Tree book available at Purdue Extension

Anyone who is buying a real tree for Christmas for the first time this year may benefit from a free booklet.
“Tips for First-Time Buyers of Real  Christmas Trees’ will available for free at the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service.
The free publication is available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Purdue office at 126 N. Meridian St.  in Portland. It is also available at www.the-education-store.com.

Blood drive
The American Red Cross is encouraging the public to give the perfect gift this holiday season — the gift of blood — and to start a holiday tradition with family and friends by donating blood and platelets together.  
A blood drive will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 29 at Jay Community Center, 115 E. Water St. in Portland. 
To schedule an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross blood donor app, visit redcrossblood.org or call (1-800) 733-2767). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to save time when donating. 

Christmas at JCPL
Several Christmas activities are coming up at Jay County Public Library.
A Multicultural Celebrations Expo will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 5.
See the traditions and holidays celebrated by families in our community through displays and talk with volunteers.
A Holiday Open House will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10.
There will be crafts, refreshments and a visit from Santa Claus, courtesy of the Jay County Chamber of Commerce.
Santa will also visit the library from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1, where there will also be ornament crafts, and 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15, with decoration crafts.    
 Cookie & Cake Decorating 101 will begin at 6:15 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 12.
The JCPL Cookbook Club will do a hands-on demonstration how to decorate cakes and cookies using the library’s new cake decorating kit and other creative ideas.
Children attending must be supervised by an adult. 
Anyone looking to save on their grocery bill is invited to come to the JayCPL Couponing Club  at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 5 in the Family Room. 
Learn how to save with paper and electronic coupons and bring coupons to share.  
Favorites at the library will include Mother Goose & Me at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, 9 and 16; preschool fun time at 10 a.m on Monday, Dec. 5, 12 and 19; and Lego Challenge from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 20 and 27.
The JayCPL Book Club will meet at 7 p.m. on Dec. 19 for a Best Book on the Year Celebration.
Share the best book you’ve read this year and bring a gently read book to exchange.