Everybody's Backyard Picnic at our beautiful Drake Park will held on Thursday, July 10, 6:00p.m.-8:30p.m. The picnic will include a Balloon Artist, Face Painter, Magician, Police K-9, nature education activities, free hot dogs while they last, and live entertainment.

Amongst the many things to see and do at this wonderful event, the Community Council's Beautification Committee will have a table where you can participate in a plant swap! bring your extra hostas or other plants you want to share in a pot or in water and see what's on the table. Also, you can sign up for a recycling bin and find out other ways to help beautify our neighborhood.

Visit the KH Arts Center for a fun-filled production of The Four Gallant Sisters performed by our Journey of Self-Discovery Camp members on Friday, July 11 at 1:30 pm. This comic adventure of deception, growth and self-discovery will be performed by our 7-9 year old actors, with the able direction of local actress and arts educator, Kate Wilford; and with fabulous sets, costumes and surprises created by the students with direction from local artist and puppeteer, Robin Hartman. Everyone is invited to join us for a pot luck celebration immediately following the show.

"Hot" New Art Exhibition
The current exhibit at Kennedy Heights Arts Center entitled "Fire" includes art inspired by the theme of fire or that is created by fire. The exhibition features artwork from 20 artists in a variety of media including sculpture, photography, oil and acrylic painting, pottery, glass and fiber.

The exhibit runs through July 19 at the Kennedy Heights Arts Center, 6546 Montgomery Road. Gallery hours are Saturdays 10 am - 4 pm and by appointment. For more information, call 631-4278.

ballet tech cincinnati hosted the first ever Circus Camp in Kennedy Heights June 14-20th. My Nose Turns Red Theater Company taught about 20 youth of ages 5-12 years circus skills such as stilt walking, juggling, tightrope walking, mime, etc. and had a performance at the ballet tech cincinnati Community Theater on Friday, June 20th.

Stop by the ballet tech cincinnati booth July 12th at Ridge Day and don't miss the 3rd Sunday July 20th Jazz Jam Session from 6-9PM at the ballet tech cincinnati Community Theater. It's the best secret in town-great jazz music in a family friendly environment and the opportunity to perform if you are interested. www.ballettechohiopaa.org or call 513.841.2822

Speaking of Ridge Day, we'd be remiss if we didn't put in a plug for our neighbors to the West, and their biggest event of the year!

The annual Ridge Day festival Takes place This Saturday, July 11th at the Pleasant Ridge Recreation Center and throughout the community. You can be sure you'll find many KH'ers participating and in attendance. Find out more at their website: pleasantridge.org

'Twas a shame the first event got washed out by inclimate weather, but the Kennedy Heights CPOP (Community Problem-Oriented Policing) Team, in collaboration with our community's Churches, Community Council, and residents, are once again presenting the Kennedy Heights Night Out.

At these events you'll find good food, good company, and lots of fun for young and old alike. The next of these events take place Saturday July 19th at the Kennedy Heights Presbyterian Church Parking Lot at the corner of Kennedy and Zinsle Avenues from 6 to 8PM

Find the entire Summer Schedule for these events and more at the Kennedy Heights website.

We mourn the passing of a true community leader.Charlotte "Tommie" Thompson was an activist who worked to integrate Kennedy Heights, provide homes for the homeless, abolish the death penalty and encourage understanding between lesbian and straight feminists. She was full of burning passion for her causes while presenting herself with poise, dignity and grace.

Back in the early 1960s she and her former husband, G. Dale Birdsall, bought a house in Kennedy Heights. In order to maintain integration, she helped organize the Kennedy Heights Community Council, a nonprofit group incorporated in 1965 to combat racial block-busting. Block-busting is the practice of inducing white homeowners to sell their property for a price lower than market value by instilling fear of desegregation of a neighborhood.

Ms. Thompson didn't want the whites to "just fly away," said her sister. She "wanted to have intentional integration for their children."

Ms. Thompson also wanted to raise her children in an integrated neighborhood.

A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Sept. 27 at First Unitarian Church, 536 Linton St. Ms. Thompson's body was cremated. Memorial gifts are suggested to First Unitarian Church, 536 Linton St., Cincinnati, OH 45219; Girl Scouts, Great Rivers Council, 4930 Cornell Road, Cincinnati, OH 45202; or Woman's City Club, 103 William H. Taft Road, Cincinnati, OH 45219.
- Courtesy of the Cincinnati Enquirer
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Our friends at The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) remind us that preventing smog-related health problems starts with knowing the issues. In order to reduce smog formation, OKI urges citizens to carpool, walk or ride a bike short distances, refuel after 6 p.m., keep vehicles well maintained, conserve electricity and spread the word.

It doesn't take much effort to change daily habits and become an advocator of clean air; it simply means planning ahead. Take action and become a part of the solution! For more information and additional tips to reduce air pollution, visit www.DoYourShare.org or call 1-800-621-SMOG.
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Congratulations Lydia!
Housing Opportunities Made Equal, a local non-profit agency, recently announced that Lydia Morgan of Orchard Lane has been elected to its Board of Trustees.
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The Next scheduled meeting of the Kennedy Heights Community Council will take place Tuesday, September 16th, 2008. Come and find out all of the great things happening in our community before the council goes on a two month summer hiatus

The next meeting of the Board will be held on Tuesday, August 12th, 7:00-9:00p.m., Council's Office

NOTE: The Community Council goes into Summer Break during the months of July and August. Unless there is an emergency, there will be no meetings until Tuesday, Sept. 16th. The Executive board will continue to meet throughout the summer.

Contact the Kennedy Heights Community Council:
6463 Kennedy Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45213
513.531-4041
kennedyheights.org
khcc@kennedyheights.org