This is the time of year when a day can be filled with little tasks that have slipped to the back of our lists. Rain, wind, snow and sleet slip in and out of the Miami Valley from week to week.
But being home-bound for a few days isn’t all bad. Sort through the boxes of ticket stubs and programs, pictures and cards with special messages. Clean and sort a drawer. You might be pleased with the number of socks that have a mate!
Get out the tool box and make those little repairs that we begin to overlook after years living in the same residence.
It is a good time to call a friend or plan a lunch. If you missed sending a holiday card, just send one wishing a happy new year. I list these because I just did both and enjoyed taking time to communicate.
Read a good book! And that brings me to the New Madison Public Library’s newest reading adventure. Adults can have a winter time reading event with prizes. Brenda Miller, director, has planned the “The Up All Night” reading event with a free all night reading kit! Hot chocolate and other goodies await anyone over age 18 who join in the reading event. If you like to read, you are invited to read two books between Monday, Jan. 23 and Tuesday, Feb. 28. That makes you eligible for the drawing. This is a great way to find a new author, or enjoy an old friend who has written past books that you loved. Stop in the library to pick up your book and the “stay awake” kit.
Bundle up against winter’s early morning chill and have breakfast at the American Legion. They serve a full breakfast menu from 7 to 10 a.m.
The Legion also offers a Thursday burger night at 5:30 p.m. and weekly karaoke with Chris from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturdays.
Take the blah out of winter and find things to warm your spirit.
On the 20th, we inaugurate a new president. This is a time when democracy is on display. The White House gains new occupants and the nation a new leader. All of this is done with a respectful and peaceful passing of power. We may disagree before the election, and after the election, but on that day it is visually shown that we move to the next chapter of our national story with dignity.
This week we note that Julie Dafler has submitted her retirement notice at the New Madison Public Library. She will continue to work through May 31. Her dedication has helped the library grow into the strong source of information that we use everyday. Tell her thanks!
The Masonic Hall has been purchased. The new owner is Charles Reynolds, who lives in Kettering and owns Whitestone Development Inc., of Kettering. How did he connect with availability of the 112-year-old site? He owns a nearby farm and has become familiar with New Madison. The specific purpose(s) have not been determined but the new owner is taking suggestions and hoping to work with locals on putting the familiar structure into service. He is available every Wednesday from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. You are invited to stop in and talk with him. It is a “positive” for New Madison.
