Shawnee Life - October 2022

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

Neighborhood

SponsorDirectory

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

APPLIANCES

Tracy’s Appliances (419) 223-4786

Westrich Furniture & Appliances (419) 695-6045

CANCER CARE / ONCOLOGY

Cancer Care of West Central Ohio (419) 221-2273

CHRISTMAS LIGHTING Light Up Lima (567) 208-0551

CLEANING

Mark’s Maid Service (419) 604-0298

Northwest Ohio Kwik Dry (419) 701-2081

DONATION PICK UP

Habitat for Humanity Lima ReStore (419) 222-4937

EDUCATION

Lima Central Catholic High School (419) 222-4276

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

Brunk Electric (800) 642-8942

ENTERTAINMENT

Westgate Entertainment Center (419) 227-7231

EVENT SPACE

The Meeting Place on Market (419) 330-5630

FINANCIAL ADVISORS

Financial Clarity Group (513) 752-0386

FOOD & DRINK

Old Barn Restaurant & Grill (419) 991-3075

Purple Feet Wine Boutique (567) 940-9944

The Meeting Place on Market (419) 330-5630

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

HEALTHCARE

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

HEATING & AIR

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

Washam Plumbing Heating & Air (419) 339-0729

INSURANCE

Beery Insurance Services (419) 228-4000

JEWELER

Vons Diamonds & Jewelry (419) 227-5616

MANUFACTURERS & INDUSTRY Cenovus Energy Lima Refinery (419) 226-2300

PET MEMORIAL SERVICES Bayliff & Son (419) 645-4501

PHOTOGRAPHY

The Ayers, Inc. (419) 222-9377

PLUMBING

Washam Plumbing Heating & Air (419) 339-0729

PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS & PRINTING SERVICES

ProForma Add-A-Line (419) 224-8747

REALTORS

Busy B Realty (419) 339-0600

Cowan Realtors (419) 222-1212

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Burton’s Ridge Assisted Living (419) 228-8412

SECURITY

Lima Security, Inc. (419) 222-1250

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

ProForma Add-A-Line (419) 224-8747

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

TRANSPORTATION / LIMOS / PARTY BUS

Lucky Limo, LLC (419) 236-3964

WEDDINGS

The Ayers, Inc. (419) 222-9377

Lucky Limo, LLC (419) 236-3964

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Affordable Blinds & Window Fashions (419) 230-1558

CONTENTS

20 TALK OF THE TOWN - PATIO PARTIES

16 PARTY ON A TRUCK VISITS LIMA

6 FROM DIANE’S DESK

A message from the publisher, Diane Schoonover.

12 MAKING A MARK

See what a difference our local non-profit organizations and service groups are making.

14 THE JOY OF ...

This is where our readers show off their favor ite toy, hobby or passion that brings joy!

23

MERCY MATTERS

Learn how Mercy Health provides high-quality hometown care.

24 SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Our sponsors have the opportunity to share who they are and how their businesses work.

27 CENOVUS SAYS

Get the latest news from Lima Refinery and learn how Cenovus is reducing environmen tal impacts, leveraging new technology, and contributing to our community.

8

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS: MEET THE SCHNELL FAMILY

28 PRECIOUS PETS

Everyone loves to share stories about their pets. Find out how many people tend to treat them like another member of the family.

31 FINANCIAL FOCUS

Securities, Real Estate, Tax Planning. We bring the sharpest minds with their practi cal advice of how to strategically invest your capital to meet you family’s goals.

32 SAVVY SPACES

Inspiration abounds as we highlight interior design ideas, curb appeal strategies, and explain how to make your house feel like a home.

35 DISH-CUSSIONS

What’s cooking in Shawnee? This is where you will discover a delicious recipe and the story behind the dish and the chef!

36 AMAZING ACHIEVERS

Our Junior Writers and school staff share stories about successful students, athletes or events in the local schools.

39 WELCOME WAGON

New people are always moving into Shawnee... meet them here!

From Diane’s Desk...

Happy Fall Y’all!

Fall is upon us and I love the change in weather! Drinking pumpkin spice lattes, visiting pumpkin patches, decorating for Halloween, trickor-treating, wearing sweaters and boots, and enjoying some snuggle time under a warm blanket by a fire are all things I look forward to during this season. I was also digging into some old photos of various Halloween costumes and couldn’t help but gush over my now 8-year-old in his Elmo costume from long ago or our family photo from last year where Nick was a gaucho, Evan was Charizard and I was his Pokemon Trainer! We are just now beginning to ponder this year’s costumes and I look forward to seeing what everyone will be wearing for Halloween!

Photos really are stories in themselves. I was recently told that Shawnee Life Magazine is read from cover to cover because most likely as you are reading, you will probably know somebody or see a photo of someone you recognize! Our mission of connecting new people together, while also strengthening current connections is literally happening before my eyes! I take great joy when I receive submissions from readers, so please continue to tell us your stories! I really could see doing this forever because the stories people have to share are endless.

Send your stories or article ideas to Diane@ShaweeLife.com! Also, if you have any local businesses you love, let me know so I can ask them about advertising in the magazine!

MEET

Diane Schoonover Publisher

Michael Ayers Photographer

Nick Schoonover The man with no name

Janine Douglass DISH-cussions

Anca Deifendeifer Qin Making a Mark

Georgianna Damschroder Precious Pets

Molly Ellerbrock Graphic Designer

Julie Lundin Know Your Neighbor

Nicole Davis Welcome Wagon & Mercy Matters

Tara Reynolds Bales Talk of the Town Lifestyle

Paige Brinkman Amazing Achievers

Meet the FamilySchnell

Know Your Neighbors

by Julie Lundin

No…it’s not a trick! Dave and Abbey Schnell of Abnaki Trail in Indianbrook are a real treat! The Schnells have been living in their home for five years and they love the neighborhood! Dave and Abbey enjoy taking their dogs, a six year old Bernedoodle named Paisley and their three year old Golden Retriever, Hank, for walks in the evening. “We feel so safe and people are always waving when they walk or drive by,” said Abbey. Dave and Ab bey are expecting their first child in November, and they are excited to take walks with their little one!

Originally from Wapako neta, Dave is a Manufac turing Operations Leader at Procter & Gamble. He has worked at P & G for 11 years, including locations in Tennessee, Cincinnati, and now here in Lima. Abbey is from Lima and graduated from LCC. She has been a Speech-Language Patholo gist for nine years. For five

years she worked for the Allen County Educational School System mainly working with students that have been diagnosed with Autism. Currently, she is a PRN (on-call) therapist for Encompass Care.

Dave and Abbey met when they were both living and working in Cincinnati. They still like to go back to Cin cinnati several times a year to visit their favorite places and attend Reds and Bengals games.

The Schnells love to travel to new places every year…preferably locations with a beach! Their favorite vacation was St. Lucia, where they went on their honeymoon six years ago. They also enjoy going to Destin, Florida with family as often as possible. Dave and Ab bey love to spend time with their family here in

Lima, Wapak, or down at Indian Lake. Abbey’s dad lives on Indian Lake and weekend visits filled with boat rides, floating on the sandbar, and grilling out are always fun! Playing games such as Farkle, Rummikub, and Tenzi, as well as semicompetitive volleyball games with friends and family are also favorites. Dave is an Ohio State fan and Abbey is a Notre Dame fan, so in the fall the Schnells love to go to the football games. They try to alternate between Ohio State and Notre Dame games every other year just to keep it fair! Surviving football Saturdays in their house can be quite challenging! How ever, despite rooting for different football teams, they both enjoy going to Garth Brooks concerts and attending various other concerts, as well. Lastly, Dave and Abbey enjoy go ing out to eat at Beer Barrel, J. Marie’s, and Boshamps in Destin.

Abbey introduced several traditions that both she and Dave have continued amongst themselves. One tradition is getting their family in a large circle at weddings and singing “That’s Amore” to the newly married couple. During Christmas they enjoy large family gatherings filled with games, finding the Christmas pickle on the tree, and looking for Mary Margarita… a figurine that Abbey’s grandma received one year as a joke and has turned into a family tradition!

October is the month of ghosts, goblins, and trick-ortreating…and the Schnells have a spooktacular time with Halloween! They host a party with family, which in cludes a costume contest and many different games. Abbey’s famous short rib tacos may even make an appear ance! So, if you are in Indianbrook on Begger’s Night, be sure to stop by the Schnell house to get your treats and wish Dave and Abbey well on their “new adventure” arriving next month! Congratula tions!

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Making a Mark

Equestrian Therapy Program

Email: etpfarm@etpfarm.org Phone: 419-657-2700 Address: 22532 Bowsher Rd Cridersville, Ohio 45806

by Paige Brinkman

The Equestrian Therapy Program (ETP) celebrates their 40th anniversary this year and they are asking the community to donate $40 for 40 years! In 1982, Ann Fassett wanted to start a therapeutic riding program at her Briarhedge Farm. After an all-weather indoor arena was built, a pilot program was held with 16 young riders in 1983. The program officially began in 1984 and they received riders from St. Rita’s, Lima Memorial and Marimor Workshop. After numerous changes, ground was broken for the new building and entrance in 2010, which added a second indoor arena, a large office, a conference room and of course, more horse stalls.

ETP serves both children and adults with a wide range of dis abilities. One step of the horse leads to 120 movements in the rider’s body, forcing the body to use different muscles to stay on the horse. Andrews-Sabol also added that non-verbal kids often say their first words while at therapy.

Fassett Farm is beautiful and very big and it was nice to see so many different spaces for lessons. They have 50 acres of land with three barns, two indoor arenas and trails in the woods. There is always something happening on the farm! They also offer a seating area on the bleachers so parents may sit and watch their kids during a session. After observing a lesson myself I noticed that the instructor and volunteers looked to be very helpful and engaged with the child riding. I felt the passion for their mission, after speaking with the Executive Director.

The Equestrian Therapy Program at Fassett Farm in Criders ville was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit by the trustees: Ann & Joe Fassett and Bev Thompson. Their mission is to im prove the quality of life for the disabled. To do this, they offer many activities and therapies that are equine facilitated. They have five different programs: Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Hippotherapy, Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy and Learning, Boots on the Ground, and Leading to Literacy.

Executive Director, Michele Andrews-Sabol, explains that “this is more than just a pony ride. These horses give riders great physical and emotional benefit!” Horseback riding has been shown to be a therapeutic treatment for a variety of physi cal and mental disabilities. Some disabilities that see benefits include cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, autism, developmental delays and even anxiety. While attending this type of therapy, you can see people benefit in various ways. This specialized therapy helps improve gross motor function, spasticity, muscle asymmetry, posture and bal ance, development of trust, and comfort. (Grandjean, 2015). “It has been clinically documented that just being around horses changes human brainwave patterns” (McVeigh, 2012).

Five-year-old Arden, was referred to ETP from her Occu pational Therapist to aid in her coping skills with Sensory Processing Disorder. Arden’s mom, Sara, immediately noticed that what she was learning during her horseback riding ses sions aligned with what she was working on at Occupational Therapy. Arden instantly warmed up to her instructor, Allison. Both Sara and Arden agree that Allison makes the classes fun, physical and educational. Sara is happy to share that, “We have found something Arden truly loves and as much as it benefits her, it benefits me to see her doing something that brings so much joy to her life!”

At Fassett Farm, all the instructors that teach classes have received special training and achieved certification. These instructors teach riding skills, create lesson plans, and manage volunteers, all in order to help the riders achieve their goals.

Founders: Joe Fassett, Ann Fassett, Bev Thompson

Peyton Craig, Arden Marsh and Kendal Moyer

Volunteers also have to go through training in order to be a side walker, leader, or part of the maintenance team. A side walker helps the rider stay on the horse, understand the lesson and have fun. A leader leads the horse during the lesson, making sure the horse stays on track.

Fassett Farm is always in need of volunteers so if you have a love of horses and helping people, please visit etpfarm.org and sign up! They are also having their 28th annual Ride-A-Thon event on October 22nd from 10am - 2pm, in honor of their 40th anniversary with free food, games, hayrides and much more! There will be opportunities to support this wonderful program through a silent auction, penny auction, and a 50/50 raffle!

References: Grandjean, Peter Walter. “The Efficacy of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies ...” McVeigh, Tracy. “Not Just Horsing around ... Psychologists Put Their Faith in Equine Therapies.”

Cowan Realtors supports the Equestrian Therapy Program because over the years we have seen what an impact the therapy has on the young riders that are fortunate enough to participate. We are so blessed to have a program like this in our area. It would not be possible without donations from local sponsors and all the hard work from Michele, the staff and the volunteers. It truly takes a village to support a program of this magnitude and ensure its continued success for years to come. They are always looking for volunteers and new sponsors. I would urge anyone that is interested to reach out to them to discuss the available opportunities. You won’t find a more rewarding way to give back than to support this remarkable local program.

- Ashley Cowan-Meas, ETP Board Member

The Joy of HALLOWEEN

How The Schnells CELEBRATE

By Abbey and David Schnell of Abnaki Trail

Celebrating Halloween had previously been a family tradition on Abbey’s side of the family for 15+ years. Growing up we were always excited to see what cos tumes the adults would pick to wear and who would win the costume competition. As everyone got older and busier the Halloween party eventually came to an end and everyone did their own things as time went on.

We were previously looking at old pictures and loved hearing our older relatives talk about how much they enjoyed and missed it, so we wondered “well why not start it back up again?” As of the past year in 2021 we decided we wanted to bring back the fun tradition of dress ing up, playing games, and enjoying each other’s company. We love any excuse to get to gether with family and thought it would be the perfect time to make it happen again.

Halloween allows you to bring out your inner child no matter how old you are. It gives you an excuse to buy all the spooky decorations, dress up, play fun games, and eat all the treats.

We are look ing forward to hosting another Halloween party this year and hoping to continue the tradition as the years go on.

and The Bakers HALLOWEEN

By Dan & Misty Baker of Tillamook Trail

As the leaves begin to turn and a chill returns to the evening hours, fall returns to Ohio bringing with it the favorite holi day season for the Baker family, Halloween!

What could be more fun than dressing up in a new costume and celebrating with friends and family over sweet treats, themed foods, and creative cocktails? Each year Dan, Misty, Kaia, and Braden Baker trans form the interior of their house into a Halloween celebration. Thoughts of this year’s costume choices begin to invade in late August, as retailers start to display their newest selections for the season. Once choices are made, (and remade!), we slowly transform the house, room by room, into our own personal nightmare.

Each year, we will find a creative project to create something new. Last year we made severed heads on spikes to decorate our kitchen! From the scary and macabre, to the funny and outrageous, we add to the décor every year creating our own “haunted house” and capping off the season with a gathering of friends to celebrate the scary!

It’s all in fun and brings our family together to enjoy the spooky sea son with a lot of laughs. We will usually make

trips to King’s Island and Cedar Point for their haunted seasons and have done Disney World several times as well. Seeing the creative decorations in the neighbor hoods surrounding us is also a favorite past-time. Trick-orTreat night is such a joy to see everyone proudly parading in their costumes and the smiles as they fill their bags with candy. Oh, and the kids have fun, too!

Party on a Truck

Party on a Truck arrived right on time for an 8-year-old birthday party gathering on a rainy Sunday morning in Shawnee. Normally the weather might cause a stressful con dition, but in this case it didn’t matter! The look on Evan’s face as the video game truck pulled up was priceless, while he exclaimed, “This is for ME?!” This birthday boy wished for something very cool that his friends hadn’t seen before and boy did he get it!

Parents dropped off their kids and each guest was given an all-access VIP lanyard to enter the truck. They immediately began choosing the games they wanted to play, while Game Coach and Owner, Joy, helped everyone get started. Fa vorite games inside the truck were Minecraft and Fortnite, while the Wii and Switches on the outside of the truck invit ed the kids to play the ever-popular Mario Kart or get down and boogie with Just Dance! Eli Young said, “It was really good fun! It had all the gaming consoles hooked up to big screen TVs and all the games that you could want! I liked playing on the Switch most!” His brother, Oliver agreed that “it was cool! It had a lot of stuff: Xbox, Nintendo and lots of cool stuff! I liked the Nintendo because me and my brother got to play Mario Kart and Smash on a big TV.”

Every guest was happily occupied in the truck which meant last-minute preparations for the party afterwards were easily completed. More importantly, parents were able to chat un interrupted while the kids were entertained. At this party the kids were inspired to raid the birthday boy’s costume closet and returned to the truck in various Minecraft and Fortnite costumes! Owen Schumm dressed up as a Minecraft Creeper and said he “loved it and it was nice!” Emmy Davis liked that “it had so many games and enough controllers so everyone can play together.”

If you are looking to “spice-up” a traditional birthday party or any type of event, Party on a Truck, is a great idea that gives the attendees an experience to remember. It is also extremely adaptable to a wide range of ages, which makes this a unique option for parties. Even adults wanted to get in on the games and had fun!

Owen Ellis loved it so much he wants it for his birthday. His brother, Austin, shared that he loved playing Mortal Kombat with his brother and friends.

After the party James Dwyer stated, “the best part of the party was definitely the video game truck!”

An Interview with Party on a Truck, Owner, Joy James

Why and how did you get into this busi ness?

A friend of mine was renting a video game truck from a company in Michigan and asked if I would go and view it with her before she paid her money. I went and saw how awesome it was and I asked why she traveled all that way to rent and she stated we didn’t have one in the area. I knew it would be great for Toledo and the sur rounding areas, so I did my research and figured out how to get one asap!

How many years have you been doing this?

It will be four years in December!

What is your favorite part about doing parties?

My favorite part about doing the parties is pulling up and seeing the excitement on the faces of the kids AND adults, when they are looking in the truck to see what games they are going to play. I meet so many people and they always greet me with a smile because I’m providing them with a fun service!

What other services do you offer?

We offer a mobile video game experience out of our truck with a variety of game systems and multiple TVs. We also offer other services such as movie nights, karaoke, and tournaments. In addition to the game truck we started of fering a photo booth mirror that we can bring out to your event, along with props to make it super fun and engaging. You’ll receive prints either physically or through text as keepsakes!

What kind of events have you done?

The main type of events that we’ve done have been birth day parties, but we’ve done community engagement events, festivals, family reunions, weddings, after-proms, after school programs, graduation parties, school incentive events, bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate events, post sports game celebrations, and we can serve almost any situation.

Tell us a little bit about yourself :

I was born and raised in Toledo Ohio, I graduated from Jesup W. Scott, and then went on to complete my bachelor’s degree in finance and master’s in business administration at the University of Toledo. I have an extensive background in finance (yes, I’m a numbers girl), but I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit! As a child I wanted to own a daycare because I loved being around kids and having fun with them. But as I got older, I realized owning a daycare was not all fun and games. So, what better way to run my own business and do what I love at the same time than by running a mobile video game business! I get to have fun at all times, while giving myself the freedom to spend as much time as I can with my little guy Manuel (my son) and my very supportive family!

Party on a Truck Toledo is willing to travel to Lima for your event! If two events are booked in one day, Joy will waive the travel fee. 419-665-3696 PartyOnATruck.com Facebook: @PARTYONATRUCKTOLEDO

Some images courtesy of TheAyers.com

Core

L I M A C E N T R A L

Student Well-b

At Lima Central Catholic we focus on STUDENT WELL BEING by nurturing a student’s spiritual, intellectual, physical and social/emotional growth in a safe and supportive environment

Talk of the Town

Summer Patio Parties!

by Tara Reynolds Bales

Lima truly is the place to be! Many locals realized this during the summer while enjoying a variety of patio parties around town. The vibe at these three venues was relaxed, fun, and a spot where friends and family spent their time laughing, sing ing, and creating memories! New connections were also made which truly strengthens the sense of community!

19 HAWTHORNE’S PATIO PARTY

CURTAIN CALL SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

The Patio Party at 19 Hawthorne on Thursday nights through out the summer highlighted local musicians and local food trucks. Guests were invited to grab a seat on the back patio of the venue or bring their own lawn chair and enjoy the beauti ful scenery. The backdrop surrounding Hawthorne 19’s patio is definitely photo-worthy! As you sit on the patio you feel trans ported to a destination far away that vacations are made of! Drink specials were also available. Mark your 2023 calendars now for April-September when their patio parties return.

“The Patio Parties at 19 Hawthorne have created a small com munity of people who enjoy local live music and great food in a beautiful setting. It has been fun to watch new friendships form and memories being made! Join us!” - Chad Hughes, Manager and Creative Director of 19 Hawthorne Wedding and Event Venue, 1000 Fetter Road, Lima

The Veteran’s Memorial Civic and Convention Center in downtown Lima presented a Curtain Call Summer Concert Series with free live music, specialty cocktails and featured food trucks on Thursday evenings from 5-7 on the Happy Daz Patio at 7 Town Square.

Alison Hedges, a local music teacher at Elmwood School, went to hear a friend play one evening and found the atmo sphere to be very welcoming. “I enjoyed listening to the music and I was even able to take my two boys with me. Lima has great music talent! This is a hidden gem in Lima with a big city feel,” according to Alison.

Bubba Scott Nunnery of Mills Road was one of the perform ers during the Curtain Call Summer Concert Series. “As a transplant to Lima I can’t count how many times I’ve said, ‘I wish there was more to do!’ Now in the summer, this is what I do…and I look forward to it all year. I think the partnership between local businesses, the arts community and the Civic Center can’t be overstated; it’s what makes this incredibly simple event so special.”

Dana Babani’s husband, Keno, from Indianbrook, was also one of the musicians that rocked the stage this summer. Dana said, “We look forward to the Curtain Call events each summer. The patio is the perfect outdoor venue and it’s a fun evening out with friends or family. Hearing all the local artists is a bonus as well!”

The Curtain Call events ended in August, but they are hosting an encore per formance on the Happy Daz Patio on Wednesday, October 5th from 6-8pm for ONE MORE CONCERT! Keno will be the artist that evening and there will be a VIP Bour bon Tasting experience. The featured cocktail of the night will be the Harvest Apple Bourbon Cocktail, so mark your calen dars now for a wonderful night out!

OLD BARN’S PATIO TIME

indoors. They also offer specialty buffets but their full service menu and bar are always available! Music enter tainment is offered on Friday and Saturday nights and Old Barn is one of the few venues that runs their live mu sic schedule throughout the month of October, so it isn’t too late to join the party!

“On nice nights, there is nothing better than the patio with live music, the lights, and all the firepits! The atmosphere is fantas tic!” – Pete Williams, Owner, Old Barn, 3175 West Elm St, Lima You are also encouraged to bring your dog to Pups on the Patio on Wednesday nights, while the weather is still nice.

It’s PATIO TIME! During the summer, guests at the Old Barn Out Back were invited to enjoy drinks, ap petizers, and dinner outside on the beautiful patio under the quaint rows of string lights. As we move into colder weather, outside heaters are provided, or the entertainment can be moved

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.

Meet Healthcare Hero: Dr. Sandra Herrington, M.D.

by Nicole Davis

Meet Dr. Sandra Herrington M.D. from Hawthorne Drive in Shawnee. Dr. Herrington is a Radiation Oncologist at Mercy St. Rita’s and has over 25 years of experience in her field. She specializes in prostate cancer and can provide treatment for all other types of cancer as well as benign tumors. Sandra shared, “We treat cancer all of the time!” The important thing is prevention. Doing routine mammograms, PSA blood tests, and colonoscopies can catch cancer earlier, which can give patients a higher chance of being cured.

Dr. Herrington grew up in southeastern Michigan, not too far from Detroit. She always had the goal to become a biolo gist and work academically. This ambition led her to earn her undergraduate degree at Michigan State and her master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. Her career path changed while she was in graduate school at the University of Kansas earning her PHD in Biology. The job market was tough and through her sister’s affiliation, as a nurse in the U.S. Air Force, Sandra found a new direction. Dr. Herrington joined the Air Force and, because of their need for doctors, she earned her medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Sandra earned the prestigious rank of Lt. Colonel and served honorably in the United States Air Force at WrightPatterson Airforce Base near Dayton, Ohio for 15 ½ years.

While working in the U.S. Air Force, Sandra also met her husband Dan. They are happily married and share two special anniversaries. After tying the knot with a romantic wedding by a court judge in Dayton, Ohio, they then had a more traditional ceremony/honeymoon a few days later in Bora Bora! Sandra and Dan also have two children. Their son Eric is a gradu ate from The Ohio State University. He works as a document editor for a law firm in a suburb outside of Columbus and is an aspiring author. Becky, their daughter, is high functioning autistic and lives at home with them. Becky enjoys what the family refers to as “duck rescue” and saves mallards that are chased by raccoons around the pond behind their home. She finds and raises ducks that are left in the nest until they are able to go out on their own.

Matters

The Herrington’s found their home in Shawnee in 2009 after Sandra became a full time hire at St. Rita’s. With the help of a realtor, they found their dream property on Hawthorne Drive. It was in the perfect neighborhood with 5 acres of land, includ ing wildlife, a pond, and the woods. The home also had a bar in the basement, which was perfect for Dan. Sandra enjoys bringing out the beauty in everything, which can be seen in the landscaping around her home. With the help of Layman Feed and Lawn, in Elida, Sandra begins with a rock canvas and makes something new. You can get lost in the charm of their home by taking in the ambiance of swans on the lake, bloom ing fruit trees, and abundance of wildlife around each corner.

Dr. Herrington is known for having compassion and care for all aspects of her life, including her patients. Sandra expressed, “The best feeling is sitting down face to face with a patient and figuring out a way to help them.” At Allison Radiation Oncology – Mercy Health, their medical group provides treat ment using the same equipment found at larger hospitals, right here at home. Dr. Herrington is accepting new patients. Please call (419) 996-5063, to schedule an appointment.

Sponsor Spotlight

Tracy’s Appliances is your local appliance and mattress expert and they are proud to be serving Lima for over 72 years. Tracy’s is family-owned and operated and is located at 4064 Elida Road, just west of Eastown Road. They are committed to offering you top appliance brands like GE, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, Maytag, and Kitchenaid. Their Sleep Source store offers Restonic and Serta mattresses. Enjoy the Tracy experience with knowledgeable employees, person alized assistance, and one-on-one personal service with competitive pricing by an exceptional sales staff.

Tracy’s was started by Harold and Marjorie Tracy as they started life in Lima. Harold served as a repairman and learned his trade while serving in the Navy during World War II. They located their first store on Wayne Street and have since relocated to Allentown Road, then Cable Road

and have settled into their permanent location on Elida Road.

The second generation, Jeffrey Tracy and his sister Rebecca Scott continue to oversee the family-owned business. They enjoy being hands-on and helping people solve their problems and issues with appliances or bedding. Jeff even answers the phone and never screens his calls!

Third generation Jeanne Scott Lee and her husband Rick su pervise the service department as dispatcher and repairman along with Becky’s husband Denny Scott. Keep a watchful eye for the fourth generation as the 13 great-grandchildren of Harold and Marjorie come of age.

The grandkids love doing the commercials for Tracy’s and now they want to write them and have speaking parts. Work on the commercials can only be done when all the kids are in town. Kolten, the only grand child in Lima, helps Denny and his dad with deliveries.

Jeff and his wife, Joyce Tracy like living in Lima because they say “it is OUR commu nity. We live here, we sleep here, we do business here, and we raised our kids here.” They truly enjoy their home on Mills Road, and their favorite hobby is spending time with family and friends, so much so that when they travel, it is usually to see their kids and grandkids.

Rebecca & Denny also share a love for our area. “Being lifelong residents of Lima confirms our commitment to our business and our community. Our customers have become our friends throughout the years in supporting our familyowned business and we appreciate that support.”

Tracy’s offers customers a full selection of appliances and mattresses, as well as service, selection, and the fastest delivery in town. The level of expertise by their staff is impressive and they truly have “seen it all” after being in business for 72 years! Not only are they able to learn from one another at the staff meetings they hold every Friday morning, but the entire staff is encouraged to treat their cus tomers like family. They take pride in assisting customers every step of the way. The COVID pandemic was difficult for them as a small busi ness, but they weathered the storm. Because they were deemed an “essen tial” business they were

service that you won’t receive from their competitors. They are always ready to answer your questions and help you get the products you need. Visit the store to meet their friendly sales and service team to see what a difference buying local can make. If your appliance needs service or parts, their factory trained technicians will be there quickly to reduce down time. When you shop at Tracy’s, their profession ally-trained delivery team will impress you by ensuring a speedy delivery. Their friendly and professional team will install your new appliances and set up your mattress. They are the source for low prices and large selection, and they even make your purchase possible with smart financing op tions. Shop with confidence at Tracy’s!

Increasing innovation and decreasing water use at Cenovus Lima Refinery

Cenovus Says

Refineries are filled with complex, maze-like networks of pipes, pumps and vessels. But at the heart of the operation is water, specifically steam, which is used to power many processes at the facility. And now our Lima Refinery has found a way to further reduce the amount of freshwater used in the operations – potentially by 83% over three years.

“The water re-use project at our Lima Refinery is groundbreak ing in terms of how we manage, use and save water,” says Kara Zernhel, Cenovus Lima Refinery Manager, Area Opera tions. “We have actually taken a very simple process used in most households, converted it to a large-scale operation, and it has the potential to significantly reduce the amount of freshwa ter we use at the facility.”

The process Kara is referring to is called reverse osmosis, a concept most kids learn about in grade school science. It is how most standard water filters remove excess minerals from drinking water.

This process isn’t new to refineries either, with many using reverse osmosis to clean water before it is discharged as part of their regular operations. However, the Lima process is unique because we don’t discharge the left-over water – we re-use and recycle it, which has the added benefit of drawing on less freshwater to use in further operations.

“Before we implemented this new water re-use process, our water storage ponds were being released safely, through release protocol and permits, into the Ottawa River,” explains Kara.

“But now we are actually able to re-use the treated water in the storage ponds for boiler feed water to make steam – which is saving a significant amount of freshwater at our operations.”

The Lima Refinery is the only known refinery using this process for recovering and recycling water, which is quickly becoming an impactful technology that the on-site team is hopeful they can continue to develop, helping pioneer a more sustainable way for other refineries to also reduce water con sumption.

“The process is making real impacts by improving our water recycle rates from 60% in 2020 to 93% in 2021 and we expect this number to get close to 100% as we’re constantly opti mizing our techniques,” says Kara. “This project is a proud moment for innovation at the Lima Refinery and for Cenovus, and we’re excited that we’re helping the refinery use water efficiently.”

The reverse osmosis building at Lima Refinery

Treated water is stored in a series of ponds

Kara Zernhel, Cenovus Lima Refinery Manager, Area Operations, and Operator, Chris Brooks make an adjustment in the water re-use process, placing a softener into regeneration

Frigid Friends

Precious Pets

by Georgie Damschroder

Maine coons and poodles are both renowned for their loving and goofy personalities and interest ing hairdos, but other than that, don’t seem to have too much in common. After all, dogs are said to be the antithesis of cats. However, one thing you may notice about both of these pets is that they aren’t scared of laying on the cool kitchen tile or frolick ing around in winter. This is because they both enjoy the cold, and are genetically designed to tolerate it. The curly coat of the poodle and thick pelt of the Maine coon help keep them cozy in low tem peratures. However, one dog sledder, John Suter, may’ve pushed his luck with the poodle’s ability to stay warm. Suter believed that the dog was as strong and fast as other, more common sled dogs, like the malamute and husky. Soon after, he entered a team consisting entirely of poodles into the Iditarod, a grueling dogsled race across Alaska. Suter quickly realized why racing was left to the stockier dogs, ranking 38th out of 45 and inspiring a whole new rule restricting the entry of non-northern dogs to the race!

maine coon brother Mr. Fluffy. Ginger was bought from a Wisconsin breeder, while Mr. Fluffy came into the family from Dot’s Pet Center, a local pet store.

Two attempted sled dogs and their maine coon-mix brother live with the Waters family in the quiet neighborhood of Westfield Drive! Ebony is a nineyear-old standard poodle who was purchased from a breeder in Michigan, who lives with her maltipoo sister, five-year-old Ginger and thirteen-year-old

Besides being the fluffiest and cuddliest members of the family, each of the three have their own favorite things to do. When you visit the Waters’ house, Ginger will greet you with puppy love and a sock, whilst Mr. Fluffy manages your car by laying on it and keeping any scandalous chip munks from getting too close. Mr. Fluffy is an outside cat that runs the neighborhood. Last Thanksgiving he boldly visited a neighbor’s house through their cat door, was given a

bite to eat, and then sauntered back down the street. Ebony enjoys looking at the ducks and will often perch her self close to the river to watch them. When she’s not birdwatching, she’s defending the house from crime! Ebony once saved the family from a break-in by barking as loud as she could when an uninvited car pulled into the driveway late at night till she managed to wake someone. She was rewarded with lots of compliments, including from the police department, who wished she’d be on their team! However, stopping felons can get tiring! When that happens, Ebony is more than happy to curl up with Ginger on freshly washed clothes in the laundry room.

Ebony, Ginger and Mr. Fluffy enjoy living with the busy Waters family. Randy and Nicole are transi tioning to take over Only Believe, a Christian church in Botkins, after Nicole’s parents founded it 40 years ago. Alexis, their daughter, just produced her first album in Nashville, works as a photographer and also helps with the church. Their son, Lincoln, founded H20’s Pressure Washing, while their youngest child, Quinten recently decided he wants to be a firefighter and is a junior at Apollo.

The family loves living on Westfield Drive because it truly is a community. They even have a group messaging system so if someone needs help with something, people are there to pitch in. Everyone waves to each other and the few young kids that live there run and play just like the old days.

While none of the animals in this household may be fit to sled in Alaska, they certainly fit right into the loving home of the Waters family, who are sure to make many more memories with their frosty friends!

Nicole & Randy Waters

Lincoln Waters, Alexis Waters, Quinton Waters

Loopholes aren’t forever.

The Whiskey Rebellion, 1794

by Michael McCormick, CPA

There is nothing more American than taking on the Tax Man. From the United States’ inaugural anti-taxation jamboree, The Boston Tea Party, to each April in the present day, Americans have never been shy about letting it be known how much they hate taxes. Indeed, every American does their best to avoid paying them -- from the average working stiff getting paid under the table to the biggest corporations making the most of off-shore tax havens.

One event in American history epitomizes just how ingenious Americans can be in dodging tax collectors.

You may remember from school that, in the years leading up to 1794 and little more than thirty-five years before Yuengling (America’s oldest brewery) existed, Western Pennsylvanians were in open rebellion against what they saw as an overreach of Uncle Sam in an event known as the Whiskey Rebellion.

There were two major issues that triggered the Whiskey Rebel lion. The first was a new excise tax implemented by Alexander Hamilton, the Secretary of Treasury and chief architect of American economic policy at that time. This law, passed in

1791 as part of his plan to pay down America’s war debt -ac cumulated during the Revolution- added a tax on all distilled spirits. Second, the law was to be enforced by a federal officer who would have broad powers to collect that tax, providing them with armed men to ensure their safety in the rural and backwoods areas that provided the nation with much of its whiskey.

Soon after the law’s passage, when the Tax Men came to collect, average citizens revolted and refused to pay them a dime, with dozens of successful armed standoffs and scuffles. In 1794, things came to a head when 500 men marched on the fortified home of tax inspector General John Neville and burned it to the ground. Soon after, 13,000 troops were sent by George Washington himself, and the rebels were soundly defeated at the Battle of Fort Fayette. So ended the Whiskey Rebellion.

What is so interesting about that story, however, is not that the rebels fought and lost, but why they were so opposed to the

Whiskey Tax in the first place. Many goods at the time had taxes on them; what made whiskey so special?

It turns out that, for years, rural communities had been using distilled spirits instead of money, as it was easily salable yet had no tax on its exchange. Thus, if one got paid in liquor and one purchased things with liquor, one could avoid having to pay any taxes at all! Furthermore, whiskey, like gold, was stable, had a near-infinite shelf-life, and took a determinate amount of labor to produce, allowing it to act as a kind of local reserve currency when paper bills were in short supply. This practice was so common in Western Pennsylvania that a weekly wage of 3 gallons of whiskey became standard across the region.

Viewed in this light, then, what The Whiskey Rebellion was about wasn’t so much a generalized attempt to thwart the law, but the loss of an ingenious tax break the likes of which these rural working communities would rarely see again. This tax acted as a nearly 9% decrease in yearly wages, which was too much of an economic hardship for these communities to bear.

And really, this is the problem with tax loopholes: they’re great while we have them, but if you don’t have a new one planned for when the last closes up, it can be challenging economically.

While the use of whiskey as currency arose spontaneously, with today’s overly-complicated tax laws, you need to be a specialist to know where and how you can get a break (discount in the tax code). This is why tax planning ahead of time is so important: working with a Pro who knows the law and can figure out how to best keep you from wasting money is 90% of the battle. And, with the right support from a qualified profes sional, you can be sure that when your Whiskey Tax (crypto, real estate, business sale) comes about, we will already have another alternative to prevent you from feeling the crunch -- no rebellion needed…

Michael

Advisor

Savvy Spaces

70th Anniversary of Shawnee Condominium

The residents at the Shawnee Condominium, found at 1533 Shawnee Road, recently celebrated the 70th an niversary of this beautiful building. The history of the building, affectionately referred to as “Menopause Manor,” indicates that it could have been the first condo minium building in Lima with Harold Churchill designat ed as the general contractor. The original owners of the four units were good friends, retired businesspeople, and members of Shawnee Country Club, three serving as the club President. In 1952, Harold and Ruth Churchill, Alice and Wallace King, Platt and Reed Greer, and Dr. Ike and Margaret Thomas moved into their new homes.

Shawnee Condominium was constructed like a fortress with all supporting walls of poured cement. The design and décor were way ahead of the times. Jim Staley dis covered that each condo contained 52 windows, which gives the building character and a unique style. The upper and lower shared patios are the perfect places for us to congregate together, relax and overlook Shawnee Road. There have been 17 owners who have continued to preserve each home with love and pride. Decisions are made together regarding improvements to the building and everyone agrees that maintaining the original look of Shawnee Condominimum is important.

Present residents include Jeff Baxter (since 1994), Jane Herwig (since 2006), Linda Staley (since 2010), and Har old & Dianna Breidenbach (since 2015). We share a front porch from which we fly the American flag with pride. You can often find us sitting together, enjoying a cock tail, while watching the sun set over Shawnee Country Club. Condo meetings are held at each other’s home, and birthdays and holidays are celebrated together. We are family! We are proud owners of the Shawnee Condomin iums. That is why we love sharing our story with you!

Image courtesy of Diane Peterson Rogers

Jeff Baxter, Jane Herwig, Linda Staley, Dianna and Harold Breidenbach

Submitted by Linda Staley

The sunroom is my favorite room because it has my dad’s old pinball machine. I also have games and stories in it for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren to play with. This room feels inviting to guests that visit my home because of the lovely view of the Shawnee Golf Course and side lawn from its many windows.

The living room in my home is transitional, warm, and comfortable for me and visitors. It has a working gas fireplace with a beautiful mantle and marble hearth. I spend much of my leisure time in this room reading, watching TV, and just relaxing. It seems to be a very inviting room as my friends like to gather to enjoy a cocktail (or 2) with good conversation and lots of laugh ter. I love decorating the living Room at Christmas-time and sharing it with my family and guests.

The Shared Patio on the Ground Floor

This is a favorite space because people love to gather here for socializing and the view.

My Favorite Space by Jane Herwig in Apt #1

My Favorite Space by Linda Staley in Apt #4

Authentic Taco Flavor a Whole New Way

by Janine Douglass

When Beth and Jimmy Morris moved from their Lima City neighborhood to the more countrified Indianbrook atmosphere in April of 2015, the whole family’s lives just got busier as their children grew and matured. Oldest daughter, Taylor has started at the University of Dayton to major in Health Sci ences. Second daughter, Kamryn is a sophomore at Shawnee High School, and son, James is in sev enth grade at Shawnee’s Middle School where dad, Jimmy is Assistant Principal. Beth is a Radiologic Technologist at Lima Memorial Hospital’s new medical center in Wapakoneta. The combination and variety of their busy, energetic schedules demand easy, delicious dishes like this one that pleases most of the Morrises, and takes just fifteen minutes prep time.

Ingredients:

With juice, do NOT drain these cans:

• 1 can diced tomatoes

• 1 can diced tomatoes with chiles

• 1 can corn

• 1 can black beans

• 1 can Great Northern white beans

• 1 can red or pinto beans

1 lb. hamburger (browned and drained)

1 can chicken broth

1 pack taco seasoning

1 pack dry ranch dressing

Add onions, optional

Directions:

Put all ingredients in a crockpot and cook on low approximately 4 hours. You can also just cook this soup on your stovetop, if desired. Serve with shred ded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips crumbled on top. Beth sometimes adds a crisp green salad for extra nutrients, crunch and color.

Historical note: Tacos are thought to come from Mexico, long before the Spanish arrived. Ancient Mexicans used freshly made, soft flat corn tortillas and served them with fillings like fish and cooked organs.

James (13), Taylor (18), Kamryn (16)

Taco Soup from the kitchen of Jimmy and Bethany Morris, Indianbrook

School Wellness Programs

Achievers The Daily Mile

Amazing

by Heather Kohli, Shawnee Elmwood School

Shawnee Elmwood, in cooperation with INEOS, has been taking part in a nationwide program called, The Daily Mile, which is committed to improving the health and well-being of students and staff. The pur pose of The Daily Mile is to form positive relation ships, foster teamwork, and improve students’ aca demic performance, while creating goals and overcoming chal lenges. Students and staff are encouraged to set aside fifteen minutes a day to go outside and run/walk a mile. On October

21st, Elmwood’s school-wide event marks the one-year anniversary participating in this daily activity.

During the last school year, we have seen The Daily Mile embraced by many students, staff, and parents. We have seen strong support and are very appreciative of the Elmwood parents who volunteered to help at events and donated to the program’s fundraisers. We hope to continue to see positive impacts as this program moves forward.

Maplewood School began implementation of The Daily Mile program this year too!

at Shawnee Schools

Frisbee Disc Golf Course

by Rachel Rumbaugh, Physical Education Teacher, Shawnee Middle School

Shawnee Middle school will receive a new Frisbee Disc Golf Course for students and community members be cause of a grant through the American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge™.

Lima Shawnee Middle School is one of 64 schools across the country to receive funding to extend school wellness programs. The grant is part of the Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ schoolbased programs that provide age-appropriate curriculum to educate students about healthy living. Research shows the importance of developing healthy habits during childhood for prolonged long-term health. Shawnee Middle School is grateful to the American Heart As sociation Kids Heart Challenge for the supplemental resources we received to enrich the physical and mental wellness of our students and the community.

I’m excited to be able to bring a fun new game to Shaw nee. I love that this grant allows us to introduce students and families to disc golf and give people in our com munity who already love the game, a new place to play, gather, and introduce others to disc golf. With the course being available outside of school hours, and our ability to move goals to create new, challenging holes whenever we like, the course will be great for students and players of all abilities.

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 we’ll deliver a gift basket to your doorstep.

Welcome Basket made possible by:

Affordable Blinds & Window Fashions Bayliff & Son

Brunk Electric Cleaves American Kwik Dry Mercy Health

to

by Nicole Davis

ProForma

Feet

Boutique

The Meeting Place on Market

Tracy’s Appliances Westgate Entertainment Center

Welcome Wagon

Sara’s Sweets is our newest sponsor to contribute to Shawnee Life Magazine’s Welcome Basket! Now our newest residents will enjoy the most delicious sweets in Shawnee!