As the song states: “time goes by so slowly. And time can do so much.”

It’s hard to believe it’s been just a brief year and a half since I came to Register Publications.

We’ve changed a lot, added some great members to our team, introduced some fantastic new products, formed rewarding partnerships and general improved all aspects of the paper.

This Friday I will step down as General Manager and will be returning to my native Pennsylvania to take a similar position with a group of papers that will allow my wife and me to be closer to our families.

This leaves me with mixed emotions as we have thoroughly enjoyed our time here in Southeastern Indiana and Southwestern Ohio, but this was an opportunity we felt we needed to take.

Living and working in this community has been a joy. We’ve met great people who will remain life-long friends, have enjoyed experiences we couldn’t have had anywhere else, and will carry some of the ‘Hoosier’ spirit with us throughout our days.

My hope for you all is that you continue to see this community as we do – as a great place to live and work.

We have lived in other towns, large and small, and few of them share the ‘community spirit’ that you do.

The amenities are wonderful, the opportunities plentiful and the future is bright. Hold onto that because this is truly a place where an American can be an American.

Thank you again for welcoming my wife and me into your community, and allowing us to share part of our journey with you.

Oh yeah, and keep reading the paper. It’s a pretty darn good one, if I do say so myself.

There are lots of great things in the works and I have no doubt the staff will continue to produce and deliver award winning newspapers for years to come.

Ryan Oswald is general manager of Register Publications.

Editor:
My Mom was 86 years old. She died on May 2, at the ripe old age of 86. After doctoring with the same doctor for over 40 years my Mom was in need of a doctor. (Why you may ask? That’s the topic for a whole other article.)

Editor:
The Trinity Christian Center, 18687 Pribble Road, Lawrenceburg, is having a flag pole dedication for its three new flag poles at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 25.  These large flag poles will pay tribute to our American Flag and other flags.   
The Korean War Veterans of Southeastern Indiana, Chapter 4, will provide the Color Guard to fire the three volleys and play Taps for this dedication.
There will also be a free buffet supper sponsored by the church held in the new community center at the church immediately after the dedication.
This buffet supper will pay tribute to and honor some of America’s finest - our VETERANS. Veterans are invited to bring their spouses or a guest.
We need you to call the church and give your information to Judy Wesley at 812-623-0173 or email her at wesleyjudy@hotmail.com and we’ll send you an invitation.
We need your military information too so we can present you with a nice certificate.  As a veteran you will be recognized for your faithful and dedicated service to OUR nation.
Please tell your fellow veterans about this dedication and buffet supper and invite them to come and join the fun.
Thank you for your service and please come out to Trinity Christian Center to mingle with your fellow veterans and enjoy a fantastic buffet supper.

P.G. Gentrup
KWVA Chapter 4

Editor:
Moores Hill School PTA is getting ready for their Spring Carnival/Silent Auction on May 17 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The students are looking forward to the many fun activities such as the dunking booth, 71-foot obstacle course, bounce house, face painting, mystery buckets, and much more.

It’s 7:30 a.m. at the P.A.W.S. Humane Center. Eager dogs and cats greet staff and volunteers with “good morning” choruses of howls and meows.

Like a well-oiled machine the day’s routine begins. Cleaning, feeding, walking – toys, blankets, and treats. With breakfast over, morning exercise begins and behind the scenes chores of laundry, dishes, and second-round cleaning (affectionately called “poop patrol”) get underway.

As noon approaches, final touches are taken care of – floors mopped, rugs vacuumed, paw and nose prints cleaned from windows. Everything is spic and span. The animals take their places.

The P.A.W.S. Humane Center doors open. Excitement builds as each pet prepares to put their best paw forward to capture the hearts of arriving adopters. “See me!” “Look at me!” “I can do tricks!”

P.A.W.S. adoption counselors assist each person or family in meeting and selecting their new furry friend. The warm and friendly atmosphere encourages comfort. People who were never able or willing to visit an animal shelter have commented that they are at ease here.

The pets tell a tale of love, not sadness – of hope, not despair. This is a happy place. . . a happy place built on love.

Since the Humane Center opened in October 2011 (eighteen months ago), 1458 dogs and cats have been placed in loving forever homes.  Stand in our lobby for just a short time, and you will get a glimpse of the joy found when “love at first sight” turns into “happily ever after.”

As the end of the day approaches, the Center is filled with peace and quiet. The animals are tired, but content. Tomorrow is another day – maybe THEIR special day. But until then, each and every dog and cat knows they are loved. They are in a happy place.

What makes P.A.W.S. Humane Center so special? The people! The staff and volunteers . . . Who cuddle old dogs and coo over kittens - Who address each animal’s needs individually and lovingly - Who celebrate love every day by making the animals feel special and surrounded by people they can count on.

Helping save lives is infectious. Whatever your skills, regardless of how much or little time you have, you can be part of this magical happy place.

Volunteers are from all walks of life, but become kindred souls with their mutual love and respect for animals. By becoming a volunteer, you can do good and have a good time by sharing talent and time toward a cause you believe in wholeheartedly.

Visit P.A.W.S. Humane Center, 200 Charles A. Liddle Drive, Lawrenceburg, to see for yourself what a happy place it is. Our website, www.pawsofdearborncounty.org, has all the information you will need to find out ways you can volunteer or donate to help our animals.

Becky Foster is director of the Dearborn County P.A.W.S. Humane Center.