Maine Minutiae: Skowhegan Fire Department Food Drive!

The Donation Boot

Here's something I came across that is a perfect example of the Spirit of Christmas and giving of one's self. Firefighters in Skowhegan are having a food drive today at George's Banana Stand on North Avenue until 4:00 this afternoon. On top of that, they'll have firetrucks there and a special guest that is sure to draw some attention. This attention-getter is a guy your kids just might happen to know - Santa Claus! All you need to do is grab some non-perishable food, head out to George's Banana Stand on North Ave and the firetrucks and good old St. Nick will be waiting for you! Let me add this: if you are unable to make a food donation, the Skowhegan FD will gladly accept cash donations. As much as we get caught up in making Christmas special for friends and families, sometimes we need to think about folks that need a helping hand during this wonderful time of year.

One thing I have learned over the four and a half years I have lived in Maine is that Mainers are a close knit bunch. When they see a neighbor in need, it doesn't take much coaxing to get them to spring into action and give of themselves in order to help that neighbor. That's one of the things I love about this state - people willing to help others at the drop of a hat. That's why I have no doubt that this food drive will be a huge success.

Ty Stout is a Skowhegan firefighter and he has this to say,"We'll be there with fire trucks to get donations of food or money," Strout said. "We've always donated to the town of Skowhegan's Giving Tree with toys, now we're taking the food and the donations of money over to the Skowhegan Food Cupboard, behind Butler's dry cleaners." And just for good measure, everyone making a donation will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card to George's Banana Stand.

Throughout my 15 year Radio career, I was very lucky to have been a part of hundreds of events like this food drive. The firefighters and the folks at George's Banana Stand have put in a lot of time and effort in planning and executing this wonderful event. When you stopby to make a food or cash donation, please be sure to thank all those involved for the gift they are giving to not only the needy, but to their community as well. Thanks, guys for helping to make someone in need have a Christmas they'll forever hold dear in their hearts, because someone else cared enough to help. God bless you and Merry Christmas!

(hat tip to the Morning Sentinel)

Texas Tidbits: The Christmas Capital of Texas!

The Christmas Capital of Texas!

ATTENTION D/FW READERS! You guys have something going on for Christmas right in your own backyard! Grapevine, the so-proclaimed Christmas Capital of Texas has a fantastic weekend of Yuletide fun for everybody in your family!

What I remember as a sleepy little town has sure changed a lot since I was last there many years ago. I knew that BASS Pro Shops had a store there, but some other stuff, like the big Christmas celebration is new to me. No wonder they call themselves the  Christmas Capital of Texas! Check out the list of things to do this weekend in Grapevine and plan accordingly. When I said that there was something for everybody, I was not exaggerating.

                                                 List Of Christmas Events in Grapevine

• North Pole Express - This is a 30 minute train ride that the younguns will absolutely love. During the ride, there will be caroling, ornament making, pictures with Santa and more!
• Christmas on Maine Street - Santa is the Guest of Honor, and he brought lots of friends with him! How about Ellie the Elf, Frosty the Snowman and Santa on Stilts?! There will also be Reindeer Games and FREE hay rides!
• Parade and Carol of Lights - Grapevine is decorated with millions of lights and it seems like for every light there is something to do. The Grapevine Opry will have its annual Christmas Spectacular and all around town there are so many activities going on that you'll have a hard time deciding what to do next! 

For those of you who live in the outlying areas of the Metroplex, there are some pretty impressive Hotel Packages for you and your family. You can click on any of the links above and navigate around the Christmas Capital of Texas website and get more information of some of the goings on that I didn't list here.

I am duly impressed with Grapevine and their status as such a great place for the whole family to enjoy the holidays. Like I said at the beginning of this post, Grapevine isn't just a sleepy little town anymore. With what I have read this morning, I believe that Grapevine truly is the Christmas Capital of Texas!