Tom Spasoff has had heart surgery six times, so you might think he'd be an unlikely person to ride a bike across the United States. Think again.

Spasoff, 67, recently finished the 3,200-mile ride from Bellingham, Wash., to New Haven., Conn., to promote healthy lifestyles and to raise money for a social service agency.

He began his trip Aug. 21 and reached New Haven on Sept. 15, riding through forest fires, strong head winds and cold weather.

"I rode to promote the theme of 'Cycling for Caring Communities; Conquering Hunger and Promoting Healthy Lifestyles,'" he said.

He was followed by a van driven by Annette Krochmalny, director of InterParish Ministries, Newtown, which supports 36 local churches that help poor families.

Girl, 9, fights diabetes

With support of her classmates, Sarah Lowe, a student at Indian Hill Elementary School, has stepped up her fight against diabetes.

Sarah, 9, was diagnosed with the disease a year ago.

She joined 1,100 area residents Saturday at Sawyer Point as part of America's Walk for Diabetes.

Sarah and her classmates collected more than $1,800 for the American Diabetes Foundation.

NKU student a coach

The voice you might hear coaching singers backstage during the performance of Jesus Christ Superstar by the Falcons at the Westwood Town Hall on Friday will be that of Annie King, 24, of Fort Thomas.

She's an award-winning music student at Northern Kentucky University.

Behind the badge

Firefighters trained

Several firefighters recently completed Ohio basic training for full-time career firefighters.

West Chester firefighters Nicholas Sikkema and James Steinriedeand Madeira-Indian Hill firefighters Kevin Scheuerman and Brian Willing were among 25 who completed the training at the Ohio Fire Academy in Reynoldsburg.

The 315-hour training program combines classroom and hands-on experience.

Topics include search and rescue in an environment simulating hazardous conditions, vehicle extrication and ladder rescue operations.

The course also provides certification in hazardous-materials awareness and hazardous-materials operations.

Golden galaxy finalists

These teens are golden

Golden Galaxy Awards will be announced Oct. 22. Over 300 students from 58 high schools were nominated in one of 11 categories. Good Things Happening is profiling all 55 finalists.

• Name: Katie Theiss

Age: 17

School: Highland High

Community: Fort Thomas

Category: Foreign Language

Parents: Jeff and Barbara Theiss

Katie is a National Honor Society member and has been on the Super Honor Roll since her junior year.

• Name: Allison Marie Stallo

Age: 17

School: Oak Hills High

Community: Delhi Township

Category: Science

Parents: John and Debbie Stallo

Allison received a scholarship and attended the College of Mount St. Joseph's summer science adventure program. She has received the President's Education Award for outstanding academic achievement.

• Name: Claire Ruberg

Age: 18

School: Oldenburg Academy

Community: Batesville

Category: Science

Parents: Chris and Amy Ruberg

Claire has been a volunteer at the Cincinnati Zoo for four years, where she demonstrates creatures such as Madagascar hissing cockroaches. She tutors biology and chemistry and is the founder of the "Adopt-a-Sis" program at her school.