birthday to all of my friends on the Western End.