Meet the Diglias
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
APPLIANCES
Tracy’s Appliances (419) 223-4786
Westrich Furniture & Appliances (419) 695-6045
AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP
Taylor Kia of Lima (567) 712-6604
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
CLEANING SERVICES
Mark’s Maid Service (419) 604-0298
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
FLORAL & GIFTS
Yazel’s Flowers & Gifts (419) 224-1771
FOOD & DRINK
Good Food Restaurants
Beer Barrel, Happy Daz, Old City Prime, Spring & Main, Sycamore (419) 991-5346
Padrone’s Pizza Lima West (419) 331-3111
PF Lounge (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
PET MEMORIAL SERVICES
Bayliff & Son (419) 645-4501
PETS & PET SUPPLIES
Dot’s Pet Center (419) 991-6113
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
REALTOR
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
WINDOWS & DOORS
All Service Glass (800) 521-7059
September CONT ENTS
See what’s cookin’ in Shawnee and meet the chef behind the recipe.
Our
A
Learn how Mercy Health
Determine your flourishing score, discover your core virtues and learn about an app that supports you being the best version of yourself.
Get
ing
Everyone loves to share stories about their pets. Find out how many people tend to treat them like another member of the family.
Our Junior Writers and special school correspondents share stories about successful students, athletes, or events in local schools.
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!
TALK OF THE TOWN: DINNER & A MENTALIST SHOW AT PF LOUNGE
From Diane’s Desk...
Summer is beginning to feel like a distant memory, but my favorite season, fall, is right around the corner. Crisp air, pumpkin-spiced everything and sweater weather definitely bring me joy!
Getting to know the businesses that partner with Shawnee Life Magazine also brings me joy. Sometimes I think we get used to looking beyond the location in which we live, that we forget about the many wonderful people and happenings right here in Lima and our surrounding areas. It does take a little searching sometimes, but making that easier is one of my new goals for the magazine. This September issue has quite a few hidden gems that I hope you will explore and appreciate.
As usual, 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
Maria Pignataro Amazing Achievers King of Corny
Meet the DIGLIAS!
by Julie Lundin
Meet Don and Becky Diglia of Fraunfelter Road in Shawnee. Don and Becky have resided in their home since November 2016 where they live with their two eight-year-old standard poodles, Buckeye and Lucy. “We love the quietness of the neighborhood and the proximity to Lima. We have the feel of living in the country with a nice sized lot surrounded by trees,” said Becky. “It is nice to have neighbors close by, but still have the room for Don’s large workshop where he is involved with many woodworking projects.” In fact, Don finished the large family room added on to their house by refitting the woodwork from Becky’s 100+ year old farm house where she grew up. Becky enjoys flower gardening in their spacious yard and collecting antiques. Their beautiful home is adorned with several family antique pieces.
Don grew up in Lima and attended Lima City Schools until he was a freshman, at which point his family moved to Elida. He graduated from Elida High School in 1975 and Ohio University in 1979. Becky grew up in the Hardin County area. She had a large family and graduated from Kenton High School in 1977 and Bowling Green State University in 1981. Don and Becky met each other in 1987 while they were both
teaching at Elida Middle School. At that time Don was an industrial arts teacher and Becky was a science teacher. They married in 1988.
Don and Becky have five adult children with families of their own. Sophia lives in Wapakoneta with her youngest daughter, Paityn. Sophia has worked at Beer Barrel for several years. Nick and his wife, Michelle, live in Lima with their son, Nicholas, who attends Elida. Nick is employed at Honda of America. Dane is starting his 19th year in the Air Force and is currently living in Nevada with his wife, Wor, and two sons, Benjamin and Alexander. Don and Becky’s daughter, Morgan, is married to Aaron Griffo and they live in Shawnee with their three children: Francesca, Dominick, and Giada. Morgan is a psychologist at Shawnee Schools. Their youngest daughter, Lauren, lives outside of Spencerville with her husband, Jordan Smith, and children Rylin and Jase.
Lauren is a preschool intervention specialist for the Allen
County Educational Service Center. In addition to the grandchildren listed, their oldest grandson, Aomsin, graduated from Shawnee, and their oldest granddaughter, Amya, graduated from Elida. They both live and work in the Lima area.
Together Don and Becky enjoy traveling with family and hosting family gatherings. They have weekly get-togethers with their children and grandchildren, as well as large family gatherings with extended family for the holidays. In addition to woodworking, Don is an expert at preparing delicious meals for big groups. His homemade meatballs and red sauce with pasta is always a favorite family dinner. Having spent many summers with his Italian grandparents, Don developed a passion for cooking. “In recent years, he has honed in on healthy recipes that include grilled chicken, seafood, and vegetables,” said Becky. Don and Becky also enjoy spending as much time as possible with their grandchildren. Whether the children are at their house just hanging out with “Papa and Grandma,” or they are going to watch the kids in various sports around the area, if you see Don or Becky out, there is a good chance you will also see one of their 11 grandchildren with them!
Both Don and Becky have dedicated their lives to educating students around the Lima area. Don is now the Superintendent at Shawnee Schools after having been in education for more than 35 years. Don has been a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent. Most recently, he was the Superintendent at Ayersville Local Schools for six years. Becky is now retired after 42 years in education, with 23 of those years with Shawnee Schools. While at Shawnee she was a
teacher, assistant principal, principal, coach for various sports, and yearbook advisor. Upon retiring from Shawnee in 2013, Becky spent two years as the Curriculum Director for Lincolnview Schools, three years as the 6-12 principal at Waynesfield Goshen, and most recently as the director for the Auglaize County Educational Service Center alternative school. Even though she is retired, Becky looks forward to volunteering her time wherever there is an opportunity to serve within the community.
With the 2024-2025 school year upon us, Don is excited to be the new Superintendent of Shawnee Schools! “It is like coming back home to where I started my administrative career as the Shawnee High School Assistant Principal in 1991,” stated Don. He plans on continuing Shawnee’s “Tradition of Excellence” in academics, fine arts, and athletics. Don believes he has already established a great working relationship with board members and the treasurer, and he looks forward to establishing strong communications with staff, parents, and the Shawnee community. “I think Shawnee’s standard of ‘Academic Excellence’ is a privilege for any administrator, teacher or support staff member, and a true drawing card for any family living in or looking to move into the area,” said Don. “I consider this position the pinnacle of my professional career and it is a privilege to serve the Shawnee School Community.”
Employeeloyaltyandlongevityiscrucialnotonlyfor maintainingastableandproductiveworkforcebutalsofor fosteringcustomerloyaltyandcontributingtotheoverall successofafamilyownedbusiness.Forexample,qualityof serviceandearningthetrustofthecustomerhavebeena prioritytoWestrichFurnitureandAppliancesinDelphosfor 87years!TheWestrichFamilycurrentlyemploys73and considersthemalltobepartoftheirfamily.Ofthose73team members,30havemorethan8yearsemployment,22have clockedinforover10years,and9haveputtheirheartand soulinto25plusyearsasWestrichemployees.Hereisacloser lookatthose9veteranWestrichstaffmembers.
LoyaltyLongevity
Joehasbeenthejackofmanytradesfor Westrich’s.Hejoinedtheteamashissecond jobbutitdidn'ttakeawayfromhis dedication.Throughthemanyyears,Joe prepped/deliveredfurniture,modi�ed appliancestothecustomers’preferred optionsandnowassistswithrepairsinthe serviceshop.Funfact:Askhimforajoke.He willhaveone…orten.
Heisanavidhunter,woodsman,andgardener.
Afterhighschool,ChadassistedhisbrotherJeff intheshopwhileheearnedabusiness degree.Hethenputthatrighttoworkhelping movethecompanytoacomputerizedsystem in2000.Aftergoingbackforanetworking degree,healsotookoverthemarketingside ofthebusiness.Heisthevoicebehinda Westrichcommercial.Funfact:Hewasa drummerinHSandabassguitaristinaband for12years.
JIM MESKER–72 Years (not a typo)
JULIE RODE–
Jim- HavingtoreworkthesouthsideoftheoldstoreonMain StreetwithshelvesforthetoydisplayMelhad.Ialsohadto driveMelhomefromaTigersgameinDetroitattheageof13.
Jeff- Beingabletoassistinremodelingthedowntownlocation, especiallyspraypaintingceilingsblackandhowIlookedlikea raccoonwhenweweredone.Beingabletogrowtheservice departmenttowhatitistoday.
Mike- Therearemany,butit'salwaysdifferenteverydayyou cometowork.Differentchallenges,differentanswers,different people.
Joe - GoingtoSauder'sFurnitureonceamonthwithMel (founder)topickupfurniture.Deliveringfurniturethrough windowsoronporchroofstogetitinthe2ndstorywindow.
Janet - Beingapartofthegrowthofthestore.Manyofthe salesstaffwillsay"Idon'tknowhowyoudoit."Thinkingabout it,yesIhavealotofresponsibility.ButIhavegrownintoit;I havebeenapartofthetransformationandgrowthofthe store.IamproudtosayIworkhereandhavehelpedbuildthe amazingsalesstaffwehave.
Julie - Ijustlovethatweareabletoseethegrowthand changesthathaveoccurredovertheyearsandcanlookbackand say"rememberwhen..."withothercoworkersthathavebeen herejustaslongorlonger.
Roger - Threememoriescometomind:chasingbatsinthe downtownstoreyearsago,Whenthedeliverytruckbrokedown inroadconstructionbyKentucky,andhelpingwiththedemolition/ constructionoftheBroyhillgallerydowntowninthe80's.
Dawn- Therearemanyinthe27years,butIhadthe pleasureofworkingwithalotofawesomepeople.Themost memorablepersonwasourdearlateClariceMoreo!Heramazing witandhumorwithhersoutherndrawlwaspriceless!Ialso enjoybeingdubbedthe"QueenofEngland":)(sheisthebuyer forthemanufacturer,England.)
Chad- Convertingthebusinessfrommanualtodigitalin2000. Andunfortunatelyhavingtogetthingsrollingagainwhen theservercrashedonDecember6th,2008.Yes,Iwon'tforget thatday!!
Jim- Doingeverythingwecanforthecustomer,andthensome.
Jeff - Thepersonaltouchwitheducationatthepointofsale. Ourpricingontopoftakingcareofthecustomerafterthesale.
Mike- Ourdesiretohelpcustomerstothebestofourability sotheyfeelspecial.
Joe - Personalservicebyfar....goingtheextrastepforthe customer.
Janet- Ourselection!JackcameupwithEOEasaguidelinefor thesalesstaff.Peopledrivehereforapurpose.Wegathertheir Expectations.Wegivethem Optionswitha70,000squarefoot showroom.Andthenwe Educatethecustomerontheproduct. Wearenothighpressure;commissionisnotinourvocabulary. Ourcustomerslikethatwegivetheminformation,andthen spacetomaketheirowndecision.
Julie- TheattentionwegivetoEACHofourcustomers.From salestodeliveryandserviceafterthesale.Wetrytohelpthem makeeducateddecisionswithoptionsandthenletthemchoose whatisbestforthem.
Roger- Communicationandeducationwithinthestoreand differentdepartments.Thingsarealwayschangingthroughout thehistoryoftheindustryandgrowthofthecompany,aswell as,howthingsarerepaired,andyetwecanstillserviceaswe alwayshave.Thatalonecatchestheeyeofmanycustomers, newandold.
Dawn- Theunitybetweenusall!Whenmysonhadheartissues at12,everyonewasthereforme!Alsowhenapastco-worker losttheirbabyofSIDSat3months,wewereallthereforher. Thatcarriesovertoourcustomersaswell.
Chad- Justdothingstherightway.Butwhatsticksoutis weputthecustomerfirstasmuchaswecanfromnopressure shopping,toaggressivepricesandevenofferingtofixcurrent furniturebeforesellingthemsomethingnew!?Whoelsedoes that?FamilieskeepcomingbacksoIguessthat'ssomething!
Jim- ThatwouldbemyveryfirstsaletoacustomerinVan Wert.Isoldthemtwogreenstripedwingbackchairs.Howironic thatitwasn'tevenanappliance.
Jeff - Gettingtoknowsomanyappreciativepeopleandbeing abletorepairtheirfurnituresotheycangetmanymoreyears ofenjoymentoutofit.
Mike - Don'treallyhavejustone,butthecustomersthemselves havechangedthroughouttheyears.
Joe- Ioncetoldanoldercouplethatthereclinertheywere lookingtobuyhadalittlemanlivinginsideofit.Toldthemwhen itreclines,hecomesoutandpushesyoureyelidsdownandeats thepopcornandchipsthatyoudropinthechair...Theydidbuyit!
Janet- TherearesomanygreatexperiencesandIhavemadea lotofgreatacquaintanceswithcustomersovertheyears.When theycomebackandaskforme,it'sthegreatestfeeling.Finding theperfectitemforthemorgoingaboveandbeyondtofind whattheydesireiswhatIconsidermyfavoriteexperience.
Julie- Whenyouknowyourcustomersandtheyknowyou.They arenow"friends"andwhenyouseethemoutandaboutatpublic eventsandtheycometogiveyouahugandsayhello.
Roger- Whilerepairingarecliner,acustomeraskedmetolook fortheirfather's/grand-father'sdogtagstheywereunableto findsincehehadpassedon.AndIFoundThem!
Dawn- IlovewhatIdoandthefactthatweDONOTwork oncommissionhelpsuscommunicatewithcustomersandgeta feelfortheirpersonality.Oneofmyfavoritesisacouplethat movedtoVanWertfromPennsylvania.Theyweresosweetand connectedinstantly.Rickwasrecentlydiagnosedwith Parkinson's,sotheymovedtobeneartheironlyson.Nowtheir sonasksformeaswell.Takingcareofthecustomertothe fullestdetailisbestpartofthejob!
Chad- ThedayDonKitzmillerwasinthestoregoingoffabout howgoodwewereandIwasshootingaTVspotforsomething else.Weendedupputtingtogetheranimpromptutestimonial commercialanditturnedoutfantastic.
by Nick Schoonover
Kengo Sushi & Yakitori OMAKASE!
Sushi isn’t food, it’s art that you taste. There is something magical in the delicate balance of flavors that sushi masters craft. I have spent 15 years on the road with an expense account that allowed me to eat at fabulous restaurants almost daily. I first tried sushi on a business trip to California 27 years ago and since then I need to eat it at least every two weeks or I start to get the shakes. I’ve eaten at Morimoto in Napa and it was blasé at best, I’ve eaten at Nobu in Las Vegas and was pleased, and now I’ve eaten at Kengo in Toledo and was IMPRESSED.
My wife, Diane, made reservations two months in advance for Kengo Kato’s omakase, which literally translates to “I leave it up to you.” This chef’s choice tasting menu lasts 14-courses over two hours. DO NOT BE LATE, Kengo and his team will not wait for you. Each course is carefully prepared to be the perfect bite and ready to eat, meaning you won’t need a bowl of soy sauce and wasabi to dip. The photos of each fabulous course are on the adjacent page and truly say it all, but space is limited for my commentary so here are a few highlights. Itadakimasu.
roe) along with a drizzle of truffle oil and you’ve got a lot going on in each bite! Time stood still with each slow, calculated, chew and it almost pained me to swallow that last bite.
Course number four was chicken thigh yakitori and I was thinking, “Oh, is he giving up already?” Heck No! The meat was so tender, perfectly charred and smokey with a lovely salty sweet sauce.
I’ve always been a fan of snow peas. Seriously, does anyone dislike their yummy, sweet crunch? How can they be improved upon? WELL, I will never eat snow peas again unless they are bacon-wrapped and char-grilled, period. I can’t wait to have a dinner party with these magic morsels.
Now for another amazing twist on an already great food. Grilled avocado with fresh wasabi relish and a small pool of soy in the middle with something I couldn’t quite place. Talk about a culinary treat.
The nigiri was it’s own joy to savor and you only get one piece. The fish flavors came shining through and Kengo has the best sushi rice I’ve ever eaten.
The first course started with a bang, kombu cured hamachi tartar. The curing process works by placing fish between dry sheets of kombu seaweed and refrigerating for 12-24 hours. The seaweed removes moisture from the fish thus concentrating it’s flavor. Now mince the hamachi (yellowtail tuna), combine with the quail egg and ikura (salmon
Kengo owes a lot to his father Isao Kato (“Papa K”) who is not only a sushi artisan himself but also brought karaoke to America when he immigrated from Japan in 1962. Papa K helped build the foundation for sushi cuisine in our country and kept that standard through the end of the century. We’re so lucky to have his son close by in Toledo carrying on the family tradition. So, make your reservation right now for the omakase experience at Kengo.
And yes, we know that we’re missing pictures of two courses, but that’s when Diane’s sake really kicked in. Our server, Mandy, kept our cups full!
Life is short, eat well.
Kengo’s hand-written menu
The Kengo Sake Sampler consisted of three very different varieties: Dewazakura “Green Ridge,” Hoyo “Summer Breeze,” and Tedorigawa “Lady Luck.” The third one proved to be our favorite, prompting the purchase of a couple carafes.
Kengo Sushi & Yakitori - 38 S. Clair St, Toledo, OH Reservations required for Omakase (only 5 seats available): 2 seatings on Fridays & Saturdays: 6 pm & 8 pm (419) 214-0574
konbu cured hamachi tartar, quail egg, ikura, truffle oil cherry blossom leaf steamed halibut in ume plum dashi, fried shallots, chili strings
fried soft shell crab with ponzu dipping sauce chicken thigh yakitori
bacon wrapped snow peas yakitori grilled avocado and fresh wasabi relish
bluefin otoro nigiri
salmon nigiri
fluke nigiri
madai nigiri
negitoro sushi
seared chutoro
2024/2025 Activated School Challenge
An interview with Josh Unterbrink, Co-Director of Activate Allen County
by Nicole Davis
“Research shows that fostering healthy lifestyle habits in schoolage children can lead to lifelong well-being. Providing additional resources to schools is a small but significant step in aiding this important work.”
- Josh Unterbrink, Co-Director of Activate Allen County
1. What is the Activated School Challenge?
The Activated School Challenge supports area school districts with $2,500 to help make their environments healthier by adopting guidelines that promote health, wellness, and mindfulness since 2016.
2. How does the process work?
4. How do schools impact student health?
Our schools set the bar in terms of health and wellness for our communities. We believe that schools have the opportunity to increase student achievement and health through healthy eating, physical activity, nutrition education and physical education. School health must be considered at all levels from the school bus, the classroom, the lunchroom, the playground and after school.
5. Where does funding come from?
The Activated School Challenge has three phases: Discovery, Planning, and Implementation. Once a school completes their self-assessment in the Discovery phase, they will enter the Planning phase. During the Planning phase the school will create an Action Plan (with a program budget). After their School Challenge Application and Budget & Action Plan have been approved and funded, they will enter the Implementation Phase.
3. Why is the challenge important for children in Allen County?
With child obesity rates at crisis levels (19% of Allen County are classified as obese), now is the time to create healthy environments to support the healthy development of our youth.
Funding is “powered by” a partnership between Activate Allen County, Mercy Health, the Mental Health Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize and Hardin Counties (MHRSB) and the Mental Health, Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Board of Putnam County (MHADARB). They are very proud of their work to support student health through the Activated School Challenge.
“In order for us to fulfill our mission of building healthier communities, we need to support the excellent work of our schools and teachers as they work diligently to incorporate wellness into their everyday curriculums.”
- Tyler Smith, Mercy Health’s Director of Community Health –Lima
6. Where can Shawnee Life readers find more information?
Ancient Wisdom & Modern Science Agree that THIS is The Meaning of Life
by Marc Bowker
It’s a question as old as time itself: What is the meaning of life?
Or, if you prefer, why are we here?
(Sorry to get all deep and philosophical as you’re reading about your friends and neighbors, but stick with me.)
If we were to ask representatives from ancient wisdom and modern science this question, here’s what they would say.
Aristotle (team ancient wisdom) would give a oneword answer: Eudaimonia. This is an ancient Greek word meaning “good soul.”
But HOW?
Aristotle would give another Greek one word answer: Areté - to live with virtue or excellence. But areté has a simpler, deeper meaning: to show up as the best version of ourselves moment to moment in service to something bigger than ourselves.
So, ancient wisdom says that the meaning of life is to live with areté,
Dr. Martin Seligman is one of the founders of the Positive Psychology movement. If we ask him the same question, representing modern science, he says that we need to live in integrity with the core virtues taught by all major wisdom traditions: Courage, Self-Mastery, Integrity, Wisdom, Love, and Transcendence.
But HOW?
Dr. Seligman would give a one-word answer: Flourish, which is also the title of his most recent book. What does flourishing look like? There’s actually a flourishing scale developed by another psychologist, Ed Diener.
To determine your flourishing score, answer the following eight statements on a scale of 1-7:
1. Strongly disagree
2. Disagree
3. Slightly disagree
4. Neither agree or disagree
5. Slightly agree
6. Agree
7. Strongly agree
Here are the statements:
● I lead a purposeful and meaningful life.
● My social relationships are supportive and rewarding.
● I am engaged and interested in my daily activities.
● I actively contribute to the happiness and wellbeing of others.
● I am competent and capable in the activities that are important to me.
● I am a good person and live a good life.
● I am optimistic about my future.
● People respect me.
Add your responses for all eight statements. A high score means that you’re flourishing, and a lower score means that some aspects of your life need work.
A good way to boost your score is to put your virtues into action, not sometimes, but moment to moment (remember areté?).
Want to find out what your core virtues are?
Visit ViaCharacter.org to take the free strengths survey. Over 30 million people have taken the survey, and it’s awesome! It will take approximately 20-30 minutes, but it’s totally worth it.
So, why am I talking about this?
I mean, I’m the comic book guy.
Owner of Alter Ego Comics in downtown Lima for over 20 years.
But I’m also stepping forward into growth as the personal development and mental health awareness guy after being diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder eight years ago. That’s right. The guy that had a picture perfect life was literally falling apart inside.
Thankfully, I asked for help, and since then I’ve been helping others close the gap between where they are and where they want to be in energy, work, and love.
A personal development program called Heroic has literally changed my life.
At its most basic level, it’s an app that delivers more wisdom in less time AND is an accountability tool.
Phil Stutz, featured in the Netflix documentary titled Stutz, says Heroic “will change your life. And if enough of us commit, it will change the world.”
And John Mackey, co-founder of Whole Foods calls Heroic, “the best personal development program in the world.”
I’ll leave you with a Heroic tool that you can use all day every day to show up as the best version of yourself. It’s called “flipping the switch.”
You can use this tool any time that you need to step between stimulus and response:
● Someone cuts you off in traffic
● You have an argument with a loved one
● You catch yourself spending too much time on Social Media
The practical uses are endless!
Step one: Take a deep breath in through your nose and down into your belly. The breath is the bridge between your mind and your autonomic nervous system. Controlling your breath is the gateway to controlling your mind.
Step two: Hold it for a beat or two while focusing on a word or phrase that will help focus your mind and invite you to show up as the best version of yourself.
Step three: Exhale through your nose, slightly longer than the inhale.
Step four: Take action.
● Be grateful that no one was injured in traffic and/ or smile at the other driver
● Say sorry
● Do something active or creative
Practice “flipping the switch” throughout your day to help you choose a more empowered response to stimuli.
If you would like to download a free 30 day trial of the Heroic app, scan the QR code.
And if you would like to learn more about Heroic, email me at marc.bowker@heroic.us. Live Long & Prosper!
Marc Bowker is a husband, father of three, and owner of Alter Ego Comics. He is also a Heroic Performance Coach, workshop instructor, and investor. Follow him on Instagram@marcbowker or LinkedIn for more personal development tools.
Two Thought Minimum at PF Lounge
by Diane Schoonover
Bill Gladwell is a “Human Interaction Specialist” with over three decades of experience in hypnosis, influence and persuasion. This Lima-native and Perry High School graduate started as a hypnotist alongside a physician with a sleep clinic. After realizing he was able to perform his talent on stage, he has been in demand all over the U.S. and is now living back in Lima. Bill showcased his mind-reading expertise during an interactive dinner event for a sold-out crowd at PF Lounge.
No one at my table knew quite what to expect at this show, but we were quickly enthralled by Bill Gladwell’s ability to actually read minds! Before the show began, some attendees mentioned feeling a little nervous about being chosen to participate in the performance, but Julia Clark had this to say: “Bill is a great performer and speaker and everyone felt comfortable. His amazing show easily held our attention for 90 minutes.
I will return to PF Lounge for dinner and drinks and I would like to attend a show of Bill’s again.”
Bill is an expert at asking yes or no questions in order to deduce what is on someone’s mind. He can even gather information from people by asking them to respond to his questions non-verbally. Furthermore, he has an understanding of the intricate differences between how men and women write (heavyhanded or not, all caps, some caps, etc) in order to match an anonymous piece of writing with the author. Most impressively, he is a master at reading expressions, voice intonation, and body language, which plays into his ability to read minds.
Our first task was to anonymously write down a favorite person, place, thing or activity on the card that sat at our place setting, and then hide it in the Things You Love box. Later, Bill asked Nick Schoonover to secretly pull out one of the cards and hold it close. Without ever seeing what was written on the card, Bill asked Nick a series of seemingly random yes or no questions about the size, function, etc of the thing on the card. To the crowd’s amazement, Bill correctly identified the words on the card; “A Bottle of Scotch!” Mind blown!
Tisha Barnes was asked to think of her first significant kiss. She had to write down her age at the time and the location on a card that she placed in a sealed envelope. Nobody was more shocked than Tisha, when he determined the kiss was at age 38 and in Genessee, Idaho! The look on her face said it all!
The finale involved a lot of numbers. A woman was asked to write down a four-digit number on a pad of paper. She then chose six other strangers around the room to each write a different four-digit number. When the pad was passed back to the original woman, she was told to cross off one number, and then use her phone’s calculator to determine the sum of the six remaining four-digit numbers. Bill asked us if we noticed a number written in chalk on the sidewalk leading to PF Lounge. He then pointed out the same number on pieces of paper hanging around the inside of the lounge. Bill then asked the woman to read the sum total on her calculator which matched exactly! The entire audience gasped and then exploded into applause! Talk about jaws on the floor! How did he do that?
I’ve never been to a show where we continued to discuss what we experienced for hours and days later! If you ever get a chance to see Bill at work, you will not be disappointed!
Bill is a certified hypnotherapist and offers therapy for a wide variety of issues. Consultant, speaker and author are also titles he proudly carries. He combines entertainment with education and is known for his captivating keynotes and seminars. Whether you aim to build strong relationships, boost confidence, improve sales, or enhance negotiation skills, his expertise can provide you with real world strategies for success. Lima is truly fortunate to claim this caliber of talent!
Learn more or book Bill Gladwell for your next event, fundraiser, therapy session, corporate retreat, or ask him on a date (yes, he’s single) at BillGladwellLIVE.com.
While Bill Gladwell was the star of the show, Chef Alisa McPheron proved yet again that she’s the star of the kitchen.
Bill Gladwell’s Mindreader Show + A Beautiful Dinner by Purple Feet Wine Boutique’s Chef Alisa = A Perfect Pairing
Chef Alisa’s tantalizing three-course meal started with a gourmet bread and herbed butter board with a crudité accompaniment. Next up, everyone was buzzing about the flash-grilled romaine Caesar salad, Chef’s homemade dressing, shaved parmesan cheese and freshly made croutons. Guests had a choice of two entrees: seared salmon on a bed of spinach, blistered tomatoes, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, parmesan risotto and a bouquet of asparagus. The other option was chicken marsala prepared with semolina dusted chicken breast, sauteed and simmered in marsala with mushrooms, garlic, basil, sun-dried tomatoes and finished with cream, whipped potatoes and a bouquet of asparagus. The chocolate
dipped truffle sphere embellished with fire-like gold leaf and garnished with fresh raspberry delighted everyone for dessert.
Bartender, Matt DeVelbiss, crafted some delicious cocktails. When asked for a suggestion, Matt was ready: the Bourbon Spire, which happened to be more popular at this year’s Kentucky Derby, than the Mint Julep. Matt also got into the act of using his mind-reading powers to silently negotiate drink refills with various tables across the room using hand motions.
Heath Barnes summed up the evening well by saying, “PF Lounge really provided an elevated experience. The meal was spot-on and the entertainment was mesmerizing.”
Making a Mark
OUR HISTORY
Allen County Museum & Historical Society
620 W Market St, Lima, OH
In 1908 a group of civic-minded, Allen County citizens formed and incorporated the Allen County Historical and Archaeological Society. Their purpose was to collect and preserve the tangible evidence of Allen County’s remarkable history and to share those collections with the community for the betterment of its citizens. The Allen County Commissioners provided space and operational support for this purpose in the newly built Veterans Memorial Hall. Thus began the partnership between the county and the private non-profit Allen County Historical Society.
The current facility at 620 West Market Street was constructed in 1954-1955. The facility was expanded in 1976, 2007, and 2010. With the exception of the 1976 addition, all funding to build and expand the Museum was privately raised by the Allen County Historical Society.
MISSION & VISION
Our Mission
The Allen County Museum preserves and promotes our cultural heritage through exceptional collections, exhibitions and educational programs that inspire and serve our diverse communities.
Vision 2025
The Allen County Museum will be the essential source and destination for enrichment, inclusiveness, and creativity by celebrating our history and art through dynamic people, innovative programs, and exciting exhibits.
Core Values
The Allen County Museum will use the following core values to guide our work:
Cultivate
The Museum will create an environment of learning, appreciation, and respect for the museum’s history, collections, and programs.
Inclusive
The Museum will ensure a welcoming environment for its visitors by recognizing that all people’s history has
value and has contributed to shaping the present and future.
Connected
The Museum will build collaborative relationships locally, regionally and nationally in order to create opportunities for the public to connect with history and art.
Responsible
The Museum will ensure fiscal responsibility and the highest professional standards in support of a strong, sustainable institution.
Relevant
The Museum will contribute to a vital museum community through collaboration, dialogue and excellence.
Authenticity
The Museum will maintain an atmosphere of historical accuracy thereby fostering the public’s trust in our ability to faithfully preserve the past.
VISIT THE ALLEN COUNTY MUSEUM
Embark on a journey through Allen County’s rich and varied history at your Allen County Museum. From the great oil boom of Northwest Ohio to the fossil and gem collection, to the transportation exhibit, to the Jess Sarber/John Dillinger exhibit and the magnificent railroad collection, you’ll find a world of knowledge and information waiting for you at the Allen County Museum.
Our story starts here. Visit us today.
Source: AllenCountyMuseum.org
Discovery of Decades: The Roaring Twenties
Night at the Old Louie’s Nite Club Speakeasy
Allen County Museum and Historical Society’s Inaugural Fundraiser Gala
by Tara Reynolds Bales
The Allen County Museum was putting on the Ritz at the inaugural fundraiser gala, Discovery of Decades: The Roaring Twenties. Over one hundred spiffy people packed the Old Louie’s Nite Club located at 518 N. Main Street. The club was transformed into a 1920’s speakeasy where George Venturella and Chad Bingley of Perry proTECH served up prohibition drinks to guests wearing their glad rags. Food catered by Lima’s Finest fueled folks as they danced to live jazz and swing music. Vintage inspired cars gave party goers the perfect photo opportunities.
The inaugural event was the cat’s meow which gave Lima the opportunity to support the museum and have a great night out. Funds raised from this event will be used to support programming and exhibits offered by the Allen County Museum. Museum Director, Dr. Christine Shearer and her team did a swell job. Christine was impressed with the philanthropic spirit of the fun-loving gala goers. “We are so pleased with the results of our fundraiser and look forward to planning for next year.” See you there!
Tara Reynolds Bales
Ann Stiles, Erika Spivey, Anisha Hale, Royal Vines, Jolene Radel
Shelley Decker, Neil Murdoch Tara Reynolds, Ann Stiles Todd Washam, Samuel White, Jr.
Todd Washam, Libby Cupp, George Venturella
Museum Volunteers
Chad Bingley, George Venturella
by Diane Schoonover
Bellefontaine - The Perfect Getaway!
Bellefontaine is known as “Ohio’s Most Lovable Downtown,” which served as the perfect destination for our girls’ weekend getaway! We wanted a walkable downtown with cute shops, delicious restaurants and fun things to do…Bellefontaine checked all of those boxes. A real estate development group named Small Nation has committed to the revitalization of Downtown Bellefontaine and their investment is paying off. Small Nation “develops places, spaces and dreams for small towns and small town entrepreneurs across the country.”
It only took an hour from Shawnee to reach this hidden gem of a town. Our first stop was The Flying Pepper Cantina, which had a very cool vibe. Chef Humberto Nieto presents the authentic flavors of Michoacan, Mexico. We dined on the patio and enjoyed every dish we ordered but the Grilled Poblano Dinner, along with the Guava Margarita and Paloma were noteworthy!
Shopping was next on the agenda! The number of boutiques, home decor stores, antique & thrift shops, and options for finding unique gifts was truly IMPRESSIVE within just a few square blocks that compose the downtown area. Beyond shopping, you can find other activities like: seeing a show at The Holland Theatre, arts & crafts workshops, chocolate tasting, or even axe-throwing. Candle-making at Triple Moon Designs with our scent sommelier, Jessica Epley, was the activity we chose to do this time but we will be back to do more!
Later on, it was time to check into our accommodations at The Flats at Rainbow Row. I was thrilled to learn about these seven new continent-themed Airbnbs. We stayed in the Antarcticathemed flat, Glacier, and the South America flat, Caliente. The attention to every detail and the creative décor made us feel like we had a home away from home, but also like we had been transported. It was convenient to have two flats that were steps away from each other for our party of four. When we had any questions, our host, Julz Greene, replied immediately and was attentive to our every need. She even leaves little gifts from the row of stores down below. Rainbow Row consists of seven flats on the second floor and five shops on the ground floor: Candy Craze (a sweet wonderland), The Craft Emporium (super unique beer, wine and spirit options), Rush Creek Art Studio (art supplies & instruction), The Salty Swan Studio (a private tattoo studio), and Eden Haus (a houseplant haven). Now that I know about The Flats at Rainbow Row, I will definitely recommend Bellefontaine as the perfect local weekend getaway from Lima!
Dinner at The Syndicate was a highlight of our stay! Chef David Lani was on point, and so were our servers, Lane and Lindsey. We started
with the super sexy Hanging Black Pepper Candied Bacon and the scrumptious Poke Ahi Tuna Nachos as our appetizers. We all shared our entrees, and it proved to be impossible to pick our favorite between the delicious Pan Roasted Jumbo Scallops with Risotto, the Creamy Ricotta Stuffed Gnocchi Marsala that oozed with flavor, the perfect combination of warm Pesto Marinated Chicken Paillard with a cool field greens salad, and the Baked Burrata Stuffed Ravioli that had us wishing it was an endless bowl! The OGs of The Syndicate, Lane and Dana, that have been there since the grand opening five years ago, brought out a platter of every amazing dessert on the menu! The pride that Dana (aka “Mama D” as she is affectionately known by the staff) showed was evident as she described each item. Chef David even came out and chatted with us and other guests about our experience! He also teased their popular Sunday brunch, which we decided we definitely must try. There is a really nice “feel” at The Syndicate...a feeling of welcome, family, home and fun. As we ordered the next round of drinks, we were happy that we booked our stay at The Flats at Rainbow Row less than a block away.
The next morning we enjoyed coffee at Sweet Aromas, continued shopping downtown and visited the Logan County Farmers Market. As the charming clock tower struck twelve, it was lunch time. We dined at Six Hundred Downtown Brick Oven Pizzeria. The owner, Brittany Saxton, introduced herself and immediately made us feel excited to try her award-winning/world-famous pizza. We started with the garlic knots, which tasted like wonderfully soft garlic pillows. I have never been given so many options for pizza styles in one place: Detroit, Classic Italian, Sicilian, and Cauliflower. Our excellent server, Ricky, didn’t judge us when we ordered one of each. The “cheese pull” was high quality and everyone at the table commented on the greatness of the pepperoni. It was fascinating to experience how various toppings tasted on different crusts. Each pizza seemed to have its own personality and we loved getting to “know” each one on our table.
Check out Shawnee Life Magazine’s Facebook page in September for more photos and our Bellefontaine Getaway Giveaway!
Bellefontaine’s Umbrella Avenue
Southwestern Chicken Enchiladas & Dad’s Fave Blueberry Dessert
from the kitchen of Kristin and Boyd Curtis, Indianbrook
by Janine Douglass
Cocker Spaniels are sociable and adaptable, love to be around people and live happily in busy family environments. And the three dogs of that breed: Gabby, (Super) Cooper, and Beethoven, owned by Kristin and Boyd Curtis of Indianbrook, may have those characteristics reinforced daily by the personalities of their owners, whose lives are bustling and full, professionally and personally. Kristin and Boyd, from Alabama, have lived in Ohio’s Shawnee since 2019, and Boyd is General Manager of Pratt (paper mill) Industries, south of Wapakoneta. Kristin keeps actively involved in the “Notions” group of the Shawnee Alliance Church (SAC) on Shawnee Road that makes boys’ and girls’ clothing, plus games and marble bags in “Operation Christmas Child.” Kristin’s SAC stitching group also sews handmade articles for children with terminal disabilities or illnesses, plus items for nursing home residents.
The Curtis couple has two adult sons of their own, grandchildren numbering five by the end of 2024, and over the years has hosted 14 exchange students, among them Albert of Sweden and Nathan of Brazil. They both loved this Southwestern Chicken Enchiladas recipe Kristin created. Albert took the recipe home to his mother, and Nathan always adds sour cream to tone down the American “spiciness.”
Southwestern Chicken Enchiladas 30 minutes prep time, up to 30 minutes bake time (about an hour for 8 enchiladas.)
Ingredients:
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 cups prepared salsa, your favorite brand, divided
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded Colby jack cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese, divided
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• ½ cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
• 6 portabella fresh mushrooms, sliced thin, cooked in butter
• 1 small can sliced black olives
• 1 can Ro-Tel, drained into bottom of 9x13” baking dish
• 3 Tablespoons butter
• ½ tsp chili powder
• Dash of cinnamon
• ½ tsp cumin
• 1 tsp Southwestern Seasoning Blend (SPICE)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced, divided
• 8 – 8” flour tortillas
• 9x13” oven safe baking dish
Directions:
• Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
• In medium bowl, cream together cream cheese and sour cream. Stir in ½ cup salsa and ½ cup of each cheese.
• In second bowl, toss together chicken, corn, mushrooms, Ro-Tel, spices and ½ of the scallions.
• Spread ½ cup salsa on bottom of baking dish, spread over entire bottom.
• Place 1/3 cup of cheese filling mixture across the center of each tortilla, add a ½ cup of chicken filling mixture to center of tortilla over the cheese mixture; roll up and place in baking dish with the seam side down.
• After filling the baking dish with your filled tortillas, pour remaining 1 cup of salsa over enchiladas. Spread to coat all of them.
• Add the black olives across the top of the enchiladas, then toss remaining cheese over the top
• Bake in preheated oven at 325 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes.
• Sprinkle with remaining scallions.
• Serve warm with fresh cilantro, diced tomato, red onion, avocado, and sour cream for toppings if desired. Spanish rice is a usual side dish.
Share this delicious dish any time of year, but it’s especially great to spice things up for fall and winter. For autumnal warmth from the inside out, from meal’s beginning to end, add Boyd’s favorite sweet finale, offered next.
Dad’s Fave Blueberry Dessert
Ingredients:
• 1 large can crushed pineapple
• 1 quart of blueberries, fresh or frozen
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 boxed cake mix (vanilla, yellow, white or butter)
• 1 stick of butter
• ½ cup chopped pecans
Directions:
Prep time: 15 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Grease a 9x13” baking pan.
• Pour in pineapple, add blueberries and ¾ cup of brown sugar.
• Sprinkle dry cake mix on top of berries.
• Melt butter and pour over cake mix.
• Sprinkle pecans across the top of cake mix.
• Bake for 35 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees until brown.
• Cool about 10 minutes. Serve in bowls while still warm, with ice cream.
• The Curtises prefer vanilla ice cream as the topping.
Misson Zoo
Precious
by Georgie Damschroder
Zoos have been a favorite place to spend the day for years. After all, getting the opportunity to see animals from all over the world up close is certainly entertaining. But what happens when these animals decide that they want to see this world for themselves? Take Ken Allen, an Orangutan who lived in the San Diego Zoo and was known for his ability to break free of any enclosure. Ken Allen escaped his jungle gym at least nine times, and spent his hours as a free ape observing other animals, as if he was a tourist himself, and throwing rocks at his grumpy and mean neighbor, Otis the Orangutan. A more recent and closer to home example of a zoo day gone wrong was when two camels, Artie and Sampson, broke free from their barn in Cedar Point and spent some time trotting around the theme park greeting various visitors just this past June. The humped Houdinis were eventually captured and placed back in their pasture.
A local family has a zoo of their own, though it is blissfully free of escapists! The Misson family includes many fluffy and scaly members, with Kenna the German Shepherd; Luna, Coral, Midnight, and Honey Bun the guinea pigs; Sunshine the leopard gecko; and Astrid the crested gecko. Kenna was brought home twelve years ago as a Christmas present, while the guinea pigs and reptiles were adopted from a local pet store.
Being the largest and oldest animal in the house, Kenna works hard to make sure her smaller siblings are safe. Kenna is always sure to provide extra love and protection for her favorite human, father Joe Misson. She adores visiting Tennessee, where she will swim with and go on ranger rides with her people to her heart’s content. And despite her old age, Kenna will still chase after any ball that’s thrown her way.
Though Luna, Coral, Midnight, and Honey Bun can’t play fetch like their older sister, they have their own ways of keeping entertained. All four guinea pigs love to solve various puzzles, and also enjoy carrying around and stacking cups. They even have
Kenna
Luna, Coral, Midnight, HoneyBun
an artistic side, and love to make portraits by tracking paint over paper. Luna and Coral assume the positions of older siblings, overseeing these activities and keeping everyone in line, whereas Midnight and Honey Bun play the role of the younger and crazier sisters, who can always be trusted to make a mess when left alone. And even though Midnight suffers from chronic seizures, the other guinea pigs and Midnight’s favorite toy mouse make sure she feels safe and comforted despite her condition. When the guinea pigs are finally tuckered out from their daily to-dos, they love nothing more than cuddling up with their people for some rest.
Though Astrid and Sunshine love their furry siblings, they would much rather sunbathe on a warm rock than play fetch or paint. Astrid is extremely small for her age, but despite her size, she is bursting with energy and joy. Astrid loves digging, and can often be found tunneling away beneath her water dish. When her people come by her terrarium to let her out, Astrid adores climbing and jumping all over her family. Sunshine is a much calmer
and more laid back lizard than Astrid, though she does become very excited when feeding time rolls around!
The Misson family resides on Yakima Trail in Indianbrook, where they adore their quiet neighborhood and friendly neighbors. Father Joe Misson works at the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio, and mother Ashley keeps the family organized and coordinated. Children Ethan and Alaina attend Shawnee, and will be a junior and an eighth grader respectively this coming fall. Though handling a zoo’s worth of animals can certainly be a challenge, the Missons wouldn’t have it any other way, and their home is always bursting with all the fluffy and scaly love it can hold!
Astrid
Sunshine
by Maria Pignataro
Introducing... Maria Pignataro
Hello everyone! My name is Maria Pignataro and I am a senior at Lima Central Catholic. I’m extremely excited to have the opportunity to be a writer for Shawnee Life Magazine! I enjoy writing, and I’m hopeful that doing this will help me develop my skills further. I’m also excited to talk to and learn more about people in my community. I’ve lived in Shawnee my entire life with my parents, Al and Tina Pignataro, along with my three brothers Jacob, Vinny, and Derek. My brothers have all moved out, Jacob and Vinny are each married and Derek is living as a musi-
cian in Nashville! My family has a lot of musical talent, so music is something I’ve grown up on and always loved. My favorite artist currently is Zach Bryan, and I had the opportunity to see him in concert last summer. It was the best time! I have a dog named Scooter, whose favorite pastimes are napping and barking at random objects. I also love spending time with my friends and watching TV/movies. One of my favorite shows is Survivor, and I fully convince myself that I can be on it one day. It definitely looks a lot easier from the couch though.
I went to St. Charles from preschool to eighth grade, and I’ve been at LCC since my freshman year. Because of this, I’ve become familiar with the community and I really enjoy my time. I love seeing my friends at school everyday and all of my teachers are amazing. I am involved in SOS (Supporting Our Students) Club, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honors Society, and am the vice president of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions). I was on
Zach Bryan concert
Pignataro Family: Maria, Jacob, Al, Vinny, Tina, Derek
the yearbook committee this past year and that was a class I found that I enjoyed a lot. I don’t think I have a favorite subject, but I’d say English is one of my strong suits. You know what isn’t? Physics. (Shoutout Mr. Bryan if you’re reading this.) I just tell myself that you win some you lose some, and hopefully I won’t need to know the centripetal force formula for a business degree. That brings me to my future plans and goals. Truthfully, I don’t have it all figured out yet, but I plan on majoring in business. My ultimate goal is to be in pharmaceutical sales.
A large aspect of my life that I haven’t touched on yet is sports. At LCC, you’re very rarely a single sport athlete. Because we don’t have a huge student body, most athletes play more than one sport. Even though we are small, we have hard working athletes to keep the sports competitive and fun! I play tennis in the fall, basketball in the winter, and softball in the spring. Since being involved in sports from a young age, I’ve learned it’s a great way for me to stay in shape as well as stay social. Some of my
closest relationships are with the people I play sports with. A recent accomplishment is that my softball team won the sectional title this past season! I am the catcher. We improved so much since last year, and winning the sectional game with my teammates was an amazing experience. Those are the moments that I love about playing sports.
Once again, I’m incredibly honored and excited to be able to bring some of my life into the magazine, as well as show what goes on at LCC and why I’m proud to be a T-bird.
Al, Derek, Vinny, Maria and Tina Pignataro
The State of Christian Youth in America
by Jeremy Hollis - St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Director of Youth Discipleship & Evangelization
Christian youth grapple with several significant challenges. Social media and technology have become pervasive, influencing nearly every aspect of their lives. Business of Apps says, teenagers spend an average of over four hours per day on social media. This constant connectivity can lead to issues such as cyberbullying, peer pressure, and mental health struggles, including anxiety and depression.
are seeking authentic relationships and communities where they can explore their faith deeply. Youth groups provide spaces for these connections to flourish, offering support, belonging and fellowship.
Pew Research reports, religious disaffiliation often occurs between the ages of 15 and 29, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to keep young people connected to their faith. Therefore, investing in youth ministry with adult mentorship is essential. Providing a large group model with adult mentorship, leadership opportunities, and spaces for honest dialogue can help nurture a strong and enduring faith.
The state of Christian youth is marked with challenges and opportunities. At St. Charles, we address this through weekly youth group meetings: Edge for middle school (6th-8th grade) and Life Teen for high school (9th – 12th grade). At Damascus, a Catholic Youth Summer Camp is offered and there are retreats during the school year for our 6th –8th grade students at St. Charles School. We also just finished a summer movie program to show that God is present even in the secular culture.
Additionally, societal shifts and political polarization have created an environment where Christian values are at odds with mainstream culture. Issues such as gender identity, sexual ethics, and religious freedom are hot topics that young Christians must navigate. This barrage of pressure from social media, online interactions and mainstream media can lead to feelings of isolation and confusion as they seek to reconcile their faith with the world around them. The CDC reported 44% of high schoolers felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021, and the U.S. Surgeon General reported a significant decline in teens’ in-person interactions, leading to isolation. Teens also struggle with identity and belonging, with only 51% feeling they belong at school. Despite these challenges, there are numerous opportunities for growth and renewal within the Christian youth community. Many young Christians
If you are interested in being an adult mentor that shows our youth how to thrive and make a positive impact in the world, you can contact Jeremy Hollis at (419) 228 -7635 or hollisj@ stcharleslima.org. If you have a child that would like to attend either the middle school or high school youth group, you can register at https://www.osvhub.com/ st-charles-lima/forms/edgelifeteenregistration.
Unlock the Secrets: How Political Donations Can Impact Your Taxes
Submitted by Deifendeifer Associates
In the intricate world of tax law, political donations occupy a unique space, blending civic engagement with financial implications. As taxpayers consider supporting their preferred political causes or candidates, understanding the tax aspects of these contributions is crucial. This article delves into the tax treatment of political donations, the distinctions between charitable contributions and political donations, and strategies for tax-efficient political giving.
Understanding Political Donations - Political donations can be made to a variety of entities, including political candidates, political parties, political action committees (PACs), and 527 organizations. Each of these entities plays a distinct role in the political landscape, but from a tax perspective, they share a common trait: contributions to them are generally not tax-deductible on federal tax returns.
Donating time or effort to a political campaign, political candidate, political action committee (PAC), or any group that seeks to influence legislation, is also not a tax-deductible expense. Also not deductible are out-of-pocket costs you incur assisting these groups. In contrast, if you have out-of-pocket expenses related to volunteering for a qualified nonprofit charitable organization, those expenses are tax-deductible if you itemize your deductions.
Tax Treatment of Political Donations - The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not allow taxpayers to deduct political donations as charitable contributions. This is because the organizations that receive these donations do not qualify as charitable organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Instead, many political organizations are classified under Section 527, which includes political parties, candidates’ campaign organizations, and political action committees.
The primary reason for the non-deductibility of political donations is the principle that tax deductions should not subsidize political activity. The tax code is designed to encourage donations to organizations that serve the public good in a non-partisan manner, such as charities, educational institutions, and religious organizations. A few states allow a limited tax credit for political donations.
Reporting and Disclosure Requirements - While political donations are not tax-deductible, they are subject to reporting and disclosure requirements. For instance, federal law requires political campaigns and PACs to report the identities of donors who contribute more than a certain threshold amount. This transparency aims to prevent undue influence and ensure the integrity of the political process.
Additionally, individuals who make substantial donations to political organizations may need to file a Form 709, United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return if their contributions exceed the annual exclusion for gift tax purposes. For 2024 the annual gift tax exclusion is $18,000, up from $17,000 in 2023. However, it’s important to note that most individual political donations do not reach the threshold that would trigger gift tax reporting.
Charitable Contributions vs. Political Donations - It’s essential to distinguish between charitable contributions and political donations. Charitable contributions are made to organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. These donations are generally tax-deductible, subject to certain limitations based on the donor’s adjusted gross income. In contrast, political donations, as previously mentioned, do not qualify for a tax deduction.
This distinction underscores the importance of verifying the taxexempt status of any organization before donating, especially if the donor intends to claim a tax deduction. The IRS provides tools and resources for taxpayers to check the exempt status of organizations.
Strategies for Tax-Efficient Political Giving - While direct political donations are not tax-deductible, there are strategies for individuals to support political causes in a tax-efficient manner. One approach is to focus on charitable giving to organizations that align with one’s political beliefs but maintain a non-partisan stance and qualify as 501(c)(3) entities. For example, donating to non-profit organizations that advocate for policy issues without directly supporting political candidates or parties can provide both societal impact and tax benefits.
Another strategy involves leveraging donor-advised funds (DAFs) for charitable contributions. Contribution to a donor advised fund is a way to warehouse funds in a year in which the donor has an unusually high income (and can benefit from a large charitable deduction) to satisfy the donor’s social obligations to make charitable contributions in future years, without incurring the expense of setting up a private foundation and satisfying annual filing and other private foundation requirements.
While DAFs cannot be used to make direct political donations, they can support non-profit organizations engaged in policy research and education on issues of interest. Donors receive an immediate tax deduction for contributions to a DAF, and the funds can be distributed to qualifying charities over time.
If you have questions, please contact Deifendeifer Associates.
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 our participating sponsors:
Please welcome the Barwanietz Family to Alexandria Drive in Monticello!
Marcel and Elizabeth Barwanietz moved to Lima from Chattanooga, TN in October. They moved to Shawnee with their daughter, Hazel and son, Emerson. Since moving, they have welcomed another son named Palmer. The family moved to the Lima area because Elizabeth grew up here and her parents live in Breezewood. She also graduated from Bath in 2012. Marcel is originally from Germany but came to the USA in 2011 for college. The two met in college and got married in 2016. Marcel received his US citizenship just this July! The Barwanietz family is loving being close to family and enjoying their neighborhood.
