quote by Lisa Desatnik: What is a memory that makes you smile? Celebrate that gift.

Celebrate A Memory

What is a memory that makes you smile? Today, celebrate that gift. Read More

Happy Holidays!

During the holiday season, I like to remind my friends, family, clients, supporters and followers how very much all of you mean to me. Thank you...to all of you for being among my gratitude list. Each of you, in your own way, adds so much value to my life.I ... Read More

In Memory Of My Mom

It has been such a long while since I have posted on my Good Things Going Around. Life has gotten in the way. One of those reasons was my dear, sweet mom’s ailing health. It began with a bad fall that among other things cracked the back of her head open causing swelling and bleeding on her brain. About nine months later she was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. Mom always enjoyed reading my Good Things newsletters so I wanted to do a special post in her memory and honor. Read More
Cincinnati Certified Dog Trainer Lisa Desatnik with Garrett Parsons with Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cincinnati

Enriching The Lives of Homeless Pets And Families

I’ve been so grateful to my friends who have been there for me during this past year with lots of personal issues including my mom's ailing health. The kindness of others has given me so much strength and I’ve been looking for a larger scale way of giving back. I’d ... Read More

Music Unites Students At Princeton

If you found a place where everyone welcomed and included you for who you are, would you want to go there? These are the first words my dear friend Sue Schindler had written for a group of Princeton High School students on the day that I visited – this past ... Read More
Emily Gear, founder of Louie's Legacy dog rescue in Cincinnati, shares her story of why she started the organization.

Louie's Legacy Is Saving Lives

It was 2009. Emily Gear was living in New York. Eight years had passed since two planes flew into the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center, causing the two tallest buildings on the globe to implode, killing nearly 3,000 people, and sending a ripple of fear, anxiety, hatred across ... Read More
Maggie's Mini Therapy Horses is a Cincinnati area nonprofit that brings miniature horses to local hospitals, retirement communities and other places.

Mini Horses That Brighten Days

It is the greatest gift when you find a path to pursue where your heart leads. Lora Melin has found that gift. Having grown up with the companionship of horses, it is perfectly perfect that for the past 12 years she has passed that love down to her daughter, Maggie. ... Read More
James Wilson of Cincinnati is known as Nati Ninja. He has competed in six American Ninja Warrior competitions.

From Track Star To Ninja Warrior

James Wilson, 33, has always been a gifted athlete. Now he is the Nati Ninja. At LaSalle High School and in college, he was a star running back in football – among the top 100 in the country. In track, his times running the 100-meter dash, 400-meter relay and 200-meter ... Read More
Blues musician Kelly Richey is a life coach and writing facilitator at Women Writing for (a) Change in Cincinnati

Kelly Richey - Healing Through Creation

For more than 30 years Kelly Richey was a touring blues artist. She shared the stage with music legends and was compared to icons Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimi Hendrix. Practicing, promoting, recording, creating and performing required more time and more pressure than many corporate careers. Still, it wasn’t her ... Read More
Maple Knoll Village resident John Anderson enjoys volunteering. He as honored in Cincinnati with a Voices of Giving Award.

At 88, John Is Still Giving Back

At 88, John Anderson’s great joy in life comes from bringing sunshine into the life of others. His lessons of service learned through the Scouts as a child have never been forgotten. “I learned then that whenever you give to someone, you are becoming a part of that person’s life ... Read More
Joe Motz of the Motz Corporation

People Matter At The Motz Corporation

I have played my share of sports growing up. Still, I honestly never would have imagined myself getting so excited about a company that builds turf for athletic fields. But I get very excited when I think about The Motz Group (and its sister company– USGreentech, which focuses on turf ... Read More
Susan Wyder and Phyllis McKinley of The Princeton Closet

Susan Wyder: Putting Community First

written by Sue Schindler   It’s 1980. Susan Wyder is a brand new 6th grade teacher. One of her students continually vomits each morning. Susan realizes that this child is pregnant. Thirty-nine years ago, society was not as supportive to pregnant girls-especially the very young ones. The girl’s parents want ... Read More
The Rotary Club of Cincinnati recently honored Cincinnati Public School teachers for excellence.

Rotary Club Honored CPS Teachers

Teachers who know how to bring out the best in their students are incredible gifts. As they lift minds up, they foster a love for learning, often character values, and sense of worth. It was great to recently see The Rotary Club of Cincinnati honor Cincinnati Public Schools teachers who ... Read More
The Compassionate Friends provides highly personal comfort, hope, and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or a daughter, a brother or a sister, or a grandchild, and helps others better assist the grieving family.

Bringing Hope to Parents When Their Lives Collapse

Written by Sue Schindler It’s the nightmare of every parent to have the police knocking on your door-or-making that call, in the middle of the night. It’s watching your child succumb to a life-threatening illness, when you were confident that they would defeat it. It’s surreal walking in your child’s ... Read More
Melodic Connections Executive Director Betsey Zenk Nuseibh with her son Ollie

Finding Similarities Through Melodic Connections

Written by Sue Schindler   It was the third Tuesday of the month as I walked into the Melodic Connections studio at 6940 Plainfield Road in Silverton for their 5:30-7:00 PM Common Time community event. Common Time is the brainchild of Executive Director Betsey Zenk Nuseibh, to bring communities together ... Read More
Ruth Wacker of Cincinnati wrote a children's book that teaches kids about acceptance and friendship.

Life Lessons From A Triangle

Children have such huge potential for learning, and when they are taught from the earliest of ages to accept and appreciate each other’s differences – even to look beyond those differences to see what they have in common – it is one of life’s greatest lessons. I get so touched ... Read More
Charlie Hines wrote the national campaign song for Luxxotica's One Sight. He shares how his life experiences taught him tenacity.

Life Taught Charlie About Tenacity

Written by Sue Schindler If you live in the Greater Cincinnati area, you’ve probably heard or seen the UC Health commercials with that booming, yet reassuring voice, “They call us the tenacious. The authors of breakthroughs. The ambassadors of hope.” That voice belongs to Lebanon, Ohio’s Charlie Hines. A talented ... Read More
Jessica Mitsch and Grace Brecht at Mount Notre Dame High School in Cincinnati co-chair a community service project working with students who have autism at The Children's Home of Cincinnati.

These Students Are BEYOUtiful

When you were beginning high school, was a reason for your being super excited for it to begin because it meant you could be involved with and surrounded by peers who value community service? Jessica Mitsch and Grace Brecht, juniors at Mount Notre Dame High School in Cincinnati, were. Helping ... Read More
Doris Schnetzer is a Cincinnati artist who wants people to feel joy when they see it.

Doris Wants Her Art To Help Souls Sing

Through her acrylic painting, Doris Schnetzer says, she helps soul sing. Doris calls her art, medicine paintings, because she thinks of them as a wellness tool. Her intention when she sits down with brush in her hand is to help people reach a goal, ease the burden of a health ... Read More
Vicki Brown Hoppe, Sharonville Council’s first woman president, is the smile behind Sharonville, Ohio.

The Smile Behind Sharonville

At age 14, Sharonville Council's First Woman President was running into burning buildings as part of her Explorer Firefighter training. Sue Schindler has known and respected Vicki Brown Hoppe for a long time, and wanted to share some of Vicki’s story. Below is Sue’s words…. The Smile Behind Sharonville It’s ... Read More
Sue Schindler and Lisa Desatnik

Welcome Sue Schindler, To GTGA!

I am thrilled to announce that my dear friend Sue Schindler is going to be contributing to Good Things Going Around!  Sue has such a special, giving heart. We first met many years ago when we both worked for an organization called the Inclusion Network, that promoted the inclusion of ... Read More
Alex and Hannah Lehman were 8 when they started the Cincinnati nonprofit, Adopt A Book. They share how this philanthropy has impacted their lives.

Adopt A Book Has Given These Teens Passion

How time has flown!  It was in December of 2011 when Hannah and Alexander (Alex) Laman – with help from their mom, Angela – were eight-year-olds inspired to share their love of reading with children who were less fortunate. They began collecting books from neighbors, community groups, classmates, and family ... Read More
Katie Goodpaster, a volunteer coordinator for the HART in Cincinnati Animal Rescue, shares her passion for dogs

Finding FURever Homes For Dejected Dogs Is Katie's Heart

Katie Goodpaster is one of those people whose heart is beyond measure when it comes to dogs. In fact, we had to reschedule our first get together because she had gotten an emergency call from Kentucky about a dog in dire need of immediate medical attention and she had to ... Read More
quote by Lisa Desatnik on doing what makes you passionate and makes you smile in life

Do What Makes Your Heart Sing

Ask yourself: What is it that makes you passionate, that brings out your smile, that makes your heart sing. Then find a way to make that part of your life. ~ Lisa Desatnik       Read More
Speaking coach Michael Davis of Speaking CPR in Cincinnati shares his inspiration and passion.

Michael Inspires Storytelling

If you have ever gone to a TEDxCincinnati event, you may be familiar with the art and work of Michael Davis without even realizing it. Michael is one of the coaches working with some of the speakers to deliver powerful messages. And audiences typically leave those shows impacted in meaningful ... Read More
Megan Fischer talks about why she created her Greater Cincinnati nonprofit organization, Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank, for families in poverty.

Sweet Cheeks Is Megan's Calling

Pregnant with her second child, feeling blessed with the path her life had taken her to that point, Megan Fischer was sitting at her work cubicle when she took a quick break to check her Facebook feed. It was that split moment that changed her passion and career forever. A ... Read More
When you shift from expectations of others to finding their strengths, you bring out their best AND your best. A quote from Lisa Desatnik on life.

Shift Your Perspective

  When, instead of expecting others to be who you want them to be, You look for, appreciate And focus on bringing out their strengths. Your shift in perspective will help to bring out the best in others... And yourself. ~ Lisa Desatnik     Read More
Rhonda Moore is retiring as executive director of Pro Seniors. Read about how Pro Seniors in Cincinnati has grown into a nationally recognized advocate for older adults.

During Rhonda Moore's Tenure, Pro Seniors Is Nationally Recognized

After dedicating the past 17 years at the helm of a team of educators and fighters for the rights and quality of life for seniors, Rhonda Moore is preparing for her next chapter – a well deserved retirement. During her tenure, Pro Seniors has grown to become a nationally recognized ... Read More
Caitlin Steininger is co-owner of Cooking with Caitlin, CWC Restaurant and Station Family +BBQ in Cincinnati. Learn more about her in this interview.

Caitlin Is a Mercenary For Food Experience

If you are ever in need of being uplifted, I recommend you stop by the CWC Restaurant or Station Family + BBQ, both in Wyoming, Ohio (a suburb of Cincinnati) and ask if Caitlin Steininger is around. (Caitlin is always at CWC on Sundays and at one of the restaurants ... Read More
Michael DeMaria is a Cincinnati artist who creates large, interactive exhibits. He is a People's Liberty Globe Grant recipient.

Mike Makes Art Come Alive

As a child, I can remember sitting on the floor building layer after layer of walls and floors with playing cards, delicately placing each one until suddenly they all came tumbling down. I too remember lining up dominos, in straight lines and curves, only to watch them one-by-one fall to ... Read More
Melinda Kirk Stenger talks about why she began PetCakes, he first and ONLY organic, microwavable dogtreats that you make at in home in just minutes

Melinda's PetCakes Bring Out Joy In Pets...And People

If you have ever met Melinda Kirk Stenger, you know, she is someone you don’t soon forget.  Her costume of a polka dot apron alone makes you smile head to toe but it is her heart, her zest for life, and her passion that touch you, brighten your day, and ... Read More
Kelli Kurtz of Cincinnati talks about an act of kindness

Kindness Was Their Life Preserver

What does kindness mean to you, and how has it impacted your life? I asked that question of Kelli Kurtz, executive director of institutional advancement at Stephen T. Badin High School (a high school of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati). Her answer reminds us that those random acts of kindness – ... Read More
Shay Baysore, social media coordinator for My Furry Valentine in Cincinnati, talks about why she is passionate about dog and cat adoption.

Shay Has A Heart For Animal Underdogs

Shay Baysore, volunteer social media coordinator for My Furry Valentine, will tell you, she has always been drawn to the underdog, those human and non-human animals who are often overlooked, stigmatized, and expected to fail. She has always believed in their capacity to give, receive, contribute and achieve. “A soul ... Read More
#Kindflash is a group of volunteers in Cincinnati spreading kindness

#Kindflash in Cincinnati Collecting Clothes

Since 2015, local volunteers have developed a January tradition - that of collecting and distributing warm clothing items (hats, gloves, scarves and socks) across dozens of Greater Cincinnati neighborhoods. This year, the group #Kindflash enters its fifth year of distributing thousands of items across 60+ Greater Cincinnati neighborhoods. Collection will ... Read More
Michele Hobbs, owner of Pet Wants in Cincinnati, shares why she and Amanda Broughton teach their children about being kind and helping the homeless.

Why Teaching Kindness To Their Kids Matters

“It's hard to explain to kids that it's a blessing in life to be able to give to others.”  These were the first words shared by Pet Wants co-owner/founder Michele Hobbs (with her wife Amanda Broughton) when she posted about her beautiful family participating in a group that gives to ... Read More
Nick Rose-Stamey shares a message to his students from Elementz in Cincinnati

This Teacher Awakens Souls

Passionate teachers have such power to nurture and empower lives. Like soil, light and water is to seedlings, they are the nourishment from which beautiful blossoms grow. Their greatest satisfaction often comes through watching as hurdles are broken down and dreams take flight. Nick Rose-Stamey is among these life changers. ... Read More
Tammy Wynn is CEO of Angel's Paws pet hospice in Cincinnati

An Angel For Pets

  If you have ever been the giver and recipient of unconditional love from a non-human companion, you may also have come to know the tumultuous pain when that joy is replaced by grief in the face of loss…possibly even anguish as you have had to make what could ... Read More

Joe Wenning Brings History To Life

On September 8, 2018, you’re invited…step back in time to 1788 on a walking tour of Pioneer Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Hamilton County and the final resting place of many Revolutionary and Civil War veterans and pioneers, where you will hear from historical interpreters in period dress, interact with ... Read More
Carolyn Evans, founder of My Furry Valentine Cincinnati dog and cat adoption event, shares an adoption story from Clermont County Animal Shelter.

Joel: A Dog Adoption Story Of Love

On DOGust Day, a day when we celebrate the birth of adopted dogs whose real birthdays may be unknown, I’d like to share with you his very special story. His life, his spirit and his journey while here on earth so moved the people in whose care he found experienced ... Read More
Jason Wesche began the Hannah Strong Foundation in Cincinnati to help children who have been abused or neglected, after the loss of his daughter Hannah Wesche

Remembering Hannah: #HannahStrong

One day. One moment. Their life, their purpose changed forever. They were a close-knit family of four – single father Jason Wesche and his three darling girls -Hannah, Rachael, and Kaitlyn - who treasured life’s simple pleasures. Many moments were shared laughing and playing together. Helping and bringing smiles to ... Read More

Enjoy The Small Steps

It was nearly three years ago when a beautiful young woman, who, at 21, was just reaching her adulthood, was taken from this world too soon. Katy Schindler got so much joy out of riding horses, strumming a guitar and playing baseball. Her face wore a huge smile every time ... Read More

Steve Inspires People Passion

He has been called an iconic leader, a positive disruptor, and a passionate people person who has inspired probably tens, if not, hundreds of thousands directly and indirectly across the globe to put more heart, more connectivity, and more appreciation into their work, their relationships, and their lives. Steve Browne, ... Read More

Through Running, Scot Finds Joy

Guest post This past weekend in Cincinnati, Scot Howell was one of thousands who lined the streets, participating in the 20th annual Flying Pig Marathon. Everyone has their own purpose for their long hours of training and mental preparation that culminates in a 26+ mile run. Scot shares why he ... Read More

TEDxCincinnati Sparks Conversation

BaddBob is part of a Florida group of bikers whose passion is empowering and standing up for children who have been victims of abuse. Through her poetry, Tiffany Bowden brings her listeners back in time to the innocence of childhood, a time when humanity was uncomplicated and when embracing difference ... Read More

Human Values Festival This Weekend

Looking for an opportunity to inspire your children to do good or to meet others who are focused on the good in this world? This Sunday, April 29, the Institute of Sathya Sai Education will be hosting a free community and family-centric Festival dedicated to the practice of five core ... Read More

Cincinnati Film Director Has Simple Request

I have a very simple request, one that will no doubt make you smile while you are at it. Adorable three-year-old Gia Lopez was not supposed to live due to a genetic disorder known as spinal muscular atrophy. But, today, she is flying with a dragon and starring in her ... Read More

Kevin Hall Broke The Mold In Golf

Each of us has a fire deep inside - a flame that, with kindling can burn bright, its heat fueling our pursuit for something that makes us feel alive. Kevin Hall’s fire was lit more than 25 years ago, after school one day on the Avon Fields Golf Course. He ... Read More

Sue Reminds Us To See Possible Greatness

Sue Schindler remembers the moment as if it was yesterday. She was eight years old and she was terrified. Sitting beside her was her dad who was about to call her third-grade teacher. For a young daughter of a father who was known to raise his voice now and then, ... Read More

Curiosity Inspires This Art Museum Exec

“So many people inspire me every day. I get inspired by the smallest thing. I am a really curious person so anyone who is embracing who they are and following where their curiosity leads them inspires me.”    ~Emily Holtrop How cool is that, to be inspired by curiosity every ... Read More

Bobby Harrison, You've Got This!

Today, as I am writing this, my dear friend Bobby Harrison is preparing himself to go to the hospital where he will have to swallow 15 pills so toxic that he can’t touch them to human skin and will need to flush the toilet three times after using it to ... Read More

Happy Holidays!

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During the holiday season, I like to remind my friends, family, clients, supporters and followers how very much all of you mean to me. Thank you…to all of you for being among my gratitude list.

Each of you, in your own way, adds so much value to my life.

I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to help improve the quality of life of pets and strengthen their relationships with their people. I grateful for those who, in some very tough times this year, were there for me and my family. I am grateful that I have been able to pass that kindness on to others. I am grateful for all of the incredible people my different careers have allowed me to get to know, to inspire me, and to educate me. I am grateful for all of the opportunities I have had to promote some amazing causes. I am grateful that we are well and able to be together, if even in different ways.

May you and your loved ones be healthy as we get through this pandemic, and have many reasons to be grateful.

In Memory Of My Mom

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It has been such a long while since I have posted on my Good Things Going Around. Life has gotten in the way.

One of those reasons was my dear, sweet mom’s ailing health. It began with a bad fall that among other things cracked the back of her head open causing swelling and bleeding on her brain. About nine months later she was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia.

Mom always enjoyed reading my Good Things newsletters so I wanted to do a special post in her memory and honor. Continue reading

Enriching The Lives of Homeless Pets And Families

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I’ve been so grateful to my friends who have been there for me during this past year with lots of personal issues including my mom’s ailing health. The kindness of others has given me so much strength and I’ve been looking for a larger scale way of giving back.

I’d been yearning to get back to fulfilling that side of my heart again. This past fall I visited the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cincinnati and learned about its Pet Support Program.

I’d been looking for a larger scale opportunity to give back for those who have shown me so much kindness. IHN’s Pet Support Program touched me on many levels – when homelessness and financial hardship hit a family, it hits everyone in that family…including the non-human animals.

Then, in early December it occurred to me when I looked at all of Dawson’s unused toys. Among other things, boredom can be a cause of behavior problems that could make finding and keeping low income housing and shelter difficult for those families. Dawson’s unused toys could be enrichment for pets whose owners wouldn’t be able to provide them – or for those pets who are being cared for by IHN while their owners are working through what they need to work through.

The idea for Gifts for Best Friends was born.

 

From March 14 to April 18, we will be collecting gently used HARD dog and cat toys, and new hard and soft toys. There will be drop off locations. Additionally, I am looking for individuals and organizations who would like to organize an internal collection Gifts for Best Friends Cincinnati dog and cat toy collection for homeless and low income familiesamong their co-workers, congregations, group members.

Special thanks to the very talented Erik Pietila for creating the beautiful artwork for the campaign!!

Please visit this link to learn more on my pet training website.  Also, I will be posting updates on my So Much PETential Facebook page. Please mark yourself as *attending* or *interested* to get updates.

And, if you would like to be involved with a collection, please be in touch!

Drop Off Locations

Care Center Vets
6995 E Kemper Road
513-530-0911
General area – Montgomery/Symmes Township

Earthwise at Harper’s Point
11328 Montgomery Road
(513) 469-7387
general area – Montgomery/Symmes Township

Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cincinnati
990 Nassau Street
513-471-1100
general area – near downtown

Mason Community Center
6050 S Mason Montgomery Rd
(513) 229-8555
general area – Mason

Pet Wants – Findlay Market
1813 Pleasant St
513-721-8696
general area – Over the Rhine

Pet Wants – Cincy Kitchen
1409 Vine St
513-621-3647

Pleasant Ridge Pet Hospital
6229 Montgomery Rd
(513) 351-1730
general location – Pleasant Ridge

Western Hills Animal Hospital
5500 Glenway Ave
513-922-2266
general area – Western Hills

So Much PETential Cincinnati dog training by Lisa Desatnik

 

Music Unites Students At Princeton

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If you found a place where everyone welcomed and included you for who you are, would you want to go there?

These are the first words my dear friend Sue Schindler had written for a group of Princeton High School students on the day that I visited – this past Tuesday. It was part of a very special Melodic Connections program called Common Time where people of all kinds of diversity and abilities are brought together to play music, but more importantly, through the process, laughing, sharing, appreciating one another.

Sue (and her husband Bob) worked with Melodic Connections to bring Common Time to Princeton this week as a celebration of what would have been their daughter Katy’s 26th birthday. Katy was a Princeton Viking too. It was a place where she was welcomed and included. Her communication device could have made learning a challenge, but she had the will and persistence (and support from her family, friends and school) to succeed.

She also happened to have been a Melodic Connections’ musician. No matter the song, Katy loved making music. And she loved life.

Common Time at Princeton High School

Sue wrote a personal message that was given to each of the students on Tuesday:

“When remembering Katy, people talk about her infectious smile and laughter, her radiant blue eyes, her persistence, and how she lived life to the fullest. Others talk about her grinning ear-to- ear when hitting a single in baseball, laughing hysterically while trotting on her horse, Poncho, or when stopping in the middle of a rambunctious soccer game to take in the moment. Katy made life exciting and fun.

Today, through Common Time, take joy in the moments, cherish what strengths you bring and connect with others who are new to you. Today is a day to celebrate the best in you! As you leave today . . .

What will you do to challenge yourself and make your life more exciting and fun?”

So Much PETential Cincinnati dog training by Lisa Desatnik

 

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