Camille’s of Bristol is area’s Floral Design Shop

Pictured upper left, Troop 714 looks over the route they will take through the Bristol area on July 13. Pictured above, members of the troop are, from left, Greg Pendell, Brandon Clark, Gavin George, Robbie Pendell, and Tyson Clark. (Photos provided)

A lunch stop in Bristol’s Congdon Park will be part of the itinerary for a 100-mile canoe trip from Conservation Park in Three Rivers, Michigan to the mouth of the St. Joseph River at Lake Michigan. The journey is part of some local troops’ celebration of the 100th birthday of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).

The trip is planned for the week of July 12-17. Initial plans call for the lunch stop in Bristol on Tuesday, July 13, a midway point between the Mottville and Elkhart Dams. The 40 scouts and their 10 adult supervisors will have to portage around eight dams in the course of their six-day trip.  The group encourages community members to come out to Congdon Park and “cheer” on the troop’s efforts on Tuesday, July 13.

The historic outing was organized by the BSA troops in the LaSalle Council that are sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). The participants have been chosen from LDS troops in Warsaw, Goshen, Elkhart, Plymouth, Mishawaka, South Bend, and Niles, Michigan. The scouts have chosen this unique experience in lieu of a traditional summer scout camp.

All boys participating in the canoe trip must pass the BSA swimming certification, a BSA physical examination, and be a registered scout. Most of the boys are working to earn money for the trip, which will cost $100 per person.

Three of the scouts taking part in the canoe trip live in the Bristol area, even though they attend the LDS-sponsored Troop 714 in Elkhart. One of the three, Josh Null, 17, was featured in a Bristol Bugle article when he earned his Eagle Scout award. He is currently a student at Northridge High School. His father, Joe Null, is in charge of planning the river trip. His mother’s name is Lori.

Gavin George, 15, is an example of someone who has risen above the circumstances of a difficult childhood to qualify for an adventure that requires special abilities. His birth mother has a checkered and troubled past, so he has been raised primarily by his foster parents, Dennis and Beth Amos. A student at Pierre Moran, Gavin should serve as an encouragement to others to succeed in spite of adverse conditions.

Gavin George, of Bristol, receives his Life Scout Award from Chris Miller, Scout Master. (Photo provided)

Trevor Ward, 14, is the son of Jimmy and Wendy Ward of Bristol. His grandfather has been a big help on Trevor’s path to participating in the extraordinary experience planned for this July.

Summer Events continue at the Bristol Library

Pictured above, Kelly Ulrich, Education curator for the Potawatomi Zoo visited the Bristol Public Library on Tuesday, June 29. Kelly brought animals from a variety of habitats. One of the library’s most popular programs, it appealed to people of all ages. (Photo by Laurie Eads)

-The Bristol Library is pleased to announce the following    programs for the summer season.

Library Fun

Want to have more fun at your library this summer?  You say you’ve already signed up for summer reading and you come to the programs each week.  Well, how about participating in the “Searching the Shore” scavenger hunt n the library, or check out our “Incentive Game” that you can do at home or in the library.  Both events run from now until the end of July.

Library Hours

The library will be open during regular hours on Saturday, July 3rd, but closed on Monday, July 5th in observance of the holiday.

Meet Ronald McDonald in our Meeting Room on Tuesday, July 6, at 12:30.  His magic, comedy show is always a treat for children.  Ronald is more than happy to pose for pictures with your children so be sure to bring a camera.  Call (574) 848-7458 for further information.

Reserve Saturday, July 10 at 10:30 to watch Danny Eggleston and his Champion Frisbee catching dog Guinan perform.  This team won a national championship in 2009.  They have performed at half time for many professional teams around the area.  This event will be held in the outdoor area of the library.  People of all ages should enjoy this program.  Bring your family and folding chairs to watch this unique performance.  Call (574) 848-7458 for information on this pair.

Storyteller Joan Girton wraps up our summer season with her program entitled “Wishes, Whales, and Wiggly Tales.”  Tuesday, July 13 at 12:30 is the date for this event.  Children will participate in interactive stories and listen as Joan tells others.  This is a great program for children 10 and younger.  Call today to learn more.  (574) 848-7458.

The friends of the Bristol Public library need your help. Our annual book sale is July 8th, 9th & 10th. We are looking for books to include in our sale. Drop off your donations at the library.  If you are interested in becoming a friend of the library membership is $5.00.  You can contact the library or Pam Congdon for more details.

Calling all artists.  The friends of the Bristol Public Library are sponsoring a contest to design a logo for the library.  The winning design will be put on library book bags to help promote the library.  The contest will start during this years’ homecoming & the library’s book sale.  Ask at the library for more details.  July 11th is the deadline for entries.

Calling all Kniters

Calling All Knitters will meet the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month and knit or crochet in the library.  If you’re experienced, bring your current project.  If not, bring some yarn and needles if you have them.  If not, we will have some here.  For first knitters, there will be experienced people to help you get started.  The next Calling All Knitters knitting circle will be on Tuesday, July 13th at 6 P.M.   Call 848-7458 for more information.

Book Club

The book club will meet on Wednesday, July 14th at 12:00 P.M.  We will be reading Timeline by Michael Crichton.  To check out a copy, ask at the circulation desk.

Teen News

Teens will meet to play Wii or watch a movie, play board and card games, and have a snack on Thursdays at 6:00 P.M.

Kathy Ackerson, (left) floral designer and Tracy Lane, owner stand out front at Camille’s Floral and Gift Shop with the Bristol Pirate Beautification Award. Camille’s was chosen for the June award by the Bristol Town Council for their recent complete restoration to the 1851 building located on Vistula St. (Photo by Laurie Eads)

Tracy Lane, proprietor, and her business partner, Cindy Mannia, opened Bristol’s newest shop in a historic building on May 1. Camille’s of Bristol, located at 502 W. Vistula, specializes in floral design, spirited gifts, and vintage heirlooms. Tracy has 25 years of experience in the floral business, including 15 years at Sautter’s Floral Shop in Elkhart.

Camille’s is housed in a former two-story residence built in 1851. The home originally faced the St. Joseph River, but was reversed to face south when State Road 120 (Vistula Street) was completed. The impressive wrap-around front porch was added later, and has been tastefully restored.

The most recent long-term residents were Ken and Susie Yoder, who lived in the house for more than 40 years. Partly because of the historic significance of the building, Tracy says that “the community support and enthusiasm has been amazing.” The extensive restoration of the old structure was done by Bo Bowyer, with the help of Cindy Mannia.

Tracy is assisted in the shop by Amy Estes-Presswood, floral designer, and Kathy Ackerson. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, closed Sunday. The phone number is 848-4904.

Fresh flowers for all occasions constitute the major portion of the business. In additional to a cooler for display of flowers, Camille’s has created a walk-in storage cooler in a former summer room. Delivery is available to Bristol, Elkhart, Middlebury, Goshen, and Union

A vast variety of gifts, some of which are pictured above, including gift cards, are also available at Camille’s. (Photos by Laurie Eads)

Gift items of all kinds fill every room, upstairs and down, including a “clock room” with unusual timepieces. Watercolors by local artist Steve Johnson are on display, in addition to several lines of greeting cards, balloons, and products by Aromatique and Root Candles. For a more complete listing of products available, consult Camille’s website at camillesfloral.com.

Tracy and her staff offer full service floral planning for weddings, for which they can rent glassware, plants, and silk trees. This is a large and growing part of the young business.

Everyone at Camille’s is already looking ahead with excitement to the future. They are planning special hands-on seminars on topics such as floral arranging and wreath making. They are eager to hold a Christmas open house, for which the vintage building will be ideally suited.

Carol Willis is a freelance writer and editor. She specializes in written communications for businesses and nonprofits and other editorial projects. Carol also is the development director at Church Community Services.

“Head, Heart, Hands, and Health—Honestly”

July is 4-H Fair time. Do you know the 4-H pledge? We recited it at every 4-H meeting when I was a kid.

“I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.”

The more I think about these words today, the more personal things get. After all these years, I’m still trying to improve my head, heart, hands, and health. Perhaps you’ll identify as I reflect:

My head to clearer thinking. I’ve got to focus better. Yes, sometimes I can’t avoid multitasking, but too much of it is scrambling my thinking. As Tony Schwartz says in The Way We’re Working Isn’t Working, “Trying to do multiple activities at the same time effectively desensitizes us to differences and distinctions between them.” In other words, I lose the ability to see what’s most important.

Remedy: Schedule times to think. Turn off email and the phone. Shut the door. It’s hard, but I have to do it.

My heart to greater loyalty. This generally is not an issue. Yet I’ve been known to check email while someone is talking to me on the phone. They can usually tell, and it communicates that I don’t value them enough to give them 100 percent attention. I’m most guilty of this when it’s someone who talks on and on. I’m not honest enough to say after 10 minutes or so that I need to go. Taking the passive way out doesn’t show love or loyalty to the caller or myself.

Remedy: Tell the truth with tact and respect. Speak up for my needs. Then do some golden listening: as I want others to listen to me.

My hands to larger service. I’m not formally volunteering anywhere right now. My professional work advances service to others. The fact that I earn my living that way doesn’t lessen the fact that I’m completely stoked to get to participate in improving people’s lives and in their growth.

My health to better living. My health is good but I’m not guarding it. The big deals are rest and exercise. Too many of my nights are too short, and I’m too sedentary. Remedy: This is why I push the mower instead of riding the John Deere. I need to actually schedule other specific activities and make eight hours sleep nonnegotiable. Exercise clears the head, and that will make shutting down at night will come easier too.

I think 4-H has been onto something, all these years. Onward.

Area students were named to the Dean’s List for spring semester 2010 at Manchester College:

Alison Baker of Bristol is an elementary education with mild interventions major.  Baker is a graduate of Northridge High School.

Matthew Ellis of Bristol is a biology-chemistry major.  Ellis is a graduate of Elkhart Central High School.

Justin Miller of Bristol is a biology-chemistry major.  Miller is graduate of Elkhart Central High School.

Lauren Houser of Middlebury is an elementary education with mild interventions major.  Houser is a graduate of Northridge High School.

To achieve the Dean’s List distinction, students must earn a semester grade point of 3.5 or higher and have completed at least 12 semester hours.  For more information on the programs and opportunities at Manchester College, visit www. manchester.edu.

Brenda Frutell, (left) Auxiliary President and Ellen O’Brien, Bar Manager are pictured above with the aluminum tabs the Bristol Legion has collected over the last year. (Photo by Laurie Eads)

Charles Harker Post 143 is the official name of the American Legion post in Bristol. Founded in 1945, it is named for one of the first Bristol area residents to give his life in the service of his country in World War II. He was serving on the USS Arizona when the ship was attacked and sunk by the Japanese on December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Post 143 is actually the home base for four active organizations, all under the American Legion umbrella. More information on all of them can be found on the Legion’s new website at www.bristolamericanlegion.org. The phone number at the Legion headquarters on Maple Street is 848-4002.

Eligibility for membership in the American Legion itself is restricted to veterans who served in the military during war time, specific periods that are so designated by Congress, such as the Korean or Viet Nam wars. All veterans serving since 1990 have been eligible to join, because of the ongoing conflicts in the Persian Gulf, Iraq, and Afganistan. Post 143 currently has 498 members. Pete Owens, the new post commander, has been serving since May 2010.

The American Legion Auxiliary, now numbering 275 members, is open to the mothers, wives, and daughters of Legion members. The current president, Brenda Futrell, helps oversee a wide range of charitable activities, some in conjunction with the other three Legion groups.

The Sons of the American Legion, currently boasting 412 members, is open to the sons and grandsons of Legion members. Dave Lenaway is the commander of SAL.

The American Legion Riders is the name of the newest and fastest-growing group in the Legion family, consisting of motorcyclists who take part in bike rides for various charities. Roy Moon is the director of this group.

The AL Auxiliary is in the process of recruiting 30 persons between the ages of 8 and 15 to participate in a “walking American flag” during the Bristol Homecoming parade at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 10. Shirts of red, white, or blue will be provided to those taking part. Those interested can consult a sign-up sheet at the post or call 848-4002.

All four Legion groups have donated money to the Karsyn Bell Project, a play area in the form of a pirate ship, which will be erected in Congdon Park in memory of a Bristol girl. They are also actively selling tickets for a raffle, in which two halves of beef will be prizes, with the drawing taking place on July 10, during the Homecoming. Tickets are $5 each, or 5 for $20.

The Legion family routinely saves and collects tabs from aluminum cans. They recently sold 216 pounds of tabs and donated the receipts to the Ronald McDonald House in South Bend.

Another current project of the Auxiliary entails providing backpacks for 20 needy children from Bristol Elementary School. Each backpack will be filled with school supplies and snacks, and each child will also receive a $12 gift card toward the purchase of new shoes.

On Saturday, July 24, the four Legion groups will be sponsoring “The Battle of the Bands” at the post from 2:00 to 10:00 p.m. Six local bands will participate, after which those attending will vote for the best one. Tickets are $10 each.

The Legion has regular Friday fish dinners and other food events, which serve as fundraisers for the Legion and for other nonprofit organizations which partner with them. The proceeds go for specific projects, such as sponsoring the Legion baseball team for teenagers and scholarships for students.

A large portion of funds raised go to help individual veterans in need. One example is the Bobby George Memorial Fund, which was established to help Legion members and others experiencing financial hardship.

Bristol residents, even those who are not members of the American Legion or its affiliates, appreciate the efforts of Post 143 to support community activities and offer help to those in need.

Republican Marlin Stutzman of Howe and Democrat Tom Hayhurst of Fort Wayne will face each other in a special election on November 2 to determine who will complete the remainder of the term of Rep. Mark Souder, who resigned suddenly after the May primary. The current term will end in January 2011.

As it turns out, both Stutzman and Hayhurst will also be their party’s nominee in the general election, also held on November 2, to serve a full two-year term in the U.S. House of Representatives from Indiana’s 3^rd District.

After Souder’s unexpected resignation, Governor Mitch Daniels was required by Indiana statute to call a special election, but no deadline is specified. Daniels chose to call the special election for November 2 to avoid the costs to counties in the 3^rd District of holding a separate election. He also noted that the House of Representatives does not meet often or pass significant legislation from July to November in an election year.

Indiana statutes require that nominees for a special election be chosen at a caucus of the precinct committeemen of the “major political parties, i.e., Republicans and Democrats” within the congressional district. Provisions are also outlined for other parties and independents to have candidates placed on the ballot.

Democrats quickly lined up behind their primary winner, Tom Hayhurst, as their nominee for the special election, but Republicans had 15 individuals contend for the votes of the 407 precinct committee members attending the June 12 caucus in Columbia City.

Marlin Stutzman achieved a majority of the votes on the second ballot. Stutzman, 34, is a state senator and farmer from Howe, who surprised many with his strong second place finish in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate nomination.

At the end of the June 17 meeting of the Bristol Town Council (BTC), President Tom Stutsman read a four-page hand-written statement responding to charges filed by BTC member Dan Watson. Watson had filed a formal complaint with the Public Access Counselor of the state of Indiana to the effect that Stutsman and others had violated the state’s Open Door Law on April 15, 2010.

The so-called Open Door Law (ODL) is officially titled “Public Meetings,” and consists of eight printed pages (Indiana Code 5-14-1.5). The purpose of the ODL is to see “that the official action of public agencies be conducted and taken openly . . . in order that the people may be fully informed.”

Section 2c of the statute defines a “meeting” as the “gathering of a majority of the governing body of a public agency for the purpose of taking official action upon public business. It does not include . . . any social or chance gathering not intended to avoid this chapter.”

Watson’s complaint arose from circumstances following the April meeting of the BTC, which ended earlier than usual, around 8:00 p.m. Several persons remained to engage in social conversation, including the other three members of the BTC, the town attorney, the town marshal, and the town manager. Because these informal discussions went on for more than an hour in the town hall, Watson contended that they constituted a violation of the Open Door Law.

Stutsman handed out copies of the response of Andrew Kossack, the Public Access Counselor, dated May 19. Kossack wrote: “. . . it is my opinion that if the Council did not gather to take official action upon public business following the adjournment of its meeting on April 15, 2010, the Council did not violate the ODL.”

Stutsman stated that no town business was conducted in the “social discussions” that followed the April meeting. He was upset that Watson did not accept the explanation of his associates on the BTC and that Watson had made a campaign speech referring to the alleged violation of the ODL.

Watson responded that, even if no legal violation had occurred, the incident contained the “appearance of impropriety.” Stutsman countered that the people of Bristol have more trust in their elected and paid officials than to automatically assume the worst in a situation like the one in question.

In other business, Marshal Michael Swallow reported that the best price he could find for severe weather radios was $26.90 in quantities of 50 or more. It was noted that, in the event of a tornado sighting, the town siren will sound, remaining at its peak level for an extended period. The basement of the Bristol Fire Department building is available for anyone needing a storm shelter.

The town manager, Bill Wuthrich, reported that a company called Kibbechem has purchased the North American Pipe facility on E. Vistula Street. He said the new owner wants to be a good neighbor and intends to run “a nice, clean operation.” Several improvements to the buildings and grounds are under way.

The town clerk, Mary Ryman, alerted the BTC to the fact that the town budget may have to be reduced by 10 to 20% this year.

An extended discussion took place about the recurring problem of items being stolen from Oakridge Cemetery. The idea of a gate was tabled for lack of funds. Marshal Swallow noted that any theft is a felony and should be reported to the police. He stated that stolen cemetery items were recovered in one past incident. He encouraged residents to take photos of items placed in the cemetery, so they can be included with a police report. He also urged all members of the public to report suspicious activity to the police department.

The Beautification Award for the month was given to Camille’s of Bristol, a new floral and gift shop at 502 W. Vistula.

The next meeting of the BTC is Thursday, July 15, at 7:00 p.m. at the town hall.

June cases increased slightly from June, 2009.  The cases are varied in title.  There were three thefts, other cases ranged from recovering a stolen vehicle, outstanding warrants served, most of which discovered from traffic stops.  There were also seven alcohol related offenses including ICOAB charges for minors.  I did see an increase in our pro active cases this month.  Mostly we thank the community for their pro active attitudes and reporting suspicious activities aiding us greatly in our precaution and enforcement efforts.

We have hired a replacement officer.  Adam Dernay will be joining us in June, 2010.  Adam has 3 years experience as an officer and is looking forward to becoming a pro active at community policing.  Adam was #1 of the 57 applicants for this position.

An update on our “Golf Cart Friendly Community”:  As reported last month, the signage is up for the golf cart ordinance.  We have had one cart inspected, past and now permitted currently.  There have been several inquiries for registering carts.  The temporary permits have been ordered and we still are waiting for them.  I have been assured they will be available before Homecoming.  Reminders:  Only properly registered and equipped golf carts with a licensed driver and vehicle insurance can be legally operated on LOCAL streets only, NOT on state highways, except to cross from legal street, or country road or along right of way.

Fireworks: IC 22-11-14-10.5. The discharge of firecrackers or other types of fireworks within the town limits, except between the hours of 5:00 pm and two hours after sunset on June 29, 30, July 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9; between the hours of 10 am and 12 midnight on July 4; and between the hours of 10 am on December 31 and 1 am on January 1.  The ordinance can be viewed on the police department website www.bristolpolice.org.

The penalty for this violation shall be a fine of $200 for the first offense and $500 for the second or subsequent offense during the same calendar year.

Vehicle crashes have increased.  We have eight more this year than last year.  This past month, following too close and driver inattention are the primary causes.  Remember to always drive defensively and wear safety restraints properly.  The selective enforcement efforts continue and for some reason, drivers and passengers all failing to wear safety restraints.  If you remember at the beginning of the Blitz, “Operation Buckle Up”, statewide efforts, our traffic surveys show that our community was voluntarily at a 97% compliance rate.

There have been some reports of vandalism and theft at our cemetery.  We would like to remind everyone that theft of any kind in Indiana is a felony.  In an attempt to minimize the acts of vandals or thieves, town employees will be installing security videos in our cemetery.  We ask that anyone viewing suspicious activity, report these immediately to the police department.

Chief Deputy Albin held our 8th Annual D.A.R.E. graduation with approximately 80 sixth graders successfully completing the program.

We continue to enforce ordinance violations for the summer season.  Most will be notified by letter with a time period given to correct the violation.  This worked well last year and it has been met with cooperation so far this year with only a few exceptions.  This effort includes the abandoned, unregistered and junk vehicles.

Please visit our website at http://bristolpolice.org/ for additional information.

Bristol Police Department

Activity summary for

June 2010

Calls for Service: 485

Traffic Enforcement-

• Traffic citations– 82
• Traffic warnings– 142
• Prop. damage accidents– 6
• Personal injury– 1

Junk & Abandoned Vehicles-

• Tagged– 3
• Fixed or removed– 2
• Impound– 5

Criminal Enforcement-

• Cases Taken– 32
• Cases Closed By Arrest– 11

Hours worked-

• Full time officers: 833.5
• Reserve Officers: 239.75
• SE Patrol: 44.5
• Civilians: 160

Three local ladies all of whom are community leaders and deserving of the title, compete to be crowned as Bristol’s 2010 Senior Queen.

Pictured above, from left, seated is Jill Stoll, standing are Harriet Edwards and Ruth Saupe.  All three ladies have lived in Bristol for several years and share the desire to serve and represent the Bristol community.

The winner will be announced Thursday evening, July 8 during the Scholarship Pageant being held from 6-9 PM at the Elkhart Historical Museum located on SR 120. (Photo by Laurie Eads)

Once again the Bristol Lions Club is sponsoring a “Cutest Baby Contest” during the Bristol Homecoming Festival July 8, 9 and 10.  To enter, the baby will need to be between the ages of newborn to 24 months as of July 10, 2010.  Mail or give to a Bristol Lion one 5X7 size picture.  These will not be returned so don’t send a keepsake photo.  The baby’s full name, parents name, address and phone number must be written on the back of the picture.  Please print clearly.  We will place the photo on a decorated coffee can with the baby’s first name only.

Only one entry per child. There is no limit on how much money can be placed in a can so be sure to have your family and friends stop by to vote.   The baby with the most money in their can will win a $100 Savings Bond.   The 2nd place baby will receive a $50 Savings Bond.  They must have a social security number for the savings bond.   There is no limitation on where the baby lives to enter the contest.  The voting booth will be set up at the intersection of S.R. 120 and S.R. 15, just south of Congdon Park.  The winner will be contacted by phone on the Monday following the homecoming.  Mail baby pictures to: Bristol Lions Club, P.O. Box 1414, Bristol, IN  46507.

Pictured at above is a hand stitched quilt to be raffled off in an effort to help raise funds for the Bristol Opera House. (Photo provided)

“A Heartfelt Christmas” will be held December 4 and 5, 2010.

On December 4th there will be two musicals put on by the performing children from the Opera House.  One performance at 7:00 PM and one at 9:00 PM.  Refreshments will be served afterwards. A raffle will be held after each show for gift items.

Tickets to the show are $7.00 each or four for $20.00.  Raffle tickets are $1.00 a piece or six for $5.00.

On Saturday December 5th starting at 5:00 PM there will be a Christmas house tour of nine homes all decorated for the holidays.  Refreshments  will then be served at the Ole General Store on the corner of SR 120 and SR 15.  At 8:30 PM a quilt drawing will be held as well as the rest of the raffle items. Tickets for the tour are $20.00 each and with each ticket comes one quilt raffle ticket.

The raffle tickets purchased alone are $5.00 each.

Raffle tickets will go on sale at the Bristol Homecoming Festival from 4-8:00 PM on Thursday, 1-3:00 PM Friday, July 9 and 4-8:00 PM on Saturday, July 10. next to the Lions club booth downtown.

Volunteers for this Christmas event are needed. If you would be interested in helping to support your local Historical Opera House, please call Ann at 848-4899.

It’s county fair time across Indiana!  Many county fairs open later this month, and that means 4-H members are working hard on putting the finishing touches on their projects. Here in Elkhart County, we’ve got about a month left before we enter 4-H projects for judging.

Here’s the schedule of project check in and judging:
Sewing, Foods, Consumer Clothing, and Microwave Foods will be entered and judged on Tuesday, July 13.  Entry times are from 8:30 a.m. until noon and from 1 – 3 p.m. Genealogy projects will be judged from 8:30 a.m. – noon.  Clowning projects will also be judged from 1 – 3 p.m. on July 13.  4-H Fashion Review judging starts at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 16, and will be followed by the public Fashion Review show at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 17. Both are held at Northwood High School in Nappanee.

Cake Decorating projects are judged on Wednesday, July 21 from 8:30 till 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 till 2:30 p.m.

Floriculture, Garden, and Potatoes are judged on Thursday, July 22 from 9 until 11 a.m. All other non-livestock projects will be checked in on Monday, July 19 from 11 a.m. till 7 a.m.

All projects will be entered in the 4-H Exhibit area in the Elkhart County Community Center. Ribbons and judges comment sheets will be released starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 23 and continuing throughout the fair. Projects will be released on Monday, August 2 from 11 a.m. till 6 p.m.

Be sure to come out to the 2010 Elkhart County 4-H Fair and view the 4-H exhibits.  4-H members have worked on their projects throughout the year, and the fair is a showcase for their efforts and talents.  This year’s fair opens at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, July 23.  We’ll see you at the fair!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

5-11pm Rides, Concessions, Crafts and Food in Congdon Park

10am-8pm Book Sale at Bristol Library

6-6:30pm Citizen of the Year Award in Gazebo at Congdon Park

6-9pm Children’s Activities sponsored by Bristol Churches at Congdon Park

6-9pm Grand Prix Derby, Building cars in Children’s area at Congdon Park

6-9pm 2010 Bristol Homecoming  Scholarship Pageant at Elkhart County Historical Museum

8-10pm Live music, “The Goldmine
Pickers” at Congdon Park stage

11pm Park Closes

Friday, July 9, 2010

9am– 2pm Hidden Treasure sale at St. Mary’s Church, Vistula St.

10am-5pm Book Sale at Bristol Library

5-11pm Rides, Concessions, Crafts and Food at Congdon Park

5-6:45pm Registration, 7pm: 3 on 3 Youth Basketball Tournament (max. age: H.S. senior) at Cummins Park

4-6pm Pie baking contest registration at Homecoming trailer in Congdon Park

6pm Tractor Pull on West Vistula Street

6-9pm Children’s Activities sponsored by Bristol Churches in Congdon Park

6-9pm Grand Prix Derby, Test runs on

track in Children’s area at Congdon Park

6:15pm Pie Baking judging at

Homecoming Trailer in Congdon Park

6:30-7:30 Crussmeyer’s World of Martial Arts in Congdon Park

8-10pm Live music, “Truth in Jazz” at Congdon Park

11pm Park Closes

Saturday, July 10, 2010

6am-11am Pancake Breakfast at Bristol

United Methodist Church, SR 15 S

7am Bristol Fruit Hills Race Registration

8am Race starts at American Legion Post #143 located at 903 Maple St. (for info. call Gary at 534-1910)

9am– 2pm Hidden Treasure sale at St. Mary’s Church, Vistula St.

9am Horseshoe Tournament at Cummins Park, behind Elkhart County Museum

10am-3pm Book Sale at Bristol Library

10am-1pm FlightMasters, Model airplane flying at Hinsdale Farms, Kesco Dr., (off of SR 15 S)

Noon-5pm Strawberry shortcake/Ice cream at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Vistula St

Starting at 12- BBQ Ribs at American

Legion on Maple St. (off of Vistula St)

12-2pm Hot Dog sale at Masonic Lodge, located downtown

Saturday, July 10, 2010 continued

12pm- Parade Registration at Robert Weed

on Maple St. (App. available at Chase & Key Banks & Bristol Library)

1:30pm Judging of Parade

2pm Parade starts at Bristol Elementary School, down Vistula St (main) to the BPD

After Parade– Midnight Rides, Concessions, Crafts and Food at Congdon Park

4-5pm Heartland Country Cloggers at Congdon Park

4-8pm Children’s activities sponsored by

Bristol Churches at Congdon Park

4-8pm Haystack Dinner at Masonic Lodge, located downtown

5:00pm-5:30pm Watermelon Eating &

Longest Apple peel Contests at Congdon

5:30pm-7pm Pie-in-the-Face Auction at Congdon Park

7pm Bristol Business Council  Pirate Ship Fundraiser for  Karson Bell drawn at
Congdon Park

6-6:30pm 5th Annual Bristol Grand Prix Derby Car check-in, Race starts at 6:30pm in Children’s area at Congdon Park

7pm Kids Bike Give-Away in Gazebo at Congdon Park

8pm-10pm Live Music, “The Source” at Congdon Park

8pm Bristol Lion’s Cutest Baby Contest voting ends

Dusk Fireworks

Greetings  Bristol!

I pray July’s issue finds everyone clean, dry, and with power after being “Summer Storm Alley” for a week! I heard many stories of you hardworking folk trying to keep family and animals fed and watered during the outages! My cap is off to you! However, now that you’re recovering from that, some of you may be having pain flare up where you never knew you had any! This month’s topic is on basic principles of pain control. I want to address acute vs. chronic pain and medications used to treat both.

Acute pain typically comes when we overstrain a muscle or tissue and it gets inflamed. It can also be the result of an infection. This type of pain is usually short-lived and can often be self-treated with anti-inflammatories (Motrin, Aleve, aspirin, Tylenol) and rest. Infections, such as Shingles, can cause severe pain and they won’t go away without antibiotics or antivirals in addition to the pain medication. If the pain is severe enough, you may require a narcotic, which is a morphine-based medication and can be taken on a schedule throughout the day or as needed.

Chronic pain is another thing entirely and is usually due to an ongoing condition, such as arthritis or cancer. It requires a different approach to treatment. This type of pain is very subjective, which means your HCP (health-care provider) has to rely on your account of how bad it is. It is important to use a reliable scale (1 to 10) and a description of the pain (stabbing, burning, throbbing) when describing it to your HCP. When treating this type of pain, a combination of medications is usually best due to tolerance. I define tolerance as requiring more to produce the same beneficial effect.

The drugs we have to help control chronic pain fall into three basic categories, or levels. The first includes the anti-inflammatories as mentioned earlier, and some prescription items for nerve pain. (gabapentin, Lyrica, some antidepressants) These medications are taken on a routine basis and help keep the pain level low.  The second level is similar because it also helps keep the pain level low over time, but it includes the long-acting narcotics MS Contin, Oxy Contin, methadone, and Duragesic patches. These are taken everywhere from 3 times a day to three times a week and are meant to prevent the dependence on the drugs in the 3rd level, immediate-release narcotics. The drugs in the third level include Percocet, Vicodin, oxycodone, and morphine. These are taken right away when you feel pain that “breaks through” the other levels and you need immediate relief. They are very potent and should not be taken before driving or doing other activities that require concentration. They usually take effect within the hour and cause sleepiness.

In conclusion, the world of pain can be very confusing to navigate and I have taken some specific training in this area. I am more than happy to explain these ideas in detail and to help anyone regarding dosing and side effects. I’m willing to call your HCP and discuss treatment options if I think you may benefit from changes in therapy. OSMC and the Pain Management Center at Goshen Hospital are two very good references I can give who deal specifically with these types of pain control.  Please don’t suffer silently with pain when something could possibly be done to help!

Since laughter is STILL the best medicine, here is the “dumb” joke for the month:

A funeral procession is going up a steep hill on Main Street when the door of the hearse flies open and the coffin falls out then speeds down Main Street into a pharmacy and crashes into the counter. The lids pops open and the deceased says to the astonished pharmacist, “You got anything to stop this coffin?”

Katrina, Pharmacist

Mor for Less/Bristol Pharmacy 848-0660

Katrina, Pharmacist
Mor for Less/Bristol Pharmacy 848-0660

-July 1st, 2010: We the People, Michiana 912 Project Inc. the largest local conservative group will be hosting its first regional rally “the Pursuit” on September 18th, at Trine University in Angola Indiana. This special event will headline great speakers including our keynote the nation’s most popular media personality, Glenn Beck. Mr. Beck, hosts the 3rd most listened to radio show in the U.S. and is host of his self titled top rated Fox News television show. Some ticket packages offer the opportunity to meet Glenn and other speakers. Some of the other confirmed speakers include Richard Mourdock (Indiana’s current Treasurer), Matt Cook (young entrepreneur and author of Soldier, May I Shake Your Hand and Fearless, Your Journey to Leadership), Peter Heck (Kokomo, Indiana’s own conservative radio talk show host and teacher), and other conservative speakers. “We the People” is also working on several other big named conservatives that encompass what “the Pursuit” is all about. Local vendors, politicians, conservative political groups, and running candidates will also be on display in the Vendor area. Door’s for “the Pursuit” will open at 8 am (e.s.t.), speakers start at 9 am (e.s.t.) and the Vendor area will be open to 4 pm (e.s.t.).

Ticket sales will commence on July 4th at www.jointhepursuit.org or by calling 800-595-4849. Tickets start at $40 for general admission and go through the VIP package for $400. The VIP pkg. includes meeting Glenn Beck and the other speakers, VIP area with drinks and food, and VIP seating. VIP seats are limited and will sell out fast. VIP parking is also available for $20. Go to www.jointhepursuit.org or www.michiana912.org for more event details.

We the People, Michiana 9/12 Project is a non-partisan conservative group that has more than an estimated 5,000 local members. Derived from the thoughts and values of the conservative movement Michiana 9/12’s mission statement is, “We The People” are dedicated to defend, support and work to restore the principles and values of the Constitution, individual liberty and limited government on which the United States of America was founded. We the People, Michiana 9/12 Project is a non for Page 2 profit organization that fosters that principles and values of the Constitution and is proud to be nonpartisan and not financially backed be any political party.

The Bristol Community Vacation Bible School invites everyone to climb aboard July 18-21 for the voyage of a lifetime.  Set sail with us on a High Seas Expedition.  Feel sea spray on your face as sails snap overhead.  Captains and crews will plunge through rugged waves and experience the deep, rolling waters of God’s love. From the Bible Voyage to the Sail Away Cinema, a cargo of creative experiences will be had by all participating in the 2010 Vacation Bible School.  This year’s Vacation Bible School is scheduled for Sunday through Wednesday, July 18-21.  It will be held at the Bristol United Methodist Church from 5:30 – 8:15 p.m. and is open to children and youth from age 4 to those who have completed the 8th grade.  Meals will be provided each evening.  Churches participating include Bonneyville Mennonite Church, Bristol Church of the Nazarene, Bristol Missionary Church, Bristol United Methodist Church, St. John of the Cross Episcopal and Tri-Lakes Community Church.  For more information contact Wendy at wendy@bristolumc.org via email or (574)848-4031 via telephone.  You can register online at bristolumc.org by going to the “Events” tab and scrolling down to “Register for VBS.”