Greene County has plenty of beauty to view

Two Greene County Daily World columnists recently offered their opinions about how beautiful this area can be during late September and most of October.

Anna Rochelle and Larry Vandeventer are correct. And if the forecasters hit their mark, this weekend should be beautiful -- highs in the lower 80s and sunny to mostly sunny both days.

I hope they're right.

As we enjoy this warm trend and sunny skies, it's time to clean off the desk and pass along some items of interest.

It's time to help

The Linton Civitan Club, Ladies Civitan Club, Linton Rotary Club, and Bloomfield Psi Iota Xi are at it again. They're gearing up for their annual programs to help the needy during the holiday season.

Applications for low-income families to obtain clothing and toys for their children at Christmas are now available, and will continue to be available until Oct. 31 at the following locations:

* Greene County Office of Family and Children (CR 70E, Bloomfield).

* Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce (159 1st St. NW).

* Bloomfield Town Hall (12 E. Main).

* Jasonville Utility Office (304 W. Main).

* Worthington Town Hall (State Road 67).

Families living in Greene County school districts are eligible to apply for benefits for children 12 years old and under. Applications must be returned to any of the above locations, or postmarked to P.O. Box 516, Linton, Ind., 47441, by Oct. 31.

This is a great program, and anyone willing to help should contact one of the above organizations.

Rash Hardware recognized

Gov. Mitch Daniels recently honored 87 Indiana companies for longevity and community service by awarding them the Governor's Century or Half Century Business Awards during an Indiana Statehouse ceremony.

A total of 28 Indiana companies received Century Awards for being in business a minimum of 100 consecutive years. Fifty-nine Hoosier companies received Half Century Awards, for operating for a minimum of 50 years.

Rash Hardware of Jasonville was among the companies honored.

Rash opened its doors in September 1958, and was started by Floyd and Betty Rash. Tony Rash currently runs the business at 523 East Main St.

"These companies are the foundation of economic growth for our state. Home-grown Indiana companies like these provide the stability and long-standing community involvement that typifies our traditional Hoosier values," Gov. Mitch Daniels said in a prepared statement.

The Governor's Century and Half Century Business Awards honor Indiana businesses that have remained in operation for 100 or 50 years or more and have also demonstrated a history of community service.

More than 1,000 companies from across Indiana have been recognized during the 18-year history of the Awards.

A trip back in time

In conjunction with its 50th anniversary celebration, Francis' Jewel Box in Linton will host a 1950's theme sock hop street dance along North Main St.

It's scheduled from 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 18.

A DJ will play tunes from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. A cruise-in is also being planned, and popcorn will be served.

There will be games and contests, and owner Kathy Matthews encourages area residents to get involved.

More activities may be added.

For more information call 847-9950.

This sounds like a great idea, and a way to get people to shop downtown.

I've been told by many who are old enough to remember that downtown used to be the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights. Some used to bring their vehicles downtown and park early just to get a space.

Chris is the general manager/editor for the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by telephone at 847-4487 or 1-800-947-4487 or 847-4487 or by e-mail at cpruett79@hotmail.com