Monday, January 30, 2017

2017 Calendar of Bereavement events at State of the Heart Care

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“Lunch & Learn” at Library

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Chairperson Warren Richards with committee members
Jonell Haup and Candace Henne plan upcoming events.
The Greenville Public Library's second “Lunch & Learn" will take place Wednesday February 1st at 12:30 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room. This monthly event is part of the Library's Wellness Program and is open to the public. Participation is limited to 20 people so register right away by calling the Library at 548-3915. Lunch is provided by Brenda's Beanery at a cost of $5.

The speaker will be Jordan Francis whose topic is "Diet and Exercise Mythbusting." Jordan will tackle common myths and confusions associated with diet and exercise covering subjects ranging from Paleo to Crossfit, to Micronutrients, and common misconceptions about fats, carbs, and sugar.

Jordan is Director of Wellness Services and the Lifestyle Enhancement Center at Wayne. He holds an MPH or Masters of Public Health with a minor in exercise science. He can be reached at Jordan.Francis@waynehealthcare.org. These events are always fun and informative. Be sure to join us in making 2017 our healthiest year yet!

Greenville Schools Foundation Announces 500 Club Drawing Winners

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The Greenville Schools Foundation held its fourth of nine drawings for the 500 Club raffle.

First place for $50.00 went to R.J. Allread. Second was Cody Jenkinson for $20.00, and third place went to Amy Fulk for $10.00.

Tickets are still available and are good for the duration of the nine month raffle. The cost is $10.00. You can buy your 500 Club tickets from any board member or by calling 548-9895 or 548-1530.
Proceeds from the sale of 500 Club tickets benefit a large variety of activities for Greenvile students.

“Defending Yourself” is Theme of Greenville BPW Club Meeting

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Melissa Barhorst
Greenville, OH. The Greenville Business & Professional Women’s Club (BPW) Publicity committee with members Peggy Foutz (chair), Susan Fowble, and Melissa Barhorst will host their monthly dinner meeting, Thursday, February 9th at the Brethren Retirement Community’s Brick Room @ 6:30 pm. The program will feature speaker Melissa Barhorst, who is a Damsel in Defense Representative. She will discuss “Non-Lethal Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Family”.

Melissa Barhorst, has been married for almost 30 years and has three married daughters and a young son. According to Melissa, "My identity has always been about my faith and family but for the last four years being a Damsel pro has opened my eyes to a bigger world than my small world. It has given me a deep burning fire inside me to get women protected. Having the three daughters and now four granddaughters and a grandson makes it even more important to get women educated and protected. Damsel In Defense is a place for those passionate about prevention and the protection of people." Damsel’s mission is to equip, empower, and educate women to protect themselves and their families. One by one, they are changing statistics and giving back to the many amazing partner organizations that are making a difference in the lives of those who have been assaulted.

Club members will participate in a “Have a Heart” donation for the Women’s Domestic Violence Shelter and Director Annie Sonner will be in attendance at the meeting to receive the donations. Items needed by the shelter are paper products (toilet paper, Kleenex, and paper towels), twin bed plastic mattress covers and of course cash donations are always appreciated.

The club will also be collecting plastic caps and lids for the Darke DD/Greenville Kiwanis AKtion Club. These are being used for a recycled bench to be placed on the bike path that goes behind the Darke DD Administrative offices on Jaysville-St.Johns Road.

The Greenville BPW Club’s mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education, and information. Anyone interested in learning more about the Greenville BPW Club is invited to attend. The cost of the dinner is $12. For reservations please contact Marilyn Emmons by noon on Monday, February 6th at 937/548-5824 or demmons@embarqmail.com.

Down to Earth Book Club

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The Incas built the city of Machu Picchu around 1450 but abandoned it a century later at the time of the Spanish conquest.
The Darke County Park District would like to remind everyone about the Down to Earth Book Club’s winter selection. For their fifth season, they will read 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus by Charles C. Mann. This work of science, history, and archeology radically alters our understanding of the Americas before Columbus’ arrival in 1492. Contray to what so many learn in school, the pre-Columbian Indians were not sparsely settled in a pristine wilderness; rather, there were large numbers who actively molded and influenced the land.

Each quarter the Down to Earth Book Club will feature a different book, some by well-known nature writers, some about outdoor adventure, and even some about pioneers settling Ohio. Everyone is invited to read the book and join them at the Nature Center to discuss the work, enjoy some yummy treats, and suggest future books.

This season’s book club will meet on Monday, February 6th at 6:30pm at the Shawnee Prairie Preserve Nature Center. Please call ahead to let them know you plan on participating in the book club discussion in February. The Darke County Parks Nature Center can be reached at (937) 548-0165.

Enroll your Child in Art Class

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GREENVILLE – The Art-Rageous Experience – Children’s Art Program is continuing the winter session of art classes for children. In these classes children get to experience many different kinds of art each Saturday morning with a professional artist teaching the class. The parent also attends during the hour for support and encouragement while the children are working. Children work on different projects each week where they learn about different art mediums, artists, art techniques and periodically field trips for plein air (outside) drawing.

These classes are fun, age appropriate, and keep children’s mind and hands busy! The classes are sponsored by Council on Rural Services and taught by an experienced teacher/artist at a local downtown Greenville setting. There is one class for 4-5-6-7 year olds and another for 8-9-10-11 year olds.

Art programs help young children explore creativity, to pay attention to detail, build self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.

Full scholarships are available for families if needed, all supplies are furnished. To enroll your child in this class, call Council on Rural Services at 1-866-627-4557 and ask for Debby Brayfield or email at dbrayfield@corsp.org.

Gov. Kasich Reappoints Mehaffie to Edison State Board of Trustees

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Darryl Mehaffie is sworn in by Jason R. Aslinger, judge of
Darke County Probate and Juvenile Courts following his fourth
reappointment to Edison State's Board of Trustees.
COLUMBUS - Governor John R. Kasich has reappointed Mr. Darryl Mehaffie, of Greenville, Ohio, to the Edison State Community College Board of Trustees. Mehaffie's new term took effect on January 20, 2017, and will continue through January 21, 2023.

Serving on Edison State's Board of Trustees for nearly twenty years, this is Mehaffie's fourth appointment. His unwavering commitment to Edison State Community College has added value to the College in more ways than one.

Between teaching at Northmont City Schools in Englewood for over 30 years and his involvement with the Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) since 2002, Mehaffie has contributed valuable insight from multiple levels of the education sector.

In addition to his involvement with higher education, Mehaffie continues to serve on numerous boards and committees advocating for education, agriculture, arts, and the region. In addition, Mehaffie represents the counties of Darke, Miami, Montgomery, and Preble as the Ohio Republican State Central Committeeman for the Fifth Senate District.

Edison State's Board of Trustees is comprised of three representatives from each county in its primary service area-Darke, Miami, and Shelby. For more information about Edison State's Board of Trustees, visit www.edisonohio.edu.

DCCA ANNOUNCES "OFF TO THE ISLE 2017"

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Win a Trip to Ireland this March

Darke County Center for the Arts wishes you the luck of the Irish this spring with the return of the exciting fundraising raffle "Off To The Isle". One lucky winner will receive a trip for two to Ireland through AAA and Brendan Vacations. DCCA will be selling a limited number of chances for this exclusive raffle. Raffle Tickets are $100 each. Tickets sales begin January 17th and the winner will be drawn at DCCA's annual Irish themed fundraising event the Irish Wave, Friday, March 17th at the Montage Cafe.

"In looking for new ways for the community to support DCCA and the arts we decided to expand on one of our favorite evenings, Irish Wave celebrates all things Irish, and through our "Off To The Isle" raffle we will be giving one lucky winner the ultimate Irish experience", stated Andrea Jordan, DCCA Executive Director. "We are encouraging those who want to be a part of the raffle to get their tickets right away, because there will only be 75 tickets sold."

The winner will receive a $5,000 voucher to customize their Irish experience through Brendan Vacations. Brendan Vacations specializes in travel to Ireland and Scotland and has been providing authentic vacation experiences for over the past 47 years. "Off To The Isle" raffle tickets can be purchased through the DCCA office starting January 17th.

Darke County Center for the Arts presents and promotes performing and fine arts encouraging cultural enrichment. All proceeds from the "Off To The Isle" raffle will go to DCCA programming and the arts in Darke County. For more information and to purchase tickets contact DCCA at (937) 547-0908.

ST. REMY’S DAUGHTERS OF THE IMMACULATE HEART YOUTH GROUP VISIT VERSAILLES HEALTH CARE CENTER

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VHCC long-term care resident Esther Schafer and Anna Meyer,
daughter of Mike and Carla Meyer of Russia.
Versailles Health Care Center patients and residents recently were visited by the St. Remy’s Daughters of the Immaculate Heart Youth Group. The group spent an hour visiting with patients and residents and icing cookies together.

“We really enjoy visits from the groups at St. Remy Church,” said Kim Fair, Activities Director at Versailles Health Care Center, “Having such a great group of kids here to interact with our residents and patients enriches everyone’s lives. Intergenerational activities are wonderful for each individual to gain experience and learn from each other.”

Versailles Health Care Center is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center that offers short-term rehab services, outpatient therapy, and long-term care. For more information about Versailles Health Care Center, please call 937-526-5570 or visit on the web at www.versailleshealthcare.com. If your group is interesting in scheduling a group activity at Versailles Health Care Center, please call and ask for Activities Director, Kim Fair, or contact her via mail at kfair@covenantcare.com.

Friday, January 27, 2017

Museum to Re-open!

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On February 5th everyone is invited to the Versailles Area Museum , as we will reopen for our 2017 season.

Our regulars will be surprised by all the major changes to the museum in the last month! Our busy volunteers have been cleaning, changing and redoing many of our displays and many new items are now being featured.

Major changes have occurred to The Street Where you Lived display and the Buckeye Overhaul display. A redesigned room better shows the devastating 1901 fire and its aftermath. A new area has been added to celebrate the Arts/Music in our villages.

Other rooms have been better designed and more changes will occur as we move toward summer. Art Gaier’s wonderful early bicycle display has been held over for those who have not yet had the chance to enjoy peddling around the northeastern part of the county.

Also wonderful telephone memories and cameras galore remain for you to enjoy.

Mark your calendars now for our premier! Also our 2017 Speaker Series begins on February 26th at 2:00 p.m. when we learn about power in the village and all the “shocking” facts of Versailles’ electric plant. This will be hosted by Aaron Magoto, who works for the Versailles Electric Department and is a member of the museum’s Board of Directors. Also our very popular “Last Mondays” return on February 27th with “A Hot Time, in the Old Town, Tonight” The true story of the great 1901 fire in Versailles!

Come, support, join, as we together preserve our areas history!

Greenville Schools Foundation Elects Officers

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The Greenville Schools Foundation elected officers for 2017 in its regular meeting held Thursday, January 26.

Elected for the year are:
  • Chairman Joel Allread
  • Vice Chair Loretta Etzell
  • Secretary Mark Libert
  • Treasurer Susan Barker
The Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit corporation founded in 1998 whose mission is to provide funding for programs and purchases that benefit Greenville City School District students.

In 2016 the foundation awarded over $8250 in grants to applicants from the school district’s various locations. Much of the funding available to be used in this manner comes from
fundraising efforts by the board of trustees throughout the year.

In addition to the officers, the trustees are:

James Sommer, Jody Lockhart, Nicole Pohlman, Dianne Brown, Susan Shields, Douglas Fries, GCSD Superintendent, Gretchen Davis, Nancy Person, Kathy Lockhart, Patricia Jetter

Family Bingo comes to the Arcanum Public Library

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The Arcanum Public Library will be hosting a family bingo night on Tuesday, February 21st at 6:30 p.m. There is bound to be plenty of action at the fun-filled event. Bring your family, and join up with friends for a great way to spend a winter evening.

Also in February will be an adult coloring session. On Wednesday, February 15th, come for a relaxing morning of cocoa, coffee, and coloring. The program begins at 10:00 a.m. Supplies are provided, and patrons are welcome to bring their own if they wish.

The library is pleased to announce that plans for the launching of the “Ivy Ester Seed Vault” are currently underway. This seed library will be ready for patrons beginning in March to “check out” seeds for their own use. If anyone has seeds they wish to donate to add to our collection, feel free to bring them into the library anytime.

The library would like to invite those with preschool children to come to the popular StoryTime sessions held most Mondays. The sessions are filled with stories, songs, crafts, and fun. On Monday, February 6th, there will be two sessions. The first will be at 10:00 a.m. followed by one at 11:00 a.m. On Monday, February 13th, there will be one combined session with a Valentine’s Day theme at 10:00 a.m. There will be no sessions held on Monday, February 2oth due to schools being closed for President’s Day. On Monday, February 27th, there will be two sessions. One will start at 10:00 a.m., and the second at 11:00 a.m.

Children in grades 1-4 are invited to come over after school on Mondays for AfterWords. From 3:45 – 4:45 kids can hang out with friends, make crafts, have a snack, play games, and more. There will be sessions on Monday, February 6th, 13th, and 27th. Note that on the 20th, there will be no Afterwords.

There is also a group for kids in grades 5 and up. TNT (tweens and teens) meets on Thursdays from 2:45 until 4:15. There is plenty to do: games, team competitions, snacks, crafts, tech projects and more. On February, there will be sessions on the 2nd, 9th, 16th, and the 23rd.

If anyone has any questions, feel free to call the library at 937-692-8484. Patrons can also check out our website at www.arcanumpubliclibrary.org, or find us on Facebook.

GET OUT OF DEBT WITH FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY

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Would you like to achieve your financial goals by eliminating debt, saving for the future and giving like never before? If so, Financial Peace University (FPU) is a great place to start! FPU is a 9-week life-changing program that teaches you practical applications to help you take control of your money and learn to live debt free.

EUM Church is offering this class on Wednesday evenings, February 8 – April 19, from 6:30 – 8:00 pm at the EUM Downtown Campus, located at 111 Devor Street in Greenville.

In the Bible, God talks about money more than almost any other topic. Why? Because He knows that money has the power to control us. If we desire financial peace, financial freedom, it won’t just happen. We have to join with God in the process to take control of our finances!

The average family that participates in FPU pays off $5,300 in debt the first 90 days! If you haven’t signed up yet, now is the time. Join with others on this journey to discovering financial peace in your own life by registering today at www.eumchurch.org/a-class-or-support-group/ or call the church office at 937-548-3211.

EUM Church has many other group studies being offered. To obtain a list of all offerings, download the Connections Catalog at www.eumchurch.org and sign up online.

Jeff Harper is Lead Pastor at EUM Church. The contemporary worship services are Saturday at 6:30 pm and Sunday at 9:00, 10:30, and 11:59 am at the Worship Center located at 1451 Sater Street and a traditional worship service is Sunday 9:45 am at the Downtown Campus at 111 Devor Street in Greenville. Kidmunity Children’s Ministry is available for kids age birth through grade six at the 6:30 pm, 9:00, 10:30 and 11:59 am services. The Downtown Campus, 111 Devor Street, houses the offices. For more information, visit www.eumchurch.org or call 548-3211.

VERSAILLES HEALTH CARE CENTER HELPS 197 PATIENTS RETURN TO THEIR HOMES IN 2016!

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L to R:  VHCC Homeward Bound patient Charles Rue
and VHCC Physical Therapy Assistant Phil Gessner.
Versailles Health Care Center, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center that offers short-term rehab services, outpatient therapy, and long-term care, is proud to have helped 197 patients return to their homes or lower level of care in 2016 through its Homeward Bound Rehabilitation Programs.

Kristy Earick, Administrator at Versailles Health Care Center, commented “We are proud to have helped 197 patients from Versailles and surrounding communities to reach their therapy goals in 2016. Our staff is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to our patients and committed to great customer service and satisfaction!”

Charles Rue of Greenville, who came to Versailles Health Care Center following a knee replacement surgery in September 2016 and again in December 2016 following knee replacement surgery for the other knee, had this to say about VHCC, “I have recommended Versailles Health Care Center to everyone I talk with about my experience. The therapists were kind and professional and nursing did a great job taking care of me”.

The Rehab Clinic at Versailles Health Care Center offers programs specializing in cardiac recovery, continence improvement, contracture management, fall management, orthopedic-fracture recovery, pain management, pulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory specialty, stroke recovery, and wound care and skin management. The highly trained nursing staff is able to assist those patients who need diabetic management, enteral therapy, IV therapy, medication management, ostomy care, post acute surgical wound care, and other services requiring medical supervision.

“Our goal for 2017 is to help 200 patients return to their homes,” said Earick. If you are interested in learning more about Versailles Health Care Center, call 937-526-5570 or visit www.versailleshealthcare.com.

Jackson Friendship 4-H Club Donates to Food Pantry

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Last summer, the Jackson Friendship 4-H Club earned money by cleaning up at Eldora Speedway. The money the club earned was used to buy food which was donated to Ansonia Food Pantry during the holidays. The Food Pantry gladly accepted the kind donation and greatly appreciated it. The Ansonia Food Pantry provides food for area families in need.

Submitted By: Kylee Winner, Reporter

Swingin' With the Saints!

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Swingin' With the Saints!, a FREE concert for the community, will be presented on February 12 at 3:00 pm. This annual concert offers an hour of musical entertainment in various styles including classical, gospel, Latin and patriotic. The artists performing are vocalists Bevin Fields and Don Lockhart, and violinist Alex Vehre. Terri Fryman and Darrell Fryman will play organ and piano solos and a duet. The Presby Trio, consisting of Terri Fryman, Jane Tester, and Don Lockhart, bring their own special sound. Join us for musical fun and fellowship at First Presbyterian Church, 114 E. Fourth St in Greenville. Refreshments will follow the concert. For more information, call 937-548-3188.

Mentor a Child

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Group of kids from the Community Connectors program met together with mentors during the holidays to do group activities.
January is National Mentoring Month and our community has programs that need adult mentors to help with positive impact on our youth. As we celebrate this month, our focus on the local mentoring needs for our youth.

Gateway Youth and Community Connectors program partners with local volunteers, schools and organizations to build relationships that can enhance our young people’s attitudes, skills and behaviors through the Community Connectors Program. Our community has many youth that need that extra time with a mentor - it can ultimately lead to improved opportunities for their future.

Our program currently has 12 volunteer mentors with 13 youth matches in addition to three staff working in Tri-Village, Mississinawa, and Greenville Schools. However, we need more mentors – we have youth waiting for a mentor!

Mentoring is a critical component in many young people’s lives. Ruth Barga, Support Specialist, said, “Right now, our program has six youth in Darke County aged 14-16 that just need an adult to show them support, someone to talk with, and to help them see positive choices for their future. Just one hour a week can make a difference.”

Our success stories include a local small business owner that is matched with a 13-year-old boy. The child needed a father figure and the mentor helped him to work through his communication and anger issues by participating in physical activity together and positive informal conversations. As they worked through some of the issues together, he re-directed some of his anger issues for a more positive outlook.

Another mentor partnership success is a youth that has a love of history that is matched with a 70-year-old senior. The mentor’s life experiences coupled with learning events have helped the youth see better future opportunities. Talking with a mentor can help a child make healthy choices for day-to-day life and even set life goals.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, please contact Ruth Barga at Gateway Youth Programs at 937-548-8002 for more information and to be matched with a local youth that needs a little of your time and attention.

Council on Rural Services provides education and support through Gateway Youth Programs, Achievement Center for Educational Success (ACES), Kids Learning Place™, Head Start, and Early Head Start in their nine county service area.

Museum to Host Historic Dinner Featuring” Lost in the 1950’s” and Dining on Main”

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Let’s get a cold one at Frenchies after bowling, or let’s have lunch at the C&J before we head back to work, or I’ll meet you at the Sweet Shop for a fried roll and some tunes on the juke box after school. What do the phrases all have in common? They were all commonly heard around Versailles in the 1950’s.

On April 1st (no fooling) we will turn the clock back to an early spring night on Main Street in Versailles (recreated in the Knights of Columbus Hall). We invite our guests back in time to the fabulous 1950’s! We will enjoy cocktails and snacks served at the legendary Frenchies. Following that we’ll stop by the C&J Café for their smorgasbord. But we’re not done yet, let’s cross the street for a sweet treat at Brown’s Sweet Shop for an iconic dessert and some crazy tunes. It’s time to find those poodle skirts, Varsity jackets and saddle shoes. We are going to the Hop with all the thrills we can remember!

Tickets go on sale NOW at the Museum or by calling the Museum Office at 937- 526- 4222 leaving your name number and amount of tickets needed and we will return your call. Remember the Museum is closed until February 5th. So this is the best method now for ordering.

All tickets remain at $50.00 each, but our Museum members will receive $5.00 discount on their tickets as a way for us to say “thank-you” for your support!

Full tables of eight are available if ordered at one time. Sadly only a limited number of seats can be offered in the Father Jackle Room, located in the Versailles K of C. so order early so you won’t be disappointed!

Old Fashion Hymn Sing

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The Pitsburg Church of the Brethren will sponsor an Old Fashion Hymn Sing on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at 6:00 PM.

This event is offered to the public in keeping with the church’s monthly Gospel Concert Series. The public is invited to come and request their favorite hymns be sung by the congregation. Whether you are a ‘singer’ or a ‘listener’, it’s an evening of great music and fellowship. Feel free to come and challenge our pianist and organist, and enjoy some of the old hymns that are not necessarily sung in today’s services.

The church is located at the west edge of Pitsburg @ 8376 Pitsburg-Laura Road.

4-H OPEN HOUSE TO BE HELD

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Although the deadline to become a 4-H member in Darke County is not until April 1, 2017, now is the time to begin thinking about joining a 4-H club.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the 4-H program in Darke County, plan to attend the 4-H Open House, Monday, February 13, from 6:30pm-8:00pm, at All Seasons Place, Lighthouse Christian Center, 5256 Sebring Warner Road, Greenville.

Attendees of the open house will have the opportunity to visit club displays and talk to current 4-H members and advisors about what 4-H has to offer.

What exactly is 4-H? 4-H is Ohio State University Extension’s non-formal, educational program for youth. Eligibility for 4-H membership begins when a child has reached age five and is enrolled in kindergarten as of January 1 of the current year (Cloverbud program); participation in the “traditional” club program begins when a child is eight years of age and enrolled in third grade as of January 1 of the current year. Ohio 4-H membership ends December 31 of the year in which an individual attains the age of 19.

Boys and girls enrolled in the 4-H program have educational and fun experiences with their friends at meetings, social activities, tours, 4-H camp and the county fair. They learn by actually doing interesting things, such as taking care of animals, cake decorating, community service activities, and cleaning up the environment.

In 2016, there were 1, 143 youth enrolled in the Darke County 4-H Youth Development Program. Nearly 230 adults provided leadership for these youth. 4-H offers over 200 projects in a variety of subject matter. Youth can learn specific skills such as sewing, cooking, child care, animal care, and gardening, as well as improve their leadership and communication skills.

For general information about the Darke County 4-H program, visit the web site at http://darke.osu.edu. Click on the link for 4-H Youth Development. For additional information about the Ohio 4-H program, visit www.ohio4h.org. To learn about the many projects available in 4-H, visit Project Central at http://projectcentral.ohio4h.org/.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a member of the Darke County 4-H Youth Development Program, contact OSU Extension, Darke County, 603 Wagner Avenue, Greenville, OH 45331, telephone 937-548-5215.

BLOOD BOND BORN AT ELDORA BALLROOM DONATING IS A CIRCLE OF LIFE FOR CAROLYN KREMER

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North Star’s Carolyn Kremer, blood donor and mother of two hemophiliac sons.
NEW WESTON, Ohio - Carolyn Kremer stood in the middle of the Eldora Speedway Ballroom dance floor, nearly empty on a summer afternoon except for the circle of donor beds assembled for the annual Community Blood Center blood drive.

She spread her arms, remembering what it was like to be a high school girl on a winter night in 1956 and said, “This is where we danced. This is where we danced our legs off!”

Outside the ballroom, the sunbaked dirt track of the Eldora Speedway quietly awaited the noise, fireworks and fury of Friday nights. But that’s not what drew high school girls like Carolyn to Eldora. They came for the Wednesday and Sunday night dances, and the chance to meet boys.

It was where Carolyn Dues met a special boy named Carl Kremer. They married, worked a dairy farm in North Star and raised four children. Both their sons are hemophiliacs. Over the years she came to know the ballroom as a place for blood drives, where neighbors would donate to help save her boys.

At age 78, Carolyn is still a blood donor. She couldn’t donate at the June 2016 blood drive at Eldora, but keeps trying and has since raised her lifetime donation history to 118. Echoes of her life as a wife, mother, and donor always seem to call to her from Eldora.

DANCING AT ELDORA

“It was a good time,” she said of the Eldora Ballroom dances. “The girls – we did the jitterbug, you know. We called it ‘fast dancing.’ The floor would be covered, the booths full all the way around. A lot of the guys would stand there and ask each other, ‘What about her? Where is she sitting?’

“You came with a group of girls. Maybe a guy would ask you to dance, maybe a slow dance. When it came quitting time, 12 or so, they would ask you for the last dance, and ‘Could I take you home?’”
Carl and Carolyn’s courtship began as a very slow dance. “I hadn’t danced with him all night,” she said. “I didn’t know who he was. I noticed he was staring when I went to the rest room. I thought he was good looking! It was all people we knew. He asked ‘Could I take you home?’ When you got to the door it was ‘thank you and good night’ and I ran to the door!

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Information on Upcoming Greenville City School Auctions

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Midwest Auctioneers & Realty, Inc. along with the approval of the Greenville City School Board, will be conducting auctions to release the contents of the 3 Elementary schools and the Junior High. All removable items will be sold as well as 14 mobile modular classroom units. All auction dates have been finalized. Please mark your calendars for the following dates:

  • Onsite Inspection: Thurs., Jan. 26th from 5pm – 7pm & Fri., Jan. 27th from 9am - 5pm
  • Jan. 28th @ 9AM – East Elementary School – 301 E 5th St.
  • Feb. 25th @ 9AM – South Middle School – 701 Wayne Ave.
  • Mar. 2nd @ 5PM – 14 Mobile Modular Units – 7550 St. Rt. 118
  • Mar. 18th @ 9AM – Woodland Heights Primary – 7550 St. Rt. 118
  • April 1st @ 9AM – Junior High School – 131 Central Ave
Live internet bidding and pre-bidding is available NOW on the East School/Jan. 28th Auction: WWW.PROXIBID.COM

(Live internet and pre-bidding will be available on ALL auctions as each date approaches)

More information is available on our website including catalog with pictures, terms, and pick up dates and times.

WWW.MIDWEST-AUCTIONEERS.COM

COFFEE WITH THE COMMISSIONER

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The new year is upon us, and with that new hopes and challenges. This is my 7th year as Commissioner and keeping a promise I made back then, I will continue to meet with our citizens to discuss issues important to them. Since I was elected, my first Coffee was held at A&B Coffee in Greenville. I will continue with that this year with my first “Coffee with the Commissioner” being on January 28st at A&B Coffee and Cake company at the corner of 4th and Broadway, straight across from the Courthouse in Greenville. I will be there from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

As a special guest, our new Commissioner Matt Aultman will join me! This is your chance to meet Matt and ask him questions and find out what he wants to accomplish. This is your opportunity to express your thoughts and wishes on how the county operates. I hope you can attend on January 28th, at A&B Coffee and Cake, at the corner of 4th and Broadway in Greenville. See you there!

Upcoming Events from State of the Heart Care

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Youth Celebrate the Holidays

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Hugs for Santa from one of the kids!
The Gateway Youth came together recently to celebrate the holidays. This gathering was all made possible through a generous donation from the Moose Lodge in Greenville; they also hosted the Christmas party for the families and mentors involved in the programs.

About 75 people attended the party where they enjoyed a meal of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, and desserts that the youth in the program helped prepare. There was a visit from Santa and a generous raffle of gifts, baskets and gift cards. The families enjoyed a craft table with several different crafts to choose from. As if the event was not fun enough, a little girl requested to sing a song, which turned into many of the kids wanting to take a turn on the karaoke mic and fill the room with even more holiday cheer.

Our sincere thanks to the Moose Lodge for their donation so the families of Gateway could come enjoy this time together, in addition there were purchases of other needed items for the participants. A big thank you to all the mentors, mentees, and families who came out this night to celebrate Christmas with us. We hope you all enjoyed yourselves and look forward to doing this in the years to come!

Council on Rural Services provides education and support through Gateway Youth Programs, Achievement Center for Educational Success (ACES), Kids Learning Place™, Head Start, and Early Head Start in their nine county service area. For more information about Gateway Youth, call 937-548-8002 and talk with Ruth Barga, Support Specialist.

Monday, January 23, 2017

DCCA PRESENTS AWARD-WINNING MUSICIAN AT ARCANUM'S WAYNE TRAIL HOUSE

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Darke County Center for the Arts will present
award-winning singer/guitarist John Latini in concert on Thursday,
February 9 at Arcanum Historical Society's Wayne Trail House;
the show, one of DCCA's Coffeehouse Series presentations, starts at 7 p.m.
Darke County Center for the Arts will present award-winning singer/guitarist John Latini in concert on Thursday, February 9 at Arcanum Historical Society's Wayne Trail House; the show, one of DCCA's Coffeehouse Series presentations, starts at 7 p.m. According to DCCA Artistic Director Keith Rawlins, Latini is a three-time winner at the Detroit Blues Challenge. “However, John's eclectic music is not limited to the blues; he kind of defies classification, except for being really, really good at what he does,” Rawlins stated.

DCCA's Coffeehouse presentations offer high-quality artists performing in an intimate social atmosphere where food and drink are also available. “Our Coffeehouse shows provide the opportunity to relax and enjoy close-up and personal interaction with the performer, as well as to visit with old friends and meet new ones,” said Andrea Jordan, DCCA Executive Director. “And John Latini is a perfect fit in this setting, as he is as delightful and entertaining in conversation as he is in performance. His wit and good humor will inspire smiles and lift spirits, as will his clever, literate songs and hard-driving guitar,” she concluded.

DCCA's Coffeehouse Series is sponsored by The Andersons, Inc., EB Real Estate, Julie and Tom Graber, Eileen and Steve Litchfield, and Rodney Oda. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. DCCA also receives operating support from the Harry D. and Esther Stephens Memorial as well as funding from the Ketrow Foundation and Lydia E. Schaurer Memorial Trust Fund.

Tickets for the John Latini concert cost $10, and can be reserved by contacting DCCA at 937-547-0908 or dcca@centerforarts.net, or purchased at DCCA's office located within Greenville Public Library or online at www.CenterForArts.net, as well as at the Ben Franklin store in Arcanum. If any remain by showtime, tickets will also be available at the door.

Darke County Parks Receives Ketrow Grant

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The Darke County Park District would like to extend a huge thank you to the Ketrow Foundation for their recent grant contribution. The funding from this grant will be used to overhaul the Nature Center’s outdated “Kids’ Corner”.

Currently it has a child sized table and chairs with crayons, books, puzzles, blocks, and stuffed wild animal toys. While this area does provide entertainment for little ones while their older companions explore the nature center exhibits, it hasn’t been updated in fifteen years, and many pieces are damaged or missing. The park district staff plans to move the books to a new kids’ section in their library and use the area for more creative play.

Possible ideas for the new corner include things like a larger-than-life manufactured bird’s nest; a turtle shell that kids can climb inside; wearable wings; and a touch area for animal pelts, antlers, bones, and other articles from the natural world. This space will encourage exploratory play and promote the use of imagination, creativity, and inquiry. Instead of reading about nature in a book, these young naturalists can touch, explore, see, and experience it right there in their own nook of our facility. This new kids’ corner will help Darke County Parks expand the age range of their displays to better accommodate the full spectrum of nature center visitors and refresh a very dated and underutilized area.

The updates will be a beautiful addition to the Nature Education Center and, thanks to the generous support from the Ketrow Foundation, they are now possible. The park district is grateful to the trustee of the foundation for making this possible.

For information about Darke County Parks, their programs, or the Nature Center on St. Rt. 502 just west of Greenville, call (937) 548-0165, or email info@darkecountyparks.org.

VERSAILLES HEALTH CARE CENTER CELEBRATES NATIONAL ACTIVITY PROFESSIONALS WEEK

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L to R:  Victoria Jones, Kim Fair and Candy Stump.
Versailles Health Care Center is celebrating National Activity Professionals Week. This year it runs from January 22-28, 2017. It is a week where others can recognize activity professionals for the endless hours they spend working on ways to make everyone happy. “The best thing about being in activities is the bond that is formed,” Candy Stump, Activities Assistant, remarked, “I also learn a lot from them and their past, along with meeting their families. But the best thing is their smile, hug, or kiss on the cheek. It just makes your day worthwhile.”

These dedicated individuals help enrich the lives of others residing in long-term care and assisted living facilities, retirement homes, specialty programs, and senior centers. Activity professionals dedicate their time finding ways to provide personalized activities for their residents and patients. Ideas and suggestions are discussed and researched in order to find the right programs and activities for everyone to participate in and enjoy. In order for programming to be successful, it must contain elements that provide a sense of self worth.

“There is truly nothing greater than seeing that spark of triumph and glory when someone accomplishes their goal. Helping others increase their sense of self worth and faith in themselves,” Kim Fair, Activities Director, admits, “helps that person become aware that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to!”

Versailles Health Care Center’s activity professionals provide a variety of events and activities to promote and stimulate growth within a person, such as physical, mental, social, therapeutic, religious, creative, expressive, cultural, and intergenerational. Each individual has different requirements, so an activity professional must be flexible and willing to change or rearrange plans at a moment’s notice, in order to meet the varied needs of the individual.

“One of the best things about being in activities is providing pet therapy. I bring in my pet therapy dog Dozer every week. The patients, residents, and families absolutely love it. We go around visiting residents, patients, and staff to help them feel better and enrich their lives,” Victoria Jones, Activities Assistant, stated.

Activity professionals spend their days making sure they are offering the right programs to each person. They enjoy giving of themselves endlessly. Versailles Health Care Center encourages the public to make sure to recognize activity professionals during this particular week. Versailles Health Care Center also welcomes the public to stop in and enjoy an event in the Activity Room!

Versailles Health Care Center is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center that offers long-term care, short-term rehab services, and outpatient therapy. If you would like more information about Versailles Health Care Center, please call 937.526.5570 or visit on the web at www.versailleshealthcare.com.

Waterhemp – Time to take Action

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OSU Extension, Darke County will hold a very important meeting regarding the infestation of waterhemp in Darke County. The meeting will take place at the Anderson Marathon Ethanol plant on Tuesday, February 7 at 6:00 p.m. Dr. Mark Loux and Dr. Jeff Stachler will discuss the situation we are in, identification, biology and strategies for control.

This meeting will be critical to your success in trying to control this very aggressive weed. Call the extension office at 937.548.5215 today to reserve your seat or download a flyer at the darke.osu.edu website.

I completed the Fall Soybean Weed Survey in Darke County with the assistance of Weed Scientist, Dr. Jeff Stachler, Darke County native and Auglaize County Extension Educator. The good news is that we have several parts of the county where growers are managing their resistant weed problems. The assumption is that most of Ohio soybeans are RoundupReady, and that if weeds are still in the soybean field at the end of the season, then there must have been a failure of the system – not always correct but then we are making assumptions that may not be too far off.

We drove an 89 mile loop and evaluated 91 soybean fields for all weed species, because of the concern for resistant waterhemp showing up in Western Ohio we looked at all 309 fields in the loop to determine if there was waterhemp in the field.

We found only 12% of the 91 fields completely void of weeds and volunteer corn compared to about 40% the previous two years. An occasional weed or corn plant could be found in another 15% of the fields.

• WATERHEMP. Not much different than the dreaded Palmer Amaranth, is a severe problem. We found waterhemp in 66 of the 309 total fields we drove by in the 89 mile loop. Our estimate is that 44% of the fields in the north and western part of the county are infested.

For more information about OSU Extension, Darke County, visit the Darke County OSU Extension web site at www.darke.osu.edu, the OSU Extension Darke County Facebook page or contact Sam Custer, at 937.548.5215.

Darke County Parks Receives Schaurer Grant

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The Darke County Park District would like to extend a huge thank you to the Lydia E. Schaurer Memorial Trust Fund for their recent grant contribution. The funding from this grant was used to make the Nature Center’s new fish tank fully functional.

Recently local park supporters donated a beautiful 170 gallon aquarium to the park district. The new display features an enclosed wooden cabinet stand and a wood top with crown molding. The new tank is larger and more elaborate than any the park district currently owns, and therefore was not ideally suited to function with their regular equipment inventory. With the help of the Lydia E. Schaurer Memorial Trust Fund the park district was able to purchase a pump/filter combination and a year’s worth of filtration media suitable for the expansive tank.

The tank is now home to “pond life” creatures like bluegill, redear sunfish, and a small catfish. The pond fish’s former tank became the new home for DCP’s rapidly growing snapping turtle. Both of these tanks now allow the young and young at heart to explore the wonders of pond life up close, and the new pump and filter will keep their aquatic wildlife healthy and educating to their full capacity. In the near future, the display will feature informational signage about fish species and pond life, but for now Darke County Parks invites everyone to check out their gorgeous donation and all the other live animal displays.

Naturalist Kathi McQueen, who manages the animal ambassadors, said she’s so pleased that the “community is helping to keep our displays fresh and updated, so the park district can continue to grow and prosper, teaching future generations about the importance of nature and conservation.”

The tank is a beautiful addition to the Nature Education Center and, thanks to the generous support from the Lydia E. Schaurer Memorial Trust Fund, is now fully functional. The park district is grateful to the trustees of the fund for making this possible.

To see the beautiful new “Pond Life” display, visit the Nature Center on St. Rt. 502 just west of Greenville Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm. The Nature Center can be reached at (937) 548-0165 or info@darkecountyparks.org.

New Madison Public Library: Trustee Meetings & Winter Reading Club

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The Board of Trustees for New Madison Public Library will continue their meetings for 2017 on the 2nd Mondays of the month at 5:00PM. The public is always welcome to attend.

NMPL also announced the Winter Reading Club for Adults will run from Jan. 23 to Feb. 28. Patrons ages 18 and up will be able to enter a drawing for gift cards and other prizes every time they visit and check out items to read. Interested readers should stop by for their FREE “Up All Night… Reading” kits.

Thanks goes out to the Community

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Employees at GTI came together to adopt children in the Gateway Program during the holidays.
Gateway Youth Programs would like to thank the following area businesses, organizations, and families for participating in their Adopt-A-Child Program this year. The Darke County Beef 4-H Club, Dues Family, Greenville Technology Inc., Mercer Savings Bank, and Pitsburg Trinity Lutheran Church. In addition the Second National Bank, Village Green Health Campus, Webster United Methodist Church, and Whirlpool Corporation. “We can’t thank everyone enough for their support. Every year this program grows and we are able to assist in giving a very special day to our families,” said Ruth Barga, Support Specialist at Gateway.

This year the program assisted in providing Christmas gifts for 82 youth in 34 different families, a wonderful increase from last year. Five families also received $100 gift certificates to local businesses in order to purchase food. One family received a new box springs and frames for beds and four other families received bedding for the children. Five youth received new bicycles and in addition, gifts were purchased for the youth in Gateway’s Connection Center.

This program matches local families up with local businesses or organizations who volunteer to adopt the children for Christmas. All families complete an application to see if they qualify for the program. Once the applications are approved, the children’s Christmas lists are given to a business or organization. Each group then decides what to purchase for the child. After shopping is finished, the organizations return the gifts to the office all wrapped and ready to deliver to the family.

Every organization put their own special touch on the Christmas that they provide for the youth. This depends on the needs and wants of the children as well as the ideas from the organization adopting them.

“It is great to see the joy that these gifts bring the families and children. Parents are overwhelmed when they see the gifts and many have shed tears. This generosity and the impact that these organizations are making in the community and in the lives families living right here will not be forgotten. I personally would like to thank all the individuals and organizations that assisted with this program. Several situations presented a challenge, but they were solved by the willingness of a few companies to make things work. This program would not be possible without the organizations who so freely give of themselves to assist our families,” said Barga.

If you would like to adopt a child or family in the future, you can contact Ruth Barga at Gateway Youth Programs at 937-548-8002. Council on Rural Services provides education and support through Gateway Youth Programs, Achievement Center for Educational Success (ACES), Kids Learning Place™, Head Start, and Early Head Start in their nine county service area.

Seed Swap Day at January Jr. Naturalists

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Communities around the world host seed swapping events in the late winter
in preparation for spring planting.
Darke County Parks invites students in grades 3-6 to join them for the Jr. Naturalists program on Saturday, January 28th from 9:30am to 12pm at Shawnee Prairie Preserve on St. Rt. 502 west of Greenville. This month will focus on seeds and biodiversity. Seeds were one of the first commodities valued and traded. For millennia gardeners traded their saved seeds to try new varieties, save money, and improve their garden’s diversity. Students will look at the differences between heirloom and hybrid seeds, learn how to properly collect and store seeds, and do some trading of their own.

The Jr. Naturalists is a series of monthly programs designed to give 3rd-6th grade students hands-on interaction with the natural world and a look at our current and historical place within it. Hikes, games, crafts, and service projects are all a part of this exciting integrated study group. A fee of $3 is charged for the program, and registration is required. For questions about the Jr. Naturalists program or any other park district programs or to register for the January class, please call the park office at (937) 548-0165 or email info@darkecountyparks.org.

Thursday, January 19, 2017

DCCA PRESENTS AWARD-WINNING MUSICIANS AT ST. CLAIR MEMORIAL HALL

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Darke County Center for the Arts will present We Banjo 3, a band from Galway, Ireland that plays a blend of traditional Irish, old time, and bluegrass music, on Saturday, February 4 at Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall in Greenville. According to DCCA Artistic Director Keith Rawlins, members of the band have won numerous awards in their native country, including eleven All-Ireland titles on the banjo plus an All-Ireland champ on both fiddle and bodhran. “We Banjo 3 combines amazing musical skill with joyful energy to engage everyone who enjoys acoustic music of any kind,” Mr. Rawlins explained.

Consisting of two sets of brothers, the band includes Enda Scahill and Martin Howley on banjo, mandolin, and tenor guitar, Fergal Scahill on fiddle, guitar, and bodhran, and David Howley playing banjo and guitar and adding vocals. “Martin Howley is the first Irish banjo player to play at the Grand Ole Opry, Enda Scahill is known world-wide as a banjo wizard, Fergal Scahill is one of the most renowned fiddlers in Irish music, and David Howley is quite simply a hugely talented singer and multi-instrumentalist,” Mr. Rawlins stated. “They are breakout stars wherever they play, and wowed crowds at Dayton's Irish Festival last summer with their Americana meets traditional Irish sound that they call Celtgrass,” he concluded.

Sponsors for the concert by We Banjo 3 are Second National Bank and The Bistro Off Broadway. This presentation is supported by the Arts Midwest Touring Fund, a program of Arts Midwest that is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from the Ohio Arts Council and the Crane Group. Additionally, the Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. DCCA also receives funding from the Harry D. and Esther Stephens Memorial, Ketrow Foundation, and Lydia E. Schaurer Memorial Trust Fund, as well as DCCA memberships.

We Banjo 3 will also perform for high school students in all local public schools January 30 through February 2 as part of DCCA's Arts In Education program; these performances are free and open to the public. Tickets for the February 4 concert cost $20 for adults; students will be admitted for half price. To reserve tickets, contact DCCA at 937-547-0908 or dcca@centerforarts.net; tickets may be purchased at DCCA's office located within Greenville Public Library as well as online at www.CenterForArts.net. Remaining tickets will also be available at the door prior to the performance which begins at 8 p.m.

Workforce Solutions Presented to Greenville BPW

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Jennifer Bruns, Young Careerist Committee Chair (left) and Dr. Lisa Wendel, Speaker (right)
Greenville, OH. January 16, 2017 - The Young Careerist Committee with Jennifer Bruns, Leigh Fletcher, and Karen Sink of the Greenville Business & Professional Women’s Club (BPW) hosted the January 12th meeting which was held at the Brethren Retirement Community.

Committee member Leigh Fletcher introduced Sonya Crist, a recent club member gave a 4 minute presentation on her journey from being constantly lethargic and sick to good health for which she credits a product called Plexis. She now has the energy to be the wife and mother her family needs along with generating additional income. Due to scheduling conflicts, Sonya is unable to compete on the regional and state levels.

Committee Chair, Jennifer Bruns introduced guest speaker, Dr. Lisa Wendel, Career Pathway Coordinator for the Darke County Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) who discussed the “Tackling the Shortage of Skilled Worker to Meet the Demand in Darke County”. She presented one of the biggest issues for many businesses is the declining workforce caused by baby boomers aging out of the workforce, population reduction, more students attending 4 year degree programs, and changing skill needs. While a college education is not to be discouraged, she proposed that a four year program may not be the best fit for everyone and there are alternatives to the debt that a college education may incur. She explained several of the initiatives and partnerships between the schools and businesses which include :
  • October 7th – a National Manufacturing Day where high school sophomores spend time in various manufacturing plants.
  • November 7th – 11th is a week long job shadow for high school juniors.
  • Various school presentations are done through the months of January and February.
  • April 11th (the Tuesday before Easter) is a Senior Straight to Work Job Fair where high school seniors are able to bring their resumes and talk with employers looking to hire.
  • April 26th (the last Wednesday in April) is a 20 under 20 banquet.
  • June 16th, July 14th and August 4th are teacher tours of several manufacturing plants
  • Also January through May there is an internship program.

Employers who are interested in obtaining information regarding these programs should contact Dr. Wendel at 419-852-0930 or by email at lwendel@darkecounty.com.

The Greenville BPW Club’s mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education, and information. Dinner meetings are held the second Thursday of every month. The next meeting will be held February 9th and will be hosted by the Publicity committee. Those interested in learning more about the Club can contact Membership Chair Deb Smith at 937/417-2434 or das24bike@gmail.com or find them on Facebook at Greenville BPW Club.

Duopa RN Specialist to Speak at Power Over Parkinson’s Group, Wednesday, February 8, 4 pm

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Versailles Health Care Center is pleased to invite the community to its monthly event for people with Parkinson’s Disease and their families! Power Over Parkinson’s meets monthly to empower, socialize, and learn. This month, we are looking forward to learning from our guest speaker, Chris Sheridan, BSN, RN. He is a Duopa RN Specialist with AbbVie, the makers of Duopa. He will be sharing his presentation entitled “Patient Partner Program: Getting to Know Duopa” with the group. The presentation will include an educational introduction of Duopa: 1) what is Duopa; 2) how Duopa is used; 3) important safety information; 4) what a “day in the life” might look like for a person using Duopa; and 5) introduction of a patient partner, who is a person with Parkinson’s disease who is on Duopa therapy.

The Power Over Parkinson’s session will be led by Shannon Condon, Facility Rehab Director and Speech Therapist, and Gina Boerger, Physical Therapist. The Power Over Parkinson’s group will take place Wednesday, February 8 at 4 pm. It will be held at Versailles Health Care Center. This is a FREE meeting. Light snacks and beverages will be provided. For more information or to RSVP, please call Shannon at 937.526.0130.

Annual Seed Swap at Library

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The Greenville Public Library's “Growing Harvest Seed Library” will host its annual “Seeds 4 All: Seed Swap” on Thursday February 2nd at 5:00 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room. Bring your extra seeds and trade them for something you need or have been wanting to try. Remember, these are heirloom, open-pollinated seeds that grow year after year. The idea is to borrow seeds, plant them, and return a few from your harvest to the Library for next year.

Everyone is welcome to attend this free event. Reservations are not required but helpful for set-up. As always refreshments will be served.

If you bring seeds, tubers, or starts, please have them labeled with the seed name, variety, harvest date, and any additional growing or harvesting information that is pertinent.

For more information please call 548-3915 or visit the Library’s Facebook Event Page. This is a fun and informal event so be sure to come and have a good time getting ready for spring planting!

Empowering’s Holiday Reading kept student minds active

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Darke County Parks’ Hannah Wiest talks to students about the earth’s natural resources
in Empowering Darke County Youth’s final Holiday Reading session during
Greenville Schools’ long Christmas break.
GREENVILLE - An even dozen youngsters participated in at least one of the five Holiday Reading Sessions sponsored by Empowering Darke County Youth. Sessions were held on the Edison State Darke County Campus during the long winter break while finishing touches were put on GCSD’s new K-8 building.

“The Christmas holiday season is an extremely busy time of the year for everyone, especially families with children,” said Bob Robinson, Empowering Program Coordinator. “We really appreciate the parents who took time out of their schedules to bring their children, and the volunteers who showed up to help.”

Five sessions were held over the nearly 4-week break. Several parents also took the opportunity to get in some one-on-one tutoring time for their children.

Each Holiday Reading session covered a different topic. The first three were seasonal: All About Santa, The Spirit of Giving, and New Year’s Resolutions.

The last two sessions took students into new worlds… American Legends, including the Midwest’s Johnny Appleseed, and Natural Resources, including renewable and non-renewable energy, recycling and more.

“The last two sessions, provided by Hannah Wiest from Darke County Parks, were great,” Robinson said. “We can’t thank her enough for the two excellent learning opportunities she gave these kids.”

Empowering Darke County Youth is a 501c3 community service organization established to help struggling students achieve and maintain their educational skills. Find out more about its programs and how to help at www.countynewsonline.org/empowering.html.

MVCTC Preschool Registration Opens for 2017-2018 School Year

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Englewood, Ohio -- Laughter, encouragement, and hands-on exploring is what you will see and hear coming from the preschool at the Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC). This preschool is unique in that junior and senior high school students run it as part of the Early Childhood Education program. The program’s instructors, Connie Marshal and Alicia Newman, educate students on all areas of child development, instructional strategies, and curriculum set forth by the State of Ohio Board of Education. Students apply their knowledge and skills by operating a fully functional preschool for three to five-year-olds. Every day the preschoolers explore and learn through various activities designed and implemented by these bright young educators.

The preschool is divided into two different classes, one in the morning, and one in the afternoon. On any given day, you will find children in the preschool actively involved and enjoying learning. “Each morning these children walk through that door with a smile on their face and an aura of sheer delight to be here and to learn with us and we are honored by that,” said Alicia Newman.

Preschool registration for the 2017-2018 school year will open on March 6, 2017. Due to high demand, telephone registrations will not be accepted. Interested applicants must register in person on March 6, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the MVCTC, in the Early Childhood program. If you would like to complete a registration packet, it is available to print on www.mvctc.com/preschool, however please note that this does not confirm your child's registration. Registration will only be confirmed from the EC instructors with proper paperwork and payment. Tuition is $500, please see website for more information.

For more information on MVCTC’s Early Childhood Education program, please visit www.mvctc.com/ec. For more information on the preschool program, please visit www.mvctc.com/preschool.

AREA BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS TO BENEFIT FROM FINANCIAL SUMMIT FEATURING LOU HOLTZ

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SIDNEY, OH – Jan. 12, 2017 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke County will be the beneficiary of proceeds from the West-Central Ohio Financial Summit to be held here April 27 in the Sidney High School auditorium.

Legendary coach Lou Holtz will be the featured speaker at the event. “Attendees will be inspired, educated and entertained throughout the evening,” said Jennifer Bruns, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke County.

The event is sponsored by Eikenberry Retirement Planning in Sidney. “In addition to being entertained and inspired by Coach Holtz, attendees will also be educated by some of the nation’s top financial experts,” said John Eikenberry, president of Eikenberry Retirement Planning. “But don’t worry,” he said, “this is not one of those boring money management events. This is truly an event that combines entertainment with education and inspiration. There is something at this event for everyone.”

“Remember,” Nick Boeckman, CFP© at Eikenberry Retirement Planning, “one hundred percent of the proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters locally. Add that to the fact some of the nation’s top financial experts will be on-hand to provide information about retirement planning and money management in ways that educate and inspire, and you have an event everyone should attend.”
Tickets for the event are $25 per person with sales from the tickets benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke County. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.Ohio2017.com. Additional information is available by calling 800-548-6511.

Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and Eikenberry Retirement Planning are independent of each other. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® in the U.S. Lou Holtz is a paid speaker and his presentation should not be construed as an endorsement of services provided by Eikenberry Retirement Planning or its affiliates.

Project FeederWatch at DCP

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Calling all birders! Join Darke County Park District, and participate in Project FeederWatch, every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:30-11:30am.

This is a unique citizen science program organized by Cornell University which studies winter bird populations. Observations from here in Darke County may be used in scientific journals and shared with ornithologists and bird lovers nationwide. No matter your birding level, beginner or expert, we need YOUR help!

Bird watchers will gather inside the Nature Center at Shawnee Prairie Preserve (4267 St. Rt. 502 West) and count the birds that visit the bird-feeding station. Drop in anytime on Tuesday or Wednesday from 9:30am-11:30am to help with the project. There will be warm drinks available for those enjoying nature from the comfort of an armchair on a cold winter’s day.

For more information on Project FeederWatch or if you have questions about any of the many other programs offered by the Darke County Park District, call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Greenville City Wide Limb/Brush Pick-Up

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DUE TO THE RECENT STORMS AND WIND DAMAGE THE CITY OF GREENVILLE STREET DEPARTMENT WILL BE PERFORMING A CITY WIDE LIMB/BRUSH PICK-UP.

ALL PILES MUST BE FREE OF TRASH AND LUMBER LIMBS CAN BE NO LONGER THAN 12 FT. IN LENGTH NO LARGER THAN 3 IN. DIAMETER PLEASE PLACE ALL PILES IN THE FRONT OF PROPERTY.

WE WILL BEGIN MONDAY JANUARY 23, 2017, STARTING IN THE SOUTH END WORKING NORTH. THIS PROCESS IS EXPECTED TO TAKE 1 TO 2 WEEKS.

ALL RESIDENTS WILL RECEIVE ONE PICK-UP PLEASE CALL THE STREET DEPT WITH ANY QUESTIONS AT (937) 548-2215.

WEEKLY LIMB/BRUSH PICK-UP WILL BEGIN APRIL 4TH AND RUN THROUGH SEPTEMBER 29TH. PICK-UPS DURING THIS TIME MUST BE SCHEDULED THROUGH THE STREET DEPARTMENT.

GPD Officer Receives Promotion

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The Greenville Police Department would like to congratulate Officer Mitch Raffel on his recent promotion to the rank of Sergeant.

Officer Raffel has been with the department since 2009 and currently resides in Greenville with his family.

There will be a swearing-in ceremony on Monday, January 23,2017 at 9:00 AM in the Council Chambers of the City Building.

Ted Grote Photo Sale at Library

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On Friday January 27th the Greenville Public Library will host the Ted Grote Photo Sale and Open House. At this time and for some weeks the late photographer’s many portraits, lands-capes, and group photos will be available to the public for a small donation. Ted’s estate gifted the Library with his legacy to use as a fundraiser for its benefit. You’ll see his famous green chair that many a child sat in to have his picture taken. Refreshments will be served.

Also this year’s Adult Winter Read runs from January 27th to February 24th with weekly prize drawings for $10 gift cards to local businesses. Two grand prizes of luxurious gift baskets will be awarded at the end. Just pick up the registration slips at the Circulation Desk.

Naturally Fit Series with DCP

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A hiking staff or trekking poles can make it so much
easier and safer to continue exercising outside in winter.
Darke County Parks is hosting a series of fitness programs called Naturally Fit occurring the third Monday of every month. Everyone wants to lead healthier lives and spend more time outdoors. However, workout machines aren’t always environmentally friendly, gyms aren’t very exciting, and the cold winter weather makes it even less appealing. Besides, sometimes life just gets in the way! Use these programs as an “excuse” to schedule time outside and get moving.

Each of these programs focuses more on fitness than nature, with everyone moving at their own pace, whether that’s one loop or ten. The January program will take place January 16th at 4pm at Tecumseh Point in Greenville. This short loop near scenic Greenville Creek will make that last 1,000 steps of the day easy to finish.

The park is located on the south west side of the Greenville Creek Bridge on north Broadway in Greenville. Meet there, and don’t forget to bring a water bottle. The brisk winter air will do your lungs (and the rest of your body) some good.

For questions or weather updates, call the Nature Center at 548-0165.

Merry Lee Cross and Shaun Hayes of BHHS Pro Realty Sponsor DCCA A Taste of Wine and Jazz XXX

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A Taste of Wine & Jazz XXX sponsors Merry Lee Cross and
Shaun Hayes of BHHS Pro Realty with DCCA Executive Director Andrea Jordan. 
Darke County Center for the Arts (DCCA) recognizes Merry Lee Cross and Shaun Hayes of BHHS Pro Realty for their sponsorship of A Taste Of Wine & Jazz XXX, set for Friday, January 20, 6:30 P.M. at Montage Cafe. According to DCCA Executive Director Andrea Jordan, DCCA greatly appreciates Merry Lee Cross and Shaun Hayes of BHHS Pro Realty as a sponsor and thanks them for their support of the arts in Darke County, monies generated from the fundraising event will help enable our organization to bring high quality performing artists to our community.”

A Taste of Wine and Jazz XXX includes four wines for tasting, complemented by exceptional hors d’oeuvres created by Aaron and Michelle Cox of Montage. Music will be provided by the Kim Kelly combo, a Dayton-based ensemble with a wide-ranging repertoire. “This outstanding group of musicians includes many of the best players in the Miami Valley area,” said DCCA Artistic Director Keith Rawlins. “The group should please contemporary music lovers, fans of the Great American Songbook, and almost everyone who appreciates good music,” Mr. Rawlins concluded. The band's performance is made possible by the following sponsors: Merry Lee Cross and Shaun Hayes of BHHS Pro Realty; Edward Jones Investment representatives Ryan Carpe, Dave Connelly, Andria Haworth, & Todd Subler.; Fry and Company; Kent and Melinda Myers, and Geoff & Jessie Surber.

Tickets to A Taste of Wine and Jazz XXX are $35 each, and are available at Montage and at www.centerforarts.net, or can be ordered by contacting DCCA at 937-547-0908 or dcca@centerforarts.net.

Darke County Center for the Arts presents and promotes performing and fine arts encouraging cultural enrichment. For more information on upcoming events visit CenterForArts.net or contact the DCCA office at (937) 547-0908.

Darke County United Way Taking Applications for 2017 Funding

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The Darke County United Way would like to announce that applications for 2017 funding are currently available.

There are two types of funding applications, Partner Program and the Community Fund. Applicants for both funds are reviewed by the local, volunteer Board of Directors and a team of community volunteers through a process meeting professional standards for nonprofit management practices, financial management, and service provision. To apply your organization must be a 501c3 health and human service non-profit in establishment for at least one year serving Darke County.

The Partner Program Grant is for agencies requesting $5,000 or more from the Darke County United Way. Partner Program Grants are reserved for agencies working in the areas of health, education, and income stability. Applications for the Partner Program Grant are due to the Darke County United Way office by Friday, March 17, 2017 at noon.

The Community Fund Grant is for agencies requesting $5,000 or less from the Darke County United Way. Community Fund Grants are open to any 501c3 agency serving Darke County. Priority will be given to agencies working in the health and human service field. There is no specific deadline for the Community Fund. Applications will be received year-round and voted on by the Board of Directors.

Applications are available by contacting the Darke County United Way Office at 207 E. Fourth Street, PO Box 716, Greenville, OH or 937-547-1272.

“Nature Did It First” at DCP

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Flight, nature did it first. Velcro, nature did it first. Umbrellas, nature did it first. Join Darke County Parks for a program on biomimicry on Thursday, January 19th at 6:30pm at Shawnee Prairie. Biomimicry is when we look to nature for inspiration and innovation for our own tools, buildings and even art. The adaptations of plants and animals have long been the catalyst for a countless number of human inventions. Spend an evening discovering the items you use every day and how nature did it first and, most likely, better!

Remember to call the Nature Center for more information or to register for this free program at (937) 548-0165.

Maple Sugarin’ at the Prairie School Programs

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Darke County Parks invites teachers to bring their classes out to the park for their favorite seasonal school program: “Nature’s Sweet Treat.” This program allows students to observe the process of turning sap into the sweetest of nature’s treats, maple syrup! Topics will cover the science behind maple syrup as well as the rich cultural history of maple sugaring. Students will have the option of trying some maple sugar and fresh maple syrup at the end of the program as well.

The program lasts for 60-90 minutes, and classes are welcome to eat their packed lunch before or after the program. The park is offering this program only between February 21st and February 28th, so be sure to call and register quickly before the spaces fill up. Call (937) 548-0165 and ask to speak to Robb for more information!

Save the Date and Mark Your Calendars

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Mark those calendars! Bowl For Kids’ Sake 2017 is scheduled for March 3 & 4, 2017, at Bel-Mar Lanes in Sidney & Treaty Lanes in Greenville. This year’s Theme is Hawaiian to help celebrate the festive theme come dressed in your Hawaiian attire. Bowl for Kids’ Sake serves as the largest fundraiser for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County. We invite you to join us in the challenge of making 2017 the largest fundraising event to-date. Hundreds of area bowlers have teamed up every year to support this event and partake in the self-proclaimed “bowling event of the year.” Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of this event in 2017. Between the bowling, prizes, free t-shirt & food and the smiles you’ll put on the faces of the youth in the local communities, this truly is a ‘can’t miss’ event.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake is open to the public, with $40 admission or $25 for those under the age of 18, this includes T-shirt, snacks, and one hour of bowling. . For registration forms and more information please visit www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org. You can also register by calling (937) 492-7611 or (937) 547-9622. All individuals and businesses from the surrounding areas are invited to participate. You can choose to form a team with friends, family, and/or co-workers and raise money, or bowl individually. High school students are also encouraged to participate and are eligible to bowl for just $25. Lanes are available Friday, March 3th from 5-6:00pm & Saturday, March 4th from 1-2:00pm at Bel-Mar Lanes in Sidney & Treaty Lanes in Greenville. You get to choose what one-hour block of bowling works the best for you.

Sponsor opportunities are available for the 2017 Bowl for Kids’ Sake event as well. This is a wonderful way to promote your business and help an organization that gives back to the community by providing positive interaction for the youth. Different sponsorship levels are available and prize donations are greatly appreciated. If you want to jump on this opportunity to create a positive association for your business directly within the community in which you serve, please call (937) 492-7611 or (937) 547-9622.

Ohio Hunters Harvest Nearly 16,000 Deer during Ohio's Muzzleloader Season

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COLUMBUS, OH – Hunters checked 15,843 white-tailed deer during Ohio’s muzzleloader season, Jan. 7-10, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). During last year’s muzzleloader season, 12,503 white-tailed deer were checked.

Hunters still have opportunities to pursue deer this winter, as archery season remains open through Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017.

The ODNR Division of Wildlife remains committed to properly managing Ohio’s deer populations. The goal of Ohio’s Deer Management Program is to provide a deer population that maximizes recreational opportunities, while minimizing conflicts with landowners and motorists.

Hunting Popularity

Ohio ranks fifth nationally in resident hunters and 11th in the number of jobs associated with hunting-related industries. Hunting has a more than $853 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Hunting in America: An Economic Force for Conservation publication.

Find more information about deer hunting in the Ohio 2016-2017 Hunting and Trapping Regulations or at wildohio.gov. An updated deer harvest report is posted online each Wednesday at wildohio.gov/deerharvest.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

Note: A list of all white-tailed deer checked by hunters using muzzleloaders during the four-day deer-muzzleloader season is shown below. The first number following the county’s name shows the harvest numbers for this year’s season, and last year’s numbers are in parentheses.

Adams: 308 (274); Allen: 50 (45); Ashland: 239 (224); Ashtabula: 463 (270); Athens: 442 (357); Auglaize: 48 (49); Belmont: 391 (283); Brown: 230 (221); Butler: 75 (72); Carroll: 427 (277); Champaign: 72 (72); Clark: 42 (41); Clermont: 168 (173); Clinton: 59 (64); Columbiana: 293 (222); Coshocton: 591 (425); Crawford: 52 (50); Cuyahoga: 2 (3); Darke: 37 (34); Defiance: 84 (92); Delaware: 71 (81); Erie: 30 (18); Fairfield: 138 (111); Fayette: 14 (11); Franklin: 27 (23); Fulton: 33 (21); Gallia: 338 (204); Geauga: 132 (83); Greene: 47 (49); Guernsey: 490 (343); Hamilton: 39 (42); Hancock: 51 (49); Hardin: 111 (87); Harrison: 499 (293); Henry: 32 (19); Highland: 216 (214); Hocking: 366 (319); Holmes: 289 (259); Huron: 133 (127); Jackson: 324 (274); Jefferson: 359 (211); Knox: 340 (309); Lake: 48 (28); Lawrence: 194 (129); Licking: 440 (322); Logan: 136 (144); Lorain: 142 (104); Lucas: 14 (24); Madison: 32 (27); Mahoning: 135 (109); Marion: 57 (54); Medina: 126 (107); Meigs: 420 (355); Mercer: 29 (17); Miami: 41 (29); Monroe: 344 (256); Montgomery: 29 (29); Morgan: 429 (273); Morrow: 96 (88); Muskingum: 602 (384); Noble: 310 (270); Ottawa: 25 (28); Paulding: 42 (47); Perry: 301 (201); Pickaway: 60 (44); Pike: 172 (173); Portage: 129 (94); Preble: 63 (62); Putnam: 20 (17); Richland: 230 (204); Ross: 287 (284); Sandusky: 52 (56); Scioto: 229 (195); Seneca: 100 (77); Shelby: 67 (63); Stark: 215 (174); Summit: 36 (28); Trumbull: 256 (147); Tuscarawas: 514 (410); Union: 42 (43); Van Wert: 24 (20); Vinton: 305 (268); Warren: 63 (74); Washington: 472 (290); Wayne: 150 (119); Williams: 85 (95); Wood: 32 (31); Wyandot: 96 (115). Total: 15,843 (12,503).

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