“There is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” — Margaret Wheatley
Dear Neighbors,
There is something about May that invites us to breathe deeper, smile wider, and look around with gratitude. As flowers stretch skyward and porches fill with life, I see in every corner of North Avondale a neighborhood alive with purpose and love. What we are building here is not just beautiful, it is meaningful.
Last month, we witnessed that meaning take shape. Green Up and Clean Up Day was more than a beautification event. It was a gathering of hands and hearts. Over 30 volunteers, from University of Cincinnati students to the Walnut Hills teens, came together to care for six key spaces in our neighborhood:
Seasongood Square Washington Triangle Marion Triangle Dana Triangle Pamela Smitherman Garden Entrance to the North Avondale Recreation Center
To each of you who gave your time, your sweat, and your spirit, thank you. You have made our shared spaces shine.
We also celebrated the grand opening of Elevated Wellness’ community greenhouse at North Avondale Montessori, a green, living symbol of what collaboration can create. Congratulations to Aya Hill and the partners who brought this vision to life.
As we step into this new month, I encourage all of us to continue nurturing what we have started. Let us keep showing up for each other. Let us keep listening, helping, and finding joy in our shared story.
Here are a few ways to get involved this May:
Annual NANA Meeting
Sunday, May 18
3:00 to 5:00 PM
The Belvedere Meeting Room
We will share important updates, reflect on our growth, and hear from special guest Vice Mayor Jan Michele Lemon Kearney. Your voice matters. This meeting is your space to be heard, informed, and inspired.
Campus Clean Up Day Saturday, May 10 at 10:00 AM North Avondale Montessori, 615 Clinton Springs
Whether you have 10 minutes or two hours, your help will make a difference. Come connect with fellow families and help prepare our school grounds for a season of growth.
Bus Rapid Transit Stakeholder Meeting Tuesday, May 13 Holloman Center, 3539 Reading Road
Your feedback is vital in shaping the future of transit in our region. Let’s ensure North Avondale is seen and heard.
And while we tend to the external, let us not forget the power of the internal, how we treat one another, how we respond to challenge, how we choose grace. The world around us often shouts in chaos. But here, in our corner of the city, let us be a neighborhood that whispers peace.
If you have not already, sign up for CincyAlert powered by Smart911, our city’s official emergency notification system. Informed neighbors are empowered neighbors.
North Avondale, we may not be perfect, but we are powerful. When we lead with love, speak with care, and act with unity, we build something lasting. Thank you for all that you are, and all that you do.
With deep appreciation and ongoing hope,
Dawn Johnson
NANA President