BJ Blanchard: Christmas Grinch in Glen Ellen?

Two hand-written notes attached to the cheerful Christmas garlands on the bridge in Glen Ellen reveal a problem. It seems that some wreaths and ribbons have been pinched, pilfered, pocketed, purloined by persons unknown.

Coming home from a long commute just as the lights are beginning to twinkle in the glooming winter dusk, those garlands and sparkly lights as you cross the bridge are welcoming and merry, and you know you are home. So, bah humbug. No more illicit wreath removal!

Through the wonders of social networking, 10 neighbors have come forward to donate decorations, ribbons, wreaths, muscle and money to replace the treasures.

While we’re at it, do you know Mary Geurrazzi and her happy band of elves who put up these holiday decorations every year? Geurrazzi and her pal Kymm Falls used to organize their Girl Scout troop to do the job. Now that the Scouts have grown up - and are doing high-flying things around the world as young women - the job is left to Geurrazzi and her husband, and daughters Sienna and Gemma, and friends Vickie Hill and Griffen Hill.

Further good Glen Ellen news of the season is that the jolly Christmas hayride with Neil Shepard and his gang is on. The handsome Clydesdales will be pulling the sleigh hay wagon as per tradition and is scheduled the Sunday before Christmas. Meet at the Jack London Lodge parking lot, Sunday, Dec. 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. And practice your holiday carols to sing out Christmas cheer!