Farmers are busy harvesting and roadways may require extra caution this time of year. It is a small inconvenience for living in Darke County and enjoying autumn.
A few trees are hinting at color and cool evenings call for rearranging closets to grab jackets and sweaters. I truly enjoy fall in the country. I have already experienced pumpkin pancakes. This is a seasonal favorite that signals good food. If your church or organization is planning a harvest meal, use the email and send details.
Fall this year also means a presidential election. I have always enjoyed the rivalry and traditions of election time. I hope lots of former students are planning to participate. But this is not a normal year with the usual banter of past voting records and future promises. It is long and tiresome, repetitive even with the everyday slip of the tongue being reported by multiple media outlets. No, this election is mean and callous and it brings out the worst in all of us as we seek to defend our chosen candidate but usually without the deep conviction driving voters. I doubt that few Ohioans are undecided voters.
In this pivotal state with key electoral votes hanging in the balance we have been crisscrossed by candidates, their relatives and well known celebrities. Funds for advertising seem to have no ceiling. So I will be among the early voters because then I can blank out some of the rhetoric. Ridiculous mud slinging will still irritate my radio and television attention, signs will be bending in the wind as I pass (and how many signs does one yard need for a single candidate) and telephone calls will interrupt dinner, conversation, or a good nap, but I will have the peace of knowing that I have completed my responsibility. For me, the vote will have been cast! This election year, voting is a reluctant responsibility. Sad when I know the issues are so important.
Looking to a fall favorite for many in this area, the Universalist Church will be presenting its Harvest Sounds on Nov. 13. This is an annual event at the church, 331 E. Washington St., New Madison. Proceeds go to support a recipient that works to benefit others. This year the concert will be supporting the Greenville Clinic of the Recovery and Wellness Center of Midwestern Ohio. The church will provide 100 percent of the proceeds to benefit the clinic’s work in Darke County. The program includes the Williams Strings with Ash Williams, 13, and Leo Williams, 12, performing on the violin and viola with Terri Fryman as the pianist. Bevin Fields, a soprano, with Terri Fryman at the piano, will present operatic selections as well as popular songs. The Sinclair Woodwind Quintet from Sinclair Community College will perform classical and popular selections. This includes Nancy Harrison,flute; Clarence Brown, clarinet; Ed Ewing, oboe; Don Rader, French horn and Sherylee Swartz, bassoon.This program begins at 3 p.m. and welcomes the public. Tickets are $10 but children through grade 12 are free. Further information is available by calling 937-996-4134.
This week’s salute is to Margaret Ayette of Palestine. She marked her 85th birthday on Oct. 9 with an open house. It is not too late to send a card! The address is P. O. Box 116, Palestine, 45352. Margaret’s children hosted the party and that includes Michelle Marker, Tony Ayette, Gary Ayette, Randy Ayette, Phil Ayette and Mike Ayette.She enjoys 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
