Much to do in these last days of 2012

By Margaret Melloy Guziak - 

Turning the last 2012 calendar page, we reach the last month, December, and as women, we start to worry or panic. We question whether we can get everything done in time that we’d planned to do before Christmas. There are Christmas cards to be addressed, stamps to buy and packages to wrap and send. Even though some will be sending email greetings this year, it still takes time to obtain the latest email addresses and write a short personalized message.

There are luncheons, club parties and potlucks to attend. If you have children, there are school parties to attend. Don’t miss any of them; they are only young once and they will provide wonderful pictures and memories for both you and them. The attending is the easy part. For women, we have to plan what to wear, what we are taking for the potlucks and if we have all the ingredients on hand or not. Most times, that means another grocery shopping trip. And don’t forget the RSVP part. But it all can be fun and it should be fun. We just have to keep in mind “the reason for the season,” take a deep breath, and go for it.

And, isn’t it wonderful that during this season, there are so many charity projects being done by every group or family: from helping Salvation Army wrap gifts, to those who ring the Salvation Army bells, to those who collect mittens and clothing for children, to those who remember the elderly in nursing homes, and those who collect donated food for those who need it, or the homeless who are called “guests” and receive nourishing food served to them at Catholic Outreach daily by volunteers from various churches.

“The joy you give to others is the joy that comes back to you.” (Anonymous)

AGAPE

What is it, how to you pronounce it and what does it mean? AGAPE is a Greek word. It means many things including, “love of fellow man” or “charity.” It is pronounced with three syllables: a-ga-pay.  In Fruita, it is the emergency food pantry serving the Lower Valley (Fruita, Loma, Mack) and is open on Wednesdays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Civic Center basement. If you know someone in need this Christmas, submit their name and information to AGAPE.

Congregations from two Fruita churches on Aspen Street, Fruita Methodist Church and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, contribute to it year-round with non-perishable food and cash donations. We’re sure that many other local churches will join them and want to do the same. Agape Food Baskets are given out at Thanksgiving and Christmas each year, and they are currently collecting canned food for Christmas 2012.

Ruth Farley is the director of AGAPE. You all know Ruth who was named “outstanding citizen” for the Fruita Fall Festival 2012 parade for all her volunteer work that she does and continues to do for her hometown. If you want to know more, or get your own church involved, see Ruth at AGAPE on Wednesdays in the Civic Center basement.

“Some people are so much sunshine to the square inch.” (Walt Whitman)

Fruita Christmas Parade

The “Parade of Lights” will be this Saturday, Dec. 8. See the details in this issue for the starting times and various scheduled events so you can plan to bring the kids and your whole family downtown to the Parade of Lights. It kicks off the Christmas season so don’t miss it.

There is a Chili and Taco Soup Supper with entertainment by the Fruita Troupers  scheduled that day right after the parade around 6 p.m. (after the 5 p.m. mass) and the “Parade of Lights” at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall. Adults are $8. Children six and under are free. Supper includes chili or taco soup, veggies, corn bread, tortillas, dessert and drinks. All are welcome. The Parish Hall is located across the street from the Chamber of Commerce at Maple and Aspen streets. (The proceeds go toward the campaign to build the new planned Sacred Heart Church. More events are being planned by fundraising committees during 2013 for this purpose. www.sacredheartfruita.org. Stay tuned!)

Also, there are many restaurants, pizza places, pubs, and coffee shops that represent “small business” and will stay open that evening, so you don’t have to drive the highway or I-70 into Grand Junction. There are so many quality places to shop, eat or stay overnight that your out-of-town company will be amazed and want to visit you every year over the Christmas season. Small towns like Fruita can be so much more economical for families and much more personalized than their bigger counterparts, so enjoy this Christmas season.

“And on earth, peace and good will toward all men.”

“And that is what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” (Linus)

Pearl Harbor Day

We can’t let this issue go by without mentioning that tomorrow is Dec. 7,“Pearl Harbor Day,” which FDR said in his 1941 radio address, “a day that will live in infamy.” Many of you have relatives who fought in WWII. I had an Uncle Joe from Philadelphia who served in the Navy and survived two ships sinking to live a long life in retirement with his family in Florida. My husband had a young Chicago cousin, Joey, who fought and died in combat in Sicily, and was buried in Europe. Ray’s Uncle Pete served in the U.S. Army in the Tank Corps under General Patton, suffered frostbitten feet, but later lived a long, happy life in Michigan until his death. Let’s all remember those real-life heroes in every family who fought for our country, our flag, and the freedoms we enjoy today.