New Zion church plans live nativity

BALTIMORE - New Zion United Methodist Church will present its annual live nativity from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 12.

Members of the church will portray the nativity Bible characters. Live animals will be included in the scene, as well as music. Live music and a secret family gift shop where all items are $1 will be available inside the church. There will be crafts for the children and free refreshments for all.

The church’s address is 10991 Snyder Church Road and is located on the corner of Stemen and Snyder Church roads northwest of Baltimore. The live nativity will be behind the church, unless the weather is bad, in which case the nativity will be inside. Food donations for the Baltimore food pantry will be accepted.

For more information, call the church office at 740-862-6462 or visit www.newzionumc.com

Baltimore/Thurston Food Pantry Christmas assistance

The Baltimore/Thurston Area Food Pantry and Basil Joint Fire District again will be giving Christmas assistance in the form of food baskets and family adoptions for gifts.

Applications are available at the food pantry, Basil Joint Fire Department or by calling Ruth Crutcher-Beckwith at 740-862-4082, and should be returned to any of the above places as soon as possible.

Christmas baskets will be delivered beginning at 9 a.m. Dec. 19. If you are receiving a basket, please be sure your porch and walk are clear of ice and snow. The baskets are available for low-income individuals or families. Requests should be in as soon as possible to allow for planning. If you have already turned your name in, please do not do so again, as we want to be sure to have enough baskets to help everyone who needs it.

If you request gifts for your children, this will be arranged and you will be contacted as to when the gifts will be delivered or should be picked up.

Anyone who wants to donate to this community project should call Ruth Crutcher-Beckwith at 740-862-4082 or send checks to her at 1760 W. Market St., Baltimore, OH 43105. Baltimore/Thurston Area Food Pantry is a 501(c)3, so your gifts can be tax-deductible.

‘Go Local’ initiative

The Baltimore Area Chamber of Commerce ceased operations this year because of declining business membership. They asked Baltimore Downtown Restoration to continue its mission of promoting Baltimore-area businesses.

Baltimore Downtown Restoration will continue the work of the BACC by promoting local and independent businesses. Just as Destination Downtown Lancaster promotes the local business community through advertising and creating events, they will do the same. The mission of Baltimore Downtown Restoration is to “preserve, promote and enhance the small town quality of life.” If you are associated with a business, please email or call them with information you would like promoted.

Local business specials will be provided on their Facebook page.

This Week In Baltimore

•Griley house lighting, Santa Claus and first Baltimore Museum Fine Art Show, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Hosted by the Baltimore Museum and Baltimore Downtown Restoration Committee. Free.

•Seniors chair volleyball, 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at Christ United Methodist Church, 700 S. Main St., Baltimore. This event is open to all senior citizens. For more information, call 740-862-4343.

•Senior citizens free lunch, 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday at Christ United Methodist Church by the Good Neighbors in the Village. All senior citizens are welcome. For more information, call 740-862-4343.

•Rotary Club of Baltimore Ohio Weekly Lunch Meeting, noon Thursday at Ma-Maw’s Diner, 1001 S. Main St., Baltimore.

•Open gym, every Thursday in the Family Life Center at Christ United Methodist Church. Family time is held from 5 to 7 p.m., with teen and adult time to follow from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 740-862-4343.

•VFW Post 3761 meeting, 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the post.

•Breakfast at VFW Post 3761, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturdays at 2155 Reynoldsburg-Baltimore Road, Baltimore. The public is welcome

•Breakfast with Santa Claus, 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday in the auditorium at Liberty Union High School, 500 Washington St., Baltimore. This fundraising event will be hosted by the Liberty Union Music Boosters. Tickets are $6, which includes pancake and sausage breakfast, one craft and a visit and photo with Santa. For more information, call Ed Krile at 740-777-7656 or email Edward.krile@gmail.com.

• Bingo, Doors open at 4:30 with the game to begin at 7 p.m. at Liberty Union High School, 500 Washington St. The Liberty Union Athletic Boosters will provide instant games, food and an evening payout of $3,600.

To submit Baltimore-area news or events, contact Robert B. Badgeley at BaltimoreOhioNews@gmail.com or 740-862-5820.