“The harder I worked the luckier I get.” When I heard this quote in a conversation I immediately loved it. Satirical in nature, the quote really hits home regarding the plight of many Americans today. Excluded Darke County from the statistical information because most of us still know the meaning of hard work, many people are no longer willing to start in an entry level job. By definition an entry-level job is normally designed for recent graduates, not requiring prior experience in the field or profession. Some of these entry-level jobs are part-time and do not include employee benefit. But to quote another familiar saying “It’s always easier to find a job when you already have a one”, which appears to be true for any number of reasons. Having a job shows you didn’t quit, you have an established work record and reference which the employer can check, and you are motivated enough to want to advance your career. Entry-level jobs do not demand lifetime loyalty but are to be used as a springboard towards your dream job or dream paycheck. The average person changes jobs ten to fifteen times during their working career, which usually spans 35 – 45 years. Typically things don’t just happen you’ve got to make them happen. Sure, occasionally there are lucky breaks but most often what looks like an overnight success is actually years of hard work, trials, and disappointments. So the harder you work the better your odds are for good fortune.

Even the college graduate cannot wait at home for someone to recruit him/her. They must be actively seeking work. Opportunity doesn’t usually come knocking; instead you have to do the knocking.

Governor John Kasich is assembling a work-force forecast to help determine where employee shortages are and what skills workers need to acquiring the positions. In time this will be a statewide program. This can be an extremely beneficial program for both the employer and the employee.

The quote of luck and work is credited to Samuel Goldwyn which is really a play on one of Thomas Jefferson’s famous quotes “I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.” This Saturday, October 6th is an evening of karaoke with Orville Bohman downstairs at the Vets Club, starting around 8:30 pm. Next Sunday, October 14th the American Legion Auxiliary will be holding their chicken fry from 4:00 – 5:30 pm. Next Saturday, October 13th will be the first Versailles Homegrown MusicFest, featuring four local bands. This is a free event held downtown from 4:00 pm until midnight.

Healing prayers and get well wishes to Miriam Harman, Tony Monnin, Tom Luthman, Sandy DeLaet, Dan Dodson, Crystal Homan, Mark Harleman, John Magoto, Cecilia Subler, Tom Henry, and those in need that are not mentioned by name. Happy retirement wishes to Paula Moody as she leaves Ansonia Schools, but I know she’s still keeping busy! Congratulations to the Versailles Lady Golfers for qualifying at the state level!

Hello to Ann York, Theresa Thobe, Courtney Moody, Kristi Miller, Emily Walters, Karen Mescher, Emily Reinhard, Brian Wagner, Marcia Rhoades, and Aaron Moran.

Happy Birthday wishes to Carolyn and Jim Phelan, Shirley Strunks, Bob Robinson, Brenda McCoy, Destiney Jenkinson, Mary Ellen Simon, Kevin Green, Paul Gahagan, Ty Baker-Baumann, David Keyser, Heather Bergman, Amy Harman and Lisa Vallandingham on her very special birthday! Happy anniversary wishes to Jessica and Christopher Austin (3), Linda and Alan May (6), Trevor and LaQuita Petty (8), Missy and Jeremy Monnin (15), Michelle and Mark Pleiman (18), Donna and Chris Tebbe (19), Laura and Jeff Gower, Jill and Ken Moorman (26), and Bonnie and Larry Barga (39). My heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of Riley Shiverdecker, Jim Paulus, Doris Schafer, Rosa Mitchell, Jack DeLaet, and also remembering the lives of Joann Hale, Charles Steinke, Keith Smith, Lucille Alexander, Mary Lou Hess, Ralph Rhoades, Ruth Oehrtman, Delores Henry, Mary Jane Baker, Jim Niekamp, Chalmer Mangen, Connie Henry, Agnes Monnin, Geraldine Black, Josephine Paulus, Joe Baugher, Fred Bohman, Alvin Christian, and Shawn Dysert.

Stacey Mortensen will be deeply missed by many. Although her life was greatly shortened by cancer she touched so many lives, especially the young as an elementary teacher. With fond memories we say goodbye to her physical existence as she remains with us in memory. “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” ~Colin Powell

“Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all.” ~Sam Ewing

“The reason a lot of people do not recognize opportunity is because it usually goes around wearing overalls looking like hard work.” ~Thomas A. Edison

Kathy Magoto is a volunteer citizen columnist, who serves Daily Advocate readers weekly with her weekly Versailles community column. She can be reached at magmon1@embarqmail.com or at 526-3798. Feel free to contact her with Versailles news and tidbits. Viewpoints expressed in these opinion pieces are the work of the author. The Daily Advocate does not endorse these viewpoints or the independent activities of the author.