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From the Desk of the Director

Pictured above from L to R: Heather Hunt, Jill Strahley, Santa and Jim States

Last Saturday turned into one of those unexpectedly fun days. The Lion’s Club, Kiwanis Club, and the Paulding Eagles teamed up to host nearly 100 kids, and it felt like the whole building was buzzing. They had lunch, played musical chairs, visited with Santa, and left with gifts to take home.

I stood next to Santa (which is a pretty entertaining place to be) and handed out Kiwanis goodie bags. Some kids walked up confidently, others were shy, a few weren’t sure what to think of Santa at all — but every single one of them left with something to smile about. It was simple, but really meaningful to be part of.

Meanwhile, I’m knee-deep in 2026 planning. A few things coming your way:

• Member2Member Benefits — practical perks for Chamber members
• Gather + Grow, a series to help keep our local business community connected and learning
• A new member-feature social media series that will roll out all year long, keeping things fun and helping the community get to know our businesses in a fresh way



Lots of good things ahead, and I’m excited to share them with you.

For nearly 50 years, Straley Realty & Auctioneers has been a family-built, family-run business serving Paulding and Van Wert Counties. What began with the Straley brothers in 1976 has grown into a trusted local team known for honesty, hard work, and putting people first.

With more than 6,000 real estate and auction transactions, their legacy is rooted in helping families, farms, and businesses move confidently into their next chapter.

Today, brothers Chet and Warren Straley carry that tradition forward—blending modern tools with the same family values that have guided the company from day one.

At Straley Realty, their philosophy remains simple: people come first. Always.

Paulding:

211 N. Main St. | 419-399-4444

Van Wert:

419 W. Ervin Rd. | 419-238-9733

Website: straleyrealty.com

Holiday Shipping Costs Are Rising — NOACC Can Help

Holiday shipping surcharges are increasing across major carriers this year. FedEx and UPS began applying tiered demand surcharges at the end of September 2025, with the highest fees hitting in November and December before ending in mid-January. These peak charges will have the biggest impact on oversized, special-handling, and high-volume residential shipments.

To help offset these costs, Chamber members have access to exclusive discounts through the NOACC FedEx Advantage Program. Members can receive 45% off expedited shipments and 25% off standard shipments—a valuable way to reduce expenses during the busiest shipping season.

This benefit is completely free with no minimums. Existing FedEx users can enroll and continue shipping as usual; discounts are added automatically to your account. If you don’t have a FedEx account yet, you can open one easily during enrollment.

Start saving on your holiday shipping and enroll today in the FedEx Advantage Program.

The Baughman Christmasland display lit up the season beginning Wednesday, November 13 at 17417 State Route 613, Paulding. This beloved local tradition features many new displays this year — and admission is free for all to enjoy.



Bundle up, bring the family, and take in the magic of the holidays right here in Paulding!

Ongoing

• Baughman Christmasland Lights Display – Nightly, 5:30–10:30 PM, 17417 SR 613, Paulding

• Santa’s Workshop – Paulding Library Children’s Room (Ages 5–18, during library hours):

• Dates: Dec 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23

December 9

• Paint & Sip – 6 PM @ Land Strip, Oakwood, OH

December 11

• Paulding Care Community Christmas Party – Paulding Co. Hospital

• Visit with Santa – 5–6 PM @ Library Children’s Room

December 12

• Cookies with Santa – 1:30–3 PM @ Vancrest of Payne

• Country Christmas Concert – 7 PM (Doors 6:30) @ Paulding Schools Auditorium

• Wayne Trace Christmas Walk – Evening

• A Christmas Story: The Play – CCBanks Productions

December 13

• Toy Drive @ PHS Basketball – 12 PM & 6 PM @ Paulding HS

• Pancakes & Pajamas – 9 AM–1 PM @ PC Workshop

• Christmas Concert – 7 PM (Doors 6:30) @ Paulding HS Auditorium

• Open House – 9 AM–1 PM @ Nuts & Bolts, Grover Hill

• Mr. & Mrs. Claus – 5–8 PM @ Doc’s Detailing, Payne

December 14

• VFW Who-ville Christmas Party – 2–6 PM @ VFW Post #5087, Antwerp

• Cookie Decorating – 5 PM @ Hop’s Place, Antwerp

• A Christmas Story: The Play – CCBanks Productions

December 18–20

• The Nutcracker – Ignite Dance Academy

• Cast A: Dec 18 (evening) & Dec 20 (matinee)

• Cast B: Dec 19 (evening) & Dec 20 (evening)

December 19

• Wayne Trace Christmas Walk – Evening

December 20

• Christmas Dinner On Us – 10:00 AM @ Den Herder Funeral Home, 1000 W Wayne St., Paulding

→ Free drive-thru Christmas dinner pickup for families in need. No registration required.

• Ireland Trip Booking Deadline – Chamber Travel (Last day to save $200)

• Santa @ Cecil Fire Department – 6 PM

January 30, 2026

• Lorrie Morgan with Jamie O’Neal – 7:30 PM @ Niswonger PAC

April 9, 2026

• Paulding County Career Day – Location TBA

Holiday Finale at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center

If you’re looking for one last festive outing before Christmas, the Niswonger Performing Arts Center is closing out the season with Jason Petty’s Classic Nashville Christmas on Saturday, December 13 at 7:30 PM. Sponsored by The Family of Marilyn Merkle, this show brings a nostalgic mix of country Christmas favorites — from “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” to “Silent Night” — all performed with Jason Petty’s signature storytelling style and classic Nashville sound.

Petty, known for his award-winning portrayal of Hank Williams in Lost Highway, blends music, history, and a good dose of personality to create a performance that feels warm, familiar, and genuinely fun. It’s a great chance to slow down, enjoy some timeless holiday music, and make a few memories before the season wraps up.

Tickets and gift cards are available at vanwertlive.com, by phone at 419-238-6722, or at the Box Office (Tues–Fri, 10 AM–3 PM).

Pancakes & Pajamas – Christmas Open House

Friday, December 13 | 9 AM–1 PM

210 Dooley Drive, Paulding, OH

Get cozy and join PC Workshop for a holly jolly morning at their Christmas Open House, Pancakes & Pajamas. Wear your favorite Christmas jammies and bring the whole family for a festive day full of fun.

Event Highlights:

• Pancake Breakfast – Free-will donation appreciated
• Pictures with Santa – Perfect photo opportunity for kids and families
• Kids Activities – Crafts, games, and holiday fun
• Hourly Giveaways – Win prizes throughout the event

$15 Activity Ticket (includes kids’ activities and Santa pictures) – Adults are free with admission.

Tickets available here: https://square.link/u/LaxdGpYp

All proceeds benefit Limitless by PC Workshop Programming.

Special thanks to Mighty Cube for sponsoring this community event.

Friday, January 30, 2026 – Lorrie Morgan with Jamie O’Neal

Country music legends Lorrie Morgan and Jamie O’Neal take the Niswonger stage together for the first time, performing their chart-topping hits and fan favorites.

Sunday, March 1, 2026 – Celtic Angels Ireland

A beautiful celebration of Irish culture featuring exceptional vocalists, musicians, and step dancers in a full-stage production of music, movement, and storytelling.

Sunday, March 15, 2026 – Mamma Mania: The American Tribute to ABBA

A high-energy tribute filled with ABBA’s biggest hits, iconic harmonies, and feel-good nostalgia. Perfect for fans who love to sing along.

Saturday, April 18, 2026 – Yacht Rock the Dock

Ambrosia, John Ford Coley, and Peter Beckett (The Voice of Player) unite for a night of 70s/80s soft rock classics and Billboard Top 40 hits. Featuring favorites like “Baby Come Back,” “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight,” “Love Is the Answer,” and more. Presented by OhioHealth and supported by Gary Taylor.

Saturday, April 25, 2026 – Larry Fleet: Another Year Older Tour

Country artist Larry Fleet brings soulful vocals and heartfelt songwriting, including songs like “Where I Find God” and “Things I Take for Granted.” Presented by Superior Credit Union

Saturday, May 2, 2026 – To The Limit: The Ultimate Eagles Tribute

Experience the timeless harmonies and classic rock sound of The Eagles, featuring hits such as “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” and “Desperado.”

Tickets & Information

Niswonger Performing Arts Center Box Office: Tues–Fri • 10 AM–3 PM • 419-238-6722 • vanwertlive.com

Evangeline Street Boutique has announced a big move! They will be relocating to Antwerp, Ohio, closing their Fort Wayne location on December 28, and reopening with a Grand Opening on January 2. The boutique shared that they will be putting a strong focus on both their new storefront and their online presence as they begin this next chapter.

We’re excited to see this growth and to welcome them to Paulding County.

Website: evangelinestreetboutique.com

Tickets are on sale for Ignite Dance Academy’s The Nutcracker!

CAST A Dec. 18th & Dec. 20th matinee

CAST B Dec. 19th & Dec. 20th evening

Ticket link: The Nutcracker - Ignite Dance Academy | Eventbrite