Monday, July 20, 2020

Nurse Celebrates 35-Straight Years at Versailles Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Midst of Pandemic

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VERSAILLES, OHIO (July 20, 2020) – Chris Huber has seen some interesting times as a licensed practical nurse, most notably with the current coronavirus pandemic. However, as she celebrates a very unique milestone at Versailles Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center – her 35th anniversary working at the skilled nursing facility – one thing remains constant.

“My favorite aspect of the job, by far, is seeing and helping the people from the community of Versailles when they first become residents,” Huber said. “I grew up in Versailles, and live in the town, so I’ll often be caring for relatives of friends, and people I’ve known for years.”

As the longest-tenured employee at Versailles Rehab, Huber has seen the facility itself change a great deal over the past 35 years. “We have added on to the facility twice,” she noted. “However, the greatest physical change is the growth of the therapy aspects of our care. Over the years, we’ve added physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and it is now offered to residents seven days a week.”

Huber has truly spent her entire professional career at Versailles Rehab. “I started the Monday after I graduated from nursing school,” she noted. “Back then, we could work prior to taking our board exams as a student practical nurse, so I could work here right away. This was my first nursing job.”

Huber is currently a Case Manager at Versailles Rehab, and is also an Infection Preventionist, which is a key role for not just preventing the spread of COVID-19 at the facility, but also many other infectious diseases. She also develops updates on residents’ care and rehabilitation progress for insurance companies, and does discharge planning for the center’s short-term rehabilitation patients.

“Chris knows many of the people who come into Versailles Rehab, whether as residents or visiting family members,” said Kristy Earick, Senior Administrator of the care center. “She is a top-notch nurse and teammate who has done great work caring for our community.”

Huber and her husband, Tom, have two sons – Jeremy and John – and live in Versailles. She now has three grandsons, Hayden, Camden, and Constantine.

Huber recently celebrated her 60th birthday in late June, so throughout the month of June, Versailles Rehab celebrated both her birthday and work anniversary. Her colleagues gave her a present each day until her actual birthday near the end of the month.

“The team at Versailles Rehab is the best,” Huber said. “Everyone is very caring, including my teammates and our residents and patients. This has been an unusual time for celebrations; however, the staff here outdid themselves.”

Versailles Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center is a 112-bed skilled nursing facility in Versailles, Ohio. The center is accepting new admissions for short-term rehab and long-term skilled nursing care, including memory care. For more information, please call 937-526-5570 or visit the website at www.versaillesrehab.com. If you would like to know all of the protections in place at Versailles, please visit the website’s COVID-19 page.

Volunteers Needed to Help with Hurricane Responses in COVID Environment

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Recruitment and training underway now

Miami Valley, OH- July 17, 2020—The American Red Cross is actively recruiting volunteers to be ready to carry out our lifesaving mission when disaster strikes. The need for volunteers is constant and continues to evolve as we navigate this health crisis. As we head deeper into hurricane season, our goal is to ensure we have a volunteer workforce, not only trained to provide comfort and support to those affected by disaster, but to do so by following new protocols to help keep everyone safe in this environment.

Anyone interesting in helping to meet the essential service needs of the public during a disaster should review the CDC guidance for people who are at higher risk for severe illness, consult your health care provider, and follow local guidance. The number one priority of the American Red Cross is the health and safety of our employees, volunteers, blood donors and recipients, and the people we serve.

SHELTER HELP NEEDED There is a special need for volunteers to support sheltering efforts. Because of COVID-19, the Red Cross is placing those needing a safe place to stay in hotel lodging when possible. If hotel stays aren’t possible, then the Red Cross will open traditional shelters. To help keep people safe, we have put in place additional precautions and developed special training for our workforce.

We need volunteers to help staff shelter reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information collection and other vital tasks to help those we serve. We have both associate and supervisory level opportunities available.

HEALTH SERVICES SUPPORT NEEDED If you are an RN, LPN, LVN, APRN, NP, EMT, paramedic, MD/DO or PA with an active, current and unencumbered license, the Red Cross needs your support. Volunteers are needed in shelters to help assess people’s health. Daily observation and health screening for COVID-19-like illness among shelter residents may also be required. RNs supervise all clinical tasks.

Roles are also available for Certified Nursing Assistants, Certified Home Health Aides, student nurses and medical students. We need volunteers who can provide care as delegated by a licensed nurse in shelters. This could include assisting with activities of daily living, personal assistance services, providing health education and helping to replace medications, durable medical equipment or consumable medical supplies.

“This is an excellent opportunity to be able to lend a helping hand”, stated Lynne Gump, Executive Director, Completing the training before a disaster strikes, enables you to be able to immediately respond when people need the help most.”

FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING If you are interested in helping should a disaster occur, please go to redcross.org/volunteertoday. Please know we are looking for a commitment of at least a 14-day block between now and December 1.

NOTICE: BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS DUCK DERBY & DUCK N RUN 5K WILL NOW BE VIRTUAL

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The isolation we're all feeling now is often what our youth feel when they don’t have a mentor or positive role model in their lives. Please help support mentoring for at-risk youth in our community by joining the Virtual 2020 Duck N Run 5k!

We are prioritizing the health and safety of our runners, walkers, sponsors, volunteers, and staff and are responding to guidance from health and governmental officials and are switching our Duck Derby and Duck N Run 5k to a virtual event. We encourage you to walk or run wherever you are, anytime between now and August 6th. This is a chance to show our strength in a challenging time, and a chance to get outside and be active with our virtual community across Shelby & Darke County. The Duck Derby drawing will take place on August 6th at 7:30 pm via Facebook Live on the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County Facebook page and will be recorded and shared on our other social media platforms and webpage at www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org. This is a chance to prove that not only will we conquer the Coronavirus, but we will conquer the isolation that at-risk youth experience in our community.

How the virtual Duck N Run 5k works:

  1. Register online @ www.cantstoprunningco.com. The $25 registration fee includes a t-shirt and one duck adoption. Registration deadline is 7/31/20.
  2. Spread the word and gather support and donations online
  3. Anytime between now and August 6th, walk or run a 5k (or more!) whenever and wherever it's convenient for you.
  4. Post a pic and tag us on social media using the hashtag #DuckNRun5k (not required, but fun!)
  5. After the event, all registered participants can pick up their shirt and race bag starting the week of August 10th. In the event that you are unable to stop by our Sidney or Greenville office, contact us so that we can make other arrangements.
  6. Door prizes will be drawn from all registered runners and we will notify the winners via email, phone, or mail.
  7. If you were already registered your entry will automatically be converted to a virtual registration.

How the virtual Duck Derby works:

  1. Register online at www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org , purchase tickets from any Big Brothers Big Sisters Board or staff member, or go to Meyers Garage in Newport, Ohio.
  2. Go to our website at www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org to see a list of prizes. (Grand prize is $1000 + 12 other prize packages)
  3. Ducks can be adopted up to 8/5/2020
  4. Ducks will be drawn on Facebook Live at 7:30pm on August 6th. Be sure to “Like” our Facebook page!
  5. Winners will be notified on August 7th and arrangements will be made for delivery/pick up of prize winnings.

Darke County Parks educates visitors through interpretive signage

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If you haven’t taken a walk through the pollinator meadow on the south side of the Bish Discovery Center’s parking lot, you’ve missed out on a variety of bumble bees, butterflies, dragonflies and more that call this habitat “home”. This meadow has been growing and evolving for the past 2-3 years from the original seeding, followed by subsequent planting through grants and support from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Pollinator Partnership. With all of these plants being native and many being perennial, we are just now reaching the ideal flowering seasons as many of these species spend a year or more setting root before really putting on a show! This habitat is prime real estate for pollinators, but was lacking signage explaining what the public was experiencing. With that in mind, a grant was sought out in order to develop the above-mentioned signage. This project fit the requirements for a grant offered through the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) and was applied for last fall.

After receiving confirmation that their request for funds for interpretive signage had been granted from the NAI, Darke County Parks’ staff went to work on the project right away. The sign was designed in house by naturalist Megan Schmidt and sent to Pannier Graphics. Pannier Graphics printed the design on a 30”x 20” fiberglass embedded panel. Once the printed sign was received, lumber for the frame and protective Lexan was ordered from Ansonia Lumber Company. The construction of the frame was completed by long-time parks volunteer Bill Rich. Sign installation was completed by parks maintenance staff and the project was officially completed July 15th, 2020.

This spring and summer has been unique for everyone. With the coronavirus forcing many to stay at home, the park trails experienced even more visitors than usual. Individuals and families can visit the Bish Discovery Center and walk through the pollinator field anytime from dawn to dusk. Upon entering the field, visitors can now stop to read the interpretive sign that explains the importance of pollinators and also encourages readers to do their part. The pollinator sign serves as an educational tool for the park district, where staff may not always be available, visitors can read the sign and learn more about the importance of the habitat they are visiting.

VIRTUAL CANCER PRAYER SERVICE TO BE HELD AT SHRINE

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MARIA STEIN, Ohio (July 14, 2020) – The Shrine is pleased to be able to offer the St. Peregrine Relic for prayer and veneration. Three times per year a prayer service is held for those who are on a journey with cancer, whether it be as a patient or as a care-partner. The next service will be held virtually on Sunday, July 26 at 2pm. The service can be viewed on the Shrine’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics provides faith nourishment and spiritual renewal through opportunities for prayer and pilgrimage and inspiration from the lives of the saints. People from around the world visit the shrine to explore and enjoy this environment rich in holiness and history. The Shrine is located at 2291 St. John’s Rd. in Maria Stein. For more event information, visit www.mariasteinshrine.org.

COMMISSIONER’S CORNER - June 2020

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It seems that Darke County has made it through the first half of 2020 in relatively good shape. It has been a unique year for all of us, but slowly, very slowly, things may get back to normal. The Covid-19 virus has taken its toll on everyone, but here in the western part of the state we have been most fortunate to have a lesser effect on us with fatalities and infections. Ours being one of the larger counties surface wise has helped with social distancing, and been a blessing for us!

Our office has seen a difference in the way we do meetings. Now, we are doing more video conferences and a lot less traveling. Commissioners Aultman and Stegall did attend a solar power meeting in Sidney with their commissioners, and social distancing and temperature checks were the order of the day. Commissioner Stegall has had several video conferences with CEBCO (our employee insurance) in Columbus. All three Commissioners have done phone conferences with Miami County on Ditch projects, and as we do more of these, it seems it will become the main method of communication for us, and our fellow commissioners. It does save travel expense, and when it works without technical interruptions (seems someone always has a problem connecting, hearing, or seeing), it is a time and money saver for the tax payer. There are several platforms out there for video and voice conferencing, Zoom, Go To Meeting, and Webex are three we have seen. We have used Webex and Go To Meeting, and we think Go To Meeting is the better of the two.

Things seem to be running smoothly in the county, and of course the airport is the big project right now. In May, we received the grant from the FAA to do a new taxiway, and part of that grant involved us having to move two of our hangars out of the way. On the 24th, Merkle Heavy Moving moved the first hangar without incident to its new location. The other hangar should be moved sometime in the next week or so. The hangars will be set up towards the front of the airport, and we have them rented to someone already. The taxiway should be started in September with dirt moving being completed before the weather gets bad. Paving is to be done next spring, and we have insisted that the project be done completely in time for spring spraying. We have several planes that do spraying, so it is important to have the airport operational for our farmers.

In other news, we are working with the CCAO energy committee and Palmer energy, their consultant, on solar power purchases for our county buildings. This is in the very early stages, and more will be explained as we learn all the details. As of now, there will be some form of the Darke County fair, as that is also a work in progress.

As things get back to normal, we hope that you can come to one of our public meetings. We meet every Monday and Wednesday at 1:30 in the Administration Building, 520 South Broadway, south of the courthouse in Greenville. See you there!!

The Darke County Commissioners

An “Evening under the Stars” is planned at Immanuel Baptist Church in Arcanum

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Many years ago, Immanuel Baptist Church hosted regular Sunday night evening services “under the stars” outdoors in their parking lot. During this unusual year, they are again going to host a special “Evening under the Stars” outside with drive-in services on Sunday, August 16th at 6:00 p.m. The church is located at 500 West South Street, Arcanum, Ohio. They have invited Blaine Bowman and HIS Goodtime Band from South Lebanon, Ohio to share their gospel music. The event should be a great time for everyone. Come as you are, sit in your car and enjoy the music and some of Blaine’s comedy along with some gospel teaching. It is sure to be a good time.

Blaine Bowman and HIS Goodtime Band, known as "God's Idea of a Good Time", are a family who present upwards of 150 concerts, seminars, and meetings a year from coast to coast! With Piano, Bass, Guitar and Drums, this anointed BAND thrills audiences all over America and the world with their exciting music and tight family harmonies! Their styles vary from Country, Blues, Western Swing, Be Bop, Gospel Parodies, Rock, Bluegrass to Jazz/Fusion Instrumentals. Though most of their music has a Gospel message, they also sing fun songs, comedy songs, and love songs. They drive nearly 50,000 miles a year to churches, county fairs, festivals, block parties, biker's rallies, antique car "cruise ins" and city parks. They have been nominated in recent years for "Band of the Year", "Trio of the Year" and "Comedian of the Year" awards from the Country Gospel Music Guild!

Since 2001 they have had several #1 and Top Ten songs on Gospel charts and have received airplay all over the USA and overseas as far as England, France, Sweden, and even Japan! Even as late as December of 2013 they had a #4 song on radio! It was a parody of George Jones' "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes" with Gospel lyrics about preachers and ministers who have paved the way before them. Blaine is an ordained minister who teaches and preaches the WORD in most of their meetings sharing the Finished Work of Christ, Faith Righteousness, the Holy Spirit, New Creation Realities, the Word of Faith and Grace message! Blaine and his wife, Christine, travel constantly in a full-time ministry but a few times a year their children Luke and his wife Karla, and Tiffany and her husband Michael join them to do BAND concerts across the land! There are several other musicians (Ready Miller, Jake Grimes, Stephen Lake, Mike Turner and Dennis Goecke) associated with the Bowman ministry who join them from time to time on the road in concert when the immediate family are unable to come. This duo and their friends are excited about "sharing life as it ought to be"!

The Congregation of IBC and Pastors Greg Greve and Dan Kuhbander welcome you to attend. If you have any questions, feel free to call the church at 937-692-8188.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Secures Funding for Local Youth Mentoring Programs

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Greenville Rotary Club recently awarded Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County a grant. The funds received are earmarked specifically for Darke County afterschool programs held at Ansonia, Versailles and Privilege Schools during the 2020-2021 academic year. “The support we receive from Greenville Rotary Club and the surrounding community is truly a blessing for our agency. It enables us to continue to serve children in need of a positive role model in the Darke County area,” stated Executive Director, Jennifer Bruns.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County’s mission is to create and support one to one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Our vision is for all youth to achieve their full potential. One-to-one mentoring programs provide support, activities, education, and most importantly, a mentor for children who may be considered at-risk. Children involved in this program have the opportunity to engage in fun, social, and academic enrichment activities with their mentor. Thanks to generous donations like the one from Greenville Rotary Club, mentor and mentee matches in the Darke County area continue to grow and help children in a positive way.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit United Way member agency. If you would like to become enroll a child in the program, become a donor, or learn how more about how you can defend the potential of youth in our area, contact our local agency at 937-492-7611, 937-547-9622, or go to www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org for more information.

Friday, July 17, 2020

Darryl Mehaffie Surprised with Heritage Award

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Darryl Mehaffie receives the Heritage Award from Dr. Clay Johnson at Garst Museum.
Recognized, once again, for “for significant contributions” to the community, Darryl Mehaffie has received another prestigious award. At the July 9 meeting of the Darke County Historical Society (DCHS) operating as Garst Museum, Darryl was surprised as this year’s Heritage Award recipient. Having served since 1987, he was also recognized that evening as a now emeritus member of the DCHS.

According to museum CEO Dr. Clay Johnson, the DCHS’s Heritage Award was created to recognize outstanding citizens or organizations for their distinguished contributions or actions of unusual excellence that help connect people to Darke County’s past. Dr. Johnson added, “Darryl’s experience and unique insight into the administrative needs of the DCHS has been an integral part of our success and his guidance in moving difficult projects forward has assisted in the museum’s growth over the years. On a more personal level, I have benefited from his tutelage on the political process for nonprofits and always have enjoyed our conversations. Darryl’s legendary support for the Darke County community goes far beyond his decades of dedicated assistance to Garst Museum, and it is an honor to present the Heritage Award to him.”

Of special note in his 30-plus-year impact as a trustee of Garst Museum, Darryl worked to secure legislative passage of state Capital Improvement Funds for Phase 1 of a parking lot. Construction is well under way. While most of the facility will be across from the Museum (off Wilson Drive) in the former Buchy Foods lot, the extension of the present parking spaces will occur closest to the building near the Lowell Thomas Wing. It is fitting that the lot is next to this wing as Darryl served as co-chair of the building committee for the construction of the Lowell Thomas Meeting Room Wing, which broke ground in 1998.

Adding to his list of recognitions, Darryl received the local Darke County Center for the Arts (DCCA) William L. Combs Patron of the Arts for his work in getting the same capital improvement dollars for the latest renovation of Memorial Hall. Greenville and Darke County have benefitted greatly from his service on the Board of the Ohio Arts Council.

While Darryl taught 5th and 6th grades at Northmont City Schools for 30 years before retiring, he also served on the Darke County Fair Board for 27 years. Often, he would donate items for the Garst Gala that he had purchased from performers at the Fair.

Remaining committed to education, Darryl served for 20 years on the Edison State Community College Board of Trustees (vice chairman or chairman), the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, the Ohio School Board Association, and the State Board of Education. While serving on the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, Darryl received the Maureen C. Grady Award for Special Achievement, which recognizes the extraordinary leadership and contributions of those trustees recognized.

Unofficially known as a “king maker,” he has been instrumental in working with our Republican politicians and legislators over many years. He received the Darke County Republican of the Year Award in 2015 and has served for a long time on the state GOP Central and Executive Committees, even meeting the Ambassador to Cuba. According to Jim Buchy, “Darryl and I worked on many issues together during my 12 terms in the Ohio House of Representatives, and his input was always needed and so valuable.” Darryl was also inducted into the Association of Ohio Commodores in 2016.

Daryl and his wife Mary Ann live in Greenville. A long list of service to this community and his extraordinary contributions to connect people to the history of the county and the arts support all accolades that are bestowed on him.

Poultry Days moves to Heritage Park

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Poultry Days 2020 will be held in Heritage Park! The Health Department has approved holding the festival subject to adhering to a safety plan and the county remaining healthy. The festival which will be held August 14-16th will utilize the amphitheater for entertainment and cars will enter the chicken drive thru from Klipstine Road. This will be the first time the festival has been held in a different location in over sixty years. The park, which is owned by Poultry Days was originally envisioned as site for the festival but that never occurred because Ultimate Frisbee Tournament normally use the park during the festival. The festival plans to return to South Center street next year.

The park provides 40 acres to disperse carnival rides, and other attractions. Protocols have been established with the Darke County Health Dept to ensure the safety of our visitors. Masks will not be required but visitors will be encouraged to practice social distancing, use wash stations and follow guidelines. We thank the Health Dept for their support.

We understand that many people are eager to get out of the house. Poultry Days might look different this year but your safety matters. We also understand that many people aren’t comfortable with large groups. That does not mean you can’t enjoy Poultry Days. The festival weekend always includes small gatherings. Many may want to spend the weekend at the camper or maybe a picnic at the lake. Our bulk chicken option allows you to pick up a cooler of chicken in the drive through and have your own gathering.

Chicken sales have begun with a flurry with over 2,000 halves sold and another 100 selling daily. We have received a large volume of questions about 2020 chicken sales. First, the festival intends to sell our traditional individual dinners and will not rely entirely on presale. Individual dinner prices remain at $8.00 for 2020 and include half a chicken, applesauce, chips, roll, butter, and orange drink. Tickets can be purchased at Versailles S&L, Johns IGA or the Versailles branch of Second National Bank. Tickets will also be on sale the weekend of the festival. Sales begin at 3:30 Friday, 11:30 Saturday and 11:00 Sunday. We strive to serve dinners through supper but don’t be late. Demand is unpredictable and we can run out sooner.

Purchase 20 halves (chicken only) for $130 online at versaillespoultrydays.com. Chicken is taken directly off the cookers and placed in a metal caterer’s pan which is then placed in a Styrofoam cooler. The chicken can remain hot for up to 5 hours if unopened. All orders for bulk chicken must be placed by July 27th.

FREE delivery of chicken on Friday August 14th is also available. If you purchase two or more coolers of chicken, they will be delivered with 25 miles of Versailles by noon on Friday, August 14th at no additional cost. This option is only available on August 14th. FREE delivery includes Greenville, Troy, Sidney, Minster, New Bremen and Piqua!

Both the Miss Chick and Little Miss Pageants will be held at the old high school. Unfortunately, we were unable to hold the Grand or Antique Car parades this year. Both carnival rides and the YOLO 5K have also been approved to be held. Presale ride tickets will go on sale soon. There will be no change or location or route for the 5K. Registration information for the 5K can be found at yoloorg.com.

Registration for Miss Chick continues at versaillespoultrydays.com. First prize is $1,000 and a lifetime title of “Miss Chick”. Prizes are also awarded for the 1st and 2nd runners up. Contestants do not need to be from Versailles or even Darke County. Contestants may reside in any contiguous county including Miami, Mercer, Montgomery, Shelby, Auglaize, Preble, Jay, Randolph and Wayne. Contestants must be female and 16 years of age by the day of the contest, and no older than 19 years of age (Limited to graduating high school seniors of the class of 2020.) Registration for Little Miss Poultry Days is closed. Organizers of both pageants are developing procedures to maintain safety.

Don’t let COVID take away the best parts of summer. Established in 1952 and supporting summer fun for 69 years. We would be happy to answer any questions about the chicken at vpdchickenline@gmail.com. Heritage Park is located at 10200 Klipstine Road in Versailles. Additional festival details can be found at versaillespoultrydays.com or follow us on Facebook. Stay healthy Darke County!

State of the Heart Care’s “Camp Encourage at Home” a Great Success!

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Written By: Ashlee Slavin, Camp Encourage Director

State of the Heart Care hosted another successful weekend of Camp Encourage July 10th-12th, marking the 20th year of camp! We had high hopes for our first-ever virtual camp this year and thanks to our volunteers and campers, our dreams and visions came true! In the few days leading up to camp, each camper received a care package in the mail full of camp goodies and activities they would participate in throughout the weekend. On Thursday, July 9th, we hosted a support session for parents with the help of Brittany Scheer and Living Music, LLC to offer guidance and support to parents who have grieving children. Camp Encourage at Home officially started on Friday night with our campers and volunteers meeting virtually; the energy and support was present right from the start! Our campers and staff all admitted to feeling a little nervous and hesitant at first because of the sensitive nature of grief while meeting new people on a computer screen. However, in true Camp Encourage form, the kids warmed up and felt more comfortable with their buddies by the end of the night.

Saturday was our big day of events – we met with a Panel of Experts consisting of one of our hospice nurses, Deb; one of our chaplains, Jacque; and a funeral home director, Scott Hogenkamp from Hogenkamp Funeral Homes. The kids had prepared some of their toughest questions for the experts, with the experts sharing their insightful and knowledgeable answers. By the afternoon, the campers were all participating in music therapy from State of the Heart Care’s Music Therapists while bonding with their groups and expressing their feelings to us in a trusted space.

By Sunday, the kids were opening up with their feelings and becoming more comfortable talking about their loss. In our closing ceremonies, State of the Heart Care’s chaplain David shared a message of hope and encouragement that we are never alone. Even when grief or feelings seem overwhelming, we always have hope and helpers.

While we prefer to host camp with the kids in person, we were so thankful to be able to host it virtually and give the kids and families support during these difficult times. We look forward to next year and to continue this amazing program for our communities! If you would like more information on the bereavement services State of the Heart Care offers for adults or children, please call 1-800-417-7535 or email our bereavement team at bereavementservices@stateoftheheartcare.org.

Annie’s Memorial Shoot Competition

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Harry Ballengee will host a shooting competition to benefit the Annie Oakley Center Foundation. A brief refresher class in gun safety and marksmanship will be followed by the competition. The competition is limited to 15 participants each in two sessions in order to allow for social distancing and will be held predominantly outside under a barn and lean to near New Madison.

There will be three shots in four different positions for training and sighting. The pistols, rifles, targets, and wax bullets are provided by Harry. There will be five shots each in four different positions for the competition. A skilled shooter, Harry has achieved the Top Gun of the Ohio Fast Draw Association in four different years. A resident of Darke County for 50 years and former Greenville City Council member, Harry has been shooting fast draw for 48 years. This competition, however, is not fast draw.

The cost of $50 ($40 for an additional family member) includes the instruction, required eye and ear protection, guns and ammo, a souvenir t-shirt, pre-packaged snacks and water, and prizes! Coinciding with Annie Oakley’s 160th birthday weekend, the event is scheduled for Saturday, August 15 from 1–3 p.m. and 3–5 p.m.

During direct instruction on shooting, masks would be required; otherwise, masks are recommended but not required. Participants are asked to observe social distancing. Guns will be wiped down between users, and hand sanitizer will be available.

Advanced registration for all ages is required. Participants must be at least 12 years old, and those under age 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present during the entire class. The application must be received by August 1. Applicants after the first 15 for each session will be placed on a waiting list. Please request a printable application at annieoakleycenterfoundation813@gmail.com or call Eileen at the number below to request one. Directions to the shooting site will be sent with confirmation of participation.

For additional information, please call Harry Ballengee (937-423-2300) or Eileen Litchfield (937-623-1234).

Coalition Launching Media Campaign about Opioid Use Disorder

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The Coalition for a Healthy Darke County is excited to join 33 other communities across Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York and Ohio in launching a series of communications campaigns for the Healing Communities Study. The campaigns aim to increase demand and prescribing of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and to increase access to and availability of naloxone (also known as Narcan®). The campaigns also aim to address stigma by educating audiences that opioid use disorder (OUD) is a disease, people with OUD deserve the best medical care possible, and anyone can develop an OUD.

The first phase of the campaign is focused on naloxone, a medicine that can save someone’s life if they are overdosing on opioids, whether it is a prescription opioid pain medicine, heroin, or a drug containing fentanyl. Anyone - EMS, firefighters, loved ones of those with OUD, and community members - can be a first responder and give naloxone to someone who is experiencing an opioid overdose.

Future campaigns will focus on educating the public about stigma surrounding opioid use disorder and on providing resources to access medications for opioid use disorder.

“Being a part of this study aligns with the goals of the Coalition for a Healthy Darke County and provides a sustained level of resources to continue the work we began in 2014”, said Sharon Deschambeau, president of the Coalition. “We are excited to be part of a study that will bring resources to benefit the people of Darke County and across the nation.”

Locally, the study will provide funding in the amount of $900,000 to support the expansion of services and resources for those struggling with opioid use disorder.

About the HEALing Communities Study

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) estimates that 2.1 million Americans have OUD, yet fewer than 20% of those receive specialty care in a given year. A menu of evidence-based practices exists, including opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution programs, prescription drug monitoring programs, FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder, behavioral therapies, and recovery support services.

In some areas, these evidence-based practices have failed to penetrate community settings. As a result, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) launched the HEALing Communities Study (HCS) to identify the interventions that are most effective at the local level in preventing and treating OUD. The goal of the study is to reduce opioid-related overdose deaths by 40 percent over the course of three years. To reach this goal, a core component of the HCS intervention is a series of community-based health communication campaigns.

To learn more about the study and how to get involved, please visit:
• Website: www.HealTogetherOH.org/Darke
• Facebook: @CoalitionDarkeCounty

Time to “Stuff A Bus” with United Way

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Goal is to collect $10,000 worth of school supplies for area children


Greenville, OH (July 1, 2020): The Darke County United Way is once again having its annual Stuff A Bus school supply drive to collect school supplies and distribute them to all Darke County school districts for students in need. Items needed include: paper (wide and college-ruled), composition books, #2 pencils, blue and black pens, erasers, rulers, glue sticks, safety scissors, markers, washable markers, highlighters, post it notes, crayons in 16 or 24 packs, single subject notebooks, colored pencils, pocket folders, calculators, pencil sharpeners, pencil pouches/boxes, dry erase markers, backpacks, lunch boxes, ziplock bags, tissues, and/or antibacterial wipes.

Collection day is Friday, July 31st from 9:00 am-4:00 pm in the Buffalo Wild Wings parking lot in Greenville. If you would like to drop off school supplies before July 31st, please drop items off at the following locations: Farmers State Bank, Greenville Federal, Greenville National Bank, Park National Bank (formerly known as Second National Bank), Versailles Savings & Loan, and the Darke County United Way Office.

“In 2019, we collected a little over $7,300.00 worth of school supplies. Our goal for 2020 is to collect $10,000 in supplies to give our community’s children the tools to succeed and learn,” stated Darke County United Way Executive Director, Christy Bugher. “School supplies and fees are a financial hardship for many families throughout Darke County. The COVID-19 Pandemic has only created additional hardships. Further, many teachers provide classroom supplies that children may share. That will not be an option if children go back in the fall. Each student will be required to have his/her own supplies. It is crucial that we collect as much as possible this year for our local students.”

Stuff the Bus benefits children in the following school districts: Ansonia, Arcanum, Bradford, Franklin Monroe, Greenville, Mississinawa Valley, Tri Village, Versailles, and Anthony Wayne.
The Darke County United Way fights for the health, education, and stability of every person in our community. For more information, contact the Darke County United Way at 937-547-1272 or unitedway@darkecountyunitedway.org.

Miss Chick Pageant Plans

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Miss Chick registration remains open until July 30th with discounted registration through July 15th. Pageant organizers are making plans to continue the 69-year tradition despite COVID. While decisions are not final, procedures are being outlined to maintain safety and social distancing. These additional steps involve limiting attendance, organizing social distancing and providing masks to contest participants and organizers. In person interviews held prior to the pageant will be completed via Zoom. 2020 is an opportunity for contestants to display the spirit of leadership that has been a hallmark of Miss Chick.

The pageant provides an opportunity for young ladies to win up to $1,000 and the life time title of Miss Chick. The contest, sponsored by Versailles Savings & Loan and Versailles Poultry Days, Inc., will take place August 14 & 15, 2020 beginning with personal interviews at noon on August 14th and the onstage interview beginning at 2 PM on August 15th in the old VHS High School gymnasium located at 459 S. Center Street in Versailles.

Contestants do not need to be from Versailles or even Darke County. Contestants may reside in any contiguous county including Miami, Mercer, Montgomery, Shelby, Auglaize, Preble, Jay, Randolph and Wayne. Contestants must be females and 16 years of age by the day of the contest, and no older than 19 years of age (Limited to graduating high school seniors of the class of 2020.)

After 69 years of celebrating vibrant, dynamic young women as part of the Poultry Days Festival, the Miss Chick pageant has earned its place as a rich community tradition. Members of the Miss Chick court promote the festival throughout their reign acting as ambassadors to the Ultimate Frisbee community that participates in the tournament held in conjunction with the festival and at several other local festivals.

The court also participates in philanthropic events that raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Wounded Warrior Project, and/or conducts events like Confident Chicks Night; a program created to inspire and uplift young women.

In addition to the honor of representing Poultry Days during their reign, the chosen

Miss Chick will receive flowers, a plaque, crown and $1,000; First Runner-up will receive flowers, a plaque, and $400; and Second Runner-up will receive flowers, a plaque, and $200.

Sponsors can be any high school organization (including athletic teams, clubs, band and musical), 4-H clubs, and businesses. A list of potential sponsors and contacts is available from the pageant chairpersons if contestants should require help in securing sponsorship. Early applicants will receive a discounted entry fee of $5 payable by the sponsor or contestant. The early application deadline for entries will be July 18, 2020. After this date contestants will be subject to a $10 entrance fee. Final deadline for entries is August 1, 2020. Anyone interested becoming involved as a sponsor or contestant should contact Amanda or Madelyn via misschick.vpd@gmail.com or follow the link to the application form via the Poultry Days website.

Contestants will be judged on the following basis: 1) Appearance - 25%, 2) Clothing - 25%
3) Poise, ability to speak, platform presence - 25%, 4) Personal Interview - 25%

For more information and the application, please visit www.versaillespoultrydays.com
or like our Facebook page, Miss Chick - Versailles Poultry Days. The 69th annual Versailles Poultry Days will be held the weekend of August 14th with a theme of “Loaded Up and Cluckin.”

Help Track Ohio’s Wild Turkey and Ruffed Grouse Populations

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – Citizen scientists can participate in surveying Ohio’s wild turkey and ruffed grouse populations by reporting sightings in July and August, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Every summer, the Division of Wildlife conducts a turkey and grouse brood survey to estimate population growth. The brood survey relies on the public to report observations of all wild turkeys and ruffed grouse seen during July and August. Observations can be reported at the wildlife species sighting webpage at wildohio.gov.

Information collected for wild turkeys includes the number of gobblers, hens and young turkeys (poults) observed. Information collected for ruffed grouse include the number of adults and young observed. The date and the county where the observation occurred are recorded for both species.

This survey is conducted by state wildlife agencies across the wild turkey’s range, which includes Ohio. Information submitted to Ohio’s brood survey helps to predict future population changes and guide wild turkey management in the state and across the nation. In 2019, the public submitted 436 valid reports with a statewide average of 2.3 poults per hen. The 10-year average is 2.6 poults per hen. Biologists began tracking summer observations of wild turkeys in 1962. Ruffed grouse were added to the survey in 1999.

The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.

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.

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

State of the Heart Care's Camp Encourage Preps for 20th Year

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2020 marks a very exciting milestone for State of the Heart Care’s Camp Encourage-its 20th year of camp! State of the Heart Care’s grief camp, first known as Camp BEARable, started in 2000 with 15 campers. It has since been renamed Camp Encourage and has helped over 800 total children on their journey through grief. We wanted to reflect on how camp has transformed over the years, so I recently spoke with Pam Pohlman, Social Worker at State of the Heart Care for 30 years, on her experiences while helping with camp through the years.

Pam began helping at camp about 18 years ago as an adult buddy. Each child is paired with a buddy during the weekend to offer one on one support and encouragement. She then became a group leader, and now serves as camp social worker. When speaking with Pam I could see the passion she has for camp as her eyes lit up with the many memories she wanted to share. I asked her why she was first interested in helping with camp, and she said, “As a social worker I spent time with children during the dying process of their loved ones and could see such a need for that kind of bereavement follow up after their loss. As time has gone on, participating in camp has also become a way to honor my mother.” Pam’s mother knew the importance of bereavement care, as she lost her own mother (Pam’s grandmother) when she was only 7 years old. She often told Pam that there were no bereavement programs for children back then, and always encouraged Pam to continue her work at camp and to “help as many children as possible” because she could see how great a benefit it would have been for her and knew how helpful it was to all the children now.

Pam shared that many aspects of camp have remained the same over time, including a traditional camp song, as well as a campfire night which Pam said, “is very peaceful as we sit together and watch the fire. This often leads to the kids opening up and expressing their feelings.” There have been changes over the years in some activities, but they’ve all been very helpful in accomplishing the mission of Camp Encourage. Different activities over the years have included trust exercises, nature hikes, fishing, jumpy houses, caricature artists, creating cookbooks, and having water balloon competitions. Some activities have become tradition, such as the classic car clubs that come and visit. One of Pam’s favorite moments is when the kids get to ride in the cars because she “loves seeing the huge smiles indicating pure delight in every face, which represents a respite from their current life challenges.” Another tradition of camp is a takeaway item that the children can treasure as a memento of their time at camp. These include crafts the children make, such as calming jars and memory boxes. Volunteers also have made special items for the children each year. In the beginning, they sewed handmade teddy bears. Last year, a group called The Blanketeers made enough blankets for each child to receive one for use during camp and to take home with them.

Along with the purely fun activities are more serious exercises designed to offer guidance and healing through grief the children may be experiencing. This includes a session called the panel of experts. The panel is usually comprised of a physician, chaplain, and funeral home employee, and gives the children a chance to speak with and ask questions to these professionals. Pam has been a moderator at the panel for a few years and shared that the campers are very insightful and ask amazing questions. Another important exercise is the letter release. Each year campers are encouraged to write letters to the loved ones that they have lost. There have been different ceremonies held with the letters over the years, including a balloon launch where the letters were attached to balloons and then released outside. More recently, they’ve done a water letter release ceremony. The children still write a letter to their loved one and come forward individually to drop their letters in a bowl of water, dissolving the letter. These ceremonies offer closure in a safe place for the children to express their feelings where they won’t be judged.

Pam reflected that one of the most healing and powerful activities occurs on the last day of camp each year. The camp memorial service is held before the campers are picked up by their loved ones. The children’s caregivers come early for a session providing education on what their child has experienced at camp, encouraging them to use this information at home as they interact with them. The caregivers then attend the memorial service, where each camper walks forward in the group and says the name of the loved one they have lost. Pam shared that this benefits the child and also the child’s family members when they hear the name as “it validates their shared grief and loss experience.”

According to Pam, perhaps the most important aspect of camp over the past 20 years and continuing into the future, is that it normalizes the children’s grief experiences and they realize they are not alone. They see that other kids are experiencing similar feelings and concerns and can relate to one another. “I am always amazed at the strength and resilience shown by the kids after experiencing such a traumatic and life-changing event of losing someone special.” When asked what her favorite memory from camp has been, Pam shared that it would be regarding two seven-year-olds, one who lost their dad and one who lost their mom-both in tragic accidents. Pam was the group leader that year and remembers that both were very quiet in the beginning; they didn’t feel comfortable sharing their stories. At one point during the weekend they had an opportunity during an activity apart from the larger group to open up and support one another through their losses. That created a wonderful bond throughout the rest of their camp experience. And when they returned the following year, they remained friends.

Pam hopes to continue her work at camp each year and wants others to know what a meaningful and fulfilling experience it is, highly recommending it to others who would like to volunteer, as there is always a need for adult buddies who have a heart for supporting children during their grief journey.

This year’s camp will look a bit different. In the best interest and safety for our families, volunteers, and staff involved with camp, we are hosting Camp Encourage virtually this year! “Camp Encourage at Home” will be July 10-12 and our camp staff are hard at work preparing activities for the campers, ensuring they still have a special camp experience! Camp Encourage accepts children ages 6-15 who have experienced the death of a loved one, no matter their affiliation with our hospice care. For more information or to register, please visit our website at www.stateoftheheartcare.org/camp-encourage or contact our Camp Director, Ashlee Slavin at aslavin@stateoftheheartcare.org.

Trash Bash 2020 Rescheduled!!

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Do you want to help Darke County look it’s best? Join the Darke County Solid Waste District in our twelfth annual Darke County “Trash Bash” Community Clean-up Day on Saturday and Sunday, September 12 & 13, 2020. By participating, you help create a good impression on prospective employers, retail businesses, professionals, and others who visit our “clean” county.

"Litter brings more litter," Krista Fourman, Solid Waste District Director said. "The cleaner you keep a place, the less chance it will be littered. I think you pick up less litter if you keep an area clean. It's easier for people to throw litter where they see tons of other litter."

How can you participate? If you signed-up in the spring before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, we are still counting on you to participate. If you can NOT participate during these dates, please let us know so that we may give your assigned roadway to another group. If you want to participate but are not already signed-up, contact the district at 937-547-0827.

The Darke County Community Clean-Up day is rescheduled for September 12 & 13, 2020, rain or shine. The collection is set to begin at 8:00 a.m. The district is looking for numerous groups of 4-6 persons to “pound the pavement” at their assigned 2-mile locations picking-up bags of trash and recyclables. Clean-up groups can be started with friends from school, work, church, and volunteer organizations or clubs and there’s no age limit for volunteers. Call the district at 937-547-0827 to for more information. Sign-up forms can also be found on the district’s website: www.co.darke.oh.us/solidwaste. New participants must have their forms must be turned in by July 30, 2020.

Each group will be given black bags for trash and clear bags for recyclables. For separating the recyclables from the trash, each group will be awarded $75.00 (per 2+/- mile section) for participating. Awards will be given to Darke County non-profit organizations only. There is no limit to the number of groups that an organization can enter. County highway employees will follow assigned routes and will pick-up bags on the targeted collection roads on September 14, 2020.

So, Darke County, Let’s Clean-Up!!

The Darke County Historical Society Announces the Dr. Harry G. Thomas Medical Scholarship for 2020

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Dr. Harry G. Thomas
The Darke County Historical Society is pleased to announce that funds will be available from the Dr. Harry G. Thomas Medical Scholarship Program for the 2020-2021 academic year.

The Dr. Harry G. Thomas Medical Scholarship Program, administered by the Darke County Historical Society, was established and funded in 1971 by Lowell Thomas and his sister Pherbia Thomas Thornburg in memory of their father Dr. Harry G. Thomas. The program was later supplemented by a bequest from Lowell Thomas’s will with the investment interest generated by the fund being used to offer scholarships.

Dr. Thomas received his degree from the University of Cincinnati Medical School, practiced in Iowa and Colorado, and served during WWI in British hospitals leaving the war as a Colonel in General Pershing’s Army. Dr. Thomas died in 1952 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Both he and his wife, Harriet Wagner, were descendants of Darke County pioneers.

Eligibility for the Dr. Harry G. Thomas Medical Scholarship requires the applicant to be a resident of Darke County and a graduate of a Darke County high school. Applicants must be accepted into a medical school, complete an application, and furnish transcripts and letters of recommendation. Students may be considered for scholarship awards for up to four years during medical school but must resubmit a letter of interest each year. The application deadline is September 17, 2020.

For information concerning the scholarship program or for an application, please contact Dr. Clay Johnson at Garst Museum, 205 North Broadway, Greenville, OH 45331,
937-548-5250, or information@garstmuseum.org.

Poultry and Pints Homebrew Competition

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Ladies and gentlemen…start your brewing! If you’re a garage brewer or weekend hops warrior, now is your opportunity to enter your favorite beverage in the area’s BJCP homebrew competition. The Midwestern Ohio Brewing Society (MOBS) in collaboration with sponsorship from Endless Pint Brewery and Poultry Days will host its second Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) sanctioned homebrew competition on Sunday, August 16th in Versailles, Ohio. The “Poultry and Pints” competition is limited to 30 entries with each person limited to two entries, each in a separate subcategory. The deadline to register is August 5, 2020 and all entries must be received by end of day August 9th. The registration fee is $10 per entry and delivery instructions are provided at registration.

In addition to awards, the Best of Show will have the opportunity to brew their recipe at Endless Pint Brewing in Versailles, Ohio. Endless Pint Brewing has also agreed to enter the recipe in the Pro-Am portion of the Great American Beer Festival (GABF), if the requirements and deadlines are met. Last year, Tony Enneking of Minster won Best of Show (BOS) with his Belgian Tripel at the first Homebrew Competition. Private Judging will be held offsite and the winner announced at Poultry Days on Sunday, August 16, 2020.

For questions about the competition go to “Poultry and Pints” on versaillespoultrydays.com or email jvbergman1@gmail.com. While you’re there check out the option for purchasing a cooler of 20 halves of delicious bbq chicken. Order for pick-up August 14-16th or order two or more coolers and we will deliver within 25 miles by noon on Friday, August 14th. And if we don’t serve chicken, we will provide a 100% refund on presale orders. The 69th annual Poultry Days Festival will be held August 14-16th with a theme of “Loaded Up and Cluckin.” Find a full schedule at versaillespoultrydays.com. Poultry Days will be following all local and state guidance as it relates to the health and safety of our guests.

Darke County Parks’ Program Brings Joy to Nursing Home Residents

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Darke County Parks’ naturalist staff has been hard at work brainstorming and developing new ideas for programs that follow current health guidelines. One of the newest initiatives, “Rest Home Roam” started this month. Our groundbreaking program consists of various animal ambassadors visiting the rest homes in and around the county. Since many of these residents have been secluded to the facility with limited visitation, naturalist staff felt this was a great opportunity to provide them with a new experience. “It’s so wonderful seeing their faces light up when you walk up to their window” said naturalist Megan Schmidt. So far, Village Green Health and Rehabilitation, Oakley Place Assisted Living Community, and Randolph Nursing and Rehabilitation have all taken advantage of this unique opportunity. Many other facilities have already registered for future visits including Brookdale, Rest Haven and Versailles Rehabilitation. “The resident’s excitement of seeing these wild animals up close is apparent by the smiles through the windows. I am thankful that I get to be the one to share this experience with them" added naturalist Mitch Pence.

Rest Home Roam is free to all Darke County facilities. If you're interested in one of DCP’s animal ambassadors visiting your facility, please email Mandy Martin at mmartin@darkecountyparks.org or call the nature center at 937-548-0165.

2020-2021 BPW OFFICERS INSTALLED

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2020 – 2021 BPW Officers (left to right) President, Kasey Christian; Vice President, Peggy Foutz; Secretary, Karen Sink; Treasurer, Tammy Dietrich; and Assistant Treasurer, Maria Moore
Greenville, OH June 16, 2020 The Greenville Business & Professional Women’s Club (BPW) June 11th meeting was by the newly elected officers President Kasey Christian, Vice President Peggy Foutz, Secretary Karen Sink, Treasurer Tammy Dietrich and Assistant Treasurer Maria Moore at the shelter at the VFW Post 7252.

The officers were sworn in by former Club President, Deb Smith. This was the last meeting prior to the summer break. The new meeting year will start again with the September 10th meeting. Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of every month from September through June. The club holds four fundraising events throughout the year to raise funds for scholarships for Darke County Young Women. This past year they awarded seven $750 scholarships, along with a $500 Anna Britton scholarship. The incoming officers will meet over the summer months to make plans for the upcoming club year.

The Greenville BPW Club’s mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education, and information. Those interested in learning more about the Club can contact any of the officers by email at greenvillebpwclub@yahoo.com or visit our Facebook page at Greenville BPW Club.

Garst Welcomes Visitors Again

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Annie Oakley masks available at online museum store. 
Garst Museum will open its doors to the public on June 16, 2020. The staff will be greeting you with smiling faces at the receptionist station located at the entrance to the Lowell Thomas Wing (the front entrance is temporarily closed). Well, you might not see the smiles behind their required masks, but you will see the welcoming twinkle in their eyes! As the museum plans to reopen, its primary concern is for the safety of visitors and staff so new measures have been put in place to adhere to all Ohio Department of Health and CDC guidelines.

Masks are the in-thing. Everyone must wear a mask—staff, patrons, board members, volunteers, and even Annie Oakley if she were to appear! And, Annie would surely be wearing a stylish custom-designed Annie Oakley mask that is available exclusively at the Museum Store or through its website by visiting www.garstmuseum.org/product-page/annie-oakley-face-mask.

If you have spent your Covid-19 stay-at-home time doing historical research and have questions, you can get the answers now. Although the Research Center/Genealogy Library is closed to the public due to its small physical space, the staff is eager to assist you. You can make requests by phone (937-548-5250) or email (genealogy@garstmuseum.org). Fees for copies may apply, but the research is a service to you.

As for artifact or genealogy donations, docent-led and school tours, and public programs, they will have to wait until a future date is announced.

Plan to visit Garst Museum as Ohio begins to open up its entertainment venues. While you are here, stroll through the exhibits for Annie Oakley, the Crossroads of Destiny, Keepers of Freedom, Lowell Thomas, and the Villages—but always remember to be safe and stay six feet apart. The museum awaits you Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. but is closed on Sunday and Monday.

Grab & Go at the Library

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The Greenville Public Library is now offering a new program called Grab & Go which allows patrons to come into the building one at a time and chose their own books for checkout. All you have to do is call for an appointment and show up at the door! You will be allowed to browse the shelves and take your materials to the circ desk like usual. Right now we can allow only one person or one family per appointment. Masks are required.

We are still asking that all returned materials go into the bookdrop so we can process them properly. Please do not bring them into the building with you. We also have reactivated the ability to place reserves online through our website. You may now reserve up to five books online. We will call you when they are ready for curbside pickup.

The Library staff looks forward to returning to normal functioning as soon as it is safe. When that time comes the doors will be unlocked with everyone welcome to stay to relax, socialize, and enjoy our full services including programming. But for now we are offering Grab & Go, curbside pickup, services by appointment, and digital downloads and databases. Phone lines are open 10:00 to 6:00 five days a week 937-548-3915.

Darke County GOP reorganizes: New officers and committees chosen

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GREENVILLE, OHIO – The Darke County Republican Party recently met in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code to reorganize for the 2020 and 2021 years. This is done in each even numbered year after new committeepersons are elected in the primary election.

The Party congratulated the following election winners: Terry L. Haworth (Precinct 01), Darryl D. Mehaffie (Precinct 03), Doris Howdieshell (Precinct 04), Cindy Pike (Precinct 09), Jeffrey D. Whitaker (Precinct 10), Lynda W. Bliss (Precinct 11), Dean G. Burk (Precinct 16), John K. Keller (Precinct 20), Jim Ward (Precinct 22), Gwendolyn K. Tinkle (Precinct 24), Betty J. Grimes (Precinct 25), Kevin Threewits (Precinct 26), Michael W. Foreman (Precinct 27), Tom Lucas (Precinct 31), Kelly Brehm (Precinct 36), Gloria Harpest (Precinct 37), and Michael W. Rhoades(Precinct 39).

The newly elected Republican committeepersons met and elected the following officers for the Darke County Republican Central Committee (DCRCC): Chairman Cindy Pike, Vice Chairman Jeff Whitaker, Treasurer Gwen Tinkle, Secretary Doris Howdieshell.

In accordance with the Darke County Republican Party Bylaws, the DCRCC elects the Chairman of the Darke County Republican Executive Committee (DCREC) and five DCRCC members to serve on the DCREC. Katie DeLand was elected to serve as DCREC Chairman for the upcoming term. Additionally, the following people were elected to serve on the DCREC: Lyn Bliss, Kelly Brehm, Ryan Buschur, Kevin Threewits, and Gwen Tinkle.

The DCRCC also established two new officers to serve on the DCREC: Education and Constitution Chairman Keith Threewits and Technology and Social Media Chairman Lyn Bliss.

The DCREC met following adjournment of the DCRCC and elected its other officers for the 2020-2021 term: Vice Chairman Matt Aultman, Treasurer Roxanne Willman and Secretary Jaime LeVeck.

The DCREC appointed the following members to the DCRCC: Matt Aultman, Dennis Baker, Russ Bennett, Ryan Buschur, Delores Ely, Carol Ginn, Anna May James, Kate Poeppelman and Jeff Ruffing.

The purposes of the Republican Party of Darke County are to secure the most capable, honest, and forward-looking administration for the government of the nation, state, county, township and municipalities, and in accordance with the principles of the Republican Party continually assist in advancing and achieving the common welfare and the benefits of liberty and justice for ourselves and our posterity.

The members of the DCRCC and DCREC pledge themselves to support the principals espoused in the Republican Platform as adopted by the delegates to the most recent quadrennial Republican National Convention and to assist in achieving the purposes of the Republican Party of Darke County.

For questions or further information please contact Chairman DeLand at (937) 424-7086.

DCCA WILL NOT PRESENT 2020 SUMMER EVENTS

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Darke County Center for the Arts announces that the local non-profit arts organization will not be presenting its annual summer events BBQ & Blues and Missoula Children’s Theatre. “Normally DCCA would be gearing up for a new season and excitedly announcing our plans for coming events,” stated Andrea Jordan, DCCA Executive Director. “As we all know too well, nothing is normal right now and though live performance is currently taking an intermission, DCCA is still planning and eagerly anticipating our 2020-2021 VISION Season,” Jordan shared.

In addition, ticket holders for shows that DCCA was forced to cancel have until June 30 to contact DCCA to request a refund or consider the amount of the ticket a donation to continuing DCCA’s mission of presenting and promoting the arts in Darke County. Should you choose to donate your tickets and would like a tax letter, acknowledging your valued contribution contact DCCA or simply send us an email with your name, address and the tickets you are donating to DCCA@darkecountyarts.org.

“The DCCA Board of Directors and Staff thanks our patrons, sponsors, and the community for their commitment to our organization and the arts in Darke County, when we are able to get a clearer picture, we will be announcing the 2020-2021 VISION Season and DCCA annual membership campaign. We are all looking forward to when this intermission comes to an end, and the thrill that live performance brings will feel more special than ever before,” concluded Jordan.

The DCCA Office in the Greenville Public Library is currently closed but can be reached at (937) 547-0908, dcca@darkecountyarts.org or visit DarkeCountyArts.org for more information.

Darke County Center for the Arts presents and promotes performing and fine arts, encouraging cultural enrichment. DCCA is also committed to the preservation of Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall as an important cultural center in the community.

Mural Completed at Bish Discovery Center

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While the Bish Discovery Center has been closed to the public in efforts to slow the spread of Covid-19, progress inside the building is still being made. One new feature for the building is the addition of a mural on the north wall. Last year, the Rotary Club of Greenville awarded the Darke County Parks funds to complete this project and Naturalist staff went to work brainstorming a vision for the mural. After a couple of months of searching, artist and author April Newton was chosen to bring the vision to life.

April grew up in New Madison and raised her 5 children there as well. She now resides in Columbus with her husband Tom and stepson Weston. April published and illustrated her first children’s book, “Popcorn-The Wondering Little Lamb” in November of 2019. Her book is now available on Amazon.

April started working on the mural April 24th, during the shutdown. “I really enjoyed being able to get out of the house during the coronavirus shut down” she remarked. After a few weeks of hard work, the mural was completed on May 15th. The mural features several storybook style outdoor rec scenes that illustrate the relationship between people and wild places. When asked which feature of the mural was her favorite to work on, April replied “I enjoyed painting the beavers!”

The Darke County Parks’ board of commissioners would like to thank April for all of her hard work in making the mural come to life. A reopen date for the Bish Discovery Center is currently being discussed, stay tuned.

Greenville Public Library's New Databases

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Greenville Public Library's Warren Richards reminds everyone “The quest for more knowledge doesn’t have to stop just because your local library is closed. There are many new database options available that we would like to highlight for our patrons. These resources can be accessed via our website www.greenville-publiclibrary.org/services by selecting “Ohio Web Library (OWL)” under “Web Resources.”

“We were especially excited to add these new editions to the collection beginning on June 1st. There is a total of seven categories within the OWL Database and their contents range broadly, from “Continued Learning” to “Business Support” to “Genealogy” and more! Perhaps the best feature of this database is that these resources are completely FREE to our patrons!

“Curious to know more about the opposing viewpoints of an issue? Check out the “Points of View Reference Center” for presentations on multiple sides of an argument. This database is a great tool for information seekers of all ages and is made available to help patrons develop persuasive arguments and analytical thinking skills.

“Most people are familiar with the Ancestry database, but many are unaware that we also provide access to OWL’s specialized databases as well. The African American Heritage resource allows patrons to find historical records specific to African Americans. Fold3 is a compilation of U.S. military records that aids in bringing to life the details of military veterans and many other special features related to America’s military. Heritage Quest allows patrons to search census records and other historical documents to help aid them in the study of genealogy.

“There is also a wide range of Do It Yourself (DIY) and Homework Help resources available that cover a broad range of subjects. Some subjects available include “What’s that Snake?”, “Home Improvement”, and “Hobbies.” Additionally, access is also provided to the Chilton’s database, an instructional guide for answering many of your auto-related questions. Chilton can even help you get an idea on what certain repairs might cost for your specific vehicle.”

The staff at Greenville Public Library are available by phone to help with finding the right resources you need, whether you are a life-long learner or student just new to the system. Please call 937-548-8372 for more assistance on these Free databases.

100th Anniversary of the Bradford Fire to be Commemorated at The Bradford Public Library

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The Bradford Public Library will be hosting an Open House on August 1, 2020 from 10:00-1:00 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Bradford Fire. On August 3, 1920 much of the business district of Bradford was wiped out in a devastating fire that forever changed the landscape of the village. To prepare for the open house event, we are looking for artifacts and photos from that era. Items borrowed for the display will remain in the Bradford Public Library History Room during the open house and will be returned to their owners after the event. If you have any items to lend for this special occasion, please contact Stacie at 937-448-2612.

We thank you in advance and hope you can join us on August 1st.

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