April 2024

FOCUS ON:

Environment & Sustainability

ReLeafing Cincinnati Parks Foundation partners with MadTree Brewing Rhiannon Hoeweler and Brady Duncan of MadTree, with Jennifer Hafner Spieser of Cincinnati Parks Foundation

CSO’s Langrée bids fond ‘adieu’ Polly Campbell:

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Movers&Makers April 2024

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CINCINNATI OPERA at MUSIC HALL

TICKETS ON SALE APRIL 1

NEW PRODUCTION!

Don Giovanni June 13 & 15

Publishers’ Letter 4

Studio Sessions June 18-July 11

Arts & Culture 6 Opera to bring more Black creations to stage 6 State awards tax credits for job-producing films 6 Cincinnati named #1 for street art 8 Behringer-Crawford reopens 9 Legacy of CSO’s Louis Langrée | By Thomas Consolo 10 A&C List 12

La Traviata

June 27, 28 & 30 WORLD STAGE PREMIERE!

Paul McCartney’s

Liverpool Oratorio

July 18, 20, 21 & 27

The Datebook 20 Social calendar with a spotlight on the movers and makers behind Greater Cincinnati’s fundraisers, friend-raisers and community events.

Gifts & Grants 25 FOCUS ON: Environment & Sustainability Parks, MadTree plant greener future | By Casey Weldon 26 Notables in Environment & Sustainability 28 Local green news 32

Nonprofit News 34 Names in the News 36

Snapshots 37 Rockdale Temple honors its bicentennial 37 Stepping Stones’ Open Your Heart 38 Lindner Center scores at Touchdown for HOPE 39 AHA Heart Ball draws 1,200 guests 40 Ambassador board raises funds for Talbert House 41 Jewish & Israeli Film Festival opening night 42 Queen City Book Bank gives big boost to literacy 43 The Well’s evening of music, physics and wonder 44 The Victorian placed successful bet on casino night 45 Found House tackles housing with breakfast fundraiser 46 Saint Ursula gala sparkles, thanks to parents, alumnae 47 Nothing trivial about CYC Trivia Night 49

TICKETS START AT $36

SUMMER 2024FESTIVAL cincinnatiopera.org Season Funders:

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The Last Word 50 Polly Campbell: A 19th-century twisty vision of science’s future 50 On the cover: At Mount Storm Park: Rhiannon Hoeweler, Brady Duncan and Jennifer Hafner Spieser. Photo by Helen Adams.

Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio Lead Sponsor:

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Movers & Makers

APRIL 2024

3

PUBLISHERS’ LETTER

O

ne of the defining natural characteristics of our region is the verdant landscape that surrounds us. We tend to take it for granted that trees are plentiful everywhere across the Tristate, but that is not the case in all neighborhoods. Our Casey Weldon shines a light on an extensive tree-planting partnership between Cincinnati Parks Foundation and MadTree Brewing.

See Page 26.

We also asked organizations working within the green space to nominate important contributors so we can know who is making a difference. See Page 28 to meet our green Notables.

And a huge thank you to Building Value, Beech Acres, Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub and Ohio River Foundation for your advertising support of this special section. We invite organizations to look ahead at our editorial calendar (on our website) and consider supporting our future efforts on your behalf.

We thought it only appropriate to keep our April Mix & Mingle within our green issue family, so please join us April 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Alcove by MadTree Brewing in the heart of Over-the-Rhine.

The tenure of Louis Langrée, outgoing music director of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, has not been without its adventures. First, there was the renovation of Music Hall. The CSO’s participation in LumenoCity opened the door to what is now BLINK, the region’s largest arts event. Then came the pandemic, of course,

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requiring all sorts of creative measures to keep concerts alive. Violinist/writer Thomas Consolo provides perspective on Langrée’s contributions to the CSO and Cincinnati’s musical life on Page 10.

We are always grateful that you take the time to read this magazine each month. While we continue to expand our digital presence, the permanence of print plays a vital role in our work as the public voice of Greater Cincinnati nonprofits. If you would like to join the 2,500 subscribers who receive a copy in the mail, sign up for free on our website. But remember, donations are always welcome to help keep nonprofit news free and available to all.

Happy Spring!

Mix & Mingle Alcove by MadTree Brewing 1410 Vine Street, OTR Tuesday, April 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Complimentary light bites, happy hour drink prices.

No agenda, no speeches. Just good company.

Elizabeth & Thom Mariner, co-publishers; Doug Bolton, board chair

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ARTS & CULTURE

Arts & Culture

Film and TV projects with connections to Greater Cincinnati received nearly $33 million in tax credits to support the creation of nearly 360 jobs.

Cincinnati Opera devotes $5M to bring Black creations to stage

State awards millions in tax credits for job-producing films

A new, multimillion-dollar commissioning initiative by Cincinnati Opera aims to empower Black American creators to develop new works celebrating their culture and stories.

The Black Opera Project is a byproduct of a Mellon Foundation grant to support three fully staged, full-length operas by creators of color that focus on uplifting stories about Black culture or communities. Cincinnati Opera’s financial commitment will be about $5 million. As the project’s kickoff, the company will present the world premiere of “Lalovavi” in June 2025.

“The launch of The Black Opera Project marks the fruition of dreams long held by Black artists like me,” said singer Morris Robinson, Cincinnati Opera artistic adviser.

While Robinson was singing the lead role in “Porgy and Bess” in 2019, Cincinnati Opera leaders invited the renowned bassbaritone and his castmates into a conversation about the future of the art form.

“My colleagues and I expressed concern that there were no operas that truly represented African American culture in a positive, modern, realistic and contemporaneously relatable way,” Robinson said. He asked when there was going to be a staged opera that had the same social impact as the movie “Black Panther.”

Greater Cincinnati’s booming feature film and television industries recently received millions of dollars in tax credits aimed at luring media projects – and the jobs they create – to the region.

That includes what some fans and movie buffs theorize is the first installment of DC Comics’ new Superman universe. (Union Terminal as the Hall of Justice?)

The Ohio Department of Development recently awarded more than $44 million in tax credits for 23 film projects across the state. Nine of those TV and movie productions are being shot at least partly in Cincinnati, Dayton and around Southwest Ohio.

The awards came through the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit Program, which provides a refundable tax credit of 30% on production cast and crew wages, plus other in-state spending.

Local projects range from

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“We also felt that these new works needed to be composed, written, directed and conducted

by Black people,” he said.

Artistic Director Evans Mirageas called the project an important next step in the company’s “commitment to diversity and inclusion.”

Marketing image for “Lalovavi,” a planned premiere for 2025

“Lalovavi” is by award-winning composer Kevin Day and writer/performance poet Tifara Brown, the librettist, both firsttime opera creators.

Primarily in English, it will be the first opera to incorporate songs and poetry written in Tut, a language developed by Black Americans and passed down from their enslaved ancestors as a way to covertly learn how to read and write when it was illegal for them to do so.

The title of the opera, “Lalovavi,” is the Tut word for “love.” The debut on June 19, 2025, coinciding with the Juneteenth holiday, is part of that season’s Cincinnati Opera Summer Festival.  cincinnatiopera.org

Movers & Makers

smaller TV shows to a $363 million blockbuster titled “Genesis,” which will have locations in both Cleveland and Cincinnati. The movie – speculated in various reports as James Gunn’s first since taking over creative control of the DC cinematic universe – received more than $11 million in tax credits based on an estimated $39.7 million in total eligible production expenses. “Genesis” will create about 122 jobs, per the state of Ohio.

Film and TV projects with connections to Greater Cincinnati received nearly $33 million in state tax credits. Those projects – with a combined total budget of more than $448 million – will create about 360 jobs.

The state of Ohio created the tax credit in 2009 to encourage and develop a strong film industry in Ohio.

Ensemble Theatre kicks off annual student playwriting contest Ensemble Theatre in 2018 and arranged Cincinnati has for her estate to fund launched its annual the PLAY/write competition. playwriting competition for local college There will be up students. to three winners this Now in its sixth year. Each winner will cycle, PLAY/write: receive $2,500 from the Jackie Demaline Fund The Jackie Demaline Jackie Demaline Regional Collegiate and a professional readPlaywriting Competition is open ing of their script. to students enrolled full- or partSubmissions must be original, time at any regional college or unpublished full-length plays university. in English of at least 50 pages.

The contest got its name from Translations, musicals, adapted Jackie Demaline, a longtime works and children’s plays aren’t arts and theater reporter for the eligible.

Cincinnati Enquirer. She died  ensemblecincinnati.org

re s en P e l a n i th F n o 1 1 0 Recita l S e a s

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PENE PATI

Sunday, April 21, 2024 • 3 PM Memorial Hall 1225 Elm Street • OTR AMINA EDRIS

“The most exceptional tenor discovery of the last decade.” —Opéra-Online

“A magnetic presence” —Opera News

“He proved to us from the first moment that he has everything to be a tenor we will continue to hear about the next twenty years.” —Le Devoir • Making his third appearance with Matinée Musicale Cincinnati by popular demand

“… agile, distinctive voice with a warm middle register and glittering high notes.” —Classical Voice • First Prize (female singer) and Audience Prize at the 2018 Inaugural Concours Bordeaux Médoc Lyrique • Won the Deborah Riedel award at the Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge Bel Canto Competition

• International Opera Awards 2022 Reader’s Choice Award • First Prize winner at the 2014 Montserrat Caballé International Aria Competition • In 2012 won the coveted Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge ‘Bel Canto’ Award • Performed title role of Romeo in Charles Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet at 2019 opening night at San Francisco Opera

• Won the prestigious Sydney Eisteddfod McDonald’s Operatic Aria Competition and the Dame Heather Begg Award • Performed title role in world premiere of John Adams’ Antony and Cleopatra at opening of San Francisco Opera’s centennial season

Tickets:

MemorialHallOTR.org or 513-977-8838 MatineeMusicaleCincinnati.org

ARTS & CULTURE

Cincinnati named best place to see street art

The Cincinnati Museum Center operates all three venues that placed high in USA TODAY’s 10Best awards.

Three Cincinnati museums high in national rankings Three of Cincinnati’s most beloved institutions had strong showings in a contest to select the top museums in the United States.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center finished second in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in the “Best History Museum” category, with the Cincinnati History Museum coming in third. The Children’s Museum finished fifth in its category.

The Cincinnati Museum

Center operates all three venues.

“We’re honored to be recognized by our community and voters across the nation as the home of some of the country’s best museums,” said Elizabeth Pierce, CMC’s president and CEO. First place in the history museum category went to the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis was first in its category; the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh finished second.  cincymusem.org

partnerships, listening to comCincinnati has long been known to residents and visitors munity voices, hiring local artists, as a great public art city. Now celebrating heritage and elevatthe rest of the world knows: ing civic pride,” said Colleen The Queen City came in first in Houston, CEO of ArtWorks, the 2024 USA TODAY 10Best a local nonprofit dedicated to Readers’ Choice Awards for Best promoting art throughout the City for Street Art. region.

This marks Cincinnati’s fourth Since its inception in 1996, consecutive appearance in the top ArtWorks is responsible for more 10 of the fan-voted contest. The than 14,000 public and private city was the street-art runner-up art projects, including more than in both 2021 and 2022, followed 300 permanent murals throughby an eighth-place finish last year. out Cincinnati.

Cincinnati was one of 20 The 10Best editors listed “Mr. nominated cities selected by a Tarbell Tips His Hat,” “The panel of experts, including USA Golden Muse,” “Mr. Dynamite” TODAY editors, 10Best.com edi- and “Ice Cream Daydream” tors and influential contributors. murals as their favorites.

The public then spent four weeks  artworkscincinnati.org voting.

Cincinnati beat out major art powerhouses such as New York, Philadelphia, Nashville, Miami and Washington, D.C. Also in the top 10 were Detroit, Oklahoma City and Portland, Ore. Richmond, Va., finished second.

“Being the No. 1 city for street art is a testament to ArtWorks’ longstanding commitment to prioritizing community-based ArtWorks’ ‘Mr. Dynamite’ James Brown mural

VAE music director leaves for new post, creative work After more than a decade the picture.” with Cincinnati’s Vocal Arts Johnson’s VAE tenure concluded Ensemble, Music Director after performances of J.S. Bach’s B Craig Hella Johnson stepped Minor Mass in March. down to pursue new profesJohnson, a Juilliard Schoolsional opportunities. trained pianist, earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Yale In addition to taking a new creative role with the acclaimed University School of Music. His Oregon Bach Festival, the professional career began in 1991 at Grammy-winning choral music the Victoria Bach Festival, and he conductor and composer plans founded the Conspirare vocal ensemble in Austin, Texas, with which to do more composing and Craig Hella Johnson other creative work. he won a Grammy Award in 2014.

“The role at OBF is a factor,” Johnson first came to Cincinnati he said, “but the desire for more in 2012 as a guest conductor for space to compose was something I shared with VAE. “I fell in love with the artists of VAE and the VAE team long before Oregon was even in with Cincinnati,” he said of that initial trip. “It

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APRIL 2024

Movers & Makers

was a very special experience that ultimately led to my becoming much more deeply involved with the ensemble.”

Less than a year later, Johnson became only the fourth music director of VAE since its founding in 1979. In his 10-plus years with VAE, Johnson has led the organization through a variety of milestones, including the start of its record-setting residency at Memorial Hall.

In his new role, Johnson will lead what the Oregon Bach Festival described as its “modern choral initiatives.” He’ll work alongside another new festival hire, Jos van Veldhoven, the longtime artistic director of the Netherlands Bach Society.  vaecinci.com

ARTS & CULTURE

A portion of the museum’s new ‘Barbie’ exhibit

Behringer-Crawford reopens with fresh look, new exhibits World War I uniforms, Barbie and the Kentucky Derby are the focus of new exhibits at BehringerCrawford Museum, which recently reopened after a short project to spruce up the Covington space with energy-efficient windows, new blinds and an updated veranda.

Chief among the new exhibits is a collection of authentic World War I uniforms, tools, accoutrements and trench art.

And on the heels of the popular “Barbie” film, the museum is

taking a look at the legacy of the iconic doll with a display of dolls, accessories and memorabilia.

Debuting April 6 is “Race to Fame: Hometown Kentucky Derby Legends,” showcasing local jockeys, trainers, owners and horses who have left an indelible mark on the industry, said Jason French, BCM’s curator of collections.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. All exhibits are included with admission.  bcmuseum.org

Latest CRC/ArtWorks murals adorn Bond Hill Rec Center ArtWorks and the Cincinnati Recreation Commission once again have teamed up to bring a pop of color and positivity to a local neighborhood.

Their newest collaboration is a pair of murals on the walls of CRC’s Bond Hill Recreation Center.

Designed by Cincinnati artist Ciara LeRoy, the murals feature a bright, color-blocked style inspired

by Bond Hill’s architecture and what ArtWorks described as “African American/Black textile patterns.” LeRoy worked with teaching artist Kelsey Gray and nine apprentices, ages 14 to 21, to

create the murals.

Chris Pike, who leads communications for CRC, described the collaboration with ArtWorks as fitting, given his organization’s commitment to Bond Hill. The historic, largely Black-occupied neighborhood welcomed a minipitch provided by FC Cincinnati in 2023. Other recent additions include a new playground and pickleball courts, and there are plans to add a top-tier ball field in the near future.

The ArtWorks-CRC partnership began in 2018.  artworkscincinnati.org

One of the new murals, designed by Cincinnati artist Ciara LeRoy

20 2023-2024

Learn More!

20th Anniversary Season

J.R. Cassidy

Brenda Portman

Kentucky Symphony Orchestra directed by J.R. Cassidy Brenda Portman, organ soloist

April 20, 2024 7:30pm Long Live the King (of Instruments) Works for Organ & Orchestra

Hyde Park Community UMC | 1345 Grace Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208 Movers & Makers

APRIL 2024

9

ARTS & CULTURE

Louis’ legacy Langrée lived up to CSO’s tradition of embracing the new

By Thomas Consolo

W

ith the 2010-11 season, conductor Paavo Järvi wrapped up a decade as the Cincinnati Symphony’s music director, and speculation swirled through local media about who might succeed him.

A Cincinnati Enquirer assessment of the orchestra’s “hot picks” featured nearly two dozen possibilities, including a handful of bigger names and some “other” candidates. Like sports-page musings about a team’s next head coach, of course, such exercises amount to educated guessing.

To be fair, though, the paper’s crystal ball for the orchestra included several conductors who have indeed gone on to lead major orchestras – just not Cincinnati’s.

Those included Hans Graf (Houston Symphony), Carlos Kalmar (Oregon Symphony), Gianandrea Noseda (National Symphony), Robert Spano (Fort Worth Symphony and Washington National Opera) and even Paavo’s younger brother, Kristian Järvi (radio symphony in Leipzig, Germany).

Further down in the “possible” category was a French conductor who had led New York’s Mostly Mozart Festival since 2003.

Described by the New York Times as “affable,” this conductor was seen to have breathed new life into both the orchestra and the festival.

In his March 2011 CSO debut, he was a hit with musicians, and critics praised the warmth of his performance of Brahms’ Symphony No. 1.

He was quickly hired to lead an are-we-sure-about-this return 10

APRIL 2024

Movers & Makers

engagement that August. The program included two repertoire mainstays, Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. Both the orchestra’s players and management eventually decided, yes, they were sure.

And so, in April 2012, Louis Langrée was named the CSO’s 13th music director. It was a lucky pick all around.

Fast forward 12 years, and Langrée’s journey here has come full circle. In May, he will lead his final two programs as music director of America’s fifth-oldest orchestra. Like many of his programs here, the May concerts look both backward (including Beethoven 7) and forward, with premieres each weekend.

Langrée spoke with Movers & Makers in early February – between rehearsals for performances of Brahms’ “A German Requiem” – about his years in Cincinnati and his thoughts on the orchestra and the city he came to love.

Tradition of innovation Louis, as he’s known to most of those who work in Music Hall, came to the CSO knowing enough about its present but surprisingly little about its past. As he learned, he said, “I was amazed!”

Like any 126-year-old institution, the CSO has a long tradition.

What surprised Langrée, though, was how deeply and broadly innovation was ingrained in those traditions. The orchestra has been quick to adopt not just new music, but also new technology.

Photo by Chris Lee

“It’s a tradition to be experimental,” he said, checking off a list that includes being among the first orchestras to make recordings and the first to perform on a national radio broadcast. It continued through LumenoCity, the outdoor show that brought the east façade of Music Hall to life using cuttingedge lighting technology as the orchestra performed a live accompaniment in Washington Park. The success of those annual events led directly to today’s BLINK festivals.

“For three nights, there were 15,000 people each,” Langrée said. “For those 45,000 people who came, they didn’t feel, ‘Let’s go to listen to a classical music concert.’ They didn’t know what to expect, but they wanted to be part of something unusual, which was experimental.

“That speaks about this institution. There are so many orchestras who cultivate the repertoire and others that are more experimental.”

It’s clear he’s proud to put the CSO in the latter category.

LumenoCity said a lot about the city, too, Langrée said. With all those people packed into a small space (the first year’s crowds far exceeded expectations), “there were no problems, no aggression. It was like a big smile over the city.”

Fanfares for pandemic times Then there’s the experimentation in music. During Langrée’s tenure, the CSO has commissioned 65 new works, more than under any previous music director. They include works by Julia Adolphe, Daníel Bjarnason, Jennifer Higdon, David

Lang, André Previn, Caroline Shaw and Zhou Tian.

The crown jewel of the list is the searing Symphony No. 6 by Christopher Rouse, who succumbed to cancer shortly before the premiere performance in 2019.

“It was sublime and unbearable,” Langrée said. A recording of that powerful performance is available to stream at cincinnatisymphony.org.

The largest category of commissions came in response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Langrée cited the orchestra’s response as another example of its embrace of experimentation.

In addition to concerts that were canceled when the world shut down, so were several premieres.

The pandemic was hard on creators, too, Langrée said. “No one commissioned anything of these composers.”

The CSO, of course, famously commissioned a series of fanfares during World War II. With another big anniversary year at hand, the orchestra asked, why not do it again, but with a twist? The result was the Fanfare Project, a series of commissions for 22 fanfares for solo instruments.

“There are works in every field, every genre. Any style,” Langrée said. “I loved that, this sense of experimentation.”

Building community Over a dozen years, Langrée has led hundreds of CSO performances. “Somehow I remember each one,” he said, “each program.”

Asked about favorites among those, he doesn’t hesitate with a shortlist.

ARTS & CULTURE

Louis Langrée with composer/guitarist Bryce Dessner at MusicNOW in 2015

 In September 2022, after the pandemic, the CSO returned to live performances in Music Hall with Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 (“Resurrection”). “The symbolism of course was more than music,” he said. Surprisingly, it also was his first performance of the work.  Langrée’s first concert as music director, in November 2013, featured Maya Angelou narrating Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait.” (It was paired with a 2010 work by Jennifer Higdon and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.)

Angelou died the next spring, “and then we asked young composers to write pieces inspired by her poems.

It was very special.”  The February 2020 recreation of one of the most famous nights in classical music history, the 1808 Beethoven Akademie concert.

Though it already included the premieres of the fifth and sixth symphonies, Beethoven wrote the Choral Fantasy as a finale – in case the audience wasn’t suitably impressed! Besides the appeal of four hours of Beethoven’s music, the CSO performances became a community event, with a twohour break that offered a Viennese biergarten dinner.  The two-year focus on the works of Brahms that complemented the four symphonies with musical connections to other composers. The standout for Langrée was the March 2016 program that paired the Brahms Symphony No. 2 with the Berg Violin Concerto and Johann Strauss Jr.’s “Blue Danube” waltz.  Connections with the community. Besides LumenoCity,

Langrée was enthusiastic about MusicNow, the collaborations with Bryce Dessner and his group, The National. People who came out of curiosity or to see Dessner were exposed to music like Edgard Varèse’s “Amériques” and Krzysztof Penderecki’s “Polymorphia.” The response of the diverse audience was exciting, he said. Not everyone liked every piece, but what was important was that they came for the challenge.

Cement of the city Praise for Cincinnati audiences is a recurring theme for Langrée. “I love this city, I love this orchestra,” he said. “It’s been my home away from home, but it wasn’t ‘away.’ I made it home.”

He related the story he’s told before about the importance of culture in the city. In many European cities, he said, the most impressive buildings are often dedicated to power – a city hall, a palace of justice or an historic aristocratic seat. In Cincinnati, by contrast, the “palace” is Music Hall, dedicated to culture.

“It’s the most important building here, the most visible in this historic district,” he said. “It’s where people meet and share under the auspices of music. That says something already. It’s not saying everybody is playing an instrument, but that art is the cement of the city.”

Langrée has now hired more than a quarter of the CSO’s members. What he hopes to leave behind is the artistic flexibility he’s tried to create. “My pride is when I hear ‘my’ musicians. When they play the same piece a totally different way. This flexibility is very cherishable.”

Music Hall’s renovation has helped, too. “Now musicians can project, and they can whisper and make details that would have been lost. We are closer to the audience, and the audience is closer to the stage. We [the orchestra and

audience] are closer to the music.”

The orchestra in return has given him a great deal, he said. “As a conductor, musician, leader, they have made me a better conductor and a better person.”

The Cincinnati chapter isn’t the only one ending in Langrée’s story. Last summer marked his last with the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra. He can’t be entirely blamed for that: The festival’s home, Lincoln Center, dropped the festival and reinvented it with a different name (one without “Mozart”) – and a different music director. (Langrée’s influence in the orchestra lives on, though. He hired most of the members.)

The end of two of the biggest chapters of his musical life doesn’t mean there’s any downtime ahead for Langrée. In October 2021, he was appointed director – as in full director, not just music director – of the Théâtre National de l’Opéra-Comique in Paris. Which is to say, he shows no signs of easing his pace. 

Louis’ farewell celebration Louis Langrée leads the final two programs of the CSO’s 2023-24 season, his last as the orchestra’s music director.

May 3-4: Beethoven 7 and Dessner: Bryce Dessner, Piano Concerto (U.S. premiere of CSO co-commission); Dessner’s “Mari”; Beethoven Symphony No. 7.

May 10-12: Louis’ Grand Finale: Beethoven, “Leonore” Overture No. 2; Anthony Davis, “Broken in Parts” (world premiere of CSO commission); Dukas, “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”; Ravel, “Daphnis et Chloé” Suite No. 2  513-381-3300 or cincinnatisymphony.org Louis Langrée with Brahms Festival souvenir fan

CETconnect.org/passport

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APRIL 2024

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The A&C List Also online at moversmakers.org ARTS & CULTURE | The List

Cultural Exhibits/Tours American Legacy Tours | Over-the-Rhine. 859-951-8560. americanlegacytours.com Historic tours in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky American Sign Museum | Camp Washington. 513-541-6366. americansignmuseum.org Permanent collection Archaeological Research Institute | Lawrenceburg. 812-290-2966. exploreari.org Hands-on educational experiences Behringer-Crawford Museum | Devou Park, Covington. 859-491-4003. bcmuseum.org Artifacts and history of Northern Kentucky Opens April 6. “Race to Fame: Hometown Kentucky Derby Legends” Brewing Heritage Trail Tour Center | ​ Brewery District, Over-the-Rhine.

513-604-9812. brewingheritagetrail.org Sundays, Thursdays & Saturdays, 2 p.m. Built on Beer Tour Wednesdays & Fridays, 2 p.m. & Saturdays, 10 a.m. Over & Under the Rhine Tour Saturdays, noon & 3 p.m. Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour Cincinnati Fire Museum | Downtown.

513-621-5553. cincyfiremuseum.com Permanent collection Cincinnati Food Tours | Findlay Market, Over-the-Rhine.

513-602-5602. cincinnatifoodtours.com Exploring Queen City food culture and heritage Cincinnati Museum Center | Union Terminal, Queensgate.

513-287-7000. cincymuseum.org Thru July 28. Pompeii: The Exhibition Cincinnati Nature Center | Milford. cincynature.org Hiking and exploring old-growth forest Cincinnati Observatory | Hyde Park. cincinnatiobservatory.org Oldest professional observatory in the United States 12

APRIL 2024

Movers & Makers

Cincinnati Type & Print Museum | Lower Price Hill. cincinnatitypeprintmuseum.org Equipment, tools and artifacts

Exhale Dance Tribe’s “The Silence of Flowers” celebrates new works by founders/artistic directors Missy and Andrew Hubbard – April 20 in the Aronoff’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater.

Cincinnati Zoo | Avondale.

513-281-4700. cincinnatizoo.org World-class fauna and flora Friends of Music Hall | Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine. 513-621-2787. friendsofmusichall.org Indoor tours available weekly Outdoor tours by appointment April 4, 5 p.m. Bricks & Beer – Cincinnati Music Hall History and Hops Glendale Heritage Preservation | Glendale. 513-771-8722. glendaleheritage.org Thursdays & Saturdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

“For 50 Years, Preserving the Past for the Future”

Krohn Conservatory | Eden Park. 513-421-4086. cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks Thru April 21. “The Shape of Nature Featuring Oscillation”

Greater Cincinnati Police Museum | Pendleton. 513-300-3664. police-museum.org Permanent collection

Lloyd Library and Museum | Downtown. 513-721-3707. lloydlibrary.org Permanent exhibit. George Rieveschl Jr.: History of Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Harriet Beecher Stowe House | Walnut Hills. 513-751-0651. stowehousecincy.org Saturdays & Sundays. Sneak Peek Visits (currently under renovation) April 3, 7 p.m. Discussion: “Poetry to Resist and Uplift” April 6, 10 a.m. Walking Tour: Abolitionists & African Americans in Walnut Hills April 13, 10 a.m. Walking Tour: African American History along the Cincinnati Riverfront April 27, 10:30 a.m. Discussion: “The Shaping of Black America” Heritage Village Museum |Sharonville.

513-563-9484. heritagevillagecincinnati.org April 27, noon-4 p.m. “Heroines of Our History” Holocaust & Humanity Center | Cincinnati Museum Center, Union Terminal. 513-487-3055. holocaustandhumanity.org Media, artifacts, art and interactive exhibitions commemorating the Holocaust Jurassic Quest | Duke Energy Convention Center. jurassicquest.com April 12-14. Interactive dinosaur experience

Milford Historical Society | Milford.

513-248-0324. milfordhistory.net Permanent exhibit. Historical displays of art, artifacts and more (City of) Montgomery | Montgomery. montgomeryohio.gov April 27, 1 & 3 p.m. Walking Food Tour National Underground Railroad Freedom Center | The Banks, downtown. 513-333-7500. freedomcenter.org Exploring themes of individual freedom National VOA Museum of Broadcasting | West Chester.

513-777-0027. voamuseum.org Voice of America anti-propaganda RAPTOR Inc. | Milford. raptorinc.org April 26, 1-4 p.m. Open house of birds of prey sanctuary Skirball Museum | Hebrew Union College, Clifton. 513-221-1875. csm.huc.edu Permanent exhibit: “An Eternal People: The Jewish Experience” April 11-July 28. “The Guiding Hand: The Barr Foundation Collection of Torah Pointers”

Valley View Nature Preserve | Milford. valleyviewcampus.org Preserved 190-acre farm and open land Vent Haven Museum | Ft. Mitchell.

859-341-0461. venthaven.org World’s only museum dedicated to ventriloquism White Water Shaker Village | Harrison. whitewatervillage.org April 13, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Friends of White Water Shaker Village Annual Gathering

Dance Cincinnati Ballet | Procter & Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, downtown.

513-621-5219. cballet.org April 5-7. “Mercurial Landscapes” April 11-14. Family Series: “Sleeping Beauty” College-Conservatory of Music | Corbett Auditorium, University of Cincinnati.

513-556-4183. ccm.uc.edu April 11-14. “Little Mermaid” Dayton Ballet | Victoria Theatre, Dayton, Ohio. daytonperformingarts.org April 12-14. “New Beginnings” Dayton Contemporary Dance Company | Boll Theatre, University of Dayton. dcdc.org April 27-28. “In Freedom” DE LA Dance Company | Kennedy Heights. 513-871-0914. deladancecompany.org April 26-May 12. “La Sylphide”

ARTS & CULTURE | The List Exhale Dance Tribe | Jarson-Kaplan Theater, Aronoff Center, downtown.

513-621-2787. exhaledancetribe.org April 20, 8 p.m. “The Silence of Flowers” Revolution Dance Theatre | Jarson-Kaplan Theater, Aronoff Center, downtown. revodance.com April 26-27. “Bible Stories”

Fairs/Festivals/Markets Asian Food Fest | Court Street Plaza, downtown. asianfoodfest.org April 27-28, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Food, beverages and cultural expressions Blooms & Berries Farm Market | Loveland. blooms-berries-farm-market. myshopify.com Mid-April-October City Flea | Factory 52, Norwood. thecityflea.com April 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Spring Vintage Market Vintage Market Days | Xenia. vintagemarketdays.com April 19-21 The Well | Pyramid Hill, Hamilton. thewell.world April 8, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Total Eclipse of the Arts

Film Cincinnati World Cinema | Garfield Theatre, downtown. 859-957-3456. cincyworldcinema.org April 19, 7 p.m. Garfield Shorts Spotlight Series Vol. 4: “PASSIONS”: life, love, art, creation and family Friends of Music Hall | Music Hall Ballroom, Over-the-Rhine. 513-621-2728. friendsofmusichall.org April 12, 7 p.m. Silent Movies Made Musical with the Mighty Wurlitzer Northern Kentucky University | Griffin Hall Digitorium, Highland Heights. nku.edu/academics/artsci Thursdays thru April 18. Albertine Cinémathèque Festival of French Films Ohio River Foundation | Woodward Theater, Over-the-Rhine. ohioriverfdn.org April 19, 7:30 p.m. Wild & Scenic Film Festival

OTR International Film Festival | Contemporary Arts Center, downtown. otrfilmfest.org April 18, 6:30 p.m. A Celebration of the Life of Julia Reichart

Literary/Lectures Barnes & Noble | Virtual. 513-972-5146. stores.barnesandnoble.com April 2, 3 p.m. Discussion: Anna Quindlen “After Annie” Cincinnati Zoo | Frisch’s Theater, Avondale. 513-281-4700. cincinnatizoo.org April 3, 7 p.m. Barrows Conservation Lecture: Chris Myers and Lynne Borne Myers April 17, 7 p.m. Barrows Conservation Lecture: Diana Beresford Kroeger Decorative Arts Society | Taft Museum of Art, Lytle Park, downtown. decorativeartsociety.org April 14, 2 p.m. Jeanine Falino “Women in Design and Craft” Fitton Center | Hamilton.

513-863-8873. fittoncenter.org April 3, 11:30 a.m. Celebrating Self Series: Cincinnati Rollergirls Holocaust & Humanity Center | Cincinnati Museum Center, Union Terminal. 513-487-3055. holocaustandhumanity.org Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Holocaust Speaker Series (virtual) April 7, 1 p.m. Hornstein Lecture: “Rebuilding Jewish life in Krakow after the Holocaust” Joseph-Beth Booksellers | Rookwood Commons, Norwood.

513-396-8960. josephbeth.com April 2, 7 p.m. Discussion: Keith O’Brien “Charlie Hustle” April 3, 7 p.m. Discussion: Sarah Hogle “Old Flames and New Fortunes” April 4, 7 p.m. Discussion: Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr. “Gay Poems for Red States” April 26, 7 p.m. Discussion: Anne Lamott “Somehow” (School for Creative and Performing Arts) April 29, 7 p.m. Discussion: Woz Delgado Flint “The Distraction-Free First Draft” April 30, 7 p.m. Discussion: Jeneva Rose “Home is Where the Bodies Are”

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Movers & Makers

APRIL 2024

13

ARTS & CULTURE | The List

Music American Sign Museum | Camp Washington. 513-541-6366. americansignmuseum.org April 11, 7 p.m. Signs & Songs: Ricky Nye Inc. Antigone Music Collective | Clifton Cultural Arts Center, Clifton. antigonestringquartet.com April 5, 8 p.m. Modern string pieces celebrating the solar eclipse Bach Ensemble at St. Thomas | St. Thomas Episcopal, Terrace Park.

513-831-2052. bachensemble.org April 28, 5 p.m. Bach Vespers for Easter Bogart’s | Short Vine, Corryville. bogarts.com April 11, 6:30 p.m. Eli Young Band April 12, 7 p.m. Owl City April 16, 6:30 p.m. Queensryche April 20, 7 p.m. Pecos & The Rooftops April 23, 7 p.m. Mickey Darling April 26, 6:30 p.m. Atmosphere April 30, 6 p.m. Bayside Brady Music Center | The Banks, downtown. bradymusiccenter.com April 9, 8 p.m. Jessie Murph April 11, 8 p.m. Brothers Osborne April 12, 7:30 p.m. Dethklok April 17, 8 p.m. Emo Orchestra April 19, 8 p.m. Joe Satriani, Steve Vai April 23, 8 p.m. Godsmack April 24, 8 p.m. Todd Rundgren April 30, 8 p.m. Madison Beer Bromwell’s Harth Room | Downtown. bromwellshearthroom.com/music Wednesday-Saturday evenings.

Live jazz Butler Philharmonic | Sorg Opera House, Middletown.

513-844-5151. butlerphil.org April 7, 3 p.m. “Broadway Meets Blockbuster” Caffè Vivace | Walnut Hills.

513-601-9897. caffevivace.com Most evenings, live jazz Chamber Music Cincinnati | Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine.

513-342-6870. cincychamber.org April 7, 4 p.m. Randall Goosby with Zhu Wang, piano (Corinthian Baptist Church) April 9, 7:30 p.m. Randall Goosby with Zhu Wang, piano

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APRIL 2024

Movers & Makers

Chamber Music Yellow Springs | First Presbyterian Church, Yellow Springs.

937-374-8800. cmys.org April 28, 4 p.m. Annual competition for emerging professional ensembles Christ Church Cathedral | Downtown. 513-621-1817. cincinnaticathedral.com April 7, 4:30 p.m. Choral Evensong with Thom Miles, organ April 14, 3 p.m. Amanda Mole, organ April 20, 7 p.m. Kory Caudill: “Songs of Appalachia” ◆ 12:10 p.m. Music Live@Lunch (Christ Church Chapel) April 2, Matt Tolentino, accordion April 9, Mekala Kirtan April 16, CCM harpsichord & organ studios April 23, Brian Cashwell, jazz piano April 30, Clark and Jones Trio Christ Church Glendale | Glendale.

513-771-1544. christchurchglendale.org April 28, 4 p.m. A Service of Choral Evensong Cincinnati Arts Association | Procter & Gamble Hall. Aronoff Center, downtown.

513-621-2787. cincinnatiarts.org April 7, 7 p.m. Thee Phantom & The Illharmonic Orchestra (Music Hall) April 19, 7:30 p.m. Celtic Woman April 20, 8 p.m. “RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles” Cincinnati Camerata | Plum Street Temple, downtown. cincinnaticamerata.com April 28, 3 p.m. “Hallelujah! Psalms of Praise and Passover” Cincinnati Choral Society | Indian Hill Church, Indian Hill. cincinnatichoralsociety.org April 28, 3 p.m. “From Mountain to Shore” w/ Wayside Winds Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra | 513-280-8181. cincinnatijazz.org April 18, 7 p.m. Big Band Series: The Look of Love: Mandy Gaines Sings Burt Bacharach (The Redmoor) April 28, 2 p.m. Jazz@First Series: April in Paris feat. Valérie Agulhon Graschaire (First Unitarian Church) Cincinnati Museum Center | Union Terminal, Queensgate.

513-287-7000. cincymuseum.org April 24, 7:30 p.m. Ken Cowan, organ w/ Christ Church Cathedral and St. Peter in Chains Cathedral Choirs

Two of the city’s premier church choirs – Christ Church Cathedral and Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains – join forces on April 24 for a unique concert with organist Ken Cowan in Cincinnati Museum Center’s resonant rotunda.

Cincinnati Song Initiative | Church of Our Savior, Mt. Auburn. cincinnatisonginitiative.org April 21, 3 p.m. “To the Woods”

April 25, 4:30 p.m. Wild Carrot (U-Square) April 26, 4:30 p.m. Indy Gorgeous Club (Short Vine Square)

Cincinnati Symphony & Pops | Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-3300. cincinnatisymphony.org April 12-14. (Pops) “The Dream of America” April 19, 7:30 p.m. (CSO) “Classical Roots” April 20-21. (CSO) “Hadelich Performs Brahms” Augustin Hadelich, violin April 25, 7:30 p.m. (Winstead Chamber Series) Music of Schulhoff, Reaneke, Khachaturian and Schumann April 26-27. (CSO) “Dvořák Symphony No. 8” Katharina Wincor, conductor; Sheku Kanneh-Mason, cello

College-Conservatory of Music | University of Cincinnati. 513-556-4183. ccm.uc.edu April 2, 7:30 p.m. Jazz Lab Band (Corbett Theater) April 2, 7:30 p.m. Classical Guitar Ensemble (Werner Recital Hall) April 6, 7:30 p.m. Concert Orchestra & Chorale: “Carmina Burana” (Music Hall) April 7, 4 p.m. Brass Choir: “Swinging With Timmers Big Band” (Corbett Theater) April 9, 7:30 p.m. Composition Series: “A View from the Edge” (Cohen Studio Theater) April 9, 7:30 p.m. Ariel Chamber Music Competition Winners Concert (Werner Recital Hall) April 12, 7:30 p.m. Wind Ensemble: “New Beginnings” (Corbett Theater) April 13, 7:30 p.m. Percussion Ensemble (Cohen Studio Theater) April 17, 7:30 p.m. Concert Orchestra: “Baroque Concerto Extravaganza” (Corbett Auditorium) April 19, 7:30 p.m. Wind Symphony: “Emerging Light” (Corbett Auditorium) April 20, 7:30 p.m. Philharmonia: “Philharmonic Jazz Returns!” (Corbett Auditorium) April 20, 7:30 p.m. Chamber Choir: “The Tower and the Garden” (Knox Presbyterian Church) April 22, 7:30 p.m. UC Bearcat bands (Corbett Auditorium) April 24, 7:30 p.m. UC Symphony Orchestra (Corbett Auditorium)

Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra | Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine. cincinnatisymphony.org/csyo April 28, 2 p.m. (Concert Orch.) “Walk Abouts” April 28, 7 p.m. (Philharmonic Orch.)

“Spartacus” Clifton Cultural Arts Center | Clifton.

513-497-2860. cliftonculturalarts.org April 4, 4:30 p.m. The SunBurners (U-Square) April 5, 4:30 p.m. Matt Tolentino Band (Short Vine Square) April 11, 4:30 p.m. Mill Creek Drifters (U-Square) April 12, 4:30 p.m. TBA (Short Vine Square) April 18, 4:30 p.m. Küf Knotz & Christine Elise (U-Square) April 19, 4:30 p.m. The Twi-Lites (Short Vine Square)

ARTS & CULTURE Dayton Philharmonic | Schuster Center, Dayton, Ohio. daytonperformingarts.org April 5-6, 7:30 p.m. “Total Eclipse: The Sun and The Planets” April 27, 7:30 p.m. “Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA” DownTowne Listening Room | Cincinnati Fire Museum, downtown. downtownelisteningroom.com April 20, 7 p.m. Christine Havrilla & Mama’s Black Sheep Fairfield Community Arts Center | Fairfield. 513-867-5348. fairfield-city.org April 26, 8 p.m. Robin Spielberg Fitton Center | Hamilton.

513-863-8873. fittoncenter.org April 6, 7:30 p.m. Newbees “One of These Nights” Fluidity | First Lutheran Church, Over-the-Rhine. fluiditycccc.org April, 13, 7:30 p.m. “Mysterium,” in support of Faith Communities Go Green Ghost Baby | Over-the-Rhine. ghost-baby.com Most evenings, live music, five stories down

Linton Chamber Music | 513-381-6868. lintonmusic.org April 14, 4 p.m. “Six of One” (First Unitarian Church, Avondale) April 15, 7:30 p.m. Encore of previous (Congregation Beth Adam, Loveland) Linton Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions, Music With Madcap, “Peter and the Wolf” | 513-381-6868. lintonmusic.org/pbj April 6, 10:30 a.m. (Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Clifton) April 9, 6 p.m. (Child Focus, The Carter Center, Eastgate) April 13, 10:30 a.m. (Loveland Library) April 20, 10:30 a.m. (Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Symmes Twp.) April 27, 10:30 a.m. (Lakeside Presbyterian Church, Lakeside Park) April 29, 6 p.m. (Boone County Public Library, Florence Branch) Ludlow Garage | Clifton. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com April 4, 7:30 p.m. Raul Malo April 6, 7:30 p.m. Dave Mason April 7, 7:30 p.m. Geoff Tate April 10, 7:30 p.m. BBMAK

April 11, 7:30 p.m. John Moreland April 12, 7:30 p.m. Jump April 13, 7:30 p.m. Strangelove April 19, 7:30 p.m. Carbon Leaf April 20, 7:30 p.m. Spyro Gyra April 21, 7:30 p.m. The Skatalites April 23, 7:30 p.m. Matthew Sweet April 24, 7:30 p.m. Young Dubliners April 25, 7:30 p.m. Take 6 April 26, 7:30 p.m. A Flock of Seagulls April 27, 7:30 p.m. Catalina Wine Mixer April 28, 7:30 p.m. Howie Day Madison Theater | Covington.

859-491-2444. madisontheater.com April 5, 8 p.m. Badfish: A Tribute To Sublime April 11, 8 p.m. Action Bronson April 12, 8 p.m. High Fade April 18, 8 p.m. Cool Cool Cool April 19, 8:30 p.m. Big Something April 26, 8 p.m. Guided By Voices Matinée Musicale | Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. matineemusicalecincinnati.org April 21, 3 p.m. Amina Edris, soprano, and Pene Pati, tenor

MegaCorp Pavilion at Ovation | Newport. promowestlive.com April 13, 7 p.m. Wish You Were Here April 19, 7 p.m. Gavin Adcock April 27, 6:30 p.m. Dustin Lynch Memorial Hall | Over-the-Rhine.

513-977-8838. memorialhallotr.com April 1, 7 p.m. Estrada do Sol: Echoes from Brazil…A 75 Year Retrospective April 8, 7 p.m. The Five Little Bears April 14, 8 p.m. The Kings of Queen April 15, 8 p.m. Suzanne Vega April 16, 7 p.m. Pamela Mallory Trio April 18, 8 p.m. Live Dead and Brothers April 22, 7 p.m. Carlos Vargas April 24, 8 p.m. Robert Cray Band April 26, 8 p.m. Sarah Jarosz April 29, 7 p.m. Steve Hoskins & Phil DeGreg Trio play Paul Simon Miami University | Hall Auditorium, Oxford. 513-529-3200. miamioh.edu/music April 3, 7:30 p.m. Miami Sings Music Hall Featuring Chamber Singers, Choraliers, Men’s Glee Club (Music Hall)

Hard Rock Casino | Downtown. hardrockcasinocincinnati.com April 26, 8 p.m. Trace Adkins Heritage Bank Center | Downtown. heritagebankcenter.com April 7, 8 p.m. Andrea Bocelli April 20, 7 p.m. MercyMe Kentucky Symphony Orchestra | 859-431-6216. kyso.org April 20, 7:30 p.m. “Long Live the King,” with Brenda Portman, organ (Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church) April 21, 2:30 p.m. “Long Live the King,” encore (Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington) Knox Church | Hyde Park.

513-321-2573. knox.org/music April 14, 4 p.m. All-Beethoven Concert.

Earl Rivers, conductor Lakeside Music Concert Series | Lakeside Presbyterian Church, Lakeside Park. lakesidechurch.org April 6, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Come and Sing: Schubert

Movers & Makers

APRIL 2024

15

ARTS & CULTURE | The List Miami University (cont.)

April 18-19, 7:30 p.m. Guerilla Opera Punk Ensemble (Center for Performing Arts) April 20, 7:30 p.m. Steel Band: 30th Anniversary Concert April 23, 7:30 p.m. Jazz Ensemble April 25, 7:30 p.m. Percussion Ensemble April 27, 7:30 p.m. Choraliers and Chamber Singers (Kumler Chapel) Miami University Regionals | Johnston Hall 142, Middletown. miamioh.edu/regionals April 4, 4 p.m. Old-time Music Jam Northern Kentucky University | Greaves Concert Hall, Highland Heights.

859-572-5464. music.nku.edu April 8, 7 p.m. String Area Recital April 9, 7 p.m. Jazz Combos April 10, 7 p.m. Woodwind Area Recital April 11, 7 p.m. Burdette Voice Studio Recital April 16, 7 p.m. Jazz Ensemble April 18, 7 p.m. Symphonic Winds & Choirs April 22, 7 p.m. Steel Band April 23, 7 p.m. Vocal Jazz April 25, 7 p.m. Philharmonic Orchestra April 28, 7 p.m. Percussion Ensemble

Queen City Concert Band | Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. 513-561-1799. queencityconcertband.com April 24, 7:30 p.m. 50th Anniversary Concert (School for Creative and Performing Arts) April 28, 2 p.m. Spring Concert The Response Project | theresponseproject.org April 28, 7:30 p.m. “Tremor” (Part 1).

Artists from Visionaries + Voices with performances by concert:nova.

(The Well, Camp Washington) May 5, 6 p.m. “Tremor,” (Part 2) Brianna Matzke, piano. Five world premieres and panel discussion (American Sign Museum, Camp Washington) Schwartz’s Point | Fiver Points, Over-the-Rhine. thepointclub.weebly.com Thursday, Friday & Saturday. Jazz Sundays. Blues, boogie woogie, jazz Seven Hills Symphony | Walnut Hills High School, Evanston.

7hillssymphony.org April 6, 7:30 p.m. “Carmina Burana” (Music Hall)

Soli Music Society | Meshewa House at Turner Farm, Indian Hill. solimusicsociety.com April 15, 7:30 p.m. Showcase Series: “Bach, Mozart, Beethoven” Sorg Opera House | Middletown. sorgoperahouse.org April 13, 8 p.m. The Cleverlys Southgate House | Newport.

859-431-2201. southgatehouse.com Nightly rock, alternative blues, etc.

Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org April 30, 7:30 p.m. Teskey Brothers

At The Weston Art Gallery April 5 – June 9, 2024

TempleLive at Riverfront Live | East End. riverfrontlivecincy.com April 19, 8 p.m. Sam Grisman Project

Opening reception: Friday, April 5, 6-8 p.m.

Trinity Episcopal Church | Covington.

859-431-1786. trinitycovington.org April 17, 12:15 p.m. Midday Musical Menu: Vincent Phelan, violin, and Stephen Phillips, piano

A New World: Ohio Women to Watch 2023 Participating artists include: Kat Burdine (Cleveland, OH) Kara Güt (North Olmsted, OH) Sharon Koelblinger (Kent, OH) Calista Lyon (Columbus, OH) Mychaelyn Michalec (Dayton, OH) Migiwa Orimo (Yellow Springs, OH) Kristina Paabus (Cleveland, OH) Erykah Townsend (Cleveland, OH) Thu Tran (Cleveland, OH) Cathrine Whited (Cincinnati, OH) Xia Zhang (Cincinnati, OH) Co-Curated By: Sso-Rha Kang and Matt Distel Exhibition Co-Sponsor: Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell

Kara Güt, Plainchant for Paper Hands, 2022, mixed media, 48 x 48 x 15 inches

www.westonartgallery.com • WestonArtGallery@CincinnatiArts.org

16

Pianist and musical visionary Brianna Matzke has created a multi-disciplinary minifestival exploring her personal challenges with a recently diagnosed “essential tremor” in her hands. Takes place April 28 and May 5 at two venues in Camp Washington.

APRIL 2024

Movers & Makers

Presenting Sponsors: M. Katherine Hurley The Annex Gallery Lauren Hannan Shafer Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Tami White, Bader+Simon

Tue–Sat 10am–5:30pm, Sun noon–5pm • Open late on Procter & Gamble Hall performance evenings. • Hours subject to change. • Always free. Open to all.

513.977.4165 • •

Viva Voices | Sycamore Presbyterian Church, Symmes Twp. vivavoices.net April 19, 7:30 p.m. Chorale & Chamber Ensemble: “Vive La France,” Duruflé: Requiem and more

Opera Cincinnati Opera | First Lutheran Church, Over-the-Rhine. 513-241-2742. cincinnatiopera.org April 17, 7:30 p.m. Opera Rap Community Conversations: “Violetta’s Chosen Family” College-Conservatory of Music | Cohen Studio Theater, University of Cincinnati. 513-556-4183. ccm.uc.edu April 4-6. Daniel Catán: “Rappaccini’s Daughter” (La Hija De Rappaccini) Dayton Opera | Schuster Center, Dayton, Ohio. daytonperformingarts.org April 20-21, 7:30 p.m. Puccini: “Tosca”

Theater/Comedy Brady Music Center | The Banks, downtown. bradymusiccenter.com April 26, 7:30 p.m. Hasan Minhaj, comedian Broadway Across America | Procter & Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, downtown.

513-721-3344. cincinnati.broadway.com April 23-May 5. “Six”

Woodward Theater | Over-the-Rhine.

513-345-7981. woodwardtheater.com April 17, 7:30 p.m. The Bygones

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati | Taft Theatre, downtown. 513-569-8080 x10. thechildrenstheatre.com April 20-29. “Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.”

Xavier Music Series | Gallagher Center Theater, Xavier University. 513-745-3161. xavier.edu/musicseries April 2, 8 p.m. Awadagin Pratt April 25, 8 p.m. John Medeski

Cincinnati Arts Association | Procter & Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, downtown.

513-621-2787. cincinnatiarts.org April 5-7. “Men Are From Mars – Women Are From Venus Live!”

Cincinnati Landmark Productions | Price Hill. 513-241-6550. cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com Thru April 7. “The Producers” (Covedale Center)

ARTS & CULTURE | The List April 17-May 12. “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” (Incline Theater) Cincinnati Music Theatre | Jarson-Kaplan Theater, Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-621-2787. cincinnatimusictheatre.org April 26-May 4. “Children of Eden” Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative | Fifth Third Bank Theater, Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-621-ARTS. cincyplaywrights.org April 16, 7:30 p.m. Earthfest 2024 Dayton Live Broadway Series | Schuster Center, Dayton, Ohio. daytonlive.org/series/broadway April 9-14. “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical” Ensemble Theatre | Over-the-Rhine.

513-421-3555. ensemblecincinnati.org April 13-May 5. “The Match Game” Fitton Center | Hamilton.

513-863-8873. fittoncenter.org April 20, 7:30 p.m. “Bollywood!”

April 26, 7:30 p.m. Playhouse in the Park: “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”

Know Theatre | Over-the-Rhine.

513-300-5669. knowtheatre.com April 5-28. “The Light Chasers,” a musical by Craig Minowa

Mason Community Players | Mason Community Playhouse, Mason.

513-398-7804. masonplayers.org April 12-20. “Timeless: A Musical Revue”

La Comedia Dinner Theatre | Springboro. 800-677-9505. lacomedia.com Thru May 5. “West Side Story”

MegaCorp Pavilion at Ovation | Newport. promowestlive.com April 20, 7 p.m. Napoleon Dynamite Live!

April 24, 7 p.m. TommyInnit: “How To Be A Billionaire”

Lebanon Theatre Company | Lebanon. 513-932-8300. ltcplays.com April 26-May 5. “Em’s Story” Ludlow Garage | Clifton. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com April 18, 7:30 p.m. Ben Bailey, comedian Lumos Players I Maineville. lumosplayers.com April 10, 7:30 p.m. “Monst3r or (#MeToo, Brute)” by Marshall Logan Gibbs (virtual) April 19-27. “Into The Woods” Marjorie Book Continuing Education | Carson Masonic Lodge, Clifton. marjoriebook.org April 19-23. “Go Back for Murder”

Mount St. Joseph University | Delhi. 513-244-4387. msj.edu April 11-20. “Marian, or the True Tale of Robin Hood” Northern Kentucky University | Corbett Theatre, Highland Heights.

859-572-5464. theatre.nku.edu April 11-20. “The Play That Goes Wrong” (The Carnegie) Oxford Community Arts Center | Oxford. 513-524-8506. oxarts.org April 5, 7 p.m. Mister C Live: “Air is Everywhere!”

Playhouse in the Park | Mt. Adams.

513-421-3888. cincyplay.com Thru April 7. “Stew” (Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre) April 13-May 12. “The Chosen” (Rouse Theatre) April 27-June 2. “Vietgone” (Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre) School for Creative and Performing Arts | Over-the-Rhine. 513-363-8100. scpa.cps-k12.org April 25-26. “Into The Woods Jr.” Sharonville Cultural Arts Center | Sharonville. 513-554-1014. sharonvilleculturalarts.org April 12-21. “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org April 6, 7 p.m. Kathleen Madigan, comedian April 13, 7 p.m. Rodney Carrington, comedian April 21, 8 p.m. “Ghosts: Do You Believe?” w/Dustin Pari April 25, 8 p.m. Ben Brainard, comedian

The Ghostlight Stage Company | theghostlightstageco.com April 1, 7 p.m. Shining a Light Workshop & Lecture Series: “Contemporary Theatre and the Fat Body: Moving Through Space as Your Authentic Self” (Spring Grove Village) Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre | Parrish Auditorium, Hamilton.

513-737-PLAY. ghctplay.com April 25-28. “Hello, Dolly!”

Hard Rock Casino | Downtown. hardrockcasinocincinnati.com April 19, 7 p.m. Impractical Jokers Heritage Bank Center | Downtown. heritagebankcenter.com April 27, 8 p.m. Katt Williams, comedian Human Race Theatre | Dayton. humanracetheatre.org April 25-May 12. “Peerless” Improv Cincinnati | Clifton Performance Theatre, Clifton. improvcincinnati.com Friday & Saturday. Comedy shows INNOVAtheatre | Sorg Opera House, Middletown. innovatheatre.com April 14-28. “American Idiot” Movers & Makers

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17

ARTS & CULTURE | The List Tri-County Players | Bell Tower Arts Pavilion, Evendale.

513-471-2030. facebook.com April 26-May 5. “The 39 Steps” True Theatre | Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. memorialhallotr.com April 25, 7:30 p.m. “trueHAND” Village Players | Ft. Thomas.

859-392-0500. villageplayers.org April 26-May 4. “Spreading It Around” Xavier University | Gallagher Theater, Evanston. 513-745-3939. xavier.edu/theatre-program April 19-21. “John Proctor is the Villain”

Visual Art 21c Museum Hotel | Downtown. 513-578-6600.

21cmuseumhotels.com/cincinnati Thru September. “The SuperNatural” The Annex Gallery | The Pendleton, Over-the-Rhine. annexgallery.org Current exhibit. “Artistry Rekindled” Retrospective works of Raymond P. Harris Art Academy of Cincinnati | Over-the-Rhine. 513-562-6262. artacademy.edu Thru April 26. Group Thesis Exhibitions Art Design Consultants/Ft. Thomas | adcfineart.com Thru April 6. Deby Raymond: “Summit in Color” Art Enclave | Gallery 42, Mason.

513-492-7474. artenclave.com April 12, 5-8 p.m. Flower Show (Gallery 42, Mason)

Art on Vine | artonvinecincy.com April 14, noon-6 p.m. Hello Spring (Rhinegeist Brewery) ARTclectic Gallery | Silverton.

513-822-5200. artclecticgallery.com Thru April 30. “Green Beginnings” ArtWorks | V² Gallery, Walnut Hills.

513-333-0388. artworkscincinnati.org Thru May 9. “Sawdust” Baker Hunt Art & Cultural Center | Covington. 859-431-0020. bakerhunt.org Thru Aug. 9. Community Art Show – Baker Hunt & DBL Law The Barn | Mariemont. 513-272-3700. artatthebarn.org April 7-28. Annual juried exhibition. Reception: April 7, 1-4 p.m.

The Carnegie | Covington.

859-491-2030. thecarnegie.com Thru Aug. 17. “Suspended Between Forms,” inspired by curator Zito Madu’s new novel Cincinnati Art Galleries | Downtown. 513-381-2128. cincyart.com Thru April 26. “Glimpse” Cincinnati Art Museum | Eden Park.

513-721-2787. cincinnatiartmuseum.org Thru April 7. “Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Reimagined in Glass” Thru May 26. “Whitfield Lovell: Passages” Thru June 30. Modern and Contemporary Ceramics April 20-Oct. 20. Shahzia Sikander: “Collective Behavior” April 26, 5-9 p.m. Art After Dark

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Send event info to: editor@moversmakers.org Visit moversmakers.org for more

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APRIL 2024

Movers & Makers

Clifton Cultural Arts Center named its new signature gallery after Elizabeth Nourse, a 19th -century “New Woman” who made a living as a painter. The “New Woman” juried exhibition – opening April 5 – showcases the artwork of women from Cincinnati and beyond.

Self protrait, by Elizabeth Nourse

Clifton Cultural Arts Center | Clifton.

513-497-2860. cliftonculturalarts.org April 5-May 3. Juried Exhibition: “New Woman” Reception: April 5, 6-8 p.m.

Joseph Clark Gallery Arts of Africa | Northside. 513-351-8111. josephclarkgallery.com African arts and crafts

Contemporary Arts Center |Downtown.

513-345-8400. contemporaryartscenter.org Thru April 14. Tai Shani: “The Politics Of Emancipation Through A Female Lens” April 5-Sept. 8. Jayson Musson: “His History of Art”

Kennedy Heights Arts Center | Kennedy Heights. 513-631-4278. kennedyarts.org Thru April 13. “Déjà Vu: Creativity Repeats Itself” (Lindner Gallery) Thru April 27. 16th annual student art show (Kennedy Gallery) April 13, 6-8 p.m. Issue 005: Tellus Zine: “Value” (Lindner Annex)

The Contemporary Dayton | Dayton, Ohio. 937-224-3822. codayton.org Thru April 5. 30th Open Members Show DAAP Galleries | University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati. 513-556-2839. daap.uc.edu Thru April 4. Faculty Showcase (Reed Gallery) Dayton Art Institute | Dayton, Ohio.

937-223-4278. daytonartinstitute.org Thru May 26. “Telling Stories: World Literature in Art” Thru April 28. “James Pate, TechnoCubism: The Art of Line Painting” Thru May 12. “The Artistic Life of Aka Pereyma” Dearborn Highlands Arts Council | Lawrenceburg. 812-539-4251. dearbornhighlandsarts.org Thru April 21. Youth Art by Dearborn County students in grades K-12 Fitton Center | Hamilton.

513-863-8873. fittoncenter.org Thru April 6. “Double Take” Indian Hill Gallery | Indian Hill.

513-984-6024. indianhillgallery.com Thru Aug. 10. “Delicate Ecologies,” paintings by Kelley Booze, Katherine Colborn and Samantha Haring

Lloyd Library and Museum | Downtown. 513-721-3707. lloydlibrary.org Thru April 20. “Flora Mania” Manifest Gallery | E. Walnut Hills.

513-861-3638. manifestgallery.org Thru April 5. “Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana” regional • “In Search of Blue” art about or featuring the color blue April 19-May 17. “Drawn 2024” international drawing exhibit • “Soft” made of or about soft materials • “Modular” works that can be reconfigured. Reception: April 19, 6-9 p.m.

Mean St. Gallery | Over-the-Rhine. meanstreetgallery.com April 5-27. Natalia Munro and Julia Lipovski Miami University/Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum | Oxford. 513-5292232. miamioh.edu/cca/art-museum Thru June 8. “Minohsaya: Painted Robes of the Myaamia and Peoria” • “Landscape in Art: An Art & Architecture History Capstone Exhibition” • “The World In Which We Live: The Art of Environmental Awareness”

ARTS & CULTURE | The List Middletown Arts Center | Middletown.

513-424-2417. middletownartscenter.com Thru April 23. Nate Flanagan: “Observations: A Delicate Impression” Thru April 18. Brian Mathus: “Mixed Signals” Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights. 859-572-5148. nku.edu/gallery April 11-26. Spring BFA Senior Exhibitions. Reception: April 11, 5-7 p.m.

PAR-Projects | Northside. parprojects.com Thru April 27. Tom Day: “The Great American Consumer” Pendleton Art Center | Pendleton, Over-the-Rhine. 513-421-4339. pendletonartcenter.com April 26, 5-9 p.m., open studios Queen City Clay | Norwood. queencityclay.com Thru April 12. Annual K-12 show April 19-May 3. “Influence/d”

Rosewood Arts Centre | Rosewood Gallery, Kettering. 937-296-0294. playkettering.org/rosewood-gallery-home Thru April 13. Reni Gower: “GEOmatrix: The Perfect Proof V” • Eli Kessler: “Structural Deviation” April 22-May 25. Kristen Letts Kovak: “Out of Order” • Jo-Ann Morgan: “Comfort Quilts: Remembering the Innocent” Sharonville Cultural Arts Center | Sharonville. 513-554-1014. sharonvilleculturalarts.org April 5-27. Kitty Schroeder and Heather Stormer Skirball Museum | Hebrew Union College, Clifton. csm.huc.edu Thru June. Modern Israeli art, Mark Podwal prints and recent gifts Solway Gallery | West End. 513-621-0069. solwaygallery.com Thru April 26. John E. Dowell: “Paintings and Aquatints” • Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson: “Works from the 1980s, and the Esther and Alan Saks Collection”

Visionaries & Voices | Northside.

513-861-4333. visionariesandvoices.com April 1-5. Double Vision Preview Week

Studio Kroner | Downtown. studiokroner.com Thru April 13. Kevin Muente: “Promised Land”​

Warren County Historical Museum | Lebanon. wchsmuseum.org Thru April 27. Ohio landscape artist Chuck Marshall

Studio San Giuseppe Art Gallery | Mount St. Joseph University, Delhi. msj.edu Thru April 5. Retrospective: Craig Lloyd, professor emeritus April 12-May 11. 2024 Senior Thesis Exhibition: Art Education, Fine Art, and Graphic Design. Reception: April 12, 6-8 p.m.

Weston Art Gallery | Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-977-4165. cincinnatiarts.org/weston-art-gallery April 5-June 2. “A New World: Ohio Women To Watch 2023” Reception: April 5, 6-8 p.m.

Summit Hotel | Madisonville.

513-527-9900. thesummithotel.com Thru May 18. “Circles, Squiggles, and Lines”

Xavier University Art Gallery | A. B. Cohen Center, Evanston. xavier.edu/art-department Thru April 5. Haley Aho, graphic design • Mary E. Baker, graphic design • Kaitlyn Blaha, graphic design • Alex Fischer, graphic design • Donna Ronyak, sculpture April 12-May 3. Solo Thesis Exhibition: Aleni Antalis, graphic design and photography. Reception: April 12, 5-7 p.m. 

Taft Museum of Art | Lytle Park, downtown. 513-241-0343. taftmuseum.org Thru May 19. “African Modernism in America” Thru May 19. “A Breath of Fresh Air: Nature Inspires Rarely Seen Works from the Taft Collection” Thru June 16. “Trading Places: The Rijksmuseum Lends Rare Painting to the Taft Museum of Art”

MOVIE SILENT S MADE MUSICAL with the

Mighty M ight Wurlitzer

featuring organist

Tedde Gibson

starring

Baby Peggy

APRIL AP A PRIL L 12 12, 202 2024 • 7 PM MUSIC MU U HALL BALLROOM ALL SEATS RESERVED $28 for seniors, students, and groups of 10 or more $34 - regular price (ticket price includes facility maintenance fee)

• www.CincinnatiArts.org • Aronoff Center Ticket Office • (513) 621-ARTS [2787] • Group Sales (10+): (513) 977-4157 2024-2025 SEASON SPONSOR

www.FriendsofMusicHall.org www.Frien Movers & Makers

APRIL 2024

19

The Datebook DATEBOOK

With a Spotlight on the Movers and Makers behind Greater Cincinnati’s Fundraisers, Friend-Raisers and Community Events

APRIL 4, THURSDAY

APRIL 13, SATURDAY

Jewish Family Service, Annual Meeting | 7 p.m. Amberley Room, Mayerson JCC. An evening of appreciation and camaraderie. Free event. ¼hjlive.app/events/6839

Friends of White Water Shaker Village, Annual Gathering | 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Miami Whitewater Community Church and the White Water Shaker Village North Family Site. Celebrating 250th anniversary of Shakers’ arrival in America featuring Shaker scholars Jerry Grant and Sharon Koomlerk, lunch and tour of village.

Reservations required. Tickets: $30/member; $35/non-member. ¼whitewatervillage.org

APRIL 6, SATURDAY Caracole, AIDS Walk Pre-Race Spaghetti Dinner | 5 p.m. Hannaford Hall, Calvary Episcopal Church. Spaghetti dinner open to entire community, not just race participants. Meal prices: $10/adult; $6/youths 19 & younger. ¼secure.qgiv.com/event/2024aidswalk APRIL 7, SUNDAY Caracole, AIDS Walk + 5K/10K | 9 a.m. Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum. Opening ceremony, walk or run 5K or run 10K. Registration: $30/adult; $20/youth (19 & younger).

Registration includes event T-shirt (while supplies last). Prices increase day of event. ¼secure.qgiv.com/event/2024aidswalk APRIL 10, WEDNESDAY Urban League of Greater Southwest Ohio, 30th Annual Glorifying the Lions | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Cintas Center. 2024 honorees: Karen Bankston, Calvin D. Buford, Michael Fisher, Delores Hargrove-Young, J. Phillip Holloman and John Pepper. ¼ulgso.org/lions APRIL 11, THURSDAY University of Cincinnati, Alumni Celebration | 6-9 p.m. The Westin Cincinnati. Reception, dinner and awards program celebrating 2024 honorees.

Bearcat chic cocktail attire recommended. Tickets: $100. ¼alumni.uc.edu APRIL 12, FRIDAY

Karen Wellington Foundation, 17th Annual Karen’s Gift | 7-11 p.m. Hard Rock Casino. Open bar, food and music by Sly-Band. Tickets: $175. ¼karenwellingtonfoundation.org/events Junior League of Cincinnati, A Night in Monte Carlo | 7-11 p.m. Cincinnati Ballet’s Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance. Gaming night featuring blackjack, Texas Hold ’em and craps with light bites, drinks and silent auction. ¼jlcincinnati.org/springfundraiser Lighthouse Youth and Family Services, Beacon of Light | 6-10 p.m. 20th Century Theater, Oakley. 2024 Humanitarian Award recipients Yvette Simpson and Dr. Jeannette Taylor. Custom food stations, open bar, dessert bites and silent auction. Event chairs: Peter Barrett and Michelle Barrett. Valet parking. Smart casual attire. ¼lys.org

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APRIL 2024

Movers & Makers

Magnified Giving board member Ryan Nicley and his family are organizing the inaugural Magnify Your 5K Run/Walk on April 13 at Kestrel Point in Winton Woods.

Magnified Giving, Magnify Your Run/ Walk 5K | 7 a.m.-noon. Kestrel Point, Winton Woods. Family-friendly and dogfriendly event with 5K, mile and virtual race options available. ¼raceroster.com ¼magnifiedgiving.org/events UpSpring, Benefit Bash | 6 p.m. Great American Ball Park. Open bar, dinner, silent/live auction. Tickets: $100. ¼upspring.org/benefitbash APRIL 14, SUNDAY

CISE, Annual Fundraising Event | 6-10 p.m. TQL Stadium. Food, open bar, complimentary parking, yard games, raffles, silent auction, DJ and dancing.

Tickets: $70. ¼cisekids.org/party

The University of Cincinnati Alumni Association will award its highest honors for UC alumni to (top) Dr. Dean J. Kereiakes, Kathy Wade, (bottom) Ruthie S. Keefe and Sean A. Addo on April 11.

American Lung Association, Fight for Air Climb | 8 a.m. Great American Ball Park. Designed for every type of climber, from beginners to competitive climbers.

Complimentary snack and water. ¼FightForAirClimb.org/Cincinnati

Lisa Woodruff will serve as guest speaker for Welcome House’s annual Spring Shower on April 17 at Summit Hills Country Club.

DATEBOOK APRIL 17, WEDNESDAY

Kishshana Palmer will be keynote speaker at Leadership Council for Nonprofits’ annual Securing the Future Conference on April 26 at Cintas Center.

EquaSion, Compassion Through Action Dinner | 6 p.m. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Reception, dinner and program. Honoring Kay Geiger and Jack Geiger, Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney and Eric Kearney, John Isidor and Sandy Kaltman, and Shakila T. Ahmad and Dr. Masood Ahmad.

Cocktail or business attire. Tickets: $150. ¼equasiondinner.rsvpify.com APRIL 18, THURSDAY New Perceptions, Annual Ladies Night Out | 5:30-9 p.m. Receptions Banquet and Conference Center, Erlanger. Pampering services from local salons, spas, jewelers, psychics and more; hors d’oeuvres, desserts, silent auction and raffles. Tickets: $75. ¼newperceptions.networkforgood.com/ events/67347-ladies-night-out

board member, will provide breakfast.

Complimentary parking in on-site garage.

Free admission. ¼chnk.org APRIL 20, SATURDAY Giving Voice Foundation, Mimosas for Memories | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The Cincinnati Club. Bottomless mimosas, brunch by-thebite, silent auction, vendor pop-ups, photo booth and Pappy Van Winkle bourbon raffle.

VIP experience available. $125 general; $170 VIP. ¼givingvoicefdn.org The Nuxhall Foundation, Opening Day Parade | 10 a.m. Sacred Heart Church/ Nuxhall Miracle League Fields. Parade and on-field ceremony. Tickets: Free. ¼nuxhallmiracleleague.org/events APRIL 25, THURSDAY

APRIL 19, FRIDAY Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky, Building Bridges to Better Futures Inaugural Breakfast | 8-9:30 a.m.

MegaCorp Pavilion, Newport. Proceeds benefit Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky.

Jeff Thomas, longtime supporter and CHNK

The Nuxhall Foundation, Leading Ladies Night Out | 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Topgolf, West Chester. Dinner, drinks, gameplay, silent auction, live auction and celebrity appearances. Tickets: $150; $900 for bay of six attendees. ¼nuxhallmiracleleague.org/ladiesnight

Cincinna� Art Club honors Art for a Life�me award recipients On May 9th the Cincinnati Art Club will honor two past presidents, Roger Heuck (1995-1998) and Kay Worz (2008-2010). They have devoted decades to visual art by creating, collecting, teaching, administrating, and promoting art in the community, and we are delighted to pay tribute and celebrate their achievements.

The Cincinnati Art Club was established in 1890. This heritage and progress are testament to our involvement in, and appreciation for, fine arts across the region. The celebration continues with a historic exhibition of our past presidents works and other significant Cincinnati artists from the past 133 years. Our founders were some of the foremost artists of their day. The first president was John Rettig, followed

by Henry Farny and two years later Frank Duveneck. Each generation has produced important artists of their time.

The Cincinnati Art Galleries, 225 E. 6th Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, will host the evening festivities and exhibition. The exhibition will be on

view at the Cincinnati Art Galleries until late June.

The May 9th celebration will be a true salute to artistic achievement with specialty drinks, DelightMore Catering, Chef Richard’s Desserts, music, and raffle baskets to enjoy. Eight carefully chosen Cincinnati Art Club artists who have also dedicated their lives to art and continue to inspire with their creations will have their work auctioned to the highest bidder. (Artists: Brian Burt, Ursula Brenner, Ray Hassard, MaryBeth Karaus, Gail Morrison, David Mueller, Tom Post, and Jens Rosenkrantz, Jr.) For more information about the event contact: https://cincinnatiartclub.org/artfor-a-lifetime

Brian Burt

Jens Rosenkrantz, Jr.

Roger Heuck

Kay Worz

Gail Morrison

David Mueller

Movers & Makers

APRIL 2024

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DATEBOOK APRIL 26, FRIDAY

MAY 2, THURSDAY

Camp Joy, Dance for Joy 2024 | Music Hall, from 6-10pm. Happy hour, dinner, dancing, silent auction, live music by Johnny Clueless. Emcee: WCPO 9’s Steve Raleigh.

Tickets: $175; table of 10: $1,750. ¼event.gives/danceforjoy2024

Green Umbrella, Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit | 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Duke Energy Convention Center. Keynote: Jacqueline Patterson, founder and executive director of Chisholm Legacy Project. Speakers, exhibitor expo, art show, breakfast, lunch and networking reception. Tickets: $175. ¼midwestsustainabilitysummit.org

Leadership Council for Nonprofits, Securing the Future Conference | 7:30 a.m. Cintas Center. Half-day nonprofit conference with workshops and networking. Keynote: Kishshana Palmer, international speaker, trainer and coach. Tickets: $75-100. Sponsorships from $1,500. ¼leadershipcouncil.us

MAY 3-5, FRIDAY-SUNDAY Flying Pig Marathon | Races of varying lengths for all, culminating in full marathon.

Proceeds benefit multiple charities. ¼flyingpigmarathon.com

APRIL 27, SATURDAY

MAY 5, SUNDAY

DePaul Cristo Rey High School, Rey of Light Scholarship Benefit | DePaul Cristo Rey High School. Chairs: Lisa Ciccia and Tammy Silvestri. Cocktail hour, dinner, raffles, silent auction and live auction. ¼depaulcristorey.org/support/rey-of-light

Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly, Carryout Italian Dinner and Open House | 3-6 p.m. 5530 Colerain Ave. Learn more about LBFE, meet team and support by purchasing dinner. ¼littlebrotherscincinnati.org

Dragonfly Foundation, Grand Gala | 6-11 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. Dinner, music, entertainment, open bar, silent auction and grand raffle. Black tie optional. Tickets: $200. Sponsorship opportunities available. ¼dragonfly.org/gala

MAY 7, TUESDAY

Montgomery Woman’s Club, Luncheon & Fashion Show | 10:15 a.m.

Manor House, Mason. Fashions by Chico’sKenwood. Theme: Kentucky Derby. Raffles, silent auction and derby hat contest.

Proceeds benefit Girls on the Run Greater Cincinnati. Tickets: $45; after April 1: $50. ¼presmontgomerywomansclub@gmail.com P.E.T.A.L.S Incorporation, Nonprofit Masterclass | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cintas Center. Tools, resources and education for nonprofit leaders. Keynote: Rosemary Oglesby-Henry. Tickets: $299; after March 31: $350. ¼thepetalsincorporation.com Purcell Marian High School, Grand Event: Revelry in Red | Purcell Marian High School. Seated dinner, open bar, silent auction, Praestan Award presentation, raffles and live auction. Cocktail attire, “best red” requested. Tickets: $160. ¼purcellmarian.org SPCA Cincinnati, Fur Ball Gala | 6 p.m. Sharonville Convention Center.

Cocktails, silent auction, raffles, dinner and program. Tickets: $350. ¼e.givesmart.com/events/xJx

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APRIL 2024

Movers & Makers

Jaqueline Patterson will be keynote speaker for Green Umbrella’s 12th annual Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit on May 2.

Assistance League, Books & Brunch Event | 10:30 a.m. Kenwood Country Club. Local authors: Jenn Bishop, Rick Pender, Loren Long and Heather Webber. Brunch, silent auction, raffle, lottery tree and wine pull. Tickets: $95. ¼assistanceleaguecincinnati.org

St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati will honor Joann Hubert and the late Ed Hubert at its annual Celebration of Service on May 9 at Hotel Covington.

MAY 8, WEDNESDAY Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Partners in Action Luncheon | Noon-1 p.m. Cintas Center. Lunch and learn about Sisters and their work. Tickets free; donations accepted. ¼sndohio.org YWCA Greater Cincinnati, Annual Career Women of Achievement Luncheon | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Hard Rock Casino. Keynote: Yvette Simpson. Lunch, networking and afterparty. Awardees: Tracey Artis, Bridgit Chayt, Chara Fisher Jackson, Christie Kuhns, Kimm M. Lauterbach, Jill Miller, Alicia Reece, Kristen Schlotman, Alicia Townsend and Kelly Wittich.

Tickets: $125. ¼ywcacareerwomen.org MAY 9, THURSDAY Cincinnati Art Club, Art for a Lifetime | 6-9 p.m. Honoring past presidents Roger Heuck and Kay Worz. Food by-the-bite, special drinks, music, raffle baskets and Live Art Auction of paintings and photography by CAC artists.

Tickets: $150. ¼cincinnatiartclub.org/art-for-a-lifetime

Deni Tato and Rico Grant chair the inaugural Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati “Project Role Model” fashion show May 10 at the Hilton Netherland Plaza.

DATEBOOK MAY 9, THURSDAY (CONT.)

MAY 14, TUESDAY

MAY 16, THURSDAY

St. Vincent de Paul, Celebration of Service| 6 p.m.

Hotel Covington. Honoring Joann Hubert and late Ed Hubert. Tickets: $175. ¼svdpcincinnati.org

Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, Fore Youth Golf Outing | Vineyard Golf Course. Morning and afternoon rounds, contest holes, raffles, split-the-pot, swag bags, lunch and dinner followed by celebrity sports Q&A session. ¼cycyouth.org/golfouting

Alzheimer’s Association, An Era of Hope Gala | 5:30-9:30 p.m. Music Hall.

Courage and Hope Award recipient Bob McEwan. Gatsby-themed with cocktail reception, bourbon pull, wine ring toss, raffle, auction and dinner. Tickets start at $300. ¼alzgala24.givesmart.com

MAY 10, FRIDAY Big Brothers Big Sisters, Project Role Model | 6 p.m.

Hilton Netherland Plaza. Honorary event chairs Deni Tato and Rico Grant, VIP happy hour, fashion show, food, specialty drinks, silent auction, designer handbag raffles, take-home goody bag and photo opportunities. Tickets: $125. ¼e.givesmart.com/events/AS7 MAY 11, SATURDAY Young Professionals Choral Collective, Pure Imagination Gala | Cincinnati Masonic Center.

Headlined by John Morris Russell. ¼ypccsing.org

MAY 15, WEDNESDAY Adopt A Class, Celebration Breakfast | 8-10 a.m. Duke Energy Convention Center.

Keynote: Cincinnati City Manager Sheryl Long. End-of-year celebration breakfast.

Tickets: $40. ¼aacmentors.org Design Lab, Dine with Design | 4 p.m. Gallery Building, Newport on the Levee. Awards celebration, walking tour to local restaurants with light bites and drinks.

Tickets: $350/single ticket; $600/two tickets. ¼designlearnandbuild.org OTR Chamber of Commerce, OTR Awards | 5-8 p.m. Woodward Theater.

Awards honoring top performers in OTR business community. Tickets: $55. ¼otrchamber.chambermaster.com

Hearing Speech + Deaf Center, Service Award Gala | 6-9 p.m. Bell Event Centre. Honoring Dr. Roy M. Kulick, with recognition of Shining Star Isaiah Williams. Open bar, dinner, awards, auction and complimentary valet parking.

Tickets: $150. ¼hearingspeechdeaf.org MAY 17, FRIDAY Cancer Support Community, Par-tee for Hope | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Topgolf West Chester. Gameplay, food, drinks, contests and prizes. ¼mycancersupportcommunity.org Easterseals Redwood, Annual Express Fundraiser | 6-10:30 p.m.

Turfway Park Racing & Gaming. Live

entertainment, food stations, open bar, live and silent auctions and raffle.

Tickets: $125. ¼secure.qgiv.com/event/express2024 MAY 18, SATURDAY ChangingGears, Grand Prix Fundraiser | 6-10 p.m. Hanger 2, Lunken Airport. Pedal kart, relay race tournament on indoor track and obstacles. Tickets: spectators $40; teams $300. ¼changing-gears.org/grand-prix Design Lab, Awards Ceremony and Exhibit Reception | 10 a.m. Gallery Building, Newport on the Levee. Student presentations and awards celebration.

Free admission. ¼designlearnandbuild.org/design-lab Cincinnati Jazz Hall of Fame, 10th Induction Class Ceremony | 3 p.m.

Mayerson JCC. Honoring 10th induction class, music by Steve Schmidt Trio with Michael Sharfe and Mark Wolfley and special tribute to Herb Aronoff.

Tickets: $25 online; $30 at door, day-of.

Students: $10. ¼cincyjazzhof.org

Friday, April 26, 2024 Cintas Center half-day morning conference for nonprofit leaders featuring keynote, workshops, and networking details and registration: https://bit.ly/Secure2024 Keynote speaker Kishshana Palmer, speaker, trainer, and coach with experience in fundraising, marketing, and talent management, helps leaders create high performing teams.

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DATEBOOK MAY 19, SUNDAY

JUNE 2, SUNDAY

Lindner Center of HOPE, Community Education Day | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Manor House, Mason. Half-day workshop and breakout sessions to acknowledge May Mental Health Month to enhance awareness of mental health and wellness.

Keynote: Brandon Saho. ¼lindnercenterofhope.org

Holocaust & Humanity Center, 2024 Cincinnati Upstander Awards | 6-10 p.m. Union Terminal. Threecourse meal, live music, art and awards ceremony. Tickets: $100. ¼holocaustandhumanity.org

MAY 20, MONDAY

Stepping Stones, Golf Classic | O’Bannon Creek Golf Club. Golf, food, drinks and raffles. Tickets: $250. ¼steppingstonesohio.org/golf-classic

Bayley, Golf Classic | 9:30 a.m.

Western Hills Country Club. Afternoon of golf honoring Adrienne Walsh, retiring CEO and president. ¼bayleylife.org JUNE 1, SATURDAY Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, Take Steps Charity Walk | 10 a.m. T.M. Berry International Friendship Park. Dedication ribbon ceremony and 2-mile walk route. ¼takesteps.crohnscolitisfoundation.org

JUNE 3, MONDAY

JUNE 8, SATURDAY Cancer Support Community, Backyard Bash: Blue Ash | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. CSC, Blue Ash. Free family-friendly event including firetruck, attractions, games, crafts, entertainment, food, drinks and giveaways. ¼mycancersupportcommunity.org 46th Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance, Countryside Tour | Noon. Mariemont Square. Scenic tour of region and viewing of private car

collections. Benefits juvenile arthritis. $50 per car; student drivers: $15. ¼ohioconcours.com 46th Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance, Hangar Party | 5-9 p.m. Executive Jet Management, Lunken Airport. Red carpet greeting, gourmet dinner by-the-bite and silent auction. Peruse exotic cars, motorcycles and private jets. Benefits juvenile arthritis. Tickets: $150. ¼ohioconcours.com JUNE 9, SUNDAY 46th Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance, Car Show and Brunch | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Ault Park. Exotic cars and motorcycles highlighting milestones of famed Italian marques, Ford Mustang and Auburn/Cord/Duesenberg classics. Plus VIP brunch, craft beer garden and automotive art show.

Benefits juvenile arthritis. Shuttle from Fifth Third Bank operations center in Madisonville. Tickets: $45; students: $15; 12 and under: free. VIP brunch: $60. ¼ohioconcours.com/events/schedule Queen City Charities, Wigs & Waffles | 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Rhinegeist Brewery. Open bar, brunch buffet, drag show and silent auction.

Tickets: $90. ¼queencitycharities.com JUNE 21, FRIDAY Cincinnati Zoo, Zoo La La | 7:30-11 p.m. Age 21+ event. Food sampling from local restaurants and variety of signature cocktails and libations, up-close animal encounters, live entertainment, carousel and train rides and games. Tickets: $125; early entry: $175. ¼cincinnatizoo.org/events JUNE 30, SUNDAY Holocaust & Humanity Center, Upstander 5K and Family Day & Volunteer Expo | 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Live music, family activities, breakfast, FC Cincinnati activations and pick-up pickleball tournament. Registration: $35. ¼holocaustandhumanity.org The Nuxhall Foundation, Annual Cruise In For Kids Car Show | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, Fairfield. Car, truck and bike show with awards, concessions, food

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trucks, raffle, door prizes, mini-golf and live music from Fifth Crow. Tickets: free; $20/vehicle in show. ¼nuxhallmiracleleague.org/carshow JULY 18, THURSDAY Cincinnati Opera, To Sir, With Love | 6-9 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom.

VIP pre-performance cocktail, opening night performance of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio and post-show party.

Black-tie optional. Tickets start at $500. ¼cincinnatiopera.org/to-sir-with-love JULY 27, SATURDAY Cancer Support Community, Backyard Bash & Car Show: Eastgate | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Eastgate, location TBA. Free family-friendly event including car show, games, crafts, entertainment, food, drinks and giveaways. ¼mycancersupportcommunity.org The Nuxhall Foundation, The Nuxy Bash | 7 p.m. Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, Fairfield. Celebrity softball game, concessions and fireworks show. Free. ¼nuxhallmiracleleague.org/events 

More Datebook at MoversMakers.org Make sure your fundraiser or community event is listed at moversmakers.org/datebook Listings are free.* Send event details and print-quality photos of honorees, chairs or speakers to: editor@moversmakers.org

Stand out Consider advertising.

Contact Thom Mariner: tmariner@moversmakers.org for digital and print options. *See Page 4 for print deadlines.

Events must meet our editorial standards. Print content is chosen at the discretion of editorial staff and featured as space allows.

Gifts & Grants The Center for Addiction Treatment was one of five Cincinnati-area organizations awarded state funds to help local survivors of human trafficking.

Brighton Center CEO Wonda Winkler and her team are working with Easterseals Redwood on a medical child care program in Northern Kentucky.

United Colored American Cemetery wins $750K from National Park Service A federal grant worth $750,000 is going toward the preservation of a historic African American cemetery in Cincinnati viewed as symbolic of the longstanding fight for equal rights.

The National Park Service awarded the funds to The United Colored American Cemetery in Madisonville through the Historic Preservation Fund’s History of Equal Rights grant program.

This year, grants went to sites significant to the equal rights of women, laborers, Hispanics, African Americans and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

The United Colored Cemetery is one of the oldest African American burial grounds in Ohio.

The dedication of its current site on Duck Creek Road took place in 1883. However, it includes many graves moved from an earlier cemetery in Avondale that closed to make way for white development, per the Park Service.

With these grant dollars, Union Baptist Church, which maintains the property, is planning structural repairs to the burial vaults, monument cleaning and repair. They’ll also make security enhancements and improve accessibility.

The Park Service awarded $5 million to eight projects across six states during this grant cycle.  union-baptist.net/about-us/our-history/ united-american-cemetery

State awards $753K in local grants to aid trafficking survivors Five Cincinnati-area nonprofits received more than $753,000 from the state of Ohio to support local survivors of human trafficking.

Awards went to the Ohio Justice and Policy Center ($200,000), Center for Addiction Treatment ($198,037), Cincinnati Union Bethel ($182,040), The Salvation Army ($100,000) and BLOC Ministries Inc. ($73,050).

Funding came from Ohio’s new Direct Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Grant Program. Launched in September by Gov. Mike DeWine, the initiative seeks to provide enhanced assistance and services to what the state called a “growing number of sex and labor trafficking victims in need of support.”

Thirty organizations across 14 counties received more than $4.6 million during the initial round of funding for this cycle.  ovc.ojp.gov/program/ human-trafficking/grants-funding

Durr Foundation helps establish medical child care plan in NKY A grant from The R.C. Durr Foundation will help support young children with special medical needs in Northern Kentucky.

Brighton Center plans to use the funding to create a Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care service program at Early Scholars Child Development Center in Newport. The project is a partnership with Easterseals Redwood.

PPEC, also known as medical child care, offers specialized nursing services for children with complex medical needs requiring more attention and support than a traditional classroom can provide.

With the grant, Brighton Center can provide additional support to children from 6 months to 5 years old. That covers the cost of a child’s medical care, social and developmental needs and pre-kindergarten education. PPEC participants will be in classrooms alongside other Early Scholars students.

Some families may qualify for no-cost services.

Officials didn’t release the value of the grant.  durrfoundation.com

Dater Foundation gives $25K to North Fairmount Community Center The Charles H. Dater Foundation provided a $25,000 grant to the North Fairmount Community Center for the organization’s afterschool enrichment initiatives.

This program helps neighborhood children through hands-on projects, homework support and physical activities to broaden their horizons and inspire them to question and explore.

Founded in 1980, NFCC offers programs including educational opportunities for young people and adults, quality affordable housing and a free store for residents of Fairmount.  nfcommunitycenter.org

ArtsWave commits $326K to 49 community projects ArtsWave awarded $326,690 to 49 organizations working to create or expand projects – from youth art programs to the Cindependent Film Festival – across Greater Cincinnati.

The grants are part of ArtsWave’s Catalyzing Impact program, which aims to encourage a breadth of programming through arts and cultural heritage projects.

Grant values range from $1,700 to $10,000, covering up to 50% of the total expenses for the proposed project.

Descriptions of the projects awarded are available on the ArtsWave website.

In approving the funding, ArtsWave’s board of directors stated that each project presents an opportunity to help create a more vibrant regional economy and connected community.

This program receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as ArtsWave’s annual fundraising initiative. The 2024 ArtsWave Community Campaign continues through May 23.  artswave.org/give 

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FOCUS ON: Environment & Sustainability At Mount Storm Park: Rhiannon Hoeweler, MadTree Brewing; Jennifer Hafner Spieser, Cincinnati Parks Foundation; Brady Duncan, MadTree Brewing

Cincinnati Parks, MadTree partner for

a greener future O

ne focus of the Green Cincinnati Plan is ensuring there is enough tree canopy cover to help the city prepare for impending climate change.

Research shows that not having enough trees can lead to ailments, such as chronic respiratory conditions. Property can be damaged by extreme heat and flooding from shifts in weather patterns.

And experts believe that lower-income neighborhoods and communities where people of color reside are most vulnerable to becoming “urban heat island neighborhoods,” according to the city’s Office of Environment and Sustainability. In Cincinnati, areas with the least amount of tree canopy cover can get up to 12 degrees warmer in the summer than those with more trees and green spaces.

Cincinnati Parks and its urban forestry team have worked for the past four decades to plant and maintain trees of all sorts and sizes in parks, tree lawns, public spaces and the right-ofway in areas across the city.

But the city department does have limitations. It can’t just go on private property and start planting trees, said Crystal Courtney, who oversees the parks’ division of natural resources.

Trees aren’t cheap, either; trees between 6 and 10 feet can cost up to $200 – and the cost goes up as the size increases, as does the cost of planting. Putting in trees can be cost-prohibitive for cash-strapped homeowners.

Cincinnati Parks, limited by the city budget, doesn’t have the means to buy enough trees by itself either.

That’s where the Cincinnati Parks Foundation and its corporate partner, MadTree Brewing, come in.

For the past four years, MadTree and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation have worked together to promote the ReLeaf program – a 26

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Photo by Helen A dams

By Casey Weldon

tree giveaway open to all Cincinnati residents, with a focus on neighborhoods with the lowest percentage of canopy.

Four decades of green investment Cincinnati has embraced the notion that trees and nature are essential to human life since the creation of its first public greenspace in 1817.

Through the Cincinnati Parks Department, the city has spent two centuries planting trees in parks, on public land and in rights of way across the Queen City.

Since the 1980s, its team of arborists has cared for and managed every tree on public land within city limits. Their work includes not only tree trimming and care but also long-term management plans. City property owners fund the program through a $0.03 per front foot assessment. These funds can be used only to purchase and manage trees within the right-of-way, such as tree lawns and public land.

So the city started the ReLeaf Program in 1988, and it conducts regular analyses to determine tree coverage across Cincinnati.

“We found that only 1% of the entire canopy in the city is actually within the right-of-way, so if we’re going to make a dent and to meet the goals of canopy citywide, then we have to find alternative methods,” Courtney said. “That’s what the ReLeaf program is really about.”

A happy, fruitful accident The fruitful ReLeaf partnership between MadTree and Cincinnati Parks wasn’t so much planned as just kind of happened, said Jennifer Hafner Spieser, president and CEO of Cincinnati Parks Foundation.

For most of ReLeaf’s 35-year history, the foundation partnered with Cincinnati-based

Cinergy and later Duke Energy, which acquired Cinergy in 2005, to cover program costs.

That partnership ended a few years ago – about the same time MadTree began seeking to “establish deeper roots” in the community, said Brady Duncan, a brewery co-founder.

The popular beer maker opened its anchor space in Cincinnati’s Oakley neighborhood in 2013. In those early years, MadTree focused on making a quality product and just kind of “holding on for dear life,” Duncan said.

As the brewery started to find its place in the craft brew world, Duncan and fellow founder Kenny McNutt voiced a desire to “get back to their origins” and give back to Cincinnati.

The Queen City transplants looked at their old business plan’s vision for investing in local neighborhoods, Duncan said. He described that moment as a “double-down” on what they wanted to be as a company.

“There’s a reason we put our beer in cans; it’s better for the environment. There’s a reason we call ourselves MadTree,” Duncan said. “We want to be rooted in the community and want to be a part of taking care of the Earth.”

Corporate philanthropy matters MadTree was an early adopter of the 1% for the Planet campaign, led by companies of all sizes committing 1% of their gross sales to local nonprofits, especially those focused on sustainability.

The initiative has raised tens of millions of dollars for nonprofits around the world.

MadTree has a goal of raising $5 million for that cause.

At first, Duncan said, his team focused on making “little splashes wherever we could” as opposed to “really saying this is what we’re going to get behind.”

FOCUS ON: Environment & Sustainability One of those splashes was its investment in the Arbor Day Foundation, a national nonprofit focused on planting trees. It’s a great organization, Duncan said, but it didn’t really help them make the type of local impact they’d envisioned.

That approach started to change in 2019 after a chance encounter between Parks and MadTree, Hafner Spieser said.

MadTree was working to make improvements at Mount Storm Park, a site where Cincinnati Parks already planned to plant trees as part of its revitalization plan.

“They thought, ‘Wait a minute, we can just partner directly,’ ” Hafner Spieser recalled.

Since 2020, the Parks Foundation has received more than $208,000 from MadTree through donations and in-kind support. The brewery’s staff, who receive paid time off to volunteer, have also taken part in “all-hands” plantings and beautification projects, adding more than 100 trees in Mount Storm, Ezzard Charles Park in the West End and throughout the Lower Price Hill and Bond Hill neighborhoods.

An estimated record 200 MadTree employees will take part in a planting in Avondale on Oct. 29.

MadTree recently received B

Corp Credentials for its commitment to social and environmental initiatives.

A growing canopy The Green Cincinnati Plan sets standards for tree canopy coverage in select areas. Within most residential areas the goal is 40%, downtown is 10% and industrial or mixed-use areas are 25%.

Overall, Cincinnati is at 43% coverage, above the desired 40% threshold. But that figure is misleading: “It’s easy to forest a park,” Courtney said. In the neighborhoods, it’s far more difficult.

About 20 city neighborhoods don’t meet the canopy goals. That includes the Oakley neighborhood MadTree calls home.

Cincinnati Parks accepts tree-planting applications from residents and businesses in those sub-40% areas before opening the process to the rest of the city.

“That’s really where we’re focusing our efforts,” Courtney said.

The parks team works with Green Umbrella and the Groundwork Ohio River Valley through the Climate Safe Neighborhoods project, which explores the relationship between historical race-based housing segregation and the impacts of climate change in 13 metropolitan areas, including Cincinnati.

“It can’t just all be about us,”

Hafner Spieser said. “We have to work with everybody else who’s involved in these communities – from neighborhood councils to businesses to key community members who can outline what needs to be done and what fits the look and feel of the community.”

Groundwork ORV taps community leaders like Margaux Roberts as organizers, who go door-to-door and host events to get people involved in the process. “To be a part of a movement that is manifesting greatness for my neighborhood and city is a true game changer,” said Roberts of Bond Hill, one of the targeted neighborhoods.

“I’m surrounded by environmental superheroes … on a daily basis,” she said.

October is ReLeaf month Oct. 10: MadTree hosts an Ascending Women panel discussion focused on the healing power of trees and plants.

Oct. 16: For ReLeaf’s annual “Night in the Trees,” 1,000 trees in the beer garden are lit up and a band performs.

ReLeaf participants in attendance can pick up their new trees that evening.

Oct. 19: Residents who applied for ReLeaf trees can pick them up at the brewery.

series of events, similar to other happenings at its Madison Road taproom or Alcove restaurant in Over-the-Rhine.“This is just one of the many ways MadTree is working to make Cincinnati a better community today and into the future,” added Hoeweler, who co-chaired the Parks Foundation’s Hats Off Luncheon last year.

Courtney and the project’s collaborators expect 2024 to be the biggest ReLeaf yet.

“It just keeps building,” she added. “There’s so much good work in the pipeline, so just keep an eye out for things to come.”   cincinnatiparksfoundation.org  madtree.com

Blooming bigger every year ReLeaf has planted more than 25,000 trees at schools, businesses and residences across Cincinnati – and the program is getting bigger.

It has taken on a new energy in recent years, Courtney said, at least partially from the brewery adding a “cool factor.”

Over the past four years, ReLeaf has led to the planting of 4,550 new trees, increasing the city’s total canopy by 5%.

Rhiannon Hoeweler, MadTree’s vice president of experience & impact, noted that the brewery turned ReLeaf into a monthlong

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FOCUS ON: Notables

The Notables Movers & Makers asked organizations involved in environment and sustainability to introduce their notables to our readers, part of a regular feature highlighting people making a difference in Greater Cincinnati’s nonprofit community.

As the program officer for Cincinnati Parks Foundation, Colleen O’Connor creates initiatives that help communities connect to their neighborhood parks. O’Connor She constantly explores leen opportunities to harness the power of parks to support the city and its people. Cincinnati Parks Foundation created obLITTERators, a volunteer litter removal group, to help support the Cincinnati Parks team. Under O’Connor’s leadership, volunteers meet monthly in parks throughout the city to pick up litter. Thanks to a grant from the Ohio EPA and a partnership with the Clean Up Collective, she expanded the group’s impact. In 2023, the volunteers removed over 33 tons of litter from Cincinnati Parks. O’Connor works with community groups that want to remove litter alone or host their litter pickups. A busy mother of four, O’Connor is dedicated to giving back to the community. It’s not unusual to find her entire family at an obLITTERators event. 

Erik Hyden, food donor manager at Last Mile Food Rescue, is a Cincinnati-born-andraised food enthusiast. Last Mile Food Rescue is the area’s largest perishn yd e able-food rescue orgakH nization dedicated to ending food waste and hunger. Since joining Last Mile in October 2022, Hyden has been instrumental in expanding the network of food donors. Through his efforts, Last Mile diverted 3.2 million pounds of food from landfills in 2023. This equates to 2.7 million meals for the food insecure. Prior to Last Mile, Hyden spent over 20 years as an executive chef, most recently at McCormick & Schmick’s. Fine dining is where he developed a passion for bringing wholesome and delicious food to the people of Cincinnati. As an early figure in the area’s farm-to-table movement, he gained a sense of how communities can improve their food security. Hyden leverages his extensive experience and connections to tackle food insecurity and waste. 

David Rich has spent the better part of his 40-year professional life in construction, and his later years with Building Value, a social enterprise offerR ic h ing deconstruction, v id demolition and hardscaping services, reusing and recycling materials. Rich’s father introduced the concept of interlocking concrete pavers to the United States 50 years ago, and Rich and his brothers all started in the installation business, learning – literally – from the ground up. In 1982, he joined Reading Rock as a hardscape specialist before starting Cincinnati’s first microbrewery, The Barrelhouse, in 1993. He returned to Reading Rock in commercial sales before becoming director at Building Value, attracted to its mission of sustainability in construction. Rich will retire this month after 10 years of giving materials second and third chances, and of training people to be conscious of waste and how to create less of it. 

Michele Gottschlich connects people to recovering Mill Creek

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Michele Gottschlich works to connect communities to the Mill Creek and beyond as board chair of the Mill Creek Alliance and leader of the grassroots Connecting Active Communities Coalition. Gottschlich enjoys building partnerships with many jurisdictions and regional organizations – such as Tri-State Trails, Great Parks and Hamilton County Planning + Development – to catalyze smart, sustainable and equitable strategies (recreation, community health, nature restoration and active transportation). Once a symbol of industrial harm, the Mill Creek is a comeback story. The water is now safe for canoeing and fishing, and the stream has much potential.

Gottschlich organizes an annual Canoes & Conversations event that brings elected officials, planners and community champions to the creek. In her free time, Gottschlich bakes cookies and frequents parks and trails with her three children and two dogs.  28

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Melinda Voss instills wonder, then action, for environment

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David Rich’s construction career features reuse and sustainability

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Erik Hyden decreases hunger by saving food from being wasted

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Colleen O’Connor connects people to parks with litter removal events

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Since joining Ohio River Foundation in 2023 as education programs manager, Melinda Voss has already made her mark on watershed education. An experienced environmental educational leader, she works to develop the next generation of environmental stewards in Greater Cincinnati and beyond by instilling a sense of wonder and empathy for nature, then imparting knowledge and inspiring action. Voss manages efforts to engage students and teachers in ORF’s innovative, hands-on, STEM-based education programs including River Explorer, Mussels in the Classroom and ORF’s summer conservation course. In 2023, under Voss’ leadership, ORF education programming reached more than 5,000 students in four cities across 56 schools. Voss and her family live on the West Side of Cincinnati on their fourth-generation, regenerative farm. In her free time, she loves spending time in the fields, woods and streams with her two children, as well as gardening and riding horses. 

FOCUS ON: Notables

Andy Dickerson leads Cardinal to front of conservation work

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on

ke r s Andy Dickerson is D ic y d executive director of Cardinal Land Conservancy.

Cardinal has grown from one employee and 1,500 acres protected to eight employees and 10,000 acres protected. His goal is to keep Cardinal on the “flaming front” of conservation by protecting key ecological targets as well as supporting passive recreation.

Empowering staff to grow personally and professionally while developing them into leaders is paramount to Cardinal’s success. Pollinatorfriendly pastures, carbon offsets and helping lead the regional Greenspace Alliance are important to Dickerson. Cardinal’s new offices in Loveland will help folks learn about some of the best ecological restoration techniques while working with health care professionals to use nature as a treatment for common mental-health disorders. In his free time, Dickerson likes to travel, hike, hunt, fish or do math (He loves statistics!). 

y Jeff Corney is roundrne Co ing out his fifth year as executive director of Cincinnati Nature Center. He knows that this place and its people are the crown jewel of a career in conservation and education spanning three decades and six states. Corney said he is proud of CNC’s remarkable growth, and what he senses is an invigorated determination among staff and volunteers to inspire conservation.

He finds it gratifying to see more people getting outdoors to hike, learn about nature and take actions to help the environment.

With a background in natural resources from Ohio State, Corney is particularly proud of CNC’s thriving native plant and landscape restoration programs, and its renewed focus on conservation research and community action initiatives. Corney and his wife are avid foodies, using date nights to explore local restaurants. On weekends, Corney and family are often right back at CNC hiking. 

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le Mary Dudley is ecolD ud ry ogy education manager for the Civic Garden Center. She facilitates environmental education programming for teens and adults and supports team members engaging with native and edible plant propagation, middle and high school field studies and habitat restoration. Dudley is a passionate educator whose career has taken her from Cincinnati to Seattle to Boulder, Colo., to Coral Gables, Fla. and back.

She believes that everyone benefits from learning environments in and inspired by the natural world, and she strives to bring environmental education to students of all ages. Prior to rejoining the CGC team, Dudley worked as the agriculture education teacher at James N. Gamble Montessori High School in the Cincinnati Public School district for five years. She has two children, ages 7 and 5, and her family has lived in Westwood for nine years. Dudley enjoys cooking meals from garden-fresh produce and looking for beautiful wildflowers in Mount Airy Forest. 

Jeff Corney’s career brought him to leadership of nature center

An

Mary Dudley brings students into the world of nature

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FOCUS ON: Notables

Joanne Gerson believes that all faith traditions share a common goal of caring for the planet. This is what sparked her to create Faith Communities Go Green, a collaboration with Green Umbrella, Greater Cincinnati’s regional climate collaborative, and interfaith organization EquaSion. By integrating care for the world through religious goups, Faith Communities Go Green works to reduce the risk of catastrophic climate change. One project, the Energy Efficiency initiative, is working with 52 local faith communities to reduce their carbon footprints. Gerson served as Montgomery planning commissioner, program committee chair for Hamilton County Regional Planning Partnership and on Green Umbrella’s Watershed Task Force. After successfully founding Shomrei Olam, a local Jewish environmental organization, she decided to broaden the reach and created Faith Communities Go Green. erson eG She is humbled by the nn energy and passion of her team. She and her husband spend their summers hiking in the nation’s parks. 

Kari Horn, natural resource manager for Great Parks, brings over two decades of experience and a strong academic background in biology to her role. She has led significant projects such as the Natural Resources Management Plan and partnership development with organizations like Groundwork Ohio River Valley’s Green Team. Horn oversees a team of natural resource experts who focus on research, water quality improvement, natural area restoration and much more. Her contributions, including the Shaker Trace Seed Nursery Project, introduce innovative methods to protect critical natural resources. She also oversees monitoring for wetland delineation, reptile and amphibian surveys, and vegetation assessments, leaving a lasting impact on regional ecosystems. Horn’s commitment to conservation and transformative leadership positions her as a valuable asset to regional conservation work. When she’s not working, Horn loves planning orn adventures and exploring ri H local parks with her son and daughter. Horn lived in France for two years and is a terrible but enthusiastic juggler. 

Mallory Geresy is the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s net-zero project manager. The zoo’s goal is to be zero-waste (diverting 90% or more of waste from the landfill) by 2025. The zoo diverted about 300 tons of waste in 2023. It implemented a centralized collection space for hard-torecycle items like batteries and plastic film, used an aerobic digester for pre-consumer food waste recycling, began working with a farmer to compost elephant waste, and worked to make all ticketed zoo events zero-waste. These successes are thanks to cross-departmental collaboration and partnerships with Last Mile Food Rescue, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Corrections and the Ohio Penal Institute.

Geresy is from Cincinnati and loves all things outdoors (hiking, climbing, camping, etc.). Her favorite exotic animal is the giraffe. The most notable re sy y Ge thing she’s found in ll or the trash during a waste audit is a $25 Panera gift card. 

Bill Gupton created Heritage Acres as site dedicated to natural burial

Margaux Roberts works for climate and for epilepsy awareness

Courtney Reitman-Deinlein enthusiastic about KCB mission

Heritage Acres Memorial Sanctuary is the only natural burial ground in Cincinnati and the Tristate region, dedicated exclusively to natural (“green”) burial. Bill Gupton is its founder, past president and current manager.

He first envisioned this nonprofit enterprise more than a decade ago, and through tenacious fundraising and extensive research – with the help of the organization’s Founders Circle and countless volunteers – brought Heritage Acres to fruition in 2020. Nearly 80 people have been laid to rest at Heritage Acres, which also is an arboretum, education center and nature preserve. Gupton lives on the East Side with his n wife Jennifer and son pto Gu Patrick. They enjoy stewarding the land, which also yields treats like maple syrup and blackberry jam. 

Margaux Roberts is leading the way for health, equity and justice in her community.

She is a community organizer with Groundwork Ohio River Valley, epilepsy awareness advocate, CEO of On the Gaux Enrichment and a passionate Bond Hill resident and mom. She demonstrates leadership by working with her community toward climate-resilient solutions through education and planning. She has presented at various conferences and served as an equity liaison to the Green Cincinnati Plan. As an environmental justice leader, she is an inspiration to youth and her community to strive for action, get dirty and create lasting relationships. Roberts’ favorite ob er ts thing to do is raising her ux R ga r son to be the next environmental superhero like his mom, plus she enjoys singing, going on walks and spending time with family. 

Courtney Reitman-Deinlein is board president of Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, responsible for the strategic direction of the organization, along with the 20 members of the board. She recently forged her own path by starting CRD Family Wealth Advisors LLC after a long and distinguished career in the private wealth tax group of Deloitte. She has served on the board of Keep Cincinnati Beautiful since 2019 and became president at the end of 2023. The organization values ReitmanDeinlein’s enthusiasm for its mission and her attention to detail. Reitman-Deinlein’s favorite things to do when e i t m a n - D e i nl e she is not working are in ey R r tn u cooking and gardening. She has also restored a vintage Trans Am among other interesting hobbies. 

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Mallory Geresy leads zoo in progress toward zero waste

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Kari Horn brings innovation to protecting resources

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Joanne Gerson unites faiths to take care of the Earth

FOCUS ON: Notables

A passion for workng You ing with kids and ig e a desire to give back brought Paige Young to Adventure Crew as a volunteer in 2016. She soon joined its part-time staff, eventually becoming co-director of programming alongside Clint Victor. Today, his title is “Paige’s husband,” while Young took on the programming director role full time in 2021. She has worked diligently to expand the quality and quantity of adventures and the number of teens served.

Those who’ve seen Young fulfilling Adventure Crew’s mission – connecting city teens with nature and each other through outdoor adventures – might not believe she wasn’t always outdoorsy. Adventure Crew fostered her love of outdoor activities, particularly kayaking and snowboarding. In her free time, she and her husband visit as many national parks as they can. The Loveland home they share with their three cats has kayak access to the Little Miami River. 

Greg Larison is a ison L ar long-time board eg member and board chair of The Boone Conservancy, a nonprofit land trust dedicated to land conservation in Northern Kentucky.

As an outdoor enthusiast and vice president of surveying at Viox & Viox, Larison uses his extensive knowledge of the area’s land and its history to further the mission of the conservancy. A native of Northern Kentucky, Larison has decades of experience in land surveying, records research and survey calculations. He channels his many talents to assist the conservancy, helping to preserve the region’s natural lands. Larison’s favorite things to do when he’s not working are traveling to national parks, hiking, camping, backpacking and working on his small farm. He is researching original Virginia and Kentucky land grants prior to and immediately after the Revolutionary War and soon after Kentucky statehood. 

Brad Hughes is h es Hug known for foundad ing Artichoke, a “curated cookware collection” store in Over-the-Rhine.

He’s also known for hopping in the co-mix recycling dumpster at Findlay Market and sorting out the trash. These days, he’s dumpster diving less, but that’s the only change in his sustainable lifestyle. He grew up in a household in which sorting the trash and composting food scraps were important, and he has maintained those habits.

He diverts his food scraps from the landfill through the Residential Composting Program at Findlay Market. He considers reusability when he buys: Can this packaging be reused or repurposed? Is it recyclable? And for things that can’t be repurposed, there’s the Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub. He and his wife Karen built Artichoke on a foundation of sustainability. In fact, 1824 Elm St. was the first LEED Gold Certified building in OTR. 

Tricia Watts leads WAVE Foundation into education center at the Levee

Felix Marisa Head raises visibility of local permaculture programs

Colleen McSwiggin’s ‘reuse’ idea saves hard-to-recycle items

Tricia Watts is the ts Wa t fearless, kind and cia ambitious executive director of WAVE Foundation. Her years of experience in the nonprofit world have brought much-needed guidance to WAVE since joining in 2021. Watts’ love of nature is felt in everything she does – you can catch her meandering through the woods and listening to jam bands at outdoor venues in her free time. One of her most incredible achievements is the creation of the WAVE Center for Conservation Education, coming to Newport on the Levee later this year.

She’s spent countless hours working with the board of directors, applying for grants and meeting with architects to make this happen. Because of her, WAVE can now host aquatic education programs both in the community and at its own facility. 

Felix Marisa Head is a H ead a ri s marketing direcix M tor of Cincinnati Permaculture Institute. In a few months she raised the public profile of the ecologicaldesign nonprofit: She filled enrollment in design courses, helped sell out the plant nursery, doubled the listserv and increased collaborations. Head is able to speak to diverse individuals who have been brought to permaculture to find solutions for modernworld problems. The ethics and principles are embedded in her DNA, so she is able to use her clever wordsmithing to appeal to homesteaders, native plant enthusiasts, social justice activists and anyone interested in a sustainable, equitable society. Head seeks to weave a web of social unity for a better world. Her genuine walk makes her talk appear effortless. 

Colleen McSwiggin c S w ig gin nM is executive director le e of the Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub. The idea for the hub grew out of her work at Mount St. Joseph University, where she started a Beyond the Bin program to help collect items for nonprofits. She also organized electronics collection events that sent over 300 tons to be recycled over eight years.

It was at one of those events that the idea for the hub was born, as a way to provide centralized sustainability for items that can’t go in curbside recycling but that can have a second life. She’s very proud that the Hub has diverted over 377 tons from the landfill since opening its doors in April 2021. Outside of the Hub, McSwiggin enjoys genealogy research, traveling and singing with the School of Rock adult program. She’s also a skilled trivia player, as she proved on “Jeopardy,” where she was a one-time winner.  l

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At work and home, Brad Hughes is anchored in sustainability

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Greg Larison knows the land to foster Boone Conservancy

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Paige Young leads city teens on adventures in nature

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FOCUS ON: Environment & Sustainability

A groundbreaking took place in February for what will become the biggest solar array at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

Ohio River Sweep events take place every year near select Great Park spaces. There are two such events in 2024.

Cincinnati Zoo to add largest solar panel array yet

Volunteer-led Great Parks event cleans Ohio River

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden held a groundbreaking in February for a 2.8-megawatt solar array above its Euclid Avenue parking lot.

Roughly 5,000 solar panels will provide shade for about 800 parked cars and buses when construction wraps up in May or early June. It will also generate power – and maybe some financial savings – for the zoo and its neighbors.

Mark Fisher, vice president of facilities and sustainability, views the project as crucial to the zoo’s goal of achieving net zero status by 2025. But tapping into solar energy is nothing new for the Avondale institution.

It installed its first array about 18 years ago, a small set of solar panels on the Harold C. Schott Education Center.

Including upcoming projects, the zoo has invested in eight arrays of various sizes, either on its 75-acre compound or other facilities across the region.

In 2011, solar efforts ramped up with the construction of a 1.56-megawatt array in its main parking lot on Vine Street. It remains the largest publicly accessible urban solar array in the country, according to the zoo.

It has helped the zoo operate “off the grid” – meaning it’s not drawing energy from the electrical grid – numerous times over the last decade, Fisher said.

This new array is about the same physical size as the record-setter, but it’ll produce more than twice the output. The energy created compares to that of 16,019 gas-powered cars driven for a year, Fisher said.

Once the new panels are online, two-thirds of the zoo’s electrical needs will come from its parking lots.  cincinnatizoo.org/conservation/ sustainability

Volunteers are gathering along local riverbanks this spring and summer for Great Parks’ Ohio River Sweep cleanups.

The events are a collaboration with the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission, or ORSANCO. The interstate commission represents a group of states and the federal government that work together to keep the river and its banks clear from pollution and other debris.

One of those organizations is Great Parks, which has emphasized conservation since its founding in 1930.

This year, participating agencies are hosting events up and down the river from March to October to assist with pollution mitigation.

Great Parks’ first Ohio River Sweep of 2024 was set for March 23 near Woodland Mound.

The organization plans to hold a second event July 13 at Fernbank Park on the west side of Hamilton County.

Great Parks has about 25 miles of greenspace frontage on the region’s four major rivers – Great Miami, Little Miami, Whitewater and the Ohio. More of the organization’s sites sit on smaller tributaries, such as the Mill Creek.  greatparks.org/get-involved/volunteer

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Beech Acres marks 175 years with tree-planting fundraiser To mark its 175th anniversary, Beech Acres Parenting Center is giving people a unique opportunity to express love for their children and family members through a yearlong treeplanting fundraiser.

Through the Beech Family Tree campaign, donors can purchase a tree and add a personalized plaque in their family’s name or almost any message of up to 145 characters. Thanks to community partnerships, donors can choose

to plant their tree in a variety of local locations – a school, park or even their own backyard.

The goal is to plant 175 trees. Each tree costs $1,250, payable in one lump sum or monthly installments.

Beech Acres is partnering with the nonprofit Taking Root for tree sourcing and planting. There are a variety of species to choose from, but in some instances, the desired location will determine the eligible options.

Beyond being a unique fundraiser, the project aims to add to the vibrancy of the tree canopy in areas all over the city.  beechacres.org/175-tree-planting

Great Parks offers special viewing sites for 2024 total solar eclipse Great Parks will offer special viewing sites for the 2024 total solar eclipse, including Miami Whitewater Forest in northwest Hamilton County.

It’s the only Great Park site in the path of totality, or total blockage of the sun by the moon.

Darkness is expected to arrive at the park at 3:08 p.m. on April 8. Totality will last for one to two minutes.

Great Parks will also welcome guests to two satellite locations – Parky’s Farm and Sharon Woods.

Although those sites won’t be in the path of totality, those who go there should still experience up to 95% blockage.

Miami Whitewater Forest Campground is accepting limited campsite reservations for the eclipse. On the day of the eclipse, Great Parks is bringing animal ambassadors, yard games and science-oriented informational stations to the site.

All three parks will have a limited supply of certified eclipse glasses, available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Interpreters will be present at each site as well.

There is no charge to attend. Food, drinks and merchandise are available for purchase.  greatparks.org/calendar 

Photo by Michelle Peters

FOCUS ON: Environment & Sustainability

Seasonal tulip display at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Zoo’s botanical garden named tops in nation by readers Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden took the top spot in the Best Botanical Garden category in USA TODAY’s 10Best 2024 Readers’ Choice poll. It also earned the number two spot in the 10Best zoo category.

The botanical garden has long been noted for its spectacular seasonal displays, such as the tulip display in April.

Here’s how the poll’s editors put it in announcing the win: “The gardens at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden include a Butterfly Garden with a variety of

Fluidity concert to focus on environmental justice Fluidity, a “creative choral group for a cause,” is hosting an “ecocharged” concert April 13 to create awareness about environmental justice and raise money for a new “green” organization in Cincinnati.

The performance of “Mysterium” at First Lutheran Church in Over-the-Rhine will support Faith Communities Go Green, a collaboration between Green Umbrella and interfaith organization EquaSion.

Fluidity’s performance aims to blend music that reflects themes of interconnectedness, stewardship and hope. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear firsthand from FCGG leaders about their work and learn how to integrate environmental consciousness and action into their daily lives and societal framework. “ ‘Mysterium’ represents an opportunity to unite communities through the universal language of music, while also raising awareness and support for environmental conservation efforts,” said Matthew Moquin-Lee, Fluidity’s artistic director.  fluiditycccc.org

plants, a Dinosaur Garden of ferns and conifers, and an Endangered Species Garden devoted to the propagation and preservation of endangered plants. A spring highlight of the botanical garden is the 100,000-bulb tulip display.”

Nominees for the 10Best Readers’ Choice Award categories are chosen by a panel of experts, then readers choose their favorites over four weeks of voting. The rules allow readers to vote online for one nominee per category per day.  cincinnatizoo.org

Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative selects Cincinnati and 5 others in Ohio Cincinnati is one of five Ohio cities selected to take part in a $200 million initiative to prepare for and adapt to impending climate change.

Bloomberg Philanthropies selected the Queen City and 24 other municipalities across the United States for the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities.

The three-year initiative focuses on leveraging historic levels of federal funding to build lowcarbon, resilient and economically thriving communities.

The project will provide each participating city with support to pursue green solutions in areas such as building and transportation projects. Key areas include green workforce development and readying lower-income neighborhoods and communities of color for climate change.

Cities also will receive guidance from experts like PolicyLink, Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University, and the Natural Resources Defense Council. They’ll also benefit from a dedicated innovation team of experts in areas like data analysis. Cincinnati plans to have its three new staff members work alongside its Office of Environment and Sustainability team to implement the Green Cincinnati Plan.

Bloomberg is providing each participating city with customized policy and technical assistance so they can take advantage of public, private and philanthropic investments and grant funding.  cincinnati-oh.gov/oes

Nonprofit News

Local members of the Pink Boots Society help brew MadTree’s limited-release Women’s History Month beverages.

SVP Cincinnati announces Phase 2 of nonprofit incubator Six regional nonprofits advanced to the second round of an accelerator focused on helping organizations advance their missions through socially minded innovations.

The advancing participants in Social Venture Partners Cincinnati’s Project XLR8 are Bluebird Bus of Hope, Corporation for Findlay Market, Opportunities Peoples Justice Leaders, School Board School, SuperSeeds and The Women’s Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

SVP will provide each member with coaching and guidance. Projects in this class range from a mobile app to help those with food insecurity to a program for teaching life skills to people recently released from prison. They will receive $2,500 in additional funding as well.

At the end of 12 to 16 weeks, SVP partners will select one of the six concepts for a sustained investment of up to $20,000 annually for three years. They’ll also continue to receive strategic support from SVP. Previous Project XLR8 winners include Refugee Connect and Cornerstone Renter Equity. This group came from a field of 11 organizations that participated in the first phase of Project XLR8 in 2023. They ​​ all received $1,000 in seed funding for taking part.  svpcincinnati.org

MadTree creates Frida-inspired drinks for Women’s History Month In honor of Women’s History Month, MadTree Brewing crafted a series of beverages to celebrate iconic artist Frida Kahlo and to support future trailblazers looking for a chance to shine.

The Oakley-based brewery created a limitededition canned cocktail and a specialty beer in honor of Kahlo, a Mexican painter, activist and feminist hero. Frida is a tequila-and-soda drink with prickly pear, lime and jalapeño. The beverage – part of MadTree’s Sway line – is available 34

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in the taproom and local stores. The brewer also has a new IPA, “Flower Crown,” named in honor of the headwear Kahlo is wearing in one of her famous self-portraits. The beer is available at MadTree’s taproom only.

Proceeds from the sale of both beverages go to the local chapter of the Pink Boots Society to assist, inspire and encourage women and non-binary individuals to pursue careers in the fermented/alcoholic beverage industry.

Members of the local Pink Boots have participated in the collaboration brew day for the past six years. For the past two years, the group paid particular attention to the design and manufacturing of Sway cocktails.

Money raised through the sale of these beverages go back to the Cincinnati chapter of Pink Boots. The group supports Pink Boots members across the region through a variety of educational opportunities and professional experiences.

MadTree also hosted a pair of events celebrating women in art to coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8.  madtree.com

Cincinnati NAACP launches new voter awareness van The Cincinnati NAACP plans to use a new mobile civic engagement station to promote voting in marginalized Hamilton County neighborhoods.

The organization launched V.O.T.E. (Voting Outreach Training Education) in mid-February, making it the first NAACP chapter in the United States to launch such a civic engagement strategy.

A key part of the effort is a Mobile Civic Engagement Unit, a 24-foot-long bus retrofitted with computer stations, printers and Wi-Fi. It will provide information and resources on local and national election issues.

Cincinnati NAACP plans to bring the vehicle to monthly events across the region, beginning in April.

Cincinnati NAACP’s new mobile V.O.T.E. vehicle will travel to community events through Election Day

Trained volunteers will educate residents about the voting process, distribute instructional materials, print sample ballots, provide absentee ballot request forms and assist with online registration. Paper voter registration forms will be available as well.

Those in attendance will receive instructions on how to verify their registration status, track their mailed applications and ballots, find polling locations and identify their elected officials.  cincinnatinaacp.com

Women Helping Women expands to Clermont County Women Helping Women observed Women’s History Month by expanding services to a fifth county in Southwest Ohio.

Survivors of gender-based violence living in Clermont County can now tap into the nonprofit’s network of tools and resources, including a 24/7 hospital accompaniment team.

Kristin Smith Shrimplin, president and CEO of WHW, noted that for “far too long, crucial needs went unmet” in Clermont County. With this expansion, WHW can provide residents of that area with access to its hotline, and the move enables its staff to “collaborate with so many more partners each year,” she added.

Initially just in Hamilton County, WHW expanded to Butler County in 2013. It began services in Adams and Brown counties four years later.

WHW’s most recent expansion has been several years in the making. Planning took a major step forward last year thanks to leveraged capital and an enhanced support network.

Last year, the organization’s Rise Beyond Violence growth campaign raised roughly $10 million, nearly double the initial goal. Shrimplin highlighted Mercy Health and The HealthPath Foundation of Ohio for “showing up for survivors and for making WHW’s Clermont County expansion a reality.”  womenhelpingwomen.org

NONPROFIT NEWS directly with someone dedicated to finding new and increased ways for arts organizations to make an impact in the NKY region.

Initial funding for the program also comes from the annual ArtsWave Community Campaign and its Stronger Arts for a Stronger Region early-gift drive.

Neither ArtsWave nor meetNKY outlined any specific fundraising or arts investment goals.  meetnky.com UC Cancer Center’s new $158 million facility will combat blood diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Launch it: Cincy pitch competition winners with judges: Kara Willis, Tatem Lindner, Patrick Dingeldein (back), Joe Kuncheria Panjikaran, Aniruddhan Ramesh, Alayah Harris, Lindsay Stricker and Tim Ruge

UC Cancer Center opening dedicated blood cancer facility University of Cincinnati Cancer Center is opening a $158 million facility dedicated to advancing research and treatment for various types of blood cancer.

Officials believe the Blood Cancer Healing Center has the potential to help Southwest Ohio further establish itself as a primary destination for innovative research on diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. But it also will give the more than 1.6 million Americans who battle blood cancer every year a place to receive novel therapies, world-class treatment and other vital services under one roof.

Located on Burnet Avenue, the state-ofthe-art, 212,000-square-foot facility will offer comprehensive patient support and innovative treatments for blood cancer patients.

Care will be given around the clock in inpatient and outpatient settings. The complex will have 30 inpatient beds, outpatient and infusion clinics, survivorship and supportive services and a clinical trials unit. It’ll feature novel therapies and other treatments, including those involving cellular and stem cells.

Clinical services will begin this summer as part of a phased opening. The plan is to open other spaces within the facility in 2025. The estimated price tag for the first two phases is $158 million.

The design of the Blood Cancer Healing Center aims to increase collaboration between researchers and industry partners. A dedicated laboratory space is set to open next year.  uchealth.com/en/cancer-center

Main Street Ventures helps student entrepreneurs launch concepts Four college entrepreneurs will work to take their business concepts to the next level after winning admission to Main Street Ventures’ summer residency program.

The four are University of Cincinnati students

Aniruddhan Ramesh and Joe Kuncheria Panjikaran, University of Dayton student Alayah Harris and Miami University student Tatem Lindner.

Each of the winners impressed judges during the annual Launch It: Cincy pitch competition at Union Hall in Over-the-Rhine. Student teams came from colleges and universities from across the region.

Ramesh and Kuncheria Panjikaran created PhizzIO, a business-to-business platform providing software services to physiotherapy centers.

Harris’ The Recipe Book app focuses on homestyle cooking. Lindner’s Silux is a luxury silicone ring brand.

Each winning team received a $10,000 grant and a stipend to spend the summer living, working and exploring Cincinnati. They’ll also have access to office space, mentoring, finance support and other resources to help grow their business ideas.  mainstventures.org/launch-cincy

New arts partnership aims to increase vibrancy of Northern Kentucky ArtsWave has a new partnership with Northern Kentucky’s convention and visitors bureau designed to increase cultural vibrancy in that part of the Greater Cincinnati region.

ArtsWave and meetNKY will jointly fund and execute strategies to enhance the character and identity of communities across Northern Kentucky.

With support from meetNKY, matched in part by a gift from Corporex, ArtsWave will hire a new staff member to work primarily in Covington, Newport and other surrounding cities south of the Ohio River.

ArtsWave will have a physical presence in Northern Kentucky for the first time, according to the organization’s CEO, Alecia Kintner. She said the aim is to enable her organization to take part in more events in that part of the region.

That means being able to have more face-toface time with community partners and working

Red Bike to reopen after all, look for new funding model The bike-share system Red Bike can remain open in Cincinnati after a group of community partners came up with funding. On March 21, representatives of government offices, foundations, transportation agencies and nonprofits gathered outside City Hall to announce they’d raised $500,000 to keep Red Bike open for at least the next year.

Just days before, Red Bike had declared a need to shut down for good due to financial challenges.

The group came together at the urging of City Council Member Mark Jeffreys. The coalition consists of the city of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, the Haile Foundation, Interact for Health, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Duke Energy, Tri-State Trails, Hamilton County, Visit Cincy, the city of Covington, Devou Good Foundation and FC Cincinnati.

Together, they spent about a week creating what Red Bike Board Chair Anastasia Mileham called a “bridge plan.” The parties pledged a combined $450,000. They also hoped to raise another $50,000 through an initiative at Rhinegeist Brewery that runs through April 30.

Interact for Health is offering a consultant to help create Red Bike’s long-term strategic plan. Mileham said she envisions it relying on a mixture of public and private funds.

“This past year at Red Bike we got used to saying about fundraising that everyone seemed interested, but no one wanted to dip their toe in the water first,” Mileham said. “With Councilman Mark Jeffreys’ leadership, everyone jumped into the pool at once.”

Because of the planned closure, Red Bike laid off all 11 of its staff members, with the exception of its executive director. The organization is working to hire a new team and prepare all 72 stations to resume operations on May 13.

Red Bike has been closed since mid-December.  cincyredbike.org Editor’s note: This version of the story reflects new developments that occurred after the April print edition went to press.  Movers & Makers

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NAMES in the NEWS

Tressa Johnson

Scott Schuster

Beth Wiseman

Steve Rosfeld

Kelly Janszen

Ellen G. van der Horst

David Osborn

Brian E. Hodgett

developing countries, announced the appointment of Sydney Prochazka, vice president for institutional advancement at Mount St. Joseph University, to its Cincinnati board of directors.

 Herb Robinson

Sydney Prochazka

Vanessa Kurtzer

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Tressa Johnson joined the Center for Respite Care board, bringing over 21 years of employee benefits experience, including leadership, sales, account management, project management, plan design, employee communication and customer service.

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Scott Schuster was appointed to the Great Parks Board of Park Commissioners for a term through December 2026. Schuster is president of the Cincinnati Museums Foundation and vice president of philanthropy at Cincinnati Museum Center.

Nikki Hollis

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Mickey Fritz

Lauren Huizenga

The Afterschool Alliance selected Beth Wiseman, director of school-age services at Learning Grove, to serve as a 2024 Afterschool Ambassador.

She is one of 15 leaders in the country chosen to serve a one-year term, working with community leaders and policymakers, organizing events and growing support for afterschool and summer learning programs.

Jim Uebel

Jean Griffin

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The Christ Hospital Health Network named Steve Rosfeld president of The Christ Hospital Foundation. Rosfeld to replace Rick Kammerer, who retired in December. Rosfeld comes from the University of Cincinnati Foundation, where he began his career in 2006 and most recently was vice president of development.

Kelly Janszen is the new board chair of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati. She joined the board in 2019, previously serving as secretary and vice chair. From 2018 to 2020, she served on the campaign cabinet for Cincinnati’s Ronald McDonald House’s expansion.

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Ten Thousand Villages Cincinnati, a leading global fair trade nonprofit dedicated to financially empowering artisans in

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

The council of trustees that governs Horizon Community Funds of Northern Kentucky named three new members: Mickey Fritz, partner of The Dempsey Fritz practice at Baird; Lauren Huizenga, general counsel and senior vice president of Wendal Inc. and its affiliated companies, including Connetic Ventures; and Jim Uebel, executive vice president and Northern Kentucky market president of Central Bank and Trust Co.

Greater Cincinnati Foundation announced new leadership and members for its board: • Ellen G. van der Horst, director of Triversity Construction Company, has been appointed chair. She also chairs the Playhouse in the Park board and has been a member of several additional business and civic organizations.

• David Osborn has been named vice chair. Osborn is president of Osborn Williams & Donohoe, LLC. • Brian E. Hodgett, vice president of state government relations and Ohio community relations for P&G, and Herb Robinson, P&G retiree, have joined as new members.

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Cincinnati Works appointed Vanessa Kurtzer as its new director of development. Kurtzer will be responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive fundraising program that includes major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving and special events. Also, it hired Nikki Hollis as director of employment services. She will develop employer partnerships, create innovative workforce pipelines and manage program services and staff.

TriHealth announced that Jean Griffin, Xavier University’s dean of students for the past 11 years, has been selected to assume the full-time role of executive of the TriHealth/Xavier University Strategic Alliance.

Reporting to both TriHealth and Xavier, Griffin will oversee all aspects of the partnership, including: student, faculty and employee health and wellbeing; academic offerings; and support for the launch of the new Xavier College of Osteopathic Medicine.

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ArtWorks welcomed Elizabeth (Liz) LaCause (not pictured) as senior director of advancement. In her new role, she will oversee ArtWorks’ strategic planning and execution of sponsorships, donor support (both individual and institutional giving), and grants. 

Snapshots Who, what, where & why Rockdale Temple celebrates 200 years Rockdale Temple, the oldest Jewish congregation west of the Allegheny Mountains, commemorated its 200th anniversary at its Bicentennial Celebration Weekend.

On that Friday evening, Senior Rabbi Meredith Kahan and Erin Binder, assistant rabbi and educator, led the Bicentennial Legacy Shabbat in Rockdale’s Messer Chapel honoring former rabbis, past presidents and their families.

The guest speaker was Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism.

On Saturday evening, the Bicentennial Gala began with a cocktail hour in Rockdale’s Heldman Social Hall and continued in the Amberley Room of the Mayerson JCC, with dinner and dancing for 240 people. Funds raised will support engagement and education for Rockdale’s next generation.  rockdaletemple.org Rabbi Mark Goldman, Rabbi Meredith Kahan, Rabbi Alan Freedman, Rabbi Erin Binder and Rabbi Shena Jaffee

Past presidents passing the Torah: Gerry Korkin, Dr. David Schwartz, Rabbi Emeritus Mark Goldman, Rachel Schild and Dr. Ed Herzig

Gerry Korkin, Rabbi Meredith Kahan and Sally Korkin at the reception following services Brotherhood President David Solomon and Jaynie Levinson

Rabbi Erin Binder, Abby Marcus, Qui Nguyen, Brad Blackmore and Dr. Karla Blackmore

Jen Smilg and Larry Smilg, Rockdale treasurer Thom Mariner, Mary Southworth, Jeffrey Stivers and Elyse Hyder provided music for the service.

Aaron Herzig, Rockdale vice president and bicentennial co-chair; Sally Korkin, Rockdale president; an image of Joseph Jonas, founding Rockdale president; Barrie Kraus, bicentennial events and gala chair; and Stephanie De Falco, Rockdale secretary and bicentennial co-chair

Abby Schwartz and Dr. David Schwartz

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SNAPSHOTS

Stepping Stones event brings in $86K for those with disabilities Stepping Stones hosted its 16th annual Open Your Heart fundraiser in a hybrid format, netting more than $86,000 to benefit year-round programming for children, teens and adults with disabilities.

Supporters gathered in person at Eddie Merlot’s for a cocktail hour and a delicious dinner with a premier raffle, artwork created

by Stepping Stones program participants and live speed painting

by Mark Thesken. Other supporters enjoyed their meals from Eddie Merlot’s in the comfort of their own homes. At-home supporters were able to purchase fitness kits for participants and donate to support Stepping Stones’ programs.

The event’s presenting sponsor was Convalescent Hospital Fund for Children. Cherub sponsors were Amy Joseph and George Joseph, and Saundra Seger and Mark Seger.  SteppingStonesOhio.org

Event chairs Leo Dalle Molle and Stephanie Dalle Molle with event vice chairs Susan Eltringham and David Eltringham Event founder Mary McGraw and Mike McGraw

Kristian Scarpitti, Marlen Frey, Lindsey Koopman, Stephanie Dalle Molle, Jen Emerich and Kasey Lewis

Artist Mark Thesken painted two pieces that were auctioned.

Board President Matt Hemberger and Allison Hemberger

Bake-off sweetly promotes Ignite Peace Ignite Peace hosted its second How Sweet It Is bake-off at West Side Brewing. Eighteen bakers competed for the title of Fan Favorite and guests indulged in homemade desserts.

The event drew 70 attendees and raised more than $1,300.

Ignite Peace (formerly Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center) educates and advocates for peace, challenges unjust systems and promotes creation of a nonviolent society.  ignitepeace.org

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Vases painted by Stepping Stones Adult Day Program participants

First-place winner Eleanor Grayson baked key lime bars.

Second-place winner Sharon Harris made amaretto cheesecakes. Guests sample a spread of desserts and cast their votes.

Third place-winner Kris Mead presented chocolate mousse brownies.

SNAPSHOTS

Touchdown for HOPE 2024 committee members: Carl Satterwhite, Suzy Killin, Mary Alexander, Dr. Paul Crosby, John Ryan, Terry Ohnmeis, Scott Robertson, David Tasner and Graham Mercurio

Lindner Center’s Touchdown for HOPE yields record support Lindner Center of HOPE hosted its signature fundraiser, Touchdown for HOPE, in the Bally Sports Club at Great American Ball Park. The event drew record sponsorship support and its largest post-pandemic attendance of nearly 240.

Sponsorships, donations and ticket sales reached $225,000.

Employees, board members and community supporters enjoyed the tailgate and Super Bowl watch party surrounded by big-screen TVs, with a buffet full of Cincinnati food favorites and other tasty treats.

Honorary co-host John Jackson, a former offensive tackle with the Cincinnati Bengals, welcomed the group just before kickoff, and thanked sponsors and fans for supporting the center. Dr. Paul Crosby also addressed attendees, sharing his appreciation of the Touchdown for HOPE committee: Mary Alexander, Brock Anderson, Chrissey Barrett Haslam, Greg Harmeyer, Graham Mercurio, Gary Mitchell, Terry Ohnmeis, Jennifer Pierson, Ryan Rybolt, Carl Satterwhite, Joel Stone, John Winch and David Wyler. The 2024 team captains were Scott Robertson, John Ryan and David Tasner.

Proceeds from Touchdown for HOPE will go toward Lindner Center of HOPE’s Transforming HOPE capital campaign, enabling it to add more treatment units, expand wellness facilities and add clinical staff.  lindnercenterofhope.org

Dr. Paul Crosby, Craig Lindner and Dr. Paul Keck Attendees Brad Knueven, Noah Kreischer, Dustin Shell, Meg Switala and Greg Harmeyer of Tier 1 Performance

John Jackson, honorary co-host and former Cincinnati Bengal, welcomes the crowd. Carl Satterwhite and Dawn Satterwhite have a 360-degree photo taken.

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Heart Ball raises $1.4M More than 1,200 guests celebrated the American Heart Association’s centennial year at this year’s Greater Cincinnati Heart Ball at the Duke Energy Convention Center. Presented by St. Elizabeth Healthcare, the Heart Ball was chaired by David Spaulding, president of Lithko Contracting.

Rodney McMullen, chairman and CEO of Kroger, was honored with the Heart of the City Award, a tribute to non-medical professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the community.

Dr. DP Suresh, executive medical director of the Florence Wormald Heart and Vascular Institute at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, was honored as the first recipient of the Dr. Creighton B. Wright Healthcare Leadership Award.

The Heart Ball’s Open Your Heart moment featured the story of Matthew Mangine, a young Northern Kentucky athlete who passed away from cardiac arrest.

Matthew’s story was shared to highlight the need for widespread CPR training and advocacy for automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public places.

All proceeds from the Heart Ball support the work of the American Heart Association.  heart.org

Nancy Brown, Dr. DP Suresh, Dr. Creighton B. Wright and Vera Hall Alyson Poling, John Schenk and David Spaulding

Delores Hargrove-Young and Jill Meyer

Kim Mangine and Matt Mangine

Nancy Brown, Rodney McMullen, David Spaulding and Tim Massa Greater Cincinnati board members: (back) Tim Steigerwald, Dr. Sakthivel Sadayappan, Sam Privitera, Dr. Costa Andreou and Mike Uhl; (front) Colleen Lindholz, Deborah Hayes, Dr. Creighton B. Wright, JoAnne Noyes, Kevin Jones, Dr. Evie Alessandrini, Beverly A. Grant, Terri Hanlon-Bremer and Vera Hall Dr. Brett Kissela and Lorie Kissela with Dr. Sakthivel Sadayappan and Bhuvaneswari Sakthivel Chris Tomlin, Matt Nestheide, Jenny Collopy, Laura Tomlin, Traci Nestheide and Kenny Collopy

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Ambassador Board event brings help for Talbert House Talbert House’s Ambassador Board raised nearly $18,000 at its annual Home is Where the Heart Is fundraiser, held at LoVe nightclub in downtown Cincinnati.

Proceeds support Talbert House’s service line and efforts to provide affordable housing for adults, veterans and families overcoming barriers such as mental health, poverty, trauma, addiction and homelessness.

One hundred guests celebrated the Ambassador Board’s 10th anniversary, featuring snacks from Good Plates Eatery and music by DJ Hilla Smooth. Guests participated in a raffle and a spin-to-win game for prizes from Condado Tacos, Rhinegeist Brewery and more.  talberthouse.org

Board chair Kate Gormley of event sponsor Myriad Genetics and Grant Freking

Board member Zac Martin of event sponsor HORAN and Victoria Forbes Courtney Mills and board member Tre James

Current members and alumni of the Talbert House Ambassador Board: (back) board alumnus Jay Kasting, vice-chair Brian O’Toole, service chair Gabe Ohliger, Alyssa Argenti, Zac Martin, past board chairs Meredith Fossett and Scott Griffith; (middle) Ramona Peckham, Patrick Finlay and board alumnus Nick Rivera; (front) Tori Roberts, Jasmine Wright, Cory Macke, board chair Kate Gormley, past chair Lacey Luxon, Rachel Rambin and past chair Sam Rossell

Board member Jasmine Wright with Kenya Sanders and Brittany Fuller

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Mayerson JCC showcases wide range of Jewish, Israeli films This year’s Mayerson JCC Jewish & Israeli Film Festival featured a hybrid lineup of more than a dozen films, with screenings offered online or in-person. Several community organizations supported the films, from romantic comedies to dramas and documentaries.

The monthlong festival opened with a film and event at Memorial Hall, where moviegoers enjoyed refreshments and tasty treats while watching “Matchmaking,” an Israeli romantic comedy. Rockwern Charitable Foundation was presenting sponsor.  mayersonjcc.org Eowyn Garfinkle Plymesser, JCC manager of arts and culture

Aaron Weiner, Michael Friedes, Mike Montano, Chris Schoeny, Rick Jansen, David Lafferty and Mike Frye Holly Wolfson, Josh Wolfson, Bob Oestreicher and Jenny Oestreicher Fran Coleman and Zahava Rendler

Yarden Neeman, Israeli emissary to Cincinnati’s Jewish community

Mayerson JCC Jewish & Israeli Film Festival committee: Frances Kahan, Amy Klein, Erik Jensen, Lauren Bowen, Sam Greene, Brian Sugerman, Aaron Weiner, Tara Vigran, Evan Gildenblatt and Eowyn Garfinkle Plymesser

Daniel Hiudt, Rick Lefton and Ross Vigran

Miami doubleheader scores for Ride Cincinnati Miami University hosted its ninth annual Love.

Honor.Care event, with proceeds benefiting Ride Cincinnati. Community members, Ride Cincinnati participants, volunteers and friends attended an afternoon of basketball and fundraising while watching the Miami Redhawks men’s and women’s teams in a doubleheader. During halftime of the men’s game, Miami University and Miami Athletics representatives presented a donation check to Ride Cincinnati representatives.

The event brought in over $19,000 to help Ride Cincinnati kick off this year’s fundraising efforts. The group holds cycling events to raise money for cancer research and care.  ridecincinnati.org 42

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David Sayler, Miami University director of athletics; Greg Crawford, Miami University president; Allison Gordon; Miles McDowell; David Nevers; Todd Henderson; and Renate Crawford, university ambassador

SNAPSHOTS

Jessica Parks, guest speaker Rayshun Holt, Michelle Otten Guenther, author and illustrator Loren Long and Tracy Long

Queen City Book Bank raises $351K for literacy programs The Queen City Book Bank hosted its annual Gala for Literacy: One for the Books fundraiser at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati. The more than 350 guests helped set a record by netting $351,000 for QCBB’s literacy programs.

Special guests included New York Times best-selling author and illustrator Loren Long and speaker Rayshun Holt, program director at Cincinnati Works. Holt reminded the audience that the ability to read can alter the future trajectory of a child’s life story and our community.

Recognition was given to champions of QCBB’s mission, including: • Great American Insurance Group, Corporate Partner • Kim Kemen, Education Partner of the Year • Payton’s Lemonade Stand, Adopt-A-Book/ Adopt-A-Future Award • Scott Brown, Community Builder Award • Arin Gentry, Literacy Champion Jess Obert, executive • John and Susan Frank, Extra Mile Award director of Payton’s • QCBB’s group of Thursday “Vivacious Lemonade Stand, Volunteers”: Fran Acito, Kelly Attiyah, Kathy which won the AdoptAug, Maureen Born, Nancy Braun, Debbie A-Book/Adopt-ACappel, Susan Cranley, Katie Droder, Mary Anne Future Award Hengehold, Susie Kushman and Maureen Niehaus (Volunteer of the Year)  queencitybookbank.org

The Queen City Book Bank’s Thursday “Vivacious Volunteers”

Community Builder Award winner, Scott Brown (right), with Liz Asman of the Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati Kim Kemen, Education Partner of the Year

Susan Frank and John Frank, Extra Mile Award recipients

Arin Gentry, this year’s Literary Champion

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Photos by Deogracias Lerma

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Physics and music share wonder at The Well The Well hosted astrophysicist Alan Lightman in conversation with classical composer Brian Raphael Nabors to kick off a new music commission for its national Mindful Music Moments program.

Guests at The Well’s Camp Washington space listened to Lightman and Nabors talk about time, the cosmos and the importance of wonder to both science and art. Astronomer Dean Regas and Dr. John Tew provided introductions and the Antigone Collective performed.  thewell.world

Physicist Alan Lightman flanked by Antigone Collective musicians Liam Battle and Amelia Korbitz Board President Alisa Smith with Dean Regas

The Well’s board and staff: (back) trustee Alisa Smith, emeritus trustee Susan Tew, trustee Morgan Mazone, Bryce Kessler, composer and trustee Brian Raphael Nabors, emeritus trustee Dr. John Tew, trustee Jill Smith and trustee Mike Nauman; (front) Patrick Raneses, executive director Stacy Sims, Kami Lerma, trustee Jane Fisher and trustee Rana Dotson

Event celebrates DePaul Cristo Rey’s work-study program The power of DePaul Cristo Rey High School’s Corporate Work Study Program to change students’ lives, support businesses and help the greater community was on display at the program’s annual Corporate Partner Leadership Breakfast.

DPCR students and staff honored Pioneer Partners who have been with the program since its inception in 2011, as well as new partners and five-year partner KPMG. Cincinnati Children’s and the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation were honored as Partners of the Year. Dress for Success Cincinnati was recognized as Nonprofit Partner of the Year.

Niki Krebs, a Messer Construction executive who shepherds the program there, served as keynote speaker.

The school’s work-study program partners students in grades 9-12 with local businesses and organizations, creating a pipeline of diverse, young talent for the community’s future workforce while making a private, college-prep education available to families who could otherwise not afford it.

DPCR students work five days a month at 85 companies and organizations throughout Greater Cincinnati.

DePaul Cristo Rey is a Catholic, college-preparatory high school with a mission to educate young people who have the potential but limited financial means to go to college.  dpcr.net 44

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Kim Hull of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital with DPCR junior Imari, who works at Children’s through the school’s Corporate Work Study Program Shermirah Smith (center), vice president of the Corporate Work Study Program, with Annise Anderson of St. Francis Seraph Ministries and Joi Lindlau of Good Samaritan Hospital

Lisa Nolan and Courtney Shannon of Dress for Success Cincinnati, recognized as the Nonprofit Partner of the Year Jordan Celestin and Patty Basti of KPMG, which was honored for five years of partnership

DPCR sophomore Diego, a student associate at Messer Construction, introduced keynote speaker Niki Krebs of Messer.

SNAPSHOTS

Victorian’s casino-themed gala a sure bet for 125 guests

Victorian CEO Carrie VanDerzee, Lisa Durban LaBonte, Caroline Prem, Katie Mitakides and board member Patricia Hakes

The Victorian at Riverside in Covington held a “Casino Royale”-themed gala at a private club in Clifton’s Gaslight District. The 125 guests bid on global trips to destinations used in James Bond films.

The 2024 Victorian at Riverside Philanthropic Award winner was Dr. Christian Gausvik of Christ Hospital for his work in gerontology and medical care for the LGBTQ+ community.

The event’s Dessert Dash had guests bidding on scrumptious delights and racing to claim them for their tables. The evening ended with casino gaming and The Kim Kelly Orchestra playing James Bond themes and bossa nova tunes. The top casino prize was a stay at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. WCPO-TV anchor Evan Millward was the event’s emcee. Premier sponsors were Ashley Builders Group and Bahl and Gaynor. Other sponsors included Assured Partners, Resource Graphics, Heritage Bank, OmniCare Pharmacy, Hotel Versailles and Silas Creative Kitchen, Seniors Guide Magazine and New Republic Architecture.

The Victorian at Riverside is a nonprofit serving the senior community in Greater Cincinnati.  victorianatriverside.org Victorian Enrichment Coordinator Stefanie Feltner and Wynn Feltner

Ashley Burnside, Genevieve Perrino and Katie Knowles

Victorian at Riverside Gala Chair Andrew Campbell and Dave Sanders

SATURDAY 6:30PM CET SUNDAY 8:30PM CET ARTS

Peter Barrett and Michelle Caruso Barrett

Join Barbara Kellar as she showcases artists and cultural leaders from the Greater Cincinnati community.

Cody Gausvik and Philanthropic Award winner Dr. Christian Gausvik Board President Ron Padgett, CEO Carrie VanDerzee and WCPO anchor Evan Millward

www.CETconnect.org

Emmy Award Winner Regional - Interview/Discussion Program

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Found House boosts support for solving housing crisis

Panel discussion with Daisy Kershaw of WLWT, Ignite Philanthropy founder Susan Ingmire, Susan E. Thomas of Fifth Third Community Development and Cincinnati City Council Member Meeka D. Owens

Found House Interfaith Housing Network’s 2024 Faith in Action Breakfast rallied support for solutions to the affordable-housing crisis.

The event featured a panel discussion with Ignite Philanthropy founder Susan Ingmire, Cincinnati City Council Member Meeka D. Owens and Susan E. Thomas of Fifth Third Community Development, moderated by Daisy Kershaw of WLWT-TV. Opening and closing blessings were given by Rabbi Aaron Torop of Wise Temple and Rev. Suzanne Allen and Rev. Todd Anderson of Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church.

The housing network honored Judy Caldwell of the Church of Advent in Walnut Hills for her commitment to outstanding service.  foundhouse.org

Board members Chara Fisher Jackson, Robert Taylor, Jamie Berring, Brian Henning and Susan E. Thomas

(Center) Rabbi Aaron Torop of Wise Temple delivers an opening blessing. Rev. Suzanne Allen of Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church delivers a closing blessing.

Stacey Burge, president and CEO of Found House Interfaith Housing Network

Students compete in Clovernook’s Braille Challenge

Matthew Shad, Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired board chair, with an Ohio Regional Braille Challenge participant

Thirty school-aged students with blindness or visual impairments competed in a statewide braille literacy competition hosted by Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired. This marked the eighth year for the Ohio Regional Braille Challenge.

The day-long competition at the Cincinnati Museum Center tested participants on fundamental braille skills such as reading comprehension, spelling, speed and accuracy, proofreading, and charts and graphs. Judges from the Braille Institute will review the test results and announce the challenge winners in each category this spring.

Students who compete in preliminary events like the Ohio Regional Braille Challenge can qualify for the National Braille Challenge finals – the only academic competition of its kind for students who are blind or visually impaired. More than 50 regional events take place in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The top 10 finalists in each age category compete in the finals each summer.  clovernook.org

Participants recite the Pledge of Allegiance during the opening ceremony. Challenge participants enter the Cincinnati Museum Center.

Photos by Leigh Taylor 46

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Saint Ursula Academy shines at sparkly fundraiser The theme of Saint Ursula Academy’s SUA Palooza this year was “Bejeweled: A Shimmering Soiree,” which blended country music with pop and soul. Nearly 350 parents, alumnae, past parents, current students, faculty, staff and friends attended.

The evening included dinner by-the-bite, silent auction, raffles, games and music by 2nd Wind Band. Local 12’s Meghan Mongillo served as the emcee. Student speakers Lucy Steinert, class of 2026, and Lena Garr, class of 2024, spoke before the Fund a Need appeal to support tuition assistance.

More than $230,000 was raised to support costs not covered by tuition and other operating expenses.  saintursula.org

Parents Julie Mussman and Katie More hosted a bourbon-tasting station.

Guests took their bling to the dance floor at SUA Palooza.

Parent guests Julie Beck and Jill Miller

SUA parents Jenell Walton, Kimatha Hamilton and Andrea Lewis

Saint Ursula Academy students at SUA Palooza Guests danced the night away with the band 2nd Wind.

Emcee Meghan Mongillo, the SUA Bulldog, students Lucy Steinert and Lena Garr, and SUA President Lelia Keefe Kramer Movers & Makers

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Supporters back foundation’s O’Dell Owens scholarship fund More than 125 supporters turned out to raise money for the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation’s Dr. O’Dell Moreno Owens Scholarship Fund and to remember the late Dr. Owens, a noted Cincinnati health advocate and public official.

The event at The Metropolitan Club in Covington was emceed

by WLWT-TV’s Courtis Fuller.

The event netted over $20,000 for scholarships to Black and Hispanic graduates of Newport Independent, Covington Independent and Cincinnati Public Schools.

Students can apply for the Owens scholarship and more than 140 others, which can help them earn workforce certifications and associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, on the foundation website through May 31.  cincinnatischolarshipfoundation.org

Raven Flanigan, Beth Collins, Genine Gibson, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation President Whitney O’Neal, Chris Owens (Dr. O’Dell Owens’ son), Robbie Jennings Michels of the Metropolitan Club, Talli Flanigan, D. Flanigan and Valentina Moreno Cheek Mark Allen, Shonda Allen, Jamila Watson and Debra Tucker Bennett

Robbie Jennings Michels and DJ Butch Gibson

Toilynn O’Neal Turner, Carole Rigaud, Mary Hemmer, Ed Rigaud and Paul Hemmer

Student’s speech on family poverty wins Rotary competition Yiri Diaz Mercedes’ stirring account of family life below the poverty line won first place in the Rotary Club of Cincinnati’s 4-Way Test Speech competition. The competition challenges high school students to hone public speaking skills while incorporating the Rotary’s 4-Way Test, the ethical standard that calls on Rotary members to assure that everything they think, do or say is the truth; is fair to all concerned; will build goodwill and better friendships; and will be beneficial to all concerned.

The DePaul Cristo Rey High School sophomore described her early years in Puerto Rico, where children went to sleep to the sound of rainwater falling through a leaking roof and where her parents often went to bed hungry so their children wouldn’t starve.

Diaz Mercedes was one of four finalists competing before an audience of close to 150 business and community leaders. Other finalists were Addison Miller, a junior from Wyoming High School; Quinn Ruthman, a junior from Walnut Hills High School; and Katie Claes, a junior from Archbishop McNicholas High School in Mount Washington.

Rotary members worked with students to develop speeches and to hold in-school competitions to choose finalists.  cincinnatirotary.org 48

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Contestants Addison Miller, Quinn Ruthman and Katie Claes congratulate winner Yiri Diaz Mercedes, foreground.

Speech competition chair Laure Quinlivan, left, with celebrity judges Megan Mitchell, WLWT-TV news anchor; Cincinnati City Council Member Victoria Parks; and Olympic gold medalist Mary Wineberg

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Trivia Night celebrates CYC’s service to young people Cincinnati Youth Collaborative’s 11th annual Trivia Night for Brighter Futures provided an evening of fun and inspirational stories in support of CYC and the 4,000-plus young people it serves each year. The event was presented by TQL and hosted by the collaborative’s Young Professionals Board.

The theme of the night was “(20)24k Gold,” with prizes and raffle packages. The night included a happy hour featuring music by Cincinnati’s DJ Wavy Moe and gameplay hosted by Last Call Trivia.

The evening’s highlight was mentor Chris Ramos and his mentee, Deshaun Sanders, sharing their story about how mentoring can empower both people and lead to a lifelong friendship.  cycyouth.org

Exploring More in Retirement

Mentoring pair Chris Ramos and Deshaun Sanders

Technology is constantly changing, and that’s why Life Enriching Communities encourages continuous learning for all of our residents. On our campuses, you can explore: • • •

Icon Communication for a one-stop-shop of community awareness for events and socialization VirtuSense Balance Assessments to evaluate risk of falls and strengthen health Care Coordination to navigate the complex healthcare system in a home environment

Embracing technology is part of the Life Enriching Communities mission.

Spark your curiosity and discover endless ways to fill your days with meaning and purpose when you live with us.

First Place trivia winners

Scan the QR code to learn more! lec.org/home-your-future

DJ Wavy Moe provided music for the happy hour. CYC board members Ashleigh Dubois and Tom Marth

Twin Lakes | Twin Towers Confident Living Life Enriching Communities welcomes people of all faiths.

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THE LAST WORD | Polly Campbell

1896 Cincinnati novel offered a twisty vision of science’s future

C

incinnati history is a deep well. So much of the past is evident in this city. It often grabs people and pulls them in, myself included. Once you start with some odd or interesting historical anecdote, it’s compelling to follow the story backward. On the way, you find yourself going down curving alleyways and fascinating paths.

If you come across the 1896 novel “Etidorhpa,” by John Uri Lloyd, you will be pulled further into deeper and twistier alleyways and tunnels. Foundational to the science fiction/fantasy/secrets-ofthe-universe genre of American literature, this book has never been out of print, and still commands a following of people willing to bushwhack through its dense prose.

It begins with a young Cincinnati businessman’s visit from a ghostly man named I-Am-TheMan-Who-Did-It. He tells of a journey through the interior of the Hollow Earth, reachable from a

cave in Kentucky. He is guided by a faceless figure who lays the truths of existence on him, from science to morals to spirituality.

Lloyd was a pharmacist, a member of the Eclectic school of medicine. This was one of many alternative medical sects that sprung up in the late 19th century. The ancient theory of bodily “humors” and the drastic cures of bleeding and purging were being discredited. Better science was needed.

Other alternatives like osteopathy, chiropractic and homeopathy seem a lot more like wishful thinking.

Between 1834 and 1939, there were 19 medical schools in Cincinnati teaching various approaches (or ripping people off). The longestlived were the Eclectics, who took a middle path.

Lloyd’s great work for the Eclectics was finding new medicines derived from plants. He built a lucrative pharmacy business selling patented “specifics.” He and

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his brother Curtis Gates Lloyd, a mycologist, amassed a huge library of books about botany and medicine and mushrooms. It’s the basis of the Lloyd Library, still thriving in a nondescript building you may have passed downtown at Plum and Court streets.

Some people think the journey in “Etidorhpa” was inspired by a psychedelic mushroom trip, and one chapter describes giant fungi.

On the other hand, there are several chapters about the dangers of drink and narcotics. And, though there is one fantastical, hallucinatory section, no one would do ’shrooms if the result were as boring as “Etidorhpa.”

The main repeated action is the faceless guy showing I-Am-TheMan something crazy, I-Am-TheMan objecting, then the faceless guy explaining why it’s perfectly consistent with science: Why you’re weightless at the center of the Earth, and how salt can be extracted from brine without evaporation. How you can see your own brain but you can’t kiss your own elbow. With diagrams. I have no idea if any of them make sense, but I’m pretty sure volcanic eruptions aren’t caused by water, and that the Earth isn’t hollow.

That Hollow Earth thing has a local history. John Cleves Symmes Jr. of Newport (a nephew of the area’s original settler, John Cleves Symmes) devoted his life to telling people about his theory of a hollow Earth with several interior spheres.

He was always considered a crackpot, but apparently Lloyd was one of his believers.

After trudging timelessly (though they’re weightless, so not so trudging), I-Am-The-Man is let in on Lloyd’s ultimate aim.

“A study of true science is a study of God,” says the eyeless guide.

By “cold, scientific investigation . . . we can commune with angels.” Then I-Am-The-Man gets a glimpse of what life could be like with a blissful glimpse of Etidorhpa, a radiantly beautiful woman whose name is Aphrodite

Polly Campbell spelled backwards.

I’ve read – skimmed – the book a couple of times. What I find interesting and possibly visionary is how Lloyd challenges his challengers, not by saying they have to have faith, but that they haven’t done the science right. They’re working with insufficient data or they’re thinking too narrowly. “Matter is not food, but a carrier of food,” he says. “What is food? Food is sunlight.” That’s true! Good way to look at it.

You can discern the man who thought there were better ways to treat disease than using leeches, and tried thousands of plantderived compounds looking for them. Perched at the turn of the century, he’s trying to negotiate science and religion, trying to understand whether science is going to be a benefit or a curse in the future.

That impulse to explain it all with an alternative to the received wisdom is not unique to the 19th century. Obviously. It’s now stronger than ever. I wouldn’t be surprised to find an account on X promoting the Hollow Earth theory and claiming we don’t know about it because of antifa, or Taylor Swift. I admire Lloyd’s skepticism and his energy in trying to show us the light, but I’m kind of glad he didn’t have access to the internet.  Polly Campbell covered restaurants and food for the Cincinnati Enquirer from 1996 until 2020. She lives in Pleasant Ridge with her husband, and since retiring does a lot of reading, cooking and gardening, if that’s what you call pulling weeds.

She writes monthly on a variety of topics, and she welcomes your feedback and column suggestions at editor@moversmakers.org.

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