It was a cold night last Saturday, but the atmosphere was warm inside the Summit Grange as dozens of local residents congregated at 6 p.m. to await the arrival of The Birthday Girl. Armed with party horns and enthusiasm, the crowd went wild as Debbie Scacco was escorted into the building by her husband, Mark, and sons Josh and Andrew. The “Deep Woods Band” started up, and the strains of “Happy Birthday” almost raised the rafters.

This was a surprise party on several levels: Debbie was surprised; everyone in attendance was surprised that Debbie was surprised; Debbie’s mother, her two sisters and their children were surprise guests.

The band continued to play rock ‘n’ roll on into the night while Debbie’s friends and family ate, danced and schmoozed.

It was one of the best parties in recent years, celebrating one of the community’s most beloved residents. Debbie is well known to most of us out here who have appreciated her omelettes, blackberry jelly and other delectable edibles at the Blodgett Country Café, the Summit Summer Festival and other local gatherings.

One of the hardest-working women out here, she always has a smile on her face and a pleasant word for everyone.

Happy 40th birthday to Debbie. (Now everyone in the community knows how old she is.)

Summit’s holiday party shaping up

A holiday gathering is planned for Saturday at the Summit Center. Anyone interested in selling crafts or other wares is invited to set up a table in the center sometime before noon, because the “official” time frame is from noon to 5 p.m.

Even if holiday shopping is not your mission, come to enjoy the music, food and good company. Hopefully, the party spirit will be in full force and the celebration will last into the evening.

Everyone is invited to drop by and celebrate our wonderful community and the season together.

Blodgett harmonizes for the holidays

The Blodgett Community Church will bring in the Christmas season with song starting at 10:40 a.m. Sunday.

Adults and children from the church will host the musical “Christmas Around the World,” followed by a potluck lunch.

The public is invited to enjoy this dramatic production and the meal afterwards.

That evening, everyone is invited to again gather for a chili feed and neighborhood caroling. The chili will be served at 5 p.m., and caroling will follow at 6 p.m.

Remember holiday school closure

Our local schools will be closing for the holidays next week. The last day of school for Blodgett Elementary is Dec. 21. Classes will resume Jan. 7. The last day of school for the Eddyville Charter School is Dec. 18. Classes resume Jan. 2.

Nashville resident Kathi Downing can be contacted at ramdown@peak.org or 456-4252.