I recall hearing that the person who never makes a mistake, never does anything.

Recently, I was reminded of the old parlor game called “gossip.” At least, that’s what I recall being its name. Anyway, the person starting it off told another person something and it was repeated from person to person till all have heard it. Most likely what the last person was told had little similarity to the original statement.

As I understand, we experienced bit of that here in Melrose yesterday when I mis-stated the names of one of the Merry Melrose Christmas Parade winners. The winners in the “Most Orignal” category were Kat’s Baskets & Gifts and Kite Rider who had a joint float. We apologize for not being correct.

These two businesses are neighbors in Santa Fe Station right on Bellamy Avenue (SR 26) across the street from Heritage Park. If you have not visitied these two unique shops, take the time to do so. You might just find that perfect items to complete your Christmas shopping or buy yourself a gift, I’m sure you deserve it.

BTW, COFFEETALK was great today with more great music, coffee, treats and socialization. Also, we were honored with more first time visitors. Thanks for visiting and keep coming back. Warning – it can become habit-forming!

Well, we finished the weekend of activities and have finally caught my breath.

The Merry Melrose Christmas Parade is always interesting. It has its own special flavor unique to Melrose. And, the overall appearance of Melrose on Merry Melrose Day, is in my humble opinion,a display of free enterprise and Americana all wrapped up into one in this corner of rural North Florida. All along different stretches of Bellamy Avenue (SR 26) you have merchants offering their wares. And, these run the gamut – beach towels, blankets, rugs, boiled peanuts, fresh seafood, etc.

Then, we had the Merry Melrose Festival in Heritage Park where the many vendors were offering a multitude of merchandise. While the weather may have dampened some peoples’ spirit, many did not slow down.

Plus all 3 of our art galleries, Bellamy Raod, Melrose Bay Gallery, and ShakeRag Artist Collective had open houses.

Also, many merchants in the shops along Bellamy Avenue kept long hours to serve all who came to town for the numerous activities.

And, what a surprise I had when I opened my e-mail today. David Beede, a local artist and musician, had made a video of parade highlights. And, he used local scenes as a prelude to the parade. He had sent me a link, so that we may all enjoy his efforts. Our hat’s off to David for his efforts and thoughts of sharing this with the entire community. Thank you, David! To see the video click this link: http://vimeo.com/8187422

And, to let you know who has been recognized for their many efforts in getting prepared for this special day – Merry Melrose Day, the parade judges had much difficulty deciding who should be recognized for their efforts. Therefore, there are a couple of tie awards.

The winners are:

• Most Original: Kite and Kate’s Baskets
• Most Participants: Cub Scout Pack 109
• Closest to Theme (tie): Eliam Baptist Church Children’s Choir & O.R. Roberts Middle School Band
• Best Overall (tie):Melrose Bay Gallery & ShakeRag Gallery – Bellamy Road (combined)

Let’s don’t forget, tomorrow is COFFEETALK 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at ShakeRag Artists’ Collective and Friday is the Melrose Community Farmers’ Market from 3:00 to 6:00 pm at Heritage Park.

A reminder from CoffeeTalk today:
COFFEETALK 10 am Wednesday
We have Hot Coffee, You may bring a Pastry To Share if You Like…..
Plus, live music…. Karan Newman on Fiddle, Paula May and Mack Tyner, and their friend Rick Bouley from Charlotte…….
What A WAy To Start Your Morning!!
Join us for conversation, possible Poetry, and More……..

Stay tuned for more news, happenings, etc.

Enjoy the rest of the week.

Apparently, Melrose Bay Gallery really wants Melrose citizens to buy Paul’s book as Paul feels a special attachment to Melrose. Here’s his comments about the book:

“I am presenting a unique colorful booklet both in hardbound and soft cover that offers a very colorful view of the beauty and hometown loveliness of Melrose. During the Open Air Fine Arts event last year I captured many wonderful photographic images of the area, the charm and wonderful beauty of Melrose Bay. The idea of the booklet came to me as a great way to present some of the many eye catching features of Melrose. The color, the “Cracker” buildings and the absolute natural beauty of Melrose Bay itself. It does not attempt to cover every aspect of Melrose but just some sights I observed during a week long event and wonderful opportunity to explore Melrose.

A bit about myself, I am a formally trained US Navy Photographer, a graduate of the College of Journalism at UF (`78) and now retired longterm resident of Alachua County. Along with my most beautiful bride of 34 years, Christina, we raise a small heard of Alpine Dairy Goats and have homestead here in Alachua County since 1975. I currently have a public exhibit at the Alachua Branch Library in Alachua which will be present for the month of December.”

We are giving a 10% discount on Paul Cassidy’s book just during the Open House for MELROSE RESIDENTS ONLY. Melrose Bay Gallery

We thought we were busy before. But, you ain’t seen nothing, YET!

Here’s this week’s line-up:

Wednesday, December 9th: COFFEETALK at ShakeRag Artists’ Collective 10:00am to 12:00 pm

Friday, December 11th: Melrose Community Farmers’ Market, Heritage Park, 3:00 to 6:00 pm

Madrigal Dinner at Trinity Parish Hall, See Melrose Events Calendar for details.

Saturday, December 12th:

Merry Melrose Christmas Parade, 10:00 am, Bellamy Avenue (SR 26)

Merry Melrose Festival, Heritage Park, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Melrose Bay Art Gallery announces:

• Merry Melrose Holiday Open House, after the parade, 11:00 – 4:00 pm w/ live music and refreshments.
• 1:00 – 4:00 pm Book signing by photographer Paul Cassidy
• Jewelry demonstrations by noted jeweler Christina Cassidy.
• Small works show continues with work by 50 regional artists.
• Hundreds of Affordable handmade gifts and ornaments by local artisans.

Bellamy Road Gallery announces:

• Katie Sieving – Lecture and Guided Nature Walk Katie is Professor of Wildlife Ecology & Conservation at the University of Florida, her core research program focuses on conserving and restoring forest biodiversity, especially songbirds, in disturbed, fragmented, and otherwise human-dominated landscapes in historically forested biomes. She is currently working in fragmented forests, organic and conventional farm / pastoral systems in Florida, Chile, and Sumatra. Conceptually, her work is rooted in community, behavioral, and landscape ecology, and in conservation biology.
• Bird-watching/nature walk in Melrose historic district 5 o’clock,
• Reception at Bonfire 6:00 pm,
• 7:00 pm, Lecture/slide show: “Heroic Deeds of Common Garden Birds – how Tufted Titmice help other bird species avoid being eaten by predators.”

Madrigal Dinner at Trinity Parish Hall, See Melrose Events Calendar for details.

Don’t forget to shop locally. All these shops along Bellamy Avenue (SR 26) have many unique items. So, be sure and check all of them out. And, who know what you may find at Williamson’s, Ace hardware, and the Melrose Community Farmer’s Market.

Ya’ll have fun! We’ll see you around.

Sunday December 13th
A day of rest, attend the church of your choice, and enjoy the day.

Today, the Melrose Business and Community Association (MBCA) held its
July meeting. Wow, only 3 more monthly meetings left in 2009!

You had better plan now to attend them. See the “Events Calendar”
at http://melrosefl.com/calendar.html for meeting times, dates and
locations.

Among other things discussed, the MBCA President requested input into
community thoughts for this year’s Merry Melrose Christmas Parade
specifically, ideas for a theme for the parade and suggestions for a
citizen to honor as “Grand Marshal” for the parade. Fresh ideas are welcomed.

Leave your thoughts here by making “Comments.”

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and ideas.