Shawnee Life - April 2022

April 2022

Happy Easter

A Tradition Continued

From the Sreenan Family of Breezewood

New Publisher, Same Mission!

The Story of Us

SHAWNEE LIFE

2 • APRIL 2022

SHAWNEE LIFE

Trusted for over 75 years of funeral service

HONORING FAMILY WISHES, THEN & NOW Committed to providing our community with respectful, dignified, and professional services.

We believe in giving back to the community that has supported us.

Learn more about what we have to offer you and your loved ones at www.bayliffandson.com

(419) 645-4501

311 West Main Street Cridersville, Ohio 45806

WELCOME WAGON New to Shawnee? Welcome to our Community!

If you’re new to the area, we have a beautiful gift basket full of wonderful donations from our magazine sponsors and friends.

Introduce yourself and your family by emailing our Welcome Wagon Coordinator, Nicole Davis, at WelcomeToShawnee@gmail.com, and a gift basket will be delivered to your doorstep.

If you need recommendations of where to go for products and services, simply review the Neighborhood Sponsor Index.

APRIL 2022 • 3

SHAWNEE LIFE

From Diane’s Desk...

4 • APRIL 2022

TRIBE

MEET THE

Diane Schoonover Publisher

Nick Schoonover Janitorial

Michael Ayers Photographer

Mikie Ricker Ad Strategist

Molly Ellerbrock Graphic Designer

Nicole Davis Welcome Wagon / Mercy Matters

Georgianna Damschroder Precious Pets

Janine Douglass DISH-cussions

Anca Deifendeifer Qin Making a Mark

Tisha Barnes Savvy Spaces

Julie Lundin Know Your Neighbor

Zoe Smith Amazing Achievers

The Story of Us This can’t be the story of us without YOU. Shawnee Life Magazine is a unique vehicle because it allows our readers AND our local business owners to tell their stories. We rely on contributors to fuel the content and provide stories about what motivates them and connects us all together.

Please don’t hesitate to submit your ideas, photos and stories to us, we want to work with you. In-fact, you’ve already got the job, there’s no experience necessary and we have writers in Middle School, Retirees and everywhere in-between.

We grow as a community when we share with others.

We are grateful to the advertising sponsors that make it possible to create, print and mail our magazine to all of our readers each month.

We have also taken a bold step and increased circulation by 66%, but we felt the extra costs are a risk worth taking to grow Shawnee Life Magazine’s reach into more neighborhoods. This continues our mission of building more bridges of friendship and community.

Thank you for joining us in the Shawnee Life - what a beautiful life it is!

SHAWNEE LIFE

Featured Articles Know Your Neighbor

Sponsor Spotlight

Every month we showcase a family that

Our sponsors also have the opportunity to

lives in Shawnee to help you connect with

share who they are, how their businesses

others around you!

work and help contribute to our community.

Precious Pets

The Joys of Toys

Everyone loves to share stories about their

Show off your newest toy or passion! A

pets. Find out how many people tend to

new Jeep, Lego build, amazing guitar or a

treat them like another member of the

tech gadget? Show it off here and share

family!

why it means the world to you.

Mercy Matters

DISH-cussions What’s cooking in Shawnee? This is where

We value and highlight Mercy and their

you will discover a delicious recipe and the

health care professionals that dedicate

story behind the dish and the chef!

their lives to caring for others and the community!

Savvy Spaces

Financial Focus

Inspiration abounds as we highlight inte-

Securities, Real Estate, Tax Planning. We

rior design ideas, curb appeal strategies,

bring the sharpest minds with their practi-

and explain how to make your house feel

cal advice of how to strategically invest

like a home.

your capital to meet your family goals.

Amazing Achievers

Locate the Logo

Amazing students are all around us.

Occasionally our business sponsors want

Our Junior Writer shares a story about a

our readers to find their logo. If you do,

successful student or athlete in the local

you will be entered to win a prize from

schools.

that business!

Find the Feather

Making a Mark Learn about a non-profit organization in

Every month we hide the golden Shawnee

our area and the people that truly make a

Life feather in one ad. Find it, email us, and

difference in our community.

get entered in a drawing for something awesome!

Seasonal Features Celebrating our graduates, Mother’s Day,

This is The Story of Us, so we would love to

Valentine’s Day love stories, Christmas

hear your ideas.

wishes, traditions, etc.

6 • APRIL 2022

WHAT IDEAS DO YOU HAVE?

Email: Ideas@ShawneeLife.com

Neighborhood

SHAWNEE LIFE

Sponsor

Index

These local businesses are proud to serve our community and sponsor Shawnee Life magazine. Their contributions make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and let them know that you saw them in Shawnee Life magazine.

APPLIANCES Tracy’s Appliances (419) 223-4786

HEALTHCARE Mercy Health – St. Rita’s (419) 227-3361

SECURITY Lima Security, Inc. (419) 222-1250

Westrich Furniture & Appliances (419) 695-6045

HEATING & AIR Cleaves American Heating & Air Conditioning (419) 227-4328

SKILLED NURSING & REHAB Shawnee Manor (419) 999-2055

CANCER CARE / ONCOLOGY Cancer Care of West Central Ohio (419) 221-2273 DONATION PICK UP Habitat for Humanity Lima ReStore (419) 222-4937 EDUCATION Lima Central Catholic High School (419) 222-4276 ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Brunk Electric (419) 812-2821 FOOD & DRINK Purple Feet Wine Boutique (567) 940-9944 FOUNDATIONS & WATERPROOOFING The Basement Doctor (419) 229-5800 FUNERAL HOME Bayliff & Son (419) 645-4501 FURNITURE Tracy’s Appliances (419) 223-4786 Westrich Furniture & Appliances (419) 695-6045

Washam Plumbing Heating & Air (419) 339-0729

TRANSPORTATION / LIMOS / PARTY BUS Lucky Limo, LLC (419) 236-3964

INSURANCE Beery Insurance Services (419) 228-4000 JEWELER Vons Diamonds & Jewelry (419) 227-5616 PET MEMORIAL SERVICES Bayliff & Son (419) 645-4501 PHOTOGRAPHY The Ayers, Inc. (419) 222-9377 PLUMBING Washam Plumbing Heating & Air (419) 339-0729 REALTORS Busy B Realty (419) 339-0600 Cowan Realtors (419) 222-1212 RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Burton’s Ridge Assisted Living (419) 228-8412 APRIL 2022 • 7

SHAWNEE LIFE

M eet th e

Sreenan

Know Your Neighbor

f a m ily

by Diane Schoonover Originally from Illinois, JJ Sreenan has lived in Lima since he was 8 years old; while his wife Mary grew up in Columbus and lived in Cincinnati and Cleveland before Lima. Mary and JJ met through a mutual friend at Xavier University in 1985. They have been married almost 32 years and are very much a team, which is obvious when you see them together. They even finish each other’s sentences at times.

JJ and Mary have lived in Breezewood since 2003 and love the sense of community. There has been some turnover in the neighborhood due to COVID and P & G employees, but they enjoy connecting with their neighbors and friends in Shawnee. The couple appreciates the small-town feeling of Lima, but thinks the accessibility to other cities like Ft. Wayne, Columbus and Detroit is a huge plus. Being close to family also keeps them in Lima.

They don’t see themselves moving anywhere else!

In his younger years, JJ worked for his father’s small business, fixing equipment and installing office furniture. However, JJ’s love of the science of medicine drove him to the medical field, graduating from medical school in 1991.

Mary was a special education teacher and later decided she wanted to be more present for her kids. This gave her the opportunity to support them with their activities such as chaperoning field trips, volunteering in the classroom and helping to lead her son’s Scout troop. She also served as the chairperson for Kids on 8 • APRIL 2022

the Block Puppet Troupe, which educates students about peers with different abilities, tolerance and diversity. This is done using interactive puppetry and their shows were primarily performed for 3rd grade students.

The Sreenans have two children, Emily and John. Their daughter, Emily, runs track for University of Dayton, while studying secondary religious education and history. John attends the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, as a sophomore.

JJ describes his son as “quietly intense” while Mary says her daughter comes in “full force like a mac truck.” Even though JJ and Mary have some very significant accomplishments, they are the proudest of their kids.

SHAWNEE LIFE

The entire family enjoys being outdoors, hiking and biking, which feeds the adventure-seeker in JJ. The family’s favorite thing to do is visiting a different National Park every summer.

Even though Emily and John are away at school, they hope to continue this tradition this summer in Colorado Springs. The couple also has other hobbies. Mary is an avid reader, while JJ enjoys woodworking. They have a cottage in Michigan that they visit quite often in the summer, too.

JJ retired from Pathology in December of 2021. He may be retired, but definitely not done working. He now supports training of almost 100 residents as the Director of Graduate Medical Education for Mercy Health St. Rita’s. The hope is that these resident physicians will stay in our region after training and help

people, but “it’s hard to have less government, unless we have a moral society.” His campaign mission is: “to speak out against the eroding liberties in America and get people to begin bringing our Judeo-christian traditions back into our governing.”

The first thing you notice about Dr. Joseph J Sreenan is his constant smile.

“People say I’m very optimistic. Why wouldn’t I smile, I’m always happy!” further the mission of St Rita’s to reach out to the underserved and increase quality, safety and patient satisfaction. JJ finds great fulfillment keeping in touch with students that he has mentored through the long process and celebrating their accomplishments.

JJ has dedicated much of his life to helping others. He has served as a Board Member for St. Charles and LCC, chaired for Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Central Ohio, and was involved in Boy Scouts for over 10 years serving as Scoutmaster for Troop 103. He also volunteers in the local schools when he has time and brings hands-on activities like when he brought five tumors to a classroom to discuss the genetics of cancer.

JJ plans to bring his expertise on how to navigate the healthcare system that the legislators don’t understand. “Health care is expensive and many people don’t know that the government drives the pricing.” He is an experienced voice of health care that will add broad insight to the legislative conversation.

Whatever the outcome of the election, JJ and Mary Sreenan will certainly be smiling in the end.

Mary fondly recounts JJ teaching their kids to speak up for their convictions and to not let institutions like universities indoctrinate instead of educate. Running for office almost seemed inevitable considering JJ’s strength of character. He began thinking about running for office during his residency, now he has found the time. He is running for the Republican State Representative on the November ballot for the 86th District. His main drive for running is to bring expertise about health care.

“When the government started to erode our rights and liberties, that’s when I decided I needed to step up and do something,” JJ stated. He wants to go back to a small government, run by the

APRIL 2022 • 9

SHAWNEE LIFE

10 • APRIL 2022

SHAWNEE LIFE

4 Myths of Investing

by Michael McCormick, Want a better investing experience? First, remember investing is a long-term endeavor. It’s 5, 10, 20 years of being invested in the global market, while the short-term is irrelevant. To further improve the likelihood of a successful investing experience stop relying on these four investing myths: stock picking, market timing, track record investing, and active management.

Stock Picking

The myth of stock picking is that it’s possible to determine which specific stock(s) should be bought or sold so as to capture the upside growth or avoid a decline in value. It seems possible. After all the media tells us who the winners and losers are all day. Considering that there are over 43,000 public companies in the world (4,000 to 6,000 in the USA depending on source), is it really possible to determine ahead of time which ones will be winners over your investing life? The financial press can’t get it right and they’re in the business. Check out any Fortune or Money magazine that has published a list of “stocks to last a lifetime” or “five stocks for the coming decade” and see how they have fared. If you go back and look at the results of their picks (which no one ever does) they have been disappointing to say the least.

Market Timing

Next let’s consider the myth of market timing. The myth here is that it’s possible to get in or out of the market as the market approaches the next high or low thereby locking in gains or avoiding losses. The difficulty is significant when looking at a portfolio but is compounded when attempting to market time with multiple individual stocks. Nobel Prize winner Harry Markowitz’s efficient market theory says that all knowable information is priced into a stock. Only unknown information, once known, will change stock prices. No one knows when the top or bottom has been reached until long after it has happened and each only lasts a short time until the next high is achieved. Is it possible to get lucky? Yes, in the short-term. But, as we indicated at the start, putting money in the market is a long-term endeavor, anything less is gambling. It’s unlikely that anyone can reliably, consistently, and predictably know when to

get in or out of the market over an extended period of time.

Track-record Investing

This is the myth that it’s possible to choose a money manager or fund based on a track record. The reality is that past performance or star rating is no indication of their ability to repeat their successes. All financial literature includes a similar disclaimer.

The track-record reported could be a result of only showing certain time periods or a non-standard calculation of returns. Investors need to ask for GIPS (Global Investment Performance Standard) audited results. GIPS offers a standard formula for calculating investment returns. Further, selecting a five-star fund could mean that the fund has already achieved its maximum result. Meaning you would be buying high.

Active Management

It is widely held that investments need to be actively managed. That the investor, advisor, or money manager should be monitoring and making changes based on what is currently going on in the market or what they think is going to happen. The problems are that active management is expensive and as we mentioned in the other myths, unlikely to achieve the desired result for the portfolio owner. Nobel Prize winner, Eugene Fama, suggests that profits go to the creator of the profit so if an active manager were able to generate a higher return, the return would go to the manager (through their fee). The only thing worse than gambling with your money is paying someone to gamble with your money.

I’ll leave you with two questions: • Is your portfolio actively managed or are the funds within it actively managed?

• Do you receive GIPS audited return reports from your financial institution?

Engineer a portfolio based on empirically proven academic evidence that you can live with in any market condition considering your return needs, the time period available, and the amount of volatility you can endure.

Michael McCormick is the Principle of Financial Clarity Group, Inc. an Ohio CPA and Investment Advisor Representative, with over 20 years experience. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Business Administration and a 1988 graduate of Lima Central Catholic. He can be reached at 513-488-1121 or mike@financialclaritygroup.com and www.financialclaritygroup.com APRIL 2022 • 11

Financial Focus

The only thing worse than gambling with your money is paying someone to gamble with your money

Making a Mark

SHAWNEE LIFE

Make a Promise to Make a Difference

by Anca Deifendeifer Qin Did you know that more than 40% of Americans are $400 away from financial distress? This financial threat looms closely for so many families around the area, but many of us are unfamiliar with the concept. Part of Family Promise’s mission is to prevent families with children from being separated and from spiraling into homelessness in our region. Here’s how this vital non-profit is making a difference in our community.

Family Promise of Lima-Allen County provides comprehensive, tangible solutions for families facing homelessness locally and in the surrounding areas for the last 14 years.

Families come to the organization in crisis; and their approach of coordinated compassion helps the families rebuild their lives with new skills and ongoing support to prepare them for a successful future.

However, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the organization was hit hard with a steep drop in financial support and volunteers, while demand for services continued. Executive Director Hellen Douglas says, “as an organization we relied on our host churches around the region to help with hosting the homeless families by providing meals, and a place to sleep in the evenings and on the weekends on a rotational shelter model, each church took four weeks out of a year to host; however that all ended when Covid-19 hit. The shutdown really limited how we can serve the families. But when God closes the door, in turn opens a window and we are blessed with new partnerships that help us to keep servicing the homeless.”

During 2021, Family Promise was able to serve 79 families with 26 children. The three greatest needs currently are a larger space, monetary donations and volunteerism.

12 • APRIL 2022

First, FP has a constant waiting list varying from 3-6 families on any given day. However, the current Day Center can only accommodate two families in a large room with no individual privacy for each family. The organization is working very hard toward a goal of a permanent static site that would better minister to the homeless families with children.

Second, as each family enters the program, and progresses through, the organization assists the family with various services like: emergency shelter, job search, childcare, job training, mentoring, financial literacy, food assistance, and bus passes. Monetary donations go directly to support this type of assistance.

Third, Family Promise has supporters who graciously choose to offer their time and talents to the organization, such as meal-making, babysitting, handyman skills, etc. Volunteers can serve the homeless in numerous ways, such as teach a class (financial, crafts, crochet, etc.), or watch the children so parents can fully participate in our programs. They could come to read books, do a puzzle, or play games with the families.

They could drive families to the host churches, or spend some time mentoring our teens. As a family is getting closer to graduating from the program and securing permanent housing, they are in need of move-in items like furniture, or any kind of household supplies.

Volunteer, Leroy Eddy, believes that as adults we

SHAWNEE LIFE

can make decisions that find us in a hard place and then for the most part we can usually cope with the outcomes. The children are not as lucky. They don't know what's going on and are probably scared and confused. “For me when we get to spend time with families that are in the Family Promise program it gives us a moment as the church to open our doors and show these children that they are loved and be the hands and feet of Jesus. The families are in a bad place and I think a good conversation or a listening ear can be just what these families can use as they take the steps in order to get back on track.”

For Vicki Bush, the call to volunteer is personal. “I serve the families because Jesus calls us to love our neighbor. A safe place to rest and a meal is the love we all want. The families I have met over the years are some of the best blessings God has given me.”

Indianbrook residents, Diane Schoonover and Anca Deifendeifer Qin, recently volunteered to support a host family at St. Charles Church. “Modeling the act of helping others for my son is very important to me,” said Schoonover. Anca made a dinner for the family and offered fellowship for a single mother, while all of their children played together and became fast friends.

5 Ways YOU Can Make a Difference for Family Promise of Lima-Allen County 1. Visit FamilyPromiseOfLimaOhio.com and click the Donate button in the upper right hand corner to give any amount via credit card, debit card or PayPal. 2. Select the Get Involved button on their website to learn more about becoming a volunteer, how your congregation can become a host, see their wish list, and see events.

3. Mail a check directly to Family Promise of Lima-Allen County, 129 South Pierce Street, Lima, OH 45801.

4. Call 419-879-4600 or send a message through Facebook Messenger. Visit their Facebook page: Family Promise of LimaAllen County.

5. Participate in the National Giving Day on April 28th!

April 28th!

Join the 2022 National Giving Day and the Night of Giving Virtual Gala Family Promise Giving Day is a 24-hour online campaign to raise awareness and funds to support families across America experiencing homelessness.

This year Family Promise is asking you to ‘Give an Hour,’ whether that be an hour of your time as a Family Promise volunteer, a donation of an hour of your salary, or an hour spent raising awareness of the 3 million children who experience homelessness every year in America.

Buy Tickets for VIP COCKTAIL MIXOLOGY CLASS Online from 6:30-7:30pm EST or register for free to the LIVE AUCTION held from 7:00-8:00pm EST. FREE tickets for the Virtual Gala or donate any amount by following this link: https://e.givesmart. com/events/plj/ or by using this QR code.

APRIL 2022 • 13

SHAWNEE LIFE

Promise Granted

A Story of Success – A Personal Recount

by Katie Kiem On October 30, 2021, life as we knew it was over. Josh was walking to a friend’s house and was hit by an SUV going 70 mph. He was pronounced dead at the scene for 14 minutes before regaining consciousness. Although he was breathing after the 14 minutes, our battles had only just begun. The next few weeks were spent fighting for his life and recovering from several injuries. As time went on, we found out that he had nine broken vertebrae, two broken ribs, a broken pelvic joint and hip, loss of kidney function, severe head and face trauma and both legs were broken. Josh underwent several surgeries to repair the injuries as well as having his entire face reconstructed. I stayed by his side throughout his entire hospital stay, not knowing from moment to moment what the outcome would be.

During our fight for his life, we received word that we were being evicted from our home. We couldn’t fight it while facing the fight for his life, so we called upon some people we knew to pack up our home and store our belongings for us. Little did we know, these people would keep all of our belongings from us and we’d never see them again. So at this point, we are without a home, without all of our belongings and still battling to keep my husband alive. We are finally released from the hospital and on our way to stay at his sister’s house. Together, we share a couch for a few weeks, but our welcome was quickly worn out and we were left sleeping in our car with our 12-year old daughter while still trying to rehab Josh after his injuries. At this point, Josh is still walking with a walker and in a lot of pain from the extensive amount of damage from the accident.

Still, we tried to see light at the end of the tunnel. Josh was alive. We still have our kid . We have our car at least and a lawyer has been promising us a dream of a huge settlement. So we make a trip to the lawyer’s office to see 14 • APRIL 2022

about how to get a loan. To our surprise, the lawyer says there is no longer anything he can do for us. We were at our end. Honestly at this point, without ever speaking to each other, we were considering ending our lives because we felt completely hopeless. That’s when we received the call from someone who would end up being our case manager at Family Promise. There was an opening at the Allen County branch of Family Promise and we were accepted in. We couldn’t get in there that night to get registered but they were willing to put us up in a hotel for the night and we’d be registered the next day. Our first glimpse of hope in months!

We met our case manager, Junior, that night who told us it would all be ok and they’d help us get back on our feet. For the first time in a very long time, we believed things would get better for us. We got to see our daughter sleep in a bed that night for the first time in months and sleep with a smile on her face.

I thought to myself, there truly must be a God, and he must know how close I was to saying I had enough.

The next morning, we meet Junior and get registered at Family Promise. They take us to get our laundry done and then back to the center to be settled in. Although we were excited to be somewhere safe, the amount of changes we were facing scared us to the point that we almost were more comfortable staying in our car until our daughter said, “I think something great is about to happen for us. Let’s give this a shot.” Ok little one, you got it.

We spent the next three weeks trying to adjust to being in a shared space, going to what seemed like endless doctor appointments, filling out applications for every job I thought I could manage to do while still following doctor’s orders and providing full time care for Josh, as well as filling out forms for every apartment or house

SHAWNEE LIFE

we thought we MIGHT be able to afford. Just as I was feeling completely broken, we received an invite to Christmas Eve service at a local church. I haven’t been to church in a very, very long time, and Josh has never even stepped foot in a church. Hesitant, but anxious for something new, we attend Christmas Eve services and it was like they were speaking directly to us about our life!

At this point, Hellen Douglas, the director of Allen County Family Promise, and our case manager, Junior, talked to me and convinced me to come back to the shelter. To our surprise, we walked in and see Junior and his wife waiting to talk to us and help us get through the newest challenge of my ex keeping my daughter from me. They helped me get the right paperwork together to file to get her back.

The staff at Family Promise continued to be a huge support and guiding light to us through every obstacle we faced. Finally, I was offered a job as a property manager. The best part was that the hours were flexible and Josh could even come with me, allowing me to provide for my family and still continuing to provide the care Josh required. Shortly after, we managed to get my daughter back and then came even more exciting news. The Family Promise Home had an open apartment for rent and they were considering us for it!

About a week went by, and we got the word that we had been accepted for the apartment with rent that was affordable and we’d still be connected with Family Promise, which was so important for us, but that there would be a wait because the previous tenants had not left the property in a livable condition. After speaking with Josh and our daughter, we decided we wanted to put the work in the property ourselves and made the offer to Hellen that if they were able to provide the resources needed, we’d do the work. Much to our excitement, she took us up on that offer and showed us the apartment. There was an insane amount of work to be done for sure, but we were up to the challenge. Painting, cleaning, replacing some plumbing, removing the two dumpsters full of items that were left behind, and some bigger projects that required calling in outside help, but it is being turned into an amazing apartment. Family Promise and our new church have pulled together to get us donations to furnish our entire house and make it a home!

We will never be able to repay Family Promise for saving our lives and helping us get back on our feet, but I can promise we will spend the rest of our lives trying to give back to such an amazing organization. Hellen, Junior, Lori, and Jamie…..thank you. I don’t think you will ever truly understand the impact you have had on our lives and so many others we have watched you help.

Why I Help “My greatest joy has been witnessing the difference in the kids we serve”

by Bev Beery, Board Member, Family Promise I had the opportunity 14 years ago when Family Promise came to Lima to become involved and I have witnessed over that time, hundreds of families whose lives we have touched. We have taken them out of, quite often, dangerous or scary situations such as abusive relationships, living in cars or on the street, “couch surfing” wherever they can find, etc. Not only do we try to get their lives back on track by providing them with a safe place to stay (at our Day Center and host churches) but finding them employment, medical care, safe and affordable housing and childcare. My greatest joy has been witnessing the difference in the kids we serve.

Fellowshipping with them at the church or Day Center by playing games, reading books, watching a movie, sharing a meal and then sometimes even tucking them in at night and saying a prayer with them brings such joy and smiles to their faces.

APRIL 2022 • 15

SHAWNEE LIFE

World-class health care in your neighborhood Whether it’s tackling a serious health issue or improving your overall well-being, we’re committed to helping you stay healthy and strong. Our doctors and health care professionals are passionate about improving your overall health with personalized health care solutions so you can be there for what matters most.

Visit mercy.com to find a location and connect with a primary care provider today.

HEALTH CARE FOR THE UNIVERSE OF YOU

16 • APRIL 2022 15226LIMADV 15226LIMADV

SHAWNEE LIFE

of Homestead Estates

by Nicole Davis Dr. Tom Edgerton, D.O., and Dr. Anne Edgerton, M.D., are a dynamic duo of doctors who are married and live in Homestead Estates. Tom is an orthopedic surgeon who subspecializes in hands and upper extremities. As a team member of the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio, Tom provides orthopedic care at St. Rita’s Medical Center. Tom’s special interests include shoulder reconstruction, carpal tunnel release, and all areas of upper extremity trauma.

Anne is a general surgeon for Mercy Health – St. Rita’s General Surgery. Her wide range of expertise includes health concerns from hernias to breast and colon cancer to trauma critical care. Mercy Health has been instrumental in providing Anne the opportunity to, “take care of the community that helped raise me.”

is four, and Maeve, who is three. As a family they enjoy the outdoors and being poolside. You might also spot them running kids to Jiu Jitsu and gymnastics classes at the mall, or occasionally getting a soft pretzel as a treat.

Both surgeons are accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment please contact their offices, website, or use MyChart.

Dr. Tom Edgerton, D.O. Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio Phone: (419) 222-6622 orthoohio.com

Dr. Anne Edgerton, M.D. St. Rita’s - General Surgery Phone: (419) 227-7117 MyChart Account

The Edgertons connected at the University of Kentucky, then embarked on a multi-city adventure spanning several years. Not only were they diligently pursuing their medical careers, they were also pursuing each other. At times they commuted long hours to see one another, but it ended up being all worth it when they got married in 2015 in the Bahamas.

Anne grew up here in Shawnee and Tom is from a small town in Mississippi called Meridian, which is similar to Lima. Together in 2019 they decided that Lima, Ohio was the perfect place to raise a family and dedicate themselves to improve the quality of life in the area. Shawnee, in particular, was close to family, work, and was a small community with the country ambiance that they were looking for.

Now, Tom and Anne work together to balance time with their young family and busy surgical practices.

This includes office appointments, surgeries, and trauma calls. The keys to their success have been a wonderful support system and open communication. The Edgertons have two children, Max, who APRIL 2022 • 17

Mercy Matters & Health Care Heroes

The Dynamic Duo

The Golden Boys

Precious Pets

SHAWNEE LIFE

by Georgie Damschroder Golden retrievers are one of the most iconic and recognizable dog breeds in the world.

Their long, light pelts make them easy to distinguish from any other dogs. However, such brilliant fur was looked upon very differently in the 1800s than it is now. Darker colored dogs were considered very fashionable hunting dogs, and some even believed that the color of the animal’s pelt made it a better retriever than its more colorful counterparts. Lighter colored puppies were usually disposed of. Ergo, a golden wavy-coated dog named Nous was given to a Scottish cobbler as a form of debt payment, rather than becoming a hunting dog like the rest of his ebony siblings, according to the Golden Retriever Club of America website. A dog breeder known as Dudley Marjoribanks (later Lord Tweedmouth) noticed the beautiful pooch and bought him off of the cobbler, pairing him with a Tweed water spaniel named Belle.

18 • APRIL 2022

The result? The first three golden retriever puppies in the world: Cowslip, Primrose, and Crocus. Marjoribanks gifted the puppies to many of his friends and family. In fact, Marjoribanks’ youngest son brought the first golden retriever to America, where they are now the fourth most popular dog.

Two of these yellow pooches, Henry and Charlie, reside in Wildbrook with parents David and Kelly, and children Carson and Lydia Frost.

Henry, who is now ten years old, was adopted from another Wildbrook family, who had

SHAWNEE LIFE

developed allergies to the dog. Charlie, who is now three, was adopted from a litter of puppies. For Kelly Frost, it was love at first sight. Both boys love going on walks, especially at Hermon Woodlands here in Lima and Devil’s Lake in Michigan! Charlie is also known to be very fond of water; according to Mrs. Frost, “you can hardly keep him out of it.” The dogs love ice cubes, to the point where Charlie taught himself how to work the ice dispenser on the fridge like a doggy vend-

“It was love at first sight” ing machine!

Both dogs are extremely spoiled! Each year, the Frosts throw extravagant birthday parties for them, complete with cupcakes and gifts. They now become excited whenever anyone sings happy birthday, for they believe that it signifies their special day! The boys also get to tag along on many family vacations, including trips to Hilton Head, Florida Keys and Naples, Florida. Charlie and Henry

snuggle up every night in bed with the Frosts despite the fact that they each have beds of their own. They are also very photogenic; they love the camera!

Charlie and Henry are valued members of the Frost family, which is never short of wagging tails and doggy kisses. No matter what the opinions on these dogs were in the 1800s, there is no doubt about the love these golden boys receive now!

Please let us know if you would like to nominate a precious pet for a future issue Ideas@ShawneeLife.com APRIL 2022 • 19

SHAWNEE LIFE

DISH-cussions

Segue into Spring

with Chicken Peanut Soup

From the kitchen of Greg and Janine Douglass, Wenatchi Trail Greg Douglass is now in his 46th year of education, actively enjoying substitute teaching, as he avidly pursues his passion for cooking and baking.

And I as the DISH-cussions writer for Shawnee Life Magazine, continue to relish the opportunity to share my husband’s and any Shawnee resident’s favorite recipe. Here, by word of mouth (and taste-testing) from our daughter, Summer, a talented culinarian in her own right, is a deliciously filling and satisfying Today Show nutritionist, Joy Bauer’s idea of any day’s ideal balance.

Ingredients:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 rotisserie chicken, skinned and boned 1 large onion 1 cup dry roasted salted peanuts 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 tablespoon garlic 1 tablespoon minced ginger 8 cups chicken broth 2 peeled sliced sweet potatoes 1 large can diced tomatoes 1 teaspoon chili powder ½ teaspoon turmeric ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes ½ teaspoon seasoned salt ¾ jar creamy peanut butter 1 package collard greens

Directions:

savory soup, perfect to segue into spring.

Greg likes to add his version of Red Lobster biscuits, a (vinaigrette) salad like a three-bean to offset the creamy heaviness of the soup, and maybe a homemade oatmeal raisin cookie as dessert. This one meal, featuring beans, greens, nuts and whole grains; 20 • APRIL 2022

Saute chopped onions in oil. Add finger-shredded chicken. Add tomatoes and juice. Add ginger, garlic and seasonings. Bring to a soft boil. Add sweet potatoes, peanuts, and peanut butter. Stir until smooth.

Add broth. Clean and devein collards, chop and add to soup. Soft boil for at least 45 minutes. Taste and add seasonings for personal preference.

SHAWNEE LIFE

Sip & Shop Retail & Gifts Bourbon Tasting Bar

Wine Mead & Craft Beer Bistro Bites

Cheesecake Boozy Chocolates Special Events

purplefeetwineboutique.com

SHOP SHOP SMART.

SHOP LOCAL.

Ride In Luxury Perfect for Proms & Weddings!

Factory are rebates ! available

It’s time to start thinking about Spring Cleaning!

Shop our selection of appliances.

• SERVICES & PARTS • INSTALLATION Check us out on Facebook! @tracysapplianceslima

• APPLIANCES • MATTRESSES

• DELIVERY • FINANCING

419-223-4786

tracysapplianceslima.com

4064 Elida Road, Lima, OH 45807

Request your free quote today!

419-236-3964 LuckyLimoLLC.com APRIL 2022 • 21

Sponsor Spotlight

SHAWNEE LIFE

Powered by

…

O U R H I S TO RY We Moved

Acquisition of

After outgrowing our 800 sq. ft.

Tomz Enterprises

space, we moved to our

YOU ARE HERE

current location at

We purchased a local promotional

1207 Findlay Road, Lima, Ohio,

company and added an additional

Let’s make

and added 2 more

employee, giving us 7 total

history together as

employees, 4 total.

team members.

a team!

1995

2011

2018 2016

2000

NOW

Company Inception

Acquisition of

Acquisition of

Proforma Systems

Add-A-Line Specialties

Longmeier Printing

We purchased a local

& Advertising

Advantage was started in 1995 with 2 employees and an 800 sq. ft. office.

promotional company and added 2 additional employees, making us a team of 6.

We purchased a local printing company and added 4 additional employees giving us a total of 11 employees.

22 • APRIL 2022

SHAWNEE LIFE

­

­

WHY US?

ADD-A-LINE FOR: PRINTING

PROMO ITEMS

B R A N D E D A P PA R E L

DESIGN

E-COMMERCE

WA R E H O U S I N G

APRIL 2022 • 23

SHAWNEE LIFE

Hats for a Heart Amazing Achievers

Shawnee Schools Support Stormy

by Zoe Smith Stormy Smith needed Shawnee’s help and Shawnee’s school community raised it didn’t matter that she attends a differ$5,425 from their Hats for a Heart fundent school district. The Western Buckeye raiser. Shawnee students wore every kind League (WBL) communities came together of hat from their marching band helmets to support this 4th grade or shakos to baseball caps.

Bath student, who was Shawnee sophomore Masuffering from restrictive kiah Mosley says ¨It was cardiomyopathy, a condigreat seeing the community tion that causes part of the working together. I thought heart to grow abnormally everyone was very excitlarge. During January and ed!¨ Shawnee sophomore February, Stormy was at Carter Cleaves added, “It Shawnee Students: Makiah Moseley, Nationwide Children's was really inspiring to see Samantha Smith, Grace Paton Hospital in Columbus awaitmany of our students wearing ing a heart transplant. Stormy’s brother, a hat for a good cause.” Shawnee Middle Van, has a heart condition as well, and School’s Facebook post said it best, “Let’s both children use pacemaker defibrillators. unite as rivals to support Stormy and her Their dad, Greg Smith, passed away from family!” the same heart condition. Needless to say, On Valentine’s Day Stormy received the Stormy’s mom, Kelly, was surprised to find news that an organ donor had become out Ottawa-Glandorf had challenged all available and then she had heart transplant WBL schools to have a Hat Day fundraiser surgery the very next day. The operating where students bring donations and wear a room kept Stormy’s mom, Kelly, updated hat in order to raise money for her and her throughout the entire process. family.

All her pressures looked normal after surgery, which is unheard of for Stormy and the hospital shared that this is not something typically seen with a first catheterization after a transplant.

On Friday, March 4th, after 44 days in the hospital, 13 months on the transplant list, and 16 days in surgery Stormy was able to return home. She was welcomed home with Bath Elementary School students creating a pathway with signs for her as she drove through in a car followed by the Bath fire and police departments. It truly is “heartwarming” to see Shawnee students care for a fellow student in need, no matter where they attend school.

Updates can be found on Lori Griffith’s Cats Who Care Facebook Group

24 • APRIL 2022

SHAWNEE LIFE

Commercial / Residential

PLUMBING HEATING & AIR VENTILATION

NOW IS THE TIME!

Check & service your A.C. units, water heaters, generators & sump pumps!

Call today to schedule!

(419) 339-0729 www.washamplumbing.com

Find a forever home Cross one more thing off your “honey-do” list!

Contest Add Busy B Realty to your “honey-do” list today!

The first 10 people to text us the location of our ad’s hidden sunflower, will win a ‘sweet’ treat on their doorstep.

Text your name, address and the location of the sunflower to 419-371-4633 to enter to win.

BUYING

SELLING

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT (419) 339-0600 | busybrealty.net | darheit@busybrealty.com

BusyBRealty

APRIL 2022 • 25

SHAWNEE LIFE

26 • APRIL 2022

SHAWNEE LIFE

by Nicole Davis As spring begins to blossom here in Shawnee, warmer air and green grass highlight the beauty in our community. In our home, the promise of outdoor adventures has led to several discussions about keeping the Earth clean and safe for all. Reduce, reuse, and recycle is the first thing that comes to mind and is an indication that the celebration of Earth Day is near.

Earth Day is on April 22nd and has been observed for over 50 years, beginning in April of 1970. This annual event not only urges the importance of protecting the environment but gives everyone the opportunity to look for ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle in their own homes.

A great way to start recycling is to keep it simple. Here in the Shawnee community, there are local facilities, store drop-off locations, and events that make dropping off items quick and easy. The very first step begins with determining what works best for you and your family.

One way to kick off the routine of recycling in your home is to collect plastic bags and wraps. These items can be placed in marked bins in the entry way of local retail stores, such as Meijer or Walmart. There are also some nearby options for other household items, including cardboard, paper, and plastics. For Shawnee residents, two local options include the American Township drop-off program and Allen County Recycling.

The American Township program is hosted by the North Central Ohio Solid Waste District (NCO).

This drop-off takes place on the first Thursday of each month behind the old Macy’s building of the Lima Mall. The program lasts from 2:30 to 5 pm.

They only accept paper, flattened carboard, clean #1 and #2 plastics, cleaned glass food jars/bottles with lids removed, and cleaned metal cans.

Allen County Recycling, located at 541 S. Central Avenue, is open Monday through Friday, 8:30-4pm, and Saturday, 8:30-12pm. Their company typically purchases trailer loads of recycling, but household items are also accepted. These items include cardboard, paper, any grade of aluminum, and all grades of steel. To drop-off, simply drive through the gate and recycle your separated items. The staff there is very helpful and will help guide you.

Are there special ways your family helps to reduce, reuse, and recycle?

Please share them with us on our private Facebook group page: Shawnee Life APRIL 2022 • 27

Seasonal Selection

Recycling Round Up

SHAWNEE LIFE

Savvy Spaces

by Tisha Barnes Many people often ask how you distinguish between an Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator. Interior Design is the science of understanding behaviors to help a property owner create a functional space within the boundaries of a building. It is geared toward creating an efficient layout for not only homes but workplaces, public spaces, and commercial interiors. This level of design can be thought of more as an Interior Architect. Interior Decorating is the furnishing of a space with beauty and fashionable styling incorporating style inspiration, color schemes, texture of accessories and functionality of these design pieces.

Both can have an impact on a space and contribute to creativity, happiness, and our wellbeing.

Interior Design isn’t just for big city multi-bajillionaires.

An interior designer will focus more on the form and function of your space while also performing project management, design concepts, site measurement & assessment, purchasing, and design consultation.

They have the skills and resources to create technical drawings which can help you redesign your home’s layout and provide you with a 3-D view of the space before you commit to a major space change. An example would be removing a wall to increase overall form and function within the bounds of your existing home. An Interior Designer can also aid you in buying the right size furniture for your space, making sure that it is not too big or too small for the space.

They can also help with those decorating functions of picking out color schemes and style inspiration to make your space feel warm and inviting. The value that an Interior Designer brings can help you get the 28 • APRIL 2022

best bang for your buck by making the best design choices that will aid to the value of your home while also helping improve the quality of your life.

Space adaptation has certainly become more of a focus since the pandemic has descended on all our lives.

Many of you I am sure had to adapt to figuring out how to work from home, sometimes with more than one partner, having to juggle what used to be your living space and now become your workspace, while also finding space for your kids to learn throughout the day.

Our homes had to adapt out of necessity. We had to work from home, school from home and vacation from home. We adapted spaces to do things that we never planned for when we built or bought our homes. These are the very challenges that an Interior Designer can help you tackle.

WHO IS TISHA BARNES? How did an Idaho girl end up in Ohio? First let me introduce myself, my name is Tisha Barnes of Indianbrook. I was relocated to Lima when my husband Heath was offered a job opportunity in the area. We were originally from the Northern Idaho region, where both of us were born and raised. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington State University, in Interior Design. We also have five children scattered throughout the US from Seattle to Miami. I am looking forward helping to guide and learning from you as well.

SHAWNEE LIFE

What’s Your Favorite Space?

Our homes are much more than a place we live.

They’re a place we feel safe, connected, comforted, and most importantly LOVED. Let’s learn from each other. Take a photo of a space you love: a wall, a corner, a room, a bookshelf, a patio, a porch and send it along with an explanation of why you love this space to Ideas@ShawneeLife. com for possible inclusion in a future issue.

To get things started, Tisha has shared a photo of a space in her home that she loves with an explanation of why.

Tisha’s Favorite Space

A favorite place in my home, is our back patio, it is such a wonderful extension to relax with family and friends. This winter I finally found the piece of furniture that would complete the patio, the Abbott Island and Hutch from Pottery Barn. I first fell in love with the Abbott Hutch two years ago but could not bring myself to pay $2499. A couple of months ago, I found the hutch on Facebook Marketplace for $325 in Dayton, Ohio. The original owner had painted the beautiful wood.

After sanding it and staining I brought it back to the original finish. I am looking forward to entertaining on our cozy patio this summer.

APRIL 2022 • 29

SHAWNEE LIFE

Meet the Publishers

Getting to know

the Schoonovers

Originally Written by Brenda Burgy, May 2021 Updated by the Schoonovers, March 2022 After years of living a fast-paced life on the West Coast, Nick and Diane Schoonover packed their bags and moved to the Midwest.

It was a homecoming for Nick who was born and raised in Lima and graduated from Elida High School. For Diane, a San Francisco native, it was a new but welcome change.

Nick has spent his professional life in the computer industry as a consultant, sales engineer, and in several marketing roles for start-up companies in Silicon Valley.

“I’ve been programming since I was 10. Ever since I’ve

Diane has been a teacher all her professional life. First at the elementary level, then as an administrator. Since her move to Lima, almost 3 years ago, she has been teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) to adults at Apollo Career Center, as well as working with small groups at Shawnee Maplewood and Shawnee Middle School.

Their path has been anything but traditional and they wouldn’t have it any other way. This fun-loving couple met through a dating site and Nick says he knew on their first date that he would marry Diane. “I knew the first time she smiled at me, and it lit up the room,” says Nick. “And

“we’re looking forward to many more years living the Shawnee Life” been hooked, so moving to the San Francisco Bay Area in my mid-20’s made a lot of sense,” says Nick. “I wanted to chase startup gold, but it was tough to leave family and friends behind. I’ve had a lot of business successes and even more failures, but I took calculated risks and tried my best,” he says.

30 • APRIL 2022

I knew he’d be a great dad,” says Diane. They married, soon became pregnant and decided to retire early to enjoy life with their baby. The two are now the proud parents of seven-year-old Evan.

When Evan started school, Nick says he was losing his playmate and needed to fill the hours, so he came out of

SHAWNEE LIFE

early retirement. The couple also started thinking that they didn’t want to raise their family in California. Terrible traffic, wildfires and a generally lower quality of life prompted the two to explore their options.

They were financially stable with their businesses, and Nick could really work from anywhere. After discussing it, they decided to move to Lima. “The cost of living and quality of life were great here and we would be close to family. We wanted a different pace, so we sold everything we owned in California and moved to Lima,” says Nick.

“We searched high and low but kept circling back to this house in Indianbrook. It checked all the boxes for us! There were lots of young children in the neighborhood for Evan to play with, it was family friendly, put us close to our own family and because we’re social people, would enable us to entertain,” says Nick. “We often feel like our home and yard are like a vacation spot,” says Nick. “We’re looking forward to firing up the smoker and hosting huge back yard pool parties again!”

The family loves to go on little adventures with their son– like COSI and Kalahari. “It’s the beauty of being close to things. There’s little traffic. It’s so easy to get around. We don’t take that for granted,” says Diane. Evan is thrilled to have a new buddy in the house. Brownie is the family’s mini goldendoodle puppy and the love for this newest member is immeasurable! The family also loves to eat out. However, they miss the variety of ethnic food offerings in California, luckily larger cities are a short drive.

When Jodie Robinson approached them about taking over the magazine, they immediately saw this as a wonderful opportunity and we’re looking forward to many more years living the Shawnee Life.

APRIL 2022 • 31

Receive exclusive invites and offers!

Simply sign up for our VIP text list!

Join our private Facebook Group for: • Special Offers from Sponsors • Early Access Invitations for Exclusive Events • Connect with other Shawnee Life readers

http://GROUP.ShawneeLife.com

Text "shawnee life" to 855-608-0689 Normal text messaging rates apply.

Text "STOP" to opt out. Text "HELP" for help.

Receive up to 3 messages per month.

Shawnee Life Magazine Start your own text marketing campaign at SlickText.com