Toys

Capt. Zach Bell took a load of toys to a family on Christmas last year. "We walked into the house and we recognized that this family had nothing. They were barely making it," Bell said. The captain of the Salvation Army here in Boyle, Garrard, Mercer, Lincoln and Casey counties, likes to personally deliver at least one bundle of Christmas and all the trimmings to a family each year. Last year the family he went to see had a little boy and Bell was bringing a bicycle, along with the usual box of food, bag of toys, shoes and clothes.

Bikers in Christmas parade; plan toy drive The Concerned Bikers of Kentucky Inc. will participate in the Heart of Danville Christmas parade Friday. The theme is "Helping One Child at a Time. " The Concerned Bikers also will make a trip Dec. 13 to the University of Kentucky's Cancer Center in Lexington. Santa Claus will deliver toys to the children. Anyone who wishes to donate toys for the project may put them in the sled at the parade or take to Sonic on Hustonville Road.

Allied Waste realigns Kentucky operations Allied Waste Industries has completed changes to its operations, which served Boyle and Lincoln counties. The changes included closing a waste transfer station in Boyle County in May and terminating residential collection services for about 600 customers in Boyle and Lincoln in July. The company said that investments needed to rebuild the transfer station could not be supported at this time. The decision to close the transfer station, combined with a 56 percent increase in fuel cost, meant the company could no longer cost efficiently serve the affected communities.

Does your cat have you well-trained? Do you jump when your cat says meow? Does your daily routine revolve around your cat's feeding, playing, and sleeping habits? If so, you are just like millions of other people who consider their cats almost human. A unique bond exists between a person and his or her furry feline roommate. Cats are naturally comfortable and feel right at home outside in the wild. However, keeping cats indoors is much safer. Indoor cats are at lower risk for injuries associated with the outdoor environment such as cars, predators, and other cats.

“Star Search” finalist Mike Malone (www.malonecomedy.com) will headline a comedy show Thursday at Mallard’s Restaurant. The show starts at 8 p.m.; doors open at 6:45 p.m. With his rubber face, energy, sarcasm andwildly imaginative views on life, Malone works from New York to L.A., having now performed in 30-plus states. He’s been featured on both “The Bob and Tom Radio and TV Shows” in addition to appearances on WGN TV, The National Lampoon’s Operation Comedy Tour, NBC TV’s “Night Shift with Kevin Ferguson,” and XM/ Sirius Satellite radio.

Made in China or some other overseas nation are the words we see on just about everything we buy. It has become so commonplace that it is a rarity to find an item that says "Made in America. " When I was a child I can remember my father saying that we would not buy anything unless it was American made. Nothing came into our home unless it fit that criteria. If we tried doing that today our homes would probably be close to empty, there would be no computers, very few cars on the road and extremely little clothing in your closet.

This is not going to be a sermon, but it is going to be about something that truly is in keeping with the season. One of the first things that comes to mind is that this is the season for giving. After all, God sent us the greatest gift when He sent His son. And because of that gift, Christmas has always meant a season for giving. Now I want to share a little story about giving. Operation Happiness is not a new program for Winchester and Clark County. It has been around for more than 37 years.

Dear Santa, i WANT A NINTENDO DS LiTe AND A PUPPY (From Nicholas Griffett) Dear Santa, Hi my name is Brianna Gray. I want a Nintendo DS with a game and fingerpolish for Christmas. Merry Christmas and a happy new year. Say hi to cupid for me. Enjoy the cookis and milk. Brianna Gray Dear Santa, Hi my name is Erica Gray. I only want 1 thing for Christmas a babydoll that comes with a stroler and bottle. Thank you merry Christmas. Enjoy the cookies and milk.

CHURCH BAZAAR The North Middletown Christian Church Bazaar will be open for browsing at 9:30 a.m. with sales to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3. Two special features will be introduced this year, a free antique toy and doll exhibit and Hank Everman will be signing his book, "History of Bourbon County from 1865. " Again this year a silent auction of baskets will be held with the theme "Old-fashioned toys, birds, you are special and honey bee. " Bidding will stop at noon.

Help make somebody happy this Christmas To the Sun: Calling All Volunteers! In a matter of just days, we will open the doors to Emmanuel Episcopal Church and welcome a few thousand Clark County residents to participate in the 39th year of Operation Happiness! We've ordered the food, purchased the coats, hats, gloves and toys in anticipation of serving 1,400 families. Donations have been coming in for weeks, and we truly appreciate our community's generosity.