MONKTON — Busy and rushed? All thumbs with wrapping paper? Want help with Santa’s presents? Volunteers at the Monkton Friends Methodist Church can do it for you! Come to the church on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 2 to 4 p.m. and helpers will wrap presents while you relax with a hot beverage and cookies. Gift wrapping is offered for free, but donations are being gratefully accepted for the Monkton Wood Bank.
The church members are also accepting donations of paper, ribbons, and boxes to use for this event.
If you have questions, contact Teri Fitz-Gerald at 453-4918 or Ann Marie Dingler at 453-2911.
CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS
The historic 1867 East Monkton Church, 405 Church Road, will be the site of the 11th annual community wide “Celebration of Christmas” this Sunday, Dec. 16, at 4 p.m.
Friends for over 40 years, Jeremy Perfect and Mike Dever started singing together in 2008 in a trio called “Cut, Split and Delivered.” Most of the music they play comes from songs of times gone by, sea chanties, songs of working men and women, traditional folk, and some originals of Mike’s. For this East Monkton Church event however, the season of Christmas and winter solstice will be the theme. When not singing, you can find Jeremy at his carpentry shop in Lincoln building kitchens, and other fine pieces of furniture. Mike can be spotted almost anywhere you see an Acorn Painting sign. Together they go by “Perfect-n-Dever” and once sang “God Bless America” at Fenway Park.
Sponsored by the East Monkton Church Association, this event is an opportunity for the community to gather for some wonderful music, followed by refreshments and socializing. Admission is by donation, with all funds benefiting building restoration.
Please note there are no restroom facilities at the church. Call 453-7575 if you have questions. 
On Dec. 24th, the Friends Methodist Church will host a congregation-led candlelight service at 7 p.m. All are welcome. For any questions call Marilyn at 453-5192.
On Sunday, Dec. 16, the service at the Monkton Friends Methodist Church will be led by the youth in a delightful play about the Christmas season. Also, at the annual candlelight Christmas Eve service on Dec. 24 the 7 p.m. time frame accommodates the younger church members and the community. There will be traditional hymns and carols as well as scripture readings. 
Here is some Monkton Planning Commission Public Hearing and informational meeting news.
The Monkton Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at 8 p.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 18, at the Monkton Fire Station (3747 States Prison Hollow Road), to take public testimony on the proposed Monkton Town Plan. The plan needs to be updated every five years (although it will be moving to an eight-year cycle) and it was last updated in 2014. This proposed town plan is a reflection of the information gathered on the town survey, the open house many of you attended in June, the view-shed study, etc. 
There will be an informational session from 7 to 7:45 p.m. on Dec. 18 at the Fire House prior to the public hearing.
Copies of the town plan are available for review or obtained at the Town Offices, 280 Monkton Ridge, during normal business hours. They may also be viewed on the town website: monktonvt.com.