Have A Heart For CADA

The Friends of the North Judson-Wayne Township Library are conducting their semi-annual drive for the Coalition Against Domestic Abuse.  During the month of February they will be collecting non-food items to be used by CADA clients.  Items can be dropped off at the library during regular business hours.

Suggestions include:

Paper towels
Foil or plastic wrap
Laundry products:
       Detergent
       Fabric softener sheets
Dish detergent
Sponges
Toothpaste
Deodorant
(No shampoo is needed at this time)
Any cash donations will be converted into store gift cards

The Friends of the Library thank for your support of Phoenix House, a safe shelter for Starke County residents.

2013/2014 Marshall-Starke Head Start Enrollment

Head Start is enrolling for the 2013-2014 school year.

Children must be residents of Marshall or Starke County and be 3 or 4 years old by August 1st.  Preschool classroom activities are provided to promote school readiness.  Transportation is provided and there is no cost to participate.

In Marshall County call 574-936-7412; in Starke County call 574-772-2347; or call toll free 800-720-7748.

Early Head Start accepts referrals on an ongoing basis.  Home based services are provided to children 0-3 years of age and pregnant women.  Playgroups are available twice a month.  Early Head Start provides information about prenatal care, proper nutrition, home safety, infant/toddler care and well being.  The Early Head Start program promotes school readiness.

In Marshall County call 574-896-7412; in Starke County call 574-772-2347; or call toll tree 800-720-7747.

Head Start and Early Head Start also provide services for children with disabilities.

Notes from Nubi - Happy New Holidays

It's been some time since I last got my paws on the computer.  Mom was busy using it for end-of-the-year statistics (like how many times we had a READ program, how many of my friends attended each time, how many books were checked out, etc.), processing new books, learning to use some new equipment, and bunches of other stuff that need to be done at the beginning of each year.

Things like that make me glad I'm a dog!  I only have to eat, sleep, annoy the cat, pester Mom to let me out, pester Mom to let me back in, protect the house from wind/squirrels/the dog across the street/the neighborhood cats, and most importantly, whine at the bathroom door when Mom's in there.  But I've been trying to help with the READ Jr. program too.  When Mom's not looking I check to see what unknown holidays take place near our scheduled meetings.

Not that I don't like the usual holidays, but someone has to sniff out the unusual.  Did you know that January 30th is National Escape Day?  And you all know what February 2nd is - Heavenly Hash Day!  Our next READ JR. is February 9th - National Bagels & Lox Day/National Toothache Day/National Read in the Bathtub Day.  Not too sure I like the sound of that last one, why would anyone WANT to take a bath?  Especially after you've rolled around in some good smelling stuff you found in the backyard!

Well, my paws are getting a bit tired, it's hard to type without fingers.  But if you want to find out about more silly holidays check out The Ultimate Holiday Site, you might just find a new favorite holiday.

2013 Earth Week Catapult Contest

On April 27, 2013 MoonTree Studios and Veterans Therapeutic Art Center of Donaldson, Indiana are sponsoring an Earth Week Catapult Contest.   The registration fee is $45 per team (minimum of 2 people, maximum of 9) and all team members must be at least 18 years of age or have a parent or guardian present.

The “Build a Catapult Experience” is open to the public as well as VTAC members. Teams are required to register by February 28, 2013 to receive the rules and building guidelines. They can design and build their catapult machine with the help of an experienced MoonTree Wood Shop Facilitator. The Catapult Experience will culminate with a Contest of Catapult Prowess and Launch of Life on the prairie surrounding MoonTree Studios on Saturday, April 27 during Earth Week. Catapults will compete for distance, accuracy, originality of design and decoration, use of recycled material, and even historical accuracy and team insignia or costume. Prizes will be awarded!
The catapult contest’s closing ceremonies will include a Launch of Life, when all catapult teams will line up for a simultaneous launch of seed balls into the grasslands around MoonTree Studios.

Call MoonTree Studios at (574) 935-1712, or VTAC at (574) 400-3258 (ask for Dan) or (574) 328-2108 (ask for Rich).

Tangible Evidence, January 26th - February 24th

Until today you probably weren't aware of MoonTree Studios and Gallery, a ministry of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.  In their own words:

MoonTree Community is a ministry of the Poor Handmaids and is one of several ministries at the PHJC Ministry Center. Its mission is to facilitate the spiritual connection that can be found through art and nature. In the words of MoonTree Elder Sister Mary Baird, MoonTree seeks to bring everyone from seasoned artists and college students to artistic novices and retired seniors together to share their experiences and achieve "a greater learning." The MoonTree Vision Statement attests to this mission: "Through participation in MoonTree experiences, people awaken to their creative potential and sow the seeds for a more mindful, compassionate and sustainable Earth Community." For more information please visit the MoonTree website at www.moontreestudios.org.

MoonTree focuses on the old crafts such as pottery, clay, painting, spinning, weaving, metal work and more, offering a variety of experiences that explore these arts in their most natural form. For example, participants in clay experiences have the opportunity to dig their own clay and form and fire their ceramic creations.

The Gallery is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.; weekends are by appointment only.  

For the next month they will be displaying the work of:

Susan Sutherland Barnes, a ceramic artist who uses clay to build abstract works in nontraditional ways. Barnes’ intricate, colorful glazed pieces are often composed around a single leaf, many with bright mosaic tile details, and even baskets, with woven wicker around the edges. 

Love Inc Annual Banquet

Love Inc. will have their annual Love in the Name of Christ Banquet on February 23, 2013.  The banquet will take place at 6 p.m. at The Carpenter's Yard, 301 Main Street, North Judson, Indiana.

Tickets are $20 per person or $150 for a table for eight and are available at Key Bank in Knox and 1st Farmers in North Judson.

For more information you can call 574-896-0055 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 9 a.m. and noon.

"Not Now Darling"

The North Judson American Legion, Post #92, will present the Retro Act Theatrical Productions version of "Not Now Darling" on February 2, 2013.

Tickets for Dinner & Play are $25 per person:
          Cocktails @ 5 p.m.
          Dinner @ 6 p.m.
          Show time @ 7 p.m.

Tickets are on sale at the American Legion, call 574-896-2011 for more details.

What's Your Guess?

Well, our cover picture on Facebook has been up almost a month and I'm working on choosing another historical replacement. But before this one goes back to the album, how many of our current, or past, Judsonites know, just by examining the picture, on which corner this bank was located and what stands there today?

For those of us who have lived here for several decades, the buildings do provide a clue. Unfortunately, I don't think any of them are still around to guide our younger community members.

So what's your guess? (I was originally off by one block.)

VITA - Free Assistance To Taxpayers

The VITA Program generally offers free tax help to people who make $51,000 or less and need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals in local communities. They can inform taxpayers about special tax credits for which they may qualify such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations.

To have your tax return(s) prepared at a VITA or TCE site you need to bring the following information with you:

• Proof of identification – Picture ID
• Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration or
• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter for you, your spouse and dependents
• Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
• Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
• Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc from all employers
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
• A copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available
• Proof of bank account routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit, such as a blank check
• Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number (the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business Employer Identification Number) if appropriate
• To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

It is extremely important that each person use the correct Social Security Number. The most accurate information is usually located on your original Social Security card. If you do not have an SSN for you or a dependent, you should complete Form SS-5, Social Security Number Application. This form should be submitted to the nearest Social Security Administration Office.

For an appointment with a local volunteer contact: 

Starke County Public Library 

 Unified Tax Credit for the Elderly:  If you only need to file the Unified Tax Credit for the Elderly form, but do not need to file Federal or State income taxes, you do not need an appointment for assistance.  One of our Reference Department staff members will be happy to help you at any time.

 Call 574-772-7323 with any questions, or ask for the Reference Department to schedule an appointment.

Dates and Times when free tax preparation will be offered:

Saturday                   February 2               10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Thursday                  February 7               10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 

Saturday                   February 9               10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Saturday                   February 23             10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Saturday                   March 2                    10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Friday                        March 22                  10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday                   March 23                  10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Wednesday              April 3                      10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 

Saturday                   April 6                       10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Saturday                   April 13                     10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Pulaski County Community Services @ 574-946-6500

Volunteers will be available

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 

The Dreaded Windchill Has Arrived!

Two words I really don't like to see together are WIND and CHILL (also not too fond of HEAT and INDEX). But this time of year we need to keep an eye on this number so we dress properly when we go outside.

The following chart comes from the Facebook page of US National Weather Service Northern Indiana.

Check out this wind chill factor chart. Low temperatures tonight will be between 0 and 5 degrees with winds between 10 and 20 mph. According to this chart, the wind chill factor will be between -10F and -22F. At these values, frostbite can occur in 30 minutes. Remain indoors if at all possible, and if you need to go outside, be sure to leave no skin exposed.

1/16/2013 Paying For College

There will be a "Paying for College" meeting on January 16th at Knox High School starting at 6 p.m.

The guest speaker will be Mrs. Kathy Mills, director of financial aide at Ancilla College. The topic of federal student aide (FAFSA) will be discussed in addition to the whole financial aide process.

All high school students and their parents are encouraged to come.

2013 Pop Warner Football and Cheer Signup

Pop Warner Football and Cheer signup will be held at the North Judson-Wayne Township Library on January 23 & 24, and January 30 & 31, from 5 - 7 p.m.

Prices on those dates will be:
1st Child = $50
2nd Child (Same Family) = $40

Prices for sign up after February 1st will be:
1st Child = $65
2nd Child (Same Family) = $55

For more information contact:
Anita at 574-806-1623
OR
Shannon at 574-806-3368

January Quote of the Month

As If You Needed Another Reason To Visit Our Website

Just ask your kids, it can get boring sitting at home on the weekends.  To help relieve their boredom, and yours, we've added yet another page to our fabulous website.  

Each month we will feature some of the festivals and events from the 2013 Indiana Festival Guide that take place within the northern region of the state, with occasional side trips further south.  

So if you haven't picked up one of the 2013 Festival Guides from the North Judson-Wayne Township Library - a move that Nubi highly recommends - then visit our website to find out what's going on outside the county. 

Visit us at North Judson-Wayne Township Library so you won't get bored on the weekends.

1/23/2013 Discussion of "Everglades of the North"

On Wednesday, January 23, 2013, from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m., the Henry F. Schricker Library in Knox will be hosting a panel discussion on the Grand Kankakee Marsh - its history and its future.  

Jody Melton—Executive Director of the Kankakee River Basin Commission, Pat Wisniewski and Jeff Manes—producers of the Everglades of the North, and Jim Shilling—Starke County Historical Society - will speak about the fascinating history and future of the Grand Kankakee.

1/16/2013 "Everglades of the North " @ Henry F. Schricker Library

The Starke County Public Library is proud to present Everglades of the North, produced by Pat Wisniewski, Jeff Manes, Brian Kallies and Tom Desch.  The Library will be showing the documentary  Wednesday, January 16, 2013 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.in the meeting room at the Henry F. Schricker Library in Knox.

This one-hour documentary tells the history of the Grand Kankakee Marsh and how people have used and perceived this wetland for more than 10,000 years.  The Grand Kankakee Marsh may have been as large as one million acres in northern Indiana and Illinois and was home to some of the highest concentrations of wildlife and waterfowl in North America.  Less than 5% of the Kankakee River marshes survived modern development an the film explores the important role this wetland played in the history of the area.  It looks at the natural and cultural history of the area and the different uses of the land from the earliest Native Americans to the European settlement to modern agriculture.

2013 Starke County Youth Soccer Sign-up

Sign-up for the Starke County Youth Soccer League will be held this month.  For more information and forms you can visit their website at Starke County Youth Soccer

Registrations: 

Wednesday - January 9, 2013

3:00 pm to 6:00 pm 

Henry F. Schricker Library, Knox  Indiana

Saturday - January 12, 2013 

9:00 am to 1:00 pm 

Henry F. Schricker Library, Knox  Indiana

Wednesday - January 16, 2013

3:00 pm to 6:00 pm 

Henry F. Schricker Library, Knox  Indiana

Saturday - January 19, 2013

9:00 am to 1:00 pm 

Henry F. Schricker Library, Knox   Indiana

Saturday - January 19, 2013 

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

North Judson-Wayne Township Library, North Judson   Indiana