Saturday, November 24, 2012

Wishing you a safe, memorable holiday season


I hope you are enjoying the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and this special time of year. If you are visiting from out of town with friends and family, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to you and your family members. Whether you are traveling or staying in town to celebrate the holiday, I hope your travels are safe and memorable.
Fortunately with a wide assortment of great restaurants and retail outlets located in the Rolla area, folks are finding that just about everything they need for shopping and dining are right in our own backyards. Shopping and dining local is one of the best ways to not only save on gas, but also to invest in your community where local merchants and business owners appreciate your patronage.
Judging by the mild weather we have had over the last several weeks, it makes you question what kind of a winter is in store. One upside to the milder weather, however, is that construction is right on schedule for the new building that will house the Environmental Services Department’s Vehicle Maintenance Division and Solid Waste Division at the new Public Works Services Yard (located off McCutchen Dr. next to the Rolla Recycling facility). In addition, the Public Works Department is very involved with the reconstruction and paving of Basswood Drive located off Hwy. 63 South, across from Lions Club Drive. This is a huge infrastructure project that involves the installation of several storm water inlets, reconstruction of the road bed, new curb and gutter, and eventually the paving of this street. We appreciate the continued patience and cooperation of the residents who live in this area. The Public Works Department is also very busy with the paving overlay of several streets in the City such as Vista Drive off Hwy. E and most recently, Sandstone Street and Coventry Lane.
As we head into the holiday season I’d like to remind everyone that the annual Rolla Christmas Parade, which is hosted by the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce, will be held next Saturday, Dec. 1 in downtown Rolla. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Pine Street, but you might want to arrive about 30 minutes early to ensure you have a good viewing spot, as the parade is very well attended.
Santa will also be making two special trips to spend time visiting with Rolla area children at The Centre, Rolla’s Health and Recreation Complex, (1200 N. Holloway Street) on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 6 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The visits will take place in the beautiful Castleman Lounge, which will be decorated for the Christmas holidays. Refreshments will be served and children can write Santa a letter during their visit.
Collins Photography will be on hand to take pictures using their special Christmas set. Visit their website at www.CollinsPhotography.com for picture package pricing and to see photos from previous years. You can bring your own camera and take a photo with Santa; however, all personal photos must be taken in front of the Christmas tree and not on the set. The event, which is free, is open to all ages. For more information, please call The Centre at 573-341-2FUN.
Also just around the corner (Dec. 14 through Dec. 22) is the Christmas in the Park and drive through Rolla Lions Club Park (located on State Hwy. 63 South) where beautiful Christmas displays and lights get you in the holiday spirit. This event, hosted by the Rolla Lioness Club, features displays from over 50 organizations, businesses and churches. Santa Claus will be there to greet you as well! The hours will be Sunday through Thursday (6 p.m. – 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday (6 p.m. – 10 p.m.). This event is free to the public, and donations are used to support scholarships for students in the local area.
Have a safe and memorable Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

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