As you’ve been watching TV and reading newspapers, it
can’t have escaped your notice based on the volume of advertising, that we’ve
already entered the city limits of The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (Please
Observe Local Speed Limits).
I’ll admit I wasn’t feeling the Spirit of the Season when
the marketing barrage got started in the run-up to Halloween but maybe that
almost-snow last week, coupled with a sprinkling of holiday lights cheerily
blinking in the dark as I head to work have helped me feel more festive.
For those who currently live or who have lived in my
house, this is a BGO, blinding glimpse of the obvious: I am not a fan of
shopping at any time of the year but especially now. If speed gift-buying is ever
made an Olympic event, you will find me on the medals platform. Meanwhile those
to whom I give presents will be opening horribly wrapped gift boxes with equal
measures of fear and trepidation.
Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy the holiday season but,
possibly like you, I’m overwhelmed by the whole Schlep to the Mall and the
hunting and gathering of presents that finds me instead of hoping for peace on
earth and goodwill for all, wishing every person between me and the cashier would
end up in a place so warm there’s no need for scarves or sweaters (especially
that one).
I’m a shopper in need of the gift of patience and since I’ve
yet to see it on the shelves or at Amazon, I’ve adopted a coping strategy that I
hope you’ll consider my gift to you and a boon to downtown Norwich.
This Saturday from ten to three, it’s the sixth annual “O’tis A Festival
At Otis Library.” If you haven’t been in the library since the renovations were
completed earlier in the fall, you now have the perfect reason to go check them
out.
And if you’re a competitive shopper who relishes the hunt for the
just-right something for a Someone Special, Otis will be packed to the rafters
with crafters offering a variety of handmade items, including jewelry,
woodworking, and pottery along with events for children and those who are young
at heart.
Downtown Norwich looks to Otis Library the way the fingers of the hand
look to the thumb. Located practically in the geographic center, Otis is the
heart of Down City and events like Saturday’s are an important part of its
lifeblood.
Downtown Norwich is very compact with many of the shops, restaurants
and scenic harbor locales all within easy walking distance of one other as well
as to the free municipal parking that gets you step-for-step closer to it all
than if you opted for The Mall. I’d recommend inviting someone who believes there’s
nothing going on in Norwich and smile as they learn otherwise.
Here’s our chance to not only talk the talk but walk it.
- bill kenny
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