SHOREHAM — Because of the generosity of townsfolk and the volunteer efforts of staff of Shoreham Elementary School and the Shoreham Congregational Church, ten families received an abundance of donated food items, including turkey in Thanksgiving baskets. There were even several boxes of non-perishable food items remaining to use for Christmas boxes. Thank you to all who helped with this project.
At the Shoreham Annual Christmas Memory Tree lighting ceremony last Sunday afternoon a group of about a dozen townsfolk sang Christmas carols, enjoyed hot cocoa and ate cookies. Then we stepped outside at 3:30 p.m. to a beautiful winter scene. The snow was falling as we walked over to the gazebo. After we counted down from 10, Gracelynn Barber (who won the raffle) lit the Christmas tree. We sang a “unique” version of “O Christmas Tree”.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND TOWN
Non-perishable food items or monetary donations will be accepted at the Shoreham Elementary School on Friday Dec. 20 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. or at the Shoreham Congregational Church on Saturday Dec. 21, between 8 a.m. and noon for Christmas Baskets.
Please consider helping us to fill a box or two of unwrapped toys to donate to the HOPE Holiday Shop. You may drop gifts off at the town office Monday through Friday, or on Saturday, Dec. 21, between 8 a.m. and noon at the Shoreham Congregational Church. 
The Platt Memorial Library offers preschool activity time Monday mornings from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. as well as drop-in crafts from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday.
The Shoreham Congregational Church is celebrating their 225th year as an organized congregation (1794-2019). The building itself will be 175 years old in 2021. Look for lots of changes in the coming months. The slate roof is next on the list of necessary restoration projects. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. If you would like to be part of this restoration project, please contact Gail using the contact info above. We can use monetary donations and/or your volunteer efforts.
St. Genevieve/Bernadette Parish members are continuing their warm clothing drive for area migrant workers. Donate your clean, new or lightly used warm clothes at the Town Office or at the outside collection box on the side porch at 99 Inn Rd. For more information, contact Kathleen at 897-5625. Suggested items to include are small and medium sized long johns, warm socks, vests, coats, fleece hoodies and flannel shirts.

SAVE THE DATE
Special guest Mr. Claus will be at Platt Memorial Library on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. He will read some old and new Christmas favorites and do a Christmas-themed craft. Cookies and milk will be served. This is a perfect opportunity for a photo and a visit with Mr. Claus.  Also at the Platt that day is the Family Holiday Trivia Night from 5 to 7 p.m. Shoreham Elementary School will have its winter concert on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the Middlebury Union High School auditorium, 73 Charles Ave., in Middlebury. No admission fee.
The Addison County Gospel Choir will perform a Christmas concert at the Shoreham Congregational Church on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m.
Platt Memorial Library will host  the Teen Advisory Council on Wednesday, Dec. 18, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. All teens ages 12 to 18 (6th-graders included) are welcome to join in. Enjoy snacks, review advanced reader copies of new books and plan activities for 2020.
Shoreham Congregational Church will hold a Christmas Eve candlelight service on Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 7:30 p.m. Join us to sing lots of Christmas carols and listen to Rev. Daniel Cooperrider share his Christmas message.