Officer Wendell Bowen helps children with their selection of presents

The Bristol Police Department Christmas Shopping Program, “Yuletide Officers for Youth” was held December 13th.  Santa visited with the Bristol children during the pizza party, after shopping.  The dinner was held at the Bristol American Legion after the children were bused, courtesy of Cardinal Bus, to Meijer in Dunlap.  Pizza was provided by Chicago’s Downtown Eatery.  The Christmas program was a success, benefitting 34 children and their families.

Bristol Police Marshal, Michael Swallow expressed, “This was possible because of a great community and their support.”  The BPD wished to give special thanks to the Bristol American Legion, Sons of the Bristol American Legion, Chicago’s Downtown Eatery, Tom Russell of Russell Products, Cardinal Bus, Meijers, and the Bristol Community.

“Without their assistance, this event would not have been possible”, said Swallow.

The 2012 business calendar fundraiser was a part of the program and as Marshal Swallow stated, “a huge success again this year.” He expressed special thanks to everyone who took part again this year.

The monies raised from this fundraiser are what assist in the local programs such as D.A.R.E., Yuletide Officers for Youth, the annual Town Fall Party, and many other community events that cannot be funded by tax monies.

“We wish to thank Laurie at the Bristol Bugle, who did a wonderful job printing the calendars, and to the community, businesses and manufacturers for their great support.  We are trying very hard to get the calendars delivered; hopefully by the time you get the opportunity to read this,” concluded Swallow.

Officer Kyle Hamood also helps a young child pick out a few presents.

Recently, however, it was obvious that the old building was in serious need of exterior repair. Mortar was falling out of the brick walls, the roof leaked, and the windows were in need of replacement. Without “significant cost” the building’s future usefulness was in doubt.

Redoubling their commitment to the welfare of the Bristol community, the members of BUMC decided to raise the substantial funds needed to keep the center’s doors open. In early 2011 they launched the “Summer of Love” campaign, during which they raised sufficient funds to replace all the windows, install a new roof, and tuckpoint the mortar around “every brick” in the building.

According to John Arvoy, youth pastor at BUMC, the church wants the Open Door Center to be seen as “a community building,” not a haven for an exclusive group. The congregation’s financial commitment will ensure that the building is around “for many, many years” to remain “a positive force in the community.”

Arvoy went on to say that the building “belongs to God and to the community,” and the focus of its activities is to “change lives.” He said that more opportunities lie ahead, and the Open Door Center will now be available to meet them far into the future.

In 2011, according to Brenda Spence, volunteer director of the pantry, the agency was incorporated as a nonprofit organization under the name “Bristol Community Food Pantry” (BCFP). While it receives rent-free space in the Open Door Center, the pantry is now independent of the BUMC, with volunteers from various churches serving on a rotating basis.

Brenda says the BCFP is flourishing under the new arrangement, with as many as 34 persons being served in some recent weeks. That number has grown steadily throughout the past year, so that the charity has almost outgrown its space.

The Bristol Community Food Pantry is open each Thursday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Food donations can be dropped off during those hours. Those with large amounts to donate can call Brenda at 333-8959 to make other arrangements.

Brenda states that tax deductible financial donations are the most efficient way to help the pantry, because she can then buy what is most needed at discounts from local stores. Interested persons can send checks to: BCFP, P.O. Box 757, Bristol, IN 46507.

Bristol Community Food Pantry received an unexpected blessing when two pantry angels arrived with a skid of much needed products (pictured bottom left).  Employees of Ben’s Soft Pretzels had approached Sam’s Club with a challenge to match their contribution of $1,000.  Sam’s Club more than matched it, and as a result, Bristol Pantry received macaroni and cheese, toilet tissue and much more.  Pictured are Brenda Spence, Pantry Director,  Scott Jones and Brian Krider from Ben’s Soft Pretzels in Elkhart.  Not pictured is coordinator of the project Tiffany Watts of New Life Christian Center.

Bristol Fire Department members Preston Bartow, Andrew Rogers and Leo Frankenberger brought in money and food items collected at the department’s haunted house on Halloween (photo top left).

At top right, Brenda accepts a check along with food collected by the American Legion Riders represented by Roy and Renee Moon.

Pictured at bottom right, many community members and customers to the Lavender Patch Fabric and Quilts store donated many food items for the pantry during their open house held last month. (Photos provided)

Troop 31 meets year round on Sundays from 4:00-5:30pm at the FOP Cop’er Canyon Scout Cabin. Visit our facebook page: Troop 31 – Boy Scouts or e-mail Committee Chair – Chrystal Pedler : bristolboyscouts31@gmail.com.

Our troop is proud to announce that our Advancement Chair Melissa Pittenger received Scouter of the Month for October 2011 through La Salle Council – Pioneer Trails District! Great Job Melissa!

Troop & Pack 31 is honored to announce that Bristol Police has posted pictures of our Scouts on their website: www.bristol  police.org. Check it out! There is some great information on there. Our units are very excited & thankful for their participation & support this past year.

Over the past year our Troop & Pack has received a lot of support from the town of Bristol & surrounding area businesses. We want to thank all of you for believing in our units. It gives us much pride to know we are a part of a community that supports our efforts in Scouting. It has been our pleasure to serve this great community over the past year & we hope that we can be of even greater assistance in the coming year as our units continue to grow.

CUB SCOUT PACK 31:

Pack 31 meets on Thursdays from 6:30-7:30pm at Bristol

Elementary School.  Visit our facebook page: Pack 31 – Cub Scouts or e-mail Committee Chair -  Tony Benedict: trb2008 @live.com.

The Cub Scout Pack is gearing up for their February Pinewood Derby Race!!!  We extended our invitation in our last article & so far we have the Bristol Posse taking on the challenge. This race will be better than ever as we have added an Outlaw division for the adults. Our boys and parents alike are excited & have begun working on their designing ideas of their cars.

VENTURE CREW 31:

Bristol now has a Co-Ed Venturing Crew! Youth ages 14-20 that have a desire to explore the idea of high adventure are

welcome to come check us out @ Cop’er Canyon Scout Cabin. The crew has had one meeting beginning their 2012 planning. Interested? Visit our new facebook : Venture Crew 31 or

e-mail Committee Chair – Chrystal Pedler: venturecrew31@ gmail.com.

-Mrs. Chrystal Pedler,

Committee Chairman Troop 31 & Committee Member Pack 31

Darren Cornell, owner and Becca Reese, office manager of DC’s Pizza are ready to welcome Bristol residents to visit their restaurant or take advantage of their free delivery service to the Bristol and Middlebury area. One of their hand tossed specialty pizzas is pictured top left. (Photos and editing by Laurie Eads)

DC’s Pizza, located at 909 Goshen Avenue, Suite C (in the Family Dollar building) in Elkhart, is looking to expand its outreach to the Bristol and Middlebury areas. Specifically, owner Darren Cornell is offering free delivery to Bristol with a $20 minimum order ($50 minimum for Middlebury).

This offer applies to all hours that DC’s Pizza is open, seven days a week: 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday; 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m. on Sunday. Darren and his office manager, Becca Reese, have concluded that free delivery will satisfy an unmet need in the Bristol and Middlebury areas.

Customers can examine DC’s menu and prices online at dcspizzamenu.webs.com or visit them on Facebook. Orders can be placed by phone at 333-2900, by FAX at 333-2897, or by e-mail at dcspizza.elkhart@gmail.com. Limited seating is available for those who want to dine at the Goshen Avenue facility.

Darren lists some of things that differentiate DC’s Pizza from its competition: 1) all crusts are hand-tossed, including New York thin and Chicago deep dish; 2) a blend of four cheeses is used on every pizza (seven varieties on the specialty cheese pizza), and 3) Darren hand slices his own pepperoni, which has never been frozen and contains no preservatives.

In addition to pizza, DC’s offers sandwiches and a limited Mexican menu, which includes a “phenomenal” homemade salsa from ModMex restaurant. Darren notes that his meatballs are homemade, his sausage is hand-ground, and he personally spices his sausage daily. He uses deli style meats from Hickory Meats & More in Elkhart, something, he claims, which “nobody else in the industry does.”

Darren and Becca invite all Bristol area residents to stop in when they are in Elkhart, or try their free delivery service.

Above, Atria Community Sales Director, Heather Seifert stands near the grand piano in the foyer where residents can be seen gathering to visit or enjoy special activities.

Atria Eastlake Terrace, located at 3109 E. Bristol Street in Elkhart, has been providing quality assisted living for seniors since 1994. According to its Executive Director, Chris Peter, the facility has 83 apartments. Since there are currently some openings, prospective residents or their families can call Heather Seifert, the Community Sales Director, for more information at 266-4508.

Units range in size from studio apartments to two bedroom suites, all containing separate bathrooms and kitchenettes. Singles or couples are eligible to apply for residence at Atria Eastlake Terrace. Even pets are welcome, subject to approval of the management.

Pam Winski, LPN, is the Resident Service Director. Her staff includes 24 hour a day licensed nursing care, which includes medication management and assistance with daily living needs.  A full-time Director of Events, Jenny Palmer, plans and oversees 200 scheduled activities per month. In addition, several religious organizations hold regular services at Eastlake.

All residents have free access to a van for transportation to outings, shopping trips, or doctors’ appointments. The convenient shuttle service can accommodate most resident needs.

All meals are served in an attractive restaurant style dining room, which is open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In addition, the Anytime Café offers complimentary snacks and beverages 24 hours a day.

More information can be obtained regarding Atria Eastlake Terrace by consulting its website: www.atriaeastlaketerrace.com.

Atria’s sign located on the south side of E. Bristol St.

The scale of World War II (1941-1945) required contributions and sacrifices from nearly every American civilian. For the residents of Elkhart County, the war impinged on the workplace, community, and household. Many businesses converted to manufacturing war goods. Communities and neighborhoods organized to support scrap metal and war bond drives. Families struggled with the loss of loved ones and dealt with limited access to basic household commodities.

“The distinct characteristics of Elkhart County are mirrored in how its residents responded to the War,” according to Elkhart County Historian Marcia Brenneman who served as guest curator for the exhibit. “Everyone was affected, from churches, to farmers, to school children.” Museum Manager Matthew Schuld noted, “The war has been viewed by historians as one of the twentieth century’s watershed moments. Home front activities were instrumental to winning the war abroad but they also led to sweeping changes for American society.”

Using photographs, artifacts, and personal accounts, the exhibit examines how residents of the civilian population of Elkhart County responded to World War II. Along with items cared for by the Elkhart County Historical Society, artifacts and photos collected from residents and area museums are also featured.

The exhibit is expected to run into the summer and is open during regular museum hours.

In private conversations before the meeting, board members stated that no changes were proposed at the executive session, and therefore the suspensions will stand as imposed at a special meeting on September 6. It was noted that Hathaway had returned to work on December 5, having recovered from his injury at the wastewater treatment plant.

Marshal Michael Swallow reported that 34 children were accompanied on a shopping night at Meijers by members of the Bristol Police Department. He said the event was “a big success” and was very “rewarding” for the officers who participated.

Audience member Paul Guzman invited BTC members to the Christmas Cabaret at the Stone Soup Emporium. He stated that the free entertainment provided occasionally at Stone Soup has been well attended and appreciated by the public.

Town manager Bill Wuthrich reported that he had obtained a bid for $1,775 to install inverted tile to alleviate a water retention problem on Indiana Street near Hilbish. The council voted to accept the bid.

The BTC approved sending a letter to the renters of the old fire department building, informing them to vacate the building by January 15, if they have not paid their back rent by then.

Glenn Duncan, legal counsel, reported that he has not received the 2012 contract from the Bristol Fire Department. The BTC voted that no further payments be made to the department until the contract is received.

The Beautification Award for December was given to the KibbeChem company for its improvements to the former Bristol Pipe building and grounds on East Vistula Street.

The next meeting of the council will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 17, at the town hall.

Dale Stickel, chairman of the Elkhart County Republican Party, has appointed Ron Norman, age 55, to complete the unexpired term of Ann Andre, who resigned from the Bristol Town Council. The appointment was effective on January 1, 2012 and will run to the end of 2014.

Four other Bristol residents had also applied for the open position, namely, Robert Cunningham, Mark Leib, George Meyer, and Thomas Russell. Because there were so many applicants, Dale Stickel wrote this about his appointment: “This was a challenging exercise for me and I appreciate the number and quality of candidates.”

Stickel went on to comment: “I used several criteria in my selection and hopefully Ron will be a great asset to Bristol. I feel Ron has a grasp of the challenges towns such as Bristol will face in the future. I am optimistic he can work with resources available and can contribute to a positive future for Bristol.”

Ron and his wife, Beth, have lived in Bristol for 15 years. He has been a self-employed contractor for 23 years, operating Ron Norman Roofing and Construction Services out of his home. He does no advertising, depending solely on referrals from satisfied customers.

Ron is member of the Elkhart Harley Owners Group and ABATE of Indiana. He has served as a volunteer at the charity event “Breakfast with Santa” at the Elkhart Fire Department.

Mr. Norman applied for the appointment because he “is interested in the future of Bristol.” He is particularly interested in promoting a bypass for State Road 15, so that truck traffic can be lessened in downtown Bristol. He would also like to see the town council be proactive in meeting federal mandates regarding separation of storm sewers and the sewer system for the wastewater treatment plant.