Downtown Residents Council Supports Public Library with Grant to Youth Arts Program
On August 24, members of the Downtown Residents Council (DRC) presented a check for $1,000.00 to the Children's Department of the Cincinnati Public Library located in downtown Cincinnati. This is the third year in a row that the DRC has made a contribution to support youth arts programming at the Library.
The DRC has made quite an impact with these grants. During the past two summers, over 1000 children have participated in the Summer Arts Program of the Cincinnati Public Library. In addition to donating much needed dollars, this summer many downtown residents volunteered to assist programs such as "Scritch, Scratch" scratchboard art, "Window Fireworks" painting, "Sculpture Collaboration" creations, and "Pop-Up and Move" card making.
"The Downtown Residents Council is committed to supporting the Library's Children's Learning Center and its youth arts programs both financially and with resident volunteers," says Conrad Thiede, Vice President of the DRC. "One little girl attending a workshop summed it up best when she said to me with great enthusiasm, 'Oh, I just love coming to the library Wednesdaysit's just so much fun!'"
Many of these wonderful creations can be seen within the windows of the Children's Department of the Public Library. To see the scrapbook created by the kids, volunteers and teachers, join us on Tuesday, September 13 for the DRC Member Meeting. The meeting starts at 6PM in Room 3A of the Public Library.
To raise additional funds for quality of life programs in the downtown area like the Youth Arts program, The DRC has produced Bandana Walking Maps of Downtown Cincinnati. These pedestrian walking maps printed on colorful bandanas are available now at all DRC meetings and events, as well as Metronation, 9th and Elm, The Friends Store at the Public Library, 800 Vine Street, and the gift shop of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival, 717 Race Street.
As a voice for our downtown residents, and all those who visit our city, the leadership and members of the DRC have set a clear set of goals for our organization. These goals include: working with the city on community safety issues, continuing to volunteer our time for cleaner streets and parks, promoting more social interaction between residents, increasing our membership, continued enthusiasm for the local arts community and visionary organizations, and steadfastly supporting our own neighborhood businesses.
The DRC was established in 1985 as a resource for residents of the Central Business District to exchange experiences and express concerns. Our members come from all walks of life, sharing a love for living in downtown Cincinnati and a common interest in improving the overall quality of life within our city. As individuals and as a group, the DRC has a vision of a vibrant, 24-hour city, with all its necessary amenities. All who are interested in the success of Downtown Cincinnati are welcome. DRC membership dues are just $15 for individuals or $20 per household, and $50 for businesses. DRC membership includes discounts at many downtown businesses and other special promotions.
For more information on the Downtown Residents Council, including a list of volunteer opportunities, member benefits and a complete calendar of events, please visit: www.ilivedowntown.com.