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The views expressed on this page are soley
those of the author and do not
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Parents, teens and technology, By Melissa Martin
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Tumblr, Flickr, Reddit, WhatsApp,
Google, and all the other techno companies have produced products that
have changed and benefited the world. Phones, apps, and the web are
necessary to our daily work lives and personal lives. But, is there a
dark side for teen usage? The annual Piper Jaffray Taking...
read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! The Middle School Challenges and
Changes
8/15/2018 -- The first day of middle school is on the horizon. While
your child’s initial fears of navigating the hallways, using the
combination lock and finding someone to sit with at lunch may be
officially behind her, it doesn’t mean she’s got a peaceful, easy
feeling about the rest of her middle school experience. And as a
parent, you must know, this is only the beginning...
read
more.
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It’s a Wrap: Fun and Games at the Fair,
By Bob Robinson
The 162nd Great Darke County Fair is a Wrap. Mother Nature wasn’t very
kind this year with thunderstorms and too often just plain old rain and
drizzle, either just before or during fair hours. The Cheer Competition
had to be moved to Greenville High School, and I understand the Tractor
Pulls had to be cancelled… That said… the rides were great, the food
vendors were...
read
more.
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September
is the month for suicide awareness, By Melissa
Martin
“The statistics for suicide in America are disturbingly high. It is
tragic not only for the one whose life was cut short, but also for
those loved ones left behind after their death. On average, there are
750,000 people a year whose lives are directly impacted by the suicide
of a loved one. For many, these effects continue for years, even a
lifetime,” according to a 2017 article in Psychology... read
more.
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The Great Darke County Fair… Top Fair Attractions... Friends and Animals,
By Bob Robinson -- The Great Darke County Fair is a time for catching
up with old friends, meeting new friends, family get-togethers and
sometimes just saying hi to people you know or see - occasionally or
otherwise - throughout the year. Sometimes you stop and talk; sometimes
you wave in greeting as you walk by. So far, I’ve managed to hit the
fairways (and the barns) every day. I see a lot of my “kids;” usually... read
more.
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Kids Day at The Great Darke County Fair,
By Bob Robinson
Monday was kids day at the Great Darke County Fair, so naturally I
focused on kids. Big kids, little kids… mostly happy kids. Twenty
photos; 28 kids. Maybe a third of them were “my” kids… substitute
teaching, former Edison State students, Empowering After School
(tutoring) program. Most were there to take advantage of cheaper rides;
others were still working... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… When reality bites, drink kombacha (mixed
with vodka), By Aprill Brandon
You know how when you have kids and you look down for just a second to
tie their shoe or pick up their Legos and the next thing you know it’s
five years later and everything is different and you have no idea what
is going on outside of your living room? Well, I just looked up and
somehow, between getting knocked up with my first child and celebrating
the second birthday...
read
more.
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Bar-B-Que and More at The Great Darke
County Fair, By Bob Robinson
After weeks of anticipation and, in some cases, months of preparation,
the Great Darke County Fair finally arrived. I didn’t make it to the
Grand Opening, but I assume it was rather wet. Rain was coming down
hard about ribbon-cutting time, so much so that the cheer contest was
moved to Greenville High School. By 11 a.m. or so, the sun had come out
and people were beginning... read
more.
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ODE Extra Credit… Beyond Engagement: Empowering Students to
Take Ownership of Learning,
By: Virginia Ressa - Summer “vacation” is one of those things that
non-educators sometimes misunderstand. Some people, even our family
members, think teachers have three months off to lounge, sleep in and
binge watch the shows we missed during the school year. We know
differently. First of all, it’s not three months – it’s maybe two and... read
more.
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Five things to say every morning,
By Melissa Martin
I am alive, I will choose my attitude for the day, I will be kind to
myself, I will be kind to others, and I will not take anything
personally. The goal is to begin every day focused on how you want to
think, feel, act, and react. However, the purpose is not a Pollyanna
denial about our problems, or to put a guilt trip on ourselves, neither
to pretend in painful situations. The point is to start each day... read
more.
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Support for Trump’s “America First” policies,
By Lyn Bliss
I voted for and today support President Trump even more than when I
cast that vote. Because, when President Trump says “promises made,
promises kept” he isn’t lying. The promises he has kept during his
short term in office have made me wonder if some of the other
Presidents were even really trying! He has a wonderful ability to do
things other presidents have only talked about. Our economy... read
more.
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ODE Extra Credit… A Parent’s Hope for the New School Year,
By Wendy Grove
This week, I am writing not as an education professional, but as a
parent. My daughter is the child that made me a mother for the first
time. Last week, she turned 11 years old, and I want to tell you about
her. She is brave, creative, artistic, smart, stubborn, self-centered
and difficult. She likes singing songs, watching anime, reading Percy
Jackson books, snuggling... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… My favorite parenting book is “Frankenstein”
By Aprill Brandon
It never ceases to amaze me how similar talking about raising kids
sounds to the plotlines of horror movies. “I woke up, disoriented, only
to discover his face was mere inches from mine, his milky breath
washing over me. I screamed while his face contorted into an evil
smile.” “I slammed shut the bathroom door but when I looked down I saw
two pairs of sticky hands slowly reaching out for me from underneath... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! The Effect of Peer Presence
8/7/2018 -- We all know the heavy influence peer pressure can have on a
tween/teen, especially when it comes to risk-taking behaviors like
drinking, smoking and using other drugs. But are you aware of the
impact the mere presence of peers can have on an adolescent’s
decision-making, without any coercing or encouragement at all?
Psychologists from Temple University were curious... read
more.
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Commissioner’s Corner… MARCS conversion complete; airport
completion moved back
July has certainly been an interesting month in the Commissioner’s
office! It seemed like every day there was a new challenge to deal
with! The weather and the coming recess of the legislature in Columbus
have certainly played havoc at times with everyone’s plans. Hopefully
things will clear up in the future. Commissioner Stegall took a young
man from...
read
more.
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Kudos to school lunch ladies!
By Melissa Martin
I remember the lunch ladies wearing white uniforms and hairnets as they
dipped and dished food items onto plates. Some smiled. Some grumbled.
But these hardworking women put up with a cafeteria full of noise and
nonsense day after day and year after year—until retirement. The
following is a funny fictional story I penned to express my
appreciation for the school food staff; cooks... read
more.
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Ramblings of an Old Man… Helping a child grow, By Bob
Robinson
Oh… so so SO tired. My Edison classes wrapped up on Thursday, May 10;
there were still a full two more weeks of Greenville classes… so I
looked forward to a few assignments. I got them. In spades. I was a
kindergarten sub the next day… then first grade, then second grade,
then… well, you get the drift. For the next 11 days I got to step into
the shoes of teachers who work... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! Transition Increases Risk
8/1/2018 - While there is much excitement about the start of a new
school year, there may be much apprehension and anxiety as well. This
may be especially so for youth entering their first year of middle or
high school, and for adolescents of any age transitioning to a new
school (because of a move or several other reasons). The thought of
unfamiliar faces, new... read
more.
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Ohio Department of Education… Relationships… The Foundation of a
Successful School Year,
By Kimberly Monachino -- It is hard to believe that another school year
is fast approaching. Before we know it, the yellow school buses will be
en route and the “20 mile per hour” school zone signs will be flashing.
The marquees outside many schools will read “Welcome Back Students!” or
“Good luck students and staff for a successful 2018-2019 school year!”
Even after 30 years in education... read
more.
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Dealing with stealing, By
Melissa Martin
The following scenario illustrates what can happen when adults look the
other way and when a child lacks empathy and remorse, a sense of right
and wrong, and a moral compass. Benson’s family was middle-class and he
had lots of toys, clothes, the latest video-games, and trendy gadgets.
His family lived in a nice house in a nice neighborhood. He went on
vacations, played with other kids... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Sorry not
sorry, By Aprill Brandon
One day, not long ago, my daughter went down a slide and rammed right
into the back of an older child who had gone down the slide before her.
It really hurt, the boy was quick to tell me, and my daughter should
probably apologize for it. I agreed and turned to her, saying “Mae, can
you say you’re sorry?” Her response? To stare defiantly at both of us.
She stared so long...
read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! To Bust
Summer Boredom
7/16/2018 - For many families, moving further into July means that kids
are sitting around the house complaining of summer boredom. Annoying?
Yes. Potentially dangerous? You bet. While there is absolutely nothing
wrong with teens experiencing a little boredom, too much time on their
hands with “nothing to do” can lead to trouble, like experimenting... read
more.
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Living with
Diabetes, By Kayla Seman, Edison State Community College
student
“I’m thankful for my struggle because without it I wouldn’t have
stumbled across my strength.” ~Unknown - When people hear the word
diabetes the first things they think are: you ate way too much sugar as
a child, you must have been fat when you were younger, I know you can’t
have sugar, and the one that frustrates me the most, “I heard you can
cure that with cinnamon.” There are... read
more.
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Be prepared when Mother Nature rages,
By Melissa Martin
From the beginning of the beginning, weather and climate have affected
planet Earth and humankind. The forces of nature both bless and curse
our world. Heat. Drought. Wildfires. Why is Mother Nature so angry?
Blizzards. Hail. Ice storms. Too much sun and we experience drought.
Too much rain and we experience floods. “Turn around. Don’t drown!” Too
much wind and...
read
more.
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Broke
Wife, Big City… The Adventures
of Kitty “Meow” Cat, III, Written by Kitty Cat
Hello. You probably don’t know me. In fact, there is no reason you
should. My existence is of little importance to most people. Most
people, that is, save one. And it is for her sake that I would like to
share the following story with you. Perhaps I should start at the
beginning. My name is Kitty Cat. A wholly unoriginal name, I’ll grant
you, but considering...
read
more.
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All the right
moves, By Bob Robinson
I had the distinct pleasure of seeing the best Annie Oakley Festival
I’ve seen in years. After struggling with a huge fairgrounds that,
while well attended, didn’t seem so due to the spread out space; after
moving to York Woods and picking up speed, only to find out it was
necessary to move again… The Festival hit a home run at the south end
of the Darke County Fairgrounds... read
more.
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Protecting
minors in public places, By Melissa Martin
“A 14-year-old boy has been identified as the person police believe
sexually assaulted two teen girls inside a Kroger in Portsmouth on
Saturday afternoon,” according to the WSAZ news website concerning the
July 2018 incident. It was alleged the juvenile grabbed clothed female
buttocks; one victim was in the bathroom and the other victim was in
the cosmetics aisle. www... read
more.
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When enough is enough, By
Melissa Martin
I found a heart-wrenching and a heart-warming poem on Pinterest and
traced it back to several websites while searching for the writer. A
book called I Wish You Enough: Embracing Life’s Most Valuable Moments
One Wish at a Time (2009, Thomas Nelson Publisher) by Bob Perks popped
up. So I bought it. The inspirational stories in Perks’ book contains 8
values for contentment in a world of abundance that we often take for
granted...
read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! July is
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
7/20/2018 -- July is nationally recognized by Congress as Bebe Moore
Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s a time
to raise awareness about mental illness and its effects on minority
populations. “Once my loved ones accepted the diagnosis, healing began
for the entire family, but it took too long. It took years. Can’t we,
as a nation, begin to speed up... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… The last
days of nowhere to be, By Aprill Brandon
I think there’s something wrong with my calendar. I looked at it this
morning and it said it was the end of July in the year of our Lord
2018. Which is practically August. Which is basically pre-autumn.
And that can’t possibly be right. Because if that is right, that means
my family is swiftly approaching the last golden-tinged days of
childhood where we have nothing to do... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! The New
Marketplace for Buying and Selling
7/9/2018 - It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon in June, and we were
celebrating our eight-year-old son’s birthday at our neighborhood park
with 20 of his closest friends and a handful of parents. The adults
were busy watching the children launch water balloons at each other
when one of the dads noticed something happening right in the... read
more.
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Anxious and fearful brains do not learn well,
By Melissa Martin
Think about the last time you felt anxious. Did your brain jump
offline? Did you make illogical arguments? Did your gray matter
scramble and ramble? Anxiety and fear are natural human reactions and
necessary biological functions. It’s part of an alarm system that’s
activated whenever you perceive or confront danger or a threat.
However, too much anxiety and fear is not healthy for your brain. And
continual overwhelming... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… The
swimming pool incident, By Aprill Brandon
Guys, it took me a long time but I finally found...hang on...sorry, I
need a moment. I just get so choked up about it, you know? But I
finally found...sigh...a friend with a pool. Like, a legit pool.
Inground and everything. Better yet, I found this friend with a pool in
time for the FOURTH OF JULY. She had a cookout BY THE POOL. I have
pictures. We...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Because
this Facebook post is going to save America,
By Aprill Brandon - I’ve been reading a lot of Mark Twain this summer.
In fact, a few weeks ago, I dramatically declared to my husband that
“this is The Summer of Twain!” while wearing a straw hat and holding a
fishin’ pole (because everything is more fun when you can annoy your
spouse with it). It started out that I simply wanted to re-read the
adventures of Tom...
read
more.
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Educators Rising...Inspiring the
Next Generation of Teachers, Antoine Holloway II
Throughout my entire life, my mom always pushed me to be a leader and
not a follower, so I always hold myself to that standard. I believe
that helped me get to where I am today. Today, I am very proud to serve
as the president of Educators Rising Ohio. Educators Rising Ohio is a
career-tech student organization that includes more than 1,000 students... read
more.
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Prevention Action Alliance… Know!
To Fuel Their Critical Thinking
Have you ever received an unsolicited, direct-to-consumer advertisement
via email, text, or social media? Of course you have! They somehow seem
to find all of us, even if we’re not looking for them. The same holds
true for our students. Just like us, they are bombarded with
advertising – mainly on their phones and laptops; from YouTube... read
more.
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Happy Birthday
America! By Melissa Martin
Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday Dear American, Happy Birthday to
you. Sing along with me. Let’s eat cake and celebrate the Untied
States. Our nation was born on July 4, 1776. And the Fourth of July is
the day we commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence;
the day the thirteen colonies declared independence from Great Britain.
Stop the...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… 37 things
I’ve learned in 37 years, By Aprill Brandon
1. Decluttering your life only works if you refuse to allow your family
back into the house. 2. You should do one thing every day that scares
you, like skydiving or answering your phone when it rings even though
this will likely result in having to talk to another human being. 3.
When you’re a mom, children turn into gremlins the minute they find out
it is your birthday...
read
more.
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Do you fear
change? By Melissa Martin
I gaze at the clock on my office wall. It is time for my next client,
Mr. Pie. As usual, he rolls in, plops into the overstuffed chair and
emotes. “I’m a crust with an identity complex and anxiety! I agreed to
the new cheese mixture, and even accepted the assortment of veggies,
and I conceded to the taco ingredients, even though I questioned
lettuce on a pizza. But... read
more.
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Preventive Action Alliance… E-Cigs
Target Teens… Nicotine University
E-cigarette sellers are offering scholarships to teens who write essays
on topics such as whether a smokeless society can exist or which
e-cigarette they'd recommend to others. This is a shameless marketing
ploy to attract and addict a new generation of nicotine users. These
companies say they're only helping current smokers switch to... read
more.
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Some Ohio
citizens want a Superman Day, By Melissa Martin
“Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird. It's a plane. It's Superman!”
And he’s flying over the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. The Ohio
House is designating June 12 as "Superman Day.” [To enact section 5.49
of the Revised Code as passed by the House 132nd General Assembly
Regular Session H. B. No. 135 2017-2018.] “For on this day, let it be
known that Superman...
read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! Summertime
Increases Risk
6/14/2018 - It’s June – which, for most teens, means summer break is
either close at hand or has already begun! Parents need to watch for
risky behaviors during these warm weather months because first-time
alcohol use and drug experimentation hit their peak in the summer.
During the school year, the “risk-taking danger zone” for youth
typically...
read
more.
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Aaah... the
good old days, By Melissa Martin
I think that’s why some people like antique stores, Flea markets,
auctions, yard sales, and eBay. Items from the past are attached to
memories. We remember happy holidays along with what food was served;
hairstyles and clothes of the era; television programs and music. Some
hanker for the good old days. The good old days had bad old days as
well. Some memories...
read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! Summer
Freedom and its Challenges!
6/4/2018 - It is normal and healthy for adolescents to seek increased
independence as they grow and develop. It is also normal for parents to
have a hard time letting go. Naturally, we worry about our children’s
health and safety and quite frankly, their ability to make good
decisions. However, in order for our children to become mature,
responsible...
read
more.
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It takes a team
to prevent youth suicide, By Melissa Martin
“Suicide is the second leading cause of death among school age youth.
However, suicide is preventable. Youth who are contemplating suicide
frequently give warning signs of their distress. Parents, teachers, and
friends are in a key position to pick up on these signs and get help,”
according to the National Association of School
Psychologists.www.nasponline.org/. The.. read
more.
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Prevention Action Alliance… The
100 Deadliest Days of Summer
Across our country, Highway Patrol units and local law enforcement are
stepping up traffic enforcement ahead of what the American Automobile
Association calls the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. The 100 days are
those between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when AAA says teen drivers
are far more likely to be involved in car crashes because they're out
of school and on the road... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… That Old
Dad Magic, By Aprill Brandon
My husband once told me that what I do is like magic. He had came home
from a long day of work, put his stuff down and suddenly noticed that
the formerly gigantic haphazard pile of mail that had littered his desk
was now in nice, neat, organized stacks. How did that happen? he
wondered. For that matter, what happened to all those dirty dishes? And
when... read
more.
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Commissioner’s Corner… Employers
are looking for employees
May has certainly been an entertaining month in the Commissioner’s
office! It seemed like every day there was a new challenge to deal
with! We are hoping that this is because this is an election year, and
as November gets closer maybe things will slow down to a normal pace!
Let’s hope so. The Darke County Economic Forum was held Friday May 4th
at... read
more.
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Is time
management possible? By Melissa Martin
Three long-time friends met for a reunion. In the fullness of time, the
conversation steered toward the topic of who was more important. Alas,
tempers flared and egos erupted. “I’m more important!” Future
proclaimed. “I show people how they can be. I am made of dreams,
wishes, hopes, and goals. Without me, there would be no tomorrow.” “I’m
more important!” declared... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! To Interact
with Tact with these Smartphone Tips!
5/29/2018 -- Smartphones certainly have their advantages. The number
one reason parents cite for purchasing their child’s first cellphone is
that it provides location tracking and makes it easier to communicate
with their son or daughter. Children however typically want a
smartphone for the ability to connect with friends, download their
favorite music and apps, and access social media sites... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… The grass
is always shorter, By Aprill Brandon
There are a lot of things that suck when you are a teenager. School.
Acne. Everyone over the age of 30 constantly asking you “so, you got a
boyfriend yet?” (Actually no, Aunt Linda, I don’t. I currently look
like the love child of Cory Matthews* and a pizza, so my dance card is
pretty empty at the moment.) But perhaps one of the most universal
sucky things about...
read
more.
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Getting caught
up in the darknet, By Melissa Martin
Whenever a device (Internet) is developed for the good—there are those
who will counterfeit it for bad. World Wide Web, surface web, deep web,
dark web, and darknet (or dark net) are terms referring to Internet
functions. Clear as mud to me; a person from the generation that grew
up without computer technology and without the Internet. Surface web.
The portion of the World... read
more.
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Remembering those who sacrificed,
By Bob Robinson
On Monday I closed up my computer, got dressed and headed into town. It
was a little after 12… this year I wasn’t going to walk the parade
route. At 73, I wasn’t sure that was the best plan on a hot (and I do
mean hot) day at the end of May. Later I admit to being shamed at the
number of veterans, my age or older, who DID walk the parade route. I
parked on the side street at Greenville Union Cemetery... read
more.
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Teachable Moments from Prevention Action Alliance… Know! Every Bite Counts
May is Mental Health Month, an annual campaign to educate people on how
a healthy lifestyle can help to prevent the onset or worsening of
mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, as well as heart
disease, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic health problems. Diet and
nutrition is not just about our waistlines, it also has a huge impact
on our mental wellness. The same holds true for your students... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Maybe I
don’t know everything, By Aprill Brandon
Knowledge is power. And nowhere is this more evident than when you are
the parent of small children. For all the exhausting yet mundane things
you have to deal with on a daily basis as a parent (and there are A
LOT), one of the biggest perks is that you can usually count on being
the smartest person in the room. Children come into this world knowing
nothing...
read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! Fitness
#4Mind4Body
5/16/2018 - May is Mental Health Month; a time to raise awareness about
the connection between physical and mental health, through the theme
Fitness #4Mind4Body, sponsored by Mental Health America (MHA). Mental
Health America shares two key messages through this year’s educational
campaign: Mental health is essential to... read
more.
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Saluting our Vietnam Veterans with words,
By Melissa Martin
1965. President Johnson called for more ground troops to be sent to
Vietnam. I was a child in elementary school. When the Vietnam War
ended, I was 16 years-old. 1975. Rewind to the 60’s and 70’s. I have
vague recall of warfare events on the evening news: the drafting of
Elvis; the Kent State University shootings; the burning of the
Washington Monument by war protesters; the outrage over Jane Fonda... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Finding my
tribe, By Aprill Brandon
I thought it was like riding a bike. Or shotgunning a beer. That it was
a skill, once mastered, couldn’t be forgotten. But then, at the age of
36 and a mom of two young children, I realized I had forgotten how to
make friends. I mean, I have friends. Of course I have friends. Lots of
them. Right? Shoot, according to Facebook, I have over 1,400 friends.
So, yeah...
read
more.
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In “Experts” We
Trust, By Kate Burch
Fifty years after Pope Paul VI issued the encyclical, “Humanae Vitae”
which upheld the ancient teachings of Christianity regarding human
sexuality, there are still calls to “reconsider” the document and its
teachings, despite clear evidence all around us of the havoc wreaked by
the sexual revolution. In Humanae Vitae, the pope made four predictions
about what...
read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! To Focus On
Mental Health
5/11/2018 - If our pancreas has a chemical imbalance, we seek
treatment. If our kidneys are not physiologically working right, we
seek treatment. When our most complex organ, the brain, is not
physiologically working right or has a chemical imbalance, for some
reason we ignore or hide it. May is Mental Health Month; an opportunity
to... read
more.
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Sibling abuse;
battlefield in the home, By Melissa Martin
Story. The first murder in the Bible is reported in the Book of
Genesis. Cain killed his brother Abel. Motive: Cain became angry and
jealous over his brother’s animal sacrifice, (Abel’s gift pleased God)
so the older brother sought revenge. Weapon: Cain used a rock to hit
Abel on the head. Forensic evidence: Blood was found on the rock and in
the field. Witness: God... read
more.
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How the
Greenville City Park Came to be, By Terry Venrick, Edison
State Student
The First two articles I told how much the Greenville city park means
to me and then I also shared the many things that you can do at the
park. For my last one I will just share a little bit of history. A long
time ago our beloved park was once known as Fort Green Ville. ”Mad”
Anthony Wayne used this place as a fort for fighting the Native
Americans. This came to... read
more.
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What You Can Do
At The Greenville City Park, By Terry Venrick, Edison
State Student
There are many things you can do at the Greenville City Park. You can
visit the peacocks, they are large beautiful birds with extremely large
feathers that fan out. A fun fact about them is that the females are
plain and brown while the males are very colorful. This is to shoo off
other peacocks, so if you ever visit the park you can see them but are
not allowed...
read
more.
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Why I Love The Greenville City Park,
By Terry Venrick, Edison State Communications Student
I have been going to the Greenville city park as long as I can
remember. My mom has pictures of me as a baby there feeding the geese.
The first time I remember being at the park myself was with my Grandma.
She would sit and read to me and my siblings stories and almost always
had a treat for us. With the passing of my grandma this year I really
look back and treasure those times... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… My
post-vacation apology, By Aprill Brandon
To my dearest, dearest children, You two are the light of my life. I
love you both so much. Which is why I’m writing this even though
it’s...difficult. Very difficult. For me. Your mother. To admit this.
But it’s important you know this so… Sigh... Listen up and listen hard
because you will never hear this ever again. I was wrong. Long
exhale... BUT I AM RIGHT... read
more.
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When big, old,
gnarly trees die, By Melissa Martin
A few years ago, our hundred-year-old tree was cut down for safety
reasons. A piece of history, once living—now dead. Now its twin tree is
diseased (age and carpenter arts) and just about ready to end and begin
the circle of life; like the song in the Lion King movie. A sense
of sadness envelops me as the old makes way for the new. My
grandmother, who loved nature... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! To Talk
Teen Stranger Danger
4/23/2018 - If you’re a parent or other caregiver of teens, you likely
have had repeated “stranger danger” talks with them when they were
younger. You taught them not to talk to strangers. You warned them not
to fall prey to the stereotypical child lure of being offered candy to
get into someone’s car, and so on. Those types of stranger danger safety... read
more.
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Elections are
about Choices, Mike Stegall
Elections are about choices. This election, in particular, is
about either moving forward on a path of stable growth in the economy,
in community improvement and in job creation or putting a halt to that
progress and choosing to make a blanket change based on reckless
election promises. These past seven years, I have had to make some hard
decisions. Usually... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… The
perfect getaway, By Aprill Brandon
It has been a long, hard winter. Followed by several weeks of spring
that were a long, hard winter. Followed by one nice day. And then two
more weeks of snow. On top of this, my husband has just finished a huge
project at work. He worked nights, weekends. For months, he was either
at work or at home working. At one point he got so stressed out he
stopped...
read
more.
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Celebrate
Children’s Book Week with your children, Melissa Martin,
Ph.D., LPCC-S
Celebrate Children’s Book Week with your children, April 30-May 6.
Schools and libraries highlight Children’s Book Week each year, and so
can parents in their home. Make reading a family tradition. And make
reading fun! Children’s Book Week is April 30 through May 6.
Established in 1919, Children’s Book Week is the longest-running
national literacy initiative in... read
more.
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Faith-based
organizations need sexual abuse prevention policies, By
Melissa Martin
The tragic story of the rape of Tamar, a young royal princess, sexually
violated by her half-brother, and then betrayed by her powerful father,
King David, can be found in the Old Testament. The Bible neither covers
up nor ignores sexual assault. Around 25 years ago, when I practiced as
a licensed and ordained minister, I listened as a speaker and former
pastor...
read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! Youth’s
Number One Drug of Choice
4/16/2018 - What is the leading drug used by our youth today? If you’re
thinking marijuana or heroin, guess again. The answer is alcohol. It
has long been and still remains the most widely used drug among young
people, making alcoholism and alcohol-related problems the number one
public health problem in the United States. April is the annual Alcohol... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… I forgot
my phone, By Aprill Brandon
So here I am. Sitting at my usual place in the coffeeshop down the
street. Ready to write my regular newspaper column. Laptop open, blank
page staring back at me, cursor mocking me with its empty blinking.
Tall mocha on my left. And my phone in its usual spot on the righ…
Except it’s not there. Not today. I check then double-check my bag. My
pockets. My...
read
more.
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Raising readers,
By Melissa Martin
Why is it important to expose babies, toddlers, and younger children to
the world of books? Why is it important to read aloud to babies and
toddlers? Why is it important to make reading fun for children?
“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents,” surmised
Emilie Buchwald. I agree. Parents are a child’s first teachers, first
role models, and first communicators; talking... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! To Stand
Firm Against Underage Drinking
4/6/2018 - In the previous tip, Know! April is Alcohol Awareness Month,
we discussed the negative health and safety risks of adolescents
consuming alcohol. In this tip, we will talk about the prevalence of
alcohol among adolescents and the steps we can take to protect our
children by helping to prevent underage drinking and promote
well-being. Did...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Let the
hunt begin, By Aprill Brandon
Now that I’m in my mid-30’s, I like to think I have a good handle on my
strengths and weaknesses. For example... Strengths: Writing good-ish.
Keeping my children alive. Playing beer pong. Weaknesses: Pronouncing
the names of fancy wines. Eating only one doughnut. Buying a home. It’s
that last one that I’m now having to confront (she types while... read
more.
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Universal
Design for Learning Equals Learning Opportunities for All,
By Kimberly Monachino
Today’s classrooms are very busy places. They are filled with students
who have diverse needs and learning challenges. To meet their needs,
teachers may be equipped with a variety of instructional strategies and
have many other tools in their tool boxes. However, even with multiple
tools, trying to meet the unique needs of each individual child... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! April is
Alcohol Awareness Month
4/5/2018 -- The month of April has been designated Alcohol Awareness
Month as an opportunity to focus attention on America’s #1 health
problem. This year’s theme, sponsored by the National Council on
Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCAAD), is “Changing Attitudes: It’s
not a ‘rite of passage.’” Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive
substance among adolescents in our country... read
more.
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Ohio Department of Education… Mental
Health First Aid...Indian Lake’s Response to a Community Crisis,
Robert Underwood, Indian Lake Local School District - 3/29/2018 - I’m
going to be open and honest here. The staff and students of Indian Lake
Local Schools have experienced the suicides of two high school students
in the past five years. I was serving as the high school principal
during these tragedies, and it was, without a doubt, the most
challenging time of my... read
more.
|
Commissioner’s Corner… March a
good month for Darke County
March came in like a lion, mellowed just a little, then became a wet
lion at the end. This looks like one of those winters that will not go
away. As this is written, it has snowed on April 1st, then the forecast
is for rain! At least it is rain, but enough is enough. Time for warm
sunshine! March was a good month for the county. We saw our projects
moving in...
read
more.
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Family and
Community Engagement is Something Good Schools Do,
Tom Capretta, Family and Children Community Coordinator - 4/5/2018 -
Tracy Hill is the executive director of the Office of Family and
Community Engagement at Cleveland Metropolitan School District and one
of the 2014 Education Week Leaders to Learn From. The first time I
heard her say, “Family and community engagement is something that good
schools do,” it just clicked. She made... read
more.
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Start Talking… Know! To Secure,
Monitor and Properly Dispose
3/26/2018 -- Families are continuing to be devastated by children
abusing medicine. Kids end up in the ER, become addicted, suffer
physical pain and emotional turmoil, and some lose their lives
altogether - all in the name of prescription drug abuse. Medicine abuse
among youth continues to trend at an alarming rate. Why is this
occurring at such rapid levels? According to youth... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Diary of
an Insomniac, By Aprill Brandon
You know a fun time to start thinking every thought in the entire
world? From 2-5 a.m. Although 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. is also fantastic.
Or, on really special occasions, both of those time frames in the same
night. How many baby wipes do we have left? What’s the date? When are
taxes due? I forgot to clip the dog’s toenails again. Poor baby. He’s
practically walking on... read
more.
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School
visitor tragedy, snow days & more, By Susan Olling
We had quite a winter here in the D.C. environs. All the schools
used their allotted snow days fairly early. MoCo schools used
their three snow days by mid-February, including two in January for
mere dustings of snow. The school administration seems to make
its closure decisions based on what happens up-county. Schools
were closed again on March 2. No... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! Warning - JUUL at Your School
3/21/2018 - There is a new trend parents and school administrators need
to be aware of, and it is called JUUL. It’s what some people are
referring to as the iPhone of vaping. It is a device so discreet that
it often goes unseen and teens are getting away with using it in public
places. JUUL is a brand of e-cigarette that looks like a flash drive... read
more.
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Two Sparrows Farm & Dairy… The end of the road, By
Whitney Belprez
March 15, 2018 - Last week while on our monthly grocery trip, we were
shocked to see that milk was selling for $1.50 a gallon at ALDI in Big
Rapids. $1.50. “Limit five,” the sign said. Clearly, most shoppers’
reaction to these prices was to say “wow, $1.50!” and to then stock up.
For us, our hearts sank. Those farmers, their families, their cows. How
in... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Important brain thoughts from an exhausted
parent, By Aprill Brandon
I have a confession. I’m supposed to be writing right now. Which, yes,
“technically” I am. I am “technically” stringing together letters into
words and those words into sentences. Here’s the thing, though. I
don’t really want to be writing right now. My brain is mush. Just a
mushy, mushy, leaky puddle of its former self. This has been a
particularly trying week and... read
more.
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Gullibles’
Travels, By Kate Burch
I have heard a few radio ads lately by auto dealers making the pitch
that, since this is tax season, it’s the perfect time to buy a new
car! Apparently, many who receive a tax refund think of it as a
windfall and can’t wait for a good opportunity to spend it. How
does it happen that people do not rise up in protest over a significant
portion of their pay being confiscated... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! How to Talk to Your Kids About School
Violence
3/13/2018 - Have you checked in with your children regarding the recent
school shooting in Florida to see what they’re thinking and how they’re
feeling about it? Do you know what to say? It is only natural for
parents to struggle with what to say about this senseless tragedy,
along with the additional acts and threats of school violence that have
since followed... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! To Stop, Drop and Breathe
3/6/2018 -- Even as adults, anger can be a difficult emotion to
control, especially when it involves a child who continues to defy his
or her parents. No one can push our buttons like our own children.
However, the importance of exhibiting self-control in order to
discipline a child appropriately, is monumental. An angry parent is
scary enough. An angry parent who is in the habit of yelling and
screaming... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Beggars can be choosers, By
Aprill Brandon
Do you have pearls on right now? If so, prepare to clutch them... I no
longer care what my kids eat. Oh yeah. I said it. And I mean it. This
nose ring and these tattoos aren’t just for show. I’m a rebel mom.
(slowly pulls off motorcycle helmet and shakes out hair) I. Don’t.
Care. You hear me, world? I DON’T CARE. OK, I do care. Of course I
care. I’m a mom. (sets... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Go play with your sister. That’s why we had
her. By Aprill Brandon
Guys, we’re going to have to change the meaning of the word “natural.”
It’s either that or stop referring to anything related to motherhood
and parenting as “natural.” Take breastfeeding. Feeding your child with
your very own body. It’s often claimed this is, and I quote, “the most
natural thing in the world.” It is not. It is semi-aggressively shoving
a sore and... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! To Recognize and Respond to Bullying
2/26/2018 - Bullying touches the lives of at least one out of every
four children in the U.S. In this year alone, approximately 13 million
youth, from preschool to high school, will experience it. Yet, many
parents do not even know their child is a victim. One study revealed
that as many as 64 percent of youth who were bullied did not tell a
parent, teacher or... read
more.
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Pressing
On, By Ben T.C. Davis
Walking into Minuteman Press International Inc., I had no idea what to
expect or how this was even going to go. I have never dropped a line
for an audience before, and I have sure never written anything that was
journalistic. So, feeling like a fish out of water, I jumped into this
project the only way I knew how; with an undeserved sense of
entitlement and the delusions of grandeur...
read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! To Talk Teen Relationships and Dating
2/21/2018 -- February is the month of romance, so what better time than
now to bring up the subject with your teen? Whether your teen has shown
interest in dating, it has more than likely crossed his or her mind. It
is vitally important for our daughters and our sons to hear from us on
this subject. They need to know what a healthy relationship entails;
they need to be clear on the family... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Date night, By Aprill Brandon
For a 10-year-old who used to fantasize about going on elaborate dates
with Jonathan Taylor Thomas to an almost excessive degree, I grew up to
be a not very romantic adult. Take Valentine’s Day, for instance. I’ve
never been a big fan. I don’t like a holiday dictating when I should
shave my legs. Or Sweetest Day, for that matter. What is this thing?
Valentine’s Day 2... read
more.
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Crazy
About Jesus, By Will McCabe
One day a student asked me in one of my high school classes, “Will, do
you live in your own little world?” She meant this as an insult, but
was surprised when I responded with, “yeah, and it’s a lot better than
the world here.” I immediately turned to one of my friends and started
talking as if nothing happened. Needless to say, that particular
student and I were not friends... read
more.
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Small
Business Growth Puts Ohio on the Map for Doing Business
Every time we enter our corner coffee shop, purchase produce from our
local farmers market, or dine at our favorite hometown restaurant, it
becomes clear that small businesses are the backbone of our
communities. The growth of this sector stimulates our economy and
provides for individuals and families across the state. In 2017, Chief
Executive magazine announced... read
more.
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The
Fix Will Not Be Easy, By Kate Burch
No surprise that the people who want to take our stuff and control our
lives are at it with a vengeance in the wake of the St. Valentine’s Day
massacre in Florida. The demands range from better background
checks and restricting gun purchases to those age 21 and older (not
necessarily a bad idea, in my view, except for those with military
service or other legitimate and trained familiarity with weapons)... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… I’m telling my mom on you, By
Aprill Brandon
I like to think I’m a mature person. Mature-ish at the very least.
Especially since I became a mother. Because when the world hands you a
screaming, leaking lump of fragile human clay and expects you to keep
it alive for 18 years, you grow up a bit in spite of yourself. I can
now even say the word Uranus without giggling. Usually. But let me tell
you, the first... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! What’s Trending – the Laundry Pod
Challenge
2/6/2018 - If you are raising teenagers, you have no doubt heard of
some of the ridiculous internet challenges that exist among this age
group. While some of these new age “dares” are silly and harmless, many
more are dangerous and even deadly. One such dare currently trending is
called the ‘Tide Pod Challenge.’ It has nothing to do with... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Everyone deserves one thousand birthday hats,
By Aprill Brandon
Here’s an interesting question you’ve probably never been asked before:
Did you know it was possible to be bad at celebrating? Me neither. And
then I had kids. My children are awful at celebrating. Just terrible.
Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries. They’re hopeless. They’re even bad
at those faux holidays like National Talk Like A Pirate Day (you should
hear... read
more.
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Know!
To Educate and Rx-Proof Students
1/31/2018 - Aside from prescription drug abuse being illegal, it is
highly dangerous. Yet one in four high school students will use a
prescription medication for non-medical reasons at least once before
graduating. Youth say prescription drugs are easier to access than a
six-pack of beer. So where are students getting these prescription
meds? 64 percent of youth... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… To Whom It May Concern (yes, you),
By Aprill Brandon
I didn’t want it to have to come to this. No one ever does. Love means
never having to hire a lawyer. Or at least it should. But, alas, here
we are. It is indeed regrettable but unfortunately necessary at this
point. And so, it is with a heavy heart that I must inform you, dear
children, that you are in violation of our prenatal agreement.
Actually, you’ve both been in... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Everything is cold and dead and stupid and
I hate it, By Aprill Brandon
I’ve been sitting in this coffee shop for exactly 46 minutes now. And
yes, I see you over there, Annoying Hovering Couple with that dual
stink eye you’ve been giving me for the last 17 of these 46 minutes in
the hopes I might feel pressured to hurry up and finish my business
here so you can have my table. But the joke is on you. Because I can’t
think of any... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… I’ll sit in the sinkhole tonight, honey,
By Aprill Brandon
You want to know what true love is? Volunteering to sit in the couch
sinkhole after a long day of work and raising kids so your equally
tired partner can sit on “the good side” while you watch Netflix. Wait,
what? Oh, is that just in our house? You guys don’t all have a couch
sinkhole? Well, in that case, let me explain to all you fancy folk with
your houses full of... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! What You Can Do to Improve Your
Mental Health
1/8/2018 - With the start of each new year, people commonly vow to
improve their physical health, including diet, nutrition and exercise.
While this is a vital measure to take, it is equally important to
resolve to improve one’s mental and emotional heath as well. A healthy
mind is fundamental to a person’s overall well-being, regardless of
age. Our... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Kid(not)napped, By Aprill
Brandon
Funny title, huh? Ha-ha! HA-HA-HA! Oh yeah, LAUGH IT UP, CHUCKLES. My
entire life is ruined but I’m glad YOU find it so hilarious. Oh man.
Wow. Sorry, you guys. That was uncalled for. It’s just, I’m exhausted,
you know? From all the not sleeping my oldest is doing. I knew this day
would come. I mean, he’s almost 4-years-old. He napped longer than a
lot of... read
more.
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Start Talking... Know! Family Support for Prevention
1/4/2018 -- Research Institute has identified 40 developmental assets
for adolescents; a specific set of skills, experiences, relationships
and behaviors that help young people flourish and mature into
successful and contributing adults. Studies of more than five million
children of all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds consistently
show that the more developmental assets... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Back off, fellas, I’m taken,
By Aprill Brandon
I am a crappy wife. I mean, I’d hate being married to me. I’m a remote
hog and an unabashed blanket stealer and I have to let you know in
great detail EVERY SINGLE FEELING I AM FEELING AT THE EXACT MOMENT I AM
FEELING IT. And then there’s my temper. My lethargic attitude regarding
shaving. My severe allergy to replacing toilet paper...
read
more.
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Without
an Anchor, By Kate Burch
I read this morning a headline about the cratering sales of “organic”
milk. At first, I thought it a positive sign that perhaps people
had begun to wake up to the fact that paying a premium for so-called
organic foods is a waste of money and comparable to buying a purse with
a designer logo so that one may be perceived as somehow special or
superior to others... read
more.
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Cogitating
about 2018, By Bob Robinson
When I was young and stupid I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I
grew up. I thought I wanted to be a bomber pilot like my dad, but I
didn’t play with planes. Or bombs. When I was in junior high I spent my
time publishing a monthly community newspaper that I charged a penny an
issue for. It even included miniature photos that I pasted in place to
go with... read
more.
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