Not everyone wrote letters to Santa this year. Nancy and Joan Stoker, of 23 Farnham St., wrote a letter to the “Grinch” who stole a piece of their Christmas spirit.
After a 15-inch-tall lighted star was taken from their front porch the evening of Friday, Dec. 9, the mother and daughter duo posted a personal note to the thieves outside their house.
“We kept it outside for about two weeks before lighting it. When we plugged it in that Friday evening, it was gone by morning. My neighbor told me he doesn’t put his decorations outside until after the college kids go home for the holiday,” said Nancy Stoker. “My daughter Joan put something about it on Facebook, but we weren’t sure if that would make it return, so she wrote a note and put it on the porch.”
Having moved to Cazenovia from Fenner three years ago, the Stokers had experienced a similar problem with another lawn decoration. A two-foot-tall cement man, which the family lovingly refers to as “Sir Henry,” was taken two years ago.
The college-aged vandals promptly returned the ornament after realizing the burden a 150-pound statue can be to transport. Sir Henry is now secured with an underground chain system, however the shining star was an easy grab.
Nancy said the star had more sentimental value than monetary, but was still sad to have it stolen. In the following weeks, she has come to terms with the theft, but that hasn’t stopped her from thinking about it.
“I’ve got to watch those dorm room windows to see if I see a shining star like ours. I think I would go inside and ask ‘Where did you get that star? I would really like one,’” Nancy joked.
When asked if she or Joan had anything else to say to the perpetrators, she smiled and said, “I think the sign says it all.”
Anyone with information about the stolen shining star is asked to contact the Cazenovia Republican, at 434-8889 ext. 338 or [email protected].
