September/October 2021 NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR “Winners share a common Kennedy Heights Community News pride and enthusiasm to beautify their yard and, by upcoming extension, Kennedy Heights.” –Michele Dragga events
Art Exhibit: America Reimagined, 9/4-10/30, Kennedy Heights Arts Center Mansion, 6546 Montgomery Rd. Opening reception on 9/4, 6:00-8:00
Community Council Meeting 9/21. 7:30 meeting. Virtual. meet.google.com/amo-fjbm-bgq By phone: 574-241-1036 then Growing enter PIN: 453 185 950# Book Club 9/9, 10/14, 2-3pm. Adults, Pleasant Ridge Library. Neighborhood Traditions Learn book titles by calling 513- 369-4488 photograph by Landscape Award Committee hard on your landscape, celebrate it and be celebrated! “I love that the awards highlight residents FALL BACK to the 1960s 10/2, 12-5pm. All-ages event For more than 30 years, Kennedy from all corners of the neighborhood,” says Heights has been celebrating their most of music, art, culture, and food Dragga. “A look at the winners from over outside at KHAC’s Lindner beautiful front-yard gardens with a the years reflects the diversity of Kennedy Annex. Landscape Award. The tradition was started Heights: young or old, people of color or in 1988 by longtime resident and active white, owners of large or small houses and National Night Out community member Joyce Hibbard. She gardens. All share a common pride and 10/5, 4:30-7:00pm. Owl’s loved gardening and noticed dozens of fellow enthusiasm to beautify their yard and, by Nest Park, 1984 Madison Rd. green thumbs around her. She hatched the Celebrate police-community extension, Kennedy Heights.” partnership idea for neighbors to nominate their favorite This year’s winners include a range, from gardens to be recognized. Hibbard’s hope was new neighbors who tackled a big project, to Community Art Show to encourage a habit of horticulture and pride repeat recipients earning their place in the 10/16-12/31. Non-juried art show in properties through Kennedy Heights. Hall of Fame. Each recipient expressed great featuring work by neighbors in That spirit is carried on with current pride in the recognition, akin to the pride KHAC Annex Lindner Gallery. Landscape Award Chair, Michele Dragga. of place that inspired Hibbard to begin this Community Council Meeting Leading the process since 2015, Dragga beloved tradition so many years ago. works with a committee to receive and review 10/19.7:30 meeting. Virtual. meet.google.com/amo-fjbm-bgq the year’s nominations. A unique feature is 2021 LANDSCAPE AWARD WINNERS By phone: 574-241-1036 then that neighbors are encouraged to nominate Keith Gorby, Bryan & Michelle Gorby enter PIN: 453 185 950# each other and themselves; if you’ve worked Bryan And Michelle have small children, (continued on page 4) CO-PRESIDENTS Kate Elliott [email protected] Sharifah Tafari [email protected] V.P. COMMUNITY PLANNING Mary Ray [email protected] A LETTER FROM OUR CO-PRESIDENTS Kate Elliott Sharifah Tafari V.P. ADMINISTRATION Eric Armstrong Dear Neighbors, [email protected] The only thing that stays the same is nothing stays the same, right? Just SECRETARY as we gained confidence in returning to in-person events and meetings, Peggy Brown we are seeing another terrible spike and must prioritize the health of our [email protected] neighbors. TREASURER As of sending this newsletter to print, we have made the difficult Romona Mayo decision to continue Community Council meetings in a virtual [email protected] format only until further notice. Should the situation change, we will communicate with you through our email newsletter and our social media NEIGHBORHOOD SUPPORT channels. If you do not have access to these sources, please call 513-919- PROGRAM MANAGER Jean Bange 5710 to be added to a phone tree. [email protected] The good news is that the weather should remain pleasant for a few more months and we can continue to gather outside while masked. TRUSTEES-AT-LARGE In this newsletter we celebrate yet another street that has held a street Steve Grieser [email protected] party gathering, and we encourage you to do the same. If you need help planning a small get-together for your street, never hesitate to reach out to Anita Hisle [email protected] 513-919-5710 anita@ kennedyheights.org the Board at or by calling . Meanwhile, we hope you notice a theme in this issue of Neighbor to Cassandra Jones Neighbor: the power of people. The Landscape Awards, Play in the Park, [email protected] Block Parties—all exciting traditions that are thanks to one person having EDITOR, KHCC NEWSLETTER one idea, then sharing that idea and bringing people together to make it Kate Elliott happen. Lots of big ideas are showing up in our Neighborhood Plan work. [email protected] You can always stay up to date with the Neighborhood Plan by visiting www.cincinnati-oh.gov/khplan We hope you’ll share any big ideas you have, and step up to help your neighbors with their big ideas. By working WEBMASTER together, we’ll keep Kennedy Heights vibrant. Rick Boyer Kate & Sharifah [email protected] Kennedy Heights Community Council CONTACT US Kennedy Heights Community Council How To Access Website: meet.google.com/amo-fjbm-bgq PO Box 36318 Virtual Council 574-241-1036 Cincinnati, OH 45236 Or call in by phone: http//www.kennedyheights.org Meetings Then enter PIN:453 185 950# [email protected] Receiving Timely Updates @KennedyHts Because the future changes rapidly, it is difficult to communicate up- to-date information in a bi-monthly newsletter. Event cancellations @KHCCORG and venue changes are shared, when possible, on our social media pages and via emails. If you do not have access to these resources, The KHCC Neighbor to Neighbor newsletter please reach out to the Board at [email protected] or call 513- is published with funds from Friends of 919-5710 Kennedy Heights and City of Cincinnati so that we can add your phone number to a Phone Tree and Neighborhood Support Program provide more timely updates as our resources allow.
NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR NEWS · SEP/OCT 2021
2 We’re Not Out The Woods Yet: Working Together to Stay Together: Hamilton County Sees Substantial COVID Spread Pilot Program Hiring Paid Positions
ll of Hamilton County, including the City of Cincinnati, ennedy Heights has had many frank conversations Ahave been identified as an area of “substantial spread” Karound our aging population. What is discussed less of COVID-19 by the Centers for Disease Control and frequently is our aging housing stock, yet the two are deeply Prevention (CDC). intertwined. Our last newsletter mentioned building new Vaccination is the best tool available to prevent serious affordable senior housing. What about the many seniors illness from COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and who are eager to stay in their homes but struggle with effective and readily available in Hamilton County. There maintaining their “senior” homes? are more than 200 locations throughout Hamilton County Great news! We are in the early stages of developing that provide vaccines at no-cost. Most clinics do not require a stabilization and jobs creation project. People Working appointments. Cooperatively (PWC) and our local Guardian Savings Bank If you need a COVID-19 vaccine or are experiencing have been in conversations with Council Board. PWC financial difficulty due to the pandemic, visit513Relief. has a 46-year history performing critical home repairs so org or call the United Way’s 211. 513Relief.org is a one-stop that low-income homeowners can remain in their homes. website with vaccine and test locations as well as COVID-19 Their expertise is invaluable as Kennedy Heights creates a financial relief options such as the Hamilton County Rent sustainable local program. What is emerging is a locally- and Utility Program. The Rent and Utility Program can based workforce to provide services to distressed properties. cover up to 12 months in past rent and three months in But we need talent! We need one or more individuals future rent. Learn more at 513Relief.org. with construction experience and a passion for teaching the trades. Thispaid position would play a key role in developing NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: the program, recruiting workers, and managing the service Building Positive Police-Community Relations requests. We will also need eager workers ready to learn new skills and join the crew, also a paid position. he best way to build a safer community is to know your Contact us at [email protected] to learn more Tneighbors and your surroundings. National Night Out or to share ideas, talents, or resources. Want to get involved combats our modern culture of isolation and encourages with KHDC? Contact [email protected], or 513- 265-9199 us to rediscover our own communities. Join the Cincinnati . National Night Out and bring together police and neighbors Rooted in a history of welcoming all people, under positive circumstances. Free food, drink, carnival Kennedy Heights Development Corporation is dedicated to growing games, and more! a neighborhood where residents, businesses and community thrive. October 5, 2021 | 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. Owl’s Nest Park | 1984 Madison Road, Cincinnati OH 45208 Kennedy Heights Development Corp. is supported by: Cincinnati Neighborhood Business Districts United (CNBDU) 513-979-4470 Kennedy Heights Development Corp. PO Box 36337 Cincinnati, OH 45236 www.kennedyheightsdc.org [email protected]
NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR NEWS · SEP/OCT 2021
3 The Landscape Awards Landscape Awards (continued from cover) Committee “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice Michele Dragga -Chair because thorn bushes have roses.” - Abraham Lincoln Carolyn Thompson Jane Patty so when they moved into their house, they Rhonda Lewis Mary Ray wanted a landscape that was both beautiful Red Bank Road and low maintenance. They especially wanted Rhonda credits her father for inspiring to avoid mowing the steep hillside and influencing her gardening efforts. Her that leads to the street. Keith Gorby, Bryan’s landscape is full of pockets of color and dad, came up with the award-winning texture, but her favorite is the pollinator solution: a drought-tolerant garden that garden. The garden is not large, but is replaced the sod with succulents among registered with the Cincinnati Zoo as a limestone rocks and accented with a dry Plant for Pollinators Garden and is packed riverbed. He and Bryan then installed with colorful blossoms that attract bees and over 25 varieties of succulents to make the butterflies. A charming addition is a goblet striking hillside garden that catches the eye filled with beads from a discarded necklace of anyone traveling Montgomery Road. and topped with water to provide a shallow pool for pollinators to drink. Tyrone & Sherrie Broadus, Bradley Miller McHugh Place Mozella Lewis This is the third time that the Broadus’ Standish Avenue garden has won a Landscape Award, so It’s all in the family. Mozella is the mother they are now in the Kennedy Heights of both Rhonda Lewis and last year’s Landscape Hall of Fame. Tragically, Tyrone winner Christina Barkley. She is proud of did not live to enjoy this honor because Rhonda and Christina as well as her two he succumbed to a heart attack resulting other daughters who all pitch in to help from Covid complications. Sherrie’s godson with the gardening. What Mozella enjoys Bradley has stepped up to help maintain about her garden is watching a seed grow the yard and garden. (In the photograph, into a full-grown plant and being amazed Sherrie’s godson Elijah is standing in for at how God allows things to grow and turn Tyrone). The garden that Tyrone and out to be so beautiful. Sherrie worked so hard to create was the setting for Tyrone’s memorial service. Ben and Rebekah Berger Rogers Park Place Ben and Rebekah moved into their house about a year ago, and since then Ben has been meticulously maintaining the landscape they inherited. He enjoys weeding, calling it a mindless escape that also produces gratifying results and a sense of satisfaction. His favorites are the roses. By researching their care on the Internet, he has become a self-taught gardener.
From top to bottom, then left to right: Rhonda Lewis, Ben Berger, Mozilla Lewis, Tyrone & Sherrie Broadus & Bradley Miller
NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR NEWS · SEP/OCT 2021
4 The Power of Play his summer, many of us were grateful to gather weekly through August. By September 3, the event was a Ttogether again in Kennedy Heights Park to celebrate cover page story in The Cincinnati Enquirer. Play in the Park. The festive event has become a yearly The program has grown over the years, but as Wade tradition, summoning residents from across Kennedy Murphy says, “that inspiration and commitment has not Heights and welcoming neighbors from Pleasant, waned since 2013.” Silverton, and elsewhere. The program has even grown to bring together The cheerful green signs have become such a steady generous and supportive partners who donate food and presence each summer that it is easy for this author to entertainment. The collaboration with the Kennedy forget that the program is only in its eighth year. It is Heights Arts Center has become particularly fruitful, important, then, to pause and reflect on the power of with KHAC innovating the “Play in the Street” program people—people committed to creating the neighborhood in 2020. This event took the music and art on the move, a they believe is possible. kind of joy parade traveling through four different areas In 2013, Kennedy Heights Park was becoming less of Pleasant Ridge and Kennedy Heights as a way to reduce welcoming, infamous for dice games and drug deals. crowd sizes during Covid. And this year, KHAC funded When it also became the site of two shocking acts of two artists who curated programs specifically for Play violence, Susan Wade Murphy decided that enough was in the Park: Golden Brown Enterprises’ interactive art enough. This park belonged to the neighborhood, and it installments, and Pones / Preston Bell Charles III’s dance was their right to reclaim it for fun and not fear. and music Scavenger Hunt. The program planned for four Wade Murphy took and idea to the Kennedy Heights Wednesdays, but the positive reception inspired an encore Community Council Safety Committee and shared fifth day. her idea: a weekly planned community gathering with The program continues to reflect the joyful diversity of activities and food, chaperoned by the police to restore our communities as people of many ages, races, genders, a sense of safety to the space. The idea was popular, and and backgrounds take time to enjoy music, art, and each Wade Murphy rallied approximately 30 neighbors to pull other. And all because one person had a big idea. it off. Their efficiency is a testament to what can be done What ideas do you have for Kennedy Heights? Share with enough motivation and enough volunteer power: them at an upcoming Council meeting (Sept 21 and Oct The second act of violence occurred on June 12 of 2013. 19), or email them to [email protected] The first Play in the Park was held on July 24 and occurred Who knows what you might create?
NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR NEWS · SEP/OCT 2021
5 AMERICA REIMAGINED in: Kennedy Heights, Pleasant Ridge, September 4 – October 30, 2021 and Silverton. Residents who live in This photography exhibition these neighborhoods are encouraged showcases images and narratives that to submit an original work of art that is offer an intimate look at the ways able to hang on the wall. Pieces will be Americans are grappling with, and installed in the Kennedy Heights Arts adjusting to, the dramatic changes Center Annex’s Lindner Gallery. in daily life across the US in 2020 The official Call to Artists will be More information about coming out soon. classes and events and and beyond, created by emerging photographers and their mentors. upcoming Call for Artists FALL BACK to the 1960s! can be found Curated by Michael E. Keating, www.kennedyarts.org Cincinnati photojournalist and Boyd’s Saturday, October 2, 12-5 pm 513-631-4278 Station Advisor This year, we will celebrate fall by Everyone is invited to a free opening traveling back to the 1960s—1969, to be reception on Saturday, September 4 exact—the summer of the iconic music from 6-8pm. Light refreshments will be festivals Woodstock and The Harlem Ellen Muse Cultural Festival. Executive Director served. This free, all-ages event will feature music, art, culture and food from this the year when the first man landed on the moon, 250,000 marched on Washington to protest the Vietnam War, Civil Rights Acts were enacted, and Scooby Doo debuted. Three bands will play rock and roll and Motown. Come dance, make art, play games, and enjoy food and drink. Local artists will offer specially designed artworks, installations, and groovy decor. Saturday, October 2. 12 to 5 pm. Outside at KHAC’s Lindner Annex. In case of rain, the event will move inside. Free; cash bar.
Art Classes for Youth and Adults Local Talent: Community Art Show Expand your creativity this fall October 16 – December 31, 2021 at Kennedy Heights Arts Center! Call to Artists! We want to celebrate Affordable art classes for youth, teens the diverse creatives who live in our and adults. Choose from drawing, community with a neighborhood art painting, collage, clay hand-building, exhibition. This non-juried show is and more. Sliding scale fees for those open to artists, age 14 and up, living with financial need.
Community Council We we so hoping to meet in person again accessed using this link: meet.google.com/ Meetings Stay Virtual beginning Tuesday, September 21 at the amo-fjbm-bgq. If web access is a challenge, 574-241-1036 For Now Kennedy Heights Presbyterian Church. But you can call in by phone: then the COVID situation continues to worsen, and enter PIN: 453 185 950# We hope to see you safety is our priority. Virtual meetings can be soon, in the safest way possible for now.
NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR NEWS · SEP/OCT 2021
6 CONNECTING WITH YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD No One Can Do Everything. Everyone Can Do Something. e hear again and again potlucks throughout the Wthat the neighborhood neighborhood is changing and that we aren’t • Regular “Clean Up” walks as connected as we used to be. • Refreshing our gateways with Goodness knows COVID did not more flowerpots and signs help. So what do we do? Small • Yard Games in a local park actions make a big difference. • Field Day for kids Fall is a great time to get out • Puppy Parade there and gather while the weather If have ideas but aren’t sure you is good. We’ve heard lots of great can coordinate one yourself, email Another wonderful street party, [email protected]. this time on Lumford! ideas: We’re • Hosting street-wide here to help!
he Pleasant Ridge Branch of the 9/9, 2:00 p.m. – Adult Book club. TCincinnati and Hamilton County 9/11, 11:00 a.m. – Movers & Shakers. Public Library offers curbside service, Families. browsing, Take & Make activities, 9/15, 4:00 p.m. – Imagine Lab – Science computer access, and assistance with Activities. Ages 6-12. faxing, scanning, copying, and printing. 9/21, 6:00 p.m. – Community Forum on Visit www.cincinnatilibrary.org to access Elections – hosted by National Issues Mon, Tues 10am-8pm all eBranch offerings and for the most Forums. Adults/Teens. Wed-Sat 10am-6pm current information on the services and 9/28, 7:00 p.m. – Genealogy Program. CLOSED MONDAY programs. Registration required for 10/14, 2:00 p.m. – Adult Book club. SEPT 6 some events. Call the branch at 513- 10/20, 4:00 p.m. – Imagine Lab – 369-4488 with any questions. Masks Science Activities. Ages 6-12. required indoors. 10/26, 7:00 p.m. – Genealogy Program.
Become a Friend of Kennedy Heights! Your tax-deductible donation supports the bi-monthly newsletter and the events in and around the community. Donation: Please check amount. Cash or check is accepted. Name: ____ $15.00 Address: ____ $25.00 City/State/ZIP: ____ $50.00 Email: ____ $100.00 ____ Other amount: $ Include my name (only) in the newsletter as a Friend of the Community: __Yes __No Please mail this completed form and payment to: P.O. Box 36318, Cincinnati, OH 45236. Other one-time or recurring payment options—including credit card payments—are available at www.kennedyheights.org using PayPal. Kennedy Heights Commu- nity Council is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.
NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR NEWS · SEP/OCT 2021
7 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION KENNEDY HEIGHTS COMMUNITY COUNCIL U.S. POSTAGE P.O. BOX 36318 CINCINNATI, OH 45236 PAID CINCINNATI, OH PERMIT NO. 1481
YOUR KENNEDY HEIGHTS COUNCIL
Kate Elliott Sharifah Tafari Eric Armstrong Peggy Brown Romona Mayo Mary Ray Co-President Co-President VP of Admin. Secretary Treasurer VP of Planning Members–at–Large
Jean Bange Steve Grieser Anita Hisle Cassandra Jones Find us at [email protected]
We want to know how YOU get your Kennedy Heights news. Please complete this brief online survey: bit.ly/KH-Comm-Survey, or call 513-919-5710 to answer the questions over the phone. Thank you!