Lisa Desatnik
A Touching Dog Rescue Story
In this world there are truly special people who go out of their way to see the potential in others, to rescue those who need saving, and to give love freely. This is the story of some special people and a dog that, until they came along, had no hope. Such a beautiful ending. A great dog rescue and dog adoption story.
On Mother’s Day, Some Life Lessons I’ve Learned From My Mom
This Parrot Loves His Bunny
NOTE: I have a new pet behavior blog located at http://www.SoMuchPETential.com/blog. Thanks!
I love this video because it reminds me so much of Chester. Ringneck parakeets have so much curiosity and such a zest for life.
Loveland Student Receives National Attention For Volunteer Work
How exciting for Loveland student Mack Pairan (who attends Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy)! He was honored in Washington D.C. at the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Mack was named one of Ohio’s top two youth volunteers from the nationwide program honoring young volunteers.
In 2009, Mack began a mission that 
has collected over 7000 toiletry items for people in need. The enterprising then 9-year-old passed flyers out in his neighborhood, an effort that generated some 300 items. And, as is what happens a lot when you give with your heart, he wanted to do more. Mack began hosting three annual collection events.
“No matter what your age or what you have, there is always someone who is less fortunate than you, and we are all here to serve in our own way,” said Mack.
Popular YMCA Camp Ernst Undergoing Major Renovations
Since 1928, thousands of youth from throughout the region and around the world come to the beautiful, sprawling, park-like setting of YMCA Camp Ernst where they strengthen their skills and make diverse friendships in 
an environment that stresses positive character values. This summer, on their way to check-in, campers will see an all new Welcome and Health Center under construction. Funded with a lead gift from the Schiff Foundation, the new Center is part of the first phase of what is the camp’s first major multi-million dollar renovation since the 1970s.
Camp Renovation
Also included in the first phase of the expansion and renovation are two new bath houses. Other future projects to be completed as funding is secured, include: dining hall and kitchen upgrades; and a new Valley swimming pool, E-Team longhouse for teens, camper cabin, horse barn, and an arts center that will have an art studio, dance room and performance area.
The ‘For the Love of Camp Ernst’ capital campaign is three-quarters of the way to its final goal of raising $4M for all of the renovations. That is thanks to co-chairs Frank Henson and Jennifer Shockey, other volunteers, alumni, parents and board members.
“This broad base of support has demonstrated just how important Camp Ernst is to this community
and how much everyone is committed to seeing it continue for generations to come,” said Sandy Berlin Walker, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati.
It was a beautiful spring day recently that Elizabeth Cochran, YMCA Camp Ernst director, and I sat down with Mark Hansel of the Kentucky Enquirer to talk about the improvements.
“It’s very rewarding to see the growth of all the kids who come here and find their voice,” said Eli told him. “I love the connection with the young people over the course of the summer.”
About YMCA Camp Ernst
Accredited by the American Camping Association, YMCA Camp Ernst welcomes more than 850 teens and 2,200 children including 20 international counselors. (Thanks to caring donors over 300 kids attend on scholarship annually.) Featured camp activities include: horseback riding, five high ropes course elements, 100 ft. waterslide, banana boat rides, swimming, hiking, archery, biking, campfires and capture-the-flag. Unique to Camp Ernst is the fine arts program that features music, drama, dance and visual arts. An important component of all camp activities and programs is leadership development which is delivered as an age-appropriate, phased program that helps pre-teens and teens hone skills that will serve them well as they enter adulthood and seek to establish careers. The Leader-In-Training program focuses on grooming campers to become counselors. In fact, 75% of the current counselors were once campers and 87% of the summer staff was part of camp the previous year.
Boone Co Recorder – Camp Ernst undergoing renovations
Northern Kentucky Enquirer – Summer oasis gets makeover
