Two more weeks until it’s officially winter but it sure feels like winter to me now.

This will be a busy weekend in Union City; “A Community Christmas” has started.

The Masonic Lodge, corner of State Route 28 and Plum Street will be hosting a chicken and noodle supper on Friday from 5 pm. until sold out. The supper is $ 6 for adults and $3 for children.

The Union City Community High School Dance Team will sponsor a chili supper Friday from 4:30 -7 p.m. in the west side cafetorium before the UCCHS vs. Winchester boys basketball game. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children age 10 and younger. Tickets will be available at the door. Proceeds will go for competition expenses.

Shop with a cop

There will be two benefit dances held on Dec. 8 at the Union City Elks. There will be a youth benefit dance from 7-10 p.m. Admission requires one unopened toy.

The adult dance (over the age of 21) following from 10:30 to 1 p.m. There is a minimum donation of $10 per person or $15 per couple. At the adult dance there will be a 50/50 drawing and a cash bar. Semi-formal attire is requested.

The dances are being sponsored by the Union City, Indiana Police Department and Union City, Indiana football. Questions should be directed to Chad Puterbaugh at the police department or Keith Maloy at 765-964-5329.

The Night Before Christmas

Community Christmas will present its fifth annual “Twas the Night Before Christmas” children’s holiday program on Dec. 8 at 1:30 p.m. at the Hoosier Place Auditorium. The program will include a demonstration by magician Wayne Hinkle and treats by Santa Claus. There will be face painting starting at 12:45 p.m. The program is free for kids up to age 12.

At Harter Park

About 3 1/2 million Christmas lights are shining brightly at Harter Park for Community Christmas. You can drive through to enjoy. The park will be open every evening through New Year’s Eve. Local vendors and businesses have booths set up at the annual gift shop which is open from 6-9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there from 6-8 p.m. each of the weekends. There is no charge but cash donations will be accepted.

This and That

The Union City, Ohio Council will meet only one time in December, that will be December 11 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers, 419 E. Elm Street. Beginning January 2013 the council will meet the first and third Mondays of each month at 6 p.m. The first meeting being on January 7.

Remember to pick up your chicken dinner at the Union City Community High School Cafetorium - on Dec. 8, if you have a pre-paid ticket.

More things have been added to our display case at our Wall of History display at the City Building at 419 E. Elm St. Have you written your memories of Union City, Ohio yet? We have many pictures that we cannot identify. Perhaps you know some of the people in them; stop by and check them out. Maybe you have a picture of someone that lived here long ago or even in the last five years or less, that you think should be included in our “People We Know Book” for people to read about. Did you or family members work at the old Baily Building, the Red 73 Creamery, a restaurant or grocery on the Ohio side that is no longer in business? Tell us about it, the people you worked with, etc. And please, when you leave anything for the Wall of History also leave your name and address. All donations are important to us. Would you like to speak to our committee - just give us a call.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving with family. Too often Thanksgiving is pushed aside for the great rush for Christmas and shopping. Christmas items were out in the stores before Halloween. I understand the push to make money, but not at the expense of family time. While you are out there shopping for all those expensive gifts, take time to remember the reason for the season.

Gift Gallery

In the Gift Gallery at the Arts Depot, local artists have provided a large selection of unique, one of a kind handmade gifts. Those gifts include ceramics, knitted sweaters and scarves, baby and doll quilts, children’s and doll furniture, jewelry, homemade soaps, handmade cards, birdhouses, paintings, prints and more. Gift Gallery is located at the Arts Depot, 115 N. Howard St., and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. through Dec. 15.

News

Are you having a family Christmas party, guest from out of town; do you know a former resident that now lives out of town-out of state- that would like to hear from friends here; have a new baby in the family or other news? Let me know.

Birthdays

Belated birthday wishes for Sandra Parent, Dec. 3; Ted Horn and Margaret Wright celebrate birthdays today; Sharon Hoggatt, Brooke Bissell and Bryant Mote, Dec. 7; Frances Hoggatt and Josh Slingerland, Dec. 8; Jon Fisher, Brad Lea, James Van Skyock and Doyle Smith, Dec. 9; Kristi Hines, Margaret Day, Dec. 10; Lewis Neargarder and Jadrian Price, Dec. 11; Alan Aukerman, Dec. 12; Bo Humphries, Jim Henry and Bradlie Schaupp, Dec. 13; and Brandon Mendenhall and Wade Gilbert, Dec. 15.

Anniversaries

Tim and Tonya Puccini celebrated an anniversary Dec. 5; Devin and Stephanie Smith celebrate their anniversary Dec. 9; Ed and Tammy Imel, Dec. 10; Gary and Sandy Miller, Dec. 11; Chad and Gina Spence, Dec. 12.

Thoughts

Our thoughts and prayers go out to: Judith Stahl, Jody Spitler, Tom Brumbaugh, Lee Moody, Jack Amspaugh, Carmen Sanders, Alan Kearns, Mac Goodpasture, Carla Welch, Linda Lore, Kenny Scholl, Elmer and Thelma Price, Deane Butt, Arvis Kearns, Bea Moody, Ida Girton, Dave Smith and family, Chad and Geraldine Wade, Tim and Sherry Puderbaugh.

Prayers for the families of Michael Young, Janice Cox, Mary Fisher, Virginia (Smiley) Wallace, Wayne Bouseman, Donald McNutt, Bob Mathews and all others who have lost loved ones.

Remember too, our military and their families wherever they are.