Happy Holidays to You who like Clyde News.
This month’s Clyde SPAN report will provide you with some news about activities that happened in October that had not yet happened when this newsletter went out last month. It will be followed with the plans for November and early December. I won’t be writing a December report. The January newsletter will be an invitation to join or re-join SPAN. We hope our year-end events will show you that we are an active part of the Clyde/Galen scene.
On October 24th, there was great collaboration involving Clyde SPAN, SOAR, groups at Clyde-Savannah Central, and Advanced Atomization Technologies (the General Electric and Parker-Hannifin joint effort). The day started with tours of the Maple Grove Cemetery, established in 1859. It is the burial place of many of Galen’s early leaders, including Major Frederick DeZeng, New York State Lt. Gov. Charles Saxton, and a lesser known but intriguing individual named William Ellis, who died on an expedition to reach the North Pole.
Preparation for the great number of activities that followed at Lauraville Landing began on the previous Wednesday when 300 pumpkins were distributed, free of charge, thanks to AA Tech (our shortened form for Advanced Automization Technologies). Up to 100 of the pumpkins were decorated and returned on Saturday for the Eerie on the Erie activities. Each of the returned pumpkins made their owners eligible for prizes. The prizes include two bicycles and two gift cards thanks to donations from 21st Century Afterschool program, two gift cards from SOAR and membership at Clyde’s new game room on Columbia Street called Undercroft.
One of the most popular activities was the Trunk or Treat give-away which several community donors helped satisfy the sweet tooth of the many youngsters who arrived by mid-afternoon. There was also a painted rock scavenger hunt (rocks painted and donated by Steve Moore of Eye on Art and Music,) that proved to be very popular and resulted in prizes provided by SPAN and AA Tech. The rocks had been hidden earlier thanks to the efforts of the Middle School National Honor Society. One more tasty treat was the give-away of cider and packaged donuts, again courtesy of the afterschool program. At the close of the day, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., was the “Terror Field Trail.” Participants needed to be at least 13 years of age or accompanied by an adult. With the help of another Columbia Street enterprise, Terror Field, youths could walk the trail east from the Landing, following lit pumpkins while being alert to experiences emerging from borders of the trail. Needless to say, a good time was had by all.
Now moving into November, the 20th day of the month saw a wonderful volunteer effort by Eric and Jennifer Peeso, who drove their full-size pick-up truck to both the Newark and Geneva Tractor Supply to take advantage of a special sale on kayaks. A total of three were purchased, thanks to generous donations, that were placed, along with another kayak recently purchased, in the shed at Lauraville. That means that all of the four stolen kayaks have been replaced. Again, thank you to all involved.
Now, if you think the pandemic is going to make Clyde and Savannah “close shop” during the coming season, then you would be wrong. The HHH will again be happening in Clyde. HHH stands for Hometown Holiday Happenings. It can happen because it does not necessitate people standing close to each other. The details of the HHH can be found online on Facebook at SOAR Clyde Savannah Galen Here are some of the details.
Starting on November 23, people can pick up “Self-Care” bingo cards which are turned in by December 7th.
More decorated rocks (happy snow rocks,) will be available for discovery that can lead to a prize from a local business.
Saturday, November 28, is a big day in Clyde that includes identifying inspirational messages in store windows and eligibility for a prize. This is also Small Business Saturday. On your trip around town, vote for your favorite store decoration, stop in to see a student art display at 79 Glasgow Street, and up the street enjoy children’s activities at the Kee Kee Run Cafe.
Then at 5:30 at the Clyde bus garage you can line up for the HHH parade that is due to start at 6 p.m. and will include Santa and Mrs. Claus and the Savannah Cellarsavers. And look for the tree lighting in the park. Then at near 7 p.m. there will be fireworks.
And here are some December events. December 4 is the last day to give toys for 0-12 year olds to the Clyde Police Department. Referrals for recipients in the C-S school district can be made up to that day. On that day and on December 5 there will be a rummage sale at the South Butler Methodist Church. (The Savannah Family of God Church had a Christmas Bazaar on November 20-21.)
December 5 will see a “drive-up” to see Santa at the Veteran’s Park in Savannah. And from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. there will be the annual cookie walk at the Clyde United Methodist Church. A week later, on December 12, the same church will host a Lunch and Holiday Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m
While driving around Clyde and Savannah in December, look for a new decoration. There will be dozens of decorated snowmen to see, thanks to many participants. Don’t worry: the snowmen won’t be made of snow.
This is all for now. Don’t forget to like and follow us on Facebook at Clyde SPAN to get more details of a busy, yet distanced, November and December. Enjoy the season, thanks to the reason for the season.
Hugh Miner
