LIMA — Service members will tell you the thing at the top of their day is mail call.Allen County Chapter of American Red Cross is participating for the first time in the Holiday Mail for Heroes program, officials announced this week. The program provides Americans the chance to send holiday greetings to armed forces personnel. The Red Cross partners with Pitney Bowes, Simon Properties, including the Lima Mall, for the program. Locally, the Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home will sponsor the program.Pitney Bowes donates time to screen cards for hazardous materials, sort them and send them to bases. Chamberlain-Huckeriede is paying local shipping costs to mail the signed cards to a screening center. The mall will hold three card-signing events for the public, including Saturday for Santa’s arrival. Simon Properties hopes to gather 1 million cards across the country for the troops, said Theresa Morocco, marketing and business development director for the Lima Mall.Red Cross officials encouraged the public to participate in the program, at a signing event, mailing a card individually (postmarked by Dec. 9) or with groups, such as classrooms or scout troops. Cards can also be dropped off at the Allen County chapter house, 610 S. Collett St., by Dec. 7. Cards should not include any embellishments, such as glitter, stamps or inserts. Also not accepted are “care package” items or money.“All you need is a pen and piece of paper to share your appreciation of the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make each day in their service to their country,” said David Collins, executive director of the Allen County chapter American Red Cross.Visit http://rdcrss.org/tbMHSE for details; the site is helpful for groups wishing to sign or make cards wanting to know specifications of the cards.You can comment on this story at www.limaohio.com.

New Year's Day Closings

The story

FINDLAY — The Findlay Service League had the first of its Christmas wishes granted when they secured five historical homes along that city’s South Main Street for its biennial Holiday Homes Tour.

LINDA SAKEMILLERLimaBells will be ringing this holiday for families having loved ones serving in the military in Iraq. On Dec. 13 and 14, families across Ohio will have the chance to see, hear and talk with their soldiers who otherwise would not be home for Christmas. Soldiers who are stationed in five camps in Iraq — Camp Taji, Camp Fallujah, Camp Taqaddum, Al Asad Airbase and Camp Victory in Baghdad — will have an opportunity to connect to their families and friends, open presents, share stories and bring some holiday cheer to one another through video conferencing technology.Ohio locations will host these 30-minute visits Dec. 13 and 14, beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. With Iraqi time being eight hours ahead, it will be midnight before some of the calls have been completed and soldiers can go to bed. Only soldiers at the five camps will be able to connect through the Freedom Calls satellite network. This is free of charge to the families and soldiers. Any costs incurred will be absorbed by the Freedom Calls Foundation, the public schools and support agencies involved as a way to show the soldiers they are appreciated. Families will be able to visit with their soldiers in private rooms, large enough to hold family and friends.Those wishing to connect to soldiers in any of the camps listed above must register by going to http://OhioDL.org/ and clicking on the Freedom Calls link. Families will need to select the site that is closest to them as well as the time of day they want to meet.The goal is to enable our troops to communicate free of charge from their base camps with their families at home via Internet telephone, instant messaging and videoconference.Among the locations that will host families for the Freedom Calls is the Allen County Educational Service Center, 1920 Slabtown Road, Lima. For information, contact Linda Sakemiller, director of instructional technology, at linda@allencountyesc.org or 419-222-1836, Ext.107.

LIMA — Everyone has their vision of the ideal Christmas. Whether yours involves flashing lights, family gatherings or a quiet manger, there's something local that will meet your ideals.Kicking off the festivities this year is the granddaddy of Lima holiday traditions, the 39th annual Christmas Tree Festival. This year, more than 100 trees and wreaths will be decorated following the “Vision of Christmas” theme.“This is more entries than we've had for a time. I think in part that's because the Allen County Museum has an expanded space to showcase more, and people are interested in seeing the museum,” said Pat Smith, director of the museum. “But I also think with the current situation in the world, people want to focus more on tradition. People are thinking more inwardly on family and community, and this festival is a great place to remember that,” she added.But that's not all, there will also be extended evening hours on Dec. 2 for tours of the MacDonell House and the Pioneer Log House. There will be holiday boutiques, baked goods, activities, displays, Evergreen the Talking Tree, and readings of The Polar Express beside the indoor Shay locomotive.“That will be especially nice because the locomotive in the book was based on drawings of a locomotive built in Lima,” Smith said.So, here's the specifics of what's coming and what to expect.Lima39th Annual Christmas Tree Festival10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Dec. 3; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 and 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 4.Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market St., LimaFree, but donations accepted.Polar Express readings at 6 and 7 p.m. Dec. 2 and hourly starting at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Also, live entertainment everyday, “Christmas in Australia” in the Children's Discovery Center, daily demonstrations in the log house; night-time tours of the MacDonell House and Pioneer log house on Dec. 2, bake shop, and activities.Holiday Festival10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 3 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 4.Downtown LimaFreeFollowing the theme “Christmas Joy,” this year's festival includes Open Mic Night at The Meeting Place on Market and Jazz at the Greenhouse at DeHaven's Garden Showplace, both on Dec. 3. On Dec. 4, events include Toys for Tots Breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Wingate, Lima Public Library celebration and St. Luke Lutheran Church's Christmas bazaar. Holiday Street Fair11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 1St. Rita's Medical Center, 730 W. Market St., LimaMusical performances, balloon artists, live Nativity, photos with reindeer and sleigh, and dedication of the Christmas tree. Also items for sale, including homemade buckeyes, holiday decor, poinsettias, sewing and needlework.Lima Symphony Orchestra's “Bells, Brass and Bows”7:30 p.m. Dec. 10Veterans Memorial Civic Center, downtown Lima.Guest Shannon O'Neill and the Lima Symphony Chorus join the orchestra for a program of carols, classics and holiday favorites.“Holiday Spectacular”7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3 and 2 p.m. Dec. 3 and 4Veterans Memorial Civic Center, downtown Lima.$5 at any Kewpee location.ONU's holiday extravaganza of carols, dancing and characters. Naturally, Santa won't miss this event.Breakfast with Santa8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 3Trinity Center for Creative Child Care, 301 W. Market St., Lima. $5 for pancake/sausage breakfast, additional cost for photos with Santa.Tickets available 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays at the center.23rd Annual Christmas at Apollo Craft Fair9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 3Apollo Career Center, 3325 Shawnee Road, Lima.$2 adults, free for 12 and younger.More than 100 crafters with holiday designs. Proceeds benefit Apollo student clubs.Van Wert“The Nutcracker”2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Van Wert.Tickets $12 to $32, at 419-238-6722 or online at www.npacvw.orgThis classical ballet features a live pit orchestra, and guest dancers from around the country. Joining them on stage will be several local dancers, as well as the Van Wert Area Boys Choir.Holiday of Lights Show6 to 9 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, starting Saturday through Dec. 26Van Wert County Fairgrounds, Gate 5 entrance.$5 for cars, $25 for bus.Hosted by the Van Wert 4-H Interstate Exchange Club, the holiday drive-through features 60 lighted displays from local businesses, churches and clubs. Santa will greet vehicles Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Carriage rides will be offered Dec. 4, 11, 18 for $7 each.BlufftonBluffton Blaze of Lights4 p.m. Saturdaythroughout Bluffton.Ice carving precedes the 5 p.m. parade which includes Ronald McDonald. Lights on the Ream displays go on at 7 p.m. Entertainment throughout the village.116th Performance of Handel's “Messiah”4 p.m. Dec. 11Founders Hall at Bluffton University.KentonLake of Lights6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, today through Dec. 26.State Route 67, west of Kenton$5 per vehicle.Holiday 5K run kicks off events at 6 p.m. Saturday, beginning at Jitterz Coffee House in Kenton. After that, special activities include wagon rides from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 10 for $5. Luminaries of remembrance will be placed on France Lake for a 9 p.m. service on Dec. 18.Candy Cane Tour of Homes3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 4Six holiday-decorated homes and businesses around the Kenton area. $12 at the Hardin County Museum, 223 N. Main St., Kenton.OttawaWelcome Santa Parade2 p.m. Nov. 27Downtown Ottawa.Floats, candy, and Santa. Parade ends in the park.40th Annual Carol Sing7:30 p.m. Dec. 4Riley Creek United Methodist Church, 7102 Road M, OttawaSinging around the piano. Story of the Nativity, special choir music, candle lighting.St. MarysSt. Marys Winterfest2 p.m. Dec. 4Memorial Park, St. MarysHosted by St. Marys Optimist Club, activities kick off with ice skating, followed at 4 p.m. with a Holiday Parade. Live nativity and entertainment follow that, with the Festival of Lights coming on at 7 p.m. A Lost in the ‘50s Train will be running to take folks from Memorial Park to K.C. Geiger Park to see the light displays. At Memorial Park, there will be free hot chocolate and hot dogs, with Santa arriving by horse-drawn wagon.Festival of LightsK.C. Geiger Park, St. Marys7 to 9 p.m. kickoff on Dec. 4. After that, hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 23.Free, but donations of non-perishable food and slightly worn clothing and toys accepted.More than 25 light displays from area businesses and organizations. Santa's House starts after Dec. 4. Sledding hill and skating rink too.WaynesfieldBreakfast with Santa7:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 3Waynesfield Lions Building$5 adults for pancake/sausage breakfast, $2.50 for 4 to 10 years, free for 3 and younger. Pictures with Santa are $3, available 8 a.m. to noon.HarrodBreakfast with Santa8 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 10Allen East High School auditeria, 9105 Harding Highway, Harrod. $5 by calling 419-648-3333, ext. 2023.Hosted by the Allen East Mustang Marching Brass and the school's music association. Games, activities and pictures with Santa.Mendon2011 Mendon Town Hall Christmas6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 2 and 1 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3Various activities around town.$1 adults, at the Town Hall and Motorcycle MuseumActivities on Dec. 2 include Festival of Trees with more than 85 decorated trees at the Town Hall. Also, Nativity displays and Live Animals of the Nativity. On Dec. 3, activities include a quilt show, free horse-drawn carriage rides and the arrival of Santa, who will talk with children from 1:30 to 4:30 that day at the Town Hall.New Bremen“Angelhead”Childrens Christmas musical by the Crescent Players7 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10St. Paul United Church of Christ, 117 N. Franklin St., New Bremen.Canned good or monetary donation to Agape Ministries.The story of an angel ornament who falls out of the Christmas tree and is chewed up by the family cat. The ornament goes to a manger scene in search of answers.ContinentalChristmas Open House9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 10American Legion, 109 S. Fifth St., ContinentalMore than 45 booths of items for sale. Also, Santa talks with the children from 3 to 5 p.m. Pictures are available.Dunkirk“Night in Bethlehem” Nativity Experience4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 3 and 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 4Camp Common Ground, County Road 135, Dunkirk.Free, but donations accepted.60-minute walking tour of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus' birth. Dress for the weather.

In The Lima News on Aug. 6, there was an article titled Report: Medicare healthy, Social Security ailing.” They try to make it sound as if it is the people’s fault because too many are retiring early and then living too long.

Non-fiction

Non-fiction

  COLUMBUS — Provisional numbers released Monday by the Ohio Department of Public Safety show fewer motorists killed on Ohio’s roadways this Christmas holiday.

LIMA - Downtown Lima will be buzzing with festive fever this weekend, with several holiday events starting off the season. Here are a few of the goings-on:• The Lima Christmas Tree festival, Allen County Museum, now through Sunday• Candlelight tour of the MacDonell House, today• "Bells, Brass and Bows" with the Lima Symphony Orchestra, Veterans Memorial Civic Center, today through Sunday• Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Argonne• Horse-drawn carriage rides around downtown, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.• Santa's Secret Workshop with gifts $5 and under, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Meeting Place on Market• Christmas Carols from Around the World, 10 a.m., Lima Public Library• Holiday Plastic Bag Needlecrafts, 2 p.m. Lima Public Library• Christmas art project decorating for kids, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., ArtSpace/Lima• Christmas caroling by Shawnee Alliance Church Choir, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., downtown• Christmas cookie decorating, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Old Barn Downtown• Downtown Christmas parade, 12:30 p.m.Call 419-222-2686 for details.

LIMA — With a mild winter season beginning, Lima residents might not get the idyllic white Christmas, but they can expect to see more cars traveling this Christmas season.

LIMA — Take a step back in time to the days when Lima’s downtown was bustling with shoppers awaiting the Christmas season. That blast from the past returns Saturday when the annual Downtown Lima 2010 Holiday Festival again fills the air with Christmas magic.

Flag Day is arguably our most forgotten holiday. It doesn’t have the commercial power of Halloween or the religious significance of Easter and Christmas. It also lacks the reverence of Memorial Day and the celebratory punch of the Fourth of July.

LIMA — It wasn’t hard to see the holiday spirit on full display across Lima on Friday. At events all across town, individuals, companies and agencies were putting their generosity to good use to spread good cheer as the holidays approach.

LIMA — More Ohioans will hit the highway this holiday weekend and local law enforcement agencies have increased patrols in preparation.

LIMA — Holiday traffic may be interrupted by what some are wishing for this Christmas: snow.

I have some news today, and it may be a bit unsettling. Tragically, there’s a very good chance that by the time you are reading this column it is already too late. Don’t panic. We’re going to get you through this. Just breath deep and accept the facts as they are, then we’ll figure out what to do next.Here it goes: Today is St. Valentine’s Day and yes, it is a big deal.Now settle down. Thrashing about and weeping like that is doing nobody any good. You’re just drawing attention to yourself and you do not want to do that. Women can smell panic on you, like feral dogs but with access to your checking account. Trust me, you do not want to incur this particular wrath. Just stay calm.What’s that you say? Oh, you’re saying it’s OK that you forgot St. Valentine’s Day. Oh, you’ve had this discussion with your wife already and she agrees that Valentine’s is just a Hallmark holiday, doesn’t really count, better to spend the cash on the gas bill or something? She’d actually be offended if you did get her something, she’s that kind of woman?SMACK!!Yes, that was me smacking you upside the head, my literary way of saying wake the heck up and come back to reality. Sure she said all that stuff, but don’t be idiot enough to believe it. You have to understand, this is what they do, they say one thing but mean the total opposite, like when she says she likes her men a little pudgy or asks you to be honest about your feelings. I’m not sure why they do it, but suspect it has something to do with compensating for our superior strength by keeping us perpetually confused and frightened. It’s working by the way. In any case, now that we’ve established this is a big deal, it’s time to get to work. First, consider the time. If you are relatively bright (and let’s face it, if you fell for the “St. Valentine’s Day doesn’t matter” line that’s seriously in question) then you’re reading this column over your morning coffee and you still have time.If you’re dumb enough to have waited until after reading the sports page, obituaries and whatever wackiness little Billy’s gotten himself into in the “Family Circus,” or, God help you, if you’re one of those who still pretend this is an afternoon paper, we’re going to have to alter our plan some. In fact, you might just want to start splitting up your stuff now. If you hide your Meatloaf album before she calls the lawyer you may just get it in the divorce. That will be about it.  Assuming it’s still early, the first thing we need to do is let her know that you know what day it is. Don’t go overboard here — we already went over the part about them sensing panic — just give her a smile and peck and simple “Happy Valentine’s.” Do not be tempted to make up some excuse for why there’s no box of chocolates on the table, no lies about lost packages or missing mail, just stay cool and get the heck out of the house.Now that you’ve made your escape, it’s time to start shopping, Being a man, you’re going to be tempted to overcompensate here, don’t. If history has taught us anything it’s that great, grand gestures rarely if ever impress women and more often than not lead to physical injury. Every year you hear the same tragic tale of some romantic plot gone terribly wrong: the guy who breaks both legs trying to paint “I Love You” on a water tower; the fellow who hires a string quartet only to find a polka band at his heretofore romantic table; or the poor sap who has his true love’s name tattooed on his butt only to discover much too late that “Debbie” contains two b’s. Don’t be that guy.There are times in life for creativity, this is not one of those times. There’s a reason everybody gives flowers and chocolates on Valentine’s, it works. Call a good florist and hope they can help you. Again, don’t pretend you know what you’re talking about, just give them your Visa number and let them do the rest. If your wife works, have them sent to her office. Trust me, among women the only thing more important than getting flowers on St. Valentine’s Day is having the other women in the office know she got flowers on St. Valentine’s Day. If you’re too late for flowers, go with chocolates. Remember, not all chocolates are created the same. A Snickers bar might be fine between meals, but it’s not going to fly today. Look for Godiva, Dietsch’s or anything with a Teutonic name. Again, if you can find a kid to deliver this to the office, all the better. She’ll take great if slightly malevolent joy in sharing her chocolate with those office mates whose husbands didn’t care enough to remember the holiday. Finally, there will need to be a card. Go to the store and pick out something fairly simple, preferably something that doesn’t rhyme. Avoid bright foil and, above all else, no funny cards. And no, you can’t just sign it, you have to write a note. Again, keep it simple. Unless your last name is Yates or Whitman, avoid poetry. Tell her you love her, you appreciate her and even though she considers Valentine’s silly and unnecessary, there is nothing silly about telling her how very necessary she is to your happiness. And dot your eyes with little hearts. It shows you’re sensitive. And if all that doesn’t work, you’re on your own. Don’t forget to hide that Meatloaf album, and feel free to panic.

David S. Adams - Founded and nurtured the Public Officials Dialogue. Adams created the Public Officials Dialogue on the belief that people who come together to share a meal, stories and experiences, also build strong relationships and are willing and ready to cooperate on issues of community concern.

LIMAMarimor School will be holding its annual holiday music program at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The program is free and open to the public.This year’s program is titled “It’s Christmas Everywhere.” Music and dance from eight countries will be featured. The dances were taught to the students by artist-in-residence Lena Lauer.

ELIDA — Cake and candles: Check. Piñata: Check. Restoring Christ in Christmas: Check.