Zondervan Atlas
is an historian’s
dream—Page 3
The
Raising funds for
Skipping Stone—
Page 4
Momentum
Volleyball Club to
hold tryouts—Page 8
SEGway News
Volume 1, Number 10
Serving South East Grant County
A Good News Ventures publication
December 8-14, 2016
Community comes together in first snowfall to celebrate
By Catherine KertonJohnson
Through most of the afternoon on Saturday it looked
like the annual Olde Tyme
Christmas celebration in the
Depot Park, Upland was going to be a washout. With
heavy rain and cold temperatures, the outdoor event
was heading for low turnout.
However, about two
hours before the start time,
the plan was due to change,
as the rain quickly turned
to sleet. Leftover salt bags
from the last of the winter
storms in 2015 were quickly
dragged out, and spread on
slick pavements and steps.
As the Lions Club and Our
Town Upland volunteers
put the finishing touches to
the preparations of the tree
lighting, sound equipment,
refreshments and Santa’s
chair and mailbox, the large
flakes of the season’s first
snow started to fall and collect thickly on all surfaces,
quickly turning the park into
a perfect scene of rural village wonderland.
Families said afterward
that they were not planning
to attend the event, until
their small children looked
out the windows and saw
the snow. They knew it was
a moment not to miss. For
some children it was the first
snow they had ever walked
in, and they spent it playing with their friends from
the town, with their parents
nearby singing carols, and
greeting their neighbors.
While new town initiatives
were explained, new and old
friends introduced and welcomed, and the tree lit, children threw snowballs and
ran and laughed in the park.
The band led us all in sacred
music and the townspeople
spent a moment together
joined in the spirit of peace.
Afterwards hot mulled
cider, apple pies and choco-
Photos by Cindy Wright and Catherine Kerton-Johnson
Above, left, the Christmas tree is lit in Depot Park. Above, Dylan Sneed, one of the winners
of the Christmas Ornament Competition, along with Dianne Hovermale, of the local Woman’s
Life Chapter who sponsored the event. Below, right, honorary tree lighters Chip and Verna
Jaggers are introduced by town councillor and president of Upland, Warren Ross. At left,
center, townspeople listen to the presentation of new initiatives for Upland next year. At left,
bottom, people of the town gather and children play as the snow begins to fall hard.
late brownie cookies were
held in chilly hands while
the little ones sat on Santa’s
lap and offered him their letters.
Then home to warmth and
dinner, with the memories in
the hearts of all the townspeople who came whispering - Christmas is real.
GROCERY
AND
VARIETY
STORE
CALL: 765-998-1111
$
OPEN 7
DAYS
MON - SUN
8-9
80 E BERRY AVE
IN UPLAND PLAZA