What a wonderful experience I had last week while in Ohio.  My husband, Dave, decided he should take me to see the West Side Market which is located on the West Side of Cleveland, Ohio.  What I saw was an experience in itself.  This is a market which is housed in two buildings which were about the length of half a city block.  Each vendor had a space to set up their product. There were rows and rows of fresh produce, which included fruit and vegetables. Next there were meat vendors, bread vendors and desert vendors.  I cannot possibly think of any kind of meat or fish that was not there. They had wonderful displays of artisan bread and many different cakes, pies and cookies. The market seemed to cater to different cultures as you could look around and see so many different nationalities and hear many different languages being spoken. We purchased both Italian sausage and Polish sausage. We got fresh corn on the cob and fresh strawberries and blackberries. It is kind of late in the season but these vendors seemed to have a good supplier of fresh products. The place was especially clean.  I noticed that there were buses parked outside and I assumed that this might be a stop for planned bus tours. There was plenty of parking and there was no admission fee. If you are planning a little side trip this would be the ideal place and then take a visit to Little Italy in Cleveland.  There are several good restaurants there where you could have lunch or dinner.  The drive from  here is about five hours so you could really do the trip in one day.  But if you want to make it an over nighter, there are plenty of motels around and there is the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame and the Rock Casino who has some big name entertainers there.  You can check all this out on the Internet.

 

The annual Christmas Party of the Sons of Italy was held this past week.  Once again there was approximately 100 people in attendance, but mostly older ones.  I wish we could get a few younger people to join this organization.  It was held at Best Western Motel and the food was excellent.   I might say that they probably have some of the best "wings" I have ever eaten. My East View boy, Bob Moyer, is the food manager and his wife Rhonda is the Inn Keeper. Rebecca Sprout is the president of the S of I and she does a great job along with her other officers.

 

The Progressive Women's Association of Harrison County held its Member Appreciation Christmas party this past week.  It was held at the Uptown Event Center located on 304 Washington Avenue. Sam's Club supported the refreshments. President Marsha Vigilianco, presented plaques to Jason Young, Davis Funeral Home,  and Kathy Titus, Visitors Bureau, for recognition of the service they have given to the PWA.  The PEA is a non-profit organization.  It houses a food bank in the building and supports many community projects such as the Red Cross.  It also has an extensive cultural program.  Membership is open to both men and women.  The building which has a fully equipped kitchen and dining room and an auditorium with meeting rooms is available to the public for rent. The PWA also has parking spaces available for rent on a monthly basis. For more information or to rent the facility call Elinda Carson, Director at 304 624 6881.

 

A Happy Birthday to my granddaughter, Miranda Lang who turned 20 this week. She is a sophomore and American University.  Where has all the time gone?  Happy Birthday to all you December babies.

 

Hardly ever a day goes by that someone does not understand why they no longer receive the Grapevine.  I have tried and tried to get it in print for you but to no avail.  There is a survey at www.pulseresearch.com/theet that you might be able to participate in and express your desire to get it in the local paper..  The deadline is December 22 and you could even win $500.00.  It might be worth a try.

 

You still have time to be good if there is something special that you want Santa to bring you. My Pitas are done and most of them delivered to my family and friends. Remember all those shut-ins and those people who may not have anyone to share Christmas with. I chose an "Angel" and really had a great time shopping for her. The toy that she wanted was a Doc McStuffins.  I thought it had something to do with McDonalds but after searching around and asking a few questions I learned it is a popular toy this year. It has been a long time since I shopped for a little girl for Christmas and it reminded me of what I am missing. I am like "Virginia" and I still believe there is a Santa Claus.  My list includes happiness and good health for my family and friends. I ask for strength to face whatever lies ahead of us and I especially ask that I might show just how thankful I am for all I have received in life. It has been a great ride and I have enjoyed every bit of it, the bumps, and the smooth sailing. Believe me, to all you Virginia's " yes there is a Santa Claus.:"

 

Be sure to come to Carriage Lane to see all the decorations and you have an invitation to stop by the Alonso House.  Keep in touch and until next week "Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine."