Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Darke County Fair to Select New Ride Company in 2018

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The 2018 edition of the Great Darke County Fair may look slightly different than previous years.

The Darke County Fair Board announced today via their Facebook page that the 2018 Fair will utilize a new vendor for rides. Kissel Brothers have provided the rides for years, but the fair board stated they're looking for something new in 2018. See their post below...

St. John Lutheran Church Christmas Eve Service

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Edison Foundation Raises Over $56K for Student Scholarships

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John Tesh performs in front of an audience of nearly 450 at the Edison Foundation’s
20h annual Holiday Evening at Edison State.
The Edison Foundation held the 20th annual Holiday Evening at Edison State on Wednesday, November 29, to help raise money for student scholarships. The evening featured John Tesh as the headlining entertainment for the night’s festivities.

Nearly 450 guests attended the annual gala, where they enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and the company of others. While a majority of the guests in attendance were local, several out-of-state guests attended to see the evening’s entertainment as Tesh performed his special holiday show, “Grand Piano Christmas.”

“The 2017 Holiday Evening at Edison State appropriately celebrated the 20th anniversary of the event with an outstanding performer and a sell-out crowd,” said Edison State President Dr. Doreen Larson. “John Tesh and his crew were easy and fun to work with and they fully understood the importance of the event for raising scholarship dollars for Edison State students.”

Proceeds from the evening benefit the Edison Foundation’s General Scholarship Fund, which directly assists recent high school graduates and those returning to the classroom to start, change or advance their careers.

This year’s event raised $56,774, which will assist countless students in the upcoming academic year.

“The ultimate beneficiaries of the event are our students who will receive much-deserved scholarship assistance as they pursue their dreams,” added Dr. Larson.

“The level of sponsorship beginning with our presenting sponsors, Emerson and Premier Health–Upper Valley Medical Center, all the way through individual ticket sales far exceeded our expectations and has set a new bar for future events.”

To commemorate the 20th annual Holiday Evening at Edison State, special recognition was given to the founding sponsors Cliff and Joyce Alexander, William and Wanda Lukens, Thom and Pat Robinson, Richard and Linda Scott, and Thomas and Sandy Shoemaker, who were at the forefront of this scholarship-raising event.

Also contributing to the event were the evening’s co-chairs, James and Ginny Thompson, of Botkins, who were instrumental in helping to facilitate the success of the event.

“By your presence, you have chosen to share your gift with many current and future students of Edison State Community College,” said James Thompson.

Tesh performed classic holiday hits such as “Silver Bells,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Meli Kalilimaka” as well as his original NBA tune, “Roundball Rock.” Woodwind performer, Mark Visher, who played the flute and saxophone, accompanied Tesh on stage. In addition to performing, Tesh combined humor and spirituality to tell his inspiring life story, complete with the ups and downs.

The celebration of the holiday season includes past performances by world-renowned musician Tim Janis, The Texas Tenors, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Harry Connick, Sr., Marvin Hamlisch, Australia’s The Ten Tenors, Straight No Chaser, The Toledo Symphony Orchestra, and former Tonight Show bandleader Doc Severinson.

To learn more about Holiday Evening and view a slideshow of the evening’s proceedings and attendees, visit www.edisonohio.edu/HolidayEvening.

MVCTC High School Dental Assistant Students Certified Dental Assistant seniors pass the Ohio Dental Assistant Certification Test

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Ten MVCTC Dental Assistant seniors earned their Commission on Ohio Dental Assistant Certification. Front row Left/Right Audra Kirchhofer (Dixie), Carly Newman (Milton-Union), Emma Tobias (Tri-County North), Brooke Maleski (Tri-County North), Jordan Adams (Preble-Shawnee). Back row left to right - Roxi Draper (Northmont), Jenna Bridges (Mississinawa Valley), Megan Baker (Dixie), Kaitlyn Bemis (Valley View), and Chloe Baker (Northridge).
Columbus, Ohio – Senior students from the Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) Dental Assistant program traveled to Columbus, Ohio, to take the Commission on Ohio Dental Assistant (CODA) Certification on October 21 and 22, 2017.

The CODA Certification test consists of three portions, a written, clinical, and radiology. The written portion includes eight sections from dental anatomy to sterilization. The clinical portion ask students to demonstrate being chairside ready; this includes suctioning, mixing dental materials, and taking alginate impressions. The radiology section includes a written and clinical portion where students must expose dental radiographs The radiology portion shows that when students are of age, they will be able to take dental radiographs, an integral part of the daily duties while working in an office. Students must pass all three portions to be considered certified by the State of Ohio.

The MVCTC Class of 2018 had ten students who successfully passed all three portions earning their CODA certification. Kaitlyn Bemis (Valley View), received the top score out of the class. The other nine students earning their CODA included Audra Kirchhofer (Dixie), Carly Newman (Milton-Union), Emma Tobias (Tri-County North), Brooke Maleski (Tri-County North), Jordan Adams (Preble-Shawnee), Roxi Draper (Northmont), Jenna Bridges (Mississinawa Valley), Megan Baker (Dixie), and Chloe Baker (Northridge). Nine more students will travel to Columbus in the spring to take the test.

What started almost 50 years ago as the Montgomery County Joint Vocational School (JVS) has transformed into the Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC). While the name has changed, the mission remains the same. MVCTC is dedicated to providing training for in-demand jobs and college-readiness skills for high school and adult students across Darke, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, and Warren Counties.

For more information about MVCTC, visit www.mvctc.com or follow MVCTC on Facebook (Facebook.com/MVCTC) or Twitter (Twitter.com/MVCTC).

Christmas Time for Big Brothers Big Sisters

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Big Sister June Anderson and Little Sister Peyton Ginger enjoy
their time together at the Big Brothers Big Sisters annual
Christmas party. Peyton is the daughter of Mallissa Ginger.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County recently held their annual Darke County Christmas party on Saturday, December 9, at The Skate Place in Greenville. About 40 Bigs, Littles, board members, and staff members attended this fun holiday event. Attendees enjoyed pizza, snacks, drinks, and a competitive game of trivia. The highlight of the day was the gifts the children received from the agency.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County’s vision is for all children to achieve success in life. Their mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. By partnering with parents/guardians, volunteers, and others in the community they are accountable for each child in the program achieving higher aspirations, greater confidence, better relationships, avoidance of risky behaviors, and educational success.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit United Way member agency. If you would like to become a volunteer and make a difference in a child’s life, contact the local agency at 937-492-7611 or go to www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org for more information.

SNOW IN AIR, SUNSHINE IN HEARTS AT LIONS BLOOD DRIVE

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DARKE CO. CLUBS CELEBRATE SEASON WITH TEDDY BEAR & FRIENDS

Arcanum Lions Club volunteers at Darke Co. Lions Teddy Bear & Friends Blood Drive. (L-R) Darwin Rhoades, Dick Mathias, Geraldine Hodge, Linda & Bill Campbell.
GREENVILLE, Ohio - Bursts of light snow sometimes darkened the skies Tuesday, Dec. 12 while wind gusts made the wise men sway in the Nativity scene outside the Greenville Church of the Brethren. But inside it was all sunshine for the 22nd annual Darke County Lions Clubs “Teddy Bear & Friends Blood Drive.”

The Arcanum, Gettysburg, Greenville and Pitsburg Lions Clubs worked together like a reindeer team, encouraging blood donations and remembering children spending the holidays in the hospital. The Lions raised money to purchase more than 150 stuffed animals for children at Wayne HealthCare. Donors were invited to sign gift tags and send well wishes.

CBC’s Dana Puterbaugh presented LifeSaving Ambassadors Club Gold Awards to each club for the success of the 2016 blood drive. Support for this year’s Teddy Bear blood drive grew by 17 percent with 129 donors, 112 whole blood donations and 11 platelet and plasma donations for 112 percent of goal.

“We’ve been doing this for quite a few years,” said Arcanum Lions Club volunteer Dick Mathias as his club took its turn volunteering in the Donor Café. “There have been a few members who have passed away. We took over and have been doing it this long. It’s been a great thing. We enjoy helping others.”

The Arcanum Lions also raised $4,300 for a donation to the pediatric cancer unit at Dayton Children’s Hospital. “You see those kids coming, and they have cancer,” said Dick. “It’s a good thing to do.”

“It’s by first year helping with the blood drive,” said Pitsburg Lions Club volunteer Cristoph Keller. “It’s been interesting. I’ve never seen this operation!”

Cristoph joined Arcanum Lions volunteer Bill Campbell at the stuffed animals table. They offered donors a choice of stuffed animal, invited donors to sign a gift tag and attached it to the toy.

“I have bought bears for my granddaughter,” said Ansonia donor Tim Miller who held up a brown teddy. “I saw this one sitting there and it looked like something she would like.”

“I’ve done this a few years,” said donor Michelle Nixon. “I remember one year they had a huge stuffed sheep. It was really cool!”

Kathy Gootee from Greenville also chose a stuffed barnyard friend. “I picked out a cow,” she said. “I grew up on a farm and I have an affinity for cows!”

Greenville’s Tanya Ryan and Dustin Hufford sat in the Donor Café and talked about how they formed a friendship when they found out they were both donors. “I was a donor, and she was a donor too, so we started coming together,” said Dustin.

“It’s a great cause,” Tanya said about the stuffed animal gifts to the children. They pledged to continue supporting Greenville blood drives. “We really enjoy the phone calls saying your blood was used to help someone in the hospital, maybe four days after your donation,” she said.

Learn more at www.GivingBlood.org

Monday, December 18, 2017

Greenville Middle School Robotics Team Competes in FIRST LEGO League Regional Qualifier

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Ava Loudy, Maxwell Jordan, Brianna Flory, and Harrison Plessinger members of Greenville Middle School Robotics team, with Coaches Alissa Elliott and Steve Plessinger, recently competed at West Carrolton Middle School in the 2017-18 FIRST LEGO League Regional Qualifier.
Members of Greenville Middle School Robotics team recently competed at West Carrolton Middle School in the 2017-18 FIRST LEGO League Regional Qualifier. Team GRIP (Greenville Robotics Innovative Programmers) was scored on their performance in The Robot Games, presentation of a project creating an innovative solution to the human water cycle, and representation of FIRST LEGO League core values. The rookie team placed 8th in the Robot Games out of 16 teams.

For the Robot Games, team members including Maxwell Jordan, 8th grade; Harrison Plessinger, 8th grade; Brianna Flory, 7th grade; and Ava Loudy, 6th grade worked on the FIRST LEGO League project Hydro Dynamics. They built a robot and programed it to complete as many designated missions as possible by the end of a 2 minute 30 second match, scoring points for each mission accomplished. Greenville Middle School 6th grade Science teacher Alissa Elliott and Steve Plessinger coached the team.

Through the Hydro Dynamics Challenge students made a splash learning about water – how to find, transport use, or dispose of it. Throughout the project they discovered what might become possible when we understand what happens to our water. Identifying urban runoff as a current problem within the human water cycle the team created the innovative solution of a rain barrel with an automated garden and formally presented the solution to a panel of judges.

Greenville Middle School Robotics Team was formed this spring by Alissa Elliott, students submitted applications to join the team. The team participated in a FIRST LEGO League week long day camp in July, as an introduction to the program and Robot Games. In September the project Hydro Dynamics was released, and the team began preparing for the Regional Competition. The top 5 teams from the Regional Qualifier move on to the district competition.

In FIRST LEGO League students are immersed in real-world science and technology challenges. Teams design their own solutions to a current scientific question or problem and build autonomous LEGO robots that perform a series of missions. Through their participation, students develop valuable life skills and discover exciting career possibilities while learning that they can make a positive contribution to society.

Christmas Eve Day Service at Greenville Church of the Brethren

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Greenville Federal Supports Garst Museum

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Dr. Clay Johnson, Garst Museum CEO (right), is shown with
Jeff D. Kniese, president and CEO of Greenville Federal (left).
The Garst Museum is thankful for Greenville Federal as they continue their long-time support as a Corporate Gold Member. Dr. Clay Johnson, Garst Museum CEO, stated that “Garst Museum owes its success to the community’s support. Greenville Federal’s support is instrumental in allowing the museum to maintain and grow its programs and preservation efforts. As a nonprofit organization, the museum relies on the generosity of businesses like Greenville Federal to fulfill its mission.”

The Darke County Historical Society and the Garst Museum’s mission is to collect, preserve, exhibit, study, and interpret materials relating to the history and culture of Darke County, Ohio, as it represents a crossroads of the American experience. The DCHS operates the Garst Museum in Greenville, Ohio, and its 35,000-square-foot campus houses over 300,000 artifacts. Permanent exhibitions of national significance include the National Annie Oakley Center, the Treaty of Greenville, Lowell Thomas, Ohio Native Americans, and the multi-racial settlement of Longtown. For more information about the award-winning Garst Museum, see www.garstmuseum.org.

The Garst Museum is located at:

205 N. Broadway, Greenville, OH 45331
937-548-5250
website: www.garstmuseum.org
email: information@garstmuseum.org

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY

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Chuck Langenkamp of Greenville is the winner of a door prize giveaway at Versailles Health Care Center’s annual Christmas Party. Pictured is Chuck and his gift basket.

The Tradition Continues: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Trinity

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After over eighty years families still gather for the traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. The first service of Candlelight in the community was held at Trinity in the 1930’s and every year since the community has been invited to join the Trinity family to worship the new born Christ Child.

In 2017 we invite you and your family to once again gather with us for the word, music, and sacrament as we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child.

A recital of music begins at 10:30 p.m. with the magnificent Trinity Pipe organ. Guest vocalists are the Leis sisters, Stephanie, Nicole, and Chelsea. The girls will offer a variety of music for the season before and during the 11:00 p.m. service. This will also mark the last Christmas service to be celebrated by our Pastor, Bob Akins as he retires on December 31st.

The beautifully decorated sanctuary will be lit by the twinkle of lights and the flicker of candles. The great stain glass windows will be illuminated from outside giving us a feeling of dawn on this blessed night.

From the hearing of God’s word, to the inspirational message from Rev Akins, along with the carols of Christmases long ago we invite you to join us in celebration and renewed faith on this holy night!

Trinity is located at the corner of Steffin and Wood Streets in Versailles and welcomes you at this service or any Sunday Morning at 10:30 a.m. If you are looking for a place to worship in this busy world, consider joining us in the peace and tranquility that is Trinity!

An Open Letter from the Trustees of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

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As we gather to celebrate the birth of the Christ child, many of us allow thoughts of our forefathers to creep into our conscience. It is much like the familiar scent of a fresh pine tree or to unwrap an old ornament that has decorated our trees for more years than any of us can remember.

You can almost hear the crunch of the snow under the runner of the sleigh as it makes its way to St. Peter’s for the Christmas Eve service.
Listen and you can hear the familiar sounds of the church bell as it cuts through the cold, crisp air. The sound can be heard by all the farms around the church, beckoning the settlers to come to worship.

The black wood burning stove warms the church as the crackling sound fills the meeting room. An old copper coffee pot has been heating, waiting for the Circuit Pastor to arrive.

A fresh cut tree sits by the pump organ and the first strands of “Silent Night” drift through the room.

What we wouldn’t give to be a part of that setting! But what if the next generation of our community doesn’t have the same opportunities as we have had to come home or to visit St. Peter?

To ensure that never happens we need your help to continue to raise funds to maintain the last of the log Churches in Darke County as well as the cemetery where many of our areas earlies settlers rest.

In the next few years the church will need to be painted, the yard continues to need mowed, and the daily upkeep will be needed in both church and cemetery.

Please consider a “Christmas gift” this year to support the historic legacy known as St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Your gifts may be sent in care of Richard Shumaker: 5958 Children’s Home Bradford Road, Greenville, Ohio 45331, or James Kelch: 105 Greenhaven Drive, Greenville, Ohio 45331.

We the above, representing the Trustees of St. Peter’s and the descendants of the original Congregation wish to thank you for your generosity and look forward to welcoming you” home” on September 16, 2018 for the annual homecoming.

May this season of His birth renew you, and bring you God’s peace. Merry Christmas!

The Trustees of St. Peter’s
Harold Klipstine, Chairman Emeritus (Deceased)
Harold Shumaker, Chairman Emeritus (Deceased)
Richard Shumaker, Chairman
James Kelch
Jane Martin
Betty McCormick
Robyn Moreland
Mary Lou Unger
Shawn Unger

Friday, December 15, 2017

Library Wins Snowman Contest

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Staff from the Greenville Public Library recently won a “Snowman Decorating Contest” sponsored by Darke County Parks at the Shawnee Prairie Preserve. Logs were provided but otherwise participants used their own supplies. The winner was selected by People's Choice at the Luminary Walk on December 2nd. The Library donated the $50 prize money back to the Park in memory of the late Wayne Nichols who worked as the Park's Maintenance Supervisor for many years.

High School Big Buddy Mentors Make Big Impact in the Lives of Local Children

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Big Buddy, Sarah Layman from Anna High School & Little Buddy,
Jennifer Webb daughter of Tonya Westerheide of Sidney.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County is excited to announce that another great year of the Big Buddies program is up and running. This is the eighteenth year the program has been in place. The Buddies program is an eight-month commitment where high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors agree to work with and mentor elementary-aged children two times per month. During these meetings, the high school students, under the supervision of Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, work with one or two children on different educational and recreational activities. This year’s curriculum is entitled “Earth Friendly Practices”.

The Buddies program is held at four different sites in Shelby County for the 2017-2018 school year, and additional volunteers are still needed. These sessions are held at Emerson, Longfellow, Northwood, and Whittier Elementary Schools in Sidney. This year’s program kicked off with a total of 61 volunteers from Anna, Botkins, Christian Academy, Fort Loramie, Jackson Center, Lehman, Russia, & Sidney. To date, the following high school volunteers for the 2017-2018 include:

  • Anna: Erica Schulze, Autumn Peterson, Brooke Haynes, Linda Perkins, Paige Wiktorowski, Laura Conley, Alyza Hoelscher, Shana Roe, Ashley Ferguson, Marissa VanGorden, Ashley Heitkamp, Amber Stewart, Sarah Layman, Lauren Stephens, Chloe Sharp, Maura Rose, Elizabeth Rickert, Elaina Crossen, Kelsie McKinney, Kayleigh Knew, Nylah Crosson, Liza Michael, Samantha Martin, and Samantha Gratz.
  • Botkins: Sarah VanBrocklin, Lauren Meyer, Lindsey Okuley, Jillian Thurmond, and Scotlynn Armstrong.
  • Christian Academy: Nick Wilson
  • Fort Loramie: Rachel DeLoye
  • Jackson Center: Emme Farley, Halie Shroyer, Maddie Yarkoskey, Maelee Enochs, Jada Yinger, and Regan Davidson.
  • Lehman: Claire Larger, Grace Dexter, Kaila Sims, Evie Olding, and Reese Geise.
  • Russia: Olivia Quinter
  • Sidney: Rachel Trudeau, Katie Butts, Emma Zerkle, Ryan Allen, Cheyanna Bolden, Kiara Holiday, Broc Bey, Kazlynn Douglas, Jayden Humphrey, Emily Sauers, Damien Jones, Blake Blakenship, Taylor Williams, Madisyn Allen, Madyson Crain, Jennah Spade, Kelly Curlis, and Soleil Drinnen.

High school mentoring programs have become a widespread component of many nationally affiliated Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies. Studies prove that children who spend time with a positive role model are more likely to become healthy productive adults. The Big Buddies program has proven beneficial not only for the Littles, but for the high school volunteers as well.

In addition to the after-school Big Buddies program, the agency has 75 community-based matches throughout Shelby and Darke County. These matches meet with each other twice a month for outings which are planned around the volunteers own schedule. The goal of the community-based program is to match a local child with an adult mentor, who can serve as a positive role model, and expose the child to enhancing and uplifting activities. Currently the agency has 11 children waiting for a Big Brother or Sister in the program, so now is the time to think about how you could put a little sparkle into the life of a child! If you are interested in becoming a mentor in our community-based program, please call 937-547-9622 or 937-492-7611 for more information.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County is a United Way member agency and an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. The Buddies program is partially funded by The Vectren Foundation Fund, The Community Foundation of Shelby County’s Monarch Legacy Fund, and Sidney-Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Foundation. If you would like more information about how to become a volunteer, you may visit the agency web site at www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org or call the Sidney office at 937-492-7611 or the Greenville office at 937-547-9622.

2017 MARKS COMPANY MILESTONE FOR FINANCIAL ACHIEVEMENT SERVICES (FAS) AS THEY COMPLETE THIER 40TH YEAR IN BUSINESS

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(December 8, 2017, GREENVILLE, OHIO) Financial Achievement Services (FAS), a leading independent financial services firm in Greenville, Ohio, is celebrating their 40th year in business.

Since its inception in 1977, Financial Achievement Services has provided expert, client-focused financial guidance to residents of Darke County and the Miami Valley area. In addition to the local area, the firm now serves a national clientele through 26 licensed reps in 14 branch offices in Ohio, Indiana and California.

“At FAS our vision is simple: We are a team of caring professionals partnering with our clients to navigate life’s experiences. I think what has made us the most successful over the past 40 years is truly taking the time to understand each client’s unique financial situation, life goals and needs,” states Matt Arnold, President of FAS. “We get to know our clients, and stand side-by-side with them, guiding them through their financial choices and decisions at every crossroad. At FAS, we like to say that are more than financial professionals because life is about more than dollars and cents.”

FAS’s Greenville location offers a team of 13 professionals who are dedicated to offering their clients the best possible financial guidance, information and service in the future.

Registered Representative/Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Signator Investors, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, and Registered Investment Advisor. Financial Achievement Services is independent of Signator Investors, Inc.

About Financial Achievement Services Inc., 5116 Children’s Home-Bradford Road, Greenville, Ohio 45331:

Financial Achievement Services, Inc., provides the guidance you need for navigating life’s twists and turns. The FAS team offers a full range of financial services designed to provide a clear, no-nonsense financial roadmap; simple solutions designed to help achieve your plans for your life. Our goal is to take the mystery out of investing, managing risk, tax strategies, preparing for retirement and ultimately, transferring the wealth you’ve worked to build to those you care about most.

Learn more about Financial Achievement Services, Inc. by visiting their web site at www.teamfas.com, or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/teamfasinc.

Museum by Christmas and Candlelight this Friday!

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This popular tradition began in the early years of the museum and has grown each year! On December 15th from 5:30 till 8:30 in the evening the museum will be bathed in Christmas lights and the soft flicker of candles to illuminate the beautiful displays and artifacts.

While we agree it’s not the best way to see all our displays, it is a unique way to view things from a new prospective.

Various rooms will have costumed interpreters to share stories from our past. While many displays harken to the late 1800’s this year’s theme comes from the early 1930’s and the Great Depression. Our Service Station display has a car ready for a few cents of gas and loaded with what few Christmas supplies could be afforded.

Other rooms reflect a nostalgic remembrance of Martin’s Department Store’s “Toy Land”. This room is laden with toys for good girls and boys from the 1940’s to the 1980’s. Even Santa is there in “spirit” to recall those fond days gone by.

Of course, at this festive time of year, a stop in the Church Room to remember the “reason for the season” is a must.

What were the shoppers buying for Christmas in the 1890’s? A stop at our Mercantile Room will show what our storekeeper, A. Huffman has in stock for the season.

Cookies hot from the 1900 gas oven, in our 1900 kitchen along with tree trimming is just what you might expect on a night before Christmas and is a special delight as well.

School might be out for the Christmas Recess but the classrooms are still trimmed from their last day party.

A solemn stop on your journey is our Military Room recalling the service and loss to our communities by war and those who were not at home for Christmas.

Dressed interpreters will be found in many rooms to share our story of Christmas past and maybe give some young visitors a glimpse of what Christmas was like 50, 100, or 150 years ago!

This is a night for the whole family whether you are from the Versailles area or not to come together and savor and celebrate this special season! We look forward to welcoming you!

Christmas Eve Service at Pitsburg Church of the Brethren

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Christmas Eve Service

Coming December 24th at 10:00 pm is our traditional Christmas Eve service in the lower fellowship hall. In a darkened, reverent atmosphere we read the Christmas story, share a children's time, sing lots of Christmas hymns and hear a short devotion.

The service is for children of all ages.

Come to Pitsburg Church of the Brethren at 8376 Pitsburg Laura Rd

For more information call Pastor Ken at 546 6808

Fort GreeneVille Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution Busy This Holiday Season in Many Ways.

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Fort GreeneVille Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recently had a Christmas wreath dedication at the Darke County Veterans Memorial marker at the Darke County Courthouse. The wreath is in honor of all Darke County Veterans and active duty military.

Another wreath sponsored by Fort GreeneVille DAR will be dedicated on December 16 for Zachary Lansdowne at Arlington Cemetery in Washington DC. The wreath is part of the Wreaths Across America Program. Lansdowne was a US Navy Lieutenant Commander who was killed in the crash of the USS Shenandoah.

Fort GreeneVille DAR has also donated $200 to Greenville native Kenton Stacy. U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Stacy is at a hospital in San Antonio, Texas, after he was struck by an IED while clearing a hospital in Syria. He was severely injured while assigned to the Operation Inherent Resolve campaign against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

Members also decorated Christmas trees in the Garst Museum military room and the Shawnee Prairie Preserve and Nature Center. Besides the tree decorating, members volunteered at the Darke County Parks' 10th Annual Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland event.

Wrapping up the holiday season, the chapter had its annual Christmas Luncheon at the St. Clair Manor. Following the luncheon, members went to Montage with mitten donations for the FISH mitten tree.

Fort GreeneVille Chapter DAR would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Ansonia FFA's Parli Pro Team is Off to State!

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On Wednesday, November 29th, the Ansonia FFA’s novice and advanced parliamentary procedure teams traveled to Ft. Laramie schools to participate in the district contest. The advanced team made up of Amber Bergman, Olivia Wright, Aleesha Gates, Katie Werts, Mariah Troutwine, and Katelyn McKenna placed 4th out of six teams. The novice team made up of Emily Wright, Mckenzie Singer, Kaydee Campbell, Deanna Moody, Kiley Winner, Carrie Rhoads, Andrew Thornhill, and Jacob Prasuhn placed 2nd, which earned them a spot at the state competition. 

The novice Parli-pro team posed for a picture before getting on the bus to head to the district competition.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Rossburg Teen Crashes into Pole After Losing Control in the Snow

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On December 12, 2017 at 5:14 PM Darke County Deputies along with Union City, Ohio Fire Dept., Union City, Ohio Rescue, and Union City, Indiana Rescue responded to an injury accident in the 11400 block of Staudt Road.

Preliminary investigation revealed that 16 year old Kyler Guillozet, of Rossburg, driving a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, was traveling southbound on Staudt Road when he lost control on the snow covered roadway and slid off the left side of the road. Kyler's car struck a mailbox and a utility pole, breaking the pole and causing a power outage in the area. The front seat passenger, 15 year old Mason Hummel, of Rossburg, had to be mechanically extricated from the vehicle. Kyler and Mason were transported to Wayne Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The Darke County Sheriff's Office would like to remind motorists to be extremely careful during this time of year with snow and ice covered roadways.

Help Wanted at Family Health

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SBIRT Care Coordinator/Behavioral Health Nurse

RN-BSN preferred (Ohio license)

Family Health Services of Darke County, Inc., an Innovative community health center in west central Ohio, seeks a highly motivated individual to join their Behavioral Health and Wellness Center in developing comprehensive patient care plans and educational programs using the SBIRT model of care.

SBIRT stands for Screening, Basic Intervention, and Referral to Treatment. SBIRT is an evidenced based process to screen, identify, intervene, and treat people struggling with psychiatric, addiction and psycho-social disorders. The SBIRT Care Coordinator/Behavioral Health Nurse will complement the diverse team of providers and care coordinators in providing seamless, comprehensive and coordinated patient care.

Requirements:

* Minimum two years of experience developing clinical care plans and providing comprehensive care management for high risk patients, preferably pertinent to chemical dependency and psychiatric disorders.
* Must have great communication skills, ability to work both independently and cohesively with multi-disciplinary teams in establishing and managing care plan and continuity of patient care.
* Patience and flexibility in working with diverse patient populations, especially those struggling with mental health and addiction disorders. Coordinate mental health and addiction and recovery services, including medication assisted treatment programs.
* Outreach: Experience in developing and conducting individual, group, and community educational programs relevant to SBIRT modules and services.

For more details of job requirements, please go to Family Health website: www.familyhealthservices.org

EOE

Qualified applicants, please send resume to HR@familyhealthservices.org

Christmas Eve Service at First Presbyterian Church

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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Inspirational Warm Uplifting Personal
All Welcome!

Piano Recital & Presby Trio, 6:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 7:00 pm.
An Evening of Lessons, Carols and Special Music
Nursery Provided
John Person, Pastor

Cable Channel 5 @ 10:00 p.m. & Midnight
114 East Fourth Street, Greenville, Ohio
937-548-3188

Help Wanted at Family Health

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Psycho-social Care Coordinator (full-time/40 hours)

Family Health, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated team player to join their Behavioral Health and Wellness team as a Psychosocial Care Coordinator.

Primary duties include providing care coordination, referral, advocacy, and support services to Family Health patients in need of financial assistance, resource allocation, emotional support and/or follow-up services. Ability to work both independently and cohesively with the community and multi-disciplinary team is essential.

Requirements:

  • Degree in social work, human services, or psychiatric-related field
  • Minimum two years of experience in providing psycho-social support services

EOE

For more details please go to www.familyhealthservices.org

Qualified applicants, please send resume to HR@familyhealthservices.org

‘SANTA’ REMINDS ALL TO HO-HO-DONATE DURING HOLIDAYS

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GIVING BEGINS EARLY FOR ‘SANTA’ BILL MORGAN AT DAYTON CBC

DAYTON, Ohio - If you think your to-do list is filling up fast this holiday season, put yourself in Santa’s boots. The jolly old elf set a good example for planning ahead and precious gift-giving when he stopped by the Dayton Community Blood Center Tuesday, Dec. 5 to make a blood donation.

For the other 11 months of the year “Santa” is Centerville donor Bill Morgan. He’s a regular platelet donor at the Dayton CBC and his Tuesday visit marked his 169th lifetime donation. Bill is also a retired IT manager and professional Santa who still dons the red suit at Christmas time to benefit local charities.

His rounds usually include a donation in costume at CBC to celebrate the season with donors, and to remind everyone to make time during the busy holiday season to give the gift of life.

Bill is an Indianapolis native who moved to the Miami Valley with his wife Bonnie to become Development Manager at LexisNexis. He had a natural white beard and just needed some extra padding to transform into a professional Santa Claus. He debuted in 2000 at Springfield’s Upper Valley Mall.

“They brought in live reindeer and put me on a sled behind the back of the mall with a bunch of people dressed as elves,” he said about his grand entrance. “Just as we began to move it started snowing, and it was really snowing. By the time we got into the mall the sled was covered with snow. As soon as we got in the mall, it stopped. It couldn’t have been more perfect.”

His wife Bonnie worked at his side, a perfect “Mrs. Claus” with her white bun and just 4-foot, 9-inches tall.

“We would go to the mall and the kids who were afraid of Santa had no problem with having their picture taken with her,” Bill said. “She would laugh and say, ‘This is tough work! You dress up and people shove babies in your arms. You can’t beat it!’ My wife was a sucker for babies.”

Bill and Bonnie gave up the mall to focus on charity appearances. It was rewarding, but also challenging. “My wife and I used to visit Dayton Children’s,” he said. “The families were going through so much with a sick child. We really needed each other afterwards to build ourselves back up.”

Bill lost his Mrs. Claus when Bonnie passed way in 2010. They were married 41 years and had two daughters and three grandsons. “My wife was a great hugger,” he said. “Everybody wanted to hug Mrs. Claus.”

It was around that time that Bill became an apheresis donor. Tuesday’s donation was his eighth of the year. With jolly optimism he continues playing Santa. When his natural beard thinned, he had a special wig and beard made from human hair.

Santa also has a Mrs. Claus again. Bill met his new wife Evelyn in Granville and they were married in July of 2016.

This season he will again visit Miami Valley Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to cheer up families. He will still be Santa for the holiday party at UES, Inc., a government contractor in Beavercreek. His fee from UES pays for the toys he donates every year to the St. Vincent de Paul Family Shelter. With Evelyn at his side as Mrs. Claus, he will deliver them to the shelter on Christmas morning.

“Anything seems to excite them,” he said about the happy children. “They have a good Christmas morning, and when they’re playing with their toys, Santa sneaks out.”

Learn more at www.GivingBlood.org

Monday, December 11, 2017

COMMISSIONER’S CORNER

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November has come and gone for 2017. This was a very good November weather wise, for most of the month it felt like early October. Now that Thanksgiving is over, the next 30 days starts the big Holiday season for retailers, manufacturers, and for most people. We hope the weather continues to co-operate!

November is the month when we start our appropriation process with our departments. Our department heads always do a good job of holding the line on spending, and this is why Darke County has continued to grow and prosper. Our Health and Wellness group in conjunction with our insurer CEBCO (County Employee Benefit Consortium) has done an excellent job in getting our people to lead healthier lives, and that has translated into minimal health insurance costs for the County.

CORSA, (County Risk Sharing Authority) our property insurer, does regular checkups on our buildings, and risk assessments for the County. This co-operation with them and the training and awareness of certain hazards and maintenance needs they see has also led to very good insurance rates for Darke County. We will continue to do all we can to make sure that we do what is necessary to keep our rates as low as possible. The county has seen growth again this year, and in talking to our Economic Development Director, Mike Bowers, it seems things are still moving quite well. All of our companies are doing an excellent job in cost containment and growth, so when you see one of their employees or managers, congratulate them for their continued growth, and a job well done.

This year we have accomplished quite a bit, but as always, there is still more to do. With buildings to maintain, technology upgrades, and equipment purchases, and mandates from the State, we will continue to keep an eye on spending. This year came the news of the MCO tax going away for the State, and that translated into all 88 counties losing substantial amounts of money. That money will need replaced. The MCO tax is still in some discussion at the State level, so we will see what happens. The Sheriff will get three new cruisers again next year, a program that has been going on now for 4 years. We need to continue with this as Darke County is a large county and our Sheriff’s vehicles put on many miles. The Darke County Airport has seen great growth in usage this year, especially in fuel sales, and with some very nice comments on AirNav.com, it is good to see it getting greater exposure. Next spring will bring the improvements to grow the airport even further.
To see some great pictures and information, go to the Darke County Airport Facebook page.

December and Christmas are upon us. This has been a year to be thankful for here in the County. While you are Christmas shopping in Greenville, or just out shopping in your town, come on over, stop in and see what is going on by sitting in on one of our public sessions. We meet every Monday and Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in the Commissioner’s office at 520 S. Broadway, in downtown Greenville just south of the Courthouse. We hope you had a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING, and wish all of you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The Darke County Commissioners

FRAM donates $1,000 to Cancer Association of Darke County

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Left to right : Duane Edwards (Cancer Association of Darke County Board Member), Stacy Burns (Fram), Monica Gloria (Fram), Pam Clark (Fram), Debbie Green (Fram), Nicole Moore (Fram), Sherry Marten (Cancer Association of Darke County Board Member), Brenda James (Fram)
FRAM employees recently held a fundraiser by raffling parking spots and selling Fram Filter Out cancer shirts.

The proceeds of the fundraiser were donated to the Cancer Association to help local cancer patients who are fighting a very difficult battle.

The organization is a 501c3 established in 1995. It is located inside the Wayne Cancer Center at 1111 Sweitzer Street. Benefits are provided in the form of reimbursement for mileage, medication, medical supplies and nutritional support. There are no strings attached to the benefits and all patients living in Darke County who have been diagnosed with cancer are eligible to receive help.

If you or a loved one or friend has cancer and lives in Darke County, please contact the office at 548-9960 for help.

The association thanks the Fram employees for their hard work in completing this fundraiser that will help many cancer patients.

The organization is not affiliated with American Cancer Society or any other cancer group. It is funded by grants, donations, fundraisers, and is a United Way Partner.

Corporate Sponsors for 2017 are:

American Legion Post 140, Ansonia Lumber, Bible Fellowship Church, Dave Knapp Ford-Lincoln, Diane Evans Insurance, Farmers State Bank - New Madison, First Assembly of God, Greenville Memorial Auxiliary 7262, Greenville National Bank, Greenville Technology, Inc., Hittle Buick, GMC, Kiwanis Club of New Madison, Ray and Bettye Laughlin, Lowdy Office Machines, Mercer Savings Bank, Ramco Electric Motors, Second National Bank, Sisco, VFW Post 7262, Wayne Health Care ,Women of the Moose, and Williamson Insurance.

KIDS GIVE SANTA LISTS AT BPW BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

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Pictured back row left to right:  Susan Fowble, Dara Buchy, Karen Sink, (Mrs. Claus), Sue Huston, Vicki Cost, Leigh Fletcher, Diana Frazier. Front Row: Gail Snyder, Santa, Peggy Foutz with children.
Greenville, OH. December 5, 2017 – Children were on their “best behavior” at the Greenville Business and Professional Women’s Club (BPW) annual Breakfast with Santa on December 2nd at the Greenville VFW. This year, Mrs. Claus joined him at the breakfast as well. Scrambled eggs, sausage, donut holes, orange juice and milk were prepared and served by the Greenville High School Supply Chain Management students and their advisor and BPW member Dara Buchy. During the breakfast, Santa walked around and spoke with the children. After breakfast, they listened to the story of “Elfie’s Christmas” read by Leigh Fletcher followed by an individual meeting with Santa to give him their lists. Each child also received a goodie bag and gift from Santa. Photos from the event can be found on the club’s Facebook page at Greenville BPW Club.

Special thanks to the following: Dara Buchy and the Greenville High School Supply Chain Management students, Downing’s Fruit (apples), The Early Bird/Bluebag Media (pictures for coloring), the Greenville VFW, Weaver Brothers (eggs), Eikenberry’s IGA (donut holes), Winner’s Meats (sausage), and Melanie Shilt (for backdrop). Also juice, milk, tableware and candy were donated by the Greenville BPW club members. All proceeds from this event go towards scholarships for the young women of Darke County.

The Greenville BPW Club’s mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education, and information. The club’s dinner meetings are held the second Thursday each month. Those interested in learning more about the Club can contact Membership Chair Marilyn Emmons at 548-5824 or demmons@embarqmail.com or find them on Facebook @ Greenville BPW Club.

State Partners with Local Organizations to help Ohioans Stay Warm this Winter

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HEAP Winter Crisis Program Begins November 1

The Community Action Partnership and Ohio Development Services Agency will help eligible Ohioans stay warm during the cold winter months. The Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program provides eligible Ohioans heating assistance if they are disconnected from their heating source, threatened with disconnection or if they have less than 25 percent supply of bulk fuel. The program runs from November 1, 2017 until March 31, 2018.

“We want to help Ohioans stay warm this winter,” said David Goodman, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency. “Working with Community Action Partnership, we’re helping Ohioans manage their energy costs this winter.”

More than 400 families in Darke County were assisted through the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program last year.

Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirt of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other,

To qualify for the Winter Crisis Program, a household must be threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected or have less than a 25 percent supply of bulk fuel. The household must also have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level. For a family of four the annual income must be at or below $43,050. From November 2016 – March 2017, more than 104,799 Ohioans were helped by the program statewide.

Individuals interested in receiving Winter Crisis assistance must have a face-to-face interview at the local HEAP provider. Customers must bring the following items to their appointment:

  • proof of income (copies of pay stubs)
  • copies of their most recent energy bills
  • list of all household members with Social Security card and birth dates
  • proof of U.S. citizenship/legal residency for all household members
  • copy of rental lease

Examples of documents that are accepted to prove citizenship/legal residency include: a Social Security Card, birth certificate, U.S. Passport, naturalization paper/certification of citizenship, permanent VISA, and INS ID Card.

Ohioans can call the toll-free hotline at (800) 282-0880, Monday through Friday (hearing impaired customers may dial 711 for assistance or visit http://development.ohio.gov/is/is_heapwinter.htm for more information about the Winter Crisis Program.

For more information about energy assistance programs call (800)282-0880 and for a list of energy assistance providers select option 2, or visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov.

Tech Repair Service Opens in Downtown Greenville

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Ryan Wintrow and Trevor Brumbaugh opened iSelect Cellular Solutions at
109 E. 3rd St. in Greenville earlier this month
GREENVILLE, Ohio - Downtown Greenville has a pair of fresh faces standing by to fix your phone, tablet, or game system.

Ryan Wintrow and Trevor Brumbaugh opened iSelect Cellular Solutions in downtown Greenville on November 4th, 2017. The two are no strangers to running a business, however. Some may remember Go Go Gamers, a business created by Wintrow and managed by Brumbaugh. The store was opened by Wintrow in 2014 when he was just 17 years old.

The store offered used video games and gaming systems as well as phone repairs, but Wintrow wanted to shift his business model to focus on technology repair services. Repairing broken phones and game systems is something he took an interest in when he was young and it is a skill he taught himself and improved upon over the years. Wintrow is now imparting that knowledge to Brumbaugh as the two work side by side.

While Ryan was the proprietor of Go Go Gamers, it was actually Trevor Brumbaugh’s suggestion that led to the opening of iSelect Cellular Solutions.

“I was previously working in a factory job but knew I wanted to do something different,” said Brumbaugh. “I texted Ryan one day about starting a business specifically for repairs and we came up with the plans from there. He [Ryan] actually already had the name picked out!”

The two began developing the business model in August of this year and opened their storefront location about three months later. They credit the quick opening of the business to Wintrow’s foresight and previous business experience.
“Because I already had the name picked out and licensed with the state it made the process a lot quicker,” said Wintrow. Brumbaugh added, “He also had a lot of prior knowledge on the paperwork and procedures involved since he’s opened up a business before. That saves a lot of time.”

Trevor and Ryan were also grateful for the assistance of Eric Brown of EB Real Estate in finding the location for the store and getting moved in quickly.

“It is great to see young entrepreneurs in Darke County opening local small businesses,” said Brown. “iSelect Cellular is providing a service that was previously not available in Darke County. I hope the public will patronize and embrace this small business, as Ryan has already established himself within the community through his past business experience. The entire EB Real Estate team wishes Ryan and Trevor all the best!”

The business, located at 109 E. 3rd St, specializes in phone, tablet, and game system repairs. They can replace cracked screens, fix broken charging ports, help with minor software bugs, and much more.

Wintrow believes what sets them apart from a chain store is the fact that they keep things local.

“A lot of the larger phone stores will ship off your items for repair. You drop it off to them and they send it away and you’re left without your item. We do everything here in house. If it’s a minor problem you can either wait here while we fix it for you, or drop it off and come get it later in the day. Most repairs can be done within an hour or two.”

iSelect Cellular Solutions also uses Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or OEM grade parts, so you know your device is receiving the highest quality repair parts. They also offer a lifetime warranty on their repairs and have screen protectors and phone cases available for purchase. They are proud to offer a standing 15% discount for uniformed service customers.

The store hours are Monday-Thursday & Saturday 11 am - 5 pm and Friday 11 am - 6 pm. The store is located at 109 E. 3rd St, right behind The Blue Bow Boutique. For more information about the business and their offerings, follow them on Facebook at iSelect Cellular Solutions - Greenville, OH, or contact them at (937) 459-4959 or info@iselectcellular.com.

Main Street Greenville is a non-profit organization that supports downtown Greenville, Ohio through stimulating and supporting revitalization efforts, historic preservation and economic development. Learn more about the organization on their website, www.mainstreetgreenville.org, or follow them on Facebook. You can contact them at info@mainstreetgreenville.org or 937-548-4998.

TEDDY BEARS & FRIENDS BLOOD DRIVE IS DEC. 12

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22nd YEAR OF HOLIDAY CHEER FOR YOUNG WAYNE HEALTHCARE PATIENTS

Donor Logan Puterbaugh with Lion Bill Campbell at
2016 Teddy Bears & Friends Blood Drive.
DAYTON, Ohio – Lions Club from across Darke County will continue a holiday tradition by sponsoring the 22nd annual “Teddy Bears and Friends Blood Drive” Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 12:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Greenville Church of the Brethren, 421 Central Ave., Greenville. It’s again a chance for donors to spread cheer with gifts of stuffed animals for young patients spending Christmas at Wayne HealthCare.

Everyone who registers to donate will receive the special holiday edition “Be a Deer – Donate Blood” long-sleeve t-shirt. Community Blood Center encourages donors to schedule an appointment online at www.DonorTime.com or call 1-800-388-GIVE.

The Arcanum, Gettysburg, Greenville and Pitsburg Lions Clubs join forces to sponsor the Teddy Bears and Friends Blood Drive. They volunteer during the blood drive and raised enough money to purchase more than 150 stuffed animals. Donors are invited to sign gift tags and send messages of encouragement to children at Wayne HealthCare. The gifts are distributed to the patients during the holiday season.

The holiday season is a challenging time for maintaining the area blood supply. Holiday activities, wintry weather and seasonal illnesses can reduce the number of donors and disrupt blood drive schedules. If you must miss an opportunity to donate please reschedule when you can. We especially encourage the continued support of type O whole blood donors and type A/B platelet and plasma donors.

Learn more at www.GivingBlood.org

Library Wellness Lunch & Learn

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With the year winding to a close, Jordan Francis from Wayne Healthcare will share how to bring the physical, mental, and nutritional aspects of your fitness plan together with the aptly named talk “Bringing it All Together.” Jordan will be sharing great health and wellness information for beginners and veterans alike, and also allow time for questions afterwards.

Join us December 13 at 12:30 pm at the Greenville Public Library. Space is limited to 20 participants; if you would like lunch, pre-registration is very helpful. The boxed lunch costs only $5.00, provided by the Coffee Pot, and will include a wrap, fruit, a salad or soup, and a beverage. Or bring your own lunch or come just for the program! To register, call the Library 548-3915.

Gingerbread Party at Library

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Families, kids, and teens are invited to a Gingerbreadhouse Party on Tuesday December 12th at 6:30 p.m. sponsored by the Childrens and YA Departments at the Greenville Public Library. We will be making gingerbread houses out of graham crackers so no baking needed. We’ll have all the supplies and all you have to do is come and have fun. Several of us will be on hand to help.

Holiday music and refreshments will add to the festive atmosphere and we‘ll be giving away several copies of favorite author Jan Brett’s Gingerbread books. The Library is always beautifully decorated and there are lots of Holiday themed books and music just waiting to be checked out.

Edison Students Talk On Bullying

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A variety of sources note that children of all ages can suffer emotional problems due to bullying and that nearly three-fourths of all young people have been or are currently being bullied. Cyberbullying is also on the rise as nearly half of all teens are affected. Persistent bullying in teens can lead to or worsen feelings of isolation, rejection, exclusion, and despair, as well as depression and anxiety, which can contribute to suicidal behavior. So what can you, as adults, do to protect your children and grandchildren?

On Thursday, December 14 at 6 p.m., four Edison State Community College Darke County Campus communications students will be at the Greenville Public Library to address the issue of bullying. Their goal is to provide adults with information that could help the young people in their lives. They are Kaitlin Howard, Brigette Filbrun, Elizabeth Williams, and Madison Little.

For a number of years, the Edison Fundamentals of Communication students have been educating young people on bullying, drug abuse, and literacy. They have visited nearly every school district in Darke County in order to talk about the consequences of risky or abusive behavior. This fall, nine Edison teams will be at Greenville’s K-8 campus, the Ansonia and Mississinawa Valley campuses, and the Greenville Library.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Ansonia Community Christmas

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MORAN CONCLUDES DCVB PRESIDENCY

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GREENVILLE, OH – Current Darke County Visitors Bureau board president Aaron Moran, superintendent of Versailles Exempted Village Schools, was recognized by the board of trustees for his service at the organization’s regular November meeting. Moran was presented with a plaque commemorating his two-year tenure leading the board.

Moran’s time as president began January 1st, 2016 and will officially conclude December 31st, 2017.

“As I complete my term as President of the Darke County Visitors Bureau, I want to express my thanks to Executive Director Matt Staugler for his efforts in supporting local attractions and businesses. His efforts have positively impacted Darke County,” said Moran. “I also want to thank DCVB Board Members for their willingness to support the office, our partners and various local business/attractions that make Darke County a great place to live, work and grow.”

“The DCVB has experienced a lot of growth during Aaron’s tenure as President,” said executive director Matt Staugler. “In that time, we’ve launched our new branding, embarked on our new kiosk program, and continued to work on behalf of all the attractions and small businesses in Darke County. Under his leadership, the Visitors Bureau has continued to be an organization dedicated to moving the community forward in a positive way, and the results of that leadership speak for themselves.”

Moran will continue serving on the board into the future. Current sitting Vice President Daryl Riffle will assume the Presidency January 1st, 2018.

For more information on the Darke County Visitors Bureau and its mission, please contact the Visitors Bureau at 937-548-5158, or online at www.visitdarkecounty.org.

Friends of New Madison Public Library Christmas Open House

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Friends of the New Madison Public Library invite you to join them for their Annual Christmas Open House on Tuesday, Dec. 12. Yummy refreshments will be provided beginning at 10AM. From 3-6:00 library patrons will be entertained by Tri-Village graduate, Eric Smith, who will share sounds of the season. At 6:00 the Board of Trustees will be honoring our Phyllis Cole Dubbs Library Service Award Recipient for 2017, Carol Bradford. Bring the family in to celebrate and stock up on books, magazines, movies, and music for the holiday season.

Check out our website www.newmadisonpubliclibrary.org & LIKE us on Facebook for more information on programming throughout the year.

December at the Arcanum Public Library

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The Arcanum Public Library is ready for a busy holiday season, and has plenty of resources available for patrons to help with their own busy schedules. The library has a large collection of cookbooks, books about crafts, games, and decorating, plenty of holiday movies, and a separate section just for Christmas. Come on in for a dose of holiday spirit.

StoryTime for preschoolers will be on December 5, 12, and 19 at 10:00. The session on the 19th will be the winter party. Join us for stories, songs, crafts, and more.

The after school program for kids in grades 1-4 (SPARK) will be on December 5, 12, and 19 from 3:45-4:45. Hang out with friends, play games, have a snack, and have lots of fun. The 19th will be the winter party.

Patrons can help the library decorate for the holidays by entering the 2nd annual Gingerbread House Contest. Houses will need to be brought to the library on December 6, 7, 8, or 9. Judging will take place the following week. The houses will be on display for the month of December. Check with the library for more details, and come in to pick up your house “base”.

There will be an adult coloring program on Tuesday, December 12 at 4:00. This Christmas themed event is a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon. Supplies are provided, and beverages will be served.

Also on Tuesday, December 12 will be the book club meeting at 5:30. In addition to discussing the book “my grandmother asked me to tell you she’s sorry”, the next book, “Long Way Gone” by Charles Martin, will be handed out. All are welcome to join the group. Snacks are served.
There will be a Christmas Craft Night for children on Thursday, December 21 from 6:00 – 7:30. This event is a free, drop-in program, and is always well-attended. Kids will leave with plenty of awesome creations.

The library will be challenging adults to read more this winter with our “Resolve to Read More” winter reading challenge. The dates will be from January 1, 2018 to March 31, 2018. Check with the library for details.

The library wants to remind patron that it will be closed on Monday, December 25, and Tuesday, December 26, and on January 1 and January 2.

Call the library with any questions at 937-692-8484. Patrons can also go to our website at www.arcanunpubliclibrary.org, find us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

Darke County Farmers Union—Fall Harvest Meeting 2017

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Greenville, Ohio – Darke County Farmers Union held their Fall Harvest meeting October 28, 2017 at the OSU Extension meeting room where they honored some of the 4H Youth that they supported during the livestock sales at the 2017 Great Darke County Fair. Pictured above seated (l-r): Kylee Freeman--Poultry, Brayden Freeman--Poultry, Luke Brinksneader—Beef Cattle, Lance Brinksneader—Beef Cattle, Faith Wooten—Swine. Standing at the back (l-r): Ethan Fischer—Sheep, Dave Shindollar—Ohio Farmers Union State Office Insurance Director and Todd Rhoades—Darke County Farmers Union President.

New Grazing Concept Benefits the Bird and the Herd

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Sign-up Deadline is January 19, 2018

Columbus, OH, November 14, 2017 – If you think livestock and quail don’t mix, a new concept in managed grazing may just change your mind. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is now accepting applications for a unique program that focuses on establishing productive warm season forages to improve livestock production and provide large areas of prime habitat for ground nesting birds and other wildlife.

Ohio’s Northern Bobwhite in Grasslands project is part of a national Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) partnership, a collaborative approach to conserving habitat for declining species on farms and working forests. NRCS works with partners and private landowners to focus voluntary conservation efforts on working landscapes.

The Northern Bobwhite in Grasslands project is designed to help bring back the quail that were once an integral part of Ohio’s farming way of life. Leading researchers have documented the wildlife benefits of managed grazing on native summer forages, concluding that this approach enhances the habitat for the ground nesting birds while improving livestock weight gains.

“Ohio’s new project is a ‘win-win’ for producers by enabling them to continue grazing on land with installed conservation measures,” said Terry Cosby, NRCS State Conservationist in Ohio. “By replacing fescue with native grasses, participants can improve or maintain average daily weight gains, enhance soil health, and hedge against summer drought with fewer inputs.”

NRCS utilizes the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to offer technical and financial assistance to eligible livestock producers to implement conservation practices to address habitat loss without taking their land out of production. NRCS will conduct targeted restoration activities with a focus on 30 southern Ohio counties (see map).

All NRCS financial assistance programs are offered in a continuous sign-up; however, to be considered for Northern Bobwhite in Grasslands funding, applications must be received by January 19, 2018.

To learn more about technical and financial assistance available through NRCS conservation programs, visit Get Started with NRCS or a local USDA Service Center.

Business offering additional EMT scholarships

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Spirit Medical Transport, LLC, was so pleased with the success of its first-ever EMT scholarship program this past fall, it’s going for another round just in time for the new year.

Starting today, Spirit will begin accepting scholarship applications from individuals who have an interest in becoming an Emergency Medical Technician and working full-time for Spirit once they’ve successfully completed their class, passed their national EMT test, and completed training. The “full-ride” scholarship involves a two-year full-time employment commitment to Spirit. Application requests can be made by going online to the Spirit webpage at www.spiritmedicaltransport.com or by emailing Spirit’s Director of Employee Relations Sally Wilson at swilson@spiritmedicaltransport.com.

Candidates applying for the scholarship have until 5 p.m. on December 7th to apply. After submitting the application, candidates will be interviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis by the Director of Employee Relations. Panel interviews of scholarship finalists will take place December 12th and 13th at the Greenville office. Orientation night will be at 6 p.m. December 15th. Successful candidates are paid while attending the classes.

The classes are a partnership between Spirit Medical Transport, LLC, and Four County Career Center based in Archbold, Ohio. Classes will be held in the classroom at Spirit’s Greenville office five days a week starting January 3rd. For those not living in the Greenville area, transportation options to and/or from class are also being made available.

Company officials say the program being offered by Spirit is very unique, while mutually beneficial.

“The biggest challenge people normally face is lacking the financial means to pay for the class and/or the dedicated time it takes to meet all the course requirements,” said Vice President Aaron L. Guthrie. “The scholarship program gives them the best of both worlds. Not only do they earn an income while attending class, they graduate with the opportunity to have national and state EMS certification with a clear career path for many years to come.”

“There’s a growing need for well-qualified EMTs in the areas we serve,” explained Spirit President/CEO Brian K. Hathaway. “In the past we’ve chosen to spin our wheels and have employed individuals who applied after working for our competition in most cases. This program allows us to grow our own group of people and train them the ‘Spirit’ way.”

Company officials say they will graduate 14 EMTs from their first class in a ceremony being held at the Mercer County Fairgrounds in Celina on December 10th. Fifteen students started that program, with 14 passing the class final. Many of these students are currently scheduling their national EMT test. The remainder have experienced a high percentage of test passage on their first attempt and have started training with Spirit’s field training officers.

With offices in Greenville, Celina, Sidney, and Van Wert, Ohio, along with Liberty, Indiana, Hathaway said the scholarship is open to people who live near their respective service areas.

“As a company, our mission is to have local people taking care of local people as much as possible,” Hathaway explained. “To do this, we’ve established a scholarship program that not only creates a solution to the EMT shortage, but brings more jobs to the local communities we serve. The mission also provides additional resources for those volunteer and part-time organizations in need of EMS professionals, just like us. As a company, we are pleased to open the doors of opportunity to those individuals who are in pursuit of a rewarding career and have a passion to serve people during some of the roughest days of their lives. It’s so exciting to enable personal growth and career success to those who want to join us and our commitment to serve the community.”

Ohio's Deer-Gun Season Opens with more than 22,000 Deer Harvested

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COLUMBUS, OH – Hunters checked 22,366 white-tailed deer on Monday, Nov. 28, the opening day of Ohio’s deer-gun hunting season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

Ohio’s deer-gun season remains open through Sunday, Dec. 3. Two additional days of deer-gun season (Saturday, Dec. 16, and Sunday, Dec. 17) have been added to increase the opportunity for people to hunt with firearms. Find more information about deer hunting in the 2017-2018 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations or at wildohio.gov.

Past year’s harvest summaries and weekly updated harvest reports can be found at wildohio.gov/deerharvest.

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.

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.

Editor’s Note: A list of all white-tailed deer checked by hunters during opening day of the 2017 deer-gun hunting season is shown below. The first number following the county’s name shows the harvest numbers for opening day 2017, and the 2016 opening day harvest numbers are in parentheses.

Adams: 354 (274); Allen: 93 (58); Ashland: 432 (411); Ashtabula: 821 (701); Athens: 478 (375); Auglaize: 94 (41); Belmont: 362 (407); Brown: 292 (167); Butler: 85 (36); Carroll: 575 (480); Champaign: 121 (70); Clark: 56 (29); Clermont: 179 (81); Clinton: 84 (58); Columbiana: 453 (419); Coshocton: 924 (767); Crawford: 177 (134); Cuyahoga: 15 (8); Darke: 90 (47); Defiance: 252 (179); Delaware: 135 (88); Erie: 69 (50); Fairfield: 213 (182); Fayette: 32 (30); Franklin: 45 (32); Fulton: 101 (79); Gallia: 396 (379); Geauga: 146 (147); Greene: 48 (43); Guernsey: 657 (592); Hamilton: 34 (18); Hancock: 133 (95); Hardin: 139 (94); Harrison: 497 (529); Henry: 112 (67); Highland: 315 (221); Hocking: 426 (431); Holmes: 648 (542); Huron: 370 (342); Jackson: 358 (270); Jefferson: 244 (365); Knox: 705 (651); Lake: 54 (53); Lawrence: 262 (208); Licking: 577 (463); Logan: 219 (155); Lorain: 200 (180); Lucas: 24 (23); Madison: 40 (30); Mahoning: 209 (168); Marion: 122 (96); Medina: 153 (154); Meigs: 414 (392); Mercer: 86 (38); Miami: 72 (28); Monroe: 406 (333); Montgomery: 35 (18); Morgan: 434 (364); Morrow: 228 (158); Muskingum: 780 (696); Noble: 445 (386); Ottawa: 39 (20); Paulding: 129 (75); Perry: 359 (339); Pickaway: 96 (65); Pike: 199 (180); Portage: 142 (155); Preble: 74 (47); Putnam: 94 (60); Richland: 411 (355); Ross: 307 (263); Sandusky: 68 (41); Scioto: 206 (195); Seneca: 244 (203); Shelby: 119 (79); Stark: 248 (208); Summit: 29 (30); Trumbull: 487 (425); Tuscarawas: 768 (645); Union: 103 (67); Van Wert: 50 (31); Vinton: 322 (338); Warren: 62 (34); Washington: 476 (438); Wayne: 265 (206); Williams: 251 (138); Wood: 74 (39); Wyandot: 224 (168). Total: 22,366 (18,776).

For more information, contact:
John Windau, ODNR Division of Wildlife
614-265-6325
Matt Eiselstein, ODNR Office of Communications
614-265-6860

Monday, December 4, 2017

Tips to Being a Successful Student from Greenville High School Assistant Principal, Carl Brown

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Over the years I have occasion to have conversations with friends that are parents (many of them educators themselves) discussing what makes a child a successful student. Throughout those conversations we have had, I believe we have identified a few key factors that make students successful.

We were able to look back at our study habits and practices were when we were in grade school, junior high, high school and college and discuss similarities and differences. Some of the methods we used were taught to us by teachers and some by our parents or siblings. Much of our methods or strategies were/are profoundly simple. Our experiences led to the following:

First the student must work hard. It is just a fact in reality—you must work hard. However, you cannot only focus on working hard, you must work hard doing things right and doing the right things. Many times I have had conversations with students and one of the first things s/he will say is, “This year I’m going to really work hard… I will do my homework and turn it in on time and I’m going to study for tests…” Well they start off doing just that and then they realize their grades aren’t getting better. They are basically doing the same thing they were doing before, just more of it and getting the same results. You can’t take inadequate study skills, do them more often and expect improved results. The cycle of disengagement and frustration begins and they think, “Well, I have done all that I’ve could… I’ve worked hard”—and they simply give up. I remember my junior high social studies teacher, Mr. Maltinsky, telling a few of us that we should write out questions to accompany our notes to help us remember and understand the information. He even “jump started” us by giving a few examples of questions that would help us link cause and effect. Sly man he was—effectively engaging students in learning and taking ownership of the learning process. Later in college I developed that skill to make and take pretests to help focus and identify what I needed to learn. By using practice tests the student can develop higher level thinking skills that allows them to analyze, evaluate and create arguments—elements of critical and independent thinking. We discovered that studying for tests was much more than memory-based activities. An exam is not a test of memory for you to show how much you can remember, but how you use what you remember.

Another factor is the ability to be resilient and persistent. The reality is that you will not be able to score 100% on every assignment, quiz or test. You have to be able to pick yourself up after a poor performance and go at it again. You have to be able to take a few hard lessons and learn to punch through difficult material and concepts. Learning the habit of grit was a common thread that my friends and I acquired first through our parents and then reinforced throughout our education by our teachers, tutors, professors and other mentors we’ve met along the way. You have to realize that not everything will come easy to you the first time. Reflect, take time, realize and be prepared for the consequence and work that is ahead of you to get back on track.

Part of working hard is being self-motivated and self-disciplined. This is the ability to sit down and work consistently and eliminate (or avoid) distractions like watching three hours of TV and “blooper videos” on YouTube and excessive time on social media. Part of self-discipline is learning to manage or budget your time. The goal behind this is to create balance of your responsibilities. Some mistakes that we made growing up and what I see in some students today are unrealistic time table schedules in the week. Most of the time this is done because the student first blocked out unrealistic study time and then filled in the schedule with social activities, sports, chores, and their job (if applicable). The result inevitably was a schedule that they could not hold and thus failed to provide what is needed. The more successful strategy is to schedule your responsibilities first and then honestly list your habits and evaluate what you need to adjust to create time to study. Next, schedule time for study and be honest with yourself because the result you want is to have something in every day that you like to do. Usually the result is being happy and being happy helps tremendously in being balanced. The sense of being balanced helps lay the foundation for being consistent throughout the year.

In summary, you not only have to work hard, you need to work hard at doing the right things. Learning is more than memorizing facts—learning is demonstrating how you use what you remember. To be successful and happy you need to realistically budget your time with work and play.

G.H.S. Vocal Music Presents “Jingle Bell Rock”

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GREENVILLE, OH – The Greenville High School Vocal Music students will perform their annual Christmas Concert “Jingle Bell Rock” on Monday, December 11th, at 7:00pm at Memorial Hall.

The concert will begin with all choirs singing “Jingle Bell Rock”. Girls Glee will perform “Let it Snow” and “Big Guy in Red.” Collage will perform “Santa Baby”, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, “All I Want for Christmas is You”, and “Holiday Road.” Wavaires will be joined by the GHS Jazz Scene, under the direction of Mr. J.R. Price, for “Getting in the Mood for Christmas”, “Underneath the Tree” and “What Christmas Means to Me.” Concert Choir will perform “Sing We All Noel”, “Lully Lullay” and “Sing We Now of Christmas.” Collage and Girls Glee will join together for “Breath of Heaven”, and the Wavaire guys will sing “Mele Kalikimaka.” Wavaires will also perform “Carol of the Bells”, “Falala”, “Holly Jolly Christmas” and “Run Rudolph Run.”

The concert will conclude with all the choirs coming together for “Silent Night”. The choirs will then be joined by the GHS Orchestra and Choral Alumni for “Hallelujah Chorus”. Various solo and small group acts will take place in between the choirs.

Presale tickets for the show on December 11th are $4 for students and $5 for adults. Tickets are available for purchase at Greenville High School in the choir room from 7:30am- 11:00am, or at The Flower Patch on Rhoades Ave. Monday- Friday from 9:00am- 5:00pm. You can also call Katie at 670-0063 to reserve tickets. Tickets MAY be available for purchase the night of the show in the ticket booth at Memorial Hall, but tickets at the door aren’t guaranteed if the show is sold out. All tickets sold at the door will be $7.00, and no discounts will be offered at that time.

Please join the GHS Choirs to help you get in the Holiday Spirit on Monday, December 11th. The choirs are directed by Mrs. Chelsea Whirledge and accompanied by Mrs. Judy Mills. The choreographers for the show are Brooke Jendrusik, Brooke Netzley, Sierra Cress, and Lauren Burns.

Be sure to like and follow Greenville High School Vocal Music Boosters on Facebook to receive the latest news and ways to support the G.H.S. Vocal Music program and other events.

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