There is not much town news as this is the end of the year 2023 and when you read this it will be 2024. When years change it is always hard to remember at least through January to write the number of the new year!
This week, I think, the Coffee Cafe will be open at the Zanesville Community Church of God.
This week the Zanesville Lions will be returning to Ouabache State Park to remove the display at the Wonderland of Lights. Thanks to all of you who drove over to Bluffton to view this drive through as this is a large fundraiser for the Ouabache Friends group. Thanks to all the volunteers who make this a yearly affair.
Thanks also to all of the Zanesville residents who lit up their houses and yards. The judging is over but not tabulated yet so watch for winners.
I am writing this column the day after Christmas and so this week I will be viewing the lights in town and the Living Lights at the Tower Life Center as I have been too busy to make those must see displays. As I went though things that happened at Christmas time here in Zanesville through the years I found lots of other activities.
Several years we had a Christmas Walk when you would go to all the churches and view their displays inside and maybe get a bite to eat. Some residents during the walk also opened their homes and served a snack. Even lots of the homes lighted your way with candles in grocery bags set along sidewalks. In these busy times it seems we just don’t have time for the real meaning of Christmas. I have good intentions to get my decorations up but I just seem to have too much to do. In January I am going to try to decorate for next year!
For many, many years the churches got together and we had Christmas cantatas and plays. The talent was overflowing. I’m sure the talent is still there so let’s think about reviving some of these long ago happenings.
Our grandson Skip Edwards is on the board of Wells County’s “Friends Who Care Cancer Relief Foundation”. This organization began in 2012 with a first concert in January 2013 and then in 2016 it was named Friends Who Care. This year the Gospel concert and auction will be held on Saturday, Jan. 6, at the 4-H Community Building in Bluffton. The event is free. There will be concession from Uncle Matt’s BBQ for donations and a silent auction and a live auction will be held for you to participate in. The doors open at 4 p.m. with the music starting at 5:30 and a live auction around 7 p.m. There is still time for you to donate items for both auctions. The evening features eight singing groups for your entertainment. All proceeds go to assists those battling cancer in Wells County. This is a worthwhile and wonderful fundraiser allowing you to be a part of helping cancer patients and their families.
