2023 Scottdale Alive Holiday Greeting

Once a year, Jim would pen a Christmas ‘card’ in the pages of the Courier. While his poems were a little fractured, the sentiment behind them was unmistakable. He would mention every person he met during the year. (Jim used to carry a little dog-eared pad and he would write down the names of all the folks he encountered). People in the area would wait for the paper to see if they made the ‘card’. It was one of the best parts of the holiday for me.

Jim passed away in 2006 and as close as I can figure, his last Christmas greeting was in 1975. Jim always said, “I don’t want to be remembered as a guy who ‘gave good writeups,’ rather I want to be remembered as a fair and unbiased sports writer who gave both sides of a story. I have always felt that if for one day I wrote one word that made one person feel important, then I had done my job.”

Every Christmas, I always remember his poems. So, with all that in mind, I decided to attempt my own little ‘greeting’. Though it can never match the original, I think everyone will get the idea. For you older folks, I hope this gives you a moment to reminisce about times gone by, and to the youngsters, to remember that Christmas is a time reflect on all the things you have been given.

Oh, and one last thing…..thanks Jim, Merry Christmas!

Here we go……

In our cozy little town, where snowflakes gently fall,

I send my Christmas wishes, like a festive call.

With twinkling lights and joy in the air,

may your days be merry, beyond compare.

To the folks in this town, both young and old,

may your hearts be warm, and your stories be told.

It’s hard to believe it’s the end of the year,

but this is the time that we spread joyous cheer,

Please sit and relax as I open this card,

and dole out my gift of Christmas regards.

May your holiday dreams be happy and gay,

to Conrad Clark, Bill Falla, and to the Kapr’s, Frank & Renee.

Bright red poinsettias climbing the trellis,

for Bubba Baker, Richard Thomas, and Charlie Ellis.

Let’s string a bright length of Christmas garland,

for Dave Kelly, Jerry Lewis, and Coroner Tim Carson.

A holiday carol sung by a heavenly choir,

for Becky Blahovec, Karen Kiefer, and Bud Santimyer.

For wishes to come true on a cold Christmas night,

to Earl Aiello, Carol Sanders, and David White.

Festive embers from the holiday Yule log,

to Theresa Ann, Nate Savanick, and Gracie Pomeranian, our holiday dog.

A Santa Claus visit direct to your homes,

for Jeff Wishart, Tom Szczygiel, and Angelo Pallone.

Strings of fresh popcorn to hang on the tree,

to Rob Ferguson, Mary Robson, and Stephanie Laree. (Schropp)

Here’s to holiday fun under the mistletoe,

for Cherri Rogers, “Murph” Johnson, and Pam Grabiak & Joe.

Let’s all sing and dance a Yuletide polka,

with Jan Kiefer, Kim Johnson Sowinski, and Angie Smolka.

May the silver bells have a joyous ring,

for Amy, Greg, Ken, and Mayor Chuck, they are all Kings.

Here’s to a white Christmas, let the snow fall,

for Kirk, Ben, Carol, and Kathy Lighthall.

Some hot cocoa and candy canes, beneath a merry banner,

to Jason Ryan, Charity Colebank, and Toni Sanner.

A new yuletide song, masterfully written,

for Sue Malik, Doug Winnington, and especially Paul Brittan.

We must not forget to send out this card,

to Larry Keslar, Tim Luzcka, and Mary Genard.

A big ho, ho, ho, to our Christmas believers,

to Andy Pinskey, Mitch Zimmerman, and Arnold ‘Butch’ Weaver.

It’s time to don our gay apparel,

to Lori Killinger, Jack Davis, and Mary Carol.

No creatures stirring, not even a mouse,

for Michelle & Jim Williams, and Lindy Pounds House.

Let’s all raise our voices, step up to the mike,

for Jaydene Nelson, Mickey Siwula, and Dr. Catherine Fike.

Nutcrackers delivered by Donner and Blitzen,

to Amy Washington, PJ Spires, and Denise Hixson.

The carolers arrive ringing their bells,

for Jim Zaffina & Dave and Melissa Wendell.

A big cup of holiday nog made with egg,

for David Mates, and the Butler’s, Kathy and Pastor Greg.

The turkey and dressing we cannot omit,

for Eric Anderson, Angie Pitzer, and Rosalyn Schmidt.

Some lights and tinsel and ornaments for the tree,

to Shelly Hoyle, Carol Wingert, and Matt Chronowski.

Here’s to having the air filled with holiday songs,

for Leigh Ann Smithberger, Bill Plumber, and Deborah Armstrong.

Some hotdogs and marshmallows for the holiday fire,

to Christine Stull, Bridget Moorhead Foreman, and Saria Bushmire.

Let’s string the lights and build the snowmen,

for James Hill Nelson, Janey Shedlock, and don’t forget Judy Toman.

A brisk holiday sleigh ride across Scottdale land,

to Mary Yeager, Ginny Black, and the Scottdale Concert Band.

A joyous Christmas wish so sacred and holy,

goes out to Jim Clarkson, Dave Mardis, and Cindy Morgan Boley.

A popular gift, we send a small hippo,

to Richard Johnson, Krys Ritenour, and Jennifer Grippo.

A plate of milk and cookies in the parlor,

for Amanda Leonard, Michelle Anderson, and Neicy Culler.

The keys to Santa’s Workshop on a sparkling lanyard,

for Eric Fulton, Joe Cappa, and Rosanne and Bobb Sanders.

And our final wish is for times of peace,

For all our EMT’s, firemen and police.

Amid the holiday sparkle and songs so bright,

May you find safety and solace on this Christmas night.

It’s time for this card to come to a close,

we can tell by the blinking of Rudolph’s red nose.

And while this greeting is surely not conventional,

if we forgot anyone it was really unintentional.

In the warmth of the season, and holiday fun,

We wish, peace, happiness, and joy to everyone.

Merry Christmas!

For a more festive, downloadable version of the card, just click below.