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A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT OF THE PIQUA DAILY CALL & TROY DAILY NEWS
February 23, 2012 Section 2
Progress 2012 • Page 2
PROGRESS 2012: EDITION II
Industry
Utilities
ABOUT THIS EDITION
Construction
Arts
Welcome to the second of four Progress 2012 editions. In these four special sections — joint publications of the Troy Daily News and Piqua Daily Call — we will take a look at what local experts predict will happen in the coming year. The four editions will focus on: Wednesday — Business, Finance and Agriculture Today — Industry, Utilities, Construction, Arts, Community Friday — Emergency Services, Government, Courts Saturday — Education, Health Care
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County housing market looks to be on upswing were pulled in 2010. BY DANAE KING The association is Ohio Community Media editorial@tdnpublishing.com expecting the trend to go up, Cook said. “In the last several Miami County brought years there was a downin the new year with a ward trend,” Cook said. “In strong housing market the last two years it’s been and continues on the picking back up again.” upswing. Cook attributes the “October, November and increase in people wishing December were strong to build new homes to housing months in 2011,” said Laurie Johnson, presi- many factors. “Existing house prices dent-elect of the have stabilized, interest Midwestern Ohio rates are at historic lows Association of Realtors and banks are lending and a realtor with Coldwell Banker Heritage money,” Cook said. “We’re Realtors in Troy. “The mar- expecting a year of recovery.” ket has picked up in the Johnson named a few last few months of 2011 and has been strong so far factors that may have helped the Miami County in 2012.” Donna Cook, executive housing market. “With the interest rates director of the Miami as low as they are and the County Home Builders Association, said 139 per- availability of homes on the market and the mits were pulled in 2011. This means that although amount of people out looking at open houses, it the houses may not have seems like the housing been built in 2011, if the permits were pulled late in market is still alive,” Johnson said. “Rents are the year, they are closed on the increase so home on and ready to be built, ownership is very affordCook said. The number of permits able as long as you qualify for the loan.” pulled in 2011 shows an Johnson was optimistic increase compared to the year before, as 132 permits about banks lending
money for homes. “The banks have tightened their belts in the lending department and there are a few more hoops to jump through, but there are good deals and good rates,” Johnson said. More houses also are expected to be built in 2012, which may be due to the consumer attitude. “The trend or concern has been that you can buy an existing home for considerably less than you can build,” Cook said. “(The housing market) has leveled the playing field … there’s a pent-up demand for new construction. People want to buy a new home.” Cook said people will soon begin to buy homes. “Consumer confidence is on the rise,” Cook said. Miami County has many things to offer homeowners, Johnson said. “Miami County has always been a place to live, I feel that it will stay that way,” Johnson said. “Housing is affordable and taxes are low, which makes a good combination for housing.”
Piqua Historical Society promotes region’s past Staff Report PIQUA — The Piqua Historical Society is an outgrowth of the Piqua Bicentennial Committee of 2007. The society is dedicated to promoting, enhancing and encouraging local and regional history. It meets every other month in the Piqua Public Library on the first Tuesday of the month (March, May, July,
September and November). The 2012 programs will include the history of women in Piqua, city government in 1903, a Saturday tour of the architecture and history of Piqua’s south end, the War of 1812 and the Council of Piqua and Piqua’s 110th Regiment during the Civil War. Working with the Piqua Public Library’s local his-
tory department, the society looks forward in 2012 to volunteering to work on the history of the Forest Hill Cemetery, promoting historical districts in Piqua and the microfilming of church records. The officers for the 2012 year are Jim Oda, president; Andy Hite, vice president; and Lorna Swisher, secretary/ treasurer.
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Progress 2012 • Page 3
Progress 2012 • Page 4
Maintaining membership Home Builders Association holding its own tion loses a member. “There were a few that went out of business,” she added. “We lost through attrition and there have TROY — Donna Cook, been some new companies executive director of the Home Builders Association that started and joined … of Miami County, said last and others that had been year the group maintained with us previously rejoined.” its membership base, but Overall, Cook said it the merging of a few companies and the end of oth- went about as well as ers made it challenging in expected. “We didn’t go gang order to do so. busters, but we didn’t have Cook said the associaany mass losses,” Cook tion grew by a few memsaid. bers, but said when comThe association has held panies merge, the associaBY WILL E SANDERS Staff Writer wsanders@dailycall.com
STAFF PHOTO/MIKE ULLERY
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steady with approximately 200 members last year, but on the coming horizon that membership number could grow drastically this year, according to Cook. Cook said that in addition to always looking for continued membership, the association hopes the housing market grows in the coming years. The association also hopes to expand its territory this year, too, as they hope to take on Logan and Champaign counties, and possibly Clark County. While it isn’t official yet, Cook said the final determination will be made at the national convention later this year in terms of whether their territory will expand. Cook said it is expected that the housing market will grow through 2012 on a national level, she said. “We are already seeing some positive news coming out of Washington,” she said. “We are expecting to see some moderate residential growth and we are being told the housing sector will continue to grow through 2012, but don’t look for any huge difference until 2013. But, we are on the increase in housing sales, housing values and new construction starts.” The Home Builders Association is a “progressive, professional trade association dedicated to promoting and enhancing the professionalism of the building and associated industries in and around Miami County.” For more information on the association, call (937) 339-7963, or visit its website at www.HBA MiamiCounty.com.
Progress 2012 • Page 5
Visitors Bureau looks to research to grow tourism when making decisions about where to dine and shop along with sites and attractions to visit when visiting the area. Destination marketing With each passing month of 2011, the Miami organizations like the MCVCB are always interCounty Visitors and ested in positionConvention ing our area to Bureau continued travelers as a to show an place to visit in increase in lodgorder to generate ing tax revenues revenues through for the county. hotel stays, dining Clearly, an and shopping and increase in corpoadditional expenrate travel is ditures related to occurring, but their visit. additionally, a THOMPSON Accomplishing stronger tourism this, however, is trend is returnnot a simple task. ing. By the end of Truly understanding 2011, lodging tax revwho and what we are as a enues were up 7 percent destination takes from 2010 and up more research into who are visthan 8.3 percent from itors are, where they are 2009. The good news is that people are traveling coming from and what their “perception” is about again. We continue to market our area. We are excited about Miami County through the possibility of conductour award-winning website, our various publica- ing this much needed research in order to gartions and through social ner a better understandmedia. Looking to 2012, ing of what our marketthe MCVCB is currently ing is generating now and planning the design of a Mobil site for visitors who potentially what it could travel to the area and use be generating with a new brand image. their “smart phones” BY DIANA THOMPSON Executive Director Miami County Visitors Bureau
STAFF PHOTO/MIKE ULLERY
Construction is under way on the city’s new Municipal Power System building on Hemm Avenue on the south edge of Piqua.
Piqua improving power system BY BETHANY J. ROYER the redevelopment of the Staff Writer old power plant site. broyer@dailycall.com The removal of the ash silo, bag houses, exterior PIQUA — A $4.5 million coal elevator and concrete new Piqua Municipal walls, aquaducts and other Power System building is structures on the east side certainly a highlight for the of the 1.5-acre lot will be city’s utilities in 2012, but demolished and the area it is not the only big project re-landscaped into a waterin the works. front park. Ground has been broken Further improvements and plans are under way brought to the city through for the new building that the utilities department will be located on Hemm included commission passAvenue near South Main ing an early New Year’s Street on the south edge of resolution for the purchase the city, with a tentative of two S&C IntelliRupter completion date in the fall. PulseClosers from distribuAlong with the new tor Brownstown Electric power system building, Supply that will aid the funds received from the city’s power supply. Clean Ohio Revitalization This $64,100 project Fund (CORF) will assist in installation begins this
summer and will help protect downtown businesses and residents from power outages, as will those around Jackson Tube Service, one of the city’s largest electrical customers. The IntelliRupters will not only help reduce the number of those being affected during a power outage and the amount of time they may be out, but also help reduce stress on the system. More good news for the 2011-2012 year includes the completion of repairs to gas turbine No. 8 that is back in operation, while repairs to No. 9 are due to begin this spring. The city’s utility depart-
ment also was honored at the 2011 AMP/OMEA annual conference in October and commended for providing mutual aid support to Yellow Springs and Dayton Power and Light customers following a severe storm in February, and to the city of Tipp City and Pioneer Rural Electric Cooperative customers following a severe storm in September. The American Municipal Power Inc. is a wholesale power supplier and services provider for municipal electric communities in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Virginia, Kentucky and West Virginia and the Delaware Municipal Electric Corp.
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Progress 2012 • Page 6
The arts are thriving in Miami County store-front office downtown on Main Street, yet is whole-heartedly committed to bringing awareness of MIAMI COUNTY — the arts to the community The arts are alive and by serving as an advocate clearly moving forward in Miami County. Its role and for arts programs. cultural value are apparent However, the PAC’s ability throughout the community, to effectively function is as is seen by its support of based upon funding, and now that the economy is the various, ongoing probeginning to look up, it grams offered to educate, hopes that February will enlighten and enrich the have made for a successful public. The Piqua Arts Council membership-drive month. Membership, sponsorship and the Troy-Hayner and fundraising provide Cultural Center are two entities that provide many funds “to grow the ARTS in Piqua by connecting artists opportunities for enrichto our schools and our comment. They both admit to munity.” having been somewhat Vicky Fanberg, the affected by the economy, PAC’s executive director, but believe that due to said that although funding such a strong out-pouring of community support that may have decreased some due to the economy, it has they are in fact growing not been devastating for stronger every year. The Piqua Arts Council the organization. “The members and the (PAC) is a much smaller sponsors have continued to and younger organization be very generous and very than the Hayner Center, supportive, but there is defestablished in 1990, and now operating from a small initely sometimes a strain BY SHERYL ROADCAP Ohio Community Media
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with the economy. Sometimes you can see people had to give a little bit less than they wanted to, because that’s all that they can do — but they are still giving and we are still making it work,” Fanberg said. The PAC continues to keep its core group of supporters, and even grew in membership last year. Fanberg believes that its supporters are motivated not only by their love of the arts, but more importantly, from their passion for the Piqua community. Fanberg admits that the PAC operates on a very slim budget, and in order to best utilize these funds, it has scaled down its number of events to focus more on higher
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quality programs — such as the recent trip in which it teamed up with the Piqua City Schools to send sixth-grade students to the Norman Rockwell Lecture at The Dayton Art Institute. The PAC’s events for 2012 include: fundraiser Dancing with the Piqua Stars on March 21; regional art exhibit and art walk downtown during the summer months (dates are yet to be set); opportunities to create public art “mARTket Murals” at the Piqua Farmer’s Market on Thursdays from June through August; as well as the ongoing Art in Education, or “creative classrooms,” which consist of art programming, travel-
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Sarah Ullery, 10, and her brother, Dylan, look over decorations in the solarium at the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center in December. The center was decorated with a “Christmas In The Woods” theme.
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ing art banners, exhibits and performances by local musicians (and more) in the schools. The Troy-Hayner Cultural Center itself is a piece of art that is frozen in time, from 1942 when Mrs. Hayner passed away and donated her home to the Troy City Schools Board of Education “to be used as a library, museum, and for such other educational and cultural purposes …” The Hayner building was, in fact, used as a library until 1975, when it outgrew the space. The following year, the TroyHayner Cultural Center was born, which still serves as a civic, cultural and art center all in one. Aside from sponsorships of the “Friends of Hayner,” the center is primarily funded by a local tax levy (voted upon at five-year intervals) that passed every year until the fall of 2010. Linda Lee Jolly, director of the Hayner Center, explained that losing the 2010 levy vote, which could have caused the doors to close on Dec. 31, 2011, had not a special election been held in August 2011 that ultimately provided the necessary funds, had more to do with the economy than with the center. “It was a shock because the cultural center continues to be more successful all of the time. People love and care so much about the Hayner Center, and the important role it plays in the community, that we believe that losing the levy had more to do with the bad economy than the Hayner Center. The Hayner Center is alive and well, as an institution. But in the fall of 2010, it was very difficult for people;
they were concerned about their taxes — people were feeling an economic strain,” recalled Jolly. Jolly tells that approximately 40,000 people a year come through the Hayner Center doors to attend an art or dance class, hear a live concert, or visit an exhibit, among many other events and programs offered. “Hopefully (the economy) is turning around, but because of that tax support, the Hayner Center offers much of what it does free and open to the public — so there’s no cost to come to the exhibits, the film series or the performing arts that we offer. So when people’s entertainment dollars are low, this is the perfect time to take advantage of what’s going on at the Hayner Center,” Jolly said. Some upcoming events at the Hayner Center include a performance by international pianist Warren Mailley-Smith (who has played for Queen Elizabeth) on March 24; a classical music concert by the Chamber Musical Series on March 27; the 2012 congressional art competition of high school students from April 20-29; and the Ohio Watercolor Society traveling exhibition, from May 4-27, among many other events this year. For more information or to contact the Piqua Arts Council, visit their website at www.piquaartscouncil. com. The Troy-Hayner Cultural Center is open Tuesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday and Thursday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. The center can be reached at 339-0457 or online at www.troyhayner.org.
Progress 2012 • Page 7
County libraries rebound, expand programs for patrons BY SHARON SEMANIE Ohio Community Media MIAMI COUNTY — Despite economic downturns and freezes in state funding in recent years, Miami County libraries are rebounding and maintaining, as well as expanding exemplary programs and services for their patrons. “Unfortunately, state funding for libraries has not seen any increases with the modest state economic recovery,” observed Jim Oda, director of the Piqua Public Library. “However, the citizens of Piqua passed a library levy in 2011 that will begin generating revenue this spring.” “Private donations to the Library’s Assistance and Development Fund (foundation) headed by Karen Wendeln and the newly created Friends of the Library group headed by Ruth Koon have been growing in 20112012.” With these new funding sources, Oda suggested, “the library has been able to rehire and add to the library staff. This, in turn has enabled the library to increase public programming with regular movie nights, new programs on everything from nutrition to school financial aid and from auto maintenance to quilting and hosting community meetings and organizations.” He added the library anticipates “enhancing and promoting” its art collections in the coming year with the acquisition of new art panels. The library currently exhibits more than 125 local and regional art pieces. The collections of the former Piqua Historical Museum are going to be promoted in
STAFF FILE PHOTO/ANTHONY WEBER
Elizabeth Landis reads a Kindle at the Troy-Miami County Public Library in September 2011. Use of the library’s digital collection continues to rise. 2012 with more than 30 new exhibit cases and panels. In March the library will offer free e-book loans to the public along with a major expansion of free proprietary websites on everything from genealogy to auto manuals. Oda said the library’s website is being upgraded to offer additional information on program acquisitions and “fun things to do at the library.” “The children’s puppet shows are back,” he said. “During 2010-2011, our puppets had been on vacation in
Florida, but they are back now and eager to perform and entertain their old friends and gain some new friends as well.” In addition, said Oda, reading clubs are being organized this summer for adults, teens and children. Future plans also include the installation of a new security system to help make the library a “positive environment” for its patrons. And, he concluded, “2012 is going to be an
• See LIBRARIES on 8
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Progress 2012 • Page 8 RIGHT: “Status Dude” and “Status Dudette,” donated by local artist and sculptor Carole Kerber, were installed outside the TroyMiami County Public Library in Troy in June. Each of the sculptures, with “Status Dude’s” sleek silver “skin” and “Status Dudette’s” gleaming golden “tan,” have “status symbols” etched on their “bodies” of brands and names associated with their respective genders.
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exciting time for the library as we begin to expand and promote the activities needed and requested by our patrons and the citizens of Piqua.” Fellow Troy Director Rachelle Miller suggests that “until 2010 the TroyMiami County Public Library was funded almost solely through state funds. State funding has been frozen and cut several times since 2001 with a significant cut in 2009.” Unfortunately, she added, “Cuts at the state level made cuts to staff hours and services a necessity.” Passage of a levy by an “overwhelming margin” has enabled the Troy library to return to business as usual. Any additional cuts in state funding for 2011 and 2012, she added, “will not have a huge impact on services or the budget.” Miller explained the Troy library relies on grants and donations from organizations and residents. The library, for example, has received several significant grants from The Troy Foundation, including $50,000 to purchase a new bookmobile. Support from the Friends of the Library, Wal-Mart Foundation and Miami County Foundation also was acknowledged. “Despite the loss in funding,” Miller added, “usage of the library continues to rise. In fact, more patrons checked out materials in 2011” than the previous year. “More than 20,000 items were added to the library’s collection in 2011 including more than $10,000 worth of donated materials,” she said. Meeting rooms and
study rooms are utilized seven days a week along with public computers. “More than 2,300 people got new library cards in 2011. Use of the library’s digital collection (eBooks) continues to rise with more than 13,000 checked out” last year, she said. The biggest challenge ahead, noted Miller, “will be adapting to the needs of the community with the amount of funding allotted by the state and with the changing format of materials.” She said the Troy Library — and all libraries in the Dayton Metro Library consortia — will migrate to a new system that will provide software and hardware for cataloging, checking in, checking out and management of the library’s collection. Beginning computer classes will continue to be taught in 2012 along with classes on starting and marketing a business, along with a chess club in Troy; the book discussion and crafters group in Troy and Pleasant Hill; and movie night at the Pleasant Hill library. Children’s programming will continue with nine story times a week in Troy and additional story times in Pleasant Hill. Special children and teen programs will be offered on a monthly basis at both locations. Programs for home schoolers also will continue this year as will the ever-popular summer reading program. In addition, the Local History Library will continue to offer historical and genealogical resources to people of Miami County as well as other counties, states and countries abroad. Editor’s Note: No other libraries in Miami County responded to inquiries for this Progress edition.
Progress 2012 • Page 9
Riverside of Miami County celebrates 60 years BY TERRY NAAS Riverside of Miami County Throughout 2012 the Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities, known as Riverside of Miami County to most residents, will celebrate its 60th anniversary of serving people with developmental disabilities. During those years, Riverside has gone by many names, which can sometimes be confusing. Programming began in the 1950s as a grassroots movement of parents with children who had developmental disabilities. The name of Riverside of Miami County began at that time. In 1967, the Ohio legislature created the “county board system” requiring each county in Ohio to have an organization that served people with developmental disabilities. Since Riverside already existed, it took on the role this legislation mandated, including another name. It legally became the Miami County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, doing business as Riverside of Miami County. Both names mean exactly the same entity. In 1974, the legislature allowed each county in Ohio to create a nonprofit organization to act as the employer of people with developmental disabilities and to create a work environment to achieve that goal. This is what is now known as RT Industries. Finally, in 2009, the legislature voted unanimously to remove the words “mental retardation,” and the formal name became the Miami County Board of Developmental
Miami County communi“During the past 60 years, the entire ty. To take a tour, contact Riverside program philosophy has Naas or Denise changed from being the ‘pilot’ of a con- Kenworthy at 339-8313. A Community Connection sumer’s life to being the ‘navigator,’ Over Coffee tour only thus helping the person to reach his or takes an hour and helps explain in further detail her goals and desire in life.” the services that are provide by Riverside. “We ask the citizens of instead of living in a large live the lives they want as Miami County to join us full members of the institution somewhere Miami County community in celebrating our 60-year else. milestone as we serve in which they live “During the past 60 more than 950 people remains our goal,” said years, the entire with developmental disRiverside program philos- Karen Mayer, superinabilities. We also ask tendent of Riverside. ophy has changed from everyone to remember if Riverside of Miami being the ‘pilot’ of a conyou hear about Riverside County’s mission has sumer’s life to being the of Miami County or the remained constant. Its ‘navigator,’ thus helping Miami County Board of the person to reach his or mission is to empower Developmental children and adults with her goals and desire in life. What hasn’t changed developmental disabilities Disabilities that the names mean the same is our focus on the people to live, work and play as organization,” Mayer said. we serve. Helping them to full members of the
STAFF FILE PHOTO/ANTHONY WEBER
Austin Fraley, from Riverside Preschool, enhances his physical skills during a drum circle with Russ Welker “The Drum Guy.” Disabilities. In addition to the varied names, Riverside has undergone many changes in programming. Riverside no longer provides education services to school-age children, but is serving more children today than at the height of the school program. Riverside’s Early Intervention program serves more than 125 children birth through the age of 2, helping them to eliminate or reduce developmental delays. The recreation and Special Olympics programs are important not only for adult consumers, but for school-age participants for after school and weekend activities. The world of work also
has changed dramatically over these past 60 years with a shift in focus from sheltered workshops to production facilities and community employment. RT Industries now is a true production facility offering employment to people with developmental disabilities, and Riverside’s community employment program offers supports to consumers who wish to work in the community. Residential services for more than 300 people with developmental disabilities also are the responsibility of Riverside. These residential supports allow individuals to help create a life of their choice here in their community
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Seeing the need to provide simple, decent housing right here at home, Shirley Saxton and a group of dedicated volunIn 1976, Millard and teers established Habitat Linda Fuller founded for Humanity of Miami Habitat for Humanity with County, Ohio, on Nov. 2, the goal of eliminating 1992, to do just that. This substandard housing from year marks the 20th the face of the planet by anniversary of the local building simple, decent Habitat for Humanity housing. In 1984, former affiliate and while staff U.S. President Jimmy and board members look Carter and his wife back with pride, they are Rosalynn took their first looking ahead to a bright Habitat work trip, the future. Over the past 19 Jimmy Carter Work years, 44 homes have been Project, In October 2011, built for low- to moderatethe 500,000th house built income families. The first by Habitat was completed home was completed and in Kenya while work was dedicated in August 1993 in Covington while home just beginning on the number 44 was dedicated 500,001st house in in Piqua in October of last Paterson, N.J.
year. In the years between, more homes were built in Piqua and Covington as well as in Bradford, Troy and West Milton. To become a Habitat homeowner or partner family, applicants must meet certain criteria. First, their income must be between 30-50 percent of the median income for Miami County, as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Second, they must live in substandard or overcrowded housing. Third, they must be willing to partner with Habitat by providing 400 hours of “sweat equity.” This sweat equity is earned in a number of ways, including attendance
at classes on homeownership, budgeting and other related topics, by working at the Habitat office or ReStore, by helping to build a Habitat home for another family as well as working on their own home, and by volunteering for other nonprofit organizations. The children in the families contribute to sweat equity, largely by getting good grades in school and by volunteering where appropriate. Finally, the families undergo both credit checks and criminal background checks. Habitat homes are not free. The partner families purchase the home for the
• See HABITAT on 11
Progress 2012 • Page 11
Habitat ceremony, where friends and family of the Partner Family gather with local elected officials and Habitat volunteers. Prayers and blessings are offered for the project and the family along with the volunteers. When the home is completed a dedication is held, and all of those who were at the groundbreaking return to give thanks and praise. The Worship and Praise Committee members make all of the arrangements for these heartwarming events. In addition to building new homes, Habitat for Humanity is helping nonHabitat homeowners make needed repairs and weatherizing homes through a PROVIDED PHOTO program called A Brush The 2011 Women Build project in Piqua was the 44th home built by Habitat for With Kindness. This proHumanity of Miami County. gram aims to serve lowincome homeowners who struggle to maintain their homes. The work is done by volunteers and paid professionals when applicable. The homeowner must meet specific qualifications such as owning and occupying a home in need of repair in Miami County, having a willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity, being unable to afford the needed home improvements (do not have the immediate funds available) or are unable to physically complete the work themselves, meeting income guidelines, and PIQUA: being able to repay a non215 N. Wayne St. 615-1042 interest bearing loan for 1603 Covington Ave. 778-4617 the costs incurred for the 1300 E. Ash St.-Wal-Mart 773-9000 repairs. Payments made by 212 N. Main St. 773-0752 the partner family are TROY: placed in a revolving fund 1314 W. Main St. 339-6626 to help ABWK serve others in need. 1801 W. Main St.-Wal-Mart 332-6820 While Habitat for TIPP CITY: Humanity is blessed to 1176 W. Main St. 667-4888
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friendships that result from this experience often cost of materials and sub- last a lifetime. contracted labor, with no Before a home can be profit to Habitat. Partner built, a location for that Families pay a 0 percent home must be found. The mortgage, homeowner’s Property Acquisition insurance and property Committee is made up of tax. Combined, the owners realtors, city planning of Habitat homes currently staff, professionals from a pay more than $30,000 in title agency and bankers property taxes to Miami with mortgage experience. County and surrounding These volunteers help communities. Of the 44 locate and evaluate lots Habitat homes, four have and help acquire them. had the mortgage paid off. They take into account the Habitat for Humanity needs of Habitat construcis supported by many vol- tion volunteers and make unteers, and not just peo- sure the lots meet the ple who can swing a ham- specifics for Habitat home mer. While it is true that plans. They also take into Habitat homes are conaccount where partner structed largely by volun- families desire to live. teers, there are a myriad Partner families often of tasks that must take have children in school place in order for homes to and family nearby and be built. every effort is made to find Volunteers on the a lot that is where the Application Review families want to make Committee evaluate appli- their new home. cations submitted by those Construction committee who would like to become volunteers do not just a partner family and one swing hammers. Builders day move into a Habitat with a wide range of skills home. These volunteers are definitely needed as interview the applicants, there are many tasks that visit their current homes, go into building a home. review their finances and From framing the walls to guide them through the installing the flooring to review process. painting the walls, many Once partner families hands are needed to make are selected, the Family all of that happen. The Support Committee takes area surrounding the over. Each partner family house also needs to be is assigned an advocate. completed, and the grass The advocate works with and landscape are done by the partner family from volunteers from the answering questions and Master Gardeners. Finally, helping with “sweat equi- all of those volunteers ty” hours, selecting home need to be fed, and many plans, picking out materi- volunteers and church als and features of the groups generously donate home, being there for the hearty and delicious meals groundbreaking and dedi- to keep the volunteers cation when the home is going. finished, and being there Being a Christian for the family during their organization, Habitat for first year in their new Humanity includes prayer home. While the commitand praise in its program. ment from the advocate to The beginning of every the family is through the new Habitat home starts end of that first year, the with a groundbreaking
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Progress 2012 • Page 12
Habitat • Continued from 11
PROVIDED PHOTO
The ReStore, 150 E. Race St., Troy, is a home improvement warehouse open to the public. The ReStore sells new and gently used building materials and home improvement items at substantial discounts. plies, lumber, and many other items for the home. As donations of materials are made regularly the inventory changes daily, so shoppers are encouraged to visit often. Sales from the
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have volunteers from all walks of life and from diverse groups, women play a special role in the construction of Habitat homes. In 1991, a group of women in Charlotte, N.C., completed the first women-built Habitat for Humanity house. With this event, the seeds for Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program were planted. In the 20 years of the Women Build program, nearly 2,000 homes have been built by women crews. Here locally, a group of dedicated women build homes for families right here in Miami County. Their latest project was the home completed last October in Piqua and it was the sixth one completed by this group. The homes and other activities of Habitat for Humanity of Miami County are supported financially from a number of sources. Grants from Miami County and Piqua through the Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP) make up a substantial portion of the cost to build a Habitat home. Likewise, local support from the Miami County Foundation, The Troy Foundation and the Piqua Community Foundation all help to pay for building materials for the homes. Many corporate
and other foundations are generous in their support. Local churches in Miami County have been generous both with financial contributions, as well as volunteers and meals for the volunteers. Finally, individuals who live here in Miami County are strong financial supporters, making generous contributions to help their very own neighbors in need. One way many people support Habitat for Humanity of Miami County is by shopping in our ReStore. The ReStore is a home improvement warehouse that is open to the public, selling new and gently used building materials and home improvement items at substantial discounts. The ReStore has a flooring room with ceramic tile, vinyl tile and flooring, and laminate, just to name a few. The lighting room has interior and exterior light fixtures, ceiling fans and other items to brighten up the home. The appliance room has used appliances at greatly reduced prices, as well as new appliances. The Whirlpool Corp. supports Habitat by donating new appliances that are available for sale in the ReStore. Also in the ReStore, shoppers can find interior and exterior doors, windows, sinks and countertops, cabinets and vanities, faucets and other plumbing sup-
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ReStore go to support the work of Habitat. Located at 150 E. Race St. in Troy, the hours of operation of the ReStore are Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over the next three years, Habitat for Humanity of Miami County plans to serve even more families. In 2012, four Habitat families will realize their dream of homeownership, either in a new home or a home that has been rehabbed. In 2013, four more homes will
be built or rehabbed and in 2014 at least five families will be new homeowners. Also, with the new A Brush With Kindness program, each year 15-20 families who already own a home but struggle to make repairs will receive help from Habitat volunteers. Back in 1992, the mission statement for Habitat for Humanity of Miami County proclaimed: “Habitat for Humanity of Miami County, Ohio, serves in partnership with God and with people throughout Miami County from all walks of life to
work with God’s people in need. We do this by building and repairing homes so that there are decent homes in every community in which people can live and grow.” More than 19 years and thousands of volunteer hours later, Habitat staff and volunteers look back and can see that mission has been followed and 44 families have realized the dream of home ownership. Those same staff and volunteers look forward with that mission statement in mind, ready to help the next families be able to say “Home Sweet Home.”
Progress 2012 • Page 13
YMCA, YWCA here for the community and their families. BY DANAE KING “The YWCA is dedicatOhio Community Media editorial@tdnpublishing.com ed to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, The YMCA and the freedom and dignity for YWCA are both places in Miami County for the com- all,” Baker said. This mission is shown munity to utilize, and through the diverse prowhether those interested gramming at the center, are young or old, the Baker said. YWCA Piqua noprofit organizations offers a variety of different have something to offer. “We are very fortunate programs, from knitting in a community the size of classes, education programs, self-defense classes, Piqua to have a YMCA racial justice meetings and and a YWCA,” said Leesa several other classes and Baker, executive director programs. of YWCA Piqua. Inside the facility is a The YWCA offers severfitness center for women, al programs for women
several meeting rooms, a lounge, a multi-purpose room and a preschool. “It’s warm and comfortable, and we’re home like,” Baker said. Membership for adults is $30 a year, for teens it is $15 and for youth it is $10 a year. To take classes at YWCA Piqua, you must be a member, but programs are open to the public, Baker said. YWCA Piqua welcomes members, the community and volunteers. For more
• See YMCA, YWCA on 14
STAFF FILE PHOTO/ANTHONY WEBER
Camp counselor Mallory Hall finishes work on a pattern collage with Emme Smith, Erin Cothran and Jalin Cooper during a past YMCA Day Camp. Each cardboard tile creates a pattern collage, which has a central piece in the middle. “It’s a way we can learn how to be creative, to draw and work together,” Erin Cothran said.
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YMCA, YWCA “It’s a big time of year,” Craig said. “It’s information, call 773-6626 been a very busy place.” Craig said he sees the or visit the YWCA Piqua association continuing to at 418 N. Wayne St., grow. Piqua. “I think we will continThe YMCA has two ue to provide the commubranches in Miami nity with support with County — the Robinson their health and wellness Branch in Troy and the needs,” Craig said. Miami County YMCA at The Robinson Branch Piqua. YMCA recently pur“The YMCA is very strong in Miami County,” chased 20 new group cycling, or spinning, said Donn Craig, branch executive at the Robinson bikes, which will go upstairs in the aerobics Branch. area, Craig said. The The Y’s membership took a brief dip due to the branch will begin to offer an aerobics class using recession, but is beginning to grow again, Craig the bikes in late February or early March. said. The Y’s annual The Y also offers close membership drive, which to 70 different group took place in December exercise classes for people and January, was evito take. dence of the growth.
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The Piqua YMCA has a new teen leadership director, who began work full time on Jan. 1, Craig said. Joe Hinds is going to work to improve the teen program at the teen center in Piqua, he said. Craig said the Y is happy with its membership levels currently, but that the Y is always looking to grow. To find out more, call the Robinson Branch at 440-9622 or the Piqua Y at 773-9622. The Robinson Branch is at 3060 S. County Road 25-A in Troy and the Miami County YMCA is at 223 W. High St., Piqua. For membership prices, visit the association’s website at http://www. ymca.net/find-your-y/.
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The Rec: A place to be with friends BY BETH SHRAKE Troy Rec Director What do today’s teens have in common with teens of previous decades dating back to the 1940s? They all gathered with friends to play pool, dance and have fun at the community recreation center better known as the Rec. The Troy Recreation Association’s mission to serve the community, especially youth, is in its 71st year. Memories of my youth include the Rec as I vividly recall attending Girl Scout bridging ceremonies, Junior Optimist meetings and dances after football games. Since 2004, the Rec has become an even bigger part of my life as I tackle the role of director for the organization. Through my involvement with youth programs for the past 23 years, I have enjoyed so many blessings with youth such as hammering and painting on mission trips, screaming on roller coasters, singing and telling jokes on long van rides, watching dozens of them mature and move on to follow their dreams, not to
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mention many weddings. I’ve also been around for the lows such as a breakup with a special someone, worrying over grades and losing a friend or family member to death. One thing I’ve learned is that while styles and pastimes may change from one generation to the next, the nature of kids stays the same. All want to find a place of their own to be with friends and feel comfortable. Like Vanessa, who started peeking in the front door when she was in grade school, always with some “important” question for one of her older brothers, which was really just an excuse to check out the game room. Once she reached the minimum age to “hang out” after school, she was a regular fixture at the Rec. Now Vanessa is
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a senior at the Upper Valley Career Center and will graduate in a few short months. Then there’s Tyree. My first encounter with him occurred the night he punched a hole in the wall at a dance. He chose that option over punching another kid, which I have to admire. However, we had to have a chat about how to handle that temper of his. Turns out Tyree had a soft heart and a gift for rapping, which he shared when he stopped by to hang out or play dodge ball over the next few years. So many caring people have passed through the Rec, most recently Ryan, Sam, David, Paul, Donnie, Amanda, Mallory and Danielle, who all spent time at the Rec as kids, then worked with me when they became young adults. I’m so grateful to the Rec. “Pop” Dixon and his cohorts who had the vision more than 70 years ago to make youth a priority in Troy, and to residents who have supported the Rec all these years. What an amazing achievement for this community. Today’s Rec team
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Progress 2012 • Page 15
REC STAFF Janet Larck, Susan Thokey, Ellie Snyder, Danielle Anderson, Paul Isenberger, Beth Shrake, Vanessa Collett and Jenna Harrah.
REC BOARD OF DIRECTORS Andrew Wannemacher, Mark Francis, Rob Davis, Katie Deland, Susan Caudill, Alan Clark, Dick Hawkins, Ken Siler, Stephanie Silk, Amanda Smith and Heather Taylor.
Client Centered The client is the driving force behind what we do.
STAFF PHOTO/ANTHONY WEBER
A girls day camp was offered at the Rec in late December in Troy. The camp, open to third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students, gave children an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including tie dye. Here from left, Madison Tilton, Taylor Dankworth and Skylar Kirk create tie-dye shirts.
Rec Buddies reading program gearing up for its 11th sumincludes staff, board memmer, indoor soccer, bers, Youth Advisory Rexplorers day trips, exerCouncil members and volcise classes and dance classunteers who work together es. The building also is to offer creative programavailable for private party ming for all ages with an rentals and meetings. emphasis on youth. We Groups that used the Rec in serve preschool children the past year include Cub through adults with activi- Scouts, Girl Scouts, CISV, ties such as before and after David L. Brown Youth school child care in its 18th Center, Troy City Schools, year, Summer Lunch the Mayor’s Youth Council,
Spirit Life Church, Certain Truth Ministry, Apostolic Temple, School on the Rock, Practice CrossFit, Zumba, Kettle Bell, Get Fit, Bowerman Ballroom and Lowe Line Dancing. Upcoming events in 2012 include the Sweetheart Shuffle 5K Run/Walk, an all ages Sock Hop, spring break day camp in conjunction with the Girl Scouts, dodge ball league and the video
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crew. The spring/summer program guide will be ready for distribution in March. This will go home with elementary students and will be available at the Rec and on the center’s website. I invite you to stop by to see us sometime whether you’re well acquainted with the Rec or new to the community, you’ll find something to do at “The Place for FUN Since 1941!”
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Progress 2012 • Page 16
Arena hopes to keep momentum rolling continues to be an entertainment focal point for Troy and the surrounding area. Ken Siler and the staff “I think it’s been over at Hobart Arena have been the course of the past eight working hard to make sure or 10 years that it’s kind of the multi-purpose facility evolved into more diverse is used to its maximum usage — certainly more potential. than we were 10 years ago If the success of the past when we were focused on couple of years is any indi- just ice events,” said Siler, cation, that effort is paying who serves as arena manoff. ager in addition to being By being used for a wide the city recreation departvariety of events ranging ment director. from national music acts Concerts, in particular, and business expos to skat- have been a big part of that ing competitions, school push for diversity, and have graduations and high included recent appearschool hockey, the historic ances by Third Day, venue on Adams Street Casting Crowns, REO 2256404
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Speedwagon and Luke Bryan. “Based on the response from shows we had in 2011, I think we’re going to continue with the same musical genres because they’ve proven to be successful,” he said. Booking the Oct. 22, 2011, Luke Bryan show is a perfect example. After starting out as a regular tour stop for the popular country singer, cable network CMT made Bryan’s fall tour a part of its annual CMT On Tour show, which dramatically changed the scope of the project. CMT added the winner of its Next Superstar competition (Matt Mason), then brought in Josh Thompson and Lee Brice to join Bryan for the show. The beefed-up lineup translated into a sold-out show for Hobart. “That particular show was likely our most successful show we’ve had to date, and we’re looking to continue building on it,” Siler said. Although not every
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Members of the Christian band Third Day get the crowd involved in a song “Lift Up Your Face” during a sold-out concert Oct. 20, 2011, at Troy’s Hobart Arena. event can be counted on to be a sold-out show, Siler said the overall success of such events has been encouraging. “Looking at the bigger picture, we’ve been successful,” he said. “Obviously, there are going to be events that don’t do as well as others. But when you consider things we have to look at — one, we’re increasing utilization (of the arena) and, two, we’re generating economic impact in Miami County — overall, we feel like we’ve been successful with our events. “We’re to the point now where people are familiar with the fact that we’re having these types of quality events, and it’s showing in the ticket sales for each of these shows,” he added. Siler recently announced that Christian singer Chris Tomlin has been booked for a June 14 show at the arena, “and we’re also working on a couple of classic rock type events and a couple of country acts.” Ice, obviously, still plays
Country music singer Luke Bryan performs for a capacity crowd Oct. 22, 2011. a vital role for the arena. Siler noted the Southern Eastern Great Lakes Skating Competition on Feb. 24 — hosted by the Troy Skating Club — will bring in approximately 200 skaters, in addition to coaches, families and judges who will be staying in Miami County for three or four days, while a threeday summer competition in July also will bring a similar number of people. Combine that with events such as the Troy Area Chamber of
Commerce Business Expo April 26 — one that provides exposure for numerous local businesses — and it’s easy to see how diverse the arena’s event schedule has become. “The business expo has always been a very successful event, and we estimate that it brings in approximately 5,000 people,” Siler said. “And each of those events equates to economic impact for the area,” Siler added. Not to mention a bright outlook for the arena, too.