Can You Spot a Con Artist?

The holidays are a particularly opportune time for scam artists and bogus investment opportunities.

The Indiana Secretary of State’s Office (www.in.gov/sos/index.htm ) has created a statewide campaign to alert Hoosiers on the most common types of fraud in Indiana: fraud aimed at seniors, faith-based fraud and mortgage fraud. Visit www.in.gov/sos/securities/2418.htm to take a look at or listen to some of the campaigns that deal with each kind of fraud.

One of the best ways to prevent fraud is to become a smart investor; Indiana Investment Watch provides Indiana residents with materials to provide the investor with knowledge about investing (www.in.gov/sos/securities/2422.htm), personal finance (www.in.gov/sos/securities/3285.htm) and news you can use (www.in.gov/sos/securities/2743.htm) to combat various scams and investment schemes.

Use the information from Indiana Investment Watch (www.in.gov/sos/securities/2423.htm) and take the steps to become a wiser, savvier investor!

Friday Facts: Government Information you can use from the Indiana State Library

Oh, Christmas Tree

While pre-decorated artificial trees are becoming more popular, there are still many people who prefer the traditional live tree that they decorate themselves. If you are planning on having a live tree you might want to check out these sites:

forestry.about.com/?once=true& - Top 10 Christmas tree species, picking a fresh Christmas tree
www.christmastree.org/care.cfm - Tips from the National Christmas Tree Association on maintaining your natural tree.

Check out this site for informational videos:
www.ehow.com/video_2370376_deal-christmas-tree-needles.html - How to estimate the length of your tree for lights, detangle, weave, and string Christmas lights, deal with tree needles (videos).

And if you decorate outside your house we hope you don’t end up at this site: www.uglychristmaslights.com

Every Time A Bell Rings...

While Angels work hard year round, it’s that time of year when they increase their numbers and their good works. And the North Judson-Wayne Township Library will once again be doing our part to help them. Donations will be accepted from November 28th until December 14th, when the items will be packaged for distribution.

We will have our Angel Tree up for donations of non-perishable foods, grocery vouchers, laundry detergent, personal items (such as soap, shampoo, and deodorant), and new, unwrapped gifts for children. Gently used, clean coats will also be accepted. Contact Vicky Reetz at 896-2841 after 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday for the sizes needed for clothing donations or if you are interested in sponsoring a child or family.

Everything that is received by the library will be distributed within Starke County by North Judson organizations.

Christmas Treats for Our Troops

The North Judson-Wayne Township Library will once again be taking Christmas donations for our troops in Afghanistan. This year it is requested that only food items be sent as no hygiene items are needed. Collection will be start on November 16th and will end on November 30th so the items can be packed and shipped out by December 2nd.

Please remember that NO PORK products are allowed in the country. Single-serving items are preferred that can be carried by individual soldiers. The following is a list of suggested items:

Cans of soup, chili, tuna, chicken, etc.

Tuna and salmon in pouches

Crystal Lite or similar individual flavored packets for single water bottles

Beef jerky

Pringles cans

Canned nuts

Candy, gum, granola bars

Canned fruits

Cocoa packet

Halloween Honors

Ghosties and goblins, among others,gave a preview of Halloween night on October 24th at the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library’s Halloween program. The program was in cooperation with the Mint Festival’s Fall Festival. Unfortunately, Mother Nature did not provide the best fall weather, so people missed fun, games, food, crafts, and costumed youngsters on parade between the raindrops. The 12 top costumes from the Library Halloween program were:

Cowgirl - Hattie Davis

Ice Princess - Shelby Cornwall

Fairy - Jackie Kozecar

Beeker from the Muppets - Austin Aucoin

Robot - Carl Rose

Michael Myers - Mathew Siebert

Chicken Helper Glove - Catherine Linderman

Clown - Cayden Marshall

Mr. Potato Head - Trey Linderman

Wolf with Little Red Riding Hood in basket - Breanna Blaha

Dracula - Tyler Crawford

Abigail “Abby” Sciuto of NCIS - Amanda Rose