Spiritually Speaking

By Gwendolyn Carole Tipton, The Cincinnati Herald

Here in 2026, we must not forget His benefits from 2025.

We have already received and continue to receive Spiritual Blessings. Apostle Paul declares that God has blessed believers with “every spiritual blessing.” They encompass gifts of redemption, including forgiveness, grace, and the promise of eternal life. These blessings are not based on human merit but are freely given by God’s grace.

The timeless nature of these spiritual blessings goes beyond our everyday needs, offering comfort and purpose in a world often filled with chaos and uncertainty.

Understanding our identity in Christ can bring hope and transformation, allowing us to shape our perspective and actions. We should pray for a deeper understanding and appreciation of these spiritual blessings, that we may walk in the fullness of God’s grace and purpose.

Look back on 2025. Remember His forgiveness when we did not follow Him, the grace that carried us through, and the ultimate promise of eternal life.

The book of Ephesians invites believers to reflect on their new creation in Christ and the immense blessings they have received. They are chosen, redeemed, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. These verses encourage believers to live in gratitude and glorify God for His grace and purpose in our lives.

Prayer: With Gratitude and Praise for 2026, we come before You, Lord, praying that we may continue receiving Your spiritual blessings, Your forgiveness, Your choosing us, and bringing us to this place in our lives. Lord, in this new year, we are asking You to direct our paths. We will not lean on our own understanding but look toward you for direction. We commit ourselves to do more, be more, and act more like Christ. Please show us the way. Amen.

By Sheila Vilvens
Cincinnati Herald

Lockland Local Schools has cause for celebration after making remarkable strides on the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s (ODEW) annual state report card. The district improved from 2-Stars to 3-Stars in just one year.

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The 3-Stars designation indicates that Lockland schools are meeting state standards – a first since the introduction of the star rating system.

There’s even more to celebrate. The district earned 4-Stars in Career and College Readiness with nearly 83 percent of Lockland High School students identified as prepared for opportunities after graduation.

Superintendent Bob Longworth praised the collective effort behind the district’s gains and expressed his gratitude to all who have contributed to this milestone – students, families, community members, and the district’s teachers and staff.

“The development and implementation of our Student Wellness Department, the addition of approximately three dozen partners in education to support our efforts, and our amazing people within the District who are committed to the growth of every child; these are what make our success possible.”

Student Wellness Department Director Jenny Bole echoed the Superintendent’s thoughts.

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“At Lockland, our Student Wellness Department is here to support the overall well-being and success of every student K-12. As our capacity grows, so does our impact. We’re not only here for students, but for families too.”

For example, last school year, attendance became a core focus of our Student Wellness Department, Bole said.

“We worked to build a supportive, multi-tiered system that emphasizes prevention, education and intervention. Our approach is not punitive. We partner with families to identify barriers, provide resources, and create solutions that help students come to school every day. By shifting the conversation to ‘How can we support you?’, we ensure that families know we are working together toward one shared goal: helping every child succeed.”

This year’s state test results reflect the work of many dedicated to collaboration, innovation, and commitment at every level of the district, said Elizabeth Fessel, Director of Student Services. The highlights include:

Student Wellness Initiatives: The Student Wellness Department, led by Director Jenny Bole, has been instrumental in supporting whole-child development. From mental health and social-emotional learning to attendance support and college and career readiness, the department ensures students have the tools they need to thrive. By connecting families with resources and growing partnerships, the department has strengthened the support network both in and out of school.

Chronic Absenteeism Efforts: Recognizing the critical link between attendance and student success, the district created a new position within the Student Wellness Department last school year dedicated to addressing chronic absenteeism. In this role, District Health & Student Support Lead Jen Schierloh, in collaboration with a consultant and a Family Success Specialist from Hamilton County ESC, works to identify and address barriers that keep students from attending school regularly. Her efforts have already contributed to reducing chronic absenteeism, giving students more instructional time; progress that is reflected in improved state report card measures.

Expanded Opportunities: Lockland has broadened pathways for student achievement by increasing access to College Credit Plus courses and offering multiple ways for students to earn industry-recognized credentials.

High-Quality Instructional Materials: Teachers have been equipped with improved instructional resources and professional development, strengthening classroom instruction and student outcomes.

The district’s success is also fueled by partnerships with organizations dedicated to student wellness and success. Lockland collaborates with Catalyst Counseling, The Healthcare Connection, and Hamilton County ESC, among approximately three dozen other partners, to expand wraparound services for students and families. These partnerships allow the district to meet diverse needs – academic, physical, emotional, and social.

Behind the numbers are students, families, community members and our dedicated teachers and staff all working together to equip, engage and motivate our students to achieve and succeed, Longworth said.

By Matthew McAdow | Cincinnati Herald Contributor

With a bye week from the Bengals (fans needed this), this week’s column will be a relief, as I can write about the optimistic future of this Reds ball club.  As we all know by now, Jonathan India and Joey Wiemer were traded recently to the Royals in exchange for veteran pitcher, Brady Singer.  While it hurts to see a fan favorite leave, it was the correct move for both parties.  I wish Jonathan India nothing but the best, but let’s dive into why this trade was needed:

Jonathan India’s name has been tossed around for years now every offseason as a trade piece.  With McLain, Marte, Elly, Arroyo, Collier, Espinal, Candelario, and Encarnacion-Strand loading the infield, it only made sense to unload India.

With Espinal’s stellar defense and ability to make contact with the ball, he was a much cheaper option which allows more money to be spent on an outfield bat.

India is eligible for free agency in 2027 and is under contract for over 5 million dollars this season.

Krall stated that 16 pitchers started games last season for the Reds.  You read that correctly, SIXTEEN!  Durability and depth is a must for this rotation and Brady Singer adds to this.  You can nearly bank on a Lodolo injury, Greene injury, Abbott running out of gas, and so forth if depth isn’t added this offseason.  The more durable veterans – the better, as lessons have been learned from last season.

Singer is a ground-ball pitcher who fits well for Great American Ball Park.  His ground ball rate is in the 79th percentile in all of baseball, has a fastball run value in the 80th percentile, and he has proven to be durable with over 150 innings pitched in each of his last three seasons.

The rotation now consists of the following: Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Nick Martinez, Brady Singer, Rhett Lowder, and Andrew Abbott.  Let’s not forget that Chase Burns could be on the fast track to the MLB, as many compare him to Paul Skenes.  Furthermore, we have depth in Brandon Williamson (if healthy), Graham Ashcraft, Julian Aguilar, Connor Phillips, Lyon Richardson, and more.

India’s rookie numbers were amazing, but he never met those statistics again.  Since his rookie year, his batting average is down by 23, his OBP is lower, and in reality, he’s a far worse defender than Matt McLain.

India is one of my favorite players and always will be.  I am glad he can now focus on being in a city that isn’t wanting to trade him and can focus on his job without worry of playing the outfield, DH-ing, or being traded away.

Power Bat Needed

Outside of Spencer Steer, if this team is banking on improvements and power from Will Benson, TJ Friedl, Stuart Fairchild, Jake Fraley, and Rece Hinds, I can promise you the Cincinnati Reds will not be wining the Central.  With Francona leading this team, it’s time we go all-in and secure a power bat.  Some free agents to keep an eye on include Anthony Santander, Jurickson Profar, Tyler O’Neill, Teoscar Hernandez, and Joc Pederson.  My hope is for O’Neill, but realistically, I could see Pederson joining the roster.  Unfortunately though, he is mainly a DH and would limit the flexibility needed for this young team.

Current Roster Prediction

C – Stephenson, TBD

1B – CES

2B – McLain

SS – De La Cruz

3B – Marte

DH – Candelario

Utility – Espinal, Callihan,

OF – Steer, Friedl, Fraley, Fairchild, Benson, Hinds, Dunn, Hurtubise – Woof, this needs major improvement

If this team wants to contend for a division title, they massively need to revamp the outfield.  With Marte’s continued struggles now in the league he is playing in, it is time to begin worrying about his progression as well.  Spend wisely, Mr. Meador, as this city is desperate for a good season.  Go Reds!

By Regina Carswell Russo | Cincinnati Herald

BT RISE and TColeman Enterprises announce the inaugural full-day F.I.R.E. Conference on Oct. 10, at The Summit Hotel in Madisonville. The F.I.R.E. Conference (Freedom, Intention, Revelation, Evolution) is a first-of-its first-of-its kind gathering of women from diverse backgrounds, ages, and stages of life to spark their passions, ignite their purpose, and fuel their power.

Who better to champion this transformative convening of women than someone who has made it her life’s work to empower individuals to live the life of their dreams? From financial services executive and corporate CEO to founder/CEO of BT RISE, LLC, BT RISE, LLC was founded by Barbara Turner partly to help individuals, particularly women from under-resourced communities — access resources to achieve financial independence.

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According to Turner, “We offer advocacy, education, and financial empowerment tools through our company to help fulfill that mission.”

But she knew she needed to have real conversations with women who wanted not only financial freedom and independence but also personal and professional freedom — freedom to create a life on their terms. She knew just who to launch a conference like that with: her daughter, Life and Empowerment Coach Tiffany Coleman of TColeman Enterprises. TColeman Enterprises helps individuals confidently navigate life’s challenges while tapping into their inner strength with customized solutions.

“The F.I.R.E. Conference is more than an event; it’s a movement to foster a community of empowered women in Cincinnati and beyond. Coproducing this conference with the woman who has modeled this for me all my life is a gift for me and the community. We have so much in-store we had to make it a full day.” said Tiffany Coleman, Founder & CEO of TColeman Enterprises.

Two-hundred fifty attendees are expected to include professionals from the corporate and nonprofit sectors, entrepreneurs, stay-at-home and stay-at-work moms, students, and a “who’s who” of community leaders.

**Event Highlights:** — Real Talk Interactive panel discussions from influential business and community leaders — Supported on All Sides: Networking opportunities — Shop Local/Support Women: Vendor booths by women-owned business — Keep the Fire Burning: Post-Conference Reception. The conference features a stacked lineup of local, regional, and national speakers, including: • BT RISE Founder/CEO Barbara Turner • TColeman Enterprises Founder Tiffany Coleman • Keynote Speaker: Shantell Martin, visual artist, cultural facilitator, teacher, choreographer, songwriter and performer • Keynote Speaker: Kimberla Lawson Roby, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author and speaker.

For registration or sponsorship opportunities or more information, visit www.thefireconference.com or contact [email protected]. There are a limited number of VIP tickets available.

F.I.R.E. Conference Sponsors: The Christ Hospital Health Network, Cincinnati Business Courier, Constellation Wealth Advisors, Duke Energy, Fifth Third Bank, Hart & Cru, Women Helping Women.

By Brian P. McCullough, University of Michigan | The Cincinnati Herald

Europe is in the midst of a heat wave, and while Olympic athletes in Paris for the 2024 Summer Games might be spared the worst of it, the weather will still be hot.

As global temperatures have risen, major sporting events like the Olympics and FIFA World Cup have had to adapt to high heat and extreme storms to keep athletes and fans safe and allow the games to go on.

Olympic organizers have moved events such as marathons to early mornings and even to cooler cities. FIFA, the governing body for world soccer, pushed the 2022 Men’s World Cup back from its usual time in June to late November so it could be held in Qatar.

The heat risks and the environmental impact of major sporting events have led some people to question whether these events should be held at all. But as someone who studies sport management and sustainability in an area I coined “sport ecology,” I believe that radical approach misses the benefits, including the Olympics’ ability to promote sustainable actions to the public worldwide.

How rising global heat affects the Olympics

Sports have good reason for caring about sustainability: Climate change can put athletes’ and fans’ health at risk and even put the future of some sports in doubt.

Winter sports face the greatest threats from climate change as temperatures rise and precipitation changes, dramatically shortening winter sports seasons in many areas. In 2022, the Beijing Winter Games had to artificially create snow so it could have ski runs at all. The International Olympic Committee has delayed its decision to select Winter Games host cities for 2030 and beyond because of the uncertainty of winter sports.

In the summer, global warming fuels extreme heat and storms that can affect the quality of the competition and the health of the athletes and spectators.

Major sport federations and leagues, as well as the Olympics, have responded to the risks by delaying competitions to cooler times of day or year, implementing water breaks and offering more player substitutions.

Organizers of the Tokyo Summer Games, held amid a fierce heat wave in 2021, had preemptively moved the marathon to Sapporo, more than 500 miles north of Tokyo, so athletes could run in cooler weather. They also delayed competitions during the Games to avoid extreme heat and excessive rain.

Olympic progress toward sustainability

Any large event like the Olympics can produce vast carbon emissions through its construction, transportation needs and energy use.

That impact, and the risks it creates for sports and their athletes, are why sustainability has been a pillar of the Olympic charter since 1996 and is a focus of its planning for the future. In 2012, the London Olympics pioneered a new international certification standard, ISO2012, which provides guidelines for any large event to make more sustainable choices, from construction to catering.

The organizers plan to power the events’ operations with 100% renewable energy from wind and solar. They are using existing venues when possible, had new ones built with low-carbon concrete and recycled materials, and brought in thousands of seats made of recycled plastic.

All furniture and temporary buildings approved for the Games also must have a contractually guaranteed second life, rather than going into a landfill. All of the competition venues are on public transportation, allowing for fewer vehicles in the streets. Even the food is targeted for a 50% emissions cut compared with the average meal by increasing the use of plant-based foods. The Paralympics will use the same venues and housing in the weeks that follow.

That doesn’t mean the 2024 Olympics won’t have a large carbon footprint, however, particularly as many spectators and athletes arrive by plane. But the organizers are aiming for the construction and operations emissions to be half those of the London and Rio Games in 2012 and 2016.

World’s fair of sustainability

The Paris Olympic Games is an example of what large sporting events can do to reduce their impact on the environment and promote sustainability solutions to a global audience. Spectators will experience sustainability firsthand, and organizers will promote the Games’ sustainability efforts.

Such campaigns can influence people’s everyday behaviors and even increase their advocacy for sustainability in their home communities.

Suggestions to reduce the scale and size of sports events or even eliminate commercialized sports, ending spectator sports as we know them, overlook the ability of sports to influence and change human behavior.

Sustainability efforts at the Paris Games.

Sustainability is a constantly evolving process of learning from the past to improve for the future.

The 2024 Olympics’ strategies, building on those used in previous events, and what Paris learns in carrying them out, will also help in planning for future events, including the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

In essence, the Olympic Games, the largest sporting event in the world, is a sports sustainability world fair. It highlights what is possible for a sporting event through collaborations with international corporations to reduce its environmental impact. And it influences others to follow suit, whether that is other sporting events, leagues and federations or spectators from around the world.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Brian P. McCullough, University of Michigan.

Brian P. McCullough received funding from the Olympic Studies Center in 2018.

Contributed / John Alexander Reese, Digital Editor | Cincinnati Herald

Overview:

• Keisha Saunders-Waldron, CEO of Confidential Confessions Counseling PLLC, is recognized by Marquis Who’s Who for her dedication to mental health counseling.
• With over two decades of experience, she has earned widespread respect, contributed to academia, and aims to mentor future counselors.

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP – Keisha Saunders-Waldron has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Saunders-Waldron has established herself as a distinguished professional in the field of mental health counseling over the past two decades. Currently serving as the chief executive officer at Confidential Confessions Counseling PLLC since 2015, she has dedicated herself to providing leading counseling services that address a wide range of mental health issues. Prior to her current role, Saunders-Waldron was a mental health therapist at Agape Psychological Consortium from 2010 to 2016, where she honed her skills and deepened her understanding of individual and couples counseling, as well as corporate workplace counseling focusing on anxiety and workplace burnout. Her expertise in these areas has earned her widespread recognition and respect within the professional community.

In addition to her primary roles, Saunders-Waldron has also contributed to the academic field as an adjunct professor and university clinical supervisor at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois in 2020 and 2021. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and the North Carolina Board of Licensed Professional Counselors.

Saunders-Waldron’s academic background laid a strong foundation for her illustrious career. She earned a Master of Science in mental health counseling from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2010 and a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2004. Her certifications include Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, Board Certified TeleMental Health Counselor and National Certified Counselor.

Additionally, she graduated from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program on May 25, 2023. She credits her success to her strong faith, her supportive parents and her children who inspire her to view achieving goals as a marathon rather than a sprint.

Her published works include articles in the Baltimore Times and Forbes magazine that highlight critical issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder among veterans and emotional challenges associated with career changes.

Looking ahead, she aims to be recognized as one of America’s top mental health practitioners by being featured on the cover of Forbes magazine and establishing a franchise for counseling practices. Additionally, she aspires to mentor 1,000 students to become skilled counselors, addressing the shortage in the field while continuing to make significant contributions to mental health awareness and support.

Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America, Marquis Who’s Who has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor.