"As a community of charity ... we will strive to be persons who choose to live simply in a complex world, committed to the healing of our global home."

That is the Sisters of Charity Vision statement of 1990.

The organization has made a major move to make that statement more of a reality by establishing an office of "peace, justice and integrity of creation."

"We hope that establishing this office will produce a stronger, more integrated approach to making our vision something that we live together,'' said Sister Nancy Bramlage, Sisters of Charity executive councilor.

Sisters Louise Akers and Jean Miller have been named coordinators of the office. They will conduct research on justice and ecology issues, Sister Nancy said.

"They will provide educational opportunities for Sisters and Associates to be more knowledgeable on current issues and will facilitate congregational action that will reflect our vision,'' Sister Nancy said.

The group is planning a series of workshops in August and September. It will observe the bombing of Hiroshima on Aug. 6.

"Our earth, our world, our church are all in crises,'' said Sister Louise. "I believe our Sister of Charity vision, rooted in our faith tradition, calls us to be prophets, agents of change and critics of the status quo. I feel privileged and excited to be part of this through my new role as a coordinator of our new office."

Student lands internship

Kathryn Garman is among 75 college students selected to participate in the ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Program this summer in Dallas, Texas.

She is a communication major at Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas, and is interning at the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas.

Garman, 20, is focusing on donor relations, community affairs, and preparing and sending press releases.

"This has been the best experience I have ever had, both educationally and meeting people,'' Garman said.

She is a graduate of Calvary Christian School, Covington. She is the daughter of Bill and Sandra Garman, Anderson Township.

Award honors animal lovers

The first award set up to honor the contributions of Harold F. Dates, general manager of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Cincinnati, will go to a Canadian.

It goes to Bill Bruce, manager of Animal and Bylaw Services for the City of Calgary, Alberta.

The Dates award is endowed by John Harlton, London, Ontario. He funded the honor because Dates has dedicated his life to improving the lives of animals, Harlton said.

New Thought Unity garden

WALNUT HILLS - Walnut Hills will soon have a new sanctuary for peace and faith.

The New Thought Unity Center, 1401 E. McMillan St.,will break ground today on its Barker Meditation Garden. Husband and wife the Revs. Pat and Jack Barker, former pastors for nearly 30 years, will speak at the church's 9 and 11 a.m. services, with groundbreaking to follow.

The center, which was founded more than 100 years ago, is home to a non-denominational, spiritual congregation.

"We're all one. We believe in the goodness of everything, and that God or the Spirit resides in everyone and everything," said John Carsman, director of ministry services.

The garden is a celebration of the Barkers' service to the center as well as a place for the public and congregation to spend time, Carsman said. It will be constructed around a former nursing home the center now uses as a youth center.

"It will serve as a sanctuary, a place of quiet, a place to get away from everyday life," Carsman said.

The garden, expected to cost $50,000 for the first phase, will include a fountain, benches and lighting and eventually will have a labyrinth. The center already has raised $40,000.

In addition to Sunday services, the center, now led by Revs. Doris Hoskins and Pat Williamson, offers 40 classes each season, ranging from yoga to Bible study.

For more information, call 961-2527. To donate to the meditation garden, call Wayne Dorsey at 474-2015.