Diversity is becoming a key component of many communities with celebrations of mixed cultures.

        Winton Place will observe its first Community Fest from 3-7 p.m. June 1.

        The festival will take place in the Winton Place business district on North Edgewood, between East Epworth and McMakin avenues.

        Cincinnati City Councilman Chris Monzel, a resident of Winton Place, will kick off the fest. Mr. Monzel has served as vice president of the Winton Place Community Council.

        “We have a very diverse community of whites, African-Americans, Hispanics and some Eastern Europeans,” Mr. Monzel said. “We want to bring the neighborhood together religiously as well as socially.”

        The fest is sponsored by the St. Bernard Winton Place Faith Community, Mother of Christ Church, New Jerusalem Community, Matthew United Church of Christ and the Winton Community Free Methodist Church.

        The Rev. Jim Shappelle of St. Bernard Winton Place Catholic Church will run a kids' bike shop during the fest, providing minor repairs.

        Others participants: gospel singer Rodney Posey, magician G.H. Roy, scripture actress Rhoda Brumfield, Christian acting group Friends of the Groom and the City Cure God Squad rap singers.

        The Cincinnati Police and Fire departments will be there to launch a pilot program on public safety and community relations.

        The public is invited.

        Five people and an organization were honored last week with the University of Cincinnati Just Community Award for academics, community spirit, athletics and service:

        • Robin Arnsperger, interim director of UC Women's Center, recognized for her commitment to social justice issues.

        • Rabbi Abie Ingber, executive director, UC Hillel Jewish Student Center, for 25 years at Hillel and for planning events that involved all cultures and religions of the UC community.

        • Jonathan Alexander, assistant English professor, for his work as editor of the Just Community Readings, a collection of essays and short stories to encourage campus discussion of the Just Community initiative.

        • Loreen Flynn, library associate, for service to employees and patrons.

        • Rhonda Myers, senior electrical engineering major, for participation in programs that reflect the Just Community.

        She served as president of the Society of Women Engineers.

        • The Committee to Promote Athlete Welfare and Success, for its involvement in Make A Difference Day and its volunteer work in urban schools.

        The recognition ceremony was held at the grand ballroom of Kingsgate Conference Center, 151 Goodman St., Corryville.

        Contact Allen Howard at 768-8362, at ahoward@enquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.
       

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