The DeMarzo children, (from left, clockwise) Molly, 7, Brenden, 9, Aidan, 6, and Joshua, 3, are leading the way with the help from mom Amy DeMarzo in raising money for the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Warren County to help families without a home. Their 2011 goal is to raise $5,000, with the help of the schools, and collect an equivalent amount in donated goods.

This was an angle of a shot I did not use for the Western Star when I wrote about LCNB being placed on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange.

This is the first day of the 2011-2012 school year at the Mason Early Childhood Center. These two seem to know what they're doing even though it's the first time they'll be walking into the building for school.

Again, this is the first day of school for the 2011-2012 school year at the Mason Early Childhood Center. I think the nonchalant wave makes this picture.

Citizens Police Academy pics

Members of the seventh class of the Fairfield Twp. Citizens Police Academy got an upclose inspection of the Butler County Sheriff's Office helicopter on Wednesday, May 20, 2009.

A member of the seventh class of the Fairfield Twp. Citizens Police Acadmey looks in at the Butler County Sheriff's Office helicopter on Wednesday, May 20, 2009. Members of the CPA got an upclose inspection of the helicopter.

The Butler County Sheriff's Office helicopter lands in the field behind the Fairfield Twp. Police Department on Wednesday, May 20, 2009. Members of the seventh class of the Fairfield Twp. Citizens Police Academy got an upclose inspection of the helicopter.

Field of Hope

This photo was taken on Mother's Day, May 10, 2009. Kids from and around the Neilan Park Apartments in Hamilton wait to start the first game of baseball on the Field of Hope on Sunday. Some kids talk with a volunteer (at right of fence). The field was transformed from a rock-filled, barren lot on South Front Street in Hamilton into a baseball field. Also goal posts were installed by IBEW Local 648.

A peaceful autistic moment

Matthew Jones, 8, of Fairfield, was diagnosed with autism two years ago and his family is hoping to raise $11,000 for 4 Paws for Ability for a service dog. The dog will be tethered to Matthew. His mother, Amy Jones, said the trained dog can calm Matthew down when he becomes agitated. This photo was taken in April 2009.

A happy good-bye

Exiting Fourth Ward Fairfield City Councilman Steve Miller (left) is honored by the plaque listing his acheivements on council for the past 10 years presented by Mayor Ron D'Epifanio, who said Miller is like a son to him. D'Epifanio later proclaimed Dec. 31 as Steven E. Miller Day in the city. Miller is stepping down from his seat due to term limits. This picture was taken Dec. 10, 2007.