BY JENNIFER CROWLEY
As the leaves and rain fall and election campaigning heads into overdrive, it can only mean that November is upon us. It might be one of the shorter months, but as the lead-in to the winter holiday season, there’s non-stop opportunities to get in the spirit and also make a difference in someone else’s life. Let’s take a look.
November 1 – Bet you didn’t know today is National Family Literacy Day. So when you and the kiddos get over the candy coma from last night, make plans to visit your local library and then read together as a family – even only 20 minutes of reading is proven to greatly improve literacy.
November 2 – Need a turkey for Thanksgiving? Want to help the hardworking men and women that volunteer their time with the Scottsville Fire Department? Then grab your friends and family and head over to the annual Turkey Party being held tonight from 7-9 PM at the fire hall. There will be gift baskets and prizes in addition to the birds. Free refreshments including hot dogs, cider, and donuts will be served.
November 3 – Ready to start your holiday shopping? In the market for some handmade goods? Then you need to check out the Peddler’s Market today from 10 AM-4 PM at Jones Hall (366 Leicester Rd, Caledonia). More than 30 vendors will be selling primitives, folk art, antiques, and collectibles. I guarantee you will find something unique for even the most difficult-to-shop-for people in your family.
November 4 – Jade Pottery & DIY Studio in Henrietta (2761 E. Henrietta Road) is having a special Hand Print pottery event today. Bring your kids and get ready to make a very special dish for someone important in your life. You’d be surprised how hand and footprints can be made into a beautiful and organic piece of art that will be cherished forever. Take it from me as we have one of these platters and get so many compliments on it. Register at www.jadepottery.com.
November 5 – Nothing much happening today in the US but across the pond, Guy Fawkes Night is being celebrated. Here’s a fun little ditty that many will be reciting: “Remember, remember, the Fifth of November; Gunpowder treason and plot; I see no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot.”
November 6 – It’s Election Day. And yes, it’s a mid-term election that you might be tempted to skip, but there is a lot on the line this year for families in the 27th district (where many readers live). If you aren’t happy with what’s happening politically, this is your opportunity to do something about it. Not sure where your polling station is? Visit www.vote.org to find out.
November 7 – The weather is getting colder but that doesn’t mean your cornhole skills have to suffer. The Scottsville Fall/Winter Cornhole League is getting started at the American Legion on Main Street in Scottsville. Be there by 6:00 with your team and your $65 registration fee. There’s prizes and cheap beer to be had so get your arms warmed up for some tossing!
November 8 – Ever want to learn more about your ancestry and roots? Ancestry.com is a great resource but can be overwhelming to use. That’s why the Chili Public library is holding a special class today sharing tips and tricks for using the service. Learn more at www.chililibrary.org.
November 9 – Parents of T.J. Connor students and friends of the District – today is the school’s Veteran’s Day assembly where service members and vets related to students as well as other community members are honored for their service to our country. It’s a very touching event that means a lot to all involved. The assembly starts at 9:15 AM in the cafetorium.
November 10 – Another crafty shopping event in Jones Hall in Caledonia. “Ringing in the Holidays” will feature more than 50 vendors along with food, music, raffles, and a visit from Santa Himself. A donation of $1 gets you in the door; proceeds will benefit Scottsville’s Patrick Place Comfort Care Home. The event will run from 9:00 AM through 2:00 PM.
November 11 – The Big Springs Museum in Caledonia is one of our area’s hidden gems. I visited for the first time recently and was delighted to see a rake that belonged to the man who built our house in the 1890s. Today they are having their November program, this month featuring antique and vintage toys (so apropos for the season). “Amazingly Fun Toys, History of Toys” will be presented this afternoon; attendees are encouraged to bring their own vintage toys to leave on display over January and February. Call (585) 538-9880 to learn more.
November 12 – It’s the day after Veteran’s Day. Thank a servicemember for their service and selflessness to our country. They don’t hear it enough. Want to do more than offer gratitude and a handshake? Then head on over to Mendon Ponds Park for the family friendly Stars & Stripes VeteRun 5K to benefit Honor Flight Rochester. The run starts at 11 AM; visit www.yellowjacketracing.com to learn more.
November 13 – You might be getting the itch to do some holiday baking – but maybe aren’t sure what to create. Today Genesee Country Village & Museum will be holding a bread baking class teaching students how to make a Scotch Black Bun, orange flavored French Provencal Christmas Bread, a Swedish Tea Ring with almonds, a Greek bread with anise and cherries, and a German Stollen. Go express your inner Mary Berry. Visit www.gcv.org to register.
November 14 – Wendell Castle was one of the most prolific artists to emerge out of Rochester and leave an indelible mark on the field of furniture design. Tonight RIT is showing the WXXI-made documentary taking viewers through his life and contributions to modern furniture design in America. It’s a fascinating film that will leave you wishing he was still with us and innovating. “Wendell Castle: A Portrait,” will be shown at 5:30 PM in the University Gallery.
November 15 – Today is the Great American Smokeout. Nearly 40 million Americans still smoke cigarettes despite known links to cancer. Why? By design of course. Ready to give up the habit for good? The American Cancer Society wants to help. Let today be your day to start the journey toward a smoke-free life. Check out www.cancer.org to access resources to help make the change.
November 16 – Who doesn’t love hamsters? And hamsters rolling around in balls? Even better. Today the Henrietta Recreation Department is sponsoring a hamster ball race at 6:30 PM at the Rec Center on Calkins Road. Pizza and popcorn will be served.
November 17 – Today marks the first day of the Christmas Tree season at Stokoe Farms! From now though Christmas (weekends ony) the farm is ready to help families cut down their own tree, shake it off, and tie it up. And while you are there drop a dollar or two into the collection for the Trees for Troops program that the farm generously supports each year.
November 18 – It’s Sunday and the kids are probably stir crazy. So head over to the Scottsville Ice Arena for Sunday Open Skate from 3-5 PM. A family of five can skate for only $25.00 and skate rental is available.
November 19 – If you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner and feeling angst about a festive centerpiece, why not make your own? Today at The Village Florist in Caledonia you can learn just that. Call 538-4204 to secure your spot and prepare to blow your guests away with your creativity.
November 20 – Today is the United Nations’ Universal Children’s Day which was established in the 1950s to promote international togetherness and awareness among children worldwide. Why not turn off all screens tonight and hug it out with your kids?
November 21 – This day in history 1620: settlers at Plymouth Colony sign the Mayflower Compact, a set of rules for self-governance. Hmmmm… if that’s today then tomorrow must be…
November 22 – Thanksgiving. Hunker down with those you are most thankful for along with some football and a hundred Black Friday ads. Of course you must top it all off by eating an obscene amount of food and then loosening your pants. Know someone that is spending the holiday alone? Invite them to join you – the more the merrier.
November 23 – Wake up early and doorbust. And then come home, collapse, and eat a turkey and stuffing sandwich.
November 24 – Got some kids itching to see the big man and talk about 2018 behavior? Today the Genesee Country Village & Museum is holding one of its most popular events, Breakfast with St. Nick. Kids can eat some pancakes, write a letter to Santa, and then receive a special present from St. Nick himself. Visit www.gcv.org to register.
November 25 – Today kicks off the start of the Garden Factory’s Holiday Family Fun event held every weekend from now until Christmas (10:00 – 4:00 PM). All activities – rides, crafts, games – take place in a greenhouse that has been transformed into a wonderful winter carnival that includes visits with Santa as well.
November 26 –It’s cyber Monday so have your plan ready to try and get in on some online bargains. Help contribute to the nearly $7 billion of consumer spending that happens today.
November 27 – Today is Giving Tuesday, the polar opposite of Cyber Monday. There are a number of local area non-profit organizations that would appreciate an end-of-year donation to support their ongoing efforts — Patrick Place, Camp Good Days, Anna’s Wish, and Golisano Children’s Hospital just to name a few, as well as your local volunteer fire department.
November 28 – Could your cookie dish for Santa use an upgrade? Well then head back over to Jade Pottery & DIY Studio in Henrietta today and try your hand at painting a new platter to hold cookies and carrots along with a nice mug for the accompanying milk. Register at www.jadepottery.com.
November 29 – It’s Chocolates Day so celebrate by investing in some chocolate bar purchases to support the Wheatland-Chili Music Boosters club. Most students in the Middle School band are selling bars to help fund upcoming trips and events.
November 30 – All you Gen Xers out there remember Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas – yes, way back in 1977. That was some good stuff. Feeling nostalgic now? Lucky for you Lovin’ Cup on Jefferson Road in Henrietta is having a special event tonight at 8 PM. “The Music of Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” features several of Rochester’s favorite bands coming together to pay homage to this beloved classic.
