WAFD/EMS merger
On Monday, June 15, Mayor Lunsford appointed Chief Jeff Shafer as Interim EMS Chief as the two departments continue to look into the logistics of becoming one department. The ultimate goal is to provide the best possible resources to the citizens in a quick and professional manner. The two departments have been working hand in hand together on various emergencies for years, so the merger of the two will only enhance this working relationship. Congratulations to Chief Shafer.
Gasper Awarded Medal of Valor
Anthony “Tony” Gasper, Assistant Chief of West Alexandria Police Department, was awarded the Medal of Valor by Police Chief Terry Strawser on June 15.
The West Alexandria Village Council, Police and Fire Department were all in attendance for the special award ceremony. Assistant Chief Gasper was on patrol in the early morning hours one day in March when a thunderstorm came through the village.
Gasper observed a near-by lightening strike and began searching the area, when he located a house on fire on North Main Street. Gasper reported the fire to dispatch while he went to the residence and found that they were still sleeping inside and unaware that their house was on fire. Gasper then entered the burning house that was quickly filling with smoke and helped remove children and the residents from the house.
His actions proved that he places the lives of others ahead of his own. Mayor Lunsford also wrote a proclamation making June 15, 2015 “Tony Gapser Day.” We wish to congratulate Asst. Chief Gasper and say thank you for his bravery and quick actions.
Birthdays: Stella Cornett, James Cornett, Mark Latvala, Owen Dennison, Kyle Wick, Alyssa Wysong, Hank Habekost, Aiden Menzies, Debra Milby, Steve Snyder, Jesse Woods, Darell Bitner, Jennifer Buchanan, Katie (Hickey) Buchanan, Glen Byrd
Anniversaries: Walid and Karen Maalouf, Roy and Anita Kouts, Brandon and Emily Howard, Rob and Paula Durkle, Bill and Helen Voge, in memory of Clarence and Barbara Ulrich
Community Cookbooks
The cookbooks are in! West Alexandria Celebration Cookbooks will be available for sale at the Farmer’s Market, Thursday, June 25. Cookbooks will also be available at the July 4 Celebration in the Park, WA Library, the Pin Up Shoppe at 50 W. Second Street, and at every Farmers Market, Thursdays from 5-8p.m. These hard-bound, three-ring cookbooks lie flat, while open, for your convenience, and contain 600 recipes submitted by our residents! Proceeds will help fund the Fourth of July Fireworks for the village of West Alexandria Celebration Committee.
Congratulations to our Rubber Duck Regatta winners from June 14, Deb Smith and Heather Henemyre, who each received $100 from Twin Valley Bank.
July 4 Celebration in the Park
We have an extensive line-up of food vendors, music and games for kids beginning at 1 p.m. at Peace Park on Saturday, July 4. Decorate your bicycle, stroller, wagon, golf cart, etc. and line up at 1p.m. for the opening parade at Community Christian Church on Ohio 503 S. Parade starts at 1:30p.m. and will end at Peace Park for festivities. The Police Bicycle Rodeo begins at 2p.m. at the front of the park, with prizes. Also, a huge K9 Demonstration will include all of Preble County’s five K9 units! Watch all five dogs perform together with their trainers from 2-3:30 p.m. at the rear of the park. The Big Bang Boom! Cruise-in Car and Bike Show runs from 4-7 p.m. The Lighted parade starts at 9:30 p.m. Any lighted vehicle, including golf carts, strollers, wagons and bicycles are to meet at the Salem Lutheran Church parking lot at 9 p.m. for line up. Follow the parade to the TVS school parking lot and practice football field for the WA Celebration Committee Fireworks at 10p.m. Come and enjoy a spectacular day and night of family entertainment!
Schedule:
1 p.m. Parade Line Up at Community Christian Church
1:30 p.m. Parade kick off
2 p.m. Police Bike Rodeo, with prizes
2-3:30 p.m. K-9 demonstration with all five of Preble County’s K9 units!
4-7 p.m. Big Band Boom! Cruise-in and Car and Bike Show
9 p.m. Lighted Parade Lineup at Salem Lutheran Church parking lot
9:30 p.m. Lighted Parade Kickoff, Parade route – Salem Lutheran Church, US 35, and right on SR 503 to Education Lane
10 p.m. Fireworks at Twin Valley Schools
Big Bang Boom! Cruise-in Car and Bike Show
The July 4 Big Bang Boom! Cruise-in Car and Bike Show runs from 4-7 p.m. as part of our July 4 Celebration in the Park. Registration fee is $15. The first 100 entrants receive a Tee shirt and the first 50 will receive gift bags from local businesses as well! Prize money for the top 10 cars, top 5 trucks, top 3 motorcycles and Best of Show, sponsored by Rodney Cobb Chevrolet, Twin Valley Bank, Colt Trucking, Dale Summers and Buster Eby. Entries are available on site, at The Pin Up Shoppe or at the Farmers’ Market at Peace Park from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday evenings. Contact Debbie Smith for additional info. at 937-248-5503.
Farmer’s Market
Come and support the WA Celebration Committee’s weekly Farmers’ Market every Thursday from 5-8 p.m., May through August. We showcase local food and produce vendors, local entertainment, local independent consultants, including but not limited to Avon and Tupperware, and many local crafters who offer incredible deals! Space is still available if you wish to be a vendor. We offer hot food and cold beverages, free parking and have public restrooms. All money raised is used by the Celebration Committee to provide the community with fireworks for July 4. Contact Carol Lunsford at 839-4085 for questions or to reserve your space.
TVS Band
Mr. Garrett Smith has been offered the position of Band/Choir Director for grades 7-12 at Twin Valley South. The School Board will confirm his employment at the next board meeting. Mr. Smith will have a meeting, Tuesday, June 30, at 7p.m. in the band room for students only. Mr. Smith stated he looks forward to seeing everyone there and getting to know them, and is very excited for everything this season holds. Families are encouraged to join the Twin Valley South High School Band, on Facebook, for announcements, promotions and to better keep in touch and share memories and experiences with alumni, parents, and current members.
American Legion Post 322
Enjoy Old-time Country and Western music every Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. with the Senior Fun Bunch. This includes coffee and snacks with no cover charge and is open to the public at James E. Ryan Post 322, 1477 SR 503 S. Call the Canteen at 839-4825 or watch Facebook for any updates.
Foodbank
The Foodbank served 69 families during May. This includes 29 seniors, 73 children and totals 232 individuals. Items needed are tuna, egg noodles, pancake mix, jelly, pork and beans, shampoo and toothpaste. The Foodbank is open from 10a.m. to 12p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and is located at St. John Church, 20 E. South Street. Contact the Foodbank at 839-1615 for additional information. Non-perishable donations can also be dropped off at Salem and St. John Lutheran Churches on the first Sunday of each month.
WACOCA Community Service
W.A.C.O.C.A. Annual Fourth of July Community Church Service will be held Sunday, July 5, beginning at 10a.m. in Peace Park. A community church choir will meet to practice a patriotic anthem at 9:30a.m. The Salem Church Sanctuary will be used if the weather doesn’t permit an outdoor service that day. The offering has been designated for the West Alexandria Food Bank.
St. John Church
Join us for our Church Picnic on Sunday, June 28 at the home of Joe Smith. The Youth Group meets every Wednesday at 6:30p.m. St. John Church is located at 20 E. South Street.
Salem Lutheran Church
Marie Reynolds Memorial Scholarship Applications are available for members in the Church Office Secretary’s door. Completed application and required documents are due no later than July 15 and can be returned to the Church Secretary’s office or mailed to Salem Lutheran Church, 70 E. Dayton Street.
LYO in grades 6 and up will have a Taco Game Night Friday, June 26, from 7-9:30 p.m.
The LYO Canoe Trip is planned, weather permitting, for Saturday, July 18.
LCO Chairman, Carol Lunsford, is collecting unwanted shoes to send to third world countries where they are desperately needed. Carol can be contacted at 839-4085.
Coups for Troops will send your unwanted or recently expired coupons to military families overseas. The Military Commissaries will accept coupons up to two months past expiration dates. Coupons may be placed in the designated basket in the Church Library. For additional information, contact Bill Cochran at the church by calling 839-4210.
Salem’s Summer Schedule: Sunday School classes for all ages at 9 a.m. and Worship at 10 a.m.
