Archive for the ‘ARCANUM’ Category
Monday, June 17th, 2013
The Arcanum Trojan Golf Outing is scheduled for a 2 p.m. shotgun start on June 22 at Stillwater Valley Golf Club.The cost to play in the outing is $55. Food and drinks will be provided for players. Prizes will be awarded for the first, second and third place teams along with the closest to the pin, longest drive and longest putt.
For more information, contact Arcanum football coach TJ Powers at (937)564-8401 or Arcanumfootball@gmail.com.
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Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013
The arcanum swim team – team stingray – will be holding sign-ups in the Arcanum High School cafetorium on saturday april 13 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. and Tuesday april 16 from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. . Team Stingray is a community-based recreational team open to all Darke County children, with an emphasis on having fun, learning and refining swim techniques, individual accomplishment and team spirit. We will be selling Arcanum Pool Season passes at the time of sign ups if INTERESTED. The season runs from the beginning of June to the end of July. Practices are Monday through Friday starting at 7:00 p.m. and Our swim meets are held on weeknights or Saturday mornings and include events for kickboard-assisted swimmers to high school state qualifiers.
Payment will be due at the time of registration.swimmers will have the opportunity to try on and order swim suits and learn more about our program. For more information about registration fees please visit our website. we have our fees, information about arcanum season pool passes, as well as contact information if you have any further questions. team website www.arcanumswimteam.com.
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Wednesday, March 27th, 2013
The 111th Arcanum High School Alumni Banquet will be held on April 20th. The banquet will be honoring the classes of 1963, 1988 and 2013. There will also be a scholarship award presentation for the class of 2013.
The event will be in the Arcanum school cafetorium. The open house and registration begins at 5:00 p.m. and dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tours of the school will be hosted by current student council members before dinner starts. The event will be catered by J’s Country Store which will include chicken breast, roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans and tossed salad.
The deadline for registration is April 5th. If you would like to attend, please contact Holly Hildebrand at 8467 Hogpath Road, Arcanum, OH 45304. Tickets are just $20 per person and please be sure to note which class you would like to be seated with. If you would like to donate towards the annual scholarship fund, you can send contributions to the address above. Checks should be made payable to “Arcanum Alumni Association.”
If you would like to make sure that your contact information is up to date, please send your current information to Paul Myers at myersp70@gmail.com or 2518 Jaysville St. Johns Rd, Arcanum, OH 45304.
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Monday, March 4th, 2013

As Arcanum and Greenville area residents may have noticed, Troutwine Auto Sales Inc. has been doing some construction around the dealership lately. The local Chevrolet dealership recently decided to transform into a more conventional dealership look through a complete remodeling process.
The remodeling process began in early January and is expected to continue until late winter or early spring. This will be a complete makeover with a redesigned showroom, sales offices, waiting rooms, and service write-up area. While Troutwine Auto Sales Inc. will look like a completely new facility, the dealership guarantees to keep the friendly, small-town customer service.
“Customer service is our top priority and it’s the reason why we have so many loyal customers coming from all around Darke County,” says Scott Troutwine, vice president of Troutwine Auto Sales Inc. “We are excited for the remodel as it will give the dealership a more contemporary, updated look, which in turn, will be more convenient for our customers.”
The Arcanum Chevrolet dealership remains open and continues doing business throughout the remodeling process. Although the construction around the dealership may pose a minor inconvenience now, the end result will be a new and improved Troutwine Auto Sales Inc. for everyone to enjoy.
Meanwhile, the Arcanum Chevrolet dealership has been posting pictures and updates of the progress on its Facebook and Twitter pages. Customers can find these pages at www.facebook.com/TroutwineAutoSales and www.twitter.com/TroutwineAuto.
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Tuesday, February 26th, 2013

Mrs. Nicki Bowser and 7th and 8th grade students from Arcanum-Butler Middle School are excited to be involved in Be E3 Smart, an energy efficiency education program sponsored by local electric cooperative, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative.
This program brings math and science learning into the classroom and students’ homes by teaching ways to reduce energy demand and use. The program correlates with the Ohio Academic Content Standards and promotes student leadership through its innovative school-to-home model.
“We were thrilled to be part of this program,” said Mrs. Nicki Bowser. “We were provided the complete curriculum with classroom demonstration materials that were ready to use in the classroom the next day! Each of my students received a kit of energy saving materials that he or she could take home, so they could apply what they were learning in the classroom as part of their homework assignment, and it didn’t cost the school a dime!”
The Be E3 Smart program is sponsored by Butler Rural Electric Cooperatives (Arcanum Power and Light) and implemented by non-profit energy education organization, the Ohio Energy Project. Teachers attend a full day professional workshop where classroom demonstration materials are provided. The estimated value of classroom materials and energy efficiency kits is about $2,000 per classroom/teacher, all of which are provided free of charge to the school.
School Principal, Mr. Kirby Tipple, stated, “Our students are learning why energy efficiency is important through hands-on labs in the classroom. When students take home the energy efficiency materials – items such as CFLs, a door sweep, an LED nightlight, weather stripping, furnace filter whistle and other items – they’re sharing what they learned in the classroom with their parents, and they’re saving money on energy in their own home as well.”
The students also really enjoyed the program. Many students took home their kits right away and showed their parents. They were excited to get the free materials and put them to use right away. It did help them to see how much money they could save by switching just their light bulbs.
The Be E3 Smart program offers a fun and innovative curriculum that empowers students to be educated leaders of tomorrow’s energy responsible society.
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Saturday, February 23rd, 2013
Arcanum Elementary is excited to welcome a new class of kindergarten students during the 2013-2014 school year.
Arcanum Elementary Trojans have the opportunity to participate in engaging, full-day learning activities that meet the needs of each child. The kindergarten staff is trained in early childhood instruction and guide their students through social, emotional, and academic development during their first year of school. Arcanum Elementary is enthusiastic to welcome families and begin the registration and screening process with the child.
Kindergarten registration for all students who turn 5 before Aug. 1 and plan to attend Arcanum Elementary in 2013-14 will take place on March 11 and March 14. A parent may register their child between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on either of those days. there will also be evening hours available for registration on March 11 between 6 and 8.
On the day of registration, parents must bring a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate (it must be the original with the raised seal), Social Security number, custody papers (if applicable), and proof of residency. Parents wishing to open enroll may fill out an open enrollment form for consideration. Parents will complete the registration packets at this time and sign-up for a screening appointment on April 11 or April 12.
“Please enter the main doors on the day of registration. For screening, park in the north parking lot and enter the north door located by the playground,” said organizers.
One parent must attend the screening session with their child on April 11 or April 12. During the screening time, parents will attend a Jumpstart parent orientation session while the child meets with kindergarten teachers and completes the screening process. The results will then be reviewed with families. Screening sessions will be conducted from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., 10:45 a.m. to noon, 1 to 2:15 p.m., and 2:15 to 3 p.m. on both screening days.
“Please allow approximately 90 minutes for the complete process,” said organizers. “We are looking forward to meeting all of our parents and welcoming students to Arcanum Elementary! If you have any questions, please call the elementary office at 692-5174.”
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Monday, January 21st, 2013
Registration for the Arcanum Jr. Baseball Association’s summer 2013 tee ball, baseball and softball leagues is scheduled in February.
Registration sessions will be at Arcanum schools in the middle school Extended Learning Area (on the first floor, same location as last year) from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 2, from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 9 and from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 11.
The cost is $50 per child, which includes a team shirt and hat). The maximum cost per game is $90; the family max is applied to siblings living under the same roof.
Late registrations will be accepted until Feb. 15 with an additional late fee of $20 per registration. No one will be permitted to sign up after Feb. 15 unless they are moving in new to the area, and these registrations will be accepted until March 1.
The minimum age for participating in the league is 5 years old by June 1, 2013.
All leagues will be represented at sign-ups for questions.
Anyone with questions may call Dwight Fry at (937) 692-6180 or Randy Baker at (937) 692-5029.
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Wednesday, January 16th, 2013

This Sunday the Faith United Methodist Church will be hosting a family movie night for the Arcanum community. Faith United Methodist Church will be showing the animated movie, Brave in the sanctuary. Showtime will be at 6:30 p.m. with cookies and punch available in the social hall following the movie. Plan to attend with the whole family. There is no cost to attend.
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Thursday, December 20th, 2012

Arcanum Elementary students traded in their orange and black on Wednesday afternoon to wear green and white in support of Sandy Hook Elementary and the Newtown community. The Student Council will be sending a banner and cards along with the photo to the elementary later this week.
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Sunday, December 9th, 2012

With several events scheduled around Darke County for Friday evening, the rain was not as welcome as it might otherwise have been, but it didn’t stop people from enjoying the activities.
The Brethren’s Retirement Community (BRC) held their first annual Illumination Festival, with live entertainment and refreshments, but the rain created a snafu for the outdoors lighting displays, said Kara Hanes of BRC. Some of the lights weren’t working because of the wet weather, but residents, their family members, and members of the community still gathered to enjoy the festivities.
The more than 30,000 lights were donated by staff members, residents’ family members, and members of the community, Hanes stated, and they’re still adding to the display. Along with those donations, more than 25 were sponsored and decorated by area businesses and organizations, Hanes remarked. BRC certainly had their halls decked in Christmas spirit, and will continue to display their lights and trees through the end of the year, Hanes commented. Residents are able to enjoy the display from their windows if their rooms overlook the pond, she said, which gives them a little bit of extra joy this holiday season.
Another event taking place Friday was the monthly First Friday activities in downtown Greenville, with free massages at the Greenville Public Library from All About You starting at noon, and free carriage rides along Broadway, one might think it would have been a smashing success; the rain, however, put a damper on riding in an open, horse-drawn carriage, said Robin Oda, whose family farm was providing the horse-drawn carriage rides Friday evening.
Bear’s Mill had to switch up their game plan for their annual Candlelight Walk and Open House on Friday, but by moving most of their activities inside, they were still able to entertain their many guests, including providing hot dogs, hot chocolate, and popcorn, as well as having Melody Line perform holiday songs. Merri Niekamp, Friends of Bear’s Mill, said that they had customers calling from places she hadn’t expected, such as Chillicothe, Ohio, to be sure that the festivities were still happening despite the rain; and they were, of course.
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Tuesday, December 4th, 2012

Arcanum Public Library welcomes Santa and Mrs. Claus Dec. 10 for Children’s Christmas Craft Night from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The library staff wishes to invite the public to stop in and see all the decorations provided by the Arcanum Garden Club and the library.
Reminder, the library is closed Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, 2013. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the library staff and board members!
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Wednesday, November 28th, 2012

Recently, the Arcanum-Butler Middle School held a food drive, sponsored by the student council, for a two week period. They had a contest between the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. The food drive was to see which grade could be the most generous and win a pizza party. After an extremely close battle between all grades, the 7th grade prevailed by bringing in 561 items. The 7th grade class is to be commended for their valiant effort and the fact that their grade had almost every student contribute. Wills Troutwine, Elle Siculan, Alison Bates and Ashlynn Farmer (members of the 7th grade student council), really helped to promote the food drive and help their class win. The 5th graders brought in 353 food items; 8th grade brought in 189 items; and the 6th grade brought in 178 items. Nate Merritt, a 7th grader, brought in 77 cans all on his own; therefore, he will get to attend the pizza party also. The middle school ended up bringing in 1281 items which were donated to the food pantries for Castine Church of the Brethren, Immanuel Baptist Church, and Faith United Methodist Church in Arcanum. Thanks to all who helped send in food!
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Friday, November 9th, 2012

Indiana artist Zach Medler uses an array of traditional and non-traditional media to create his unique pieces which will be exhibited in an installation format at historic Bear’s Mill until Sunday, December 31, closing this season for “Art at the Mill.” The series will take a short recess during the cold winter months, but will re-open in Spring, 2013. Medler’s installation entitled “Midwestern Landscapes” will include ceramics, paintings, and sculptures created from found objects of wood, metal, paper, books, fabric, and more. The exhibit opens with an artist’s reception offering light appetizers and wine from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday, November 30.
According to Julie Clark, retail manager and gallery coordinator for Bear’s Mill, Zach is a potter, printmaker, and painter with a degree in ceramics from Purdue University. “Zach’s work is incredible – interesting and fun and moving and charming,” Ms. Clark stated. “He is creating this three dimensional installation mural that will spill from the wall and onto the floor, telling its story in muted tones and midwest-inspired imagery to fit perfectly within the Mill’s warm, rustic setting. Although the installation has an overall narrative, each panel will stand on its own and can be purchased individually,” she explained.
The artist himself says that his art is focused on connection with his audience. He often asks viewers to interact with his work by touching and even moving components. “My job is to create a simply told story that people can experience for themselves,” Zach said. His serious, yet playful pieces capture themes that reveal aspects of rural, suburban, and city living, and to which most viewers can relate.
The work of Dayton, Ohio, collage artist Marsha Pippenger remains on display at the Mill through Sunday, November 25. “Art At the Mill” has received funding from the Ami McClurkin Community Fund, held by the HOPE Foundation of Darke County, and also receives support from Darke County Endowment for the Arts. The art exhibit is on view during regular Mill store hours, 11 a.m. till 5 p.m. daily. Historic Bear’s Mill is operated by Friends of Bear’s Mill, a non-profit organization, and is located at 6450 Arcanum-Bear’s Mill Road about 5 miles east of Greenville. For more information, contact Bear’s Mill at 937-548-5112 or www.bearsmill.com.
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Thursday, November 8th, 2012

he Mayor and the Village Council of Arcanum would like to express their thanks to Michael Pollard, owner of Seam-Less Asphalt Repair LLC. In early October, the Seem-Less crew resealed the asphalt parking lot in front of the Arcanum Firehouse. As a generous service to the Village, Seem-Less donated 100 percent of the cost of supplies and labor.
We would like to sincerely thank Mr. Pollard and his crew for their gift of time and materials. Your donation is clear evidence in your sense of pride for the Village of Arcanum!
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Wednesday, November 7th, 2012

Arcanum Elementary School learned about one of our greatest privileges as a citizen of the United States on Tuesday, November 6, as we held a school-wide Presidential election.
Arcanum’s third grade students designed and hung VOTE posters around the school to remind PreK – 4th grade students of the importance of each vote. Third grade teachers Carol Bryson, Kathy Dohner, Jenni McCans, and Cindy Sink organized and set up for the mock election. When each class entered the polling site, students signed in on the register and received a ballot to vote for either Mitt Romney or Barack Obama. After voting, students received a “My Vote Counts, So Does Yours” sticker, donated by the Darke County Board of Elections.
Arcanum’s Plus Buddy volunteers, directed and organized by Lavonne Siculan, manned the polling site for the day, instructing students and tallying votes. The day’s volunteers were Lori Rammel, Jodi Kinney, Jennifer Suggs, Sara Hatfield, Angie Troutwine, Marilyn Wetzel, and Faleigh List.
When all voting was completed, 477 students had cast votes for their presidential choice. Mitt Romney received 328 votes, and Barack Obama received 149.
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Wednesday, November 7th, 2012

The Friends of Bear’s Mill will once again be hosting their annual Christmas Preview Open House on Saturday, November 17th and Sunday, November 18th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Mill Store and Gallery will be decked out in holiday splendor with many new tempting treats and gifts. Visitors will also be entertained on Sunday from 1:00 to 3:00 with traditional Christmas music by ‘Knotwork Flutes’ from New Lebanon, Ohio.
In addition to stocking a variety of our tried-and-true favorites, the Mill store will be filled with new holiday merchandise, special Christmas gifts and home décor items. The emphasis of the Mill Store is locally homemade, gourmet, regional and USA handmade items with one-of-a-kind gift ideas for both men and women. On display in the Gallery will be the collage pieces by November artist Marsha Pippengeras well as a new selection of pottery by the Bear’s Mill potters. “Come in, enjoy a cup of coffee and a homemade sweet while shopping our unique Mill Store, tour the mill, go for a walk in the woods and enjoy a memorable holiday experience,” stated Julie Clark, Retail Manager. Special grab-bag discounts will be available upon entering the Mill during this special event.
Bear’s Mill is located at 6450 Arcanum-Bear’s Mill Road, about 5 miles east of Greenville. The historic Darke County landmark is operated by the Friends of Bear’s Mill, Inc. nonprofit organization. It is the mission of the Friends of Bear’s Mill to provide a rich cultural experience and community-oriented events including educational tours, demonstrations and nature walks while preserving the Mill’s historical significance and natural beauty. For more information contact Bear’s Mill at 937-548-5112, www.bearsmill.com or at www.facebook.com/bearsmill.
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Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
Arcanum-Butler Local Schools will be open to the public for adult walking Monday-Thursday evenings from 6:00-8:00 p.m., November 26, 2012 through March 28, 2013. Walking will be restricted to the first floor tiled hallways.
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Sunday, October 21st, 2012


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Sunday, October 7th, 2012

The Friends of the Bear’s Mill held their annual Legendary Fall Open House this weekend, serving up homemade French Market Soup, with cornbread made from meal ground at Bear’s Mill. They showcased the fall merchandise for the mill, including the mix for the soup they served up, made by volunteers. They also served up brats and hotdogs, popcorn, and live entertainment. Sweets were sold, the crisp fall weather enjoyed by all, and a celebration of harvest was successful for this non-profit fundraiser, which keeps the doors of the mill open. Bear’s Mill is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with merchandise for purchase and art on display. They are located at 6450 Arcanum-Bears Mill Road outside of Greenville. For more information visit www.bearsmill.com or call 937-548-5112.

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Saturday, October 6th, 2012

Arcanum crowned the 2012-13 Homecoming king and queen this Friday. King: Matt Albright; Queen: Katie Harmon. Congratulations to Matt and Katie!

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Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012

A “Party in Pink” Zumbathon® for Breast Cancer will be held at Arcanum’s Fieldhouse, the old gymnasium, on Oct. 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. Registration begins at 1:45 p.m. and the cost is $10 per person. Limited Zumba® fitness merchandise will be available for purchase and light refreshments will be provided at no cost. Men are encouraged to attend this event and it is pointed out that Zumba® fitness was in fact created by a man! This “Party in Pink” is a perfect time for beginners to check out this fitness craze as well! Sarah Beard, licensed Zumba instructor for 5678 Dance Studio in Greenville, will be leading the party and encourages anyone interested in trying out Zumba® fitness for the first time to come to the Zumbathon for some beginner instruction. Whether guests are novices or already Zumba® fitness enthusiasts, every dance can be done at each individual’s comfort level, making it a fun and incredibly effective workout for everyone. For more information, contact Sarah Beard via email sbeard427@gmail.com or phone 937-423-6554. Proceeds from this event will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
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Thursday, September 27th, 2012

Photographs capturing the abstract beauty of natural landscapes and beautifully finished sculptures crafted from wood will be on display from Friday, September 28 through Sunday, October 21 in the gallery at historic Bear’s Mill. Fred Niles, professor of graphic design at the University of Dayton, captures architectural forms, land, sky, and water in his photographs; his colleague at U.D., Gary Marcinowski, is a professor of sculpture who creates furniture and abstract wooden forms.
Each “Art at the Mill” exhibit opens with a Friday night reception that offers light appetizers and wine from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Mr. Niles and Mr. Marcinowski will be in attendance, and hope to interact with all who visit the Mill during the evening. According to Julie Clark, retail manager and gallery coordinator for Bear’s Mill, these artists uniquely capture aspects of the natural world. “Once again, the confluence of our gallery space with the works of art creates a timeless aura that augments and enhances both entities,” Ms. Clark stated.
Fred Niles says that he has always enjoyed looking at the environment; this fascination led the Pennsylvania native to become interested in capturing with his camera the design elements found in the world around us. Fred calls what he does “documenting the geometry of the environment;” that somewhat academic assessment is balanced by his observation that he also looks upon his impressive digital prints as “romanticized landscapes.” For this exhibit, Fred will display images from his many travels, including pictures of Turkey, Ireland, and Scotland as well as the familiar landscapes of Ohio and Michigan.
Gary Marcinowski crafts meaningful images from wood, pieces which are an outward expression of introspective musings on great subjects such as the power of memory and the meaning of life and death. “I explore the search for personal spiritual meaning in contemporary culture and its place in the modern world,” states the 70-year-old artist. “Furrows,” a distinctive piece especially appropriate for the Mill gallery’s rural setting, focuses on “the spring image of rich freshly plowed earth and the dark mystery of life in the trenches between the rolled earth.” Texture and mood are created by the exploratory use of paint around the entrances into the inner spaces of the container-like sculptures which transcend their form to fascinate and move the viewer.
Watercolors by Muncie, Indiana resident Brian Gordy and Ben Deeter’s creative but functional pottery will remain on display at the Mill through Sunday, September 23. “Art At the Mill” has received a grant from the Ami McClurkin Community Fund, held by the HOPE Foundation of Darke County, and also receives support from Darke County Endowment for the Arts. The art exhibits are on view during regular Mill store hours, 11 a.m. till 5 p.m. daily. Historic Bear’s Mill is operated by Friends of Bear’s Mill, a non-profit organization, and is located at 6450 Arcanum-Bear’s Mill Road about 5 miles east of Greenville. For more information, contact Bear’s Mill at 937-548-5112 or www.bearsmill.com.

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Wednesday, September 26th, 2012

In 2000, Phil and Karen Garbig of Arcanum established a fund at the HOPE Foundation of Darke County in memory of their son, Zachary, who died at age 11 from an intestinal disorder. Since then, the couple has used the fund to educate the residents of Darke County about organ and tissue donation and register as many donors as they can.
Zachary had received a liver and small intestine transplant during his illness, which made the Garbigs keenly aware of the vast shortage of organ donors. In Ohio alone, about 3,400 men, women and children are waiting for an organ.
As part of their efforts, the Garbigs organized a display at the Darke County Fair that included the Donate Life Mobile Education Vehicle. The large trailer featured exhibits and videos about organ donation. People who visited the exhibit entered their names into a drawing for a $300 gift certificate to Great Wolf Lodge in Mason. The winner was Kari Didier of Versailles.
To learn more about being an organ and tissue donor, visit www.lifeconnectionofohio.org. For information about the Zachary Garbig Fund or other HOPE Foundation funds, call 548-HOPE or visit HOPE’s website at www.hopedarkecounty.com. As the community foundation of Darke County, the HOPE Foundation receives, manages and distributes charitable gifts for the benefit of Darke County residents and non-profit organizations.

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Thursday, August 2nd, 2012
State of the Heart Hospice’s 12th annual Camp BEARable for grieving children recorded the nonprofit agency’s largest number in attendance at the camp which was held July 13-15 at the Spiritual Center of Maria Stein. Sixty-four young people attended the camp which is free and is open to any youth needing help dealing with grief.
“In the years since the camp has been in existence 484 youth have attended and benefited from the experience at camp,” stated Marlene Black, State of the Heart Bereavement Specialist and camp director. The camp is open to any youth, age six to 15 and there need be no association with hospice care.
“We had young people in attendance that had lost siblings or parents to suicide and homicide, and parents and grandparents who had died in auto accidents or natural death,” Black explained. “Of the 64 attending, only seven had any association with hospice care,” she pointed out.
Black said that this year’s camp with a record number presented State of the Heart staff with the challenge of finding enough specially trained adult buddies for all of the youth. “The week before camp, we had 14 young people sign up. Fortunately, many of our State of the Heart staff came forward and volunteered to help as buddies. This was a tremendous show of support for the youth and the camp experience.”
A popular annual attraction for the young people is a display of cars from Forts Street Car Classics Club from Fort Recovery. This year, the car club not only brought cars to camp for the youngsters to look at and even ride in, the club also donated $300 to Camp BEARable.
On hand to present the check to Ted Bauer, executive director of State of the Heart was Jack Jutte, president of the car club and a long-time supporter of the camp. Sadly, Jutte died the following week.
“He really enjoyed the camp and bringing the cars,” stated Black. “Even though he was not feeling well, he felt it was important enough to attend the camp. He felt strongly about helping kids. That was just the kind of man he was; he was always there to help and was a very caring individual.”
Camp BEARable provides a safe environment for the young people, Black explained. “They are there with their peers and with adults they trust. For many, it is the first time they have opened up about how they feel about the loss of a loved one.”
She added, “The youth leave camp having learned things that will help them for the rest of their lives. While they may not realize it at the time, they are learning valuable coping skills.”
Bauer attended the camp for the first time and was a buddy to two young teens. “I experienced firsthand the value of camp and the great resource it is for our community,” he said. “We are definitely committed to continuing camp and helping young people who need help dealing with grief and loss.” Next year’s camp is set for July 12-14. For more information about Camp BEARable, visit www.stateoftheheartcare.org/grief/camp-bearable
State of the Heart Hospice cares for patients and families in eastern Indiana and western Ohio who are confronting a life-limiting illness. Bereavement support, which is free to anyone who needs the service, is an important part of the service provided. The agency has offices in Greenville, Coldwater and Portland. For more information about any of the services provided by State of the Heart, call 1-800-417-7535 or visit the web site at www.stateoftheheartcare.org.
Pictured at Camp BEARable is Ted Bauer, left, executive director for State of the Heart, and the late Jack Jutte, president of the Forts Street Car Classics car club.

Posted in ABBOTTSVILLE, ARCANUM, BRADFORD, DARKE COUNTY, GENERAL, GREENVILLE, OUT OF COUNTY | No Comments »
Thursday, July 19th, 2012

“Art at the Mill” will feature pottery by the Bear’s Mill potters as well as portraits by 28-year-old Botkins, Ohio resident Lindsay Cooper at an exhibit opening Friday, July 27 with a reception offering light appetizers and wine from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. According to Julie Clark, retail manager and gallery coordinator for the Mill as well as one of the participating artists, the potters theme “Jars, jars, jars!” has resulted in pieces of all sizes, shapes, and uses in a variety of glazes. Dionne Fleming, Rita Wiley, and Loretta Wray are the other ceramic artists whose work will be on display at this exhibit.
Julie Clark’s work includes a small collection of “granary jars” inspired by jars created during the ancient Han Dynasty which mimicked the look of silos and grain storage buildings. “Bear’s Mill is, of course, integrally connected with grain, piquing my interest in this particular form,” the artist remarked. “My livelihood in clay continues to be an exciting and challenging experience,” she concluded.
Salt Lake City native Dionne Fleming has been working with Julie Clark for several years, and is inspired by continually learning more about clay, firing, design, and form. “I work full time at an unrelated job; pottery is my creative outlet. Pottery fills my soul,” Ms. Fleming stated. She says that she enjoys that combination of art and function which clay offers.
After making pottery for 30 years, Ms. Wiley likewise continues to be intrigued that objects of beauty and usefulness can be produced by combining the basic ancient elements of earth, air, fire, and water with the touch of the human hand. “I find a purity of purpose in pieces that are aesthetically appealing and useful at the same time,” Ms. Wiley commented.
Loretta Wray, who built her own salt/soda kiln on a small farm near New Castle, Indiana, also enjoys making pieces that are functional and can be used on a daily basis. “I feel that handmade pottery connects us with nature and the past in a way that a plastic cup just can’t evoke,” Ms. Wray observed. She is drawn to simple, natural shapes and surfaces, and her work often has an appealing earthy look and feel.
Portrait artist Lindsay Cooper earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Bowling Green State University; she says that her goal is to capture the emotion behind the face she is painting. “I believe that creating a portrait is more than painting the physical likeliness of a person,” Ms. Cooper asserted. Her painting style has been termed “powerful and dramatic, leaving an impression that lingers for days, weeks, and even years.”
This exhibit will close Sunday, August 26. Currently on view at the Mill are wood sculptures by Richmond, Indiana artist Thomas Bartel and the realistic graphite drawings of Lynn Retson. “Art At the Mill” receives support from Darke County Endowment for the Arts; the exhibits are on view during regular Mill store hours, 11 a.m. till 5 p.m. daily. Historic Bear’s Mill is operated by Friends of Bear’s Mill, a non-profit organization, and is located at 6450 Arcanum-Bear’s Mill Road about 5 miles east of Greenville. For more information, contact Bear’s Mill at 937-548-5112 or www.bearsmill.com.

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