Shawnee Life - June 2024

Father’s Day from The Crowe Family

Trusted

HONORING FAMILY WISHES, THEN & NOW

Committed to providing our community with respectful, dignified, and professional services. We believe in giving back to the community that has supported us.

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

(419) 645-4501

311 West Main Street Cridersville, Ohio 45806

Neighborhood 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

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

Twelve Oak Boutique (419) 773-0050

CUSTOM HOME BUILDER / REMODELING

Architon (419) 303-7138

DANCE INSTRUCTION

Lyn’s Academy of Dance (419) 331-3511

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

June CONT ENTS

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

Our

Get

tributing

Learn

See

Get

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.

See beautiful images from two local

phers in

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!

CHARLES BENEFIT & BASH 2024

From Diane’s Desk...

Summer is here! The weather definitely seems to change the mood...in a great way! I am looking forward to taking spontaneous road trips, lounging by the pool, having drinks on a hot summer patio, visiting with friends and family and simply living a little more carefree.

June is when we celebrate the fathers in our lives! My husband, Nicholas, and my father-in-law, Tom, never really want a lot of hoopla so I hope my son, Evan, and I can find a perfect way to show them how much they mean to us. At the very least, we want to proclaim our love and appreciation right here for these two men that make our world go round!

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.

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 Boy of Summer

by Julie Lundin

Meet the CROWE Family!

Meet the Crowe family on Yakima Trail in Indianbrook: Adam, Brenda, Sophia, and Kensley. The Crowes have lived in their lovely home since April 2015 and they thoroughly enjoy living in the neighborhood. “We love being able to walk and bike around the neighborhood as the kids have friends that live in Indianbrook. We also enjoy all of the events that take place throughout the year,” said Brenda. Their two favorite Indianbrook events are the luminaries in December and block party in the summer. “Luminary night is a big hit getting to see all the decorations and extra stations set up throughout the neighborhood. The block party is great be-

cause it is fun to see the kids playing together! There are also so many activities for the kids and adults to enjoy.”

Adam and Brenda met while they were both working at Meijer and were introduced by a mutual friend. Adam has lived in Shawnee his entire life. He graduated from Shawnee High School, as well as The Ohio State University at Lima. Currently he is a branch manager at Superior Credit Union. Brenda is originally from Delphos having graduated from Delphos St. John’s. She then went to Ohio Northern University where she earned her degree in pharmacy. Currently she is a pharmacist at Meijer.

Sophia and Kensley both attend Shawnee. Sophia will be attending the Middle School next year as she is going into the fifth grade. She enjoys playing basketball and is interested in playing volleyball in the future. Kensley is at Elmwood and will be in second grade in the fall. She enjoys playing

soccer. Both girls love to swim and will spend a lot of time in their pool this summer!

The Crowes enjoy having family over to watch sporting events in either their basement or garage. Adam is a big fan of the Buckeyes, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Cincinnati Reds. Sophia and Kensley enjoy watching sports with their dad and have become fans of the Buckeyes and Reds, too!

With Father’s Day this month, the Crowe family will spend the day together swimming in their pool, topped off with dinner out at a place of Adam’s choice! Shawnee Life would like to wish a Happy Father’s Day to Adam, as well as all of the other Shawnee Dads in the community!

As a family, the Crowes can be found at their favorite restaurant, The Side Rail, in Wapak. “The food is amazing, there is something for everyone, and exploring downtown Wapak when we go is always fun,” stated Brenda. They also enjoy going to the Columbus Zoo, as well as to Florida to visit both family and Disney World! “It is so fun to visit Disney every few years. We all become kids again and as the girls get older we have fun exploring bigger rides together.”

This summer Adam, Brenda, Sophia, and Kensley will go to Bear Lake in Michigan with Adam’s entire family. It is an annual summer vacation that they look forward to each year. While at Bear Lake they spend a lot of time tubing and hiking at the state parks. Looking for Petoskey stones at Lake Michigan is also a lot of fun! On summer evenings while at home, you will probably find the family relaxing poolside or having swim races from one end of the pool to the other. The kids also enjoy diving and getting as many toys from the bottom of the pool as possible.

5 Home Design Trends That Are Here to Stay for 2024 and Beyond

– by

As home builders and remodelers, we’ve witnessed countless design trends come and go. Amidst the flux, certain enduring styles have emerged as staples of modern living. These trends not only elevate a home’s beauty, but also provide practical benefits like increased home value and personal satisfaction.

Looking forward to 2024, five home design trends stand out as enduring and transformative:

1. Flexible and Multifunctional Spaces: Traditional room layouts are giving way to adaptable spaces that cater to evolving needs. With convertible furniture and clever storage solutions, homeowners can effortlessly transform rooms to suit various purposes. With the right design & storage, a guest bedroom can transform into a home office, reading nook, or art room in a matter of minutes.

2. Outdoor Living Spaces: In our picturesque Ohio landscape, spending more time outdoors is practically irresistible. Homeowners are extending their living areas into the open air with fully equipped kitchens, cozy seating around fire pits, and lush landscaping, creating seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.

4. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: With a growing emphasis on environmental responsibility, sustainable design practices are becoming standard. Features like solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and eco-friendly building materials not only reduce carbon footprints but also lower utility bills, offering long-term savings for homeowners.

3. Minimalist and Contemporary Aesthetics:

Clean lines, neutral color palettes, and understated elegance define modern home design. By using natural materials like wood and stone, these timeless aesthetics exude sophistication while allowing for personal expression through carefully curated accents.

5. Wellness and Health-focused Design:

Recognizing the impact of home environments on wellbeing, designers are integrating features that promote health and relaxation. From dedicated workout spaces to indoor greenery and ample natural light, every aspect of home design is geared towards nurturing occupants’ physical and mental health.

For homeowners seeking enduring design solutions that enhance their lifestyle, Architon offers expertise in crafting modern, elegant spaces tailored to individual needs. Contact us today to explore how we can bring your vision for a new home or remodel to life.

Shrimp Remoulade

from the kitchen of Marie & David Drum of Ten Hills

by Janine Douglass

After living in major metropolitan areas, Marie and David Drum arrived in Lima in 1991. Quickly appreciating the quality of life available in small town America, they’ve had the opportunity to actively participate in many community activities, clubs and associations. Now retired, they recognize they’ve made lifelong friends here, and so choose to remain (mostly) in Lima’s Shawnee area. The couple has two adult children: Jennifer, now in Cleveland, and John, a Denver resident, who grew up benefitting from the excellent Shawnee schools system. Marie and David enjoy visiting their three grandchildren, traveling, golfing, woodworking and playing bridge.

Shrimp Remoulade (Serves 12-14 as an appetizer, 4 as a luncheon salad)

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise

• ¾ cup chili sauce

• 6 Tablespoons horseradish

• ¾ cup sour cream

• 3 Tablespoons dried chives

• 6 Tablespoons dried parsley

• 3 teaspoons Beau Monde (a seasoning MUST of salt, onion powder and celery powder available at better stores like Keystone Meats and Wildman Spices)

• 1 medium onion, sliced very thin

• 3 Tablespoons drained capers

• 3 pounds cooled and cleaned shrimp

• Lettuce

Directions:

Combine all ingredients, except lettuce, adding shrimp last. Mix well. Refrigerate overnight.

(A brief 15 minutes to assemble.)

Note: This was one of Marie’s mother’s favorite appetizer recipes, easily doubled (or more) for a crowd. It can also be served cold on a bed of lettuce as a summer salad main course.

cenovus.com/careers.

Cenovus recognized as Ohio State engineering technology degree foundational partner

The Ohio State University at Lima earlier this spring showcased one of its newest ventures – the Engineering Education and Manufacturing Center (EEMC) – with a ribbon cutting ceremony and tours for manufacturers and state and local leaders.

The EEMC builds on one of the cornerstones of the land grant mission of The Ohio State University –access. It allows Ohio State Lima to extend that mission in a way that directly impacts our workforce.

“Not only does this engineering technology degree provide local partners with access to local talent and resources, but it also provides access to our students – access to an Ohio State education, access to industry partners through mentorships, internships and capstone courses, and access to a career with endless possibilities,” said Dr. Margaret Young, interim dean and director at Ohio State Lima.

At the event, Dr. Young recognized Cenovus Energy Lima Refinery as the engineering technology program’s first foundational partner. The relationship will help sustain the program as it continues to grow to meet the needs of manufacturing in the area.

“We launched the engineering technology program in 2020 in direct response to industry requests for a program that would integrate engineering concepts and manufacturing processes with hands-on skills,” Ohio State’s Young said. “This unique degree is calculusbased, undergoing ABET accreditation and positioned only on Ohio State’s regional campuses – in communities where the majority of our advanced manufacturers operate.”

Cenovus had previously supported the program with guaranteed scholarship

funding for students enrolled in the program, as an incentive to generate interest in the new degree. The program is celebrating its first graduates this year.

Ohio State recently signed a long-term lease with Ford Motor Company for use of its former training center at the Lima Engine Plant. Students are already attending classes and working in the Ohio State labs at the EEMC. They were on hand to demonstrate the capabilities of the labs and industrystandard equipment.

The EEMC equips students with specific knowledge of the latest equipment during their education process and provides manufacturers with direct access to top local talent specifically trained in manufacturing. Manufacturers, operators and skilled trades also have the opportunity to use the facility for training and equipment demonstrations.

Facilities at the EEMC include the Smart Manufacturing Lab, Manufacturing Machining Lab, Forming Lab, Material Science/Quality Lab, Mechanical Processes Lab, Industrial Toolroom, and Electrical Circuits.

Dr. Margaret Young, Interim Dean and Director at Ohio State Lima, Dr. Ryan Schmiesing, Senior Vice Provost, External Engagement, The Ohio State University, and Cenovus Energy Lima Refinery General Manager Dean Hempfling celebrate the ribbon cutting at Ohio State Lima’s Engineering Education and Manufacturing Center.

by Diane Schoonover, Co-Coordinator, St. Charles Benefit & Bash

The St. Charles Benefit & Bash turned out to be one to remember! The goal was to raise money for the school, while offering an evening full of live music, a huge assortment of auction items, and delicious food and drinks to keep everyone going. Fundraising expectations were definitely exceeded as over $70k was raised through the live and silent auction, ticket and bar sales, and very generous donations made by numerous businesses and members of our community. The funds raised will create a vibrant after school enrichment program, update the school’s security system, upgrade technology for students and teachers, as well as add to the Parent Task Force fund which focuses on planning events for students, families and teachers at St. Charles Catholic School throughout the year. Principal Megan Scheid shared, “We were thrilled by the turnout and unwavering support shown at our school’s Benefit + Bash. It’s truly heartwarming to witness our community come together with the shared dedication to the success and enrichment of our students’ educational journey.”

Over 200 guests were in attendance for this Rock the Night themed event, and many commented on the transformation of the gym into a social night club with perfectly draped bistro lights, hanging fringe, framed lyrics and classy centerpieces on each table that included a gold vase holding feathers and a record with the name of a different Fleetwood Mac song or

album. Deluxe tables were sold to encourage people to get a group of people to attend together, and they included two bottles of wine and personal charcuterie cups, thoughtfully made by Jennifer Robertson. Fleetwood 2 the Max was the main act and they dazzled the audience all night long. This Fleetwood Mac tribute band totally hit the mark and had guests singing and dancing along. Coordinator, Katie Sielschott said, “We were looking forward to trying some new things with the auction by including live music, focusing on small details like creative decor and thoughtful add-ons, and elevating the food & desserts. Our goal was to make this something people look forward to each year. Our vendors and volunteers knocked it out of the park and allowed us to exceed our fundraising goal. We were blown away by the generosity and support.”

Milano’s Café catered the assortment of wonderful appetizers and George Venturella set up two very efficient bar areas. Leah Rexford was the mastermind behind the specialty drink of the night, which was the “Dreams Cocktail,” a smooth mixture of Empress Gin and tonic over ice, topped with a wedge of lime. Miss Mel’s Bakery was the dessert sponsor and her perfectly

delightful macarons were enjoyed by everyone!

The night was guided by Master of Ceremonies, Adam Stolly. He reminded guests that there was plenty to do throughout the event, whether you wanted to peruse the over 100 silent auction items, join the mad rush for the alwayspopular Mystery Box sale (which sold out within 15 minutes), capture an instant photo with your crew in front of the super fun balloon arch background (donated by ChemStation), take a chance on the 50/50 raffle, indulge in a jello shot, visit the bar area, or raise your hand to bid on one of 10 fantastic live auction packages. Many said they really enjoyed the feeling of having this event at St. Charles School rather than an outside venue, which made all the work done by the planning committee worth it.

Father Kent said, “I really enjoyed how this spring event returned back to St. Charles Catholic School. I know that our benefactors--whether new to our school or longtime partners in our mission--loved the opportunity to be in the place where the children who are close to their heart learn so very much every day of the school year. Oh yes, the music of Fleetwood Mac took some of us back to our beloved school days as well!”

Amazing Balloon Creations Stage, tables and chairs were rented from A & S Party Rental and Delphos Tent & Awning.

Family Birthing Center

Specialized Childbirth Care at Mercy Health - St. Rita’s Medical Center

by Nicole Davis

When it comes to birthing centers, Mercy Health –St. Rita’s Medical Center has specialized childbirth care that is tailored to the specific needs of mom and baby. St. Rita’s is unique because their family birthing center is dedicated to providing maternity services in a warm and caring setting. If you are a patient in labor and delivery, mother and baby, or special care nursery, all staff is trained to work in that particular area. The team members become experts, so that you get the very best care. One of the team members that ensures both mothers and babies are comfortable and supported in labor and delivery is nurse manager, Lisa Shafer, RN.

“Every day in obstetrics is different and the team at Mercy Health - St. Rita’s is phenomenal,” Lisa explained. As an RN and nurse manager, Lisa enjoys building a relationship with her staff members and being able to improve their workplace. Each day starts with a morning huddle to share information and then Lisa completes administrative tasks before going to do nurse leader rounding. During rounding, “I get to meet our patients, which is my favorite part of the day.” Lisa also supports the staff throughout the day and does whatever she can to help them. She shared, “Our team is a family-oriented group of nurses, secretaries, and lactation consultants who work together to provide the best care for the families we serve. We find our jobs rewarding. It’s not every day that you get to help families bring life into the world. It is truly a blessing.”

From a very young age, Lisa was inspired by nurses and always knew that was what she would do in the future. Nurses provide care, educate, and support while working with a diverse team of health care providers. “Each and every day you have the opportunity to make a difference and positively impact others.” Lisa’s path to nursing began with receiving her associate degree from Rhodes State College, she then earned her bachelor’s degree from Ohio University, and completed her master’s degree from

Indiana Wesleyan University. Her favorite part of nursing education were clinicals because, “being able to practice the skills we learned in school and care for patients with the diseases we learned about was like wrapping it up and putting a bow on it.” When Lisa moved, from the Convoy/Wren area, and was pursuing nursing, everyone in the community recommended St. Rita’s as the place to work. Being able to work in a faith-based organization also aligned with her personal beliefs. Along with the unit’s very tenured group of nurses, Lisa calls Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center, home.

This year’s 5th annual Red Door Gala, being held on June 6th, is Mercy Health Foundation’s signature fundraiser and all proceeds raised will go towards the renovation of the Mercy Health – Birth Place at St. Rita’s Medical Center. Lisa and her team are excited to have a fresh and new look to their department for patients and staff to enjoy together. With the charitable dollars, renovations will incorporate more state-of-the-art equipment and a warm and inviting feel to the unit. Lisa expressed, “I am honored to get this opportunity to attend the Red Door Gala with some of my staff nurses. We are looking forward to sharing about our services and creating an even more welcoming place to serve our patients and families.” With experienced and compassionate staff, Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center is the perfect environment for new beginnings.

Making a Mark

Delivering our Lifesaving Mission in Your Community

by Jennifer S. Sexton, Executive Director, American Red Cross - Northeast Chapter, Indiana Region

Help can’t wait when emergencies strike —not for the family displaced by a disaster, the patient in need of lifesaving blood, or the deployed service member alerted to a family crisis at home. As the new Executive Director for your local American Red Cross chapter, I welcome this opportunity to share with the Shawnee community how your local American Red Cross is here to serve you.

Our mission is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Prevention and preparedness are crucial pieces of the work we do.

Every day, when our neighbors cope with emergencies, they rely on local volunteers; blood and financial donors; and other supporters who deliver care and hope through the American Red Cross.

Volunteers with our Disaster Action Team are always at the ready to respond and provide assistance to those impacted by disasters, including home fires – they are the biggest disaster threat in our community. In the last year, Red Cross disaster workers with our Northeast Chapter responded to 177 home fires, including 29 in this community. Local volunteers also provided recovery support to 267 families affected by these emergencies, including 55 local families.

Most of us don’t realize we have just two minutes to escape a home fire. They claim more lives in a typical year, than all natural disasters combined. But working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half.

That’s why the American Red Cross is preparing families to act quickly through our Home Fire Campaign. Since the launch of the campaign in 2014, we have helped save more than 2,000 lives across the country by installing free smoke alarms and helping families create escape plans.

In May, Red Cross volunteers and community partners met one-on-one with families in Lima to share home fire safety information and install free smoke alarms. This is a service that is available to the community year-round. Individuals can call (888) 684-1441 to request a free smoke alarm installation.

Accidents and emergencies can happen to anyone, anytime. We encourage everyone to learn First Aid, CPR and how to use an AED, so they can act in an emergency. Every second counts, so people need to know what to do until medical help arrives. In the last year, 261 members of the Lima community received training in lifesaving skills through the American Red Cross. To register for a course and learn more, individuals can visit redcross.org/takeaclass.

The American Red Cross also collects, processes and distributes about 40% of the nation’s blood, and we are only able to do this through the generosity of blood donors. The Red Cross must collect enough blood every day to meet the needs of accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.

If you’ve never donated blood or it has been a while, here are some fast facts to remind you why your donation is so important:

• Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion.

• One blood donation may help save more than one life.

• Each day, the Red Cross needs to collect more than 2,700 platelet and about 12,500 blood donations at about 2,500 hospitals and other facilities nationwide.

Appointments are available every Tuesday at our American Red Cross Chapter office in Lima, located at 610 S. Collett St. and at various mobile blood drives. Visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule your appointment.

The mission of the American Red Cross was born on the battlefield through our founder Clara Barton’s care for Civil War soldiers. She bravely provided nursing care and supplies to soldiers – activities that earned her the nickname Angel of the Battlefield. When the war ended, Clara found new ways to help the military, including opening the Office of Missing Soldiers helping to reconnect more than 20,000 soldiers with their families. Today, we continue to serve the U.S. military community from the time a service member takes the oath to navigating life as a veteran.

Our Service to the Armed Forces provides Emergency Communication Services for military personnel and their families during times of crisis. Whether it’s the birth of a child, a severe illness, or the loss of a family member, the Red Cross ensures that service members receive timely notifications about significant family events. This rapid communication enables military personnel to make informed decisions and, when possible, to arrange for emergency leave to be with their loved ones during critical times.

Understanding that emergencies often come with financial strains, the Red Cross extends its support to offer financial assistance to help service members, veterans and their families cope with the unexpected costs that may arise during family emergencies. In Lima, 33 families have benefited from the Red Cross’s emergency communications and financial assistance in the last year.

So, how does an organization like the American Red Cross continue to deliver its lifesaving mission in your

community? It’s through connections with individuals like you who step up in times of need to wrap an arm around your neighbor, whether figuratively or literally.

I welcome you to join our mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. A financial contribution goes a long way, with 90 cents of every dollar directly supporting our mission. But equally important is the support you can offer by giving a little of yourself.

• Give time through volunteering.

• Give blood.

• Learn lifesaving skills such as CPR and First Aid.

• Inform others about Services to the Armed Forces.

If you are looking for ways to give back and make a difference in your community, I encourage you to visit RedCross.org/Indiana to learn more about the American Red Cross and get involved.

Northeast Chapter: Serving Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Kosciusko, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells and Whitley counties in Indiana, and the following counties in Ohio: Allen, Auglaize, Defiance, Mercer, Paulding, Van Wert and Williams.

A Day in the Life of a Small Business Owner

Jeff Tracy loves getting up each morning and going to work at Tracy’s Appliances. When asked why, he often retorts, “…

to see what is going to happen today!” Every single day brings something different, whether it be a challenge to tackle or the ability to bring a smile to someone with an appliance or mattress delivery. Tracy’s Appliances will soon celebrate their 75th year in business. Jeff’s parents started the business in 1950, which has seen many changes, and he and his sister Rebecca’s family have been at the heart of the changes that have occurred as they’ve moved their business three different times before landing at their current address at 4065 Elida Rd.

Jeff’s morning starts by getting his delivery crew and service crew out on the road. Tracy’s has served over 40 thousand households in the Lima and surrounding areas. The team takes pride when they are given the opportunity to be in the homes of many generations of families. Jeff appreciates helping customers with their new appliance need or a mattress to help them sleep better. Don’t be surprised if you see Jeff coming off the truck. He can wear many hats in a day!

When customers seem stunned to see him doing a delivery he simply replies with, “It’s what I do.”

Jeff continues his day controlling inventory and

overseeing his sales staff, so that the right product is available when needed. He’s on the radio early to talk about today’s best buys. You may even have a chance to jump in a TV commercial, if you’re on-site during TV taping days. The grandkids have become “Lima stars” after appearing in numerous ads and commercials, yet they are surprised when people recognize them as the Tracy’s grandkids!

“This is our community…we live here and we enjoy and appreciate the opportunity to help our customers. We have a dedicated family and staff that have the expertise and eagerness to meet whatever the need may be when it comes to finding the perfect appliance or mattress. The struggles have been

real for small businesses. We continue to fight through the pressures that all businesses are experiencing… high prices, lack of inventory availability and not enough workers. The relationships we have built with customers and our marketing efforts to attract new customers are what keeps us going,” according to Jeff.

Tracy’s wants to be your go-to store, anytime you want your home to function more efficiently. You can rest-assured because they offer the best brand name in appliances, such as GE, Whirpool, Maytag, Frigidaire and many more. They

also carry the Restonic and Serta brand mattresses, which are excellent choices to help you get a great night’s sleep. Pairing respected name brands with a customer service team that truly cares is what will prompt you to come back every time the need arises.

As Jeff locks the door at the end of the day, his wish is for his customers to have a better sense of home because they had a visit from the Tracy’s crew. Jeff will sleep well, too and be ready for the next day… might be because he’s sleeping on a mattress from Tracy’s!

A Tourist in Downtown Lima & Celtic Woman Super Fan

Submitted by Tracie Dorn

Last week I spent a day in Lima, my first visit to this town and to the state of Ohio. My husband and I have two great passions in life – traveling and attending Celtic Woman concerts. We combine the two by planning our travels based on their tour schedule, and to date we have seen them perform in 5 countries and 13 states since June 2016. Lima was my first stop of a four-night solo trip and was my 57th Celtic Woman concert.

Emma Warren, Mairéad Carlin, Tracie Dorn, Muirgen O’Mahony,

On the morning of April 10th, I walked over to Our Town Roast, one block from the Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center, where the concert would be held that evening. A few people in the coffee shop were asking each other if anybody was going to attend the concert, so I said that I had flown in from Minnesota for that reason. This started a lovely conversation with Ann, Dave, and Sarah, which led to me writing this article about my visit. They proceeded to buy me lunch, a tasty sandwich from Joey’s Italian Deli and Subs next door, and listened with fascination to my stories of traveling around the world to see Celtic Woman. They asked many questions about the concert experience, and I was even able to introduce them to two members of the band when they came into Our Town Roast. They recommended

local restaurant, The Met, so I later met up with two fellow fan friends for a delicious dinner there before the concert.

My evening started with a formal meet and greet hosted by nearby PBS station WBGU. Meet and greet attendees are able to talk to the four principal members of Celtic Woman and take photos with them. The ladies are very kind and my husband and I have become friends with them over the years. I had my favorite seat-

Tara McNeill ing for the night, which was front row center. The Lima Civic Center had wonderful acoustics and a great view from the front row. The crowd was very welcoming and engaging throughout the concert, and gave enthusiastic standing ovations. I talked to Dave and Sarah at intermission, who had purchased tickets after our conversation earlier, and they were loving the concert. The entire day was a truly excellent experience.

My husband and I have found over the years that the concert is always incredible, so what really makes certain ones stand out for us is what I experienced in Lima – the wonderful hospitality of the local people and the enthusiastic crowd. I’ll be watching for Lima on Celtic Woman’s future tour schedules and will make a return visit. Thank you for a wonderful day in your lovely town.

Precious Pets

Impeccable Izzy

by Georgie Damschroder

We all love our pets, and would do anything to make them happy. For some, this means buying them a new toy, or offering them a treat. For others, like Leona Helmsley, this means leaving your pet $12 million dollars to inherit. When the billionaire hotel owner passed away in 2007, she left behind a whopping $12 million to her pet Maltese dog, Trouble. This sum becomes even more unbelievable when you consider that two of Helmsley’s human grandchildren were completely cut out of the will and left nothing! Even after a judge cut down Trouble’s newfound wealth to just $2 million, the pooch led a life of absolute luxury. She was chauffeured around in her own limo, wore a diamond collar, ate fresh meals prepared by a chef, and even had her own security dedicated to protecting her. Surprisingly, Trouble isn’t the richest dog in the world. This title goes to Gunther VI, a German Shepard who is the proud inherit of his late owners’ $400 million.

much prefers finding a sunny patch in the lawn to sprawl out and bring a tan to her snowy fur! And though she’ll occasionally indulge her humans in a short walk to the mailbox or down the road, Izzy, in her peak retirement days, is more inclined to curl up and snooze somewhere cozy. Though she may seem like a lazy pup, ever-observant Izzy is always keeping an eye on the neighborhood from her napping spots, making sure nothing is coming to disrupt her family or her sleep!

“She is quite nosey…nothing gets by her,” says mother Melissa.

One of these pampered pooches lives with the Fritchie family! Izzy is an eleven year old malti-poo, which is a cross between a maltese and a poodle. She was brought home from a breeder way back in 2013. Though there were many pups in her litter available for adoption, the Fritchies knew that Izzy was the one they needed to welcome into their family!

Izzy is quite the people pup, always wanting to be as close to her favorite humans as possible. Whether the Fritchies are hard at work or enjoying some quiet time, Izzy is sure to be close by, waiting to receive love and pats! Even the mention of some beloved family members is enough to get Izzy’s ears perked and tail wagging. When the Fritchies must leave Izzy home alone, she resumes her usual spot by the front windows, where she will wait and watch diligently until her family finally returns home, when she showers them with doggy kisses and greetings!

One of Izzy’s favorite places to be is in her yard, but although many pooches use their time outdoors to run and play, Izzy

Other than relaxing, another passion of Izzy’s is food! She is always keen on reminding her people to give her her daily peanut butter bone, which she is quick to gobble up. Though dog treats are always appreciated, Izzy enjoys human food even more. During mealtimes, she can be found sitting under the table, patiently and politely waiting to clean up anyone’s leftovers! Luckily for her, the Fritchies are always willing to slip her some table scraps. After eating dinner, Izzy loves pulling out her favorite toys, a stuffed pink dog and squeaky duck, to play with until bedtime.

The Fritchies live on Wildbrook Lane in Wildbrook Estates. Their family consists of parents Mike, who works at Peterson Construction Co. as a Project Manager, Melissa, who stays busy at home as a homemaker, and children Alivia and Kaden. Alivia is a graduate of Shawnee High School, and is currently a Sophomore at the University of Cincinnati, where she studies Occupational Therapy. Kaden is a Sophomore at Shawnee High School, where he works to maintain his schoolwork and his two sports, basketball and baseball. The Fritchies love the peace and quiet of their neighborhood. They also love their friendly neighbors, who truly make the neighborhood feel like home. Though the Fritchies may not be leaving Izzy millions, there is no doubt that they love her ineffably, and are always ready to give pets and table scraps to this lucky pooch!

Grace Freiberger

by Georgie Damschroder

There are many accomplishments you can make in school, from bringing home a glowing report card to helping your team win a game. Despite this, not many students can say that they’ve gone as far as to set a school record. But if you’re Grace Freiberger, you can proudly say that you’ve set not one, but two. Grace has set the school record for the most digs in a volleyball career. And as if that wasn’t impressive enough, Grace also has the most points scored in school basketball, having earned her 1,000th point in her junior year. Working to better not just her own athletic performance but the performance of all local sports teams, Grace was a member of the WBL sportsmanship committee, a group that works to improve relationships between teams and schools at sporting events.

Besides being incredibly athletically accomplished, Grace works hard in her art classes, where she is known throughout the school for her stellar photography skills. Photography has always been a way of expression for Grace, making it by far her favorite subject.

“It allows me to be creative and improve on something that I want to do in my future,” Grace says.

Her ability to capture the perfect photo has led to many of her pieces being selected for the Governor’s Fine Art Exhibition. Grace even won a gold key, the highest award available in the competition, for a photo she entered in her junior year.

Grace graduated from Shawnee High School just this May, having thoroughly enjoyed her final year of high school and made many memories along the way that she will forever cherish. She is now bound for the University

of Toledo, where Grace will study her longtime passion of graphic design. Though high school is now over for Grace, her athletic career prevails, as she plans to play volleyball throughout her college years.

When she has free time, Grace loves nothing more than to head to the local gym to work out. She also adores spending time with her close friends and family, or to go out for a long day of shopping.

Grace lives in Indianbrook on Wenatchi Trail with her father, who works at Energy Transfer, her mother, who is an intervention specialist at Shawnee Schools, and her brother Toby, who is currently a freshman at the University of Toledo and is excited for his sister to join him at the college. Though Grace is off to life beyond Shawnee, she has left behind an unforgettable legacy in her community, and her accomplishments will motivate others to achieve as she did for years to come.

Gold Key Award

Governor’s Award

Governor’s Award

Grace Freiberger’s Award-Winning Photography

Invest on Purpose

by Ann Meiring, Financial Advisor - Citizens Wealth Management Group

“Tell me about your strengths.”

This is the interview question that I always dreaded. It always felt difficult to tell someone about the things I am good at. I’ve found while working with female clients, I’m certainly not alone in feeling that way. So many women have a difficult time listing their strengths. When asked what their strengths are in managing their money, it’s even more difficult.

Some of the answers I’ve received have been:

“I think I’m ok with my money.”

“I’m really not sure what I have.”

“My husband tends to handle that.”

I’ve found that many women don’t feel competent in managing their finances. I would like to challenge women to realize that they are more than competent at managing their money because of their inherent natural strengths.

So, what are those strengths?

First, most women are very purpose-driven. Our purpose often determines the principles by which we live. Women are also excellent communicators. We are great at expressing what is important to us in articulate ways. Women are usually managing multiple responsibilities at once, and have to be highly skilled at creating routines, systems and processes so that nothing slips through the cracks. Futhermore, women are wonderful relationship builders. We foster environments of trust & communication.

So how do these strengths tie into building wealth and managing finances?

When women know their purpose, it affects every part of their lives. It guides us in making sound decisions, which includes decisions with our money. It drives decisions such as what we spend our money on, how much to save, etc.

Being good communicators doesn’t only flow to our personal relationships, it must also apply to our relationship with a financial professional. Use those amazing communication skills to relay your wants and needs to your financial advisor. They should know the purpose for your money and what you expect from them in the way of service. Do not be afraid to ask for those needs to be met.

One of the multiple responsibilities that we are juggling is managing our money! Whether you are married, or single, this should be something that you are fully involved in. We create systems and processes to manage all the other things in our lives, and money is no different. Creating systems and processes is a critical factor in having a sense of control over your money. For example, every Sunday I work on my monthly budget and I track my spending. It is a non-negotiable for me because I know that it gives me peace when my money is working for me and my family. I also recommend checking credit reports annually to ensure there hasn’t been any fraudulent actions on your credit. Finally, reviewing a financial plan bi-annually or annually to ensure your financial professional is aware of any changes that need to be made and to stay on track with your financial goals will help you feel in control.

Trust is not only critical in our personal relationships; it is just as important with a financial professional. If you don’t have full trust in your advisor, you will not be 100% confident in your financial future. Again, settling for less is not an option when talking about your finances.

I could go on for days about the unique strengths that women bring to the world. This is just a few. Remember ladies; you have been making great decisions your whole life by using these natural strengths.

So, why should your decisions with money be any different? Trust yourself, trust in your abilities, and you will do great!

Ann is a long time resident of Lima, and loves living in this community. She was a career changer in 2018 when she found her passion for helping people manage their wealth. Although Ann doesn’t exclusively serve women, her practice is female-focused, and her passion is creating a better experience for women in the financial industry. She loves to educate about finance, and has spoken for different groups in the community. You can catch her monthly events “Savvy Women Invest on Purpose” on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at The Met in Lima. On a personal note, Ann is married to Paul, and they have 3 amazing kiddos, 2 of whom are still at home & attend Shawnee High School. She loves being outdoors, reading, listening to music, and spending time with her family.

You can reach Ann at the downtown Lima branch of Citizens National Bank, by phone at 419-358-8060 ext 338, or at ann.meiring@lpl.com.

EclipsE lima, ohio

Totality, Michael Ayers

Diamond Ring Effect, Michael Ayers

Michael Ayers, Monticello resident

phoToGRaphY

4/8/24

Bailey’s Beads, Michael Coates

Totality, Michael Coates

Michael Coates, Indianbrook resident

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

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