Serving These Communities

Covering the Heart of Hamilton County Since 1983

By: Jeanie Wrenn

The long awaited SFAC Groundbreaking Ceremony was held on Thursday evening, September 20, 2007 with the event kicking off at 6:30 p.m. The event was held at the Center’s complex at the Act 1 Theater on Reading Road – held in the side lot that will be the Children’s Garden Sculpture Park. Approximately 75 people attended the event – that started at 6:30 with Gayla Price (SFAC Board Member and local PNC Branch Manager) handling the Welcome and Introduction to the program. Following Gayla – Janey Kattelman (Co-Founder and City Council Person) Introduced the Special Guests in attendance – which included the introduction of the Principal Partners – working with the SFAC and they included Mayor Virgil Lovitt – who has been one of the most influential friends and supporters of the SFAC project.

Mayor Lovitt in turn introduced some wonderful principal partners - Cincinnati Commercial Contractors – John Westheimer, JLS Architects – Jim Sheanshang, CDS Associates – Bob Dryer. These gentlemen have completely redesigned the plans for the complex and due to their generously donating their time – it brought the project budget down from 1.4 million dollars to an estimated $725,000.00. They also found that when they took off the front facade of the building they found beautifully preserved brick that is in great condition – so in keeping with the historic integrity of the building – they will keep it. This wonderful discovery helps tremendously with savings to the budget as well.

Gayla Price announced the levels of sponsorship and some of the companies and people that have stepped forward to make pledges and donations. As part of this portion of the program, the SFAC accepted a wonderful donation of $10,000 from Mrs. Eileen Berke, Chairwoman of Cincinnati Sub-Zero Products, Inc. of Mosteller Road.

Participating in the Groundbreaking ceremony were Janey Kattelman, John Westheimer and Mrs. Berke and Mayor Lovitt, as well as SFAC Board members Gayla Price, Robin Kurlas and Sue Koetz.

In the crowd were a number of City Officials and Community Leaders - Tom Keating City Solicitor, Ted Mack – Director of Building/Planning/Zoning/Economic Development, Convention Center Director Will Greiner, Fire Chief Ralph Hammond, Tax Commissioner Martha Cross Funk (and her mother Mildred Martin who was visiting our city and who has been a supporter of the SFAC over the years).

A number of City Council members were in attendance – Kerry Rabe, Vickie Hoppe, Jim Dygert. Pat Madyda was present representing the Sharonville Chamber of Commerce. Patricia Heimbuch of Ameriprise Financial Services was present as was Jean Brockmeyer of the Garden Club. Mary Jo Dyer and Marie Alden also attended the event.

As the program and event came to an end most in attendance were very impressed that the SFAC has raised all but $270,000 of the $725,000 dollars. The last push of the Capital Funding Campaign should be able to raise the remaining monies and keep the project on track for a Spring of 2008 opening. What a wonderful job all involved have done to bring such value to downtown Sharonville.

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