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Deidra Wiley Necco

Deidra Wiley Necco's Latest Articles

Local Star Gazers’ host also Observatory star
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Arts + Culture
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January 24, 2012

Dean Regas has been turning Cincinnatians on to the stars for much of the past 20 years. As outreach astronomer and assistant director of the Cincinnati Observatory Center, Regas has earned a reputation as a local expert in all things celestial, from observational astronomy to star identification and mythology. Thanks to a long-running PBS program, Regas’ passion for astronomy is making an impact on viewers around the world. In December 2010 Regas became co-host of the PBS program, Star Gazers, which airs each night on PBS stations around the world, including more than 100 stations in the United States. The program features a new one-minute or five-minute segment each week and provides education on timely astronomy topics, like the one seen in this video. “The segments are designed to help you find your way around the sky,” Regas says. The program shows people what to look for in the sky, and explains the science behind heavenly sightseeing. Regas describes his gig as co-host of Star Gazers as “an honor,” and doesn’t mind traveling back and forth to Miami, Florida, once a month on a completely voluntary basis to tape the show. His passion for astronomy and dedication to education motivate him. Donations can help provide funds to support his travel. Some individuals have even donated frequent flyer miles to help make sure Regas and Star Gazers stay on the air. (To make it simple, donations are accepted online at http://www.cincinnatiobservatory.org/stargazer.html.) When he isn’t traveling to Miami, Regas educates Cincinnatians, engaging all ages to experience astronomy. “My goal is to try to get people excited about the sky by making it a topic that’s accessible,” he says. To that end, the Cincinnati Observatory holds monthly events for visitors of all ages on a wide range of topics. Kids and teens can join the Youth Astronomy Club while all age groups can take part in astronomy classes and telescope viewings. Do Good:  • Donate travel funds or frequent flyer miles to help support Star Gazers.  • Tune in to Star Gazers on PBS • Support the Cincinnati Observatory by joining, participating in programs or making a donation. By Deidra Wiley Necco

Big Pig Gig hams it up for the world
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Architecture + Design
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January 17, 2012

The Big Pig Gig is back – just in time for the World Choir Games this summer, Cincinnati will have a chance to share a special public art installation centered on the humble pig as an icon of the city’s heritage. Beginning in May and throughout the summer, visitors to “Porkopolis” and locals alike can delight in lovable, giant, colorful custom designed fiberglass pigs installed throughout downtown. The Gig is an ArtWorks project in partnership with C-Change Class Six and promises to be a highlight to the summer of 2012. The last time Cincinnati got its pig on was in 2000 when more than 400 one-of-a-kind pig designs graced downtown streets. According to ArtWorks that installation brought an estimated $170 million to the local economy. Now that the Gig is back, look for the 2012 installation to please crowds and showcase the city to visitors from all over the world. The Big Pig Gig is, of course, a tribute to Cincinnati’s history as a major center for hog packing in the 1800s. “The pig is an important part of Cincinnati’s history,” says Carol Buckhout, marketing and development for ArtWorks. “The first reaction people have to the pigs is to smile.” After the Gig, pigs continue to represent Cincinnati as a fun, friendly and exciting place to be. The pigs will be displayed from Music Hall to Fountain Square – and everywhere in between – clustered around the World Choir Games. The installation is set for display throughout the summer, and there are plans to place some of the pigs along the route for The Flying Pig Marathon May 6. “People should expect a wonderful range of creativity and wit with the designs,” says Buckhout. “Some will take their inspiration from the countries represented at the World Choir Games.” One of the best things about the Big Pig Gig is that everyone can participate. Whether you’re an artist, sponsor or admirer everyone will have the opportunity to become part of what was in 2000 one of the most successful public art installations in the nation, according to ArtWorks. Sponsors are still needed, and varying sponsorship levels are available depending on the level of support you can provide. In addition, ArtWorks can match sponsors with artists, allowing sponsors to choose from designs already submitted. “The Big Pig Gig is an opportunity for Cincinnatians to ham it up, get creative and get involved in public art,” says Buckhout. Do Good: •    Sponsor an artist or school. ArtWorks can match sponsors with artists. •    Design a pig. Artists have until January 23 to submit design proposals. •    Spread the word. •    Go see the pigs! By Deidra Wiley Necco

St. Joseph Home nurtures health for all
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Diversity
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January 10, 2012

When her sister-in-law passed away a few years ago after living with Down’s syndrome, businesswoman Barbara Stull, heartbroken and looking for a way to give back to the community, found St. Joseph Home of Cincinnati. Located in Sharonville not far from The Alleen Company, where Barbara is president and CEO, St. Joseph Home provides residential care to individuals with severe/profound mental and physical disabilities. Now chairwoman of the board at St. Joseph Home, Stull says, “I’ve never seen such compassionate care from staff. They truly nurture each and every resident.” St. Joseph Home currently serves as a permanent home for 48 individuals. Residents range in age from infants to senior citizens and are considered medically fragile. Although working with this population can be challenging, Development Director Renee Russell says, “St. Joseph Home is not a sad place. Watching the staff use their creativity and compassion to communicate with the residents makes me smile.” Although residents are non-verbal and non-ambulatory, staff learn to communicate with them in a unique way, picking up on nuances and cues that can only be received through a dedication to learning individual personalities. “Our residents are very open, honest and loving,” says Russell. “They always surprise me.” In addition to providing assistance with the most basic daily living skills, many times hand over hand, staff provide recreation and entertainment through the home’s activities department. Residents participate in activities like crafting, singing, field trips and sporting events. In addition, St. Joseph Home welcomes visitors that desire to share their time and talent. Musicians, dancers and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra have performed for the residents. As a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Charity Cincinnati, St. Joseph Home serves individuals of all ages, faiths and walks of life. Many are referred by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, physicians, and word of mouth. St. Joseph Home also operates a respite center for those on a waiting list to become a permanent resident. “No child is turned away due to lack of funds,” says Russell. Individuals that need financial assistance can apply for respite scholarships provided through donor funding. Applicants can apply online. Do Good: • Volunteer. Come visit a resident, share your time or perform for them. • Donate. St. Joseph Home needs funds for respite scholarships. • Connect with the St. Joseph Home community through Facebook. By Deidra Wiley Necco

Starfire empowers individuals with disabilities
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Education + Learning
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January 10, 2012

Nikki Booker and Krista Brinkmeyer are using their creativity to send a powerful message about inclusion, friendship and community building. As senior members of Starfire, an organization that works to empower individuals with disabilities, Nikki and Krista are surrounded by people who truly believe in them.   “Everyone in the world has gifts. Sharing those gifts makes a vibrant community,” says Executive Director Tim Vogt. “A disability does not define who someone is. Starfire empowers individuals with disabilities to focus on strengths, not labels.”   Both Krista and Nikki are working on yearlong capstone projects that build on their personal interests in photography, production and community. Starfire facilitates these for their senior members, providing them with a unique opportunity to showcase their passions in a way that engages the entire community.   With the guidance of supportive staff and the partnership of Public Allies Cincinnati and some dedicated artists and photographers, Krista has merged her love of photography and community to create the Cincy Story Mural Project. Her collection of photographs of the people and places of Cincinnati will be transformed into murals in various areas of the city. Communities can apply for the murals through ArtWorks or by contacting Starfire. Krista’s project has brought people together from many Cincinnati communities, as evidenced by the Mural Launch Party held at The Mound Café in Norwood, Krista’s hometown. “Seeing so many friends has been the most fun thing about this project,” Krista says.   Nikki Booker was inspired by the book Waddie Welcome & the Beloved Community, a true story about how a man with cerebral palsy rallied an entire community to help him achieve his dream of living independently. With the help and guidance of playwright Catie O’Keefe, designer Jeni Jenkins and Candice Jones Peelman of Starfire, Nikki is realizing her dream of writing and producing a play based on the book. Traveling to Waddie Welcome’s hometown of Savannah, Georgia, Nikki had the opportunity to meet some of Welcome’s supporters firsthand. The community is invited to attend a special reading of the book on Jan. 14. Nikki’s play will be performed at the Emery Theatre on May 12. “I would love to star in the play as well," she says.   Starfire works with more than 100 volunteers each month to work with teens and adults, and is actively seeking members.   Do Good: • Attend a community reading of Waddie Welcome & the Beloved Community, Saturday, Jan. 14 from 11:30 am – 2 pm at Coffee Emporium (Central Parkway), or Avenue Brew in Bellevue, KY. • Submit photos for Krista’s Cincy Story Mural by visiting www.cincystorymural.org. • Become a member of Starfire. Find out how; contact Candice Jones Peelman at Candice@starfirecouncil.org.   By Deidra Wiley Necco  

Young mothers find support, guidance — and vision for the future
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Education + Learning
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January 3, 2012

When co-founders Marcia Simmons and Denise Steward opened the doors to Visions Community Services in 1990 in the Queen City Vocational Services building, they expected to deliver hope, guidance and a second chance to youth at Taft High School who were at risk for becoming high school dropouts as they struggled to survive as teen mothers. Today, Visions carries on that mission, serving young women in their 20’s and early 30’s, many of whom became mothers in their teens and who now have as many as four or more children.   Denise Steward, director of early childhood education says, “Visions is unique in that it provides childcare services to young children and parallel services to their parents.” The Parent and Community Outreach program prioritizes education as the most significant factor in breaking the cycle of poverty, and in many cases, abuse. The program includes parenting classes, as well as emphasis on staying in school and graduating, or completing a GED. Learning to make sound decisions is another important component to the program, which holds parents accountable for their actions. At the same time, parents are supported for making good decisions that lead to positive changes that stand to impact the future for both parent and child.   “According to teachers, a poor social and emotional health is the number one deterrent to success,” Steward says. Visions’ Early Childhood Program serves as a resource for young parents. The program functions as both a daycare and learning center where young children are taught to value education, and staff are committed to improving and strengthening their social and emotional health.   Serving children ranging in age from 6 weeks to 11 years, the Early Childhood Program promotes literacy at all levels, beginning when children are very young. “We read to them daily,” Steward says. “Our program tugs at your heart strings.”   Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Visions’ Early Childhood Program has received two stars in the Step Up to Quality Program through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.   Visions Community Services has strong ties and a deep commitment to the West End community. Currently there are openings for all age groups. To inquire about services, call 513-651-2229.   Do Good: • Fill a young parent’s Wish List by donating supplies for infants and children. • Volunteer to read to a child. Visions accepts volunteers from middle school age and up. • Become a mentor. Many young moms need a listening ear.   By Deidra Wiley Necco

Crowdfunding, consignment help business at Smartfish
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Arts + Culture
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December 13, 2011

Alisha Budkie is on a mission to ensure that Cincinnati’s thriving artist community is well served by providing access to hard to source supplies and materials. Smartfish Studio & Sustainable Supply, located at 1301 Main Street in the heart of Over-the-Rhine is at once a supply store, workshop and display space easily accessible to the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP program, the Art Academy and the School for Creative and Performing Arts. Budkie opened her store in August, and for the past four months has seen her business evolve and change according to the needs of the community. Word of mouth has played a big role. “I am fortunate to be a part of the independent design community, and I was also a student here,” says Budkie. A graduate of UC’s DAAP program in industrial design, Budkie knows both the community and what it’s like to search for the right materials. “I understand the needs of students and can help track down supplies and materials that can’t be found locally,” she says. To better accommodate artists’ needs, Budkie has made use of some innovative and non-traditional business practices that put artists in touch with the things they need to create. At Smartfish, tools can be rented as dictated by a particular project, keeping costs low. In addition, students can bring in used supplies that are no longer needed for store credit, or consignment. Budkie made use of crowdfunding to help finance her startup, which utilizes independent monetary contributions from community members and supporters. If you visit her shop, be sure to check out the wall dedicated to individuals who contributed to the Smartfish startup through crowdfunding. In addition, she has become a unique part of OTR, participating in community events such as Final Friday, where she uses her storefront window space to showcase student artwork. Not only is Smartfish Studio a place for artists, it also serves as vibrant workshop for Budkie herself and her line of made-to-order handcrafted shoes, Smartfish Footwear. Made by hand on site, styles include ballet flats, boat shoes and loafers. Clients can choose their materials and colors, as well as purchase gift certificates for shoes to give as holiday gifts. Smartfish also features both pre-packaged and custom gift bundles featuring items that you just can’t find anywhere else. Look for Smartfish Studio to incorporate a series of workshops in 2012 including one on the art of shoemaking in mid-January, as well as one on fiber reactive dyes. “I’m interested in learning what people want to see in a workshop,” says Budkie. To learn more, visit Smartfish Studio & Sustainable Supply online at smarterthanagoldfish.com, or connect with them on Facebook. Inquiries may be directed to hello@smarterthanagoldfish.com or call 513.910.8845. By Deidra Wiley Necco

Building sustainable, resilient communities
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Diversity
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December 13, 2011

Cincinnati may be venturing into the winter season, but civic and eco-groups are doing their part to keep our community green. This fall and winter the Women’s City Club, the Social Justice Committee of the First Unitarian Church and the city's Office for Environmental Quality team up to present “Fixing the Future: Building a Just and Sustainable Economy,” a Friday night lecture series focused on ways to ensure both a strong economy and a healthy planet. The series is open to the public and features experts in topics ranging from Peak Oil and building community resilience to building transition towns, and includes lectures, documentary screenings, and open discussion. The third installment in the series, “Building Transition Towns and Intentional Communities” occurs Friday, Jan. 6, 2012. It includes speaker Nancy Sullivan from Enright Ridge Ecovillage and takes place from 7-9 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 536 Linton Street. Sullivan’s lecture on building transition towns explores proactive ways that communities can build resilience within their local economies to deal with changes to daily living caused by Peak Oil. “Things we take for granted will change as the price of extraction for oil becomes more expensive,” says Sullivan. “It starts with understanding what is likely to happen, and determining where people’s interests lie in terms of awareness of transition and change.” Things such as utilizing farmers’ markets, natural building materials and repurposing materials contribute to resilience. Jeanne Nightingale, president of the Women’s City Club says, “It’s about creating an economy of abundance rather than an economy based on scarcity.” Founded in 1915, the Women’s City Club of Cincinnati is on a mission to “secure a more just and livable community for all.” The WCC encourages citizens to become active members of the community on a broad range of topics. Upcoming topics covered in 2012 include a town forum on Cincinnati Public Schools’ community learning centers, urban farming and local food economy, the Cincinnati premiere of the documentary “Growth Busters,” and an examination of green housing and infrastructure, to name a few. Do Good: • Attend: “Building Transition Towns and Intentional Communities” on Friday, Jan. 6, 2012 from 7-9 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church at 536 Linton Street. • Shop local. • Become: a member of the Women’s City Club of Cincinnati. • Tour: Enright Ridge Ecovillage the fourth Saturday of the month from 9-11 a.m. By Deidra Wiley Necco

Vitrue powers social media tech platforms
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Development News
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November 15, 2011

Over-the-Rhine continues to draw entrepreneurs and innovators to the heart of Cincinnati. Adding to the forward thinking landscape of OTR, technology company Vitrue is one of its newest residents and a global provider of social media management. Their clients include companies like P&G,McDonalds, American Express and more. After working in Longworth Hall for about a year, Vitrue recently relocated to Saengerhalle at 1404 Race Street in the heart of Over-the-Rhine, and right next door to 3CDC. “We are thrilled to be part of a thriving community,” says Kara Mjones, analyst of client partnerships. “It’s definitely the right time to be here.”   With six locations in the United States, one in London and another in development for Eastern Europe, Vitrue has created a growing niche market that utilizes their Social Relationship Management (SRM) platform to solidify clients’ branding and relationship building initiatives through social media. Vitrue’s presence in Cincinnati means that local companies can also access technology platforms to help drive and grow online communities.   Currently, Vitrue works with Facebook and Twitter, however a YouTube interactive platform is in the works. As a Facebook Preferred Developer Consultant, Vitrue strives to make keeping up with your company Facebook page easier and more efficient. Their platforms manage publishing, custom content, commerce and analytics to merge changing consumer needs with brand strategy and overall social media presence.   Companies can choose the level of service they need by selecting one or more platforms. For example, Vitrue’s Publisher platform allows Facebook and Twitter posts to be scheduled in advance and posted automatically according to predetermined timelines and initiatives, pushing out content and driving the online “conversation.” Combine that with the Tabs, Shop and Analytics platforms and companies can take full control of social media initiatives. “Vitrue streamlines social media efforts, and makes that effort a time effective process,” says Mjones. “We are very excited to be part of the Over-the-Rhine community.” Learn more about Vitrue at www.vitrue.com or find them on Facebook. By Deidra Wiley Necco

Bridges targets bullying in latest campaigns
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For Good
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November 8, 2011

As a human relations organization, Bridges for a Just Community cultivates programs for kids, young adults and the community at large to encourage diversity, inclusion and a fair and equitable environment. Serving the community for more than 60 years, Bridges has grown from an organization with mainly an interfaith agenda to one that champions equal rights and inclusion, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, physical / mental abilities or economic status. Creating awareness, building skills and fostering opportunity for a fair and equitable community goes hand in hand with the organization’s ability to respond to changes in society. As more reports surface concerning the devastating, and sometimes fatal, effects of bullying, Bridges has taken an active role in spreading awareness, compassion and tolerance of those who are different. The organization takes the issue seriously, working with the community to educate the public about the effects of bullying and to create a platform for positive change. Their annual fundraiser, Walk for a Just Community, highlighted the critical issue that bullying has become. Working closely with his family, the walk was dedicated to Sam Denham, a Covington teen who took his own life after being bullied by peers. “It is important to build a ‘human’ relationship with those who are different than you,” says Bridges President & CEO Lynette M. Heard. “In order to create a community that is different, we need to start looking at people differently.” Programs such as Equity Leadership, JUST Community, Village Schools, ONE Community and more “teach children to be respectful and respected,” says Heard. “These programs encourage youth to understand what it means to build a human, authentic relationship with someone who is different.” Through their work with the Denham family, civic leaders and the community at large, Bridges has become a prominent voice advocating for those who are victims of bullying. There are lots of ways to become involved with Bridges for Just Community. Bridge Builders actively recruits volunteers to spread the Bridges' mission by teaching volunteers to assist with established programs and training. JUST Community works with ninth through twelfth graders to help them learn how to transform their environments, while ONE Community works with a particular school to provide more help in areas like inclusion and equity. “Bridges gives everyone a place at the table,” says Heard. Do Good: •    Volunteer: Become a Bridge Builder to help further the Bridges mission. •    Get the scoop: Sign up to receive Bridges' e-newsletter for the latest opportunities and events. •    Donate: to the many programs offered by Bridges for a Just Community. •    Get educated: by learning all you can or watching videos like these. By Deidra Wiley Necco

Nick Rose is Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Macbeth
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Arts + Culture
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November 1, 2011

Nick Rose moved to Cincinnati in 1994 with a love for the stage, a strong work ethic and a dream. A founding member of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Rose currently plays the starring role in this season’s production of Macbeth, running now through Nov. 20. Set in a version of modern day Scotland, Rose’s Macbeth transports Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy to the present moment. “In some ways, Macbeth is Shakespeare’s simplest and shortest tragedy,” says Rose. “Essentially it illustrates what happens in the mind when one becomes a murderer and a dictator.” The real-life husband and wife team of Nick Rose and Sara Clark (Lady Macbeth) brings both heightened passion and raw intensity to the stage. Audiences can expect PG-13-style bloodshed and violence as the actors present a “psychology horror movie” that is remarkably relevant in today’s global political climate. Rose studied acting at James Madison University in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley where he toured with the Shenandoah Shakespeare Express. He was a founder of the university’s student-run second stage  - a project launched with a $2,000 budget. He credits this experience as the impetus that led him and a group of young theatre artists to move to Cincinnati and start what was then called the Fahrenheit Theatre Company. Founded in 1993 with the mission of producing Shakespeare and the classics for modern audiences, FTC produced The Taming of the Shrew at Gabriel’s Corner in Over-the-Rhine in its first season. The first season FTC had 17 subscribers. By season 3 they had more than 650 – and have been growing ever since. “We faced some challenges in the beginning,” says Rose. “We were relentless in our dream, and committed to our mission. That brought us through those early days.” In 1997 the company changed its name to the Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival, and then to Cincinnati Shakespeare Company in 1999. Rose credits the company’s strong commitment to production values, talent and skill for much of its success. Rose has been with CSC for 15 of the last 18 seasons, leaving for a short time for a job outside the theatre. His love for the stage brought him back to CSC, where he now works full time as an actor. “I’m very thankful,” says Rose. “Cincinnati is a great city with many opportunities for local actors.” In addition to his work with CSC, Rose has also starred or played in a number of productions at the Ensemble Theatre, the Know Theatre,  the Edgecliff Theatre, and Playhouse in the Park. Some of his favorite roles include Satan in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati), Gordon in Dead Man’s Cell Phone (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park), and Mr. Cupp in A Christmas Carol (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park). Catch Nick Rose in Macbeth through Nov. 20, as well as in three more upcoming Cincinnati Shakespeare Company productions this season. He can also be seen in A Christmas Carol at Playhouse in the Park coming this holiday season. Do Good: See: Macbeth or purchase a subscription. Tickets online at www.cincyshakes.com. Become: a benefactor. Spread the word by telling your friends about Cincinnati Shakespeare Company or showing them videos like these. Here and here. By Deidra Wiley Necco

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