Children at Miami Valley Christian Academy in Newtown turned the tables on their grandparents last week during the sixth annual Grandparents/Special Someone Day.

        They spoiled them.

        Kindergarten through third grades gave a patriotic performance for grandparents Tuesday morning at the school.

        Grades four through eight entertained their families in the afternoon. The performances included songs, dances and recitations about what their grandparents mean to them.

Rachael Husk, 8, a student at Miami Valley Christian Academy, talks with grandparents Don and Peggy Husk. (Dick Swaim photo) | ZOOM |

        “We made the program patriotic this year because of the incidents that happened on Sept. 11,” Principal Dody Staker said. “It included some children reading essays about what their grandparents or an aunt who was a guardian meant to them. One student read the speech President Bush gave after the incident.”

        Mrs. Staker said about 300 people attended the program. Don and Peggy Husk of Castle Rock, Colo., planned their vacation so they could be with their granddaughter, Rachel Husk, 8.

        “We were really impressed with the way they performed and behaved,” Mrs. Husk said. “This was our first time in Cincinnati and it was worth the trip. I think it was a great program.”

        The academy gets students from Loveland, Madeira, Hyde Park, Milford, Indian Hill, Mariemont, Union Township and Anderson Township.

        Floyd Spencer, the self-employed painter who initiated a cleanup program at Fay Apartments in Fairmount, is getting big support for his project.

        Carl Lindner, owner of the Cincinnati Reds, is impressed with the program.

        “I think we should honor people who live like that,” Mr. Lindner said. “I am going to give him $1,000, some ice cream coupons and 15 tickets to the Reds games.”

        Mr. Spencer started the project about four years ago when he became dismayed with the appearance of the place, especially Sunnyhill Drive, where he lives.

        He started planting flowers and grass. Neighbors and children joined in. That street has been transformed and is serving as a model for the 80-acre housing complex.

        Other offers of help are coming in, Mr. Spencer said.

        “I think this is great,” he said. “It just shows that when you do something good, good will come to you.”

        Mr. Spencer was featured in the Enquirer's Some Good News column on Nov. 18.

        A Pleasant Ridge couple, Marty and Denise Hovey, have offered to give flowers to Mr. Spencer. Mrs. Hovey said she would like to donate black-eyed Susans or shasta daisies or lamb's ears.

        Mr. Spencer and his family will be honored at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Radisson Inn in Covington by the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Home Owners and Apartment Association.

        Natorp Inc. Garden Stores has offered flowers.

        “My main objective is to help people understand that they can help improve the appearance of wherever they live,” Mr. Spencer said. “Nothing has to be a ghetto unless you make it one.”

        Heather Wagner, an eighth-grader at Bridgetown Middle School, was named the school volunteer of the year in the Prudential Spirit of the Community Awards program.

        Additionally, eighth-grader Aleksandra Lenovski received a certificate of merit for community service.

        Heather is now eligible for the Ohio youth volunteer of the year award. Two state honorees, one middle level and one school student, each will receive a $1,000 award, a silver medallion and a trip to Washington, D.C., for recognition ceremonies in May. State honorees will be announced in February.

        “We are delighted to recognize young people who make contributions of their time and talents to their communities,” Prudential chairman Art Ryan said. “They are role models for their peers and deserve to have the spotlight focused on them.”

        Prudential and the National Association of Secondary School Principals sponsor the awards, which recognize outstanding community service. Heather volunteered for countless hours with the American Red Cross. Aleksandra has been involved with her church since moving here from Greece.

        Heather is the daughter of Donna Wagner of Bridgetown. Aleksandra is the daughter of Panajioti and Anita Lenovski of Bridgetown.

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs Monday-Friday and Sundays. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are performing acts of kindness that are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at (513) 768-8362; at ahoward@enquirer.com; or by fax at (513) 768-8340.
       

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