Bell Ringers

The Salvation Army is planning its annual Christmas kettle drive to ensure that funds are available for needy families in Boyle, Casey, Garrard, Lincoln and Mercer counties this winter. The Army is seeking volunteers to ring the bell for donations during the holiday season. People who are willing to coordinate the efforts within a group from their workplace, church, neighborhood or organization also are needed. The drive will begin the day after Thanksgiving. Contact kettle coordinator Brenda Sexton at (859)

Salvation Army needs bell ringers The Salvation Army in Clark County needs bell ringers to raise money to help local residents during the Christmas season. “We can use individuals, church groups, civic groups, clubs, basically anybody,” said City Commissioner Shannon Cox, a local    organizer.  Those interested can call Cox at 744-3249. Red River Gorge fire ban remains in effect Despite recent rains and cooler temperatures, the wildfire in the Red River Gorge is still putting up smoke, and the fire ban remains in effect this week, according to the U.S. Forest Service office in Winchester.

The Danville Salvation Army has set a goal of $90,000 for its 2009 kettle campaign. If the army reaches the goal, it would set a record and exceed the amount collected last year by $5,000. The money donated to the annual kettle campaign funds the army's numerous food, emergency housing, educational and social service programs throughout the year. Lt. Dan Nelson, co-commander of the Danville army, realizes the goal is ambitious, especially at a time when a down economy has many people scrimping just to make ends meet.

Despite a continuing rough economy, the Danville Salvation Army has set the same fundraising goal for its annual Christmas kettle campaign that it has had the last two years. The goal is $85,000, and the money will be used not only to cover the costs of providing food and other items for clients during the Christmas holidays but also to fund various nutritional, social service, educational, recreational and emergency programs year-round, said Lt. Dan Nelson, co-commander of the local army.

Hibbett Sporting Goods has a Christmas bell ringer that remains standing for the entire day, and she's not allowed to leave the store. "Flo has collected $7,000 in only one week, which means $14,000 because of the matching program from our company," says manager Mark Bowling. "Flo" is a cardboard cutout of a Salvation Army worker in uniform. She comes equipped with a battery operated motorized arm that waves a silent bell, and a motion detector that sounds off with a cheery "Merry Christmas, God Bless You" when someone walks near.

Salvation Army to hold 'special day of giving' The Salvation Army of Danville will hold a "special day of giving" on Saturday at Wal-Mart stores in the area, Lt. Dan Nelson, co-commander of the local army, announced Thursday. The army will have red kettles and bell ringers at the Wal-Mart stores from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, he said. "The Wal-Mart Foundation has invited Salvation Army units all over the country to set up kettles and have bell ringers at its stores as a way to encourage its customers to give early to the army and our Christmas campaign through the holiday season," Nelson said.

Salvation Army seeking bell ringers The Winchester Salvation Army is seeking bell ringers for the 2011 Christmas season. Bell ringing is the primary fundraiser for the local Salvation Army unit to provide for families in need in Clark County. Anyone interested in participating should contact Shannon Cox at 744-3249 or email cox1828@roadrunner.com. Parks board to meet The Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation Board will have a special-called meeting Friday at 5 p.m. at the Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation Health and Wellness Center (College Park Gym)

With 10 days left in its 2010 Christmas Kettle Campaign, the Danville Salvation Army is slightly ahead of last year’s collection pace. As of Monday, the army had collected $30,697 at its five bell-ringing stations in the area, according to local army co-commander Lt. Dan Nelson. That amount was $772 more than what had been collected at the same point in the 2009 campaign, he said. “The next 10 days are critical to reaching our campaign goal of $85,000,” he said. The army hopes to get a boost in donations this Friday and Saturday, Nelson said.

Salem Presbyterian’s Advent Anticipations Salem Presbyterian Church, 312 Combs Ferry Road, invites the public to Advent Anticipations, during the four Sundays of Advent, Nov. 28, Dec.5, 12 and 19. There will be Bible study, stories, songs and activities from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Worship service will begin at 11 a.m. First Presbyterian fills Empty Bowls First Presbyterian Church of Winchester is joining with local artist...

Despite a continuing rough economy, the Danville Salvation Army has set the same fundraising goal for its annual Christmas kettle campaign that it has had the last two years. The goal is $85,000, and the money will be used not only to cover the costs of providing food and other items for clients during the Christmas holidays but also to fund various nutritional, social service, educational, recreational and emergency programs year-round, said Lt. Dan Nelson, co-commander of the local army.

Author to sign book at Centre bookstore Calvin G. “Jerry” Lyons, author of “If These Stones Could Talk,” will be at the Centre College Bookstore at 10 a.m. Saturday to sign copies of his book. He will be at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington at 2 p.m. Saturday. Lyons, a retired Army colonel, was moved to write the book after visiting the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France. While there, he saw a World War II veteran emerging from the chapel in tears, probably remembering friends who had died on the beaches or in the hedgerows of Normandy.

The Danville Salvation Army has set a goal of $90,000 for its 2009 kettle campaign. If the army reaches the goal, it would set a record and exceed the amount collected last year by $5,000. The money donated to the annual kettle campaign funds the army's numerous food, emergency housing, educational and social service programs throughout the year. Lt. Dan Nelson, co-commander of the Danville army, realizes the goal is ambitious, especially at a time when a down economy has many people scrimping just to make ends meet.

Dec. 11, 3:30 p.m. University of Kentucky Tubas and Euphoniums: Back by popular demand, Director Skip Grey brings this most unique ensemble for a concert of Christmas favorites. Reception follows. The event is free and open to the public. Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. A Christmas Ball: Hor's d'oeuvres, door prizes, dancing and live music featuring the Metrognomes Big Band! Dressy attire. Optional swing dance class begins at 6:30 pm. Tickets: $15 single or $25 per couple.