PostDarkeCounty.com

GREENVILLE KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION TO BE HELD

Greenville City Schools will be holding kindergarten registration:

March 12-16, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
at Memorial Hall

and

March 14, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
at Memorial Hall.

Children must be five years of age on or before August 1, 2012 and will need to register at Memorial Hall.  Please bring official birth certificate, immunization records, custody papers, if applicable, and 2 forms of residency and a parent/guardian photo.

FREE TAX SERVICE AVAILABLE

NextStep Ministries and the Ohio Benefit Bank is offering free tax completion on February 4, February 18 and March 3.  These FREE tax clinics will be held at 501 Gray Ave, Greenville, OH.If you would like one of our trained tax volunteers to help fill out your taxes this year, call 937-548-3211 ext 235 to schedule an appointment.  There are also evening and weekday appointments available. The only restrictions are that your income cannot exceed $60,000 and no farm or rental income.

This ministry has provided many Darke County residents with free tax completion, as well as brought close to 2.5 million dollars in tax refunds, rebates and benefits back into our county over the past four years.  Our Benefit Bank has been named the third highest in tax completions in the Southwest Region of the State of Ohio! Call today if you have any questions.
NextStep Ministries is a ministry of EUM Church.  Our worship services are Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 8:15, 9:45, and 11:15 a.m. at our Worship Center located at 1451 Sater Street (corner of Sater and Sebring-Warner Road) in Greenville, OH.  The Downtown Campus, 111 Devor Street, houses our offices and preschool.  For more information, go to www.eumchurch.org or call 548-3211.

GREENVILLE BOOSTERS TO HOLD BOWLING, SILENT AUCTION MAR. 31

The Greenville Athletic Boosters will be holding a Bowling and Silent Auction Fundraiser Night on March 31, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at The New Treaty Lanes.

The event will include all the bowling you can bowl, pizza, bowling shoes, and a silent auction bidding number. There will also be door prizes, bowling prizes and a 50/50 drawing throughout the evening.

Tickets are on sale for $20 person and can be purchased from the GHS athletic office at 548-4416 or Stephanie Baumgardner at 459-2616.

Some of the items that will be available to purchase at the silent auction are 4-night stay at the Lazy Parrott Inn, a front row parking space at GHS football games, Gift Certificates to several restaurants, and much more.

If you are interested in making a donation such as a monetary donation, a item for auction, or service for auction, please contact Stephanie Baumgardner at (937) 459- 2616.

100% of all proceeds go to Greenville Athletic Boosters to help support GHS athletes by purchasing equipment and providing scholarships. Thank you in advance for your support.

STATE OF THE HEART HOSPICE EARNS ACCREDITATION

State of the Heart Hospice was recently re-accredited by The Joint Commission Accreditation On Homecare.  With offices in Greenville, Coldwater and Portland, the non-profit agency cares for patients and families who are confronting a life-limiting illness.  The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit national body that oversees the safety and quality of health care and other services provided in accredited organizations.

“This accreditation follows an intensive four day review of our agency,” explained Elaine Seger, Director of Clinical Services for State of the Heart.  “The Joint Commission accreditation reflects the fact that State of the Heart meets and adheres to the highest standards in providing hospice care.”  Since 1999, State of the Heart has been accredited by the national body.  A survey is conducted every three years.

The Joint Commission works to ensure that its standards, requirements and measures are always clear, relevant and focused on improving health care quality and safety, according to a Joint Commission spokesman.  The Joint Commission seeks out rigorous evidence to guide judgments about where a particular bar should be set to improve patient outcomes.

Seger said that the Joint Commission surveyor looked at all areas of service provided by State of the Heart, focusing foremost on patient care and the outcome of that care, “looking closely at quality control.”

The accreditation, she added, reflects that State of the Heart maintains high level standards “assuring the very best in patient care.”     State of the Heart Hospice has provided hospice care to area communities in eastern Indiana and western Ohio for more than 30 years. More than 11,000 patients and their families have received hospice care and bereavement support.

“All of us at State of the Heart are proud of this re-certification,” Seger said.  “What this says to the community we serve is that our staff and program are meeting the very highest standards in hospice care.”

For more information about the services provided by State of the Heart Hospice, visit the agency web site at www.stateoftheheartcare.org.

PET PICTURES WITH THE EASTER BUNNY

Get your Pet’s Picture taken with the EASTER BUNNY on Saturday, March 17, 2012 from 10am to 2pm at Greenville Walmart in the Garden Center.

The “Darke County Friends of the Shelter”, a 501c3 organization, and Wal-Mart will be taking pictures of your companion animals with Easter Bunny. All animals must enter Wal-Mart through the Garden Center entrance.

The cost of the photo is only $3.00 and all proceeds will go to the “Darke County Friends of the Shelter” helping the dogs and cats at the Darke County Animal Shelter.

Children are also welcome to have their pictures taken with the Easter Bunny. Bring your whole family for a picture!

Wal-Mart will offer a photo package deal for Easter.

All pets must be on a leash or in a pet carrier. Please come and support the Darke County Friends of the Shelter!

For more information you can contact the Animal Shelter at 937-547-1645.

WOODCOCK WATCH TO BE HELD FEB. 23

The spring courtship ritual of this unique bird is a treat to behold.  Join a Naturalist on Thursday, February 23rd at 5:30pm as we attempt to spy on the male woodcock as he struts his stuff and shows off his aerobatics for the ladies.  Quite an unusual looking “shore”-bird, the woodcock is present most of the year, but we only get good looks during their short mating season.  Meet at the Nature Center, 4267 St. Rt. 502 West, and we’ll carpool to our viewing location.  Pre-Register for this event by calling the Nature Center at 937.548.0165.  For more information on the programs we have to offer, visit our website at www.darkecoutyparks.org

ANNUAL WAFFLE BREAKFAST TO BE HELD MAR. 3

The Friends of the Darke County Parks will once again be hosting their annual Waffle and Sausage Breakfast on Saturday, March 3rd from 7:00am-10:30am at the Nature Center, 4267 St. Rt. 502 West.  They will be serving up a hearty breakfast of waffles, sausage, juice, coffee and of course pure Ohio Maple Syrup!  Tickets are available for a $5 donation, call the Nature Center or purchase them from any Friend of the Parks member, Carry-Out is available.  After breakfast, take a maple syrup tour, enter the 50/50 raffle and visit the log house.  Maple Syrup tours will be available Saturday, March 3rd from 7:30am-4:00pm and on Sunday, March 4th from 12:00pm-4:00pm.  For more information, please call the Nature Center at 937.548.0165.

LONGTOWN LECTURE TO BE HELD AT GARST, FEB. 19

Here is a perfect opportunity to get out of the house and learn something new. On Sunday, February 19, at 2:00 PM, Roane Smothers will discuss the documentary that describes the life and times of James Clemens and the Longtown Settlement, a multi-racial settlement on the border of Indiana and Ohio during the 1800′s.

As an introduction to the Remembering Freedom program, Noel Rihm, a Wright State University student and museum intern, will discuss the insights that guided her as she developed the new Longtown exhibit at the museum.

Longtown was a predominantly African American settlement in Darke County that included people of African, European, and American Indian ancestry. The population included many freed or runaway slaves. With the establishment of a vocational school known as the Union Literary Institute, Longtown created an opportunity for African Americans to become land-owning farmers, craftsmen, skilled workers and professionals during a period when slavery and racism were prevalent.

All lectures are free and open to the public. However, regular admission will apply to tour the exhibit and museum which includes the outstanding Annie Oakley Center and CrossRoads of Destiny exhibits. Support for the Garst Lecture series comes, in part, from the Stephens Foundation.

SCHIPFER RECEIVES CITIZEN LEADERSHIP AWARD

Daniel C. Schipfer Jr., Darke County Parks Vice President for the Park Board of Commissioners was recently awarded the CitizenLeadership Award by the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association.  Dan was presented the award on February 7th, 2012 while attending the OPRA Annual Awards Celebration that was held this year at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio.  Mr. Schipfer was requested in 1972 by then-Darke County Probate Judge, the Honorable Edward Williams to serve on the first Park Board of Commissioners for the newly created Park District. “Forty years have now passed, and with the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Darke County Park District, Daniel C. Schipfer Jr. has served continuously for that entire 40-year period as a Park Board commissioner, holding all three positions of president, vice president and commissioner-at-large. Quiet, strong leadership has guided this commissioner in his visions for the growth of the Park District from the beginning.” stated Executive Director Woody Woodward of the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association.

Dan’s 40 years of service have taken the Park District from a single 32-acre tract of land to be maintained as a nature sanctuary in 1972 to a regional park district with almost 1,000 acres of land in 11 different parks throughout Darke County. This also includes a 7,000-square-foot Nature Education Center and County Community rooms available for use by the local nonprofits and government agencies at no additional cost to those groups. More than 75,000 visitor occasions now takes place annually in all the parks combined.

Woodward continued, “We congratulate Daniel C. Schipfer Jr. as a quiet, yet strong leader with the intent to serve the community. His volunteer service often goes without fanfare, which is actually how Dan likes it. His dedication to the parks and recreation communities is unparalleled during this 40-year period of service. His passion for parks always includes visits during his vacations to national, state and local park districts to learn how “his” parks can continue to grow from the knowledge of others.”

DANNON OFFERS BIG PRIZE IN HEALTHY KID COMPETITION

$30,000 is up for grabs as a part of the 7th annual Dannon Next Generation Nutrition® grants.  Dannon will cut a check to help support an Auglaize, Mercer, Darke, or Shelby County program that best encourages children to develop healthy eating habits.  Know an organization with such a program?  Please help us spread the word. The applications are available here – and the process is now underway!

Each year, as a part of this program, The Dannon Company contributes $30,000 to a non-profit organization in each of the four communities where a Dannon facility is located.  Past recipients include the Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, Ohio FFA Foundation Inc. and the Council on Rural Services.

A video highlighting the success of a past grant winner is viewable by clicking the link below or visiting Dannon’s Facebook page.  Through the Dannon Next Generation Nutrition® grant, the nutrition programs created by organizations like these have reached nearly 17,000 children in Ohio and increased their knowledge of nutrition and their ability to make healthy food choices.

2012’s grant winner will surely continue in this tradition. But don’t delay – organizations have until Friday, March 30 to submit applications.

Click link to download application: http://www.dannon.com/pdf/dannon_cares/2012_Dannon_Next_Generation_Nutrition_Grant_Application_Form.pdf

If you have any questions, please call 914-872-8672.

BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE COMING TO VERSAILLES IN MARCH

Bowl For Kids’ Sake 2012 is scheduled for March 2 & 4, 2012, at Bel-Mar Lanes in Sidney and Mc Bo’s Lanes in Versailles.  Bowl for Kids’ Sake is open to the public, and local community members can form 4 – 5 person teams. Each team member collects donations and comes out to enjoy the party.  Funds raised in each county are used to provide services in that specific county, so this is a fun way to support the needs in your community.  Many fantastic prizes, including a Kindle Fire, Cincinnati get-away, Sweetheart Package, local shopping spree, and more, will be awarded at this event!

Grand prize will be choice of $500 cash or an Apple iPad 2!

Bowlers can make a $40 tax-deductible donation or collect pledges to participate in the event.  New this year, we will feature bowl-mania for high school students, who will be allowed to bowl for $20.

Bowling packets are ready to be mailed or picked up at the office.  Additional forms and information regarding the event are available at the website: www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org.  Log on to find out ways you can participate!

Team sponsorships are available for $300, and the company enters a five-person team of the company’s employees; this includes a company lane banner. A Lane Sponsorship for $125 includes the company name placed on a large banner above one of the lanes during the day-long event.  All sponsor names are announced throughout the day.

PayPal is new for us this year and being utilized for a convenient way to donate and secure additional sponsorships online.  Additional information regarding PayPal is available on our website at www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org.The funding from Bowl For Kids’ Sake supports the operations of the agency, which now serves around 300 children in Shelby and Darke County through its community-based and school-based mentoring programs.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County is a nonprofit, United Way member, social service organization whose 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.  The relationship is meant to guide each child toward becoming a confident, competent, and caring individual. Volunteer mentors are always needed.

Anyone interested should call the office at 547-9622 or 492-7611 to obtain more information.  Forms can also be found on the web at http://www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org/.

AO FESTIVAL COMMITTEE HELPS NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

The Annie Oakley Committee would like to give back to the community by offering free space to any non-profit organization that would like to hold a fund raising on the fairgrounds during the upcoming 2012 Annie Oakley Days Festival.

There are lots of ways your group can raise funds during The Annie Oakley Days Festival.

Have a product sale.
Carnival games. ie. Basketball, Football, Knock over milk jugs, ring over stuffed animals, etc.
Bake Sale.
Raffle.
Dunk Tank. Rent a dunk tank and offer people the chance to dunk friends, etc.
Yard Sale or Garage Sale items
Home Made Apple Dumplings, Home Made Ice Cream, etc.

We have added a non-profit Space Request form on our web site at: http://www.annieoakleyfestival.org/page10.html

To get your group or organization in the running, download the space request form from our website and send it in and to find out more information, send an email to: bill@annieoakleyfestival.org.

We will hold an informational meeting in March for all organizations that send in the space request.

HAVE A HEART, SAVE A HEART

As this month turns to hearts with Valentine’s Day, learn how to save a heart! Learn CitizensCPR, the hands-on only CPR, in just 30 minutes.

What a great way to beat the blahs of winter for a regular group of friends, your organization, your staff, a Sunday school class, a family reunion or your clients.    Most people who survive a cardiac emergency were helped by a bystander.  That could be you!

There is no written testing for CitizensCPR.  It’s an introductory class, without learning of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or AED usage. A trained instructor is provided and practice will be given on a special compression tool to insure that each participant is comfortable and skilled in hands-on CPR before the party is complete.  We’ll come to your group or church or location.

All you need is an open room and a few participants.  You can make a Valentine’s Day party out of it with some food or drink for after the class.  Participants are floor taught with accommodations made for those with knee issues.

Another class that can be taught in 30 minutes is Disaster Preparedness planning with a Make-It-Take-It Kit.

This is a service of the Darke County Red Cross and a fundraiser. Free-will donations for the
Training/party  help to support the mission of the Red Cross.  This party class does not qualify for CPR certification needed for work or school.

Contact director Lynne Gump at gumpl@darkecounty.redcross.org with questions, 548-1002 or Eileen Litchfield, volunteer, elitchfield@woh.rr.com to schedule, 547-0092.

CANDIDATES NIGHT TO BE HELD FEB. 27

The League of Women Voters of Darke County will once again sponsor a Candidates’ Forum for the March Primary Election, Monday, February 27 from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM at the American Legion, 325 N. Ohio Street in Greenville.  This non-partisan forum will focus on the contested candidates for the Republican Primary for Darke County Judge (Juvenile/Probate Division), Clerk of Courts and Commissioner. Information on local issues will be briefly presented at the Forum.  Non-contested candidates may also be present for a brief introduction.

Candidates listed below will give two minute introductory speeches.  Following that, they will answer questions.  The public is encouraged to attend and submit written questions.  Questions are then screened by a panel of League members, equally represented from the Democratic and Republican parties.  The following candidates are listed in the order that they will appear on the program.

Darke County Common Pleas Judge (Juvenile/Probate Division), (Vote for one):  Jason Aslinger ( R), incumbent) or James Detling  (R).

Darke County Clerk of Courts (Vote for one):  Amanda Farley (R) or Cindy Pike (R), incumbent).

Darke County Commissioner (Vote for one):  Diane Delaplane (R), incumbent) or Aaron Ward (R).

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization with the major purpose being to inform voters about the candidates and issues.  For further information about the League, call Holly Finnarn,  417-4483 or Eileen Litchfield, 547-0092, Voter Service Co-Chairpersons.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE, TUESDAY, MARCH 6.

DIABETES DAY SET FOR APRIL 14TH

 Type 2 Diabetes is a disease in which your pancreas does not make any or enough insulin, or your body prevents the insulin you produce from working correctly.  Insulin is necessary for your body to use glucose, from the food we eat, for energy.   High levels of glucose caused by uncontrolled blood sugar can damage your eyes, heart, kidneys, nerves, legs, and feet. 

Taking steps to control your blood glucose level can help you to live a healthy life with diabetes.  However, these steps can sometimes seem overwhelming.

Break your steps down into Self Care Behavioral Goals which include: Healthy Eating, Being Active, Monitoring, Taking Medication, Problem Solving, Healthy Coping, and Reducing Risk.

Diabetes Day is a wonderful opportunity to learn about some of these behavioral goals. 

Diabetes Day will be offered at Wayne HealthCare on Saturday, April 14, 2012.  The program will take place from 8:30 a.m. until noon.  Speakers will discuss topics of interest to individuals with diabetes.  Along with speakers, there will be numerous displays by companies serving the diabetes community. 

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

Dee Carrington PTA, with Wayne HealthCare will provide an interactive session regarding “Diabetes and Exercise”.  The talk will begin by discussing exercise when you have diabetes.  You will than learn how to properly do strength training and stretching exercises. 

Matthew Painting DPM with Western Ohio Podiatric Medical Center will discuss “Diabetes and Foot Care”.  Knowing how to care for your feet will lower your risk of developing foot complications. 

Karen Droesch RD,LD,CDE the Diabetes Educator at Wayne HealthCare will discuss “Nutrition Tips” to control your blood glucose and reduce your risk of complications.  Karen will break down nutrition into bit size tips.   

Registration fee is $5.00 for each participant if you pre-register before April 10, 2012.  After this date or at the door, the fee is $7.00 per participant.  The cost includes lectures, venders, handouts, and refreshment breaks.   

For more information or to register call 937-547-5750.  Do not put off learning how you can live healthy with diabetes.  Attend Diabetes Day and be healthier tomorrow.

FLOWER PATCH DONATES TO VALENTINE’S DAY BLOOD DRIVE

The Flower Patch (104 Rhoades Ave., Greenville), will be donating a carnation to everyone who registers to donate blood at the Valentine’s Day blood drive, on Tuesday, February 14th at Greenville Church of the Brethren.  The church is located at 421 Central Avenue.   The blood drive starts at 12:30 and will conclude at 6:30 pm.  The deal just gets sweeter, because everyone who registers to donate will also receive a “Heart of a Hero” t-shirt, and a chance to win Valentine’s Day door prizes!

This blood drive is sponsored by Darke County Farm Bureau and they invite everyone to donate and help save lives!  Appointments are encouraged!

Technology is making it faster and more convenient than ever to schedule your next blood donation.  Just use your computer or smart phone to make an appointment online at www.DonorTime.com.

You can also contact Dana Puterbaugh, Darke County – Account Representative @ 937-997-2199 / dputerbaugh@cbccts.org to schedule your appointment.

Please remember that appointments have priority and Walk –Ins are always welcome as the schedule permits. This just means that if you walk in and all appointments are filled at the time you come to the blood drive we will let you know when the next available appointment is and you have the choice to either wait or come back at the time that is available.

Please always allow 45 minutes to 1 hour to get through the entire process, even if you have an appointment.

For information about blood drives in Darke County please contact Dana Puterbaugh, Account Representative – Darke County at 937-997-2199 or dputerbaugh@cbccts.org.

Blood donation requirements:  Donors are required to provide a photo ID that includes their full name.  Past CBC donors are also asked to bring their CBC donor ID card.  Donors must be at least 16 years of age (16 years old with parental consent: form available at www.givingblood.org or at CBC branch & blood drive locations), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in good physical health.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changes blood donor eligibility guidelines periodically.  Individuals with eligibility questions are invited to email canidonate@cbccts.org or call 1(800)388-GIVE. Make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com.

RELAY FOR LIFE KICK-OFF MEETING, FEB. 13

Attend the Relay For Life Kick Off on Monday, February 13th beginning at 6:30 p.m.  This year’s Kick Off is being held at Shawnee Prairie, 4267 State Route 502, approximately one half-mile west of Greenville. The Kick Off sets the stage for the summer-time event. This year’s Relay For Life has a farm theme of “Let’s Get Moo-ving Against Cancer.” Ideas will be shared during the February 13th Kick Off for how teams can support this theme.

During the Kick Off you’ll see the three key features that draw Darke County residents to Relay For Life each year – these important elements center on the themes of “Celebrate,” “Remember,” and “Fight Back.”  You will also have the opportunity to network with Relay For Life team captains and hear their stories of hope along with details of why they participate in the event each year. Let their stories inspire your participation in Relay For Life in July 2012 – plan to attend the community event, volunteer to coordinate an activity, or – for the most fun – form a team.

In case you can’t wait for the February 13th Kick Off, here is something you might like to know in advance: Relay For Life is not just a way to raise funds for research to find a cure for cancer, it’s also an excellent opportunity to celebrate with cancer survivors.

Relay For Life is a community-based event which means your neighbors are already busy planning the event.  To learn more, attend the Relay For Life Kick Off meeting on Monday, February 13th beginning at 6:30 p.m.

For information about Relay For Life or about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society Web site at www.cancer.org.

DP&L COMPANY FOUNDATION SPONSORS HOUSE AT POOH CORNER

The Dayton Power and Light Company Foundation has once again given a very generous donation to Darke County Center for the Arts in support of Family Theatre Series and Arts In Education programs.  Family Theater Series programs are presented at St. Clair Memorial Hall and are open to the public.  Programs are generally based on children’s literature; ticket prices are just $5.  Through Arts In Education, and in conjunction with local schools, performing artists are annually taken to each grade of every public school in Darke County, ensuring that children in the community have the opportunity to learn and grow through the arts.  According to DCCA Executive Director Julie Strait,  “DP&L Company Foundation’s support of children’s programming makes it possible for us to present wonderful, creativity enhancing Family Theatre Series programs at an affordable ticket price, and enables all Darke County public school students to experience a culturally enriching artistic program each year.”  Strait continued, “DCCA thanks Ginny Strausburg, Executive Director of the Dayton Power and Light Company Foundation for their strong support of the arts; we are absolutely thrilled to see the children in our community receive the benefit of their generosity.”

DCCA’s 2011/2012 Family Theatre Series includes three performances; Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia presented Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny on November 20, 2011.  Coming up on Sunday, March 25 at 2:00 pm is Theatre IV’s reproduction of the classic A.A. Milne book, The House At Pooh Corner, featuring our dear friends from the Hundred Acre Woods.  The final show of the season will be Wizard of Oz on Sunday, May 6, at 2:00 pm.   Amercian Family Theatre’s lavish production of this perennial favorite will lead families on an adventurous journey with Dorothy through the magical Land of Oz as she and her friends discover the magic that lies within themselves.   Family Theatre Series shows take place at St. Clair Memorial Hall in Greenville, tickets are $5 and are available at Readmore’s Hallmark in Greenville, Worch Memorial Public Library in Versailles, and by contacting DCCA at (937) 547-0908 or DCCA@CenterForArts.net.  Tickets will also be available at the door the day of the performance.

Arts In Education programs for 2011/2012 included Kuniko Yamamoto sharing magical Mask, Mime and Music of Japan with students in grades K through 3.  Lyle Cogen presented Sticks And Stones, a drama/musical production, helping students in grades 4 through 6 meet the challenges of bullying.  Post Comedy Theatre, featuring improvisational comedian extraordinaire Robert Post, entertained and educated students in grades 7 through 12 on the intricacies, work, and talent that goes into a successful comedic production.  Arts In Education artists are generally in residence for a week as they tour all of the eight public school districts in Darke County.

WHY CREATIVE WRITING, BY ELIZABETH HORNER

Why Creative Writing?  A common question I have been asked as I get busy with college applications.

Here’s my thinking.  Our body is made up mostly of oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, etc., and when we die, our bodies will decompose and become worm-food.  I want something, SOMETHING I can leave behind that says who I was and what I cared about… and share the knowledge I have gained in life with the next generations.
I believe that written works can be very powerful — the author’s thoughts and feelings, even if he has been buried hundreds of years in the past, can continue to effect change,  shape the present world, and set new things in motion.

I look forward to learning from the best educations in the field as I pursue a career that will advance my passion for written works.  I want, primarily, to be an author of fiction books and continue to expand my opportunities to write newspaper columns.  .  My first published article was at age 9, when the then editor of the Daily Advocate Newspaper in Greenville , Ohio , Mr. Bob Robinson approached me for an article. He wanted a youth’s perspective on Independence Day.  My article became the lead story, top half of the front page of the newspaper’s “Special Independence Day Edition” in 2003.  I never stopped writing since then.

While I am interested to test my skills in various genres such as producing a movie script, psychology and history books, I must profess my love for fiction.   Why creative fiction writer? What is it about the world of make-believe that draws me closer to it than becoming a journalist or biographer?

I believe that it is very hard to be impartial in writing. There have been many books written about Christopher Columbus. Some paint him as a hero, the explorer that opened the door to American democracy, yet to others he was just another misguided idiot, who spent his dying days still believing he had found a western route to the Indies . There’s probably some truth to all those claims. The crew of the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria all had flaws, just like the people sitting in comfy chairs centuries later who felt they had the right to write about them. There is none of that confusion in fiction. The author is “god” of his own universe and is therefore able to speak basic human truth, disguised as fantasy. Orson Scott Card said it best: “I think that most of us, anyway, read these stories that we know are not ‘true’ because we’re hungry for another kind of truth: the mythic truth about human nature in general, the particular truth about those life-communities that define our own identity, and the most specific truth of all: our own self-story….”.  And if my dream becomes reality, I hope to unveil my first fictional novel, “The Problem with the Prophecy” hopefully as I head to college in 2012.

PRIMARY CANDIDATES INVITED TO LOCAL TEA PATRIOTS FEB. MEETING

Y OFFERS MORE THAN JUST PHYSICAL FITNESS

When people think of the Y, they often think of treadmills, swim lessons, and basketball but the Y has a lot more to offer than just physical fitness.  The Y also has class offerings that will boost your spiritual and mental fitness.

The YMCA of Darke County is pleased to announce the formation of a faith-based book club. Led by Tim and Krista Swensen, this group will dive into a different book each session. The book for Winter II session is Disappointment with God by Philip Yancey. Philip Yancey has a gift for articulating the knotty issues of faith. In Disappointment with God he poses three questions that Christians wonder but seldom ask aloud: Is God unfair? Is He silent? Is He hidden? This insightful and deeply personal book points to the odd disparity between our concept of God and the realities of life. Why, if God is so hungry for relationship with us, does He seem so distant? Why, if He cares for us, do bad things happen? What can we expect from Him after all? Yancey addresses these questions with clarity, richness, and biblical assurance. He takes us beyond the things that make for disillusionment to a deeper faith, a certitude of God’s love, and a thirst to reach not just for what God gives but for who He is. This class is open to members and non-members and will be meeting on Tuesday evenings at the Greenville Y from 6:45-8:00 PM. The only cost associated with the class is a $10 book fee but feel free to purchase the book on your own or even download it to an electronic reader.  The first class will be Tuesday, February 21st.

Another class offering is Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst.  Made to Crave is the missing link between one’s desire to be healthy and the spiritual empowerment necessary to make that happen. The reality is we were made to crave.  Craving isn’t a bad thing. But we must realize God created us to crave more of Him.  Many of us have misplaced that craving by overindulging in physical pleasures instead of lasting spiritual satisfaction. If you are a woman struggling with unhealthy eating habits, you can break the ‘I’ll start again Monday’ cycle, and start feeling good about yourself today. Learn to stop beating yourself up over the numbers on the scale. Discover that your weight loss struggle isn’t a curse but rather a blessing in the making, and replace justifications that lead to diet failure with empowering go-to scripts that lead to victory. You can reach your healthy weight goal — and grow closer to God in the process. This is not a how-to book. This is not the latest and greatest dieting plan. This study is the necessary companion for you to use alongside whatever healthy lifestyle plan you choose. This is a Bible study to help you find the ‘want to’ in making healthy lifestyle choices.  This study is open to members and non-members and will meet on Thursday evenings at the Greenville Y from 5:30-7:00 pm.  The cost for this class is $10 for the book and $10 for the workbook.  The first class will be Thursday, February 23rd.

Lastly, the Y has two American Sign Language options for the Winter II session.  Beginner’s Sign Language will be an introduction to American Sign Language.  It will teach participants to communicate in the manual-visual mode, followed by instruction and practice in simple vocabulary, sentence structure, elementary conversation, and deaf history and culture.  This class is open to members and non-members and will meet on Monday evenings from 7:00-8:00 pm.  Cost for this class is $30 which covers handouts and materials.  The Y also will offer Little Smart Hands which is a baby sign language class.  In a playful, educational and language-rich environment, parent and child will build their American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary through instruction, interactive games and songs. You will learn recommended first signs; we will discuss the benefits of using ASL with infants and demonstrate easy techniques for successfully integrating signs into everyday life.  Little Smart Hands will meet on Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:30 pm.  This class is available to members and non-members and is $30 per family.

Registration for all Winter II class offerings begins on Monday, February 13.  The Winter II Program Session begins on Monday, February 20.  For more information or a complete listing of the Y’s offerings, visit us online at www.ymcadarkecounty.org or call the Y at 548-3777.

COMMUNITY GARDENS GROUP PARTNERS WITH PARKS

Greenville Community Gardens, a community garden initiative based in and around Greenville, Ohio, has announced a formal partnership with Darke County Parks.

Darke County Parks will allow the community garden program to utilize park property to establish one or more community gardens. These community gardens will provide local residents the ability to rent a parcel of land and possibly share resources in growing a variety of plants as well as providing educational opportunities, all the while fostering a sense of community and common purpose among the participants
Darke County Parks will also allow the program access to facilities and resources to create educational opportunities and programs to further enhance the ability and success of participants in the Greenville Community Garden program. Keep an eye out for future updates with more details on what programs will be available and when.

Learn more about Greenville Community Gardens by liking their page on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/greenvillecommunitygardens) and Darke County Parks at their website (http://www.darkecountyparks.org/).

VERSAILLES CHAMBER CONTINUES DARKE COUNTY SUPPORT

The Versailles Area Chamber of Commerce voted in January to continue their support of the countywide economic devolvementeffort known as Partnering for Progress (P4P).  This year marks the fourth year that the chamber has worked with the economic development office and the Darke County Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) towards the maintenance and expansion of the county’s business and jobs base.

“A lot has been achieved for the benefit of the county during the first few years of the partnership. It was an easy decision for our board to continue support of this valuable effort,” commented Versailles Chamber President Mitch Eiting. “Versailles is an economic hub of the county along with Greenville. It’s important that we support countywide initiatives that focus on business development and jobs”

Eiting cited recent successes in the retention of jobs within the county and the current efforts towards a countywide workforce development solution as just a few examples of the reasons why the Versailles Chamber is continuing its support of P4P. According to Economic Development Director Marc Saluk, the initiative has supported area industry thus far in the retention or creation of 650 jobs and approximately $23 million in capital expenditure.  He stated success like that does not come without significant support.

“The support of the Versailles Chamber and the Versailles community in general is extremely pivotal to our efforts,” stated Saluk. “Fact is, much of our success is owed to that support and we just wouldn’t be the same without it.”

The Versailles Village Council has also voted to continue its support of P4P in 2012 in addition to many Versailles area businesses.

The purpose of the Versailles chamber is the furtherance of business, commercial and economic development, growth and activity throughout the Versailles community and surrounding area, and the furtherance of understanding and goodwill among the members.

To learn more, please visit: www.versaillesohio.cc/versailles-area-chamber-of-commerce.aspx

To learn more about Partnering for Progress and county Economic Development efforts, please visit www.darkecounty.com

TIME TO REGISTER FOR BUILDING BLOCKS PARENTING CLASS

OSU Extension, Darke County, has scheduled a “Building Blocks I” parenting series.  The classes will be held March 14, 21 and 28, 2012, at the OSU Extension Learning Center, 603 Wagner Avenue, Greenville.  The class times are from 6:00-8:00pm.  There is no fee for this class.  This is an adult only series.

The “Building Blocks I” parenting classes are for parents who wish to develop better parenting skills or parenting techniques for children ages 0-6 years.  There will be 3 classes focusing on parent education, parent and child interaction and age appropriate activities.

To register or for further information, please call OSU Extension at 937.548.5215 or email Diane Barga at barga.8@cfaes.osu.edu.  Registration needs to be completed by March 9, 2012.

AIM GROUP TO MEET FEB. 13