City of Chardon

January 2, 2014 by Staff Report

Traditions
Did everyone watch the ball drop in New York City while singing “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight Jan. 1, 2014?
The first ball drop took place on Dec. 31, 1907, four years after fireworks were displayed on the roof of the second tallest building in New York City, known then as Longacre Square, now One Times Square. Credit goes to New York Times newspaper owner Adolph Ochs, who chose to celebrate the opening of his new headquarters in 1903, with a midnight fireworks display. To make the display more spectacular, he changed to the ball drop, which original was only 5 feet in diameter.
Times have changed, but the tradition remains. After the drop at midnight, everyone sings the familiar tune “Auld Lang Syne.” It is an extremely old Scottish poem that was first written down in the 1700s. Robert Burns wrote his version in 1788 and a good translation of the words “auld lang syne” means “times gone by,” so we sing, “We’ll drink a cup of kindness yet for times gone by.”
Hope everyone had a great welcome to the New Year.
Dog License Renewals
Geauga County 2014 dog licenses need to be purchased on or before Jan. 31. The cost is $15 per canine, but the fee doubles to $30 beginning Feb. 1.
Register in person or mail the application to: Geauga County Auditor’s Office, 231 Main St., Suite 1-A Chardon, OH 44024.
For more information, call 440-285-2222, 440-564-7131 or 440-834-1856, ext. 1604.
Winterfest 2014
Chardon Kiwanis Club members will be helping out at the Winterfest to be held on Jan. 18 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Start the day with a delicious all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast with sausage, pure maple syrup, coffee and juice from 8-11 a.m. Cost is $9 for adults, $7 for senior citizens and $5 for children under 10.
Then, enjoy all the winter festivities on Chardon Square from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. including carriage rides, dog sled demonstrations, ice sculpture, outside fire pits and games, such as snow putting and a snow maze and more.
For more information, visit www.chardontomorrow.org.
Learn more about the Kiwanis Club of Chardon by attending a meeting held at Heinen’s. Guests are welcome at all meetings, but club members ask guests to call to let them know they are coming for planning purposes. Please call 440-537-7316 for information.
Check out the new pictures of Kiwanis events at www.kiwanisclubof chardon.org.
Comment For The Day
I wish you and yours the very best for the new year. Remember to mark 2014 in the checkbook for a few upcoming checks so that you get the “date” right until the routine kicks in.