Versailles News

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Some of us are considered conservative while others are adrenaline seeking risk takers. Risk taking is nothing new but it has been commercialized, popularized and widespread in recent years.

Originally one would have to get their thrills from opposing nature by riding a barrel down a waterfall, whitewater rafting, or mountain climbing. Or one could race motorcycles or cars, play chicken or agitate the farm bull. Then there have always been more creative, but no less dangerous opportunities such as running with the bulls, swimming with the sharks, and a game of Russian roulette.

Today it is common for amusement parks or vacation resorts to offer zero gravity roller coasters, bungee jumping, para-sailing, sky diving, and zip-lining. For certain some of us have always had a need for excitement. Thrill seekers are described as creative and liking to make up their own minds. They are energetic and confident. They long for excitement and enjoy pushing themselves to the extreme.

But I’d like to consider that all of us are risk-takers in various degrees. Obviously just getting out of bed involves risk, as we could suffer a bathroom accident by falling in the shower or an electrocution, then we take an enormous risk in operating a vehicle or even walking. We all take risks when raising a family, hiring a babysitter, climbing ladders, using a saw or sharp instrument, and on and on.

Risks are a part of life; no one can live without the possibility of something bad or unpleasant happening. No one said life was easy, but it’s worth it. Life must be lived we cannot refrain from activity for fear of danger. Personally I think there are risks that everyone should take such as; caring about someone deeply enough to be hurt by them, learning new things or following a dream despite the possibility of failure, and planning for the future without an clear assurance.

Still the thrill seeker seems to defy logic. Reason cannot explain why they do unpredictable and often perilous things for little or no reward at all. But often they do just that, again and again purely for “the rush”, just like addicts. The risk taking daredevils seem to crave the heart pounding, blood racing rush they feel when attempting something dangerous. And now it appears there is a biological explanation for why they seem to be predisposed to taking risks; they enjoy a higher level of dopamine release when they are excited. (Did you know medical science is exploring the possibility that the depletion of dopamine may cause Parkinson’s disease?)

Helen Keller once said, “Life is a daring adventure, or it is nothing.” I don’t believe she meant to put yourself in harm’s way but if you like to risk life and limb there is always Zorbing or Volcano surfing. Zorbing is the sport of climbing into a clear, plastic ball (typically 10 feet in diameter), and rolling downhill at high speed. It looks like a giant hamster ball. Riders are usually strapped against one of the ball’s walls, but there is also hydro-zorbing which includes 5 gallons of water added and passengers slip and splash as the ball rolls. Volcano surfing is like snowboarding except it’s performed on active volcano slopes. The most popular slope is in Nicaragua and has erupted 23 times in the last 100 years. The sport is also done on Mt. Yasur in Tanna, Vanuatu which erupts every day!

Upcoming events:

Tonight at 7 p.m. “Lone Star” performs at the gazebo as part of the free Fountain Square Entertainment Series sponsored by the Versailles T&CP.

Mark your calendar for the village’s “Spring Clean-Up Day” on Monday. For more information, contact the village office at 526-3294. Also the Museum’s Annual Ice Cream Social will be July 5 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Birthday wishes to Jenni Treon, Colleen Grillot, Barb Kissinger, Angie DeMange, Jenny Feltz, Diana DeMange, Russell Jay, Tim Bornhorst, Toni Riegel, Chad Peyton, Chris Huber, Donna Francis, Cindy Grogean, Jeff Cochran, Kasey Christian, Richard Coffield, Gary Poor, Jeannie Groesch, Jim Luthman, Sharon Deschambeau and Eric Miller as their birthdays approach, as well as, anniversary wishes Christina and Matthew Rhoades (3), Tracy & Chris Timmerman (8), Sherree and Ron Kremer (12), Suzy and Brad Grilliot (15), Sundra and Jerry Bey (20), Debbie and Ted Blakeley (22), Helen and Marshall Gard (25), Dawn and Tom Petitjean (26), Kathy and Ralph Gehret (32), and Marlene and Steve Schlater (38).

Healing prayers and get well wishes to the Tara Huber, the Hamilton family, Andrew Kunk, Michelle Ullom, Kyle Rutschilling, Isabella Yakos, Lisa Coate, Brian Voisard and all those dealing with life’s challenges, as well the hospitalized or homebound in need of our prayers but not mentioned by name.

Sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Sister Carmelita (Monnin), Gene Brown, and Mary Ellen Pearce, also remembering the lives of Judy Seger, JD Weaver, Kim Neal, Brandon Burnside, Joe Henry, Barbara Miller, John Floyd, Carly Garner, Shirley Poeppelman, Tony Arnold, Jim Raterman, Sarah Magoto, Paul Gariety, Richard Fisher, Carl Subler, John Stahl, Wayne Groff, Beatrice Barga, Joan Blakeley, Eileen Bigham, Agnes Barton, Phil Kindell, Irene Henry, Bud Heuing, Betty Marchal, Dale Barga, and Ed Simon and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their recently passing.

“If things seem under control, you are just not going fast enough.” ~Mario Andretti

“Life is inherently risky. There is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and that is the risk of doing nothing.” ~Denis Waitley

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” ~T. S. Eliot

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