Joining us are Recreation Director Julie Michon and recreation specialist Jimmy Ekstedt. And we're here to unwrap all the magic memories and exciting new additions coming to this year's celebration, including the brand new Winter Magic at Montgomery Quarter.

Today we're diving into one of our favorite programs, the Montgomery Citizens' Leadership Academy (MCLA). If you've ever wondered how your city really works, from budgeting and council decisions to snowplowing and emergency response, this is your chance to find out. MCLA is a ten-week immersive experience that runs from January through March. Each week, we explore a different aspect of city operations, including the tools and technology used by our police and fire departments, how your tax dollars are spent, and how services are delivered to your neighborhood. Joining me today are two recent graduates of the program, Robbe Bluestein and Jenny Hardison, proud members of the class of 2025.

During this episode, we are joined by Bev Horstman and Kelly Zimmerman from Braver Angels to learn about the upcoming community workshops to help bridge the political divide. To learn more about the workshops and to register, visit https://www.montgomeryohio.gov/braver-angels-bridging-the-political-divide-workshops/.

Balbina Maniet of the Montgomery Sister Cities Commission joins us. She will talk about an upcoming event, Soirée en Rosé, a refined, elegant social event honoring the friendship between the City of Montgomery and its sister city, Neuilly-Plaisance, France.

• Soirée en Rosé Event Informaiton Registration
• Montgomery Sister Cities Commission
• Neuilly-Plaisance

The City of Montgomery began researching mental health issues as a result of a community survey health assessment conducted in 2019. The assessment identified mental health issues as a top concern. This was compounded by the effects of the pandemic. As a result, the Administration and City Council created a mental health initiative that provides educational presentations and resources to the community.

Today, we welcome Nancy Eigel-Miller, who lost her husband Jim to suicide in 2008. Nancy is the founder of 1N5. The organization’s mission is to prevent suicide by erasing the stigma of mental illness and promoting optimal mental wellness.

1N5 - https://1n5.org/
Suicide Panel Discussion - https://youtu.be/kipxqz5mXUQ?si=Z3QMhbjqjCb9RAvd

As we enter the holiday season, there’s no better time to celebrate the spirit of Montgomery by shopping locally. Small businesses are such an important part of the community and by choosing to shop locally, you can make a meaningful impact on the local economy.

In this episode, you will hear from Montgomery Assistant City Manager, Tracy Henao, and the Montgomery Ohio Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Julie Lyon. They will talk about the importance of shopping local and share all that Montgomery has to offer.

At 19 years old, Kevin Hines attempted to take his life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a jump few people survive. Hines says he regretted his decision as soon as he jumped and prayed to survive. He hit the water at 75 mph and broke several bones, but a sea lion kept him afloat until rescuers arrived.

Today, he doesn’t take one day for granted.

Come hear his incredible story and how he’s saving others. The City of Montgomery is proud to welcome this world-renowned mental health activist, award-winning filmmaker, bestselling author, award-winning speaker, and suicide prevention champion on Monday, October 23 at 7:00 p.m. at Good Sheperd Church (8815 E. Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249).

In the United States alone, there are one million suicide attempts and over 40,000 deaths every year. Hines says his goal in sharing his story is to encourage people never to lose hope and to know that we are in charge of our own stories.

The evening with Kevin Hines is free, but registration is required.

Register at https://www.montgomeryohio.gov/event/kevin-hines-art-of-wellness/

We hope that by participating in the Family Volunteer challenge, you will make some family memories and instill in your children the importance of caring for your community and the people in it!

For six completed activities, your family will have one chance to win a Montgomery Pool Pass. For nine completed activities, your family will get two chances to enter the drawing.

Learn more about the Family Volunteer Challenge at https://www.montgomeryohio.gov/montgomery-family-volunteer-challenge/