AROUND TOWN | LAURA ANDERSON A gaggle of gifts to grab in pandemic crunch
As we enter the end of 2021, the pandemic continues to cause ripple effects, and not just in terms of the numbers of COVID-19 cases that rise and fall. Businesses are experiencing staffing issues. Many of the Dunkin’ Donuts I frequent have switched to drive-thru only service. New cars are hard to come by due to the slowdown in manufacturing of the computer chips that run them. Those who are unable to buy a new car need to keep their old cars in service, which means mechanics are now backed up for weeks on repairs.
A friend went to Target recently and commented on how bare the shelves were and we debated whether it was a supply chain issue, a staffing issue, or both. The blocking of the Suez Canal didn’t help, and I’ve recently read that there are other container ships off the California coast that can wait two weeks or more to dock, only to have their containers sit for days waiting for too few truckers to haul the goods to their destination. Couple all this with the fact that the US Postal service is warning that costs will go up and delays will increase, it doesn’t bode well for the upcoming holiday season.
Almost every gift I gave last year for Christmas was ordered online. With the pandemic in full swing, vaccinations months away, and a wariness to leave the house unless necessary, I opted to order everything online and have it shipped to me. Now that I’m vaccinated, I’m willing to venture out for my holiday gifts this year, and I’m keeping it local. And simple.
Craft fairs and artisan markets are back. These are wonderful opportunities to buy truly unique gifts and help support local artists. Local painter Julianne McLaughlin, offers beautiful and affordable abstract paintings as well as hosting paint nights in her studio in Rockland. The only thing better than gifting a one-of-a-kind painting is gifting one you’ve painted yourself.
The shops at Cardinal Cushing are another great place for gifts. There’s always something great at their Take Two thrift store, with clothes, home décor, toys, shoes and more. Unique Boutique features items made by the Cardinal Cushing students, including framed artwork, jewelry, pottery, notecards and home and garden accessories.
Looking for something for the kid on your list? Check out the Hanover Toy Box for toys and games and Storybook Cove for children’s (and adult) books. And speaking of books, for the booklover on a budget, the book room at the John Curtis Library in Hanover has a great selection of titles, as well as DVDs, CDs, and puzzles. And if you’d like to give someone a handmade gift, but don’t know if you have the skills to make it, the library also has several “how to” kits you can check out that that can teach you to crochet, knit, calligraphy and origami.
Check out Local Pottery Studio and Gallery in Norwell. My husband and I wandered in one night after dinner at Trattoria San Pietro and were amazed at the variety of handmade mugs, plates, bowls, sculptures, and other home accessories on display. More than sixty artists show their work at Local Pottery, which all but guarantees you’ll find something for everyone on your list.
So, whether you decide to shop local or online, big box or small business, homemade, handmade or mass produced, I’ll offer just one more bit of advice to ensure you get everything you need for those special folks on your list: Start now!
A Fair to remember
And speaking of shopping…The First Congregational Church of Hanover (Route 139) will present its Annual Church Fair on Saturday, November 6th from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Rev. W. Roscoe Riley Parish Hall. You will see modifications made to the Fair this year. Covid and Delta variant are very much with us. Masks will be expected while attending the church fair. We are in a period of moving forward from the old normal, through the grey of the pandemic, awaiting the renewal. We will follow Governor Baker’s recommendations for any changes. Tables will include knitted and crocheted Items, holiday decorations and a few surprises. Other tables will feature jams, jellies and preserves, and plants of every kind. Homemade baked goods from the ovens of people in the congregation will be available. Visit the White Elephant table with many treasures to be found. Beautiful handcrafted wooden items will be on display. The used jewelry table, appreciated especially by the young people, will return this year. Be sure to look at our special gift baskets. The “Bits and Pieces “Table will have a variety of homemade crafts, made by parishioners. There will be a Snack Bar open during Fair hours with FREE hot dogs while they last. The Fair is a great way to shop for the holidays and enjoy each other’s fellowship. Hope to see you there! Any questions you can call the Church office 781-826-4762
Safety for seniors
The Hanover Fire Department is currently running a home safety visit program for the residents of Hanover ages 65 and older. The purpose of this is to have in-person contact with seniors to discuss several safety topics. These topics vary from trip hazards to fire safety tips and reminders. The purpose is to promote safety and education. Another portion of this program is that we will install FREE of charge, smoke alarms and CO detectors upon our visit. We will also leave them with a surge protector, oven mitt, night light as well as some other items. If you know anyone in Hanover that meets this age bracket or, if you have any questions about this program, please reach out to Eric Johnson, Public Fire and Life Safety Coordinator for the Hanover Fire Department at 781-826-3151, ext. 3126. Again, this is at NO COST to the resident and is an opportunity for the fire department to assist in getting these houses up to code.