Community happenings, events, etc.

Boy Scouts collecting
food for area pantries
   The local Boy Scouts Troop 226 and Cub Scout Pack 37 are collecting
canned foods to support area food pantries, and they need your help. Please
bring nonperishable food donations and place them in the specially marked
boxes in the lobbies at Fifth Third Bank, Southern State Community College
Central Campus, Merchants National Bank (100 North High St. and 1479 North
High St.) and the YMCA. For more information, contact Christy Miller at
(937) 402-0681 or hillsboropack5037@gmail.com.

Buckskin Community Church
rummage, bake sale Dec. 1
The Buckskin Community Church (formerly the Presbyterian Church in South Salem) will hold a rummage sale and bake sale Saturday, Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. - ? For more information, call (937) 981-4170.

Ag Reality programs
   On Dec. 7 from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., OSU Extension, Hillsboro, Leesburg and
Lynchburg FFA, and numerous farm serving agencies will be hosting Ag Reality
(a real-life simulation) at the Hi-TEC Center in Hillsboro. Mowrystown FFA
will be participating on Dec. 14 at the Gateway Center.

Highland County Hammers
12U Select Baseball 2013
   The newly formed Highland County Hammers 12U select baseball team will
be conducting indoor tryouts for the spring/summer of 2013 on Dec. 4, 2012
from 6-8 p.m. and on Dec. 9, 2012 from 2-4 p.m. The Hammers completed their
fall baseball season undefeated at Tealtown Ballpark (11-0) in Milford. They
are looking to add players to help continue to build on the fundamental
style of baseball. The Hammers will be playing in the Central Ohio Youth
Baseball League. Practices will be held at the Leesburg Ballpark on S.R. 28
and also serve as our home field where half the games will be played. The
remainder of games will be contested in the Columbus area. The Hammers
expect to play a total of 24 games without conflict with your local
recreational league. Interested players cannot turn 13 before April 30,
2013. For more information and to pre-register, contact Joe Buddelmeyer
(937) 763-7999 or Rodney Rose (937) 623-6598.

Dodsonville Community Church songfest Nov. 17
   The Dodsonville Community Church is having a songfest on Nov. 17 at 6:30
p.m., featuring special guests Beverly Grover and Donnie Pierson and
friends. The church is located at 1810 U.S. Route 50, 12 miles west of
Hillsboro. The community is welcome to attend for good fellowship and great
fun.

Central Ohio Opry Classic Country show Nov. 17
   The Central Ohio Opry Classic Country and Bluegrass show returns to the
Clay Township Park (Old Buford School) building every 1st and 3rd Saturday
of each month. The next show is Nov. 17. Don’t miss out on the best classic
Country show in the area. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7
p.m. and runs until 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, children under 12
are free. Concessions are available throughout the evening.

Breakfast with Santa
   SATH (Supplementary Assistance to the Handicapped) will sponsor its 17th
annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Hillsboro Elementary
cafeteria.
   Breakfast will be served from 9-11 a.m. The cost is $8 per child and $5
per adult. Activities for the children include getting their picture taken
with Santa, making a Christmas decoration with the help of Santa’s elves and
decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus, all of which can be taken home with
them. Adults can even start their Christmas shopping at the Santa Sale.
   To make a reservation, contact Linda Allen at (937) 393-1904, ext. 131
(daytime) or Mary Kamphaus, 393-8550 (evenings). Registration is limited, so
don’t delay.

Cowan Lake
Association events
   Cowan Lake Association of Sportsmen will host a meatball dinner on
Friday, Nov. 16 from 4-7 p.m. at their clubhouse on 331 Beechwood Road. The
event is open to the public and costs $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $2
for children. Carry-out is available. For information, call (937) 289-2340.
   • The Cowan Lake Association of Sportsmen (CLASS) will hold an
all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner on Friday, Dec. 21 from 4-7 p.m. at their
clubhouse, located at 331 Beechwood Rd. (off Route 350), Wilmington. Prices
are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $2 for children. The menu will include
spaghetti and homemade sauces, including venison; side dishes; desserts; and
beverages. Carry-out available. Call (937) 289-2340 for information.

Open door free meal Nov. 24
   An open door free meal will be held at the Greenfield United Methodist
Church on Nov. 24. Serving will be from 4-5:30 p.m. The menu will be ham,
potatoes, green beans and pumpkin dessert. Everyone is welcome.

Hillsboro City Schools
Board of Education
meets Nov. 19
   The Hillsboro City Schools Board of Education will meet in regular
session Monday, Nov. 19 at the Hillsboro Board of Education Office, 39
Willettsville Pike, at 7 p.m.

Children’s Holiday
Tea Party Dec. 1
   The Highland County Historical Society will host a Children’s Holiday
Tea Party at Highland House Museum on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 2 p.m. Treat your
young ones to an enchanting start to the holiday season. The afternoon will
begin with a brief presentation on the traditions and etiquette of tea
parties, continue with an elegant tea party and conclude with a performance
by a professional clown/magician. Seating is limited, and advance
reservations (at $6.50 per person) are required. Call (937) 393-3392 for
more information. The museum is located at 151 East Main St., Hillsboro.

Health Department
vision clinic Dec. 11
   The Highland County Health Department will hold a vision clinic on
Tuesday, Dec. 11. The clinic is free of charge and is open to children under
the age of 21. Thomas Ritter, OD will provide examinations. For more
information or to schedule an appointment, call the Health Department at
(937) 393-1941.

LC Board of Education
to meet Nov. 19
   The Lynchburg-Clay Board of Education will meet in regular session on
Monday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Lynchburg-Clay Board of Education building.

Mowrystown Holiday
Craft Fair & Bazaar Dec. 1
   The Mowrystown Holiday Craft Fair & Bazaar will be held at Whiteoak High
School, North High Street, Mowrystown on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. until
3 p.m. Lunch will be served. Menu will include soups, sandwiches, chips,
pies, cakes and drinks.
   Santa will be making an appearance following the holiday parade, which
will begin at Crop Production (West Main Street) at 1 p.m. Cookies and hot
chocolate will be served while pictures with Santa are being taken.
   Vendor spaces are still available. Please call 937-442-4704 or
937-446-2070 or email thefrymans@frontier.com for more information or if you
would like a space.

Whitetails Unlimited
banquet Nov. 24
   The Highland County Deer Hunters will host the annual Whitetails
Unlimited banquet on Nov. 24 at the St. Mary Catholic Church assembly hall.
The doors will open at 5 p.m. The banquet will include a live auction,
silent auction, gun raffles, door prizes and a buffet meal by Ponderosa
Catering. Money raised at the event will benefit local wildlife conservation
programs such as national archery in the schools program, kids trout derby,
youth appreciation day and Boy Scouts. For tickets, call Tim Parry at
763-7252 or John Kidder at 466-2211.

Competition Auto now open
   Competition Auto is now open at 854 South High St., Hillsboro.
Competition Auto offers brake service, oil changes, tune-ups, shocks, struts
and more. Call (937) 661-4024 or (937) 509-1120 for appointment. Competition
Auto also buys cans, copper, brass, aluminum, convertors, alternators and
more.

Leesburg Fire Department
turkey bingo Nov. 17
   The Leesburg Fire Department and EMS will hold their annual turkey bingo
on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Leesburg Fire Dept. community room.

VSC meets on first Mondays
   The Highland County Veterans Service Commission will be holding its
public meetings on the first Monday of every month at 5 p.m. until further
notice.

Christmas at the Cabin
   It’s time for the 32nd annual Christmas at the Cabin with Dave and Janny
Brizius at 7757 Cave Road, east of Hillsboro off U.S. 50. The cabin will be
open through Dec. 16 on Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays
from 1-5 p.m. Also, the cabin will be open on Thanksgiving from 4-9 p.m.
Call (937) 365-1388 for information.

Altrusa accepting
scholarship applications
   Altrusa International of Highland County is accepting applications for
educational scholarships ranging from $250 to $500. Applications may be
obtained from any Highland County Public Library, Chatfield College, Shawnee
State University, Southern State Community College or Wilmington College.
Applications must be postmarked by Nov. 26.

SATH turkey bingo Nov. 17
   SATH will hold its 10th annual turkey bingo Saturday, Nov. 17 at the
Hillsboro Elementary School cafeteria. During the night, 25 turkeys will be
given away. The evening’s event will end with a game of coverall in which
the winner gets a complete Thanksgiving dinner. The cost will be a donation
of 25¢ per card. Prior to bingo, a soup supper will begin at 5 p.m. to kick
off the evening. Homemade chicken and noodles, chili, beans and cornbread
and lots of delicious desserts will be available. For more information, call
Linda Allen at (937) 393-1904 ext. 131.

St. Mary Catholic School
holiday craft bazaar Dec. 1
   St. Mary Catholic School PTG will be having their annual holiday craft
bazaar on Dec. 1 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. If there are any crafters or independent
vendors who would like to set up, please contact St. Mary Catholic School at
119 E. Walnut St., Hillsboro, or call (937) 840-9932 for more information.

Youth basketball league
   The Upward Basketball and Cheerleading League, for kindergarten through
sixth grade students, will hold sign-ups (choose one date) on Nov. 17 from
10 a.m. - noon and Nov. 20 from 6-8 p.m. at 265 West Walnut St., Hillsboro.
Practices will begin Jan. 14, and games will take place Feb. 2 - March 23.
For more information, call Michele Williams at (937) 402-1302 or visit
www.upward.org.

HCA dinner theater
   The Hillsboro Christian Academy students present The Bethlehem
Chronicle, a dinner theater event, at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 and 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Church of the Nazarene Annex, 8230 U.S. 50,
Hillsboro. Tickets are $10; $5 for children under 6. Call 937-393-8422 for
details.

Freedom Fellowship Church
offers free meal after parade
   The Freedom Fellowship Church, 7451 Pea Ridge Road, Hillsboro will host
a free community soup and sandwich dinner immediately following the
Hillsboro holiday parade on Nov. 24 from 3:30-6 p.m.

WHS Service Learning
class hosts community
Thanksgiving Nov. 19
   The Whiteoak Service Learning class is hosting the third annual
Community Thanksgiving Lunch on Monday, Nov. 19, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
at the Mowrystown Presbyterian Church. Everyone is welcome. A free-will
donation will be accepted and all donations will go toward the Bright Local
Food Pantry. If you would like to help donate items or funds for the lunch,
contact Kara Juillerat at 442-2241.

Christmas Free Sale Dec. 8
   A Christmas Free Sale (everything is free) will be held Saturday, Dec. 8
from 8-11 a.m. at the Rabbit/Poultry Building of the Highland County
Fairgrounds. New and used clothing, household goods, toys, furniture and
electronics will be available. Donations of items will be accepted through
Dec. 6. To make drop-off or pickup arrangements, call (937) 205-8408. The
event is sponsored by Good News Gathering and 937 Ministries. For more
information, call (937) 393-5383.

First Presbyterian Church of Greenfield
hosts annual Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 22
   The First Presbyterian Church of Greenfield will host its annual
Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The
dinner will include turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, roll and
dessert. Dine-in, carry-out and delivery will be available. To arrange a
delivery, call 981-3735. This is a free meal and everyone is welcome!

Lynchburg-Clay FFA
Equipment Consignment
Auction set for Nov. 17
   The Lynchburg-Clay FFA Chapter and FFA Alumni will be hosting their
Equipment Consignment Auction on Saturday, Nov. 17 at the Lynchburg –Clay
High School starting at 10 a.m. For more information, please call the FFA at
(937) 364-2250 ext. 11209 or go to www.lynchclay.k12.oh.us.

New Vienna church concert
   The Mark Dubbeld Family will be in concert at the New Vienna Community
Church, 412 West Street, New Vienna on Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. This talented
family from Virginia sings God’s praises across the nation. This year, they
have garnered two singles on the Top 40 Southern Gospel Christian Voice
Chart. For more information, call Pastor Dan Mayo at 937-725-0445.

Hillsboro community Thanksgiving service
   The Hillsboro Ministerial Association will hold its annual community
Thanksgiving worship service on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. This year’s
service will be held at Good News Gathering (6250 U.S. 62 south, Hillsboro).
Join us as we give thanks for our many blessings. A freewill offering will
be collected which will be divided between the Transient Ministry of the
Ministerial Association and Samaritan Outreach Services. In addition,
non-perishable food items will be collected. Light refreshments will be
served after the service.

Holiday homecoming Dec. 1
   A “Holiday Homecoming” will be held Saturday, Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. - 7
p.m. at the Cherry Fork Gym, located at state Route 136 in Cherry Fork.
   The day will include a visit from Santa, games for the kids and holiday
photo sessions. Stop by and start or finish your Christmas shopping.

Clothing donations needed
   New Life Church and Ministries’ Ivy’s Clothing Closet is currently in
need of donations of baby and men’s clothing. Donations can be made
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church, 6101
state Route 247, Hillsboro. For more information, call (937) 205-8401.

Wilkin Alumni Memorial Scholarship Tournament
   The Lynchburg-Clay FFA Chapter will be hosting the annual Greg Wilkin
Memorial Scholarship Basketball Tournament on Dec. 26-27 at the
Lynchburg-Clay High School Gymnasium.
   The Lynchburg-Clay Young Farmers originally created this tournament so
the FFA Chapter could award scholarships to the graduating seniors that meet
the guidelines set forth by the Lynchburg-Clay Agriculture Education
Department.
   The tournament is held during each Christmas holiday and is the main
source of income for the scholarship. Donations are also received from
family, friends and others interested in supporting this worthy cause.
   Greg Wilkin was lost in a farming accident 30 years ago. He was a
graduate of the Lynchburg-Clay Schools and attended Wilmington College where
he majored in agriculture. He was also involved in the family farm
operation. Greg had a great love for farming.
   For information, call 364-2250 ext. 11612 by Dec. 14.

Greenfield Community Thanksgiving Nov. 18
   The annual Greenfield Community Thanksgiving Service will be held this
Sunday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m., at the Greenfield First Presbyterian Church, 457
Jefferson St.
   The service is conducted by the members of the Greenfield Area
Ministerial Association. Pastor Neil Reid of the Trinity Christian Union
Church will bring the message. An offering to benefit the food pantry
ministry of the Greenfield Area Christian Center will be received. All are
encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the service as part of the
offering.
   Everyone is invited.

Diaper distribution Nov. 27
   The first Dry Bottoms-R-Us diaper distribution will be Tuesday, Nov. 27
from 2-5:30 p.m. at the Southern Ohio Pregnancy Center, 135 W. Walnut St.,
Hillsboro.
   Those receiving diapers will be asked to fill out cards with their name,
address and phone number as well as children’s names, birth dates and the
diaper sizes that are needed. In an effort to distribute diapers to as many
as possible, one bag of diapers will be given per child. If you have
questions, contact the Southern Ohio Pregnancy Center at 937-393-2990.
   Those living in the Greenfield area may contact the Greenfield Area
Christian Center, 912 N. 5th St., Greenfield, at 937-981-5172 to pick up
diapers. Call before you go to assure that diapers are available.
   Special thanks to all who contributed diapers and money toward the Dry
Bottoms-R-Us Campaign.
   “It is by the grace of God that we receive it. It is by the grace of God
that we give it away,” said Cathy G. Griffith, Executive Director of the
Southern Ohio Pregnancy Center.

Highland County Junior Fair
market steer tagging Dec. 1
   Highland County Junior Fair exhibitors planning to take a steer to the
Highland County Fair in 2013 are reminded that the steer tagging weigh-in
will be Saturday, Dec. 1 from 7-9 a.m. at the Union Stockyards in Hillsboro.
   This will be the only day steers can be tagged for the Highland County
Fair for 2013.   
   Nose prints will be taken. County Bred and Born exhibitors will need
birth date of steers, the breeder’s name, address and phone number.
   Tags cost $1.50 per animal.
   In case of extremely bad weather, please listen to Buckeye Country, WCHO
and WVNU after 6 a.m. the morning of the weigh-in. Call the Union
Stockyards, 393-1958, after 7 a.m. if you have any questions on Saturday.