Some of Tim Smith’s titles include:
- One Lonely Christmas Eve
- Memories Die Last
- Cupid Says Happy New Year
- Who Gets the Friends
- The Sweet Distraction
You can buy his books on Amazon.
Natalie Babbit
Natalie was born in Dayton on July 28, 1932, to personnel administrator Ralph Moore and former artist Genevieve Converse Moore. Natalie grew up with what she referred to as an “Ohio life view”, which she described as “the feeling that certain things are right, and that’s that.”
Since childhood, Natalie wanted to be an illustrator. She studied at Laurel School in Cleveland and Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. Later, she married Samuel Babbitt, and together they had three children, born between 1956 and 1960.
Together, the couple created The Forty-ninth Magician, written by Samuel and illustrated by Natalie. Eventually Samuel became too busy to continue with books and Natalie was encouraged to continue producing children’s books. She started with short books, then continued on to children’s novels.
Children’s novels was where Natalie succeeded. For her books, she won the following awards:
- Tuck Everlasting – named an ALA Notable Book and ranked among the “Top 100 Chapter Books” of all time by the School Library Journal. Adapted into a movie twice and a Broadway Musical
- The Eyes of Amaryllis – adapted into a movie in 1982.
- Received The Newbery Honor Award
- Received the Christopher Award
- U.S. Nominee for Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1982
- Finalist for Edgar Allan Poe Award
- Awarded the inaugural E.B. White Award for achievement in children’s literature by the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
Natalie’s writing career spanned four decades and produced 20 books she wrote and 10 she illustrated. She also illustrated five volumes in the Small Poems Series by Valerie Worth. She was a frequent contributor to The Times Book Review, continuing to write into her 70s.
Natalie died on October 31, 2016 at her home in Hamden Connecticut. She had lung cancer. She was survived by her husband Samuel, and her three children, Dr Christopher Converse Babbitt, Thomas Collier Babbitt, and Lucy Cullyford Babbitt.
Regarding the subject of immortality from Tuck Everlasting, Natalie echoed Angus Tuck. “I think that living forever would be a terrible thing,” she once said. “ It would be boring, sad and lonely.”
Local Author Stephen Grismer
He was a 12-year member of the hostage negotiation team and the vice president of the Dayton Fraternal Order of Police. Grismer is a 1984 graduate of the University of Dayton with a degree concentration in journalism and a minor in criminal justice. In 2008 he helped produce the successful police exhibit at Carillon Historical Park, “Patrolling the Streets of Dayton.”
When the exhibit closed at Carillon, many people wished to keep the history of the Dayton Police Department alive. As one of the original architects of this Dayton Police History Exhibit, Stephen formed a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of Dayton police history. Dayton Police History Foundation, Inc. was chartered by the State of Ohio on January 1, 2010.
In addition to all of his service and contributions to the community, Stephen has written the following books:
- The Dean, Dillinger, and Dayton, Ohio
- Drenched Uniforms and Battered Badges: How Dayton Police Emerged from the 1913 Flood
Along with authors Judith Monseur and Dennis Murphy, Stephen Grismer also wrote:
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Mabel Creager Barnes & Dwight L. Barnes
Comparing the ages of local schools is a difficult task because the creation of early schools was an informal and often undocumented process. Schools were often one-room buildings established by ministers on church grounds.
The first school in the West Carrollton area was established in 1802 in Alexandersville, which is roughly where Woody’s Market on Dixie Drive stood. Dayton had a school district established by 1831. Miami Township is likely next given its proximity to the Great Miami River and the fact that settlements normally began near bodies of water. Area settlements began at Riverside and moved inland. The oldest settlements would have had the earliest schools. Van Buren Township School District was established June 24, 1841, when the township separated from Dayton.
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I-75 Construction Delayed Again
The construction taking place now is the first time this section of I-75 has been rebuilt down to the base since its construction in the 1950s. Decades of construction and reconstruction will need to be removed before constructing the new road to ensure quality and longevity.
The remaining work, which depends on the weather for progress, poses many challenges. Many important tasks cannot be performed during winter months, which adds to complications to adhering to the schedule.
Completion of the work was planned for Summer 2027, but with the complications and additional work required, the date will have to be reassessed as the project continues.
For more details about i-75 construction and delays, visit the ODOT website here: ODOT – Montgomery County: Construction Update
Nancy Cartwright Donates to Rosewood Arts Center
In a statement, Cartwright commented, “I am thrilled and deeply honored to contribute to this incredible art facility. I truly believe that the expansion and survival of our culture depend on our unwavering support for both art and artists. The Rosewood Arts Center stands as a beacon for bringing hope and inspiring greatness in others.”
Cartwright will also have a permanent association with Rosewood as it introduces “The Nancy Cartwright Painting and Drawing Studio.”
Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams Earley
Charity Edna Adams was born in Kitrell, North Carolina in 1918. Her father was a minister, and her mother was a former teacher. When she was a young girl, her family moved to South Carolina, which she later considered home.
Charity was intellectually gifted and started school in second grade. By the end of elementary school, she was tested and scored ready to start high school. Her parents decided not to advance her any more grades since she was already a few grades ahead of her age group in school. Charity graduated school two years early as valedictorian. At Wilberforce College, Charity majored in Latin, Math, and Physics. She held a part-time job and was involved in many student activities before she graduated in 1938.
During WWII, Charity was the first African American female officer in the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC, later called WAC). She led the 3rd Training Regiment, made up of two white and one black platoon. At Fort Des Moines, she was promoted to Major, which made her the highest-ranking female officer at the fort and one of the highest-ranking WAC officers in the country. She then deployed to Europe and led the first Black WAC unit to serve overseas. For her work in Europe, Charity was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, the highest possible rank for WAC.
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Dayton Animator Mark Henn – a 2024 Disney Legend
The Disney Legends Awards program is a 37 year old tradition and the highest honor the company can bestow, according to Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger.
Henn has helped a new generation of Disney animators with character animation in CG features such as Ralph Breaks the Internet. He was the lead 2D animator on Big Hero 6 and Frozen and served as a 2D animator for “Mini Maui” in Moana. In 2013, Henn received ASIFA’s highest award in animation, the Winsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement. Henn was also commissioned to paint Mickey Mouse’s official portrait for the character’s 90th anniversary in 2018
April 8th Total Solar Eclipse
What is a solar eclipse? It’s when the moon passes between the sun and earth and completely blocks the face of the sun. The sky will go dark like at dusk.
When watching the eclipse, it’s important to be careful not to stare directly at it. It’s best to view through “eclipse glasses”, a handheld solar viewer, or using a pinhole projector. If using eclipse glasses, make sure they are not cheap knockoffs. Use only eclipse glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard. Do not use regular sunglasses. Using regular sunglasses during the eclipse will cause eye injury. Safe solar viewers are thousands of times darker than regular sunglasses.
If you take the time to watch the eclipse, make sure to take pictures and share!
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