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- Hamilton! Thrive Issue #014
In This Hamilton! Thrive Issue …
📌🏆Citizen of the Year
📌Former FedEx driver charged with stealing $40K in
electronics from Miami University
📌Daily Weather
📌Local Business Spotlight - Animal Friends Humane Society
📌Jobs Available
📌Stupid Dad Jokes
📌Happy New Year!!
📌Chipotle CEO to help Miami U Roundball
⛹️High School Scores
📌Bengals Last Hoorah
📌Cat Humor/ Far Side
📌Local Business Spotlight - Neals BBQ
Hamilton Pride founder named Citizen of the Year
In an exciting turn of events, Taylor Stone-Welch has been crowned Hamilton's Citizen of the Year for 2023, a recognition that still has him pinching himself in disbelief.
The grand celebration is set to unfold at the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner on January 26, taking place at the dazzling Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill. This prestigious honor, jointly presented by the chamber and the Journal-News, is a testament to Stone-Welch's outstanding contributions to the community.
A dozen commendable individuals stepped forward to nominate Stone-Welch, highlighting his impressive decade-long stint as a volunteer in the city. His transformative efforts have played a pivotal role in shaping Hamilton into a better place. Despite the accolades, Stone-Welch humbly expresses a touch of imposter syndrome, comparing himself to the city's pioneers who've graced the same stage with this honor.
As the spotlight shines brighter on him, Stone-Welch is gradually coming to terms with the idea of this well-deserved recognition. "There have been a few people who I really, really admire in this community who nominated me, and that makes me feel really good because when somebody you really respect says you deserve something like this, that’s pretty awesome,” he shared.
Among his esteemed nominators is Hamilton Planning Director Liz Hayden, who lauds Stone-Welch as "a wonderful role model for the next generation of Hamiltonians." His selfless dedication and volunteer work have showcased the city positively to thousands over the past decade.
YWCA CEO Wendy Waters-Connell adds that Stone-Welch is not only a person of character deserving of the honor but possesses the pedigree to back it up. His extensive volunteer efforts, including groundbreaking work with Hamilton Pride, have left an indelible mark.
Stone-Welch's personal journey adds depth to his commitment. Growing up in Hamilton as a gay youth, he felt a sense of unease and non-acceptance. However, he returned to Hamilton in 2014 after college and became a driving force for change. His involvement in Hamilton Pride aims to create an inclusive environment, not just for the queer community but for all, contributing to the city's diversity and vibrancy.
Known for his active participation in community events, Stone-Welch's notable volunteer efforts include contributions to the City of Sculpture and Hamilton Pride. His journey began at CDA, where he met his future husband, Jacob, and got involved in various community initiatives.
Beyond volunteerism, Stone-Welch's impact is tangible. In 2017, his design for the "Taking Flight" StreetSpark mural was selected for the McDulin Parking Garage in downtown Hamilton. As he continues to leave his mark, Stone-Welch now sits on the 2024 mural selection committee, shaping the visual narrative of the city's future.
Source: Journal News
Former FedEx driver charged with stealing $40K in electronics from Miami University
On the mean streets of Dayton, trouble brewed back in September involving a FedEx wheelman accused of swiping a cool $40,000 worth of electronics from the hallowed grounds of Miami University. Darion D. Cayson, a 26-year-old Dayton native, found himself on the wrong side of the law, facing some serious heat.
The cuffs clicked on September 28 in Middletown, with Cayson getting nabbed for a slick operation involving the disappearance of 28 Apple laptops and iPads. The Miami University Police Department played hardball, unearthing Cayson's three-month spree of thievery during his FedEx delivery runs, according to the official rap sheet.
Fast forward to Tuesday, and Cayson's dancing with the legal system in the Butler County Common Pleas Court. The charges ringing in his ears? Grand theft, a fourth-degree felony, and unauthorized use of a computer, cable, or telecommunications, a fifth-degree felony. Looks like Cayson's delivery days for FedEx Ground are ancient history, says Shannon Davis, the FedEx communications adviser.
Now, let's break down the nitty-gritty from the complaint signed by the no-nonsense MUPD Detective Latona Howard. Between June 12 and Sept. 15, Cayson pulled off the heist of the century—28 gadgets totaling a whopping $40,030. The destination? The Shriver Center at Miami University. Cayson's got some tech-savvy moves too; on June 30, he cracked into and utilized a boosted Macbook straight from the university's stash, as per the court files.
The alarm bells rang when eagle-eyed university staff noticed something fishy during an inventory check. Alecia Lipton, the MU associate director of media relations, spilled the beans, stating, "The MUPD investigation determined that the laptops and iPads were being removed from boxes before delivery on campus." To tighten the screws, a new system's in play to check deliveries pronto and see if the university's getting the whole shebang.
Here's the kicker: the university's still singing the blues because they haven't laid eyes on the missing goods. Looks like Cayson's made off like a ghost in the night.
The saga continues with Cayson's date with destiny set for February 26, where a pre-trial showdown awaits. For now, he's walking the streets on bond, but the shadows of justice are lurking around the corner. The plot thickens on the gritty streets of the legal underworld.
Animal Friends Humane Society (AFHS) was established in 1952 and is Butler County’s largest, oldest non-profit animal shelter. Our mission is to promote humane principles, to protect lost, homeless, abandoned and mistreated animals, and to act as advocates for animals in our communities. In 2009, AFHS relocated from its outdated facility in Trenton and now occupies a 22,500 sq. foot facility with top-notch amenities for its shelter population in Hamilton, Ohio. By adopting nationally recognized best practices for animal shelters, AFHS has been successful in maintaining high live release rates and is committed to providing individual care to local pets in need. Your support helps the more than 5,000 animals that enter our doors each year.
Stupid Dad Jokes
By the end of this post you'll be wearing socks with sandals and getting ready to fire up the grill. You've been warned!
When’s a door not a door?
When it’s ajar.
Did you hear about those new corduroy pillows?
They’re making headlines!
The other day I saw a baguette in a cage.
It was bread in captivity.
From our families to yours - have a safe, wonderful and prosperous New Year in 2024 !!
Chipotle CEO, wife offer assist to Miami University men’s basketball
Miami U dropped some big news on Thursday, unveiling a sweet plan to dish out more cash to the RedHawks men's basketball crew. Get this – alumni power couple Brian and Jennifer Niccol just dropped a cool $2 million to make it happen.
Here's the scoop: half of that cash is gonna flow straight into the pockets of ballers who are holding it down in the classroom and staying eligible. They're looking at almost six grand a year – not too shabby. The other half is getting stashed away in a special fund for these players to tap into once they grab that diploma.
Miami's Director of Athletics, David Sayler, made it clear it's not just about the game on the hardwood. He said, “It’s off the court, too. It’s preparation for life and preparation to tackle whatever career it is that they’re going to go into." Sayler's stoked about this game-changing move, saying it's a major boost for the players and a chance for the RedHawks to set their student-athletes up for success.
Coach Travis Steele is all in on these extra funds, too. He's talking about how crucial it is to keep his squad tight in a college sports world that's always flipping. "Continuity is the key to our team’s success," Steele emphasized. With the transfer portal madness going on, he's all about keeping his guys on the roster. "This is very big because the name of the game today is retention."
And get this, the annual payment thing is totally legit after a 2021 Supreme Court ruling that kicked the NCAA's limits on athlete compensation to the curb (Alston v. NCAA). They're calling it the "Alston payments," but don't get it twisted – it's not about athletes cashing in on their name, image, and likeness outside the school.
Big shoutout to the Niccols, repping MU from Newport Beach, California. These alums, who crossed paths post-college in Cincinnati, just scored major points with this game-changing move. Go RedHawks! 🏀💰
Brian Niccol is currently the chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer for Chipotle Mexican Grill.
“I personally had a great experience at Miami, made great friends, had great professors,” he said in the news release. “Part of the reason we give back is because I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for going to Miami and having a couple professors who pointed me in the direction of the career that I’m doing today.”
Source: Journal News
What channel is the Bengals vs. Browns game? How to watch the Bengals' 2023 season finale…
The Cincinnati Bengals will play their final game of the 2023 NFL season this weekend.
The Bengals (8-8) will host the Cleveland Browns (11-5) at Paycor Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 7. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.
The Bengals have officially been eliminated from the playoffs following their 25-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on New Year's Eve. Sunday's game may be the final time that some players put on the black and orange uniforms, Bengals beat writer Kelsey Conway reports.
Offensive tackle Jonah Williams, wide receivers Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins and defensive back Chidobe Awuzie will all play in their final game under their current contract with the Bengals.
Are you planning to mourn the Bengals' last game of the season from home? Here's what you should know.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns start time
Date: Sunday, Jan. 7.
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET.
What channel is the Bengals vs. Browns game?
TV channel: CBS, WKRC-TV (Channel 12).
Stream: Fubo (free trial), NFL+, Paramount+.
The Bengals vs. Browns game will air on CBS in selected markets. The game will also be carried by WKRC-TV (Channel 12) in Cincinnati, WHIO-TV (Channel 7) in Dayton and WKYT-TV (Channel 27) in Lexington.
Streaming options for the game include NFL+, Paramount+ and Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.
Who are the announcers for the Bengals vs. Browns game?
Tom McCarthy will be the game's play-by-play announcer, and James Lofton will be the broadcast analyst. Jay Feely and Tiffany Blackmon will be the sideline reporters.
How to listen to the Bengals vs. Browns game
Bengals Radio Network will air the game on these Cincinnati radio stations:
WLW-AM (700).
WCKY-AM (1530).
WEBN-FM (102.7).
Dan Hoard and Dave Lapham will lead the radio broadcast.
Josie Adams recommends Neal's Famous BBQ.
January 15, 2023 ·
1000% recommend!
My husband and I went to eat here for the first time tonight and it was AMAZING! Super quick to take our order, got our food extremely fast, the food was ABSOLUTELY amazing! Best BBQ I've ever had! (sorry momma)
The people were super friendly and made us feel like family, the restaurant was beautiful and felt like home. I wish we would've known about this place when we got married... we would've had them do our catering for sure!
My husband had Neal's Famous Burger with Mac n cheese and I had the Pulled BBQ Sandwich with Cole Slaw. We even bought a bottle of their BBQ sauce to bring home. Everything was awesome !!
From walking through the door, the experience, food, even the conversation. Definitely recommend!
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