Wednesday, May 30, 2018

DCVB Director Staugler Talks Tourism with State Legislators in Columbus

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Columbus, Ohio—Matt Staugler of the Darke County Visitors Bureau, a member of the Ohio Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, joined colleagues from across the state on May 23rd for the 2018 Ohio Tourism Legislative Day. Staugler met with state elected officials, including Ohio Sen. Matt Huffman and State Rep. Stephen Huffman.

The day is designed to provide an opportunity for participants to meet with their individual elected representatives and talk tourism. It is a great time to discuss local tourism issues. This year participants also informed legislators of the importance of funding TourismOhio at a level that allows us to be competitive with neighboring states.They were also askedto support legislation that allows elected officials to serve on local tourism boards and a measure that would set up grants for major sports events. That is needed so that Ohio can compete for large scale events such as All-Star Games, drafts or the NCAA final four. Those types of events bring many visitors and positive media coverage to the Buckeye State. Legislators also learned that tourism sales in Ohio topped $44 billion dollars in 2017 and that travelers’ spending supported 428,000 jobs last year.

“Tourism continues to be one of the largest industries in the state of Ohio,” said Staugler. “The support the industry gets from the state is critical to help our economy continue to move forward and support small business across Darke County and Ohio.”

During a morning breakfast meeting attendees got a briefing on the issues important to the tourism industry from the directors of the Ohio Tourism Association, the Ohio Hotel and Lodging Association and the Ohio Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus. Following the legislative visits a reception was held at the Capital Club for lawmakers and staff members where more talks about tourism issues took place.

OACVB is statewide organization serving CVBs throughout Ohio helping them to maximize the economic impact of tourism via effective communication, industry education, legislative awareness, issue management, trend identification and professional development.

TASKS, Inc. Donates to Versailles Schools

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TASKS, Inc. (Teaching About Safety Kids Style) recently donated money to Versailles Schools for the purchase of 12 Anti-Choking Training Vests and the associated training curriculum. All 6th grade students at Versailles receive instruction on how to perform abdominal thrusts on a choking victim (commonly known as the Heimlich Maneuver). However, teaching the proper technique is difficult due to the risk of injury if performing the thrusts on a non-choking person. The acquisition of these anti-choking vests provides hands on skills training in a safe manner, protecting the “victim” from unintended harm. These vests contain an air bladder with foam plug that requires the trainee to use proper technique to dislodge the foam plug. If the technique is performed correctly, the foam plug will be expelled.

With this reward to Versailles Schools, TASKS, Inc. has donated nearly $4,000 to Versailles Schools and nearly $13,000 to a total of five county schools for CPR, AED, and related training materials. In its 3+ years in existence, TASKS, Inc. has awarded nearly $39,000 to Darke County organizations with an eye to providing youth safety education.

As a 501(c)3, any donations made to TASKS, Inc. are fully tax deductible and supported with a receipt and thank you letter from the organization. If you would be interested in donating to TASKS, donations may be sent to TASKS, Inc., 28 E. Ward St., Versailles, OH 45380. If you have any questions about our organization or the programs we would support, you may contact Scott Garrison at 937-371-1249.

Pictured above are TASKS board members Bob Frey and Scott Garrison, along with Versailles School nurse Tracy Cordonnier, holding one of the vests purchased with the grant money.

Poultry Days Social Tent Rocks!

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This year the Social Tent takes things to another level with TEN live musical acts and an expanded beverage selection. This year we offer TEN acts representing varied musical styles. From Saw Creek and the MicStand Band’s country, to Empty Tank and Eight Ball’s rock, to solo acoustic, and the “under the streetlight” music of the ‘60s and ‘70s of the Quintessentials. In addition, one of the top party bands in Ohio, Tricky Dick & The Cover-Ups, will be traveling from Cleveland with their own style of high energy rock funk. With a Social Tent that can hold over 2,000 people you can choose to be up front by the music, at a table by the small bar or under the stars with our outside seating for 300. And if you haven’t heard we will be offering barbecue chicken at the festival which we hope will be popular.

Friday, June 8th 3:30-5:00, DeMange Brothers. The DeMange Brothers, Tyler and Mason, have performed with several bands at the festival but are excited to make their debut together at Poultry Days to get the festival started! Friday, June 8th 5:00-7:30, The MicStand Band. Mike and Stan McClurg two brothers effortlessly blend a selection of Country and Classic Rock. Friday, June 8th 8:00-11:30, Tricky Dick & the Cover Ups. Tricky Dick & The Cover-Ups are a top-tier cover band that will bring Friday night under the Social Tent to another level. Based in Cleveland, 1,000 performances over 9 years, and named “Best Cover Band” by Cleveland and Scene Magazine. An ever-growing song list that is updated weekly ensures that fans never see the same show twice. Members of the band rotate instruments and lead vocals, allowing for a fresh and exciting mix throughout the performance. Fans and friends of this top-rated pop/rock band know to expect a gigantic variety of songs performed back to back for a non-stop, high energy party.

Saturday, June 9th 12:30-2:00, The Quintessentials. Award-winning barbershop quintet group of Oiho Has Talent. The group consists five Versailles natives who bring back the “under the streetlight” music of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Come out to hear your favorite music spanning from Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, to the Beach Boys, performed by these Versailles natives. Saturday, June 9th, 2:30-4:30, Jason Rhoades. Jason has been playing music in the area for 20 years, with bands such as Who's Randy, See Alice Jones and most recently with Clark Manson. His shows are unpredictable, fun, and full of shenanigans. Saturday, June 9th 5:00-7:00, Strategy. Performing a diverse mix of music from Elvis to Kiss & Charlie Daniels to Judas Priest. Strategy's recent highlights include: Opening for The Little River Band; as well as performing at many of the top local festivals and clubs. Saturday, June 9th 7:30-11:30, Saw Creek. Led by experienced musician Steve Rosenbeck, along with his son Zach and two nephews Jared and Jesse Ranly. This country music band specializes in Classic and Top 40 Country music by the likes of Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Kenney Chesney and many more. They have played in Nashville, Toby Keith's bar and grill, and have opened for artists Dylan Scott and Clark Manson.

Sunday, June 10th 1:00-3:00, Danny and Japes. A guitarist, singer/songwriter, originally from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Danny's folk/rock music influence sounds its way through his covers of well-known artists, such as James Taylor, Jim Croce, Jason Mraz and John Denver. Sunday, June 10th 3:30-6:00, Eight Ball – 8-Ball has been adding new tunes to step things up a notch from their last spectacular festival performance! A Versailles-based band who won the Dayton Battle of the Bands in one of their first appearances. This group started out with Classic Rock and “Big Hair Band” rock. Today, 8-Ball plays grunge, new rock, and older rock songs with a new dated sound. A dynamic lead singer and powerful guitar backed by inspiring drums and bass, they are guaranteed to impress. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see one of the area’s best bands. Sunday, June 10th 6:30-10:30, Empty Tank. If you’re looking for a band that will entertain you with a wide variety of music, the Empty Tank band will not disappoint. This high energy group performs music spanning from yesteryear's classics through today's top songs. These guys pack in over 4 straight hours of music, 3-part harmonies, and rockin guitar and keyboard solos!

The beverage selection for this year’s Social Tent is as rocking as the music. The Winery at Versailles will be offering FROZEN SLUSHIES with different flavors each day as well as a wide selection wines including Cabernet Franc, Pinot Grigio, Buckeye Blush, Rodeo Red, Strawberry, Peach and Raspberry Summer Days, Sangria, and the famous Rooster Red!! The Social Tent will be sponsored by BonBright MillerCoors which along with Anheuser-Busch will provide over 20 different beers severed at Main and Small bars. The biggest additions to our beer selection are Blackberry Prairie Wheat, Honey wagon IPA and Wally Post from Moeller Brew Barn. While we can’t offer every flavor, we are proud of our expanded offering.

Versailles Poultry Days and the Village of Versailles would like to invite you to the 67th annual Poultry Days Festival June 8, 9, and 10th, 2018. We will close the highway again just like we have since 1972 and promise another great weekend of chicken, friends and fun. Please visit the website www.versaillespoultrydays.com for event details and schedules or like us on Facebook.

“Family Fun Day” at Library

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Each summer the Friends of the Greenville Public Library and the Greyson James Steyer Memorial Fund sponsor seven weeks of “Family Fun Day” Wednesdays at 11:00. Each program features a top-notch performer who is entertaining for all age groups. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the show on the front lawn under the shade trees.

Kick off summer on June 6th with world-renowned magician Gordon Russ who combines fast-paced comedy with lots of audience participation. “This year I’ve assembled a crazy cast of characters who go on a hilarious Magical Tour full of funny situations.“ Traveling through Europe, Australia and China, Gordon has brought his unique brand of illusion to thousands of people across the globe.

In case of inclement weather the First Congregational Christian Church on 5th Street generously offers us their Activity Building. Be sure to stop in the Library June 1st to sign up for Summer Reading for kids, teens, and adults. It's easy and the prizes are amazing!

His national performances include Playland amusement park in Rye, New York, the Downers Grove Festival in Chicago, the Toledo Zoo as well as numerous other US venues. When working his magic, Gordon specializes in Schools, Libraries, Art Fairs, Festivals, and Corporate events; his special style of street magic never fails to draw a crowd.

While on his continuing travels around the Mid-West, Gordon has been seen at the Ann Arbor Art Fair, the East Lansing Art Fair, Grosse Pointe’s Art on the Pointe, and the Liberty Festival in Canton. He has entertained the fans at Joe Louis Arena for the Detroit Red Wings’ Skate with the Stars, and graced the stage at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts. One of Gordon’s most memorable moments came when his magic was requested at a private performance for former world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali.

Gordon’s introduction to the world of magic came early. He learned the art of illusion from his father, who made sure magic was an everyday part of growing up. Gordon currently resides in Michigan with his wife Cyndi and his two sons Gordon and Tanner.

Family Yoga on the Lawn

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The Greenville Public Library is hosting “Family Yoga on the Lawn” throughout the summer. The first event is Wednesday May 30 followed by June 13 and June 27 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Join instructors from Nature's Heart Yoga on the side lawn of the Library under the shade trees.

Please dress in comfortable clothes and bring your own yoga mat. There will be a limited number of yoga mats provided by Nature's Heart Yoga. This is family friendly yoga offered as a free, community wellness event. Water will be provided. Everyone is welcome!

JUNE FIRST FRIDAY TO FEATURE LIVE MUSIC, NON-PROFITS, AND MINI-PARKS

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MATT JORDAN, PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE JORDAN AGENCY
PRESENTS THE DONATION TO CRYSTA HUTCHINSON,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MAIN STREET GREENVILLE
Main Street Greenville’s June First Friday event will be sponsored through the generosity of the Jordan Agency and will bring a whole evening of family fun to the downtown district! The event is scheduled for Friday, June 1st from 6-9 pm. The event is slated to feature live music performances, a volunteer fair to highlight the work of local non-profits, and, brand new this year, the introduction of “parklets.”

“The inclusion of parklets in First Friday is a new concept that Main Street Greenville is excited to be bringing to downtown,” said Crysta Hutchinson, Executive Director of Main Street Greenville. “The mini-parks will be places for people to sit with friends, enjoy a treat from a downtown business, and relax while listening to live music. They will have plants and places to sit and just bring a taste of nature into our downtown district. We’re very grateful to Hupmans Lawn Care for helping us create the parklets!”

The live music performances will be taking place both indoors and outdoors. This will allow people to enjoy music as they stroll, shop, and dine downtown during the evening. You will be able to hear great local musicians no matter how you choose to spend your time.

Main Street Greenville invites everyone to grab a bite to eat downtown from 6-7 pm, then enjoy the music performances from 7-9 pm.

The event will also include a Volunteer Fair. The fair will feature over a dozen non-profit organizations offering a family friendly activity, while sharing information about the work they do to make Darke County even better through the help of volunteers. After learning about their missions, you are encouraged to get involved and become a volunteer! It is a great way to connect to your community and help make a difference!

In addition, many businesses will stay open late! Just a few of the fun activities planned during the event; Greenville National Bank will be grilling free hot dogs while supplies last and First Presbyterian Church will be offering free cookie decorating. Bread of Life Bookstore will be having a book signing with author Kristen Samuels and Youniques Boutique will have free chair massages in store along with special sales on select items. Shelly's Antiques and Decor will mark 20% off on all nail kegs and crates for the First Friday and The Little Ones will be offering 75% off the entire store. To find a list of all the activities taking place during the event, visit Main Street Greenville’s website or their active Facebook page.

This event is kindly sponsored by the Jordan Agency. Their team of insurance professionals has years of collective industry experience writing both personal and commercial insurance policies designed to fit your needs. Jordan Agency’s friendly staff will work with you on a one-on-one basis to develop not only the perfect policy, but a lasting relationship. You can reach them at www.jordanagencygreenville.com or 937-548-1606.

The parklets for this event are provided by Hupmans Lawn Care. Whether you are a business in need of Commercial Lawn Care and maintenance or a homeowner looking for someone to step in and begin maintaining your Residential Lawn, Hupmans can help. Contact them at 937-548-1782 or www.hupmanslawncare.com to schedule a free consultation today.

First Friday events aim to bring people downtown during evening hours to enjoy activities, demonstrations, food and music in a beautiful historic setting. The monthly event is presented by Main Street Greenville – a non-profit organization committed to stimulating and supporting revitalization efforts, historic preservation and economic growth in historic Downtown Greenville. To learn more, visit www.mainstreetgreenville.org or their Facebook page. You can contact them at 937-548-4998 or info@mainstreetgreenville.org.

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

State of the Heart Welcomes New Executive Director

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Kristi Strawser has been announced as State of the Heart Care’s Executive Director. Strawser has been with the agency for 8 years. 
State of the Heart Care is pleased to announce the appointment of our new Executive Director, Kristi Strawser. Strawser has worked for State of the Heart Care for 8 years, serving in many different roles, most recently as the Director of Clinical Services and Care Center Manager.

If you take the time to sit with Kristi, it won't be long before you see her passion and heart for hospice shine in her smile- and if you review her resume, you would know she is definitely up for the task. Kristi has a long history of working in healthcare starting as an aid at the Brethren Retirement Community and while working there, earned her LPN license. During her time at BRC she worked alongside State of the Heart caring for a hospice patient and soon found herself at the other end of the spectrum, as her grandfather became a patient at State of the Heart. She then knew that hospice was the place for her. Kristi served as an LPN and earned her RN license during her first 5 ½ year tenure with State of the Heart. Kristi once again was a recipient of the agency’s care when she and her husband Sean entrusted State of the Heart to care for their daughter, Corynna.

Corynna Strawser was an inspiration to thousands of people who followed her journey on Facebook as she brought attention to the fatal disease which took her life- Mitochondrial Disease. Her strength in facing death and determination to educate the public about her disease was inspiring. After a courageous battle with the disease, Corynna passed away in 2013. After some time away, Kristi felt a calling to return to the agency. She was welcomed back with open arms as our Care Center Manager, where she served in that role from 2015-2018. She was most recently appointed as the Director of Clinical Services for State of the Heart before accepting her newest role as Executive Director. In addition to working, Kristi has made furthering her education a priority; she is a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse, received her Nursing Executive Certification, and will soon be receiving her MBA and MSN. Kristi shared that she “loves watching people grow under good leadership and wants to take the agency to the next level.”

Kristi has made it clear to the staff that serving our patients and families is her number one priority. “We are our community’s hospice and we are going to continue to focus on what we do well, and that is hospice care,” Kristi shared about her vision for State of the Heart moving forward. “I’ve worked in the community for years and I’m excited about all of the connections and partnerships we have.” Community relationships are very important to Kristi and she is always ready to listen. She can be reached by calling our Darke County office at 800.417.7535 or 937.548.2999. The board, staff, and volunteers are excited for this transition and for Kristi, “this isn’t just a job, my heart beats for this agency.”

2018 MISS ANNIE OAKLEY SHOOTING CONTEST AND COSTUME CONTEST

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DARKE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, GREENVILLE OHIO

Can you shoot like Annie Oakley??

The Annie Oakley Festival Committee is looking for girls ages 14 – 19, who would like to compete for the title of the 2018 Miss Annie Oakley.

The application along with all the rules and guidelines are on our website at http://www.annieoakleyfestival.org.


VISIT US ON FACEBOOK AND AT http://www.annieoakleyfestival.org

Borderline donates $8,153.00 to Cancer Association of Darke County.

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 Left to right: Bud Kautz, Christine Lynn and Tracey Kautz.
Borderline Club each year holds a fundraiser with proceeds going to local cancer patients. This event grows every year and this year again has been very successful!

The event was held on May 19 with a poker run, hog raffle, door prizes, 50/50 drawing, chicken dinners, live bands and so much more!

A lot of hard work and planning goes into this event each year and Bud and Tracey Kautz enlist the help and donations from many businesses and private individuals.

They would like to thank those listed for the generosity and the Cancer Association truly appreciates their concern and hard work and donations to help local cancer patients in their difficult battle.

Rockin’ at the Arcanum Public Library

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It is time for another Summer Reading Program at the Arcanum Public Library, and this year’s theme is “Libraries Rock!”. There will be eight weeks filled with programs and activities for all ages. Registration begins on Tuesday, May 29. The opening act of the summer will be on Monday, June 4 at 10:00. Freddy Fossil will be here with his Dino Show. Come for a fun morning and learn more about the activities planned for the summer. There will be children’s programs, special events for families to attend, movies every week, and more. Patrons can also keep track of reading over the summer to qualify for prizes.

Feel free to call the library with any questions at 937-692-8484. Patrons can also visit the library website at www.arcanumpubliclibrary.org, find the library on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

The library would like to remind everyone that it will be closed on Monday, May 28 in observance of Memorial Day.

Jena Powell to speak to Greenville BPW

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Jena Powell
Greenville, OH May 22, 2018 - The Greenville Business & Professional Women’s Club is making preparations for their next meeting which will be held on Thursday, June 14th, 2018 at 6:30 pm in the Brick Room at the Brethren Retirement Community located at 750 Chestnut, Greenville. The meeting will be hosted by the newly elected officers: President Peggy Foutz, Vice President Kasey Christian, Secretary Sonya Crist, Treasurer Dorothy Poeppelman, and Assistant Treasurer Susan Shields.

Jena Powell, the recent 80th House District primary election winner, Darke County resident, and Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Huntington Outdoor will be speaking to the group. She will talk about her love of Darke county, how she started her first company at age 17, and how she wants to give back to the community through both the business and political realms. Powell grew up in Darke County with her six siblings in a family that has been farming for generations. After receiving her degree in Business Marketing from Liberty University, she began working to build her own company and at age 18 made her first sales call here in Darke County. She says “Thankfully, much like the citizens of Southern Darke and Miami counties, the business owners in our community are some of the kindest, and most supportive you could hope to find. They were patient with me when I was just starting out, stammering through my sales pitch”. She will share more about her journey as a woman in business.

Members are also currently selling tickets to their Chicken BBQ fundraiser to be held on June 20, 2018. Tickets need to be purchased by June 10th. Please contact any BPW member or Deb Niekamp at 419-305-2178. They are also available at Merle Norman (309 S Broadway, Greenville), Financial Achievement Services (5116 Children’s Home-Bradford Rd, Greenville), and the New Madison Public Library (142 S Main St, New Madison). Tickets are $7.50 each and the dinner pick-up location is the Greenville VFW, 219 N. Ohio from 4:30PM-6:30PM. All proceeds go toward granting college scholarships to the young women of Darke County.

The Greenville BPW Club would like to invite women interested in learning more about the Club to attend the meeting. You can also check them out on Facebook at ‘Greenville BPW Club’. The cost for the dinner is $12.00 per person. Please make your reservation before noon on Monday, June 11th by contacting Vicki Cost at vcost@coxinsurance.com.

FREE DOCUMENT SHRED DAY

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On Saturday, June 9, 2018, the Darke County Solid Waste District will partner with Mercer Savings Bank to hold a “FREE” County Shred Day. This event will allow you to help protect you and your family from identity theft.

What is Identity Theft? Identity Theft is a crime in which an impostor obtains key pieces of personal identifying information (PII) such as Social Security numbers and driver's license numbers and uses them for their own personal gain. It can start with lost or stolen wallets, pilfered mail, a data breach, computer virus, phishing, a scam, or paper documents thrown out by you or a business. This crime varies widely, and can include check fraud, credit card fraud, financial identity theft, criminal identity theft, governmental identity theft, and identity fraud.

What should you shred? Old taxes, bank statements, pay stubs, checkbooks, insurance policy info, medical information, legal files, utility bills, credit card statements, receipts, invoices, pre-approved credit card offers, investment records, etc.

The shred hours of operation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon. This event will be held at the Darke County Fairgrounds located at 800 Sweitzer St., Greenville. Please enter at the gate (gate 2) closest to Wayne Healthcare. Pre-registration is NOT required for this event. Because this is a FREE event, each household or business will be limited to 10--1 cu. ft. boxes. All documents will be shredded on-site. A certificate of destruction is available upon request.

For more information or questions concerning the County Shred Day, contact Krista or Melissa at the Darke County Solid Waste District, 937-547-0827.

Green Wave Nave Recognized as a Top Unit in Ohio

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The Greenville High School NJROTC has been recognized by the US Navy as a Distinguished Unit with Honors, making it one of the top two schools in the State of Ohio.

This is only the second time in school history that the Unit has been designated as a Distinguished Unit and the first time with honors. The Cadets volunteered over 3,400 hours of community service this last year a 400% increase from the previous year. Cadets participated in various activities thought out the year.

They were recognized as one of the top orienteering schools with-in the 12 states that make up Area 3 and received an invitation to the Navy National Orienteering Championships in Orlando, FL this last February. The Units Color Guard is extremely busy all year presenting the Colors for the High School, participating in parades, special functions, and professional sporting events. This last year the Green Wave Navy was called twice to present the Colors for the Cincinnati Reds and were invited to present the Colors for Game 6 of the Columbus Blue Jackets Playoff Game against the Washington Capitals.

During the summer, they will be steaming at full speed just as they have done in years past. They will be attending three camps in June along with holding training on Tuesdays and Thursday throughout the summer to help incoming Cadets and end their summer with assisting the Darke County Fair Board with one of the large parking lots during the Great Darke County Fair.

Congratulations to the Green Wave Navy on this prestigious Award.

MVCTC Business Students Participate in National Leadership Conference In Dallas

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Dallas, TX – Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) had 13 students qualify to compete in the National Leadership Conference of Business Professionals of America (BPA) in Dallas, TX, May 9-13, 2018.

The National Leadership Conference is a culmination of the hard work and effort put in by members throughout the year. It brings students from across the country together to participate, network and compete. Activities included general sessions with keynote speakers, business meetings, leadership workshops, contests, the election of national officers, and tours of Dallas sights and attractions! The highlights of the conference included a day-long Service Palooza volunteer event, leadership development workshops and the presentation of the awards to the winners of the national contests.

Approximately 6,000 students, advisors, and guests from across the United States participated in Business Professionals of America’s 52nd National Leadership Conference.

Shelly Brumbaugh, Medical Office Management student from Franklin Monroe, Top 10 in the nation in the ICD-10-CM Diagnostic Coding Contest. Shelly is the daughter of Delvin and Karen Brumbaugh of Arcanum.

Caleb Boyd, Computer Network Engineering student from Miamisburg, Top 10 in the nation in the Computer Networking Fundamentals Contest. Caleb is the son of Philip and Kerry Boyd of Miamisburg.

Lauren Claggett, Business Ownership student from Huber Heights, Top 10 in the nation in the Advanced Word Processing Contest. Lauren is the daughter of Gary Claggett and Lauren Salyers of Huber Heights.

Logan Hayes, Sports Management and Marketing student from Miami East, was the Third Place winner of the Stukent Social Media Marketing Challenge and recipient of a $200 scholarship. Logan is the son of Curtis and Lashonda Hayes of Casstown.

Jessica North, Sports Management and Marketing student from Eaton, was the Second Place winner of the Stukent Social Media Marketing Challenge and recipient of a $300 scholarship. Jessica is the daughter of Mark North of Lewisburg and Sarah Bresher of Eaton.

Alison Pierce, Business Ownership student from Huber Heights, was the Third Place winner of the BPA Virtual Business Challenge and recipient of a $500 scholarship. Alison is the daughter of David and Heather Pierce of Dayton.

Kaitlan Thompson (Business Ownership student from Arcanum) was the recipient of the Sherrell Wheeler $500 Scholarship part of the National BPA Officer Scholarship Program. Katalin is the daughter of Matthew Thompson of Greenville.

Cameron Willis, Computer Network Engineering student from Valley View, Top 10 in the nation in the Systems Administration Using Cisco Contest. Cameron is the son of Mark and Melissa Willis of Germantown.

The other MVCTC students that qualified to compete at the BPA National Competition were Karson Boone (West Carrollton), Dustin Cobb (Twin Valley South), Kaleb Florea (Carlisle), Keyana Humble (Northmont), William Jones (Brookville), Parker Matson (Northmont), and Nathaniel Parker (Eaton).

FORT GREENEVILLE DAR DEDICATING MARKER AT PROVIDENCE CEMETERY

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Fort GreeneVille Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution will be holding a gravesite dedication for William Graham at Providence Cemetery on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 11:00am. Providence Cemetery is located on Wiley Rd, Harrison Township, Darke County. Immediately following the graveside dedication there will be a light reception at the Darke County Fish and Game Club located on New Garden Rd. Descendants from out of state will be attending the dedication.

William Graham was a Private in the Virginia Militia, American Revolutionary War. He enlisted in May of 1779.Graham served three tours of duty totaling over a six month period. His first tour took him to Fort Donnally, Frankford, WV in pursuit of Indians. Other tours Graham guarded prisoners and protecting the country at places such as Burnt Mills, at the Nansemond River, Mecklenburg County N.C. and Williamsbug, VA. He was born in Virginia in 1764 and died in Darke County Ohio on June 21, 1841.

We are so grateful to our founding Patriots who fought and sacrificed for our freedoms we have today.

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Ansonia FFA Gives Back to the Community

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Left: Ansonia FFA President, Ethan Fischer (left) with Alex Randolph from the Dayton Ronald McDonald House. (right).
Middle: Ansonia FFA president, Ethan Fischer (left) with April Billenstein from the APA.
Right: Ansonia FFA President, Ethan Fischer with Ericka Kramer from the Ansonia Youth League.
Each year the Ansonia FFA has a unique opportunity to give back to the community through our Silent Auction. The 2018 FFA Silent Auction took place this past March in conjunction with the FFA Banquet. In the weeks leading up to the auction, Ansonia FFA members worked to secure donations from area businesses and organizations to auction off. Many wonderful items were donated in order to raise money for local charities and organizations. Parents and community members who attended our banquet silently bid on the donated items. We are always grateful to the community for supporting this event in such a great way. Because of their generosity we were able to raise $2,320.00. The companies that made this possible are: Abel’s Barber Shop, Ace Hardware, Advanced Auto Parts, Ansonia Auto Parts, Ansonia Lumber, Auto Zone, Back to Rock, Bruns Animal Clinic, Burkettsville Garage, Campbell Electric, The Coffee Pot, Cope’s Distributing, Country Auto Sales, Crop Production Services, Cut Throat Tattoo, Dave Knapp Ford Lincoln, Darke County Ag, Davis Camper Sales, Drees Dairy Barn, Dickman Supply, Eldora Speedway, Elite Truck & Auto Repair, Ernst Sporting Goods, Floral Reflections, Frenchtown Trailer Sales, Gilbert Station, Greenville National Band, Grilliot Alignment, Harry Birts Store, Hartzell Veterinary Service, Harvestland Co-Op, Heartland Vet Care, Herb Pantry, Homestretch Sportswear, House of Flowers, Hull Brothers, Hunt Butcher Shop, J&M Tire, J&M Manufacturing, John’s IGA, JT’s Brew & Grill, K&L Tractor Sales, Keller Grain and Feed, Kevin Flory Landscaping, Kim Campbell LMT, King’s Poultry, Klingshirn & Son’s Trucking, Knick Show Pigs, Koenig, McBo;s Lones, Napa Auto Parts, Nature’s Reflections, North Star Hardware and Implement, North Star Plumbing, Ohio Crankshaft, Rapid Fired Pizza, Rowland Trucking & Equipment, Seed Consultants, Spencer Landscaping, The Anderson’s, The Butcher Block, The Inn of Versailles, The Whistle Stop, The Winery at Versailles, The Wooden Spoon, Treaty Supply, Wayne Builder Supply, Werling and Sons, Wieland Jewelers, Worch Lumber, Worch Memorial Library, and the YMCA of Versailles.

The local organizations who benefited from the proceeds are chosen by the Ansonia FFA members. This year the members choose the Ansonia Youth League, the APA - Ansonia Parents Alliance, and the Ronald McDonald House of Dayton. A portion of the proceeds also comes back to the Ansonia FFA Chapter for program needs. Each organization received a check in the amount of $580.00 for them to put toward their organizational needs.

Ansonia Rural Safety Education Initiative

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Leticia Millikin and Hannah Hartzell giving a safety presentation to a 2nd grade class.
Rylie Marker and Kierra Reichert playing
a recycling game with a 3rd grade class.
Ansonia FFA - On May 17th the Ansonia FFA led an initiative to increase awareness of rural dangers and reduce farm-related accidents for our 2nd and 3rd grade elementary students. This is the 8th year that our students have brought safety resources to our area children.

Smart choices for Life is a 112 page handbook written for children who live and often work on or near a farm. Produced by Community Safety Net whose mission is “Protecting Kids for LIFE”, this family resource contains practical information on everything from electricity to safety around animals, and educates children on many aspects of farm safety. This resource is available through the generous support of our local businesses and organizations.

The National Committee for Childhood Agricultural Injury Prevention estimates that more than 100 children die and another 100,000 are seriously injured annually in North American farm accidents. Of those injured, 50% do not actually live on a farm -- a statistic that underscores the need to provide rural safety education for all children living in rural areas.

In order to prepare for this day the agriculture education students prepared presentations on topics ranging from animal safety, safety signs, farm equipment safety, and others. At the end of each presentation the ag students interacted with the elementary students through questions and games and gave out goodie bags to accompany the Rural Safety books.

There is always a lot of positive feedback from the elementary teachers regarding this activity and it also teaches the high school students how to organize and execute an activity that involves others.

Ansonia 3rd grade class learning safety hand signals.

Ladybug Garden Club Decorates Memorial Hall for Orchestra Performance

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Members of the Ladybug Garden Club added some extra touches to the lobby of the St. Clair Memorial Hall for the concert of the Toledo Symphony Orchestra. Guest artist was Connor Bogart, who performed Broadway hits from Jersey Boys, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables and more. Decorating was Sherry Ward, Becky Collins, and chairman Shirley Linder. Not shown Barbara Skinner and Irma Heiser.

Second National Bank supports Empowering with donation, supplies

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Bob Robinson, Empowering Darke County Youth Program Coordinator, Vickie Wessling, Second National Bank Administrative Assistant & Marketing Manager, left, and Antonia Baker, Second National Bank Assistant Trust Officer, right, pose with Empowering students as the 2017-18 After School Program draws to a close. In the back is Jim Kildow, two-year Edison State student-tutor who will be graduating this year. 
GREENVILLE – Second National Bank donated a check for the second year in a row, plus added much needed supplies, including paper, notebooks and black dry-erase markers for Empowering Darke County Youth’s Summer Tutoring and 2018-19 After School Programs.

“The kids were excited, especially about the notebooks and markers,” Bob Robinson, Program Coordinator, said. “They were constantly using up markers… seems there were never enough to meet the needs of all students. These should get us through the summer and into next year’s After School Program.”

Second National Bank executives, Vickie Wessling, Administrative Assistant and Marketing Manager, and Antonia Baker, Assistant Trust Officer, were impressed with the Empowering kids, all Greenville Schools Elementary and Middle School students. They noted the excitement and demeanor of the youngsters.

“I want to thank you for all that you are doing for these kids,” said Wessling later. “They were so well behaved and I loved seeing all those smiles. Good job!”

Second National Bank is active in its support of the community, with recent donations to Arcanum’s Wall of Honor, Main Street Greenville, Gathering at Garst and more, Robinson noted. “We are pleased and proud they have chosen to support our kids as well,” he added.

According to Robinson, Empowering Darke County Youth has wrapped up its second year of service by providing over 7,300 contact sessions with more than 250 students, grades K through 8. Students who consistently take advantage of the program experience strong growth in the academic areas of language arts and math, some of it dramatic, he added.

Empowering is currently taking applications for its Summer Tutoring Program. Applications are available at the Greenville Library and Edison State Darke County Campus. Go to Facebook or email empoweringyouth101@gmail.com for more information.

The Empowering Mission: Empowering Darke County Youth is a United Way Partner Agency providing After School and Summer Tutoring programs to assist students in the areas of language arts and math with the goal of Strong Students for a Strong Community.

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

"The Kroger Lady" is Retiring

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Submitted by BA Dowell reader...

On May 25, 1979, a young 19 year old lady started working at our Greenville Kroger. She was just another unknown Kroger employee face amongst many others in the store we all shopped in each week (give or take). I don’t know how over the past 39 years Denise Koontz (now Koontz Dowell) has become “The Kroger Lady,” but somewhere over the years it seems that is where everyone in and around Darke County knows her from. She cannot go anywhere in Greenville (and sometimes other places in the county) without hearing someone say “Oh, aren’t you the Kroger lady,” or “Where do I know you from?” “Yes, that’s it, you are The Kroger Lady."

She started like most of the young kids at Kroger working in other departments, doing stocking, bagging, pushing carts in from the parking lot, working with produce, and eventually making her way up to the front end as a cashier where most everyone now has come to recognize her. While she is not someone working in one of the Public Safety functions of our Community, she is still one of our Home Town Hero’s for serving our Community for the past 39 years of customer service all in our Greenville Kroger Stores (both the old one and the current one).

On this Friday, May 25, 2018, Denise (The Kroger Lady) will be ringing up her last orders at our Greenville Kroger. When she clocks out at the end of her shift on Friday, she will hang up her black vest for the final time and retire 39 years to the day from when she started at Kroger.

Thank you, Denise, for your 39 years of service to the community and enjoy your retirement.

If you are in Kroger on this Friday, May 25, 2018, (between 7 am and 3 pm) please take a minute to tell Denise thank you for her service to our community and congratulations on her retirement.

On a side note, she is not going anywhere. Denise and her husband Bruce are still going to be living in Darke County, shopping at Kroger and you will still be able to see the newly “Retired Kroger Lady” around town from time to time taking it easy and enjoying not having to work.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

"The Media and Mass Shootings" - A Guest Post from Barbara Martin

Editor's Note: The following was originally published in December of 2012 in the wake of the shooting in Newtown, Massachusetts. It was written by the late Barbara Martin and seems to be just as relevant this week as it was two and a half five and a half years ago, so I'm republishing it today...

I can remember watching sports on television in years past, and every so often an overzealous (and maybe intoxicated) fan would run onto the field. The crowd would cheer, and the network cameras would follow the fan around until he inevitably got clobbered by security officers. Admittedly it was fun to watch. Who would turn away, right?

As time went by, there were more and more fans running onto ballfields. Eventually the networks realized they were feeding the problem. The fans were seeking attention, and the networks were obliging them by televising their one moment of glory. These days, the networks turn the cameras away when a fan runs onto the ballfield. And not surprisingly, there are far fewer crazy fans running onto fields these days.

We have had a series of mass shootings in our country beginning with Columbine in 1999, and continuing with Virginia Tech in 2007. But we have now had three new attacks in just under two years (Tucson, Aurora, and now Newtown). The trend is not good. And what common factors can we see in all of these events? These attacks were all premeditated and well-planned. And all of them occurred in the age of around-the-clock cable news coverage.

Clearly, there were mental health issues involved in all of these cases. I am no psychologist, but it seems pretty clear that these mass killers want a grand spectacle, some sort of sick notoriety from their acts. They want to be famous, and it turns out the American media is happy to oblige them. As with the fans running onto sports fields, the American media are providing a platform for mentally ill killers to sensationalize their crimes.

The media’s coverage of the Newtown massacre was an absolute circus. In the first hours after the shooting, major media outlets got many of the basic facts wrong. It was reported that the killer had a child in the school. It was reported that the killer’s mother worked at the school. It was reported that there was a second shooter. The media reported at one point that the killer was 24-year-old Ryan Lanza and posted his photo on television and the internet. All of this reporting was wrong. Horribly wrong.

Greenville Police Department Joins Click It or Ticket To Crack Down on Seat Belt Use – Especially at Night

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Greenville, OH – The Greenville Police Department will join local and national law enforcement officers and highway safety advocates all across the country for the 2018 national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization, May 21-June 3, 2018.

During the mobilization, officers will be cracking down on motorists who fail to wear their seat belts – both day and night.

We’re all excited about the potential for automated vehicles to help prevent crashes and save lives. They promise a far safer future on our roads. But what about safer driving today? There are loads of new safety features that help make crashes avoidable and more survivable. But there’s one technology in today’s cars and trucks that is central to safe driving: the seat belt.

You might not think of seat belts as a safety technology, but they’re the foundation of safer driving. In 2015 alone, seat belts saved 13,941 lives. However, 2,804 additional lives could have been saved if everyone had buckled up. That’s why NHTSA remains committed to convincing every American to always buckle up.

Thanks to a combination of the enforcement of seat belt laws and public awareness campaigns, seat belt use reached a record high of 90 percent in 2016, up from about 83 percent a decade ago. That’s progress—but it also means that every day, millions of people needlessly put their lives at risk because they don’t buckle up.

Our annual Click It or Ticket national mobilization is one of our best tools for increasing awareness and belt use. This year, it starts on May 21st with advertising that explains the importance of wearing seat belts and the dangers of not buckling up. If you don’t heed the warnings and obey the law, they will be backed up by law enforcement, who will be making a special effort to hand out tickets for failing to buckle up between May 21st and June 3rd.

Seat belts are the single most effective safety technology in the history of the automobile. A NHTSA study of lives saved by vehicle technologies found that, between 1960 and 2012, seat belts saved more lives—329,715, to be exact—than all other vehicle technologies combined, including air bags, energy-absorbing steering assemblies, and electronic stability control. Of course, seat belts have been available much longer than many of the other safety features the study reviewed. But they remain your first line of defense in a crash and your first step toward safer driving.

Law enforcement will be cracking down on Click It or Ticket violators around the clock. Local motorists should be prepared to buckle up. If law enforcement finds you on the road unbuckled anytime or anywhere, you can expect to get a ticket — not a warning. No excuses and no exceptions,” said Chief Strick.

While this year’s Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization runs through June 3rd officers and troopers will continue their zero tolerance policy year-round when motorists are stopped for other violations and are found to not be wearing their safety belt.

More than 900 law enforcement partners around Ohio, including the Ohio State Highway Patrol, will be aggressively enforcing the law during the mobilization, which runs May 21st – June 3rd, 2018.
“It’s simple - safety belts save lives and reduce injury in crashes,” said John Born, Director, Ohio Department of Public Safety. “It is the easiest thing you can do to protect yourself, your family and your friends.”

Remember this May 21st to June 3rd: It’s Click It or Ticket. Buckle up and encourage your loved ones to do the same. You’ll save the cost of a ticket and may even save a life.

Pitsburg Church of the Brethren to Host Harmony Quartet

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The Pitsburg Church of the Brethren will be hosting Darke County’s own, Harmony Quartet on Sunday, June 3, 2018, at 6 PM.

Harmony has been singing together since 1997. They came together singing songs of the Statler Brothers and Oak Ridge Boys - both secular and gospel. They were introduced to Southern Gospel through the Gaither concerts and immediately began including some of them in their repertoire. The songs they sing reflect a love of God and tell stories from the Bible. The group’s members are: Bill Drew, singing tenor, Terry Longfellow, singing bass, Mike Royer singing baritone and second tenor, and Bruce Shank, singing lead. The public is cordially invited to this event. Refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall following the performance. The church is located on the west edge of Pitsburg, Ohio, at 8376 Pitsburg-Laura Road.

Darke County Animal Shelter No Longer Providing Spay/Neuter Certificates with Adoption

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GREENVILLE - The Darke County Animal Shelter wants to inform everyone that due to the fact that their running pet Grant is expiring, they are no longer giving the $30 certificates with adoptions for spaying/neutering.

The Shelter hours are 8am till 4:30pm Monday-Friday and 9:00 till noon on Saturday. The Shelter is located at 5066 County Home Road in Greenville, and the phone number is 547-1645.

2018 license can be purchased at the Auditor's Office or at the Darke County Animal Shelter. 2018 license go on sale December 1, 2017 through January 31, 2018. You can also get your license online at www.doglicense.us/oh/darke. ALL DOGS OVER THE AGE OF 3 MONTHS, MUST HAVE A
LICENSE IN THE STATE OF OHIO (O.R.C 955.21).

Please contact the shelter by phone or in person for any additional information.

Bridges to College Supports Area Students Prepare for Higher Education

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Several years ago, area business leaders and educators came together to address an issue: how to increase the number of Darke County students who go to college. After researching college access programs throughout the state and receiving a start-up grant from the Ohio College Access Network, the Darke County College Access Program was started in 2006. Over time, it began offering advising, educational programming and scholarships. In 2010, the Darke County College Access Program board changed the organization’s name to Bridges to College (B2C) to better reflect its mission.

The journey from high school to college can be tough – especially if a student is the first in his or her family to go to college. Bridges to College makes it easier by providing free educational materials and programming, advising, and needs-based scholarships to high school students. To date, the organization has served hundreds of students and parents through its educational and advising programs. In addition, B2C has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to students since 2007.

This school year, Bridges to College arranged for Greenville High School sophomores and juniors to visit the University of Cincinnati, Wright State University, Ball State University and Miami University. Students learned about careers and majors, admissions and financial aid as part of the GHS College Club. The club is a collaborative effort between Bridges to College and GHS guidance counselors.

Recently B2C began offering ACT Prep Sessions to prepare students to take the ACT, a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. The cost of these sessions is subsidized by B2C, with students only paying a fee of $20 per session. ACT Prep Sessions are a great way to become familiar the ACT test and process.

This summer’s ACT Prep Sessions schedule is as follows:

  • Reading Session ONLY : Tuesday, 6/5, GHS Room 226
  • English Session ONLY : Wednesday, 6/6, GHS Room 226
  • Math Session ONLY : Thursday, 6/7, GHS Room 226
  • Science Session ONLY: Friday, 6/8, GHS Room 186

Bridges to College believes that educated citizens are the basis of a prosperous local economy and are the foundation of the future high quality of life in Darke County. Currently, B2C provides services to Ansonia, Franklin Monroe and Greenville High School students and their parents. In the coming years, Bridges to College wants to increase its impact in Darke County by serving more students in its member schools and expanding to other high schools in the county.

Does this sound like an organization you would like to support? The 9th annual Karlh McCallister Memorial Golf Outing to benefit B2C will take place Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Turtle Creek Golf Course in Greenville. Sign up to play, sponsor or both!

For more information about Bridges to College or the Golf Outing, check out their website at bridges2college.org

Delores Beisner retires from Cancer Association of Darke County

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Front Row left to right : Christine Lynn, Executive Director, Delores Beisner, Becky Saylor
2nd Row left to right: Barbara Fee, Susan Fowble, Sherry Marten, Secretary
3rd row left to right: Trudy Eastland, Treasurer, Sharon Kerns, Carolyn Fletcher, Kay Curry, President.
Back Row: Duane Edwards, Vice President

After serving 22 years on the Board of Directors, Delores recently retired.

She states “It is an honor have served the organization for this many years.”

The organization would like to thank Delores for her hard work and her care and concern for local cancer patients. “Delores has always served the community very passionately in this manner and we wish her and her husband the very best in the future,” states Christine Lynn, Exec. Dir.

The Cancer Association has been serving the community since 1995 and provides reimbursement for mileage, medication and medical supplies as well as nutritional supplements.

The organization is supported with donations, memorials, grants, fundraisers and Corporate Sponsors..

The association partners with United Way and is not affiliated with the American Cancer Society. They currently enlisting for 2018 Corporate Sponsorship and so far the following businesses have enlisted: Mercer Savings Bank, Greenville, First Assembly of God, Versailles Savings and Loan, Brothers Publishing and Early Bird, Law Office of Rudnick and Hosek, Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville National Bank and Second National Bank.

If you have questions, feel free to call the office and speak with Christine, Director, at
937-548-9960 or email director@cadcinfo.org

Monday, May 21, 2018

New Madison Public Library Summer Reading Program

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Summer is almost here, and your library is ready for lots of fun and learning with Summer Reading Program events for June, July, & August, 2018. The theme this summer reminds us that “Libraries Rock!” We begin the summer with a returning family favorite. The naturalists from Brukner Nature Center will bring the animals to share for the Robert Bennett Memorial Wildlife Encounter on June 6th from 2-3:00. This year children will be able to touch a Corn Snake and learn more about Big Brown Bats & Eastern Screech Owls. Last year’s visits from the staff at Neil Armstrong Air & Space Museum were so popular that we have 3 planned for this year. Kids will get a chance to experiment with sound, music, & sound waves on Tues. June 19 @ 2:00 & Fri. July 27 @ 11:00. On Mon. June 25 we have a Family Night planned with food, museum staff sharing about astronauts who played their musical instruments in space, and even a visit from State Senator Bill Beagle! Plan to join us for this and other events because this year we will have a prize drawing to reward the adults who attend events with their children! All dates and descriptions for additional programs will are included on the Summer Reading at NMPL calendar available at the library desk as well as on our web site www.mynmpl.org. You can also follow us on Facebook and Pinterest. See you @NMPL this summer!

Click to enlarge

GNB Announces Promotion & Board Reorganization

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Greenville National Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Susan Shields who joined their Senior Management team this spring as Senior Vice President & Controller. Susan began working at GNB shortly after graduating from Greenville High School. Over the years she has worked as a Teller, Loan Clerk, Compliance and Audit Assistant, Auditor, Assistant Controller, and Controller.

Shields attended Capital University while working at the Bank and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management (Finance). She and her husband, Doug, reside in Greenville. They have three grown children, Marc, Elizabeth, and Jason. Susan is the Assistant Treasurer of the Greenville Business & Professional Women (BPW) organization. She is a member of St. Mary’s Church and serves on the board of trustees of the Greenville Schools Foundation. In her spare time, Susan enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

GNB would also like to acknowledge the addition of Dan Watren to their Board of Director in February in preparation for the retirement of Board Chairman, Dave Watts, following the annual Shareholders Meeting on March 27. Dan Franz was elected to serve as GNB’s new Chairman of the Board.

HAYLEY MAHER WINS ‘LEAD THE WAY’ SCHOLARSHIP

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GREENVILLE HIGH SENIOR CREATES ‘BLOOD GIVES’ CAMPAIGN

CBC/Vectren Lead The Way Creative Scholarship: (L-R) Greenville Senior High School Medical Tech Prep teacher & blood drive coordinator Amanda Koenig, scholarship winner Hayley Maher, & CBC Account Representative Dana Puterbaugh.
GREENVILLE, Ohio – Community Blood Center and Vectren awarded a $1,000 Lead The Way Creative Scholarship to Greenville Senior High School senior Hayley Maher for her “Blood Gives” blood drive recruitment campaign.

Hayley is the class of 2018 valedictorian at Greenville Senior High School and has made five lifetime blood donations. Her “Blood Gives” campaign featured a video and it received the highest score from the Lead The Way judges.

“Giving blood is a celebration of the little things in life that recipients of blood donations are able to experience more of,” she wrote. “Birthdays, family vacations, laughs with friends, anniversaries, and hundreds of other invaluable life experiences.”

She illustrated the “blood gives more life” theme both in a graphic design for a blood drive t-shirt, and in an original video montage of life celebrations. The video also includes facts about blood donations, images from the school blood drive, and multiple interviews with classmates about why they donate.

Hayley plans to study exercise science at the University of Mount Union with the goal of working in sports medicine. She is a member of the Medical Tech Prep program at Greenville High, the student group that sponsors the spring blood drive.

“Hayley is an outstanding student,” said Medical Tech Prep teacher and blood drive coordinator Amanda Koenig. “The blood drives are a good experience. At Med Tech the students are interested in pre-med and health careers and with the blood drive they feel more connected.”

The 2018 Lead The Way winners include: Mikayla Schaffner from Miami East High School; Karson Hudson from Valley View High School; Kacie Tackett from Newton High School; and Kayla Helmick from Cedarville High School.

Arcanum Faith UMC Purse Project

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Pictured: (left to right front row) – Nancy Long, RaeAnn Pieper. (left to right back row) Jeannie Miller, Sharon Karns, Tyra Clark, Kay Wieser, Janet Johns
The ladies of Faith United Methodist Church celebrated Mother’s Day by collecting purses and filling them with personal hygiene products. The purses will be donated to the Women’s Shelters in Darke County. This “Mission Minded” church is located at 101 E. South Street, Arcanum.

Church serviced is at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome.

Darke County Senior Citizen of the Year Luncheon

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Pastor John Person – First Presbyterian Church presenting Darke County Outstanding Senior of the Year to Helen Miller
This past Wednesday, the Darke County Senior Outreach volunteers were pleased to host the Darke County Senior Citizen Luncheon for Senior Day. May is Senior Citizen month and a special time to celebrate our wonderful leaders that have made the community what it is today and give the rest of us inspiration to continue to build on their legacy. The Area Agency on Aging presents the award for Outstanding Senior Citizen each year at this event. The award is based on leadership and a life of volunteering and service to this great community. This year Helen Miller was presented with the award for Outstanding Senior for 2018 representing Darke County. Helen is a lifelong resident of Darke County, born at Wayne Hospital, and exemplifies the meaning of service, volunteering much of her time with the First Presbyterian Church, Wayne Hospital Auxiliary, and Tutoring for the local schools to name a few. Lauren Henry, Susanne Barga and Pastor John Person spoke about Helen’s giving heart as they read from their nomination to the Area Agency on Aging about Helen.

“Helen Miller is a beautiful woman with a heart and soul for helping others. She exemplifies the motto: Service Above Self, and does this guided by and glorifying the Lord,” Lauren read, continuing by saying, “Helen volunteers for many organizations and I’m sure I am leaving some out. Helen has volunteered for Wayne HealthCare serving on the Auxiliary for over 10 years, where she served as President for 6 years, as well as 2 years as Vice President and 2 years as Past President. She is the gift shop coordinator and coordinates the reception desk at the hospital. She makes sure patients and greeted with a friendly smile and gets them safely to their procedures all while easing their minds. She helped with the transition of the gift shop to using a cash register, and is a leader at the hospital for all volunteers. She is also a fierce servant for the Lord. Helen has volunteered as a member of First Presbyterian Church in all facets of the church life. She has served for over 50 years at the church, giving of her time and talent to help others through the Deacons, Sessions, Stephan Ministers – visiting those that are home-bound or nursing-home bound, leader of the Parish Life Committee – serving many dinners and lunches for those families suffering from the loss of loved ones at home and following funeral services. With her sweet song bird voice – she is a long-time member of the choir and has served as a children’s education volunteer for bible school, vacation bible school and LOGOS – the children’s Wednesday night ministry. She is a strong part of the tutoring program at Greenville Middle School as well –serving to help children with Math, Science and Language Arts. The list goes on and on and I am so blessed and humbled to call her part of my church family and my very cherished friend.”

Susanne Barga read, “I first met Helen when she applied to be a volunteer at Wayne HealthCare. A good friend and a former colleague of hers first clued me in to what a great person she was and what she could mean to our volunteer program. She has stepped up time after time when there was a need, such as when we had two vice-presidents step down which left a huge vacancy. She has worked on many of the hospital volunteer programs, such as escort, reception, gift shop coordinator. I have known Helen for over 14 years plus and I think she exemplifies what a true volunteer at the highest standard should be. She is generous, thoughtful, caring, resourceful and loves to be of service to her community,” Susanne continued saying, “ Her vision of helping people, whether it is tutoring kids, volunteering at her church or at the hospital it has resulted in an effort in leading us to a better Darke County community for all of us.”

Local Wreaths Across America Group to Host a Wreath Signup on Memorial Day

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Fort GreeneVille DAR, the local coordinators and fundraising group for Wreaths Across America (WAA), will host a wreath signup event at the Memorial Day Service at the cemetery.

The event is to raise awareness and support efforts to place a wreath at each veteran’s headstone at Greenville Union Cemetery this December 15 on National Wreaths Across America Day. The Veterans section of the cemetery will get first priority of wreaths donated unless wreaths are donated for specific graves. When the Veterans' section is completed, wreaths will then be placed at all other Veterans' graves as supplies last. The goal is to lay wreaths at the approximately 130 soldiers' graves in the Veterans section then proceed to finish with all 1,300 Veterans' graves.

On Memorial Day, Fort GreeneVille DAR will be offering information and signup for donating wreaths at the cemetery's Memorial Day Program at 1:00pm.

If you are unavailable to attend the event, you can order online at https://wreaths.fastport.com/.
(Place the zip code for Greenville, OH-click on Greenville Union Cemetery-Scroll down to "Donate Through a Group-Donate. (Fort GreenVille DAR 4-038OH (OH0151P)-Scroll down to "Sponsor a wreath" OR if you want to be "grave specific" scroll down to select that option-click on Donate. Then choose your selection.)

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at more than 1,200 veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and overseas.

Thursday, May 17, 2018

BE POWERFUL WOMEN! BPW CLUB OFFICERS SWORN IN

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Pictured left to right: Legislative Chair Lindsey Gehret and BPW officers: Peggy Foutz, Susan Shields, Dorothy Poeppelman, Sonya Crist and Kasey Christian.
Greenville, OH May 16, 2018- The 2018-2019 Greenville Business & Professional Women’s Club Officers were sworn in at the May10th meeting. The meeting was hosted by the Foundation Committee that consisted of chair Lindsey Gehret, Betty Kosier, Brenda Miller and Leigh Fletcher and held at the Brethren Retirement Community Brick Room.

The officers were sworn in to office by committee chair Lindsey Gehret. The new officers are President Peggy Foutz, Vice President Kasey Christian, Secretary Sonya Crist, Treasurer Dorothy Poeppelman and Assistant Treasurer Susan Shields.

The Club is working on their summer fundraiser and selling BBQ chicken dinners. The dinners consist of one half barbeque chicken, applesauce, chips, and roll and butter. Dinners may be picked up on June 20th between 4:30pm and 6:30pm at the Greenville VFW at 219 N. Ohio Street, Greenville. Tickets can be purchased by calling Deb Niekamp at (419)305-2178 or picked up at one of the following locations: Merle Norman Store at 309 S. Broadway, Financial Achievement Services at 5116 Children’s Home Bradford Rd., Greenville or New Madison Library at 142 S. Main, New Madison, OH.

The Greenville BPW Club’s mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education, and information. The Club holds fundraisers through the year to raise money to grant scholarships to the young women of Darke County. The Club meets the second Thursday of every month for a dinner meeting. Those interested in learning more about the Club can contact President Chair Brenda Miller at 937-996-1741 or through brenda@newmadisonpubliclibrary.org.

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

GREENVILLE BPW Hosts BBQ Fundraiser

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Pictured left to right:  BPW Members Susan Fowble, Deb Niekamp, Vicki Cost, Gail Snyder, Leigh Fletcher, Marilyn Emmons (who has sadly passed away), Dorothy Poeppelman and Peggy Foutz.
Greenville, OH. May 15, 2018 The Greenville Business & Professional Women’s (BPW) Club is sponsoring a fund raiser selling BBQ Chicken Dinners to be held on Wednesday, June 20, 2018. Dinners are available for carryout only. Pre-sale tickets are $7.50.

The dinners consist of one half barbeque chicken, applesauce, chips, and roll and butter. Dinners may be picked up on June 20th between 4:30pm and 6:30pm at the Greenville VFW at 219 N. Ohio Street, Greenville. Tickets can be purchased by calling Deb Niekamp at (419)305-2178 or picked up at one of the following locations: Merle Norman Store at 309 S. Broadway, Financial Achievement Services at 5116 Children’s Home Bradford Rd., Greenville or New Madison Library at 142 S. Main, New Madison, OH.

All profits go toward scholarships to be awarded to the young women of Darke County. The Greenville BPW Club thanks you for your support.

DONORS CAN HELP BUILD A BETTER SUMMER BLOOD SUPPLY

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DONATE WITH CBC TO WIN $5,000 HOME IMPROVEMENT GIFT CARD

DAYTON, Ohio – Community Blood Center is counting on blood donors and their “Do it yourself” spirit to help build a better blood supply this summer.

Everyone who registers to donate blood at a CBC Donor Center or a CBC mobile blood drive from May 29 through Sept. 1 will be automatically entered in the “Build a Better Blood Supply Summer Blood Drive” drawing to win a $5,000 home improvement gift card. Donors must be 18 by the end of the campaign period to win.

Eligible donors can enter the drawing a second time when they register for a second donation during the blood drive period. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment online at www.DonorTime.com.

The grand prize in the “Build a Better Blood Supply Summer Blood Drive” campaign will help a lucky donor complete a dream project in their home or yard. CBC hopes the dream will encourage more donors to help boost the blood supply during the challenging summer months.

“Summer is a favorite time for home improvement projects, but it’s also when many people travel, vacation and enjoy outdoor activities – everything that may keep them from donating,” said CBC Donor Relations Director Tracy Morgan. “Our mission year round is to make sure area hospitals and their patients have the blood they need. We’re counting on both regular donors and new donors to help build a supply that will stand up all summer long.”

CBC will announce the winner in September. Official rules will be available at www.givingblood.org.

MAIN STREET GREENVILLE TO HIGHLIGHT NON-PROFITS

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Sign-up your organization to participate in First Friday: Live Music & Volunteer Fair!

Main Street Greenville is seeking non-profits to participate in their June First Friday event. The Volunteer Fair, created in partnership with the Darke County Volunteer Network, gives local non-profits the opportunity to set up in downtown Greenville and provide information about their missions and ways the community can help!

The event is set to take place on Friday, June 1st from 6-9 pm, and all participating organizations are asked to provide a family friendly activity at their booth. Registration with Main Street Greenville is required for participation in this event, and the application form can be found on their website, www.MainStreetGreenville.org. For profit organizations will not be permitted to set up at this event.

This is a great way to showcase your agency, recruit volunteers, and say thank you to the community! Please contact the Main Street Greenville office with any questions at info@mainstreetgreenville.org or 937-548-4998.

Main Street Greenville is a non-profit organization committed to stimulating and supporting revitalization efforts, historic preservation and growth in historic Downtown Greenville. To learn more, visit www.MainStreetGreenville.org.

Prepare for a “Landslide” in Tipp City on June 9… as “Tusk–The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute” takes the stage!

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The Tipp City Area Arts Council is finalizing preparations for the 9th Annual Canal Music Fest. This year’s event is presented by Edison State Community College and Thrivent Financial Associate Matt Buehrer, and will feature the outstanding Fleetwood Mac cover band, “Tusk–The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute”. The 2018 Canal Music Fest will be held on Saturday, June 9, at 7:30 p.m., at City Park, in Tipp City, Ohio. Food and beverages will be available beginning at 5:30 p.m. Vendors joining us this year include Bella Sorella Pizza Co., Bolenski’s Kettle Corn, Kona Ice, Loafin’ Around, McNasty’s, Pa’s Pork, Sam & Ethel’s and TJ’s Nice Cream.

Based out of New Jersey, the members of Tusk have been making music together in various ways for over twenty-five years. It seemed only fitting that the artists should come together to form the Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute and pay homage to a group that dominated the charts during the band members’ formative years. Tusk takes the audience on a sweet ride down memory lane. Authentic-sounding and always respectful, Tusk leaves no stone unturned in replicating the sounds of one of the world’s best-loved, top-selling bands.

The Canal Music Fest is free and open to the public. 50/50 raffle tickets will be available for purchase. No coolers or backpacks are permitted. “Don’t Stop”—bring your lawn chair or blanket, along with your family and friends, and join us at the Canal Music Fest on June 9! You will find us in the park, north of the Tipp City Aquatic Center. Enter from Parkwood Drive, where free parking will be available. Additional information and directions can be found on our website at www.canalmusicfest.com or at facebook.com/CanalMusicFest.

Thanks to our additional TCAAC and event and supporters including Joseph Airport Toyota/Hyundai, Randall Residence of Tipp City, Regal, Favorite/Hamler-Gingrich Insurance, Arbogast, Emerson, Gibson Law Offices, Holiday Inn Express, Monroe Federal, Unity National Bank, Voss Honda, World Wide Commercial Realty, Bowman and Landes, Broadway Hair Studio, Christopher’s Restaurant & Catering, Dare Electronics, Erwin Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Eagles Aerie 2201, Lovett & Lovett, Luken Interiors, New Carlisle Bank, Pro-Trim of Ohio, Repacorp Inc., Royal Crest Agency, Rusty Harden Studio, Tipp Eye Center and Tipp Vision.

BENCHES AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

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The Darke County Fair Board and the Darke County Solid Waste Management District are placing another order for Memorial benches. These six foot long benches are made from recycled milk jugs as a lasting tribute to family and friends and will be placed around the Gazebo and other areas of the Fairgrounds for Fairgoers to enjoy the festivities of the Fair.

These benches may be purchased and lettered as a lasting memorial to a loved one, as an advertisement and donation from your business, or just a donation from your family to the Fair. These benches will quickly become a benefit to the entire community and be enjoyed by Fairgoers for generations to come.

The cost per bench, which includes lettering, is $575.00 and the order deadline to ensure delivery prior to the 2018 Fair is July 3. For more information or to order call Krista Fourman @ 937-547-0827, or the Fair Office @ 937-548-5044. Order forms can be found on the district website, www.co.darke.oh.us/solidwaste.

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