Kissell-Nair makes fused-glass jewelry, with hearts being one of her beautifully fashioned themes.

She recently taught a class at WaterWorks Art Studio, 1710 Charles Page Blvd., where her students learned to make Valentine’s gifts using fused glass.

Even though cupid’s arrows have already flung, you can still learn how to make fused glass valentines day jewelry at two upcoming WaterWorks classes — either during four 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday sessions March 2-23; or four 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday sessions April 7-28.

Before we rhapsodize on how pretty these pieces can be, you don’t need any artistic expertise to make them, said Ginger Tomshany, manager of WaterWorks, a city of Tulsa facility dedicated to fine arts.

We met with her, Kissell-Nair and board member Mary Ann Harrison recently to learn more about fused glass, also called dichroic glass, Tomshany said. They had arranged several colorful pieces on a table — earrings, bracelets, pendants, necklaces, all gleaming — and, on occasion, seeming to change shades.

Dichroic means two colors. The glass has a metallic film fused to its surface, making the glass tiffany cufflinks to be different colors when viewed from various angles or in varying degrees of light. When layered and fused together in a glass kiln, “an array of brightly colored and flashy pieces of unique

jewelry can be created,” Tomshany said.

The glass, purchased with the metallic film already fused to it, is cut into different shapes, which are then layered upon one another and placed in a specialized kiln. This process takes about 24 hours.

“It’s really kind of serendipitous,” Tomshany said. “You open the kiln, and it’s like Christmas.”

Because the jewelry is so colorful, it can be worn with anything, from denim to dressy affairs, said tiffany money clips, who wears hers often — “And when I do, I’m always getting compliments.”

But lately, gold has been saying something else to her: “Buy me.” Ms. Carlton says she has noticed more stylish gold jewelry in fashion magazines over the past 18 months. And gold earrings, bracelets and necklaces have moved into her jewelry box, where platinum used to dominate. A gold cocktail ring is at the top of her Christmas list. “Now it seems sexy and sophisticated, the same way I see pearls and diamonds,” she says.

Overshadowed in the 1990s by platinum and silver, gold jewelry has quietly come back into vogue, helped by the fashion world’s embrace of colorful and formal clothing styles, which tend to enhance yellow gold. And a concerted effort by the gold industry’s global trade group, including a $20 million international ad campaign, hasn’t hurt.

Jewelry is a time-honored last-minute gift. Men desperate for Christmas presents for the important women in their lives flock to jewelry counters in the days leading up to the holiday, and jewelry retailers count on the period for their peak sales.

The new shine on gold comes just as its commodity price has climbed to its highest levels in 16 years. With gold trading yesterday at $441.90 a troy ounce, prices are widely expected to remain high as the dollar’s torpor continues.

High gold prices are boosting the metal’s appeal among shoppers seeking luxury goods with inherent value. “There’s a real drive for authenticity,” says Pam Danziger, president of Unity Marketing, a Stevens, Pa., market-research firm. The untrained eye can’t easily distinguish among white metals, such as expensive platinum and much less expensive silver. But “yellow gold is really hard to fake,” Ms. Danziger says.

Still, while gold’s comeback is good news for jewelers, its high price as a raw material has squeezed their profit margins. At Tiffany & Co. of New York, Melvyn Kirtley, group vice president, says the company saw significantly stronger consumer demand for gold this year. But Tiffany attributed a decline in its gross margin for the fiscal third quarter that ended in October, to higher prices for precious metals and diamonds.

Behind gold’s resurgence is a shift in the way retailers sell gold jewelry to consumers. For decades, gold jewelry was sold primarily according to weight, length and price, and not often according to its aesthetic or emotional qualities. Men were presumed to be the most common buyers of gold. Classic styles — herringbone chain, rope chain — were everywhere and slow to change. “Gold was being sold like a commodity, rather than a fashion accessory,” says Terry Burman, chief executive of Signet Group PLC, the British parent of U.S. jewelry chains Kay Jewelers and Jared the Galleria of Jewelry.

But women, it turned out, buy themselves a lot of jewelry. Earlier this year, in a survey of 700 jewelry customers, Ms. Danziger found 61% of men reported buying women’s fine jewelry, but 56% of women reported buying fine jewelry for themselves. Men were likely to buy diamond pieces, while women favored all-metal styles, usually gold.

In 2002, the World Gold Council, an international trade group representing gold-mining companies, set out to understand exactly what it was about gold jewelry that did — and didn’t — appeal to women. It conducted focus groups and found that women liked how it feels to wear gold, but they didn’t find the selection of gold-jewelry styles to be exciting or fashionable.

Based on what the women revealed about their discretionary spending, the trade group soon realized that gold’s biggest competitors weren’t silver and platinum, but instead were designer handbags, restaurant meals, spa weekends and all the other luxury goods and services on which women were willing to spend a lot of money. Women explained that they clearly understood the benefits of those other expensive items and experiences. But they didn’t see an equivalent value in gold.

Armed with this information, the council set out to change gold’s image. Rather than focusing on how gold looks, the group’s new marketing focused on how it makes women feel. The council also began working with manufacturers in Italy, a major exporter of gold jewelry, by sharing market research and encouraging them to make jewelry with edgier styling.

Last year, the council launched its “Speak Gold” ad campaign, including print, broadcast, radio and outdoor ads. Philip Olden, managing director of marketing for the World Gold Council, says the group spent $10 million in the U.S. alone and also ran ads in China and Italy. Next year, the council is planning to expand the campaign to markets in the Middle East and India. Twenty major retailers with stores in the U.S. contributed to running this year’s campaign, bringing the total size of the effort to $20 million.

One of the retailers, Britain’s Signet, says its overall sales have grown at about 10% annually, but its gold sales had been flat. After working with the council, Signet has begun overhauling its own ads, product selection, customer service and merchandising.

Taking a hint from the way shoes are displayed — by style, not size — Signet’s Kay and Jared stores stopped laying out rows of gold chains inside glass cases as their standard display. They began spotlighting collections of gold jewelry on neck and wrist “forms,” or partial mannequins, showing customers how the pieces looked when worn.

Signet changed its sales pitch, stressing the emotion surrounding a jewelry purchase. In a training session devoted exclusively to gold, sales associates were instructed to sell it with romance and emotion in mind, rather than just weight and length.

“Instead of saying, ‘Do you want this in 18 carats?’ you might say, ‘This would be great for a special occasion, or even with everyday wear,’” says Marla Zarlenga, Signet’s U.S. director of training.

Signet won’t divulge its gold-jewelry sales. Mr. Burman, the CEO, says, “We’ve seen meaningful increases.”

Even as its wholesale price rises, gold is still a bargain compared with platinum, which also is trading higher than it has in years. “Gold is about half the price per ounce of platinum,” says New York jewelry designer Scott Kay (no connection with Signet’s Kay Jewelers). “From an affordability standpoint, gold has a lot going for it.”

Mr. Kay, whose intricately crafted designs are credited with helping make platinum jewelry popular, is on a new mission: to make gold fashionable, starting with engagement and wedding rings. He is working with the World Gold Council to promote a gold bridal collection he launched in June. Engagement rings usually are a consumer’s first significant purchase of fine jewelry. Mr. Kay says sales in his collection are exceeding expectations, underscoring the notion that gold is back.

“When I started working in platinum, people thought of it as grandma’s jewelry with lacy designs, and white metal meant it looked cheap,” the designer says. Coming from Mr. Kay in summer next year is a gold fashion jewelry line.

The selection of entrees gives diners a difficult, yet delicious, choice to make. First is a Pine tiffany jewelry Nut Crusted Rack of Lamb, served with savory butternut bread pudding, wilted greens and pomegranate zinfandel essence. The next choice is Pan Roasted Organic Salmon with fresh cranberries, Brussels leaves, roasted parsnips and spiced maple glaze. A Certified Angus All Natural Filet Mignon is accented with a Maine-lobster-and-roasted-butternut risotto and a chocolate cabernet reduction. Last, the Deconstructed Oscar is an all natural Omaha steak, paired with butter poached crab legs, asparagus and a classic bearnaise.

What dinner with your sweetheart would be complete without a sweet ending? JEM is famous for its desserts and this special menu is no exception. Tempting choices are Linzer Heart Torte, Triple Chocolate Cake or Vanilla Bean Creme Brule.

This incredible lover’s menu is specially priced at $60 per person or $70 per person with a glass of sparkling wine. Price does not include gratuity. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling the JEM Steakhouse directly at (760) 775-2880.

Lovers can make a very romantic night of it with an incredible concert starring passionate song legends Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. McCoo and Davis are touring with their “40th Anniversary Celebration Show,” which is a combination celebration of their 40-year careers and 40 years of marriage.

McCoo and Davis perform in the Spotlight Showroom on Saturday, February 14. Show time is 8 valentines cufflinks p.m. Tickets are $55, $45, $35 and $25 and are available now at Spotlight29.com and at the Spotlight 29 Casino Gift Shop or by calling (800) 585-3737.

Put the spotlight on fun at Spotlight 29 Casino, the Coachella Valley’s most exciting place to play. Spotlight 29 Casino is a business venture of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. Turn it on at www.Spotlight29.com.

Contact:

Paul Speirs, Steinbeck valentines money clips Communications

(702) 413-4278, paulspeirs@cox.net

The Chateau de Mores State Historic Site Interpretive Center is featuring several Valentine’s Day gift events as part of the celebration.

Chocolate and more

Karen Nelson is presenting the PowerPoint program titled “Torn From the Tabloids: The Life and Loves of the de Mores Boys” at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. at the interpretive center. During the presentations, the Friends of the Chateau de Mores State Historic Site are sponsoring chocolate tasting from 1-3 p.m.

Barbara Carlson, an interpreter at the Chateau, said Nelson has been researching local newspapers regarding the life of Louis and Paul, the sons of Medora and the Marquis de Mores, the French nobleman who in the 1880s ran a meatpacking plant in Medora.

“It’s a brand new presentation. She incorporates pictures and clippings — things she’s found,” said Carlson.

The chocolate tasting is a new endeavor for the interpretive site.

“It’s fitting for Valentine’s Day,” she said.

The chocolate is provided by Celebration Temptations by Joan of Belfield, and by Sisters’ valentines rings Chocolates of Dickinson.

“We’re also serving Medora’s mocha java — that’s what we sell,” she said. We also have free admittance to the two museum galleries in the interpretive center,” she said.

The center’s permanent exhibit is titled “Rails, Ranching and Riches: The Marquis de Mores in Dakota.”

Also available for viewing is “Land in her own name,” an exhibit researched by sociologist Elaine Lindgren who studied 292 cases of women homesteaders in North Dakota.

Another exhibit is “The Art of Einar Olstad.” The rancher-artist captured the Old West through his whimsical and often humorous portrays of the Dakota cowboy.

The proceeds will be used to purchase furnishings for the center’s meeting room.

“It’s also to raise awareness of our programs,” said Carlson. “Our mission is to raise awareness — basically to educate people about the site.

Chuck Suchy concert

Supporters of the Badlands Ministries, the Bible camp located south of Medora, are organizing a valentines bracelets Chuck Suchy concert at the Medora Community Center and a gourmet meal at the camp.

The fundraising effort is part of the Love the Lodge campaign, in which efforts are being made to move the log lodge from the old camp site to the new camp site.

An event organizer Mary Griffin-Abrahamson said Suchy’s wife, Linda, was a former camp counselor.

“When she was a counselor, a lot of the activities took place in the old lodge. That’s how we got Chuck to agree to a concert.

Suchy is described as a North Dakota folksinger, farmer and storyteller, who is often known as the “Voice of the Upper Great Plains.” He will perform from 3-4:30 p.m. The concert includes a freewill offering to support the Badlands Ministries.

Badlands Ministries also is selling 80 tickets to a gourmet meal being served by Dakota Dinner Bell chef Jennifer Kuntz. She is preparing filet mignon, with garlic mashed potatoes, salad, appetizers and chicken gumbo soup.

Deadline for dinner tickets is today. Tickets may be purchased by calling Badlands Ministries at 701-623-4332.

Dance

The Medora Chamber of Commerce also is featuring a Romance of the Badlands dance at 7:30 p.m. at the Medora Community Center, with entertainment provided by the Tibor Brothers — Harvey, Gerard, Kurt and Larry.

Advance tickets for the dance are $20 per person. For tickets call 701-623-4800.

Medora Chamber of Commerce President Jen Ondracek said Medora hosts Romance of the Badlands when valentines cufflinks Valentine’s Day falls on the weekend.

“Four year ago was the first time,” she said.

At that time, the Tibor Brothers played for the dance and organizers decided to repeat the entertainment.

“A lot of the local restaurants will be open for supper. The Badlands Ministries is serving supper as well, and then you can come to the dance,” she said.

Dance organizers are hoping couples bring their wedding photos, both posed and informal for contests such as the funniest and to try to match couples’ pictures with how they look now.

Advance tickets may be purchased by calling 701-623-4800 or at the door. or at the door.

For more information about the day, call 701-623-4828 or visit www.medorand.com.

Bracelets engraved with “Until They All Come Home” were passed out to everyone close by at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here Jan. 21.

The plastic yellow bracelets serve as a symbol of patriotism as well as a symbol of thanks and support to the troops, according to their producer, Joe Spano Jr.

He collaborated on the bracelet idea with Marine Corps mom Elizabeth Johnston. Her son, Lance Cpl. Joseph C. Paul served in Iraq in 2003.

In a touching moment before he deployed in January 2003, Paul, now in the Marine Corps tiffany jewelry Reserve, said he told her, “Mom, just support all of us.”

Johnston, of Longview, Wash., promised she would. In February 2003, she founded Mothers of Military Support, known as M.O.M.S., a non-profit organization to support troops and their families during deployment.

Spano, president of Buy-Rite Inc., said he was so overwhelmed after reading about Johnston and her son on the M.O.M.S. website that he wanted to do something to support the troops too. So he called Johnston and told her he wanted to produce a bracelet with the words “Until They All Come Home.”

During his Jan. 21 Walter Reed visit to distribute the bracelets, Spano said Johnston’s words “promised her son, Joe, that she would continue to help the service men and women until they all come home.”

“Although that was not a tag line, I saw it as one,” Spano noted. “I thought it just had a great ring to it. I think for someone to wear that on their wrist and see it every day is a reminder that they’re not all home yet and it’s going to be a long time before they are and let’s not forget about them. It’s too easy in our prosperity here to forget.”

Armed with two large boxes of the yellow plastic wristbands, Spano said his mission to Washington was to attend to the “real important issue … to get the message out.”

“Right now, Iraq and Afghanistan are in the media every day, but there’s going to come a day where something else is going to happen,” he said. “And all of a sudden we forget very quickly, especially here in America where we have so much happening around us every day that it’s very simple to forget people out there protecting us and allowing us to have those successes and prosperities in this country.

“My interest in doing these bracelets came from Elizabeth,” he emphasized. “She comes to any conversation on any topic and it comes right back down to a discussion about our men and women in the military. Her passion for that is absolutely intoxicating, and you can just not help but want to help out in some way, if at all possible.”

“Let’s remember the troops, he added, “until they all come home.”

At Walter Reed’s physical therapy department, Spano gave a bracelet to Army Spc. Joey Banegas, bracelets 22, of Hatch, N.M., who was wounded in Afghanistan on Oct. 14.

“I’d seen people with them, but I wasn’t sure of what they were,” said Banegas, who was serving with the 25th Infantry Division. “It’s good that people recognize and realize that the troops are out there and are actually waiting for them to come home,” he noted. “It shows that we have a lot more support than we expected to have in the beginning.

“It makes you feel good inside because it shows that you’re appreciated and that people respect you for doing what you do.”

Tammy Johnson, mother of Army Spc. Chad Johnson, 21, of Lockhart, Texas, said, “I haven’t seen these bracelets before, but I have mine now.”

As she put the yellow plastic bracelet on her left wrist, she noted “this means that somebody is looking out for our soldiers and they really care. If our soldiers over there know that we really care, they can do their job a lot better and maybe protect themselves more and come home to us.”

Her son arrived at Walter Reed on Oct. 9 from Landstuhl (Germany) Regional Medical Center. He had served with the 1st Cavalry Division in Iraq.

The bracelets represent support to the troops, he said, and are “a consistent reminder when you look at it on your wrist to remember where you are, where you live and who supports the freedom.”

“When Joe approached me about doing the bracelets,” M.O.M.S’ Johnston noted, “he said he believes in M.O.M.S., and that working as a team would be much more powerful than working separately to show our support for the troops nationally.”

She said Spano’s company has produced 480,000 bracelets. Spano explained that M.O.M.S. gets 10 percent cufflinks of all proceeds and he also contributes funds personally to support the troops. “This has become a personal passion for him,” she noted.

M.O.M.S. has sent hundreds of “care packs” to servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Each 1-gallon plastic bag is loaded with such things as lip balm, phone cards, disposable cameras, beef jerky, anti-bacterial soap, dental floss, music CDs, playing cards and a host of other items.

NAME OF PRODUCT: Children’s Charm Bracelets and “Sportswear” Necklaces

UNITS: About 900,000

IMPORTER: Cardinal Distributing Co., of Baltimore, Md.

HAZARD: The paint on this jewelry contains high levels of lead. bracelets Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

INCIDENTS/INJURIES: None reported.

DESCRIPTION: The recalled necklaces have sports-themed pendants including blue or green basketballs, yellow stars, “01,” and “Perfect 10.” The pendants hang from a black cord. The bracelets include green or pink painted heart-shaped charms and silver-colored charms shaped as suns, moons, stars, padlocks, keys, rattles, and fishbones.

SOLD IN: Vending machines located in malls, discount, department and grocery cufflinks stores nationwide from January 2006 through April 2007 for 25 cents.

MANUFACTURED IN: India

REMEDY: Consumers should immediately take the recalled necklaces and charm bracelets away from children and discard them.

CONSUMER CONTACT: For additional information, contact Cardinal Distributing Co. Inc. at (800) 368-2062 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.vendingdepot.com.

Ridgdell was named winner of the 49th annual Miss Northwestern – Lady of the Bracelet Scholarship Pageant held Friday in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium at Northwestern State University. A senior theatre major from Sorrento, Ridgdell received more than $6,000 in scholarships and prizes and will represent Northwestern in the Miss Louisiana Pageant.

Ridgdell is the daughter of Lori and Kennie Ridgdell. A member of Alpha Omicron Pi, she is a member of the Student Theatre Organization, the Order of Omega, Gamma Sigma Alpha and Rho Lambda. She was first runner up in last year’s Miss Northwestern – Lady of the Bracelet Pageant. When Ridgdell was announced as the winner, she looked as much relieved as excited.

“This year was more nerve wracking than last year,” said Ridgdell. “Last year, I entered for fun, but this year I wanted to win. After the evening gown competition, one of the people backstage said to me ‘It’s over, you can relax now.’ But then I was shaking. Everyone was sitting down and I was walking around because I was so nervous.”

Nicole Rogerson of Austin, Texas, was first runner up and Carley McCord of tiffany rings Baton Rouge was second runner up. Ridgdell won the talent and evening wear competition as well as the Liz Carroll People’s Choice Award presented to the audience’s top choice in the talent competition.

“Last year, I came to the realization after being named first runner up that I could win a scholarship pageant,” said Ridgdell. “It opened my eyes. I spent a lot of time talking to (2007 winner) Corinna (Harwood) and observing her. I went to Miss Louisiana and fell in love with the title of Miss Northwestern – Lady of the Bracelet and what it represents. I have a lot of pride in Northwestern and there’s no better way to show it than by holding this title and representing the university.”

Her platform issues are the Children’s Miracle Network, the official national platform for the Miss America Organization, and Push America.

Push America was founded in 1977 by Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity with the purpose of instilling lifelong service in its members and enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities. Push America has grown into a nationwide organization with numerous programs educating undergraduates, alumni, and communities about the abilities of people with disabilities.

Ridgdell got involved with Push America through friends in Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity.

“Once I met some members of Pi Kappa Phi and saw the work they do, I fell in love with all it stands for. It was easy to pick that as a platform issue,” said Ridgdell, who has overcome dyslexia to become a President’s List and Dean’s List student. “I have some idea of what they went through because I know what it’s like tiffany bracelets to be different and not be able to do what others can do.”

Ridgdell has participated with members of Beta Omicron chapter at NSU as they have worked with the Natchitoches Association of Retarded Citizens. She has an ambitious program planned for this fall to raise funds for Push America.

“I’d like to do something called ‘Rock n Roll for Life’ which will be similar to the Relay for Life,” she said. “People will go around the track in wheelchairs and get pledges for how many laps they can do. We’ll have bands playing in the infield and events to make it a lot of fun.”

Ridgdell will use her scholarships to begin graduate school at NSU next fall. She wants to earn a master’s in education and teach theatre someday.

“My goal is to perform on Broadway or on the West End (in London), but I would like to be able to teach theatre to children,” she said. “I’ve taught theatre to children in the summer for several years and one summer when I couldn’t do it I cried. Then I realized how much I enjoyed teaching.”

Ridgdell said she doesn’t have much time to enjoy the win and will soon begin preparing for the tiffany cufflinks Miss Louisiana Pageant.Contact: David West, 318/357-6466, west@nsula.edu.

Five men were charged today by state narcotics agents with participating in a $1 million cocaine tiffany and co ring that stretched from Delaware County and Philadelphia to State College.

Attorney General Tom Corbett said the investigation, known as “Operation Rhoade Block,” began in January 2009 and focused on the distribution of several hundred ounces of cocaine in the State College area.

Evidence and testimony regarding the alleged drug activity was presented to a statewide investigating grand jury, which recommended the criminal charges being filed today.

Agents estimate that this group of suspects was responsible for bringing approximately $1 million dollars worth of cocaine into the Centre County area since 2008, and that since the investigation began in 2009, the organization distributed approximately 20 pounds of cocaine. According to the grand jury, Andre Spangler and Brian King, both of Media, Delaware County, delivered cocaine to local dealers in the Centre County area, identified as James Losch and Edwin Rhoades, who distributed the drugs to other Centre County residents.

According to the grand jury, Losch and Rhoades received multiple ounces of cocaine at a time. Losch tiffany bangles and Rhoades allegedly received deliveries in State College, but also traveled to Harrisburg or Delaware County to purchase cocaine for re-distribution in the Centre County area. The grand jury found that Spangler used rental vehicles to make his cocaine deliveries to State College.

As the investigation progressed, court-authorized wiretaps were approved to determine the scope of the organization and help identify suppliers.

Corbett said that Hasan Bradley, of New Jersey, was identified as one of Spangler’s main cocaine suppliers.

According to the grand jury, the wiretaps revealed that Bradley and Spangler talked regularly and often discussed cocaine transactions, cocaine quality, “cutting” cocaine, prices, or troubles acquiring cocaine because of its popularity.

Corbett said that Bradley and Spangler referred to cocaine as “that funny-looking bitch,” “the work,” “jawn,tiffany rings” “baby jawns,” and “funny-looking stuff.”

Corbett said that agents arranged a series of undercover purchases between June 11 and Sept. 11, 2009. These cocaine buys ranged in quantity anywhere from two and three-quarter ounces to nine ounces and cost anywhere from $2,200 to $6,600.

“Drug dealers, like the ones arrested today, know that there is a strong demand for drugs in both college and rural communities,” Corbett said. “No community, large or small – urban or rural, is immune from drug abuse and drug trafficking. Drug suppliers will move anywhere there is a demand for their product.”

The case will be prosecuted in Centre County by Senior Deputy Attorney General Patrick Leonard of the Attorney General’s Drug Strike Force Section.

Corbett thanked the State College Police Department, Bellefonte Borough Police Department, Ferguson Township Police Department, Patton Township Police Department, Spring Township Police Department, Blair County District Attorney’s Office, Centre County District Attorney’s Office, Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office, tiffany bracelets Snyder County District Attorney’s Office and the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance with the investigation.

Below is a list of the defendants and the charges against them.

Andre Spangler, 30, 512 Vernon Street, Media, is charged with 34 counts of delivery of cocaine, six counts of criminal conspiracy, three counts of possession with the intent to deliver cocaine, two counts of corrupt organization and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.

Hasan Bradley, 29, 100 Forest Edge, Deptford, New Jersey, is charged with five counts of delivery of cocaine, two counts of corrupt organization, one count of criminal conspiracy and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.

Brian King, 27, 522 Wallingford Avenue, Media, is charged with six counts of criminal conspiracy, four counts of delivery of cocaine, two counts of corrupt organization, one count of possession with the intent to deliver cocaine and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.

James Losch, 47, 4190 Jacksonville Road, Howard, is charged with nine counts of delivery and or possession with the intent to tiffany cufflinks deliver cocaine, two counts of corrupt organization, one count of criminal conspiracy and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.

Edwin Rhoades, 38, 202 W. Church Street, Centre Hall, is charged with 10 counts of delivery and or possession with the intent to deliver cocaine, two counts of corrupt organization, one count of criminal conspiracy and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.

Do the vandals know that they have hurt the entire region by this destruction?

The vandals, who we hope are juveniles, crushed almost 100 bulbs in a fountain scene, took off the head of a fawn fixture, knocked over a 30-foot lighted steel steamboat fixture, a 37-foot steel American flag fixture and destroyed a sea serpent fixture.

If the vandals aren’t juveniles, then they are cruel, heartless creatures who deserve the felony indictment they will be charged with if caught.

If the vandals are juveniles — as many think — their hard work to destroy something beautiful should be made harder in whatever punishment is doled out to them. In other words, a stern lesson should be learned by these thoughtless youths for such a heinous act.

One thing that is admirable about our communities in the region is that there are many tiffany bracelets more people who will pitch in to help get these fixtures replaced.

What comes to mind, as an example, is Theodor Seuss Geisel’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

The story goes that down in Whoville, the Whos were sad that their Christmas was stolen by the Grinch, but that did not stop them from celebrating anyway.

“It’s not going to stop us,” said Kay Lewis, president of the Cuero Development Corporation December Events Committee. “We’re going to open as usual, on time, and it’s just not going to have the riverboat or the flag.”

Christmas in the Park opens Nov. 23. There’s time to help by donating money toward replacing the Christmas in the Park fixtures.

We also can help by visiting this magnificent light show. We hope you will join in and make this a better than ever tiffany cufflinks Christmas in the Park.

This editorial reflects the views of the Victoria Advocate’s editorial board.

The tallest Christmas tree in New England is being installed today at Faneuil Hall. At noon, the Salvation Army officially kicks off the 2009 Red Kettle season at Downtown Crossing.

The Salvation Army said it first dispatched bell ringers for its annual red kettle drive 10 days ago because of a 30 percent spike in need driven by the recession. The Nov. 2 start is the earliest in the fund-raiser’s history.

Funds dropped into red kettles help pay for soup kitchens, food pantries and other programs for families silver cufflinks, youth and the elderly, the agency said.

The Norwegian spruce tree being set up at Faneuil Hall is almost 87 feet high, weighs close to 7,500 pounds and will be installed by a crane beginning at 11:45 a.m.

The tree was provided by Egan Acres Tree Farm in New York and is sponsored by Faneuil Hall Marketplace Merchants Association & Marketplace Center, according to a press release.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino will light the tree on Nov. 21. It will be decorated with 15,000 white lights with some silver money clips 3,000 red, gold & green ornaments.