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Citizen Spotlight – Hanna Peterson

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Hanna Peterson

Hanna PetersonHanna Peterson is a typical teenager in Montgomery in that she babysits for neighboring families, and is involved in clubs and groups at school with friends. But Hanna goes to the next level in that she takes on a leadership role and doesn’t shy away from opportunities to make a difference in her neighborhood, in her church, at her school, in her community and even, nationally on issues dear to her heart.

In her neighborhood, Hanna is willing to lend a hand to neighbors and has done petsitting and some service work for others while they are on vacation and need an extra hand in keeping up with basic household maintenance. In her school, she participates in National Honor Society, serves as the Vice President of French Club and Founder/President of Zumba Club. Being involved is doing just the minimum within an organization and Hanna wants to do more than that.

With the Zumba Club, Hanna and others are looking to create a Zumbathon to run in conjunction with Relay for Life and to generate financial support for the American Cancer Society. “It feels good to put time into something that will make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Hanna when thinking about the time and effort put in to contribute to this cause.

For her church, Hanna serves as a lector, reading the first and second readings at services about once a month. Also, in her community, Hanna is one of only two high school students serving on a City board or commission. Hanna is a commissioner on the Parks and Recreation Commission, serving as one of seven citizen members to advise city staff on matters related to parks and recreation services. Being a commissioner requires Hanna to attend monthly meetings, write Bulletin articles, do a monthly park inventory and inspection, and actively participate in discussions and provide her perspective on issues and services being discussed. “Getting involved at this level of government has been very rewarding,” she said. “I have served sno-cones at Bastille Day and worked the food line at the Harvest Moon Festival, among other community activities. It is such an enriching experience to be able to interact with such dedicated people and actively participate in my community. I am very grateful for this opportunity to make a difference in Montgomery.”

Hanna Peterson is an example of a youthful resident seeking out opportunities to lend her skills and talent to changing lives and contributing to community. Look around to see where you can lend a hand, volunteer or lead an effort to make a positive contribution, no matter your age.

 

Mary O’Driscoll: Loving (and making) history

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Mary O'Driscoll

Mary O'DriscollMary O’Driscoll is often lauded for her dedication to local history. Few know she also made history.

Ms. O’Driscoll served as one of the famous American Red Cross Clubmobilers during World War II. Her first assignment was making and serving coffee and doughnuts with a Clubmobile that served the 8th Army Air Force in East Anglia, England.

“In England, December 1944,” she explains, “we were working 17 hours a day serving coffee and doughnuts to the ground crews of six airfields plus the pilots and their crews who could not fly missions to Germany due to the bad weather.”

After D-Day, her unit moved to France and Germany to provide a “hometown atmosphere” to the troops on the European continent. They also greeted the ships leaving with the wounded GIs or bringing in fresh troops.

After the conclusion of World War II, Mary traveled, worked (including a stint on a dude ranch), and had various adventures along the way. Mary came back to Ohio in 1956, and eventually married Don O’Driscoll whom she met through the Red Cross Overseas Association, an alumni organization for those who served in the Red Cross overseas. She, her husband Don, and his six children moved to Montgomery in the early 1960s.

Ms. O’Driscoll became a leading voice in historic preservation locally. She fought to save the Presbyterian Manse (the minister’s living quarters).  As a founding member of the Montgomery Historical Society (later known as the Montgomery Historic Preservation Association) and then the Montgomery Landmarks Commission, she helped to place the Universalist Church on the National Register of Historic Places.

Former City Council member and Montgomery Elementary fourth grade teacher Vicki Hirsch invited Ms. O’Driscoll to recount rich local heritage and history to the students during special classroom presentations.  Using her knowledge of Montgomery history and her characteristic Irish wit, Ms. O’Driscoll created special childhood memories for many local elementary students.

Ms. O’Driscoll continues to serve the community.  For many years she donned period costumes and rang the bell at the Universalist Church announcing the beginning of the July 4th Parade. She continues to serve as the Universalist Church Coordinator, opening the doors to this step back into history and helping young brides envision their dream wedding day in this historically significant landmark. If interested in renting the space or to schedule a tour of the location, contact Montgomery City Hall at 891- 2424.  Montgomery City Hall will direct interested brides or other parties to Mary O’Driscoll for more information.

Mary O’Driscoll has served the country and community admirably and we are very thankful to Mary for her many dedicated years of service.

Each month, the City of Montgomery will recognize a citizen who truly exemplifies excellent service to their community. Montgomery is fortunate to have such a wonderful community in which to live and do business, thanks largely to the many citizens who contribute to the City, their churches and schools, neighborhoods, civic and service organizations.

Roy Aka Receives Congressional Gold Medal

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Roy Aka
Each month, the City of Montgomery will recognize a citizen who truly exemplifies excellent service to their community. Montgomery is fortunate to have such a wonderful community in which to live and do business, thanks largely to the many citizens who contribute to the City, their churches and schools, neighborhoods, civic and service organizations.
Roy Aka

Roy Aka

Roy Aka of Twin Lakes has been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian award, given to an individual or unit who performs an outstanding deed or act of service to the security, prosperity and national interest of the United States.

Part of a three-day celebration attended by Aka and his family, the Gold Medal was presented at a November 2, 2011, ceremony at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., during which President Obama and U.S. Cabinet members spoke via telecast. Aka, originally from Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii, was first commissioned in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and Military Intelligence during World War II. After basic training, Aka transferred to the 309th Military Intelligence Group, where his 10-man team was in charge of interrogation and investigation tactics for the United States, focused on operations within the Pacific.

The U.S. Army’s 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Military Intelligence Service were collectively awarded the medal for their accomplishments in World War II. The men in these units were mostly Japanese- American and fought in Europe and Asia during the war.

“We all felt greatly honored by the award. It came as a surprise. We never expected it,” Aka said. When the war ended, Aka worked with the United States Intelligence while living in Japan. Upon completion of his service, Aka returned to Hawaii, then moved to the mainland where he worked with General Electric until his retirement.

President Obama sent a letter to Gold Medal recipients, which read, “Though their role in America’s story has not always been given its due, the Japanese-American heroes we celebrate stand among extraordinary patriots whose bravery and selflessness changed the course of an entire century. They bore the burden of defending our freedom and way of life abroad while many of their loved ones were interned back at home. In the face of discrimination and adversity, their dedication to their country never wavered, and we owe a profound debt of gratitude to these veterans and their families.”

The community benefits greatly when residents have a positive impact on those around them. If you know of someone in Montgomery who has actively engaged in giving back to this community, contact Faith Dickerhoof at 792-8358 so that their story can help build the connections that make Montgomery a great place to live, work and play.

 

Karen Schwartz: a welcome idea for the City

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Karen Schwartz

Karen SchwartzKaren Schwartz and her husband, Phil, moved to  Montgomery in 2006. At the time, Karen had recently retired from Finneytown Local Schools where she taught sixth grade for 25 years. When the Schwartzes moved to Montgomery, they knew they wanted to get involved in the community. When the inaugural year for the Montgomery Citizens’ Leadership Academy was announced, they immediately jumped at the chance to join in.

With her new found knowledge from the MCLA and as a new resident, Karen wanted to do something to welcome people to Montgomery with a personal touch. She collaborated with the City of Montgomery and fellow community leaders to start the New Resident Writing Group. Since the winter of 2010, Karen, MCLA graduates and other residents of the community have met monthly to hand-write and address dozens of personal notes welcoming new Montgomery residents. The notes include the writer’s name and phone number so the recipient has someone local they could ask a question.

“The idea was to gather a group of leaders and residents together who were well connected and knowledgeable about the community and could act as an Ambassador to our newest neighbors,” Karen explained.

The City of Montgomery, Twin Lakes, TriHealth Pavilion, MedPlus Urgent Care and Village Print and Web have provided space, printed materials, donated postage and offered other resources to assist with this project.

The writing group continues to meet the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30 pm at Twin Lakes Senior Living Community, 9840 Montgomery Road. Montgomery residents are welcome to come and assist with the effort to reach out to new residents.

“What is so great about partnering with Twin Lakes is that their residents want to know what we are doing and end up helping us write cards too,” noted Karen.

Those interested in helping, or who want to give Karen the address of a new neighbor, may call her at 521-2526 or email her at schwartz@one.net.

In addition to this worthwhile community service project, the Schwartzes are also active American Red Cross volunteers.  Their service includes a stint running a staff shelter in Baton Rouge during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. From this experience Karen recounted that she came in contact with so many different people and characters.

“You have to come in contact with people outside of your comfort zone or you will never grow,” she said.

Each month, the City of Montgomery will recognize a citizen who truly exemplifies excellent service to their community. Montgomery is fortunate to have such a wonderful community in which to live and do business, thanks largely to the many citizens who contribute to the City, their churches and schools, neighborhoods, civic and service organizations.

KOKW program: Another day, another mitten

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Keep Our Kids Warm

Keep Our Kids WarmWhile most of us were charting the heat index this past summer, Angela Kern was planning for wind chills and snow accumulation. She was knitting over 72 pairs of mittens, two scarves, and 43 hats for the Crayons to Computers’ “Keep our Kids Warm” (KOKW) program.

“When I saw those things spread out on the table, I couldn’t believe what I knitted. It was a year’s work. I’m starting now for next year,” she said.

Mrs. Kern is a member of the Stitchers’ Group at the Sycamore Senior Center in Blue Ash as well as a volunteer at the Center’s front desk. She never misses an opportunity to knit, spending downtime at the front desk with her yarn and needles busily clacking away.

She packs her supplies when she has appointments with her doctor or her dentist. “Why waste your time? I’m quite quick and can do a mitten every evening while watching television. I did a pair of mittens while my husband drove us to South Carolina. It doesn’t depend on age, and I can still do this at 82,” she said.

“I’m from Britain, and I learned to knit at an early age. By 15, I was an excellent knitter.” As a young girl, she could knit and read a book at the same time.

When she was enrolled in a boarding school, lights were turned off at eight o’clock. “We couldn’t talk, but I could knit in the dark. I completed three men’s sweaters for the soldiers,” she said.

Sarah Holland, with Crayons to Computers (C2C), said that KOKW has been providing hats, mittens, and scarves for children for the past five years.  Teachers from the 255 participating schools in the tri-state visit C2C and select items for the children in their classrooms. The teachers may pass out the items as they see a need, or they may offer them as prizes. The teachers decide what works best for their students.

To qualify for the program, the schools must have 60% of their students on reduced or free lunch, according to Ms. Holland.  All sizes of hats, mittens, and scarves are made available for distribution by teachers from preschool through high school.  Most are distributed through elementary schools.

KOKW welcomes donations of yarn for use by those who knit and crochet. Purchased mittens, hats, and scarves are also appreciated.

Children need pencils and paper and other supplies for school, but they also need warm clothing as they walk to their schools, wait for their buses, or go outside for recess. C2C has set a goal of collecting 5,775 items, an increase of 5% over last year, reflecting the increased number of children in need.  The children and their benefactors will never meet, but their warm, little hands match the warm heart of Angela Kern.

Each month, the City of Montgomery will recognize a citizen who truly exemplifies excellent service to their community. Montgomery is fortunate to have such a wonderful community in which to live and do business, thanks largely to the many citizens who contribute to the City, their churches and schools, neighborhoods, civic and service organizations.

Dick Buck: a life of making things better

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Dick Buck

Dick BuckYou need to interview my dad” said a voice on the other end of the line. “He’s 81 years old and his doctor told him to get out and walk, that’s when he started cleaning up the neighborhood.”  Dick Buck takes his one hour walk everyday around The Winds neighborhood picking up trash.

“I hate litter,” said Mr. Buck.  “Finally I decided, instead of getting angry, just pick it up!”

Mr. Buck also uses it as an opportunity to connect with his neighbors.  All seasons, residents will see Dick Buck traversing the neighborhood, greeting walkers and runners alike, picking up what others so carelessly discard.

But that is really the tip of the iceberg with Mr. Buck, who retired after 35 years as a Vice President with Portman Equipment Company.

When asked what he would say to encourage others to get involved: “Everyone needs a purpose in life and it should include the welfare of others.”

That is why he became involved with The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), once serving as Hamilton County President.

“Having an incidence in my family, I understand the impact on the caregivers,” he said.  That is what spurred him, 12 years ago, to promote the Planned Lifetime Assistance Network (PLAN) of Southwestern Ohio, Inc., a nonprofit organization. PLAN’s mission is to create peace of mind by planning and providing lifelong assistance to people with disabilities and their families.

“Non-profits are the heart of America; they bring realism to our lives,” he said. “I find it so rewarding when a college class of future Psychiatrists invites me in to relate personal experiences and their impact on the family.”

When told his son Steve had nominated him for this article, Mr. Buck’s eyes got a little foggy. “I guess every parent enjoys when their children are proud of them.”

We say thanks Dick Buck for caring and making Montgomery a friendlier, closer knit community.

Each month, the City of Montgomery will recognize a citizen who truly exemplifies excellent service to their community. Montgomery is fortunate to have such a wonderful community in which to live and do business, thanks largely to the many citizens who contribute to the City, their churches and schools, neighborhoods, civic and service organizations.

Michael W. Hawkins: Citizen of the World

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Mike Hawkins

Mike Hawkins

“A refugee is someone who is forced to leave their country because of civil unrest or natural disaster.” So began my conversation with Mike Hawkins. Mike was explaining to me what drew him to work with Refugees International.  “I was on the National Board of The American Red Cross and Vice Chair of International Services. My board term was up and a fellow board member on the Refugees International Board. It really started with an interest and, most importantly, an invitation.”

Hawkins, an attorney with Dinsmore and Shohl for 38 years, has participated in mission trips all over the world, Pakistan, Thailand, Israel, Kenya, Vietnam, Cambodia and Palestine to name a few. During these trips, he has met with state officials from host countries and US Ambassadors. But most importantly, Mike has met the refugees themselves. “The trips, meeting people surrounded by turmoil and strife, are a sensory experience and tend to be emotional and sobering as one reflects upon our place in humanity. Refugees International seeks to be the voice for those who have none.”

This year, Mike flew to Kenya to visit with Somali refugees in the urban area around Nairobi and the 300,000 person Dadab refugee camp in the desert near the Somali border. “While they do receive some food, water and health facilities, they are by no means adequate. They are subjected to exploitation by police. They struggle for their children and families.”

When asked what his wife of 35 years, Diane, thinks of him flying to challenging parts of the world, Mike responds, “She tells them, this is what he does.” As for his employer, Dinsmore and Shohl, “It’s always been part of the firm’s culture to serve the community.”

In addition to the Red Cross and Refugees International, Mike is a board member for Bridges for a Just Community, a former Montgomery councilman, graduate of The Montgomery Citizens’ Leadership Academy and a past president of The Cincinnati Bar Association. “I just want to make a difference.”

Each month, the City of Montgomery will recognize a citizen who truly exemplifies excellent service to their community. Montgomery is fortunate to have such a wonderful community in which to live and do business, thanks largely to the many citizens who contribute to the City, their churches and schools, neighborhoods, civic and service organizations.

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Dr. Novince

Dr. NovinceThe Montgomery City Council recently acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Loretta C. Novince of the Northeast Community Challenge for her many devoted years of service to the community.  Dr. Novince recently decided to retire after 25 dedicated years to raising awareness and pushing action against societal issues that negatively impact or influence children, such as drug and alcohol abuse, stress, depression, and bullying.

During her tenure with the coalition, Dr. Novince served as president, vice-president, consultant, grant writer, evaluator and grant project director.  Dr. Novince’s diligent work on behalf of the coalition furthered their mission of promoting healthy communities and healthy youth and garnered national attention for their efforts.

Dr. Novince’s educational background in developmental psychology, and her personal interest in community health and adolescent development, allowed the coalition to benefit from her expertise and energy.  With various campaigns, initiatives and the annual summer Student Leadership Conference, NECC has dedicated organizations and volunteers working to instill good decision making and leadership skills into the community’s youth.

“Dr. Loretta C. Novince has been the driving force behind the Northeast Community Challenge Coalition, stated Lt. Jerry Beitman of the Montgomery Police Department.  “She has placed her heart and soul into making this coalition one of the best in the country.  I am hopeful that we can keep up her efforts – she will be hard to replace! The Coalition is recognized locally and nationally for the its efforts in promoting Healthy Communities and Healthy Youth, largely due to the strong leadership and dedication of Dr. Novince.”

Northeast Community Challenge was founded in 1983 and encompasses Symmes and Sycamore Townships and the Cities of Blue Ash and Montgomery.  The NECC Coalition is composed of forty community organizations.  The mission of the coalition is to mobilize and coordinate all sectors of the community to work collaboratively in identifying and implementing strategies that promote Healthy Communities and Healthy Youth.

Each month, the City of Montgomery will recognize a citizen who truly exemplifies excellent service to their community. Montgomery is fortunate to have such a wonderful community in which to live and do business, thanks largely to the many citizens who contribute to the City, their churches and schools, neighborhoods, civic and service organizations.

Jane Garfield: “You gain more than you give”

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Jane Garfield

Jane GarfieldIt is easy to see the trademark enthusiasm in this former University of Cincinnati mascot. Although her mascot character was some years ago, Jane Garfield brings that same infectious zeal to her community involvement.

“Every interaction with my friends in these organizations, to me, is invigorating. If you let it happen and look close enough, there is little basic separation between most of us.” If this is the case, Jane has built a network of friends, far and wide. Since coming to Montgomery from Pleasant Ridge 18 years ago with husband Bob and two sons, this resident has managed to build a portfolio of citizen involvement that few can rival.

From board positions on the Blue Ash/Montgomery Rotary, Kindervelt #22 and the Sycamore Community Schools Planning Commission to a chair position at Rockdale Temple, Jane has left her finger prints on several organizations committed to the “greater good” of the Montgomery community. “You gain more than you give.  It’s not a sacrifice; it’s a pleasure to serve. Above all, it makes me feel like I belong.”

“I learned at a very young age to get involved. My mentors were my parents. I really believe that being engaged has led to their longevity, and they’re 89!” If involvement is the fountain of youth, Jane may live forever.

City Hall is also fortunate to have Jane as a Landmarks Commission member. But, many other groups share the privilege of having her volunteer for their organizations. Several other organizations have benefitted from Jane’s contributions including The International Interior Design Association, The Art Institute of Cincinnati, Connect Montgomery and Ohio National Financial Services’ Habitat for Humanity Program.

When asked how individuals might begin their community involvement, Jane is quick to point to the Montgomery Citizens’ Leadership Academy (MCLA). “I really believed that I knew everything there was to know about our community. How wrong I was! Not only did I learn a number of new things, I met the most amazing people: other residents, business owners, local leaders and staff.”

Montgomery is indeed fortunate to have an invested community “partner” like Jane Garfield. Plus, now I can tell people I know a former UC mascot.

Each month, the City of Montgomery will recognize a citizen who truly exemplifies excellent service to their community. Montgomery is fortunate to have such a wonderful community in which to live and do business, thanks largely to the many citizens who contribute to the City, their churches and schools, neighborhoods, civic and service organizations.

Julie Kantor, local humanitarian, honored

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Julie Kantor

Julie KantorJulie Kantor of Montgomery was recently honored with the distinction of being named to The Enquirer Women of the Year class of 2010.

Julie Kantor is well known in Montgomery for bringing together scores of volunteers and donations to assist in giving the Ingle family a house that they could make a home for their 14 children, several of whom were adopted and with special needs.

Initially, Julie sent out an email to friends and family asking for help to provide the family with school supplies, clothes, gift cards and monetary donations, but her desire to help grew to do more for the family.

With a “crazy” idea, passion and a few good friends, Julie convened a group of experts, including some Montgomery residents, who assisted her in carrying a plan through to action by building a home for the Ingle family. Composed of an architect, two business professionals and a few friends, this team planned, researched and fundraised with enthusiasm and support, for three and a half years, they worked to make Julie’s vision a reality and built a home for the Ingle family.

Neighbors, friends, community volunteers, Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity volunteers and local contractors helped provide the Ingles a safe, warm, and healthy home by donating their time, talent, and in-kind donations.

“I would like to offer a special thank you to the people of Cincinnati, Montgomery, the City officials and especially the neighbors,” said Julie.  “The neighbors had to deal with the most: traffic jams, dust, debris and the construction.  Thanks go to the neighbors for their support, patience and generous gifts of food, money and time.  Their patience and support was huge.”

Julie commented that without the support and assistance of the city staff, city council and the Mayor this project would not have been realized.

“People trusted me. They trusted me with their time, talents and their money.  I tried to honor that trust,” explained Julie.  Julie’s motto is to make whatever you do for someone else count.  “Whatever you give, your time and talent can count. It all adds up.”

“Julie’s enthusiasm and dedication inspired all who came in contact with her vision, hope and passion. The Montgomery City Council, and the Montgomery community, were inspired by Julie’s desire to convene the best of what this community has to offer to assist and help this wonderful family,” explained Montgomery City Council member Lynda Roesch.  “Many people think what can just one person do?  Julie is an example of what one person can do.  She struck a chord and the community responded.  We are all honored to know Julie and the Ingle family.  They have made Montgomery and, indeed, the world a better place.

Community support and assistance to the Ingles family continues.  Even today, 70 to 80 Ursuline Academy students volunteer by tutoring and playing with the Ingles’ children.

This inspiration will continue.  With the 501 (3)(c) non-profit organization that Julie and her team created, Home Sweet New Home, families in our community will be supported and cared for and Julie will continue to be a catalyst for bringing our community together.

Each month, the City of Montgomery will recognize a citizen who truly exemplifies excellent service to their community. Montgomery is fortunate to have such a wonderful community in which to live and do business, thanks largely to the many citizens who contribute to the City, their churches and schools, neighborhoods, civic and service organizations.

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