clermont county progress 2010

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• Business • Communit y• Employment

• Fitness• Pol i t ics • Medical

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PROGRESS 2010PROGRESS 2010 PROGRESS 2010PROGRESS 2010 Clermont County

A Special Supplement to The Brown County Press

Page 20 - Clermont County Progress Edition 2010

In January 2009, RiverHillsBank celebrated the opening oftheir new bank building locatedat 1719 East Ohio Pike inAmelia,replacing the building they previ-ously occupied. “We were excit-ed to provide our customers astate-of-the-art banking facilitywith the capacity to better servethe needs of this growing com-munity.” said Greg Niesen,President and CEO.

“In 2009, we also welcomedChuck Snyder as our Chief CreditOfficer and Kathleen Nunlist asour Business Banking Specialist.Both bring a wealth of bankingknowledge and experience to addto our staff of 55 banking profes-sionals.”

RiverHills Bank, a privately-owned community bank, hasbeen committed to providing full-service banking in ClermontCounty for over 100 years. In2007, they further demonstratedtheir commitment to Clermont

County by opening a new bank-ing center and relocating theirheadquarters to Milford at 533Chamber Drive. They now have atotal of 5 locations: Milford,Amelia, North Market Street inFelicity, Front Street in NewRichmond and Rivertown Marketin New Richmond.

At RiverHills Bank, youreceive a full range of business,consumer and electronic bankingproducts and services that rivalthose offered at much largernational banks while receivingthe high-level of personal servicethat only a bank committed toyou and your community canprovide.

“We look forward to providinginnovative products and cus-tomized financial solutions tohelp our customers achieve theirfinancial goals and dreams in thecoming years.” added Mr.Niesen.

RiverHills Bankexpandsits commitmentto Clermont County

Support your local newspaper!Visit us at

www.clermontsun.com

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- Clermont County Progress Edition 2010 Clermont County Progress Edition 2010 - Page 19

Sharefax Credit Union is amember-owned, not-for-profitfinancial institution. Everyonewho has an open account is anowner.

Sharefax is celebrating 50 yearsof service throughout 2010 withprizes, events,as well as rate spe-cials.

Sharefax Credit Union wasoriginally sponsored in 1960 byFord Motor Company to serve theemployees at its Sharonville andFairfax transmision plant.

Since those early beginnings,Sharefax has expanded to includemore than 22,000 members frommore than 400 select employeegroups as well as individuals wholive or work in Clermont, Warren,Brown, Clinton, Highland,Hamilton, and Butler counties.

Sharefax owns approximately$200 million in assets, making itone of the largest local creditunions. All deposits are federallyinsured up to at least $250,000.

Sharefax is a full-service finan-cial institution offering its mem-

bers free checking, mortgage, per-sonal and vehicle loans, freeonline banking, more than 3,000nationwide fee-free ATMs, freebill payer, credit counseling andinvestment services, rate guaran-tees on automobile loans and cer-tificates as well as four conve-nient locations.

Sharefax is dedicated to fulfill-ing the individual needs of itsmembers by offereing the finestservice and most technologicallyadvanced products available. Thecooperative has developed a solidfoundation while continuing toappreciate the financial successits members achieve through itsservices.

In 2009, Sharefax added moneymarket accounts, as well as debitcard and check writing abilitieson its health savings accounts.

Sharefax has partnered withinvestment advisors L.M. Kohn &Co. to assist members in planning

for their financial futures.This relationship has greatly

helped laid-off Ford members toadjust their plans to the realitiesof their new financial situation.Credit counseling is also offeredin a partnership with Trinity DebtManagement in order to providebudget information and to restruc-ture loan payments to help mem-bers better manage their finances.

Sharefax is continuing to lookto the future by expanding itsbranch locations as well as prod-ucts and services.

Sharefax is a part of a sharedbranching network of creditunions throughout the country.Sharefax members can makedeposits and perform transactionsat a credit union branch almostanywhere in the U.S.A.

For more information, callSharefax Credit Union at (513)753-2440 or visit www.share-fax.org.

Sharefax Credit Unionis celebrating 50 years of serviceMember-owned financial institution has $200 million is assetsThe strength of any communi-

ty can be measured by how muchits citizens give back. It can bemeasured by showing support,volunteering, or monetary ormaterial donations – or, in thecase of the Clermont CountyPublic Library volunteers – acombination of all the above. In2009, the Library welcomed 844volunteers from every corner ofClermont County. Together, theydonated over 90,114 hours of theirtime. But most notably, they’veraised a significant amount offunding for a library system thatsaw its funding slashed by 21 per-cent in 2009. Last year alone,Library volunteers raised over$39,000 funding programs likesummer day camp, the increasing-ly popular gingerbread house pro-gram and special program speak-ers. Dave Mezack, LibraryExecutive Director, couldn’t behappier. “I believe we have someof the hardest working and mostdedicated volunteers out there.They truly believe in the missionof the Library and are here to sup-port us any way they can.” And

yet the giving continues. InJanuary 2010, the Milford-MiamiTownship Branch volunteersdonated $10,000 – primarilyraised through Used Book Fairs –to the Milford-Miami TownshipBranch to enhance their materialscollection. According to HollyVarley, Library CollectionDevelopment Manager, thisdonation increased Milford’s col-lection budget by 12% for 2010.Milford volunteer, Eb Ax has beenvolunteering with the Library foralmost 6 years. “After my wifedied in 2004, I was involved witha Township Book Swap, and Iwas looking for someplace to vol-unteer. I met the local librarianand she mentioned that I shouldvolunteer at the library. I’ve beenhere ever since.” The volunteers atClermont County Public Libraryprove the strength of this commu-nity every time they show up andgive way more than was everasked of them. They’re invaluableto this Library system and with-out them many of our programsand other services would not beavailable.

Clermont County PublicLibrary: a communityof volunteers

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The University of Cincinnati,Clermont College is located in thecenter of Clermont County on91.2 beautiful wooded acres inBatavia Township. Opened in1972, Clermont College is anaccredited, open-access collegeoffering more than 50 associatedegrees and certificate programs.

In addition, the college hostssix bachelor degree programsranging from criminal justice tonursing. The college is part ofthe nationally recognizedUniversity of Cincinnati.

Students who attend UCClermont College have full accessto UC’s Uptown campuslibraries, student support services,student clubs, fraternities, sorori-ties, intramural sports and athleticevents.

At UC Clermont College, stu-dents will find highly dedicatedand credentialed faculty in ourclassrooms – where the emphasisis on the student.

The faculty–student ration is20:1. The staff is committed tomaking this a great college expe-rience for all of our students. Ourgoal is help our students succeed,graduate with distinction – pre-pared, confident and eager for thechallenges that lay ahead.

At UC Clermont College webring the power of UC... close tohome!

In the fall of 2009, enrollmentat UC Clermont College reached arecord of 3,713 students, up 14.6percent from Fall 2008.Winter2010 – up 17.7 percent fromWinter 2009.

Ninety-three percent of full-time faculty have advanceddegrees; 70 percent of full-timefaculty have doctorate, profes-sional or other terminal degrees.

UC Clermont College is receiv-ing the highest increase in statesubsidy – 24 percent for 2009.

UC Clermont College has expe-rienced tremendous growth with a70 percent increase in enrollmentsince 2000. The college has builtfive new buildings since 2000 toaccommodate the needs of thecampus. UC Clermont Collegehas been identified as having thehighest usage of building space instate by the UC architect’s office.

The college is in the final stagesof the 10-year master planning.Currently, the college is seekingspace in the nearby community toaccommodate the expansion ofprograms. UC Clermont College

plans to build additional facilitiesin the next two to three years.

Campus HighlightsIn October 2009, UC Clermont

College hosted its second 5KWalk/Run for Scholarships atTQL in the Ivy Pointe BusinessPark to meet the needs of a grow-ing student population who oftenface financial barriers to obtain-ing a college degree.

The fund-raiser brought togeth-er community members, students,faculty, staff, businesses and orga-nizations to help our studentsachieve their academic dreams byraising money for the ClermontCollege Scholarship Fund.

Approximately $15,000 wasraised and 143 runners/walkersparticipated. Race sponsorsinclude: International Paper,TQL, Duke Energy, MercyHospital Clermont, MidwesternPlumbing Service & ArchieWilson, Chick-fil-A Eastgate,PNC Bank Eastgate, and Chem-Tech.

A dedicated group of communi-ty volunteers work toward theambitious goals of the ProudlyCincinnati campaign so that stu-dents are prepared to succeed

anywhere and everywhere as UCClermont College alumni.

Funding priorities includemeeting the needs of a growingstudent body through the estab-lishment of a new building,strengthening recruitment andretention of outstanding faculty,increasing scholarship to recruitand reward and academically tal-ented and engaged student bodyand enriching the college’s thriv-ing academic enterprise and com-munity outreach.

In a season of historical accom-plishments, the UC Clermont vol-leyball team added another pageto their history books. For thefirst time, the Cougars reached theFinal Four at the United StatesCollegiate Athletic Association(USCAA) NationalChampionship Tournament.

Kelly Koons was selected to theUSCAA First Team All-Americanwhile Lauren Bradford and EricaHoctor received USCAAHonorable Mention All-AmericanAward.

Both the men and women’s bas-ketball teams earned repeat bidsto the USCAA NationalBasketball Championships March

2-6 in Fayette, Pennsylvania.UC Clermont College Clermont

College is located at 4200Clermont College Drive in

Batavia.For more information, call

(513) 732-5200 or visitwww.ucclermont.edu.

Clermont County Progress Edition 2010 -

995 Highway 28(1 mile north of 275) Milford, Ohio

PHONE:

(513) 831-9141

TresterAuto Parts

N.S. Lodwick, D.V.M.J.E. Gish, D.V.M.

D.C. Chalker, D.V.M.Office Hours by Appointment

9242 Hamer Rd., Georgetown, Ohio

(937) 378-6334

G EORGETOWNANIMAL HOSPITAL

“The Vet With a Heart”

Compassionate and Gentle Care

The Georgetown AnimalHospital is committed to provid-ing the best possible veterinarycare for every state of your pets’lives. We offer preventativemedicine, diagnostics, in-housebloodwork, ultrasound, x-rays,surgical care, dental care, andmuch more. The doctors and staffcontinually strive to providequality veterinary care, customerservice, and education so yourpets can receive the compassion-

ate medical care they deserve.Each of us here loves animals,

ad we greatly appreciate thechance to help your family com-panions live the healthiest,longest, happiest lives possible.

We are located at 9242 HamerRoad, Georgetown, Ohio. Formore information or an appoint-ment, please contact us at (937)378-6334 and we will be happyto assist you.

Georgetown Animal Hospitalhas been serving theBrown County area since 1952

Clermont College is an accredited, open access college offering more than 50associate degrees and certificate programs

USCAA team members are, front row from left, Cindy Votel,Rachel Hays, Sarah Shumate, and Jaci Stewart; back row, LaurenBradford, Courtney Davis, Kelley Koons, Rachel Ferguson, andErica Hoctor.

32 Senior Community is forthose 50 and older as well as thedisabled, is a complex that has90 apartment units as of 2010.The apartments range from 720sq.ft. to over 1500 sq.ft. whichreflects the space of a small 3bedroom home. These apart-ments are 1 and 2 bedroom withand without a garage and somewith a huge Florida sun room aswell as a 10ft. covered porchesin rear and 4ft. covered porch infront. The cost ranges from $400for a 1 bedroom to $750 for thedeluxe models. All apartments at32 Senior Community have asingle floor plan (No Steps),high efficiency HV/AC with aheat pump, Laundry room for afull size washer and dryer, lotsof medium oak kitchen cabinets,

a place to install a dish washer,flat top stove, 19 cubic ft. refrig-erator, 36 inch doors for handi-cap accessibility, ADA toiletwith access for a wheel chair,this makes for a nice sizerestroom. Other amenities thatvary from apartment to apart-ment are space savermicrowaves above the stove,ceramic tiled restrooms, wall towall carpeting, pantries, Floridasun rooms, ceiling fans in bed-rooms and living rooms andwalk in closets.

All apartments at 32 SeniorCommunity are set up so the ten-ants can stay in their home for aslong as they can. Although theyare Senior Friendly, the units arevery spacious and look fantastic.The quality and craftsmanship of

these apartments really showthrough when you see them.

On site amenities consist of a1 1/2 acre fishing pond, fencingand gates that secure the com-plete complex and the pond withmany wooded areas which sur-round the complex. Garbagepick up at your door twice aweek, on site manager, mainte-nance and HV/AC man for anyneeds that may arise in the 32Community. For those whomhave rented in the past, theseservices are very importantwhen you need them. All lawncare and snow removal is includ-ed as well.

In 2010-2011, 32 SeniorCommunity will add another 50units. These units will be uniquebecause a 2 car garage will beadded to some of these units.Some 2 bedroom with some hav-ing 2 bathrooms will be added aswell. These new units will haveall the amenities listed beforeand some new ones like fullview screen doors with glass forthe front and rear door. The best

of the past units are used in allnew construction with additionof some new products and ideas.A Club House with an exerciseroom, pool table, ping pong,darts, and a few other games thatall tenants and their familiesmay use. The Club House willalso consist of a Rental Hallwhich will be used for the com-munity gatherings, parties, andtenants may rent this part out forthemselves and their families fora very low cost. The Club Housewill be equipped with an emer-gency generator and propaneheat in case of any power lossesto the 32 Senior Community.This will allow for heat in thewinter and A/C in the summerfor all tenants at No extracharge. The 32 SeniorCommunity is not a profit basedfacility, although it is privatelyowned by Tim Hale and his fam-ily. Tim Hale is setting up thecommunity to be self supportingonly, and is proud to boast thatthe original tenants from 8 yearsago are still paying the same rent

today and hopes that they will bepaying the same 10 years fromnow.

The concept of this SeniorCommunity is to have a greatand secure place to live at a fairprice. The summers here are thebest, with lots of room to walk,wild life to watch and friendlypeople to gather with. The resi-dents of this complex is the bestpart of it. Residents helping res-idents on a daily basis from leftovers for dinners to a ride to ahospital for testing. This com-munity seems to provide the set-ting of days gone bye witheveryone stopping to talk witheach other while relaxing ontheir front porches as dusk sets.These apartments are a must see!Take the time and see them foryourself. You won’t be sorry.

If there are any questionsabout availability or just want tocheck out this facility, call Timor Angie at 937-444-3043. Theylive within the gated communityas well.

Seniors 50 and Older As Well As The Disabled

32 Senior Community

NO RENT UNTILMAY 1ST, 2010

Beautiful New 1 & 2 Bedroom with Garage& Covered Porches

Eastwood Rd. and St. Rt. 32

(937) 444-3043FishingPond

Gated

32 Senior Communitylocated at Eastwood Rd. and St. Rt. 32

Support Your Community!Shop Local Businesses!


Moler Raceway Park, 2059Harker-Waits Road,Williamsburg, is owned by Kevinand Kim Moler and opened forbusiness in 2007.

The Sterling Township busi-ness is a car racing and entertain-ment complex with events sched-uled every Friday night March26-Oct. 1. It is considered theMidwest’s Fastest Quarter MileDirt Oval.

Class sponsors include SunesisConstruction, Holman Motors,Mt. Orab Ford and U.S. RaceGear, and vehicles that race on aregular basis include SunesisConstruction Late Models, Mt.Orab Ford UMP Modifieds, U.S.Race Gear Street Stocks andHolman Motors Chevettes.

Moler Raceway Park also hasvarious other classes makingappearances throughout the yearincluding the Winged MiniSprints, 360 Sprints, C.J.Rayburn’s NASRA Services andmany others.

Friday, March 19, will be anopen practice, weather permit-ting, that is free to the publicwith pits being $10. Gates willopen at 4:30 p.m.

An upcoming event noon-5p.m. Saturday, March 20, is theRace Car Exposition at HolmanMotors in Clermont’s County’sEastgate area. That will be heldrain or shine, and those planningto bring their car(s) to that eventare asked to e-mail [email protected].

Some upcoming MolerRaceway Park events on Fridaysare as follow:

• March 26: Holman MotorsOpening Night, Chevettes $1,000to win. All Chevettes are wel-come plus Late Models, UMPModifieds and Street Stocks. Therain date is Friday, April 2.

• April 2: Regular show, LM,Mods, SS and Chevettes.

• April 9: Brown CountyChamber of Commerce Night(Chamber members bring busi-ness card for drawing), UMPModifieds, Street Stocks, LateModels and Chevettes.

• April 16: LM, SS, UMPModifieds and Chevettes.

• April 23: Street StockSpecial $600 to win, LateModels, UMP Modifieds andChevettes. Kids Night with footraces on the Front Stretch, chil-dren 0-15 admitted free.

• April 30: Mt. Orab FordUMP Modified Special,Modifieds $1,000 to win, LateModels, Chevettes and StreetStocks. Darf Night, Darf mem-bers free with rain date beingMay 28.

• May 7: Mom’s Night at theRaces – Powder Puff, LM, UMPModifieds, SS and Chevettes.

• May 14: Third Armed ForcesNight – Freedom Fighters 40,Late Models $2,000 to win, SS,Chevettes and Modifieds. Allmilitary members in uniform orwith identification will be admit-ted free.

Moler Raceway Park’s com-plete 2010 Schedule is availableon the park’s website atwww.molerraceway park.com.

Gates open for all Fridayevents at 4:30 p.m. with Hot Lapsat 7 p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m.

General admission for regularshows is $13 for adults with chil-dren 7-15 admitted for $5 and 6and younger free and pits being$25.

General admission for specialshows is $15 for adults with chil-dren 7-15 admitted for $5 and 6and younger free and pits being$30.

Anyone desiring further infor-mation may call Moler RacewayPark at (937) 444-6215.

“We would like to thank all ourclass sponsors as well as our gen-eral sponsors L&M Performance,Rock Auto, L. Wood and Son,Jody Shannon, Gray’s Used AutoParts, Coca-Cola and C103 FM,who does several live broadcaststhroughout the year,” Kevin andKim Moler. “And a special thankyou to all our volunteers andstaff.”

The Molers added, “Pleasesupport those who support oursport and let them know weappreciate them. Thanks, and welook forward to seeing you allsoon!”

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- Clermont County Progress Edition 2010

A crowd of explorers, hikers,bikers and planners met at theentrance to the Williamsburg toBatavia hike-bike trail for a ribboncutting Friday, June 19, 2009. Theceremony marked the end ofPhase I of the project which beganmore than eight years ago.

The trail begins at the end ofBroadway Street, in Williamsburgand connects to Williamsburg-Bantam Road. It followsWilliamsburg-Bantam Road thencrosses over Cain Run Creek andends at an overlook area alongHarsha Lake. It is about 2.5 mileslong and is intended for hikers,joggers, walkers and bicyclists.

When complete, the trail will be15 miles long and connect theVillage of Williamsburg to theVillage of Batavia.

There is no parking available atthe Broadway Street entrance tothe trail, but three parking termi-nus’ are available in the village.

In February, Mayor Lefker told

council members that Phase II hadreceived approval from the OhioDepartment of Transportation tomove forward. Phase II will con-nect the trail to the campground inEast Fork State Park.

For more information on thetrail and other parks in ClermontCounty, visit parks.clermontcoun-tyohio.gov/ or call (513) 732-2977.

Clermont County Progress Edition 2010 - Page 17

Proud to Represent Southern Ohio

Jean

Paid for by the Schmidt For Congress Committee

SCHMIDTUS Congress

MARCH 19: Open Practice • Free to Public • Pits $10

MARCH 20: Holman Motors Race Car Expo, Eastgate, OH 12 to 5 p.m.

MARCH 26: Holman Motors Opening Night • Chevettes $1,000to Win • also UMP Modifieds, Street Stocks & Late Models

APRIL 23: U.S. Race Gear Street Stock Special • $600 to Win •also Late Models, UMP Modifieds & Chevettes

APRIL 30: Mt. Orab Ford UMP Modifieds Special •Modifieds $1,000 to Win • plus all regular classes

MAY 14: 3rd Annual Armed Forces Night • Freedom Fighters 40 •Late Models $2,000 to Win • plus all regular classes

JUNE 18: American Late Model Series • Late Models • $2,000 to Win

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Moler Raceway Park offersFriday racing entertainment

Support your local newspaper!Visit us at www.clermontsun.com

the late summer/fall, in order tobring the public’s attention andfocus to our programs and ser-vices. We also sent consumers tothe Ohio Self DeterminationAssociation Conference inSeptember, worked with ourcounterparts at Clermont SeniorServices, Children’s ProtectiveServices, and the Mental Healthand Recovery Board to ensurewe are all on the same pageregarding our levy strategies for2010 and beyond.

The Clermont County Boardof Developmental Disabilities iscommitted to our community; weare proud of the work we accom-plished in 2009 and look forwardto reaching our goals in 2010.

A namechangefor MRDDin 2009continued from page 16

Williamsburg to BataviaHike-bike trail opens to publicPhase I of trail has been completed

LOCAL PROGRESS

Photos courtesy of The Clermont County Park District Website

County programs and servicesfor people with disabilities in ourcommunity made history in2009, as Governor Stricklandsigned legislation to drop the“MR” from our agency namesacross the state. The ClermontCounty Board of MentalRetardation and DevelopmentalDisabilities (MRDD) became theClermont County Board ofDevelopmental Disabilities onJuly 7, 2009. This change cameas a result of a few dedicated cit-izens in Ohio (most of whom haddisabilities) who were tired ofname calling. As a medical diag-nosis, the term “mental retarda-tion” is acceptable; when it isused in a derogatory fashion, it isinexcusable. The board, admin-istration, staff, and individualsserved in Clermont County con-gratulate those individuals whobrought this to our attention,gathered the support of legisla-tors across Ohio, and made this

name change a reality.2009 was a very busy year at

Clermont DD. The State of Ohiosuffered severe budget crunchesand Boards of DevelopmentalDisabilities like Clermont DDfaced shortfalls in revenue andreductions in state funding. TheOhio Department ofDevelopmental Disabilities host-ed budget conversations in fivelocations across the state in orderto gain input from interested par-ticipants; stakeholders, serviceproviders, individuals and theirfamilies, etc. The Clermont DDLong Range PlanningCommittee, Directors, and Staffare committed to finding ways tooffer supports and services with-out interruption, while waiting toknow just how significant therevenue shortfall may be, and/orhow our budget may be affected.We plan to have a levy on theballot in May, 2010, in order toreduce our ever-growing waiting

list, and continue the current ser-vices we offer.

During March, 2009, theClermont County Board ofDevelopmental Disabilities host-ed several events forDevelopmental DisabilitiesAwareness Month. These eventsincluded a Leadership Breakfastfor local township, village, andcounty officials; a photo contestand exhibition; and our annualbasketball game between theWildey School Comets and theClermont County Sheriff’s AllStars. We also participated in theSummer Adventures for All KidsExpo at Tri-County Mall withHamilton, Butler, and WarrenCounty DD Programs.

We began the lengthy processof reviewing the needs of ourcommunity and setting our goalsfor next year and beyond early in2009. Our Long Range PlanningCommittee worked on our fiveyear plan throughout the year,

and our board committees beganmeeting in May to establish pri-orities. In keeping with that,Clermont DD held two “listen-ing” sessions on May 21 andJune 4 to invite our communityto provide input regarding howwe should direct our resources.

The Wildey School held itsannual graduation night on May28; as usual, it was a beautifuland touching evening, celebrat-ing eight students who made thebig leap to adulthood. It was alsorecognition of the influence andsupport they have and will con-tinue to receive from their fami-lies.

We were excited hosted threebooths at the Clermont CountyFair and were delighted toannounce our name change at thePaging Booth throughout theweek. Soon after, Clermont DDbegan contracting with a RespiteCoordinator, Linda Horn.. Lindanow works with our Gift of Time

Respite Program, the advisorycommittee of that program andthe families who are looking for-ward to the help the program canprovide. Thanks to the moneyraised by three events in 2007,2008, and 2009, we have thefunds to take this program to thenext level with the Coordinator.

The Clermont County MRDDAdult program, under theumbrella of Clerco Inc., workedin a greenhouse during the sum-mer and fall. The “Garden ofWeedinl” was located on the cor-ner of Benton Road and 132 forjust six months, and gave manyof the participants a feel forworking in a real greenhouseenvironment. Their chrysanthe-mum sale in the fall was verysuccessful and we thank the com-munity for shopping at our store.

We hosted billboards andmovie ads about our programs in

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Winter weather and the econ-omy aren’t hampering recruit-ment efforts in the Heart-to-Heart volunteer program atClermont Senior Services.Volunteer opportunities and thenumber of volunteers continueto increase, according toVolunteer Coordinator SharonBrumagem.

Along with the meals-on-wheels and FriendlyNeighbor/Shopper programs,the agency’s volunteer servicesinclude an expanded homerepair program and an emer-gency volunteer program. “Weare getting more and morerequests from seniors needingminor home repair and emer-gency snow and debrisremoval,” Brumagem said.“There definitely is a need forthese programs.”

And in a tough economy, itsometimes takes creative solu-tions to provide these type ofservices to agency customers,says Intake/Home RepairCoordinator Helen Fisher. Withthe help of skilled volunteers,CSS launched a home repairprogram this year that, in twomonths, has provided light homerepair for about a dozen cus-

tomers.“Our skilled volunteers are

sharing their expertise alongwith saving both our customersand the agency money,” Fishersaid.

Projects include replacingwindows, skirting mobilehomes, painting ceilings andreplacing bathroom flooring andfixtures. Volunteers, mostlyretired, come from all walks oflife — a doctor, teacher, con-struction/maintenance supervi-sors, and a husband and wife.

Armed with little more than ashovel, strong muscles and a lotof compassion for the elderly, ahandful of volunteers meltedboth snow and the hearts of sev-eral customers. What began withcalls from a couple of desperateseniors needing snow-coveredramps, driveways and sidewalkscleared snowballed into a newemergency volunteer serviceprogram that not only assisted inwintry weather, but will into thestormy and rainy seasons aswell.

One wheelchair bound seniorin the northern part of the coun-ty needed her driveway clearedso a CSS bus could pick her upto take her to dialysis. Steve

Williams of Eastgate volun-teered to lend a hand and mus-cles. Steve, an Extra Hands vol-unteer who helped deliverAdopt-A-Senior gifts, agreed togo across county because hewanted “to help. I go spend timeat the gym. Why not exercisethose muscles shoveling snow.”

The Williamsburg GardenClub joins the Heart-to-Heartvolunteer program this year.Members volunteered to helpWilliamsburg Police OfficerBrandi Meese deliver the MOWWilliamsburg meal route onFridays and also plan to createcontainer flower gardens for dis-tribution to Williamsburgseniors.

“I encourage other communi-ty groups to team up and volun-teer,” Brumagem said.

So far, law enforcementagencies, fire departments, civicgroups and individuals inAmelia, Goshen, PierceTownship and Williamsburg areworking together to benefitsenior citizens in their commu-nities.

“The county sheriff’s depart-ment also has a team of deputieswho regularly visit seniorsthroughout the county, and a

homeschooling mom and herdaughters recently joined ourvolunteer family to delivermeals in the Batavia area.”

If you would like information

on the Heart-to-Heart volunteerprogram at Clermont SeniorServices, please call Sharon at536-4060.

Page 16 - Clermont County Progress Edition 2010 Clermont County Progress Edition 2010 -

Heartfelt volunteer service increasesat Clermont Senior Services

A name change for MRDD in 2009

continued on page 17A homeschooling mom, her daughters and their friend count mealsat the Clermont Senior Services kitchen before going out on theirmeals-on-wheels route. Home schooling families are invited to par-ticipate in the program that provides a noontime meal for home-bound seniors. “It’s a great way for a family to give back to theircommunity,” says Volunteer Coordinator Sharon Brumagem. Forinformation on any of the volunteer programs, call Sharon at 536-4060.

LOCAL PROGRESS

County Commissioners EdHumphrey, Bob Proud and ScottCroswell are pleased to welcomeyou to Clermont County, Ohio.We invite you to discover whyClermont County has becomeone of the fastest growingregions in Ohio.

The Board of Commissionershas initiated one of the region’smost aggressive economic devel-opment programs, activelyengaging in massive infrastruc-ture improvements, shovel-readysite development, imageenhancement, and improvedcommunications with the busi-ness and development communi-ty.

Convenient access to I-275, I-71, and I-75, along with close

proximity to the Cincinnati /Northern Kentucky InternationalAirport, and a competitive coststructure, draw companies toClermont County, while the tal-ent of the workforce and qualityof life convince them to stay.Although the County possessessome of the Midwest’s largestuntapped opportunities for indus-trial and commercial develop-ment, our greatest resource is thehard working, highly productivepeople who call Clermont home.

This website can provide youwith information about site avail-ability, incentives, and financingopportunities, as well as localdemographics for our communi-ty. The Clermont County Officeof Economic Development was

established to provide assistanceto companies of all sizes lookingto grow in Clermont County. Weencourage you to contact theoffice (513-732-7915) andexplore the tools available tohelp you expand your businesshere.

We believe you will find ourcommunity to be an attractiveplace to live, work, and raise afamily. We invite you to comevisit Clermont County and seefor yourself all that we have tooffer. Come grow with us!

Ed HumphreyBob ProudScott Croswell

Visit us atBCC.ClermontCountyOhio.gov

from www.clermontcounty.biz

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For seven years, Klermont 4Kids & Adults 2 has been serv-

ing the residents of Batavia withtheir families’ dentistry needs.

The office, located at 497 WestMain Street in Batavia, provides

a full range of dental needs forchildren and adults of all ages.The office is always acceptingnew patients. Emergencies areusually seen the same day.

Services provided at Klermont4 Kids & Adults 2 include gener-al dentistry, root canals, crownand bridge, limited oral surgery,and dentures. The office also hason-site laboratory capabilities.They are able to do denturerepairs, hard relines, and toothreplacements. Under most cir-cumstances, repairs can be madewhile you wait in the office.

With a child-friendly deco-rum, Klermont 4 Kids & Adults2 is only one of a few local den-tal facilities that performs gener-al routine dentistry, but alsotreats children for fillings andextractions.

Klermont 4 Kids & Adults 2also provides orthodontic ser-vices for children.

The office took over new own-ership seven years ago. Dr.Stephen Doelker purchased theoffice in February of 2002.When he took charge, the officeconsisted of four operatories,two employees, and was openthree days a week.

Now, the staff has grown tothree doctors, five full time-

employees, and seven part-timeemployees. The number of oper-atories has grown to six. Theoffice is also open five days aweek, with evening hours.

Klermont 4 Kids & Adults 2 isa network provider for more than30 different insurance plans, andis one of very few orthodonticsMedicade providers in the staeof Ohio. We are also a Bureau ofWorkers Compensation providerand treat work place dentalinjuries. The office is also aBureau for Children withMedical Handicaps provider.The office is handicap accessi-ble. They also accept the HealthyStart and Ohio medical cards.

Dr. Doelker has more than 30years experience working withboth physically and mentallyhandicapped patients.

Klermont 4 Kids & Adults 2supports numerous local andnational charities, including TheMarch of Dimes, Feed theChildren; Cincinnati City GospelMission; Teen Response; ACaring Place; Batavia LocalSchools, local church programs,and many more.

For more information or toschedule an appointment, call(513) 735-9111

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Child Focus, Inc. continues inits mission of working with thecommunity to strengthen localfamilies and improve the qualityof life for children living inClermont County and surround-ing communities. With an annu-al budget of $15 million, ChildFocus serves over 5,000 chil-dren annually, birth to 18 yearsof age, and their families everyyear at their more than 70 loca-tions and hundreds of homesacross Clermont County, an out-patient mental health office inBrown County, and fosterhomes in Clermont, Hamiltonand Brown counties. Accordingto Director of Marketing andDevelopment Tara Keith, thenon-profit, private organizationfocuses its efforts on many dif-ferent early learning programs,which include Head Start,homebased and center-basedparent education and child careprograms, mental health, includ-ing family counseling, individ-ual diagnostic and psychiatricservices, and partial hospitalprograms, foster care, schoolservices and other communityand training programs.

With over 280 professionalson staff, Child Focus Inc. is one

of the largest employers inClermont County. Staying dili-gent and focused on serving theunder-served needs of childrenof all socioeconomic back-grounds, Child Focus, Inc.works very closely with com-munity organizations includingschools, pediatricians, juvenilecourt, Sheriff and the county’schildren’s protective services.Child Focus, Inc. maintains avery visible presence in all ofClermont County’s nine schooldistricts, providing on-siteschool-based services to assistin mental health prevention andto provide counsel and guidanceto students with severe emotion-al and behavioral issues, andproviding for special-needs chil-dren. Child Focus Inc, alsomanages a 24-hour crisis hotline(528-SAVE), is always lookingfor new and more effective waysand approaches to serve the res-idents, families and children inthe community.

Child Focus accomplishesthis by working and partneringwith schools, the juvenilecourts, Departments of Job andFamily Services, the ClermontCounty Mental Health andRecovery Board, and other com-

munity organizations. Otherareas in which major progresshas been made, said Child FocusCEO Jim Carter, are in the areasof bullying and suicide preven-tion, and family stability ser-vices.

The organization is also con-tinuing working toward licens-ing more foster homes, current-ly serving 38 children currently,there continues to be a need formore loving, foster families.“There are not enough fosterparents to serve those in ourcare,” Keith said, “The need forfoster care is urgent becausekids need stable homes. Thereare some kids that we cannotserve because we do not havehomes to put them in, so we arealways concentrating our effortsto recruit parents.” Keith saidthat federal, state, and localgovernment grant funds andcontracts with other agency andschool partners, United Way,Clermont County Mental HealthLevy, private fees, insurance,and a sliding fee scale allowChild Focus to serve families.

“Child Focus continues to bea leader in the industries of earlychildhood and behavioral healththrough our ability to create

responsive and innovative pro-grams in collaboration withfamilies, community agencies,and institutions,” Carter said.“Our early care and education,prevention, and treatment pro-grams improve coping mecha-nisms, provide support, promote

school readiness and successand encourage growth and self-sufficiency for the families inour community.” For moreinformation, to donate, volun-teer or to receive monthly pro-gram updates, go to www.child-focus.org.


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Klermont 4 Kids & Adults 2has served the Batavia area for seven years

University of Cincinnati plansto move into former Ford plant

The University of Cincinnatiwill be moving into the formerFord Transmission plant, locat-ed on James E. Sauls Drive inBatavia, by September of 2010.

The university will be utiliz-ing the two-story, 140,000square foot office space forclassrooms for teaching nursing,allied health, and education. It isexpected that nearly 700 stu-dents and faculty members willuse the facility.

Batavia Township Trusteeshave approved an overlay dis-trict and site plans for the pro-ject.

The plant has been purchasedby Industrial Realty Group andthe university will lease and ren-ovate the office portion of theplant.

“A lot of people have workedvery hard behind the scenes tohelp bring UC Clermont to thispoint,” said John Melvin, direc-tor of the Small BusinessDevelopment Center with theClermont Chamber ofCommerce. “Now we have acollege organization interestedin our area and we see this as agreat opportunity for economicdevelopment and the creation of

jobs.”Chris Smith, board member

for the Clermont County CIC,said that the plan is importantfor the university and ClermontCounty.

“This plan is important to UCClermont,” said Smith. “This isa wonderful resource and willact as an anchor to attract andbring manufacturing, other edu-cational facilities and healthcare facilities into the area. Thiscould springboard into newareas and opportunities.”

LOCAL PROGRESS

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A new VA Medical CenterClinic opened its doors Sept. 1,2009 and doctors, nurses andadministrators are now meetingthe health care needs of morethan 3,300 veterans at the facili-ty, located at the corner of stateRoute 32 and Beechwood Road,across from Roy RogersRestaurant in the Eastgate area.

The 15,600-square-foot facili-ty not only offers veterans prima-ry care physicians, but also hasspecialty doctors for podiatry,optometry, mental health andsoon will offer an audiologist forhearing disabilities.

A home-based program is alsohoused in the facility andClermont County Veterans’Service Commission have asatellite office in the facility. The

process for building the newfacility was a two-year processwith the ground breaking held inFebruary 2009.

“Since 2003, we have beenbringing health care closer tohome with our neighborhoodclinics,” said Todd Sledge, publicaffairs officer for VA MedicalCenter. “In May 2009, ourmobile health units began visit-ing fairs and public events to getveterans enrolled and shareinformation about our services.There are a lot of misnomersabout the VA and we want to letveterans what we have to offer.”

According to Sledge, the VAcan possibly reduce the medicalcosts of veterans by hundreds ofdollars each month. Those whowould normally go to their fami-

ly physician to get prescriptionsfilled can visit the VA clinic, seea primary physician and get theirprescriptions filled for little or nocost.

Veterans who have not visitedthe VA Medical Center within thelast few years may be surprisedby the advances in patient care.There are no rotating doctors atthe clinic and the employee turn-around is very low.

“The VA has changed so muchover the past 10 years,” saidSledge. “This is not your grand-father’s VA.”

“Our new location is more vis-ible and convenient,” saidSledge. “We are right on stateRoute 32 and all our offices areon one floor.”

Families of veterans are urgedto visit the facility for informa-tion about getting their loved

ones enrolled in the system.“No appointments are needed

and family members are wel-come to come to appointmentswith the veteran,” said Sledge.

To find out more about the VAand the services they offer, visittheir web site at www.cincin-nati.va.gov/maps/clermontinfoor call the center at (513) 943-3680.


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AUTO • HOMEBUSINESS • BONDS

Recker and Boerger wasfounded in 1962 by AllenBoerger and Joseph Recker inGreenhills, Ohio. The companywas established as an indepen-dent major appliance dealer, withthe goal of selling competivelypriced appliances and providingservice and care of the very high-est level. In 1964, we added heat-ing and air to the lineup. Sincethat time, Recker and Boergerhas become one of the top com-panies in the heating and coolingindustry in Cincinnati. In fact,

the business has grown from asmall store behind the GreenhillsShopping Center to include 3stores and a 67,000 sq ft ware-house. We have locations in TriCounty just off CrescentvilleRoad; Montgomery, onMontgomery Road just north ofRonald Reagan Highway; andour third location on BeechmontAvenue, 1/4 mile east of I275.

At Recker and Boerger, westill conduct business the old-fashioned way, with a strongfocus on customer service. We

educate our salespeople, so thatthey can help you make aninformed, intelligent choice. AlBoerger, Steve Boerger, and JimRecker continue to see to it thatour customers get the best dealand highest quality service.Recker and Boerger carries GE,GE Profile, Monogram, Maytag,Frigidaire and Electrolux appli-ances. We deliver our appliancesFREE (over $399) and offer acall ahead the night before so youcan plan your day, as well as acall ahead a 1/2 hour before so

you can meet us at the deliverylocation.

Recker and Boerger's uniqueCREATE A QUOTE HomeComfort System Proposal makesbuying a replacement furnace, airconditioner, or hot water heatereasy. Log on toTheComfortZone.com, call thestore or stop by one of our 3locations and we will generate aFREE written proposal that isright for your home comfortneeds. You can print the quoteat home or we can give you the

proposal over the phone, send itemail, or through the post. It'sthat easy.

Recker and Boerger has a greatselection of brand name majorappliances and energy efficientfurnaces and air conditioners.We offer same day water heaterreplacement installations. Ourlow prices are guaranteed. Ourcustomer service is exceptional.

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Old fashioned customer servicefound at Recker and Boerger

Williamsburg aproves zoning for developmentsSenior apartments proposed

The Village of Williamsburgapproved zoning changes for thedevelopment of a senior housingproject on 6.8 acres of land locat-ed at Willow and Third streets.

Plans for Homestead SeniorVillage will include a communitybuilding, and 40 apartment units,each with two bedrooms. Theywill be one story ranch dwellingswith attached garages, each unitwill have one full bath and a halfbath, utility room with washerand dryer hookups and have atotal of 890 square feet of livingspace.

The units can be modified forresidents with disabilities. Theywill all have central air and newappliances in the kitchen, includ-

ing stove, refrigerator andmicrowave oven.

Pricing for the housing will bebased on Area Median GrossIncome and according to devel-oper Todd Valentine, the maxi-mum rent per month would be$700.

“This project addresses a needfor the aging of the population,”attorney T. David Burgess saidwhen he spoke with council dur-ing a meeting in January 2009.“With baby boomers coming ofage, there is a need for seniorhousing. In Clermont Countythere are 21,000 seniors and in20 years that number is expectedto grow to 40,000.”

The project will utilize funds

through the Housing Tax Creditprogram which provides incen-tives to private developers toplan and build decent, safe andsanitary housing for low to mod-erate income families andseniors. Funding is administered

by the Ohio Housing FinanceAgency and projects are awardedbased upon a competitive appli-cation process. Before applica-tion could be made, zoningchanges needed to be in affect.Although the project did not

receive approval in July 2009,Burgess assured council that theywould apply again in 2010.

After approval, the process ofdevelopment and building shouldbe complete in two years.

LOCAL PROGRESS

Williamsburgsees business growthInfrastructure improvements underway

The Village of Williamsburgwelcomed a number of new busi-nesses during 2009 and hopes toattract more in the future.

Holtman’s Donuts, a well-established family business inGoshen, opened a satellite shopalong Main Street in October2009.

Other businesses new toWilliamsburg include RoseTrucking, PC Mechanic, GameRoom, NicoleLynn Photography,The Wooden Shop, Jeremy JonesInsurance and Snow Shack.

According to village adminis-trator Patti Bates, the village ismoving forward with plans forPhase II of the wastewater treat-

ment plant upgrade. Theseupgrades will help prepare theway for growth by providing theneeded infrastructure to meet theneeds of more consumers.

The upgrades include a capaci-ty expansion, which village offi-cials say will help them be readyfor future growth. The project isslated for completion by 2012 or2013.

In addition, the village hasbeen actively pursuing grants toimprove streets and sidewalks.The North Fourth Street recon-struction is gearing up for PhaseII to begin this spring.

The bridge in town is also setfor some structure upgrades dur-

ing July 2010 and the crumblingsidewalk will be repaired at thattime.

The village will also be partic-ipating in the balanced growthinitiative to be implemented bythe Clermont County Soil andWater Conservation District.This initiative will help developa balanced growth watershedplan for the Middle East Forkarea.

The Clermont CountyTransportation ImprovementDistrict is also seeking inputfrom Williamsburg Village offi-cials for advance planning alongthe State Route 32 corridor.


Veterans Administration opens new facilityLOCAL PROGRESS

HealthSource of Ohio wasfounded in 1976 to address theissue of access to primary healthcare. It is a private, not-for-prof-it Federally QualifiedCommunity Health Center thatserves Adams, Brown, Clermont,Highland and Fayette counties insouthwest Ohio.

HealthSource was awarded$9.7 million in December 2009in stimulus funds through theAmerican Recovery and

Reinvestment Act to build twonew replacement facilities inClermont County. The two loca-tions are New Richmond whichwill relocate right down the roadfrom the current building andEastgate Pediatrics, currentlylocated at 4357 Ferguson Road torebuild in Mt. Carmel on Old St.Rt. 74 located next to ChildFocus. The new buildings will begreat for patients and communi-ties and we are excited to get

both projects underway.HealthSource is very pleased

to begin offering dental servicesin Mt. Orab. Emily Krupp, DDSwill begin seeing patients onMarch 29. Mt. Orab Dental willalso have a hygienist for teethcleaning. We have new state ofthe art dental equipment. We areexcited about the dental practiceopening and believe it will begreat for the patients and commu-nity.

HealthSource is bringing a new sourceof dental care to the Mt. Orab area

LOCAL PROGRESS

Population and Workforce• Clermont County’s population is 190,589,

and the Cincinnati Metro area is 2.0 million• Almost 1.7 million people live within a 45-minute drive

of Clermont County• More than 850,000 workers live within a 45-minute drive

of Clermont County

Education• One-hour drive access to 20 universities, colleges

and vocational school districts• Clermont County is home to Clermont College

a regional branch of the University of Cincinnati

Transportation• 28 miles to the Greater Cincinnati Int’l Airport, which is

a large hub for Delta Airlines• Within 35 miles to hubs for FedEx Ground and ABX Air (DHL)• Clermont County locations provide convenient access

to I-275, I-75, I-71, and I-74

Quality of Life• Ranked 36th out of 224 metro areas for housing affordability

in 2008• Clermont County has over 6,800 acres of recreational park land,

over 25 miles of biking trails and almost 50 milesof backpacking and equestrian trails

from www.clermontcountyohio.biz

Clermont County Statistics


www.clermontsun.com

With a constant eye towardsthe future of Clermont Countyand keeping in step with currenttrends, Grant Career Centeroffers a variety of career andtechnical education programs

with hands-on training in spe-cialized fields.

In 1976 Grant Career Centeropened its doors to the commu-nity. The Career Center is easilyaccessible just west of the town

of Bethel on State Route 125.The campus consists of a one-building school housing academ-ic areas, career training class-rooms and labs and is surround-ed by 41 acres, much of which islandscaped and maintained bythe horticultural students and thestaff maintenance crew. TheCareer Center provides areajuniors and seniors with hands-on career training in specializedfields.

The Career Center offers thir-teen career-training options tohigh school juniors and seniorsof the Bethel-Tate, Felicity-Franklin, New Richmond andWilliamsburg school districts.Along with the high school train-ing, Grant also offers full-timeadult career training classes, anda wide variety of part-time spe-cial interest and career advance-ment courses.

Individualized corporate train-ing is also provided to the areabusinesses of Clermont, Brown,and Hamilton counties. On aver-age the Career Center provideseducational training for approxi-mately 350 juniors and seniorscombined. Enrollment for adulteducation and specialized train-ing courses averages more than

500 students per year.Currently, career training pro-

grams offered are College TechPrep Allied Health Science,Medical Information Tech,Carpentry, Cosmetology,Cooperative Education,Horticulture, Culinary Careers,Business and Finance, MetalFabrication, College Tech PrepEngineering Design, AutoCollision, College Tech PrepAutomotive Service Technology,and The Teacher Academy whichare all designed to help studentsprepare themselves for the 21stcentury workforce. New thisyear is the addition of a satellitelocation of The TeacherAcademy at New RichmondHigh School. Students in theNew Richmond school districthave the opportunity to receivevaluable career training on theircampus.

After completion of thedesired program the studentreceives a certificate of comple-tion from the career training pro-gram and high school academiccredits. Along with the certifi-cate of completion, studentsreceive their high school diplo-ma from their home schools.

Students participate in related

Career Training YouthOrganizations which preparethem for the workforce throughcompetitive events that promotemastery of their skills and teachthem valuable communicationand social skills for the workplace. Students have the oppor-tunity to compete at the local,state and national levels wherethey have brought back numer-ous awards in the past decade.Numerous national titles belongto students of Grant CareerCenter.

The career training programsare continuously updating theirstandards to meet the needs ofbusiness and industry in theglobal marketplace. Studentshave the chance to learn and toperfect their skills on industry-ready equipment and the mostrecent software editions.Student training on a daily basisis consistent with industry stan-dards; many labs and shops arerun as actual businesses.Students gain additional experi-ence through industry-basedinternships and apprenticeshipprograms by actually spendingtime with mentors in the field oftheir choice.

At the completion of theircareer training program, studentsare encouraged to continue theirtraining at local colleges anduniversities and then enter localcommunity workforces. Eachyear, the percentage of studentsseeking additional trainingincreases. Students reach higherlevels of success with additionaltraining and make greater contri-butions to our county.

“The Career Center believesits contributions to the progressof Clermont County are secureand the future is in the capablehands of our graduates,” statesPam McKinney, PublicRelations Director. “Students areworking and living in ClermontCounty and our strengtheningour communities.”

Visit our website atwww.grantcareer.com for moreinformation on our programs andfacilities and while you arethere, view the video gallery forhighlights and testimonials fromstudents, staff, graduates andcommunity members.

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“A Great PlaceTo Learn”

Full or Part-Time Classes

Grant Career Centerwww.grantcareer.com

734-6222

Grant Career Center can prepare studentsfor both future schooling and future careers

Grant Career Center Automotive Service Technology studentCody Wiedemann uses the latest technology to diagnose engineperformance issues.

For more than 40 years theClermont Chamber ofCommerce has been committedto advancing civic, commercial,industrial, and agricultural inter-ests in Clermont County. OurChamber represents the collec-tive interests of 1,000 membercompanies and 32,000 employ-ees including such global firmsas Siemens PLM Software,International Paper, The

Midland Company (Munich REGroup), and mostrecently the arrival ofTata ConsultancyServices.

Clermont Countycontinues to experiencea growing economy,and is a leader in thestate in business starts,employment growth, and popu-lation increases. We are also

proud that we are home to a

growing list of corporate head-quarters, adding recently

Sencorp, Milacron, and Multi-Color Corporation.

The Chamber thanksThe Clermont Sun for theopportunity to increasethe community’s aware-ness of the Chamber’smission to “provide out-standing member serviceand business advocacy to

make the Clermont County areathe best place to locate, operate

and grow your business.”We invite you to participate in

the advocacy, economic growth,and investor benefits that are thecore of your Chamber ofCommerce and welcome each ofyou to take advantage of thewonderful community assets ofClermont County.

Clermont Chamber of Commerce welcomesnew business and local growth


Union Township prepares for the futureEnhancement projects underway

A number of redevelopmentand enhancement projects wereapproved by Union Townshipofficials during the past year.Several businesses are currentlyin the building process.

Beechmont Toyota on StateRoute 125 is undergoing a com-plete makeover and plans to offertheir customers complete servicein the new facility.

The Kroger store at EastgateCrossing has already opened itsnew fuel station and are in theprocess of completing renovationto the pharmacy.

Park National Bank is buildinga new facility at the intersectionof Old State Route 74 andEastgate Boulevard and willrelocate and consolidate bankingin one location for their cus-tomers.

According to Cory Wright,planning and zoning administra-tor for the township,Summerside Woods, a seniorhousing facility, is anticipating agrand opening of the new devel-opment in May. This project,located along Summerside Road,is being advanced by Clermont

Senior Services.A new dialysis center is locat-

ed next to the VeteransAdministration Clinic at theBeechwood Road and StateRoute 32 intersection.

“I believe there are greatopportunities for redevelopmentand enhancement of existingdeveloped properties throughboth infill style development andredevelopment to better takeadvantage of our community’sconvenient location to majorhighways and thoroughfares,”Wright said.

He noted that as the economystabilizes and the county enters agrowth phase he expects the IvyPointe Business Park to offerbusinesses growth options.

There are a number of residen-tial developments in the town-ships poised to expand as theneed for new housing increases.

The Ohio Department ofTransporation and ClermontCounty TransportationImprovement District have plansto improve the roadways in and

around Union Township.“With the planned investment

in the Ohio State Route 32Corridor and the EasternCorridor Project, as well as theCCTID Regional TransportationImprovement Program, I believethe township will be positionedwell in the next several years tocontinue the pattern of settle-ment and investment, enhancedby an improved, efficient localtransportation network,” saidWright.

LOCAL PROGRESS

GENO’S TAXIGENO’S TAXI“You Call, We Haul”

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POHLMANPHARMACY

Union Township to have new libraryLocation should be open by 2011

The Clermont County PublicLibrary board has announced thata location has been secured for theUnion Township Branch.

On Tuesday, Feb. 23 the boardauthorized executive directorDave Mezack to enter into a con-tract to purchase the propertylocated at 4450 Ryan’s Way for$875,000.

“We are currently looking atfunding for a $4.5 million pro-ject,” said library fiscal officerMaura Gray. “Different terms andtypes of funding are being evaluat-ed for maximum benefit to thelibrary.”

They hope to close on the prop-

erty in March and have the newbranch opened by Dec. 2010 orJan. 2011.

According to Mezack, the siteaffords the library the opportunityto expand the current branch’ssquare footage from 11,000 squarefeet to a little over 20,000 squarefeet.

The library had initially plannedto build a 40,000 square foot facil-ity on land in the Ivy PointeCommerce Park. The facility wasplanned to house a 20,000 squarefoot library and 20,000 square footadministrative building.

By revising their original plans,the library will save $1.2 million

in property expense, $1 millionbetween renovation and new con-struction expenses and $3.7 mil-lion by not moving administrationoffices to a new facility.

According to Mezack, theSonny Lane property will beplaced for sale after the purchaseof the new site is finalized. Thereare initial plans to change thename of the street from Ryan’sWay to Information Place. Therestaurant equipment which isincluded in the purchase of theproperty will also be sold by thelibrary.

Support your local newspaper! Visit us at www.clermontsun.com

Teaching tomorrow’s leaderswith today’s technology, St. LouisSchool in Owensville has part-nered with the community to con-tinually enhance its program-ming. Despite its small size, theschool enjoys SmartBoards inevery classroom, a fully-equipped35 terminal computer lab, as wellas about four computers withineach classroom. The school hasaccess to accelerated programsfor math, reading and writing,online Rosetta Stone Language,EdLine for assignment and grad-ing, and numerous new resourcesfor students with special learningneeds in any core area.

Of significance this year is theaddition of a Pre-Kindergartenprogram, led by teacher JenArnold, herself an alum. “It is mygoal to create a preschool envi-ronment that is cheerful, fun andchallenging with activities that

are developmentally appropriateand designed to encourage social,emotional, physical, intellectual,and spiritual growth in each child.We will provide activities thatdevelop kindergarten readiness,such as, listening, language devel-opment, group interaction, let-ter/sound recognition,counting/number recognition,dramatic play, art, music, andsmall and large motor activities,”she states.

She continues, “With a smallteacher to student ratio, sevenenrolled in our class, ourpreschool program will provide amore individualized instructionfor students.” The school enjoysa 16:1 teacher: student ratio.

This small group setting accen-tuates opportunities for teachercollaboration. In her tenth yearwith St. Louis, InterventionSpecialist Kelly Stitzel providesauxiliary services to students withspecial needs. Stitzel enjoys thesmall setting and faculty in-ser-vices, which are encouraging dif-ferentiation approaches to educa-tion and greater strategies for avariety of students, to includethose with learning disabilities.Teachers are so willing to collab-orate and support accommoda-tions in the classroom.”

In addition to an excellent edu-cational curriculum that followsthe Archdiocesan Program, theschool also offers outstandingextracurricular activities, includ-ing choir, piano and violinlessons, scouting, First LegoLeague, and sports.

Public schools within 30 min-utes of our school provide bustransportation to St. Louis,Owensville in Clermont County.For more information and 2010Open House schedule, visitwww.stlparish.org or call 732-0636 to arrange a tour at yourconvenience.

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Teaching tomorrow’s leaders with today’s technology Beechmont Toyota’s new facility increases size, staff,and service capabilitiesAdditional 20-30 employees to be hired in 2010

While many dealerships areclosing their doors, BeechmontToyota is preparing to increasewhat they provide to GreaterCincinnati.

The dealership is undertak-ing an expansion in order toaddress the overwhelmingresponse it has received fromits Life Care Plus Warranty,which provides lifetime cover-age for as long as the customerowns the car purchased atBeechmont Toyota.

The new 58,050 square-footBeechmont Toyota, scheduledto open in July 2010, will have18,000 square feet of showroomspace, additional inventory, andincreased service and parts areas.In addition, Beechmont Toyota

will increase its staff by 30 per-cent. The additional 20 to 30employees will be hired in thesummer of 2010.

The GroundbreakingCeremony for the new facilitywill take place at 8667Beechmont Avenue at 11 a.m.Oct. 26. Local Toyota executives

and staff from the BeechmontToyota team will be present. AlPeter, Anderson TownshipTrustee, will speak during the

ceremony.Demolition is currently

underway, and constructionwill begin immediately. Whilethe construction takes place,all Beechmont Toyota serviceand sales will take place at7600 Beechmont Avenue.

“We are very excited aboutthe new dealership,” saidFarlon Smith, GeneralManager. “Being able to hire

additional employees is a greatfeeling. We’ll have the space tobetter serve our customers, andthat’s what this expansion is allabout.”

The new showroom willinclude a designated area for aScion display, two large cus-

tomer lounges, and a new cardelivery area. It will providethree drive-through lanes for

vehicle drop-off and 31 servicebays.

Architects Plus has designedthe new facility. SchumacherDugan Construction, Inc. willbe doing the construction.

Beechmont Toyota is com-mitted to providing the high-est levels of customer servicefor sales and service to itscustomers. BeechmontToyota’s staff of automotiveprofessionals takes pride inrepresenting the Toyotabrand, and is well versed inthe innovative design,advanced technology, andsuperior performance that the

brand represents.For more information, visit

www.beechmonttoyota.com.

Proudly Serving Clermont CountyThank You For Four Successful Years.

We Look Forward To Serving You In 2010!

1815 State Route 125, Amelia, Ohio 45102 • (513) 797-5700

4370 Eastgate Square Dr., Cincinnati, Ohio 45245 • (513) 753-3200

201 Chambers Dr., Milford, Ohio 45150 • (513) 248-0067

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Teaching tomorrow’s leaderswith today’s technology, St. LouisSchool in Owensville has part-nered with the community to con-tinually enhance its program-ming. Despite its small size, theschool enjoys SmartBoards inevery classroom, a fully-equipped35 terminal computer lab, as wellas about four computers withineach classroom. The school hasaccess to accelerated programsfor math, reading and writing,online Rosetta Stone Language,EdLine for assignment and grad-ing, and numerous new resourcesfor students with special learningneeds in any core area.

Of significance this year is theaddition of a Pre-Kindergartenprogram, led by teacher JenArnold, herself an alum. “It is mygoal to create a preschool envi-ronment that is cheerful, fun andchallenging with activities that

are developmentally appropriateand designed to encourage social,emotional, physical, intellectual,and spiritual growth in each child.We will provide activities thatdevelop kindergarten readiness,such as, listening, language devel-opment, group interaction, let-ter/sound recognition,counting/number recognition,dramatic play, art, music, andsmall and large motor activities,”she states.

She continues, “With a smallteacher to student ratio, sevenenrolled in our class, ourpreschool program will provide amore individualized instructionfor students.” The school enjoysa 16:1 teacher: student ratio.

This small group setting accen-tuates opportunities for teachercollaboration. In her tenth yearwith St. Louis, InterventionSpecialist Kelly Stitzel providesauxiliary services to students withspecial needs. Stitzel enjoys thesmall setting and faculty in-ser-vices, which are encouraging dif-ferentiation approaches to educa-tion and greater strategies for avariety of students, to includethose with learning disabilities.Teachers are so willing to collab-orate and support accommoda-tions in the classroom.”

In addition to an excellent edu-cational curriculum that followsthe Archdiocesan Program, theschool also offers outstandingextracurricular activities, includ-ing choir, piano and violinlessons, scouting, First LegoLeague, and sports.

Public schools within 30 min-utes of our school provide bustransportation to St. Louis,Owensville in Clermont County.For more information and 2010Open House schedule, visitwww.stlparish.org or call 732-0636 to arrange a tour at yourconvenience.

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Teaching tomorrow’s leaders with today’s technology Beechmont Toyota’s new facility increases size, staff,and service capabilitiesAdditional 20-30 employees to be hired in 2010

While many dealerships areclosing their doors, BeechmontToyota is preparing to increasewhat they provide to GreaterCincinnati.

The dealership is undertak-ing an expansion in order toaddress the overwhelmingresponse it has received fromits Life Care Plus Warranty,which provides lifetime cover-age for as long as the customerowns the car purchased atBeechmont Toyota.

The new 58,050 square-footBeechmont Toyota, scheduledto open in July 2010, will have18,000 square feet of showroomspace, additional inventory, andincreased service and parts areas.In addition, Beechmont Toyota

will increase its staff by 30 per-cent. The additional 20 to 30employees will be hired in thesummer of 2010.

The GroundbreakingCeremony for the new facilitywill take place at 8667Beechmont Avenue at 11 a.m.Oct. 26. Local Toyota executives

and staff from the BeechmontToyota team will be present. AlPeter, Anderson TownshipTrustee, will speak during the

ceremony.Demolition is currently

underway, and constructionwill begin immediately. Whilethe construction takes place,all Beechmont Toyota serviceand sales will take place at7600 Beechmont Avenue.

“We are very excited aboutthe new dealership,” saidFarlon Smith, GeneralManager. “Being able to hire

additional employees is a greatfeeling. We’ll have the space tobetter serve our customers, andthat’s what this expansion is allabout.”

The new showroom willinclude a designated area for aScion display, two large cus-

tomer lounges, and a new cardelivery area. It will providethree drive-through lanes for

vehicle drop-off and 31 servicebays.

Architects Plus has designedthe new facility. SchumacherDugan Construction, Inc. willbe doing the construction.

Beechmont Toyota is com-mitted to providing the high-est levels of customer servicefor sales and service to itscustomers. BeechmontToyota’s staff of automotiveprofessionals takes pride inrepresenting the Toyotabrand, and is well versed inthe innovative design,advanced technology, andsuperior performance that the

brand represents.For more information, visit

www.beechmonttoyota.com.

With a constant eye towardsthe future of Clermont Countyand keeping in step with currenttrends, Grant Career Centeroffers a variety of career andtechnical education programs

with hands-on training in spe-cialized fields.

In 1976 Grant Career Centeropened its doors to the commu-nity. The Career Center is easilyaccessible just west of the town

of Bethel on State Route 125.The campus consists of a one-building school housing academ-ic areas, career training class-rooms and labs and is surround-ed by 41 acres, much of which islandscaped and maintained bythe horticultural students and thestaff maintenance crew. TheCareer Center provides areajuniors and seniors with hands-on career training in specializedfields.

The Career Center offers thir-teen career-training options tohigh school juniors and seniorsof the Bethel-Tate, Felicity-Franklin, New Richmond andWilliamsburg school districts.Along with the high school train-ing, Grant also offers full-timeadult career training classes, anda wide variety of part-time spe-cial interest and career advance-ment courses.

Individualized corporate train-ing is also provided to the areabusinesses of Clermont, Brown,and Hamilton counties. On aver-age the Career Center provideseducational training for approxi-mately 350 juniors and seniorscombined. Enrollment for adulteducation and specialized train-ing courses averages more than

500 students per year.Currently, career training pro-

grams offered are College TechPrep Allied Health Science,Medical Information Tech,Carpentry, Cosmetology,Cooperative Education,Horticulture, Culinary Careers,Business and Finance, MetalFabrication, College Tech PrepEngineering Design, AutoCollision, College Tech PrepAutomotive Service Technology,and The Teacher Academy whichare all designed to help studentsprepare themselves for the 21stcentury workforce. New thisyear is the addition of a satellitelocation of The TeacherAcademy at New RichmondHigh School. Students in theNew Richmond school districthave the opportunity to receivevaluable career training on theircampus.

After completion of thedesired program the studentreceives a certificate of comple-tion from the career training pro-gram and high school academiccredits. Along with the certifi-cate of completion, studentsreceive their high school diplo-ma from their home schools.

Students participate in related

Career Training YouthOrganizations which preparethem for the workforce throughcompetitive events that promotemastery of their skills and teachthem valuable communicationand social skills for the workplace. Students have the oppor-tunity to compete at the local,state and national levels wherethey have brought back numer-ous awards in the past decade.Numerous national titles belongto students of Grant CareerCenter.

The career training programsare continuously updating theirstandards to meet the needs ofbusiness and industry in theglobal marketplace. Studentshave the chance to learn and toperfect their skills on industry-ready equipment and the mostrecent software editions.Student training on a daily basisis consistent with industry stan-dards; many labs and shops arerun as actual businesses.Students gain additional experi-ence through industry-basedinternships and apprenticeshipprograms by actually spendingtime with mentors in the field oftheir choice.

At the completion of theircareer training program, studentsare encouraged to continue theirtraining at local colleges anduniversities and then enter localcommunity workforces. Eachyear, the percentage of studentsseeking additional trainingincreases. Students reach higherlevels of success with additionaltraining and make greater contri-butions to our county.

“The Career Center believesits contributions to the progressof Clermont County are secureand the future is in the capablehands of our graduates,” statesPam McKinney, PublicRelations Director. “Students areworking and living in ClermontCounty and our strengtheningour communities.”

Visit our website atwww.grantcareer.com for moreinformation on our programs andfacilities and while you arethere, view the video gallery forhighlights and testimonials fromstudents, staff, graduates andcommunity members.

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“A Great PlaceTo Learn”

Full or Part-Time Classes

Grant Career Centerwww.grantcareer.com

734-6222

Grant Career Center can prepare studentsfor both future schooling and future careers

Grant Career Center Automotive Service Technology studentCody Wiedemann uses the latest technology to diagnose engineperformance issues.

For more than 40 years theClermont Chamber ofCommerce has been committedto advancing civic, commercial,industrial, and agricultural inter-ests in Clermont County. OurChamber represents the collec-tive interests of 1,000 membercompanies and 32,000 employ-ees including such global firmsas Siemens PLM Software,International Paper, The

Midland Company (Munich REGroup), and mostrecently the arrival ofTata ConsultancyServices.

Clermont Countycontinues to experiencea growing economy,and is a leader in thestate in business starts,employment growth, and popu-lation increases. We are also

proud that we are home to a

growing list of corporate head-quarters, adding recently

Sencorp, Milacron, and Multi-Color Corporation.

The Chamber thanksThe Clermont Sun for theopportunity to increasethe community’s aware-ness of the Chamber’smission to “provide out-standing member serviceand business advocacy to

make the Clermont County areathe best place to locate, operate

and grow your business.”We invite you to participate in

the advocacy, economic growth,and investor benefits that are thecore of your Chamber ofCommerce and welcome each ofyou to take advantage of thewonderful community assets ofClermont County.

Clermont Chamber of Commerce welcomesnew business and local growth


Union Township prepares for the futureEnhancement projects underway

A number of redevelopmentand enhancement projects wereapproved by Union Townshipofficials during the past year.Several businesses are currentlyin the building process.

Beechmont Toyota on StateRoute 125 is undergoing a com-plete makeover and plans to offertheir customers complete servicein the new facility.

The Kroger store at EastgateCrossing has already opened itsnew fuel station and are in theprocess of completing renovationto the pharmacy.

Park National Bank is buildinga new facility at the intersectionof Old State Route 74 andEastgate Boulevard and willrelocate and consolidate bankingin one location for their cus-tomers.

According to Cory Wright,planning and zoning administra-tor for the township,Summerside Woods, a seniorhousing facility, is anticipating agrand opening of the new devel-opment in May. This project,located along Summerside Road,is being advanced by Clermont

Senior Services.A new dialysis center is locat-

ed next to the VeteransAdministration Clinic at theBeechwood Road and StateRoute 32 intersection.

“I believe there are greatopportunities for redevelopmentand enhancement of existingdeveloped properties throughboth infill style development andredevelopment to better takeadvantage of our community’sconvenient location to majorhighways and thoroughfares,”Wright said.

He noted that as the economystabilizes and the county enters agrowth phase he expects the IvyPointe Business Park to offerbusinesses growth options.

There are a number of residen-tial developments in the town-ships poised to expand as theneed for new housing increases.

The Ohio Department ofTransporation and ClermontCounty TransportationImprovement District have plansto improve the roadways in and

around Union Township.“With the planned investment

in the Ohio State Route 32Corridor and the EasternCorridor Project, as well as theCCTID Regional TransportationImprovement Program, I believethe township will be positionedwell in the next several years tocontinue the pattern of settle-ment and investment, enhancedby an improved, efficient localtransportation network,” saidWright.

LOCAL PROGRESS

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Union Township to have new libraryLocation should be open by 2011

The Clermont County PublicLibrary board has announced thata location has been secured for theUnion Township Branch.

On Tuesday, Feb. 23 the boardauthorized executive directorDave Mezack to enter into a con-tract to purchase the propertylocated at 4450 Ryan’s Way for$875,000.

“We are currently looking atfunding for a $4.5 million pro-ject,” said library fiscal officerMaura Gray. “Different terms andtypes of funding are being evaluat-ed for maximum benefit to thelibrary.”

They hope to close on the prop-

erty in March and have the newbranch opened by Dec. 2010 orJan. 2011.

According to Mezack, the siteaffords the library the opportunityto expand the current branch’ssquare footage from 11,000 squarefeet to a little over 20,000 squarefeet.

The library had initially plannedto build a 40,000 square foot facil-ity on land in the Ivy PointeCommerce Park. The facility wasplanned to house a 20,000 squarefoot library and 20,000 square footadministrative building.

By revising their original plans,the library will save $1.2 million

in property expense, $1 millionbetween renovation and new con-struction expenses and $3.7 mil-lion by not moving administrationoffices to a new facility.

According to Mezack, theSonny Lane property will beplaced for sale after the purchaseof the new site is finalized. Thereare initial plans to change thename of the street from Ryan’sWay to Information Place. Therestaurant equipment which isincluded in the purchase of theproperty will also be sold by thelibrary.

Support your local newspaper! Visit us at www.clermontsun.com

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A new VA Medical CenterClinic opened its doors Sept. 1,2009 and doctors, nurses andadministrators are now meetingthe health care needs of morethan 3,300 veterans at the facili-ty, located at the corner of stateRoute 32 and Beechwood Road,across from Roy RogersRestaurant in the Eastgate area.

The 15,600-square-foot facili-ty not only offers veterans prima-ry care physicians, but also hasspecialty doctors for podiatry,optometry, mental health andsoon will offer an audiologist forhearing disabilities.

A home-based program is alsohoused in the facility andClermont County Veterans’Service Commission have asatellite office in the facility. The

process for building the newfacility was a two-year processwith the ground breaking held inFebruary 2009.

“Since 2003, we have beenbringing health care closer tohome with our neighborhoodclinics,” said Todd Sledge, publicaffairs officer for VA MedicalCenter. “In May 2009, ourmobile health units began visit-ing fairs and public events to getveterans enrolled and shareinformation about our services.There are a lot of misnomersabout the VA and we want to letveterans what we have to offer.”

According to Sledge, the VAcan possibly reduce the medicalcosts of veterans by hundreds ofdollars each month. Those whowould normally go to their fami-

ly physician to get prescriptionsfilled can visit the VA clinic, seea primary physician and get theirprescriptions filled for little or nocost.

Veterans who have not visitedthe VA Medical Center within thelast few years may be surprisedby the advances in patient care.There are no rotating doctors atthe clinic and the employee turn-around is very low.

“The VA has changed so muchover the past 10 years,” saidSledge. “This is not your grand-father’s VA.”

“Our new location is more vis-ible and convenient,” saidSledge. “We are right on stateRoute 32 and all our offices areon one floor.”

Families of veterans are urgedto visit the facility for informa-tion about getting their loved

ones enrolled in the system.“No appointments are needed

and family members are wel-come to come to appointmentswith the veteran,” said Sledge.

To find out more about the VAand the services they offer, visittheir web site at www.cincin-nati.va.gov/maps/clermontinfoor call the center at (513) 943-3680.


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AUTO • HOMEBUSINESS • BONDS

Recker and Boerger wasfounded in 1962 by AllenBoerger and Joseph Recker inGreenhills, Ohio. The companywas established as an indepen-dent major appliance dealer, withthe goal of selling competivelypriced appliances and providingservice and care of the very high-est level. In 1964, we added heat-ing and air to the lineup. Sincethat time, Recker and Boergerhas become one of the top com-panies in the heating and coolingindustry in Cincinnati. In fact,

the business has grown from asmall store behind the GreenhillsShopping Center to include 3stores and a 67,000 sq ft ware-house. We have locations in TriCounty just off CrescentvilleRoad; Montgomery, onMontgomery Road just north ofRonald Reagan Highway; andour third location on BeechmontAvenue, 1/4 mile east of I275.

At Recker and Boerger, westill conduct business the old-fashioned way, with a strongfocus on customer service. We

educate our salespeople, so thatthey can help you make aninformed, intelligent choice. AlBoerger, Steve Boerger, and JimRecker continue to see to it thatour customers get the best dealand highest quality service.Recker and Boerger carries GE,GE Profile, Monogram, Maytag,Frigidaire and Electrolux appli-ances. We deliver our appliancesFREE (over $399) and offer acall ahead the night before so youcan plan your day, as well as acall ahead a 1/2 hour before so

you can meet us at the deliverylocation.

Recker and Boerger's uniqueCREATE A QUOTE HomeComfort System Proposal makesbuying a replacement furnace, airconditioner, or hot water heatereasy. Log on toTheComfortZone.com, call thestore or stop by one of our 3locations and we will generate aFREE written proposal that isright for your home comfortneeds. You can print the quoteat home or we can give you the

proposal over the phone, send itemail, or through the post. It'sthat easy.

Recker and Boerger has a greatselection of brand name majorappliances and energy efficientfurnaces and air conditioners.We offer same day water heaterreplacement installations. Ourlow prices are guaranteed. Ourcustomer service is exceptional.

Give us a try. You'll be gladyou did.

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Old fashioned customer servicefound at Recker and Boerger

Williamsburg aproves zoning for developmentsSenior apartments proposed








through the Housing Tax Creditprogram which provides incen-tives to private developers toplan and build decent, safe andsanitary housing for low to mod-erate income families andseniors. Funding is administered

by the Ohio Housing FinanceAgency and projects are awardedbased upon a competitive appli-cation process. Before applica-tion could be made, zoningchanges needed to be in affect.Although the project did not

receive approval in July 2009,Burgess assured council that theywould apply again in 2010.


LOCAL PROGRESS

Williamsburgsees business growthInfrastructure improvements underway

The Village of Williamsburgwelcomed a number of new busi-nesses during 2009 and hopes toattract more in the future.

Holtman’s Donuts, a well-established family business inGoshen, opened a satellite shopalong Main Street in October2009.

Other businesses new toWilliamsburg include RoseTrucking, PC Mechanic, GameRoom, NicoleLynn Photography,The Wooden Shop, Jeremy JonesInsurance and Snow Shack.

According to village adminis-trator Patti Bates, the village ismoving forward with plans forPhase II of the wastewater treat-

ment plant upgrade. Theseupgrades will help prepare theway for growth by providing theneeded infrastructure to meet theneeds of more consumers.

The upgrades include a capaci-ty expansion, which village offi-cials say will help them be readyfor future growth. The project isslated for completion by 2012 or2013.

In addition, the village hasbeen actively pursuing grants toimprove streets and sidewalks.The North Fourth Street recon-struction is gearing up for PhaseII to begin this spring.

The bridge in town is also setfor some structure upgrades dur-

ing July 2010 and the crumblingsidewalk will be repaired at thattime.

The village will also be partic-ipating in the balanced growthinitiative to be implemented bythe Clermont County Soil andWater Conservation District.This initiative will help developa balanced growth watershedplan for the Middle East Forkarea.

The Clermont CountyTransportation ImprovementDistrict is also seeking inputfrom Williamsburg Village offi-cials for advance planning alongthe State Route 32 corridor.


Veterans Administration opens new facilityLOCAL PROGRESS

HealthSource of Ohio wasfounded in 1976 to address theissue of access to primary healthcare. It is a private, not-for-prof-it Federally QualifiedCommunity Health Center thatserves Adams, Brown, Clermont,Highland and Fayette counties insouthwest Ohio.

HealthSource was awarded$9.7 million in December 2009in stimulus funds through theAmerican Recovery and

Reinvestment Act to build twonew replacement facilities inClermont County. The two loca-tions are New Richmond whichwill relocate right down the roadfrom the current building andEastgate Pediatrics, currentlylocated at 4357 Ferguson Road torebuild in Mt. Carmel on Old St.Rt. 74 located next to ChildFocus. The new buildings will begreat for patients and communi-ties and we are excited to get

both projects underway.HealthSource is very pleased

to begin offering dental servicesin Mt. Orab. Emily Krupp, DDSwill begin seeing patients onMarch 29. Mt. Orab Dental willalso have a hygienist for teethcleaning. We have new state ofthe art dental equipment. We areexcited about the dental practiceopening and believe it will begreat for the patients and commu-nity.

HealthSource is bringing a new sourceof dental care to the Mt. Orab area

LOCAL PROGRESS

Population and Workforce• Clermont County’s population is 190,589,

and the Cincinnati Metro area is 2.0 million• Almost 1.7 million people live within a 45-minute drive

of Clermont County• More than 850,000 workers live within a 45-minute drive

of Clermont County

Education• One-hour drive access to 20 universities, colleges

and vocational school districts• Clermont County is home to Clermont College

a regional branch of the University of Cincinnati

Transportation• 28 miles to the Greater Cincinnati Int’l Airport, which is

a large hub for Delta Airlines• Within 35 miles to hubs for FedEx Ground and ABX Air (DHL)• Clermont County locations provide convenient access

to I-275, I-75, I-71, and I-74

Quality of Life• Ranked 36th out of 224 metro areas for housing affordability

in 2008• Clermont County has over 6,800 acres of recreational park land,

over 25 miles of biking trails and almost 50 milesof backpacking and equestrian trails


Clermont County Statistics


www.clermontsun.com

For seven years, Klermont 4Kids & Adults 2 has been serv-

ing the residents of Batavia withtheir families’ dentistry needs.

The office, located at 497 WestMain Street in Batavia, provides

a full range of dental needs forchildren and adults of all ages.The office is always acceptingnew patients. Emergencies areusually seen the same day.

Services provided at Klermont4 Kids & Adults 2 include gener-al dentistry, root canals, crownand bridge, limited oral surgery,and dentures. The office also hason-site laboratory capabilities.They are able to do denturerepairs, hard relines, and toothreplacements. Under most cir-cumstances, repairs can be madewhile you wait in the office.

With a child-friendly deco-rum, Klermont 4 Kids & Adults2 is only one of a few local den-tal facilities that performs gener-al routine dentistry, but alsotreats children for fillings andextractions.

Klermont 4 Kids & Adults 2also provides orthodontic ser-vices for children.

The office took over new own-ership seven years ago. Dr.Stephen Doelker purchased theoffice in February of 2002.When he took charge, the officeconsisted of four operatories,two employees, and was openthree days a week.

Now, the staff has grown tothree doctors, five full time-

employees, and seven part-timeemployees. The number of oper-atories has grown to six. Theoffice is also open five days aweek, with evening hours.

Klermont 4 Kids & Adults 2 isa network provider for more than30 different insurance plans, andis one of very few orthodonticsMedicade providers in the staeof Ohio. We are also a Bureau ofWorkers Compensation providerand treat work place dentalinjuries. The office is also aBureau for Children withMedical Handicaps provider.The office is handicap accessi-ble. They also accept the HealthyStart and Ohio medical cards.

Dr. Doelker has more than 30years experience working withboth physically and mentallyhandicapped patients.

Klermont 4 Kids & Adults 2supports numerous local andnational charities, including TheMarch of Dimes, Feed theChildren; Cincinnati City GospelMission; Teen Response; ACaring Place; Batavia LocalSchools, local church programs,and many more.

For more information or toschedule an appointment, call(513) 735-9111

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Child Focus, Inc. continues inits mission of working with thecommunity to strengthen localfamilies and improve the qualityof life for children living inClermont County and surround-ing communities. With an annu-al budget of $15 million, ChildFocus serves over 5,000 chil-dren annually, birth to 18 yearsof age, and their families everyyear at their more than 70 loca-tions and hundreds of homesacross Clermont County, an out-patient mental health office inBrown County, and fosterhomes in Clermont, Hamiltonand Brown counties. Accordingto Director of Marketing andDevelopment Tara Keith, thenon-profit, private organizationfocuses its efforts on many dif-ferent early learning programs,which include Head Start,homebased and center-basedparent education and child careprograms, mental health, includ-ing family counseling, individ-ual diagnostic and psychiatricservices, and partial hospitalprograms, foster care, schoolservices and other communityand training programs.

With over 280 professionalson staff, Child Focus Inc. is one

of the largest employers inClermont County. Staying dili-gent and focused on serving theunder-served needs of childrenof all socioeconomic back-grounds, Child Focus, Inc.works very closely with com-munity organizations includingschools, pediatricians, juvenilecourt, Sheriff and the county’schildren’s protective services.Child Focus, Inc. maintains avery visible presence in all ofClermont County’s nine schooldistricts, providing on-siteschool-based services to assistin mental health prevention andto provide counsel and guidanceto students with severe emotion-al and behavioral issues, andproviding for special-needs chil-dren. Child Focus Inc, alsomanages a 24-hour crisis hotline(528-SAVE), is always lookingfor new and more effective waysand approaches to serve the res-idents, families and children inthe community.

Child Focus accomplishesthis by working and partneringwith schools, the juvenilecourts, Departments of Job andFamily Services, the ClermontCounty Mental Health andRecovery Board, and other com-

munity organizations. Otherareas in which major progresshas been made, said Child FocusCEO Jim Carter, are in the areasof bullying and suicide preven-tion, and family stability ser-vices.

The organization is also con-tinuing working toward licens-ing more foster homes, current-ly serving 38 children currently,there continues to be a need formore loving, foster families.“There are not enough fosterparents to serve those in ourcare,” Keith said, “The need forfoster care is urgent becausekids need stable homes. Thereare some kids that we cannotserve because we do not havehomes to put them in, so we arealways concentrating our effortsto recruit parents.” Keith saidthat federal, state, and localgovernment grant funds andcontracts with other agency andschool partners, United Way,Clermont County Mental HealthLevy, private fees, insurance,and a sliding fee scale allowChild Focus to serve families.

“Child Focus continues to bea leader in the industries of earlychildhood and behavioral healththrough our ability to create

responsive and innovative pro-grams in collaboration withfamilies, community agencies,and institutions,” Carter said.“Our early care and education,prevention, and treatment pro-grams improve coping mecha-nisms, provide support, promote

school readiness and successand encourage growth and self-sufficiency for the families inour community.” For moreinformation, to donate, volun-teer or to receive monthly pro-gram updates, go to www.child-focus.org.


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Klermont 4 Kids & Adults 2has served the Batavia area for seven years

University of Cincinnati plansto move into former Ford plant

The University of Cincinnatiwill be moving into the formerFord Transmission plant, locat-ed on James E. Sauls Drive inBatavia, by September of 2010.

The university will be utiliz-ing the two-story, 140,000square foot office space forclassrooms for teaching nursing,allied health, and education. It isexpected that nearly 700 stu-dents and faculty members willuse the facility.

Batavia Township Trusteeshave approved an overlay dis-trict and site plans for the pro-ject.

The plant has been purchasedby Industrial Realty Group andthe university will lease and ren-ovate the office portion of theplant.

“A lot of people have workedvery hard behind the scenes tohelp bring UC Clermont to thispoint,” said John Melvin, direc-tor of the Small BusinessDevelopment Center with theClermont Chamber ofCommerce. “Now we have acollege organization interestedin our area and we see this as agreat opportunity for economicdevelopment and the creation of

jobs.”Chris Smith, board member

for the Clermont County CIC,said that the plan is importantfor the university and ClermontCounty.

“This plan is important to UCClermont,” said Smith. “This isa wonderful resource and willact as an anchor to attract andbring manufacturing, other edu-cational facilities and healthcare facilities into the area. Thiscould springboard into newareas and opportunities.”

LOCAL PROGRESS

County programs and servicesfor people with disabilities in ourcommunity made history in2009, as Governor Stricklandsigned legislation to drop the“MR” from our agency namesacross the state. The ClermontCounty Board of MentalRetardation and DevelopmentalDisabilities (MRDD) became theClermont County Board ofDevelopmental Disabilities onJuly 7, 2009. This change cameas a result of a few dedicated cit-izens in Ohio (most of whom haddisabilities) who were tired ofname calling. As a medical diag-nosis, the term “mental retarda-tion” is acceptable; when it isused in a derogatory fashion, it isinexcusable. The board, admin-istration, staff, and individualsserved in Clermont County con-gratulate those individuals whobrought this to our attention,gathered the support of legisla-tors across Ohio, and made this

name change a reality.2009 was a very busy year at

Clermont DD. The State of Ohiosuffered severe budget crunchesand Boards of DevelopmentalDisabilities like Clermont DDfaced shortfalls in revenue andreductions in state funding. TheOhio Department ofDevelopmental Disabilities host-ed budget conversations in fivelocations across the state in orderto gain input from interested par-ticipants; stakeholders, serviceproviders, individuals and theirfamilies, etc. The Clermont DDLong Range PlanningCommittee, Directors, and Staffare committed to finding ways tooffer supports and services with-out interruption, while waiting toknow just how significant therevenue shortfall may be, and/orhow our budget may be affected.We plan to have a levy on theballot in May, 2010, in order toreduce our ever-growing waiting

list, and continue the current ser-vices we offer.

During March, 2009, theClermont County Board ofDevelopmental Disabilities host-ed several events forDevelopmental DisabilitiesAwareness Month. These eventsincluded a Leadership Breakfastfor local township, village, andcounty officials; a photo contestand exhibition; and our annualbasketball game between theWildey School Comets and theClermont County Sheriff’s AllStars. We also participated in theSummer Adventures for All KidsExpo at Tri-County Mall withHamilton, Butler, and WarrenCounty DD Programs.

We began the lengthy processof reviewing the needs of ourcommunity and setting our goalsfor next year and beyond early in2009. Our Long Range PlanningCommittee worked on our fiveyear plan throughout the year,

and our board committees beganmeeting in May to establish pri-orities. In keeping with that,Clermont DD held two “listen-ing” sessions on May 21 andJune 4 to invite our communityto provide input regarding howwe should direct our resources.

The Wildey School held itsannual graduation night on May28; as usual, it was a beautifuland touching evening, celebrat-ing eight students who made thebig leap to adulthood. It was alsorecognition of the influence andsupport they have and will con-tinue to receive from their fami-lies.

We were excited hosted threebooths at the Clermont CountyFair and were delighted toannounce our name change at thePaging Booth throughout theweek. Soon after, Clermont DDbegan contracting with a RespiteCoordinator, Linda Horn.. Lindanow works with our Gift of Time

Respite Program, the advisorycommittee of that program andthe families who are looking for-ward to the help the program canprovide. Thanks to the moneyraised by three events in 2007,2008, and 2009, we have thefunds to take this program to thenext level with the Coordinator.

The Clermont County MRDDAdult program, under theumbrella of Clerco Inc., workedin a greenhouse during the sum-mer and fall. The “Garden ofWeedinl” was located on the cor-ner of Benton Road and 132 forjust six months, and gave manyof the participants a feel forworking in a real greenhouseenvironment. Their chrysanthe-mum sale in the fall was verysuccessful and we thank the com-munity for shopping at our store.

We hosted billboards andmovie ads about our programs in

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Winter weather and the econ-omy aren’t hampering recruit-ment efforts in the Heart-to-Heart volunteer program atClermont Senior Services.Volunteer opportunities and thenumber of volunteers continueto increase, according toVolunteer Coordinator SharonBrumagem.

Along with the meals-on-wheels and FriendlyNeighbor/Shopper programs,the agency’s volunteer servicesinclude an expanded homerepair program and an emer-gency volunteer program. “Weare getting more and morerequests from seniors needingminor home repair and emer-gency snow and debrisremoval,” Brumagem said.“There definitely is a need forthese programs.”

And in a tough economy, itsometimes takes creative solu-tions to provide these type ofservices to agency customers,says Intake/Home RepairCoordinator Helen Fisher. Withthe help of skilled volunteers,CSS launched a home repairprogram this year that, in twomonths, has provided light homerepair for about a dozen cus-

tomers.“Our skilled volunteers are

sharing their expertise alongwith saving both our customersand the agency money,” Fishersaid.

Projects include replacingwindows, skirting mobilehomes, painting ceilings andreplacing bathroom flooring andfixtures. Volunteers, mostlyretired, come from all walks oflife — a doctor, teacher, con-struction/maintenance supervi-sors, and a husband and wife.

Armed with little more than ashovel, strong muscles and a lotof compassion for the elderly, ahandful of volunteers meltedboth snow and the hearts of sev-eral customers. What began withcalls from a couple of desperateseniors needing snow-coveredramps, driveways and sidewalkscleared snowballed into a newemergency volunteer serviceprogram that not only assisted inwintry weather, but will into thestormy and rainy seasons aswell.

One wheelchair bound seniorin the northern part of the coun-ty needed her driveway clearedso a CSS bus could pick her upto take her to dialysis. Steve

Williams of Eastgate volun-teered to lend a hand and mus-cles. Steve, an Extra Hands vol-unteer who helped deliverAdopt-A-Senior gifts, agreed togo across county because hewanted “to help. I go spend timeat the gym. Why not exercisethose muscles shoveling snow.”

The Williamsburg GardenClub joins the Heart-to-Heartvolunteer program this year.Members volunteered to helpWilliamsburg Police OfficerBrandi Meese deliver the MOWWilliamsburg meal route onFridays and also plan to createcontainer flower gardens for dis-tribution to Williamsburgseniors.

“I encourage other communi-ty groups to team up and volun-teer,” Brumagem said.

So far, law enforcementagencies, fire departments, civicgroups and individuals inAmelia, Goshen, PierceTownship and Williamsburg areworking together to benefitsenior citizens in their commu-nities.

“The county sheriff’s depart-ment also has a team of deputieswho regularly visit seniorsthroughout the county, and a

homeschooling mom and herdaughters recently joined ourvolunteer family to delivermeals in the Batavia area.”

If you would like information

on the Heart-to-Heart volunteerprogram at Clermont SeniorServices, please call Sharon at536-4060.


Heartfelt volunteer service increasesat Clermont Senior Services

A name change for MRDD in 2009

continued on page 17A homeschooling mom, her daughters and their friend count mealsat the Clermont Senior Services kitchen before going out on theirmeals-on-wheels route. Home schooling families are invited to par-ticipate in the program that provides a noontime meal for home-bound seniors. “It’s a great way for a family to give back to theircommunity,” says Volunteer Coordinator Sharon Brumagem. Forinformation on any of the volunteer programs, call Sharon at 536-4060.

LOCAL PROGRESS

County Commissioners EdHumphrey, Bob Proud and ScottCroswell are pleased to welcomeyou to Clermont County, Ohio.We invite you to discover whyClermont County has becomeone of the fastest growingregions in Ohio.

The Board of Commissionershas initiated one of the region’smost aggressive economic devel-opment programs, activelyengaging in massive infrastruc-ture improvements, shovel-readysite development, imageenhancement, and improvedcommunications with the busi-ness and development communi-ty.

Convenient access to I-275, I-71, and I-75, along with close

proximity to the Cincinnati /Northern Kentucky InternationalAirport, and a competitive coststructure, draw companies toClermont County, while the tal-ent of the workforce and qualityof life convince them to stay.Although the County possessessome of the Midwest’s largestuntapped opportunities for indus-trial and commercial develop-ment, our greatest resource is thehard working, highly productivepeople who call Clermont home.

This website can provide youwith information about site avail-ability, incentives, and financingopportunities, as well as localdemographics for our communi-ty. The Clermont County Officeof Economic Development was

established to provide assistanceto companies of all sizes lookingto grow in Clermont County. Weencourage you to contact theoffice (513-732-7915) andexplore the tools available tohelp you expand your businesshere.

We believe you will find ourcommunity to be an attractiveplace to live, work, and raise afamily. We invite you to comevisit Clermont County and seefor yourself all that we have tooffer. Come grow with us!

Ed HumphreyBob ProudScott Croswell

Visit us atBCC.ClermontCountyOhio.gov

from www.clermontcounty.biz

A Short Trip...A Lasting Impression


Moler Raceway Park, 2059Harker-Waits Road,Williamsburg, is owned by Kevinand Kim Moler and opened forbusiness in 2007.

The Sterling Township busi-ness is a car racing and entertain-ment complex with events sched-uled every Friday night March26-Oct. 1. It is considered theMidwest’s Fastest Quarter MileDirt Oval.

Class sponsors include SunesisConstruction, Holman Motors,Mt. Orab Ford and U.S. RaceGear, and vehicles that race on aregular basis include SunesisConstruction Late Models, Mt.Orab Ford UMP Modifieds, U.S.Race Gear Street Stocks andHolman Motors Chevettes.

Moler Raceway Park also hasvarious other classes makingappearances throughout the yearincluding the Winged MiniSprints, 360 Sprints, C.J.Rayburn’s NASRA Services andmany others.

Friday, March 19, will be anopen practice, weather permit-ting, that is free to the publicwith pits being $10. Gates willopen at 4:30 p.m.

An upcoming event noon-5p.m. Saturday, March 20, is theRace Car Exposition at HolmanMotors in Clermont’s County’sEastgate area. That will be heldrain or shine, and those planningto bring their car(s) to that eventare asked to e-mail [email protected].

Some upcoming MolerRaceway Park events on Fridaysare as follow:

• March 26: Holman MotorsOpening Night, Chevettes $1,000to win. All Chevettes are wel-come plus Late Models, UMPModifieds and Street Stocks. Therain date is Friday, April 2.

• April 2: Regular show, LM,Mods, SS and Chevettes.

• April 9: Brown CountyChamber of Commerce Night(Chamber members bring busi-ness card for drawing), UMPModifieds, Street Stocks, LateModels and Chevettes.

• April 16: LM, SS, UMPModifieds and Chevettes.

• April 23: Street StockSpecial $600 to win, LateModels, UMP Modifieds andChevettes. Kids Night with footraces on the Front Stretch, chil-dren 0-15 admitted free.

• April 30: Mt. Orab FordUMP Modified Special,Modifieds $1,000 to win, LateModels, Chevettes and StreetStocks. Darf Night, Darf mem-bers free with rain date beingMay 28.

• May 7: Mom’s Night at theRaces – Powder Puff, LM, UMPModifieds, SS and Chevettes.

• May 14: Third Armed ForcesNight – Freedom Fighters 40,Late Models $2,000 to win, SS,Chevettes and Modifieds. Allmilitary members in uniform orwith identification will be admit-ted free.

Moler Raceway Park’s com-plete 2010 Schedule is availableon the park’s website atwww.molerraceway park.com.

Gates open for all Fridayevents at 4:30 p.m. with Hot Lapsat 7 p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m.

General admission for regularshows is $13 for adults with chil-dren 7-15 admitted for $5 and 6and younger free and pits being$25.

General admission for specialshows is $15 for adults with chil-dren 7-15 admitted for $5 and 6and younger free and pits being$30.

Anyone desiring further infor-mation may call Moler RacewayPark at (937) 444-6215.

“We would like to thank all ourclass sponsors as well as our gen-eral sponsors L&M Performance,Rock Auto, L. Wood and Son,Jody Shannon, Gray’s Used AutoParts, Coca-Cola and C103 FM,who does several live broadcaststhroughout the year,” Kevin andKim Moler. “And a special thankyou to all our volunteers andstaff.”

The Molers added, “Pleasesupport those who support oursport and let them know weappreciate them. Thanks, and welook forward to seeing you allsoon!”

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A crowd of explorers, hikers,bikers and planners met at theentrance to the Williamsburg toBatavia hike-bike trail for a ribboncutting Friday, June 19, 2009. Theceremony marked the end ofPhase I of the project which beganmore than eight years ago.

The trail begins at the end ofBroadway Street, in Williamsburgand connects to Williamsburg-Bantam Road. It followsWilliamsburg-Bantam Road thencrosses over Cain Run Creek andends at an overlook area alongHarsha Lake. It is about 2.5 mileslong and is intended for hikers,joggers, walkers and bicyclists.

When complete, the trail will be15 miles long and connect theVillage of Williamsburg to theVillage of Batavia.

There is no parking available atthe Broadway Street entrance tothe trail, but three parking termi-nus’ are available in the village.

In February, Mayor Lefker told

council members that Phase II hadreceived approval from the OhioDepartment of Transportation tomove forward. Phase II will con-nect the trail to the campground inEast Fork State Park.

For more information on thetrail and other parks in ClermontCounty, visit parks.clermontcoun-tyohio.gov/ or call (513) 732-2977.


Proud to Represent Southern Ohio

Jean

Paid for by the Schmidt For Congress Committee

SCHMIDTUS Congress

MARCH 19: Open Practice • Free to Public • Pits $10

MARCH 20: Holman Motors Race Car Expo, Eastgate, OH 12 to 5 p.m.

MARCH 26: Holman Motors Opening Night • Chevettes $1,000to Win • also UMP Modifieds, Street Stocks & Late Models

APRIL 23: U.S. Race Gear Street Stock Special • $600 to Win •also Late Models, UMP Modifieds & Chevettes

APRIL 30: Mt. Orab Ford UMP Modifieds Special •Modifieds $1,000 to Win • plus all regular classes

MAY 14: 3rd Annual Armed Forces Night • Freedom Fighters 40 •Late Models $2,000 to Win • plus all regular classes

JUNE 18: American Late Model Series • Late Models • $2,000 to Win

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Moler Raceway Park offersFriday racing entertainment

Support your local newspaper!Visit us at www.clermontsun.com

the late summer/fall, in order tobring the public’s attention andfocus to our programs and ser-vices. We also sent consumers tothe Ohio Self DeterminationAssociation Conference inSeptember, worked with ourcounterparts at Clermont SeniorServices, Children’s ProtectiveServices, and the Mental Healthand Recovery Board to ensurewe are all on the same pageregarding our levy strategies for2010 and beyond.

The Clermont County Boardof Developmental Disabilities iscommitted to our community; weare proud of the work we accom-plished in 2009 and look forwardto reaching our goals in 2010.

A namechangefor MRDDin 2009continued from page 16

Williamsburg to BataviaHike-bike trail opens to publicPhase I of trail has been completed

LOCAL PROGRESS

Photos courtesy of The Clermont County Park District Website

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The University of Cincinnati,Clermont College is located in thecenter of Clermont County on91.2 beautiful wooded acres inBatavia Township. Opened in1972, Clermont College is anaccredited, open-access collegeoffering more than 50 associatedegrees and certificate programs.

In addition, the college hostssix bachelor degree programsranging from criminal justice tonursing. The college is part ofthe nationally recognizedUniversity of Cincinnati.

Students who attend UCClermont College have full accessto UC’s Uptown campuslibraries, student support services,student clubs, fraternities, sorori-ties, intramural sports and athleticevents.

At UC Clermont College, stu-dents will find highly dedicatedand credentialed faculty in ourclassrooms – where the emphasisis on the student.

The faculty–student ration is20:1. The staff is committed tomaking this a great college expe-rience for all of our students. Ourgoal is help our students succeed,graduate with distinction – pre-pared, confident and eager for thechallenges that lay ahead.

At UC Clermont College webring the power of UC... close tohome!

In the fall of 2009, enrollmentat UC Clermont College reached arecord of 3,713 students, up 14.6percent from Fall 2008.Winter2010 – up 17.7 percent fromWinter 2009.

Ninety-three percent of full-time faculty have advanceddegrees; 70 percent of full-timefaculty have doctorate, profes-sional or other terminal degrees.

UC Clermont College is receiv-ing the highest increase in statesubsidy – 24 percent for 2009.

UC Clermont College has expe-rienced tremendous growth with a70 percent increase in enrollmentsince 2000. The college has builtfive new buildings since 2000 toaccommodate the needs of thecampus. UC Clermont Collegehas been identified as having thehighest usage of building space instate by the UC architect’s office.

The college is in the final stagesof the 10-year master planning.Currently, the college is seekingspace in the nearby community toaccommodate the expansion ofprograms. UC Clermont College

plans to build additional facilitiesin the next two to three years.

Campus HighlightsIn October 2009, UC Clermont

College hosted its second 5KWalk/Run for Scholarships atTQL in the Ivy Pointe BusinessPark to meet the needs of a grow-ing student population who oftenface financial barriers to obtain-ing a college degree.

The fund-raiser brought togeth-er community members, students,faculty, staff, businesses and orga-nizations to help our studentsachieve their academic dreams byraising money for the ClermontCollege Scholarship Fund.

Approximately $15,000 wasraised and 143 runners/walkersparticipated. Race sponsorsinclude: International Paper,TQL, Duke Energy, MercyHospital Clermont, MidwesternPlumbing Service & ArchieWilson, Chick-fil-A Eastgate,PNC Bank Eastgate, and Chem-Tech.

A dedicated group of communi-ty volunteers work toward theambitious goals of the ProudlyCincinnati campaign so that stu-dents are prepared to succeed

anywhere and everywhere as UCClermont College alumni.

Funding priorities includemeeting the needs of a growingstudent body through the estab-lishment of a new building,strengthening recruitment andretention of outstanding faculty,increasing scholarship to recruitand reward and academically tal-ented and engaged student bodyand enriching the college’s thriv-ing academic enterprise and com-munity outreach.

In a season of historical accom-plishments, the UC Clermont vol-leyball team added another pageto their history books. For thefirst time, the Cougars reached theFinal Four at the United StatesCollegiate Athletic Association(USCAA) NationalChampionship Tournament.

Kelly Koons was selected to theUSCAA First Team All-Americanwhile Lauren Bradford and EricaHoctor received USCAAHonorable Mention All-AmericanAward.

Both the men and women’s bas-ketball teams earned repeat bidsto the USCAA NationalBasketball Championships March

2-6 in Fayette, Pennsylvania.UC Clermont College Clermont

College is located at 4200Clermont College Drive in

Batavia.For more information, call

(513) 732-5200 or visitwww.ucclermont.edu.


995 Highway 28(1 mile north of 275) Milford, Ohio

PHONE:

(513) 831-9141

TresterAuto Parts

N.S. Lodwick, D.V.M.J.E. Gish, D.V.M.

D.C. Chalker, D.V.M.Office Hours by Appointment

9242 Hamer Rd., Georgetown, Ohio

(937) 378-6334

G EORGETOWNANIMAL HOSPITAL

“The Vet With a Heart”

Compassionate and Gentle Care

The Georgetown AnimalHospital is committed to provid-ing the best possible veterinarycare for every state of your pets’lives. We offer preventativemedicine, diagnostics, in-housebloodwork, ultrasound, x-rays,surgical care, dental care, andmuch more. The doctors and staffcontinually strive to providequality veterinary care, customerservice, and education so yourpets can receive the compassion-

ate medical care they deserve.Each of us here loves animals,

ad we greatly appreciate thechance to help your family com-panions live the healthiest,longest, happiest lives possible.

We are located at 9242 HamerRoad, Georgetown, Ohio. Formore information or an appoint-ment, please contact us at (937)378-6334 and we will be happyto assist you.

Georgetown Animal Hospitalhas been serving theBrown County area since 1952

Clermont College is an accredited, open access college offering more than 50associate degrees and certificate programs

USCAA team members are, front row from left, Cindy Votel,Rachel Hays, Sarah Shumate, and Jaci Stewart; back row, LaurenBradford, Courtney Davis, Kelley Koons, Rachel Ferguson, andErica Hoctor.

32 Senior Community is forthose 50 and older as well as thedisabled, is a complex that has90 apartment units as of 2010.The apartments range from 720sq.ft. to over 1500 sq.ft. whichreflects the space of a small 3bedroom home. These apart-ments are 1 and 2 bedroom withand without a garage and somewith a huge Florida sun room aswell as a 10ft. covered porchesin rear and 4ft. covered porch infront. The cost ranges from $400for a 1 bedroom to $750 for thedeluxe models. All apartments at32 Senior Community have asingle floor plan (No Steps),high efficiency HV/AC with aheat pump, Laundry room for afull size washer and dryer, lotsof medium oak kitchen cabinets,

a place to install a dish washer,flat top stove, 19 cubic ft. refrig-erator, 36 inch doors for handi-cap accessibility, ADA toiletwith access for a wheel chair,this makes for a nice sizerestroom. Other amenities thatvary from apartment to apart-ment are space savermicrowaves above the stove,ceramic tiled restrooms, wall towall carpeting, pantries, Floridasun rooms, ceiling fans in bed-rooms and living rooms andwalk in closets.

All apartments at 32 SeniorCommunity are set up so the ten-ants can stay in their home for aslong as they can. Although theyare Senior Friendly, the units arevery spacious and look fantastic.The quality and craftsmanship of

these apartments really showthrough when you see them.

On site amenities consist of a1 1/2 acre fishing pond, fencingand gates that secure the com-plete complex and the pond withmany wooded areas which sur-round the complex. Garbagepick up at your door twice aweek, on site manager, mainte-nance and HV/AC man for anyneeds that may arise in the 32Community. For those whomhave rented in the past, theseservices are very importantwhen you need them. All lawncare and snow removal is includ-ed as well.

In 2010-2011, 32 SeniorCommunity will add another 50units. These units will be uniquebecause a 2 car garage will beadded to some of these units.Some 2 bedroom with some hav-ing 2 bathrooms will be added aswell. These new units will haveall the amenities listed beforeand some new ones like fullview screen doors with glass forthe front and rear door. The best

of the past units are used in allnew construction with additionof some new products and ideas.A Club House with an exerciseroom, pool table, ping pong,darts, and a few other games thatall tenants and their familiesmay use. The Club House willalso consist of a Rental Hallwhich will be used for the com-munity gatherings, parties, andtenants may rent this part out forthemselves and their families fora very low cost. The Club Housewill be equipped with an emer-gency generator and propaneheat in case of any power lossesto the 32 Senior Community.This will allow for heat in thewinter and A/C in the summerfor all tenants at No extracharge. The 32 SeniorCommunity is not a profit basedfacility, although it is privatelyowned by Tim Hale and his fam-ily. Tim Hale is setting up thecommunity to be self supportingonly, and is proud to boast thatthe original tenants from 8 yearsago are still paying the same rent

today and hopes that they will bepaying the same 10 years fromnow.

The concept of this SeniorCommunity is to have a greatand secure place to live at a fairprice. The summers here are thebest, with lots of room to walk,wild life to watch and friendlypeople to gather with. The resi-dents of this complex is the bestpart of it. Residents helping res-idents on a daily basis from leftovers for dinners to a ride to ahospital for testing. This com-munity seems to provide the set-ting of days gone bye witheveryone stopping to talk witheach other while relaxing ontheir front porches as dusk sets.These apartments are a must see!Take the time and see them foryourself. You won’t be sorry.

If there are any questionsabout availability or just want tocheck out this facility, call Timor Angie at 937-444-3043. Theylive within the gated communityas well.

Seniors 50 and Older As Well As The Disabled

32 Senior Community

NO RENT UNTILMAY 1ST, 2010

Beautiful New 1 & 2 Bedroom with Garage& Covered Porches

Eastwood Rd. and St. Rt. 32

(937) 444-3043FishingPond

Gated

32 Senior Communitylocated at Eastwood Rd. and St. Rt. 32



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Sharefax Credit Union is amember-owned, not-for-profitfinancial institution. Everyonewho has an open account is anowner.

Sharefax is celebrating 50 yearsof service throughout 2010 withprizes, events,as well as rate spe-cials.

Sharefax Credit Union wasoriginally sponsored in 1960 byFord Motor Company to serve theemployees at its Sharonville andFairfax transmision plant.

Since those early beginnings,Sharefax has expanded to includemore than 22,000 members frommore than 400 select employeegroups as well as individuals wholive or work in Clermont, Warren,Brown, Clinton, Highland,Hamilton, and Butler counties.

Sharefax owns approximately$200 million in assets, making itone of the largest local creditunions. All deposits are federallyinsured up to at least $250,000.

Sharefax is a full-service finan-cial institution offering its mem-

bers free checking, mortgage, per-sonal and vehicle loans, freeonline banking, more than 3,000nationwide fee-free ATMs, freebill payer, credit counseling andinvestment services, rate guaran-tees on automobile loans and cer-tificates as well as four conve-nient locations.

Sharefax is dedicated to fulfill-ing the individual needs of itsmembers by offereing the finestservice and most technologicallyadvanced products available. Thecooperative has developed a solidfoundation while continuing toappreciate the financial successits members achieve through itsservices.

In 2009, Sharefax added moneymarket accounts, as well as debitcard and check writing abilitieson its health savings accounts.

Sharefax has partnered withinvestment advisors L.M. Kohn &Co. to assist members in planning

for their financial futures.This relationship has greatly

helped laid-off Ford members toadjust their plans to the realitiesof their new financial situation.Credit counseling is also offeredin a partnership with Trinity DebtManagement in order to providebudget information and to restruc-ture loan payments to help mem-bers better manage their finances.

Sharefax is continuing to lookto the future by expanding itsbranch locations as well as prod-ucts and services.

Sharefax is a part of a sharedbranching network of creditunions throughout the country.Sharefax members can makedeposits and perform transactionsat a credit union branch almostanywhere in the U.S.A.

For more information, callSharefax Credit Union at (513)753-2440 or visit www.share-fax.org.

Sharefax Credit Unionis celebrating 50 years of serviceMember-owned financial institution has $200 million is assetsThe strength of any communi-

ty can be measured by how muchits citizens give back. It can bemeasured by showing support,volunteering, or monetary ormaterial donations – or, in thecase of the Clermont CountyPublic Library volunteers – acombination of all the above. In2009, the Library welcomed 844volunteers from every corner ofClermont County. Together, theydonated over 90,114 hours of theirtime. But most notably, they’veraised a significant amount offunding for a library system thatsaw its funding slashed by 21 per-cent in 2009. Last year alone,Library volunteers raised over$39,000 funding programs likesummer day camp, the increasing-ly popular gingerbread house pro-gram and special program speak-ers. Dave Mezack, LibraryExecutive Director, couldn’t behappier. “I believe we have someof the hardest working and mostdedicated volunteers out there.They truly believe in the missionof the Library and are here to sup-port us any way they can.” And

yet the giving continues. InJanuary 2010, the Milford-MiamiTownship Branch volunteersdonated $10,000 – primarilyraised through Used Book Fairs –to the Milford-Miami TownshipBranch to enhance their materialscollection. According to HollyVarley, Library CollectionDevelopment Manager, thisdonation increased Milford’s col-lection budget by 12% for 2010.Milford volunteer, Eb Ax has beenvolunteering with the Library foralmost 6 years. “After my wifedied in 2004, I was involved witha Township Book Swap, and Iwas looking for someplace to vol-unteer. I met the local librarianand she mentioned that I shouldvolunteer at the library. I’ve beenhere ever since.” The volunteers atClermont County Public Libraryprove the strength of this commu-nity every time they show up andgive way more than was everasked of them. They’re invaluableto this Library system and with-out them many of our programsand other services would not beavailable.

Clermont County PublicLibrary: a communityof volunteers

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• Business • Communit y• Employment

• Fitness• Pol i t ics • Medical

• Spor t s• Taxes• Technology

PROGRESS 2010PROGRESS 2010 PROGRESS 2010PROGRESS 2010 Clermont County

A Special Supplement to The Brown County Press


In January 2009, RiverHillsBank celebrated the opening oftheir new bank building locatedat 1719 East Ohio Pike inAmelia,replacing the building they previ-ously occupied. “We were excit-ed to provide our customers astate-of-the-art banking facilitywith the capacity to better servethe needs of this growing com-munity.” said Greg Niesen,President and CEO.

“In 2009, we also welcomedChuck Snyder as our Chief CreditOfficer and Kathleen Nunlist asour Business Banking Specialist.Both bring a wealth of bankingknowledge and experience to addto our staff of 55 banking profes-sionals.”

RiverHills Bank, a privately-owned community bank, hasbeen committed to providing full-service banking in ClermontCounty for over 100 years. In2007, they further demonstratedtheir commitment to Clermont

County by opening a new bank-ing center and relocating theirheadquarters to Milford at 533Chamber Drive. They now have atotal of 5 locations: Milford,Amelia, North Market Street inFelicity, Front Street in NewRichmond and Rivertown Marketin New Richmond.

At RiverHills Bank, youreceive a full range of business,consumer and electronic bankingproducts and services that rivalthose offered at much largernational banks while receivingthe high-level of personal servicethat only a bank committed toyou and your community canprovide.

“We look forward to providinginnovative products and cus-tomized financial solutions tohelp our customers achieve theirfinancial goals and dreams in thecoming years.” added Mr.Niesen.

RiverHills Bankexpandsits commitmentto Clermont County


www.clermontsun.com

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www.woeismefood.comEastgate

Glen Este-Withamsville Rd. & St. Rt. 32

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Clermont County Progress Edition 2010 - Page 32 - Clermont County Progress Edition 2010

What do you do when youreceive notice that the plant youare working for is closing?Melvin and Rhonda Roysterwere both employees of the FordTransmission Plant in Batavia atthe time the plant announced itsclosing.

"Melvin had always wanted toopen a restaurant," said RhondaRoyster. "He was the plant man-ager at the Ford Plant in Bataviaand when they announced theclosing of the plant he beganattending motivational training."

He told his wife that what helearned at the meetings was ifyou wake up with a "Woe Is Me"attitude, you have set the tonefor the day.

"He was determined to get upwith a positive attitude each dayand realize that God was tryingto teach him something," saidRhonda Royster. "WheneverMelvin would go to a meeting hewould tell all those in attendancethat he hoped it wasn't going tobe another 'Woe Is Me' meetingor he would have to leave."

The couple met while workingat the plant and had worked side-by-side to prepare food for bigcompany dinners.

"We had worked togethercooking for large crowds whileat the plant," said RhondaRoyster. "We both come fromlarge farm families and both ofus had experience cooking forbig crowds. We both enjoy cook-ing and we have a big garden.We are just old fashioned people.We both helped our grandparentscook for big crowds when wewere planting or harvesting

crops. Cooking in a restaurant isnot a lot different than cookingfor a large group of family mem-bers."

Melvin Royster had many ofthe people from the plant requesthis famous barbequesauce and they toldhim he should have itbottled and call it WoeIs Me sauce.According to RhondaRoyster, "Melvinguards the recipe anddidn't even tell me therecipe until we weremarried for a year."

"When we lost ourjobs at the Ford plant,we looked at the econ-omy, what we hadsaved and decided topurchase a concessionstand," said RhondaRoyster. "We were ableto purchase it withoutgoing into debt. Whenwe were searching fora name, Melvin saidwe should call ourbusiness Woe Is Me. Ididn't like that name,but it seemed to fit andI eventually gave in."

They bought the concessionstand in April 2009 and spent thenext few months trying to getbooked into festivals and fairs inthe area.

"It is very expensive to set upat fairs and festivals and some ofthem limit the number of specif-ic vendors," she said. "We endedup setting up our concession atFindlay Market in Cincinnati inJune and were set up there

throughout the summer. We gen-erated a lot of business there andmade some long-standing cus-tomers."

When the weather turned coldand rainy, their business dropped

off and they began to look atother options.

Rhonda Royster noticed theempty storefront at Kennedy'sLanding and inquired about thespace. The landlord gave thempermission to set up their con-cession in the parking lot to seehow business would be beforesigning a lease.

"Everyday since we haveopened on Oct. 31 our business

has grown exponentially," saidRhonda Royster.

The couple offer Carolinastyle barbecue meats and tradi-tional side dishes right down tothe sweet tea and sweet potato

pie."All of our food is

made from scratchusing fresh ingredi-ents and lots of love,just the way ourgrandmothers madeit," said RhondaRoyster. "To start abusiness like this,you have to have alove of cooking,have lots of patienceand be tolerant ofpeople. Melvin and Igrew up eating threehealthy, hearty mealsa day. This is thetype of food that wegrew up on and wemake everythingfrom scratch. Weoffer reasonableprices and large por-tions."

The restaurant iscurrently decoratedwith a Thanksgiving

theme and Rhonda Royster saysshe loves to decorate for the dif-ferent holidays. The shelves thatadorn the walls of the restaurantwere made by her father from anold barn on the farm owned byher grandfather.

"We will have a gift shopeventually with lots of hand-made items and puzzles," shesaid.

"We will probably have Santa

stop in here sometime inDecember," she said. "We havecoupons for specials and willcontinue with our concessions."

They currently have four part-time employees to help with thebusiness but hope that as busi-ness picks up they can hire moreemployees.

The restaurant is kid friendlywith old fashioned games avail-able for the kids and a table justthe right size for kids. There is ajigsaw puzzle in progress in thecorner and an empty chair by thefront door has a pair of slippersjust waiting for grandpa to comein, sit down and kick off hiswork boots.

"That chair is there becausemy grandfather always had achair like that by the door," shesaid. "He would sit down andtake his work boots off. I set itup in remembrance of him."

In the future, they will beadding cable TV making therestaurant WiFi compatible andare in the process of getting apermit to sell beer.

Rhonda is a native ofDunnville, Ky. and Melvin is anative of Oxford, N.C. Therestaurant is open 11 a.m. - 8p.m. Monday through Friday and11 a.m. - 10 p.m. on Saturday.They are closed on Sunday. Theyare located in the Shoppes ofKennedy's Landing on Glen EsteWithamsville Road.

For more information call(513) 260-7041 or visit their website at www.woeismefood.com.

Photos courtesy of Woe Is Me website

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Former Ford employees open 'Woe is Me' in EastgateClosing of transmission plant creates opportunity for couple

By Wayne BoblittThe Brown County Press

Mercy Medical Center Mt.Orab at 154 Health PartnersCircle, Mt. Orab, is owned byMercy Health Partners ofCincinnati and may be reachedat (937) 444-4000.

The Grand Opening of thatnew MHP building was heldJuly 30, 2009, with the facility atBrooks-Malott Road and StateRoute 32 being open to patientson Aug. 1, 2009.

The facility is closely associ-ated with Mercy HospitalClermont in nearby Batavia. Atthe Ribbon Cutting Ceremonyheld this past July 30 at the facil-ity, MHC President/ChiefExecutive Officer GayleHeintzelman opened the pro-gram by saying, “It is with greatpleasure I welcome you to thenewest member of our Mercyfamily – Mercy Medical CenterMt. Orab.”

Mercy Medical Center offersemergency care 24 hours perday, seven days per week. It alsooffers an Outpatient Imagingand Diagnostic Center includingComputed Tomography (CAT)scans, electrocardiograms(EKG), X-rays, blood draws andlaboratory services.

The new Medical Center’semergency care services appar-ently have been used a lot in theseven-plus months since itsopening this past summer.Medical Center Nurse ManagerAngie Gilkerson, R.N., said thestaff has seen a lot of high acuitypatients such as those withstrokes and heart attacks.

“We are seeing a lot morepatients than expected, andthings are going really well outhere,” Gilkerson said in a March4 interview.

In an interview this past sum-mer, Gilkerson said the facilitytruly was amazing with eightEmergency Room beds, aNurses’ Station, a waiting room,and full imaging and diagnosticservices.

In her March 4 interview,Gilkerson said the staff has had alot of successes in treatingpatients with medical emergen-cies and mentioned there were awide variety of medical emer-

gencies that have been treated.In an interview that same day,

Patty Tomley, Mercy HealthPartners East Side director ofBusiness Development, com-mented about Mercy MedicalCenter Mt. Orab, “We’ve reallybeen excited about it and happyabout how much it is beingused.”

Tomley said the new facilitymade staff adjustments (addedmore people) to cover the vol-ume of patients that ended upcoming there for services. “Itreally makes us feel good know-ing there was a need for the ser-vice and we are able to fulfillthat need.”

Fred Hansen, who served as aMt. Orab Village Council mem-ber last year, said at the councilmeeting on Aug. 11, 2009, only10 days after the Medical Centerhad opened, he had beeninformed by a employee of thatfacility an additional nurse hadto be hired there because thefacility’s workload had gotten tobe so great.

The new facility encompassesmore than 10,000 square feet,according to MHP, and includesa heliport where helicopterambulances may land and takeoff. It is a facility aimed at sav-ing patients’ lives and stabilizingthem before sending them off toother facilities, including MHC,for longer stays and is not meantto be a facility where patientsstay overnight.

One of the most positiveresults of the Mt. Orab facility ishow it has helped the Mt. OrabLife Squad in its turnaround

time in transporting emergencypatients. Mt.Orab Mayor BruceLunsford reported that news atthe Mt. Orab Village Council’sAug. 11 meeting.

Turnaround time refers to howlong it takes for an ambulance todeliver an injured or seriously illperson to a hospital or othermedical facility for treatmentand then go to pick up anotherinjured or sick person needingtransportation to a medical facil-ity.

At last summer’s RibbonCutting Ceremony, Lunsfordmentioned about how five or sixyears previously, he had talkedwith Mt. Orab Fire Chief Lisa

Reeves, who also oversees theLife Squad in that village.Reeves reportedly mentionedhow the Life Squad was makingso many runs to a lot of hospi-tals, it was needing a secondshift of personnel.

The mayor added that had got-ten him to thinking about howMt. Orab needed its ownEmergency Room, and he metwith several health providersfrom the Cincinnati Area aboutpossibly obtaining such a facili-ty for Mt. Orab. Those inquirieseventually resulted in the newMercy Medical Center.

“Catholic Health Services andthe Mercy System stepped up to

the plate and did what wethought was needed,” Lunsfordtold the estimated 250 to 300people at the Ribbon CuttingCeremony.

He said the Mt. Orab VillageCouncil, the Mt. Orab PortAuthority and the Mt. OrabBoard of Public Affairs had allbeen involved in bringing thenew medical facility to Mt.Orab.

The Mt. Orab mayor addedMercy Medical Center Mt. Orab“will mean the quality of life forpeople in this area will be somuch better”.

Mercy Medical Center provento be much needed asset in Mt. Orab Area

The Brown County Press/WAYNE BOBLITT

The new Mercy Medical Center Mt. Orab, which opened Aug. 1, 2009, at Brooks-Malott Road and State Route 32 (the AppalachianHighway) in Mt. Orab, offers emergency care 24 hours per day, seven days per week.


The north side of the new Mercy Medical Center Mt. Orab, including its Emergency sign, is shown hereas it faces northward toward State Route 32 (the Appalachian Highway) shortly after the buildingopened for business in August 2009 in Mt. Orab.

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BY Wayne BoblittThe Brown County Press

Brown County GeneralHospital in Georgetown embarkedon a “mission of survival” in2009, BCGH MarketingConsultant Lee Edwards reported,but the hospital’s business opera-tions remained stable with muchpositive news occurring.

Edwards said an end of yearanalysis of the hospital’s financialsituation in early 2009 determinedthe hospital, if it was to survive,must form a partnership to stabi-lize a financial crisis and keep thehospital operational.

At a special meeting held thispast Sept. 9, the Brown CountyRegional HealthCARE Board ofTrustees, which oversees BCGH,unanimously selected EssentHealthcare Inc. of Nashville,Tenn., to purchase BCRHC’soperations and assets includingthe hospital.

In a separate vote that followedthe trustees’ decision, the BrownCounty Board of Commissioners,who were meeting with thetrustees in a joint session atBCGH, voted unanimously toapprove the trustees’ choice.

Edwards went on to reportabout the hospital’s happenings in2009, “In spite of the pendingchange that loomed over the hos-pital during the year, hospitaloperations remained stable.

“New technology was broughtinto the hospital, new physiciansjoined the hospital’s medical staff,and new services began forenhancing the overall abilities ofour facility. It was business asusual with hope for a more securefuture.”

Technology News ReportedThe hospital acquired a state-

of-the-art magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI) device, a new dig-ital fluoroscopy room and anAquilion 16 Toshiba ComputedTomography Scanner in 2009.Edwards reported this service asthe first among the local area hos-pital Diagnostic ImagingDepartments to receive a three-year term of accreditation innuclear medicine by the AmericanCollege of Radiology.

“The hospital’s DiagnosticImaging Department has becomeone of the most state-of-the-art

equipped departments in the hos-pital,” Edwards stated.

She also reported DarleneFlannery, who had been thedepartment’s manager for severalyears, was promoted to its direc-tor.

Edwards said the hospital alsoimproved its TeleradiologyProgram, which has 15 physi-cians, with an upgrade to its pic-ture archiving and communicationsystems (PACS) allowing all radi-ologic images to be viewed fromlocations with access to the hospi-tal’s computer system.

Physicians Are Added“We were fortunate to add sev-

eral physicians to our medicalstaff this year (2009),” Edwardsstated.

They included:• Dr. John C. Mobley, general

surgeon and Bariatric Medicinespecialist located at Georgetown’sEast Surgical Group.

• Dr. Andrew Deak, a gastroen-terologist specialist, and Dr. AnnHeff, a dermatologist, both in theOutpatient Pavilion.

• BCGH’s newest hospitalists,Dr. Jinhong Xing and Dr. MazenH. Shaheen, Internal Medicine.

• Dr. Blake Nestok, whobecame medical director of theBCGH Laboratory.

• Dr. Jeff Dickerson, medicaldirector of Respiratory Therapyand the Sleep Lab Center.

• Radiologist Dr. Nathan Long,who became the medical directorof Diagnostic Imaging.

• Thomas E. Heffernan IV,M.D., who joined the RadiologyTeam in October.

• Muhammad K. Ahsan, M.D.,Internal Medicine/ Critical CareMedicine, who joined the medical

staff in August.• Honora H. Favorito, M.D.,

Pathology, who joined the medicalstaff in September.

• Dr. Tracy Sawyer-Nash, whobecame BCGH EmergencyDepartment medical director.

• Emergency Department med-ical staff additions Dr. JeffJablonski, Emergency Medicinephysician, and Emergency Roomphysicians William Angelos,M.D.; Michael J. Ward, M.D.;Caroline E. Eady, M.D.; AaronBender, M.D.; Syed A. Naqvi,M.D.; Christopher Willoughby,M.D.; James P. Cleary, D.O.;Orlando J. Encarnacion, M.D.;Bethany M. Kapp, M.D.; RachelE. Garvin, M.D.; and Bryan K.Stegman, M.D.

“In 2010 recruitment effortswill continue in the areas ofFamily Practice, InternalMedicine, Emergency Medicine,Obstetrics and Gynecology, andOrthopedic Surgery,” Edwardsstated.

New Services MentionedEdwards mentioned the hospital

was fortunate to add Mobley to itsmedical staff this past May.Mobley performs Lap-BandSurgery as a Bariatic Medicinespecialist, and that procedure untilnow was available at more costlyhospitals in larger cities.

That surgery is a valuable treat-ment for those whose weight iscreating serious health issues, andMobley can speak from personalexperience after having lost morethan 100 pounds by having thisprocedure himself. He donates histime each month to offer a freeLap-Band discussion to help peo-ple understand the procedure andwhat to expect.

A schedule of the days, timesand places for these seminars canbe found on the BCRHC Websiteat www.bcrhc.org under “Classesand Events”. Further informationis available at Mobley’s Office at(937) 378-7115.

Among other new servicesreported by Edwards:

• The Center for InterventionalPain Management continues to beone of hospital’s most successfulprograms. The Center in 2009

added vertebroplasty to its list ofpain management treatments.

Vertebroplasty, performed byDr. Magdalena Kerschner, theCenter’s director, is a procedure tocorrect spinal breaks, includingthose created through osteoporo-sis, which injects a substance intothe affected spinal area that hard-ens and corrects the pain createdby the break.

Edwards also reported an


Many positive things happen at Brown Co. Generalduring its ‘mission of survival’ yearTrustees approve buyer for BCGH, other BCRHC operations/assets

Air Evac Lifeteam's helicopter sits on the helipad at Brown CountyGeneral Hospital. A new building was constructed on the hospital'scampus for the administration of this new service.

continued on page 25

Merchants National Bank hasbeen a part of Brown Countysince February 2006 when ouroffice opened at 370 N. HighStreet in Mt. Orab. In August of2009 Merchants acquired theCitizens Bank of Higginsportand now is pleased to be servingBrown County with three loca-tions.

Our Georgetown Office islocated at 120 S. Main Street andin Higginsport we are located at314 Washington Street. All threeare full service branches withloan officers in each location.

Established in 1879, theMerchants National Bank is anindependent institution builtupon a foundation of financialstrength and customer service.

MNB employees specialize inproviding exceptional service ona personal level. We are largeenough to provide financialproducts at competitive prices,yet small enough to know ourcustomers. We are BrownCounty’s “Real CommunityBank with REAL CustomerService.”

“Real Community Bank”

MERCHANT’SNATIONAL BANK

370 N. High St., Mt. Orab, OH

937-444-1441314 Washington St., Higginsport, OH

937-375-4242120 S. Main St., Georgetown, OH

937-378-26032033 Hospital Dr., Batavia, OH

513-735-1000www.merchantsnat.comMember

We use that money to improve the quality ofliving right here.

Like you, we’re concerned about our schools,local taxes, and employment.

Our future, like your own, is right here.

That’s just one more reason whyit makes good sense to put your money to work

right at home with the

Your Money

Works Harder...

Right here at your local

Merchants NationalBank is growingwith Brown County!!!

USA made furniture in our show-room is still our first love andwhile adding the food items inour store we have not diminishedour inventory of furniture. Wehave some new styles, designsand creations on our floorbecause the craftsmen are alwayscoming up with something newand when we go to their showswe bring it back so you can enjoyit too.

But as most of you know, whatwe have on our floor is just amini representation of what youcan have on yours. Ask about atable and we can show you pic-tures of 50 different ones we canhave special ordered for you. Inthis world of mass productionand huge manufacturing com-plexes, please allow us to takeyou back to the dad who workswith his sons, drawing, design-ing, planing, sawing, sanding

and finishing with only supremeproducts and craftsmanship,building each piece FOR YOU.Veneers, composite wood, card-board boxes, assembly requiredare not in our vocabulary here.

We offer quality Ohio madebed mattresses that come with afirm warranty. We’ll even cus-tom size those if you need onefor an antique bed or your RV.Something new: quick ship TVstands that will not require youto wait two months. Oh yes, andthe electric stove and solid woodmantles are here now too.

Stop by and help us figure outwhether we’re about furniture orfood. While you experience theglider rocker, you get to samplethe ride, coffee, cookies, and thedaily paper. There’s a chanceyour neighbor just happened bytoo for the same reason. All atThe Home Place.

The Home Place,more than justa furniture storecontinued from page 29


For more than 30 years,Southern State CommunityCollege has been serving the

southern Ohio region. Duringthat time, the institution hasundergone phenomenal growth

with additions to its academicofferings, increases in its ser-vices to the students, increases in

workforce training initiatives,and expansion of its facilities.Southern State continues to

experience enrollment growthwhile holding the line on tuition.This winter, the college main-tained that trend with an unprece-dented enrollment increase ofnearly 35 percent. This level ofincrease, partnered with back-to-back years of record-settinggraduation numbers, demon-strates that more and more peo-ple are recognizing the value ofeducation.In the past year alone, SSCC

has welcomed a new president,added the Office of Advising andRetention Services, announcedplans to investigate the possibili-ty of establishing a SouthernState campus in Adams County,embarked on a plan to convertfrom quarters to semesters, andenrolled students in the newbachelor’s degree programs. Thecollege has made essentialadvancements in its mission to

provide accessible, affordable,high-quality education to the res-idents of its service area.

PERSONNELOn Jan. 1, 2010, Dr. Kevin S.

Boys took the helm as SouthernState Community College’s newpresident, following the resigna-tion of Dr. Sherry A. Stout whohas served Southern State sinceits founding in 1975, mostrecently as the college’s fourthpresident.A lifelong resident of the

Cincinnati area, Dr. Boys servedas superintendent of theLoveland City School District,as well as assistant superinten-dent, principal, assistant princi-pal and teacher within theSycamore Community SchoolDistrict.“I have spent my entire 31

years in education in a K-12 set-ting preparing students to go onto college,” said Dr. Boys. “So itseems like a natural progression

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Truly the economic recessionhas birthed some creativity,resourcefulness, and ingenuity.Like a family man who wentaround looking for trash piles torecycle and clean up because hewasn’t otherwise employed. Or aformer RV factory employee innorthern Indiana who began fab-ricating simple message signs ofwood like: Always kiss me good-night; and God bless our home.At last reports he couldn’t keepup with orders!Or a handcrafted furniture

store who began grilling meat forcarry out. That’s us!As a family enterprise, we’ve

begun scattering our eggs amongnumerous baskets and the resulthas been quite positive. Whenthe potato chip salesman told us,"a recession is good for the pota-to chip industry," we began look-ing at what goes into our mouthsand not only at the wooden tablewe place that food on.While our first love is still the

handcrafted, hardwood, superbquality, custom, Ohio made fur-niture; we are quickly embracinga second love. We have recentlyopened a small deli featuringcheeses and meats offered byWalnut Creek Foods of HolmesCounty, Ohio (Amish Country).Your choices range from roll but-ter to peppered bacon to Lebanonbologna to smoked baby swissand myriads of additionaloptions in between. Our eagerdeli workers are on hand to sliceand chip and chunk your choices.Another feature that was well

received last summer was that ofbarbequed baby back ribs andchicken. When this awesomewinter weather breaks we hope toonce again be offering ribs onFriday and chicken on Saturday.

Add to that our own salads, softserve ice cream and slices offreshly baked pie. Call or staytuned to our weekly newspaperads for the beginning date! (Oh,and fresh strawberry pie.)What used to be termed a

"weekend bakery" now offerspeanut butter pie all week, aselection of cookies, cremehorns, pumpkin bars, blackberryjam cake every day - because weknow that your sweet urges andspecial gatherings don’t alwayswait for Friday. Italian herb pizzacrusts are always available too,fresh or frozen. Until furthernotice, breads are usually on theshelf Thursday, Friday andSaturday. (And a little secret isthe decorated party cakes thatmay be forthcoming...Stay post-ed.)Our signature granola contin-

ues to draw repeat customers.Popcorn and local honey selec-tions are a close second. Jerky,candies, jams, relishes, noodlesand coffees are some other"country store" options you’llfind here.The poly wood furniture creat-

ed out of recycled milk and popbottles continues to be a growingfavorite among our clients.Watch this spring season forsome new colorful and delightfulcreations! The only thing you’llmiss is the repeated staining,painting and maintenance thatwood required.We sport a larger display of

outdoor buildings, sheds, cabinsand gazebos than ever before. Onsite building of storage sheds isthe latest addition to the optionswe offer.Like I said before, the quality


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The Home Place,more than justa furniture store


Southern State looking forward with a clear vision

Students enjoy time between classes at Southern State Community College’s South Campus nearSardinia. continued on page 28

to take on a leadership role at thecollege level.”

ACADEMICSSouthern State Community

College has partnered withregional four-year institutions tobring bachelor’s, and even mas-ter’s, degree programs to theSSCC campuses.

· Southern State and ShawneeState University have partnered tobring a B.S.N. (bachelor of sci-ence degree in nursing) toSSCC’s South Campus inSardinia.

· Southern State and OhioUniversity-Chillicothe have part-nered to bring bachelor’s degreeprograms to SSCC’s FayetteCampus in Washington C.H. Theprograms offered include a bach-elor of technical and applied stud-ies, a bachelor of specializedstudies, and a bachelor of crimi-nal justice.

· Southern State and LindseyWilson College have partnered tooffer a bachelor’s degree inhuman services and counselingand a master’s degree in counsel-ing to SSCC’s Central Campus inHillsboro.

SERVICESA new department at Southern

State Community Collegepromises to help students navi-

gate the college experience. TheOffice of Advising and RetentionServices opened in November onthe college’s Central Campus inHillsboro with satellite offices onFayette Campus in WashingtonC.H., North Campus inWilmington, and South Campusin Sardinia.

Primary services include assist-ing students with selection ofclasses; providing informationabout academic programs andcourses; helping students under-stand and deal with academicwarning and probation; and guid-ing students in exploring, declar-ing or changing a major.

“Our biggest concern right nowis getting the word out…We’rehere, we can help. Come in andtalk to us,” said Dennis Bothel,SSCC Director of Advising andRetention Services.

FACILITIESRepresenting the Southern

State Community College Boardof Trustees, on Oct. 14 TrusteeRalph Shell announced plans toinvestigate the possibility ofestablishing a Southern Statecampus in Adams County. Boardmembers and other college repre-sentatives toured Adams Countyto explore possible sites.Following the site tour, the boardmet in special session to discuss

the feasibility of the project.Just in time to kick off fall

quarter 2009, Southern StateCommunity College unveiled arecently completed expansionproject which doubled the size ofFayette Campus in WashingtonC.H.

The college broke ground onthe project in June 2008, adding17,000 square feet to the existingstructure. The new space includessix classrooms, a 2,312-square-foot community center, book-store, courtyard and student ser-vices area.

“Southern State has helped meevery step of the way to fulfillingmy career goals,” said studentPatricia Smith at the September2009 open house event. “The con-venience of taking classes closeto home has definitely helped meto learn. It’s opened a whole newworld for me.”

ENROLLMENTBased on enrollment figures

the first week of winter quarter,headcount enrollment at SouthernState Community College was up35 percent over this time lastyear.

Each campus noted remarkableincreases—Central Campus inHillsboro up 28 percent, NorthCampus in Wilmington up 30 per-cent, and South Campus in

Sardinia up 34 percent—howev-er, Fayette Campus inWashington C.H. had the largestenrollment increase by far, com-ing in at 71 percent over 2009 fig-ures.

“As a result of great planningby the campus directors, it wasonly necessary to add a total of 31courses to the original printedschedule,” said Dr. Kevin Boys,SSCC President.

UPCOMINGSouthern State Community

College will join Ohio’s institu-tions of higher education in con-verting from quarters to semes-ters.

Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhutof the Ohio Board of Regentssuggested that all public collegesand universities adopt a commonacademic calendar to make it eas-ier for students to transfer or par-ticipate in exchange programs.More than 90 percent of thenation’s universities utilize thesemester system.

In response, Southern Statefaculty and administration formeda joint task force to explore mov-ing forward with semester con-version. The task force is workingtoward a projected start time ofFall 2012.

Of the state’s public four-yearuniversities still on the quarter

system, Ohio State University,Wright State University, theUniversity of Ohio and theUniversity of Cincinnati all haveplans under way to adopt thesemester system.

ABOUT SSCCOffering the lowest tuition rate

in the state of Ohio among non-levied institutions, Southern StateCommunity College offers day,evening, weekend and onlineclasses in 28 associate’s degreeand transfer programs as well asnine certificate programs.

With four campus locations—Central Campus in Hillsboro,Fayette Campus in WashingtonCourt House, North Campus inWilmington, and South Campusin Wilmington—Southern Stateoffers close-to-home convenienceand a supportive communityexperience.

Financial aid is available tothose who qualify. As a matter offact, 84 percent of Southern Statestudents qualify for some form offinancial aid.

To learn more about SouthernState Community College and itsmission to provide a high-qualityeducation that is both affordableand accessible, call 1-800-628-7722, e-mail [email protected] orvisit www.sscc.edu orwww.facebook.com/southernstate

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Occupational Health Servicebegan at Mt. Orab Urgent MedicalCare, part of the BCRHC network.The service includes employmentphysicals, drug screenings, firstonset of injury care, adult immu-nizations, hearing screenings andcolor blindness screenings.

She also stated BCGH has anew Patient Education Systemavailable throughout the hospitalthanks to a U.S. Housing andUrban Development Grant.

There are 50 topics to selectfrom such as “Diabetes andNutrition” and “Labor: What ToExpect” to meet the individualizededucation need of each patient.The system also makes it possibleto transmit educational videos tothe family waiting areas and meet-ing rooms.

Air Ambulance ArrivesOne of the biggest stories from

2009 was BCGH”s entering into arelationship this past Septemberwith West Plains, Mo.-based AirEvac Lifeteam, the largest inde-pendently owned air ambulanceservice in the United States.

Air Evac Lifeteam’s Bell 206Long Ranger helicopter is nowbased on the helipad on BCGH’sgrounds, and this first-of-a-kindservice covers a 70-mile radiusincluding Brown County’s sixneighboring counties in Ohio andKentucky. A new building projecton the BCGH campus was com-

pleted to provide accommodationsfor this new service.

In some other community pro-ject news Edwards reported from2009:

• BCGH’s hospital-based envi-ronmental group Helping OthersProtecting Earth was instrumentalin building a relationship withAdams Brown Recycling Stationin Georgetown that resulted in anew roll-off box on the hospitalgrounds. This made it more con-venient for hospital employees torecycle and give local citizenswho recycle another place to bringtheir discarded items.

HOPE also placed 40 new recy-cling bins throughout the hospitalthanks to a generous donation byDr. Barbara Patridge.

• It was announced in July thehospital had raised an “amazing”$6,678 for breast cancer research.

“The support of the hospitalemployee’s fund-raising projectefforts was in the true spirit oftheir healthcare profession to helpothers,” Edwards stated.

“Friend” Award Presented• BCRHC President/Chief

Executive Officer MichaelPatterson accepted a Friend ofBrown County Safe CommunitiesAward for the hospital from theBrown County Safe CommunitiesCoalition at a ceremony held thispast Aug. 26 at the Brown CountyEngineer’s Office in Georgetown.

The hospital has been a donorfor the Coalition’s annual HighSchool Seat Belt Challenge andserved as the host and event coor-dinator for the MocktailsCompetition held this pastDecember as part of a NationalDrunk and Drugged DrivingPrevention campaign.

• BCGH partnered this pastSeptember with XavierUniversity’s School of Nursing tooffer higher education videocon-ferencing classes for degreednurses in the BCGH service area.These classes will be offered atBCGH with XU making the hos-pital technologically prepared forvideoconferencing capability with$350,000 in equipment for thisvirtual classroom.

• The Center for InterventionalPain Management launched “ReinIn Pain,” its first Pain Walk, thispast Oct. 18 at Sawyer Point Parkin Cincinnati to raise funds to

assist patients to receive theCenter’s innovative pain treat-ments.

“This was the the first walk inthe United states, to our knowl-edge, that has ever been dedicated

to those who suffer with chronicpain,” Edwards stated.


Dr. John C. Mobley, GeneralSurgeon and Bariatric MedicineSpecialist, joined the MedicalStaff in May. His arrivalexpanded the BCGH surgicalservices to include Lap BandSurgery.

Many positive things happen at Brown Co.General during its ‘mission of survival’ yearTrustees approve buyer for BCGH, other BCRHC operations/assets


Celebrating 40 Years, FarrellInc. offers tax, accounting, andpayroll services in Georgetownand Eastgate.

Farrell Incorporated has pro-vided tax, accounting, and payrollservices from its Eastgate loca-tion since 2008, but the companyhas a very long tradition of serv-ing the public.

Founded in 1970 in Bethel byConnie Farrell, the company nowhas two locations, in Georgetownand Eastgate, and employs threegenerations of the family.

In the early days, the business'sonly service was income taxpreparation. Then in 1983, Farrellmoved the business toGeorgetown and started offeringbookkeeping and accounting ser-vices in addition to tax prepara-tion.

Shortly thereafter, the companybegan offering payroll services.In 2008, Farrell Inc. expandedinto Clermont County with theopening of the Eastgate office."We took a big leap of faith,"Amy Farrell, Connie's daughter inlaw said. "But we had manyclients who lived in ClermontCounty, and this is a growingregion."

The company's Georgetownlocation is still the main office. Itis run by Connie Farrell's twosons, Troy and Matt Farrell, andher daughter Elaine Sams.Elaine's two daughters and sonalso work at the Georgetownoffice.

Amy Farrell, the manager ofthe Eastgate office, is married toTroy. Their son works at bothlocations. "We are a family-runbusiness, and we're very downto-earth," Farrell said. "We developa relationship with our clients andtreat them as friends and family."

Many companies that preparetaxes are only open from Januarythrough April, but Farrell Inc. is

open year-round for the conve-nience of its customers.

Farrell Inc. offers income taxpreparation and accounting ser-vices for individuals, partner-ships, and corporations. FarrellInc. also offers payroll services,and provides e-filing of taxreturns.

"If we prepare a tax return,there's no additional fee for e-fil-

ing," Farrell said. "I've beendoing this since it was done withpaper and pencil, and I like this alot better. This is much more effi-cient for our clients."

Farrell Inc. is located inEastgate at 978 Old St. Rt. 74,and in Georgetown at 205 W.State Street. For more informa-tion, call (513) 753-6757 or (937)378-6757.

AUTHORIZED IRS E-FILE PROVIDER

Call for an appointment today! Drop Off’s and Walk-Ins Welcome

978 OLD ST. RT. 74, BATAVIA, OH 45103513-753-6757

205 W. STATE ST., GEORGETOWN, OH 45121937-378-6757

TAX PREPARATIONPersonal * Business * Partnerships * Corporations

Celebrating 40 Years!Free Electronic Filing

Same Day Tax Preparations

Complete Payroll Services • Accounting Services

Farrell Inc. celebrates40 successful years

continued from page 23

LOCAL PROGRESS

Williamsburg aproves zoningfor developmentsSenior apartments proposed








through the Housing Tax Creditprogram which provides incen-tives to private developers toplan and build decent, safe andsanitary housing for low to mod-erate income families andseniors. Funding is administeredby the Ohio Housing FinanceAgency and projects are awardedbased upon a competitive appli-cation process. Before applica-tion could be made, zoningchanges needed to be in affect.Although the project did notreceive approval in July 2009,Burgess assured council that theywould apply again in 2010.


The Ohio Archers Association will host the 2010 Indoor 300 StateChampionships at Batavia High School the first weekend of March.

"We are very excited for the opportunity to host our premier eventof the season in Clermont County this year. The location offers greatlighting, plenty of space for competitors and spectators alike, is easyto access from the highway, and is located within minutes of manyhotels and restaurants," said Jeremy Evans, OAA President andClermont County resident. Over 200 archers from across the state areexpected to compete.

For more information, visit the OAA web site atwww.ohioarchery.org.


Ohio Indoor Archery StateChampionship Moves to Batavia


The Park National Bank plansto combine its two Eastgate-areabanking offices into a brand newbuilding at the corner ofEastgate Blvd. and Old StateRoute 74 (next to Office Max).The new office is located a fewmoments up the road and willprovide local families and busi-nesses maximum extended hoursand improved access to financialspecialists for investments andbusiness banking.“The new building is a very

exciting development for ourclients in the Eastgate area,” saidDoug Compton, president ofPark National Bank’s SouthwestOhio & Northern KentuckyDivision. “The new office willoffer more extended hours to abroader group of clients in thisarea, plus more direct access to

our investment professionals andbusiness banking specialists.”“No other bank is more acces-

sible and has more knowledge-able professionals dedicated toserving this community,” headded.The new Eastgate banking

office is scheduled to open inlate summer 2010 and will be ledby Jana Beal and Joe Wagner.The office will include a three-lane drive-through and drive-upATM. Its hours of operation willbe:Monday through Friday 9 a.m.

- 8 p.m.Saturdays and Sundays 9 a.m.

- 4 p.m.Park’s banking offices located

at Eastgate Mall and insidebigg’s grocery store will close tofocus resources toward superior

service through the new officeand avoid inefficient duplicationof services. Client accounts willexperience no changes as a resultof the new office location.Associates from the old officeswill continue their career at thenew office or in other opportuni-ties with Park.Park National Bank’s

Southwest Ohio & NorthernKentucky Division was recog-nized as Hamilton CountyDevelopment Council’s 2009Lender of the Year. It has 12banking offices that provide allaspects of personal banking,business banking, trusts andinvestment services.It is part of the Park National

Corporation (NYSE AMEX:PRK) headquartered in Newark,Ohio. Park National Corporation

consists of 13 community bankdivisions and two specialtyfinance companies and its total

assets were $7 billion as of Dec.31, 2009.

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Archbishop McNicholas HighSchool promotes a co-educa-tional, Christ-centered, Catholiccommunity that embraces eachstudent – spiritually, intellectu-ally, morally, and physically. Weprovide a safe, nurturing, cre-ative, and challenging campuswhere individuals will grow inknowledge and faith. We equipour students with opportunitiesand experiences that will enablethem to achieve excellence, liveout gospel values, and attain fullstature in Christ.McNicholas High School

helps students of all abilities toachieve excellence. Our person-alized registration and classselection process allows stu-dents and parents to selectcourse levels appropriate to astudent’s ability in each subjectarea. Teachers and guidancecounselors are willing to helpwith individualized attention inclasses that average 20 students.We offer fourteen AdvancedPlacement courses and twenty-five fine arts electives. The sci-ence department has receivedthe Ohio Governor's Award forExcellence twenty consecutiveyears and McNicholas has pro-duced over forty-eight NationalMerit Scholars over the pastfour years. Our theatre depart-ment has been invited to per-form at the Ohio ThespianConvention for twelve consecu-

tive years and produces numer-ous shows throughout the year.The SAIL program addresses theneeds of identified students ofall academic levels whose learn-ing styles require tutorial assis-tance to learn the material pre-sented in a mainstream class-room.Extracurricular activities are

an important part of McNicholaslife. We strongly encourageevery "Rocket" to becomeinvolved in clubs and activitiesthat range from the exhilarationof musicals to the intensity ofchess tournaments, from theactivism of the ecology club tothe leadership of student coun-cil. From freshman orientationto senior graduation, our stu-dents take part in a wide rangeof activities that make them feel"at home" at McNicholas HighSchool.The Community Service

Program at ArchbishopMcNicholas High School is a“service learning” programdesigned to challenge our stu-dents to “attain full stature inChrist” by building the gospelvalue of service to the “least ofthese.” All students are requiredto complete at least 40 hours ofcommunity service in order tograduate. Service is donethrough school, parish or anagency that serves those in need.Most students do the vast major-

ity of their service with theunderprivileged and go beyondthe 40 hour minimum require-ment.McNicholas'

highly respect-ed and competi-tive athleticprogram bringsexcitement andspirit to ourc a m p u s .M c N i c h o l a sfields 37 teamsfor our youngmen andwomen. Theseteams can boastof district,regional andstate champi-onships, playerof the year,coach of theyear, King ofthe Hill tro-phies, and other league honors.HISTORYMcNicholas has its roots in

St. Joseph Academy, a boarding

school for girls opened by thesisters of St. Joseph of Bourg in1915. Archbishop John Timothy

McNicholas' request for theacademy to become the firstcoeducational diocesan highschool in the Cincinnati area

was honored by ArchbishopKarl J. Alter, and McNicholaswas inaugurated January 15,

1 9 5 1 .Throughout itsh i s t o r y ,M cN i c h o l a shas educatedthousands ofyoung men andwomen whohave proudlytaken theirplaces asChristian lead-ers in today'ss o c i e t y .Through con-stant changeand continualimprovement,we consistent-ly challenge allstudents tobecome a partof the tradition

where faith, academics, and acoeducational environment con-tribute to each student's overallsuccess.


Park National Bank announces openingof new Eastgate officeLocal community bank to build office with enhanced hours and additional professionals

Jana BealJoe Wagner

McNicholas High Schoolprovides faith-based education and guidance

McNicholas campus, taken May 15, 2009.

to take on a leadership role at thecollege level.”

ACADEMICSSouthern State Community

College has partnered withregional four-year institutions tobring bachelor’s, and even mas-ter’s, degree programs to theSSCC campuses.

· Southern State and ShawneeState University have partnered tobring a B.S.N. (bachelor of sci-ence degree in nursing) toSSCC’s South Campus inSardinia.

· Southern State and OhioUniversity-Chillicothe have part-nered to bring bachelor’s degreeprograms to SSCC’s FayetteCampus in Washington C.H. Theprograms offered include a bach-elor of technical and applied stud-ies, a bachelor of specializedstudies, and a bachelor of crimi-nal justice.

· Southern State and LindseyWilson College have partnered tooffer a bachelor’s degree inhuman services and counselingand a master’s degree in counsel-ing to SSCC’s Central Campus inHillsboro.

SERVICESA new department at Southern

State Community Collegepromises to help students navi-

gate the college experience. TheOffice of Advising and RetentionServices opened in November onthe college’s Central Campus inHillsboro with satellite offices onFayette Campus in WashingtonC.H., North Campus inWilmington, and South Campusin Sardinia.

Primary services include assist-ing students with selection ofclasses; providing informationabout academic programs andcourses; helping students under-stand and deal with academicwarning and probation; and guid-ing students in exploring, declar-ing or changing a major.

“Our biggest concern right nowis getting the word out…We’rehere, we can help. Come in andtalk to us,” said Dennis Bothel,SSCC Director of Advising andRetention Services.

FACILITIESRepresenting the Southern

State Community College Boardof Trustees, on Oct. 14 TrusteeRalph Shell announced plans toinvestigate the possibility ofestablishing a Southern Statecampus in Adams County. Boardmembers and other college repre-sentatives toured Adams Countyto explore possible sites.Following the site tour, the boardmet in special session to discuss

the feasibility of the project.Just in time to kick off fall

quarter 2009, Southern StateCommunity College unveiled arecently completed expansionproject which doubled the size ofFayette Campus in WashingtonC.H.

The college broke ground onthe project in June 2008, adding17,000 square feet to the existingstructure. The new space includessix classrooms, a 2,312-square-foot community center, book-store, courtyard and student ser-vices area.

“Southern State has helped meevery step of the way to fulfillingmy career goals,” said studentPatricia Smith at the September2009 open house event. “The con-venience of taking classes closeto home has definitely helped meto learn. It’s opened a whole newworld for me.”

ENROLLMENTBased on enrollment figures

the first week of winter quarter,headcount enrollment at SouthernState Community College was up35 percent over this time lastyear.

Each campus noted remarkableincreases—Central Campus inHillsboro up 28 percent, NorthCampus in Wilmington up 30 per-cent, and South Campus in

Sardinia up 34 percent—howev-er, Fayette Campus inWashington C.H. had the largestenrollment increase by far, com-ing in at 71 percent over 2009 fig-ures.

“As a result of great planningby the campus directors, it wasonly necessary to add a total of 31courses to the original printedschedule,” said Dr. Kevin Boys,SSCC President.

UPCOMINGSouthern State Community

College will join Ohio’s institu-tions of higher education in con-verting from quarters to semes-ters.

Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhutof the Ohio Board of Regentssuggested that all public collegesand universities adopt a commonacademic calendar to make it eas-ier for students to transfer or par-ticipate in exchange programs.More than 90 percent of thenation’s universities utilize thesemester system.

In response, Southern Statefaculty and administration formeda joint task force to explore mov-ing forward with semester con-version. The task force is workingtoward a projected start time ofFall 2012.

Of the state’s public four-yearuniversities still on the quarter

system, Ohio State University,Wright State University, theUniversity of Ohio and theUniversity of Cincinnati all haveplans under way to adopt thesemester system.

ABOUT SSCCOffering the lowest tuition rate

in the state of Ohio among non-levied institutions, Southern StateCommunity College offers day,evening, weekend and onlineclasses in 28 associate’s degreeand transfer programs as well asnine certificate programs.

With four campus locations—Central Campus in Hillsboro,Fayette Campus in WashingtonCourt House, North Campus inWilmington, and South Campusin Wilmington—Southern Stateoffers close-to-home convenienceand a supportive communityexperience.

Financial aid is available tothose who qualify. As a matter offact, 84 percent of Southern Statestudents qualify for some form offinancial aid.

To learn more about SouthernState Community College and itsmission to provide a high-qualityeducation that is both affordableand accessible, call 1-800-628-7722, e-mail [email protected] orvisit www.sscc.edu orwww.facebook.com/southernstate

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Occupational Health Servicebegan at Mt. Orab Urgent MedicalCare, part of the BCRHC network.The service includes employmentphysicals, drug screenings, firstonset of injury care, adult immu-nizations, hearing screenings andcolor blindness screenings.

She also stated BCGH has anew Patient Education Systemavailable throughout the hospitalthanks to a U.S. Housing andUrban Development Grant.

There are 50 topics to selectfrom such as “Diabetes andNutrition” and “Labor: What ToExpect” to meet the individualizededucation need of each patient.The system also makes it possibleto transmit educational videos tothe family waiting areas and meet-ing rooms.

Air Ambulance ArrivesOne of the biggest stories from

2009 was BCGH”s entering into arelationship this past Septemberwith West Plains, Mo.-based AirEvac Lifeteam, the largest inde-pendently owned air ambulanceservice in the United States.

Air Evac Lifeteam’s Bell 206Long Ranger helicopter is nowbased on the helipad on BCGH’sgrounds, and this first-of-a-kindservice covers a 70-mile radiusincluding Brown County’s sixneighboring counties in Ohio andKentucky. A new building projecton the BCGH campus was com-

pleted to provide accommodationsfor this new service.

In some other community pro-ject news Edwards reported from2009:

• BCGH’s hospital-based envi-ronmental group Helping OthersProtecting Earth was instrumentalin building a relationship withAdams Brown Recycling Stationin Georgetown that resulted in anew roll-off box on the hospitalgrounds. This made it more con-venient for hospital employees torecycle and give local citizenswho recycle another place to bringtheir discarded items.

HOPE also placed 40 new recy-cling bins throughout the hospitalthanks to a generous donation byDr. Barbara Patridge.

• It was announced in July thehospital had raised an “amazing”$6,678 for breast cancer research.

“The support of the hospitalemployee’s fund-raising projectefforts was in the true spirit oftheir healthcare profession to helpothers,” Edwards stated.

“Friend” Award Presented• BCRHC President/Chief

Executive Officer MichaelPatterson accepted a Friend ofBrown County Safe CommunitiesAward for the hospital from theBrown County Safe CommunitiesCoalition at a ceremony held thispast Aug. 26 at the Brown CountyEngineer’s Office in Georgetown.

The hospital has been a donorfor the Coalition’s annual HighSchool Seat Belt Challenge andserved as the host and event coor-dinator for the MocktailsCompetition held this pastDecember as part of a NationalDrunk and Drugged DrivingPrevention campaign.

• BCGH partnered this pastSeptember with XavierUniversity’s School of Nursing tooffer higher education videocon-ferencing classes for degreednurses in the BCGH service area.These classes will be offered atBCGH with XU making the hos-pital technologically prepared forvideoconferencing capability with$350,000 in equipment for thisvirtual classroom.

• The Center for InterventionalPain Management launched “ReinIn Pain,” its first Pain Walk, thispast Oct. 18 at Sawyer Point Parkin Cincinnati to raise funds to

assist patients to receive theCenter’s innovative pain treat-ments.

“This was the the first walk inthe United states, to our knowl-edge, that has ever been dedicated

to those who suffer with chronicpain,” Edwards stated.


Dr. John C. Mobley, GeneralSurgeon and Bariatric MedicineSpecialist, joined the MedicalStaff in May. His arrivalexpanded the BCGH surgicalservices to include Lap BandSurgery.

Many positive things happen at Brown Co.General during its ‘mission of survival’ yearTrustees approve buyer for BCGH, other BCRHC operations/assets


Celebrating 40 Years, FarrellInc. offers tax, accounting, andpayroll services in Georgetownand Eastgate.

Farrell Incorporated has pro-vided tax, accounting, and payrollservices from its Eastgate loca-tion since 2008, but the companyhas a very long tradition of serv-ing the public.

Founded in 1970 in Bethel byConnie Farrell, the company nowhas two locations, in Georgetownand Eastgate, and employs threegenerations of the family.

In the early days, the business'sonly service was income taxpreparation. Then in 1983, Farrellmoved the business toGeorgetown and started offeringbookkeeping and accounting ser-vices in addition to tax prepara-tion.

Shortly thereafter, the companybegan offering payroll services.In 2008, Farrell Inc. expandedinto Clermont County with theopening of the Eastgate office."We took a big leap of faith,"Amy Farrell, Connie's daughter inlaw said. "But we had manyclients who lived in ClermontCounty, and this is a growingregion."

The company's Georgetownlocation is still the main office. Itis run by Connie Farrell's twosons, Troy and Matt Farrell, andher daughter Elaine Sams.Elaine's two daughters and sonalso work at the Georgetownoffice.

Amy Farrell, the manager ofthe Eastgate office, is married toTroy. Their son works at bothlocations. "We are a family-runbusiness, and we're very downto-earth," Farrell said. "We developa relationship with our clients andtreat them as friends and family."

Many companies that preparetaxes are only open from Januarythrough April, but Farrell Inc. is

open year-round for the conve-nience of its customers.

Farrell Inc. offers income taxpreparation and accounting ser-vices for individuals, partner-ships, and corporations. FarrellInc. also offers payroll services,and provides e-filing of taxreturns.

"If we prepare a tax return,there's no additional fee for e-fil-

ing," Farrell said. "I've beendoing this since it was done withpaper and pencil, and I like this alot better. This is much more effi-cient for our clients."

Farrell Inc. is located inEastgate at 978 Old St. Rt. 74,and in Georgetown at 205 W.State Street. For more informa-tion, call (513) 753-6757 or (937)378-6757.

AUTHORIZED IRS E-FILE PROVIDER

Call for an appointment today! Drop Off’s and Walk-Ins Welcome

978 OLD ST. RT. 74, BATAVIA, OH 45103513-753-6757

205 W. STATE ST., GEORGETOWN, OH 45121937-378-6757

TAX PREPARATIONPersonal * Business * Partnerships * Corporations

Celebrating 40 Years!Free Electronic Filing

Same Day Tax Preparations

Complete Payroll Services • Accounting Services

Farrell Inc. celebrates40 successful years


LOCAL PROGRESS

Williamsburg aproves zoningfor developmentsSenior apartments proposed








through the Housing Tax Creditprogram which provides incen-tives to private developers toplan and build decent, safe andsanitary housing for low to mod-erate income families andseniors. Funding is administeredby the Ohio Housing FinanceAgency and projects are awardedbased upon a competitive appli-cation process. Before applica-tion could be made, zoningchanges needed to be in affect.Although the project did notreceive approval in July 2009,Burgess assured council that theywould apply again in 2010.


The Ohio Archers Association will host the 2010 Indoor 300 StateChampionships at Batavia High School the first weekend of March.

"We are very excited for the opportunity to host our premier eventof the season in Clermont County this year. The location offers greatlighting, plenty of space for competitors and spectators alike, is easyto access from the highway, and is located within minutes of manyhotels and restaurants," said Jeremy Evans, OAA President andClermont County resident. Over 200 archers from across the state areexpected to compete.

For more information, visit the OAA web site atwww.ohioarchery.org.


Ohio Indoor Archery StateChampionship Moves to Batavia


For more than 30 years,Southern State CommunityCollege has been serving the

southern Ohio region. Duringthat time, the institution hasundergone phenomenal growth

with additions to its academicofferings, increases in its ser-vices to the students, increases in

workforce training initiatives,and expansion of its facilities.Southern State continues to

experience enrollment growthwhile holding the line on tuition.This winter, the college main-tained that trend with an unprece-dented enrollment increase ofnearly 35 percent. This level ofincrease, partnered with back-to-back years of record-settinggraduation numbers, demon-strates that more and more peo-ple are recognizing the value ofeducation.In the past year alone, SSCC

has welcomed a new president,added the Office of Advising andRetention Services, announcedplans to investigate the possibili-ty of establishing a SouthernState campus in Adams County,embarked on a plan to convertfrom quarters to semesters, andenrolled students in the newbachelor’s degree programs. Thecollege has made essentialadvancements in its mission to

provide accessible, affordable,high-quality education to the res-idents of its service area.

PERSONNELOn Jan. 1, 2010, Dr. Kevin S.

Boys took the helm as SouthernState Community College’s newpresident, following the resigna-tion of Dr. Sherry A. Stout whohas served Southern State sinceits founding in 1975, mostrecently as the college’s fourthpresident.A lifelong resident of the

Cincinnati area, Dr. Boys servedas superintendent of theLoveland City School District,as well as assistant superinten-dent, principal, assistant princi-pal and teacher within theSycamore Community SchoolDistrict.“I have spent my entire 31

years in education in a K-12 set-ting preparing students to go onto college,” said Dr. Boys. “So itseems like a natural progression

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Truly the economic recessionhas birthed some creativity,resourcefulness, and ingenuity.Like a family man who wentaround looking for trash piles torecycle and clean up because hewasn’t otherwise employed. Or aformer RV factory employee innorthern Indiana who began fab-ricating simple message signs ofwood like: Always kiss me good-night; and God bless our home.At last reports he couldn’t keepup with orders!Or a handcrafted furniture

store who began grilling meat forcarry out. That’s us!As a family enterprise, we’ve

begun scattering our eggs amongnumerous baskets and the resulthas been quite positive. Whenthe potato chip salesman told us,"a recession is good for the pota-to chip industry," we began look-ing at what goes into our mouthsand not only at the wooden tablewe place that food on.While our first love is still the

handcrafted, hardwood, superbquality, custom, Ohio made fur-niture; we are quickly embracinga second love. We have recentlyopened a small deli featuringcheeses and meats offered byWalnut Creek Foods of HolmesCounty, Ohio (Amish Country).Your choices range from roll but-ter to peppered bacon to Lebanonbologna to smoked baby swissand myriads of additionaloptions in between. Our eagerdeli workers are on hand to sliceand chip and chunk your choices.Another feature that was well

received last summer was that ofbarbequed baby back ribs andchicken. When this awesomewinter weather breaks we hope toonce again be offering ribs onFriday and chicken on Saturday.

Add to that our own salads, softserve ice cream and slices offreshly baked pie. Call or staytuned to our weekly newspaperads for the beginning date! (Oh,and fresh strawberry pie.)What used to be termed a

"weekend bakery" now offerspeanut butter pie all week, aselection of cookies, cremehorns, pumpkin bars, blackberryjam cake every day - because weknow that your sweet urges andspecial gatherings don’t alwayswait for Friday. Italian herb pizzacrusts are always available too,fresh or frozen. Until furthernotice, breads are usually on theshelf Thursday, Friday andSaturday. (And a little secret isthe decorated party cakes thatmay be forthcoming...Stay post-ed.)Our signature granola contin-

ues to draw repeat customers.Popcorn and local honey selec-tions are a close second. Jerky,candies, jams, relishes, noodlesand coffees are some other"country store" options you’llfind here.The poly wood furniture creat-

ed out of recycled milk and popbottles continues to be a growingfavorite among our clients.Watch this spring season forsome new colorful and delightfulcreations! The only thing you’llmiss is the repeated staining,painting and maintenance thatwood required.We sport a larger display of

outdoor buildings, sheds, cabinsand gazebos than ever before. Onsite building of storage sheds isthe latest addition to the optionswe offer.Like I said before, the quality


Gazebos& Mini Barns

Rent To Own!Built On Site!

Quality Handmade Furniture by

Amish Craf tsman

Bakery &Gif ts

AdirondackLawn Furniture

www.thehomeplacefurniture.com

The Home Place,more than justa furniture store



Students enjoy time between classes at Southern State Community College’s South Campus nearSardinia. continued on page 28

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BY Wayne BoblittThe Brown County Press

Brown County GeneralHospital in Georgetown embarkedon a “mission of survival” in2009, BCGH MarketingConsultant Lee Edwards reported,but the hospital’s business opera-tions remained stable with muchpositive news occurring.

Edwards said an end of yearanalysis of the hospital’s financialsituation in early 2009 determinedthe hospital, if it was to survive,must form a partnership to stabi-lize a financial crisis and keep thehospital operational.

At a special meeting held thispast Sept. 9, the Brown CountyRegional HealthCARE Board ofTrustees, which oversees BCGH,unanimously selected EssentHealthcare Inc. of Nashville,Tenn., to purchase BCRHC’soperations and assets includingthe hospital.

In a separate vote that followedthe trustees’ decision, the BrownCounty Board of Commissioners,who were meeting with thetrustees in a joint session atBCGH, voted unanimously toapprove the trustees’ choice.

Edwards went on to reportabout the hospital’s happenings in2009, “In spite of the pendingchange that loomed over the hos-pital during the year, hospitaloperations remained stable.

“New technology was broughtinto the hospital, new physiciansjoined the hospital’s medical staff,and new services began forenhancing the overall abilities ofour facility. It was business asusual with hope for a more securefuture.”

Technology News ReportedThe hospital acquired a state-

of-the-art magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI) device, a new dig-ital fluoroscopy room and anAquilion 16 Toshiba ComputedTomography Scanner in 2009.Edwards reported this service asthe first among the local area hos-pital Diagnostic ImagingDepartments to receive a three-year term of accreditation innuclear medicine by the AmericanCollege of Radiology.

“The hospital’s DiagnosticImaging Department has becomeone of the most state-of-the-art

equipped departments in the hos-pital,” Edwards stated.

She also reported DarleneFlannery, who had been thedepartment’s manager for severalyears, was promoted to its direc-tor.

Edwards said the hospital alsoimproved its TeleradiologyProgram, which has 15 physi-cians, with an upgrade to its pic-ture archiving and communicationsystems (PACS) allowing all radi-ologic images to be viewed fromlocations with access to the hospi-tal’s computer system.

Physicians Are Added“We were fortunate to add sev-

eral physicians to our medicalstaff this year (2009),” Edwardsstated.

They included:• Dr. John C. Mobley, general

surgeon and Bariatric Medicinespecialist located at Georgetown’sEast Surgical Group.

• Dr. Andrew Deak, a gastroen-terologist specialist, and Dr. AnnHeff, a dermatologist, both in theOutpatient Pavilion.

• BCGH’s newest hospitalists,Dr. Jinhong Xing and Dr. MazenH. Shaheen, Internal Medicine.

• Dr. Blake Nestok, whobecame medical director of theBCGH Laboratory.

• Dr. Jeff Dickerson, medicaldirector of Respiratory Therapyand the Sleep Lab Center.

• Radiologist Dr. Nathan Long,who became the medical directorof Diagnostic Imaging.

• Thomas E. Heffernan IV,M.D., who joined the RadiologyTeam in October.

• Muhammad K. Ahsan, M.D.,Internal Medicine/ Critical CareMedicine, who joined the medical

staff in August.• Honora H. Favorito, M.D.,

Pathology, who joined the medicalstaff in September.

• Dr. Tracy Sawyer-Nash, whobecame BCGH EmergencyDepartment medical director.

• Emergency Department med-ical staff additions Dr. JeffJablonski, Emergency Medicinephysician, and Emergency Roomphysicians William Angelos,M.D.; Michael J. Ward, M.D.;Caroline E. Eady, M.D.; AaronBender, M.D.; Syed A. Naqvi,M.D.; Christopher Willoughby,M.D.; James P. Cleary, D.O.;Orlando J. Encarnacion, M.D.;Bethany M. Kapp, M.D.; RachelE. Garvin, M.D.; and Bryan K.Stegman, M.D.

“In 2010 recruitment effortswill continue in the areas ofFamily Practice, InternalMedicine, Emergency Medicine,Obstetrics and Gynecology, andOrthopedic Surgery,” Edwardsstated.

New Services MentionedEdwards mentioned the hospital

was fortunate to add Mobley to itsmedical staff this past May.Mobley performs Lap-BandSurgery as a Bariatic Medicinespecialist, and that procedure untilnow was available at more costlyhospitals in larger cities.

That surgery is a valuable treat-ment for those whose weight iscreating serious health issues, andMobley can speak from personalexperience after having lost morethan 100 pounds by having thisprocedure himself. He donates histime each month to offer a freeLap-Band discussion to help peo-ple understand the procedure andwhat to expect.

A schedule of the days, timesand places for these seminars canbe found on the BCRHC Websiteat www.bcrhc.org under “Classesand Events”. Further informationis available at Mobley’s Office at(937) 378-7115.

Among other new servicesreported by Edwards:

• The Center for InterventionalPain Management continues to beone of hospital’s most successfulprograms. The Center in 2009

added vertebroplasty to its list ofpain management treatments.

Vertebroplasty, performed byDr. Magdalena Kerschner, theCenter’s director, is a procedure tocorrect spinal breaks, includingthose created through osteoporo-sis, which injects a substance intothe affected spinal area that hard-ens and corrects the pain createdby the break.

Edwards also reported an


Many positive things happen at Brown Co. Generalduring its ‘mission of survival’ yearTrustees approve buyer for BCGH, other BCRHC operations/assets

Air Evac Lifeteam's helicopter sits on the helipad at Brown CountyGeneral Hospital. A new building was constructed on the hospital'scampus for the administration of this new service.


Merchants National Bank hasbeen a part of Brown Countysince February 2006 when ouroffice opened at 370 N. HighStreet in Mt. Orab. In August of2009 Merchants acquired theCitizens Bank of Higginsportand now is pleased to be servingBrown County with three loca-tions.

Our Georgetown Office islocated at 120 S. Main Street andin Higginsport we are located at314 Washington Street. All threeare full service branches withloan officers in each location.

Established in 1879, theMerchants National Bank is anindependent institution builtupon a foundation of financialstrength and customer service.

MNB employees specialize inproviding exceptional service ona personal level. We are largeenough to provide financialproducts at competitive prices,yet small enough to know ourcustomers. We are BrownCounty’s “Real CommunityBank with REAL CustomerService.”

“Real Community Bank”

MERCHANT’SNATIONAL BANK

370 N. High St., Mt. Orab, OH

937-444-1441314 Washington St., Higginsport, OH

937-375-4242120 S. Main St., Georgetown, OH

937-378-26032033 Hospital Dr., Batavia, OH

513-735-1000www.merchantsnat.comMember

We use that money to improve the quality ofliving right here.

Like you, we’re concerned about our schools,local taxes, and employment.

Our future, like your own, is right here.

That’s just one more reason whyit makes good sense to put your money to work

right at home with the

Your Money

Works Harder...

Right here at your local

Merchants NationalBank is growingwith Brown County!!!

USA made furniture in our show-room is still our first love andwhile adding the food items inour store we have not diminishedour inventory of furniture. Wehave some new styles, designsand creations on our floorbecause the craftsmen are alwayscoming up with something newand when we go to their showswe bring it back so you can enjoyit too.

But as most of you know, whatwe have on our floor is just amini representation of what youcan have on yours. Ask about atable and we can show you pic-tures of 50 different ones we canhave special ordered for you. Inthis world of mass productionand huge manufacturing com-plexes, please allow us to takeyou back to the dad who workswith his sons, drawing, design-ing, planing, sawing, sanding

and finishing with only supremeproducts and craftsmanship,building each piece FOR YOU.Veneers, composite wood, card-board boxes, assembly requiredare not in our vocabulary here.

We offer quality Ohio madebed mattresses that come with afirm warranty. We’ll even cus-tom size those if you need onefor an antique bed or your RV.Something new: quick ship TVstands that will not require youto wait two months. Oh yes, andthe electric stove and solid woodmantles are here now too.

Stop by and help us figure outwhether we’re about furniture orfood. While you experience theglider rocker, you get to samplethe ride, coffee, cookies, and thedaily paper. There’s a chanceyour neighbor just happened bytoo for the same reason. All atThe Home Place.

The Home Place,more than justa furniture storecontinued from page 29


What do you do when youreceive notice that the plant youare working for is closing?Melvin and Rhonda Roysterwere both employees of the FordTransmission Plant in Batavia atthe time the plant announced itsclosing.

"Melvin had always wanted toopen a restaurant," said RhondaRoyster. "He was the plant man-ager at the Ford Plant in Bataviaand when they announced theclosing of the plant he beganattending motivational training."

He told his wife that what helearned at the meetings was ifyou wake up with a "Woe Is Me"attitude, you have set the tonefor the day.

"He was determined to get upwith a positive attitude each dayand realize that God was tryingto teach him something," saidRhonda Royster. "WheneverMelvin would go to a meeting hewould tell all those in attendancethat he hoped it wasn't going tobe another 'Woe Is Me' meetingor he would have to leave."

The couple met while workingat the plant and had worked side-by-side to prepare food for bigcompany dinners.

"We had worked togethercooking for large crowds whileat the plant," said RhondaRoyster. "We both come fromlarge farm families and both ofus had experience cooking forbig crowds. We both enjoy cook-ing and we have a big garden.We are just old fashioned people.We both helped our grandparentscook for big crowds when wewere planting or harvesting

crops. Cooking in a restaurant isnot a lot different than cookingfor a large group of family mem-bers."

Melvin Royster had many ofthe people from the plant requesthis famous barbequesauce and they toldhim he should have itbottled and call it WoeIs Me sauce.According to RhondaRoyster, "Melvinguards the recipe anddidn't even tell me therecipe until we weremarried for a year."

"When we lost ourjobs at the Ford plant,we looked at the econ-omy, what we hadsaved and decided topurchase a concessionstand," said RhondaRoyster. "We were ableto purchase it withoutgoing into debt. Whenwe were searching fora name, Melvin saidwe should call ourbusiness Woe Is Me. Ididn't like that name,but it seemed to fit andI eventually gave in."

They bought the concessionstand in April 2009 and spent thenext few months trying to getbooked into festivals and fairs inthe area.

"It is very expensive to set upat fairs and festivals and some ofthem limit the number of specif-ic vendors," she said. "We endedup setting up our concession atFindlay Market in Cincinnati inJune and were set up there

throughout the summer. We gen-erated a lot of business there andmade some long-standing cus-tomers."

When the weather turned coldand rainy, their business dropped

off and they began to look atother options.

Rhonda Royster noticed theempty storefront at Kennedy'sLanding and inquired about thespace. The landlord gave thempermission to set up their con-cession in the parking lot to seehow business would be beforesigning a lease.

"Everyday since we haveopened on Oct. 31 our business

has grown exponentially," saidRhonda Royster.

The couple offer Carolinastyle barbecue meats and tradi-tional side dishes right down tothe sweet tea and sweet potato

pie."All of our food is

made from scratchusing fresh ingredi-ents and lots of love,just the way ourgrandmothers madeit," said RhondaRoyster. "To start abusiness like this,you have to have alove of cooking,have lots of patienceand be tolerant ofpeople. Melvin and Igrew up eating threehealthy, hearty mealsa day. This is thetype of food that wegrew up on and wemake everythingfrom scratch. Weoffer reasonableprices and large por-tions."

The restaurant iscurrently decoratedwith a Thanksgiving

theme and Rhonda Royster saysshe loves to decorate for the dif-ferent holidays. The shelves thatadorn the walls of the restaurantwere made by her father from anold barn on the farm owned byher grandfather.

"We will have a gift shopeventually with lots of hand-made items and puzzles," shesaid.

"We will probably have Santa

stop in here sometime inDecember," she said. "We havecoupons for specials and willcontinue with our concessions."

They currently have four part-time employees to help with thebusiness but hope that as busi-ness picks up they can hire moreemployees.

The restaurant is kid friendlywith old fashioned games avail-able for the kids and a table justthe right size for kids. There is ajigsaw puzzle in progress in thecorner and an empty chair by thefront door has a pair of slippersjust waiting for grandpa to comein, sit down and kick off hiswork boots.

"That chair is there becausemy grandfather always had achair like that by the door," shesaid. "He would sit down andtake his work boots off. I set itup in remembrance of him."

In the future, they will beadding cable TV making therestaurant WiFi compatible andare in the process of getting apermit to sell beer.

Rhonda is a native ofDunnville, Ky. and Melvin is anative of Oxford, N.C. Therestaurant is open 11 a.m. - 8p.m. Monday through Friday and11 a.m. - 10 p.m. on Saturday.They are closed on Sunday. Theyare located in the Shoppes ofKennedy's Landing on Glen EsteWithamsville Road.

For more information call(513) 260-7041 or visit their website at www.woeismefood.com.

Photos courtesy of Woe Is Me website

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Former Ford employees open 'Woe is Me' in EastgateClosing of transmission plant creates opportunity for couple

By Wayne BoblittThe Brown County Press

Mercy Medical Center Mt.Orab at 154 Health PartnersCircle, Mt. Orab, is owned byMercy Health Partners ofCincinnati and may be reachedat (937) 444-4000.

The Grand Opening of thatnew MHP building was heldJuly 30, 2009, with the facility atBrooks-Malott Road and StateRoute 32 being open to patientson Aug. 1, 2009.

The facility is closely associ-ated with Mercy HospitalClermont in nearby Batavia. Atthe Ribbon Cutting Ceremonyheld this past July 30 at the facil-ity, MHC President/ChiefExecutive Officer GayleHeintzelman opened the pro-gram by saying, “It is with greatpleasure I welcome you to thenewest member of our Mercyfamily – Mercy Medical CenterMt. Orab.”

Mercy Medical Center offersemergency care 24 hours perday, seven days per week. It alsooffers an Outpatient Imagingand Diagnostic Center includingComputed Tomography (CAT)scans, electrocardiograms(EKG), X-rays, blood draws andlaboratory services.

The new Medical Center’semergency care services appar-ently have been used a lot in theseven-plus months since itsopening this past summer.Medical Center Nurse ManagerAngie Gilkerson, R.N., said thestaff has seen a lot of high acuitypatients such as those withstrokes and heart attacks.

“We are seeing a lot morepatients than expected, andthings are going really well outhere,” Gilkerson said in a March4 interview.

In an interview this past sum-mer, Gilkerson said the facilitytruly was amazing with eightEmergency Room beds, aNurses’ Station, a waiting room,and full imaging and diagnosticservices.

In her March 4 interview,Gilkerson said the staff has had alot of successes in treatingpatients with medical emergen-cies and mentioned there were awide variety of medical emer-

gencies that have been treated.In an interview that same day,

Patty Tomley, Mercy HealthPartners East Side director ofBusiness Development, com-mented about Mercy MedicalCenter Mt. Orab, “We’ve reallybeen excited about it and happyabout how much it is beingused.”

Tomley said the new facilitymade staff adjustments (addedmore people) to cover the vol-ume of patients that ended upcoming there for services. “Itreally makes us feel good know-ing there was a need for the ser-vice and we are able to fulfillthat need.”

Fred Hansen, who served as aMt. Orab Village Council mem-ber last year, said at the councilmeeting on Aug. 11, 2009, only10 days after the Medical Centerhad opened, he had beeninformed by a employee of thatfacility an additional nurse hadto be hired there because thefacility’s workload had gotten tobe so great.

The new facility encompassesmore than 10,000 square feet,according to MHP, and includesa heliport where helicopterambulances may land and takeoff. It is a facility aimed at sav-ing patients’ lives and stabilizingthem before sending them off toother facilities, including MHC,for longer stays and is not meantto be a facility where patientsstay overnight.

One of the most positiveresults of the Mt. Orab facility ishow it has helped the Mt. OrabLife Squad in its turnaround

time in transporting emergencypatients. Mt.Orab Mayor BruceLunsford reported that news atthe Mt. Orab Village Council’sAug. 11 meeting.

Turnaround time refers to howlong it takes for an ambulance todeliver an injured or seriously illperson to a hospital or othermedical facility for treatmentand then go to pick up anotherinjured or sick person needingtransportation to a medical facil-ity.

At last summer’s RibbonCutting Ceremony, Lunsfordmentioned about how five or sixyears previously, he had talkedwith Mt. Orab Fire Chief Lisa

Reeves, who also oversees theLife Squad in that village.Reeves reportedly mentionedhow the Life Squad was makingso many runs to a lot of hospi-tals, it was needing a secondshift of personnel.

The mayor added that had got-ten him to thinking about howMt. Orab needed its ownEmergency Room, and he metwith several health providersfrom the Cincinnati Area aboutpossibly obtaining such a facili-ty for Mt. Orab. Those inquirieseventually resulted in the newMercy Medical Center.

“Catholic Health Services andthe Mercy System stepped up to

the plate and did what wethought was needed,” Lunsfordtold the estimated 250 to 300people at the Ribbon CuttingCeremony.

He said the Mt. Orab VillageCouncil, the Mt. Orab PortAuthority and the Mt. OrabBoard of Public Affairs had allbeen involved in bringing thenew medical facility to Mt.Orab.

The Mt. Orab mayor addedMercy Medical Center Mt. Orab“will mean the quality of life forpeople in this area will be somuch better”.

Mercy Medical Center provento be much needed asset in Mt. Orab Area


The new Mercy Medical Center Mt. Orab, which opened Aug. 1, 2009, at Brooks-Malott Road and State Route 32 (the AppalachianHighway) in Mt. Orab, offers emergency care 24 hours per day, seven days per week.


The north side of the new Mercy Medical Center Mt. Orab, including its Emergency sign, is shown hereas it faces northward toward State Route 32 (the Appalachian Highway) shortly after the buildingopened for business in August 2009 in Mt. Orab.

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www.woeismefood.comEastgate

Glen Este-Withamsville Rd. & St. Rt. 32

513-843-6570



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