As we truly start this great holiday season, always remember that there are so  many in need in this great state of ours. Many are obvious, but many are not. because of sudden loss of employment, or cutbacks, many of are friends and neighbors suddenly find themselves in a position that that never thought they would. So here are a few ways to help.Even if it does not directly help those that you know, it will reach some one, or some family that truly needs it.

First, as always, donations of food can go to The Community Dining Room. This agency located in Branford not only serves the town, but helps support the communities from East Haven to Old Saybrook. In addition to the usual donations, they also could use items such as paper towels and napkins. Items such as these are not normally donated, and not readily available through the Connecticut Food Bank, and therefore have to be purchased. Our good friends up at the Country Tavern are now an official drop point for The USMC Reserves Toys For Tots, so bring your new, unwrapped toy to them, and drop it off, and they will take it from there. In Branford, you can drop off coats and blankets at Lenny’s, 205 Montowese Street.

Now, on to the weekend. Ongoing this week end will be the Sea of Trees at Mystic Aquarium, and Dixie’s Tupperware Party at The Garde Arts Center. Along the lines of family entertainment, virtually every town is having their tree lighting this weekend, but one of the best will be in Chester tonight. All of us in Guilford will be plugging in to, and if you are on the Green, come on over to our office at 87 Whitfield Street, and say hello. You can even pick up your membership card while your here, and rumor has it that there may be some “libations” somewhere in the office. If there is, Moretti is doing a good job of hiding them on me.

The music scene is hopping as well. Tonight you can see Johnny and The East Coast Rockers in action at The Ancient Mariner in Mystic, Solid Gold has people shaking their groove thing at JRoos in North Haven, New Kharma is got it going on at The Cambridge Brew House in Torrington, and Crosseyed Cat is blowing the doors off The Groggy Frogg in Southington. More on The Cats later.

Saturday has even more going on. Borrowed Toys starts the day by lighting up the Crystal Mall in Waterford from 3:30 to 4:30,Four Play is at JRoos in North Haven, The Taxmen are at Donovan’s Reef in Branford, Pyramid is at The Cambridge Brew House. For those of you who would rather Play, than watch, The Country Tavern Is having open Mike night, so bring your instrument and they will do the rest. Trust me on this when I tell you not to eat during the day, and get one of the CT’s 9 ounce burgers. I mean, think about it, the best that McDonalds can do is a freaking third of a pound.

Back to Crosseyed Cat. On Sunday the 6th, they will be at the Crossroad Cantina in Waterbury hosting there 2nd annual Christmas Ball. Joining them will be both The All In Band, and Bottoms Up. For ten bucks, you get all this great music, AND a buffet. Sounds like a plan. So time to get out and get the Holiday Spirit!

Related posts:

1. Weekend Update With A Cause
2. Weekend Update: It’s A Matter Of Choice!
3. Weekend Update: Tough Call, Weather Or Not
4. And Now, Dessert. The Weekend
5. Weekend Update: Farmer’s Markets, Music Festivals, And The Black Sheep Ranch