CORRYVILLE - Dan Monnin is looking for broken bicycles.

As vice president of the University of Cincinnati's Chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, he wants to fix them up as part of the organization's Bike Works project. The group fixes broken bicycles for donation to children in need.

"We were looking for a good volunteer project that still involved mechanical stuff," Monnin said. "Bicycles are great simple machines, and fixing them was a great way for us to give back to the community."

University of Cincinnati mechanical engineering students (from left) Julie Evans, 21, Sarah Jones, 21, Abbey Yee, 21, and Dan Monnin, 22, fix bicycles. (Jeff Swinger photo) | ZOOM |

The engineer group joined forces with the St. George Interfaith Food Pantry to find children in need of bicycles. The pantry accepts applications, and the bikes are then distributed to children who go to school and live in the Clifton and Corryville areas.

In its first year, the group gave away 28 bicycles.

For more information or to donate a bicycle, visit Web site

Legion hosting contest

American Legion Post 484, 1837 Sutton Ave., Mount Washington, and Snyder Media Productions are hosting a Teen Talent Canteen Nov. 14 and 15 from 7 to 11 p.m.

The event, limited to teens 13-18 attending Nagel Middle School, or Anderson, Turpin and McNicholas high schools, is designed to showcase teens performing in bands, solo and as stand-up comics.

The event costs $10 with a student ID; parents are admitted free. Those wishing to perform should call Steve Snyder at 474-9719 or e-mail sjs21601@aol.com

Geib appointed to board

Stephen M. Geib of Springboro has been appointed to the Board of Directors for Mental Health Recovery Services of Warren & Clinton Counties.

Geib is co-founder and now serves as executive director of Agape for Youth, a nonprofit organization serving the needs of young people in foster care.

The Ohio Department of Alcohol & Drug Addiction Services appointed him to serve out the rest of a term that expires in June 2005. The seat was left vacant by a resignation earlier this year.

ACADEMIC ALL-STARS

Shrout's grades perfect

Derek Shrout achieved a 4.0 grade-point average and was named to the second-trimester dean's list at the Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa. It is his second consecutive listing.

The Loveland High School graduate is the son of Linda and Mike Shrout of Loveland.

Dudis leads society

Brian Dudis of Glendale, a past vice president, was elected president of Ohio University's chapter of Alpha Pi Mu, the Industrial Manufacturing & Systems Engineering Honor Society for the 2003-04 academic year.

The Wyoming High graduate is also a member of Tau Beta Pi, the National Engineering Society.

Poon wins scholarship

Freshman David Poon is a winner of a Parajon Scholarship from Denison University, Granville, Ohio. The scholarships are awarded to students of Asian, Hispanic and/or Native American heritage based on academics, extracurricular activities, an essay, and counselor and teacher recommendations.

The St. Xavier High School graduate is the son of Alexandria and Philip Poon of Indian Hill.

To submit an item, call 755-4165.

BEHIND THE BADGE

LEBANON - Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Christopher A. Crisafi recently received an ACE award for his work in stolen-vehicle investigations.

In 2003, Crisafi recovered at least five stolen vehicles and arrested suspects in connection with each theft. He received a certificate, uniform ribbon and ACE license plates for display on his cruiser at ceremonies in Columbus.

The ACE award recognizes excellence in auto larceny enforcement.

Crisafi joined the patrol in 1997 and was assigned to the Lebanon post. He was trooper of the year in 2001 and won a certificate of recognition in 2002.

He lives in Loveland with his wife and their two sons.

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