For years, Jan Ludewig has worked as the wellness coordinator for Ohio National Life Insurance Co., a job that puts her in the middle of the fight against breast cancer.

Since being diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago, she has taken on a bigger fight. She is a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer team captain, and has raised $4,400 for cancer research.

"I have lots of support from friends, family and organizations," Ludewig said. She and her team will be among the participants in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at 9 a.m. Sunday at Sawyer Point.

The walk is planned by the American Cancer Society in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

Helping the needy

Sharon Kabbes, owner of Sweetwine Pottery, 253 Five Mile Road, Anderson Twp., used her studio to promote a community spirit of giving to the needy.

Kabbes was awarded the Greater Anderson Promotes Peace Community Award at the Anderson Park District Affair of the Arts show last month.

"It was an honor and a surprise," Kabbes said.

Kabbes is a member of Clay Alliance, a professional pottery association. The alliance and her studio promote Empty Bowls, a benefit for hungry children.

The funds raised from Empty Bowls go to support the FreeStore/FoodBank Kids Cafe program, she said.

Golden Galaxy Finalists

The winners of the annual Golden Galaxy Awards will be announced Wednesday. Good Things Happening is profiling all 55 finalists.

The following are nominated in the Speech and Drama category:

Alex Jeffrey Butler, 17, Simon Kenton High School

Community: Independence

Parents: Jeff and Jeannie Butler

Alex is an ardent crusader against drug and alcohol abuse. He has participated in prom night entertainment reminding students that drinking and driving don't mix. He has also lobbied the Kentucky House to raise the tax on tobacco.

Becky Freking, 17, Ursuline Academy

Community: Anderson Township

Parents: Randy and Sue Freking

Becky is co-president of the Ursuline Stage Company and has appeared with the Mariemont Young People's Theatre, the Cincinnati Children's Theatre and the Renegade Garage Players. She maintains a 3.9 grade point average.

Aubrey Krekeler, 17, Seton High School

Community: Dent

Parents: Steve and Gwynne Krekeler

Aubrey has been honored for her work with Young People on City Government and has appeared with the Cincinnati Young People's Theatre, the Seton-Elder Series at Eight and the Seton Drama Club.

Dane Turner, 18, Lakota East High School

Community: Liberty Township

Parents: James and Robin Turner

Dane is an Eagle Scout, a member of the National Honor Society and plays in the school band. He has managed a perfect attendance throughout high school. He volunteers at Liberty Elementary, Our Daily Bread, InterParish Ministries and Reach Out Lakota.

Two new Eagle Scouts

These BoyScouts have earned the Eagle Scout award:

Fletcher LaBarge, of Troop 941 from St. Anne's Episcopal Church of West Chester Township. For his community service project, he supervised the building of a fire pit and eight benches at Cornerstone United Methodist Church.LaBarge, son of Linda and Carter LaBarge of West Chester, and a Lakota West High School graduate, attends Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Michael Stieg, of Troop 940, St. John Church, West Chester Township. Michael, a Lakota West High School senior, improved the trails at Keehner Park.

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