Live, Laugh And Love ... Cancer Puts Life's Challenges In Proper Perspective...

By Jeff Kirby, May 19, 2011...I’m healthy, for the most part, and yet I have cancer, too. My cancer doesn’t rip away at my body, the way it does an actual cancer patient. Instead, my cancer rips away at my soul.

I have a cancer that’s called impatience, because I want everyone to act in a way that pleases me.

I have a cancer that’s called greed, because I want way too many things that really don’t mean anything.

I have a cancer that’s called worry, because I want to be in control of everything that happens in life.

I have a cancer that’s called spoiled, because I have far more than I ever really deserve and yet don’t fully appreciate it.

It’s sort of disgusting, if you think about it. I have the one thing an actual cancer patient desperately prays for – physical health – and yet I let all these emotional cancers impede the very life they would love to have.

I’ll be reminded of all that as I take part in the annual Relay For Life this weekend at Springboro’s North Park (beginning 2 p.m. Saturday and concluding the next morning).

I’ll be surrounded by people who have dealt with real cancer of some or another. Some of them have looked death in the eye and beat it. Others have buried loved ones and learned, amazingly, to accept it.

But all of them share a perspective that the rest of the world (especially me) needs to embrace -- that there’s no need in sweating the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff.

If I can live, laugh and love, and do all of it without suffering from the extreme nausea of chemotherapy, that’s a pretty good day, isn’t it?

Life is good, despite whatever troubles I may encounter.

There may be times I get frustrated with my job, but at least I have one to go to.

I may hate it when something gets broken around my house, but at least I have one to live in.

I may not like it when my hair starts thinning and I gain a few pounds –

Um, let’s not go there.

Put it this way: Do you ever want to hear a rich person whine about anything? Do you want to hear a guy who shoots 75 (a really good golf score) complain about his game? How about listening to a skinny person complain because they’ve gained a couple of pounds?

I think life is all about perspective. There’s no way everything will be perfect. And there’s no way we can avoid death. Whether you believe this life is all there is, or whether you believe it’s merely the prelude to something much, much bigger, there’s nothing to be gained by constantly complaining about it.

We can focus on what’s all right with the world as much as we focus on what’s wrong with it.

Do that and we can share in what the cancer survivor already knows – there is beauty everywhere, in people and the world around us.

A sunset is a Rembrandt.

A smiling baby is a wonder to behold.

The laughter among friends, the tune of an excellent song, and the gentle whisper of the wind on a sunny day, these are all life’s treasures.

There is reason to smile, even on a cloudy day.

Cancer can take your body. But it doesn’t have to take your life

The Springboro Voice
Springboro, Ohio 45066
Operated by TheVoiceofMiamiValley.com
Serving CarlisleDaily.com, TheFranklinVoice.com, and TheSpringboroVoice.com The articles and posts on this site do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the management and owner of The Voice of Miami Valley. Letters and Guests are welcome to submit to The Voice and all other sites managed by The Voice of Miami Valley. All submissions must be published with signatures. No unsigned submissions will be published. Submissions should be emailed to owner@thevoiceofmiamivalley.com Thank you for your readership!

5:23 AM | Posted in LATEST SPRINGBORO NEWS, Relay for Life, Social Life | Read More »

Special "10 for 10" memberships available at Sam's Club

Image via Wikipedia
This week, May 16 through May 21, is National Small Business Week and Sam's Clubs are celebrating by offering a special "10 For 10" summer membership. For a period of ten weeks, new members will only have to pay $1.00 per week for the length of this special club membership. This special comes at a perfect time of the year, as we are about to kick off the unofficial start to summer in less than two weeks. Families can enjoy savings up to 30%* off of their normal grocery bill and small businesses can increase their summer profits by taking advantage of this offer.

This offer is valid through June 5th, 2011 and is open to new members only. It is not available to Sam's Club or WalMart employees. Members must meet certain qualifications, which are available at the service desk of your nearest location, and be over the age of 18. Offer is not valid on new memberships purchased through the Sam's Club website. Locally, Sam's locations can be found at 1111 Miamisburg Centerville Road in Dayton, 800 Kemper Common Circle in Cincinnati and 9570 Fields Ertel Road in Loveland.

*Based on estimated annualized savings on items Members purchased in select categories derived from a survey conducted in 30 US markets between 10/3/10 and 11/20/10 comparing our regular unit prices to regular and shelf visible sale and loyalty discount unit prices of selected non-Club competitors, including, but not limited to, grocery stores and mass retailers but excluding Walmart®. Local savings for individual customers vary.

The Springboro Voice
Springboro, Ohio 45066
Operated by TheVoiceofMiamiValley.com
Serving CarlisleDaily.com, TheFranklinVoice.com, and TheSpringboroVoice.com The articles and posts on this site do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the management and owner of The Voice of Miami Valley. Letters and Guests are welcome to submit to The Voice and all other sites managed by The Voice of Miami Valley. All submissions must be published with signatures. No unsigned submissions will be published. Submissions should be emailed to owner@thevoiceofmiamivalley.com Thank you for your readership!

8:41 AM | Posted in Aimee Thomes Plesa, AREA BUSINESS, Budget shopping, National Small Business Week, Sams Club, Shopping in Springboro | Read More »

Bargain shopping at Cub May 16-22

It's easy to overlook Cub, located at 8245 Springboro Pike near the Dayton Mall. With all of the other grocery chains around, they seem to get lost in the shuffle. Give this store another try and enjoy the following bargain buys:

PRODUCE

Musk melons 2/$4.00
Fresh Express salads 3/$5.00

MEAT/DELI

Split chicken breasts (bone in) 99 cents/lb
Hillshire Farms smoked sausage 2/$6.00

BOXED/BOTTLED/CANNED

Montgomery Inn bbq sauce 99 cents
Bisquick Shake N Pour 10/$10.00
Creamette pasta 10/$10.00
Pasta/Rice A Roni 10/$10.00
Kellogg's Rice Krispies, Cocoa Krispies, Raisin Bran, Corn Flakes, Smacks 2/$5.00 (save $1.00/2 Mini Wheats or Raisin Bran with the coupon from the May 15 Red Plum insert OR $1.00/3 Kellogg's cereals from the same insert OR save 70 cents, doubled to $1.00 on Raisin Bran OR save $1.00/2 Krispies cereals with printable coupons found here)
Mrs Dash seasonings 2/$5.00 (save 50 cents, doubled to $1.00 OR save $1.00/2 with the coupons from the May 8 Smart Source insert)
Pop Tarts 3/$5.00 (save $1.00/3 with the coupon from the May 15 Red Plum insert)
Vlasic relish 10/$10.00 (save 55 cents, doubled to $1.00 with this printable coupon)
KC Masterpiece bbq sauce 2/$3.00 (save $1.00 with the coupon available in the May 15 Smart Source insert)
Flavorite marshmallows 88 cents

FROZEN

Velvet ice cream $2.99 (save 75 cents, doubled to $1.00, with this printable coupon OR save 35 cents, doubled to 70 OR save $1.00/2 with the coupons from the May 15 Smart Source insert)
Store brand frozen veggies 10/$10.00
Freschetta pizzas $4.99 (save $1.00 with this printable coupon)
Red Baron pizzas $4.99

DRINKS

Faygo 12 packs 4/$9.00
Powerade 69 cents
Coke 2 liters 10/$10.00

HOUSEHOLD

Arm and Hammer laundry detergent $1.99 (save $1.00/2 with this printable coupon)

6:59 PM | Posted in Aimee Thomes Plesa, AREA BUSINESS, Budget shopping, Coupons, Cub Foods, Grocery shopping, Shopping in Springboro | Read More »

Here Comes the Sun - Maybe...

Image by Morgacito via Flickr

Contributed by Karen Kelly, Bleached Blonde Mind

Plants and flowers thrive on it. Superman derives his power from it. And the Midwest seems to have forgotten what it actually looks like. I’m speaking of course, about the sun. And, since we’ve not seen it for the past two-thousand or so days (ok, yes, I tend to exaggerate), we are “done tuckered out.” The ark is taking up way too much room in our garage. My umbrella is a fixture in my purse. And my arms are getting tired from paddling to work.

I’ve been told that people from Seattle call in sick when the sun shines, so they can enjoy the big yellow ball in the sky, since the event rarely occurs. It makes total sense that a family of vampires would live in that area. But in this area, by springtime, we are supposed to be able to rejuvenate our senses and rejoice in the end of a long, cold and dreary winter by playing in the sunshine.

Except we really haven’t had much lately, to speak of. And when we do, I would not blame anyone that lives here to “pull a Seattle”. Even the dogs are laying near the bright lamps, trying to pretend they are basking in the sunshine.

There are pluses, of course. I’ve saved on sunscreen. I’ve not had the desire to go swimsuit shopping (trust me, this is a huge plus), my fern and moss are growing by leaps and bounds, and our lawn looks like a PGA golf course.

Then there are the downsides: my deck appears to have a green hue – and will have to be power washed of the mildew first chance we can get; the birds have decided our cedar house is a much more attractive and warm place to build a nest than the cold trees in the woods behind the house; my off white carpet now has a new pattern – it’s called “paws of all sizes”; my wardrobe is being shuffled back and forth between the “winter clothes closet” and the “summer clothes closet”; and we have to use a giant umbrella to BBQ outside.

Short of feeling like I’m beginning to channel Edward and his clan, I’ve decided there is nothing more to do than embrace the wetness and shout praises when the sun, once again, finally decides to shine. So, let’s do the positive thinking thing. You ready? All together, let’s sing the song that Paul, George and John wrote – during their apparent stay during a very long spring in the Midwest:

Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right.*

*Written by John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison.

6:33 PM | Posted in Bleached Blonde Mind, Karen Kelly, Opinion, Social Life, Springboro Ohio, sunlight, the sun | Read More »

Bargain shopping at Drug Mart May 15-21

Image via Wikipedia Discount Drug Mart, located at 240 West Central Avenue, may not be an obvious choice for budget shopping, but there shelves are stocked with some great buys. This week you can get the following deals:

FOOD

Eckrich franks 99 cents
Eckrich beef or cheese franks $2.99
Eckrich smoked sausage, kielbasa, jalapeno cheddar sausage and sausage links $2.99 (save 55 cents with the coupon from the May 15 Smart Source insert)
Store brand hamburger and hot dog buns 99 cents
Bob Evans roll sausage $2.99 (save $1.00/2 with this printable coupon)
Stouffer's French bread pizza 4/$10.00
Johnsonville cooked brats 3/$7.99

DRINK

Pepsi 2 liters 10/$10.00
Sobe LifeWater 10/$10.00

CANDY/GUM/MINTS

Stride gum 3/$2.00 (save $1.00/2 with the printable coupon available on SmartSource.com)
Hershey candy 8 packs 5/$5.00

HEALTH/BEAUTY

Band Aid products 2/$3.00 (save $1.50 on both when purchased with Neosporin with the coupon from the May 15 Red Plum insert)
Neosporin $3.99 (save $1.50 on both when purchased with Band Aids with the coupon from the May 15 Red Plum insert)
Claritin 10 count, Reditab 10 count, Children's 10 count or 4 ounce liquid $8.00 (save $1.00 with the coupon from the May 1 or May 15 Smart Source insert)
Kotex U, various products $2.99 (save $1.00 on pads, tampons or liners with the coupons from the April 17 Smart Source insert or with this printable coupon)

4:57 PM | Posted in Aimee Thomes Plesa, AREA BUSINESS, Budget shopping, Coupons, Drug Mart, Grocery shopping, Shopping in Springboro | Read More »

Want to make some Black Bean "Hummus"?

Image via CrunchBase

Black Bean 'Hummus'

Hummus goes South of the Border! I spread this on bread or tortillas withvegetables for a quick sandwich, I dip carrots and celery into it, and I eat it with tortilla chipsfor a snack.

INGREDIENTS
3 1/2 cups black beans
1 small onion, diced
1/2 green pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 T ground cumin
1 1/2 t olive oil
2 T chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 c vegetable broth

DIRECTIONS
Drain and rinse black beans if using canned.
Place olive oil in skillet set over medium-high heat. Add onions, peppers, and garlic and saute about three minutes, until vegetables are fragrant and starting to brown slightly. Add cumin, stir well, reduce heat to medium and cook another two minutes.
Place beans in food processor and pulse seveal times. Add vegetable mixture and pulse a few more times. Add vegetable broth in small batches to thin the dip to the desired consistency. Garlish with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately or store in refrigerator for up to 10 days.

Makes eight 1/2-cup servings!

Number of Servings: 8

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user SP_STEPF.

2:21 PM | Posted in Black Bean, Diet and Nutrition, HEALTH AND WELLNESS, Hummus, Social Life | Read More »

Bargain shopping at Kroger May 16-22

Image via WikipediaLooking for a bargain? Stop by the Springboro Kroger, located at 725 West Central Avenue, and take advantage of these great deals:

PRODUCE

Vidalia onions 49 cents/lb
Whole pineapple $1.99
Blueberries 2/$5.00
Sweet corn 4/$1.00
Idaho potatoes $1.99/5 lbs

MEAT/DELI

Kroger brand chicken drumsticks or thighs 88 cents/lb
Oscar Mayer bologna 97 cents

BOTTLE/BOXED/CANNED

Sweet Baby Ray's bbq sauce buy 1 get 1 free
Ritz Crackerfuls $2.99 (save $1.50 with the coupon from the April 17 Smart Source insert OR save 75 cents, doubled to $1.00, when you like Ritz Crackers on Facebook)
Newton Cookies $2.99 (save $1.00 with the coupon from the May 8 Smart Source insert)
Kroger salad dressing 4/$5.00
Lawry's marinades $1.49 (save 50 cents, doubled to $1.00, with the coupon from the May 15 Red Plum insert)
French's mustard-yellow or spicy brown $1.49 (save 30 cents on the yellow mustard, doubled to 60, with the coupon from the May 15 Smart Source insert OR save 75 cents, doubled to $1.00 on the spicy brown with the coupon from the same insert)
Duncan Hines cake mix 4/$5.00
Kroger pasta 10/$10.00

FROZEN

Tyson chicken nuggets $3.99**
El Monterey Snacks $3.99** (save $1.00 with the coupon from the May 1 Smart Source insert)
Aunt Jemima frozen breakfast items $1.38**
DiGiorno pizza $4.99**
DiGiorno pizza n cookies, pizza n wings, pizza n breadsticks $5.49 (save $1.25 with the coupon from the April 17 Red Plum insert)
California Pizza Kitchen pizza $4.99**
Green Giant vegetables 99 cents** (save 60 cents/3 with the e-coupon available on the Kroger website)

REFRIGERATED

Kraft singles $1.79 (save $1.00 with this printable coupon)
Kroger cheese, select varieties $1.79
Pillsbury Grands biscuits 10/$10.00 (save $1.00/2 with the e-coupon available on the Kroger website OR )
Dannon Greek yogurt 10/$10.00 (save 50 cents, doubled to $1.00, with the coupon from the April 17 Smart Source insert)

DRINKS

Coke, Pepsi and 7Up products 3 (12 packs)/$9.00
Powerade/Powerade Zero 69 cents
Pepsi 2 liters buy 4 get 2 free
Tropicana Trop 50 or orange juice $2.99 (save 50 cents, doubled to $1.00, with the printable coupon available on coupons.com, click on beverages then select the right product)

HEALTH/BEAUTY

Dial soap 10/$10.00
Coast soap 10/$10.00
Colgate toothpaste, select varieties 88 cents (save 75 cents, doubled to FREE, with the coupon from the May 1 Smart Source)
Benefiber buy 1 get 1 free (save $3.00 with this printable coupon OR save $1.00 with the e-coupon available on the Kroger website)
Suave products, select items $1.67

HOUSEHOLD

Arm and Hammer laundry detergent $3.99 (save $1.00/2 with this printable coupon)
Wisk laundry detergent $3.99 (save $2.00 with the coupon from the May 15 Red Plum insert)
Every Day Living light bulbs 10/$10.00

PETS

Friskies canned cat food 10/$4.50 (save $1.00/10 with the e-coupon available on the Kroger website)
Fancy Feast cat food 10/$6.00

**when you purchase 10 or more qualifying products from the Mega 10 Event. Purchase 10 or more items and save 50 cents off of each when you use your Kroger Plus card.

The Springboro Voice
Springboro, Ohio 45066
Operated by TheVoiceofMiamiValley.com
Serving CarlisleDaily.com, TheFranklinVoice.com, and TheSpringboroVoice.com The articles and posts on this site do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the management and owner of The Voice of Miami Valley. Letters and Guests are welcome to submit to The Voice and all other sites managed by The Voice of Miami Valley. All submissions must be published with signatures. No unsigned submissions will be published. Submissions should be emailed to owner@thevoiceofmiamivalley.com Thank you for your readership!

1:59 PM | Posted in Aimee Thomes Plesa, AREA BUSINESS, Budget shopping, Coupons, Grocery shopping, Kroger, Shopping in Springboro | Read More »

Play Ball! Scenes from Opening Day 2011

Opening Day ceremonies for the Springboro Clearcreek Baseball Association were barely squeezed in before the rain set in. Thus has been the story for much of the SCBA's season this year. Approximately 1/3 of the scheduled games have been cancelled due to rain. Fortunately, the rain hasn't dampened the spirits of the children playing baseball in our fair city this year. We at the Springboro Voice hope you enjoy the scenes from Opening Day 2011.

9:02 AM | Posted in Aimee Thomes Plesa, Baseball, Opening Day, SCBA, Slideshow, Softball, SPRINGBORO SPORT NEWS | Read More »

1st Webcam Post from the owner of The Voice of Miami Valley sites...

I hate to type in all these articles so I am going new age on you! Today, I am publishing my first ever Webcam post. It is introducing myself, the passion for the sites, navigation on the sites, and how you can help! I know, I know it's long. Cut me a break it is my first one. I have been putting this off since last week because I was not sure if I wanted to go this direction. So I had a lot on my mind. Anyhow, I will continue to utilize technology and bring "Webcam Posts (or Rants) from the Owner" as often as possible. And I promise I will keep them shorter. The next will be on the topic of "Citizen Journalism" and then "Sponsorships". And who knows if I get to actually liking this maybe some of my opinions and rants about what is going on around town! ENJOY, you are apart of history here!

The Springboro Voice
Springboro, Ohio 45066
Operated by TheVoiceofMiamiValley.com
Serving CarlisleDaily.com, TheFranklinVoice.com, and TheSpringboroVoice.com The articles and posts on this site do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the management and owner of The Voice of Miami Valley. Letters and Guests are welcome to submit to The Voice and all other sites managed by The Voice of Miami Valley. All submissions must be published with signatures. No unsigned submissions will be published. Submissions should be emailed to owner@thevoiceofmiamivalley.com Thank you for your readership!

9:08 PM | Posted in Citizen JournalismSocial Lifethe voice of miami valleySpringboro OhioLATEST SPRINGBORO NEWSOhio the voice | Read More »

2nd Annual "Spike Out Blood Cancer" Tournament & Beatles Tribute Concert

Time	Monday, May 30 · 9:00am - 6:00pm

Location	JD Legends 65 Mallard Drive Franklin, OH

Created By	Help Steve VanGorder Fight for a Cure, Maha Kashani, MIchael HumphreyShow all (5)

More Info	REGISTRATION IS LIVE!! The 2nd Annual Memorial Day "Spike Out Blood Cancer" Sand Volleyball Tournament benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society promises to be a rockin' way to spend your Memorial day! This year's event is in memory of K99.1 Radio Personality Steve Kerrigan. REGISTER NOW!! http://jdlegends.com/spike_out_oh.html Don't play volleyball? Purchase your ticket for the special Beatles Tribute concert by Ticket to Ride for a $10 donation and join the party!! Join Steve's Fight for a Cure by putting together your team: ❧ 6 x 6 Coed Tournament ❧ Round Robin format followed by Single Elimination playoff ❧ Minimum of 2 female players on the court at all times. ❧ Space limited to 30 teams ❧ $200/TEAM of up to 8 players SCHEDULE: 9A Registration 10A Round Robin kickoff 12:30P Break, create brackets 1P Ticket to Ride Concert 1:15P Single elimination tournament begins 4P Raffle Prizes 5:30P Conclude tournament 6P Announcing raffle winner for a BRAND NEW CAMARO!!! $1000 CASH PRIZE FOR THE WINNER! ❧ Prize awarded for best dressed team The Grand Raffle for a BRAND NEW CAMARO will take place at the end of the tournament. You can purchase tickets all the way up until the drawing at 6p on Monday May 30th. $30/1 ticket $50/2 tickets $100/5 tickets SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!!! "Ace" Sponsor: ❧ 1 Team ❧ 10 Tickets for Ticket to Ride concert ❧ Name/logo on Tournament t-shirts ❧ Sponsor provided Banner displayed at the Event ❧ Recognition on Tournament promotions/materials ❧ Primary recognition throughout Tournament day --- $400 --- "Spike" Sponsor: ❧ 1 Team ❧ 3 tickets for Ticket to Ride concert ❧ Name/logo on Tournament t-shirts ❧ Recognition on Tournament promotions/materials ❧ Recognition throughout Tournament day --- $300 --- "Set" Sponsor: ❧ 10 Tickets for Ticket to Ride concert ❧ Name/logo on Tournament t-shirts ❧ Recognition on Tournament promotions/materials ❧ Recognition throughout Tournament Day --- $200 --- In-kind Sponsor (gift certificates, goods, tickets, etc): ❧ Recognition on Tournament promotions/materials ❧ Recognition on Tournament day Register here: http://jdlegends.com/spike_out_oh.html

7:58 PM | Posted in Social LifeMemorial DayLeukemia Lymphoma Societyblood cancerbeatlesConcertSand Volleyballfranklin ohio jd legends | Read More »

I’d Call It a Miracle...

In Warren County-and across our nation-a favorite spring and summer pastime is baseball. For disabled children, the simple dream of running bases, swinging a bat and the friendships forged from teamwork was just that-a dream. That began to change in 1997. In Conyers, Georgia, a baseball coach asked a disabled child to join in and play baseball with his brother and other children. Since then, this “miracle” has quickly grown.

The most pressing issue concerning all involved was the safety of the players. This was successfully addressed by Dean Alford when he and the Rotary Clubs of Rockdale County and Conyers officially formed the Rotary Miracle League Fund, a 501 (c)3 organization. In December of 1999 ground was broken on the first field. Miracle League fields feature level playing surfaces made from a cushioned rubber, dugouts, concessions and restrooms that are accessible to all. By opening day in 2000, they had 120 players in uniform and sponsored byMajor League Baseball teams.

Since the idea of children with disabilities playing ball was a new one, the following rules were put in place:

1. Every player bats every inning

2. There are no outs, everyone is safe

3. Everyone scores and the last batter of the side automatically gets a home run

4. Community children team up as buddies and help the players with batting, base running and providing support.

5. Best of all-everyone wins every time!

Last spring, in front of the Springboro Jr. High, our local field had its opening day. Sponsors included Warren County Developmental Services, Coffman YMCA, Dayton Children’s Hospital and many more. The goals of the Warren County Greater Dayton Miracle League are simple: everyone plays no matter the age or disability and to increase social skills and self esteem all while promoting community support. The Cincinnati Reds are our MLB sponsor and there are many family members and friends at every game cheering all players on as well. Each person that is involved in Miracle League is in it for the love of the players, for the service to others, and the multiple smiles received when each player is on the field. Last year, the league provided both spring and fall games on Saturdays. Thursday games were added for this season and they have worked out well considering all the rain we have had! The spring season ends May 26. Remaining games are scheduled to be played on the 14^th, 21^st and 26^th; rain dates are on the 12^th and 19^th.All Springboro citizens are welcome to come and check the ball players at their best! To quote the Miracle League, “If I were to tell you about an organized youth baseball league, you might call it ordinary. If I were to tell you that the athletes are physically and mentally challenged, you might call it touching. If you were to see them play you would call it a Miracle.”

Today, the Miracle League has over 200,000 players across America as well as in Puerto Rico, Canada and Australia! The league has been covered by all facets of the media. Locally, you can learn more here. If you have questions or want to know more either call the Coffman YMCA at 937-886-9622 or check the Warren County Greater Dayton Miracle League websiteor their Facebook page. For more information about the Miracle League as a whole, please visit their website or Facebook page.

Contributed by: Heather Bryant

7:50 PM | Posted in Baseball, City of Springboro, Coffman YMCA, Miracle League, Social Life | Read More »

Sloan featured on NASCAR blog...

May 14, 2010

What an exciting weekend of racing at both tracks, Friday we unloaded the Rebel 105.9 late model at Kil-Kare Speedway to find out that they were going to shorten the race program to just a feature race.   The incoming rain was a real threat.   We had a good first practice and at that time we were the fastest car there thanks to the Estes racing fuel.    We also had a great set up the by the crew.    We chose not to practice and save our tires for the feature so we watched the second practice. Oakley Asphalt car was able to take me off the fast time spot. We went back out to try to pick up a half tenth then without warning the power steering line broke. I killed the engine and tried to roll off the track.   We made quick work on fixing the line thanks to a competitor, Oakley Asphalt. Yes, the very team that we competing against.   I was a little concerned in qualifying, because the left front tire got soaked with oil. However, the GreenPro Landscaping Koehlke Component NASCAR Whelen Late Model #4 got hooked up and we pulled out a second place qualifying time.

            In the feature they inverted to 5th position so I started 4^th, I missed my mark on the start and dropped to 6^th. In a few laps, I was starting to get into some real tough racing with the #17 car.   Every time I started to pass on the straight away, I would run out of room. I would have to back off or risk hitting the wall. After my second attempt to pass him, I decided to pass him on the outside in turn one or two and finish in the turn three, I was able to make that pass and quickly catch up to the next group of race cars. It was a three way race with Gary Estes and Oakley Asphalt car. Gary was in front by just a few feet and I was side by side and wheel to wheel for around six laps with the other car, what was awesome.

            Finally, I was able to dive on the inside as the other two cars competed. Someone got Gary loose and I was able to get the second place spot.   I set sail for the leader and realize my water tempeture was hotter than it should have been, probably because I was so close to the car in front not enough air was getting into the radiator, so I finished the race for a second place finish.

            Saturday, we headed to Spring Valley to the Motorcar Auto Body Shop. We hooked up to the trailer and picked up the crew. We were then off to Columbus. It was a big temperature change from Saturday!

            In our first practice, we were in the mid fourteen forties.   The second practice, Gary made some good adjustments to the car. I was able to run low teens.   A few spectators said they clocked me close to the track record. Unfortunately in qualifying, the best I could get was a 14.33. This time put me in the 6^th fastest. This put me on the inside for the start of the feature which was not the preferred line that night. I had to drop back in the field four positions before I could get an opening to get to the outside. I finally was able to start racing towards the front.   The 28 car spun out in turn one. I finished 5^th. I was not the finish I wanted put it was a good day at the track.

            Last week, we were rained out at Columbus on Saturday but as it turns out, it was a blessing as Tom and all the crew at Pisanello’s is now a new sponsor. I love the bread sticks there! Yum!
Thanks Sloan and the Crew
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ctqn25xDWe0

http://blog.jimmiejohnsonchevrolet.com/2010/04/sloan-henderson-has-her-eye-on-nascar.html

5:51 PM | Posted in | Read More »

Celebrating the Season in Southwestern Ohio

Celebrating the Season in Southwestern Ohio

The holiday season is a busy time of year – between putting up decorations, attending parties, travelling to see relatives and rushing to complete our holiday shopping, December seems to fly by with hardly a notice. However, I believe this season is about more than simply gift-giving; it is a time to gather together with those in our lives who mean the most to us. Here in southwestern Ohio, there are a number of activities taking place that provide a great way to create lasting memories with family and friends.

For 27 years, the Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo has delighted children and adults alike as millions of lights decorate exhibits and facilities throughout the zoo. Although the weather has turned cold, many of the zoo’s residents, such as polar bears, snow leopards and sea lions enjoy the winter weather and are much more active. The festival also offers visitors the chance to see Santa and his reindeer, travel on the North Pole Express or watch a holiday-themed puppet show. New this year is the Wild Lights Show, which features a 21-foot tall, computer-controlled tree that lights up to the beat of popular holiday songs.

The Festival of Lights takes place nightly at the Cincinnati Zoo from 5-9 p.m. until January 3, although the zoo will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission tickets to the festival, as well as tickets for the puppet show and movies in the Special FX 4-D Theater can be purchased at the main entrance or online at www.cincinnatizoo.org.

In downtown Cincinnati, Fountain Place is hosting a number of events that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Those with a camera can have their picture taken with Santa Claus at the North Pole. Santa is available Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and on Sundays from noon-6 p.m. In addition, photo opportunities will be available December 21-24 from noon-6 p.m.
On Saturdays starting at 6 p.m., take your seats for Macy’s Downtown Dazzle, which features strolling entertainers, holiday characters and holiday music. The event is capped off with Santa rappelling down the side of an office building and a spectacular fireworks display. Following the fireworks, you can eat a cookie and hear a story from Mrs. Claus.
At the center of Fountain Square you will find the 7,000 square-foot ice rink that has been the site of many memorable family outings over the years. The rink is open daily now through the end of February, although the rink may close temporarily due to the weather. For hours of operation and the status of the ice rink, please call (513) 9790-4738 or visit www.myfountainsquare.com/icerink. Admission to the ice rink is $2.50, and you can also rent skates if you do not have your own.

To help get you to all the fun at Fountain Place, the Holly Jolly Downtown Trolley stops at all major holiday attractions along Fourth and Fifth Streets every 10 minutes on the weekends. Tickets for the trolley, which runs from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. on Sundays are free, and boarding takes place in front of the Westin Hotel across from Fountain Square.

Families wishing to visit Santa can hop aboard The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad’s North Pole Express, which transports guests in vintage train cars from the 1930s for a visit with Santa and his elves while enjoying a holiday snack. The North Pole Express runs several times each day on Saturdays and Sundays through December 20. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call (513) 933-8022 or visit www.lebanonrr.com. After your train ride, you can visit Ohio’s oldest hotel – the nearby Golden Lamb – for a snack or a tour.

Finally, if you want to celebrate the winter season without getting cold, Snowland at the Great Wolf Lodge in Mason allows you and your family to celebrate the season while splashing around an indoor waterpark that’s always a toasty 84 degrees. You can also visit with Santa, make holiday crafts and watch it snow in the Grand Lobby each day. In addition, the kids can earn a diploma from the North Pole University for Elves as they learn about animals from the North Pole and practice their chimney-sliding skills. You can make reservations at the Great Wolf Lodge by visiting www.greatwolf.com/mason/waterpark or by calling (866) 950-9653.

The Beach Waterpark in Mason has also been transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with lights, a skating rink, carriage rides, petting zoo and toboggan slide. Holiday Fest takes place through January 10. For hours of operations and to purchase tickets online, please visit www.thebeachwaterpark.com.

These are just some of the events taking place in our region, and I hope you and your family and friends are able to get out and enjoy the holidays. As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have questions or concerns about any state-related matter. You can reach my office by phone at (614) 466-9737, by e-mail at SD07@senate.state.oh.us or by writing State Senator Shannon Jones, Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215. I look forward to hearing from you.