Mayor’s Statement on the Season of Giving
MAYOR’S STATEMENT ON SEASON OF GIVING & HOLIDAY EVENTS
December 6, 2018
The holidays again are nearly upon us- we’re already in day four of Hanukkah having illuminated our Menorah in Jawbone Park just this past Monday evening kicking off the Jewish, Festival of Lights, special thanks to Daya Wright & our already hard-working Diversity Appreciation Coalition; Christmas Eve is but 18 nights away & our B-U kids, all of whom have been very good this year, await Santa; & New Year’s Eve & Day & hence 2019 will be here before you know it. It seems like I just finished reminding everyone about FallFest events, our spooky Halloween fun-filled stuff, & giving thanks at Thanksgiving & now here we are near the end of 2018. I hope that we might all think of these holiday festivities as our season of giving to those whose needs are greatest. In our community we have several opportunities to assist those in need. Our local Salvation Army, the Parish House & Upshur County Christmas Store, and even reaching out to our local schools are all excellent ways to make things merrier for many. Our Stockert Youth & Community Center could really use your funding help, as could our Colonial Theatre. You may sign up at City Hall to contribute a monthly amount to either one of those building improvement programs, or to our Dog Park or Flower Program. I do $5 a month to each of the four City programs. Visits to those residing at St. Joseph’s Hospital and area nursing homes will lift many folks’ spirits during the holidays.
If you are concerned about the percentage of your cash gifts that actually go to the causes supported by the charities, you may want to consider checking out Charity Watch.
Al Tucker tells us that the Band of Brothers is still selling calendars to help our southern West Virginia neighbors who are struggling mightily. This beautiful calendar costs $15.
Tomorrow evening, beginning at 5:30 p.m., we will officially kick off our holiday season in Buckhannon with the lighting of our Christmas tree in Jawbone Park, followed by lineup of our annual Christmas parade sponsored by our own Buckhannon Fire Department. The Parade starts at 6:30 and kids of all ages are invited after the parade to then visit Santa at the Fire Department side of our public safety complex. I get to be in the parade this year depicting Bad Santa!
Our City Streets & Parks guys have performed a stellar job in decorating our downtown. The banners have been hung on Main Street, & lights adorn our period lighting poles from the courthouse all the way to College Avenue. Next year we’ll be looking to add banners & lights to the Gateway West side of Main Street. Our hay wagon rides will continue for the next three Saturdays from 5-9 p.m., climb aboard in Jawbone Park. Saturday is Whoville on North Kanawha Street, & some ladies I know are dressing up yours truly to be the kinda creepy mayor of Whoville. Pam Cuppari says she can’t work wonders with my marginal hairline. Sunday is the Festival of Lessons & Carols at Wesleyan College. December 13-16 is Miracle on 34th Street at the Opera House courtesy of Buckhannon Community Theatre. I was solicited to play Bad Santa, so come witness my theatrical debut!
Please come out & be part of our community’s fun. Buckhannon is a happening place, so don’t find yourself left on the sidelines. Get involved with us. There’s something here for everyone, so make merry with us! Remember, we’re all in this together- thanks for attending our meeting. We hope to see you next time on December 20. Enjoy the magic of our season!
https://buckhannonwv.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Monthly-Recurring-Gift-Form.pdf