on December 04, 2016 at 6:25 PM, updated OLMSTED FALLS, Ohio - Red bows, garland, twinkling lights and decorated Christmas trees. These sights are readily seen throughout our community. This is my favorite time of year. I love seeing folks decorating their yards and houses. Rand Laycock was one of those "folks." Last week he was placing garland and red ribbons on his lengthy white picket fence that beautifully surrounds his Bagley Road home on the southeast corner at Mapleway Drive. Rand and his family moved into the house 24 years ago. They added the picket fence that dresses up that corner. Rand said they love this time of year, too. His wife enjoys decorating the house inside and he, the exterior -  and the fence. Bob and I continue our annual tradition of driving around the area looking at all the houses and decorations, especially at night.I'll place it in next week's column so others may enjoy them. This way we'll share the sparkling beauty of this season together.

Holiday ham - This Friday, Dec. 9, is the final day to order your HoneyBaked ham or turkey from the Olmsted Falls High School Swim and Dive Team. low budget decorating ideas living roomsThe team receives 20 percent of the sales, which will help pay for swim time. cheap decorating for christmasOrders will be available for pick up from 5:30-7 p.m. Dec. 22 at the high school.cheap diy wedding reception centerpieces For more details, contact Anita Greller, 440-793-6405.where can i buy glass christmas ornaments

Special gift - Local Gengraphics Photography owner Jen Kanaba is offering a special gift to the community this Saturday during this giving season. christmas tree top star of davidShe calls it a "store with nothing to sell" concept, which Minute Maid supports.wedding decoration ideas south africa Shoppers are invited to write a letter to loved ones detailing thoughts they cannot verbalize, but feel in their hearts. Her studio will offer various card choices on which to write your thoughts. It also will provide the boxes and wrapping paper to complete your gift. It is all free. She considers this giving back to the community that supports her business. All are invited from noon to 4 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 10, to Gengraphics, 25576 Bagley Road. It is just east of the Bagley Road bridge construction.

Food drive - Help "stuff the bus" this Saturday with non-perishable food items that local needy families will receive. The Olmsted Falls school district transportation department is sponsoring this event from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the driveway loop in front of Falls-Lenox School. Some of the requested items are canned tuna/chicken/salmon, spaghetti sauce, canned beef stew/chili, canned fruit, canned tomatoes, noodles, peanut butter, jelly, canned vegetables and fruit as well as any school supplies, detergent, bathroom tissue, bar soap and shampoo. Bulldog wear - The annual Bulldog holiday sportswear sale is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 10, at Olmsted Falls High School. There will be new apparel and fun gift ideas. Sizes range from infants through adults. The Olmsted Falls Athletic Boosters will take special orders, too. The Bulldog cheerleaders will provide it. You'll find some great gifts there, for sure. BW honors - Olmsted Falls resident Ryan Sosic is one of 28 Baldwin Wallace University fall student-athlete named to the 2016 Academic All-Ohio Athletic Conference team.

Ryan, with his first football Academic All-OAC honor, is a sports management major who carries a 3.55 GPA. He is a student assistant in the athletic communications office. To be selected to this honor, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.50 cumulative GPA, be in residence at the school for a year and maintain varsity status. Library news - Here are a few upcoming events at the Olmsted Falls Branch Library this month. The Cleveland Indians during the Great Depression is the topic at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 in the library's meeting room. Author Scott Longert will discuss his book, "No Money, no beer, no pennants: The Cleveland Indians and baseball in the Great Depression." The book documents the fortunes of the team during one of the worst economic times in American history. and click on "branches" to find Olmsted Falls and then its events details. Those in grades 5-12 may battle it out decorating goodies in the Holiday Cookie War set for 7 p.m. Dec. 14. Registration and signed release forms are needed.

Join others for monthly free play and mini-challenges using LEGO MINDSTORMS robots at 7 p.m Dec. 21. The event is for grades 6-12. In-home assisted living - The Jenkins Place Senior Center will host Sandee Kirkwood who will discuss in-home assisted living at noon Dec. 20. She will bring Hercules, a miniature yorkipoo, that is a registered comfort therapy dog. He brings his loving attitude to local nursing homes and support groups. Sandee is with ACC Adult Home Care of Olmsted Falls. Findlay band - Olmsted Township's Audrey Zbydnowski, a member of the University of Findlay's Marching Oiler Brass, performed in a concert recently titled Songs of the Stadium. The band played songs from halftime and pregame shows, which includes Wild West-themed selections. Homecoming game tunes also were included as well as such 1980s hits as "Africa," "Jump" and Livin' on a Prayer." Reminder - Saturday is the final Christmas tree sale that our Olmsted Falls Boy Scout Troop 201 is sponsoring.