It is that time of year when kitties Hilda and Georgia feel compelled to help with Christmas.

Out of boredom, Hilda switches her golden tail towards the glass angel by the base of the tabletop Christmas tree.

Georgia arrives on the table with a pounce, coming face to face with Hilda. “Hiss, this is my space. Go sit on the computer keyboard,” warns Hilda. 

Georgia leaps to the card table where boxes, wrapping paper, tape and bows are strewn about. “Whoa! My brakes aren’t working! Look out!” as she skids off the table and right into Howard’s lap.

Howard drops the scissors and grabs for the flying cat. Too late, off she goes to the other side of the room.    

Howard takes a gift box beside his chair and places it on the table. “What paper do you want to put on this, honey?”

“Anything that you like,” Ann replies as she tries to peep around a large orange and white ball that has arrived on the desk with a mew.

As though dropping from the ceiling fan, Hilda is in the midst of the box and wrappings. Howard gently puts her on the floor and picks up a roll of paper and takes an eye’s measure for how much he needs. Picking up the scissors, he starts to cut along the edge of the Santa and sleigh design on the paper.

A golden paw suddenly reaches over the table edge and claws sink in. In one swift motion paper and box move rapidly to the table edge. Luckily her hold on the paper gives way as her claws rip shreds in it. 

Hearing the commotion, Georgia whirls and spins her paws as she leaps to the floor and dashes to the card table, arriving with a thud amid torn paper. “Hilda needs help in wrecking the wrapping.” 

Colorful bows scatter from the open bag. One swat, two swats, three swats, across the room flies the green one. Another smack and more bows fall to Hilda waiting on the floor. 

So goes an evening of Christmas gift-wrapping when the cats help.

Pamplin Town Council

Sean Murray, heading up the Restore the Pamplin Playground Project, told Pamplin Town Council at the Thursday night meeting that he had raised a little over $400 with post-Thanksgiving yard sales. He requested the use of the east end of the old school for indoor sales once temporary walls are installed. Mayor Billy Horton will go with to look over the situation before granting approval.

Sam and Ashley Finklestein told council they were still ironing out some wrinkles with the dance committee about the proposed agreement regarding the monthly dances and fundraiser. 

The town truck was sold to the highest bidder for $14,000. 

At the November council meeting, Dawn Armstrong owner of Wild Oatz BBQ, stated she was having an issue on the back side of the her newly renovated restaurant property because of recent rains and flooding. Since the building and property are owned by Christopher Matisa, council will have to speak to him about possible remedies.

Town Clerk Paulie Johnson presented a request to purchase a new cook stove for the warming kitchen for future renters of the Depot facility. Councilman Ronnie Franklin moved for a cap of $300. With a second from Sarah Hamlett, the board approved the request.

Outgoing supervisor William Craft for the Appomattox River District of Appomattox County delivered his farewell to council and spoke highly of incoming supervisor William Hogan. Paulie Johnson thanked Craft for all that he had tried to do for the Town of Pamplin.

Community Communiqué

The Senior Adult Ministry of Glenn Memorial Baptist Church will hold its December senior meal Friday at 6 p.m. Bring a dish and enjoy Christmas musical inspiration with Nicky Blanton

Civil War era Santa will visit the Catalpa Inn, 373 Catalpa Lane, Prospect, on Saturday, 1- 4 p.m. (bring your own camera).

The Pamplin Combined Community Choir, directed by Beverly Cyrus, will present “Breath of Heaven” on Saturday at 4 p.m. in the Pamplin Depot Freight Room. The program will be followed with refreshments by the Pamplin Area Legacy Supporters (PALS).

“A Tree Lot Christmas” will be presented at Glenn Memorial Baptist Church on Sunday.

The community dinner at Glenn Memorial Baptist Church will be Thursday, 5:30-7 p.m. There will be toiletry and “cold weather care” kits available for distribution.  

Olive Branch UMC will have its annual Christmas covered dish buffet and program after the service on Sunday, Dec. 20.

Please keep the following people in your thoughts and prayers: Joyce Floyd, Alice Campbell, Julian Covington, John Hix, Nancy Dickerson, Martha Whitehead, Dorothy Womack, Kenneth Brisentine, Betty Jean Bolt and Gary Fiscus.

Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Susie Ball Mitchell.

“The darkness of the whole world cannot swallow the glowing of a candle.” – Robert Altinger

If you have any news, call Edwina Covington (574-6576).

EDWINA COVINGTON is a retired teacher and columnist for Elam. Her email is ecovington@centurylink.net.