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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 others, doing their part to make the world better, brighter for people outside their inner circle is what makes them smile. At such a young age, they have learned that all people – no matter their age, ability, mode of communication or mobility, culture, religion, ethnicity – have gifts to share. That ALL people have value and are worthy of being a friend. Philanthropy has already become a way of life. It has become a part of them that will always be there.
Jessica and Grace are co-chairs of MND’s BeYOUtiful Project, a partnership with The Children’s Home of Cincinnati where students from MND and high school students who have autism at The Children’s Home do service together.
I sat down with the girls to learn more about them and the impact of their involvement.
Lisa: How did you first get interested in community service?
Grace: In my grade school I was involved with an organization called Helping Hands as soon as it was formed. It was in my sixth-grade year at Sacred Heart in Fairfield. I became the organization’s vice president. We mostly focused on service in the Fairfield area like retirement homes, the Joe Nuxall Miracle Leagues, and also a boy who had a brain tumor. When he passed away, we created a memorial garden for him. We also did things around the school like a canned food drive.
In high school, I met a senior who inspired me and encouraged me to participate in youth community council and then opportunities branched off from there.
Jessica: Before high school I did a few service projects. In 8th grade, we went to Matthew 25 Ministries. Then through my church, I helped sew dolls for kids at the hospital.
One of the main drawing points for MND when I shadowed a student to learn about it, was how extensive their service learning is. And I could see myself growing with that and enjoying it. When I came here, I joined just about every service club and joined all of the freshman service days.
Lisa: What impact have you seen and felt from your community service?
Jessica: I hope that through my service I make an impact on others. Through the BeYOUtiful, I didn’t know people with autism before. Now I have become more understanding. I see them as they are the same as us. I’ve become less ignorant of the world.
Through Youth Philanthropy Council we did service at Winton Place Youth Center, an after-school program for elementary kids in the Spring Grove area. Most come from families below the poverty line. We went there and tutored students. It made me more accepting and less ignorant of people’s situations.
People have taught me that you can be an amazing person no matter what your situation is, and you can give back, no matter your situation.
Grace: I think just spreading joy to others and giving of yourself to other people really helps in general in their lives. You feel like you are serving along side them not just serving them, so you are equals. It has a big impact on people who are in need of service because they are not typically treated as equals. I feel like I bring that aspect to community service.
With the BeYOUtiful project, I have made a lot of friendships with the high school students at the Children’s Home. They have been a source of joy in my life and I am a source of joy in their lives. I just went there this weekend and I was talking to all of them. They know my name, and we just caught up on each other’s lives. They are just normal high schoolers.
I had been around a few people with autism but getting involved with BeYOUtiful was when I began understanding it. I think it doesn’t define who people are, it is just something they live with and something that makes them unique in the world.
Lisa: Tell me about a student who has touched your life.
Grace: There is a student there named Devon. For prom last year, he as not hanging out with anyone. He was alone. He asked me if I would take a photo with him, and I was like, ‘of course. That’d be so much fun.’ He took a picture strip and I took a picture strip. A year later, he came up to me and said, ‘You are the girl who took the pictures with me at the prom. I still have them in my room and look at them every day.’ Every time he sees me now, he fist bumps me. I feel like we are such great friends and I feel so happy that I made him happy.
Devon is interesting to talk to because he knows all about storms. That is his thing. He talks about all the hurricanes, and can list all the stats of the tornadoes that came through here the past five years. He is really kind to me. He never stops smiling and that is inspiring and beautiful. That is what a good friend should be.
Lisa: Please tell me more about the BeYOUtiful Project.
Jessica: It has been a project at MND, but not til last year it wasn’t very well known. I joined it my freshman year but there wasn’t any service that went with it. Last year, Grace was a leader and developed it. We teach the students with autism at The Children’s Home about issues in the community and how they can help, give them an equal opportunity to do service, and go to the prom with them. One of main parts is helping them develop social skills.
Grace: We also sometimes work on awareness projects about autism in Cincinnati. We may go to festivals and set up a booth. Now we are focusing on The Children’s Home and may develop it into broader program. There are about 70 MND students involved.
Lisa: How do you think this focus for you will impact the rest of your life?
Grace: I want to be a speech therapist and part of that job is to teach social skills and mechanics, things that kids with autism need help with. This confirmed that I want to work with people with autism when I get older. It has affected me because I feel like people don’t understand what autism is and don’t understand that when people have autism, that they are not any less capable than someone without it. It just means that maybe they are a little bit different and have different things that they are good at, but they are still incredibly intelligent and incredibly capable. And just as worthy as anyone else and worthy of love and acceptance.
Jessica: I am actually doing something similar to BeYOUtiful for my capstone senior project to exhibit leadership qualities. I am working for the Cincinnati Center for Autism, which is similar to Children’s Home. I am doing something for their summer campers.
We’ve been provided with such an opportunity at MND because not many school have such a strong community service department but we do. We’ve been given an opportunity to shine in that area so I think it is our responsibility to carry that on after high school and to college, the workforce and our family life.
Lisa: What do you tell other kids about why should help others?
Jessica: It does make you feel good but that should not be why you should be helping others. It should be so that you can make an impact on someone’s life and make that person smile and give that person a moment of joy in the day because we are so lucky to be given so much. And some aren’t.
Grace: I think a part of that is recognizing our privilege and using that so that we can help others. Life isn’t about us. Our purpose on this earth is to live for each other. If you just live for yourself, you are not really living. Helping others makes you feel good but gives others a chance to see your light and you to see their light. I think that is really important to see good in others, and the love that you share with them. Service is definitely a way to do that with people you otherwise wouldn’t interact with.
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 challenge, inspire employees of an organization, or either add energy or calmness to day.
“My intention is for the joy that I feel painting to be contagious and to brighten the space around my art-creations,” she said.
It all started with her Aha! Moment. She was working office jobs in spaces void of art, and began creating colorful paintings that brightened her day. “It just struck me that the art I create can help people feel better.”
With her experience using Quantum-Touch, LIIFT and Reiki, this seemed like a natural extension. “To link this with art, it became clear that creating medicine paintings is a way to assist people and organizations on a positively transformative journey.”
please click here to visit her website.
When she isn’t doing her art, Doris enjoys dancing, writing poems, listening to music and walks in the woods. Among her secret dreams are owning a cello, having her own art studio, learning to belly dance well enough to perform, and visiting Spain where she can try flamenco dance.
You can meet Doris Friday, May 3, from 6 to 11 pm at the Art Academy of Cincinnati’s 150th Anniversary block party (1200 block of Jackson Street) in downtown Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine. Her public engagement activity is Inner Child Connection for Adults which includes activities and Inner Child art for sale. Other artists and performers are engaging with attendees, too.
The free event will feature musical performances by Diane Coffee, Ronin Halloway, Knotts, PHYSCO, and Aziza Love of Triiibe. The Parking Lot Experiment (by Wave Pool) will be in the ArtWorks parking lot.
Attendees will also enjoy Cincinnati’s first modular art pod exhibit thanks to the support of a Catalyzing Impact Grant from ArtsWave. 30 local artists, organizations, students and alumni will create 8’x9’ art pod structures that will be strung together to create an interactive exhibit. The exhibit will be housed within 8,000 sq. ft. of the college’s campus that will be lit up by Lightborne. Also activating the space will be DJ COCO, a fashion show by Lindsey Whittle and an AMSR performance by Crystal Tubes.
Neighborhood vendors from Over-the-Rhine will be selling their wares alongside Art Academy students. Food will be available for purchase from Ché and Red Sesame Korean BBQ with 3 Points Urban Brewery providing a special AAC 150 brew.
This eclectic mix of music and artwork is all part of celebrating the Art Academy’s continuing commitment to creativity and innovation.
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 a warm summer weekend in July. For the past 9 years, the air is wrapped with the sounds of local bands, carnival rides and laughter in Sharonville’s Gower Park. Celebrating its 10th year anniversary on July 26 & 27, 2019, Sharonfest is a “Party with a Purpose” hosting local charities and fundraisers.
Sharonfest, now its own 501c3 nonprofit, grew out of the former Sharonville Fireman’s Festival and is the brainchild of Sharonville’s first woman President of Sharonville Council, Vicki Brown Hoppe. Well- known as a servant leader, this lifetime resident saw Sharonfest as an opportunity to support local charities. Sharonfest is Vicki’s proudest accomplishment (of many) and one that continues to provide fun through fundraising during this 2-day event.
Charities range from Princeton High School’s football team members running rides to hosting a game booth to Princeton City School District’s Board Member, Susan Wyder, promoting the Education Foundation. In addition to food trucks, live bands, and rides & games-for-all ages, Sharonfest is also home to a Saturday Motorcycle Fundraiser where all proceeds go to children’s charities including children’s cancer. 2019’s proceeds will go to Spina Bifida’s Rock and Roll event. New to the 2019 Sharonfest is a 250’ zip line and petting zoo.
Called by Wyder, as, “the glue that holds it all together!” it’s no surprise that Vicki comes from a family of strong community leadership, as demonstrated by her parents having over 50 combined years of coaching Sharonville Youth Organization (SYO) sports. Her father, brother, husband, uncle, father in law, sister in law and brother in law all served on the Sharonville Volunteer Fire Department. Vicki, herself was a member of the Sharonville Fire Department Explorer Post, training with the fireman working at the Fireman’s Festival. She also joined the working ranks as a Sharonville librarian assistant.
When asked why people would want to move to or stay in Sharonville, Vicki replied that she loves the “community feel” and unique businesses within 10-square miles. “We have a wonderful, diverse school district with all kinds of opportunities to meet people who are uniquely different. Not everyone is the ‘same.’ Our parks, recreation, Police and Fire services and our public works are second to none. Over 35 years, Sharonville has no property taxes. These opportunities ‘make people want to live here'”, she said.
As President of Sharonville Council, Vicki sets Sharonville policies & procedures and council committees and oversees council meetings. She shares that she has a special place in her heart for Veterans and has been involved with seeing over 125 Veterans receive their high school diplomas through the Veteran’s Day Graduation program at Princeton during her tenure with the district.
Vicki started her public service as a PTA president. She suggests to those seeking public service, “Don’t be afraid to get involved.” Serve on boards or committees, and talk to your mayor about vacancies. Come to council meetings. We have 1 person who attends, and council wants to hear from more.” Volunteer for festivals. Vicki points out that 15 families volunteer to make Sharonfest happen and recently received a Good Neighbor Award from Mayor Kevin Hardman for their tireless efforts. Vicki was nominated to run for council at large in 2006 with no looking back.
Whether running a council meeting, participating in Memorial or Veteran’s Day activities, visiting a local school or ensuring that families and organizations have needed support, Vicki is there for her Sharonville community. She definitely makes Sharonvillians smile.
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 people with disabilities. Sue and I are also in the Toast of the Town of Kenwood Toastmasters Club. If you have followed my blog for awhile, you may have read several of her speeches that I posted. You can see them at this link. I was really touched when Sue wanted to help with Good Things Going Around. I’m looking forward to reading her contributions!
Below is Sue’s introduction in her own words:
“When Lisa Desatnik approached me about writing for her blog, I was beyond thrilled! As someone who had a high passion for writing while in high school & college, I had packed away this yearning while allowing life to get in the way. I’m grateful for this second chance of pursing something that I really want to do.
What strikes me most about Lisa’s blog, Good Things Going Around, is that I immediately smile when reading. I want to know more about “that person” and what makes them special. Everyone has a story to tell, and Lisa does this in such an interesting way. In a world that can be mean-spirited and negative, Lisa sees the good and greatness in life and others.
I look at myself as a lifetime learner. I am curious about life, how things work, and most of all-people. I’ve even taken time to be current with technology through Microsoft Suite. As someone who has lived through the dial-up computer, it’s exhilarating to have so much information at hand. However, I see how we’ve lost connectedness at the same time. I want to create stories that leave readers wanting more information. Stories that they continue reading until the end and want to talk about.
Throughout my life, I’ve loved hearing stories about others. Good Things Going Around is my opportunity to allow others to see their own uniqueness and wisdom. It’s a way to create smiles in our readers hopefully leaving them with wanting more.”
~Sue Schindler
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 and next thing I learned Adopt A Book, Inc. was registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Now those young kids are teenagers and their organization continues to grow. As of April, 2019, Adopt A Book has collected and 
donated close to 160,000 books. Schools, shelters, and health clinics/hospitals such as Hamilton County HeadStart programs and Healthsource of Ohio health clinic are among some of our most common recipients. Many of the kids who get those books have never been to a library, don’t have access to a library, or have never owned a book of their own.
I thought it’s be a great time to reach out to the Lehman’s to get an update on their work and their passion.
Lisa: You were in the 3rd grade when you began Adopt-A-Book. Where did the idea and inspiration come from?
(Hannah) – Alex and I had heard of schools who were less fortunate and didn’t have access to books or libraries. We had grown up reading and going to the library so we wanted to help other kids share our love of reading.
Lisa: What motivates you to keep working at it, as you are both now teenagers?
(Alex) – We are motivated by the idea that even the smallest thing can make a difference, and we want to continue spreading our love of literacy and learning any way that we can.
Lisa: What has Adopt A Book taught you about philanthropy and giving back?
(Hannah) – It has taught me that giving back is something that you’re never too old to do, and no matter what you’re doing you are still making a difference. It has humbled me as a person and made me much more grateful for all that I have.
Lisa: Do you now see yourself being a lifelong philanthropist? What does that mean to you?
(Alex) – Yes, I don’t think I will ever want to stop giving back to my community. That means putting others before myself, and doing anything that I can to help the community. Sharing the gift of literacy is such an important thing to do, and there will always be a new generation of kids to give it to.
Lisa: What is your favorite book?
(Hannah) – Alex and I have loved to read for almost our entire lives. I am very interested in realistic fiction and horror novels while Alex enjoys nonfiction and historical fiction.
Lisa: Are you involved with any other extracurricular activities at school? And how do you manage your time?
(Angela) – Hannah is a part of the drum line and percussion section in concert band, and she is also involved in student council. Alex runs cross country in the fall, is a part of the academic team in the winter, and is involved in the science bowl and science olympiad teams.
