Versailles News: Called to volunteer

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Some people are called to volunteer. Those people volunteer for a variety of reasons; perhaps because they have the time and are asked, others out of civic responsibility, and still others because they truly believe in a particular cause.

Many businesses promote volunteerism and look favorably upon employees who involve themselves with a service club, which can be another catalyst for someone to volunteer. Regardless of what leads someone towards volunteerism, it can become the beginning of a much deeper commitment.

One can enlist in the military which often becomes a way of life, or one can join the reserves, become a little league coach, a teacher’s aide, a Sunday school teacher, a childcare aide, a candy striper or hospital volunteer, and on and on. Or you can join a service organization such as the Rotary, Lions or Eagles. Still other options include the museum, the Chamber, a reading circle, a mother’s club, a theater group, a fitness class or a Bible study.

All these organizations have something to offer and require volunteers. The important thing is to give from the heart; offering your talents and interests to help an organization or club achieve its vision or goals. Of course some organization’s goals are loftier than others and over time you might experience the need to align yourself with a more philanthropic goal than when you first began. Two such organizations were recently brought to my attention.

Darke County Right to Life — This group of concerned citizens meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at 105 W. Third St. in Greenville. They are looking for individuals interested in the sanctity of human life. Their mission is to create a culture where every life is defended and respected. A culture where every child is welcomed into the world and protected by law; where every pregnant mother receives the help she needs to face an unplanned pregnancy; and where every terminally-ill or elderly person has access to pain relief and is protected from being killed by euthanasia or assisted suicide. You might consider offering your support by attending the meetings, participating in one or more of their community events, fundraisers, awareness campaigns, etc. To find out other ways of volunteering, please contact Joan at [email protected] or (419) 336-5550.

Time to Revive — Evangelism and discipleship are the heart of this mission. This organization seeks to bring Jesus to the people. This ministry is fashioned in the manner of Jesus, meeting people where they are; at work, on the streets, or in their homes, rather than waiting for the people to enter inside the church. Seeking to bring Jesus to those who do not know how to ask, seek or knock, these missionaries spread the gospel and prepare people to live out a faith in Jesus Christ. This ministry reached Darke County last year and impacted a great many, opening our eyes to the drug epidemic and the need for prayer and faith. Recently Steve and Amy Harman of Versailles became “Time to Revive” missionaries and are fundraising for their discipleship. For more information or to make a contribution go online to: http://www.timetorevive.com/about-ttr/who-we-are/list/steve-amy-harman-185a/141/missionaries/.

The biggest segment of able-bodied individuals is among our senior citizens. They are ideal for volunteering, since they have more discretionary time and money then the working class. The experience and work ethic amongst our seniors is needed in today’s society and every business owner knows it. If a senior agrees to continue working for their employer on a part time basis, they soon find themselves working more hours then they wanted, because they are responsible, dependable, knowledgeable, helpful and dedicated.

I had always thought it would be nice to start a pool of retirees that wanted to devote some of their time to affecting the lives of others. I would call it “Senior Assistants” and we would operate like a temp agency. People would know they could call “Senior Assistants” explain their need and then I would go through the list of volunteered seniors to see who would be best fitted to fill the need. Tasks might include things such as tutoring, trimming, house sitting, cooking, cleaning, sewing, painting, driving someone to an appointment, etc. But the seniors wouldn’t simply do a job they would have an opportunity to connect others, instill values, teach their skills, and truly enrich the lives of those in need of an extra hand. The pay would be negotiable.

Upcoming events:

Are you feeling energetic tonight? Consider the Zumbathon® Land and Aqua Benefit at the Versailles YMCA from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., $10 minimum donation with a chance for prizes and guaranteed fun.

Friday fish fry: The Versailles Eagles offering all-you-can-eat-fish this Friday from 5 p.m. until gone, the Versailles Vet’s Club offers smelt dinners from 4:30-7 p.m. today, April 7 and April 14, and the Yorkshire Goat Farmers offers a fish fry from 5-8 p.m. today and April 14. Also nearly every restaurant offers fish and other non-meat options for purposes of Lent.

The Versailles Vets Club will have an evening of karaoke (downstairs) with Orville beginning at 7:30 p.m. both today and Saturday.

Mark your calendar and prayerfully consider attending the Darke County Right to Life group which meets April 4. For more information, you may call 547-3113 or (419) 336-5550.

Performances of Cinderella are April 4 at 7:30 p.m., April 6 at 7:30 p.m., April 7 at 8 p.m. and April 8 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. For tickets or more information, contact Lynda York at (937) 526-5276.

Birthday wishes to Frank Fullenkamp, Brain Voisard, Susan Buschur, Shiela Coffield, Sandy DeLaet, Nick Beasley, Gary Curtis, Diane Magoto, Yvonne Ridenour, Missy Francis, Khara Hartzell, Ginger Magoto, Nicole Baltes, Anne Eiting Klamar, Kathy Voisard, Amy Elifritz, Tony Bey, Heather Poor, Mike Shively, Zac Hayes, Jill Gehret, Jeremy Fine, Shirley Magoteaux, Paige Collins, Tom Doseck, Wayne Pittsenbarger, and Brian Blakeley. Happy anniversary wishes to Danielle and Doug Myers (12).

Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Rhonda Poling, Ron Vogel, Donna and Terry Black, Ron Bruner, Barb Hart, Connie Ecabert, Wanda and Joe Bailey, Wilma Didier, Anne Cox, Dave Buxton, Doug Bruns, Conrad Phlipot, Jean Castle, Betty Kremer, Amanda Murphy, Vickie Cottrell, Connie Stachler, Sally Tebbe, Dan Roseberry, Denny Grilliot, John Magoto, Sheila Spahr, Madonna McEldowney, Beverly Brown, Linda Kendinger, Dave Fullenkamp, Steve Youngker, Harold Langston Sr., Julie Keihl, Joan Magoto, Jeanne Brandon, Ruth Haft, Rosie Pearson, Virginia Smith, John Subler, Sondra Spangler, Mary and Mike Barga, Anabelle Subler, Jeanette Simon, Julia Billenstein, Merilyn Borchers, Lewis Didier, Lewis May, Connie (Baltes) Lechleiter, Levadia Barga, Jack Borgerding, Dan Monnin, Linda Wilson, John Klipstine, Lois Youngker, Barb Goubeaux, David Zumberger, Cyril Frantz, Michelle Ullom, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Barb Agne, Samantha Smith, Brian Voisard, and all those not mentioned by name who are ill, suffering, hospitalized, home-bound and/or in need of our prayers and their caregivers.

Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Keith Chrisman (72), Della Mae Luebke (81); also remembering the lives of Linda Lochtefeld, Gladys Pepiot, Randy Bergman, Bertha Miller, Mildred Simons, Mary Bayless and all those held within our hearts, but not mentioned by name, as the anniversary of their passing nears.

“It’s not how much we give it’s how much love we put into giving.” ~Mother Teresa

“Being good is commendable, but only when it is combined with doing good is it useful.” ~Unknown

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” ~Mohammed Ali

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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.

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