We are one week into December. It has been a busy week and it continues from here on out. A good number of us have been having our Christmas parties, decorating and buying presents for those on our lists. With any luck the Christmas season has caused you to look beyond your own situation and caused you to reflect on the true reason for the season. But if you are too stressed to enjoy the holidays, then it’s time to take a break from your busy schedule. We all need to slow down, relax and reboot. So take a well deserved break. Have some fun, renew your mind and rediscover the beauty of being alive. Once the stress melts you can focus on your blessings, family, friends, etc. Just like the lyrics of an Elvis tune says, “Oh why can’t every day be like Christmas, why can’t that feeling go on endlessly. For if everyday could be just like Christmas, what a wonderful world this would be.”
If you can’t seem to locate gratitude in your heart, then you definitely need to attend the Pearl Harbor Tribute tonight from 8 – 10 p.m. at the Vet’s Club, (106 S Center St). The VFW/American Legion will present, as an open house/memorial, an interactive evening of reflection on the day “that will live in infamy” and brought the USA into WWII. Today, Dec. 7 is the 71st anniversary of the Japanese attack on the US Naval Base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The attack was of monumental proportions with more than 2,400 Americans were killed in the two hour bombing, 21 ships were sunk or damaged and more than 188 US aircrafts destroyed. It should never be forgotten.
Everyone is encouraged to wear something patriotic, veterans and current military are encouraged to wear their uniforms or caps. Those interested are invited to share pertinent stories in an open discussion which will be part of the two hour program. There will be dollar hot dogs and brats, free popcorn and a 50/50 drawing. Beverages are also available at the club.
Do you know who should be this year’s Citizen of the Year? The Versailles Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for this prestigious award. Everyone knows at least one deserving person, the caregiver, the volunteer, the philanthropist, the hero (or heroine), or the humble individual that avoids recognition. No one can be named Citizen of the Year without nominations. Letters should be written as if you are describing your nominee to a complete stranger and mailed to the VACC, PO Box 145, Versailles, OH 45380 by December 17th. Letters must be signed by sender. Personally I believe there should be hundreds of nominees from which the Versailles Area Chamber must choose. Come on make their task challenging! This Sunday at 2 p.m., the Versailles Museum will have St. Nicholas on hand. The program will be entertaining and educational for all ages. Next Sunday (Dec. 14), the Museum will hold “A Tour by Christmas Lights” from 7 – 9 p.m. Perhaps the YMCA can help you with fight stress with their “Holiday Mini Session”. Starting Monday, December 10th you can try 2-3 weeks of classes at a fractional rate. Classes begin Monday and include, Indoor Cycling, Original Strength, Yoga, Zumba, Aqua Motion, SilverSneaker Programs and even Youth Basketball. You can call the Versailles Branch at 526-4488. Hope to see you there!
Congratulations to Ed Huffman of Leis Realty Co, who was awarded the “2012 President’s Sales Club” Award of Achievement.
Healing prayers and get well wishes to Ed Lease, Keith Gudorf, Celynn Miller, Katie Dross, Connie Winner, Marlene McClurg, Ralph Mangen, Carol Schuh, Donna Petitjean, Ann George Wehrley, Alice Broering, Rusty Whittaker, Donna Francis, Tom Henry, Sandy DeLaet, Jerry Paulus and all those in need that are not mentioned by name. Happy Birthday wishes to Monica Knapke, Kim Cooper, Jenny Subler, Kathy Wilker, Jeremy Litten, Tina jones, Bernadette Siekman, Rose Mary Paulus, Kim Ware, Steve Smith, Jackie Swabb, Peggy Jasenski, Scott Garrison, Angie Savage, Randy Garrison, Andrea Schmitmeyer, Julie Homan, and Ron Gehret. Happy belated anniversary wishes to Jeanette and Mark Barga, Miriam and Ron Poling (60). Hello to Denise Ruhenkamp, Jo Langenkamp, Rhonda Moorman, Tammy Drees, Georgette Smith, Barb Kissinger, Sharon Henry, Wanda Brandon, Mandy Gerling, and Tina Marrelli. My heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of Betty Mayo, Tim Shearer, Bob Grilliot, and Elmer Hemmelgarn also remembering the lives of Colleen and Bob Grube, Kathryn Dross, Agnes Francis, Ralph Lavy, Ruth Hesson, Martha Kremer, Doris Burns, Delpha Unger, Opal Kueterman, Don Berger, Josephine Puchinger, Florence Gigandet, Carolyn Brewer, Dan Kissinger, Richard Francis, Russell Simmons, Esther Wulber and Thomas Kamman as the anniversary of their departure from their loved ones nears.
“There is more to life than increasing its speed.” ~Mahatma Gandhi
“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another” ~William James
“Reflect upon your present blessings — of which every man has many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” ~Charles Dickens
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.