Monthly Archives: February 2013
Cincinnati Students Raising Money For Pediatric Cancer Nonprofits
Local Cincinnati high school students are organizing a 13 hour, overnight event to raise awareness and funds for three area nonprofits focusing on pediatric cancer.
Night for the Fight will include walking, team challenges, guest speakers and entertainment. At the end of the event, participants will have input as to which programs funded by The Cure Starts Now, CancerFree Kids or the Jeffrey Thomas Hayden Foundation will receive their fundraising dollars.
It all takes place April 13 to 14, 2013 at the Xavier University Cintas Center, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Student leaders can register on the website (www.nightforthefight.org) and form teams of 6 to 15 peers. All fundraising is done online.
Interested schools and students can also contact Todd Forman at tforman@mndhs.org or at 513-550-0518.
Bobby Mackey Inducted In Northern Kentucky Music Hall Of Fame
It is so nice when you hear about people being recognized for pursuing their passion and following their heart.
Bobby Mackey was just notified he that he is being inducted into the Northern Kentucky Musical History and Hall of Fame. There will be an exhibit that will run at the Behringer Crawford Museum all through the summer, with the induction ceremony in late may 
and concerts at the museum all summer.
Besides being a genuinely nice guy, his Bobby Mackey’s Music World is celebrating almost 35 years as Greater Cincinnati’s top country music night spot featuring Bobby and the Big Mac Band every Friday and Saturday night. And his music is sold worldwide.
From the very beginning
Born and raised in Concord KY, Bobby has been singing and winning talent contests since age 4. His earliest start came while singing along to the juke box in his father’s grocery store.
He moved to Covington with his then new bride Janet to work on the railroad – a career he says he probably would still be doing if he hadn’t found an outlet for pursuing his dream.
The 30-year-old couple bought a closed up night club on Rt 9 Licking Pike in Wilder, Kentucky. The former site of the Latin Quarter and Prim Rose Country Club had a colorful history of gambling and gangster activity.
None of that was relevant to the up and coming traditional country music singer with an already established strong local fan following. This was Bobby’s chance of having his own place. After months of painting cleaning prepping the 80+ year old building he opened Bobby Mackey’s Music world September 8th 1978.
And the rest, you could say, is history.
When it comes to appreciating what you have and those around you, Bobby is quick to talk about the role his family has had in shaping his life’s direction. His parents encouraged and supported his talents from the moment he picked up his first guitar. He and his wife are proud parents, grandparents and even great grandparents. And, I get the feeling that gift of encouraging dreams is something they’ll be passing down.
Congratulations to Bobby!
A Dog With A Will To Live And A Guardian Angel To Grant Her Wish
Monica Wiltshire Bodey doesn’t know why she happened to be driving on an interstate she typically doesn’t travel at that time, or why she was driving in the slow lane where you typically won’t find her.
That, says Monica, is where fate must have intervened.
There, in front of her eyes, was a precious mixed hound dog who had just been hit by an SUV after crossing two of the three lanes of traffic. The little girl was sitting on the shoulder. Her eyes were closed shut and she was dangerously close to being hit again.
Please click here to read the rest of the touching story about little Eeyore.
Pones Inc. Livens Up Bus Ride With Surprise Dance
Pones in Public and TANK present “Ride with an Artist Day”!
I love it! It began as any ordinary ride for the passengers about the #25 TANK bus in downtown Covington, Kentucky last week. Unbeknownst to them, the group that boarded together carrying a boom box was actually a group of dancers from Pones Inc. Within a few blocks, music began and suddenly the bus was filled with dancing!
You can imagine, there were a lot of smiles being passed around. By the second song, riders were invited to join along – and many did. One person even learned all of the moves by the time the bus 
reached NKU.
Founded in 2008 by Kim Popa and Lindsey Jones, Pones Inc. has collaborated with over 100 artists and 50 art and service organizations. The company creates site-specific performances through a fusion of movement and dance with other art forms. Pones Inc.’s accessible and participatory performances have been seen in over 30 Greater Cincinnati locations, as well as, Indianapolis, and Chicago. Ongoing programs are available year round for artists and art groups, schools, and businesses.
A Conversation With Cincinnati Volunteer Fred Neurohr
Fred Neurohr is a volunteer, a husband and a father. I met him through his involvement as a board member for
“My work with him at Elementz really drives home the notion that everyone has a gift, and our duty as members of a community is to help nurture and bring those gifts into the light.”
the Cincinnati nonprofit Elementz, an arts center dedicated to encouraging young people’s creativity and positive choices, the promotion and development of Urban Arts, and the betterment of our city. Fred’s passion for bringing out the best in young people is loud and clear. He is an inspiration.
I asked Fred about the GOOD in his life. This is what he had to say.
What is something really good that has happened recently or in your life?
I recently took a position at the Council on Aging, which combines several of my passions: working with data to tell a story, working in service of people in our community, and contributing toward a better Cincinnati.
Who is someone who has inspired you in your life and why?
Peter Block. My work with him at Elementz really drives home the notion that everyone has a gift, and our duty as members of a community is to help nurture and bring those gifts into the light.
What is one of your favorite quotes that inspires you?
“Everything in moderation, including moderation.” It reminds me that it’s okay to let things escape the cold, everyday calculus. In truth, we need not count everything all the time and can choose not to impose quantitative judgments in all corners of life. It’s good for the soul to both recognize and exercise the pleasant randomness life brings, and to act with passion and helpful excess from time-to-time.
What is something that is sure to make you smile?
A trip home to my native New York City, especially sharing it with my family. Watching my kids light up at the sights and sounds of Times Square, or when they stare in wonderment at the awesome characters of Coney Island, or when they try food they’ve never seen before – it’s the best! Unless we attend a Mets or Jets game. That doesn’t leave me smiling so much lately. 😉
