BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT B1 Your Community Recorder newspaper serving Elsmere and Erlanger kynews@communitypress.com T h u r s d a y, J u l y
Shimmers Tavern & Ballroom
2, 2009
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Library’s job lab proving beneficial
By Jason Brubaker jbrubaker@nky.com
Vol. 13 Issue 14 © 2009 The Community Recorder ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
For Sue Banks, the decision to begin a “Job Lab” program at the Erlanger Branch of the Kenton County Public Library was an easy one. “We have a lot of people looking for work, and they’re always here filling out online applications or updating resumes,” said Banks, the branch director. “So we figured we would set aside a special time where we could help them.” Noticing the growing number of people using the library computers for job searches in recent months, Banks knew there was no way the staff could provide assistance to all of them during general hours, especially if their attention was required elsewhere. “We try to walk around and see if everyone’s doing OK or needs any help, but there’s no way we could get to everyone,” she said.
JASON BRUBAKER/STAFF
Erlanger Library Director Sue Banks works with Marilynn Millward during a Job Lab on June 29. The Lab is designed to help library guests with job searches by making staff members available for one-on-one help. “And sometimes people are too intimidated to ask for help, or don’t want to interrupt a staff member.” To counter that, Banks said the Job Lab assigns staff members to
be available for assistance, whether it’s working with the library technology or learning what to include on a resume. The two-hour Lab sessions are held in the computer lab, where job seek-
ers can find some privacy away from the distractions elsewhere in the library. Banks said the goal of the Lab is to provide help that is tailored to the guests’ needs. “We want this to be very personal, because every situation is different and everyone is looking for something different,” she said. Marilynn Millward said she’s found the Job Lab to be helpful as she looks for some part-time work. “There’s so many people in the job market now, so I didn’t really know where to start to find something that fits what I need,” she said. “It’s great to have something like this available.” Banks said the library plans to hold Job Labs periodically throughout the summer, depending on need. For a schedule, visit www.kentonlibrary.org or call 962-4000.
Inventive
Students solved problems, learned new skills, and had fun recently at Caywood Elementary. They participated in the annual Camp Invention summer camp where presenters gave them a host of problems to solve in unique ways. See photos from the event. SCHOOLS, A6
Going up …
Members of the Lighthouse Freewill Baptist Church prepare to stand up their new steeple on their roof on June 27. “We’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” said Pastor Robert Courtney. JASON BRUBAKER/STAFF
PROVIDED.
Covington mom Amanda Troyer’s Hawaiian Sheet Cake recipe is featured in the MomsLikeMe.com cookbook. Troyer’s easy cake uses a can of pineapple for an island taste.
Get cooking
The latest MomsLikeMe cookbook has hit area biggs and three Kenton County mom’s recipes are featured. Read about their creations and what went into getting their recipes in the book that contains a host of local moms with some great food ideas. LIFE, B1
Weekend fun
Don’t know what to do during the long holiday weekend? Visit our calendar section to see what’s happening in Kenton County and throughout Northern Kentucky. From festivals to the Fourth, there is something for every to do. LIFE, B2
To place an ad, call 283-7290.
Erlanger housing program going through adjustments By Jason Brubaker jbrubaker@nky.com
Erlanger Economic Development Director David Hahn said he is working with Kentucky Housing Corporation on several grant applications to help the city’s housing program. The city began its housing program a little over a year ago to help clean up neighborhoods in Erlanger that may have a few rundown or abandoned houses. Under the program, using a line of credit from the Bank of Kentucky, the city would purchase a house, fix it up and then sell it. “This wasn’t something we would make money off of, but instead we just want to help beautify our neighborhoods and our city,” Hahn said. “Whatever we put into a house to fix it up and bring it up to code was what we would sell it for – just to break even.” However, when the economy crashed last fall, Hahn said the program had to be “put on the back burner” while city officials assessed the best way to continue it. “The program is still up and running, but we’re definitely having to make some adjustments
with the market being where it’s at,” he said. While the city isn’t authorized to lend money to families who may be struggling with mortgage payments, he did say the city is still open to the idea of purchasing homes that have been foreclosed upon, or are in the foreclosure process, depending on the situation. “We’re not looking to pounce on homes or anything like that, but if there are instances where we can purchase the home and fix it up right, we’ll definitely look into it,” he said. To help with the future of the program, Hahn said he has been meeting with officials from KHC, who provide funding for similar programs around the state. “We’re in the process of examining some of their grants and programs, and seeing which is the best fit for our needs and what we’re looking to do,” he said. Hahn said he expects the city to know more about the direction it’s taking the program within the next few months, once some grant applications are completed and the market is analyzed more. For more information about the program, contact the city at 7272525.
PATRICIA A. SCHEYER/CONTRIBUTOR
Lucky ducks
Three-year-old Christina Marsh of Erlanger thinks that if one duck is good, two must be even better as she visited the fish pond at the Mary Queen of Heaven festival last Saturday night.