Maybe it's time for servicemen to get a little pampering - more than just a welcome-home handshake, a kiss and pat on the back.

Several downtown merchants think so. They have put together a "Stars and Stripes Thank You Campaign," including a pamper package valued at close to $3,000.

Anyone can nominate an active military person or spouse to receive the package, said Nancie Florian, one of the organizers.

Nancie Florian (from left), dentist Walter E. Gay Jr. and Sperrie Gay are helping organize the "Stars and Stripes Pamper Package" (Tony Jones photo)

"They are giving of their time, serving their country and they are not getting a lot back," Florian said. "We wanted to do something for them, and at the same time do something positive downtown. It was fun putting the group together and planning the package."

Participating groups include: Salon Urbanity, $250 beauty services; Dr. Walter Gay Jr., $500 worth of dental services; Richter & Phillips Jewelers, $250 in jewelry; Drs. Ira and Richard Abrahamson, $500 in eye care services; Lazarus/Macy's, $500 in retail merchandise; the Hilton Netherland Plaza, an overnight stay with breakfast in bed, valued at $200; the Palace Restaurant, $135 dinner; and $500 in tax-preparation services from Clark, Schaefer, Hackett and Co.

To nominate a serviceman or woman, visit www.starsandstripesthankyou.com. Deadline for nomination is Dec. 1. One winner will be chosen shortly thereafter.

Baseball team perfect

Members of the Olympian Club Pro-Door Wildcats baseball team can rest on their laurels, sporting an unblemished record of 26-0, including the A2 City League championship, the tournament and the final four.

Players are: Todd Davis, Tyler Sheehan, Chris Dobrowolski, Kyle Hughes, Nick Yeager, Keith Zimpelman, Dexter Meier, Elijah Flowers, Kevin Brown, Zach Florea and Chad Vilas.

Manager Tony Davis said he was fortunate to be a part of a bunch of great young men.

"Players peaked at the right time," Davis said.

Coaches for the team are Joe Davis, Tim Hughes and Bob Akins.

ACADEMIC ALL-STARS

Scholarships provided

AurGroup Financial Credit Union, of Fairfield, has awarded scholarships to graduating seniors based on excellence in academics and a commitment to their communities.

Scholarship monies are awarded throqgh the Hamilton Community Foundation.

$1,000 scholarship winners are: Elizabeth Jolivette of Badin High School; Tristan Fuerbacher of Fairfield High School; Holly Tegeder of Hamilton High School; Kyle Barnes of Moeller High School; and Alicia Hite of Winton Woods High School.

$500 scholarship winners were: Daniel Strong of Campbell County High School; Jessie Kinman of Danville Community School; Sarah Kittleman of Holmes High School; Katie Elsbernd of Holy Cross High School; Kathryn Kolkmeyer of Lakota East High School; Adam Ficker of La Salle High School; Audrey Rauter of Madison Junior/Senior High School; Jennifer Kaufhold of Mother of Mercy High School; Griffin Aufranc of Ross High School; and Amanda Greenberg of Talawanda High School.

To submit an item, call 755-4165.

OUR KIDS

He saved their lives

His quick thinking and courage moved Edward Tarrance into a zone far above the ordinary.

For alerting residents in a burning building, enabling them to escape, Edward, 11, was given the Above and Beyond Award Tuesday night by the Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Apartment Association.

The Westwood youth received a plaque at the group's monthly meeting at Cort Furniture Rental, 11745 Commons Drive, Tri-County.

After seeing smoke coming from a third-floor window at 2505 Harrison Ave. on Oct. 18, Edward banged on doors to warn residents. He then dragged an old mattress from a Dumpster so several trapped residents could jump to safety.

"Our board was totally moved by what he did," said Mark Franks, executive vice president of the association. "At that age, to go in a burning building, warn people and then help them evacuate is incredible."

Edward received a proclamation signed by Hamilton County commissioners, a certificate from the U.S. Congress, and a $100 certificate to Toys R Us.