Greater Anderson Days by Jordan Kellogg

3 3 4 5 5 6 6 6 7 8 10

July 29-31, 2011 Exciting new changes Sponsor thanks Event information Skyline Chili Contest Menu Rozzi Fireworks Dunking Booth Volunteers The Circus is coming Entertainment Primary Event Coordinator Anderson Township Park District

Event Partner Anderson Township Government

Event Partner American Legion Post 318

Event Partner Chamber of Commerce

Fireworks Sponsor Beechmont Automotive Group

Gold Sponsor Curry Electric

Gold Sponsor Mercy Anderson Hospital

Gold Sponsor JS Gold & Coin

Second win for poster designer

14 15

Fun For All Lots to Experience

CONTACT The Greater Anderson Days program is published by the Specialty Publications Department of The Community Press. Questions and comments can be sent to Editor Melissa Stewart c/o The Community Press/394 Wards Corner/Loveland, OH 45140 or e-mail mjstewart@communitypress.com. Or call 248-7121. For advertising information, please call 687-4614.

Greater Anderson Days Bringing our Greater Anderson community together for the 13th straight year reater Anderson Days – 2009 and 2010 Community Press Readers’ Choice Winner for “Best Festival” – is one of the largest community celebrations in all of Greater Cincinnati. Attracting event-goers from the Anderson area and beyond, this threenight weekend tradition blends an exciting festival atmosphere with a familiar hometown appeal. This event mini book is your guide to Anderson Township’s 13th annual community celebration of Greater Anderson Days. This book is aimed at inspiring you to get your family and friends together to come out for a weekend celebration full of entertainment, good times, and great people!

Enjoying our community The Greater Anderson Days celebration features free admission, diverse live music from local bands, exciting games, exhilarating rides and delicious food. Local nonprofits and area businesses will be out in friendly force at the Greater Anderson Days Expo or serving patrons in event booths. The weekend also features the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce Silent Auction and Dunking Booth, the American Legion Post 318 gambling area, and – the highlight of the celebration and true grand finale – the exciting fireworks display by Rozzi, courtesy of the Beechmont Automotive Group.

Supporting our community Just like our fireworks sponsor, the Beechmont Automotive Group, many businesses and organizations throughout the Anderson Area have come forward to help support the event through various levels of sponsorships, donations, volunteerism, advertising, and more.

You’ll notice that our Gold Level Sponsors are featured in this book and the participating businesses and organization are listed in the center spread. This event is only possible with their support. Ken Kushner As you explore the event grounds, let our sponsors, participating businesses, organizations, and volunteers know you appreciate the community celebration they are supporting. Another key to the success of this annual event is the combined effort from all corners of the township. The Greater Anderson Days Committee consists of the Anderson Township Park District, Anderson Township Government, Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce, and new event partner, American Legion Post 318. We strive each year to present a memorable celebration for the benefit of all who attend, as well as the Anderson community as a whole.

Improving our community Greater Anderson Days supports the community by raising money for the Anderson Foundation for Parks and Recreation Playground Fund. Event proceeds will help build new playgrounds and add new amenities to existing playgrounds throughout the Anderson Township Park District for the enjoyment of children and adults of all ages and abilities. As always, our success involves you, so join your neighbors and enjoy summer time in Anderson! Complete event information is available on the Greater Anderson Days website: www.AndersonParks.com/ADays. Ken Kushner Anderson Township Park District, executive director Greater Anderson Days, event chair

www.AndersonParks.com/Adays

Exciting new changes come to Anderson Days ver the past thirteen years, Greater Anderson Days has become a beloved summer tradition for families, businesses, and civic groups citywide. This year the event, which has been voted “Best Festival” by Community Press readers for the past two years, is in for some exciting changes. Ken Kushner is executive director of the Anderson Township Park District and is looking forward to another great festival year as the ATPD takes over the beer sales for the first time. “As usual, all the revenue not only from the beer sales, but the entire festival will go to our playground fund to

help maintain and make additions and improvements,” Kushner said. New this year, festival goers will enjoy the sights and sounds of the big top as the Cincinnati Circus Company is making its Greater Anderson Days debut Friday night. “It’s going to be a great,” Kushner said. “We are excited to welcome them to the festival and, as always, there should be a great turnout.” Don Bishop is commander of the American Legion Post 318 in Anderson Township and is excited for his group to take over the charitable gaming for the first time at this year’s festival. The games will be the

familiar ones that have drawn big crowds in previous years including Let it Ride, Blackjack, 7 Card Stud, Beat the Dealer, and many others. “The township asked us if we would be interested in running the charitable gaming and we thought it would be a great chance to raise funds for our mission so we decided to go for it,” Bishop said. Post 318’s 501c nonprofit status grants them gambling permits and all of the money generated from the charitable gaming at Anderson Days will go towards programs that they support such as Boys State, Girls State, Joseph House and the Special Olympics to name a few. “Fundraising can be a

challenge during these economic times so this is a great opportunity for us,” Bishop said. Post 318 is a smaller post made up of quite a few older veterans and, according to Bishop, they have never taken on a project quite this large. “It’s a whole new experience for us,” Bishop said. They are in the process of recruiting 60-70 volunteers per night to help run the gaming tables and are in need of experienced dealers to lend their skills. If you are interested in helping with the charitable gaming, feel free to contact Don Bishop at 474-4194.

July 29-31, 2011

Greater Anderson Days - event information Location Beech Acres Park, 6910 Salem Road Anderson Township, 45230

Dates & Times Friday, July 29: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday, July 30: 5 p.m. - 11p.m. Sunday, July 31: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Prices Admission is free! Limited on-site parking in the Beech Acres Park east lot, near Parkside Church on Salem Road, is free. Rides, games, food, and merchandise are available at varying prices.

Patron Drop Off & Pick Up For those who are being dropped off and/or picked up at the event, vehicles can enter through the Beech Acres Parenting Center Administration entrance, 6881 Beechmont Ave., and follow the signs.

On-Site Patron Parking Extremely limited on-site parking will be available in the east lot of Beech Acres Park near Parkside Church (on Salem Road). On-site parking price is free.

event. The restrictions allow better access for emergency vehicles. We urge you to obey the parking restrictions and respect our neighbors’ property. Violators will be tagged or towed.

Handicapped Parking Handicap Parking is available for those with permits in the Beech Acres Park RecPlex Lot located at 6915 Beechmont Ave.

Directions

Take Interstate 275 to exit 69 (Five Mile Road). Head north on Five Mile Road to Beechmont Avenue. Turn left Continuous Shuttle Service onto Beechmont Avenue. The first traffic Free shuttle service will be offered light is Salem Road. Turn left onto Salem Parking continuously during the event from Road. The Park’s main entrance for Beech Acres Park Main Entrance McNicholas High School to Greater 6910 Salem Road Anderson Days’ front door. Take advan- walk-in traffic and neighborhood parkBeech Acres Park RecPlex Entrance tage of this free shuttle to minimize your ing is available from this direction. To enter the Park’s entrance on (Handicap Permit and Sponsor/VIP Parking) walk and the stress of finding a place to Beechmont Avenue for handicapped per6915 Beechmont Ave. park! mit parking, proceed down Beechmont Beech Acres Parenting Center Avenue past Salem Road. The park Neighborhood Parking Administration Lot entrance will be on your left. (Volunteers, staff, and patron drop off /pick up) Beech Acres Park is almost entirely To take advantage of the free shuttle 6881 Beechmont Ave. surrounded by neighborhoods. In many McNicholas High School cases, parking is permitted on the streets. service from McNicholas High School, (Parking for free, continuous shuttle service) However, Anderson Township has recent- proceed down Beechmont Avenue, past the park entrance. After going through a 6536 Beechmont Ave. ly restricted parking on the hydrant side traffic light at Birney Lane, McNicholas of all streets in Anderson Township with High School will be 1/2 mile on your the few exceptions that do not affect the right at 6536 Beechmont Ave.

www.AndersonParks.com/Adays

Time to get stuffed with Skyline Chili cheese coneys n years past, Greater Anderson Days has been home to a belly-busting competitive Twinkie-eating challenge in which contestants had two minutes to gobble down as many Twinkies as they could stomach. This year the Twinkies are retiring and it is time to loosen those belt buckles for the first Greater Anderson Days Skyline Chili Cheese Coney eating contest. Ken Kushner is the Executive Director of the Anderson Township Park District (ATPD) and is thrilled that the Anderson Skyline Chili on Beechmont Avenue has generously offered to sponsor the event. He feels that the Twinkies’ time has passed. “I think people were starting to get tired of seeing Twinkies dunked in water,” Kushner quipped referring to the way many contestants would saturate their Twinkies in water in order to make them easier to swallow.

See CONEYS on page 13

Let's Eat! Greater Anderson Days Menu Here is a sample of some of the items at Greater Anderson Days’ food row. Please note that all menu items are subject to change.

City Barbeque • Pulled pork sandwiches • Corn on the Cob

Delzotti’s Italian Sausage • Italian Sausage

Festival Concessions • Funnel Cakes • Chicken Tenders • Fries • Corn Dogs

Larosa’s Pizza - Anderson • Cheese Pizza • Pepperoni Pizza

Mediterranean Cuisine • Gyros • Butterfly Fries • Curly Fries

Mister Softee • Soft serve ice cream

Skyline Chili - Anderson • Cheese Coneys

Snowie Shaved Ice • Sno-Cones

T.G.I. Friday’s

July 29-31, 2011

Beechmont Automotive Group’s Fireworks display by Rozzi's Famous Fireworks ust before 10 p.m. on Sunday night, the festival begins to pause. All heads rise, eyes focusing on the night sky. With a burst of light, the show begins! Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks are the highly anticipated, grand finale of the weekend’s activities. Bill Woeste Jr., president of the Beechmont Automotive Group, has generously sponsored the fantas-

tic display, each of the 13 years of Greater Anderson Days. Mr. Woeste sees Greater Anderson Days as an opportunity to do something positive for the Anderson area and to boost interest in the Anderson business community. Come out to Greater Anderson Days on Sunday evening for a spectacular close to this community celebration!

Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors Silent Auction and Dunking Booth ne of the highlight tents at Greater Anderson Days is the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce Silent Auction booth offering a great way for area businesses to advertise and the community to buy. The Chamber’s Silent Auction booth will again have some exciting items. The mix is so diversified that there is something for everyone to put in a bid on. In addition to a large variety of gift certificates to many

local restaurants, shops, and businesses, there will also be a large assortment of gift packs and baskets with fabulous “treats,” and tickets to local entertainment and sporting events to bid on. These include Cincinnati Reds, Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Zoo, and Riverbend. Exciting sports memorabilia from baseballs and footballs to signed artwork will be at the auction. There is still time to donate to the auction. The deadline is

Friday July 22. By contributing to the silent auction your business or organization has the opportunity to be exposed to thousands of Greater Cincinnati families over the course of the festival. This is a great way to promote your business as well as provide you with a possible business tax deduction. Make it a point to stop by and checkout the fabulous auction items. Back by popular demand is the Chamber’s Dunking Booth at Greater Anderson

Days. The Chamber thought this booth would be a great way to stay cool in the late July heat and also to offer some fun competition between schools, teams, neighborhoods, and other organizations. There are still spots open for “dunkees.” For more information or to make a donation, please contact Brandy Uhlenbrock, Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce at 474-4802 or brandy@AndersonAreaCham ber.org.

Over 100 volunteers make Anderson Days possible or the past 13 years, the organizers of Greater Anderson Days (GAD) have relied on the generosity of a vast network of more than 100 volunteers, whose contributions of time, money, and elbow grease make this event the successful summer celebration that it is. Brian Jordan is the financial officer at the Anderson Township Park District, who along with the Anderson

Township Government, the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce, and American Legion Post 318, partner together to see GAD to fruition. Jordan has been involved with GAD for the past nine years and is convinced that the significance of the volunteers whether it be businesses, civic groups, or individuals who contribute to the festival, cannot be overstated.

“It’s very important to us the time that the volunteers put in, “ Jordan said. “Without them, Greater Anderson Days would not be the success that it is.” Susan Newell has been a member of Salem Community Church for 25 years and has enjoyed volunteering with other members of her congregation at GAD for the past nine years. Over the course of the

three-day festival, the SCC supplies at least 30 volunteers to staff the soft drink booth for all those thirsty festival goers. “We just enjoy it so much that we keep coming back to do it year after year,” Newell said. “ The most fun part of the event is interacting with the community and we see people we know and we also

See VOLUNTEERS on page 13

www.AndersonParks.com/Adays

The circus is coming By Melissa Stewart | Editor ave Willacker’s goal is to put Cincinnati on the map and have it marked with a giant circus emblem. “The thing I’m most proud about is bringing these arts – flying trapeze, living statures, aerial acrobatics – to Cincinnati,” said Willacker, owner of the Cincinnati Circus Company. “We reach out to the public and say here’s an opportunity to touch circus – to be a part of it – to follow your dreams. And people get hooked,” he said. The Cincinnati Circus Company will be coming to Beech Acres Park on Friday, July 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. during Greater Anderson Days. There will be a juggler strolling around and a stilt artist running around with a beach ball. There will also be a living statue, so perfectly poised on a box you’ll forget she’s a real person. And don’t miss out on the aerial acrobats, they will be amaze you with their strength and grace on the aerial silks, lyra and Spanish web as well as awe you with their adept fire performance. “Most festivals don’t have a circus,” said Scott Lahman of the Anderson Township Park District. “This is a new type of entertainment for a festival and it’s a good addition to Anderson Days. Hopefully it will bring out even more people early Friday night.” The Cincinnati Circus Company is an entertainment and event provider based in Cincinnati. They provide more than 100 different forms of entertainment; from jugglers, to fire performers and aerialists, to setting up large events complete with disc jockeys and green screen photographers. Although based on traditional circus acts, they are down-to-earth and are able to relate, as well as get involved, with the audience. They provide entertainment for everything from birthday parties, to major corporate events. What started out as a hobby has grown into a very successful business for Willacker, a McNicholas graduate. “It’s something that just came to me, I didn’t seek it out,” he explained. He was working as a youth minister. On the side, for fun, he’d juggle and act. He was making about $14,000 a year

Check it out For more information on the Cincinnati Circus Company, visit www.cincinnaticircus.com.

Cincinnati Circus Company juggler Brian Koenig at Sawyer Park.

through his career and when people started offering to pay him $20 to juggle at a party at Pizza Hut, he figured he could “use the $20 and the meal.” “After an event I told my wife, I think I can make a lot of money at this but I need a costume and props,” he explained. “This would cost about $300 which, at the time, was the amount of our rent. We risked it to get started.” The gamble paid off. In 2003, he officially incorporated the Cincinnati Circus Company. Since then he’s taken more risks, putting everything they own on the line for the business and again the gamble has turned a profit. “I have big things in store for our future,” he said. “We’ll continue to dream and see where it goes.” The Cincinnati Circus Company also has the only flying trapeze rig in the

Tristate area. Best of all, this trapeze is generally used for classes, allowing the general public to experience the once in a lifetime thrill of flight firsthand. “I personally enjoy flying on the trapeze,” Willacker said. “It’s very thrilling.” He and his wife, who will be featured on an episode of the upcoming season of the “Newlyweds Game,” were married on the trapeze! Along with the trapeze, they also provide classes in aerial acrobatics and in general circus skills, as well as a circus camp for kids. “I’m hoping that our youth will be the next generation of circus performers – putting Cincinnati on the map as far as circus goes,” he said. “I love this art, it’s a beautiful thing, and this has been a wonderful journey.”

July 29-31, 2011

www.AndersonParks.com/Adays

2011 Greater Anderson Days Bands The Soul Pocket Band (Friday night headliner)

Many of these bands are performing for no cost or at discounted rates to help contribute to this event’s fundraising efforts.

Sneaky Pete Kurlas presents The Soul Pocket Band, the Cincinnati area’s most requested band for receptions, parties, and special events. Featuring the three ladies of Soul Pocket, this 12-piece band also includes a three-piece brass section and a super-tight rhythm section laying down all your favorites from Soul, Motown, R&B, Disco, Rock, and Funk. With a unique mix of hard-hitting dance and beautiful ballads, Soul Pocket’s sparkling performances always keep the crowd moving and grooving. The Soul Pocket Band has been performing in the Cincinnati area for over 10 years, and has performed at many area events and fundraisers including Taste of Cincinnati, Mercy Hospital’s Foundation Fundraisers, Good Samaritan Hospital’s Foundation Fundraiser, Riverside Hospital’s Foundation Fundraiser (Chicago), Cincinnati Zoo Zoofari, and Live At The Levee (Newport, Ky.), to list a few. Come experience the sights and sounds of The Soul Pocket Band for yourself at Greater Anderson Days! Soul Pocket can also be seen at local night clubs including Jeff Ruby’s Carlo & Johnny (Montgomery), Rhino’s Bar & Grill (Eastgate) and The Redmoor (formerly Jasper’s in Mount Lookout). All venue listings can be found at www.soulpocket.com

SwimSuitModels (Saturday night headliner) SwimSuitModels is one of the most recognized on Cincinnati’s list of favorite live bands.

2011 Entertainment Schedule

While all members of SwimSuitModels work with other musical acts (Forehead, Core, The BlueBirds and Catch 22, just to name a few), they have thrived together in performing a list of material that is more unique and varied than most in the crowded cover/party band segment. Kevin Fox Formed in late 2008, they quickly caught the attention of the region’s club owners and festival organizers alike, and can be seen locally on a regular basis at Longworth’s in Mount Adams, Jefferson Hall at Newport on the Levee, and Q102’s annual Party On The River. More details and full calendar can be found at www.SwimSuitModelsBand.com.

Friday, July 29 • 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Cincinnati Circus Company performers • 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Soul Pocket Band

Saturday, July 30 • 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Kevin Fox Band • 8 p.m.-11 p.m. SwimSuitModels band

Above the Bar (Sunday night headliner) Originally assembled to play weddings, Above the Bar’s set list includes hit music from the 1970s, ‘80s, ‘90s and today to appeal to audiences of various ages. With strong vocals and musicianship, Above the Bar covers rock, pop, country, funk, disco, and alternative music. Above the Bar routinely plays private and corporate events at Belterra Casino, Hollywood Casino, and other country clubs and hotels in the Greater Cincinnati area. Hickory Robot They have also performed at many of the local performances and songs fashioned from realfestival venues such as GoettaFest on the Levee, life experiences. Their songs include memorable Oktoberfest MainStrasse, St. Paul’s Florence, hooks and driving performances that not only Miami Township’s Midsummer at the entertain, but engage. It is the catchy refrains, Meadows, Covington’s Maifest, and many combined with insightful verses and a sense of more. humor, that have earned them their fans. The Above the Bar is especially excited about blend of original songs mixed with fun, upperforming at Greater Anderson Days, as two tempo, acoustic based, pop, and cover songs of their members are Anderson High School will keep you dancing and smiling during their alumni! entire performance. For more insight and information about The Kevin Fox Band Kevin Fox Band, go to The Kevin Fox Band is an acoustic based, www.thekevinfoxband.com pop, roots rock band, and winner of two 2003 Cincinnati music awards, “Songwriter of the Hickory Robot Year” and “Best Roots Rock band.” Since its formation in 2008, Hickory Robot This high-energy quartet delivers energetic has quickly become one of the region’s premier

Sunday, July 31 • 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Hickory Robot • 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Above the Bar

Americana acts. Employing bluegrass instruments, soaring vocal harmonies and strong improvisational skills, Hickory Robot has created a unique and diverse body of original music that CityBeat called “stunning,” while dubbing their debut CD Firefly “astounding.” They’ve shared the stage with bluegrass luminaries such as Sam Bush and the Del McCoury Band, country legends the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and jamgrass favorite Railroad Earth. This summer, Hickory Robot will be performing at festivals across the Midwest, and numerous high-profile Cincinnati events, such as the Rivertown Breakdown, Midpoint Music Festival, and Appalachian Heritage Festival.

• 10 p.m.: Rozzi Fireworks (Fireworks sponsored by The Beechmont Automotive Group)

July 29-31, 2011

Primary Event Coordinator: Anderson Township Park District ince 1975, the Anderson Township Park District (ATPD) has been providing Anderson Township residents with quality parks, facilities, and programs. As the primary event coordinator of Greater Anderson Days, the Anderson Township Park District is excited to once again host the largest community celebration in Anderson Township! Since 1999, Greater Anderson Days has been bringing the community together for a great time, and raising funds for worthy community endeavors including enhancing park playgrounds through the Anderson Foundation for Parks and Recreation. Park visitors can see the results of the fundraising in action at the Beech Acres Park Playground. The inclusive playground inspires both

ground where children can be Since 1999 Greater active and make memories that last a lifetime! Anderson Days The ATPD is conducting a public input process where has been bringing the community can provide the community feedback to assist with the creation of design alternatives together... for the new playground. Visit the ATPD booth any time at active and imaginative play, Greater Anderson Days to tell and has proven to be a hit us what features you like with children of all ages and abilities since the playground’s and/or don’t like on playgrounds. grand opening in 2007! Ultimately, the feedback Next on the Playground enhancement list … the Juilfs the community provides will Park Playground! Generations assist with the development have grown up on the award- of a final playground design for the Juilfs Park Playground winning playground at Juilfs Park, originally constructed in renovation. The Juilfs Park Playground the late 1980s. renovation is also in the runThe playground was the ning for a $50,000 grant from first of its kind in our area, and it has certainly served the the Pepsi Refresh Project. To community well over its lifes- help us win, please visit refresheverything.com and search pan. The needed renovation will provide new generations for “park district.” Voting can be done either with a fun-packed play-

online and via text (Text* 107551 to Pepsi (73774) to vote from your cell phone.*Standard text messaging rates apply.), and ends on July 31. The Anderson Township Park District is proud to be the primary coordinator of Greater Anderson Days. Safe, neat, and clean parks help make Anderson Township a great place to live, work, and play. Find us on Facebook or visit us at www.AndersonParks.com for year-round information about youth and adult leagues, events, and programs in a park near you!

Event Partner: Anderson Township Government Community focused on conservative budgeting while maintaining high quality of life. ver the past few years, while other communities struggle amidst an economic downturn, Anderson Township has operated in a stable economic position, still able to provide a high quality of life for its residents. With a focus on fiscal conservatism and encouraging local economic growth, Anderson Township trustees remain committed to continuing excellent public services and events that contribute to the sense of community enjoyed here. With only a safety services renewal levy necessary in the past 10 years, trustees have lived within their budget while continuing to facilitate key quality of life and safety improvements.

Many new events have become part of the fabric of Anderson Township life, including the Jack-O-Lantern Walk and Party on the Plaza series. And the Anderson Farmers’ Market, now in its fourth year, continues to be a great place to shop on a sunny Saturday morning. In the area of communication, there have also been improvements. The township’s new website links residents with current news and events, plus

allows residents a more simple method to interact with local government. A new township e-newsletter brings local info to your inbox on a regular basis. Anderson Center has turned into a true place to gather. Since its 2008 opening, it has grown as a destination for brides, business meetings and more, with thousands of residents visiting every year. Anderson has kept its commitment to improve safety and transportation. Anderson’s link for the Ohio River Trail on Kellogg Avenue was recently completed, and this summer, work on the Asbury Road sidewalk begins. Upgrades on Five Mile Road, completed last summer, have spruced up Anderson’s office corridor, a key part of the community’s economic base. Your Anderson Township Trustees continue to plan for the future to insure that the high quality of life residents have come to enjoy continues at the lowest possible cost.

www.AndersonParks.com/Adays

Event Partner: American Legion Post 318 merican Legion Post 318 has been a fixture in the Anderson Township community since 1939. Our mission is to support veterans, active duty military, their families, and the Anderson Township community at large. We are an organization committed to service and meet our goals and objectives through the implementation of programs. To support the veteran community, we make regular trips to the VA hospital to visit and entertain the patients. We contribute clothing to Joseph House, a shelter for homeless veterans, and we contribute food and money to the Fisher House, a place to stay for families visiting veteran patients at the Cincinnati VA Hospital. We contribute to the Gifts for Yanks program, providing Christmas gifts and other amenities to hospitalized veterans

and those in veteran’s homes. We also maintain a Military Assistance Fund to help families of deployed service men and women with emergency assistance. We conduct Memorial Day Services at nine local cemeteries, and participate with Anderson Township to conduct community services on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, and of course, we conduct “Funeral Home” and “Military Rights Services” for our departed comrades. Our commitment to the community is just as strong. Through American Legion programs such as Americanism & Government Testing, Buckeye Boys State, Buckeye Girls State, and our Flag History/Flag Etiquette presentations, we have literally reached out to thousands of Forest Hills School District students. Many have benefited directly from the Veteran Scholarships we’ve awarded. Others have competed for significant

scholarships by participating in programs like the American Legion Oratorical Contest and Eagle Scout of the Year. American Legion Post 318 is a strong supporter of scouting, with an active Boy Scout Troop. Each year we recognize a law officer, a firefighter, and a teacher for their contributions and service to our community. Through our Flags for Schools and Community program we provide numerous veteran and American Flags that fly proudly over our community. Post 318 is a growing organization. Since 2009, membership is up 38 percent and currently stands at 127. Our goal for this program year is to reach our all time high, 165 members. To meet this goal we’re looking for community veterans that are eligible and share our values. If that’s you, simply contact membership chairman, Jimmy Bussey at 232-7662 or via e-mail at JimBussey@live.com.

July 29-31, 2011

Event Partner: Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce he Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a partner again in Greater Anderson Days now in its 13th successful year. The Chamber’s main goal for Greater Anderson Days is to help bring together community organizations and businesses to make the Anderson Area a better place to live, work, and play. As always, the Chamber is proud to support and promote businesses and organizations in the Anderson Area. Since 1970, the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce has been a great way to network and market businesses and organizations to the Anderson Area, serving Anderson Township, Newtown, Mount Washington, and western Clermont County. Greater Anderson Days is a high-profile event for the Chamber and we wel-

come the opportunity to showcase area businesses through the silent auction. The Chamber also produces the Party on the Plaza summer concert series at Anderson Center; the Citizen of the Year Awards Banquet; an annual Golf Outing hosted this year at The Golf Club at Legendary Run; Anderson Area Pizza Challenge and the annual Thanksgiving

Breakfast. Other programs sponsored and produced by the Chamber are the popular Networking at Noon and After Hours mixers; the partnership with local governments, police, and fire departments for the Neighborhood Business District program; the informative Employment Law Issues Roundtable, Marketing Roundtable and the Lunch N’Learn series, as well as the underwriting of scholarships for local high schools. The Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce also provides the community with Anderson, our member guide/resource magazine, the Anderson Area map, and the “Buy-It-In-Anderson” coupon book. To learn more about the Chamber and the community please visit our website at www.AndersonAreaChamber.org.

Fireworks Sponsor: The Beechmont Automotive Group s a member of the local business community for 30 years, the Beechmont Automotive Group employs 355 associates and has long been a loyal supporter of Anderson Township events and growth. The dealerships are the only dealers in Cincinnati that offer the exclusive Lifecare Lifetime Powertrain guarantee on all their new vehicle sales. The company is comprised of the following businesses: Beechmont Toyota is a multiple winner of Toyota’s Presidents award and annually wins customer satisfaction awards in parts, service and sales. Beechmont Toyota opened their spectacular new dealership at 8667 Beechmont Ave. last August and they implemented new technology, processes and amenities to their customers to speed up the sales process and reward customers who purchase vehicles from them. It’s safe to say that few other dealerships of any brand in greater Cincinnati can boast the customer experience that

Beechmont Toyota can give. The sheer size of the dealership has a dynamic presence on Beechmont Avenue. Porsche of the Village is a 10-time winner of the Porsche Premier Dealer award, a Perfect Service award winner, and is one of the largest Porsche dealerships in the Midwest. It opened a brand new facility about 15 minutes from the Anderson Town Center on Plainville Road in 2008 about 1/4 mile from downtown Mariemont. Beechmont Audi offers a full line-up of German performance engineered vehicles which appeal to the true driving enthusiast. In 2011, there is a full line-up of newly designed Audi automobiles which are popular with those who appreciate great engineering and high performance.

Honda East is also a previous President’s award-winning dealer and they won it again for 2010, selling a large volume of Honda’s exciting products. It is one of the largest-volume certified preowned Honda sales leaders in Ohio and ranks in the top two or three dealers in greater Cincinnati month in and month out for new Honda vehicle sales. Honda East also carries Honda’s full line of Honda power equipment like lawn mowers, trimmers, generators, pressure washers and pumps. Volvo of Cincinnati is one of two Volvo stores the Beechmont Automotive Group operates in greater Cincinnati. It is located next to Porsche of the Village near Mariemont. Additionally, Volvo of Cincinnati - West Chester opened in 2004 at the fast growing Union Center Boulevard interchange about 1/2 mile from the new Ikea home furnishings store. Maserati of Cincinnati sells luxury Italian sports cars and is located along with Porsche of the Village and Volvo of

Cincinnati just outside Mariemont. It is a key sponsor of many area auto shows, driving events and art exhibits. Their beautiful new facility frequently hosts select civic groups for meetings and non-automotive events and the dealership ranks in the top 15 in the United States for sales volume. Eastside Body Shop is the area’s best known body shop. They are renowned for the quality of their repair work offering a lifetime warranty on their paint work. Johnny’s Car Wash has been in operation as a full service car wash on Beechmont Avenue for over 45 years and became part of the Beechmont Automotive Group in 2005. In 2009, it was voted Best Full Service Car Wash in Cincinnati by Cincinnati Magazine. Johnny’s has recently undergone a second major facelift since it became part of the company and its new modern look is a head-turner on Beechmont Avenue.

www.AndersonParks.com/Adays

GOLD SPONSOR: Curry Electric Curry Electric is celebrating its 25th anniversary and owners, Tim and Traci Curry, are enjoying their 13th year of being the electrical contractor for Greater Anderson Days. Celebrate with us and receive $25 off any service call by mentioning this ad. Curry Electric has been your residential and commercial electrician for over 25 years. We work all over the Greater Cincinnati area. Curry Electric was the first contractor in Cincinnati to be facto-

ry certified by AMP to make aluminum wire repairs. We also feature Cutler Hammer, Protection Plus products which carry a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. While we hope you never have an after hours problem, we do offer 24 hour Why not give us a try? You’ll usually emergency service. We have six journeyfind Tim, Traci, and Justin answering the men with trucks for prompt response to your needs in Anderson, and throughout phone, giving advice or scheduling. Hope you enjoy the festival! the Tristate area. Give us a call at 5285454 for prompt and courteous service.

GOLD SPONSOR: Mercy Hospital Anderson It’s great to know that we have one of the best hospitals in the nation right here in Anderson Township! Mercy Hospital Anderson is again rated one of the 100 Top Hospitals nationally by Thomson Reuters. This marks the eighth time the hospital has earned this prestigious recognition; it is based on a variety of factors that include quality of care, patient satisfaction, and overall operations.

Mercy Anderson continues to grow to serve the community with comprehensive health care services and leading technology, so you can receive all of the expert care you need without having to

GOLD SPONSOR: JS Gold & Coin JS Gold and Coin is the tri-state’s premiere gold and coin buyer. As members in good standing with the Better Business Bureau, they are the only gold and coin buyers in the tri-state area to win the prestigious TriState Award for Business Excellence. Their reputation for paying the most was once again verified. With so many companies saying they pay the most, WXIX FOX 19 went undercover to determine who really can be trusted to pay the most. JS Gold and Coin was the leader by a long shot. JS Gold and Coin also pays the

most on silver, platinum, rhodium, bullion, paper money, antique, and broken jewelry. JS Gold and Coin is actively purchasing complete collections from $1 to $1,000,000+. Visit them at one of their 4 locations: 7322 Kenwood Rd, 77127 Mall Rd, 7132 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd and 7625 Beechmont Ave. They can always be reached at 513-205-2682. Find out for yourself why they are trusted and sought after by insurance companies, lawyers, and banks. With prices at record highs, what are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to sell.

CONEYS | from page 5 The structure of the eating contest, which is scheduled to take place Saturday evening, will remain the same. There will be six contestants chosen by the ATPD and they will have five cheese

coneys and two minutes to take their place in local competitive eating history. Joe Crowley is the manager of the Anderson Skyline Chili and said when they were

approached to sponsor this eating contest he was glad to help out. “We were happy to donate the cheese coneys and also the $50 Skyline gift card for the winner,” Crowley said.

leave our community. The hospital’s nationally recognized services include cancer care, comprehensive heart care with open heart surgery, imaging/diagnostics, the Mercy Family Birth Center, the Women’s Center, and an award-winning orthopedics program. For more information about Mercy Hospital Anderson, visit e-mercy.com or call 624-4500.

VOLUNTEERS | from page 6 meet new people.” The Mount Washington Care Center has been sending volunteers for almost 20 years to GAD starting back when it was the Fireman’s Festival. Ken Shroeder, director of admissions and marketing for Mount Washington Care Center, is a strong believer in community involvement. “We want to be a good community steward,” Shroeder said. “This is one of the many ways that Mount Washington Care Center has supported the Anderson Area community.” Supplying the staff for the event has been an enjoyable experience for Mount Washington Care Center, as it is a fun event that offers new opportunities for service every year. “Anderson Days is a great community event that brings everyone together,” Shroeder said. “We have, without fail for the past 20 years, provided staffing for all three nights for a booth wherever we are needed. “We have sold bingo tickets, Bars and Bells, coffee and tea, wines and wine coolers and nachos. Every year has been something different.”

July 29-31, 2011

Second win for poster designer By Melissa Stewart | Editor he thrilled screams echoing off the rides. The live band on the stage. The smell of tasty festival dishes saturate the air – these are some of several experiences savored each year at Greater Anderson Days. These are experiences captured in the winning poster of the fourth annual Greater Anderson Poster Design contest. “I was trying to convey what it’s like being at the festival,” explained the designer, Lawrence Sahulka, a secondtime winner of the contest. “There’s lots of options to experience. I wanted to capture the energy of these events from the fireworks to the rides to the food to the music. I think I got pretty close in representing all these dynamics of the event in visual form.” The contest was first offered in 2008 as a way to help celebrate the 10th anniversary of Greater Anderson Days and was so well received that it has become an annual event. Sahulka was the winner of the first contest. “It is quite an honor to be selected twice,” he explained. “It doubles the excitement!” Sahulka has studied and worked in the field of graphic design for the last 21 years, but has been artistically inclined since he was a child. He and his family – wife, Tana, and children, Eve, 13, and

Raymond, 10, reside in the Pinehurst neighborhood of Anderson Township. They’ve been a part of the community for four years. His daughter Sierra, 21, currently resides in Minneapolis where Poster cover for 2011. she attends the University of Minnesota. “The things that I enjoy most about this community is all the green space and the people who live here,” Sahulka said. “There’s a genuine friendly nature to this place. Also, I Poster cover from 2008 designed by Lawrence enjoy the accessibility to the Cincinnati Sahulka. Nature Center, Coney Island, Eden Park, and downtown. Anderson Township is in an ideal location.” Sahulka and his family attend Greater Anderson Days each year. “This is a great event because it provides a real sense of community,” he said. “Greater Anderson Days is a source of pride for the people on the East Side.

Lawrence Sahulka (top right) with his son Raymond, wife Tana (bottom left) and daughters Sierra and Eve.

It’s fun and for a good cause too – to help support the AT district parks.” “This is the second time that Lawrence has won the poster contest, and he once again delivered an engaging and effective design,” said Allison Cottrill of the Anderson Township Park District. “Lawrence’s poster not only illustrates the excitement and activities surrounding the event, but it also incorporates some of the features from the event’s location, Beech Acres Park, into the concept as well.”

Fun for all

The fireworks show is one of the best in the area.

Try out your luck at Anderson Days with a variety of gambling games.

www.AndersonParks.com/Adays

Lots to experience Food Row Come empty, leave full! Stroll through Food Row and satisfy your cravings with one of the many delicious food options. From LaRosa’s Pizza and Delzotti’s Italian Sausage to a wide variety of goodies from Festival Concessions and Skyline Chili, Greater Anderson Days has something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. View a list of food vendors in the center spread of this Event Guide. Come hungry every evening at Greater Anderson Days!

Games Are you a lucky duck? Stop by the duck pond to see if you can pick the winner! Bring your kids to the Anderson Township Park District games area to enjoy such games as the Sling Shot,

Zig Zag, Putt-Putt, Go Fish, and the Sucker Pull. American Legion Post 318 will provide games of chance for adults, and all eyes will be on the Kiwanis Club of Anderson Hills’ Ducky Downs as customers try to pick the winning duck for cash prizes. Enjoy all the games that are in store for you at Greater Anderson Days!

Rides Children and the young at heart can have a great time in the Greater Anderson Days’ rides area! Festival-goers can feel the wind rush past their ears on the Scrambler, soar like a bird on the Hang Glider, or get a great view of the entire event from the top of the Climbing Wall. A variety of rides from the tame to the adventurous await you at Greater Anderson Days.

July 29-31, 2011