November is passing quickly, isn’t it? It seems we just were preparing for Halloween and with barely time to blink, it’s time to make sure all the groceries are on hand for Thanksgiving dinner. It is fun to get everyone together and just enjoy the meal and conversation (and football!). I’m really glad that Thanksgiving has not become as commercialized as many other holidays, but I really do wish the Christmas music was saved for December!

The Greater Hughesville Business Association is once again kicking off the final month of Christmas shopping with “5 to Drive”, a promotion of businesses in and around Hughesville. Just by visiting at least 5 of the member businesses and getting your entry card stamped or punched, you can enter the drawing to win a car! This has become a much anticipated event, and really helps to showcase all the many opportunities for a great shopping experience without leaving town. While many folks like to take advantage of the special prices offered by national retailers on “Black Friday”, you may be pleasantly surprised to see the wide variety of goods and services that are available from GHBA members.

While you are doing your shopping, please remember that there are children whose Christmas can be brightened by your generosity. Pick up an extra toy and drop it off (unwrapped) at one of the many area businesses which are receiving “Toys for Tots” donation.

This weekend is performance time for the HHS juniors and seniors who have been rehearsing “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court”, a play based on the story by Mark Twain. If you haven’t called to reserve your tickets, you may do that during school hours. Tickets will also be available at the door. It’s great to have a chance to enjoy live theater right here in town, so don’t miss it!

On Thanksgiving, I hope we all take a moment to appreciate the reasons that our nation observes this holiday. Does anyone still sing “We Gather Together” before carving the turkey? Or “Over the River and Through the Woods”? Although it is true that many of the nice stories about the Pilgrims and Native Americans that we grew up with have been shown to be somewhat “sugar-coated”, they gave us heroes and role models and helped us develop a healthy appreciation for the struggles and achievements of our nation’s founders. Let’s get the focus back on THANKS, and not on BUY. I think it is unfortunate that the pursuit of profit has caused many retailers to decide to open their businesses for shopping on Thanksgiving Day. I hope that those who do have to work on the holiday will get some turkey and “fixin’s”, too!

Hughesville Events:

Friday & Saturday, Nov. 22 & 23, 7 p.m. HHS Jr/Sr Class Play, HHS auditorium

Saturday, Nov. 23, 1 p.m. HHS Baseball Fund-raiser- gift card bingo, raffles, door prizes, and food. HHS cafeteria, proceeds benefit HHS baseball program.

Sunday Nov. 24 The Hughesville U. M. charge Bell Choir, the “Heavenly Notes” will be featured at the 10:30 a.m. service at Christ United Methodist Church, So. Main St., Hughesville.

Thursday, Nov. 28, noon- 3 p.m. Free Thanksgiving Dinner at the Hughesville Camp Meeting grounds, sponsored by the Hughesville Friends Church

Friday, Nov. 29 GHBA’s “5 to Drive” campaign begins. Tickets and info available at member businesses in and around Hughesville

Sunday, Dec. 8, Hughesville Holiday Parade, sponsored by GHBA and Rotary.