NHS will again decorate Chapman Park

Winter is coming, and apart from being a Game of Thrones tag that means several things. Among them is that the National Honor Society will once again be decorating Chapman Park this year. Appearing before the Council with students to get the go-ahead October 18, NHS Advisor Polly Hoffman shared more details on the light display that began last year, spreading holiday cheer in spite of COVID restrictions.

Reporting that the students need donations for lights as squirrels mistook some for acorns last year (resulting in their loss) along with those that were frozen at last year's cleanup (also re sulting in their loss), Hoffman said the majority of the decorating will take place November 13.

“Students are completing a large volume of the decorating on Saturday, November 13th,” she said. "We definitely put up all light dona tions and purchased several sets with donations,” she said of last year. Yard ornaments, meanwhile, are not needed.

“We are focusing on the back loop of Chapman Park this year, since there are more electrical outlets, and the lights are the largest need,” Hoffman said. “The entrance will be near the pavilion with a chain of roped lights leading the loops.”

Light donations may be dropped off at the school greenhouse in the bin by the west door that is placed outside. Those who may wish to make a monetary donation instead may do so by mailing them to the school with ATTN (attention) to the National Honor Society. Such donations will be deposited with the general Chapman fund, per Hoffman.

With an opening ceremony at Chapman this Saturday, December 11th, local residents can also recognize a family member on the memory tree, Those wishing to may contact the school and information will be forwarded to the National Honor Society. For email, meanwhile, readers may contact [email protected] or [email protected] "and the name will be added,” Hoffman said of those seeking to have a loved one on the memory tree.

Also debuting at this year’s opening ceremony will be live Holiday music with a visit from 4:00 to 4:25 p.m. by Santa. A unity prayer by Pastor Ken Schmidt of Our Savior’s Lutheran and Memory Tree lighting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

"We have amazing kids in this school dis trict!” Hoffman shared.

Come one and all to the light display at Chapman put on once again this year by the National Honor Society–and bring that jacket!

Chances are it will be cold, after all.

Squirrels like this one at Lotz Park have been busy making sure they have enough supplies and body fat to make it through the coming cold months. With no supermarkets to speak of and little but leaves for home insulation, squirrels are taking no chances–except, it seems, with Christmas light. As such, donations are appreciated for the coming display at Chapmn Park.Photo by Joseph Back.