PatchCast

PatchCast: Santa Arrives Early, Christmas Trees Go on Sale and Dancing Into the Weekend

A video roundup of the area's latest developments for Friday, Dec. 2.

Follow the links below for more on today's featured headlines:

• Videos (1)

100 Wilmington Seniors Receive Holiday Lunches

Danversbank and the Buzzell Senior Center delivered 100 meals to home-bound seniors.

Volunteers from Danversbank in Wilmington made a cold December day a little warmer. One hundred seniors in Wilmington received a special home-delivered lunch as a pre-holiday treat on December 2.  Danversbank teamed up with Buzzell Senior Center to deliver hot catered-meals purchased from Uptown Deli and Catering to the seniors in need. It's more than a hot meal for many seniors; it's a way to check in and make sure everything is alright, plus it doesn't hurt to add that little human contact to their day. Buzzell Senior Center runs a Meal on Wheels program throughout the year, but three times a year, the center and volunteers deliver a special meal to select Wilmington seniors. This year the meal was a roast chicken with sides, and Terri…

• Photos (2)

Local Band Rocks for Toys for Tots

All proceeds from Christmas CD are donated to Toys for Tots program.

MASS is a band of many faces. They've tackled metal, rock, and ballads. They've toured around the country and have been under quite a few labels. This month, they're adding Christmas music to their repertoire, and Toys for Tots is benefiting from the decision. The album contains two songs and costs $4.99. All of the proceeds will be donated to Toys for Tots, and so far it's been very successful. The disc sold over 400 copies in just two weeks. Included on the album are covers of "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Grown Up Christmas List." All four band-members recorded this version of "Jingle Bell Rock," which takes the classic song and gives it a little extra MASS' edge. Lead Vocalist Louis D'Augusta, a Wilmington-resident, tackled the second track…

• Photos (1)

Brightening the Holidays For the Less Fortunate

How you can help the less fortunate and elderly Wilmington residents this season.

Bright lights, presents, snow and sleigh rides- December is typically associated with festivity and joy. Holidays are a time for families to reunite and friends to celebrate together. For many, the holidays are hard to enjoy because of their financial stress. The needy families and the elderly of Wilmington can especially use your help around the holiday season, and many organizations in Wilmington are contributing to provide basic essentials and sometimes, a little extra. Bob DiPalma, director of Wilmington Food Pantry, said Wilmington residents have been generous this season. For Christmas, the Chamber of Commerce donated hams for needy families and the elderly in Wilmington, which the food pantry volunteers will help distribute. …

• Photos (1)

Christmas in a Cup

Where to get your Christmas flavors.

Holiday treats don't have to be in the form of cookies or cakes that land on your plate this season, there are plenty of delectable goodies that are poured right into a cup that make residents like Elaine Ferrera smile.  "I only get this around the holidays," said Wilmington-resident Ferrera of her caramel brulee Starbucks latte. "This spot is my little treat to myself." Ferrera admitted she normally visits a competitor's establishment, but during the holidays she can't resist the offerings at Starbucks.  Starbucks has a number of seasonal drinks to choose from: peppermint mocha, caramel brulee or gingerbread latte, hot chocolate, caramel apple spice cider and eggnog latte or chai.  Peppermint mochas are by far the favorite amongst …

• Photos (5)

Library's 'Food Gifts' a Hit For the Holidays

Two librarians demonstrate easy and tasty holiday gifts.

Malfunctioning burners, burnt molasses, and jars with no lids were no match for Brandy Danner and Katie Huffman at Monday night's Food Gifts event at the library. The two librarians overcame technical glitches gracefully and put on an informative and creative cooking demonstration. "We're just setting the bar really low," joked Danner, the teen librarian, after one mishap. She was the candy and spice maker of the evening, while Huffman handled the baking. Each demonstration featured a step-by-step process, where to find ingredients, ideas for gift packaging, and a finished product for everyone to try. Huffman made orange-cranberry scones, cinnamon rolls, and peppermint meringues. An avid home baker, she provided recipes improved by …

• Photos (4)
• Documents (3)

Image Gallery: Breakfast with Santa at Knights of Columbus

Wilmington children got a special Sunday breakfast.

Santa made a stop at the Knights of Columbus to see more children from Wilmington. 

•  1 Comment
• Photos (20)

Wilmington's Tree Lighting Ceremony 2010

Wilmington's Tree Lighting Ceremony drew a large crowd on Saturday night

This year's Tree Lighting Ceremony was a fun, festive place to be for any age. Complimentary hot chocolate was handed out, and Town Common visitors were able to see ice sculptures as they were being sculpted. The line for hay rides remained long for the whole night. Before Santa came, the United Methodist Church graced the crowd with some caroling. Christmas music was in the air all evening. The evening cumulated with the arrival of Santa. Children were able to take photos with him, and shortly after his arrival the lighting took place. The evening was made possible by the Fourth of July Headquarters. The Wilmington firefighters were also thanked and present.

•  1 Comment
• Photos (32)
• Videos (3)

Image Gallery: Santa's Workshop at Town Hall

Santa and his elves make a visit.

Santa and his elves made a stop at Town Hall on Thursday night to visit the good boys and girls of Wilmington.

• Photos (18)