Event
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 for the time being, making it better or more interesting. You learn from that person different ways of looking at things.”
When John was getting ready for retirement from Procter & Gamble, he was recruited by the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center to visit kids in bed rest. He did that for 20 years.
Since marrying his second wife, Helen, 52 years ago, he has spread his time among a variety of volunteer activities from his church choir to his condo 
board to work with a hospice in Florida.
It was in 2010 John and Helen moved into Maple Knoll Village, and he is not about to slow down making his difference in the world. These days, when he isn’t visiting with his wife who has Alzheimer’s (and often singing to her), he can be found participating in the Sharps and Flats singing group, helping residents with computer issues, being a ‘friendly visitor’ in Maple Knoll’s Bodmann Skilled Nursing and Hospice units and volunteering in the Montessori center where he mostly reads to the 3 to 5 year olds.
“My time in the Montessori center is like therapy for me,” he said. “The kids are so open and trusting and accepting in the way they deal with adults. Life is so much simpler for them. They just love.”
John is also a member of Maple Knoll Communities’ Living Legacy Society and has graciously committed a planned gift through a trust.
For all of these reasons, he is one of 20 honorees who were recognized recently by the Greater Cincinnati Planned Giving Council with Voices of Giving Awards. The Awards recognize philanthropists who contribute with planned gifts – and so much more – to nonprofit organizations that have a special place in their heart. In fact, a benefiting organization nominates each honoree. It has been such a wonderful experience for me to help them each of the past eight years with post event publicity.
All of the2019 Voices of Giving Honorees include: Joseph and Frank Keenan (nominated by CET); Lori and David Zombek (nominated by Children, Inc.); Terry Lemmerman (nominated by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park); Carol and Carl Huether (nominated by Cincinnati Public Radio); Joe and Mary Brinkmeyer (nominated by Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens); Terrence Lilly (nominated posthumously by the Freestore Foodbank); Donald C. and Laura M. Harrison (nominated by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Laura is honored posthumously); Barbara H. ‘Bobbie’ Ford (nominated by Hospice of Cincinnati); Carol and Larry Neuman (nominated by the Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati); Beth and Louis Guttman (nominated by the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati); Pat and Lew French (nominated by Life Enriching Communities – Twin Lakes); Martha Gelwicks Huheey (nominated posthumously by Life Enriching Communities – Twin Towers); Ray and Donna Bowman (nominated by LifeSpan, Inc.); Dianne and Tom Robinson (nominated by Magnified Giving); John Anderson (nominated by Maple Knoll Communities, Inc.); Christa Bauke (nominated by Mt. St. Joseph University); Nancy Perry (nominated by Northern Kentucky University); Jennifer Leonard (nominated by Redwood School and Rehabilitation Center, Inc.); Elaine Rairden (nominated by St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati); and Elizabeth and Bradley Younger (nominated by YMCA Camp Ernst).
The 2019 Voices of Giving Committee includes Carol Serrone, chair; Lillian Derkson, Butch Elfers, Melissa Gayer, Misty Griesinger, David Harris, Michelle Mancini, Lisa Roberts-Rosser, Sue Ellen Stuebing, Becky Timberlake, Dan Virzi, and Michelle Zeis.
To see all of the event photos, please see the photo album below. NOTE: When you move your mouse over the image, you will see an arrow. Left click your mouse on the arrow to move to the next photo. Paula Norton took the second half of the photos. If you click on a photo, you will see in the description if it was taken by her. Please credit Paula if you use that image.
The Greater Cincinnati Planned Giving Council is a professional association for people whose work includes developing, marketing, and administering charitable planned gifts for non-profit institutions and a variety of other legal and financial settings.
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 is a soul,” she told me.
And every soul is deserving of love.
That has been Shay’s lifelong passion, ingrained in her as a young child from her father, her role model. A big man with an intimidating presence, he had soft spot when it came to animals. Some of Shay’s earliest memories are of their taking in strays including any injured animal walking by like a three-legged raccoon and abandoned bunny babies.
These days Shay and her husband share their home with five dogs and three cats – all of whom are either seniors or have some sort of difference/disability. Among them are Embry, adopted from My Furry Valentine, who has had to have surgery to narrow her eyelids and has chronic dry eye; Lyo, their Pug who has partial back leg paralysis; and Kylo (pictured with Shay), their puppy mill rescue who is missing a jaw.
With so many pets and so many different issues that require time, patience, and love; being a non-human mom could almost be Shay’s full time job…but it isn’t. She has a busy career as director of digital marketing for Lasik Plus; and donates over 10 hours of her time each week to attract people to My Furry Valentine through social media. She even finds extra time to give to the Clermont Animal Care Humane Society.
If you will be one of the hundreds of people who attend this year’s mega adoption event, you may see Shay and her husband with cameras and their phones, capturing moments for Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Before the doors open, Shay also spends a lot of time reading and getting to know animal tags. Then, as she is talking to attendees, she can help match them with their forever new companion.
“I am always tired when My Furry Valentine is over, but it is SO worth it,” Shay said.
About My Furry Valentine:
Where: Sharonville Convention Center
When:
Saturday, February 9th 2019
Early Bird* Hours: 10:00am-Noon
General Admission Hours: 12:00pm-6:00pm
Sunday, February 10th 2019
General Admission Hours: 12:00pm-6:00pm
Main Event Admission:
General Admission Tickets $5 (Children under 5 are free)
*Early Bird Tickets $25 (Children 5 and older only $5 with paying adult)
For more detailed information on My Furry Valentine, including participating dog and cat rescue organization and pets up for adoption, please visit their website.
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 enduring love that he will never be forgotten…and will be a constant reminder of their purpose. Their passion.
Carolyn Evans, otherwise known as Cincinnati’s PhoDOGrapher, founder of the My Furry Valentine mega adoption event, and now executive director of Clermont Animal CARE Humane Society, told me – of all the dogs her rescue and animal welfare work has touched, his adoption story is her favorite.
In Carolyn’s own words, “Joel was one of the 60 or so dogs that was waiting for us when we took possession of the shelter on January 1st. He was a long-timer and was continually overlooked. He was old and sick, and every day we hoped a family would come along and swoop him up. Sadly, that day never came.
On May 1st, Joel was rushed to the vet because the right side of his face was swollen. It was a difficult diagnosis. Initially, the vet thought that it might be an allergic reaction to an insect bite. He also considered the possibility that maybe Joel injured himself with a fall, but that was quickly ruled out. He was treated with a steroid injection, Benadryl and we continued to monitor him closely. Joel came home with our Medical Director where he seemed to improve and his handsome face went back to normal. Unfortunately, the swelling began to return slowly even with the steroids and we took him to the emergency vet because the swelling was so severe that his right eye was swollen shut. An x-ray of Joel’s skull identified a mast cell tumor.
We discussed options, cried, talked more, consulted the oncologist and made the most difficult decision but one that was best for Joel. After a trip to the drive-thru, a few hamburgers and fries, tons of kisses and tears, Joel gained his wings.
Our hearts were broken and we just couldn’t get our heads around the idea that Joel never found his forever home. But then we had a beautiful realization… that WE were his forever home. Every one of us loved him and he will forever be a part of us. Joel WAS someone’s dog – he was OUR dog. Joel was officially adopted by the staff and volunteers of Clermont Animal CARE Humane Society.”
Animals And Humans Meet
While Joel’s story, his home, and his heart are his own personal legacy…what he shares with the hundreds, even thousands of dogs and cats, who have found their way to one of the dozens of local animal rescues and shelters is his capacity to give and receive love.
It is why people like Carolyn – passionate volunteers, advocates, and professionals – do what they do. And it is why over 15,000 people now attend the My Furry Valentine mega adoption event. Nearly 1000 families found their best friend at at the last event in February.
And, THIS year, organizers have added a new summer Summer Lovin’ Adoption Event – scheduled for August 18 and 19 at the Sharonville Convention Center. Just as with the winter event, dozens of nonprofit dog and cat rescue organizations will be on hand with puppies, adult dogs, kittens and cats (and even some smaller animals).
If you are looking to add a new furry friend to your family, absolutely plan on attending!
Before you go, please read my post on considerations to think about BEFORE adopting. Think about your lifestyle and what general breed qualities will fit best within it also BEFORE you are smitten by the adorable face in front of you.
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 does it and why this marathon is a personal passion of his.
by Scot Howell
“The Flying Pig Marathon-Cincinnati Organizers asked me why I run. My reply was simple, I run to overcome depression. Looking back though, I 
see that as a cop-out. My depression, along with a couple other diseases are alive and well, dark and powerful. Does running defeat that? No. But it helps.
When I walked my neighborhood thinking I was being healthy, my friend Chris believed in me enough to challenge me to my first 5k. He stayed behind me cheering me on while pushing his daughter in her stroller. That taught me to support others in the running community. My friends Jim, Edward, Jeff, Kim, & Rick took me on a 10k that was all hills. I was third to last, coming in ahead of an octogenarian and a pregnant lady pushing a double stroller. That taught me a couple things. First, to be humble and grateful for the ability to run. Secondly, to make hill training a big part of my runs (and with some pride I admit that I climb hills now without challenge). On my first 10k, my neighbor Brian passed me slowly and steadily, losing me without effort. That taught me to train, to want to grow, to be better.
This was my third full Flying Pig Marathon. When I ran my first full Pig, I was angry and resentful for miles 1-4. All these people lined the course, but they weren’t there for me. No one was there for me. I hate this, I thought. All these people cheering and I hate me. You can see, the disease (s) are quite powerful. What I’ve been taught was that a spiritual experience occurred. A voice in my head fueled by that tingling you feel in your gut, somewhat like a nervousness shouted, “they’re all here for you!” I smiled and wept. Guided by a power greater than I, the entire run was the greatest experience of my life.
When I run I do what I’ve learned from everyone else. I take out my earbuds for each performer I pass because I appreciate their effort. I congratulate everyone wearing a first timer or streaker bib. If we pass each other again I tell them again. When I receive nutrition and hydration I say thank you. I throw my trash in the can versus the ground. You shouldn’t have to clean up after me. (Amusing side note: I was 4 for 26 in making the trash can so many volunteers still had to clean up after me.) I thank people for dressing up, such as Santa with the sign “I believe in you”. I thank fan zone folks, such as the Alzheimer’s Association with the sign “run like the PTO chair is chasing you to volunteer”. That one was this PTO dad’s favorite, btw.
Some years back I chose to travel a short path in life. It wasn’t far, about a dozen steps. Taking that route has made me understand some things about my life. One is that I am where I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be there. As I approached the 26 mile flag I knew the timer was near to measure our final mile. I walked out the pain, massaged my quads, said a quick prayer then resumed my run. This wouldn’t be a slow mile, having been beat down by distance and a head full of ill thoughts. I ignored my legs and my knees, one quick hill as we passed the Boathouse. I noticed someone staying with me. She had on the familiar “first marathon” bib. I congratulated her. She thanked me and shared with me her excitement. I wept behind my sunglasses feeling so happy for her. I knew that feeling. Also knowing the crowds get thick and loud at the end I had removed my earbuds. Nothing feels so good as to feel that much energy. We chatted in short breaths. She was so excited and proud. As we passed fans, I yelled to them she was a first timer, to make some noise. They responded loudly each time. She thanked me. I crossed the finish before her and got to see her face as she completed her first marathon. It was amazing. I congratulated her, gave her a bottle of water and thanked God for the opportunity. I was there with her as He would have me and I got to see so much happiness and excitement. There is no greater gift in life.
Why do I run? A three word answer certainly cannot suffice. I run because I want to live and I want to be Happy, Joyous, and Free. I want to be all the things others have taught me to be. Today I am, it’s tomorrow I want. I truly appreciate every single human who helped, cheered, performed, sent kind words, high fives, hugged, and supported me and all the runners this year. With all of you, the sunlight of the Spirit keeps my darkness away and today is great day.”
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 came without limitations. Jason R. Nguyen is a producer/musician who plays a unique traditional Vietnamese instrument that has only one string. At 14, Isabelle Weall is a quadruple amputee who believes whatever happens in life, that it is important to be resilient in pushing boundaries to achieve what is possible. Malak Alwawi is a 17 year old Cincinnati student who uses her writing talent to raise awareness of some of society’s issues such as racism, mental health, sexual harassment and more. And Mike Zelkind has an indoor, hydroponic farm that grows the highest quality produce with 97% less water, yielding 100 times more than traditional farming with ZERO pesticides.
What do these very different and unusual people have in common?
They will ALL be among the presenters and entertainers at this spring’s TEDxCincinnati 8th annual Main Stage Event, to be held on Saturday, May 12 at Memorial Hall in downtown Cincinnati. There will be two identical shows – one beginning at 4:00 pm and the second beginning at 7:30 pm with networking, happy hour and Elis BBQ for purchase in between.
I have always loved going to TEDxCincinnati events, and served on its leadership team years back. Shows include an eclectic collection of such diverse, unusual and thought-provoking topics carefully crafted to draw you in, give you pause, and cause you to think about things from an often new perspective.
Jami Edelheit, director of TEDxCincinnati, describes it this way: “Think of TEDxCincinnati as a trip to the brain spa, one in which you leave read to talk and explore new ideas with those around you. People don’t come to our Main Stage Event specifically for the speakers that are chosen, but rather for the experience that they are sure to have.”
I encourage you to visit their website to see the full list of speakers and entertainers, and then purchase your ticket now…before they are sold out!
