The vaccine isn’t the only good thing happening in Northern Kentucky lately
Change is in the air. Take a deep breath and experience the hope of spring and the anticipation of freedom from the pandemic. We aren’t quite there yet, but we see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.
Over 1 million Kentuckians have had the vaccine and more are getting the “shot of hope” every day. Look for an important campaign to encourage everyone to get the vaccine and for efforts to reach out to underserved populations to make sure everyone has access. Don’t let your guard down, continue to wear masks and keep your eye on optimism for a gradual return to something like “normal.” Help your friends and neighbors get to a vaccination site. Help them sign up at the Northern Kentucky Health Department website and keep up with availability.
As we sleepily emerge from our cocoons, we are adjusting to Daylight Savings time—and preparing for the onslaught of 17-year Brood X cicadas. You can’t avoid them; billions of them are emerging in early May from their underground lairs, shedding their shells and being very noisy. They are harmless and are actually good for the soil. Have some fun with it—play citizen scientist with the CicadaSafari.org website offered by Mount St. Joseph University and cicada expert Dr. Gene Kritsky.
NKU is planning in-person graduations, day cares are opening up, restaurants are increasing capacity, organizations are cautiously planning public events for fall—with appropriate safety precautions… Remember, hope springs eternal but it isn’t reckless.
So what’s been happening:
– So many Zoom events that I sense we are Zoom-weary. Grateful for the technology that allows some interaction and ways for events to continue, but I’m ready to return to hugging.
– Super guy Jack Moreland is retiring (again), this time from SouthBank Partners after 11 years. Thankfully, he’s staying connected as needed but is handing the reins over to Will Weber on July 1. Friends and co-workers surprised Jack with a drive-by parade, Newport Mayor Tom Guidugli proclaimed Jack Moreland Day and everyone shared good wishes and heartfelt thanks. Jack has racked up a lifetime of selfless service—as a public school educator and administrator, interim president of NKU and KCTCS, and a tireless advocate for school reform and improvement. His leadership at Southbank, leading community and economic development for our river cities, has been amazing. Thank you, Jack Moreland. You made a difference.
– Jill Morenz is a great example for us as someone who knows how to find fun. She works at the Catalytic Fund, but she finds adventure everywhere—at the Yurts at A.J. Jolly Park for example. There are two yurts—a cross between a tent and a nice hotel room, she says—open for booking, if you are looking for a close-to-home, safe experience.
– NKyians give back wherever they are. NKY’s Broadway favorite, Angie Schworer, a Notre Dame and NKU grad, made it big on the big stage, with credits in The Producers, The Prom, Annie Get Your Gun and more to her name. Angie is the daughter of the late physician, Dr. Phil Schworer and the brother of attorney Phil Schworer. She is starring in a new virtual musical that will benefit the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, a program of the Actors Fund. Electric Island tells the stories of real women working on Broadway. Since Broadway is shut down, this virtual production is proof that the show goes on. Particularly for a good cause.
And, therein, is a lesson for all of us. Stay safe out of your cocoon.
