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Loops of Love

By: Peter Carr

For some crocheting may be a hobby or a way to make homemade gifts, but for Sidnee Fry it is a way to give back to the service men and women of the United States.

“It’s difficult to think that there is no way for me to thank the service men and women who are giving and sacrificing their life and to me this (making afghans) is a way to do that” Fry said.

Fry learned to crochet from her mother when she was in the fourth grade. Fry said that she has not always kept up with crocheting but still enjoys making handmade gifts. It was Fry’s sister that introduced her to the Handmade Afghan Project (HAP). Now Fry has more than 50 people in the Muncie community helping to make 6 by 9 squares to be part of the afghans.

How it started-

The Handmade Afghan Project was started in December 2004 by Deborah Starobin-Armstrong.  Armstrong started the organization because of her own experiences in the hospital. “Having spent some time in the hospital as a child, I know they can be cold and lonely and since I knit and crochet I also know that afghans can warm the body and soul,” Armstrong said.  “It seemed a natural combination to start making handmade afghans for those wounded in service to our country.”

Armstrong’s goal was to have as many people as possible work on each afghan. Each afghan has 49 different squares, and each represents time and effort that volunteers put into making the blanket. Attached to each afghan is a thank you note and a list of everyone who worked on the afghan.

Since that start of HAP the group has made 3,052 afghans, a number Armstrong could not dream of when it all began five years ago.  “I actually thought we would make 30 or so afghans and then folks would lose interest. People are amazingly generous,” Armstrong said.

HAP has more than 1,700 volunteers in all 50 states and several from other countries.

Indiana HAP –

Sidnee Fry has recruited members of her church and friends throughout east central Indiana. The group out Yorktown now has more than 50 members.  Fry’s group has helped create 126 afghans in the past year.

“It is wonderful how so many people like Sindee have stepped forward to take on leadership roles in HAP,” Armstrong said.

How you can help –

Fry said that she is always looking for more volunteers. “We have people that help that had never crocheted until they joined our group; we are willing to teach new volunteers,” Fry said.

Aside from volunteering Fry is looking for yarn donations, help covering the shipping cost, or even someone who drives trucks to Washington D. C. that would be willing to transport the afghans to HAP.

For more information about HAP checkout their website,  http://www.rectangle6×9.org/

These recipes are courtesy of:  Chef Jason Reynolds CCC

Turkey Pineapple Curry

Serves 6

1 med. onion, chopped

1/3c. butter

1c. flour

2tsp. curry powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. white pepper

4c. turkey or chicken broth

3c. leftover turkey

8oz. pineapple tidbits, drained

Cooked white rice

1.  In a large skillet cook onion in butter until soft.

2.  Sprinkle in flour, curry, and salt.  Cook and stir for 3 minutes.

3.  Add broth and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened.

4.  Add turkey and pineapple and heat until mixture is hot.

5.  Serve over white rice.

Sweet Potato Bisque

Serves 4-6

6 slices bacon

1 med. onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic minced

4c. leftover cooked sweet potatoes

4c. chicken broth

1 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. white pepper

1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves

1c. heavy cream

1.  In a large stock pot, cook bacon until crisp.

2.  Drain bacon on paper towels and set aside.

3.  Drain off all but two tablespoons of the bacon fat.

4.  Cook onion and garlic in bacon fat until crisp and tender, about 5 minutes.

5.  Stir in sweet potatoes, chicken broth, salt, white pepper, and thyme.

6.  Simmer for 10-15 minutes until potatoes are falling apart.

7.  Using a potato masher or immersion blender, mash the vegetables.

8.  Stir in heavy cream and heat through.

9.  Crumble bacon and garnish each serving.

Cranberry Brownie Pie

Serves 12

4-1 oz. squares unsweetened chocolate

2/3c. butter

2c. sugar

4 eggs

1 1/4c. flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

3/4c. heavy cream

3T. powdered sugar

1c. whole berry cranberry sauce

1/2c. chopped pecans

1/3c. hot fudge

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.  Grease a 10″ spring form pan and an 8×8″ square pan and set aside.

3.  Melt unsweetened chocolate and butter together in a heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until blended and smooth.

4.  Remove from heat; beat in the sugar and eggs until smooth.

5.  Add flour, baking powder and salt and mix well.

6.  Spread half of the batter in the spring form pan, and the other half in the square pan.

7.  Bake for 15 minutes, until just set.  Don’t over bake.  If they are under baked a bit, that’s just fine.  The spring form pan brownies will probably bake faster than the square pan because they will be thinner, so check frequently.  Cool both completely.

8.  Cut the brownies in the square pan in the cubes.

9.  In a large bowl, beat the cream with the powdered sugar until stiff; fold in cranberry sauce.

10.  Spoon half of the mixture over the spring form pan brownies.

11.  Top with half of the brownie cubes and half of the pecans.

12.  Repeat layers.

13.  Drizzle with the hot fudge sauce.

14.  Chill for a few hours in the fridge, then cut into wedges.

Dance
Couple Dance Lessons, 7-8:30 p.m., American Legion Post 19, 218 N. Walnut, Muncie. Learn Cha cha, Waltz, Mambo, East Coast Swing, Fixed Pattern, Two-step and Rumba. Cost: $5 each. Info: 282-9868 or dgoldbike@aol.com.

Family
Santa Headquarters, 1206 Broad St., New Castle. Schedule to be posted on the door. Photos available or feel free to take a camera. Children receive a treat. Free and open to the public.
Ginger Bread Babies Storytime, 10:15-10:45 a.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Lapsit storytime designed for babies ages 4-18 months. Stories and activities to help with language development. Registration: 741-7333.
Muncie Young Marines, 6-8 p.m., V.F.W., 1801 W. Kilgore Ave., Muncie. Accepting children ages 8-18. Open to all youth and supported by the V.F.W. and Marine Corps League.

Health
Children’s Immunization Clinic, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Blackford County Health Dept., 506 E. VanCleve St., Hartford City. Regular immunizations.
Exercise for Everyone, 12:30-1 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. Resistance band exercises. Bands provided. Free and open to the public.

Martial Arts
Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) Fighter Practice, 6:30 p.m., Center Stage, 306 S. Walnut St., Muncie. Armored combat based on medieval tournament rules. Observers welcome. Info: 286-7446.

Meeting
Free and Accepted Masons, 6:30 p.m., Wilbur A. Full Lodge, 1100 E., Eaton. Entered Apprentice Degree.

Music
Acoustic Session, 6:30-8:30 p.m., The Fickle Peach, 117. E. Charles St., Muncie. Instruments playing in open forum. Everyone welcome.

TUESDAY

Card Games
Euchre, 12:30 p.m., Muncie-Delaware County Senior Center, 2517 W. Eighth St., Muncie. Cost: $2. For ages 60 and older. Info: 289-8182.
Rounders Freerolls, 6 p.m., Bypass Bar and Grill, Inc., 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Free Texas Hold’em tournament with $50 payout. Learn to play and have sit in on games with approximately 100 players. Sessions: 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Dance
Square Dance Lessons, 7-9 p.m., Rangeline Community Center, 1405 N. Rangeline Road, Anderson. Hosted By Footloose Square Dance Club. Cost: $4 each. Info: 643-4556 or 643-3833.

Family
Santa Headquarters, 1206 Broad St., New Castle. Schedule to be posted on the door. Photos available or feel free to take a camera. Children receive a treat. Free and open to the public.
Reading Music Reading Words, 10-10:30 a.m., Maring-Hunt Library, 2005 S. High St., Muncie. For kids 3-5 years. Making music and learning to read.
Ready to Read Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. For children ages 18-36 months. Storytime and fun activities.
Manga Anime Club, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Maring-Hunt Library, 2005 S. High St., Muncie. Teens in grades 6-12. Talk about Manga and Anime. Snacks and craft project.
Twilight Tales, 6-7 p.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Evening storytime with craft.

Games
Chess Club, 6:30-8 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. Free and open to the public. Info: 529-0362.

Meeting
Delaware Kiwanis, 6-7 p.m., MCL Cafeteria, 3501 N. Granville Ave., Muncie. World organization focused on serving children of the world. Guests welcome. Program: Al Wilson, former mayor of Muncie. Info: 288-0057.
Community Craft Night, 6:30 p.m., Albany United Methodist Church, 125 N. Broadway, Albany. Take crafts to share or assist with making blankets for the Blanket Ministry.

Seniors
Age Well Walking Club, 9 a.m., Worthen Arena Ticket Office, Ball State Campus,, Muncie. Walk at a medium pace for one hour, including stretching and cool down. Info: 289-4541.
55 Alive, 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Gethsemane United Methodist Church, 1201 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Ministry to older adults with luncheon and program. Cost: $3. Reservations: 284-6877. Program: The Philippines presented by Cora Shonk.

WEDNESDAY
Card Games
Euchre, 12:30 p.m., Muncie-Delaware County Senior Center, 2517 W. Eighth St., Muncie. Cost: $2. For ages 60 and older. Info: 289-8182.
Free Euchre Tournament, 6:30 p.m., Bypass Bar and Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Play with other euchre enthusiasts. Prizes for winners.
Muncie Duplicate Bridge Club, 7-10 p.m., Muncie-Delaware County Senior Center, 2517 W. Eighth St., Muncie. First-timers free. Regular fee: $3. Info: 288-8506 or www.munciebridgeclub.org.

Family
Santa Headquarters, 1206 Broad St., New Castle. Schedule to be posted on the door. Photos available or feel free to take a camera. Children receive a treat. Free and open to the public.
Toddler Time, 9:30-10 a.m., Maring-Hunt Library, 2005 S. High St., Muncie. For toddlers ages 18-36 months. Stories and activities designed to help develop early reading skills.
Story and Craft Time, 10:30 a.m., Hartford City Public Library, 314 N. High St., Hartford City. For children of all ages, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Preschool Pals Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Preschoolers ages 3-5 years. Activities and stories to encourage early reading skills.
Nintendo Wii for Teens, 3-5 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. Snacks to be served.

Food/Drink
Sechler Pickles Available, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Gethsemane United Methodist Church, 1201 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday and Saturday mornings. Proceeds benefit church and mission project of United Methodist Men.

Music
Karaoke, Chances R, 3421 S. Walnut, Muncie. Time: 9-1 a.m. No cover charge.
Be a Singing Star, 8 p.m., Bypass Bar & Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Karaoke. Info: 287-0544.
Duke Tumatoe, 8 p.m., Key Palace Theatre, 123 S. Meridian St., Redkey. Cost: $15. Box office: www.keypalacetheatre.com.
Joey Bowen and Robin Slaven, 8-11 p.m., Mr. Mouse, 9101 W. Smith St., Yorktown. Local musicians Joey Bowen and Robin Slaven play acoustic music. Free cab rides home available.
Bad Penny, 8 p.m., VFW Post 651, 1801 W. Kilgore Ave., Muncie. Cover: $2 for non-members.
Pre-Thanksgiving Day Bash, The Fickle Peach, 117 E. Charles St., Muncie. Live music with Pray for Mojo and friends. Time: 10-2 a.m. No cover.
THURSDAY
Holiday Event
Cardinal Greenway Turkey Trot, 7:30 a.m., Cardinal Greenway Depot, 700 E. Wysor St., Muncie. Non-competitive walk or run along the Cardinal Greenway on Thanksgiving morning. Variety of distances offered, refreshments and family time. Collecting one non-perishable food item per participant to benefit Christian Ministries. Cost: $7 individual or $12 family pre-registration or $10 individual or $15 family day of the event. Info: 287-0399.
Thanksgiving Dinner, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Daleville United Methodist Church, 8104 S. Hickory Drive, Daleville. Buffet includes traditional favorites. Accepting donations with proceeds benefiting heating assistance for local families. Info: www.dalevilleunitedmethodistchurch.com.
FRIDAY
Art
Calming Space for Thoughtful Meditation in the Museum, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Ball State University Museum of Art, 2021 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie. A self-directed experience with a dedicated quiet space available near the Amidha Buddha on the mezzanine.

Card Games
Texas Hold’em, American Legion Post 19, 418 N. Walnut St., Muncie. Doors open, 6 p.m. Tournament, 7 p.m. Cost: $25 buy-in.
Muncie Duplicate Bridge Club, 1-4:30 p.m., Muncie-Delaware County Senior Center, 2517 W. Eighth St., Muncie. First timers free, others $3. Info: 288-8506 or www.munciebridgeclub.org.

Family
Santa Headquarters, 1206 Broad St., New Castle. Schedule to be posted on the door. Photos available or feel free to take a camera. Children receive a treat. Free and open to the public.
Black Friday Babysitting, 8 a.m.-noon, Yorktown Church of the Nazarene, 9001 W. Arch St., Yorktown. Hosted by Diven In Children’s Ministries. Light breakfast provided. No fee. Info: 744-0385 759-7973.
Holiday Ornament Craft Time, 10 a.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. Craft time for ages 9-12.
Crafty Kidz, 4-5 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. For all kids up to age 12. Variety of crafts to be offered. Free and open to the public.
Film
Teen Flix, 4:30-6 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. Showing Star Trek. Snacks served.

Health
First Fridays: Area Agency on Aging Resources, 11 a.m.-noon, Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Free Alzheimer’s education series. Info: (317) 575-9620.
Music
Live Jazz, Heorot Pub and Draught House, 219 S. Walnut St., Muncie. Time: 9-midnight. Listen to the Shawn Salmon Jazz Trio.
Karaoke, Chances R, 3421 S. Walnut, Muncie. Time: 9-1 a.m. No cover charge.
Glostik Willy, Beatniks Cafe, 123 E. Third St., Marion. Time: 9-3 a.m. Grant County band with improvisational jams.
Karaoke, 7 p.m., VFW Post 651, 1801 W. Kilgore Ave., Muncie.
Be a Singing Star, 8 p.m., Bypass Bar & Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Karaoke. Info: 287-0544.
Chooglin, with Tijuana Hercules and Fredericks Martinez, 9 p.m., Lafayette Brewing Company, 622 Main St., Lafayette. Cover: $5 at the door.
Jagged Edge Band, 10 p.m., Bypass Bar and Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. $2 cover.

Special Event
Liberty-Perry Alumni Fun Fest Bowl, 1-4 p.m., Liberty Bowl, 1115 S. Liberty St., Muncie. Bowling tournament to raise scholarship funds. 8-9-10=strike, prizes and raffle. Walk-in or pre-register. Everyone welcome. Cost: $10 includes shoes. Info: 286-9193.
Strange and Deranged Showcase, 9 p.m., Heorot Pub and Draught House, Upstairs, 219 S. Walnut St., Muncie. Live human oddities and performances. Cost: $6.
Card Games
Euchre, 12:30 p.m., Muncie-Delaware County Senior Center, 2517 W. Eighth St., Muncie. Cost: $2. For ages 60 and older. Info: 289-8182.

Family
Santa Headquarters, 1206 Broad St., New Castle. Schedule to be posted on the door. Photos available or feel free to take a camera. Children receive a treat. Free and open to the public.
Make and Take Crafts, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Craft table to be stocked with needed supplies. Free and open to the public.
Make & Take Kids Crafts, 10 a.m.-noon, New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. For children age 12 and younger. Free and open to the public. Info: 529-0362.
Pet Meet ‘n Greet, noon-4 p.m., PetSmart, 3450 N. Morrison Road, Muncie. Shelter pets available for adoption. All pets have been spayed/neutered and have age appropriate vaccinations.

Food/Drink
Cowan Lion’s Club Breakfast, 7 a.m.-10 a.m., Cowan Lions Club, Malissa St., Cowan. Cost: $6 adults and $4 children age 12 and younger.
Special Dinner, 6-8 p.m., American Legion Post 19, 418 N. Walnut St., Muncie. Cost: $8. Entertainment provided after dinner.

Holiday Event
Tajci’s Emmanuel : The Story of Christ, 7 p.m., St. Mary’s Church, 2300 W. Jackson St., Muncie. Original arrangements provided by the former pop music star in communist central Europe who fled to the U.S. in 2000.

Music
Karaoke, Chances R, 3421 S. Walnut, Muncie. Time: 9-1 a.m. No cover charge.
The Slaven Band, Hinee’s Saloon Inc., 6400 S. County Road 575-E, Selma. Time: 9-1 a.m. No cover charge.
Mix Factory, Elks Lodge, 1026 S. Main St., Dunkirk. Time: 8-midnight. Performance of music from ’60s to present day. Accepting donations for canned food drive.
Reminisce Band, 7:30-11:30 p.m., Anderson Eagles, 1315 Meridian St., Anderson. Playing ’50s and ’60s music.
Be a Singing Star, 8 p.m., Bypass Bar & Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Karaoke. Info: 287-0544.
Nick Ivanovich, 9-3 a.m., Beatniks Cafe, 123 E. Third St., Marion. Time: 9-3 a.m. Performing rock, gospel, folk and bluegrass into his contemporary style of original folk music.
Jagged Edge Band, 10 p.m., Bypass Bar and Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. $2 cover.

Reunion
Muncie Central Class of 1999, 7-11 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 3600 W. Purdue Ave., Muncie. Casual gathering. Cost: $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Reservations: prswan@woh.rr.com or www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=172953657264&ref=mf.

Theater
Hoosier Holiday Dinner Theatre Cabaret, 6:30-9 p.m., Farmland Cultural Center, 103 N. Main St., Farmland. Music and stories about the Christmas holiday with holiday-themed dinner. Cost: $20 adults; $15 seniors and students; and $10 for ages 12 and younger. Reservations: 468-7631.
Card Games
Rounders Freerolls, 6 p.m., Bypass Bar and Grill, Inc., 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Free Texas Hold’em tournament with $50 payout. Learn to play and have sit in on games with approximately 100 players. Sessions: 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Dance
Super Singles Dance, White River Plaza, 702 S. Nichols Ave., Muncie. Time: 7-11 p.m. DJ Frances Simmons. $6 cover charge. Info: 358-3358 or 730-9135.

Family
Santa Headquarters, 1206 Broad St., New Castle. Schedule to be posted on the door. Photos available or feel free to take a camera. Children receive a treat. Free and open to the public.
Magician Wayne Hinkel, noon-2 p.m., Scotty’s Brewhouse, 1700 W. University Ave., Muncie. Children eat free with an adult entree purchase.

Holiday Event
Live Nativity, Elwood First United Methodist Church, 1500 N. “A ” St., Elwood. Parade, downtown on Anderson St., 2:45 p.m. Nativity, 3-6 p.m. Live characters and animals portraying the nativity. Music in the sanctuary. The nativity story read every hour. Cookies, hot chocolate and coffee in fellowship hall.

Music
Nick Ivanovich, Beatniks Cafe, 123 E. Third St., Marion. Time: 9-3 a.m. Performing rock, gospel, folk and bluegrass into his contemporary style of original folk music.

Religion
Anniversary Celebration, 10 a.m.-noon, Calvary Christian Center, 5401 W. Hessler Road, Muncie. Celebrating 25 years. Rev. Don Gifford, district superintendent of the Indiana District of the Assemblies of God as guest speaker. Info: 289-2151 or www.munciecalvary.org.
Baby Day, 10:30 a.m., Yorktown Church of the Nazarene, 9001 W. Arch St., Yorktown. Honoring babies during the worship service.
Worship Service: Thanksgiving in a World of Woe, 10:45 a.m.-noon, Unitarian Universalist Church, 4800 W. Bradford Drive, Muncie. Student minister Beth Lefever will explore the richness of life and to whom or for what we might be grateful. Info: www.uuchurchmuncie.org.
Christian Country Concert, 6-8 p.m., Calvary Christian Center, 5401 W. Hessler Road, Muncie. Performance by Christian country recording artist Morris Mott. Freewill offering accepted.

Theater
Hoosier Holiday Dinner Theatre Cabaret, 12:30-3 p.m., Farmland Cultural Center, 103 N. Main St., Farmland. Music and stories about the Christmas holiday with holiday-themed dinner. Cost: $20 adults; $15 seniors and students; and $10 for ages 12 and younger. Reservations: 468-7631.
Jerald Jacquard’s Creative Process: Sculpture Projects 1999-2009, Ball State University Museum of Art, 2021 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie. Recent sculptural projects including preliminary drawings and scale models for a number of recent monumental works. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
1968 in America, Minnetrista, 1200 N. Minnetrista Pkwy., Muncie. Learn how the major events of that year impacted East Central Indiana. Included with general admission: $4 child or student, $6 senior and $7 adult. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Info: www.minnetrista.net/1968.
But Not Forgotten, The Anderson Center for the Arts, 32 W. 10th St., Anderson. Paintings and photographs by Middletown artist, John Silvey of the old Madison County Home, circa 1975.
Charlene George Oil Paintings, Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co., 224 E. Main St., Muncie. Artist is known for use of Renaissance techniques, including glazing, sfumato (softened edges) and chiaroscuro (strong light and dark) to achieve ultra-realistic focus of both landscape and still life scenes.
Field & Farm, Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co., 224 E. Main St., Muncie. Paintings by Charlene George. Featuring pastel and oil paintings. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or by appointment.
Art at the Library, Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Artist Brian Gordy displaying several giclee and watercolor prints. Many of the pieces on display depict scenes found along Indiana’s riverbanks.
Dr. Charles E. Bracker Orchid Photographs, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Bracken Library, Ball State University, Archives and Special Collections, Room 210, Muncie.
Dr. Entomo’s Palace of Exotic Wonders, Minnetrista, 1200 N. Minnetrista Pkwy., Muncie. Explore the world of bugs, from glow-in-the-dark scorpions to the world’s largest bird-eating tarantula. Included with general admission: $4 child or student, $6 senior and $7 adult. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Info: www.minnetrista.

Teen stores have the holiday blues
NEW YORK — When retailers reported their monthly sales for October last week, one sector seemed to need some extra help: teen-oriented stores.
With sales at stores open at least a year down nearly 6 percent, the sector performed the worst, falling below even department stores, and that bodes ill for their holiday business.
Teen sales were dragged down by Abercrombie & Fitch Co., which has been abandoned by teens flocking to lower-priced stores, and even by some stores that have fared better during the recession. American Eagle Outfitters and Aeropostale Inc. performed sharply worse than what analysts had predicted.
“The shift in priorities for holiday, post-back-to-school, is clearly not on apparel,” for teens, said NPD Group analyst Marshal Cohen.
Gift cards and electronics are a higher priority for them, he said.
Some teen standbys remain popular, such as jeans, graphic T-shirts, athletic shoes and winter boots, Cohen said. But adults are more likely to get clothes as gifts than teens this year, he said.
The shift has partly to do with the length of the recession, Cohen said. Parents have been less likely to cut back on kids than themselves but eventually have had to cut back on everything.
Given the weak economy, “teenagers have less disposable income,” Cohen said, in part because fewer are employed.
Still, the trend won’t last forever.
“Teen retailers are always the last to show the recession, but also one of the first to recover out of it,” Cohen said.
— AP Retail Writer Mae Anderson

TUESDAY
Art
Art High at Noon: Ramberg and Shapiro, noon, Ball State University Museum of Art, 2021 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie. View Schizophrenic Discovery, 1977, by Christina Ramberg and Untitled, 1984, by Joel Shapiro, with a museum docent. Free and open to the public.
Card Games
Euchre, 12:30 p.m., Muncie-Delaware County Senior Center, 2517 W. Eighth St., Muncie. Cost: $2. For ages 60 and older. Info: 289-8182.
Rounders Freerolls, Bypass Bar and Grill, Inc., 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Free Texas Hold’em tournament with $50 payout. Learn to play and have sit in on games with approximately 100 players. Sessions: 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Dance
Square Dance Lessons, 7-9 p.m., Rangeline Community Center, 1405 N. Rangeline Road, Anderson. Hosted By Footloose Square Dance Club. Cost: $4 each. Info: 643-4556 or 643-3833.
Family
Reading Music Reading Words, 10-10:30 a.m., Maring-Hunt Library, 2005 S. High St., Muncie. For kids 3-5 years. Making music and learning to read.
Ready to Read Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. For children ages 18-36 months. Storytime and fun activities.
Teens Create!, 3:30-5 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. Custom paint a book end.
Twilight Tales, 6-7 p.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Evening storytime with craft.
Food/Drink
Sechler Pickles Available, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Gethsemane United Methodist Church, 1201 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday and Saturday mornings. Proceeds benefit church and mission project of United Methodist Men.
Meeting
Quilters Get Together, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. Informal time for learning and sharing. Take a project, help with a project or learn how to quilt.
Delaware Kiwanis, 6-7 p.m., MCL Cafeteria, 3501 N. Granville Ave., Muncie. World organization focused on serving children of the world. Guests welcome. Info: 288-0057. Program by Ailesia Franklin, executive director of The Glass Museum, Dunkirk.
Music
Student Jazz Combos, 5:30 p.m., Choral Hall, Ball State University, Muncie. Free and open to the public.
Ball State Faculty Artist Series, 8 p.m., Sursa Performance Hall, Ball State University, Muncie. Lori Rhoden, piano with Ray Kilburn, piano; Mary Kothman, violin; Hikaru Tamaki, cell; and Mihoko Watanabe, flute. Free and open to the public.
Religion
HymnSing, 7 p.m., Keller Chapel, 5216 W. Keller Road, Muncie. Singing of hymns with story of how each was written and composed.
Seniors
Age Well Walking Club, 9 a.m., Worthen Arena Ticket Office, Ball State Campus, Muncie. Walk at a medium pace for one hour, including stretching and cool down. Info: 289-4541.
55 Alive, 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Gethsemane United Methodist Church, 1201 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Ministry to older adults with luncheon and program. Cost: $3. Reservations: 284-6877. Program: A Multitude of Services Offered at A Better Way by Teresa Clemmons, director.
Association of Lifelong Learners, 3-4:30 p.m., Ball State University Alumni Center, 2800 W. Bethel Ave., Muncie. Reflections of Forty Years in the Newspaper Business and the New “M” magazine, by Larry Shores, former editor of the Muncie Star Press. Info: RHarris@bsu.edu.
Special Event
Books for Kid’s Sake, 2-8 p.m., Books-A-Million, Muncie Mall, 3501 N. Granville Ave., Muncie. Portion of the sales will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware County. Vouchers can be obtained at the agency or by downloading from the website. Info: www.bbbsmuncie.org.

WEDNESDAY
Art
Craft It and Keep It, 1:30-3 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. Learn to emboss a card. Free and open to the public. Space limited. Registration: 529-3062, ext. 310 or www.nchcpl.org.
Card Games
Euchre, 12:30 p.m., Muncie-Delaware County Senior Center, 2517 W. Eighth St., Muncie. Cost: $2. For ages 60 and older. Info: 289-8182.
Muncie Duplicate Bridge Club, 7-10 p.m., Muncie-Delaware County Senior Center, 2517 W. Eighth St., Muncie. First-timers free. Regular fee: $3. Info: 288-8506 or www.munciebridgeclub.org.
Family
Toddler Time, 9:30-10 a.m., Maring-Hunt Library, 2005 S. High St., Muncie. For toddlers ages 18-36 months. Stories and activities designed to help develop early reading skills.
Story and Craft Time, 10:30 a.m., Hartford City Public Library, 314 N. High St., Hartford City. For children of all ages.
Preschool Pals Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Preschoolers ages 3-5 years. Activities and stories to encourage early reading skills.
Time Travelers, 3:30-5 p.m., Maring-Hunt Library, 2005 S. High St., Muncie. For kids in grades K-5. Books and activities to spark interest in reading and history. Registration: 741-5151.
Meeting
6-80’s Knitting Club, 1-2 p.m., Muncie Delaware County Senior Citizens Center, 2517 W. 8th St., Muncie. Learn basic stitches. Free and open to the public. Take number 9 circular needle and worsted weight yarn.
Music
Karaoke, Chances R, 3421 S. Walnut, Muncie. Time: 9-1 a.m. No cover charge.
Be a Singing Star, 8 p.m., Bypass Bar & Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Karaoke. Info: 287-0544.
Joey Bowen and Robin Slaven, 8-11 p.m., Mr. Mouse, 9101 W. Smith St., Yorktown. Local musicians Joey Bowen and Robin Slaven play acoustic music. Free cab rides home available.
Religion
Surviving The Holidays, 6:30-8 p.m., South Side Nazarene, 3500 W. Fuson Road, Muncie. Hosted by the Divorce Recovery program. One session ministry designed to create a sense of hope for people struggling with divorce during the holidays. Registration: 759-8940.
Sale
Poinsettia Sale, Cancer Services of East Central Indiana- Little Red Door, 401 W. Jackson St., Muncie. Orders taken through Friday. Colors available: Red, white, pink, marble and jingle bell. Prices: $15 each or $12 each for orders of 25 or more. Free delivery for orders of 10 or more to one address. Place orders by calling 284-9063 or visit www.littlereddooreci.org.
Seniors
Senior Bingo, 3-4 p.m., The Woodlands, 3820 W. Jackson St., Muncie. Free and open to all seniors. Reservations: 289-3451.
Theater
Noises Off, 7:30 p.m., University Theatre, Ball State University, Muncie. Actors play actors playing actors in this look inside the trysts and triumphs of live theatre. Tickets: $12.50 general public, $11.50 faculty and staff, $9.50 seniors and $6.50 students. Box office: 285-8749 or boxoffice@bsu.edu.
Workshop
Eating Healthy Through the Holidays Cooking School, 6:30 p.m., Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1404 W. Cowing Drive, Muncie. Certified nurse practitioner will teach how to eat to lower stress by diet during the holidays. Taste testing, samples and free recipe book. Info: 288-6433.

THURSDAY
Auto Event
Palmer Trucks Annual Truck Show, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis. Product demonstrations, new product unveiling, life cycle cost education, fuel economy education, product training, special guests, food and prizes. Free admission with donation of canned food item. Info: www.palmertruckshow.com.
Bazaars
Moonlight Extravaganza Craft Fair, 3:30-6 p.m., Yorktown High School, 1100 S. Tiger Drive, Yorktown. Hosted by Yorktown Fashion Club. Everyone is welcome to participate or shop. Booth space: $10 for vendors. Info: 759-2564.
Card Games
Rounders Freerolls, Bypass Bar and Grill, Inc., 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Free Texas Hold’em tournament with $50 payout. Learn to play and have sit in on games with approximately 100 players. Sessions: 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Euchre, 6:30 p.m., VFW, 1801 W. Kilgore, Muncie. Public is invited.
Family
Story Time, 10 a.m., Daleville Community Library, 13601 W. County Road 550-S, Daleville. Open to children of all ages. Stories and craft.
Cuddle-up Storytime for Babies, 10-10:30 a.m., Maring-Hunt Library, 2005 S. High St., Muncie. For babies ages 4-18 months to encourage early language skills.
Paws to Read, 11 a.m.-noon, Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. For children grades K-5. Sign-up to read to a trained therapy dog. Registration: 741-7333 for a 15 minute reading session.
Film
A Novel Review, 6:30-9 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. Showing My Sister’s Keeper. Discussion of book and film. Free and open to adults.
Health
Cholesterol and Glucose Testing, 7-8 a.m., Randolph County YMCA Inc., 1521 E. Washington St., Winchester. Cost: $25. Participants must fast 8-10 hours before screening. Info: 584-9622.
H1N1 Flu Vaccinations, 3-5 p.m., Northside Elementary, 400 E. Mcdonald St., Hartford City. For students. Parents should accompany children. Info: 348-4317.
Holiday Event
Randolph County Extension Homemakers Time for Trees, noon-8 p.m., Randolph County 4-H Fairgrounds, Husted Hall, 1885 S. U.S. 27, Winchester. Featuring silent auction of decorated trees and wreaths donated from Randolph County Extension Homemakers Clubs and local businesses. Free admission.
Jay County Winterfest, Christmas trees available for viewing at the courthouse, 120 N. Court St., Portland. Live nativity production, 6:30 p.m., old fire station, 110 N. Commerce St. Community sing and lighting of the Christmas tree, 7 p.m., courthouse.
Music
Karaoke, Chances R, 3421 S. Walnut, Muncie. Time: 9 p.m.-1 a.m.  No cover charge.
Be a Singing Star, 8 p.m., Bypass Bar & Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Karaoke. Info: 287-0544.
Seniors
Age Well Walking Club, 9 a.m., Worthen Arena Ticket Office, Ball State Campus,, Muncie. Walk at a medium pace for one hour, including stretching and cool down. Info: 289-4541.
Special Event
Rockers for Knockers Benefit, Beatniks Cafe, 123 E. Third St., Marion. Time: 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Benefit for Cancer Services of Grant County’s BESS (Breast Education Screening Survival) program. Performances by Denny Buckler (country and rock), Midwest Hype (funk and reggae), The Coupe De Villains (rockabilly, surf rock), LateNite Jam (jam rock), Waldmere Revival (acoustic indie folk), Ramon Volz (acoustic rock), Eden’s Lost (emo rock) and Mudhippies (acoustic indie folk). Admission: Donations to provide free mammograms to women in need.
Theater
Noises Off, 7:30 p.m., University Theatre, Ball State University, Muncie. Actors play actors playing actors in this look inside the trysts and triumphs of live theatre. Tickets: $12.50 general public, $11.50 faculty and staff, $9.50 seniors and $6.50 students. Box office: 285-8749 or boxoffice@bsu.edu.
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, 8 p.m., Muncie Civic Theatre, 216 E. Main St., Muncie. Main Street Studio Theatre. Cost: $10 adults, $7 students. Box office: 288-PLAY.
Workshop
Computer Classes, Maring-Hunt Library, 2005 S. High St., Muncie. Hands-on adult computer class. Learn Resume Basics, 10 a.m.-noon, learn to format information and what to put in and what to leave out when creating a resume that works. Learn PowerPoint 2007, 1-3 p.m., basic computer skills required. Photos and Photo Editing on the Computer, 5:30-7:30 p.m., basic computer skills required, learn to edit and organize photos. Free and open to adults. Registration: 741-7337.

FRIDAY
Art
Calming Space for Thoughtful Meditation in the Museum, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Ball State University Museum of Art, 2021 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie. A self-directed experience with a dedicated quiet space available near the Amidha Buddha on the mezzanine.
Auto Event
Palmer Trucks Annual Truck Show, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis. Product demonstrations, new product unveiling, life cycle cost education, fuel economy education, product training, special guests, food and prizes. Free admission with donation of canned food item. Info: www.palmertruckshow.com.
Bazaars
Ole Fashion Christmas Bazaar and Craft Show, Houston Brick, 101 E. Main St., Lewisville. Friday, preview night, 6-8 p.m., $3. Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., no admission fee. Features vendors offering quilts, pottery, primitive stitchery items, willow furniture and accessories, handmade gifts and baked goods. Info: 987-7979.
Card Games
Muncie Duplicate Bridge Club, 1-4:30 p.m., Muncie-Delaware County Senior Center, 2517 W. Eighth St., Muncie. First timers free, others $3. Info: 288-8506 or www.munciebridgeclub.org.
Texas Hold’em, American Legion Post 19, 418 N. Walnut St., Muncie. Doors open, 6 p.m. Tournament, 7 p.m. Cost: $25 buy-in.
Free Euchre Tournament, 6:30 p.m., Bypass Bar and Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Play with other euchre enthusiasts. Prizes for winners.
Dance
Ice Crystals, 4-5 p.m., Buley Center, 118 S. Walnut St., Suite A, Muncie. Meets on weekly through Dec. 11. Dance or stage experience not required. Learn a few new steps and then perform in The Children’s Nutcracker on Dec. 18 & 19. Free to Buley center participants and includes costuming and family tickets for the performance. Info: 282-1480.
DJ, 8-11:30 p.m., DJ, 1801 W. Kilgore Ave., Muncie. Free and open to the public.
Fair/Festival
International Festival, 2-5 p.m., Indiana State Fairground, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis. Ethnic artists, international merchandise and food, cultural displays, authentic ethnic entertainment and a naturalization ceremony. Free admission. Info: phubley@familyevents.com.
Family
Friday Preschool Pals, 10:30-11 a.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Preschoolers ages 3-5. Activities and stories to encourage early reading skills.
Crafty Kidz, 4-5 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. For all kids up to age 12. Variety of crafts to be offered. Free and open to the public.
Film
Senior Movie Matinee, 1-3 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. The library, along with Hickory Creek of New Castle, is showing Holiday Inn. Snacks and drinks provided.
Food/Drink
Chili Supper, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Mansfield Park, 2801 S. Eaton Ave., Muncie. Hosted by the committee to re-elect Commissioner Larry Bledsoe. Cost: $5 and children age 10 and younger are free. Dinner includes chili, dessert and drink.
Health
First Fridays: Area Agency on Aging Resources, 11 a.m.-noon, Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Free Alzheimer’s education series. Info: (317) 575-9620.
Music
Live Jazz with Shawn Salmon Jazz Trio, Heorot Pub and Draught House, 219 S. Walnut St., Muncie. Time: 9-midnight.
Karaoke, Chances R, 3421 S. Walnut, Muncie. Time: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. No cover charge.
Karaoke, 7 p.m., VFW Post 651, 1801 W. Kilgore Ave., Muncie.
Be a Singing Star, 8 p.m., Bypass Bar & Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Karaoke. Info: 287-0544.
Reminisce Band, 8-noon, AmVets Post 12, 7621 N. Ind. 3, Royerton.
Jagged Edge Band, 10 p.m., Bypass Bar and Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. $2 cover.
Seniors
Senior Singles, 5 p.m., Gethsemane United Methodist Church, 1201 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Take own lunch, and a donation for the pantry. Dessert furnished. Cards and games to follow.
Special Event
Rockers for Knockers Benefit, Beatniks Cafe, 123 E. Third St., Marion. Time: 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Benefit for Cancer Services of Grant County’s BESS (Breast Education Screening Survival) program. Performances by Denny Buckler (country and rock), Midwest Hype (funk and reggae), The Coupe De Villains (rockabilly, surf rock), LateNite Jam (jam rock), Waldmere Revival (acoustic indie folk), Ramon Volz (acoustic rock), Eden’s Lost (emo rock) and Mudhippies (acoustic indie folk). Admission: Donations to provide free mammograms to women in need.
Theater
Noises Off, 7:30 p.m., University Theatre, Ball State University, Muncie. Actors play actors playing actors in this look inside the trysts and triumphs of live theatre. Tickets: $12.50 general public, $11.50 faculty and staff, $9.50 seniors and $6.50 students. Box office: 285-8749 or boxoffice@bsu.edu.
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, 8 p.m., Muncie Civic Theatre, 216 E. Main St., Muncie. Main Street Studio Theatre. Cost: $10 adults, $7 students. Box office: 288-PLAY.

SATURDAY
Bazaars
Ole Fashion Christmas Bazaar and Craft Show, Houston Brick, 101 E. Main St., Lewisville. Friday, preview night, 6-8 p.m., $3. Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., no admission fee. Features vendors offering quilts, pottery, primitive stitchery items, willow furniture and accessories, handmade gifts and baked goods. Info: 987-7979.
Santa’s Depot Craft Fair, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., National Guard Armory, 1620 N. Jefferson St., Hartford City. Hosted by Hartford City chapter of Tri Kappa. Over 30 vendors. Candles, jewelry, baskets, clothing, quilts, seasonal decorations, cards and other crafts available. Admission, $1. Proceeds support community projects and scholarships. Info: 348-0307.
Christmas Bazaar, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., W. G. Smith Building, Memorial Park, 2221 N. Memorial Drive, New Castle. Lunch available sponsored by Sunnyside Church of God.
Christmas Bazaar, noon-4 p.m., Christmas Bazaar, 11 E. Main St., Hagerstown. Crafts, food, pottery, baskets and more. Free admission.
Card Games
Euchre, 12:30 p.m., Muncie-Delaware County Senior Center, 2517 W. Eighth St., Muncie. Cost: $2. For ages 60 and older. Info: 289-8182.
Dance
Sugar Plum Fairy Dance Class, 11 a.m.-noon, Muncie Ballet, 118 S. Walnut St., Suite A, Muncie. Meets weekly through Dec. 12. Participants will create a sparkle and shine fairy character dance to be used in The Children’s Nutcracker on Dec. 18 & 19. Fee: $75 includes costuming and family tickets to the performance. Tuition assistance is available. Registration: 282-1480 or www.MuncieBallet.org.
Fair/Festival
International Festival, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Indiana State Fairground, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis. Ethnic artists, international merchandise and food, cultural displays, authentic ethnic entertainment and a naturalization ceremony. Free admission. Info: phubley@familyevents.com.
Family
Make and Take Crafts, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Craft table to be stocked with needed supplies. Free and open to the public.
Free Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Muncie Children’s Museum, 515 S. High St., Muncie. Enjoy hands-on exhibits and free admission. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Info: 286-1660 or www.munciechildrensmuseum.com.
Make & Take Kids Crafts, 10 a.m.-noon, New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. For children age 12 and younger. Free and open to the public. Info: 529-0362.
Pet Meet ‘n Greet, noon-4 p.m., PetSmart, 3450 N. Morrison Road, Muncie. Shelter pets available for adoption. All pets have been spayed/neutered and have age appropriate vaccinations.
Princess Wishes Tea and Coronation, 2-4 p.m., Muncie Mall, 3501 N. Granville Ave., Muncie. Children will participate in activities including hair styling, make-up, crafts, tea, crowning and runway show. Cost: $10. Proceeds benefit Make A Wish Foundation and the Be the Match Foundation. Registration: 285-4111.
Jay County Winterfest: Little Miss Winterfest Contest, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Jay County Courthouse, 121 N. Court St., Portland. Girls ages 7-10 will compete to be crowned “Little Miss Winterfest”.
Santa Headquarters, 5-7 p.m., 1206 Broad St., New Castle. Schedule to be posted on the door. Photos available or feel free to take a camera. Children receive a treat. Free and open to the public.
Food/Drink
Spaghetti Dinner Benefit for the Scott and Treasa Green Family, noon-4 p.m., Harris Chapel Church, 10450 S. County Road 544-E, Selma. Donations accepted. Proceeds benefit the family who lost everything in house fire on Nov. 6.
Saturday at the V.F.W., 8 p.m., VFW Post 651, 1801 W. Kilgore Ave., Muncie. T-bone steak dinners, $10, 5 p.m. Music by Dust til Dawn, 8 p.m.
Health
H1N1 Vaccine Clinic, Blackford County 4-H Building, 310 E. Park Ave., Hartford City. Time: 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Info: 348-4317.
Free Tour, 11 a.m.-noon, Expectations Birthing Center, 1506 W. White River Blvd., Muncie. Take a tour of Muncie’s only free-standing birth center. Info: 468-7300.
Holiday Event
Jay County Winterfest in Portland, Children’s Breakfast, 8-11 a.m., East Jay Middle School, E. Water St., featuring Mickey, Minnie and friends. Tickets available at the Jay County Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $2.50 adults and $5 children; Kid’s Karnival, 8-11 a.m., East Jay Middle School, E. Water St.. Tickets: $.10 each; Carriage Rides, noon-3 p.m., courthouse, 121 N. Court St., free with a donation of a canned good for the food pantry; Bingo, noon-2 p.m., John Jay Center For Learning, 111 N. Meridian St.; Holiday Parade of Lights, downtown, 118 S. Meridian
Knights of Pythias All-American Christmas Parade, 3 p.m., New Castle, Broad St., New Castle. Marching bands, mini-floats, children’s wagon floats, Murat Shrine Clowns and Santa Claus. Info: www.knightsofphythiasofnewcastle.com.
Lecture
Big Foot: Myth or Reality?, 2-3 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. Larry Battson of Wildlife Educational Services, Inc., will present a program about Sasquatch, also known as Big Foot. Stories and photos will be shared. Free and open to the public.
Literary
Read Out! Storytime Marathon, noon-3 p.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie . Hosted by Ball State Chapter of Golden Key Honour Society. Volunteers will read aloud to children of all ages.
Music
Karaoke, Chances R, 3421 S. Walnut, Muncie. Time: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. No cover charge.
Music at the Library, 3-4 p.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Performance by the Ball State University’s Songwriter Showcase. Free and open to the public.
Be a Singing Star, 8 p.m., Bypass Bar & Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Karaoke. Info: 287-0544.
Stacy Mitchhart, 8 p.m., Key Palace Theatre, 123 S. Meridian St., Redkey. Cost: $20. Box office: www.keypalacetheatre.com.
Jagged Edge Band, 10 p.m., Bypass Bar and Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. $2 cover.
Religion
Cowboy Church, Trinity United Methodist Church, 303 N. Walnut St., Hartford City. Piano music begins at 6:30 p.m. Gospel music with Trinity Cowpokes and friends, 7 p.m.
Theater
Noises Off, 7:30 p.m., University Theatre, Ball State University, Muncie. Actors play actors playing actors in this look inside the trysts and triumphs of live theatre. Tickets: $12.50 general public, $11.50 faculty and staff, $9.50 seniors and $6.50 students. Box office: 285-8749 or boxoffice@bsu.edu.
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, 8 p.m., Muncie Civic Theatre, 216 E. Main St., Muncie. Main Street Studio Theatre. Cost: $10 adults, $7 students. Box office: 288-PLAY.

SUNDAY
Bazaars
Ole Fashion Christmas Bazaar and Craft Show, Houston Brick, 101 E. Main St., Lewisville. Friday, preview night, 6-8 p.m., $3. Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., no admission fee. Features vendors offering quilts, pottery, primitive stitchery items, willow furniture and accessories, handmade gifts and baked goods. Info: 987-7979.
Card Games
Rounders Freerolls, 6 p.m., Bypass Bar and Grill, Inc., 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Free Texas Hold’em tournament with $50 payout. Learn to play and have sit in on games with approximately 100 players. Sessions: 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Dance
Super Singles Dance, White River Plaza, 702 S. Nichols Ave., Muncie. Time: 7-11 p.m. DJ Frances Simmons. $6 cover charge. Info: 358-3358 or 730-9135.
Fair/Festival
International Festival, noon-6 p.m., Indiana State Fairground, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis. Ethnic artists, international merchandise and food, cultural displays, authentic ethnic entertainment and a naturalization ceremony. Free admission. Info: phubley@familyevents.com.
Family
Magician Wayne Hinkel, noon-2 p.m., Scotty’s Brewhouse, 1700 W. University Ave., Muncie. Children eat free with an adult entree purchase.
Food/Drink
Chicken Noodle Dinner, Craft and Bake Sale, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., St. Mary’s Church, 346 S. Broad St., Dunkirk. Cost: $6 adult, $3 age 10 and younger. Info: 768-1262.
Holiday Event
Thanksgiving Service, 10:30 a.m., Trinity Community Church, 13801 W. Main St., Daleville. Concert by pianist Rob Deas. Dinner to follow the service. Community is invited.
Jay County Winterfest: Holiday Home Tours, noon-5 p.m., Jay County Chamber of Commerce, 118 S. Meridian, Portland. Tour 5 Jay County homes decorated for the holiday season. Cost: $5. Tickets available at the Jay County Chamber of Commerce. Info: (260) 726-4481.
Swimming
Community Swim, 2-4 p.m., Jay County High School, 2072 W. Ind. 67, Portland. Cost: $2. Children age 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
ONGOING EXHIBITS
Jerald Jacquard’s Creative Process: Sculpture Projects 1999-2009, Ball State University Museum of Art, 2021 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie. Recent sculptural projects including preliminary drawings and scale models for a number of recent monumental works. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
1968 in America, Minnetrista, 1200 N. Minnetrista Pkwy., Muncie. Learn how the major events of that year impacted East Central Indiana. Included with general admission: $4 child or student, $6 senior and $7 adult. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Info: www.minnetrista.net/1968.
But Not Forgotten, The Anderson Center for the Arts, 32 W. 10th St., Anderson. Paintings and photographs by Middletown artist, John Silvey of the old Madison County Home, circa 1975.
Charlene George Oil Paintings, Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co., 224 E. Main St., Muncie. Artist is known for use of Renaissance techniques, including glazing, sfumato (softened edges) and chiaroscuro (strong light and dark) to achieve ultra-realistic focus of both landscape and still life scenes.
Field & Farm, Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co., 224 E. Main St., Muncie. Paintings by Charlene George. Featuring pastel and oil paintings. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or by appointment.
Art at the Library, Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Artist Brian Gordy displaying several giclee and watercolor prints. Many of the pieces on display depict scenes found along Indiana’s riverbanks.
Dr. Charles E. Bracker Orchid Photographs, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Bracken Library, Ball State University, Archives and Special Collections, Room 210, Muncie.
Dr. Entomo’s Palace of Exotic Wonders, Minnetrista, 1200 N. Minnetrista Pkwy., Muncie. Explore the world of bugs, from glow-in-the-dark scorpions to the world’s largest bird-eating tarantula. Included with general admission: $4 child or student, $6 senior and $7 adult. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Info: www.minnetrista.

STAR PRESS REPORT

Click here for the interactive graphic.

MUNCIE — Colder temperatures bring the potential of freezing pipes, and with the economy the way it is, homeowners can’t afford to let frozen pipes be a drain on their pocketbook or their plumbing.

“Taking some simple precautions before the wintry weather hits can save homeowners the expense as well as the time of repairing burst pipes,” said Justin Ullom of the Mr. Rooter of Central Indiana franchise. “The best way to prevent frozen pipes is to winterize your plumbing system.”

By following these steps homeowners can save the money, mess and stress that frozen pipes cause:

Insulate your pipes
* Cover faucets and exposed pipes with insulation or wrap thick towels around them.
* Secure all basement doors, windows and crawl space openings (crawl spaces must be ventilated or it will cause mold)

Keep faucets running
* A small trickle of water or a constant drip will help prevent pipes from freezing.
Open cabinet doors
* This allows heat to circulate under the sink to keep interior pipes warm.
Drain outside water lines
* Remove garden hoses from outdoor faucets and open the outside hose taps to allow water to drain.

Locate the water shut-off valve
* Learn how to use it in case pipes freeze and burst.
* Do not turn thermostat too low on the coldest days of the year. The hot water baseboard heating unit could freeze ibetween heating cycles.
* Have a plumber apply electrically powered heat tape. This should be done by a professional because it might pose a shock hazard.
* Boiler anti-freeze may be added to any hot water system (since anti-freeze is a toxin, it is best for a professional to install). This provides additional protection to the system and can also be added full strength if you want to turn the heat off during specific periods.

If pipes freeze, follow these procedures to safely thaw them:
* Turn off the water at the shut-off valve.
* Open the nearest faucet — this allows water to drain out as the ice melts.
* Heat the exterior of the pipe with a hair dryer — apply heat slowly and don’t keep heat in one spot.
* Do not try to thaw exposed frozen pipes with an open flame, such as an acetylene torch.

If pipes burst or immediate repairs are needed, call a qualified plumber.

By JESSE TEMPLE
jtemple@muncie.gannett.com
MUNCIE — There’s a pretty simple offensive football mantra by which Delta abides: Just take what the defense gives.
Cliche? Perhaps. But given Delta’s success, particularly on Friday night, who’d like to argue?
Fort Wayne Wayne gave away the run time and time again, and Delta happily obliged, scrapping nearly every throwing play in the playbook.
The result was 50 rushes, one pass and a convincing 18-6 Class 4A sectional championship victory in which the Eagles gained 237 yards on the ground.
“That’s what we wanted to do all night,” Eagles running back Teddy Dawson said. “Just run the ball down their throat.”
Dawson carried 30 times for 184 yards, scoring two touchdowns. He reached the 100-yard plateau well before the first half ended with Delta leading 18-0.

“That was huge,” Delta coach Grant Zgunda said. “He was taking some hits. With the combination of the way our line blocked and the way he ran the ball, that was the key to the game.”
The reason for Delta’s one-sided gameplan stemmed more from Wayne’s defensive scheme than anything else. In an effort to negate Eagles star wideout and Indiana University commit Logan Young, the Generals placed only six men in the box, leaving five defensive backs in for nearly the entire contest.
“We knew they were going to double Logan,” Delta right tackle Kegan Morris said. “There was just no reason to pass the ball when they’ve got five guys back in coverage. So we knew we had to run the ball. I think we did that pretty well.”
The Eagles received the opening kickoff and promptly plowed down the field. On the 10th play of the drive, Dawson bulldozed in for a two-yard score that put Delta ahead 6-0.
Wayne countered with 10 rushing plays of its own, but kicker Christian Harmeyer missed a 47-yard field goal attempt, giving the ball back to Delta. Without throwing a pass yet again, Delta drove into the endzone, with quarterback Ozzie Mann scoring on a two-yard rush on the 11th play of the drive.
In fact, Delta ran 41 times before being forced into throwing the ball. Following a 10-yard loss on a botched toss play to Dawson, the Eagles found themselves facing a 3rd and 19 from Wayne’s 42.
“I didn’t want to pass,” Morris said, “but in that situation I knew we were going to have to.”
Not to worry.
Mann connected with Young for 27 yards and a first down. Because it was the Eagles’ only pass play, Mann finished the contest a perfect 1-for-1.
“If you can have one completion, that’s awesome” said Young, who just a week earlier caught 10 passes for 133 yards. “That’s what we want to do. We’ve got a fantastic offensive line. Teddy’s got wheels. If I didn’t have a catch, I didn’t care. That was awesome.”
Wayne only score came with the game out of reach in the fourth quarter. Fullback Tyrell Jones, who scored two TDs in the Generals’ sectional semifinal victory a week earlier, rumbled in for a one-yard TD.
By that time, however, just there was just 9:20 remaining in the game, and Delta did not give the ball back. Delta reached Wayne’s four-yard line before the clock ran out, allowing the Eagles to celebrate their second consecutive sectional title.
Delta (12-0) will take on Fort Wayne Dwenger (12-0) next week in the regional opener. Dwenger defeated Columbia City 56-0 to capture its sectional title.
A year ago, Dwenger defeated Delta 49-20 in the opening round of regional play.
“It’s a big opportunity for payback,” Dawson said. “We want that regional championship. We don’t want to be embarrassed like we were last year.”
— Contact prep sports reporter Jesse Temple at 213-5807.

By NICK WERNER
nwerner@muncie.gannett.com
rg lnlMUNCIE — Charles Workman scares people at a Halloween haunted house, sometimes even with a chainsaw.
But as good as the haunted house is, it pales in comparison to the dump at 806 W. Fifth St., which is next door to Workman’s own home, he said.
The windows are broken.
The roof is caving.
And the side door is swung open, revealing a kitchen with dusty cabinets and crooked floors covered in broken china.
Put the home at 806 W. Fifth St. in some foggy, isolated forest and you definitely have the makings of a horror movie.
“I’d like to see it torn down real quick,” Workman said.
If things go well, Workman might get his wish.
According to Gretchen Cheesman, administrator of the city’s Unsafe Building Hearing Authority, the city has decided to tear the house down and has awarded the demolition contract to Steven W. Shroyer Excavating out of Selma.
Shroyer told The Star Press he expected to demolish the home within about three weeks.
Demolition is expected to cost about $4,000 and the home’s owner Virgil Wildrick Jr., who now lives in Michigan, has agreed to pay the cost, Cheesman said.
The city expects to tear down a record 100 or more abandoned houses this year thanks to financial help from the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program.
— This story is part of a weekly series looking at blighted properties around Muncie. To suggest a property for the series, e-mail the address and a brief description to blightwatch@muncie.gannett.com or mail it to The Star Press, Local News Desk, P.0. Box 2408, Muncie, Ind. 47307.

http://starpress.ballstateimedia.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Neighbor-says-abandoned-home-needs-to-be-torn-down.3gp

By SETH SLABAUGH
seths@muncie.gannett.com
Cities and towns across the country are facing hundreds of billions of dollars in costs to repair and replace aging water and sewer lines that are wearing out.
And who do you think will be footing the bill? That’s right: you.
“We will be seeing a ramping up of rates,” said Alan DeBoy, vice president of operations at Indiana-American Water Co., during a community forum last week.
“The increases will be gradual, but there is no question we will have to have periodic rate increases,” added Tom Bennington, president of the Muncie Sanitary District Board of Commissioners.
Because sewer and water lines are buried in the ground, clean water is an “out of sight, out of mind,” liquid asset that people take “totally for granted” when they shower and drink coffee every morning, moderator Al Rent said during the forum at Minnetrista recently.
Asked by Rent what citizens can do to help keep their water clean, Bennington answered, “Pay your bill.”
Eight thousand of the city sanitary district’s 27,000 customers are delinquent in paying their bills, he said.
Indiana-American is currently seeking a 38-percent increase in Muncie water rates, and “There is more to come,” DeBoy said.
Muncie has 368 miles of water lines and some 600 miles of sewer lines, many of which were constructed 75 to 95 years ago, Bennington said.
On May 12, a 16-inch water main beneath Wheeling and Centennial avenues split because of age and corrosion, closing the intersection and disrupting service to 50 customers.
That will become more common in the future, DeBoy said.
Muncie already averages nearly 50 water main breaks a year.
In 2008, the city sanitary district increased sewage rates 8 percent effective this year, 8 percent more taking effect in 2010, and 8 percent more effective in 2011. The district must spend $72 million over the next 20 years separating sanitary and storm sewers to prevent untreated sewage from entering White River during wet weather.
Muncie is one of more than 100 Indiana cities and towns that have combined sewers that overflow into waterways during wet weather, which is why it’s wise not to use waterways for recreation for 72 hours after it rains.
The average American uses 100 gallons of water a day.
“We all need to pay for what we get,” DeBoy said. “You get what you pay for.”
Water is still cheaper than gas, electricity, cable television and cell phones, officials at the forum said.
“I could do without a cell phone if it comes down to it,” said Bruno Pigot, assistant commissioner of the office of water quality at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. “The water we drink is far more important than which phone we use. I could use a land line.”
Previous generations have invested in pipes and treatment plants, the latter funded by federal government grants. But the federal government is now offering only loans instead of grants.
The mayor of Atlanta, which is investing nearly $4 billion in sewage improvements in less than 10 years, is known as “the sewage mayor.” In a documentary broadcast during the forum, Mayor Shirley Franklin said clean water was necessary for disease prevention, recreation and economic development.
“We are taxing ourselves,” Franklin said, “so our children and our children’s children will have clean water.”
— Contact reporter Seth Slabaugh at 213-5834.

A water main break at Wheeling and Centennial in May. (The Star Press)

By JESSE TEMPLE
jtemple@muncie.gannett.com
As far as Ryan Kerrigan is concerned, he’s no different from any other undergrad that walks Purdue University’s campus during the week.
“I’m just another student going to class, and that’s fine with me,” Kerrigan says.
It’s what he’s doing on weekends now that is really beginning to set him apart from his peers.
Kerrigan, a Central High grad, tallied a team-best nine tackles from his defensive end position last Saturday for Purdue’s football squad, including a career-high four tackles for a loss and a career-high-tying three sacks. He also forced two fumbles, recovering one, in helping the Boilermakers upset No. 7 Ohio State 26-18.
The victory temporarily restored some luster to the Purdue program, ending the team’s five-game losing streak and a 19-game skid against ranked opponents, dating to 2003.
For Kerrigan’s efforts, the junior was named the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Week to go along with several other national defensive player of the week awards.
That Kerrigan has vaulted himself onto the national college football scene comes as no surprise to Purdue defensive line coach Terrell Williams. Williams said Kerrigan, at 6-foot-4 and 263 pounds, had improved his strength and speed each season while with the Boilermakers. Kerrigan now can bench press 450 pounds, and he runs an impressive 4.65-second 40-yard dash, according to Williams.
“We knew as a freshman that at some point he would be a great player in this league,” Williams said. “Every year, he’s gotten better and better. Last year, I thought he had a pretty good year. This year, he’s worked on his pass rush moves a lot more. I still believe his best football is ahead of him.”
As a high school player for Central, Kerrigan earned two first-team All-State nods for his play defensively. He led the state as a senior with 19 sacks, making 90 tackles to become one of the top football prospects in the state. The likes of Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan, Cincinnati, Illinois and Purdue came calling.
“We were always hearing about him from other people and coaches,” said Ryan’s father, Brendan Kerrigan, who was a scout-team player for Ball State’s football team in the mid-1970s. “As parents, you’re just a little skeptical. A lot of coaches would say, ‘He’s really good.’ They’d come back later and say, ‘See, we told you he was good.’ We weren’t sure.”
As it turned out, Ryan was quite good. In his first career game at Purdue as a freshman, he tallied a sack against Toledo in the fourth quarter. He appeared in 12 of the team’s 13 games that season, making 12 tackles. A year later, he started 11 of 12 games, making 56 tackles and ranked seventh in the Big Ten with seven sacks — a number he already has matched in just seven games this year.
The seven sacks this season rank Kerrigan in the top 15 nationally in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
“He has the physical attributes to go out and dominate a game, and he was able to do it on a big stage on Saturday,” Williams said.
Now, the question beginning to loom is: Will Kerrigan be able to do it on a big stage on Sundays in the National Football League?
Williams believes the answer is yes. And he would know. Williams works closely with the NFL as Purdue’s liaison for professional football.
“His best is better than most,” Williams said.
Kerrigan sure would like to realize his NFL dream, too. But he doesn’t want to get ahead of himself.
The math education major still has more strolls to class on campus left and more collegiate games to play.
“Yeah, that would be phenomenal if that opportunity comes about,” Kerrigan said. “Right now, I’m just focusing on getting better each and every day. If you put that thought in your head that you’re playing to get to the NFL, then you’re not playing for the right reasons.”
z Contact prep sports reporter Jesse Temple at 213-5807.

Wes-Del's Sacha Gill puts one down as they play at Daleville Tuesday night for first round sectional action.

DALEVILLE — Sacha Gill isn’t sure the nerves that accompany taking the court for playoff volleyball ever really dissipate.
At least, not as heavy favorites when most in the gym are expecting a win.
“We just try and focus them to be positive nerves,” said Gill, Wes-Del’s senior outside hitter.
Having her team establish a big lead immediately on Tuesday night certainly made any of those game-time jitters less of a concern, as Wes-Del flattened Daleville 25-11, 25-11, 25-12 in the opening round of the Class A Daleville Sectional 54.
Wes-Del (23-7) moves on to the sectional semifinals, where it will face Liberty Christian at 11 a.m. Saturday.
The Warriors, six-time defending sectional champions, took control of Tuesday’s match early, establishing an 18-3 lead right out of the blocks. In fact, the first set ended so quickly that many of the Wes-Del students who came to cheer on the Warriors had not yet arrived to Daleville’s gymnasium.
“We usually put ourselves in holes at the beginning of games, so we’ve really been working on it in practice to get ahead,” Wes-Del senior Darcy Crabtree said. “I think we did that really well this game.”