Uncle John’s Farm: 50 Years of Growth: Dates and Olmsted Data

It’s not even December yet, but the party of the year has already come and gone. On Saturday night, guests arrived by invitation at Uncle John’s restaurant on Columbia Road just to celebrate 50 years in business. The anniversary celebration, organized by owners Jeff and Marcia Hawkins along with their daughter Jessie Hawkins, went off without a hitch.

When guests arrived, they were directed to the parking lot and then greeted by a group of carolers outside the building’s entrance. Once inside, the gorgeous retail store was decorated for the holiday season. The store’s emerald greens, creams, golds and deep reds instantly evoke the spirit of the season. As you walked further into the greenhouse, the sounds and smells continued to draw you in deeper. It was there that Jeff and Marcia Hawkins greeted their guests in line, taking time to personally interact with each visitor.

Before stopping by the photo booth, guests were “dressed up” with bright lights, flashing or sparkly headbands, and jingling bells. This greenhouse area also housed games and the first of several food outlets. Wheel of Fortune was a huge success, with guests winning prizes ranging from succulents to poinsettias. The bar offered specialty drinks such as Hot Toddy’s and Spiced Cherry Mules among the usual beer, wine and spirits.

Continuing to chat and make your way through the space, you entered the main greenhouse space where the sounds of live music filled the air and poinsettias bloomed in every corner.

It was here that guests found themselves under a massive Christmas tree and asked Jeff and Marcia to leave a message in honor of the anniversary. The tin foil stars reflected the light and the Hawkins’ words of kindness, gratitude and good wishes that they will cherish for years to come.

Adoptive family: As the holiday spirit begins to spread, Christians in Action encourages you to consider adopting a family this Christmas. The Adopt-A-Family program helps families facing financial hardship by providing Christmas gifts. Individuals, groups or businesses can adopt a family by selecting from a list of families in need, each of which has a “Wish List” of three requests for gifts under $25. Gifts should be wrapped, labeled and dropped off at Grace Church, 6941 Columbia Road in Olmsted Falls, from noon to 5 p.m., Dec. 8. Gifts will be presented on December 14. To adopt a family, visit the Olmsted Community Center, 8170. Mapleway Drive in Olmsted Falls, to sign up for the wish list. Please visit https://www.ofcia.org/christmas-adopt-a-family/ for more information.

Olmsted Tree Lighting and Santa Parade: 14:00, December 1. Santa will begin his ride through the streets, starting at the fire station. After his adventure, he’ll return to the town hall at 5:30 p.m. to take photos, listen to music and have refreshments as residents come together for the annual tree lighting.

Tree lighting at Olmsted Falls: 17:00 December 1, in the village of Green. Starting at 5 p.m., kids will be able to write a card to Santa and take a photo. They can also decorate cookies, listen to a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and drink hot chocolate. The sounds of the Olmsted Falls High School choir will fill the air as residents gather around the bonfire. This year’s events at the falls are being hosted by the Olmsted Falls Parks and Recreation Department.

Jingle at the crossroads: Next up is a holiday celebration at Jingle in the Junction at the Grand Pacific Junction Hotel on December 7th.

This family-friendly event is filled with holiday cheer for all ages. Enjoy individual or family photos with Santa ($10 per photo), kids’ crafts in the galley from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and free bells for little ones.

Letters to Santa: On December 8th, the Olmsted Community Center will host “Letters to Santa!” event. Children will deliver their letters to Santa and have the opportunity to share their Christmas wishes before being photographed. They will then move on to line up for cookies and hot cocoa. But the magic doesn’t end there: in about a week, a handwritten response from Santa will arrive in your inbox! There are different time slots for this event, so please select only one and be sure to arrive at that time. Register at olmstedcc.com.

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