Investment in YPs pays off for Cincinnati’s Jewish community

Earlier this month The New York Times published an article about the major development and revitalization happening in Cincinnati, including The Great American Tower, a $322 million office building that dominates the city’s skyline, The Banks, a $600 million mixed-use retail, residential and entertainment development, and coming soon, a $450 million casino, a $112 million streetcar line and a $120 million riverfront park, among other things. “We’re seeing a new Cincinnati coming from all of this,” said Mayor Mark Mallory. “We have a new set of activities, new places to live, and new places to work. We are investing in things that grow a city.”

And while capital investments such as these are critical to the growth and vitality of any city, of equal importance are the investments that are made in the people who live and work there. Having a wide variety of things to do and likeminded people with whom to do them is key.

“To be honest when my kids were in high school I didn’t think there was a chance that one of them, let alone both, would move back to Cincinnati after graduation,” says Adina Frank, mother of Brad, 25 and Rachel, 27. “But since then, programs like Access have sprung up and have really changed the landscape for Jewish young people here!” she shares. “Because my son didn’t have a job after graduation he decided to move back home—‘temporarily.’ However, he made it clear that he was going to look for opportunities in cities like Chicago and Philadelphia where he claimed there were tons of things going on for his age group,” she adds. “As a way to stay busy while ‘stuck in Cincinnati,’ he started going to Access events. Not only did he meet someone who knew of a job opening right here in Cincinnati, which incidentally, he ended up landing, he got to know so many people and had such a great experience that he convinced my daughter to come back here to live after grad school!” she continues. “My husband and I couldn’t be happier that they’re both back in town and that they’ve found a connection to other Jewish young people and Jewish life!”

“As a new crop of college grads come back to Cincinnati, and as all the new hires from other cities get ready to make their homes here, Access will be ready to welcome them with a whole summer’s worth of activities that will help them make the transition to their new lives a lot easier and a lot more fun,” explains Rachel Plowden, Access coordinator. “From our great Newcomer’s Gift Boxes and Get-to-Know-You gatherings to four-six free or deeply subsidized events each month, Access offers the perfect way for all Jewish young professionals to get connected to one another and the community.”

There is literally something for everyone between the ages of 21-35 who is looking to meet new people and get connected this summer. For example, the following are some great programs specifically offered for YPs in the Jewish community in just the next two months alone. All are FREE and open to Jewish young professionals ages 21-35. Non- Jewish significant others are always welcome:

1.) FREE—Saturday Night Pregame Party—Saturday, July 14 from 8-10 p.m.: Access will be taking over the third floor lounge and top two decks of the Mt. Adams Pavilion, for a private Pregame Party sure to help guests get their evening off to a great start, no matter what their plans for later that night. Jewish YPs and their non-Jewish friends (all must be 21-35) will be treated to free appetizers and the beverage(s) of their choice—first drink on Access with advance RSVP, second drink free with ticket sent by mail. After that, cash bar. There will be a live DJ for people who want to hit the dance floor, and plenty of patio space for people who just want hang out! Whether they have another party to get to, or the Pavilion’s their only stop for the night, guests are welcome to stop by for a drink and get on their way, or stick around and get with a group going out on the town afterward.

2.) FREE—YPs at the JCC’s Dodgeball & Pool Party—Wednesday, July 18 at 6:30 p.m.: Go “old school at the pool” and enjoy a game of Dodge Ball, or other popular playground favorites such as Four-Square or Corn Hole. Then, guests can take a dip in the J’s outdoor pool, or just hang poolside with other young professionals at this private event, and enjoy a great mid-week pick-me-up sure to help them cool down! Dinner and drinks are included.

3.) FREE—Access’ JGourmet presents a Wood Fire Pizza-Making Class—Monday, July 23 at 7 p.m. Pizza, it’s practically the world’s most perfect culinary creation! Join other Jewish YPs who love to cook for a pizza-making party at A Forkable Feast, where culinary experts will teach everyone how to build a wood-fired pizza from scratch. Choose from sautéed veggies, pesto, a variety of cheeses and more. Gluten free ingredients will be available.

4.) FREE—ACTout presents: Splish Splash Beat the Heat Bash—Sunday, Aug. 5 at 1 p.m.: In partnership with the Cincinnati Police and Fire Departments and the Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC). More than 100 ACTout volunteers will help give inner-city kids, most of whom don’t have air conditioning, pool memberships or even fans to help cool themselves off in the sweltering summer heat, a day they’ll never forget when they transform the Lincoln Community Center in Over the Rhine into a water park. This event will feature The Niagara, a jaw-dropping, three-story inflatable waterslide, a smaller slide for younger children, pool activities, carnival games and prizes, face painting, a meet and greet with police officers and their horses, and a chance to get sprayed by fire hoses. There will also be a free cookout, Yagoot Frozen Yogurt and other treats.

5.) FREE—Tuscan Summer Shabbat—Friday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m.: Guests will return to the Renaissance for the night and enjoy a relaxing evening with other YPs as they wind down their workweek with a Shabbat dinner under the stars. From the world famous art and architecture of Florence, to the serene Siena countryside, Tuscany is as renowned for its rich history as it is for its rolling hills and abundant orchards. Participants will bid arivaderchi to America for the night and experience the flavor and flare of Italia, including an Italian wine tasting, an authentic 4-course Italian dinner that guests can enjoy in the outdoor trattoria all while celebrating “la dolce vita” (the good life) right here in Cincinnati.

6.) FREE—Access’ No Boyz Allowed presents: Pottery Painting—Thursday, Aug. 30 at 6:30 p.m. The women of No Boyz Allowed will fire up the fun at Funke Fired Arts Pottery Studio, where they can enjoy dinner and drinks and a chance to paint a one-of-a-kind piece to keep for themselves or give as a gift. Choose something from a wide selection of items that Access will cover at no cost, or pick out something different and just pay the difference!

For more information or to RSVP please consult the Community Directory in this issue for Access’ contact information.