The Anniston Star ● Sunday, November 25, 2012 ● Page 6E
SUNDAY RECORD YOUR GUIDE TO PUBLIC RECORDS AND VITAL STATISTICS IN CALHOUN COUNTY
Doyle Bonner, Anniston Mike Bonner, Anniston Billie Joyce Bryant, Anniston Jeff Cobb, Anniston Billy Glenn Collier, Georgia Audrey Eudene Creel, Anniston Jmes Cunningham, Anniston John Will Davis, Anniston Rosemary Demourelle, Talladega Wanda Gwendolyn Taylor Erwin, Lineville Kenneth J. Fomby, Lincoln Howard Forsyth, Anniston Wanda Stephens Gaither, Oxford Frank L. Garmon, Centre Mary Gladden, Anniston Raymond Franklin Ham, Choccolocco Christine Wilson Hammond, Oxford Sidney C. Harris, Weaver Patricia A. Holcomb, Centre Gladys Jennings, Anniston Annie R. “Dot” Jones, Cragford Larry Allen Lewis, Jacksonville Louis William McCurry Sr., Alexandria Virginia Gail McGatha, Centre
Alto Moseley, California Alice Brigette Graf Moser, Jacksonville Laura Jane Murphy, Anniston John R. Orr, Georgia Hugh D. Owen, Oxford Tommy J. Patterson, Jacksonville Ruth E. “Mama Ruth” Phillips, Weaver Evelyn Hargett Prestridge, California James O. Preston, Wellborn Susie B. Riggins, Anniston Billy Harlin Shaw, Woodland Betty Robinson Smith, Georgia Dorothy Louise Smith, Anniston Kaci Lynn Somers, Oxford Jesse Willard Stokes, Centre Katherine E. Thomas, Anniston Kellie N. Tillery, Leesburg Clarence Todd Jr., Virginia Jimmy Turner, Anniston Mary B. Warren, Anniston Frankie Bedford Dempsy Watts, Oxford Mary Emma Walker Wilson, Anniston Loverne Harris Whitman, Lineville Elena White, Piedmont
RATE OF BANKRUPTCIES 20 20
1515 10 10
• Steven Arthur Adler of Eastaboga to Patricia Elaine Brothers of Eastaboga • Gary Marshall Kinney II of Anniston to Shirley Ann Millwood of Anniston • Randy Lon Watts of Cumberland, Ky., to Tracie Rene Jamerson of Prestonsburg, Ky. • Jason Kristopher Buchanan of Anniston to Kelley Renae Tyson of Anniston
• Megan Wright and Graham Wright • Kent C. Keys, Anniston • Dale James Tucker • Harvey Smith, Friar Tuck Lane, Oxford and Stephanie Tucker • Reese Ownsbey Jr. and Felita Ownsbey, • Connie M. Turner to State Farm Road, Alexandria Richard B. Turner Chapter 13 • Carolyn Ashley New-
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52 weeks ago Last week
ton to Robert Newton • Jennifer Buckley and Jason Edward Buckley • Audry Marie Deck and Logan Steward Deck
FORECLOSURES • Vanessa B. Burton, Joyview Heights, 3rd addition, block B, lot 1. • Harold T. Davis Jr. and Darlene Vickers, Wilborn Park Heights, block E, lot 5.
The Anniston Star
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• Dale Murphy Edwards of Jacksonville to Reba Ann Nelson of Jacksonville • Jose Antonio Torres of Oxford to Amanda Lucy Bowles of Oxford • Corey Demond Smith of Austell, Ga. to Khadijah Naimah Yamini of Austell, Ga. • Freddie Dale Harper of Jacksonville to Stephanie Leeana Caldwell of Winder, Ga.
DIVORCES
Chapter 7
• David A. Grizzard and Tammy L. Grizzard, Peek Drive, Oxford • William J. Streip, Beck Road, Eastaboga • Jeanie L. Atkins, Timothy Drive, Oxford • Wanda Douglas, Habitat Lane, Anniston
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A Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows the debtor to retain certain exempt property, but the debtor’s remaining property is gathered and sold by a trustee from which creditors will receive payment. It may also be used by businesses which wish to terminate their business. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy enables debtors, through court supervision and protection, to propose and carry out a repayment plan under which creditors are paid, in full or in part, in installments over a threeyear period. During that time, debtors are prohibited from starting or continuing collection efforts. The following bankruptcies declared by Calhoun County residents were recorded by U.S. Bankruptcy Court Northern District of Alabama last week:
CATTLE SALE
MARRIAGE LICENSES
BANKRUPTCIES
DEATHS
FAITH Every Saturday
The Star’s ON TWITTER FOLLOW THE NEWS ANNISTONSTAR
Closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
WILLS PROBATED • Albert D. Wilson • Charles G. Bittle • Warren G. Sarrell
INCORPORATIONS • AC Land Co. Inc. • Salam Free Clinic
Dissolved • Corp Advisory Group LLC • Stella M. Bolt Inc. • Marshall Prickett General Contractor Inc.
EDITOR’S NOTE
The material inside the Sunday Record is recorded by The Anniston Star from various institutions and government offices. The public records are published as they appeared on the documents obtained by the newspaper. Direct questions and comments about Sunday Record to Isaac Godwin at jgodwin@ jsu.edu.
The Anniston Star
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ARRESTS The people listed in this arrest report, whose names and charges are obtained from public records, are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Anniston
The following felony arrests were reported by the Anniston Police Department (addresses not provided) during the seven-day period ending at 7 a.m. Thursday. • Kevin Lee Salter, 36: two counts possession of a controlled substance. • Rodney Edmund Thacker, 39: first-degree criminal mischief, making terrorist threat.
• Brooklyn Shae Yates, 22: possession of a controlled substance. • Demetrius Reimel Kirksey, 29: first-degree possession of marijuana. • Douglas Dewayne Sparks, 42: possession of a controlled substance. • Curtis Scott Beason, 42: thirddegree burglary. • Carla Mashay Barnwell, 39: thirddegree burglary. • Sergio Armando Sepulveda II, 24: breaking and entering a vehicle. • Lorren Deon Harris, 29: possession of pistol (convicted violent crime), obstructing justice by using a false I.D.
• Brandon Lee Benett, 36: two counts of second-degree possession of a forged instrument. • Christopher Oneal Heit, 25: fraudulent use of a credit card. • Carlos Randell Kelly, 38: seconddegree domestic violence. • Tommy Joseph Mobley, 39: two counts of breaking and entering a vehicle.
Calhoun County
The following felony arrests were reported by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office during the sevenday period ending at 7 a.m. Thursday • Logan Stewart Deck, 31, of
Ohatchee: violation of protection order. • Carey Lamont Richardson, 21, of Oxford: two counts of attempted murder, discharge gun into occupied building. • Jernard Davis, 22, of Anniston: order of arrest. • Scottie Wayne Sellers, 35, of Oxford: violation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Jeremy Evan Nunnally, 33, of Anniston: third-degree burglary. • Dontavios Jamall Johnson, 18, of Anniston: order of transport. • Fredrick Cowden, 47, of Anniston: grand jury indictment.
Oxford
The following felony arrests were reported by the Oxford Police Department during the seven-day period ending at 7 a.m. Thursday. • Stevie Lorenzo King, 43, of Lithonia, Ga.: possession of a forged instrument. • Alex Ryan Callahan, 45, of Anniston: first-degree theft of property, second-degree theft of property.
Weaver
The following felony arrests were reported by the Weaver Police Department during the seven-day period ending at 7 a.m. Thursday. • Anthony Hascal Brown, 40: manufacture of a controlled substance.
BLOTTER Crimes are listed by location. Anonymous television, couch. Auto-related thefts tips may be called in to Crime Stoppers at • Residence, 600 block of Knox Avenue: • Residence, 3400 block of Oakridge Avenue: 256-238-1414. A reward of up to $1,000 may copper pipe. 1961 Corvair, 1964 Corvair, two 1968 Honda be given. Corona’s, Corvette parts. Thefts • Residence, 3400 block of Alexandria Road: Anniston • Residence, 600 block of Willingham Drive: 1992 Nissan truck. The following property crimes were report- cash. • Residence, 4100 block of Saks Road: 2006 ed to the Anniston Police Department dur- • Residence, 1400 block of Crawford Avenue: Ford Explorer. (Recovered 11-14-2012) ing the seven-day period ending at 7 a.m. bicycle. • Residence, 2400 block of Gurnee Avenue: 10 • Residence, 3100 block of Walnut Avenue: firearm, handbag, jewelry, cash. Thursday. jewelry. • Residence, 2000 block of Moore Avenue: Burglaries • Supermarket, 5500 block of McClellan Bou- cash. • Residence, 4600 block of Sprague Avenue: levard: CDs. (Recovered 11-18-2012) 10 • Residence, 5500 block of Cash Street: Robberies television. • Street location, 9th Street and Keith Ave• Residence, 2100 block of Christine Avenue: jewelry. • Field/woods, 4900 block of Pitts Avenue: nue: cell phone, cigarettes. air conditioner, gas heater, stove. • Residence, 1400 block of Kilby Terrace: metal fence. Calhoun County • Parking lot, 1500 block of West 15th Street: household items. • Residence, 1300 block of Pine Avenue: cell phone. The following property crimes were report-
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ed to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office during the seven-day period ending at 7 a.m. Thursday.
Burglaries • Residence, Choccolocco Drive, Anniston: household items. • Church, Mudd Street, Ohatchee: microphones, public address system. • Residence, Sulphur Springs Road, Ohatchee: door, window, microphones. • Residence, Ross Lake Road, Wellington: coins, tools.
Thefts • Residence, Ryleigh Lane, Anniston: firearm. • Residence, Ross Lake Road, Wellington: firearms.
RESTAURANT INSPECTIONS Here are food service establishments recently inspected by the Calhoun County Health Department, along with scores. A score of 100 indicates the inspector found no deficiencies. Potentially hazardous deficiencies (four- or five-point demerit items) are noted. These must be corrected immediately and inspectors say they are often corrected while the inspection is underway. Restaurants earning below 70 must raise their scores within seven days or face closure.
• Winn-Dixie (Bakery/Deli), 800 Noble St., Anniston — — 99. 89, potentially hazardous food did not meet temperature • Immanuel Oriental Market, 4410 McClellan Blvd., Anniston requirements during hot holding. — 95. • Jack’s Family Restaurant, 5704 McClellan Blvd., Anniston NO MAJOR DEMERITS — 97. • Anniston Inn & Suites, 6220 McClellan Blvd., Anniston • Krystal Kwik, 5600 McClellan Blvd., Anniston — 93. — 97. • Momma Goldberg’s Deli, 208 Mountain St., Jacksonville • Arby’s, 5626 McClellan Blvd., Anniston — 96. — 99. • Chef T’s Restaurant, 3900 U.S. 431, N., Anniston — 98. • Mor Wings, 221 S. Quintard Ave., Anniston — 98. 4-OR 5-POINT DEMERITS • Elk’s Lodge 189 (Mobile Unit), 1019 S. Noble St., Anniston • Raceway, 805 N. Main St., Piedmont — 94. • Discount Food Mart, 7640 U.S. 431, Alexandria — 91, poten- — 98. • Solid Rock Café, 105 N. Center Ave., Piedmont — 96. tially hazardous food did not meet temperature require- • Faith, Creativity & Achievement, Anniston — 100. • Sonic Drive In, 302 Glade Road, Anniston — 96. ments during hot holding. • First Baptist Church Wee Care Preschool, Jacksonville • Sonic Drive In, 730 Noble St., Anniston — 96. • Elk’s Lodge 189, 1019 S. Noble St., Anniston — 98, presence — 100. • Valero, 202-A Grace St., Oxford — 97. of pests (mice). • Gamecock Diner, 700 Pelham Road, N., Jacksonville • Winn-Dixie (Market), 800 Noble St., Anniston — 95.
How to keep a real Christmas tree fresh BY MARY BETH BRECKENRIDGE Akron Beacon Journal (MCT)
This year Thanksgiving fell on the earliest date possible, Nov. 22. That means many people are decorating their homes for Christmas even earlier than usual. The extra-long Christmas season isn’t necessarily a problem for folks who prefer real trees, provided they choose a fresh tree and care for it properly, say Eric McConnell and David Apsley of the Ohio State University Exten-
sion. In general, a fresh-cut tree should last through the holidays with good care — even one that’s decorated on Thanksgiving, said Apsley. Nevertheless, he said so many variables affect a tree’s ability to stay fresh that it’s impossible to say how long a tree can be displayed safely. The needles should be lush, green and firmly attached at the tips of the branches, where the growth is new, he said. Lightly grasp a branch and pull it through
your hand to make sure very few needles come off. Shake the tree a little, he suggested. It’s OK if a few needles fall off, particularly older brown needles farther back on the branch. But if a lot of needles come loose, the tree is no longer fresh. Some tree species retain their needles longer than others, so if you want a long display time, choose the right tree, Apsley said. White pines, red pines and Fraser firs have excellent needle retention. Austrian pines, Scotch
pines, southwestern white pines, Canaan firs, Douglas firs and concolor firs have very good retention. When you get your tree home, cut about an inch off the bottom of the trunk and put it in water so the trunk doesn’t seal over with sap. Do that even if you won’t be bringing the tree into the house right away. The cut is good for about six hours; if more time elapses, cut it again. Set the tree up so it’s away from direct sunlight and sources of
heat, such as fireplaces and heating registers. Add as much humidity to the room or the house as you can without causing condensation, even if that means setting a pie plate filled with water on the register. Keep the tree well-watered, Apsley said, and never let the water level fall below the bottom of the trunk. A tree can take up a great deal of water in the first week, so check the water level at least a couple of times a day at first and replenish when necessary.
SUNDAY RECORD
The Anniston Star
Sunday, November 25, 2012 Page 7E
CALENDAR: AnnistonStar.com/calendar PROPERTY TRANSFERRED • Dempsey Boyd and Frances S. Boyd to Dempsey Boyd and Frances S. Boyd, a parcel of land in section 15/35, township 16, range 6, $6,000. • K-Jon Properties LLC to Bill Nessmith and Ressie Nessmith, Willow Point subdivision, lot 12, $246,000. • Alabama Housing Finance Authority to Housing & Urban Development, a parcel of land in section 13, township 15, range 5. • JPMorgan Chase Bank to Housing & Urban Development, Whites Gap Estates, 5th addition, block G, lot 13, $1. • June M. Allred to Johanna G. Rogers, Cynthia Crescent addition to Sunset Heights, block 5, lots 7 and 8, $10. • Tim Beard and Sherri Gaffin Beard to Phillip Lee Higgins, re-subdivision of Tallasseehatchee Farm, lot 8; Tallasseehatchee Farm, lot 118, $1. • Bobby D. Mikel and Christina G. Mikel to Bobby D. Mikel, Lakewood Estates, 4th addition, block 1, lot 2, $10. • William Kenneth Nunnally and Dianne Nunnally to William Kenneth Nunnally and Dianne Nunnally, a parcel of land in section 13, township 16, range 8, $1. • Evelyn Ivy to Michael Anderson and Theresa Anderson, City of Anniston, block 214, lots 5 and 6, $10. • Rachel Lorena Daniels Badgett to Rachel Lorena Daniels Badgett and David Wayne Daniels Jr., a parcel of land in section 9, township 14, range 8, $10. • Temple Living Trust to Lasandra T. Mosley, Kaitlyn Court subdivision, lot 2, $10. • Virginia Brock to Virginia Brock and Dewey W. Brock, Jerry Sparks addition to Pinewood subdivision, block 2, lot 8, $145,880. • Gail W. Cotlin and Joseph W. Cotlin to Joseph Walker Cotlin III, Hillyer Highlands addition to Sunset Heights, block C, lot 9, $10.
• Jeanette H. Bridges to Jeanette H. Bridges, Patricia E. Bridges, Michael W. Bridges and Pamela S. Coston, Spring Dale subdivision, lot 19, $10. • James M. Ford to Megan Jonathan Enterprises LLC, Meadowbrook subdivision, block 3, lots 7 and 8, $1. • Else A. Hatmaker to Else A. Hatmaker and Angela Christine Taylor, R. M. Howell subdivision, block 8, lots 3-5, $1. • Housing & Urban Development to Evan Bradley Jackson, Idlewood subdivision, lot 4, $36, 501. • James F. Kelley Jr. and Denise M. Kelley to Mark A. Duckworth and Laura A. Duckworth, Jacksonville Mining & Manufacturing Co., block 344, lots 11-13, $10. • Sandra R. Hunter to Angelene Hayes and Daniel Surrett, North Highlands of Weaver, lots 1 and 2, $42,000. • Joseph Charles D’Anna to Joseph Charles D’Anna and Casey D’Anna Wills, Pippin subdivision, lots 7 and 8, $10. • Nationstar Mortgage to Fannie Mae, Wilborn Park Heights, block E, lot 5. • Wells Fargo Bank to Housing & Urban Development, Jacksonville Mining & Manufacturing Co., block 388, lots 1-5 and 16-20, $1. • Rita Bolton Roberts and Charles D. Roberts to Denise J. West and Matthew F. West, a parcel of land in section 9, township 16, range 6, $100. • Dianne McCrelles to Copaleen Sparks, Jacksonville Mining & Manufacturing Co., block 79, lots 11-13, $10. • Copaleen Sparks to Dianne McCrelles, a parcel of land in section 24, township 14, range 8, $10. • Ohio Investments LLC to Mark L. Watts, a parcel of land in section 35, township 13, range 7, $10. • Spurgeon Bussey-Estate to Greg Ashley and Melba Ashley, a parcel of land in sec-
Caring for furry pals during the holidays
tion 11, township 16, range 9, $65,000. • Edward J. Gibson and Ruby F. Rose to Edward J. Gibson, Ashton Place, 2nd addition, block C, lot 13, $10. • Larry Adkison and Darrell Adkison to Amanda Nelson, E. L. Hollingsworth addition to Blue Mountain, block A, lots 1 and 2, $1. • Adkison Properties, Larry Adkison and Darrell Adkison to Adkison Properties LLC, Thompson’s re-subdivision of Bellview Heights, block 2, lot G; Miller Estates, 2nd addition, lot 14, $10. • Larry Adkison to Adkison Properties LLC, Thompson’s re-subdivision of Bellview Heights, block 2, lot G; Miller Estates, 2nd addition, lot 14, $1. • Darrell Adkison to Adkison Properties LLC, Thompson’s re-subdivision of Bellview Heights, block 2, lot G; Miller Estates, 2nd addition, lot 14, $1. • Clarence Truitt to Robert A. Wolfe, a parcel of land in section 1, township 14, range 6, $1. • David L. Truitt to Robert A. Wolfe, a parcel of land in section 1, township 14, range 6, $10. • Julia T. Truitt to Robert A. Wolfe, a parcel of land in section 1, township 14, range 6, $10. • Ed L. Battle and Marcelle B. Battle to Battle Living Trust, Pokagon Park, block 9, lot 3, $10. • Ed L. Battle and Marcelle B. Battle to Battle Living Trust, Anniston Land Co., block 528B, lot 12, $10. • Ed L. Battle and Marcelle B. Battle to Battle Living Trust, Carriage Hills subdivision, block 4, lot 3, $10. • Mattie Mae Morris to Roger McElroy and Vikki McElroy, plan of Mechanicsville Road, block 9, lot 2, $10. • Dollie C. Thomas to Alma R. Jennings, Clara M. Floyd, Edna L. Beal and Rita Faye
Make an advent calendar and a Christmas tradition BY JENNIFER FORKER
BY DAVID AARON MOORE
Associated Press
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (MCT)
The advent calendar, which eases anxiety by counting down those pesky 24 days until Christmas Eve, is as much a holiday tradition for my family as the tree. Sure, you can buy one and save the crafting time, but making an advent calendar adds to its allure. Check out images posted on various do-it-yourself websites and you’ll see that DIYers are getting beyond — way beyond — the tree-on-a-feltbackground calendar popular when I was a child in the 1970s. Those feltmade calendars are still with us — and updated creatively — but now there’s also a mind-boggling array of advent calendar options, all ready for a DIY twist. Kelly Wilkinson, editorial director at Creativebug, an online crafts class site, reminisces about sewing matching calendars with her sister a few years ago. “Pulling that advent calendar out and hanging it on the wall is a reminder of the time we spent making it together,” says Wilkinson. “That is a big part of my attachment to it.” My own advent calendar memories include fighting with my sister over who’d place the last piece — in our case, a 1-inch, naked, plastic baby Jesus — on the day marking Christmas Eve. This is the stuff of advent calendar lore — the memories and childhood traditions we carry into adulthood and hope to share with the next generation. “I still completely dork out and put that one ornament on a day,” says Wilkinson. “It’s a simple gesture that reminds me of being a kid and how excited I was.” An advent calendar can be a simple thing and easy to make. Shelly Ridenour, Country Living magazine’s executive editor, recommends visiting the website Pinterest for inspiration: Ingenious ideas there include small paper bags or colorful baby socks clipped with decorative clothespins to a line; stacked matchboxes, painted cans or Chinese takeout boxes; and diminutive metal buckets hanging from a board or old ladder. Even a large tree branch stuck in a sturdy vase can have artsy envelopes or wrapped gifts numbered 1 to 24 hanging from it. Jessie Tanner of Charlotte, N.C., made an advent calendar out of dif-
Though Grandma may welcome the kids with open arms as families travel for holiday visits, bringing along the family pet may elicit a different response. So what do you do when your canine buddy or feline pal can’t join in the holiday fun? Here are some options:
Boarding Boarding is particularly popular among dog owners, but pet lovers say to book early as slots in kennels and veterinarians’ offices fill up early. Boarding needs of a dog are different from those of a cat. “We board both dogs and cats,” said Lauren Lough, a veterinarian assistant at Briarcliff Animal Hospital. “Cats, unlike dogs, don’t generally like to get out and play with other cats. “But we do have the option of a daily ‘happy hour,’ if the pet owner wishes, so their cats can have exercise and interaction with a human,” she said. “Like the cats, the dogs also have time to get out. They can play in a covered run and are let out to use the bathroom — generally twice daily — or when needed,” she said.
Professional pet sitters Pet sitters can be found through mutual friends or on websites such as www.petsitters.org. “I have a longtime pet sitter I’ve worked with for many years,” said Norcross resident Laura Mason, the owner of an American tabby and a border collie. “She’ll come by once daily — or twice for a slight additional charge, if I request — to make sure my animals have proper food and water,” Mason said. “She’ll take the dog for a walk, clean the cat’s litter box and spend quality time with them. It works well for me and my two pets because I know they’re safe at home and they’re happy not having to be in a completely different environment.”
Friends A good friend who gets along well with a pet may be the most economical option. There are multiple bonuses: You know the person, and the pet knows the individual, as well. Just make sure the friend is aware of where the food is kept, how much the pet eats and drinks daily, and whom to call in the event of an emergency.
Taking them with you If you do take Fido and are traveling by plane, talk with the airline about charges and potential hazards during transport. Air flight can be potentially traumatizing, and many airlines require sedation for the pet. If you’re driving, it can be fun, or a nightmare, pet owners said. Cats generally don’t enjoy car rides, unless socialized from youth. If you’re traveling in a car with an older, inexperienced cat, keep the cat safe in a kennel. Generally, dogs see road trips as a fun outing. Visit www.officialpethotels.com for a list of petfriendly places you can rest alongside your four-legged friend.
Mulligan, E. L. Hollingsworth addition to Blue Mountain, block 10, lot 10, $10. • Edna L. Beal, Alma R. Jennings, Clara M. Floyd and Rita Faye Mulligan to Tommy Tant, E. L. Hollingsworth addition to Blue Mountain, block 10, lots 10-12, $10. • Walter Carr and Dorothy Carr to Walter Carr and Dorothy Carr, Gaither Estates, 1st addition, lot 21, $10. • Fannie Mae to Chad M. Pearson, Lenlock subdivision, 3rd addition, block 5, lot 9, $25,200. • Jewell Hall to Thomas Eugene Hall, a parcel of land in section 2, township 16, range 9, $10. • Koven L. Brown and Amanda M. Brown to Bryan K. Sutton Jr., a parcel of land in section 35, township 14, range 8, $10. • Housing & Urban Development to Chris Baskin Landers, a parcel of land in section 4, township 15, range 8, $39,126. • Bank of America to Housing & Urban Development, Greenbrier subdivision, 1st addition, block C, lot 12, $1. • Howard P. Roper and Edna Sue Roper to Howard P. Roper, Edna Sue Roper and Pam Feazell, a parcel of land in section 1, township 13, range 7, $10. • Ed L. Battle and Marcelle B. Battle to Battle Living Trust, a parcel of land in section 24, township 15, range 7, $10. • Mary Merrill to Matthew W. Merrill, a parcel of land in section 9, township 16, range 8, $10. • Harold Douglas Cupp to Peyton Properties LLC and Emerald Homes of Alabama LLC, a parcel of land in section 34, township 14, range 7, $100. • Jennifer Arnold and Eric Brinson Arnold to Nikki J. Robinson, Choccolocco Estates, lot 18, $10. • Waymon Shaneyfelt to Joseph Pruitt, Fortune addition to Corning, block 3, lots 3-5, $10.
Jessica Anderson/Associated Press
Jessica Anderson of Rancho Cordova, Calif., carefully cut out and sewed a Nativity scene telling the story of Jesus’ birth. Anderson, a mother of three, believes advent calendars promote family bonding. ferently sized metal tins attached magnetically to the refrigerator for her two children’s daily thrill. Tanner, 31, didn’t grow up with a Christmas advent calendar, “but as a parent I’m always trying to find new traditions for my kids and new ways to make all kinds of experiences special,” she says. Each of the 25 tins in the Tanners’ advent calendar includes something the family can do together. One day it’s “go sledding.” Another invites the family to do a service project together. Occasionally, a tin will include candy. “It’s sort of a checklist for me of things I want my family to experience at that time,” says Tanner, who has two daughters, ages 4 and 7. She blogs
about her life at Call Me Badger. Jessica Anderson of Rancho Cordova, Calif., carefully cut out and sewed a Nativity scene using the same felt wall-hanging concept employed by my childhood calendar. Anderson, 28, and the mother of three, believes advent calendars promote family bonding. “It’s something they will remember when they grow up,” says Anderson, who blogs at Cutesy Crafts. “And maybe I’ll make one for them when they have their own families.” For now, the two older Anderson kids, ages 3 and 5, behave not unlike my sister and I did 40 years ago. “They fight about it every day,” says Anderson.
Postmarks rise in popularity during holiday season BY SCOTT SLOAN Lexington Herald-Leader (MCT)
The holiday season has begun and so, too, has the most popular time of the year for post offices in a few communities with Christmasthemed names. The post offices in Bethlehem, Nazareth and Partridge, Ky., annually receive Christmas cards from all over the world with requests they be canceled and mailed from their locations.
The Bethlehem Post Office in Henry County has offered a special cancellation during the holidays since 1947, and typically postmarks around 50,000 cards during the Christmas season, according to the U.S. Postal Service. This year’s postmark proclaims “Christmas greetings” and shows a picture of the three wise men on camels. “There is no comparison between the Christmas season and the rest of the year,” Bethlehem Postmaster Susan Leopold said.
“Usually, this office operates with one person. During Christmas, we have three to four volunteers here every day, all day, cancelling letters with the special cancellation. “I have regulars who come every year, starting the day before Thanksgiving. In fact, if I don’t see my regulars, I worry about them. It is a special and exciting time and I look forward to it all year long.” In Nazareth in Nelson County, Postmaster Norine Masterson canceled more than 16,000 letters
last year. This year, she designed a postmark showing the traditional manger scene to pay tribute to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth ministry, which is celebrating its 200th Christmas. In Partridge in Letcher County, the post office does not have a special cancellation postmark, but Postmaster Joy Short does use red ink in her date stamp to provide a Christmas cancellation when requested. Christmas isn’t the only time of interest in Partridge. Short
gets requests throughout the year for whatever reason. This year, the postal service has also released a “Holy Family Forever” stamp that depicts Joseph leading a donkey carrying Mary and baby Jesus. The stamp is available at post offices nationwide. “The holiday mailing season is time for the postal service to shine,” said spokeswoman Susan Wright. “And we’re happy to do whatever we can to help make our customers’ holidays special.”