Deidra Wiley Necco

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Can you spare a Jackson?

By Deidra Wiley Necco

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Arts + Culture

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March 13, 2012

One Jackson, 20 Washingtons, 4 Lincolns – whatever your denomination, the Know Theatre is trying to raise 1120 Jacksons in Cincinnati’s first ever crowd-sourced sponsorship campaign to support the upcoming run of Tony Award nominated musical, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. Written by Alex Timbers with music and lyrics by Michael Friedman, the show opens March 31 and runs through May 12. During its seven-week run, audiences will have plenty of opportunities to see the show that pulls no punches in a bold look at the “attraction and terrors of American Populism through the story of the man who invented the Democratic Party, doubled the size of our nation, and signed the Indian Removal Acts that started the Trail of Tears.” Whether you’re hip to history, partial to politics or just a rock and roll fan – all types can find common ground and no shortage of subtext in this 90-minute production. The show integrates local band The Dukes are Dead into a cast featuring actor and associate company member Kellen York in the title role. In the words of Know's director Eric Vosmeier, “The production is an emo-rock musical of the life and rise of Andrew Jackson.” The Club of Jacksons campaign began in December and to date has raised around 600 Jacksons toward its goal. Sponsorships begin at just $20. Contributions of $80 and above get you special admission to an invitation-only preview event on March 15. “It’s a musical everyone can be attracted to due to its youth and energy,” says York. “It’s hilariously tragic,” adds Vosmeier. If the current political season isn’t entertaining enough, become a member of the Club of Jacksons and plan to see Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson beginning March 31. Tickets $15 in advance; $18 the week of performances. Do Good: • Got $20 to spare? Lend a Jackson to the Know Theatre. • Buy a ticket to Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. • Volunteer at the Know. By Deidra Wiley Necco

Art meets life for at-risk youth at CATC

By Deidra Wiley Necco

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Architecture + Design

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March 6, 2012

Walking through the front door at the Cincinnati Arts and Technology Center, you know you’ve entered a transformative space. From the exposed brick walls to the contemporary art gallery, the space appeals to all those who enter to create, and provides them the means to leave a changed individual. For youth considered “at-risk” in Cincinnati, the CATC is at once an art studio, safe haven and launching pad for a better life. In 2001 Cincinnati Public Schools found itself searching for a way to combat racial tensions and a staggeringly high drop out rate among its students. Founded by Lee Carter, former chairman of the board of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and LindaTresvant, CEO from 2003-2008, the CATC is modeled after social architect Bill Strickland’s Manchester Bidwell Corporation in Pittsburgh. The program is founded on the premise that art can provide a catalyst for personal growth and a backdrop for change when at-risk youth are encouraged to explore creative capacities.  The CATC works with juniors and seniors in CPS who are at risk for having insufficient credits to graduate high school. The program provides the opportunity to earn one credit for graduation through fine art, and includes a job-training component called Bridging the Gap designed to help prepare teens for life after high school. “The CATC is very much a seamless program with CPS,” says Clara Martin, chief executive officer. “It provides a learning experience that these kids wouldn’t normally receive and allows them to spend quality time with a trusted adult.” Located in Longworth Hall amid a bevy of design firms, the CATC employs working artists and entrepreneurs from the community. According to Gail Silver of Silver Light Communications, “Kids sometimes come to the program expecting it to be boring. Once they start working with real life artists however, they become completely excited. The instructors play the role of teacher, mentor and role model.” The program focuses on fine art projects and skills that correspond to one thematic unit. A full-time social worker weaves the thematic unit into mini-workshops that bring the art lessons full circle with what is happening in the student’s life at home. “For example, one thematic unit might focus on recognizing and creating patterns with varied art mediums while the social worker encourages the student to consider recurring patterns in his or her life,” says Martin. “The mental health component is closely tied to what the kids are learning in art class. Add this to job preparation training, and the results are very encouraging.” With graduation rates hovering at around 94 percent for seniors in the program, something must be working. According to Martin and Silver, approximately 50 percent of CATC graduates go to college. For the other half, the CATC offers job preparation training through its Bridging the Gap program. Bridging the Gap offers hands on skills that can help a graduate secure an entry-level position with participating employers. Currently, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital is the largest employer, providing entry-level positions that offer health benefits and the opportunity for tuition reimbursement for graduates who would like to attend college. The CATC features five studios, including digital multimedia, 2D drawing and painting, 3D sculpture, ceramics and stained glass. The site also features an art gallery where twice a year students showcase and sell their work. Student art can also be seen at various locations around the city including the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, the Mayerson Academy, Duke Energy Center and more. “Our kids become contributors to the community through their art,” says Martin. “Our program provides a unique opportunity for them to give back to the community. It’s an experience they don’t often get.” Not only are students providing art for the community, they are also helping a new business with product design. In March,CATC students will participate in focus groups for Blegalbloss to help design uses for its products. Students will provide both decorative and functional design concepts. Later this month, students will see prototypes for selected student-created designs planned for production and sales across the country. “It’s not just about art,” says Martin. “It’s about relationships.” Do Good:  • Become: a participating employer for CATC’s Bridge the Gap program.  • Sponsor: a student.    • Donate: and help the CATC bridge the gap. By Deidra Wiley Necco 

Western Wildlife Corridor restores beauty along the Ohio River Valley

By Deidra Wiley Necco

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Education + Learning

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February 28, 2012

The Western Wildlife Corridor has turned a passion for nature into a crusade for a more beautiful Ohio River Valley. Stretching from Mill Creek near downtown Cincinnati to the Great Miami River bordering Indiana, the WWC’s work seeks to enhance the quality of life for Cincinnatians by removing pollutants from the air and water, eradicating invasive plant species and helping boost the values of properties along the river.   As stated on its website, the organization’s mission is “to protect the scenic beauty and natural resources of the Ohio River Valley through direct land protection and through the promotion of responsible land use.” One of the ways the WWC accomplishes this is by obtaining protective easements or purchasing properties in need of habitat restoration. “Raising enough money to purchase these properties is probably one of our biggest challenges,” says Tim Sisson, WWC president. According to Sisson, the WWC has agreements to protect properties in both Miami and Delhi Townships.   In terms of the condition of the land itself, Sisson says that one of the biggest problems facing the Ohio River Valley is the prevalence of invasive plant species. “Species like Amur honeysuckle and garlic mustard kill other plants, trees and bushes,” says Sisson. “Once brought in as ornamental, these species are now threatening the indigenous plant life in the Ohio Valley.”   Although the organization conducts habitat restoration year round, springtime is its busiest season – and just a few weeks away. The WWC relies entirely on volunteers to do everything from manually removing the smaller invasive plants from the riverbanks to performing administrative duties such as bulk mailings, website maintenance and newsletter coordination and editing. “Volunteerism with the WWC represents the opportunity to protect something important,” says Sisson.   This fall, the WWC celebrates its 20th anniversary. Throughout 2012, the WWC will host many events providing opportunities for the community to become aware and involved. On Tuesday, Feb. 28, the WWC will host its annual meeting at the College of Mount St. Joseph. Open to the public, the meeting will include a presentation on the ecology and geology of the hillside.   “Now is the time to protect the beautiful natural environment of the Ohio River Valley for future generations.” Sisson says.   Do Good:   • Donate: funds to help purchase a property in need of natural restoration. • Volunteer: your time to “clean up” the Ohio River banks. • Become: a member of the Western Wildlife Corridor.   By Deidra Wiley Necco

Website connects Latino community with services

By Deidra Wiley Necco

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Diversity

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February 21, 2012

Ligia Gomez, a native of Colombia who after 20 years of residence calls Cincinnati home, is one of more than 8,000 people of Hispanic or Latino heritage in Cincinnati, according to US census data. A former healthcare worker, Gomez says she became aware of the difficulties that many Latino families face when trying to locate and access culturally compatible services delivered in their native language. “Their needs are great,” she says. “I wanted to find a way to help those families.”   Gomez now teaches Spanish for social workers at the University of Cincinnati, helping to ensure that the next generation of providers can more easily address the needs of a growing Latino population. Her contributions to supporting Latino families don’t end with teaching, however. Gomez is also the Chair of the Greater Cincinnati Latino Coalition, which collects and shares resource information online.   The coalition’s website acts as a central location for community resource information, including social and legal services, religious congregations and bilingual services in a city where Latinos and Hispanics represent about 2.7 percent of the total population. “Latino communities can be found in various neighborhoods in the area,” says Gomez. “We depend on our website to reach those communities, especially low-income families who are struggling.”   Since the coalition began in 2005, the local Latino population has continued to grow and more services have become available. As a result, the group’s website could use a makeover. “The coalition is looking for a website developer to make some much-needed changes to both its functioning and content,” says Gomez. “An updated site would enhance our ability to reach families and individuals who need assistance, providing them with timely and centralized information.” As a non-profit, the coalition is looking for a website developer to donate the time and skills needed to make an updated and fully functional site a reality.   While the organization’s website is central to its mission of helping Latino families, the coalition also hosts a series of monthly meetings featuring experts on topics ranging from immigration to economic development and more. These meetings are open to the public, and work to bring people together through education concerning issues that face Latinos. “The meetings provide a regular forum for highlighting services and community resources,” says Gomez.   Although the coalition is currently challenged by a lack of technical resources to improve their website, it is gaining recognition for its work. On May 18, the GCLC will be honored with an organizational award at Santa Maria Community Services’ annual Bienestar, an event that recognizes both individuals and organizations that have done outstanding work to enhance access to health and educational resources for Hispanics and Latinos. “We are very proud to receive this award,” says Gomez.   There are many ways to become active with the GCLC. When it comes to volunteers, the coalition is looking for anyone who is interested in helping the community’s growing Latino population. In addition, donations are welcome, as are community experts willing to serve as speakers for their monthly meetings. Gomez says, “We encourage people to become part of the cause by contributing time, funds or skills to help Latino families living in Cincinnati.”   Do Good: If you or your company have website design skills, consider donating your time and services to the GCLC’s website redesign. Donate. Your dollars help fund important work for Latino families and individuals Get educated. Attend a meeting to learn more about issues facing Latino populations and find out how you can help.   By Deidra Wiley Necco  

Adopt-A-Class connects kids with professionals

By Deidra Wiley Necco

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Education + Learning

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February 21, 2012

Whoever said that one person can’t make a difference has clearly never met Bill Burwinkel. A self-made man, devoted community member and successful entrepreneur, Burwinkel began his career as a high school dropout and worked his way into a successful career in sales and marketing before starting his own business. Today, Burwinkel has transformed his passion for helping others into a well-orchestrated (and highly regarded) community movement. Burwinkel began a career in sales in 1970 after serving with the U.S. Army in Vietnam. From 1970 until 1979, he worked his way from sales representative for General Mills, to zone sales manager for Kroger, to vice president of marketing for the Shur-Good Biscuit Company. With more than a decade of experience in the consumer products industry, Burwinkel founded National Marketshare Group, Inc. in 1983. “I started the company in my basement,” says Burwinkel. “My wife and I ran the business on our credit cards, and it took us five years to become debt free.” That was 24 years ago. Today, Burwinkel has gone from a two-person basement operation to a successful company operating in Cincinnati and Portland, Oregon, and serving clients like Kroger, Fred Meyer, City Markets and many more. After leading NMSG for 20 years, Burwinkel decided it was time to embark on a new venture – this time focused entirely on giving back to the community. In 2003 Burwinkel founded Adopt-A-Class, a mentoring program connecting professionals with kids in Title I schools, or those where at least 40 percent of the students come from low-income families. Hailed as a “superhero of the Cincinnati Public School system,” Burwinkel has become a champion for mentoring, with nearly 200 business and community groups servicing around 6,000 kids in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. “These kids made a real impact on us from the beginning." Since its inception, the program has earned the United Way 2011 Clement L. Buenger Award and the 2011 2nd Act Award. In 2008, AAC was selected as finalist for the Jefferson Award for Public Service. Adopt-A-Class provides activities and topics that mentors can share with students, including classroom parties, career exploration, drug-free education, and much more. “This program facilitates important relationships between the mentors and kids. It gives both groups something to look forward to and feel good about,” says Burwinkel. “It only requires around 7 to 10 hours per school year from its adopters, but in reality, volunteers actually commit around 14 hours each year. People love this program.” Some major organizations in the area agree. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, the Cincinnati Police Department, US Bank, and more have teamed up with AAC to become mentors. Even companies that do not provide mentors can pitch in, including the Cincinnati Reds, who donated some 1,500 tickets last year to children in AAC classrooms. While Burwinkel remains CEO of NMSG, these days his heart really belongs to Adopt-A-Class. “Getting the word out to the business and non-profit community about Adopt-A-Class is part of each day," he says. "It’s a program made by business people, for business people." Do Good: Become an adopter. Learn how. Donate. As a 501(c) 3 non-profit, Adopt-A-Class needs assistance to cover costs. Spread the word if you know a business or organization that would make a good adopter. By Deidra Wiley Necco

A taste of spring at Cincinnati Nature Center

By Deidra Wiley Necco

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Arts + Culture

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February 14, 2012

Have you ever wondered how thick, sticky, slow-moving tree sap becomes the sublime sweetness known as pure maple syrup? If so, the Cincinnati Nature Center features an upcoming program on tree sugaring that is sure to delight the intellect as much as it does the taste buds.   In February and March, the Cincinnati Nature Center presents real, honest-to-goodness maple syrup making. Presented in the center’s Sugar House, visitors can expect an education in producing “liquid gold” maple syrup from sap. The program promises an engaging sensory experience. The excursion features a one-hour maple trail hike where visitors can collect sap, and a trip to the Sugar House to feel the warmth and sense the smell of the maple scented steam that comes from the evaporator during processing.   “Collecting sap is a holistic activity and a great way for people to understand the role of humans in the food chain,” says Jason Neumann, experiential education specialist. During the maple trail hike, Neumann says, “We often encounter birds called sap suckers, and other plants and animals that are all part of the food chain, part of the process.”   The Cincinnati Nature Center is a non-profit nature education organization dedicated to designing and delivering family-friendly encounters with nature. Emphasizing hands on experiences, the center is open year-round and offers activities that both children and adults can share in a family friendly environment. Between its two locations in Milford and Goshen, visitors can take in over 1600 acres of natural beauty and more than 16 miles of hiking trails. This summer, the center offers popular camps for children that become open to non-members beginning March 1.   Throughout the remaining winter months and into the spring, the center offers opportunities to learn from naturalists during interactions with wildlife like The Dance of the Woodcock, the Salamander Celebration and of course maple syrup making.   “Focusing on the living creatures and natural surroundings along the way means that each time we do a hike we see and experience something unique,” says Neumann.   Do Good: - Visit the center for Maple Syrup Making February 18 & 25, and March 3 & 10. - Become a member of Cincinnati Nature Center. - Volunteer as a land steward or facilitate school groups. - Donate to help ensure continuity of nature programs.   By Deidra Wiley Necco

Blazing a trail for literacy, citizenship

By Deidra Wiley Necco

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Diversity

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February 7, 2012

An award-winning teacher in Northern Kentucky is taking literacy on the road. Lisa Lokesak, a third grade teacher at New Haven Elementary School in Boone County, Kentucky, launched the Book Blazer program about 8 years ago to help target at-risk neighborhoods by taking books and a passion for learning to their home communities. In the classroom, Lokesak worked with at-risk kids, some transient, who actually lost library checkout privileges because life circumstances and instability prevented them from returning books. “I wanted to find a way to put books in the hands of these children, books they wouldn’t have to return,” she says. Inspired by the Book Mobile program, Lokesak successfully appealed to the PTA and Sam’s Club, procuring $1,500 in startup funds. Scholastic doubled her money, providing $3,000 worth of books which she loaded in her car and drove to at-risk neighborhoods in Boone County. Since its inception, the Book Blazer program has given away thousands of books to kids and families in the school district around New Haven Elementary. In addition, the program now includes both print and audio selections for adults who just need a little encouragement to enhance literacy for themselves and their families. The Book Blazer travels to communities in the winter and spring, with supplemental literacy nights held at school. On Tues., Feb. 7, the Cincinnatus Association will honor Lokesak with the C3 Outstanding Educator Award at Northern Kentucky University. In addition to the Book Blazer program, Lokesak has gone on mission trips to Africa and worked closely with Children Inc.’s Service Learning Program on everything from Operation Christmas Child, to fundraising for Haiti, to establishing a community garden. Annette Zottoli of Children’s Inc. says, “Her ability to open kids’ minds to service learning projects is amazing.” “I want kids to learn how to be good citizens,” says Lokesak. “If what I’m doing sparks the imagination of just one child, it’s all worth it.” Do Good: • Donate to the Book Blazer program – money, new books, and Scholastic points areaccepted. Contact lisa.lokesak@boone.kyschools.us. • Read to a child. • Support your teachers by volunteering in the classroom or recognizing them for a job well done. By Deidra Wiley Necco

WordPlay launches collaborative literacy effort in Northside

By Deidra Wiley Necco

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Arts + Culture

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January 31, 2012

There is something special about those moments in time where a chance encounter presents the perfect opportunity to transform an idea to action – at just the right time, and for all the right reasons. That is exactly what happened one evening about a year ago when Libby Hunter, who was working on a condo development project in Northside, noticed a group of kids shouting and throwing rocks at the window of a disabled resident. Infuriated, she confronted them. “A tense, heated argument turned into a conversation with them about what they do in their free time, how they feel about their neighborhood, crime, safety... when I showed an interest in them, they became engaged and enlivened,” says Hunter, who is known for her efforts to create new housing opportunities in the neighborhood where she lives. Turns out, a chance encounter with some misbehaving children quickly evolved into the impetus for WordPlay, an exciting new regional effort based on the collective impact model. WordPlay is a non-profit organization that will support students from K-12 with programs targeting early literacy. Hunter seeks to improve creative and expository writing skills while inspiring children to develop a passion for the literary arts. WordPlay is modeled after the 826 National program based in San Francisco. Co-founded by best-selling author Dave Eggers and Ninive Calegari, an award-winning educator, 826 National has eight chapters across the United States. Each provide free writing and literacy services to underserved children. WordPlay is set to open in August 2012, with pilot programming targeted for Cincinnati Public Schools' Fifth Quarter program this summer. Services are free of charge to students and include after-school tutoring, field trips and in-school programs. Volunteers will staff the center, providing instruction and assistance on everything from homework to class projects and providing specialized workshops for student publications and those learning English as a second language. In addition, WordPlay will provide evening and weekend workshops with professionals ranging from poets to songwriters, to authors, journalists and screenwriters. The WordPlay tutoring center will be located in a prominent storefront in Northside, and will include retail space for the Urban Legend Institute – a shop featuring locally sourced products designed around Cincinnati history and lore. "Think abandoned subways, gangsters, folklore – and other fun unusual items," Hunter says. All proceeds from the store will help fund and support WordPlay. A connection to the local community is a big part of WordPlay’s strategy to become a model for cultivating literacy and the creative arts in youth. The organization has already established strategic partnerships with the University of Cincinnati’s Center for Service Learning and Civic Engagement, Xavier University's Writing Program and Learning Through Art, and is in talks with members of the local business and education community including Cincinnati Public Schools and UGive, a program that mobilizes high school students to become volunteers. “We are in talks with other arts and literary organizations to come together in the space as a community collaborative, bringing even more energy to our efforts,” says Hunter, who will serve as the organization’s executive director. Do Good: • Volunteer. Help a child discover a passion for writing, and teach them the skills to succeed. • Donate. As a 501c(3), donations are tax deductible. • Become a community partner. By Deidra Wiley Necco Editor's Note: Soapbox Managing Editor Elissa Yancey serves as vice chair of the board for WordPlay.

CABVI celebrates 100 years of service

By Deidra Wiley Necco

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Education + Learning

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January 31, 2012

Within Cincinnati’s diverse community of non-profit organizations, there is one that has been providing important services for more than 100 years to individuals who are blind or otherwise visually impaired. The Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired was founded in 1911 and today serves more than 4,300 individuals in 11 counties each year through counseling, rehabilitation, information and employment services. Recognized as "2011 Non-Profit of the Year" by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, CABVI marked its centennial year with events centered on awareness, program services and community involvement. Executive Director John Mitchell provides a glimpse into what the community can expect in 2012, including greater collaboration with community partners, an emphasis on staff and board development and a focus on technology, which is vital to those with vision loss. The organization’s commitment to community awareness continues through a variety of forums in 2012. Functioning as informational training sessions, these on-site forums are open to the community and reach out to the thousands of individuals living with vision loss. “Our goal is to break 5,000 clients served in 2012,” says Mitchell. CABVI plans to focus on serving children and families, and educating both clients and their communities about ways in which those coping with vision loss can have the same advantages of children with sight. In addition, CABVI will focus on providing services to seniors and an aging population, serving individuals who have entered their 100th year of life. Do Good: • Volunteer. CABVI has more than 550 active volunteers – become one of them and help an individual coping with vision loss. • Donate. Log on to learn how. • Run or Walk. Plan to take part in CABVI’s annual fundraiser in August, a 5K run/walk. By Deidra Wiley Necco

GCF builds sustainabilty through ‘Storm’

By Deidra Wiley Necco

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Education + Learning

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January 24, 2012

When the economic crisis of 2008 hit, families across the United States felt its devastating effects. Here in Cincinnati, one organization responded quickly and effectively by creating a program aimed at providing quick and vital assistance to local families suffering the effects of the recession. The Greater Cincinnati Foundation serves eight counties in the tri-state region. In 2009, GCF formed the Weathering the Economic Storm Initiative (WTES), which rallied 26 local funders to provide support.  Although the WTES program was only a three-year initiative, several enduring programs and practices stemming from that initiative allow GCF to continue to respond to the complex needs of Cincinnati communities, and assist local non-profits to do their part to help as well. “Each day we see reminders of the critical issues that face our community,” says program officer LaToya Moore. While the WTES initiative was limited to a certain time frame to address a community in crisis, the focus of GCF in 2012 is to create “sustainable change” that promotes resilience and resourcefulness in the new economy. For example, GCF’s Grant Writing Assistance program offers up to $3,000 to non-profits seeking grant writers for pre-identified state and federal grants. “We are helping our community adapt to a new environment by assisting non-profits,” says Moore. “The current environment can make it difficult for non-profits to survive, so GCF is focused on capacity-building.” To apply, non-profits can contact GCF and fill out a one-page application, detailing the desired grant opportunity. Although GCF has shifted its focus to building sustainability in non-profits, the demand still exists for basic necessities like food, toiletries and prescription drugs for those struggling to pay the bills. “Reach out to an organization and give – any amount will do,” says Moore. With everyone doing something to help, Cincinnati can become a collection of communities poised to weather the economy today – and in the future. Do Good:  • Donate to a local food pantry, or other organization that provides basic needs. • Volunteer your time to help a local non-profit.  • Advocate for causes that build sustainability. By Deidra Wiley Necco