Author: Peter Wheeler

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07 Apr 2020
News Peter Wheeler 0 comment

Protecting the safety of our Animals

Protecting the safety of our Animals

Protecting the safety of our employees and animals has always been a priority at Greenacres. Although we are taking every precaution with our staff, with the current news of a tiger at the Bronx Zoo testing positive for Coronavirus, we need to make sure we do everything to protect our animals to the same standard. It is believed that an asymptomatic zoo employee transmitted the infection and it is confirmed that animals can contract the virus from humans.

In order to ensure animal safety, please remember that Greenacres is CLOSED with the exception of essential employees which includes our animal care personnel and garden personnel.

Our property is beautiful and may be tempting to hike or walk your dog, but we ask that you refrain and keep in mind that it is private property and cannot be treated like a public park. During normal times we appreciate having invited visitors, but for now, we must absolutely limit who is on the property.

We appreciate your help and respect in the matter and look forward to having school groups back soon.

For more information about the tiger and how the disease can potentially spread from humans to animals:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-05/tiger-at-nyc-s-bronx-zoo-tests-positive-for-coronavirus

30 Mar 2020
News Peter Wheeler 0 comment

Responding in a Time of Need

Responding in a Time of Need

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 30, 2020

 

Nippert Legacy Foundations Donating over $1 Million to Local Organizations Supporting our Community During the COVID-19 Crisis

CINCINNATI, Ohio – Greenacres Foundation and the L&L Nippert Charitable Foundation, legacy foundations of Louis and Louise Nippert, recognize that the Nipperts would always step forward when the community needed them. Due to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on individuals, families and businesses, Greenacres recognizes this as one of those times of need. In the spirit of the Nipperts, the Foundations’ Trustees are continuing their tradition and making donations to area charities. 

“Coincidentally, Greenacres dedicated 2020 as the first year of “WWTND” — What Would The Nipperts Do? The idea was to engage employees and sharpen our focus on the mission and vision of Louis and Louise Nippert. Little did we know that the year would change so dramatically and that we would really have to think about WWTND in a whole new light.” says Carter F. Randolph, Ph. D., President of the Greenacres Foundation and the L&L Nippert Charitable Foundation.

Organizations were chosen from those that have been directly affected by the shutdowns and whose causes were important to the Nipperts. Not only will the funds be distributed to organizations that have a direct impact on the Greater Cincinnati area, but also Brown County where Greenacres has a new facility. 

“It’s the right thing to do,” says Randolph, who grew up as a neighbor of the Nipperts and whose families were close friends. “The values they taught me have helped guide my decisions on managing these Foundations. When catastrophe strikes, you look out for your community. It’s the Nippert Way.”  

Greenacres Foundation has donated $1 million, while the L&L Nippert Charitable Foundation has donated $150,000. 

Greenacres Foundation is supporting: 

  • Center for Respite Care
  • Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
  • Freestore Foodbank, Inc.
  • La Soupe, Inc.
  • Our Daily Bread
  • Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Cincinnati
  • YMCA – Blue Ash
  • Cincinnati Museum Center
  • SPCA
  • Tender Mercies, Inc.
  • Cincinnati Area Senior Services, Inc. (Meals on Wheels)

L&L Nippert Charitable Foundation is supporting:

  • Matthew 25: Ministries
  • Greater Cincinnati Foundation and United Way of Greater Cincinnati for the Greater Cincinnati Regional COVID-19 Response Fund
24 Mar 2020
Idea Peter Wheeler 0 comment

A Kitchen Concert

A Kitchen Concert

Let’s make instruments out of household items!

With a parent or guardian, go around your house and find items that you can use. This could be old newspapers, flower pots, cardboard boxes, rubber bands, sticks from the yard, brooms, or whatever else sparks your creativity. Now, make unique instruments with that material. Use your imagination! There are many types of instruments, so try to make a variety of sounds. Once everyone has an instrument, work together to make an awesome song! Maybe even record it to share with relatives, friends, and your neighbors here at Greenacres!

For more inspiration, check out:

Trashin the Camp from Tarzan
STOMP Live (this is their full performance, but feel free to skip around and find what you like)

24 Mar 2020
Learn Peter Wheeler 0 comment

Sit Spot Activity

Sit Spot Activity

Tune in with nature by doing a simple activity called a sit spot. Find a comfortable spot out in your backyard, front yard, park, at a window or a parking lot. A sit spot can be done anywhere! Sit for at least five minutes and observe the natural world around you. Share your nature findings with each other. Nature is everywhere, you just have to look!

Having something to sit on: like a tarp, old cushion or jacket is a nice addition and helps keep everyone clean.

A sit spot is a special time for you and your family to connect with nature in a deep way. During this chaos, it is important to remember to slow down, that nature is healing and that we need nature in our lives. Sit spots are a great way to attain stillness, give space for curiosity, and connect to the world around us.

Begin by allowing each household member to find a place to sit in the yard, porch, park or wherever you choose. Let your children know that this can be their special spot, no one else’s. Try to spread out in the space to limit distractions. Be sure to set boundaries so your kids don’t end up in the neighbor’s yard. And now you simply just sit. No talking between each other. No letting your child show you something. I know this part might be hard, but it is important to be patient. Allow stillness and calmness to flow over you as you sit. Ask your children to make silent observations. These could be things they see, hear, smell or touch. We find it’s best to avoid taste when it comes to observing.

Start your first day with just 5 minutes. I recommend using a timer so you can make your own observations without worrying about the time. After the sit spot time is over, get together and let each person share their experience and tell their sit spot story. This is where the magic happens. Kids will notice infinitesimal things that us adults tend to overlook or have stopped noticing. As each observation is shared, ask guiding questions, such as “What color was the bird?” or “Did this smell a certain way?” or “What did you enjoy most about your sit spot?”

Try to do a sit spot every day for a week. Then gently increase the amount of time each day you do a sit spot. You’ll increase observation skills and curiosity. Kids will begin to look forward to the routine and familiarity. And as a bonus, you’ll also have a few minutes of calm each day to look forward to as well!

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