New Military Photo Exhibit Opens May 2

A new photo exhibit titled “On the Other Side of the Lens…Military Photographers in Action” will open to the public on May 2.
The exhibit will feature 56 photos depicting the talents of Air Force and Joint Operations photojournalists, with significant contributions provided by Air Force News.

Air Force News (AFNEWS) Operations provides Air Force and Department of Defense news and information to internal and external audiences worldwide on events and issues affecting Air Force missions. AFNEWS has supported every recent contingency, from Operation Allied Force in Kosovo to Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom in Afghanistan and Iraq, telling the Air Force story to Air Force people and a global audience through print, radio, television and the World Wide Web.

The exhibit will be on display in the museum’s Hall of Honor through the end of the year.

For more information visit http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/exhibits/special.asp.

Peacekeeper Missile Now on Display
The museum restoration staff recently restored and erected a Peacekeeper missile in the Missile and Space Gallery.

The Peacekeeper was the Air Force’s most powerful, accurate and technologically advanced intercontinental ballistic missile when it served as a deterrent from 1986 to 2005.

The missile stands 71 feet tall and weighs nearly 200,000 pounds. It could reach a maximum speed of about 15,000 mph and hit targets more than 6,000 miles away.

For more information on the Peacekeeper visit http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.

Hometown Mother’s Day Event
 
Mom — She's there to support us, sacrifice for us, give us unconditional love and a big hug - no matter how bad we are!!! The Xenia Merchants and Midtown Merchants Associations join the Greene Co. Dailies in
hosting a Hometown Mother's Day to show our MOMS how much they mean to us on May 8, 9, and 10.   Sidewalk sales will be held by the merchants Thursday through Saturday (weather permitting).  

Friday, May 9 —Take your family for a walk in the morning.  The City of Xenia is hosting an Historical and Architectural Guided Walking Tour at 11:00 a.m., starting at the Greene County Courthouse at the corner of Main and Detroit.  Friday evening is Fathers' Night.  Many stores will remain open late offering gift cards, discounts, or free wrapping. Personal shoppers will be available to help you choose the right gift.
 
The Xenia Gazette is offering a contest for children to "draw the face of your Mom."  One winner will receive a $50.00 voucher to be used at any participating merchant.  Entry forms are available in the newspaper or at participating merchants. See newspaper for details.
 
Moms!  Tired of receiving a toaster rather than something you really wanted?  Use a "wish list" available at local merchants to share your choices with your family.  The form should be picked up and completed by Tuesday, May 6, so that you will have time to give it to your loved ones.
 
Saturday, May 10 —The Xenia Merchants will be hosting several events on Saturday.  Live music will be performed in front of various stores and restaurants.  Xenia Shoe and Leather (21 E. Main St.) is offering sales and free foot rubs by Ohio Academy of Holistic Health students.  Blue Jacket Books (60 S. Detroit St.) will discount cookbooks, craft and gardening books by 25%.  Oasis Café (13 E. Main St.) will be offering Moms a taste of homemade candies and live music to dine by.  The Flower Stop (57 W. Main St.) will have extended hours all week prior to Mother's Day and will have a special table set up for children to make their Mom a card.   Other downtown merchants will be having special sales and events.  Curves (557 W. Second St.) will be offering a Mother's Day Special—a 3-month gift certificate (from Dad or child) can be purchased for $99.00.  A savings of over $50!  The Thrift Store to benefit the Xenia Area Community Theater (45 E. Second St.) will have a wide selection of children's clothing on display at bargain prices.  This is only a small list of events happening at various stores.  
 
A bake sale will be located in front of the Xenia Daily Gazette (30 S. Detroit St.) with the proceeds to be used to support merchants' events; such as, Hometown Christmas in December.  All items are being donated by the merchants.
 
There are many more merchants offering specials in their stores and many local restaurants will be having coupons for meals or specials for the day.  There are even some surprise happenings.  Come and see! Bring the family to town for a walk or a bike ride on Saturday.  Make your Mom feel special and enjoy the day in Xenia—save on gas and support your local merchants.

Every Friday at 12:15 p.m. Features the museum's restoration area. Advanced registration required.  For more information or to register, call 937-255-3286, ext. 302.

Museum adds aircraft, artifacts to collection
New artifacts such as a Jolly Green Giant painting and the Prince presentation penetrator were recently installed in the Combat Rescue Case in the Modern Flight Gallery.

The museum also recently added three new aircrafts to its collection. Visitors can now see the Boeing Condor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Mystere IV A, and an X-19 aircraft by signing up for the Behind the Scenes Tour in the restoration area.

F-22A Raptor joins museum collection
The National Museum of the United States Air Force has added the world’s first stealthy air dominance fighter to its collection. The F-22A Raptor combines stealth, maneuverability, and the ability to fly long distances at supersonic speeds into an aircraft capable of performing both air superiority and air-to-ground missions.
 
The museum’s Raptor was one of nine built for engineering, manufacture, and development testing in 1999. After completing its test program, the aircraft came to the museum and will go on display after restoration is finalized later this year.
 
Visitors can view the F-22A Raptor by registering for the museum’s Behind the Scenes tour. 
 
For more information, visit http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123051335.

For a complete list of museum events, please visit http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/news&events/events.asp.

3rd Annual Daniel W Shawver Memorial 5K Walk/Run and 1 mile Fun Walk

Begin and end at Central Middle School, 425 Edison Blvd., Xenia
Saturday, May 10
Race starts: 9:00 a.m.
Day of Race Registration/Check in: 8:00 a.m.
Registration will be made available online, by mail or day of race.

Cost prior to May 3, 2008:
$15.00 - includes T-shirt
$17.00 - for XXL or XXXL T-shirt (special order)
Children 5 and under FREE without shirt, WITH T-shirt $10.00
Donations in any amount will also be accepted.

In memory of Daniel W. Shawver Mary 11, 1971-April 7, 2005
Our family invites your families, groups, friends, and organizations to participate in this memorial event to remember those you have lost and to provide hope and support to each other while dealing with cancer and other illnesses and their effects.

All proceeds will go directly to:

• Provide a $1,000 College Scholarship in the said name for a Xenia High School Senior wishing to attend a college or university.
• Replenish our benevolence fund to continue to provide families faced with serious illnesses relief from some monthly financial obligations.
• Donate to the American Cancer Society. Your contributions will help fund their programs of research, education, advocacy, and service, which will lead us toward the ultimate goal - the elimination of cancer.
• Donate to Hospice of Dayton.

For further information, please call Carrie (Shawver) McGee at 937-232-7267, or visit www.danielwshawver.com.

9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. one Saturday per month
May 10 - June 14 - July 12 - August 9 - September 13 - October 11 - November 8 - December 13

Free to Greene County residents.

Accepting:

• Household Hazardous Waste-antifreeze, aerosols, bulk fuels, flammable solids, corrosive acids and bases, mercury, putty and adhesives, cleansers, oxidizers, poisons, pesticides-herbicides.
• Electronics-computer and television monitors (up to 19 inches), CPUs and accessories, scanners, laptops, docking stations, telecommunications equipment, copy machines (table top), printers, cash registers, telephones and cell phones, VCRs/DVD players, video boards, uninterrupted power supply, stereo equipment, mainframe equipment, calculators, typewriters, audiovisual equipment, fax machines, wire/cabling, circuit boards, CRT’s, keyboards/mice, mid-range equipment, networking equipment
• Scrap metal 
• Appliances-including those with Freon
• Fluorescent bulbs

No paint or oil accepted.  Please call 937-562-5925 for options on these items or check the website under FAQs at www.co.greene.oh.us, click on Environmental Services.

We are here to provide the people living and working in Greene County with services that help protect the environment and enhance the natural beauty of Greene County by offering recycling opportunities and promoting responsible waste management.

“Get Walking, Greene County” Program Offers Fresh Air, Exercise, Socializing and Stress Reduction

Greene County Parks is continuing to offer the new walking program to help Greene Countians get healthy and fit, reduce their level of stress and get some fresh air while enjoying the many different bike and nature trails.  This series of free hikes will be offered each month with each hike up to 6 miles in distance.  Participants will get a walking passport at their first attended hike and after the completion of each hike, hike leaders will initial the passport.  After 30 miles have been completed in any combination of hikes offered, participants will have the opportunity to purchase a Greene County Parks walking stick for $15.00.  Each season, walkers will have the chance to add a variety of shields to their walking stick.  The schedule of free hikes is as follows:

Stroller Striders – Bring your baby or young child in a stroller on this hike and enjoy getting fit while socializing with other local moms and dads

• Wednesday, June 4, 9:30 a.m. at Walton Park, just off of SR 725, Spring Valley
• Wednesday, July 2, 9:30 a.m. at Xenia Station, 150 Miami Ave., Xenia
• Wednesday, August 6, 9:30 a.m. at Massie Creek Park, 3422 Barber Rd., Cedarville

Paws to Lose Pounds – bring your well-mannered dog on a non-retractable leash to hike with you on these hikes

• Saturday, May 10, 9:00 a.m. at Ellis Park, 4735 Polecat Rd., Yellow Springs
• Saturday, June 14, 9:00 a.m. at Walton Park, just off of SR 725, Spring Valley
• Saturday, July 12, 9:00 a.m. at Xenia Station, 150 Miami Ave., Xenia
• Saturday, August 9, 9:00 a.m. at Massie Creek Park, 3422 Barber Rd., Cedarville

Healthy Hikes

• Saturday, May 24, 10:00 a.m. at Creekside Reserve, parking at Beavercreek Community Park, Factory Rd., Beavercreek
• Saturday, June 7, 10:00 a.m. at Indian Mound Reserve, Williamson Lane entrance, 2750 SR 42 N., Cedarville
• Saturday, July 19, 10:00 a.m. at Cemex Reserve, Sanctuary Dr. off of Garland Ave., Fairborn
• Saturday, August 30, 10:00 a.m. at the Narrows Reserve Nature Center, 2575 Indian Ripple Rd., Beavercreek

Before beginning any vigorous exercise program, it is always best to check with your doctor. For more information on this new walking series, please contact Greene County Parks at 937-562-7440 or visit the web site at www.co.greene.oh.us/parks.

2nd Annual "Putting on the Glitz" Celebrity Event

The celebrity models invite you to join them as they walk the runway in support of the Red Cross in Greene County at their second annual fashion gala luncheon and silent auction.  Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the residents of Greene County.  For more information, please contact Judy Elder at 937-372-9983, X10.

Saturday, May 10, 2008
2:00-4:30 p.m.
The Greene in Beavercreek

Clothes That Work invites men to step into a pair of high heels for fifteen minutes and Walk A Mile In Her Shoes during the first-ever event that allows men to honor the women in their life and experience the work/life balancing act women accomplish every day, one step at a time.

Clothes That Work is the champion for workforce image in the Miami Valley with a mission to provide interview appropriate clothing and personalized, confidence building image services for clients.

For more information, please contact Marcia at 222-3778, ext. 110, or visit www.clothesthatwork.org and click on “Special Events”.

Monday, May 12
11:30 a.m.

XARSC honors “Older Americans Month” with a carry-in lunch that includes a dish that is made from your favorite recipe that has been carried down from your mother or grandmother.  To work in some physical stuff, they plan to challenge the ladies to a game of good old “jacks.”   Men, we are going to set you up some marbles and an indoor putting box.  Curious?  Come on in to see what else they have at the Center.  For more information, call 937-376-4353.

Weekly Yoga Classes at Xenia Station sponsored by Xenia Parks & Recreation who say, We’re Serious About Fitness!

When: Mondays beginning October 1 through June 2008
Where: Xenia Station
Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Cost: $6.00 per week or $20.00 per month

According to www.yogamovement.com, the benefits of yoga include:

• The physical benefits: Creates a toned, flexible, and strong body. Improves respiration, energy, and vitality. Helps to maintain a balanced metabolism. Promotes cardio and circulatory health. Relieves pain. Helps you look and feel younger than your age. Improves your athletic performance.
• The mental benefits: Helps you relax and handle stressful situations more easily. Teaches you how to quiet the mind so you can focus your energy where you want it to go — into a difficult yoga pose, on the tennis court or golf course, or in the office. Encourages positive thoughts and self-acceptance.
• The spiritual benefits: Builds awareness of your body, your feelings, the world around you, the needs of others. Promotes an interdependence between mind, body, and spirit. Helps you live the concept of “oneness.”

Mats provided or feel free to bring your own.  Classes instructed by Connie Webber.  For more information. call Xenia Parks & Recreation at 937-376-7275.

Greene Memorial Hospital, in conjunction with the American Academy of Dermatology and other area medical facilities, is offering free skin cancer screenings and DermaScan facial skin damage viewings in May.

The screenings are organized in recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month.  Dayton area dermatologists are offering the screenings to promote early detection and prevention of skin cancers.

The Greene Memorial Hospital screenings will be held from 9:00-11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 13, at the Ruth G. McMillan Cancer Center, 1141 N. Monroe Drive, Xenia.

“Early detection is key in the fight against cancer. Skin cancer is no exception. Skin cancer can be treated and often cured if caught early,” said Terri VanZant, oncology services manager at Greene Memorial Hospital.

Two other facilities in Kettering Health Network, of which Greene Memorial Hospital is a member, will also offer the screenings.  Cassano Health Center, 165 Edwin C. Moses Blvd., Dayton, will host screenings from 9:00-11:30 a.m. on Monday, May 12.  Kettering Sports Medicine Center, 3490 Far Hills Ave., Dayton, will host them from 9:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:00-4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 16.

Appointments are required since space is limited and can be made through May 9 by calling the American Cancer Society Ohio Patient Service Center toll-free reservation number 1-888-227-6446 between 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Choose option 2 (registration and reservations), then option 7 (cancer screenings).

“The sunny season is here, and overexposure has proven to cause skin cancer,” VanZant said. “We urge everyone to use precautions when exposed to the sunlight. Take this opportunity to have yourself checked for possible skin damage from previous exposures and talk to a health care professional about ways to protect yourself from overexposure.”

For more information, call Cindy Young, director for marketing and communications, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, at 937-775-2951.

To learn more about Greene Memorial Hospital’s services, visit www.greenehealth.org.

The Jr. Olympic Skills Competition is coming to Xenia this month. This national skills competition provides boys and girls ages 8-13 the chance to showcase their athletic abilities.  Brought to you by Greene County Parks in conjunction with the United States Olympic Committee and the National Parks and Recreation Association, youth can participate in either basketball on Tuesday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m. OR soccer on Thursday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m.  These events will be held at the Fairgrounds Recreation Center located at 210 Fairground Road in Xenia.  There is no fee to compete and REGISTRATION IS DUE BY TUESDAY, MAY 6.

The local qualifying event champion for each sport will advance to the Regional Competition (location TBA) and regional winners will compete at the National Competition (location TBA).  Registration forms are available at the administrative office of Greene County Parks at 651 Dayton-Xenia Road or online at www.co.greene.oh.us/parks/pdf/JrOlympicSkillsRegForm08.pdf.  For more information, please call 937-562-7440 or log on to the website at www.co.greene.oh.us/parks.

Greene County Parks is offering a chance to watch the progression of migration, help with identification of spring warblers and the opportunity to catch a glimpse of something new during the free Spring Bird Hike series throughout the month of May.  The dates and locations of the hikes are to follow:

• Tuesday, May 13, 7:00 p.m.  at the Beaver Creek Wetlands Reserve, parking at Phillips Park, Dayton-Xenia Rd., Beavercreek
• Tuesday, May 20, 7:00 p.m.  at Cemex Reserve, Sanctuary Dr. off of Garland Ave., Fairborn
• Tuesday, May 27, 7:00 p.m.  at Indian Mound Reserve, Williamson Lane entrance (log cabin lot), SR 42 N., Cedarville

All skill levels are welcome.  Please bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them.  You are invited to attend as many as you are able.  These hikes are free and registration is not required.  For further information, call Greene County Parks at 937-562-7440 or visit the website at www.co.greene.oh.us/parks.

Greene Behavioral Health, an adult inpatient mental health unit at Greene Memorial Hospital, is hosting the Mental Health Fair from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, in the Private Dining Room of the GMH Cafeteria.

The program’s staff is embracing the motto, “It takes a heart to heal a mind,” by hosting the health fair to increase awareness and to recognize May as nationwide Mental Health Month.

“We are hosting the Mental Health Fair to showcase community resources and respond to the ever-increasing need for mental health advocacy and education,” said Dawn Cooksey, Greene Behavioral Health interim program director.

Highlights of the fair include a virtual reality headset that simulates hallucinations, depression screenings, stress relief massages, raffles, therapeutic drumming demonstrations, and several educational booths.

The event is free and open to the public. The hospital is located at 1141 N. Monroe Drive in Xenia.

For more information on the fair, call Samantha Cornwell, Greene Behavioral Health community education manager, at 937-352-2295.

Wednesday, May 14
11:30 a.m.

XARSC Monthly Luncheon will feature maypoles, flowers, watering cans, butterflies, and birds to decorate for this unique spring setting.  St. Brigid Kids Choir will perform.  For more information, call 937-376-4353.

U.S. Dept of Commerce - Webinars & Programs for Important Markets

Don't miss these outstanding opportunity to learn more about NAFTA, the emerging market of Vietnam and industrial machinery in China

Join us for an interactive Web Seminar sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce on export opportunities in Vietnam: an emerging powerhouse economy in Southeast Asia.

The U.S. Consulate Ho Chi Minh City, U.S. Department of Commerce's Manufacturing Team and the Miami Valley International Trade Association proudly present the program in recognition of World Trade Day. This is designed for US companies interested in learning about exporting to the Vietnam market.

Date: Thursday, May 15
Time: 8:30-9:30 a.m. (EST)
Location: Your desk
Cost: $35.00

Why Vietnam?

• Vietnam is Asia's second fastest-growing economy (behind China and ahead of third-place India) with projected rate of GDP growth reaching 7-8% in 2008.
• Vietnam's entry into the WTO in 2007 has opened the doors to foreign trade and investment while further privatizing and liberalizing its economy.
  Don't miss out on this live webinar!

Participate in an interactive discussion with business experts and USG trade officials who will share their first-hand insights about the opportunities and challenges of this booming market.

The panel will include experts from U.S. industry and the U.S. Department of Commerce on-the-ground in Ho Chi Minh City.

To register and for details on this program, click here.  (This web presentation will be held during the Miami Valley International Trade Association's World Trade Day event - call 937-226-8482 for registration or details)

Watch for details on other upcoming webinars in this series:

• Northeast Rust Belt (Shenyang, Liaoning): focus on demands for aviation, automotive, agriculture equipment
• Western China (Chongqing & Chengdu)

The Ohio Small Business Development Center at Wright State University is affiliated with the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Ohio Department of Development, Wright State University, Raj Soin College of Business, and the Small Business Development Partnership Ohio Region 4. 

Our areas of business include: 

• Start-ups
• Finance and Accounting 
• Marketing 
• Sales and Advertising 
• Operations Management 
• Government Procurement 
• Business Law 
• International Trade 
• Human Resource Management

For potential entrepreneurs considering and in the start-up phase of small business. Topics include:

• Legal structures
• Business planning
• New business requirements
• Business risks
• Market research
• Business records
• Cash flow and break-even
• Tax considerations

Cost: $25.00 per participant – reservation required. 
For more information, call SCORE at 937-225-2887.  SCORE volunteers serve as "Counselors to America's Small Business."

Ohio Small Business Development Center
3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton
Wright State University Raj Soin College of Business - 219 Rike Hall

The Jr. Olympic Skills Competition is coming to Xenia this month. This national skills competition provides boys and girls ages 8-13 the chance to showcase their athletic abilities.  Brought to you by Greene County Parks in conjunction with the United States Olympic Committee and the National Parks and Recreation Association, youth can participate in either basketball on Tuesday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m. OR soccer on Thursday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m.  These events will be held at the Fairgrounds Recreation Center located at 210 Fairground Road in Xenia.  There is no fee to compete and REGISTRATION IS DUE BY TUESDAY, MAY 6.

The local qualifying event champion for each sport will advance to the Regional Competition (location TBA) and regional winners will compete at the National Competition (location TBA).  Registration forms are available at the administrative office of Greene County Parks at 651 Dayton-Xenia Road or online at www.co.greene.oh.us/parks/pdf/JrOlympicSkillsRegForm08.pdf.  For more information, please call 937-562-7440 or log on to the website at www.co.greene.oh.us/parks.

Friday, May 16
7:30 a.m.

Continental breakfast for 8:00 a.m. “CASINO” Travelers to Grand Victoria.  PJM Bus Service has raised their bus cost, so the trip will now cost $25 with a $10 coupon back at the boat that can be cashed or used for lunch.  These fill up quickly, so sign up now.  Payment is due with your registration.  Non-payment only puts you on an interest list.

For more information, call 937-376-4353.

Friday-Saturday, May 16-17
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

The Miami Valley Quilters' Guild has more than 200 members...the show will have all types of quilts and quilted art/objects...our members include designers...nationally-known quilt artists...professional quilters and teachers...as well as award winners exhibitors at numerous local, regional and national shows...and some novices, too...there will be a boutique of members' work...a live auction on Saturday afternoon...a beautiful raffle quilt (need not be present to win)...catered refreshment stand with seating area...and local, regional and national vendors...hope you can attend!!!  Admission: $5.00. 

For more information, visit www.miamivalleyquiltersguild.org.

Every Friday at 12:15 p.m. Features the museum's restoration area. Advanced registration required.  For more information or to register, call 937-255-3286, ext. 302.

Museum adds aircraft, artifacts to collection
New artifacts such as a Jolly Green Giant painting and the Prince presentation penetrator were recently installed in the Combat Rescue Case in the Modern Flight Gallery.

The museum also recently added three new aircrafts to its collection. Visitors can now see the Boeing Condor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Mystere IV A, and an X-19 aircraft by signing up for the Behind the Scenes Tour in the restoration area.

F-22A Raptor joins museum collection
The National Museum of the United States Air Force has added the world’s first stealthy air dominance fighter to its collection. The F-22A Raptor combines stealth, maneuverability, and the ability to fly long distances at supersonic speeds into an aircraft capable of performing both air superiority and air-to-ground missions.
 
The museum’s Raptor was one of nine built for engineering, manufacture, and development testing in 1999. After completing its test program, the aircraft came to the museum and will go on display after restoration is finalized later this year.
 
Visitors can view the F-22A Raptor by registering for the museum’s Behind the Scenes tour. 
 
For more information, visit http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123051335.

For a complete list of museum events, please visit http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/news&events/events.asp.

Friday, May 16
12:30 p.m.
Xenia Station or Old Town Reserve in Xenia
Free; light lunch provided.
For more information, call 937-562-7440, or visit www.co.greene.oh.us/parks.

Greene County Parks invites you to help celebrate Beaver Creek Wetlands Association’s 20th Anniversary at the Wetlands Bio Blitz on Friday-Saturday, May 16-17.  A Bio Blitz is an inventory of all living organisms in a given area.  It is also an opportunity for you to learn about all different aspects of nature.

Volunteer researchers will be on hand to assist with identification of species and various hikes throughout the duration of the event will include birds, plants, insects, mammals and more.  During the overnight hours, nocturnal animals and insects will be the focus.  All ages are invited and encouraged to participate.

The Bio Blitz will be held from 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 16 through 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 17 at Cemex Reserve in Fairborn, on Sanctuary Drive just off of Garland Avenue.  For additional information on this and other programs offered by Greene County Parks, please call 937-562-7440 or visit the web site at www.co.greene.oh.us/parks.

Saturday & Sunday, May 17-18
Twin Towers Park, 501 Yellow Springs-Fairfield Rd., Fairborn
For more information, visit www.gemwoodevents.com.

St. Brigid 5KRun/Walk will be held as part of their Community Festival on May 17th at 8:00 a.m.  For more information, call St. Brigid at 372-3193.

Greene County’s Solid Waste District will hold a special electronics collection event on Saturday, May 17, from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., at Cedarville University, Cedarville.

The event will give residents in the eastern portion of Greene County the opportunity to dispose of their old computers and smaller televisions in a convenient, environmentally responsible manner.  This is a one-time special event for Cedarville as the County also accepts electronics at their regular collection events in Xenia, which are held on the second Saturday of each month in 2008.  As with the regular collections, the Cedarville event is free and open to all Greene County residents.  The event will be held at Gravel Parking Lot across from the North Residence Hall Entrance.

Items that will be accepted at the event include: computers and accessories, computer monitors and television sets (up to 19 inches), scanners, docking stations, telecommunications equipment, copy machines (table top), printers, telephones and cell phones, VCRs/DVD players, video boards, uninterrupted power supply, stereo equipment, audiovisual equipment, fax machines, wire/cabling, and circuit boards.

Anyone with questions can call Greene County Environmental Services at 937-562-5925 or e-mail Envir-svcs@co.greene.oh.us.

Toward Independence, Inc. (TII) is busy gearing up for its sixth annual Walk for Independence, the agency’s primary fundraiser and public awareness event to benefit the over 150 men, women, and children it serves year round. This year’s event, scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2008 at Shawnee Park in Xenia, Ohio, will have several new and fun elements. First, a zumba walker warm-up session will be led by certified instructor Kristina Nelson, who is also a teacher at Miami Valley Career and Technology Center. Zumba is an aerobic dance exercise done to the tune of high energy Latin and international music. Attendees can look forward to lots of laughs and moves that will get their hearts pumping in preparation for a 2.5-mile walk around the park. The Walk for Independence will also feature the “Draw Box,” a walking box that takes idea slips from participants and turns them into cartoonish drawings to take away as an event keepsake.

Old event favorites will still be in place—i.e. cash prize drawings of $25, $50, $75, and $100 from a pool of all registered walkers, a continental breakfast, and event t-shirts (CHILDREN’S SIZES AVAILABLE THIS YEAR)—and are included as part of each walker’s registration fee. This year, Boston Stoker coffee will not only be available, but will be provided free of charge by event sponsor Express Yourself Coffeehouse Gallery of Xenia, Ohio. For those who like a challenge, fundraising prizes are offered in three categories: a $300 shopping spree to the highest fundraising individual walker, a night at the movies for 25 people to the highest fundraising regular team, and ten $50 gift certificates to a salon and spa of choice to the highest fundraising corporate team (see official registration brochure for fundraising minimums).  Pledge-raising is not required to participate, but certainly helps bring greater benefit to the people served by TII.

The cost to participants is only $12 per walker (Please note: additional team fees apply when registering as part of a corporate or regular team—see registration brochure for details).  Registering prior to the event is encouraged, as it helps TII to better estimate quantities when ordering event supplies. The registration deadline is Friday, April 25, 2008.  However, “walk-in” participants who register during check-in on the day of the event are also welcome, but there is no guarantee of event t-shirt availability, as only a limited number of extras are ordered. Extra t-shirts are distributed during check-in, beginning at 9:00 a.m. on the day of the event on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Whether you register in advance or simply “walk-in” on the day of the event, join TII in celebrating the abilities of people with disabilities at the Walk for Independence 2008!  For questions, or to request registration brochures, contact Jodi Hill, Development Officer for TII, at 937-376-3996.  The registration materials can also be downloaded from our website, www.ti-inc.org by visiting the Upcoming Events page under the Get Involved menu.

The Walk for Independence is sponsored by the Greene County Board of MR/DD, McGohan Brabender, at the Primary Level, and Fifth Third Bank and Montgomery Insurance & Investments at the Foundation Level, and others.

WYSO's 1st Annual Garage Sale will be held on Saturday, May 17, from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at WYSO's Performance Space located at 800 Livermore Street (Back Door) in Yellow Springs.  WYSO will have albums, CDs, books, and more for sale.  This is a great way to support your favorite Public Radio Station!

WYSO Public Radio
795 Livermore St.
Yellow Springs, OH  45387
For more information, call 937-767-6420.

Friday-Saturday, May 16-17
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

The Miami Valley Quilters' Guild has more than 200 members...the show will have all types of quilts and quilted art/objects...our members include designers...nationally-known quilt artists...professional quilters and teachers...as well as award winners exhibitors at numerous local, regional and national shows...and some novices, too...there will be a boutique of members' work...a live auction on Saturday afternoon...a beautiful raffle quilt (need not be present to win)...catered refreshment stand with seating area...and local, regional and national vendors...hope you can attend!!!  Admission: $5.00. 

For more information, visit www.miamivalleyquiltersguild.org.

VA Benefit Counseling Provided Free of Charge by Disabled American Veterans

Military veterans in the Dayton area can receive free counseling and assistance with their government benefits when the 2008 Harley’s Heroes ™ Tour comes to the Buckminn’s Harley-Davidson in Xenia. The 2008 Harley’s Heroes™ Tour will include stops throughout the U.S. including over 175 Harley-Davidson dealerships where benefits assistance will be offered to veterans of all ages in communities where they live.

The mission of Harley’s Heroes™, made possible with the help of a $1 million grant from the Harley-Davidson Foundation to Disabled American Veterans (DAV), is to provide assistance in obtaining benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for all veterans and to show appreciation for their service and sacrifice to our country.  While on the 2008 tour, DAV National Service Officers will provide benefits counseling to those veterans who suffer from service-connected injuries but may never have filed a claim for benefits or have found it difficult working with the VA.

Buckminn’s Harley-Davidson
We are honored to host the Harley’s Heroes™ Tour for a second straight year.  We had one of the largest Veteran turn-outs for Ohio Harley-Davidson dealers last year.  On this day, our dealership is offering 15% off all items purchased when showing a military ID.  Plus, a percentage of each purchase will be donated to the DAV.   Last year, the participation of dealers in the Harley’s Heroes™ Tour resulted in a 62% increase in service to veterans over the previous year.

WHAT: 2008 Harley’s Heroes™ Tour to stop and provide FREE benefits counseling services to local veterans provided by the DAV
WHERE: Buckminn’s Harley-Davidson (St. Rt. 42 S., 1213 Cincinnati Ave., Xenia)
WHEN: Saturday, May 17 from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
WHO: Local veterans and veteran riders who could benefit from DAV services

The Importance of (D)isabled (A)merican (V)eterans to Our Nations
Veterans injuries suffered during military service sometimes take years to manifest or go years before being diagnosed.  Many veterans have their injuries go untreated or uncompensated because they do not understand how to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Thanks to the DAV’s free services veterans can get the help they need.

Registration is open for a “Tribute to World War II Veterans.” The special event will be held in conjunction with the annual outdoor Glenn Miller concert at the museum on Saturda