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Hometown Christmas 2008, Events Begin Thursday December 11 and Continue through Saturday December 13

Xenia is the place to be beginning on December 11. Why? Because Hometown Christmas 2008 festivities begin.

XAMA sent out an invitation that reads:

Hometown Christmas this year promises to be a wonderful event for families who live in and around Xenia. Last year the Xenia Merchants decided to try to recreate the Christmases of the past where families strolled the streets and carolers bundled up and sang not so much for the music but for the comradeship of a shared experience. Snow fell gently all day as carriages pulled by proud horses made their way through downtown traffic with their passengers waving and shouting holiday greetings to passersby. Many families stopped in at local businesses such as Bluejacket Books to hear stories being read by a perky elf in a Santa cap, have their picture taken at CJ’s Boutique with Santa, or make homemade Christmas ornaments at Express Yourself. Friends greeted one another at Carr’s Corner Restaurant and the Oasis all afternoon as they stopped in for coffee and cocoa and more than one young couple looked over a special Christmas gift at Tiffany’s or Country Blessings. People who never go donwntown stopped in to meet Tim and Val and Mary at the shops along E. Main St. We met old friends and made some new ones. In short, everyone had rosy cheeks and big smiles by the time Santa arrived at Towne Square at dusk to light the community Christmas Tree and listen to the lines of children waiting patiently to pass along their Christmas wishes.

Join us again this Thursday through Saturday as Xenia’s citizens and merchants show their legendary hospitality once again. Festivities begin Thursday evening at Shawnee Park with Santa’s arrival at 6 PM and end on Saturday as the last child sits on Santa’s lap. This year Hometown Christmas will feature a Historical Walk on Friday at 11 AM leaving from the Greene Co. Historical Society on W. Church St., live music both Friday and Saturday evenings at Xenia Towne Square, and horse drawn carriage rides for a nominal fee all afternoon on Saturday. For the full schedule of events please visit www.ShopXenia.com or phone Carolyn Archer at CJ’s Boutique 620-0517.

Donations and carriage sponsorships are still being accepted to help with the considerable expenses involved in this event. For donation information, contact Elizabeth Svendsen at Bluejacket Books, 376-3522. Musicians wishing to participate in the Open Stage on Friday or Saturday or carolers wishing to participate should contact Alan King at Express Yourself Coffeehouse, 372-7446.

Yes, all are welcome to visit Santa Claus, enjoy some of Xenia’s history, savor the Christmas cheer, and even shop a little.

A calendar of events is available at the XAMA website.

Merry Christmas!!!

Stop the Ohio Legislators Con Con Call!

On December 3rd, the Ohio House of Representatives introduced HJR 8, a resolution calling for a Constitutional Convention, provided for by Article V of the U.S. Constitution. This is one of only two legal methods for amending the Supreme Law of the Land. This nation is only a few states away from having application of the requisite 34 states needed to convene a Constitutional Convention.

If a Constitutional Convention is called, our U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights would be up for grabs and open to any and all changes.

It is clear that this con-con call is being quickly pushed through the lame-duck legislature before most Ohio citizens learn about it. The legislation was referred to the House Judiciary Committee and they are voting this Wednesday to determine whether to send it to the house for a full vote — only a week after its introduction!

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED ASAP!

1. Get educated on the facts of a Constitutional Convention by watching Beware Article V (4 parts) which was created by state legislators to educate other legislators. Stay updated and join the discussion at The Ohio Freedom Alliance Forum.

2. Contact the Legislature. Send an email to your Rep as well as all of the members of the Judiciary Committee all at once using the Ohio Freedom Alliance SLAM tool. Or telephone your Representative and 11 Committee Members.

3. Join us at the Committee Meeting on Wednesday morning at 9:30am at the statehouse in Columbus to give testimony or just to show your support for the legislations withdraw. A large attendance will bring this issue into the spotlight and prevent a hasty, uninformed vote. Details here.

SUMMARY OF THE DANGER: A Constitutional Convention has no limitations!

Once Congress calls for a Constitutional Convention Article V grants that assembled convention the exclusive power to propose amendments regardless of the original reason for its call. By its very definition a Constitutional Convention is a sovereign body and therefore cannot be limited.

Recall that the first Constitutional Convention was held simply for the purpose of amending the Articles of Confederation under Article XIII, which indicated that the consent of all State legislatures is required for amendment. Instead, delegates – having met in total secrecy for several months – emerged with a new fundamental government design, which stipulated that only nine of the thirteen states would have to ratify for the new government to go into effect.

Everything in the current Constitution could be tossed, and replaced with whatever the delegates decide. A new convention could even decide not to bother having the states ratify what it produces. A constitutional convention has no limitations. With today’s hostile and divided political climate, can we trust that our God-given rights would be secure?

For questions, please contact
Teri M. Owens
libertyinlaw@gmail.com
740-816-0933

A Hometown Christmas Committee Letter To Xenia Merchants and Citizens (which includes Santa’s busy schedule (and the next meeting date-12/4 8AM)

Dear Xenia Merchants and Interested Citizens:

XAMA, the Xenia Area Merchants’ Association will hold our usual monthly meeting on the first Thursday, which this month falls on December 4. We will meet at 8 AM below Express Yourself Coffeehouse (The Cavern), 78 E. Main St.

We are planning another memorable Hometown Christmas all over Xenia this year. This is going to require a collaborative effort of Xenia businesses, organizations and local community citizen-sponsors in order to be successful. If you are interested in promoting your business, sponsoring a Carriage, or volunteering for this great event, plan to attend.

Hope to see you there,
Alan King, Co-Chair

Xenia’s Hometown Christmas 2008
Schedule of Events

Thurs- Sat
Discounts at many Xenia merchants including Tiffany Jewelers, Bluejacket Books, CJ’s Boutique, Fox Antiques, Xenia Shoe & Leather, and the Country Classic Connection.

Thursday 12/11
Open House at Victoria’s Bed & Breakfast, 209 E. 2nd St. 3-8 PM: Tour, refreshments, crafts, music.
Santa comes to Shawnee Park 6 PM: Children can visit with Santa, Tree Lighting and Carriage Rides. sponsored by Xenia Parks and Rec. Dept.

Friday 12/12
Historical Walking Tour 11 AM: Tour starts at the Greene Co. Historical Society’s Victorian House, King & Church St.
Dog Pictures with Santa at C J’s Boutique 4-6:30 PM 72 S. Detroit St. (Dogs must be on leash.)
Live Music at Xenia Towne Square Noon-7 PM: Open Stage sponsored by The Cavern
Llamas at Xenia Towne Square – 2-5 PM
Live Music by Lizz and Rex at Oasis Cafe: 6-8 PM Free, followed by Ballroom Dancing 8-11pm; Lessons begin at 8pm ($10 cover charge includes dance and light snacks.)

Saturday 12/13
Open Houses all over Xenia with refreshments and substantial Holiday discounts
Strolling Carolers all over town
Open Stage music at Xenia Towne Square 12-4 PM
Pancake breakfast and bake sale at Evangelical UM Church 195 W. Third St., 8-12 AM
Story Time at Blue Jacket Books 12-2 PM
Make a Christmas Ornament while listening to Live Music at Express Yourself Coffeehouse and Art Gallery, 78 E. Main St. 12-4 PM sponsored by Kiddie Kingdom Childcare.
Gift Wrapping at X*ACT/Second Act Thrift Store, 45 E. Second St. 12-5 PM Donations accepted
Bob Ford at Xenia Towne Square 4:30-7 PM: Traditional songs and folklore.
Carolers at Carr’s Corner Restaurant, 434 Cincinnati Ave. 5:30-7 PM
Keep-A-Breast Cancer Benefit rock show at The Cavern, 78 E. Main St. 8PM

Horse Drawn Carriage Rides sponsored by the Xenia Area Merchants Association
Noon-4 PM at IHS Pharmacy, 100 N. Detroit St. ($2 fee for anyone over 12)
1-4 PM at Montgomery Ins., 114 S. Detroit St. ($2 fee for anyone over 12.)

Horse Drawn People Carriers
12-5 PM at Dodd’s Monuments, 123 W. Main St. Free
1-4 PM at Handyman Ace Hardware in Kennedy Korners, 165 S. Orange St. Free

Santa’s Schedule:
1-1:45 PM CJ’s Boutique (bring your own camera)
2-2:45 PM Express Yourself Coffeehouse & Art Gallery
3-3:45 PM Homestead Frames & Art
5 PM Santa arrives at Towne Square on Xenia Fire Truck
5:05 PM Tree Lighting at Towne Square
5:15-7 PM Children visit with Santa

We are still searching for sponsors to help defray the very substantial costs of Xenia’s Hometown Christmas, especially the horses and carriages. If you would like to be recognized as a sponsor of this great community event, please contact one of the following members of the XAMA Hometown Christmas Committee:

Elizabeth Svendsen
Blue Jacket Books
60 South Detroit Street
Xenia, OH 45385
www.bluejacketbooks.com
937-376-3522

Caroline Archer
C J’s Boutique
72 S. Detroit Street
Xenia, Ohio 45385
937-620-5017

Alan King
Express Yourself
Coffeehouse & Art Gallery
78 E. Main St.
Xenia, OH 45385
www.ExpressYourselfCoffeehouse.com
937-372-7446

Obama’s eligibility publicly challenged in next week’s Chicago Tribune

(Queensbury, NY) Using his hometown newspaper, the Chicago Tribune, the We The People Foundation will publicly challenge President-elect Barack Obama to direct the State of Hawaii to provide access to his original (“vault”) birth certificate. The Foundation’s full-page “Open Letter to Barack Obama” will appear in the Chicago Tribune next Monday and Wednesday.

“Under our Constitution, no one is eligible to assume the Office of the President unless he or she is a “natural born citizen,” said Bob Schulz, Chairman of the Foundation. “To date, Mr. Obama has refused all requests to release his original birth certificate or other documents that would definitively establish his citizenship status and thus his eligibility.”

The Open Letter to Mr. Obama summarizes the evidence against Mr. Obama and the adverse consequences that would befall the Nation should he assume the Office of the President as a usurper.

“Should the state members of the Electoral College cast their votes for Mr. Obama in the face of such overwhelming evidence, and without verification of Mr. Obama’s eligibility, they would be committing treason to the Constitution,” said Schulz.

A copy of the Open Letter can be viewed at:

http://www.wethepeoplefoundation.org/UPDATE/misc2008/ChicagoTribune-ObamaLtr-Nov-2008.pdf

Mitchel tosses hat in ring for Beavercreek City Council

Today John Mitchel announced he has requested the Beavercreek City Council consider him for appointment to Jerrod Martin’s open council seat. Martin will step down in January to serve as Ohio’s 70th House District Representative. Mitchel is an Air Force veteran of 22 years and currently works at Wright Patterson AFB as a systems analyst. He is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and has earned advanced degrees in business from Michigan Tech University and economics from Wright State. In 2006 LtCol Mitchel (Ret) self-published America at the Abyss: A View from the Heartland which has received acclaim for exposing fraud, waste, abuse and corruption in government as the primary cause of the current economic crisis in Ohio and the U.S.

In response to the announcement, Mitchel commented, “Beavercreek will surely miss Jerrod Martin, but his constituents in Greene County will be better off as Jerrod has been a steadfast advocate for Beavercreek taxpayers. If offered the privilege to serve, I will bring that same philosophy to the job. If appointed, my first priority will be to socialize among the other six council members an “It’s Not Our Money” mindset. Whether in good economic cycles or bad, that’s precisely what Beavercreek taxpayers want and what they deserve.”

Christmas wreath auction benefit of Xenia Area Community Theater

Beginning on December 1st, a number businesss downtown will be hosting X*ACT‘s Wreath Fundraiser. Attached is a photo of the wreath Express Yourself Coffeehouse has up for auction. This silent auction runs through Dec 13th. The most current bid for the theater’s wreath is $20. (This must one of those black Friday special deals!)

Check this one out. Current bid is $20. Alan & Karen, ExpressYourself Coffeehouse

The following stores will also be displaying wreaths Dec 1st-13th, so please visit and support the arts!

Blue Jacket Books
BYUTI 73
CJ’s Boutique
Express Yourself Coffee House
Fox Antiques
Oasis Café
Mary’s Odds and Ends
Montgomery Insurance
Homestead Frames
Second Act Thrift Store
Xenia Shoe and Leather

Turkey news, your thanksgiving bird may have originated from Minnesota

FedGazette writer Dave Walter claims your Thanksgiving turkey more than likely originated from Minnesota.

In recent years, chances have increased that this Thanksgiving a turkey gracing any given table in America hails from [Minnesota]. By virtually every important measure—birds raised, pounds produced, total value—the district’s turkey industry is growing, and at a faster rate than the industry nationwide.

Last year, district turkey farms raised more than 54 million birds, one-fifth of the nation’s flock of 272 million birds. Much of the increase in the size of the region’s turkey flock has occurred since 2005 and stems from production gains in Minnesota, by far the district’s largest turkey producer.

The strong performance of turkey farmers in the district compares favorably with growth trends in other livestock industries. In the beef industry, cattle and calf production fell 3 percent between 2000 and 2007, and in dairy the number of milk cows raised decreased by 10 percent. Growth in the number of turkeys roughly matched the increase in chicken production, while in terms of pounds produced, the growth rate for turkey was more than twice that for chicken.

Only hog farmers have outdone turkey growers in production growth; between 2000 and 2007, the number of hogs raised in the district increased by about 23 percent. (However, those gains have not translated into higher income for hog farmers, because of dropping hog prices in the past two years.)

Turkey farmers breed and feed today’s birds to grow bigger and quicker (adding as much as two pounds per week to their frames) than their recent ancestors. Careful breeding and nutrition have also produced turkeys of uniform size bearing lots of white breast meat—more desirable to consumers than dark meat.

The supersizing of the American turkey is one indication of how efficient the turkey industry has become at producing large quantities of turkey meat for consumption in the United States and overseas.

Large, uniformly sized turkeys lend themselves to large-scale, automated processing, reducing production costs. Economies of scale extend to turkey hatcheries and farms where turkey hatchlings (called poults) are raised to maturity. The size of turkey “grow-out” facilities in the district varies widely, said Steve Olson, executive director of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association. But even relatively small farms house 10,000 birds or more, and larger operators raise as many as half a million turkeys at multiple sites.

Efficient production translates into low retail prices. Consumers pay much less per pound for turkey than other meats. In 2007, turkey sold for about half the price of ham and less than half the price of beef (chicken cost about the same). And the price of turkey keeps falling; adjusted for inflation, turkey costs less than it did in 1998. In contrast, the price of beef has risen 26 percent in real dollars over the past decade.

Affordability, together with the development of “further-processed” products such as turkey lunchmeat, sausages and ground meat, has made turkey more of a year-round food item than it was a generation ago. Per capita turkey consumption in the United States rose from 6.3 pounds in 1960 to just over 18 pounds in 1996, according to the USDA. In 2005, turkey consumption fell slightly to 16.7 pounds per person.

American consumers aren’t the only ones eating more turkey; between 1990 and 2007, U.S. exports of turkey meat increased almost eightfold to 554 million pounds. The three leading export countries for turkey are Mexico, China and Russia.

For all its efficiency, the turkey industry is suffering from escalating corn and soybean prices that have increased production costs. Feed accounts for about two-thirds of the cost of raising turkeys. In the summer of 2006, corn prices hovered around $2 per bushel; by last June, they had hit $5 per bushel. The trend for soybeans is similar: Between 2006 and last July, the price more than doubled to almost $12 per bushel. Since then, prices for both commodities have fallen considerably.

So far, processors have eaten the higher costs of feed. Contracts with growers usually stipulate that the processor pays for turkey rations—once a safe bet for processors because before the recent run-up, feed prices had been fairly stable for years. No more; processors are feeling the impact of rising feed prices, which doesn’t bode well for the industry as a whole. The rising price of feed “is first and foremost the thing we think about,” said Burkel of Northern Pride, which has to foot the bill under its contract obligations to member-growers.

Turkeys are extremely efficient at converting feed into meat; just under three pounds of feed are required to grow one pound of turkey—less than half the amount it takes to produce a pound of beef. Even so, processors can be expected to absorb high feed prices only so long before they’re obliged to pass those costs along to consumers or cut production.

The National Turkey Federation in Washington, D.C., has lobbied for a reduction in the federal ethanol mandate for blended gasoline, arguing that the upward pressure it puts on corn prices will ultimately increase turkey retail prices and force some turkey farmers out of business.

The impact of increased ethanol production on feed prices is debatable, but there are already signs of a shake-up in the industry. A Butterball turkey plant in Colorado announced this fall that it would close its slaughtering facility and local turkey raising operations by Thanksgiving, citing “record-high costs for corn, soybean meal and other feed ingredients” for the loss of almost 500 jobs.

The fatter, faster, more efficient turkeys and farmers weave a web of independent and corporate growers. Whether it’s all for the birds, I don’t know. I have doubts about whether the birds are as healthy for us as marketers want us to believe. Nevertheless, one can only wonder whether the declining economy will further hurt turkey growers. If the above is indicative of current trends, those turkeys in the corporate bird business may need bailed out too. Were more corporate producers to fail altogether, millions of turkeys would have something to be thankful by next Thanksgiving Day.

Can turkeys gobble hallelujah?

Source:Dave Walter, Talking Turkey, FedGazette, November 2008.

Thanksgiving : Past, Present, and Future

By Daniel Downs

America was founded upon the thanksgiving of our British ancestors, the Pilgrims. As part of a joint-stock adventure and a gospel mission, they set out to establish the first colony in Virginia. Although they missed their original destination by a few miles, they were thankful for surviving the perils they had endured during the journey across the Atlantic Ocean. They landed on the eastern seacoast just in time for winter. As they explored the coastal desert for a suitable place for shelter, they looked heavenward with thankful hearts for food. About a dozen of the Pilgrims followed a small group of evasive Indians to a deserted camp where they found corn and fish stored underground. This food held them over for the winter. When spring arrived, almost half of the original 100 had died of disease that had spread throughout the region decimating many Indian villages too. That meant that 50 survived both the ravaging disease as well as the harsh cold winter storms. They were thankful for this too. As the sun was warming up the spring air, their hope was thawing too because several friendly Indians arrived willing to help. Yes, they were thankful for those special brave men who were to teach them how to thrive in what seemed a barren dessert land in peace with the native tribes.

The following is a relative brief account penned by William Bradford, who was to become the governor of growing Plymouth Plantation state.

About the 16th of March (1620) “a certain Indian came boldly amongst them, and spoke to them in broken English, which could well under- stand, but marveled at it. He became profitable to them in acquainting them many things concerning the state of the country….” He knew about the English other parts of the country as well as about many of the Indian tribes. His name was Samaset; he told them also of another Indian whose name was Squanto, a native of this place, who had been in England & could speak better English than himself.” After a period of entertaining and exchanging gifts with the Indians, Squanto and the local Indian chief Massasoyt came and made a peace treaty between his tribal people and the Pilgrims, which last 24 years.

Squanto continued with them, and was their interpreter, and was a special instrument sent of God for their good beyond their expectations. He directed them how to [plant] their corn, where to take fish, and to procure other commodities, and was also their pilot to bring them to unknown places for their profit, and never left them until he died.”

During that spring, they began to plant their corn, in which service Squanto greatly helped them, showing them both how to plant it and how to preserve and prepare it. Also he told them that except they got fish and placed it underground, it would come to nothing. He showed many other things that helped them to thrive in the new land.

Yes, the Pilgrims were thankful for the continued providence and blessing of God who “was with them in all their ways,” and who blessed “their outgoings and incomings, for which let his holy name have the praise for ever, to all posteritie.”

Who is their posterity? All Americans should regard themselves as posterity of the Pilgrims for several reasons:

(1) The Pilgrims’ Mayflower Compact is the first of many similar civil compacts that culminated in our very similar national compact called the Declaration of Independence and the ensuing laws defined as Constitutions. If you read both the Mayflower Compact and the Declaration simultaneously, you will see the apparent pattern of similarities. (To see the full text of the Mayflower Compact, click here.)

(2) Because our national heritage goes back to the founding of Plymouth and Jamestown, we can count ourselves the spiritual, political, and legal posterity of the Plymouth Pilgrims. This heritage resembles the formation of the ancient nation of Israel. Exodus was more than liberation from slavery; it was the beginning of democracy. Israel became a nation through a political covenant by the unanimous consent of the people. As all legitimate covenants, the consensual agreement was between the people and God. So it was with the Pilgrims and the Mayflower Compact, which was the same type of two-part compact that was later to establish and define American as nation. Both the Mayflower Compact and Declaration incorporated a covenant with God and a social contract between themselves. This is what the Second Continental Congress created in 1776.

The representative federalism of our republican Constitution makes the original goals and rights reality. Our national compact of Declaration and Constitution is an inheritance of all American citizens that requires faithful adherence to this rule of law. Consequently, the same type of covenant and social contract that began with the Pilgrims was incorporated in our national compact that benefits and obligated all past, present, and future citizens.

The progressive socialists/secularists may hate this fact, but it is the legal basis of our national independence and constitution law.

Today, we Americans have much to be thankful for. If we have a place to live with heat in the winter and cooling in the summer, we have more than our Pilgrim ancestors as well as many peoples around the world. If we have sanitized water and good food, we have more than our Pilgrim ancestors and millions of people in many countries. If we have seasonal clothing, we have more than both our Pilgrim ancestors and a great many people across the globe. If we have access to good education and adequate health care, we have much more than both our Pilgrim ancestors and thousands of people both in America and in many other nations. Many of America’s poor enjoy many luxuries and technological innovations that few people in the world enjoy. If we actually enjoy those God-given rights enumerated in the both Declaration and secured through Constitutional law, we Americans still enjoy what multiple millions still do not enjoy.

Yet, these God-given blessings and benefits of prosperity are now in jeopardy of being lost. What we Americans take for granted are threatened by the misguided efforts to prop up unsustainable economic growth based on ever-increasing debt. If trends analysts are correct, the future of those blessings may come to a terrible end. More importantly, the covenantal foundation of our freedom and prosperity has been cast aside for an anti-religious and amoral agenda of those who care more about their global profits and power than the common good of all their people.

In a nation that seems to worship many gods including self, profit, hedonistic pleasures, entertainment, and their own accomplishments, the Pilgrims and members of the Second Continental Congress I think would appreciate Psalms 138, which states:

I will give you [God] thanks with all of my heart; I will sing praises to you before the gods.
 
I will bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your lovingkindness and your truth; for you have magnified your word according to your name.
 
On the day I called, you answered me; you made me bold with strength in my soul.
 
All the kings of the earth will give thanks to you, O Lord, when they have heard the words of your mouth.
 
And they will sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord. (vv. 1-5)
 

I see that Psalm as a prophetic song that speaks of America’s future as well as of the entire world. Let’s hope we may sing it too without any perils predicted by both trends analysts and our nation’s founders. Now is the time to thank God as did the Pilgrims, the Puritans, and most members of the Second Continental Congress for all of our material, political, and spiritual blessings while hope and thanksgiving buys America more time.

Needed: Local musicians during Hometown Christmas

We are looking for local musicians, musical groups, and singing groups who would like to donate their time and talents to entertain Xenia families during our Hometown Christmas event December 11-13. We have arranged for Bob Ford to perform during Santa’s visit on Saturday evening and we would like to have music and caroling on Thursday and Friday evenings and during the day on Saturday December 13 as well if it is possible. If you or someone you know would like to share your talents or at least your enthusiasm this holiday season, please contact Alan King at Express Yourself Coffeehouse as soon as possible and we will get you onto the schedule. This is also an open call for Friday night carolers in the downtown area. Individuals and families are cordially invited.

Express Yourself
Coffeehouse & Art Gallery
(937) 372-7446

Bailout Money, “It is not your (taxpayer) money”

“Joe Knollenberg of Michigan’s 9th District was on Cavuto the other day to show America why voters in his district voted him out this year. This is exactly the reason why rich, out of touch bureaucrats need to be on a leash. “It’s not your money” quote is PRICELESS. Wake up patriots before it’s too late! I hope you can see how “out of touch” these politicians are with everyday citizens trying to support their families.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZyAd_rJAx4&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1]

— Andy Meyer