Shawnee Life - May 2024

HONORING FAMILY WISHES, THEN &

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.

ADVERTISING

DEN Publishing LLC & Shawnee Life Magazine (707) 299-8942

AMUSEMENT

Sky Zone Trampoline Park (419) 549-5818

Westgate Entertainment Center (419) 227-7231

APPLIANCES

Tracy’s Appliances (419) 223-4786

Westrich Furniture & Appliances (419) 695-6045

BAKERY

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 Lima (419) 228-0000

Cridersville (419) 645-5555

CLEANING SERVICES

Mark’s Maid Service (419) 604-0298

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

Modish Maven (419) 581-7926

Twelve Oak Boutique (419) 773-0050

CUSTOM HOME BUILDER / REMODELING

Architon (419) 303-7138

DONATION PICK UP

Habitat for Humanity

Lima ReStore (419) 222-4937

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

Brunk Electric (419) 812-2821

FOOD & DRINK

Good Food Restaurants

Beer Barrel, Happy Daz, Old City Prime, Sycamore (419) 991-5346

Padrone’s Pizza Lima West (419) 331-3111

Purple Feet Wine Boutique (567) 940-9944

Schoony’s Pub (419) 991-4821

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

INTERIOR DESIGN

Deborah’s Interiors (419) 991-4400

JEWELER

Vons Diamonds & Jewelry (419) 227-5616

LAWN CARE

Select Lawn Care Services (419) 204-4498

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

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Busy B Realty (419) 371-4633

REALTORS

Cowan Realtors (419) 222-1212

SECURITY

Lima Security, Inc. (419) 222-1250

TRANSPORTATION / LIMOS / PARTY BUS

Lucky Limo, LLC (419) 236-3964

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Affordable Window Fashions (419) 991-4400

May CONT ENTS

Everyone

Get the latest news from Lima

and learn how Cenovus is reducing environmental impacts, leveraging new technology, and contributing to our community.

See how our sponsors

Learn how

Our

Get inspired to

ing about

and

about their

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.

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

Our sponsors love to welcome new families to the Shawnee area! If you have a new neighbor, let them know about the free welcome basket!

From Diane’s Desk...

I was driving down Elm Street near Dairy King and I noticed three streets in a row: Vera Way, Sharon Place, and Gloria Ave. Coincidentally, these are the first names of my mom and mothers-inlaw. For some reason, I feel a sense of comfort as I drive by these streets, as they provide a simple reminder of the wonderful women that were and are in my life.

My mom, Vera, was an amazing woman who worked tirelessly for homeless and low-income seniors in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco. She was a woman on a mission. I admired her intelligence, how she acted as a leader, and of course as a mom. I only had the pleasure of knowing my first mother-in-law, Gloria, for a short time before she passed unexpectedly. I truly enjoyed the relationship she had with my husband, Nick, and can only hope that I will have that level of understanding of my own child. Sharon is a beautiful woman in my life that offers unconditional support whenever necessary, and we appreciate having the opportunity to bend each other’s ears about those Schoonover men that we married! Vera and Gloria passed months before my son, Evan was born, so it means the world to me that we have Sharon in our lives now as a mother and grandmother figure.

I hope everyone has a fantastic Mother’s Day!

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.

MEET THE TRIBE

Diane Schoonover Publisher / Advertising

Michael Ayers Photographer

Janine Douglass DISH-cussions

Georgianna Damschroder Precious Pets & Amazing Achievers

Julie Lundin Know Your Neighbor

Nicole Davis Welcome Wagon & Mercy Matters

Tara Reynolds Bales Talk of the Town Lifestyle

Libby Simmons Amazing Achievers

Nick Schoonover Señor Cinco de Mayo

Meet the CRITES Family!

by Julie Lundin

Meet the Crites family on Masters Court: Shane, Julie, Hayden, Jackson, Landon, and Gavin. They, along with their shitzu-poodle mix, Geno, have lived in their home since July of 2021. “We are never moving! This is our dream home. We love the natural light and that we have plenty of space to spread out and feel connected at the same time,” said Shane.

Shane and Julie are both from Lima, with their children being eventual fourth-generation Shawnee graduates! They dated in high school, but went on their own paths in college. Julie attended Bluffton University and Shane went to Nyack College near New York City. They both ended up back in Lima after college. Then in the early 2000s, Shane realized that Julie was who he wanted to spend his life with…and the rest is history! Currently, Shane is a State Farm Agent and Julie is a stay-at-home mom, but she does enjoy substitute teaching at Shawnee Middle School.

Hayden is 15 and he is a freshman at Shawnee. He plays trumpet in the marching, pep, and symphonic bands. He also enjoys working on the tech team/camera team at church, as well as being on the tech team for the high school plays. The triplets, Jackson, Landon, and Gavin, are 11 and they love playing soccer! They, too, are musical like their older brother. Jackson and Gavin play trumpet in the school band, while Landon plays French horn. All four boys love boating (as long as they are not sailing with Dad) because they like to go fast! Knee boarding, skiing, and tubing are their favorite activities on the water.

The Crites family enjoys going to Disney World whenever the opportunity arises! “It’s a place where everyone becomes a kid again!” stated Julie. “Shane loves the parks and food, and the kids still enjoy meeting the characters even though they met them many years ago.” In fact, when the triplets were only one year

old, they took a vacation to Disney and it is one of the most memorable trips they have ever taken! In addition, the family enjoys going to the Allegany River each summer with friends. Time spent boating, eating, and swimming with friends every summer is an anchor for their children’s childhood memories. The kids plan on honing their water skiing skills, as Shane will do the same with his wakeboarding. This summer they will return to the Allegany River as well as Disney! The kids will also spend time at camp and there will be a lot of Pickleball on the agenda, as well!

Shane, Julie, and the kids really enjoy where they live. Earlier this spring, on the first nice day there was an impromptu kickball game that took place in their front yard. Eleven kids laughing and yelling as they played together was so great to see and hear! During the summer, the kids enjoy riding their bikes to friends’ houses, and of course walks with Geno are always great! The adults, Shane and Julie, appreciate having good friends right around the corner, too! With May’s arrival, the Crites family will open their pool on Memorial Day weekend. Each year they invite friends and family over, and top off the weekend with a splash contest among the dads!

French 75 from Old City Prime Bartender, Nichole Brown

by Nichole Brown, Spring & Main Bar Manager & Old City Prime Bartender

I’m Nichole Brown, a cocktail enthusiast, and bartender around these parts. You’ll find me most nights ‘behind the stick’ at Old City Prime. I spend my working hours mostly making cocktails, often bantering with guests, consistently causing a pleasant ruckus (front and back of house). While I’ve only worked in the craft cocktail world for about five years, I’ve been drawn to ingredients and recipes my whole life. For this edition of Happy Hour, I thought we’d time travel to Paris 1915… to get brutally maimed, I mean, not too brutal I guess. People survived being shot by a French 75mm field gun, right?

The French 75, or a 75 (if you’re Parisian maybe?) is said to have been born at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. Containing gin, lemon juice, sugar, and topped with Champagne. If there’s a better cocktail to enjoy in the heart of the spring season, I don’t know of it. I choose this cocktail for Mother’s Day, brunch, garden parties, and just general imbibing in the sunshine. The moniker is born from the feeling one gets after being blasted by a WWI field gun, though drinking a French 75 will result in no casualties these days. Now, let’s take off like a shot and get down to how to make this classic.

Gin - it’s the spirit we’re using, but it’s been said the original contained cognac. I’m a diehard gin-lover, so for me, a French 75 with anything else is going to be second fiddle. For this tutorial we’ll make the OG. A little later we can ponder the benefits of riffing this cocktail. Top shelf isn’t required here, just a quality gin will do the trick. I like Beefeaters, Tanqueray 10, or Uncle Val’s. Measure 1 ounce gin and add it to a shaker tin.

Lemon - fresh squeezed, double strained. No substitutes here, fresh gets us the zing this cocktail is known for. ½ ounce in with the gin.

Sugar - by way of simple syrup. I usually make a batch to keep on hand by boiling a 1/2 cup each of sugar and water until dissolved and then let cool. We add this basic solution to temper the sourness of the cocktail. ½ ounce is all you need to add. If you like a sweeter drink, add more.

Shake all these ingredients with ice for 15-20 seconds, nothing aggressive. Gin contains botanicals that can bruise if you use your cocktail shaker as a form of anger therapy. Just chill this gently and strain into a champagne flute.

Champagne - Ahhh, the queen of the sparkling spirits world. We’ve arrived at the very dramatic, guest-pleasing moment. The French 75 gives us reason to pop bottles of Champs. What’s not to love about that? Price point here can be mid-range but, use what you like to drink. At work, I use DOC Prosecco splits, at home I use Moet & Chandon. Brut is a less sweet option if you like your cocktails on the dry side. Make sure it’s a chilled bottle before you decide to open it. Pour the bubbles almost to the top of the flute, garnish with a lemon twist, and bang! Cocktail completed.

A cocktail like this pretty much goes with anything. We are talking sour category here, a cocktail containing a base spirit, citrus juice as the sour element, and a sweetener. If I wanted to cheekily classify the French 75, I’d call it Tom Collins’ sophisticated rich

aunt. You know the one that studied abroad, carries a Birkin, looks good in absolutely everything, only visits on holidays? Try this paired with eggs benedict at brunch, cucumber smoked salmon tea sandwiches, or a charcuterie offering of brie, prosciutto, and honey. Fruit, spicy foods, seafood, meats and cheeses are all excellent choices.

Now, I will always claim the French 75 as my all time favorite to drink and serve, BUT what if, after you’ve drank your fair share you think about all the other flavor profiles, and how they might have a chance at making this drink delectable, rainbowcolored, and customized to your pallet? We might have a lot in common then…On the Old City Prime cocktail menu you’ll find a Pink 75. Gin (1 oz), Grapefruit juice (1/2 oz), rosemary simple syrup (1/2 oz). In the summer, I substitute lavender syrup for the simple syrup and make Lavender French 75s. Since the research of this article I’ve made a strawberry basil version too, and boy, was that the furthest thing from disgusting (muddle 2 ripe strawberries and 2 torn leaves of basil with the simple syrup before adding the rest of the ingredients to the shaker). All of this is to imply you should have fun with this cocktail and make it your own. Also, I just can’t resist making more versions of a French 75. Watch for a flight offering at the bar this month!

French 75 Cocktail

• 1 ounce Gin

• ½ ounce lemon juice

• ½ ounce simple syrup

• 3 ounces Champagne

• Lemon twist

Add the first three ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Add ice to the top. Replace the lid and shake until gently chilled, about 15-20 seconds. Strain into a champagne flute, top with champagne, garnish with lemon twist, serve.

DEREK ALAN

WEEKDAY LUNCH SPECIALS

MAY 17, 2024

And, we’re growing in Ohio. We’re now the state’s largest refiner, sustainably providing products needed for everyday living: gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and asphalt. We employ more than 1,000 people at our Lima Refinery, Toledo Refinery, and our marketing office in Dublin. We also have opportunities for students and new graduates.

To learn more about Cenovus, including career opportunities, visit cenovus.com/careers.

Cenovus supporting skilled trade / financial literacy program

Participants will learn trade/construction skills as they turn a house into a community center

Through the summer of 2023, a first-time project brought together 10 young men for several weeks of skilled trade and financial literacy training. Of the 10 who started, six completed the program.

Emmanuel Curtis and Shawn Russell believed they were on to something, and asked themselves, what could be next?

“We could buy a house,” Russell couldn’t quite hear himself saying the idea out loud.

“Yes, let’s buy a house,” Curtis said. So, the organization Curtis leads, the Lima Chapter of My Brother’s Keeper / Jegna Lima, purchased a house on St. Johns Avenue. Young people will gain financial literacy skills, as well as trade and construction skills, while they renovate the house. The house will then be turned into a community center and gathering place in the neighborhood.

Earlier this year, Jegna announced that Cenovus Energy Lima Refinery is the project’s first signifi-

cant corporate partner, supporting the project with a $25,000 contribution. The funding will support supplies, tools and programming.

Russell, who works at the refinery as a process operator, said it’s always been personally important to him to spend time on financial literacy along with any other skill he’s teaching or talk he’s giving:

Once you learn, you earn, and what happens next — how you spend, save and invest — is foundational to a person’s long-term success.

Jegna, which means mentor, is a Lima community group establishing “pride, protection and positivity” in young Black males. Jegna and Cenovus announced the partnership at a recent “I’m At Promise Not At Risk” brunch. The event focused on educational themes and positive cultural history that moves young black people from a “cradle to prison” to a “cradle to careers” pipeline.

Talk of the Town

by Greg Hillard, Guest Writer and Led Zepplin Fan

Thank you, Veterans Memorial Civic Center, for bringing performances like, Get The LED Out (GTLO), to the Lima area, as well as other tribute shows featuring Simon & Garfunkel, Prince, and ABBA among others. I am also grateful to all of these talented musicians (some half my age) for continuing the tradition of some of the best, most accurate music that is possibly sounding better now than it did back in the day. Those who work behind the scenes also don’t go unnoticed, as they labor so true and tirelessly, creating some of the best experiences around.

This is the second time I’ve seen GTLO at the Civic Center. They do not disappoint, even if you have seen them numerous times. For an extra bonus at their March 3rd concert, they played a variety of songs, as well as the popular songs, which pleased the audience that was full of a large number of repeat attendees. They have an incredible catalog of music, which allows them to really change it up for every single performance.

I’ve been to other Zeppelin tribute concerts, but GTLO has to be my favorite. From the opening, “Immigrant Song” to “A Whole Lotta Love” and

everything in between, they are spot on. The lead vocalist, Paul Sinclair, sings with a full-range and captures emotion with all the little nuances. The rest of the band, well, they get it too. The crowd, which had fans that ranged between the ages of 25 to 75, obviously really enjoyed the show.

Experiencing GTLO in this venue is so much better, compared to the day when you had to travel to a stadium or major arena far away to see the original Led Zepplin. This atmosphere is up close and personal and there are a lot of fans, so you feel the vibe. Sometimes with an original band, they play your favorite song but end up changing it so much, that you end up feeling disappointed. This is most likely because they got bored playing it for the umpteenth time. That’s not the case with GTLO. They recreate the studio versions that you were used to, in an excellent way.

I attended this performance with my son and his girlfriend, Linda, who both had a fantastic time. My son, Jason Paul, had this to add, “It’s as close as you can get to an authentic Led Zeppelin live performance.”

And now for the criticism... (notice this section is empty)

Talk of the Town

by Tara Reynolds Bales

Lima is a wonderful community. When its members are in need, the community and organizations come together to help. This community collaboration was on full display at the Chili for Charity lunch on March 7, 2024, at the Mercy Graduate Medical Education building. The luncheon was the vision of Activate Allen County and the Mental Health Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize, and

Hardin Counties (MHRSB). Activate is a public initiative committed to improving the health of all residents of Allen County. With this mission, Activate Allen County partnered with MHRSB to respond to current and emerging challenges related to mental and behavioral wellness in our community. The partners decided to provide Community Mini-Grant Funds to help local organizations address wellness in Allen County.

Emerge Services

Generations of Love Lima Music Academy Warriors Way

Emerge Services

Generations of Love Lima Music Academy Warriors Way

Local organizations were invited to apply for the mini grants. Many organizations applied, and four were picked to make their pitch at the Chili for Charity event. Activate Allen County and MHRSB raised over $16,000 through sponsorships and ticket sales for the event. Over 200 community members turned out for the chili luncheon provided by Happy Daz and to hear from the four finalists: Emerge Services, Generations of Love, Lima Music Academy, and Warriors Way. The organizations shared their missions, stories, impacts, and resources needed to remove barriers to achieve mental and behavioral wellness. All finalists were awarded a grant. The attendees ranked the organizational pitches to determine the level of funds each will receive. These mini grants allow those in attendance to have a say in how the funds are spent and can see the positive work that their money is doing in our community.

Fourth place winner, receiving $2,000, was Lima Music Academy whose mission is to provide tuition free music lessons to financially stressed households. Third place, awarded $3,000, was Emerge Services which aids those needing help navigating Social Security to receive benefits. Second place, receiving $4,000, was Generations of Love which is a nonprofit that offers a vision of hope for children and adults who are involved in the child welfare system (biological, foster, kinship and adoptive), and they plan to offer mental health counseling, music therapy and art therapy. The top grant of $7,370 was awarded to Warriors Way which provides recreational therapy in the form of knifemaking classes for veterans, first responders, and students in the region. Forging a knife is therapeutic as it offers a creative outlet that offers a meditative and handson experience.

Chili for Charity was a wonderful and impactful event. All in attendance learned

about the challenges related to mental and behavioral wellness. Organizations were given the opportunity to educate the audience about the needs of our community members and how partnerships are paramount to success. An innovation grant from the United Way of Greater Lima helped take the event from an idea to fruition. “Activate Allen County extends profound thanks and heartfelt appreciation to our sponsors whose unwavering support transformed the vision of Chili for Charity into a vibrant reality,” said Josh Unterbrink, Co-Director of Activate. Chili for Charity will be back next year. Plan to attend and to be inspired by the collective action of our caring and giving Lima community.

The Winner: Warriors Way

An Interview with Sara Ambroza,

President of Mercy Health Foundation - Greater Lima

by Nicole Davis

1. For our readers who may not be familiar, what is the Mercy Health Foundation?

The Mercy Health Foundation of Greater Lima is a 501(c)(3) public charity supporting Mercy Health’s nonprofit hospital, clinics, services, and community outreach programs in Lima and across west-central Ohio. All of the dollars collected stay local to take care of our patients and families as well as Mercy Health critical care teams. We are also able to fund needed pilot positions. One of these positions is the hire of Anisha Pridgen as our Community Health Coordinator.

2. How do you decide who to help?

The Foundation has its own Board of Directors led by appointed community members. Any request, big or small, for funding is managed by an application process. The board works with me and the hospital leadership team to determine annual fundraising priorities. This allows all requests to be heard, as well as ensures that funds stay local.

Board of Directors:

Chair – Executive Committee – Jennifer Moenter

Chair – Stewardship Committee – Jim Bronder

Chair – Philanthropy Committee – Joseph J. Sreenan, MD

Chair – Board Engagement & Nominations – Jennifer Moenter

3. Where does the funding for Mercy Health priorities come from?

Funding comes from a variety of ways, and we are so grateful for our partners. Those partners include individual donors, corporate and organization donors, grant funders, and event support. Community members are invited to become a Mercy Club member and contribute through a range of Giving Levels and find their name on the Tree of Mercy. One way to become a member is to purchase a ticket to The Red Door Gala. The Red Door Gala, being held on June 6th, is our only signature fundraiser for the year.

4. What are the current Focused on Impact - Mercy Health Priorities?

For 2024, dollars are being raised for Neuroscience and Inpatient Rehabilitation Services, a Mercy Health Child Care Facility, community health initiatives and graduate medical education resident support, and the renovation of the Birth Place at St. Rita’s Medical Center.

5. As President of Mercy Health Foundation – Greater Lima, can you share some of the duties associated with your role?

Of course! I manage the Lima market with Mary Ann Bailey, Board Coordinator. We also just recently hired JoAnn Christie as the new Director of Grants and Organizational Giving for Lima and Springfield. As President, I am an extension to the community and ensure that we are properly stewarding donations received. I also assist with storytelling and working with patients and donors to show how dollars are being used to help others locally. It is our goal to be focused on the donor and their wishes to assist us in providing services, advanced technology, and access to care for those in need.

6. Why did you choose to work for The Foundation and what do you enjoy about it?

I started my career in higher education to be in a position to give back. In 2015, I moved that goal to the health care setting. I found that being a part of the Foundation is a small part I can play in being a connector for Mercy Health in our community and working with our generous donors. What I enjoy most is building relationships with donors, community partners, and patients. I cannot thank our donors enough for their contributions and what we are able to accomplish partnering together to make a greater impact.

7. How can our readers find out more information, become members of The Mercy Club, and buy tickets to The Red Door Gala?

They can visit our brand-new website: GiveBSMH.org/Lima. We hope to see everyone at The Red Door Gala, on June 6th!

Matters

Making a Mark “

by Kayla Monfort, Co-Director of Activate Allen County

When members of the Lima/Allen County community came together in 2012 and formed the collaborative that became known as Activate Allen County, there was really no way to foresee the form and direction that it would take. Now, nearly 12 years later, we are a staple in our community and a highly successful and sustainable group that continues to work for the betterment of our residents. For those unfamiliar with our history, Activate Allen County was started in coordination with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and spent the first 5+ years of its existence operating under the guidance and framework of CDC grants. The scope and sustainability of the work expanded greatly in 2017 when Activate Allen County became fully locally funded and has been embedded into many parts of community health work ever since. Without the support of our dues paying Executive Council members, this work would not be possible. Our Executive Council includes: the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce, Mercy Health, the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize and Hardin Counties, Allen County Public Health, the City of Lima, Allen County Commissioners, Lima/Allen County Regional Planning Commission, Allen County Regional Transit Authority, West Ohio Community Action Partnership, United Way of Greater Lima, and Bluffton University. Activate Allen County currently has two paid staff positions and is housed under the Lima/Allen County Chamber Foundation’s non-profit wing.

Community Health Assessments and Plans

Activate Allen County staff, along with Allen County Public Health, leads the effort in gathering stakeholders and leaders to the table to discuss community health planning. Last fall, we unveiled our 2023-2026 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). How do we go about creating these plans? We believe in engaging community members as active participants in their own health. Through community forums, surveys, and focus

groups, we will gather input, ensure representation, and empower residents to take ownership of their well-being. Our plan is grounded in comprehensive data analysis identifying the health needs and disparities within our community. The priority areas of our current CHIP include Thriving Communities, Mental Health and Wellness, Supports for Healthy Living, and Maternal and Infant Health. These broad priorities are then broken into measurable goals with attached data. We encourage the community to take a look at the full CHIP document at the Allen County Public Health’s webpage.

Community Health Atlas

Additionally, we would like to draw the community’s attention to the Allen County Health Atlas. This data tool is available to every resident at www.allencountyhealthatlas.org and can be a valuable resource offering current data around a variety of health related and community-based topics. Data on this webpage can be mapped on a census tract level, which means that programs and resources can be allocated to small areas of our community that experience the highest need. All the Health Improvement Plan goals, discussed above, can be found at this website in an effort to increase transparency, goal tracking and monitoring and allow for easy access to all residents in the community who are curious about efforts being made to address community health.

Activate Co-Directors, Kayla Monfort & Josh Unterbrink

“Activated” Challenges

Beyond Activate’s work with community assessments and planning we run a variety of Activated Challenges in the form of mini-grant programs throughout the year. These mini-grants vary in amount from $500-$2500 based on the challenge. Funds are available to schools, neighborhoods/non-profits, childcare centers and faith communities to increase their ability to provide sustainable health and wellness activities to those they serve. For example, schools could apply for funds to create a sensory room or a faith community could apply to host exercise or cooking classes at their facility. These funds are offered through a competitive application process where assessments and budgets are completed and only sustainable and fully supported projects are approved.

Community Events

Our favorite part of the job is getting to be out in the community! Activate Allen County runs free community events each year: community block parties, plant swaps, kids night at the Lima Locos, bike rodeos and our largest event, our Healthy Families Expo. Our goal at any community event is to ask residents to complete a short community survey, so we can better understand their needs and how we can help solve these needs, provide health screenings, connect residents with community resources and have a lot of fun through live music, food, bounce houses and other entertainment. Activate also runs a community garden located on S. Jackson Street. There we have 16 raised beds and offer free garden plots to residents looking to grow their own produce. This year, we also introduced a new community event - Chili for Charity - our spin on a crowdfunded lunch that gave all money raised right back to the community by way of a live “pitch” by chosen community organizations and a live vote from those in attendance. We plan to add this as an annual community event and we are excited to watch it grow! Check out the Talk of the Town section on page 20 in this issue of Shawnee Life Magazine, to see how the Chili for Charity event went in March.

And so much more!

The collaborative work of Activate Allen County and its many partners continues to grow and the number of initiatives and successes that stem from this work are too many to name here. In 2023 alone, more than 20% of Allen County residents were served through our programs, challenges or events. We collected surveys from over 600 community residents and funded 34 community projects.

If you would like to learn more about our work and how you can join in, please visit our website at www.activateallencounty.com where you can sign up for our newsletter or follow us on social media at www.facebook.com/ActivateAllenCounty.

Healthy Families Expo

South Jackson Community Garden

Cowan Realtors: Your Neighborhood Brokerage

Situated in the heart of Shawnee, Cowan Realtors is a locally-owned real estate brokerage deeply entrenched in the community. For over three decades, Cowan Realtors has served as a trusted ally, guiding numerous Shawnee residents along the path to finding their ideal home. Founded by Beverly Sweeney 31 years ago, Cowan Realtors has become synonymous with integrity, professionalism, and a sincere passion for serving its clients.

Established in 1993, Cowan Realtors made it their mission to deliver unparalleled service and expertise to clients seeking to buy or sell homes. Right from the beginning, Beverly Sweeney instilled a culture at Cowan that prioritized trust, honesty, and a steadfast dedication to ethics. These are values that continue to shape the brokerage today and are of the utmost importance to current Broker/Owners, Ashley Cowan-Meas and Jason Liening.

Your Residential Specialists

At the core of Cowan Realtors’ enduring success lies its dedicated staff and team of 37 agents, each committed to the industry and equipped with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. They are your local residential specialists and aren’t just REALTORS; but integral members of the local community that are deeply in-

vested in its growth and prosperity. With an intimate understanding of the local market and trends, they can educate buyers on strategies to succeed against multiple offers in a competitive seller’s market. Or for seller clients, navigate them through the new industry regulations, ensuring they get the most for the sale of their home.

Your Community Partner

Many of Cowan Realtor’s agents are Lima natives and have either raised their families here or have children attending local schools. As a community partner, Cowan Realtors actively supports local schools, sporting events, fundraisers, and non-profit organizations throughout the year. We are committed to giving back to the community that has supported us for so long.

As Cowan Realtors celebrates its 31st anniversary, the brokerage remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence, integrity and community. As Shawnee and its surrounding areas continue to evolve, Cowan Realtors will be there every step of the way, helping buyers and sellers turn their real estate dreams into reality.

Beverly Sweeney

Ashley Cowan-Meas

Jason Liening

Amish Country Getaway at The Atlee Suites

by Diane Schoonover

Everyone needs to getaway. Escaping to Berlin, Ohio is something I frequently do with my son. This time, I simply needed to do a solo recharge. As soon as I heard that the brand new Atlee Suites had been completed, I booked my stay. I actually watched the construction of the Atlee Building during previous visits, so I was excited to explore the inside, which consists of both shops and suites. Atlee Pomerene was born in Berlin in 1863 and his house once stood in this exact location. His memory will now be preserved, as he represented Ohio in the US Senate and even ran for President.

The Atlee Suites are stylish like a hotel, but have the hominess of an Airbnb. No check-in at a front desk is necessary, so I entered a code and walked into my spacious suite. I immediately felt an unexpected luxurious vibe that gave me an invitation to relax. The moody color on the walls, the carefully curated design, the priority of comfort, and the attention to detail made me feel carried away. After getting settled, I left The Atlee Building, excited by the central location allowing me to walk to some of my favorite shops.

Berlin has many things to do while on a mini-vacay. Choosing between the many eclectic farmhouse décor stores, thrift shops, antique and craft malls, various home goods outlets, and boutiques, might be the best part of the day. I always visit Kaufman’s Kountry Accents and love that it is within walking distance of The Atlee. Entering, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. I never have a shopping list, but I always seem to find things I must have. This time I was drawn to a water fountain candle with a peaceful trickle of water and light. I also found some cork-topped glass jars for my bathroom and an adorable plaid plant pot. If you see Melody working at the store, be sure to lean on her for decor advice!

You must stop at one of the many cheese shops to discover a multitude of savory options, that you never even knew existed. Bakeries full of breads and pastries can also be found close by. Coblentz Chocolates in neighboring Walnut Creek is a short drive away and here you will experience an amazing display of chocolates and candies, too numerous to comprehend, and would have Willy Wonka’s head spinning.

The local farms are a special place to visit, when looking to find fresh produce, scratch-made items, or even to experience a petting zoo. A few of the farms have the option to ride a horse and buggy with an Amish tour guide.

A word of warning, the town of Berlin closes down early, so plan your night accordingly; after a full day of shopping, my plan was to grab dinner to go and melt in my room’s deep soaker tub while wishing the world away with a bold glass of Cabernet. I spent the remainder of the evening in front of the fireplace catching up on some much-needed pleasure reading, before falling into a deep sleep.

The next morning, I felt the crisp air on my third floor patio, and then slipped into the soothing hot tub. As I sipped on my coffee and listened to the rhythmic clip-clop of the horses on the street below, this city girl marveled at the simple beauty of the Berlin landscape, which stretching out for miles.

The Blue Sky Café is conveniently located in the same building as The Atlee Suites. I stopped in for breakfast and happened to run into the hands-on, co-owner of The Atlee Building, Zach Lee. Zach beamed with pride as he shared, “We created The Atlee to not only add value to our local community, but also to hopefully become a must visit destination for Holmes County visitors, who will appreciate the thoughtful design and attention to detail.” After a quick chat, I went to the counter and met Austin who said “I noticed you were talking to my dad.” He happily proceeded to take my order with professionalism. I chose the The Exclusive Egg sandwich, which contained thick smashed avocado, fluffy egg and sharp cheddar cheese on Tribeca crunch bread with honey sriracha sauce. Then I saw something I had never seen before - the fresh baked made-to-order donut bar with a plethora of choices for icings, toppings and drizzles. I couldn’t resist. I completed my order with their signature Blue Sky Café Iced Tea, which was a cold-brewed loose leaf sweet blueberry moon tea, topped with blueberry infused cold foam, and finished with edible glitter. I enjoyed talking with Austin, his sister Adrienne, and server Alex, as they prepared my order.

My weekend getaway didn’t disappoint and I encourage you to plan your vacation to Amish Country at The Atlee Suites, whether you are a mom looking for some alone time or a couple wanting to spend quality time together. If you need a perfect gift for Mother’s Day, this would make a great Mother/ Daughter getaway too!

by Georgie Damschroder

Precious Pets

Energized Enzo

Dogs are known as being man’s best friend, ready to do whatever it takes to please their people. But just how far would our pooches be willing to go for the good of man? For the dog sledding teams who partook in the Serum Race, the answer was as far as it takes. In 1925, a deadly disease known as diphtheria broke out in the isolated town of Nome, Alaska. Though there was a curing serum, the closest stockpile of it lay in a town hundreds of miles away from Nome, and the cold of Alaska made it nearly impossible to get it to Nome in time. So, it was decided that twenty dog sledding teams, consisting chiefly of malamutes and huskies bred to withstand the cold, would attempt to transport the serum to Nome in a relay. The path had temperatures far below freezing and fierce snowstorms that would pelt the teams relentlessly, but the dogs and their masters persevered. The most dangerous stretch of the relay was covered by musher Leonhard Seppala and his lead dog Togo, who braved horrific, wintry dangers. At one point, the entire team became stranded on a floating sheet of ice, but strong Togo grabbed a hold of a rope attached to the sled and pulled the sheet of ice back to shore! In the end, the dog teams were successful in delivering the serum to Nome, risking their lives to save thousands of others.

One of these cold-loving pooches lives with the Thompson family. Enzo is a year old husky and malamute mix, and he was welcomed into the family after he was adopted off a farm. From the moment he was brought home, it was clear he fit in perfectly with his new people! Enzo is known for being incredibly hyper! He will run, jump, and play for hours on end, never seeming to need a rest. His boundless energy even proved to be too much for his favorite toy, a green plush named Gumby, that he promptly destroyed.

Whenever someone comes to visit the Thompsons, they can expect to be greeted with Enzo eagerly jumping up to welcome them with doggy kisses and love! His adoration for people has led to him needing to be locked up in his crate whenever his people aren’t home, as Enzo will attempt to escape the house and find someone to give him attention if no one is readily available to dote on him.

Enzo loves nothing more than to frolic about in the snow. True to his arctic ancestors, he adores the freezing temperatures of winter, and will run and play outside to his heart’s content when the rest of us would rather stay bundled up inside!

In order to get some of his endless energy out, Enzo takes long walks with his people whenever he can. He has a special hatred for car rides, however, preferring to run to his location rather than drive!

When Enzo’s vigor has finally run dry, he curls up with his family on the couch to receive some well deserved love and cuddles.

“He’s so cute when he is sleepy, and he’s also calm, which is a bonus after a day of playing with him!” says daughter Noelle.

Though Enzo will happily receive attention from anyone in the family, his favorite and go-to person for receiving pets remains son, Zeke Thompson.

Enzo lives on Brookgrove Court in Wildbrook with Grandma Sherry, parents Cara and Peter Thompson, sons Matthew and Ezekiel “Zeke,” and daughters Naomi and Noelle, both of whom attend Shawnee High School as freshmen. The family loves their beautiful neighborhood and the creek that runs behind their house, which was a favorite playplace of kids and dogs alike growing up. Though Enzo’s energy can be tiresome at times, he never ceases to bring love, cuddles, and joy to the Thompson home, and his family wouldn’t have him any other way.

LCC’s Mock Election

by Libby Simmons

In 1988, Bob Seggerson, a revered figure at Lima Central Catholic, introduced the Mock Election, igniting a tradition that continues to shape students’ understanding of the electoral process and foster their interest in politics. Seggerson recognized the importance of instilling knowledge about presidential elections and cultivating a passion for the democratic process every four years. Despite Seggerson’s retirement, the Mock Election legacy lives on 36 years later, as evidenced by this year’s 2024 Mock Election that occurred on March 27th.

This event not only provided students with a handson experience of participating in an election but also served as a platform for them to immerse themselves in the excitement and competition of the “Race to the White House.” Part of the tradition involves students representing different states. This includes playing on stereotypes such as cow-

boys, hippies/hipsters, surfers, football players, ivy leaguers, etc. Embracing regional stereotypes, participants often dress accordingly, with Texas/ Oklahoma students for example, donning cowboy boots, hats, jeans, flannels and overalls to embody the laid-back western look. The Mock Election isn’t just about casting votes; it’s a multifaceted event that includes campaign fundraising activities. Each class receives funds on designated days, adding an element of competition and camaraderie to the electoral process. The anticipation builds as students prepare for the main event, with raffle prizes, including gift cards and out-of-uniform passes, serving as additional incentives for attendance. The atmosphere is further enlivened by a food truck, offering sweet treats, and ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Beyond the excitement of the elections and the allure of prizes, the Mock Election provided valuable learning opportunities. Eight candidates engaged in fundraising, campaign development and public speaking, all while gaining a deeper understanding of their own beliefs and the electoral system. Creating their own politician profile, the candidates gave speeches, dressed in character and played a role.

Cole Rhinehart said, “It was a great experience. I gained public speaking practice, learned more about the political process and how to sway voters. Everyone did a great job and it was awesome seeing the community come together for a great time.” The final two debating were none other than General Calvin Creed (Cole Rhinehart) and Henry Davenport (Billy Bourk).

With such a close debate, it came down to the last region voting to secure a winner. None other than Billy Bourk was victorious and took home a large check for his victory and hard work! Billy said, “I had an amazing time during the whole process. I can’t thank my supporters enough; they truly made it happen for me. I also want to thank Taco Movil for the amazing food! While sitting down with Cole and watching the final race, it made me realize how much better of a place our country would be in, if

two opposing politicians could simply sit down and have a conversation.”

The spirit of Bob Seggerson’s vision continues to inspire and empower future generations of students. Through this enduring tradition, young minds are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm to become active participants in shaping the future of democracy.

The Candidates

Lucy Bensinger, Hailey Chambers, Ingkawat (Ink) Jaroensri, Billy Bourk, Andrew Baldauf, Cole Rinehart, Alexa Hefner & Bractyn Jones

Cole Rinehart & Billy Bourk

What the NAR Setlement Could Mean for Buyers and Sellers

by Ashley Cowan-Meas, Partner/Broker - Cowan Realtors

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) and plaintiffs recently reached a proposed settlement agreement that would end litigation of claims brought on behalf of home sellers related to broker commissions. The settlement is subject to court approval, but if approved would change the way that commissions are allowed to be offered to buyers on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The changes are expected to go into effect in mid-July if approved.

What this means for sellers.

If approved, sellers would no longer be able to offer compensation via the MLS but compensation could still be offered by off MLS communication through their agent. In many cases offering compensation is going to be in the best interest of sellers, as it will bring a larger pool of qualified buyers that are able to purchase their home, getting them a higher purchase price. Sellers would still be able to communicate seller concessions, such as buyer closing costs via the MLS.

What this means for buyers.

If approved, buyers would be required to sign a Buyers Agreement with their agent prior to touring any home. This agreement would detail the duties of their agent as well as the compensation the buyer’s agent would be paid. They buyers would still have the option to negotiate their agent’s compensation in the terms of their purchase contract requesting the sellers to pay the compensation. They also have the option to pay the compensation themselves. In many cases, buyers will request sellers to pay the compensation, as they may not have the funds needed to cover the compensation in addition to their down payment and closing costs. Buyers would also be able to pay their own compensation in efforts to obtain better terms in their purchase contract.

What this means for real estate agents and brokerages.

Brokerages and agents are still awaiting details, which are expected once the settlement is approved. In the meantime, traditional ways of offering compensation via the MLS are still allowed. At Cowan Realtors, we currently have a Buyers Agreement that buyers may use if they choose, if no compensation is being offered. In the months to come, we are committed to adapting to industry standards to ensure that our clients continue to receive the highest level of service and representation.

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

Welcome Wagon

Biggby Coffee

Brunk Electric

Cleaves American Heating & Air Conditioning

Gillis Chiropractic Clinic

Mercy Health

Purple Feet Wine Boutique

Sara’s Sweets

Shawnee Station – Coffee ▪ Bar ▪ Grill

Tracy’s Appliances

Westgate Entertainment Center

Welcome to Breezewood, Andrews Family!