London, OH – Get ready for a festive shopping experience at the Holiday Craft Bazaar hosted by the Madison County Senior Citizens Center! This highly anticipated event will take place on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Center, located at 280 West High Street, London, Ohio.

With 24 vendors and 38 tables featuring a wide variety of handcrafted items, this is the perfect opportunity to start your Christmas shopping early. Shoppers can expect a range of unique gifts, holiday decorations, and artisanal items crafted by local vendors.

In addition to the shopping experience, attendees can enjoy delicious breakfast and lunch options available for purchase at the Senior Café. For an extra touch of excitement, there will be free raffle prizes for all attendees. You don’t need to be present to win; as long as you can pick up your prize within seven days, you’re eligible to participate. Don’t forget to grab your raffle tickets when you arrive!
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This event is open to the community, so bring your friends and family for a day of festive fun and holiday shopping. For more information, contact the Madison County Senior Citizens Center.

London, OH – The Madison County 4-H program is looking for new volunteers to join its vibrant community. An informational session and required training for new volunteers will be held on January 23rd, 2024, at 6:30 PM at the Madison County Extension Office. This training is mandatory for anyone interested in becoming a 4-H volunteer in the upcoming year.

The 4-H program relies on dedicated volunteers to help guide and mentor young participants in various hands-on projects, from agriculture and animal care to leadership development and STEM activities. Volunteers play a crucial role in creating a supportive environment where youth can thrive.

How to Apply

​To start the process, prospective volunteers can access the New Volunteer Application on the Madison County Extension website at madison.osu.edu. The application provides further information on the requirements and responsibilities of being a 4-H volunteer.

For additional details about the program or the training session, visit the Madison County 4-H Volunteer Information page or contact the Madison County Extension Office.
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This is a great opportunity for community members to make a positive impact on local youth, share their knowledge, and support the next generation.

London, OH — Rocking Horse Community Health Center, in partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Daines Village, is hosting a special support group for parents and grandparents of newborns and infants. The next session will take place on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Daines Village Community Room, located at 1143 Daines Court, London, OH.
This support group provides a unique opportunity for parents and grandparents to connect, receive helpful resources, and find encouragement on their journey of caring for a newborn or infant. The event will include a free dinner for attendees, and participants can also take home a gift, along with valuable support for their little ones.
The Rocking Horse Community Health Center and its partners recognize the importance of building a supportive community around new parents and caregivers. “This group is a wonderful way to bring families together and offer the resources and reassurance they need,” said a spokesperson from Rocking Horse Community Health Center.
For more information and to register, please call 937-324-1111 ext. 583 or email [email protected]. Registration is recommended to secure a spot.

Plain City, Ohio – When many children dream of becoming veterinarians, few actually turn that dream into reality. But for Dr. Carlie (Snodgrass) Buergel, a graduate of the Tolles Career and Technical Center and Hilliard Bradley High School, that dream has come true. With determination and the foundational support from Tolles, Dr. Buergel now serves as a veterinarian at Byland Animal Hospital in Loudonville, Ohio, treating both pets and farm animals.

Dr. Buergel’s journey began in Tolles' Pre-Veterinary Technician Program, where she gained hands-on experience and connections in the veterinary field. She graduated from Tolles in 2016 and went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science and later, her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from The Ohio State University in May 2024.

“Tolles helped me realize that I wanted to go into the veterinary field,” Buergel shared. “Many people said it was going to be tough to get into veterinary school, but through determination and perseverance, I made it.”

Her path was shaped by experiences like an internship with Dr. Andy Niehaus at Ohio State, organized by Tolles' Pre-Vet Tech Instructor Pam Snider. Dr. Niehaus, a professor working with large animals, became an invaluable mentor to Buergel, providing her with surgical and clinical insights that solidified her interest in veterinary medicine.

In addition to her technical skills, Buergel was actively involved in Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), where she competed in state and national veterinary science contests, even placing second in a competition at Disney while at Ohio State. Buergel also co-founded HOSA’s first alumni chapter at Ohio State, further demonstrating her leadership in the field.

Now, Dr. Buergel gives back to her alma mater by serving on the Tolles Pre-Vet Tech program's advisory committee, where she offers insight into both the veterinary school application process and the demands of the profession. Her unique perspective, having been both a student and now an employer in the field, provides Tolles with invaluable guidance in shaping curriculum for future aspiring veterinarians.

“Carlie’s experience here at Tolles played a vital role in her entrance to vet school,” Snider remarked. “Now, she has come full circle, serving on our advisory board with a wealth of knowledge and practical experience.”

Dr. Buergel’s story underscores the impact of career tech programs like Tolles in helping students jumpstart their careers. Her success is an inspiration for future students who share similar aspirations, showcasing that with the right foundation and perseverance, dreams can indeed become a reality.
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For more information on the Tolles Pre-Vet Tech Program, contact Pam Snider at [email protected] or call 614-873-4666.​

The Mt. Sterling Community Center Food Pantry remains dedicated to serving eligible households in the community, providing essential food support each week. For the week of October 28, 2024, the food pantry will be open on Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Those planning to visit are encouraged to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to closing.

Pantry Details:

• Location: Mt. Sterling Community Center Food Pantry
• Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2024
• Hours: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Eligibility: Available to income-eligible households
• Service: Distribution of pre-packed food boxes directly to your vehicle

To ensure a smooth experience for everyone, the pantry asks visitors to follow a few guidelines:

• Stay in your vehicle; volunteers will bring your food in numerical order.
• Bring proof of residence for your first visit and a picture ID for each visit.
• One full pantry visit is permitted per household each calendar month, which includes canned goods, shelf-stable items, and meat. Produce is available on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.

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Additional Information:For first-time visitors or those seeking to verify eligibility, guidelines can be found on the Mid-Ohio Food Collective’s website at www.mofc.org under "Get Help" > "Find Food Now" > "Enter Zip Code" > "View Eligibility Guidelines." Further questions can be directed to the Community Center by calling 740-869-2453 or emailing [email protected].

The Mt. Sterling Community Center extends its gratitude to the donors and volunteers who make this valuable service possible. "We could not do all of this without all of you," the Center shared, appreciating the community support that helps them serve local families in need.

This initiative continues to be a vital resource for the Mt. Sterling community, ensuring that residents have access to nutritious food and essential items.

This Saturday, October 26, 2024, communities across Madison and Union Counties will participate in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This annual event provides a safe, convenient, and free way to dispose of unused, expired, or unwanted prescription medications, helping to prevent misuse and protect the environment.
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Local law enforcement, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), encourages residents to bring their prescription drugs to one of the designated collection sites. No questions will be asked, and the service is completely free. Please note that liquids, sharps, and over-the-counter medications will not be accepted. Additionally, vape pens and e-cigarette devices can be turned in if the batteries are removed.

Get ready for a fun-filled evening of laughter, magic, and juggling at the London Public Library on Monday, October 28th! Starting at 6:30 PM, the library will present Mike Hemmelgarn's "Not-So-Scary" Comedy Halloween Spectacular, a family-friendly event perfect for all ages.
This entertaining show will feature a blend of ventriloquism, magic, and juggling, ensuring a night of fun without the fright. Audience members will meet three delightful "very-not-scary" ventriloquist puppets:

• Butterball the ballistic turkey
• Marvin the Maniac
• 92-year-old Rosie, the comical convalescent home cut-up

Expect plenty of laughs and surprises, as well as amazing magic tricks involving candy and audience participation. Two lucky volunteers will even get the chance to dress in Halloween costumes and become live ventriloquist puppets!
The show will end with a thrilling "Danger Juggling" finale that promises to leave everyone on the edge of their seats.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a lighthearted and engaging Halloween celebration with your family and friends. Make sure to arrive early and get ready for an evening of fun, laughter, and maybe even a little bit of candy magic!
Event Details:

• Date: Monday, October 28, 2024
• Time: 6:30 PM - 7:15 PM
• Location: London Public Library

Join the London Public Library for Mike Hemmelgarn's Not-So-Scary Comedy Halloween Spectacular and make this Halloween season a memorable one!

The City of London is calling on residents to share their thoughts and ideas to help shape the future of the community. The city has launched a Community Survey aimed at gathering valuable feedback on a variety of important topics, including the possibility of a new community center, challenges to local growth, and options for affordable housing.

City officials are encouraging everyone to participate, emphasizing that community input is crucial to developing a comprehensive plan that reflects the needs and desires of its residents. This is a chance for locals to voice their opinions on what they believe would improve the quality of life in London, from infrastructure to community services.

“We want to hear from you,” the City of London said. “Whether you have ideas about potential projects, concerns about what may be inhibiting growth, or suggestions for affordable housing, your input matters.”

London, OH – The Madison County Chamber of Commerce invites the community to celebrate the autumn season at its 1st Annual Chamber Fall Fest on October 29th, 2024. This free, family-friendly event will take place at the Chamber Shelter House from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and promises an evening filled with fun activities for all ages.
Attendees can look forward to:

• Spooky Trail – A thrilling walk through a spooky path for those who enjoy a little Halloween excitement.
• Food and Crafts – Enjoy delicious treats and participate in creative craft activities.
• Pumpkin Carving & Painting – Bring your artistic skills to life with pumpkin decorating.
• Face Painting – A favorite for children, adding a touch of fun to the festive atmosphere.
• S’mores – Roast marshmallows and create classic s’mores by the fire.
• Fall Games – Enjoy a variety of games that capture the spirit of the season.

This event is designed to provide a safe and enjoyable fall celebration for families in Madison County. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to come together with friends and neighbors for an evening of autumn-inspired activities.
For more information, contact Nicole Thomas at 740-852-2250 or via email at [email protected]. Celebrate fall with the Madison County Chamber and make memories with your community!