In a strange twist of history, Voice of America — the site in West Chester Township that fought communism through the airwaves — will be used for a dog show.

        For people over 40, it's difficult to believe the Cold War has been over since 1991.

        It's equally difficult to imagine that on June 10 the VOA Park will host the “West Chester Dog Fest,” featuring agility and obedience events and competitions.

        “The whole concept is to celebrate the canine companion's contributions to the community,” said Chrisbell Bednar, the new parks development director.

        Also planned are contests in tail-wagging, ugliest and look-alikes. Participants include the township's K-9 unit, Iditarod dogs, therapy dogs and an Anatolian shepherd.

        “We're putting together a gift catalog to help raise funds for VOA Park,” said Bill Zerkle, West Chester Township parks director. “It is the kind of catalog that was popular during the '70s. It will illustrate and list items that people can donate — park benches, tables and so forth.

        “We hope to finish the fund-raising campaign by summer.”

        Also to be included: soccer and baseball fields, tennis and basketball courts, ponds, a skate park and picnic areas.

        Township officials also plan to refurbish buildings.

        “We want to restore the entrance to the main building — the foyer to the original 1940s transmitter building,” Mr. Zerkle said. “We'd still like to open a VOA museum. A portion of the building was set aside for the transmitters, but a large section was an auditorium. We'd like to use it as a community room.”

        The site has gone from Cold War to dog's wear.

        LEBANON — The 11th annual garden tour of historic Lebanon will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 23-24 at the Lebanon Station, 198 South Broadway, one block south of the Golden Lamb.

        Tickets are $5 for adults. Children 12 and younger will be admitted free.

        The tour of five gardens, sponsored by the Lebanon Council of Garden Clubs, raises money to maintain Lebanon Station and to purchase plant material for gardens throughout the city and downtown planters.

        LEBANON — Jerri Langworthy, director of the Volunteer Resource Center in Warren County, needs helpers.

        Volunteers are needed in a number of agencies and groups, including Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Juvenile Court Mentor Program and the Salvation Army.

        For information, contact Ms. Langworthy at 932-3987.

        LEBANON — An exhibit, “Treasures of the East,” will be shown through Aug. 12 at the Warren County Historical Society, 105 S. Broadway.

        It will feature textiles and artifacts from the Near, Middle and Far East. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Closed Mondays.

        Admission, $3, adults, $1, children.

        Information: 932-1817.

       Randy McNutt's column appears Saturday. Contact him at 755-4158 or at The Cincinnati Enquirer, 7700 Service Center Drive, West Chester, OH 45069. Fax: 755-4150. E-mail: Rmcnutt@enquirer.com.

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