The Community Activities Commission used its Dec. 10 meeting to celebrate recent community events and to highlight volunteer needs for the holiday season and early 2026.

Mayor Rob Clark offered public comment, thanking the commission and volunteers for their work and wishing them a happy holiday season. "Don't equate my absence with indifference. I really do appreciate what you've done," he said.

Events & Recreation Coordinator Amy and commissioners thanked organizers for the Newcastle holiday market and the 'Songs of the Season' concert, and Amy reported details for Lights of Newcastle: 28 homes were registered and public voting runs through Dec. 19 via an interactive map on the city's website. Amy also described emergency-prep materials distributed at the market.

Commissioners and community-group representatives highlighted volunteer opportunities: the YMCA needs volunteers for its holiday gift drive (sorting Dec. 14 and wrapping Dec. 16 at 5 p.m.); Boy Scout Troop 99 is offering curbside Christmas tree pickup (registration closes Jan. 3 at 7 a.m.); and Regency Newcastle will host a health and wellness vendor fair for older adults on Jan. 21 from 1–4 p.m. at Regency Newcastle on Golf Course Road.

Commissioners encouraged residents to use the SeeClickFix app for city maintenance requests and to report downed wires to the utility (PSC). Staff asked commissioners and community partners to submit items for the Dec. 19 volunteer newsletter.

Next steps: staff will continue outreach for volunteers and publish event maps and registration links on the city website and social media.