Middletown Schools Experiment with Recess

Students at Rosa Parks Elementary School in Middletown are shaking up their daily schedules a little bit. Instead of heading for the playground after lunch, teachers are taking their classes out for recess before lunch, and many say it makes a difference in everything from attentiveness to healthy eating.

According to the school's nurse, Shane Allison, before the switch, students weren't eating the healthy meat and vegetables from their school lunches and they were rushing through lunch so they could go play. "Every day after they would eat lunch they'd come in and separate all their food waste. The food they didn't eat would go in the food bucket and drinks they didn't drink would go into a drink bucket, and they'd throw the trash trays away," Allison told WLWT in Cincinnati.

For one week, 62 fourth graders went to recess before lunch. The results were very positive. Allison said, "The kids have a lot less malaise, fatigue, (but) they're more focused because they have more calories on board." It also allowed students to talk about what they did on the playground during lunch, instead of during classtime, which cut back on classroom disruption.

The kids were even involved in the "scientific experiment." After lunch, the student weighed the buckets of food to see if they were eating more of their healthy lunches or less. The findings were that when going to recess before lunch, they ate about 32 percent more. School lunches are designed to meet one third to one half of a student's daily dietary needs. This is especially important for students on free or reduced lunch and who many not receive proper nutrition at home.

Next year, all Middletown schools will begin scheduling recess before lunch, due to the success of the experiment. Even students think it's a great idea. "If we run around, we get more hungrier and we come back in and can eat all our food," fourth grader Nathaniel Jones told WLWT.

For more information and to watch the WLWT newscast about the experiment, visit their website here: Playing Before Lunch Makes Kids Hungrier, More Attentive

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Poasttown First Church of God Moves Forward After Roof Collapse

Around 2:00 PM on Friday, February 19th, the roof of the Poasttown First Church of God's gym collapsed, but thankfully no one was hurt. And because of this, the church plans to move forward as soon as possible. Pastor Kenny Brewer tells the Kentucky Post, "We're going to rise above this and come out stronger than we've ever been. A lot of people walked up and saw the building and it was discouraging to them and I'm just going to try to give them a lot of encouragement."

The collapse was caused by the weight of snow that accumulated. The gym had been named for the late pastor Randy Wallace, who died in August from leukemia. On Monday, February 22nd, engineers and insurance representatives will gather at the church to determine what will be the best option for the church. Church board president George Hollon said it's up to the insurance company as to whether or not the gym will be torn down.

Fire Chief Kent Hall says the building is probably a total loss, but he's just glad no one was inside. “We vote here, have breakfast and dinner. Kids are always inside, in the gym on the stage. I know this is a church, but I have to say God was watching over this because it’s a miracle no one got hurt," he told the Middletown Journal.

On Sunday after the collapse, services went on as schedule in the church's new sanctuary. Ironically, during construction, the roof on the sanctuary collapsed as well.

"We will trust the Lord to go with us and we will built it back," said Brewer.

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Middletown Division of Fire Receives Grant

The Middletown Divison of Fire will receive a $79,560 grant from the United States Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. It plans to use the money to advance its firefighter health and safety programs.

Fire Chief Steve Botts said the Middletown Division of Fire is "thrilled" to receive the money. "This grant will have a real impact in our community, it will be cost effective and it will directly impact public safety," he added.

Congressman Boehner announced the grant last week, "The Middletown Division of Fire has a long history of service and dedication to the people of Butler and Warren counties. I am pleased to announce this award, and congratulate everyone at the Middletown Division of Fire for all of their hard work throughout this highly competitive grant process.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is a highly competitive process, overseen by fire service experts. The purpose of the program is to provide grants that will help local fire departments and emergency medical service organizations enhance preparedness and capability. This includes equipment upgrades and training. The Operations and Safety grants, like the one awarded to the Middletown Division of Fire, supports training, equipment, personal protective equipment, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities.

The Middletown Division of Fire, led by Botts, has 85 members and provides fire suppression, ALS paramedics, pre-hospital emergency medical services including transport duties, fire prevention, hazardous material response, confined space entry and other technical rescue actions. It have five stations located on North Clinton Street, Dixie Highway, Tytus Avenue, Central Avenue, and Roosevelt Boulevard.

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Beagle & Puppies Found in the Snow

Last Wednesday, Chris Demoret was walking across his farm when something caught his eye. It was a beagle, outside his barn, along with her newborn litter of seven puppies. The emaciated beagle was trying to keep the puppies warm in the snow, but Demoret knew they would not survive in the cold temperatures, so he called the Animal Friends Humane Society.

The shelter's director, Meg Stephenson, told the Middletown Journal the dog had made a nest of straw on top of the snow. "She was keeping the tops of the puppies warm, but the bottom half of their bodies were in the snow and straw. We had gotten 13 inches of snow that week," she said.

The shelter took the dog and the puppies in and while there, she gave birth to an eighth one. Unfortunately, three of the puppies died, but the other five are being cared for - along with their mother, who has been named Valentine - at a foster care home.

The dog had been dumped in the snowstorm just a day before she was found. A man has come forward to admit he was the owner of the dog and he had indeed dumped her at the farm. Stephenson said the dog weighed only 23 pounds, which is extremely underweight for a dog of her size, especially one who has just given birth and is nursing puppies.

The puppies will be up for adoption in April.

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Middletown Has 2nd Highest Jobless Rate in the Region

According to data released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the area's unemployment rate continues to stay at 9.9%. This area, which includes the Cincinnati area and Northern Kentucky, consists of Brown, Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren Counties in Ohio; Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Gallatin, Kenton, Grant and Pendleton Counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn, Franklin and Ohio Counties in Indiana.. Even though the number of workers filing for unemployment declined in November 2009, December 2009 saw an increase of of 3,700 people who are out of work or actively seeking employment.

In December 2008, the unemployment rate in the region was only 6.7%. The good news is that 9.9% is actually lower than the 10.3% rate from July 2008. The highest unemployment rate for the area on record is 12.5% from January 1983. The rates do not take seasonal hiring into account, which can affect the numbers.

For the state of Ohio as a whole, the unemployment rate for December 2009 was 10.7% and for Kentucky, it was 10.4%. This is higher than the national average which was 9.7%.

The region did see a growth in jobs in the service industry, with a small bit of growth in the finance, professional, and business services, as well as leisure and hospitality. Manufacturing lost only 200 jobs, and goods-producing industries were down only 100 jobs.

Looking at the various Ohio counties in the region, Clermont took the lead with a 10.6% rate, followed by Butler County with a 9.9% rate, Hamilton County with a 9.5% rate and Warren County with 9.3%. As a matter of fact, 84 of Ohio's 88 counties saw an increase in unemployment with Southeast Ohio's Morgan County registering a whopping 17.5% rate. The lowest rate was 7.4%, which occurred in Holmes County, which is considered part of Amish Country.

As for cities, Hamilton had the highest unemployment rate in December, 11.5%. Middletown followed close behind with 11.3%. Both Cincinnati and Norwood had 10% and Fairfield and Mason came in next with 9.3% and 7.2% respectively. As for cities in the entire state, Youngstown had the highest rate with 14.6% and Cleveland Heights had the lowest rate with 6.1%.

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Middletown is 4th Best Place to Buy a House

If you've been thinking about making the jump from renting to home ownership, now is the time to do so. Or so says Forbes Magazine. Middletown was named one of the top cities (number four to be exact) for renters to become buyers. The government has been encouraging this kind of behavior by introducing and extending a tax break for first-time homeowners, as well as keeping federal tax rates at their lowest rates since the 1940's.

According to Forbes, the premium to buy - the spread between what they'd spend to rent and what they'd pay for a mortgage - is a lot lower than the fifteen-year average in a number of cities. To compile the list, Forbes computed the premium and combined that with locations where economists predict home prices will go up the most in the next five years.

Below, you'll find the rest of the top ten:

1. Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Massachusetts

2. Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, North and South Carolina area

3. Chicago-Naperville-Jolet, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin area

4. Cincinnati-Middletown, Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana area

5. Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, Colorado

6. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Minnesota and Wisconsin area

7. Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland area

8. Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, Oregon and Washington area

9. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, California

10. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia area

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Middletown Lyric Theatre

If you're looking for entertainment in Middletown, the Middletown Lyric Theatre could be the place for you! In its 31st season, the Middletown Lyric Theatre has, according to their website, "always strived to bring quality community the community theatre to the Middletown area and beyond."

The theatre's Board of Directors consists of seven members: Managing Artistic Director, Charley Shafor; President Ex-Officio, Cheryl Landen; Member at Large, William "Kip" Moore; Chair of Production, Jennifer Shafor; Chair of Publicity/Front of House, Pam Harris; Chair of Technology and Design, Edwin R. Toy; and Secretary/Historian, Kathy Milbauer.

If you're interested in auditioning for the theatre, it's a great opportunity for students or anyone looking to build their acting resume. Each production consists of a two and a half week rehearsal process. Non-cast stage members act as production stage managers for the opposite production at the time. All actors are paid a stipend for their services.

If you're not an actor but would still like to get involved, the theatre needs volunteers to do things such as constructing and painting sets, selling tickets, handing out programs, and more. And of course, you can always make a donation. Donations help keep ticket prices down, ensure quality programming, and more.

In February, the theatre plans to put on the musical, "Ruthless!" "Ruthless!" is the story of an eight year old girl who will stop at nothing to play Pippi Longstocking in the school play, even murder. Showtimes are as follows: February 11 at 7:15 PM, February 12 at 8:00 PM, February 13 at 8:00 PM, and February 14 at 3:00 PM. All tickets are $15.00.

The Middletown Lyric Theatre is located at 1530 Central Avenue in Middletown. You can contact them at 513-425-7140 or info@middletownlyric.org for more information.

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February Family Fun at the Middletown Library

If you've found yourself stuck indoors this winter, you've probably been looking for things to do - especially if you are a parent. The winter weather and frigid temperatures don't leave a lot of options. Never fear! The Middletown Library has several great activities for kids each month and February 2010 is no different.

If you have a two or three-year-old, you might want to consider attending a Tales for Tykes event. This storytime is for toddlers and their parents or caregivers and last for half an hour. Sing songs, read stories, participate in learning activities and have fun. Tales for Tykes takes place ever Monday and Tuesday from 10:15 - 10:45, however the library is closed on February 15th for President's Day.

If you're looking for something to do with your infant, Mother Goose Laptime may be for you. More stories, songs, and playtime aimed at children ages 6-24 months. This event takes place every Monday from 11:00 - 11:30, with the exception of February 15th.

For older children, ages 3 1/2 - 5, Preschool Storytime held on each Tuesday from 11:00 - 11:30 may be a great choice! Children will sing songs, hear stories and take part in activities. Parents are not required to sit with their child but they must remain in the children's area of the library.

On Wednesday's, children of all ages are welcome to take part in Family Story Time, which takes place from 11:15 - 11:45. Registration is not required for any of the above mentioned storytime events.

For students over twelve, the Teen Anime/Manga Club will take place on Saturday, February 27th, from 2:00 - 4:00. Teens can meet in the Community Room to discuss their favorite anime and manga, watch new shows, and see what kind of new Manga material is available in the library.

On Saturday, February 13th, from 2:00-2:45, students from the ages of five - twelve can meet in the Community Room for the Jedi Training Camp. Students can practice their Jedi skills with challenges and fun games. Registration is not required.

For more information on any of these events, you can call the Middletown Library's Children's Department at 513-424-8042.

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