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December 2020 “The History of the Nutcracker”

Bluff Park is extremely festive at this time of year. A number of homes have large nutcrackers gracing their front entryway. So, of course this makes one wonder where does the nutcracker tradition come from? The story begins deep in the Ore Mountains, a mountain range that stretches between Germany and the Czech Republic. Mining was the major industry in the mountains. During the winter, when mining wasn’t possible, the villagers used the local forests’ timber to make toys and decorative items.

By the mid-1700s, German nutcrackers dolls became the most popular of the items carved and just about everyone had their very own German nutcracker. They were mostly used as decorations and centerpieces during the Christmas season. According to German folklore, nutcrackers bring good luck to your family and protect your home. A nutcracker is said to represent power and strength, serving somewhat like a watchdog guarding your family against danger. A nutcracker bares its teeth to evil spirits and serves as a messenger of good luck and goodwill.

December 2020 “Hanukkah Story”

Bluff Park residents are celebrating Hanukkah between Thursday, December 10th and Friday, December 18th. Hanukkah means “dedication” in Hebrew. Often called the Festival of Lights, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of candles on a nine-branched menorah called a Hanukkiah, making and eating potato latkes (pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), and playing dreidel, a game of chance played with a four-sided top.

December 2020 “Caring Community Christmas Tree”

Decorating their home this holiday season took on new meaning due to the continued covid quarantine. Jennifer Young and Diana Saale decided to put up 6 trees inside their home on Kennebec Avenue to keep the covid blues away. Then they look out their window and realized they had the perfect seventh tree in front of their house waiting to be decorated! They recruited neighbors Rob and Kristi Mercado and the ‘Caring Community Christmas Tree’ was born. On Saturday, December 5^th the team strung the lights, placed the ornaments and added a bow on top. The sign in front of the tree says “Take, Exchange or Add ornaments”, making it a special spot for both adults and kids. Jennifer said it’s fun to watch the tree change daily. The lights come on at 5 pm so walk on by.

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Past Neighborhood News & Events Updates

December 2019 – January 2020 NEW!

Looking Back on 2019
Looking Forward in 2020
Year-End Giving

December 2018 Year-End Message

January 2018

Filming of “Lodge 49” in Bluff Park
2018 Community Meeting Dates (Jan 17, Mar 28, Jun 27, Sep 26)
The Lamppost Love Boat: A Benefit Fundraiser Event (May 6)
Annual Bluff Park Community Yard Sale (Aug 4)

December 2017

Looking Back on 2017
On the Horizon for 2018
- Our Next Community Meeting (Jan 17)
- 2018 Community Meeting Dates (Jan 17, Mar 28, Jun 27, Sep 26)
- The Lamppost Love Boat: A Benefit Fundraiser Event (May 6)
- Annual Bluff Park Community Yard Sale (Aug 4)

November 2017