15 MAKING A MARK

Registration now underway for Shawnee LifeWise Academy

by Brenda Burgy of Pond View Estates

Did you know that Shawnee Elmwood and Maplewood students can now attend off-site, non-denominational, Bible-based character education classes during the school day?

It’s true! The Shawnee School Board of Education recently approved Released Time Religious Instruction to begin this school year. If you have not yet enrolled your student, there is still time. The good news? There’s no cost to you. The program is funded through private donations and the church, and no school or public resources will be used.

Shawnee LifeWise Academy is a new and exciting collaboration between Shawnee Alliance Church and LifeWise Academy. The program, which adheres to both federal and state laws, is rapidly growing in popularity in the Lima area and all participation is voluntary upon permission of the parent or guardian.

“Whether through Trunk-N-Treat, Upward Basketball, 5th Quarter, and now LifeWise Academy, our desire at Shawnee Alliance Church is to offer opportunities that spiritually enrich families in our community,” says Pastor Kris Browning. “We have seen tremendous impact academically and socially for children in Elida and other nearby communities that have begun similar programs, and I am prayerfully optimistic that LifeWise Shawnee will meet a need for many of our families,” he says.

Indianbrook resident Josh Keller is excited about LifeWise coming to Shawnee. “I’m really looking forward to seeing Released Time Religious Instruction help fill a need in supporting the spiritual growth and character development of the youth in our community,” says Keller. “I appreciate the hard work and collaboration between Shawnee Alliance Church, Shawnee Schools, and the Shawnee community to create this exciting opportunity. While my oldest daughter moves to the Middle School next year, I am looking forward to enrolling my youngest as soon as she begins attending Elmwood in a couple of years!”

WHEN: The program will initially be offered to Elmwood and Maplewood students beginning this fall. Students will have the option of attending weekly LifeWise classes during “Specials” time, which will take place during the school day, for approximately 40 minutes.

WHERE: All Released Time Religious Instruction will take place at Shawnee Alliance Church, 4455 Shawnee Road. Shawnee Alliance Church will provide transportation to and from the program.

STAFFING: LifeWise will be staffed with skilled teachers who have experience working with and teaching children. Volunteers will chaperone students to and from the elementary buildings and help in the classroom. Everyone involved with LifeWise will undergo a thorough background screening.

ENROLLMENT: To enroll your child in Shawnee LifeWise Academy, please visit: lifewiseacademy.org/limashawneeoh and complete the enrollment form.

If you have questions or concerns, or are interested in making a financial donation, please contact Pastor Kris Browning, Shawnee Alliance Church, at 419-991-6546 or via email at limashawneeoh@ lifewiseacademy.org.

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We heard those words 50 years ago and off into LIFE we went! Now we are coming back together to commemorate and share our journeys and the joys, sorrows, challenges and triumphs experienced along the way! Our goal is to have as many classmates as possible together since our Dear Ol’ Shawnee Band played Pomp and Circumstance on June 4th, 1972. 50 Years is an achievement, a milestone, a triumph… Let’s celebrate US!

Friday through Sunday, October 7 – 9, 2022

Our Host Hotel: Wingate by Wyndham (visitgreaterlima.com)

Friday, October 7

5:30 pm – 6:30 pm - Complimentary Reunion Tailgate Party Pre-Game at J’s American Pub 7:00 pm - Shawnee versus Ottawa Glandorf Football Game General Admission Tickets - $8 online Shawnee High School, 3333 Zurmehly Road, Lima 45806 Post-Game Libations Downtown

Saturday, October 8

10:00 am - A personal, Steve Owen, A.D., TOUR of Shawnee High School, Classrooms & Activity Areas Afternoon – Meet & Greet Hospitality Room at Wingate by Wyndham Time for Tennis or Golf! 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Reunion Reception and Hosted Bar 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm – Reunion Dinner - $50 per person Veteran’s Memorial Civic and Convention Center, City Club Banquet Room. 7 Town Square, Lima 45801

Sunday, October 9

9:00 am – Noon – Fond Farewell Brunch with Mimosas - $10 per person In ArtSpace Lima, across the street from the Wingate by Wyndham

Contact the Committee at shawneeclassof1972@gmail.com Free Water Testing & Advising Pool Installation • Retail Store • Service Department Large Selection of Chemical Lines Family - Owned

419-999-1505 Shawneepoolslima.com 4580 Spencerville Rd., Lima, OH 45805

WARNING: Business Owners with too much money! Do not advertise in Shawnee Life or you will get a lot more business and exceed your wallet’s capacity. You’ve been warned.

For everyone else, contact: ads@ShawneeLife.com

SHAWNEE OPTIMIST CLUB

OFFICERS: Dave Belton - President, Barb Dukeman - Vice President, Patty Cassell – Secretary, Jenene Nicholson - Treasurer

by Jenene Nicholson, Shawnee Optimist Club Treasurer

The Shawnee Optimist Club was organized more than 40 years ago as part of Optimist International.

• Mission: By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves.

• Vision: Optimist International is recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all children and helps them develop to their full potential.

• Purposes: To develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed; to promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs; to inspire respect for the law; to promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people; to aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world.

32 members meet at noon on the first Wednesday of each month at the Old Barn Restaurant and Grill. Our next member meeting will be on September 7, 2022.

We sponsor the Shawnee Middle School Junior Optimist Club and the Shawnee High School Octagon Club.

Some of our projects include:

Optimist International Oratorical Contest – Interested students present a speech on the pre-assigned topic at a school-level contest. The top 10 students move on to compete at the club level. This winner can then move on to the regional, state and possibly international level.

Optimist International Essay Contest - Interested students submit an 700-800 word essay on the pre-assigned topic. The Essay Contest gives young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. In addition to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity to win a college scholarship!

College Scholarship Contest – We offer up to five $1000 scholarships to graduating seniors from the following schools: Shawnee, Apollo, LCC and Perry

Educator of the Year – Each year we honor one educator for their dedication and service to the students in our community.

Safety Officer of the Year – Each year we honor one safety officer - either a Fireman or Police Officer from Shawnee or Perry Township, for their valor and service to the members in our community.

Shawnee Optimist Salute America Flag Project – We put up over 80 flags in front Shawnee, Apollo and LCC on National holidays.

Students of Honor and Achievement – We honor five graduating seniors with a banquet from each of the following schools: Shawnee, Apollo, Perry and LCC.

FUNDRAISER: The Spring Pancake Breakfast is our largest fundraiser. In 2022 we served more than 800 meals and raised more than $6000.

Facebook.com/Shawnee-Optimists-297323585401