CUMMINGTON — More sharing and less consumption is the goal as the Cummington Village Church gears up for its annual Hilltown Holiday Hob-Nob this weekend.
On Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, community members will come together to exchange gifts — but not brand new in the box items. Community members are encouraged to clean out their closets and come bearing gift-worthy items to share during the Hob-Nob. Items such as books, toys, gadgets and other items can be dropped off on the back porch of the church at 32 Main St., and boxes with items should be marked, “For Hob-Nob.”
Participants will then have the opportunity to “shop” the collection of items that are brought together. There is no admission fee or other charges, although participants may pitch in a tray or dish of food for the event. To reduce waste, organizers ask that a disposable tray not be used.
The event is sponsored by Hilltown CROW, an acronym for “choosing reuse over waste.”
Goshen Meltdown returning this winter
GOSHEN — When will the cinder block fall through the ice? That’s the question on everyone’s mind as the Goshen Meltdown returns after a few year hiatus.
Resident Steve Estelle is bringing back a tradition initiated by Bob Labrie in 2005 in which a cinder block is frozen into a local body of water, and participants pitch their guess for what day and what time the block will fall through the ice.
This year, the cinder block will be planted at Hammond Pond. It is unclear when the pond will be frozen enough, but Estelle projects that by January it should be solid enough.
To submit a pick for a time, participants are charged $5 a guess or $20 for five guesses, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Goshen Volunteer Firefighter Association.
“It might raise $100, it might raise $1,000,” said Estelle, adding that the event is more focused on bringing the local community together.
As a math teacher Estelle said he’s always loved the meltdown, and offered one tip for guessing the time.
“I think one suggestion is never pick something like 2 p.m. — don’t pick routine or even numbers,” he said.
