Y.O.L.O. of Darke County Inc. is a non-profit organization founded by Phillip and Jodi Pierri because of their passion for giving back. They chose the acronym YOLO for “You only live once” and are dedicated to continuously improving the quality of life in Darke County, promoting healthy lifestyles and embracing life to the fullest.
The first goal of the fund is to help build a community splash pad in downtown Greenville, which is funded by donations and proceeds from the YOLO Festival of Races and an outdoor amphitheater in Heritage Park in Versailles also funded by donations, as well as, proceeds from the YOLO sponsored Poultry Days 5K.
The Poultry Days 5K was held in June but the Festival of Races event is coming up the morning of Sept. 4, beginning and ending at the Greenville High School stadium. The Festival of Races is popular because they offer runners a choice of a 5K, 15K or ½ Marathon. Runners have no problem finding 5K race events nearby, but distance runners prefer a 15K or ½ marathon, which are less plentiful.
The non-profit organization is set up to receive and manage charitable donations in addition to the proceeds generated by the two annual 5K events, through the Darke County Foundation. If you believe in YOLO’s vision and would like to donate in support of their projects, you can contact Phillip Pierri at (937) 371-9088 or email [email protected].
Running is a huge sport and has gained increasing popularity in the Darke County. The Darke County Wellness Challenge was established as a result. The YOLO Festival of Races and the SUNshine 5K are the last two races of the year which count towards the Wellness Challenge. If you are interested in running either of these events check out the website at www.darkecountywellnesschallenge.com. Also there are several running groups in the Darke County area, just ask around.
Congratulations to Clayton Murphy for winning the bronze medal in the Olympic 800 meter men’s race. Clayton is from Darke County, a graduate of Tri-Village (New Madison), and the son of Mark and Melinda Murphy. He won the gold medal in his international debut at the 2015 Pan American Games. He turned professional and signed with Nike in June of this year.
As I’ve mentioned several times, this year’s Miss Ohio is Alice Magoto (my cousin’s daughter). The Miss America Pageant will be held Sept. 11 on ABC. My cousin has alerted me that we the fans have the opportunity to vote and designated one Miss America contestant as “America’s Choice.” The winner of this voting receives a place in the semi-finals of the Miss America Competition as “Fan Choice Contestant.” You may cast a daily vote on www.missamerica.org/vote or, if you have a Facebook account, at https://www.facebook.com/missamerica. Everyone with internet has the opportunity to vote for Miss Ohio (unless you have another contestant in mind) every day until Sept.6.
Upcoming events:
Today is the last day of the Darke County Right to Life Community Sale held at the Versailles K of C Hall until 7 p.m., and the first day of the Great Darke County Fair. Saturday the Versailles FareFest will be held downtown from 2-5 p.m.
The Rotary Club is sponsoring a barbecue chicken dinner on Aug. 26 from 3:30 – 6 p.m. This requires a pre-sale ticket which can be obtained from Phelan Insurance Agency or any Rotarian prior to Aug. 24.
Mark your calendar for the annual “Breakfast at with the Tigers” at the football field on Aug. 28 from 8-11 am. The meal consists of pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, coffee and juice for $6.
Happy birthday Owen Thomas Lester (1), Cole Carity (6), Warren Hartzell (13), Susan Fields, Kim Middendorf, Cheryl Collins, Cole De’Nise, Ronda Stammen, Dwight Keihl, Lynne Schlater, Stephanie Giere, Dan Richhart, Gary Poling, Bonnie Kinser, Jeremy Yagle, Tony Lewis, Karen Mescher, Amelia Goubeaux, Mark Hilgefort, Kendall Keihl, Ralph Schulze, Rocky Van Cleve, Jennifer Koogler, Allison Irey, Bob Nieport, Theresa Boerger, Jan Monnin, Jessica Weaver, Cindy Goubeaux, Maggie Dabbelt, Audrey Lutz, Chris Baugher, Lisa Heaton, Matthew Rhoades, John Rimmer, Shirley Derr, Storm Davis and Margaret Hartzell as their birthdays approach as well as, anniversary wishes to Paula and Dan Varvel (8), Carolyn and Daryl Shrader (9), Katie and Nick Ellis (10), Tracy and Tony Mueller (17), Michelle and Keith Buschur (19), Jeannie and Gary Grosch (20), Mary and Tom Juette (38), Linda and Jim Davidson (50), Doris and Ron Barga (50), and Donna and Pastor Bob Akins (51).
Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Cameron Magoto, Lewis May, Connie (Baltes) Lechleiter, Linda Henry, Pete Ecabert, Levadia Barga, Susan Crocker, Patty Jenkinson, Bob Homan (cancer), Jeanne Simon, Paul Cordonnier, Jack Borgerding, Dave Flatter, Norma Raterman, Noah Evans, Linda Wilson, Adam Schwieterman, Lois Youngker, Delores Williams, Sam Yagle, Barb Goubeaux, Jan Turner, David Zumberger, Brian Voisard, Cyril Frantz, Dan Monnin, Michelle Ullom, John Davis, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Barb Agne, Samantha Smith, and all those who are sick, suffering, hospitalized or home-bound.
Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Phyllis Overholser (87), Vernon Allison (87), John McEldowney (87), Wanda Staley (88), Irene Broering (91), and remembering the lives of Bernie Treon, Mary Thornhill, Alberta Palmisano, Bob Denlinger, Cathy Eckstein, Roy Henry, Judy Harman, Walter Frey, Mike Phlipot, Dr. Leroy Steinbrecker, Betty Oehrtman, Naomi Sharp, Wayne Wendel, Bob Hollingsworth, Matt Monnin, infants Albert and James Timmerman, Alvina Cordonnier, Diane Seger and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their recently passing nears.
“In running it doesn’t matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say ‘I have finished.’ There is a lot of satisfaction in that.”
“Don’t fear moving slowly forward … fear standing still.”
“You only live once but if you do it right, it’s enough.” ~Mae West
