Camping and asthma are two things that usually don't go together. But that didn't stop four Northern Kentucky youths who suffer from the disease.

Anthony Stolz, 13, and Matthew Tarka, 7, both from Edgewood, joined Brianna Latham, 12, of Hebron, and Dylan Meyer, 11, of Ludlow, at Camp Superkids 2004 at Cedarmore campground near Shelbyville from July 25-30.

Nearly 90 children attended the medically staffed camp for children who have asthma.

Anthony and Brianna had attended the camp before, but it was the first year for both Matthew and Dylan.

Matthew Tarka (right), 7, of Edgewood, participates in a scavenger hunt at Camp Superkids. The camp, for children who have asthma, was July 25-30 near Shelbyville. Photo provided

"Sometimes it was kind of cold in the pool, but it was still a lot of fun," said Matthew. "I want to come back again."

About 70,000 children in Kentucky have asthma, including 5,100 children in Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties.

Since the heat, humidity, physical activity, trees and grass can all trigger breathing problems for those with asthma, many of these children otherwise wouldn't be able to camp without on-site medical care.

Doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and pharmacists were on hand throughout the camp.

Campers also took part in traditional activities such as archery, hiking and swimming.

Fund-raiser succeeds

NEWPORT - With about 600 people rocking to the music of British musician John Waite Wednesday, a Sycamore Township company raised about $25,000 for FamiliesForward, a Cincinnati agency that helps Cincinnati students.

The benefit concert was sponsored by General Revenue Corp., a subsidiary of Sallie Mae. General Revenue Corp., looking to support a charitable cause, teamed up with FamiliesForward earlier this year.

"They work to enhance esteem, academic achievement and leadership qualities for more than 1,200 Cincinnati inner-city school children," said Kathleen Adams, marketing manager for General Revenue Corp.

"We were just thrilled with what FamiliesForward has accomplished."

The benefit concert, which also featured Tocka and Soul Pocket, was held at Coconut Grove Nightclub in Newport, and all proceeds went to FamiliesForward. General Revenue Corp. employees also made donations, and the Sallie Mae Fund contributed $10,000.

"It was fantastic," Adams said. "This was our first fund-raising effort for them. They're going to use it for after-school music and art programs and their math program.''

Both FamiliesForward and General Revenue Corp. have a focus on education.

"We are an education- and community-oriented company, first and foremost," General Revenue Corp. President Joe Fazzini said before the event. "We have always funneled money back into the community.

"Groovin' at the Grove is a new event for us and yet another way for us to give back."

New Eagle Scouts

These young men have earned the highest rank of the Boy Scouts of America: Eagle Scout:

Dennis Blackwelder, of Troop 560 sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Norwood. For his community service project, he and his crew provided an erosion control plan at Madeira Dumont School and constructed an eight-foot railing leading to the playground. The recent Madeira High School graduate is the son of Janet and Ralph Blackwelder of Madeira.

Gregory Goddard, of Troop 18 sponsored by St. Saviour Church in Dillonvale. For his Eagle project, he and his crew cleaned debris and garbage in Bechtold Park to lay drain tile along the trail. The recent Moeller High School graduate is the son of Patty and Paul Goddard of Sycamore Township.

Carl LeCompte, of Troop 6 sponsored by Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church. For his community service project, he and his crew built a bridge over a ravine in French Park and re-directed the trail to move it from the ravine. The recent Madeira High School graduate is the son of Louise and Ted LeCompte of Madeira.

Girl Scout Gold Award

Megan Rook, of Troop 955 in Finneytown, received the Gold Award in Girl Scouts, the highest award that a Girl Scout age 14-17 may earn. For her project, she worked with the new Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center in Clifton to establish a library of books and videos for the children it serves. She and volunteers collected 70 videos and more than 400 books as well as personal-care items for the children to use.

A recent McAuley High School graduate, Megan plans to attend the University of Cincinnati to study education. She is the daughter of Linda and Roger Rook of Finneytown.

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