Versailles News: Survive or thrive

0

My husband and I scampered out of town for a week to visit his brother and sister-in-law in Yuma, Arizona. Our trip was unplanned but came together in a matter of two days. Consequently some birthdays, announcements, et cetera, were inadvertently missed. If anyone was slighted, it was purely unintentional and I apologize.

Although I didn’t give you advanced notice Platty’s Sports Bar and Grille, 39 E Main St., Versailles, recently held its grand opening. I have sampled some of their menu and the food is delicious. But don’t just take my word I have heard only positive comments about their food, service and casual dining atmosphere.

I hope the Versailles community can be supportive of this food establishment while remaining loyal to our longtime restaurants. Every business makes a large investment in the community from sweat equity to local contributions to taxes.

As a business owner, I have always tried to spread my business around the community by shopping locally as well as contributing when possible. Over the years I’ve contributed to the Friends of the Library, Friends of Hole Field, the Versailles Garden Club, the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, FFA, the YMCA, the Versailles Track, VHS Athletic Boosters, cheerleaders, Towne and Country Players, the Versailles Area Chamber of Commerce, the Modern Mothers, the Hometown Christmas Celebration, the Vet’s Club, the Fountain Square Project, the Band Invitational, the Darke County Relay for Life, Prom, After Prom, Scholarship Fund, the Food Pantry, local churches, nearly every school organization and project, countless memorials, 5ks, golf outings, and fundraisers for organizations and individuals. Many times I have contributed my time and energy in addition to making a monetary contribution. But that’s what small-town business owners do they are vested in their community. Occasionally it’s human nature for soliciting organizations to ask “What have you done for me lately?” and to that our local businesses can reply “as much as we can.”

I’m not talking about my business but rather the nuances of small business, from a proprietor’s prospective. Undoubtedly going out to eat will be more expense than staying home or getting a burger on the value menu at a fast food chain, and you’ll never get a soda or beer cheaper than at your house; however, there’s something to be said for the service, atmosphere and socializing that “going out” provides. And what little extra it might cost will unquestionably be put back into your community.

Communities with businesses; retail, professional and industrial are thriving viable communities. Communities without businesses are in danger of stagnating or dwindling. It’s really an economic balancing act. Businesses need the support of their community to survive and communities need businesses to thrive.

Congratulations to the girls swimming team who finished fourth in the state, the boy’s bowling team who finished 13th and the girls bowling team who finished 17th in the state. Congratulations to the girls’ basketball team for finishing as district champs and the boys basketball team for making the district finals.

Upcoming events:

Tonight, from 7-9, the Versailles YMCA is holding a Splash Party! Kids can enjoy a fun evening at the newly renovated pool and water slide for only $10 for members and $15 for potential members. For more information contact the Y at 526-4488.

Saturday morning at 9, the Easter Bunny invites families to donuts, orange juice and pictures with him at the Versailles Health Care Center. For more information, contact Beth Bell at 526-5570 or [email protected].

March 24, Trinity Lutheran Church has its annual Soup N’ Sandwich Supper from 5-6:30 p.m. held in the basement. The community is invited to attend.

March 25, the Versailles Vet’s Club, 106 S. Center S., is offering a smelt dinner, which includes cheesy au gratin potatoes, cole slaw and bread/butter for $7.50. They will be serving from 4-7 with drive-thru and carry-outs available.

Happy birthday to Lois Youngker, Rick Ware, Dan Hartzell, Ann Reed, Sharon Sider, Amanda Reed, Jane Gantt, Cheryl Francis, Jim Siders, Vicki Wiltshire, Craig Vogel, Pastor Dennis Mohler, David Holfinger, Betty Zacharias, Toni Marie Lewis, Steve Kellerm, Terry Pepple, Erica Wentworth, Shirley Simons, Anne Klamar, Jeff Phlipot, Doris Kremer, Ruth Pierron, Mike Stegall, Scott Hogenkamp, Bethany Menke, Annabelle Menke, Lurene Monnin, Ron Miller, Herman Smith, Jenni Peyton, Connie Schmitmeyer, Floren “Chris” Chrisman, Donna Francis, Eileen Schulze, Paul Monnin, Mike Adams, Sandy Grilliot, Marcella Stuck, Sally Mescher, Christy Prakel, Abbey Marshal, Joe Knapke, Wanda Bailey and me.

I had to get my driver’s license renewed this week since it would have expired today. Had I remembered earlier I could have gotten it renewed up to 90 days in advance of my birthday. If I didn’t renew my license within six months of its expiration I would have been required to reapply for a license, which means I would have needed to apply for an instruction permit and pass a road test. Thank goodness I remembered. Word to the wise—don’t forget!

Happy anniversary wishes to Tracy and Dane Nagel (3), Angel and Shane Francis, Diane and David Holfinger (27), Lynn and Scott Langston (32), and Jane and Bill Gantt (47).

Healing prayers and get well wishes for Kenny Stachler (bypass surgery), Linda Wilson (recuperating), Sam Yagle, Freda Banks, Dave Zumberger, Lois Youngker, Brian Voisard, Megan Knapke, Lester Bernholt, Joan Butler, Cyril Frantz, Norma Magoto, Marvin Godwin, Dave Francis, Ann Paulus Pedersen, Joe Bailey, Harry Gorrell, Dan Monnin, John Davis, Carl Drees, Dave Magoto, Bob Homan, Eileen Rahm, Merilyn Borchers, Yvonne Ridenour, Cyril Voisard, Wayne Pittsenbarger, Jim Youngker, Isabella Yakos, Barb and Jon Agne, Samantha Smith, Michelle Ullom, Jack Borgerding, the hospitalized, home-bound and all those dealing with any of life’s many challenges who are in need of our prayers but not mentioned by name. Thanks to the prayer-medics, caregivers, volunteers, medical staff, and those that visit, send flowers or cards to those in need of positive support.

Sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Cornel Diceanu (79), Helen Mangen (80), Phyllis Shively, Marcella Stammen (87), Ottis Rasor (88), Paul Reed (94), also remembering the lives of Bob Grogean, Charlie Curtis, Vaughn Wakefield, Paul Henry, Richard Clune, Marilyn Bulcher, John Seger, Leona “Kitty” Deeter, Mark Dapore, Bob McEldowney, Gene Meyer, Shirley Keiber, Karla Borgess, Marvin Ray and Darren Ruhenkamp and all those held within our hearts, but not mentioned by name, as the anniversary of their passing nears.

“Small businesses start because their founders want to change the world not get rich.” ~C. Edwards

“It’s unity that builds a community.” ~C. Edwards

“Thrive or survive, every consumer has the power to make that choice.” ~C. Edwards

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2016/03/web1_KathyMagatoWEB-1.jpg

By Kathy Magoto

Versailles News

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

No posts to display