COLERAIN'S MASCOT TRAVELED FAR

The Colerain Cardinal is on the Humvee windshield | ZOOM |

In a front page photo in Thursday's Enquirer, the Colerain Cardinal is peeking over the shoulder of local soldiers. The military men are 1st Sgt. David Foster, Northwest Local School District's former transportation supervisor, and Lance Cpl. John Grimes, a 2001 Colerain High School graduate. Both are Colerain Township residents.

Look over Foster's right shoulder near the edge of the photo, and you'll see a Colerain Cardinal emblem on their armored vehicle in the Kuwaiti desert.

Cindy Kranz

REGIONAL AID FOR FAMILIES

In an effort to provide additional resources to the families of deployed service members, the Ohio National Guard has created regional family assistance centers to assist families with communication, information and strong mutual support.

The Cincinnati center, at 4100 Reading Road, in North Avondale, will provide access to various resources, including County Veterans Service Office, legal assistance, energy assistance programs, women, infants & children, chaplain assistance and more. Call David Chrzanowski at (866) 278-5757.

Janinne Thompson

RALLIES, MEETINGS, VIGILS, SERVICES

Clermont County will host a rally supporting the troops at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Common Pleas Courthouse, 270 East Main St., Batavia.

Christ Church Cathedral, 318 E. Fourth St., downtown, will hold an interfaith service for peace 5-7 p.m. Sunday. The service will be followed by a 24-hour prayer vigil.

University of Cincinnati students will hold an anti-war rally 4 p.m. today on the corner of Clifton and Calhoun.

Holding Hands for Peace will take place 2-3 p.m. Sunday near the Coffee Emporium at 3316 Erie Ave., Hyde Park.

Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship, 4229 Brownway Ave., Oakley, will hold "Circles for Peace" at 1 p.m. Sunday. One group prays inside the church while another group demonstrates.

Liberty Heights Church, 9180 Cincinnati-Columbus Road, West Chester Township, will honor our Armed Forces, America and the World at special worship services 9 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday.

St. Francis Seraph Church will hold a "Prayer Service for Peace" 7 p.m. Monday at Franciscan Corner, Liberty and Vine streets, Over-the Rhine.

Ursuline Academy, 5535 Pfeiffer Road, Blue Ash, will hold an Anti-War on Iraq Teach-In 1 p.m. Saturday. Speaker Mary Schoen will present workshops: Nonviolent Alternatives; Military Spending vs. Social Needs; Islam 101; and Fear: Psychology of War. The fee is $7. Registration begins at 12:15 p.m.

Compiled by Janinne Thompson

HOW TO HELP; HOW TO GET HELP

COUNSELING

Catholic Social Services will offer a program, "Helping Children with the Threat of War," 1-2 p.m. Monday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday and 7-8 p.m. Thursday at InnerVisions Books and Gifts, 8556 Beechmont Ave., Cherry Grove. Information and registration: 241-7745.

Catholic Social Services of Northern Kentucky is offering counseling and support group services. (859) 581-8974.

Clermont Counseling Center in Milford and Amelia is offering crisis counseling. 947-7000.

Mental Health Association of the Cincinnati Area has resources for referrals to counseling agencies. 721-2910, ext. 15.

Talbert House is distributing a tip sheet for parents, teachers and others on helping kids cope with disaster. Call 281-CARE.

The American Red Cross will distribute disaster preparedness brochures and help with questions about the war situation and anxiety through the hotline at 579-3044.

HOW TO DONATE

American Red Cross - Call 579-3000 for guidelines for package donations to military personnel. Items can be dropped off at the Red Cross offices at 720 Sycamore St., downtown, or at 10870 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash. Furniture Fair, which is partnering with the Red Cross, will also accept donations.

Hoxworth Blood Center - To balance needs of local hospitals and the future needs of the military, donors are encouraged to schedule appointments at (513) 451-0910 over the days and weeks to come.

WHAT WE'RE DOING

Cameron Park Elementary School, Helping Hands Family Readiness Group and the Springdale Wal-Mart will collect items to send to American soldiers. Bins will be placed at the Forest Park school and the Wal-Mart through April 4 to collect items such as batteries, AT&T phone cards, playing cards, sunglasses, lip balm and unscented sunscreen.

The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati will offer complimentary memberships to the family of any activated National Guard or reservist. Proof of current service is required. The membership will be established for a six-month term and may be renewed every six months while the family member maintains active military status. Contact your local branch or call 651-2100.

Country Lane Pet Resort in Moscow, Ohio, is organizing local kennels for dogs and cats if their military owners are about to be shipped overseas. Private citizens wanting to help can link to the Military Pets Foster Project at www.netpets.org, which coordinates a nationwide network to house all pets of military personnel free of charge.

WEB SITES FOR HELP IN COPING WITH WAR

• About Our Kids Web site: "A War with Iraq".

• The Learning Network Web site: "Talking About Conflict and War".

• Time magazine: For children - www.timeforkids.com. For teachers - www.timeforteachers.com.

• National Mental Health Association Web site: "Tips For Coping in Challenging Times" -