Versailles girls advance to regional finals

A thrilling victory over Anna in overtime.

Cabin Fever! - March 13th at Montage Cafe

Sign up now for the best party of the year! Food, margaritas, live entertainment from the Vintage Rhythm Band, and much more. Further details are available here - or call 548-2102.

Democratic Spring Gala (March 30th)

THE DARKE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY ANNUAL SPRING GALA

TUESDAY MARCH 30, 2010 * SOCIAL HOUR 5:30 PM * DINNER 6:30 PM

AMERICAN LEGION HALL, 325 N. OHIO STREET, GREENVILLE
SPEAKER: RICHARD CORDRAY - OHIO ATTORNEY GENERAL

TICKETS: $20 PER PERSON - RESERVATIONS REQUESTED BY MARCH 23, 2010

CALL (937) 548- 9890 OR E-MAIL egoubeaux@woh.rr.com

Double M Diner gives back for Easter

The Double M Diner located in The Palace in downtown Greenville is offering a FREE! Easter Dinner for those in need on Sunday, April 4 from 11 am until 2pm. Tickets are required and can be picked up at the restaurant. For more information, call Marcella Murphy (owner of the Double M Diner) at 547-3031 from 6 am until 3 pm.

Please share this information with those who might benefit from a free meal. If you are interested in volunteering or donating items, please call Marcella.

$3 gas

Coming soon.

Candidates Address Women’s Club

Republican primary candidates made their case to the GOP women's club Monday evening. The ladies heard from several men running for commissioner, state senate, and court of appeals. You can read an extensive summary at TippNews.com.

Candidate Bill Beagle addresses the women's group [photo from TippNews.com]

Additional photo courtesy of darkegopwomen.blogspot.com

Will stay warm for awhile, but still watching for snow

Details in the latest post at Buck's Blog.

OSU EXTENSION, DARKE COUNTY, CALENDAR

MARCH, 2010

16 Dining with Diabetes, 11:00am-2:30pm, OSUE Learning Center (must pre-register)

16 Final Mandatory 4-H Club Update, 7:00pm, OSUE Learning Center

18 4-H County Committee, 7:00pm, OSUE Learning Center

20 4-H Workshop: The First H: Head - Website Development, 10:00am, OSUE Learning Center (must pre-register)

22 Quality Assurance Test Out, 7:00pm, OSUE Learning Center (must pre-register)

23 4-H Camp Counselors, 7:00pm, OSUE Learning Center

For more information, please call 937.548.5215 or email dark@cfaes.osu.edu.

WIA SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYERS NEEDED

The Council on Rural Services and Gateway Youth Program is looking for employers in Darke County that would like to serve as host employment sites for the WIA (Workforce Investment Act) Summer Opportunities Program beginning in June 2010.

Your business will provide the necessary job training; Council on Rural Services will provide applicants, pay the salaries, and offer job support to the youth.

If you become a WIA Youth Program employer, you will have the opportunity to provide job training to youth that want to create a positive future for themselves and learn the right skills. You will work in partnership with an agency that has served and supported youth for 22 years. You will create a win-win opportunity for your organization and area’s youth. This is a great opportunity for your business, either profit or non-profit, to become part of the solution; you can give back to your community and pay forward by helping youth transition into adulthood.

Take the initiative and call today; find out more information about becoming an employment site. Michelle Miller-Elliot, Youth Advocate at Gateway’s WIA Youth Program at 937-548-4132, extension 343 is waiting to talk with you.

If you would like to know more about the Gateway Youth Programs in Darke County check the web at www.councilonruralservices.org or call and talk with Kelly Harrison, Lead Youth Advocate, at 937-548-8002. Gateway Youth Programs is a program of Council on Rural Services … programs for innovative learning.

At last year’s WIA Appreciation Dinner, Shirley Hathaway, executive director of Council on Rural Services spoke to the youth, parents, and employers about how creating and taking advantage of opportunities and partnerships in today’s life, will help youth succeed in the future.

Apartment burns in downtown Versailles

As reported by Steve Baker ...

Storm Spotter Training Available (March 11th)

As we look to put winter weather behind us and move on to sunny skies and warmer days we must not forget that while we may not have to deal with snow, spring too has its severe weather situations. The Darke County Emergency Management Agency is hosting an annual Storm Spotter Training on Thursday, March 11, 2010 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at 5183 County Home Rd., Greenville. You need to register for the class at www.darkecountyema.org under the training page by 3/10/10.

The training is conducted through the National Weather Service out of Wilmington Ohio and covers thunderstorm formation, severe weather production, and features associated with severe storms. Also part of the class is tornado formation and behavior, non-threatening clues which may be mistaken for significant features, and safety when thunderstorms threaten. Details include storm ingredients, characteristics of severe storms, anatomy of a storm, super-cell storms and rotation.

By providing citizens with this education it allows the Weather Service to receive first hand reports of weather conditions from wherever the spotter is located. While “storm chasing” is not advised, reporting from your home, work or car (etc.), provides valuable information directly to meteorologists making decisions on watches and warnings.

With Severe Weather Awareness week coming up March 21 – 27, 2010 it’s a great time to think about preparing ourselves and families for the threat of severe spring/summer storms. If you do not currently own a NOAA Weather Radio consider purchasing one. These radios are programmable with voice and/alarm modes that will notify you, your family or your business of impending severe weather any time of day.

If you have any questions or would like additional information about preparing yourself, your family or your business please contact the Darke County Emergency Management Agency at 937-548-1444 or through our website www.darkecountyema.org.

Art Sale at Montage Cafe (March 20th)

This art sale have paintings, drawings, ceramics, prints, jewelry, and so much more for sale from area artists and art students. The art sale will also feature a live, acoustic performance by KARMA. Any artists that are interested in selling can email me at ohiostephanie@yahoo.com.

Pianist Walter Mailley-Smith in concert (March 18th)

WARREN MAILLEY-SMITH, Greenville Country Club, Thursday, March 18, 2010 - 7:00 P.M.

Described as "the embodiment of a modern romantic concert pianist," Warren Mailley-Smith will grace Darke County with his exceptional talents. Sample his music at www.warrenmailley-smith.com. Tickets are just $10 and can be purchased by calling Darke County Center for the Arts at 937-547-0908.

Visitors learn syrup making at Shawnee Prairie Preserve

Story and photo album from The Daily Standard.

Jack Gruber at the Colonial Athletic Association Championship game

If there is such a thing as a photo essay of a basketball game, Jack Gruber has it in the latest entry of his blog. The most recent stop for the USA Today photojournalist (and Franklin-Monroe grad) is Richmond, Virginia.

Country Bridal & Tux Open House (March 21st)

Open House Sunday March 21st, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Over 200 styles Jackets and over 500 colors Designer Vests and Ties; Available from 4 different Comp.

Exclusive- Jim's Formal Wear Dealer, Silver Elite Dealer of the Year

We also color match David's Bridal!

Prom Tuxedo Headquarters ...Country Bridal & Tux

www.tuxesandsewing.com

547-0007 * Hrs. M-F 10-7 St.10-3 * $$$ 10.00 off TUX RENTAL CARDS

6461 Horatio- Harris Ck. Rd., Greenville, Just Off 121 North, then east

** From your Local Prom Reps: Ansonia-Kyle Young / Chris Walters, Arcanum-Tyler Kelly, Bradford-Alex Frantz / Cody Shafer, Greenville-Derek Kagey / John Pequignot / and Nikki Simmons, Mississinawa Valley-Kent Moneysmith, Versailles-Zach Miller, Franklin Monroe and Tri Village / Flyers in Office.

BTO Self-Serve Yogurt Opens Today

BTO Self-Serve Yogurt Opens today for the 2010 season with all of your favorite flavors!

Premium Frozen Yogurt so good you'd think it was Homemade Icecream!
Come in and have a delicious healthy treat with just a fraction of the calories of Icecream!

Good Coffee and Free Wi Fi!

Monday thru Thursday 12 to 9; Friday and Saturday 12 to 10; Sunday 12 to 9

Arcanum will make up snow days over spring break, summer

The Arcanum kids will lose four days off spring break - and make up a fifth day in the summer, extending the school year to June 7th. Bummer. Exit question: how much learning will occur in the Arcanum schools on June 7th?

Steve Baker has the video report for WHIOtv.com (click on the principal).

Great news for Ohio State football

Story here.

Versailles girls upset Hamilton Badin to win District

Story and video at TheMacOnline.com.

Reminder: Lady Antebellum tickets go on sale March 20th

Track seating is $25. Grandstands and bleachers are $23. A great deal either way. Tickets are available by phone or online with details at darkcountyfair.com.

Wayne Hospital opens $46 million expansion

Story at WHIOtv.com.

[big scissor photo intentionally omitted] ... update: video, with scissors, added here.

Former Greenville resident dies in apparent murder-suicide

Tragic. Greenville High School graduate Bill Mosely and his wife died at their Columbus residence on February 18th. The Columbus Dispatch has more details.

Sure sign spring is near, the Dairy Barn is open

Winter in the foreground ... and spring in the background. [photo from rrhoa]

A few sunny, blue-sky photos from the Greenville circle

Have we seen the last snow of the winter?

With temperatures forecasted into the 50's for the next several days, the snow on the ground will soon be gone. Will we have more - or is spring the next stop? [ABM ... ?]

Looking for the lowest gas prices?

Two suggestions are listed below since everyone is squeezing their dollars in this economy, especially if they are a commuter. 

GASBUDDY.COM
Dayton Daily News and WHIOTV both have links to  GasBuddy.com on their web site.  It has options to find the cheapest local gas as well as checking the price of gas across the USA at a glance.

Just in time for rising gas prices in the Midwest, GasBuddy unleashed a new tool- price hike alerts. It was predicted that prices would rise in a few major areas- Minneapolis, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Some members located in those areas received e-mails that warned them to  fill up as prices were likely to rise and they did rise. To get the price increase alerts you must register.

GasBuddy even has a gas blog for those who like to read about what is going on in the world of gas.


GASPRICEWATCH.COM
GasPriceWatch.com - will help you learn how to save money at the pump by finding the least expensive gas in YOUR neighborhood.

Make sure to read the FAQ/HELP section and check out the folder that says MY ROUTE

Once there, set up "MyPage" so you can store your favorite stations in the order you pass them.

The basic function of the website is to help you find the lowest price of gas in your neighborhood.

You don't have to register to use GasPriceWatch.com. You can start searching right now by using one of the forms on the left hand side of their web page.

If you would like to help spot and post prices in your neighborhood so others can benefit from the website, then you must register as a spotter. It's free to join, takes just a moment and admits you to the ranks of thousands of others who support the search for the lowest price in town!

Darke County Republicans welcome Rob Portman

Darke County Republicans held their annual Lincoln Day dinner Saturday. The special guest and speaker was Rob Portman, former congressman, cabinet member, and ambassador.

Portman is a candidate for U.S. Senator, and said he is running because our country needs fixed - and fast. Portman's speech was well-received by what appeared to be several thousand motivated Republicans in attendance.

At right: Rob Portman with his local campaign coordinator Barbara Martin.

State Rep. Dick Adams, Jim Buchy, State Rep. Jim Zehringer, State Sen. candidate Bill Beagle

GHS Alumni Open House (May 3rd)

ATTENTION ALL G.H.S. ALUMS: Whatever you remember about Greenville High School, there will be something to interest you at the second annual G.H.S. Alumni Association.

Open House 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, MONDAY, MAY 3rd, 2010
G. H. S. CAFETERIA

Free admission and Free refreshments * Bring your lawn chair and stay awhile

NO program NO agenda * We have made up over 100 foldout boards about the classes.

Open to all G.H.S. graduates or faculty, or friends of G.H.S., or anyone who attended G.H.S., or is interested in G.H.S. COME AND VISIT OLD FRIENDS.

Upcoming blood drive info

03/08/2010, 03:30 PM - 06:30 PM - EST Gordon United Methodist Church Social Hall, 311 East Street, Gordon, OH 45304

03/09/2010, 10:30 AM - 06:30 PM - EST Women of the Moose Loyal Order of the Moose Greenville Lodge # 329 Social Hall, 1200 Sweitzer Street, Greenville, OH 45331

03/09/2010, 12:30 PM - 05:00 PM - EST Women of the Moose Loyal Order of the Moose Greenville Lodge # 329 Social Hall, 1200 Sweitzer Street, Greenville, OH 45331

03/15/2010, 11:00 AM - 07:00 PM - EDT Versailles Rotary Club Versailles Knights of Columbus Social Hall, 8440 St. Rt. 47, Versailles, OH 45380

03/15/2010, 11:00 AM - 05:30 PM - EDT Versailles Knights of Columbus Social Hall, 8440 St. Rt. 47, Versailles, OH 45380

03/27/2010, 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM - EDT Darke County Sheriff's Patrol Darke County Fairgounds Blood Mobile, 800 Sweitzer Street, Greenville, OH 45331

[information from http://www.donortime.com/]

Follow-up on the H1N1 vaccine

Video report from Steve Baker.

Darke County native Jeff Marker reviews Alice in Wonderland

Read the review here.

Alice in Wonderland is playing now at Wayne Theater, but note to parents: this is a Tim Burton movie ... do your homework before sending your younger children.

Bengals looking at T.O.

Yes - that T.O. Ochocinco and Terrell Owens on the same team? Oh, it's a great time to be a former Bengal fan.

72 inch zero turn mower for sale

Link here for more information.

New addition to the business directory

My Little Munchkin Shop is the place to go for moby wraps,baby wraps, and Storchenwiege ring slings.

For more information, click the link above, email jennifer@mylittlemunchkinshop.com, or call Jennifer at 937-417-3887.

BTO Yogurt to re-open March 5th

BTO Self Serve Frozen Yogurt OPEN FOR BUSINESS * Starting at noon March 5

Hours are as follows: Sunday Thru Thursday 12-9, Fri and Sat 12-10

Stop by for your favorite frozen treat * check us out on Face Book to see flavors

BTO FROZEN YOGURT * 1305 Wagner Ave., Greenville

Solid Waste District establishes new website

The Darke County Solid Waste District has established a web site that can be seen at http://co.darke.oh.us/solidwaste. This web site has information on recycling, reducing waste, and alternatives to hazardous products. Also on the website, you can find when the next public recycling event will be. While you’re visiting our site, make sure you sign-up to receive updates!! The district’s web site will continually be updated to provide you with the most up to date information.

The district is also on Facebook. Become a fan and receive updates on events and the “Tip of the Week”.

Open House for Parties, Decor and More

503 South Broadway, Greenville. Parties, Décor, and More is a new business owned by Jeanne Appleman and Mike Pressnall. Jeanne and Mike are event design consultants providing décor, accessories, props and tuxedo rentals. The Open House will have displays and information provided by caterers and cake designers.

Open to the public - RSVP is not required. Hors d'oeuvres and Spirits will be served. Saturday, March 6th from 2pm to 7pm.

Keller Grain & Feed added to the business directory

The link is kellergrain.com. Keller Grain & Feed has been a member of the community since 1933 and is locally family owned and operated.

The Law Office of Jason Aslinger is open for business

After a brief closure due to illness, the Law Office of Jason Aslinger is once again open for business and accepting new clients. Office hours are scheduled by appointment only at this time. Call 548-2124 or 423-2744.

Faber explains Workers Compensation bill

Recently, the Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 213, legislation I introduced that would protect Ohio small businesses participating in the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation group rating programs from further “rate shock” during one of the worst economic climates in Ohio history.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is in the process of addressing disparity in rates paid by different Ohio businesses to ensure the long-term solvency of the state’s injured workers’ fund. At present, the Bureau intends to move forward with plans to reduce the level of discounts long-afforded to Ohio group-rated companies beginning on July 1, 2010. This is on top of already approved discount reductions and added surcharges since 2005, and will result in significant premium increases for many small businesses at a time when many are struggling to make their payrolls and keep their doors open.

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DARKE T.E.A. Patriots Meeting Report for March 2, 2010

Meeting report below the jump ...

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Dining in the Darke at The Bistro Off Broadway (March 6th)

In darkness everyone becomes equal. Our opinions can't be molded by dress, mannerisms or makeup as none of it can be seen. You learn that without sight your other senses become more acute. It gives sighted people an opportunity to test their dexterity, use their other senses and to enjoy the flavors, smells and textures of their dinner.

Dining in the Darke is a fundraising effort for Main Street Greenville. Pair dinner and conversation with curiosity, add in downtown and after dinner dialog to make for a great dining experience. We hope to see you at this unique dining experience.

Sincerely, Ted Abney, The Bistro Off Broadway
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dining in the Darke is Saturday, March 6, 7:00 PM, $30 per person. Ticket price includes: Three-course meal (it's a secret!), a very sensual experience, meeting people you may not have met in the light. Tickets are available at: The Bistro Off Broadway or by calling 937-316-5000.

2010 Greenville Farmers Market

Attention Crafters, Gardeners, Bakers! Attend a free open house on Thursday, March 11, 6-7pm at KitchenAid Experience to learn more about participating in the 2010 Farmers' Market in downtown Greenville.

Get to know... Start date and changes to the Wednesday and Saturday markets

Faces of the market. Get acquainted with other vendors and market volunteers. Rules and Regulations and market strategies for your product.

Sign up on March 11 to be a vendor and receive a free gift from KithchenAid! Kindly RSVP to Main Street Greenville at 937.548.4998 or info@mainstreetgreenville.org.

There are nice people left in the world (by DBO)

I was on my way to town tonight and was having a terrible day. Just when I thought my day couldn't possibly get any worse I ran out of gas in my truck.Well I thought that's a perfect end to a day like I had. That just puts the cherry on the Sunday along with a few other choice words.

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NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR HEAD START PRESCHOOL - FALL 2010

Will your child be ready to start kindergarten when the time comes? Make sure by registering your child in the Head Start preschool program at Council on Rural Services now. We are currently taking applications for the 2010-11 school year. Your child’s experiences today will affect his or her tomorrow.

Every child needs a variety of learning experiences that enhance their cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth. Head Start is a federally funded comprehensive preschool program at Kids Learning Place that provides children with a classroom learning environment or visiting home base opportunity for early learning that helps young children succeed. Kids Learning Place provides positive education experiences by using a research-based curriculum, licensed teachers, and individualized services for children and families.

Our centers in Greenville, Bradford, and Union City are a place where children will build a love of learning in a nurturing, creative, and safe environment that has received the “Step Up To Quality” award from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Our visiting home based program also covers other rural areas of the county.

As you visit our centers in Darke County, you will find children and teachers actively engaged and exploring life. You will find parents and teachers communicating for the benefit of the child. You will find collaborative partners, staff, and administrators always looking for ways to improve the learning process. All this occurs in order to deliver the best education and support and to ensure children are ready for school and life.

To be eligible for this free preschool program, a child must be three years old by the end of August 2010, reside in Darke County, and the family must meet federal income guidelines. The program also provides services to children of families that are homeless, children with disabilities are considered without income restrictions.

Be sure your child gains the knowledge to be ready to succeed as they begin kindergarten! For more information about this program or to enroll, call our toll free number 1-866-627-4557 for immediate contact. You can check the Web site at www.councilonruralservices.org, also become a fan on Facebook of Council on Rural Services and see all the wonderful things that are happening at the agency, by going to http://www.facebook.com/councilonruralservices.

One of the parents at the Union City Center came to lead the children in outdoor exercise. The center is participating in the Head Start Body Start Physical Development program which promotes physical activity and healthy eating.

Greenville Kiwanis weekly meeting - March 3rd

This weekly Kiwanis meeting held in the Brethren Retirement Community Chestnut Village Meeting Center started with the Prayer and Pledge followed by introduction of Key Club Members Mariah Reitz, Sereena Barga and Jennifer Westfall. Lynne Gump introduced her special guest Mary Lane. The Annual Pancake Breakfast (to be held March 20 in the Greenville High School cafeteria) signup sheet mentioned but the sign has been successful and it was noted that Tina Chalmers now has members to help her in the afternoon. Ticket sales were encouraged for all members present.

The presentation by Darke County Animal Shelter Director Duane Sanning was interesting as evidenced by the rap attention paid by an unusually large Kiwanis audience and the wide variety of questions asked at the conclusion of his speech. The questions lasted long after most the audience has left. Director Sanning passed out information sheets that paralleled his presentation which included personal stories of his experiences that made the half hour almost a hands on experience. He did mention that a record review showed that the Shelter had responded to 1303 calls which is approximately the same number as the previous year. He noted that there is a black vulture in the area that is unique because it does attach which is not typical of vultures. He identified the major difference between the Shelter and the Humane Society. The Shelter functions under the rules of the Ohio Revised Code Section 955 to furnish law enforcement for dogs and dog owners while the Humane Society mission is to address cruelty to any animal as well tending injured animals.

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Butler County man gets 10 years for 21st DUI

Why did it take 21 DUI's for this to happen?

Wayne Hospital Expansion

Steve Baker reports on the grand opening of the Wayne Hospital expansion. [screen cap via WHIOtv.com]

Tri-County Thrivent Board Meeting (March 8th)

Monday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Highmarks Restaurant in Sidney will be the next meeting of the Tri-County Thrivent Board.

Board members from Lutheran Churches in Darke, Miami, and Shelby counties will be present to plan for the future, and make decisions on benevolent causes as requested by individuals and organizations.

The mission statement is as follows: “Volunteering to help those in our organizations by providing financial support – working together to reach a common goal of helping others help themselves.”

State Rep. Dick Adams (79th Dist.) Legislative Update

Vacant property legislation: House Bill 437 would authorize a nonrefundable tax credit for a business that increases payroll and expands into a vacant facility. This legislation is included in the House Republican's "Future of Ohio" Economic Development Initiative. The intention of this bill is to encourage existing and prospective companies to house their businesses within a vacant facility. We believe this legislation would encourage companies to consider expanding their businesses using vacant properties in order to spur economic growth and prosperity in all areas of Ohio, including those that have experienced companies moving out of their area. I am a co-sponsor of this legislation, which is currently in the House Ways and Means Committee.

Transparency and Accountability through Tax Database: House Bill 454 has been introduced to require the creation of a tax database and calculator to allow individuals and businesses to determine their current tax rates and potential tax liabilities. This legislation, which is included in the "Future of Ohio" Government Reform Package, would be' centrally located on the Ohio Department of Taxation's website with a link to the tax calculator on the Ohio Business Gateway. I am a lead co-sponsor of this bill, which I believe will provide a practical and useful tool for small business operators in cash flow projections, in expansion decisions, and in making relocation plans. This legislation has been assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee.

Council on Efficient Government: As part of the "Future of Ohio" Economic Development Initiative, House Bill 436 creates the Council on Efficient Government to review and advise agencies that choose to use private contractors. This legislation will also give authority to all state agencies to contract out its provision of a good or service to a private contractor. Many businesses, local governments, and non-profit organizations have taken advantage of the ability to use outside private contractors to provide goods and services to the people they serve in order to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and better serve their constituencies. This bill would provide state agencies the opportunity to reduce their budgets while providing the same level of service to Ohioans. I am a co-sponsor of this legislation, which is currently in the House State Government Committee.

Payroll Responsibility Act: House Bill 430 would base the total amount that state administrative departments spend on the salaries or wages of their employees on changes in the Gross Domestic Product of Ohio. The administrative departments would rely on the Legislative Service Commission to calculate and publish changes in Ohio's GDP not later than the first day of June of each odd-numbered year. This legislation is included in the "Future of Ohio" Economic Development Initiative. This bill is currently in the House Finance and Appropriations Committee.

Zehringer co-sponsors "e-Days" bill

State Representative Jim Zehringer is co-sponsoring a bill that would allow school districts to make up 5 calamity days per year through "e-lessons," or lesson plans that would be transmitted to sutdents through a website or web portal.

To participate, a school district would have to devise its e-Days plan ahead of time. The bill also includes special provisions for children who do not have access to a computer. The text of the bill is here.

Participation would be voluntary for each school disctrict.

See additional information in: The Columbus Dispatch; and WKSU News.

Darke County Fuller Center helps with Haiti Relief

The Darke County Fuller Center for Housing announces their participation with the National Fuller Center for Housing which has invited each local chapter to sponsor a house toward the restoration of residential housing in Haiti.

The National Fuller center for Housing is partnering with LazarianWorld Homes (a nonprofit organization based in California) to quickly and easily build homes for families in Haiti. They have designed a simple, earthquake and fire resistant house that can be constructed by volunteers at a very low cost. The homes, 16 ft. by 16 ft., are made from styrofoam, concrete, and steel reinforcing bars. The cost of one house is just $3,000.

The Fuller Center for Housing’s purpose is to witness and implement the Gospel of Jesus Christ by working with economically disadvantaged people to help them create a better human habitat.

The local Darke County Fuller Center for Housing chapter accepts the challenge and President Nevin Eley and Director John Hensley are making an appeal to Greenville and the Darke County community, its churches, and individuals to support this program with contributions mailed to Darke County Fuller Center at P.O. Box 1015, Greenville, Ohio 45331. You may also drop them off on Thursday or Friday at the Darke County Fuller Center ReStore at the corner of Wayne and Front Streets.

Imagine the difference we can make in the life of a family. Checks can be made to Fuller Center Haiti House Project. [submitted press release and photo]

Open thread: U.S. Post Office may discontinue Saturday delivery

What do you think?

Versailles Boys season ends in overtime loss

The final score was 52-46 as Versailles loses to Greenview. TheMacOnline.com has an extensive game summary.

New listing in the business directory

Crystal LeeAnn Photography is located at 139 North Broadway in Greenville. You can contact Crystal at 937-548-5500, Monday through Thursday from 11am to 7pm. In addition to her terrific photography (see below), Crystal has one of the coolest websites around. Go to www.crystalleeann.com, and click on "Flash Website" if you have a high-speed connection.

12U Indoor Soccer Tournament (March 20th)

Where: The Academy, 615 Riffle Avenue, Greenville, OH

When: Saturday, March 20th

Cost: $80.00 per team (8 teams max)

Info: 3 games guaranteed, 2 pool play games, and then single elimination tournament, 5 playing at one time with an 8 man roster

Contact: Denny Ruble @ (937) 417-3252 to register team.

Diabetes Day offered at Wayne Hospital (April 10th)

Diabetes Day will be offered at Wayne Hospital on Saturday, April 10, 2010. The program will take place from 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Speakers will discuss topics of interest to individuals with diabetes. Along with speakers, there will be numerous displays by companies serving the diabetes community.

We wanted to provide individuals with topics which will help them on their journey with diabetes. The topics will be discussed by a handful of talented individuals in Darke County.

Whitney Holsopple, D.P.M from Active Foot and Ankle will be discussing “Caring for Your Feet”. Since many individuals with diabetes are worried about developing foot complications, Dr. Holsopple will tell us about diabetes foot health.

Karen Droesch RD,LD,CDE the Diabetes Educator at Wayne Hospital wants to know “Are You Smarter than Your Diabetes Educator?” She will be asking and discussing with participants a variety of questions related to diabetes through a game.

Laurie White, Ph.D., LISW, ACSW from Family Health will be discussing “Battling the Stress Bully.” She will discuss ways to help lower your stress level since stress can cause your blood sugar to rise. Registration fee is $5.00 for each participant if you pre-register before April 1, 2010. After this date or at the door, the fee is $7.00 per participant. The cost includes lectures, venders, handouts, and refreshment breaks. For more information or to register call 937-547-5750.

Card players needed

Volunteering isn’t always fun and games, but one local organization is looking for a few good volunteers to have fun while playing card games with older adults.

Heartland of Greenville needs two volunteers to help as card players. Volunteers will play euchre and socialize with residents. This position is available on Friday afternoons, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This opportunity for card players is available two times a month, every other Friday. Volunteers should be at least 18 years old.

“Our residents need the support of volunteers so they are able to keep their minds alert and enhance their socialization,” says Rosemary Nelson, Activity Director for Heartland of Greenville.

To learn more about this volunteer opportunity or other opportunities within our community, please contact HandsOn West Central Ohio at (937) 548-8002 ext. 211, or visit www.handsonwestcentralohio.org. HandsOn West Central Ohio, including Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, is a program of Council on Rural Services. This program receives funding from Darke County United Way, Corporation for National Service, Area Agency on Aging, PSA2, Darke County Commissioners, Lydia E. Shaurer Trust, Harry Stephens Trust and the Darke County HOPE Foundation.

Time to clean off the snow plows

As reported by Steve Baker/WHIO (screen cap via WHIOtv.com). Click on the image.

UPDATE: DarkeJournal fan KLR also washed his car.

Alyssa Comer and Kandis Garland advance to state bowling tournament

Details at The Dayton Daily News.

[tip from ms]