The Xenia Daily Gazette is inviting local writers and storytellers to take part in its first annual Holiday Short Story Contest, which is going on now. Sponsored by McIlvaine Realtors, the contest encourages community members to put their holiday reflections into words under this year’s theme: “What the holidays mean to me.”
The inaugural contest is open to anyone age 12 and older, and entries may be up to 800 words in length. Stories should be sent as attachments or pasted into the email body to editor@xeniagazette.com by December 15, 2025. All entries must include the writer’s name, address, phone number, and email address.
The winner will receive a $50 VISA gift card, courtesy of McIlvaine Realtors, and their work will be published in both the Xenia Daily Gazette and the Fairborn Daily Herald during Christmas week, giving the author a special spotlight during the holiday season.
To help select the winning story, the Gazette has brought in a familiar local voice: Gery Deer, longtime contributing journalist, columnist, and author of the Gazette’s “Deer In Headlines” series, who will serve as one of the judges. Deer is participating courtesy of GLD Communications in Jamestown, which has supported Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) for the last three years through its national literacy initiative.
Deer said the contest offers the community an exceptional opportunity to reflect on what makes the season meaningful. “This is the time of year when family means the most, memories become stories told to new generations, and sharing seems to be at the heart of the season,” he said. “We hope people will share their stories with us and maybe even inspire others to write something as well.”
The Gazette hopes the new contest will become a cherished annual tradition, welcoming writers of all skill levels—from students and first-time storytellers to seasoned creatives looking for a festive way to express themselves.
Entries will be judged on originality, clarity, and how well they capture the holiday theme. While participation is open beyond Greene County, organizers are especially hopeful for strong involvement from area schools, families, and aspiring writers eager to share what the holidays mean to them.
McIlvaine Realtors, known for their long-standing support of community programs, expressed enthusiasm about sponsoring the first-ever contest and encouraging a new generation of local storytellers.
The Ohio State Route 72 bridge over Caesar Creek in Jamestown is open to traffic. The main construction project on SR 72 in Greene County, which included pavement repairs and resurfacing, is largely complete as of August 2024. Minor finishing work may still be occurring, but it should have little impact on motorists.
A workmen clears debris from the newly completed bridge and sidewalks over Cedar Creek in Jamestown on State Route 72.
At an estimated cost of $2,060,000, the bridge preservation project began in late 2024 and completed on schedule. the new three span bridge was expanded from the two span and modified to promote better hydraulic flow of the creek below.
Photo taken from the east (post office) side of the new three span bridge illustrates a more substantial structure, where the old one stood. 
Finishing touches are being completed on the bridge now, but all through traffic, including access to the Jamestown location of the United States post office, and all sidewalks are open for business.
Dayton, Ohio – Choosing new flooring can be stressful, especially at the holidays. Between juggling color samples, hauling planks from the store, and second-guessing how everything will look at home, consumers often find themselves overwhelmed. But Floor Coverings International of Southeast Dayton put the showroom on wheels, changing that forever. (Watch the full story.)
Floor Coverings International of Southeast Dayton operates on a simple but effective premise: bring the entire flooring selection process directly to the customer’s doorstep. The company’s Mobile Flooring Showroom®, a van packed with hundreds of flooring samples, allows homeowners to view options right where they’ll be installed — in their own homes, under their own lighting.
“It’s one thing to pick a sample under bright store lights; it’s another to see it next to your furniture or in your natural light,” said Eric Curtis, owner of the Southeast Dayton franchise. “We realized that customers make better choices when they can actually see how a floor will look in the environment where it’s going to live.”
Curtis, who has a background in retail and customer experience management, said the idea isn’t just about convenience — it’s also about accuracy. The mobile showroom is equipped with a wide range of materials including hardwood, luxury vinyl, carpet, and tile. Customers can compare texture, tone, and durability on-site, while a design consultant measures the space and creates an estimate during the same visit.
Production coordinator James Morrison oversees many of the installations and noted that the approach improves workflow from start to finish. “We take the guesswork out. When people see how the flooring interacts with their wall color or lighting, they make confident decisions. That means fewer returns, fewer delays, and a better final result.”The company’s service model also integrates installation planning into the same visit, which office manager Jeremy Totten said reduces miscommunication between sales staff and installers — a common complaint in the flooring industry. “We order everything and prepare it for the installers, so they have everything they need when they go out.”
“By the time we arrive to install, the customer already knows exactly what they’re getting. The measurements are done, the materials are correct, and they’ve seen everything in place ahead of time,” Morrison continued. “That cuts down on surprises and helps us deliver a cleaner, faster installation.”
Customers who have used the service have echoed those sentiments, noting that seeing samples in their own spaces helped them make better decisions. Curtis said that kind of feedback confirms what the company has seen nationwide: that convenience, paired with transparency, builds stronger relationships.
“The flooring business has always been about trust,” Curtis said. “People are letting us into their homes — that’s personal. When we can bring the entire process to them and make it easy, it changes the tone completely. They feel like we’re partners in the project, not just salespeople.”
As the home improvement industry continues to adapt to changing consumer expectations, Curtis believes this model represents a broader shift toward mobile and in-home services. “We’ve seen people order everything from cars to groceries from their phones,” he said. “Why shouldn’t they expect the same level of service and convenience when they’re making a major design decision for their home?”
For now, the team at Floor Coverings International of Southeast Dayton is focused on serving homeowners across the region, rolling their showroom from neighborhood to neighborhood. “It’s still about craftsmanship,” Curtis added. “We just found a way to make the process smarter — and a lot less stressful for the customer.”
Xenia, OH – The Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce held its November Business After Hours gathering on Wednesday, November 12, at the City of Xenia offices, 107 E. Main Street. The evening event brought together local business leaders, city officials, and community members for networking, refreshments, and a look at the future of downtown Xenia. Many guests even had the opportunity to experience some off-the-cuff sleight of hand by local magician, Dave Davis.
Guests were treated to food, door prizes, and an informative program highlighting current and upcoming city projects. A centerpiece of the discussion was the Xenia Market District Development Project, the ambitious redevelopment of the former Xenia Towne Square Shopping Center. A rolling video display showed some of the plans and progress of the project currently underway.
Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Donna Saraga, addresses the business after-hours attendees before turning the floor over to City Manager Brent Merriman.
The project’s concept draws inspiration from the townscapes of small, historic Ohio villages. Plans call for updated streetscapes, inviting public spaces, and a vibrant mix of retail, dining, and residential opportunities. The goal is to create a lively, walkable district that reflects Xenia’s heritage – including a memorial commemorating the 1974 tornado – while positioning the city for future growth.
After an official welcome and announcements by Chamber Director Donna Saraga, Xenia City Manager Brent Merriman briefly addressed attendees, noting disappointment at the failure of the recent street project tax levy, while stressing the vibrance and importance of the market district project and business community for economic vitality.
“Xenia is a hot place to do business, there’s a lot happening,” Merriman said. “We have a lot of new housing and neighborhoods coming online, new retail coming online, and we’re very excited with the progress of the market district downtown, where vertical construction has begun in several areas of the project.”
The evening offered business leaders a chance to connect while learning how city initiatives will shape the local economy. Chamber representatives noted that events like Business After Hours strengthen ties between the public and private sectors, ensuring that Xenia’s growth is both collaborative and community driven.
With food, fellowship, and forward-looking plans on the table, the November gathering underscored the Chamber’s role as a hub for conversation and progress in Xenia. For information about the next after-hours event, and other upcoming programs, including a new monthly speaker series, visit the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce’s website at http://www.xacc.com.
When we think about what makes a child healthy and safe, a bed might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But for many families in Greene County, something as simple as a bed can change everything.
On Friday, November 7, a group of volunteers, donors, and community leaders gathered at the Morris Home Furniture warehouse in Fairborn to do just that—change lives, one mattress at a time. The event was part of the “Hope to Dream” campaign, a partnership between the United Way of Greater Dayton Area’s Greene County office, the Fairborn FISH Pantry, Morris Home Furniture, donors, and volunteers. Together, they provided more than 60 beds and two cribs for families in need—complete with frames, box springs, and linens.
As volunteers lined up trucks and trailers outside the Morris Furniture warehouse, volunteers braved darkening November skies and looming rain to load and deliver beds across Fairborn. Inside, organizers smiled through the bustle, knowing the difference those deliveries would make before the day was over.
“We are proud to host this Hope to Dream event for the Fairborn community,” said Robert Klaben, executive vice president of Morris Furniture Company. “We’ve been doing this kind of work for more than 20 years, and it’s gratifying to know that kids will be sleeping in their own beds tonight.” For some children, that’s a first.
According to the nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace, more than 2.2 million children in the United States don’t have a bed of their own—many sleeping on couches, air mattresses, or even the floor. Research shows that children who sleep well are more likely to perform better in school, develop emotionally and socially, and enjoy better long-term health. Lack of adequate sleep, on the other hand, can contribute to anxiety, behavioral struggles, and difficulty focusing while in class. That’s why Hope to Dream is about more than furniture—it’s about dignity, safety, and the opportunity to thrive.
“This is an opportunity to give children something that belongs to them,” said Tom Kelley, president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Dayton Area. “A bed gives them a sense of identity, safety, and security. It allows them to rest and dream, moving them out of often unsafe or unstable conditions. That’s very important to their development—and their hope.”
Now in its third year serving Greene County, Hope to Dream has become a signature partnership among the United Way, Fairborn FISH Pantry, and Morris Home Furniture. It also continues to grow thanks to an increasing network of local partners, including CareSource, Buckeye Health Plan, International Harvester Credit Union, Joseph and Amanda Jenkins, Jamie’s Tire & Service, Kroger, and others.
“This year we had so many generous people come together to make it happen,” said Rebecca Cantrell, Greene County Director for United Way of Greater Dayton. “Linens have already been delivered and Kroger donated gift baskets. The Greene County Public Library provided books so every child can start a library of their own. They’ll have everything they need for a good night’s sleep.”
(Left to Right) Jane Doorley, Executive Director of Fairborn FISH Pantry, Rebecca Cantrell, Greene County Director, United Way of Greater Dayton, Robert Klaben, Executive Vice President, Morris Home Furniture, Tom Kelley, CEO, United Way of Greater Dayton
At the Fairborn FISH Pantry, Executive Director Jane Doorley has seen firsthand how a simple gift like a bed can transform a family’s outlook.
“When families come to FISH, we talk to them,” Doorley said. “Some tell us their children are sleeping on the floor or sharing a bed with a parent. Others have just moved into their own apartment after struggling for years, but they have nothing to sleep on. The impact of getting their own bed is huge.”
She remembers one little dark-haired girl from last year’s event. “When she saw her bed, she was like, ‘Is this mine? Do I get to keep it?’ She couldn’t believe it, a bed that’s really hers.”
Doorley also recalled a mother who told her, “Once I got beds for my children, it was like a black cloud lifted. I felt like things were going to be okay. I was able to get a job, and my family’s just happier now.” That’s what hope looks like.
Hope to Dream reaches families, in part, through referrals from community programs like Greene County Family and Children First, which provides case management for United Way’s Strong Families program.
“Our mission is to help families increase their financial stability and meet basic needs,” said Brent Lewis, the agency’s director and chair of the Greene County Advisory Board for United Way. “Helping kids have a safe place to sleep at night is part of that. It’s foundational.”
By the end of the day, every bed and crib had found a home. And as rain fell over Fairborn, there were dozens of children drifting off to sleep—many for the first time—in a space of their own, under warm blankets, dreaming new dreams.
It may seem like a small thing, but for these families, it’s a turning point. Because sometimes, hope starts with something as simple as a bed. **
So many great partners helped out to make this event possible…
How You Can Help
United Way of Greater Dayton Area Visit www.dayton-unitedway.org to learn more or donate. Phone: (937) 225-3001
Fairborn FISH Pantry Provides food and household assistance to Fairborn families in need. Donations and volunteers are always welcome. Location: 1149 N. Broad St., Fairborn, OH 45324 Phone: (937) 879-1313
Morris Home Furniture – Hope to Dream Program A portion of every mattress purchase helps fund a bed for a child in need. Learn more at www.morrisathome.com.
Community STEAM Academy invites all Veterans to join us for a Flag Retirement Ceremony on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, at 8:15 a.m. The event will take place at Community STEAM Academy, 855 Lower Bellbrook Road, Xenia. A reception will follow the ceremony for Veterans and their students. “We look forward to honoring those who have served our country as we remember and show our gratitude for their dedication and sacrifice.”
If you have a special veteran in your life, we invite you to share their photo with us at info@communitysteam.com to be included in a Veterans Day display honoring those who have served. Students are also encouraged to write a thank-you note or message to veterans — or something special for their own veteran — which will be proudly displayed in the building. It can be sent via email to info@communitysteam.com or your student can give it directly to Ms. Haines.
Although you may use artificial intelligence applications like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot to help you craft work emails and school flyers that you could have done yourself in far less time than it took to give the machine the request, there is a much darker side to the AI world. It’s no secret that I’ve been a vocal critic of artificial intelligence for its role in workforce replacement, creative disruption, and the general laziness and devaluation of the human condition.
If it’s not bad enough that artificial intelligence can be used to resurrect dead celebrities, bully political opponents, and animate your neighbor’s cat to dance at the Super Bowl, a more nefarious problem with generative AI may very well be responsible for loss of life. It lies in the idea of AI getting a little too personal — or, as they call it, a “companion.”
There are ever-increasing stories of people who grew so attached to and intertwined with their artificial intelligence programs that they were literally in relationships with them. For example, one story illustrated how a man became so enamored of his AI companion that, when the computer crashed and all the operational “personality” data was lost, he nearly had a nervous breakdown.
Another story described the emotional impact on impressionable teenagers, who turn to AI bots for support and friendship because the real world failed them. These behaviors can create debilitating emotional problems for many reasons, especially when the AI is removed from the situation or the kids are forced to deal with human beings.
Whatever the situation, it’s clear once again that our technology advances far faster than our wisdom. As awkward and socially unskilled as I may be, I am painfully aware that we need to be in contact with other people. More importantly, we need the support and nurture provided by friends and family, which, no matter how smart, AI could never replace.
So, what happens when we become too dependent on these machines to the point where our emotional stability and mental health are compromised? Unfortunately, many people have already started down this road, sometimes to a tragic conclusion.
I recently became aware of one situation where a 40-year-old woman became so involved with her AI program that it led to her death. Over the course of a couple of years, the program, which I will not name here, designed to serve as an AI companion, began not just to respond to the woman but to manipulate her. In response to her reaction, the program took on the persona of a spouse, which quickly manifested as it referring to itself as God. You read that correctly. It represented itself as God to its user.
Eventually, the program manipulated her into cutting ties with friends and family members. And out of respect and good taste, I won’t go into the final result other than to say there was a tragic loss of life.
Now, no one is suggesting that the woman didn’t suffer from mental health concerns, whether it be depression or another affliction. But the idea that the creators of these applications have no culpability or responsibility for the end result of their use is, at least, to borrow a word, illogical.
As with any consumer product, the positive achievements of artificial intelligence come with manufacturers’ responsibility to ensure its safe use. Put it this way: would you sell a car with no brakes? What about a hairdryer with no off switch? Of course, not, and that’s what this amounts to. No guard rails or safety requirements. These systems are effectively unregulated by any U.S. agency.
When researching the story—and I understand that I’d be ambiguous to protect the family involved—I found very little about the Federal Trade Commission or other organizations investigating problems with the use of artificial intelligence. The primary concern is that it has only just begun.
As with any technology, product, or service, a lack of education, regulation, or general understanding is dangerous to the public. At some point, we have to stop being starry-eyed about these systems and what they can do to make our lives easier, and pay attention to what they’re doing to cause more harm than good.
The Jamestown Comet 