Miracle Mile:
Just Because...
by BriAnna Butler
Have you seen the beautiful flowers that hang on the windows sills in Over-the-Rhine? If not maybe you should take a look. The flowers not only bring beauty, they also bring life to the community. The people to thank for this beautiful addition to this community are Jay Korte, Flower Framers Window Box President, Jim Tarbell, Cincinnati City Councilman and a host of volunteers.
The homes of these flowers are businesses, apartments and even abandoned buildings. The purpose for these flowers is to lighten the neighborhood with a fresh new look and it does just that. And if you're saying to yourself, "I've never seen any flowers". I would have to say you haven't been looking. They're everywhere on Vine Street, north of Central Parkway, Walnut, Race, Clay and 13th Street. So there should be no excuse, you can drive by or step out of your home and take a look.
The window boxes have been painted to fit in with the color of the buildings. An irrigation system waters the flowers very well. The flowers bloom with beautiful colors of Hot Pink, and multi-shades of lavender petunias and vinca vines, which create a beautiful fall of colors.
Now this is where we, the community of Over-the-Rhine need your help. The Over-the-Rhine Foundation, which is the sponsor for the Miracle Mile needs your help covering the $250,000 cost. It may seem to be a lot, but if we all chip in we can help to carry the load of keeping this community beautiful.
Tax-deductible donations may be sent to the Miracle Mile, c/o Over-the-Rhine Foundation, 1317 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
The streets of Over-The-Rhine have never looked brighter. This is thanks in large part to the Miracle Mile- 5,280 feet of blooming flowers that now overlook the streets and businesses of Over-The-Rhine. "The Mile" is just one step on a journey toward resurrecting Over-The-Rhine and the surrounding community. These flowers serve as both a symbol of hope and a reason to smile for each individual who passes by. BriAnna Butler is one of these individuals.
BriAnna is a 16 year-old high school student from Detroit, Michigan. She had the opportunity to experience the flowers of Miracle Mile while visiting her father(an iRhine volunteer) here in Cincinnati and she was inspired by both the beauty and symbolism of the flowers. BriAnna took the initiative to research and write about this positive community activism.
If you still have not walked the streets of the Miracle Mile, be sure to set aside some time and visit both the flowers and community of Over-The-Rhine. After your visit, send in a donation and help keep these flowers blooming. Come see for yourself that on "The Mile", miracles can happen, even if they are small and come in pink and lavender.
Once again:
Tax-deductible donations may be sent to the Miracle Mile, c/o Over-the-Rhine Foundation, 1317 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
