BY The Cincinnati Enquirer
LEBANON -- Each year, a million people visit this Warren County seat, many of them drawn to the quaint antiques and collectible shops along Broadway and the downtown historic district.
City council wants to nurture those businesses, which help boost Lebanon's top industry, tourism. In recent meetings, council members have awarded "resolutions of appreciation" to downtown business owners who have renovated their facilities with a historic flair.
"We're always thinking about trying to get new industries and businesses," Councilman Joe McKenzie said. "But it's always important to recognize the businesses we've got."
Council awarded the resolutions to Dr. James and Janet McWeeney, owners of Doc's Smoke Shoppe; Elijah Rapp, owner of Warehouse Services Inc.; and Gerald Miller, owner of Uniquities.
"I've been saving lives in this town for 10 years," Dr. McWeeney joked with council members, "and I finally get recognized for selling beers and cigars."
MASON -- Pack up the ornaments and wind up the garland. Mason public works crews will start collecting those prickly Christmas trees Monday.
Residents should place the trees at the curb on their regular trash collection day. The service will continue weekdays through Jan. 8, except for Jan. 1. Any residents needing tree removal after Jan. 8 should contact the city at 459-1665.
Last year, more than 1,000 recycled trees were used to mulch city parks.
LEBANON -- Area residents can take a peek into the good ole' days in a newly published book, Memories, Dreams and Musings.
The 64-page book is composed of 36 pieces of poetry and short stories written by members of The Scribblers, a writers' group at Otterbein Retirement Community.
The book is available for $3 at Dickens' Book Shop, 26 S. Broadway, and at Otterbein in the Hobby Lobby and Country Store, 585 N. Ohio 741.
Information: 932-2020
MASON -- The city's parks and recreation department is offering a program about Ohio animals. Naturalist Kendra Schide will lead the wildlife program and, weather permitting, a hike around Pine Hill Lake Park, 211 Kings Mill Road, at 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Information: 398-3056.
MASON -- The Pregnancy Help Center is offering a parenting support group, "Parents Under Construction," to help pregnant women and new parents. Classes are Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m., starting Jan. 5, at the Grace Baptist Church, 5595 Mason Road.
The center also is seeking volunteers to counsel women and teens who are experiencing a crisis pregnancy. The next volunteer training session starts in February.
Information: 398-7175.
LEBANON -- Women stressed out from the demands of work, family or both can take a day off to relax and renew Jan. 30 and 31.
The Busy Woman's Day of Comfort and Joy is a retreat for women of all ages and based on the book, Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy. The weekend features several sessions, including relaxation, massage and a nature hike.
The retreat is held at the Hatfield Inn Bed and Breakfast and sponsored by the Women's Wellness Adventures. Cost is $175.
Information: 932-9439. Richelle Thompson's take on life in Warren County appears Saturday. Call: 860-7105. Fax: 860-5190. Mail: Cincinnati Enquirer, 4820 Business Center Way, Cincinnati 45246.
