HOMETOWN HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

VFW Post 1137 annual Needy Family Collection

VFW Post 1137 in Watervliet is now accepting canned goods and other nonperishables for their annual Christmas needy family in the Tri-City Area.

Any and all donations would be appreciated. For questions and more information, call Glenn “Corky” Openneer commander of the post, at 269-247-3990 or Frank Dockter at 269-621-4437.

Decatur Holiday Arts & Crafts Show

The 41st Annual Decatur Holiday Arts & Crafts Show will be held on Saturday, Nov. 25, at Decatur Public Schools. It is a great way to start off the holiday season. The event is sponsored by the Decatur Athletic Boosters. Show time is 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Again this year the arts and craft show will sponsor a food drive to benefit local charity, Decatur Human Services. As admission to the show the Boosters are asking everyone to donate non-perishable food items. Decatur has always supported the Boosters and this is a great way for them to show their “Raider Pride” by giving back to the community.

The show will feature many unique Christmas items, stocking stuffers and many one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends. The show is considered one of the largest in the area. Exhibitors will be displaying their crafts in the High School Gymnasium, Middle School Cafetorium and Middle School Gymnasium, as well as throughout the halls leading to all the exhibit areas.

It offers a wide variety of unique jewelry, painting, knitted items, candles, purses, soaps, lotions, hand sewn kitchen potholders and towels, stuffed animals, wood carvings and toys. Many new and exciting crafters have joined this year. Not interested in handmade crafts, there are several vendors with homemade edible items, such as jerky, honey, maple syrup, pork rinds and gourmet dip mixes. The Presbyterian Women will have their annual quilt raffle and bake sale and the Dowagiac Lions Club will be selling their candy and nuts.

All proceeds from the show go directly into the Decatur Athletic Boosters general fund and are used to purchase uniforms and equipment for all Decatur athletes.

Lunch will be served throughout the day. A large delicious menu is being planned by Booster volunteers.

Bake Sale / Silent Auction / Crafts

The Watervliet Hospital Auxiliary is hosting a Bake Sale / Silent Auction / Crafts fundraiser on Friday, Dec. 1 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. to benefit Auxiliary project at the hospital.

The event is being held in Classrooms A & B on the ground level of Corewell Health Watervliet Hospital.

Community Christmas hymn sing

Plymouth Congregational Church often had a great time remembering traditional church hymns and favorite Christmas carols. Saturday, December 2, at 6 p.m. they will have another community Christmas hymn sing at Plymouth Congregational in Watervliet. Mark it on your calendar!

Special music by the women’s quartet, “Circle of Joy,” will contribute to a bright holiday spirit that evening. The church is located on Red Arrow Highway across from the old high school property in Watervliet. There is no admission charge.

Everyone is also invited to stay afterwards for free refreshments in the church’s fellowship hall.

All are welcome.

John Schindler Christmas Concert

The First Congregation Church of Covert is presenting a Christmas Concert with special music by John Schindler. The concert is on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. The church is located behind the Covert Township Hall. All are invited.

“Breakfast with Santa” at Coloma Rod & Gun

Breakfast with Santa will be at the Coloma Rod and Gun Club, 6145 Angling Rd., Saturday, Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to noon. Kids eat for free up to age 14 and the cost is $5 for anyone 15 years old and over.

Santa will be available for photos with your own camera. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, and scrambled eggs served with water, milk and orange juice (while supplies last).

Please note, rifle and pistol ranges will be closed until noon on that day.