12/08/2024
EXETER/WYOMING/WEST WYOMING: HERE'S TO THOSE OF US WHO'VE BEEN WISHED 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY/MERRY CHRISTMAS
By Grace Berlew / Community Columnist
It’s official — my heart is aglow with a healthy dose of the holiday spirit. Winter brings back twinkling town lights, lively community festivals and heartwarming holiday traditions. December has been my favorite month since I came into the world during it. Oftentimes, people will ask me if my birthday gets overshadowed by the holiday season, but honestly, I have always felt like it successfully expanded the celebration. Its proximity to Christmas doesn't bother me, since I love the holiday decorations and festive atmosphere.
If you haven't noticed during these years of reading my column, I am a glass half-full type of person. For me, every winter, there is a 14-day period where dreams come true, and most importantly, where there is always some leftover birthday cake and many Christmas cookies to be enjoyed! Sure, I might roll my eyes a bit if someone gives me a birthday present wrapped in Rudolph paper or if they try to combine Christmas and birthday presents, but I think it is a given that a lot more people are going to focus on Jesus’ birthday than mine.
Honestly, I think people tend to be more generous during December because of the pressure to end up on the "Nice List," so it’s not a bad deal at all. To all the December-born folks who may be feeling overshadowed this month, stay strong! As I turn 24 this month, I am trying to live out the ideals of the season, and luckily, there are plenty of festive happenings to help get us all in the spirit!
UPS STORE COLLECTING TOYS FOR TOTS
The UPS Store at the Midway Shopping Center in Wyoming is a Toys for Tots drop-off point for the annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve toy collection. During the busy Christmas season, take the time to make a donation to this cause. John Minetola, owner, estimates his store collected more than $2,500 worth of toys in 2023. The deadline for this year is Friday, Dec. 13.
LIBRARY NEWS
Wyoming Free Library, 358 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, announces the following:
Nut Roll Sale: The Royal Cafe and Bakery is holding a fundraiser to benefit the library. The annual Nut Roll and More fundraiser, features apricot, cheese, nut, poppy and prune rolls for $18 each. Orders can be made and paid for at the library through Dec 11. Orders can be picked up at the library on Wednesday, Dec 18, starting at 10 a.m.
Cookies and Cocoa Party: Children ages 6 to 13 are invited to join the library from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for this paint event on Saturday, Dec. 7. The event will include some holiday treats and craft time.
Friends of the Wyoming Free Library: Friends of the Wyoming Free Library is an enthusiastic group of volunteers that conducts fundraisers for the library throughout the year. The Friends help the "Small Library with a Big Heart" raise funds so the library can continue to provide essential services and programs. If you'd like to become a Friend of the Library, stop by the library and fill out an application.
Food Pantry: The Wyoming Free Library offers a community food pantry from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and is seeking non-perishable food and household items. Contact the library for a list of acceptable items.
WYOMING TRASH PAYMENTS
Invoices are being generated for 2025 trash services in Wyoming Borough. They will be mailed out to the residents by the third week of December.
The regular rate from Jan. 1 through March 14 is $330. The senior rate during that time is $310. All payments received after March 14, including seniors, will be assessed a late fee of $75.
Waste Management also will be mailing out the trash calendar to all residents.
EXETER LEGION MEETINGS
Exeter American Legion Post 833 meets at 2 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month at the American Grill, Wyoming Avenue, Exeter. The Legion is currently seeking new members. Anyone who has served in the military with an honorable discharge is eligible to join. New members will receive a paid membership for one year.
WEST WYOMING LEGION MEETINGS
West Wyoming American Legion Morning Star Post 904 meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Thursday of the month from September through June at West Wyoming Hose Company No. 1 on Shoemaker Street. Commander Jerry Domkowski welcomes new members.
EXETER LIONS MEMBERSHIP
Exeter Lions Club is always looking for new members to join in serving the community. Lions membership can be offered to anyone from any of the Wyoming Area communities, so you do not have to be an Exeter resident to join the club.
Lions champion kindness in our communities and actively work to improve the lives of all people. Come serve with them in some of their community events, such as the Halloween Goblin Watch for Wyoming Area elementary schools, the annual Christmas tree lighting in Lions Park and the spring variety bingo.
The Lions Club welcomes any and all new members to join its mission. If you are interested in becoming an Exeter Lion, email [email protected] for an application.
CUB PACK 310 MEMBERSHIP
Cub Pack 310 wants to reach out to parents of boys and girls who would like more information about its program. Contact [email protected] and they’ll answer your questions to see if the Pack works for your family’s needs.
Pack 310 accepts children from kindergarten through fifth grades from any school or school district. They put an emphasis on active learning with fun programs and focus on family activities and community service. The pack meets at the Exeter Scout Home on Lincoln Street in Exeter, with individual dens meeting different nights of the week.
Pack leaders hope to hear from you and grow this wonderful program. Financial aid programs are available for those who qualify.
Thank you so much, and have a happy, healthy week ahead of you!
Grace Berlew writes about Exeter, Wyoming and West Wyoming every week. To list an item, email [email protected] or call 570-301-2185 two weeks before the desired publication date.
