Thumbs up to the private donors who made possible Hamilton High School's new fitness center, which was unveiled in a dedication ceremony Wednesday. Some $125,000 in private donations — thanks to the "Raising the Bar for Success" fundraising committee, led by Claude Davis — have provided a center featuring 12 weight rack stations, 12 Nautilus machines, 80 dumbbells, three treadmills, three elliptical machines and three stationary bikes, according to staff writer Jay Morrison. "We don't have to take a back seat to anybody now," basketball coach Tim Robinson told Morrison, referring to schools with similar facilities. "This weight room is top of the line." The Big Blue may be getting bigger and stronger very soon, thanks to this community endeavor.
Thumbs up to the life and memory of George "Sparky" Anderson, the former Cincinnati Reds manager who passed away on Thursday at the age of 76. Because of this town's favorite son, the late Joe Nuxhall, Hamilton residents have a special bond with the Reds organization and had great affection for the plain-talking man who led the Big Red Machine to two world championships in 1975 and 1976, and went on to be inducted in baseball's Hall of Fame for his winning ways. Like the Ol' Left-Hander, Sparky was an icon to those of us who followed the Reds during those glory days. Rest in peace, Sparky.
Groan. Is it time to change the clocks already? Daylight-saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, which means "falling back" one hour — and gaining an hour of sleep this weekend. As always, we'll all be adjusted to the time change when it's time for DST to start again next year. Sigh. Well, while you're changing those clocks this weekend, don't forget to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. And the Ohio Auto Club warns that many of us will be driving home in the dark, starting with Monday evening's rush hour, which increases the possibility of accidents. Take care out there. March 13, 2011 — when we change the clocks again — will be here before you know it.