Shawnee Life - July 2023

HAPPY 4th of JULY from The Mulholland Family!

The Story of Us

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Neighborhood Sponsor Directory

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

BAKERIES

Miss Mel’s Bakery

(419) 333-1767

Sara’s Sweets

(419) 371-4745

BUILDING RESTORATION EXPERTS

Trisco Systems

(419) 339-3906

CANCER CARE / ONCOLOGY

Cancer Care of West Central Ohio

(419) 221-2273

CEMETERY & MAUSOLEUMS

Gethsemani Cemetery

(419) 233-0484

CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES

Gillis Chiropractic Clinic

(419) 228-0000

CLEANING SERVICES

Grizz Cleaning

(567) 940-9449

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

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

Brunk Electric

(800) 642-8942

ENTERTAINMENT

Westgate Entertainment Center

(419) 227-7231

FITNESS & NUTRITION

Jess Gronas

(937) 777-9419

FOOD & DRINK

Old Barn Restaurant & Grill

(419) 991-3075

Purple Feet Wine Boutique

(567) 940-9944

FUNERAL HOME

Bayliff & Son

(419) 645-4501

FURNITURE

Tracy’s Appliances

(419) 223-4786

Westrich Furniture & Appliances

(419) 695-6045

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Fresh Press Threads

(419) 405-6575

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Mercy Health – St. Rita’s

(419) 227-3361

HEATING & AIR

Cleaves American Heating & Air

(419) 227-4328

Washam Plumbing Heating & Air

(419) 339-0729

INSURANCE

Beery Insurance Services

(419) 228-4000

Stolly Insurance Group

(419) 227-2570

JEWELER

Vons Diamonds & Jewelry

(419) 227-5616

JUNK CLEAN-UP & HAULING

Junk Patrol

(567) 242-8193

LAWN & LANDSCAPE SERVICES

Cutting Edge Lawn Solutions

(567) 242-8193

LEASING LOFTS & BUSINESS SPACE

Kelly Martino

(419) 604-2356

MANUFACTURERS & INDUSTRY

Cenovus Energy Lima Refinery

(419) 226-2300

PET MEMORIAL SERVICES

Bayliff & Son

(419) 645-4501

PHOTOGRAPHY

The Ayers, Inc.

(419) 236-8418

PLUMBING

Washam Plumbing Heating & Air (419) 339-0729

POOL CARE & INSTALLATION

Shawnee Pools

(419) 999-1505

REALTORS

Busy B Realty

(419) 339-0600

Cowan Realtors

(419) 222-1212

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

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

SCREEN-PRINTING

Fresh Press Threads (419) 405-6575

SECURITY

Lima Security, Inc. (419) 222-1250

SKILLED NURSING & REHAB

Shawnee Manor (419) 999-2055

SNOW REMOVAL

Cutting Edge Lawn Solutions

(567) 242-8193

TRANSPORTATION / LIMOS / PARTY BUS

Lucky Limo, LLC

(419) 236-3964

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Affordable Window Fashions

(419) 991-4400

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July CONT ENTS

10

Look no further than the Civic Center for the upcoming season’s Broadway series!

21

Learn how Mercy Health provides high-quality hometown care.

24

Our sponsors have the opportunity to share who they are and how their business works.

29

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

31

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

34

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

Our Junior Writers and special school correspondents share stories about successful students, athletes, or events in local schools

36

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

38

ConGRADulations to the seniors

School!

39

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

6 FROM DIANE’S DESK A message from the publisher, Diane Schoonover.

11 TALK OF THE TOWN: THE CIVIC CENTER FOUNDATION ANNUAL SEASON REVEAL GALA & ONE NIGHT ONLY CAME TO LIMA

8 KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS: MEET THE MULHOLLANDS

MERCY MATTERS

CENOVUS SAYS

FINANCIAL FOCUS

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

DISH-CUSSIONS

WELCOME WAGON

AMAZING ACHIEVERS

LIMA CIVIC CENTER’S GALA

MAKING A MARK: LEGACY ARTS ANNOUNCED THEIR TWO SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

32 PRECIOUS PETS

CLASS OF 2023

of Lima Central Catholic High School and Shawnee High

From Diane’s Desk...

This magazine has allowed me to meet more people and learn more new perspectives in the last year and a half, than in all four years I have been in Lima. The more I experience the true meaning of community, the more I feel connected with where I live. The people I meet, the businesses I depend on, the neighborhood I reside in, my friends and family can be seen as destinations, however I am constantly reminded that they are instead my springboard!

I hope this Fourth of July allows you to connect or re-connect with the people and place in which you live. Parades, fireworks, cook-outs, picnics, and libations are all perfect platforms for propelling our sense of community and connectedness forward.

As always, please keep the magazine in mind when you have a story, article to share, or a business you want to advertise! Feel free to contact me at Diane@ShawneeLife.com with your ideas.

TakeLifeOUTSIDE with

DelphosOH419-695-6045westrichfurniture.com

MEET THE TRIBE

Diane Schoonover Publisher / Advertising

Michael Ayers Photographer

Janine Douglass DISH-cussions

Georgianna Damschroder Precious Pets

Julie Lundin Know Your Neighbor

Nicole Davis Welcome Wagon & Mercy Matters

Tara Reynolds Bales Talk of the Town Lifestyle

Paige Brinkman Amazing Achievers

Nick Schoonover Yankee Doodle Schoony

Meet the Mulhollands

Know Your Neighbors

by Julie Lundin

Meet Bill and Kendra Mulholland of Hokan Trail in Indianbrook, where they have lived for five years. Bill appreciates Indianbrook because the majority of their neighbors do an excellent job of maintaining their properties, which looks nice for neighbors as they drive or walk through the neighborhood each day. Kendra enjoys the quiet peacefulness of Indianbrook and connecting with their neighbors. They both also like the many activities that are put on by the Indianbrook Homeowners Association (HOA).

Bill was born and raised in Kenton, Ohio. He is now a Radiation Oncology Nurse Practitioner for Bon Secours Mercy Health. In addition, he is a published author, and the previous HOA President in Indianbrook. Kendra is from a military family and grew up in various locations. She lived in Michigan, Korea, California, Chicago, Dayton, and Harrod, Ohio. She is currently a Nurse Practitioner at Bon Secours Mercy Health Westside and Eastside Urgent Care, and a Nurse Practitioner for Health Partners of Western Ohio and the Kenton Community Health Center.

Bill and Kendra met in college as single parents. They tied the knot in December 2006 and then raised two sons, Cody and Dylan, along with two daughters, Cheyanne and Ciera, while they were both working and attending college full-time. They

are now the proud grandparents of six grandchildren: Layton, Makenna, Cameren, Laurel, Elijah, and Cecilia (deceased). Today, their grown children live throughout the country. Cody, his wife Kassie, and their children live in a suburb of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Dylan and his fiancé, Bethanny, reside in Lima, but travel out of state for work. Cheyanne lives in Boynton Beach, Florida, while Ciera and her fiancée, Alex, reside in Milford, Pennsylvania.

Bill and Kendra thoroughly enjoy camping, and they are often doing so over the Fourth of July! Favorite campsites include the Indian Lake State Park, Huggy Bear Campground, and Hocking Hills. They also like to visit their children in Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Florida. Bill and Kendra’s favorite destination locations are Mexico and Jamaica, with bucket list destinations that include Hawaii and the Holy Land in Israel. Another wonderful experience for the couple was going on medical missions to Port-au-Prince, Haiti at the H.I.S. Home for Children Orphanage. “We have fallen in love with both the country of Haiti, as well as the children at the orphanage,” stated Bill. When they aren’t traveling and

are finally home, you might find Bill and Kendra at their favorite restaurant, La Charreada in both Shawnee and on Harding Highway where they enjoy the food and outstanding service at both locations!

On June 15, 2022, life drastically changed for Bill and Kendra with the loss of their beloved granddaughter, Cecilia, at only three and a half years of age. Their precious granddaughter had a rare form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome, which is incurable and gets progressively worse with age. Roughly 80% of people with Dravet’s are non-verbal and have significant developmental delays that worsen over time. Cecilia defied these odds! She spoke all of the time in her own language, but also said simple words to communicate. She was very creative, had extremely good comprehension, and knew her colors, letters, numbers, and shapes! The day after the passing of Cecilia, Bill sat down and wrote a poem for her called “Poppy’s Little Girl.” This unlocked a passion in Bill and he has been writing a poem for Cecilia every Wednesday since that first poem. Per the request of many people, Bill published a book of these poems in February of this year. The same month, his book entitled “Last Wednesday” was also published. This book depicts Cecilia’s life, struggles, Dravet Syndrome, and how her journey impacted their family and Cecilia’s mommy, Cheyanne. This March, Bill’s book “Why Am I Here?” was published. This book describes finding God’s purpose in one’s life. Currently, Bill is writing a fourth book that will be published this summer. Cecilia

was a rare soul. Bill and Kendra were very blessed to have her in their lives for three and a half years. They speak to her daily and know that she continues to touch the lives of others when people read about her story. In fact, upon Cecilia’s passing, Bill and Kendra needed something positive in their lives, so they decided to go to Old Man’s Cave in Hocking Hills to renew their wedding vows.

Here are a few lines from one of Bill’s poems, “Cecilia Raen,” written six days after Cecilia’s death:

Emotional waves come and go, but memories always prevail

I remember everything about you in the most minute detail.

Your eyes so blue and smile so bright, your giggles were the best

So smart you were with everything, my life was truly blessed.

*Bill’s books can be found on Amazon, Kindle, Apple Books, and Kobo (ebooks and paperbacks; audiobooks will be available soon) or through his website billmulholland-author.com where you can purchase the books or send him a note to obtain a signed copy.

THE CIVIC CENTER FOUNDATION’S GALA AND ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

THE CIVIC CENTER FOUNDATION’S GALA AND ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

by Carmen Cecala-Wells, Foundation Director of Development

by Carmen Cecala-Wells, Foundation Director of Development

The Civic Center Foundation hosted our annual Season Reveal Gala for the 2023-24 season on May 16. This annual fundraising event helps us provide worldclass programming in Lima and support the local performing arts yearly. The Foundation is the community partner of the Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center.

The Civic Center Foundation hosted our annual Season Reveal Gala for the 2023-24 season on May 16. This annual fundraising event helps us provide worldclass programming in Lima and support the local performing arts yearly. The Foundation is the community partner of the Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center.

At the Gala, the Foundation revealed the new Broadway in Crouse Hall Series. The 2023-24 shows are Mean Girls, Come From Away, Jesus Christ Superstar, and The Book of Mormon. We are thrilled to bring some of Broadway’s biggest and latest hits to Lima!

At the Gala, the Foundation revealed the new Broadway in Crouse Hall Series. The 2023-24 shows are Mean Girls, Come From Away, Jesus Christ Superstar, and The Book of Mormon. We are thrilled to bring some of Broadway’s biggest and latest hits to Lima!

Featuring a book by Tina Fey, MEAN GIRLS is the musical adaptation of the movie to tell the story of a naïve newbie who falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies. The inspiring musical COME FROM AWAY is the true story of a small town in Newfoundland that opened their homes to 7000 stranded travelers on 9/11. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is set during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. What The New York Times calls “the best musical of this century,” THE BOOK OF MORMON is the nine-time Tony Award®-winning Best Musical.

Featuring a book by Tina Fey, MEAN GIRLS is the musical adaptation of the movie to tell the story of a naïve newbie who falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies. The inspiring musical COME FROM AWAY is the true story of a small town in Newfoundland that opened their homes to 7000 stranded travelers on 9/11. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is set during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. What The New York Times calls “the best musical of this century,” THE BOOK OF MORMON is the nine-time Tony Award®-winning Best Musical.

The Season Reveal Gala included live preview performances of upcoming Broadway shows from local artists. Our Gala attendees were wowed by powerhouse performers Seth Mitchell, Karin Dorsey, Jonathan Fissel, and Shaunna Basinger.

The Season Reveal Gala included live preview performances of upcoming Broadway shows from local artists. Our Gala attendees were wowed by powerhouse performers Seth Mitchell, Karin Dorsey, Jonathan Fissel, and Shaunna Basinger.

Kaitlyn Schmit & Frank Stemen performed live music

Kaitlyn Schmit & Frank Stemen performed live music

during cocktail hour and intermission. They kicked off our Curtain Call Summer Concert Series on June 1st. Join us weekly from 5-7 pm outside on our Happy Daz Patio.

during cocktail hour and intermission. They kicked off our Curtain Call Summer Concert Series on June 1st. Join us weekly from 5-7 pm outside on our Happy Daz Patio.

All of this is part of the tapestry that makes up the performing arts in our community. But we cannot achieve this alone. We need your support.

All of this is part of the tapestry that makes up the performing arts in our community. But we cannot achieve this alone. We need your support.

We kicked off our new annual campaign to keep the Foundation and Civic Center going strong into the next season. The Civic Center Foundation keeps the performing arts local. We help the facility expand the cultural, artistic, educational, and economic power in the region. Funds given to the Foundation go right back into the community.

We kicked off our new annual campaign to keep the Foundation and Civic Center going strong into the next season. The Civic Center Foundation keeps the performing arts local. We help the facility expand the cultural, artistic, educational, and economic power in the region. Funds given to the Foundation go right back into the community.

While we have a couple of funds to support the Foundation’s purpose, we are focusing on the Civic Center Endowment Fund this year.

While we have a couple of funds to support the Foundation’s purpose, we are focusing on the Civic Center Endowment Fund this year.

Bringing all these world-class shows to Lima each year costs a lot. We take risks to bring culturally relevant and diverse shows, to get big tours with name recognition and newer ones for the community to discover. Yearly donations and show sponsors are crucial to providing this wide range of programming. Growing the Civic Center Endowment Fund will provide steady income to continue this mission yearto-year.

Bringing all these world-class shows to Lima each year costs a lot. We take risks to bring culturally relevant and diverse shows, to get big tours with name recognition and newer ones for the community to discover. Yearly donations and show sponsors are crucial to providing this wide range of programming. Growing the Civic Center Endowment Fund will provide steady income to continue this mission yearto-year.

Please consider supporting the Civic Center for generations to come.

Please consider supporting the Civic Center for generations to come.

Your gift will be the cornerstone of all the Foundation’s efforts. As 501(c)3 organization, all donations are tax-deductible contributions. Several donors have already pledged to contribute to the Civic Center Endowment Fund. Join them in advancing the performing arts in our community.

Your gift will be the cornerstone of all the Foundation’s efforts. As 501(c)3 organization, all donations are tax-deductible contributions. Several donors have already pledged to contribute to the Civic Center Endowment Fund. Join them in advancing the performing arts in our community.

Pledge your Endowment Fund donations by contacting me, Carmen Cecala-Wells, at 419-224-5222 or ccecalawells@limaciviccenter.com. You can also donate outside of the Endowment fund at limaciviccenter.com/donate.

Pledge your Endowment Fund donations by contacting me, Carmen Cecala-Wells, at 419-224-5222 or ccecalawells@limaciviccenter.com. You can also donate outside of the Endowment fund at limaciviccenter.com/donate.

ONE Night ONLY was

ONE NIGHT TO REMEMEBER

by Diane Schoonover

The One Night Only concert was definitely ONE NIGHT TO REMEMBER! Lima-based concert promoter group, 33 West Productions, brought country superstars Eddie Montgomery, John Michael Montgomery, Keith Anderson and Derek Alan to the stage under Schmidthorst Pavilion. Over 2,000 people attended the event at the Allen County Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 3rd. One of the organizers, Evan Nieto of 33 West Productions, said that he “still can’t believe the night wasn’t just a dream!”

The show began with hometown favorite, Derek Alan! Family members and fans went wild for this local Lima Central Catholic High School graduate, who now lives in Nashville and performs all over! It felt special to have him back home. Each performer truly enjoyed the night as much as the audience, and they shared their thoughts as they exited the stage. Keith Anderson said he hadn’t felt a rush like that in a while and even had chills walking off the stage. He also said he would play for this town any day of the week! John Michael Montgomery thought the audience really brought the right kind of energy. Eddie Montgomery appreciated how people showed up in droves and said it was a great event to be a part of!

Jenna Sterner of Fresh Press Threads was overcome with emotion during the concert. She said, “We had a blast reliving our childhoods through the music of John Michael Montgomery and were truly moved by the experience! What a great way to bring the community

together in a safe, fun, and enjoyable environment! 33 West Productions did an amazing job putting this show together for our community!”

Concert-goer, Julie Lundin said, “The concert was so much fun! Well-organized and definitely worth attending! Can’t wait to see what concert 33 West Productions brings to Lima next.”

One of the most heartwarming moments of the night was when concert organizers, Don Fischer, Evan Nieto and his daughter Ava Ray appeared on stage. The audience was asked to fill the room with “stars” by turning on their cell phone lights, while little Ava sang “Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star.” All proceeds from parking went to the Ava Ray Foundation, which was started to support families with challenging birthing experiences, a cause that is near and dear to Evan and Whitney Nieto. Furthermore, a portion of the overall proceeds from the concert went to

The Equestrian Therapy Program

Many audience members shared how they appreciated that this caliber of concert was offered right here in Lima. This type of event unites our community and makes us appreciate where we live just a bit more! Follow 33 West Productions for their next great event at fb.com/33WestProductions

Derek Alan

Keith Anderson

John Michael Montgomery

Eddie Montgomery

Talk of the Town

On May 16th, I had the pleasure of attending the 2023-24 Season Reveal Gala benefiting The Civic Center Foundation. The organizers of the gala did a great job bringing together supporters for a spectacular night of fun and Y2K fashion. Guests were treated to the reveal of a wonderful Broadway in Crouse Hall series. The reveal was perfectly paired with delicious food, an entertaining live auction, and fantastic music.

The attire for the night was Y2K and attendees arrived in style. I felt like I was flipping through a Y2k Teen Vogue Prom Edition. Ann TruebloodStiles, Foundation Board Member, and Carmen Cecala-Wells, Foundation Director of Development, were prom court for the night. Ann wore a vibrant and electric hot pink off-theshoulder number with a ruffled collar as she channeled a vibe from Mean Girls. She lit up the room as she mingled with guests.

Nothing says Y2K gala like a shiny multicolor sequin dress. Carmen’s above knee-length dress caught both the light and the eye of everyone in the room. Both ladies were worthy of being crowned Miss Season Reveal Gala 2023. As amazing as the ladies looked, Roger Rex brought glimmer and glitter in his rainbow spangled sport coat. His show-stopping garb was the night’s winner!

Annie Frost of Frost Impressions in Wapak lit up the space in her fun and flirty orange halter neck dress. She beamed with chicness and class. The flowing style of Annie’s dress with the pompom earrings is the quintessential perfect summer dress. Mary Trueblood never disappoints. She looked elegant in her radiant blue dress with rhinestone trim. Vibrant colors and prints were popular at the gala. Suzanne Kelly clearly read the memo and wore a colorful dress with matching bracelet. Anne Gideon added a pop of color with her sharp orange sweater. Abe Ambroza, CEO of VMCCC, and his wife Sara came Y2Kcorrect, along with thier daughter Allie, in their red and black attire. Nothing says 2000 like a White Stripes concert t-shirt: nice touch Abe! You can always count on this stylish family to rock it. White may be the absence of color, but Theresa Tebben shimmered in her lovely white eyelet dress, while talking to Erika Robinson who dressed pretty in pink. Lima showed up and showed off their impeccable sense of fashion at the Series Reveal Gala.

Jerry Zimmerman & Roger Rex

Ann Trueblood-Stiles & Carmen Cecala-Wells

Annie Frost

Mary & Phil Trueblood

Brad & Suzanne Kelly

Anne & Jim Gideon

Sara, Allie & Abe Ambroza

by Tara Reynolds Bales

Erika Robinson, Theresa Tebben & Carmen Cecala-Wells

Chef Alisa McPheron of Purple Feet Wine Boutique and Matthew Young, Vice President of Operations for VMCCC, treated guests to an around-the world culinary experience featuring dishes that were fetch (slang for cool in Mean Girls) at Y2K, from Asian sesame chicken salad to tuna tartare to seared beef with chimichurri sauce to adult lunchables. The best desserts were the tiramisu cups, cosmic brownies, and fried ice cream.

The excitement of the live auction was contagious. The bidding action was the product of auctioneer Jeff Tracy, VMCCC Foundation Board Trustee. Jeff has the distinct ability to part people from their money for the good of the cause. The number of people raising their hands to bid on dinners, bourbon, and other donated items was impressive. The announcement of the upcoming series line-up, Mean Girls (sponsored by Mercy Health), Come From Away (sponsored by CCR Realtors), Jesus Christ Superstar, and The Book of Mormon, got the crowd excited. Applause abounded as Shaunna Basinger sang; “I’d Rather Be Me” from Mean Girls. Shaunna’s soulful vocals were enjoyed by all.

Neighborhood

If you were not able to attend the 2023-24 Series Reveal Gala, you missed a great night out supporting a great cause. Do yourself a favor and mark your calendar to attend the 2024-25 Series Reveal Gala. I cannot wait to buy season tickets and don’t want to miss one show. Hope to see you there. And if you would like to be a sponsor, feel free to contact Carmen Cecala-Wells at ccecalawells@limaciviccenter.com.

friends from Mills Road

Executive Bourbon Steward, Lee Schmiedebusch with a guest

Chef Alisa McPheron & Matthew Young

Tara Reynolds Bales & Rick Bales

Dreams, Collaboration, and Creavitivty!

2023 Legacy arts schoLarship recipients

by Marc Bowker

Legacy Arts, a certified 501c-3 nonprofit working to foster art and entrepreneurship in Lima while providing unique and engaging entertainment options for our community, is pleased to present its first two financial scholarships to Jamaal Durr and Madison Downing. Each recipient will receive $1000 to be used toward a business or artistic project designed to serve the Lima/Allen County community.

“We received numerous applications for the first round of Legacy Arts scholarships, and it was difficult to choose the recipients,” said Jennifer Brogee of Legacy Arts. “Ultimately, we chose two artsbased projects that were extremely well thought out and will have a positive impact on the youth of our community.”

workshop is an introduction to theatre and covers topics such as acting, directing, playwriting, auditioning, and much more. The workshop concludes with a showcase performance at Encore Theater that highlights at least one skill each student has learned during the workshop and would like to share with the audience.

Madison Downing’s project is the “Made for the Stage Youth Theater Workshop,” a free, two-week workshop for students ages 8-18. This fun-filled

Jamaal Durr’s project is a Summer Workshop that focuses on introducing new art mediums and techniques to young students, as well as promoting self worth and body positivity! This will be a 4-day workshop, where tweens and teens will spend 2 days working with Kaprice Pickering of The Elegant Piece Photography to learn more about the craft through hands-on photography activities and intentional instruction. Students will also have headshots

taken by Kaprice that will be used to learn the craft of self portraiture using charcoal and graphite mediums with hands-on instruction from Jamaal for the remaining 2 days of the workshop. Along with the introduction and exposure of these mediums there will also be a heavy emphasis placed on speaking positively over ourselves and our bodies, and appreciating who we are as individuals! The workshop will take place at Live at The Lab in downtown Lima.

Legacy Arts is pleased to assist these talented individuals with their projects that will enhance our community! We invite all members of our commu-

nity to attend the Legacy Arts Street Party 2023 on Saturday, September 16th in the 200 block of North Main Street to learn more about the organization, contribute to future scholarships and enjoy music & art!

To apply for future scholarships or if businesses or individuals are interested in supporting the mission of Legacy Arts, please visit LegacyArtsOhio.com.

Living in a world where our to-do list seems virtually impossible to complete, it can sound comical to consider scheduling in a workout. Taking care of ourselves often feels unrealistic, inconvenient, or even selfish. It’s not easy to take time away from your family and duties at home for self-care. I’m here to make it a little bit easier with 45-minute outdoor workouts that will leave you feeling fulfilled and energized.

Our summer line up will start with a Total Body Workout on Mondays at 5:30 PM and a Stroller Workout on Wednesdays at 8 AM. Be on the lookout for yoga pop-ups as well. If you’re looking for a judgment free community and being the healthiest version of yourself, join us! ALL fitness levels are welcome. First class is free! I promise you’ll be so glad you came.

Quality, Compassionate Stroke Care in Lima

As the area’s only Comprehensive Stroke Center, Mercy Health — St. Rita’s Medical Center is here for you when it matters the most. When you need swift, specialized stroke care, our expert team of health care professionals are prepared with the most advanced life-saving procedures available. We’re committed to providing you with the personalized care you need so you can be there for what matters most. Visit mercy.com to learn more.

Know Your Stroke Risk

Take a first step and complete your free assessment today. Scan the QR code below to get started.

A Joyous Journey Healing, Wellness and Stress Relief

through ART

by Nicole Davis

Beautiful and uplifting pieces of art can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places. The perfect example of this developed through a recent collaboration between Mercy St. Rita’s and ArtSpace Lima. Their partnership paved the way for art to reach the sky, literally. Spanning up the eight flights of stairs in the employee stairwell of St. Rita’s, a “tunnel of creativity” emerged. Beth Keehn, Director of Government and Community Affairs for Mercy Health Lima, and Sally Windle, Executive Director of ArtSpace Lima put the project in motion. The intention was to create a space that reflected St. Rita’s belief in healing and wellness of the whole person and provide employees an opportunity to relieve some stress.

Sally assisted the project by helping to find two great and local artists that would be interested and could complete the work at a good pace. She did not have to look far to find the perfect pair. The first artist, Gayle Trueblood, has been an Art Educator for Shawnee Local Schools for 23 years. She also has many accomplishments including holding several State leadership positions and is currently serving as the President of the Ohio Art Education Association. Not only does Gayle teach and speak locally, but she was also the recipient of the Outstanding

Art Teacher for Northwest Ohio in 2018. Gayle’s co-artist for the hospital murals was Cora Bicknell. Cora was born and raised in Lima and graduated from Lima City Schools in 2019. She is currently studying at Ohio State Lima. Cora began painting murals in 2016 and is continuously using her craft to give back to her hometown. While working on this project together, Cora and Gayle were able to express their appreciation for hospital staff and share their passion for public art. Tackling eight flights of stairs is no small feat. Each artist completed four pieces between floors. For Cora, her murals were inspired by sights around Lima and even the hospital itself. Her first mural, with a big blue splash of water, was inspired by the fountain on the hospital’s rooftop garden and was mixed with graffiti art found on many passing trains in Lima. “Public art inspires and evokes an emotional response, so when given the chance to do the same for others”, Gayle said, “ I will!” She helped to take a once sterile space and fill it with color, design, and inspirational words to remind employees that they are valued.

When members of our creative community are given the opportunity, beautiful things can happen. Gayle hoped her art would, “forever serve as motivation to take the stairs, to take time to travel to floors perhaps not normally visited and be a daily uplift for employees to know they are loved and appreciated.” Cora also shared, “It’s also a way of saying thank you to the nurses, doctors, administration, janitorial, and ANY building block that it takes to operate a hospital.” The stairwell has already begun pulling people in, even to take selfies, and given employees a moment to take a break and care for themselves. As Sally perfectly described it, Mercy St. Rita’s has found a way to provide a “joyous journey” for all who go up and down the stairs.

Heather Rutz, Cenovus & Beth Jokinen

Nicholas Wheeler grew up in the outskirts of Spencerville, out in the middle of nowhere. Being so far away from other people with only two neighbors within walking distance, he learned to be very creative in how he spent his time. He enjoyed designing things to fill his days. Almost every summer was spent painting or redecorating his bedroom! He would plan out his designs on paper in order to make the most of the space and stay up all night getting his bedroom moved around.

Nicholas has been interested in Interior Design since he was a child. He took that love into his adult life in order to do what he loves to do everyday. He met Deborah of Deborah’s Interiors, through a client of hers and she asked him to join her well-established interior design business, almost five years ago. After hands-on training by Deborah, as well as a lot of studying and classes, Deborah noticed he excelled in window treatment design and installation. He is the certified SOMFY (Motorized Shade) expert in our area. He feels lucky to have had great mentors to help him perfect the art of window treatments. So, he decided to open Affordable Window Fashions!

The right window treatment can transform an entire space. Window treatments are often more than just privacy or blocking out the sun. They are sometimes the biggest design element in the room and can often give your more bang for your buck than you ever imagined. Window treatments can make a difference when selling your home as well!

What sets Affordable Window Fashions apart from other window fashion businesses is customer service. Nicholas is there from start to finish. He spends as much time as necessary during the consultation meeting to assure the client gets exactly what they want. He installs the product and if any issues arise, he makes sure they are taken care of immediately. Many times, he washes windows that are up high before installing a new treatment and cleans up any spec of dust that would be created by the install. Customers are always telling him how much they appreciate the customer service because when getting other quotes, they can see night and day in the service being

provided. His favorite thing about being a business owner in Lima is meeting many of his neighbors. He says, “I love to meet all of my customers and build relationships. Many times, I learn something new about our area!”

Nicholas lives with his partner, Jared of 6 years. He is from Findlay. They have a 7-year-old son, Owen. They live in Shawnee and their son attends Wapakoneta School. This family loves to support local businesses. Their most frequented restaurants in Lima are La Charreada in Shawnee (because Owen enjoys the queso) and Beer Barrel.

When asked about what he does in his spare time, Nicholas laughed because he rarely has any free time. Music is a huge part of his life and he loves to go to concerts. He also loves to travel. Their favorite place to vacation is Anna Marie Island, FL. They go to their “happy place” (Florida) four to five times a year. For the 4th of July, Nicholas and his family always like to travel somewhere. Sometimes they go to Florida, sometimes it’s a spot in Lake Erie that his family has had for years, or a couple of years ago, they went to Nashville. This year, they will be getting ready for Country Concert starting on July 5th!

You won’t be surprised to learn that Nicholas’ number one hobby is finding something else to improve in their home. They built about 90% of their home themselves and keep working on finishing one room at a time. Most recently, he finished tiling their son’s bath tub surround and are now working on finishing the landscaping which he says is really fun.

Of course, Nicholas needs to work around the zoo of pets they have at home which includes a cockatiel, a parrot, two indoor kitties, fish, an axolotl and four dogs. Animals hold an important spot in his life. It is helpful that Dot’s Pet Center is right around the corner from where they live because they find the customer service to be unbeatable when they are taking care of their own zoo or a frequent stray that somehow finds them.

Nicholas Wheeler would love to offer you a free window treatment consultation in order to create a look you will truly love! Some of his past and current customers love to rave about his work...check out a few of their testimonials on the next page.

Affordable Window Fashions has transformed my home into something out of a magazine! I absolutely love EVERY treatment Nick has done. He was very professional from designing the treatments to the install. I am so happy with the results! I will definitely use Affordable Window Fashions again!

We cannot thank Nick enough for his exceptional service from beginning to the end of the process. He was nothing but efficient and professional, making the installation process so smooth. Our window treatments look absolutely terrific, and we would recommend Nick to anyone, can’t wait to start another project! Thank you, Thank you, Nick!

- Scott & Jennifer Koenig

- The Maags BEFORE AFTER

Nick replaced our old, heavy wooden blinds with a light and clean motorized shade system in our family room. This one design element truly changed the feel of the room and now we can raise or lower the shades with one verbal command or a remote control! We loved them so much, we had him come back to do the office and primary bathroom. He is a total perfectionist and paid attention to every detail!

- Indianbrook resident

RESPONSIBLE OPERATOR AND TRUSTED COMMUNITY PARTNER, FOR MORE THAN 135 YEARS

At Cenovus, we are committed to creating positive impacts and to making people’s lives better. In Lima, that means safely and responsibly producing products we use in our daily lives, and strengthening our community as a trusted partner. CENOVUS.COM

For the love of science

Refinery-supported program brings STEM to classrooms

SESA is an innovative program that brings exciting, hands-on science lessons to Allen County elementary and junior high classrooms. These lessons are designed to inspire young minds, generate a love for science and provide powerful enrichment to students in kindergarten through eighth grade. All the lessons, provided by SESA, were developed by engineers, scientists and teachers and align with State of Ohio learning standards in science. They reinforce scientific concepts and methodologies and encourage students to become inquiry-based learners.

Cenovus Says

Think back to your younger self and recall when something sparked your interest in a career. The Science Enhancement for Science Advancement (SESA) program has aimed to do that for science and STEM careers for more than 30 years.

Cenovus Lima Refinery is the lead financial sponsor of the program, also supported by other companies located in the Shawnee Township petrochemical complex, Ashland, Fort Amanda Specialties, INEOS and Nutrien.

The Allen County Educational Service Center is the coordinating and fiscal agent for this program to all public school districts in Allen County. The companies’ funding supports a teacher, who is employed by the ESC and travels to classrooms for the interactive lessons. Company employees and retirees also volunteer to teach some lessons.

The SESA program was developed in 1989 when engineers from BP Chemicals, the Lima Refinery and educators from Allen County came together to discuss concerns regarding the minimal number of high school graduates interested in pursuing math and science-related careers.

The lessons range from a favorite of grade schoolers, Weather and Water, in which students work with dry ice to “catch a cloud,” to a newer lesson for older students on genetics and DNA. Nearly 400,000 students have been served since the program’s inception.

Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

from the kitchen of Matt and Andrew Johnson, Tillamook Trail, Indianbrook

by Janine Douglass

Although you may not recognize their Indianbrook house without a specific holiday to highlight it, the kitchen inside the otherwise understated exterior of Matt and Andrew Johnson’s address offers the recipe here. An easy dish perhaps best suited for a cold day dinner, it’s derived from a family recipe, adjusted and modified to prepare in an instant pot anytime, any season.

Living in the Shawnee area for over two and a half years, the duo’s occupations are as diverse as the various positions Matt fills, in talent acquisition for the U.S. Army. Their home’s First Place 2022 Deck Your House contest-winning Christmas holiday illuminations show was designed and programmed by Andrew, who is an independent contractor, inspired by his association with Cedar Fair Entertainment and the Walt Disney Co.

Directions:

• Set pressure cooker to saute, add meat, salt and pepper to taste, briefly sear the edges of the meat.

• Remove the meat, add the butter, garlic, onion, and mushrooms, once the butter is melted, add the flour, and mix it all together till it’s creamy.

• Turn off saute, add in the meat, Worcestershire sauce, and 3 cups of beef broth.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 Pounds Chopped Stew Meat

• 1 Cup Sliced Mushrooms

• 4 Tablespoons Minced or Chopped Garlic

• ½ Onion, Chopped

• 4 Tablespoons Butter

• 3.5 Cups Beef Broth

• 4 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce

• 3 Teaspoons Salt

• 3 Teaspoons Pepper

• 3 Tablespoons Flour

• 1 Cup Sour Cream

• 12 oz Bag Egg Noodles

• Set pressure cooker pressure to cook, high for 15 minutes.

• Once complete, quick release and add in the egg noodles. Set to pressure cook, high for 4 minutes, then quick release (Note: if necessary, add in a bit more beef broth.)

• Quick release, add in sour cream, and salt and pepper to taste.

Total prep and cook time is roughly 30 minutes. Pair with a crisp green salad or your favorite vegetable, and perhaps your choice of crusty bread. Thanks, Andrew and Matt for enlightening your Shawnee friends with both dish and decoration ideas!

Precious Pets

Meet LCC’s New Counselors!

by Georgie Damschroder

Sadly, mental health issues are on the rise. With one in five Americans suffering from a mental disorder and millions more worldwide, many find themselves feeling sad and stressed now more than ever. Luckily for us, there are a plethora of ways to help ease these bleak emotions. One of the remedies that is rising in popularity employs dogs to spread comfort and happiness wherever they are needed. Many studies show how calming a dog can be to the mind; petting, playing with, or even looking at a pup can cause the brain to release feel-good chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin (simply put, dogs bring happiness!). Since these studies have come out, therapy dogs have been deployed to hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, and more. From the largest Great Dane to the smallest Chihuahua, pooches

of every shape and size now don their therapy vests with pride.

In our own community, a five year old Brittany dog named Hope has taken on this important job. Mother, Jessica Gronas, was working at Triad Middle School in North Lewisburg, Ohio, when she became interested in the idea of having a therapy dog around the building. So, she met with the superintendent, who perused school policies and gave Jessica the green light. And thus, seven week old Hope was welcomed home from a breeder! After countless hours of work with Dependable Companions Dog Training in East Liberty, Hope became a certified therapy dog through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

The Gronas family moved to Lima in July of 2022, where Jessica started a new job as school counselor at Lima Central Catholic. Naturally, Hope came with her, and she quickly became a celebrity at LCC! Hope can now be found in the hallways between classes and in the counselor’s office, where she comforts students and teachers who are tired, stressed, or are just in need of some puppy love.

“There is nothing better than seeing the smiles on their faces when they see Hope,” says Jessica.

Hope adores her job and is eager to go to LCC each day! Though many of us would jump at the chance to skip work or school, Hope refuses to be anywhere but in her office during the weekdays. Even so, she

can appreciate the occasional day off from her hard work. Hope even worked at Memorial Hospital in Marysville when she lived there, spending a day providing comfort to tired nurses.

After work, it’s time for play and mischief! Even though she upholds her professional demeanor while at LCC, Hope shows her cheeky side at home. She swipes food from the table, barks at everything, and has even turned some stuffed animals into chew toys. Once her mayhem has died down, she enjoys chasing frisbees and snuggling with her family on the couch. Hope was a big runner when she was a pup, even once completing a 5k race with Jessica!

Hope is an inspiration to all with troubles as she is also fighting her own battles. She has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, which is very rare for Brittanys. Trips in and out of the vet have become routine for Hope, her sunny personality making her a favorite patient. Despite all this, Hope refuses to let her condition slow her down. She still works, plays, and cuddles as she did before, all with the support of her family and school.

Hope lives with parents Jessica and Sean Gronas, and daughters Adeline and Elise on Hopi Trail in Indianbrook. The family moved into the neighborhood in October of 2022, knowing instantly that it was meant to be as their street shares a name with their own Hopie! They love the welcome and kindness their new neighbors have shown them, and the Gronas family also enjoy taking walks and runs in Indianbrook. As for the new space at home, the family plans to use it to host community workouts this summer. As Jessica and Hope leave for LCC each morning, Sean goes to his job as an engineer at Honda in Marysville. Hope continues to comfort and motivate everyone she comes across, working to help all she can!

Who is an Everyday Hero that Brings Out the Optimism in You?

THE SHAWNEE OPTIMIST CLUB

1st Place Essay Contest Winner, 2023

CONNOR LATHAM, Shawnee High School

My grandpa is an everyday hero that brings out the optimism in me. He and my grandma live in my same hometown so they have been very active in my life since I was born. Over the past 18 years, my grandpa has been very supportive of me and has always encouraged me to do my best. He’s always expressed interest in my academics, athletics, and my personal well being. This brings out optimism in me because he believes in my skills and encourages me to pursue my future goals.

From a young age I quickly developed a love for all forms of transportation, from trains to boats, but especially for cars. My grandpa is a car enthusiast. He grew up working on cars in my great-grandfather’s business and has passed this love of cars onto me. He has always shown optimism in figuring out what is not working right with a car, sometimes spending days, weeks, or months until it is working correctly again. I was often a side-kick on these projects, handing him tools and listening to his stories. This dedication and passion to fix the cars no matter the extra time it might take to figure it out on his own has led me to appreciate a “can do” philosophy and optimism.

A special project of his was a 427 Shelby Cobra kit car. The sound of the engine and the wind blowing in my face when grandpa drove it always brought a sense of euphoria every time he gave me a ride. These joyous feelings led me to want to be around my grandpa more often. Without realizing it, our relationship became much stronger as we started spending time together. I began by helping my grandpa with projects throughout the summer. This might have been fixing the lawnmower or burning leaves, in addition to helping with his boat or cars. Of course at a young age I probably wasn’t much help, but I tried my best to listen and watch. As I was helping him with projects, he was teaching me not only about cars, machines, and how to use tools, but the days were filled with his stories and laughter. Looking back I realize he was teaching me about life, and in particular adversity, passion, and of course optimism! There were days when it didn’t seem like we accomplished much, but he was never someone who gave up. Sometimes I felt like we could do things in half the time, but my grandpa always had his way of doing things and I learned to appreciate his stubbornness. Our relationship continued to grow as I got older and started understanding machines and engines more.

My grandpa has been a huge inspiration for me. He always has made time to come to my activities. From piano recitals to soccer games, he was always encouraging and complimentary of my role. His sense of humor creates optimism in me. Sometimes things don’t go as planned with his projects, but the next day we can laugh about a mistake. We enjoy each other’s company and can laugh about funny videos or talk politics. I teach him about new technology like updates on his phone or new gadgets he orders.

Connor with his grandpa, Glenn Fisher, in the Cobra

My grandpa shows optimism to everyone he meets. He finds an opportunity to strike up a conversation with strangers and seems to find something in common with others to put a smile on their face. He has shown me the importance of relationships. He often is helping others out with projects and in turn I have seen others return that favor. Grandpa has always told me that “the most important thing in life is the relationships you have with people.” I believe this is true. Showing others that you are trustworthy and dependable helps to open up new friendships and future relationships.

Always giving back, my grandpa loves to help the less fortunate. He volunteers at the church and in service organizations. At church, as far back as I can remember, he always handed me and my siblings money to put in the collection. His generosity continues with his family where he shares his belongings. He finds joy in taking me and my cousins to the lake. I can see the joy on his face when he whips us across the boat’s wake as we skid along the wake in a tube grasping on and laughing together, makes him have just as much fun when driving the boat. I couldn’t imagine a life without my grandpa. He has taught me so much about life and the joy of following your dreams. His encouragement and optimism are contagious and I look forward to making him proud in my future endeavors in the next four years of college and beyond.

FREEDOM

by Tug Taviano of Kingswood Village

Freedom, what does that word truly mean to you. To some it is to be free to be whatever I think I am, to some it is what those before us have fought for, and to others, they are still trying to figure out how to be free from the things that have held them back for years. Whatever it means to you, I know one thing, I do not think we are grateful enough for those that have given our nation the opportunity to be the most free of any nation in the world. The thing that I do want to focus on, is how we as individuals develop the freedom from opinions of others. The truth is, people will have opinions, the disbelief is, we should let that effect the way in which we live. I always tell my kids, myself, and my wife that my response is my responsibility. That means, anyone can voice what they want to about you, but the way you believe it and respond is up to you.

As we celebrate our nation’s freedom on this Independence Day holiday, may we truly find the freedom to live from the opinions of others. In closing, I want to encourage you to keep your circle small, and develop a fist factor of those that you trust. When you develop who you trust on your most powerful hand, you can pack a better punch by keeping your circle smaller. It’s taken me 44 years to implement this, and this mentality has been taught to me, by fellow Shawnee resident, Donna Krech!

Crypto Assets - A Cautionary Tale

by Michael McCormick, CPA

In recent years, the world of cryptocurrencies has captivated the imagination of investors, tech enthusiasts, and grandparents alike. With promises of astronomical gains and decentralization, crypto assets have become the talk of the town. However, amidst the hype and fervor surrounding these digital currencies, it is important to take a step back and examine the potential deleterious benefits of owning crypto assets. Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a cautionary journey through the wild world of cryptocurrencies.

Volatility - A Rollercoaster Ride:

One of the features of cryptocurrencies is their notorious volatility. The value of crypto assets can experience drastic swings in a matter of hours, leaving investors on an emotional rollercoaster. While these price fluctuations offer the potential for quick gains, they also pose significant risk. It’s like playing a game of financial roulette, where one wrong move can leave you financially bruised and battered or destitute.

Lack of Regulation - The Wild West:

Crypto assets operate in a realm largely devoid of regulation and oversight. While some proponents view this as a positive aspect, the absence of regulation creates a breeding ground for fraud, scams, and market manipulation. The “Pump and Dump” has become common. Public figures promote a particular crypto brand influencing the price only to get out at a market high. Investors are left vulnerable to unscrupulous actors seeking to take advantage of the crypto frenzy. It’s like navigating a treacherous sea without a compass, where even the most experienced sailors may get lost.

Security Concerns - The Achilles’ Heel:

Cryptocurrencies rely on complex cryptographic algorithms to secure transactions. However, this does not make them immune to security breaches and hacking attempts. Countless stories have emerged of individuals losing their life savings due to hacks or forgotten passwords. It’s like burying your treasure in a virtual vault, only to discover that the lock was flimsier than a suitcase lock.

Environmental Impact - Energy Guzzlers:

The process of mining cryptocurrencies requires substantial computational power, leading to an enormous energy consumption. Bitcoin, for example, has

been criticized for its carbon footprint, as mining operations often rely on fossil fuels. It’s like watching your digital wealth grow at the expense of the planet’s health—a trade-off that’s difficult to quantify.

Psychological Toll - Stress and FOMO:

The crypto market operates 24/7, and the fear of missing out (FOMO) can take a toll on investors’ mental well-being. Constantly monitoring prices, staying up late to catch market shifts, and succumbing to the fear of missing out can lead to stress and anxiety. It’s like being trapped in a virtual casino, where the stakes are high, and the adrenaline rush is never-ending.

There’s no there, there. When you buy a stock you own a fractional interest in the corporation the stock represents. You own a portion of the net assets and cash-flow of that business. In other words the value of a stock is backed by the value of the company it represents. Crypto currency is not backed by any-

thing. You own the possibility that the currency could increase in value or go to zero. Put another way, you own air that you hope someone will be willing to pay more for than you did. (The Greater Fool Theory) It’s like investing in a digital mirage that can disappear in the blink of an eye.

While cryptocurrencies may hold the potential for innovation and financial freedom, but they also come with a host of challenges that cannot be ignored. Proceeding with measured steps and a clear understanding of the potential downsides will help navigate the treacherous waters of the crypto world. Remember, it’s better to tread carefully than to get swept away by the allure of quick gains.

As the saying goes, “Not all that glitters is gold,” and the same can be said for cryptocurrencies. It’s important to approach the crypto market with skepticism and a critical eye to avoid getting swept up in the hype and promises of overnight riches. Here are a few additional factors to consider when assessing the potential deleterious benefits of owning crypto assets:

Limited Acceptance: While cryptocurrencies have gained popularity in recent years, their acceptance as a mainstream form of payment is still limited. Most businesses do not accept cryptocurrencies, making it challenging to utilize them for everyday transactions. This lack of widespread adoption hampers their practical utility and restricts their value to primarily speculative trading. It’s like owning a currency that can only be spent in a select few shops in a remote village.

Regulatory Uncertainty: As the popularity of cryptocurrencies grows, regulators worldwide are grappling with how to effectively oversee and regulate this nascent industry. The lack of clear guidelines and regulatory frameworks creates uncertainty and exposes investors to potential legal and compliance risks. It’s like participating in a financial experiment without knowing the rules of the game.

Market Saturation: The cryptocurrency market is crowded with thousands of different digital currencies, each vying for attention and investment. With new coins and tokens popping up regularly, it becomes challenging to differentiate between genuine innovations and speculative projects. Navigating this sea of options requires careful research and due diligence to avoid falling prey to scams or worthless investments. It’s like sifting through a digital haystack in search of a needle.

Overreliance on Technology: Cryptocurrencies heavily rely on technology, specifically blockchain technology, for their existence and security. However, technological advancements come with their own set of risks. Software bugs, hacking attempts, or even the failure of underlying blockchain networks can have catastrophic consequences for crypto assets. It’s like building a financial empire on a foundation of digital sand.

In conclusion, while the allure of owning crypto assets can be enticing, it is important to approach them with a critical mindset. The deleterious benefits of cryptocurrencies, including their volatility, lack of regulation, security vulnerabilities, environmental impact, psychological stress, lack of intrinsic value, limited acceptance, regulatory uncertainty, market saturation, and technological risks, all warrant careful consideration before diving in.

When investing in anything, diversification and a balanced approach are key. Rather than putting all your eggs in the crypto basket, it is advisable to spread your investments across different verifiable asset classes to mitigate risks. Remember, financial decisions should be based on sound research, thorough understanding, and a long-term perspective. By doing so, you can avoid the crypto landscape with greater confidence and make informed decisions about the role cryptocurrencies should not play in your overall financial strategy.

Class of 2023

Lima Central Catholic High School

Shawnee High School

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 we’ll deliver a gift basket to your doorstep.

Welcome Basket made possible by:

Affordable Window Fashions

Bayliff & Son Funeral Home

Brunk Electric

Cleaves American Heating & Air Conditioning

Kwik Dry Total Cleaning of Northwest Ohio

Mercy Health

Purple Feet Wine Boutique

Sara’s Sweets

Shawnee Station – Coffee ▪ Bar ▪ Grill

Tracy’s Appliances

Westgate Entertainment Center

Welcome the Kohrn Family to Indianbrook!

Please welcome Nick, Lauren and Claire Kohrn to Indianbrook! Nick is originally from Lima and went to LCC. He is an iOS Developer and does astrophotography as a hobby. Lauren graduated from Elida and is an HR Coordinator for a trucking company. They both work remotely full time!

Claire is 18 months old and loves water, her dogs (Mac and Ruby) and alllll the snacks! The Kohrn family is so excited to have their first home near family after six years in Columbus and hope to make new friends in Shawnee! Nick and Lauren both love playing with Claire outside, going for walks and exploring local parks!