CINspirational People: Michelle Dillingham
Michelle Dillingham, MSW, is CEO of Community Shares of Greater Cincinnati. Community Shares is a partnership of 24 diverse Cincinnati area nonprofit organizations, helping member agencies with awareness and support through workplace giving campaigns, professional enrichment, community education and a variety of innovative 
initiatives. Michelle moved to Cincinnati about 19 years ago and has been impacting local lives through social service ever since.
Please read below to learn more about her.
GTGA: Why are you so passionate about social service?
Michelle: When I was young, my family had to access food stamps. It was our having to have needed benefits and services, and recognizing those challenges that drew me to work in social services. This field is a way to connect me with people who are in the struggle and to accompany them along the path as they are trying to get their needs met.
When I am with clients, at their side, whether we are in the food stamp office, they are applying for Section 8 housing, or when they are waiting for the resources and dealing the accompanying frustration, I can say – I know how you feel and it is tough and we will do this together.
Throughout life, I have always been very moved by injustice, strongly feeling a need to respond and do something about it.
GTGA: In life, what is one of proudest accomplishments?
Michelle: Not too long ago I walked into a room for a community meeting and someone made a comment to the effect of, ‘Michelle is here. Oh, now we will keep it real and get some work done.’
That was my proudest moment because what that meant to me was that through the years of my work, others recognize that I legitimately care about justice issues and that I am someone who will dig in and fight for causes. It also said to me that when I participate on an issue, that my contribution is valued.
GTGA: What are some of your simple pleasures in life.
Michelle: My son has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. We got him a recumbent bike that he can ride for miles so we do a lot of bike riding on the Miami Loveland trail. I am from New England, and we also try to get to the ocean at least once a year.
GTGA: What is the best advice you have ever received?
Michelle: I used to think I would be a therapist. Then, one of my first professors as a masters level student told me we can all be a change agent and have the capacity to affect change. It struck me at that moment that not only can I walk with people while they get what they need but I can affect the systems that they are interfacing with. We all have the ability to change the world.
Cincinnati Nonprofit Spotlight: Creative Aging
On any given day, seniors throughout our region are singing, laughing, moving, creating, remembering, sharing, and strengthening motor skills because of more than 100 professional artists, performers and educators who are contracted through a unique Cincinnati area nonprofit organization called Creative Aging.
In 2014, the organization sponsored closed to 400 programs (this year anticipating 500 to 600 programs) at member facilities serving more than 15,000 older adults. Since its beginning more than 30 years ago, Creative Aging has provide well over 6,800 programs and enriched the lives of over 294,000 seniors.
That is a lot of IMPACT!
Bev Ross, executive director, told me a lot of what they do is in a group setting. “It is magical in how our programs reconnect people and their environment,” she said, remembering, “There was a man who had Parkinson’s Disease whose movements were real choppy but he could dance with you without any problems. A lot of times our performers would sound out a beat for him. He would walk better when there was a rhythm to it.”
Just a sample of the types of programs Creative Aging offers:
Art programs like painting and drawing, seashell crafts, and color and shape exploration.
History and culture programs that take people on virtual tours using a “memories” theme to show both “old” and current pictures of historic and memorable Cincinnati landmarks as well as a narrative that highlights the history and current use of the site.
Music programs with a variety of artists, vocalists and instruments.
Storytelling, outreach programs, and holiday happenings.
Wellness programs including yoga, ballet, tai chi and more.
“Seniors think they can’t do it but they are really proud of what they accomplish. If they have depression, for the hour that we are there, they forget about it and just enjoy the moment,” said Bev.
I have seen firsthand how interactive, creative and educational programs enrich the lives of older adults. What a wonderful gift from all of these artists!
CINspirational People: Aurora Lira
CINspirational People is a feature of Good Things Going Around profiling diverse people of Greater Cincinnati, what inspires them, and what is inspiring about them. You can read more profiles by clicking on the link at the top of the blog. Do you know someone to suggest? Please reach out. Thanks!
I’d like you to meet old Dr. Aurora Lira, M.D. At 88, she wants people to know you are never too old to put on your dancing shoes and have fun in life. It was about 15 years ago for her when she took their first lesson at an Arthur Murray Studio, and she has been hooked ever since.
For years Dr. Lira (who retired as a family medicine practitioner just three years ago) has been learning from, rehearsing and competing with local professional ballroom 
professional, Jozsef Parragh. Entering about four regional competitions every year – including the international Ohio Star Ballroom in Columbus, she just advanced to the Gold Level has amassed an entire cabinet of awards. Most recently she was named the CincySensational Award recipient at the Cincinnati Ballroom Classic.
Born in the Philippines, Dr. Lira moved here many years back to do her residency, met her husband, and eventually came to call Cincinnati her home.
Competitive and compassionate. Strong willed and determined.
A caring woman who loves and takes great pride in her family.
An inspiration to all of us.
– These are among the words Patty Lira Relojo uses to describe her mother.
Let’s learn a little more about Dr. Liro.
GTGA: What do you enjoy most about dancing?
Dr. Lira: Dancing makes me feel young. It makes my mind dance with the music and I forget about everything. I feel like I have to do my best so I can satisfy myself and
I like being viewed as a good dancer, and when I dress up like that people always compliment me.
GTGA: What are your favorite dances?
Dr. Lira: My favorites are the International Smooth Style (International is distinctive in that it emphasizes remaining in a closed dance position) such as the waltz, fox trot, tango and veinnese waltz; and the American Standard Style (American is distinctive in that it is less strict and allows the partner to open up in several steps).
GTGA: Practicing and competing is a lot of work. And each of your competitions includes some 35 to 40 heats. How do you do it?
Dr. Lira: My feet do get sore after dancing so many dances but when I am out on the dance floor I don’t feel it at all. I am just enjoying myself.
GTGA: Tell me about someone who has been an inspiration to you.
Dr. Lira: I owe my dancing to my dance partner and teacher, Jozsef. He said to me, “You can dance whatever you want to dance and you can meet your goal if you want to meet it. You have to be very meticulous in your dance step and your appearance on the dance floor.”
GTGA: What advice do you have for others about reaching for goals?
Dr. Lira: I would tell them that if anyone can do it, you can do it better. That is my motto. When I was younger (I have five sisters and a brother), my father told us what occupation we would all study and become. He told me I was going to be a doctor. I worked hard and became a doctor.
GTGA: How did it make you feel when you were named the Cincysensational Award recipient at the Cincinnati Ballroom Classic?
Dr. Lira: It meant so much to me. I was so happy that I could even cry.
CINspirational People: Connor Thomas
CINspirational People is a feature of Good Things Going Around profiling diverse people of Greater Cincinnati, what inspires them, and what is inspiring about them. You can read more profiles by clicking on the link at the top of the blog. Do you know someone to suggest? Please reach out. Thanks!
Connor Thomas is a Loveland teen who is driven and passionate when it comes to pursuing goals, and one of those goals is supporting military veterans. In addition to raising thousands of dollars for the Joseph House of Cincinnati and the Disabled Veterans of America, he founded a military club at his high school (serving as its president) that organizes awareness and fundraising events. Recently Connor begun working with the Clermont County Sheriff’s Department to establish the 
Purple Heart Initiative, a program that provides market parking spots for soldiers that have received the Purple Heart Award. Connor also runs a unique website called My Clermont Military Heroes that honors veterans.
With all of this, he maintains a 4.25 GPA and is an All-Conference athlete playing football and running track.
GTGA: Your two grandfathers served in the military, as well as your great grandfather. Please share about how they have influenced your work for veterans.
Connor: I have reverence for both my grandfathers for what they did for my country, as I do all veterans. They are both supportive and have bought many military items along the years. I did not get to meet my great grandfather, but he had three stints between the Navy and USMC. He was a very disciplined and proud American. I have some of his items.
GTGA: You have so many responsibilities that you excel in – academics, athletics and your charity work. Where does your motivation come from?
Connor: I grew up on a college football sideline and everyone in our family is so competitive. Board games rarely get finished. My motivation is 90% internal. I want to be the best at everything I do to challenge myself to be a better person, so I can continue to serve more or more efficiently, but I was put here to serve. I have raised tens of thousands of dollars for military charities as I love my vets. The 10% is my environment. Nobody would complain seeing me graduate from a service academy.
GTGA: What is one of the greatest life lessons you have learned from your experiences?
Connor: Humility is #1. I see the fellas at The Joseph House and hope they are picking themselves up off the turf. I don’t care how many times I get knocked down, I will always get back up. That is all I know. “Indeserta” Latin for never quit.
GTGA: What words of wisdom do you have for other young people about having goals?
Connor: I’d tell them to set their goals high and plan their course to get there. If you want to be a doctor, you better be a master of math & science in school. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t have something. If something is difficult the price is high, but if you are willing to pay it, you will succeed.
CINspirational People: Jennings Barnett
CINspirational People is a feature of Good Things Going Around profiling diverse people of Greater Cincinnati, what inspires them, and what is inspiring about them. You can read more profiles by clicking on the link at the top of the blog. Do you know someone to suggest? Please reach out. Thanks!
Jennings Barnett teaches in a private school in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky but older adults and audiences of all ages recognize him for his Red Skelton impersonations. Jennings has been entertaining for years, playing the role of many Red Skelton characters including Gertrude and Heathcliff, Clem Kadiddlehopper, Junior the Mean Widdle Kid, and Will Lump Lump. Jennings also performs Red’s most requested pantomimes.
Let’s learn more about the man who shares the same passion as his idol.
“God’s children and their happiness are my reasons for being.” – Red Skelton
GTGA: What inspired you to begin imitating Red Skelton’s comedy?
Jennings: Since the first time I saw Red on television when I was eight, I never missed another of his shows. What impressed me most about him was HIS character. His love for God, family and country.
I often dreamed of meeting Red and I got the chance twice. The last time, I literally snuck into his dressing room after a St. Louis performance and we talked for over an hour. I asked him if he would be offended if anyone did his character, pantomimes and skits. He looked at me with a grin and told me, “No, I would be very honored.”
After Red passed away in 1997, I contacted the co-owners of the Red Skelton Gallery of Clowns in California to share what I wanted to do and they gave me their blessing. “Go and honor your hero, Mr. Red Skelton,” they told me.
Since 2001 I have been carrying on Red’s family oriented comedy, doing 60 to 70 shows a year. I have performed in 16 states.
GTGA: What do you hope will be the impact on others of your comedy?
Jennings: I keep my act clean, bringing back precious memories of a legend. For a few brief minutes they can enjoy a time of laughter and enjoyment; and if someday they are going through a difficult time, they might bring back to memory some silly thing I said or did. In doing so, it will lessen their sorrow.
GTGA: What is the best advice you ever received?
Jennings: The best advice I ever received came from my dad. He told me, “Son, don’t ever be afraid to take a chance. If you try and succeed, it was for you. It was meant to be.
On the other hand, if you try and you don’t succeed, it wasn’t to be. That way, years later when you look back on life, you will have no regrets. One of the worst things in life is to look back when it is too late, and ‘say, why didn’t I try?’”.
Listening to and taking my dad’s advice, I have been able to accomplish so many things that to others would boggle their minds. One example is carrying on the legend of Red Skelton’s comedy.
Who would have ever believed it would happen or could happen?
I did.
