Traditionally the City of Chillicothe devotes a good amount of time and energy to raise funds and collect food items, coats, hats, gloves, etc. for its annual bell-ringing, fundraising drive for Community Needs Agency who in turn redistributes these and other necessities to those in need within the IVC School District 321 boundaries. Consider signing up to ring the bell for CNA, donate when you see someone ringing the bell, fill your grocery carts with a few extra boxes or cans, pick up an extra coat or hat or pair of gloves that you can share with CNA and thus, your community. Chillicothe is a great place to live!

Continue to shop your local small businesses during this holiday season. Have you picked up your Countdown to Christmas retail event game cards? Visit local retailers, get your cards marked and you have a chance at winning $500, $200 and $100 holiday dollar prizes. Winners will be drawn Saturday December 12th at 6pm at Geiger’s True Value. This program is a great opportunity to meet local small business owners and show them you appreciate them and have a chance to win big prizes.

The local service groups, Optimist Club, Rotary Club, and Lions Club, are running a program called Christmas Bonanza. The local businesses donate gift certificates and the service groups sell tickets for $10 each. Last year there were two winners of more than $1000 worth of certificates for each winner. Check with your local service groups or your local businesses to purchase tickets for a chance to win.

The Shademakers are busy planning their 4th annual Holiday Spirit Lighting Contest called “Light up Chillicothe.” Nominate your neighbors that go all out with their home holiday lighting decorations and turn in your forms to City Hall by December 2nd.

At the November 14th City Council meeting the:

• Approved concrete repairs for $5,152 repairs located at Holland Court, Sycamore and 2nd, Sweetbriar, 419 Beech Street, and 1404 Pine Street
• Approved expenditure in the amount of $14,408 to Engbrecht Concrete for sidewalk repairs on Wilmot and Finney to bring the sidewalks up to date for ADA
• Approved partial payment for $22,264.20 to George H Rump Construction for renovation of the Riverfront Bathrooms at Cutright Park
• Referred to the city attorney a request to draft an amendment to the swimming pool ordinance to reduce requirement to build 15 feet from the easement to 5 feet from the easement

December Events:

1 – Chamber Business After Hours & Ribbon Cutting, AMT new building on 4th Street 5pm (Public welcome)

1–16 – IVC Everyday leadership class CNA food drive district collections

3 – Breakfast with Santa, Pearce Community Center, 9am

10 – A Crafty Christmas Craft Show, Shore Acres Clubhouse, 9am

10 – 2nd Saturday Market, Countdown to Christmas winners selected live on Facebook & Shademakers Holiday Lighting Award

10 – Chillicothe Christian Church, A Night in Bethlehem, 2–5pm

10 – Charity Karaoke for Community Needs Agency, Heather’s Wine Nook, 8pm

16 – Live Nativity, Calvary Baptist Church, 7 & 8:30pm performances

17 – Community Needs Agency Food Distribution & Optimist Toy Drive, 7­–11am, Three Sisters Park

17 – Christmas Bonanza Winners to be drawn Live on Optimist Club Facebook page at 3pm

Chillicothe is a compassionate community. Get out and get involved and take time to celebrate this holiday season. There is so much to do and see in Chillicothe.

Your hometown,
The City of Chillicothe
Where the Rails Cross the River