The baby had her picture taken while cuddled in the arm of President Bush at last week's political rally in the Voice of America Park, West Chester.

Actually, Gwendolynn, the adopted daughter of Gregg and Kim Padgett of Fairfield Township, appeared more interested in grabbing a late-morning nap.

"We had been there since about 11:30 that morning and she was getting a little sleepy," said Kim Padgett, a third-grade teacher at Frost Elementary School, Mount Healthy.

Kim Padgett said her family was sitting in a VIP section with Butler County Judge Stephen Powell, her father-in-law, during the brief encounter with the president.

"After the president finished his speech, he stepped into the crowd, shaking hands and kissing babies. My mother-in-law, Kathy Powell, was holding Gwendolynn. The president reached over and took her into his arms. This is going to be a lifelong keepsake picture for us," Kim Padgett said.

Employee of the Year

For his friendliness, kindness, professionalism and a can-do attitude, Levon Sackett has been named as People Working Cooperatively Inc.'s Employee of the Year.

Sackett, 25, has worked with the agency for three years as a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning installer, serving low-income elderly, disabled and other homeowners who have critical home repair needs.

"To be considered employee of the year among such a fine group of dedicated individuals is an honor and a privilege," said Sackett, who lives in Cleves with his wife, Patricia, and children, Layla and newborn son, Brian.

Other honors went to:

• Kathy Schroder, Milford, and the FACS Group Inc. of Mason with the Friends of People Working Cooperatively award for exceptional hard work, commitment and dedication to the agency's mission.

• Lynn Worpenberg, Cheviot, Cecile Mihaly Volunteer of the Year award for exceptional long-term volunteerism.

• Ray Beiser, owner of Hader Roofing and Furnace, honored with the Chairman's Award for exceptional long-term customer service, dedication and commitment to quality.

Goodwill Mini-Fest

Ohio Valley Goodwill's annual fall Mini-Fest is Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the store at 10600 Springfield Pike, Woodlawn.

The event will offer collectibles, books and a wide selection of dolls for sale, as well as homemade baked goods and candy. Hot dogs and soft drinks also will be available.

Funds from the festival support the organization's programs and services for men and women with disabilities.

The Mini-Fest is sponsored by the Service Guild of Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries (www.cincinnatigoodwill.org) .

GIVING BACK: Olympic medalist back home

For Becky Jasontek, today will be a day of honors as she returns to her alma mater, Mount Notre Dame in Reading.

Jasontek, a 2004 Olympic bronze medalist in Athens in synchronized swimming, will address the student body and be honored for her numerous achievements in her sport.

She is a 1993 graduate of Mount Notre Dame. Reading Mayor Bo Bemmes will present Jasontek with a proclamation naming Monday Becky Jasontek Day in Reading.

She also will attend a "breakfast of champions" at the school today and answer questions.

Jasontek attended Ohio State University on a four-year scholarship in synchronized swimming. She was named OSU's Scholar Athlete, Department of Communications Outstanding Undergraduate and Collegiate All-American in 1994, 1995 and 1996.

She also was named the Greater Cincinnati Collegiate Sportswoman of the Year in 1997 and was inducted into the Mount Notre Dame's Inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame.

After graduating from OSU, Jasontek began training with the U.S. Olympic team. She has represented the USA at the Fina World Cup and the World Championships.