August 2025

Inform. Inspire. Involve.

Movers &Makers

August 2025

Publisher’s Letter 4

Arts & Culture 6

MoversMakers.org

A “Baskett” full of fashion for the CAM 6

New leadership at BLINK 6

Q&A: Matinée Musicale’s Manami Suzuki in U.S. debut 7

Kronos Quartet at Summermusik | By David Lyman 8

The A&C List 10

Focus on: Serving our elders 16

Ja’Lah Willingham: No one should grow old alone

| By Feoshia Davis 16

Notables serving older adults 18

The Datebook 22

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

Nonprofit News 27

Names in the News 28

Gifts & Grants 30

Snapshots 31

Record raised for Talbert House Fatherhood Project 31

Stepping Stones golf scores for those with disabilities 32

Festival of Faiths a gathering for understanding 33

Guests tee up for a cause at One Shot fundraiser 34

Mentorship on the mind at Adopt A Class breakfast 35

Prom nets record for Family Nurturing Center 36

Building Value celebrates store upgrades 37

Holly Hill golf supports vulnerable children 38

Nuxhall Miracle League Fields go Bananas 39

Crohn’s and Colitis supporters Take Steps toward cure 40

Concours showcases British autos and more 41

Manifest breaks ground on new center 42

Planned Giving Council honors philanthropists 43

NKY Chamber honors trailblazing women 44

GRAD breakfast presents scholarships, awards 46

Gala raises $420K for Alzheimer’s research 47

Best Point, Butler Behavioral Health merge 48

M&M mingles at Second Story in Covington 49

The Last Word 50

Polly Campbell: The case against cash bail

In 2024, at just 22 years old, made history as the first Japanese pianist to win the prestigious Hamamatsu International Piano Competition in Japan; also earned the Chamber Music Award and Audience Prize

Recipient of numerous other competitions including the 2023 Steinway Award

Has performed with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and Japan Philharmonic Orchestra

Manami

AsIbegin to type this, my current “earworm” (thank you, retired University of Cincinnati marketing professor James Kellaris, for your research into this phenomenon) is “When I’m Sixty-Four” by The Beatles. Even as a teen in 1967, I saw beyond the silly veneer and understood the song’s message about the ravages of aging; now I understand the overarching theme of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” Having reached an age milestone this past year, I now look at the future through a different lens. The possibility of loneliness in the years ahead is definitely a part of that perspective – loss of work structure, passage of friends and relatives...

Our cover feature this month focuses on Ja’Lah Willingham, whose work at Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly is to combat loneliness among older adults. Inspired to service by her own grandmother, Willingham leads a small team of volunteers who reach out to several hundred elderly people regularly to keep them active and engaged.

Feoshia Davis spoke with Ja’Lah and shared her story on Page 16. And thanks to Wendell Gibbs Jr. for his fine photographic work.

There are many people serving seniors through nonprofits in our region. We asked organizations to submit their Notables, people they would most like to recognize for their work. See Page 18 for this month’s honorees.

And speaking of loneliness, think of someone charged with a crime who cannot afford bail while awaiting trial. Innocent or guilty, Polly Campbell thinks there must be a better system. Read what she has to say on the topic on Page 50.

If it’s August, Summermusik must be in the air. Headlining the festival this year is a group that has

been around for a half-century but remains fresh by constantly presenting new works. No one has done more to generate and shape the future of music as an art form than the Kronos Quartet through hundreds of commissions. And there is a local connection, too. David Lyman brings us up to date on Page 8.

Aug. 1 marks 17 years for Elizabeth and me as publishers of what is now M&M. We very much appreciate you reading and humbly ask for your support through advertising (print, email or digital), donations or sponsorships. Nonprofit media is under siege these days and more essential than ever before.

Thank you!

Thom Mariner, co-publisher

For their work on this issue, our gratitude to:

• Casey Weldon, digital editor

• Phil Fisher and Ray Cooklis, copy editors

• Shasta Taber, volunteer proofreader

• All the nonprofits that contributed news and photos.

Arts coverage supported by:

Elizabeth & Thom Mariner, co-publishers

Digital edition & daily posts MoversMakers.org

Publishing schedule

Mix & Mingle

Warsaw Federal Incline Theater Wednesday, Aug. 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Social media @moversmakerscincinnati Movers & Makers Magazine @moversmakers

Advertising & distribution

Thom Mariner, 513-543-0890 or tmariner@moversmakers.org

Creative & accounting

Elizabeth Mariner, emariner@moversmakers.org

News/calendar submissions editor@moversmakers.org

Free direct mail subscriptions and email newsletter sign up: moversmakers.org/subscribe

 moversmakers.org/publishing-schedule

We make every effort to verify information submitted for publication (print and online), but are not responsible for incorrect information or misidentified photos provided to us.

School © Copyright 2025 Movers & Makers

Readers are advised to confirm event dates and other important details and check for last-minute changes with the organizations or advertisers involved.

Publication of this magazine and its website (MoversMakers.org) does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of any information contained within, including advertisements and links.

Movers & Makers Publishing is an Ohio nonprofit operating under 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsorship.

Casual opportunity to make new friends or business contacts. Mingle with nonprofit staff, supporters and fellow M&M readers. Light bites & drinks.

Sponsored by

Co-publishers Thom and Elizabeth Mariner

cincycac.org/fundraiser

Email donate@cincycac.org for more information.

Arts & Culture

$5M gift to create fashion gallery at Cincinnati Art Museum

Collector and art scholar Mary W. Baskett is donating $5 million to the Cincinnati Art Museum to establish its first dedicated fashion gallery and to endow its first curatorial position in fashion arts and textiles.

The gift will support exhibitions and scholarship in a field that has seen growing public interest. It will also bring works from the museum’s 15,000-piece fashion collection – and Baskett’s own archive of avant-garde Japanese design – into greater focus.

“It has long been my dream to endow a fashion gallery at the Cincinnati Art Museum,” Baskett said. Her gift includes garments by designers such as Issey Miyake, Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto. The new gallery will open at a date to be announced.

“This is a transformative gift,” said the collection’s inaugural curator, Cynthia Amnéus. “It means fashion will stay on display all the time, which many visitors ask for.”

A former museum curator and global expert on Japanese art, Baskett has maintained a sixdecade relationship with the CAM. Leaders called the donation a “landmark” moment in the museum’s nearly 140-year history.

 cincinnatiartmuseum.org

Mooney to lead BLINK after transformative run at arts center

Leslie Mooney has stepped down after 12 years as executive director of Clifton Cultural Arts Center to lead BLINK, the light and art experience that draws more than a million people to Greater Cincinnati. She joins the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber as BLINK’s new executive director, succeeding Justin Brookhart, now heading placemaking and public art at marketing firm AGAR.

“Leslie Mooney is a talented executive and arts administrator that brings the kind of leadership, cultural insight and community-minded spirit that will guide BLINK’s continued growth, economic impact and global reach,” said Brendon Cull, president and CEO of the Cincinnati Chamber.

At CCAC, Mooney transformed a neighborhood nonprofit into a major

Mary W. Baskett

cultural institution, raising more than $11 million to build a new arts hub in Clifton. Two staffers have been promoted to lead the organization as it enters its next chapter.

Educator Richard Hague named Mercantile’s next Poet Laureate

The Mercantile Library has selected Richard “Dick” Hague, a longtime educator and acclaimed writer, as the next Cincinnati and Mercantile Library Poet Laureate. He will serve a two-year term promoting poetry citywide through readings and literary programming.

Hague succeeds Yalie Kamara, with Pauletta Hansel and Manuel Iris having previously held the post. The role includes a stipend jointly funded by the City of Cincinnati and the library.

“Not only am I honored to be named poet laureate, but I look forward to supporting poets and the art of poetry in the city I have lived, studied and taught in for 60 years,” Hague said.

A Xavier University graduate, Hague has spent more than five decades teaching literature and writing across Greater Cincinnati. His poetry has appeared in Poetry, Appalachian Journal and other publications. He is the author or editor of 22 books.

“Richard Hague has been Cincinnati’s poetry teacher for decades,” said John Faherty, the library’s executive director.

 mercantilelibrary.com

CCM fund honors late musician, supports young artists in need

A new endowed fund aims to ensure the lasting legacy of Ben Carlson-Berne, a devoted musician and educator, by supporting long-term classical music instruction for underserved youth through the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music Preparatory Department.

Ben’s parents, Phil Berne and Sue Carlson, together with their nephew David Berne, established the Ben Carlson-Berne Fund for CCM Prep through the UC Foundation. The fund honors Ben’s passion for music and teaching by expanding access to private instrumental lessons for students who might otherwise be unable to afford them.

Mooney takes the helm as the region prepares for BLINK’s return, set for Oct. 8-11, 2026. She’ll lead the team curating projection mapping, light sculptures, murals and interactive installations across the area. Artist proposals are due by Oct. 8, 2025.  blinkcincinnati.com

“This has been a journey of 20 years, from classical music instrument lessons for one student to hundreds of students,” the family said in a statement. “Now it is time to ensure that the impact of Ben’s vision will continue in perpetuity for our youth.”

The University of Cincinnati will use interest from the endowment to support and grow the fund’s mission. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made through the UC Foundation.

 ccm.uc.edu

Richard Hague

Leslie Mooney

‘I

A

want to enter into the music’

Q&A with pianist Manami Suzuki, who opens the new season for Matinée Musicale

Pianist Manami Suzuki will make her United States debut, Sept. 7, as the opening recital in the 2025-26 season presented by Matinée Musicale. Below is an edited version of our email question and answer session.

Movers & Makers: At what age did you begin studying the piano? Tell us about your family and their involvement in music.

Manami Suzuki: I started playing the piano when I was 4 years old. My older brother was taking piano lessons at the time, so we had a piano at home – and I naturally began playing it, too. My parents weren’t involved in music at all.

M&M: At what age did you take an active interest in music?

Suzuki: I don’t remember everything clearly from when I was very young, but I know I loved playing the piano from the beginning. I especially enjoyed trying out new pieces at home by myself.

M&M: Will this be your first trip to the United States?

Suzuki: I’ve actually been to the United States once before, when I was 7 years old – my family and I visited Florida. But this will be my first time going there to perform, so it feels very new and exciting for me.

M&M: What composer’s music do you enjoy playing most? Which composer’s music is just not right for you?

Suzuki: Right now, I’m very drawn to (Franz) Schubert’s music. His melodies and harmonies are incredibly beautiful, and somehow I feel a deep connection to the loneliness in his works. Every time I play his pieces, they move my heart deeply. I don’t play (Sergei) Prokofiev’s music very often, although I really enjoy listening to it. Maybe someday I’ll try to play his pieces.

M&M: Please describe how it makes you feel when you play the piano.

Suzuki: I feel like I want to enter into the music and become one with it. It’s as if I’m touching the life and emotions of the composer through their work.

M&M: What other interests do you have outside of playing the piano?

Suzuki: I love eating and am very interested in local specialties and famous dishes from different places! Trying new foods is one of my favorite ways to learn about a region’s culture.

M&M: What’s the most important lesson you learned from a piano teacher about life?

Suzuki: My teacher always encourages me to be myself and not worry too much about making mistakes as it gives me courage and helps me express myself honestly as a musician.

 matineemusicalecincinnati.org

www.eleven27.media

Manami Suzuki

Kronos Quartet

Stillalledgecutting-after these years

By David Lyman

“Whoever invented music was a total genius.”

Don’t spend too much time analyzing that statement. Just know that it was David Harrington speaking. He’s the founder and sole remaining original member of the Kronos Quartet, the string quartet that has devoted more than a half-century to championing new music.

Kronos has been relentless in pursuit of its mission, commissioning more than 1,000 new works, and recording so many of them that the group has become a staple of classical music radio. Lest it exclude any portion of the musiclistening audience, Kronos has collaborated with hundreds of performers, everyone from David Bowie and the San Francisco Girls Chorus to Nine Inch Nails and Bollywood soundtrack queen Asha Bhosle.

That’s on top of maintaining an exhausting touring schedule.

“We just got home from Japan on Monday,” said Harrington (on July 2), “and we’re heading out to Brazil next Wednesday.” On the way back from São Paulo, they were scheduled to stop off in Chicago, to perform at the Nobel Laureate Assembly for the Prevention of Nuclear War.

“This is the 80th anniversary of the first nuclear bomb detonation – the Trinity Test,” said Harrington. “It’s a gathering of Nobel laureates, atomic scientists and concerned citizens of the world who are meeting to try to counteract the proliferation of nuclear weapons.”

The group’s performance? “A Concert for the End of the Nuclear Age,” which will coincide with the streaming release of their version of Bob Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall,” in which they’re collaborating with Laurie Anderson, Iggy Pop, Willie Nelson, Allison Russell and 25 other musical artists.

“I’m having the best time I’ve ever had in my whole life,” said Harrington.

We

can practice and rehearse and prepare, but when it’s actually being done live, it’s the quality of listening that pulls the music from the performers. The audience – they really are the most important.

– David Harrington

A now-rare return to Cincinnati

In early August, Kronos will make its way to Cincinnati, where it will appear as part of this year’s Summermusik programming on Aug. 9 (“Trailblazers”) and Aug. 10 (“Visions for the Future”).

During the 1980s and 1990s, the quartet popped into Cincinnati with some regularity. There always seemed to be an audience eager to share the group’s passion for the future of music. But during the past couple of decades, their visits have become much less frequent. According to Harrington, though, it wasn’t that audience enthusiasm diminished; it’s that the group’s touring schedule expanded so greatly that they weren’t able to get back here as often.

Whatever the reason, they have been to Cincinnati only twice in the past decade; first, on the opening night of the 2016 Music NOW Festival, a collaboration between composer (and Cincinnati native) Bryce Dessner and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, then as part of Chamber Music Cincinnati’s 2023-24 season at

Memorial Hall.

The Kronos Quartet we’ll see in August is substantially different from the one we saw the last time they were here.

Two new members have joined the group: violinist Gabriela Díaz and violist Ayane Kozasa, both of whom started with Kronos in July 2024.

Former CCM prof joins the quartet

Kozasa’s name is likely to be familiar to local chamber music audiences. In 2022, she joined the University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music faculty as an assistant professor of viola. She left that position when she joined Kronos. But she and her partner (and Kronos cellist) Paul Wiancko still live on Cincinnati’s West Side. Does she see them continuing to commute between Cincinnati and San Francisco? Or… ?

“It’s all TBD,” said Kozasa, speaking by phone from the Kronos tour in São Paulo. “I really love the music scene in Cincinnati. And I’ve made some good friends there. But the Kronos world is so involved on so many fronts.”

Yes, there is some hesitation in her words. But there was no hesitation at all when Harrington called her in 2023 and asked if she would be interested in becoming a member of Kronos.

“The Kronos Quartet was the quartet that I had always dreamt about,” said Kozasa. “The possibility of actually joining them was beyond anything I had ever imagined.”

Her reaction is understandable. She had always been drawn to music by living composers. But Kronos was founded 14 years before she was born. And the idea that Hank Dutt, the group’s violist since 1978, might ever leave seemed unthinkable. It would be akin to Harrington himself retiring. (For the record, Harrington insists retirement isn’t in his future.)

Photo by Jānis Porietis

Kronos Quartet in Riga

But the unthinkable happened. And Dutt recommended Kozasa as his replacement.

“I feel so privileged and lucky to be part of a group that has worked against all odds to survive for so long,” said Kozasa. “And they’ve never wavered from that path. I’ve definitely been on the other side, where people don’t want to hear the things you believe in. But the idea of never compromising your vision is what Kronos is known for. I feel very lucky I get to inherit that.”

Even dream jobs come with challenges. And even though Kozasa has spent much of her adult life playing in quartets, the Kronos experience has proved quite different.

“The scope of what Kronos does is so much more epic than what I’ve experienced in other groups,” she said. “It’s really amazing. And really great. The experience is so new that it’s as if a part of my brain got lit up all of a sudden. It’s so stimulating to be able to create something instead of just going where you’ve been before.”

Looking toward the future

Given Kronos’ track record, it seems a little silly to wonder if there is a future for the group. But the arts world has changed so radically since the group’s founding. Will there still be room – and an audience demand – for an ensemble that specializes in music that is so unpredictable?

To Evan Gidley, Summermusik’s executive director, the answer is clear.

“We have a core audience that will come to just about anything,” he said. “And when you’re dealing with a group as well-known and with the longevity of the Kronos Quartet, I think that core audience grows exponentially.”

In fact, Gidley believes the appetite for new music is even greater than it used to be.

“To me, a lot of what is being written today is much more approachable than what was being written 20 years ago,” said Gidley. “It seems that composers are acknowledging that if they want

their music played more than one time, it has to have an instrumentation and a certain accessibility that makes audiences want to hear it more often.”

To Harrington, that is the key –the audience.

“To me, the musical community

begins with the listeners,” said Harrington. “They are the most important element of the community. Then there are the creators – the composers – and the performers. This triangle of forces is necessary for music to thrive and for it to create a future. But it’s

the audience that really pulls the sounds out of us. We can practice and rehearse and prepare, but when it’s actually being done live, it’s the quality of listening that pulls the music from the performers. The audience – they really are the most important.”

Kronos at Summermusik

“Trailblazers” Kronos Quartet and Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Ekhart Preu, conductor

Saturday, Aug, 9, 7:30 p.m. School for Creative & Performing Arts

 “Visions for the Future”

Kronos Quartet and Summermusik musicians

Sunday, Aug. 10, 3 p.m., Corbett Auditorium, CCM  summermusik.org

GIVING USA CINCINNATI BRIEFING VIRTUAL SESSION

Kronos Quartet: Paul Wiancko, David Harrington, Ayane Kozasa and Gabriela Díaz

List

Cultural Exhibits/Tours

American Legacy Tours | Over-the-Rhine. 859-951-8560. americanlegacytours.com

ƒ Historic tours in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

American Sign Museum | Camp Washington. 513-541-6366. americansignmuseum.org

ƒ Permanent collection of preserved and restored signs

ƒ Saturdays, noon & 2 p.m. & Sundays, 2 p.m. Guided museum tours

Archaeological Research Institute | Lawrenceburg. 812-290-2966. exploreari.org

ƒ Hands-on educational experiences

ArtWorks Mural Tours | artworkscincinnati.org

ƒ By appointment only. Walking tours of Pendleton, Over-the-Rhine and downtown

Behringer-Crawford Museum | Devou Park, Covington. 859-491-4003. bcmuseum.org

ƒ Thru Aug. 3. “Driftwood: The Life of Harlan Hubbard”

ƒ Thru 2025. “The Legacy of BehringerCrawford Museum: 75 Years of Art, Culture and Community.”

Betts House | 416 Clark St., West End. 513-651-0734. facebook.com,

ƒ By appointment only. Oldest home in Cincinnati

Brewing Heritage Trail Tour Center | Over-the-Rhine. 513-604-9812. brewingheritagetrail.org

ƒ Exploring Queen City beer history

Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame | The Banks, downtown. cincyblackmusicwalkoffame.org

ƒ Daily, 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Queen City contributions to Black music

Cincinnati Fire Museum | Downtown. 513-621-5553. cincyfiremuseum.com

ƒ Permanent collection. Historic artifacts and equipment

Cincinnati Food Tours | Findlay Market, Over-the-Rhine. 513-602-5602. cincinnatifoodtours.com

ƒ Exploring Queen City food culture

Cincinnati Museum Center | Queensgate. 513-287-7000. cincymuseum.org

ƒ Thru Sept. 1. “Barbie: A Cultural Icon”

Cincinnati Nature Center | Milford. cincynature.org

ƒ Nature trails and ponds amidst old-growth forest

Cincinnati Observatory | Hyde Park. cincinnatiobservatory.org

ƒ Oldest professional observatory in the United States

Cincinnati Type & Print Museum | Lower Price Hill. cincinnatitypeprintmuseum.org

ƒ Permanent collection of equipment, tools and artifacts

Cincinnati Zoo | Avondale. 513-281-4700. cincinnatizoo.org

ƒ World-class fauna and flora

Findlay Market | Over-the-Rhine. findlaymarket.org

ƒ Aug. 23, 4-8 p.m. Patterns of Care: “Common Threads: A Community Quilt-Making Event”

Friends of Music Hall | Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine. 513-621-2787. friendsofmusichall.org

ƒ Indoor and outdoor tours of Queen City landmark

Glendale Heritage Preservation | Village Square, Glendale. 513-771-8722. glendaleheritage.org

ƒ Permanent exhibit. Displays of Glendale’s history

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

ƒ Permanent collection. Historic artifacts and equipment

Harriet Beecher Stowe House | Walnut Hills. 513-751-0651. stowehousecincy.org

ƒ Historic family home of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” author and later a Green Book location

Heritage Village Museum | Sharonville. 513-563-9484. heritagevillagecincinnati.org

ƒ Illustrates life in 19th-century Southwest Ohio

Holocaust & Humanity Center | Cincinnati Museum Center, Queensgate. 513-487-3055. holocaustandhumanity.org

ƒ Media, artifacts, art and interactive exhibitions commemorating the Holocaust

Krohn Conservatory | Eden Park. 513-421-4086. cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks

ƒ Thru Aug. 10. Gothica Botanica Butterfly Show

Lloyd Library and Museum | Downtown. 513-721-3707. lloydlibrary.org

ƒ Permanent exhibit. George Rieveschl Jr.: History of Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Loveland Castle & Museum | Loveland. lovelandcastle.com

ƒ Full-scale replica of medieval castle

Mercantile Library | Downtown. 513-621-0717. mercantilelibrary.com

ƒ Oldest membership library west of the Alleghenies

Milford Historical Society | Promont, Milford. 513-248-0324. milfordhistory.net

ƒ Permanent exhibit. Displays of historic art, artifacts and more

Mt. Adams Civic Association | Mt Adams. 513-235-3957. mtadamscincy.org

ƒ By appointment only. Historic walking tours

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center | The Banks, downtown. 513-333-7500. freedomcenter.org

ƒ Thru Dec. 7. “Faith & (in)Justice”

‘Barbie’ can stay over only through Labor Day, so get to the Cincinnati Museum Center this month or you’ll miss out.

National VOA Museum of Broadcasting | West Chester. 513-777-0027. voamuseum.org

ƒ Radio’s golden age and Cincinnati’s role in America’s global voice

Newport Aquarium | Newport. newportaquarium.com

ƒ Showcase of exotic aquatic creatures

Over-the-Rhine Museum | 513-813-7309. otrmuseum.org

ƒ Aug. 9, 10 a.m. North of Liberty Walking Tour (departs from Findlay Market)

ƒ Aug. 17, 10 a.m. South of Liberty Walking Tour (departs from Music Hall)

ƒ Aug. 23, 10 a.m. Labor History Walking Tour (departs across from Cincinnati Shakespeare Company)

ƒ Aug. 24, 10 a.m. Women’s History Walking Tour (departs from Washington Park)

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum | Hamilton. 513-868-1234. pyramidhill.org

ƒ Fridays, 6 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. Guided tours of Fortified Hill

Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati | Covington. cincirailmuseum.org

ƒ Aug. 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Exhibited railroad yard collection

RAPTOR Inc. | Milford. raptorinc.org

ƒ Aug. 31, 1-4 p.m. Open house for birds of prey sanctuary

Skirball Museum | Hebrew Union College, Clifton. 513-221-1875. csm.huc.edu

ƒ Permanent exhibit: “An Eternal People: The Jewish Experience”

Taft Museum of Art | Lytle Park, downtown. 513-241-0343. taftmuseum.org

ƒ Historic home, art collection and exhibits

Titanic: An Immersive Voyage | Exhibition Hub Art Center, downtown expo-titanic.com/cincinnati

ƒ Thru Sept. 7. Immersive experience featuring artifacts, dramatic room re-creations, 3D views and video animations

Tri-State Warbird Museum | Batavia. tri-statewarbirdmuseum.org

ƒ Permanent exhibitions of military and historic aviation

Valley View Nature Preserve | Milford. valleyviewcampus.org

ƒ Preserved 190-acre farm and open land

Vent Haven Museum | Ft. Mitchell. 859-341-0461. venthaven.org

ƒ By appointment only. World’s only museum dedicated to ventriloquism

White Water Shaker Village | Harrison. whitewatervillage.org

ƒ Preserved historic village

Fairs/Festivals/Markets

Charm at the Farm Markets | Lebanon. charmatthefarm.com

ƒ Aug. 15-17. Open-air vintage market: rustic gifts, furniture and home decor

City Flea | Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine. thecityflea.com

ƒ Aug. 16, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Summer Market + Kids Market

Covington Farmers Market | 600 block of Washington St., Covington. greatneighborhoods.org

ƒ Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Regional market

East Walnut Hills Farmers Market | Madison Road at Woodburn. ewhfarmersmarket.com

ƒ Fridays thru October, 4-7 p.m. Produce, baked goods and arts & crafts

Findlay Market | Over-the-Rhine. findlaymarket.org

ƒ Ohio’s oldest surviving municipal market house

Glier’s Goettafest | Newport’s Festival Park. goetta.com/goettafest

ƒ July 31-Aug. 3. All things goetta

Great Inland Seafood Festival | Newport’s Festival Park. thingstodocincinnati.com

ƒ Aug. 14-17. Wide array of seafood and live entertainment

Hyde Park Farmers’ Market | Hyde Park Square. hydeparkfarmersmarket.com

ƒ Sundays, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Regional food and beverage market

Madeira Farmers Market |

Dawson Road at Miami Avenue, Madeira. madeirafarmersmarket.com

ƒ Thursdays, 4-7 p.m. Local growers and purveyors

Northside Farmers Market | Heart of Northside, Northside. northsidefm.org

ƒ Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m. Regional market

Ohio Renaissance Festival | Waynesville. 513-897-7000. renfestival.com

ƒ Weekends & Labor Day, Aug. 30-Oct. 26. Celebration of life in the 1500s

Ohio River Paddlefest | Schmidt Recreation Complex, East End. ohioriverpaddlefest.org

ƒ Aug. 1, 4-9:30 p.m. Outdoors for All Expo

ƒ Aug. 2, 7 a.m. Paddling the Ohio River Westside Market | Westwood Town Hall. westsidemarketcincy.com

ƒ Aug. 2, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Pop-up market of handcrafted goods by small businesses

Loveland Stage Company | Loveland. 513-443-4572. lovelandstagecompany.org

ƒ Aug. 1-3. Loveland Shorts Film Festival

NightLight 513 | Covington Plaza. nightlight513.com

ƒ Aug. 7, 7:30 p.m. “School of Rock”

ƒ Aug. 28, 7 p.m. “Miss Congeniality”

Cincinnati Museum Center | Union Terminal. 513-287-7000. cincymuseum.org/omnimax

ƒ Now playing/OMNIMAX . “Space: The New Frontier” • “Call of the Dolphins”

Cincinnati World Cinema | Garfield Theatre, downtown. 859-957-3456. cincyworldcinema.org

ƒ Films from around the globe

Cindependent Film Fest | Contemporary Arts Center, downtown. 214-843-6781. cindependentfilmfest.org

ƒ Aug. 16, 6 p.m. Cindependent Spotlight: “Vessels: A Night of Dance Film”

RiversEdge | Marcum Park, Hamilton. riversedgelive.com

ƒ Aug. 6, 7 p.m. “The Iron Giant”

Washington Park | Over-the-Rhine. washingtonpark.org/events

◆ Tuesdays, 9 p.m. Summer Cinema:

‚ Aug. 5. “Freaky Friday”

‚ Aug. 12. “Captain America: Brave New World”

‚ Aug. 26. “Twisters”

Ziegler Park | Over-the-Rhine. zieglerpark.org

ƒ Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m. Dive-In Movies: “Mamma Mia!”

Literary/Lectures

Barnes & Noble | 513-972-5146. stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/3408

ƒ Aug. 6, 3 p.m. Discussion: Charlie Donlea “Guess Again” (virtual)

Cincinnati Preservation | The Porch, Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine. 513-721-4506. cincinnatipreservation.org

ƒ Aug. 19, 5:30 p.m. Preservation in the Park: Tod Swormstedt “Saving the Cincinnati Gardens Sign”

Joseph-Beth Booksellers | Rookwood Commons, Norwood. 513-396-8960. josephbeth.com

ƒ Aug. 9, 10:30 a.m. Discussion: Chuck Sambuchino “Goodnight, Pickleball”

ƒ Aug. 11, 7 p.m. Discussion: Kristy Cambron “The French Kitchen”

ƒ Aug. 18, 7 p.m. Discussion: Jennae Cecelia “Deep in My Feels”

ƒ Aug. 26, 7 p.m. Discussion: Kim Shearer and Chas! Pangburn “Double Booking 2 – When and Where Wolf?”

ƒ Aug. 27, 7 p.m. Discussion: Sable Sorensen “Dire Bound”

Originary Arts Initiative | originaryartsinitiative@gmail.com

ƒ Mondays, 12:15-1:15 p.m. Writer’s Table with Dick Hague (virtual)

Sitwell’s Coffee House | Clifton. facebook.com/poetryatsitwells

ƒ Aug. 1, 7-8:30 p.m. Poetry Night

Word of Mouth Cincinnati | MOTR Pub, Over-the-Rhine. | motrpub.com

ƒ Aug. 31, 6 p.m. Open poetry

Music

Behringer-Crawford Museum | Devou Park, Covington. 859-491-4003. bcmuseum.org

◆ Thursdays, 7 p.m. Music@BCM Summer Concert Series:

‚ Aug. 7. Hippie House

‚ Aug. 14. Ben Levin & Ricky Nye

Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Orchestra | Blue Ash Nature Park, Blue Ash. 513-549-2197. bamso.org

ƒ Aug. 31, 7 p.m. Labor Day Weekend: “Labors of Love”

Blues Dance Cincinnati | Carnegie Center, Columbia Tusculum. facebook.com/BluesDanceCincinnati

ƒ Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Tuesday Blues

Bogart’s | Short Vine, Corryville. bogarts.com

ƒ Aug. 6, 7 p.m. Tanner Adell

ƒ Aug. 8, 6 p.m. Lil Darkie

ƒ Aug. 15, 6:30 p.m. Anberlin

ƒ Aug. 28, 7 p.m. UB40

ƒ Aug. 30, 9 p.m. Cozy Worldwide

Brady Music Center | The Banks, downtown. bradymusiccenter.com

ƒ Aug. 7, 8 p.m. Men I Trust

ƒ Aug. 12, 7 p.m. The Flaming Lips & Modest Mouse

ƒ Aug. 20, 6:30 p.m. Cypress Hill

ƒ Aug. 24, 7 p.m. Caamp

ƒ Aug. 25, 7:30 p.m. Gary Clark Jr.

Caffè Vivace | Walnut Hills. 513-601-9897. caffevivace.com

ƒ Aug. 9, 7 & 9 p.m. Jazz Vivace Summer Series: Sarah Hanahan Quartet

Cincinnati Arts Association | JarsonKaplan Theater, Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-621-2787. cincinnatiarts.org

ƒ Aug. 7, 7:30 p.m. “Piano Men: Generations: The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John”

Cincinnati Nature Center | Milford. cincynature.org

ƒ Aug. 15, 7-10 p.m. Music Under the Moon Concert Series: Moonshine Drive

Cincinnati Parks | cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks

ƒ Aug. 1, 5-10 p.m. On Point Music Festival (Sawyer Point)

◆ Saturdays, 7 p.m. Music at the Esplanade (Smale Riverfront Park):

‚ Aug. 9. Jubilee O’Connor

‚ Aug. 16. Knowrules

‚ Aug. 23. The Foles

‚ Aug. 30. Vudu Childe

◆ Summer Music Festival (Ault Park Pavilion):

‚ Aug. 21, 6 p.m. Floyd and the Walkmen

Cincinnati Symphony & Pops | Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-3300. cincinnatisymphony.org

ƒ Aug. 1, 6:30 p.m. (CSO) Woodlawn/ Lincoln Heights Brady Block Party (Woodlawn Community Center)

Classical Revolution | The Loon, Northside. classicalrevolutioncincinnati.com

ƒ Aug. 10, 7:30 p.m. Chamber music in casual bar setting

Clifton Cultural Arts Center | Clifton. 513-497-2860. cliftonculturalarts.org

ƒ Aug. 6, 7 p.m. Wednesdays in the Woods: The SunBurners (Burnet Woods Bandstand, Clifton Ave.)

ƒ Aug. 9, 10 a.m. Saturdays in the Park: Cumbia LF (Inwood Park, Mt. Auburn)

Delhi Event Center | Delhi Park Performance Pavilion, Delhi. oh-delhitownship.civicplus.com

ƒ Aug. 6, 7 p.m. DV8

ƒ Aug. 20, 7 p.m. The Menus

DownTowne Listening Room | Historic Boone Co. Courthouse, Burlington. downtownelisteningroom.com

ƒ Aug. 23, 7 p.m. Mama’s Black Sheep

Fountain Square | Downtown. 513-621-4400. myfountainsquare.com

◆ Tuesdays, 6 p.m. Jazz at the Square:

‚ Aug. 5. Chris Andrews Quintet

‚ Aug. 12. Phil Tipton Quintet

‚ Aug. 19. Retro Nouveau

‚ Aug. 26. Jordan Pollard Trio

◆ Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m. Fountain Blues:

‚ Aug. 6. Shaun Booker Dammit Band

‚ Aug. 13. Chuck Brisbin & the Tuna Project

‚ Aug. 20. Lady Joya Band

‚ Aug. 27. Fred Gillespie and the Swamp Bees

◆ Thursdays, 6 p.m. Salsa on the Square:

‚ Aug. 7. Tropicoso + Diana Hoffman

‚ Aug. 14. The Amador Sisters + Chévere LF

‚ Aug. 21. Son Del Caribe + Cuban Salsa Cincinnati

‚ Aug. 28. Kumbia Latina + SalsaAires

◆ Saturdays, 7 p.m. Fifth & Vine Live:

‚ Aug. 2. 2nd Wind

‚ Aug. 9. Natural Progression

‚ Aug. 16. Soul Pocket

‚ Aug. 23. 2nd Wind

‚ Aug. 30. Hot Magnolias

Mama’s Black Sheep are coming to town Aug. 23 at the historic Boone Co. Courthouse for the Downtowne Listening Room series – downtown Burlington in this case.

Ghost Baby |

Over-the-Rhine. ghost-baby.com

ƒ Most evenings. Live performances

Great Parks of Hamilton County | 513-521-7275. greatparks.org

◆ Fridays, 6 p.m. Burgers & Brews (Lake Isabella Boathouse):

‚ Aug. 8. Katie Pritchard

‚ Aug. 22. Ed Sax

Hard Rock Casino | Downtown. hardrockcasinocincinnati.com

ƒ Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m. Masters of the Mic (hip-hop)

ƒ Aug. 21, 7 p.m. David Lee Roth

ƒ Aug. 30, 7 p.m. Jake Owen and Uncle Kracker

The Härth Room | Downtown. theharthroom.com/music

ƒ Wednesdays-Saturdays. Live jazz

Heritage Bank Center | Downtown. heritagebankcenter.com

ƒ Aug. 23, 7 p.m. Stevie Nicks

ƒ Aug. 24, 7 p.m. Creed

Irish Heritage Center | Columbia Tusculum. 513-533-0100. cincyirish.org

ƒ Aug. 6, 7 p.m. Boxing Banjo

It’s Commonly Jazz | Seasongood Pavilion, Eden Park. itscommonlyjazz.com

◆ Thursdays 6-8 p.m. A month of vibraphone:

‚ Aug. 7. Erwin Stuckey

‚ Aug. 14. Josh Strange

‚ Aug. 21. Rusty Burge

‚ Aug. 28. Warren Wolf

The Jazz Spoon | Forest Park. thejazzspoon.com

ƒ Friday-Saturday evenings. Live jazz

Kentucky Symphony Orchestra | 859-431-6216. kyso.org

ƒ Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m. “Blue’s Muse” (Devou Park, Covington)

ƒ Aug. 3, 7:30 p.m. “Blue’s Muse” (Tower Park, Ft. Thomas)

ƒ Aug. 30, 7:30 p.m. “Primitive Pop” (Devou Park, Covington)

ƒ Aug. 31, 7:30 p.m. “Primitive Pop” (Tower Park, Ft. Thomas)

Linton Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions | Boone County Public Library - Hebron Branch. 513-381-6868. peanutbutterandjam.org

ƒ Aug. 5, 6 p.m. Music, Games and Dances

Ludlow Garage | Clifton. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com

ƒ Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m. Sheila E

ƒ Aug. 2, 8:30 p.m. Marc Roberge of OAR

ƒ Aug. 3, 7:30 p.m. Macy Gray

ƒ Aug. 8, 7:30 p.m. Hollywood Nights

ƒ Aug. 13, 7:30 p.m. Danielle Nicole

ƒ Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m. Smithereens

ƒ Aug. 16, 7:30 p.m. Gerald Albright

ƒ Aug. 17, 7:30 p.m. Will Downing

ƒ Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m. Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox

ƒ Aug. 21, 7:30 p.m. Black Circle

ƒ Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m. Stacy Mitchhart

ƒ Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m. Moonshine Bandits

ƒ Aug. 24, 7:30 p.m. Ozomatli

ƒ Aug. 26, 7:30 p.m. Robert Randolph

ƒ Aug. 27, 7:30 p.m. Ruthie Foster

ƒ Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m. Rumours

Madison Theater | Covington. 859-491-2444. madisontheater.com

ƒ Aug. 1, 7 p.m. 200 Stab Wounds

ƒ Aug. 2, 8 p.m. Erin Kinsey • Em Franklin

ƒ Aug. 9, 8 p.m. Tokyo Daniels and Iustus Mori

ƒ Aug. 15, 8 p.m. Raynes

ƒ Aug. 16, 7 p.m. Livid

ƒ Aug. 17, 8 p.m. Q-A-Palooza

ƒ Aug. 23, 8 p.m. Moony

ƒ Aug. 30, 8 p.m. Her New Knife

ƒ Aug. 31, 8 p.m. Me Like Bees

MegaCorp Pavilion at Ovation | Newport. promowestlive.com

ƒ Aug. 1, 6:30 p.m. John Lodge

ƒ Aug. 8, 7 p.m. Andrew Dice Clay

ƒ Aug. 21, 7 p.m. Ole 60

ƒ Aug. 23, 6 p.m. 311

Memorial Hall | Over-the-Rhine. 513-977-8838. memorialhallotr.com

ƒ Aug. 16, 8 p.m. Tribute to Usher

Newport on the Levee | Newport. newportonthelevee.com

◆ Thursdays, 7 p.m. Live on the Levee:

‚ Aug. 7. Jason Owens Band

‚ Aug. 14. Scenic View

‚ Aug. 21. Turned Up Band

‚ Aug. 28. DV8

Radio Artifact | Northside. radioartifact.com

ƒ Sundays, 4 p.m. Open jamb

ƒ Thursdays, 7 p.m. Open jazz

Riverbend Music Center | Anderson Twp. 513-232-6220. riverbend.org

ƒ Aug. 1, 7 p.m. Luke Bryan

ƒ Aug. 3, 6:45 p.m. TOTO

ƒ Aug. 10, 8 p.m. Nelly

ƒ Aug. 14, 8 p.m. Brit Floyd

ƒ Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m. Thomas Rhett

ƒ Aug. 16, 8 p.m. Lil Wayne

ƒ Aug. 17, 7 p.m. Volbeat

ƒ Aug. 19, 6:45 p.m. Styx

ƒ Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m. Rob Thomas

ƒ Aug. 26, 8 p.m. Whiskey Myers

ƒ Aug. 29, 6:30 p.m. Falling In Reverse

RiversEdge | Marcum Park, Hamilton. riversedgelive.com

ƒ Aug. 7, 6 p.m. Eagles Project

ƒ Aug. 16, 6 p.m. Neal Francis + Crowe Boys

ƒ Aug. 22, 6 p.m. WannaBe Spice Girls tribute + Kanin Wren

ƒ Aug. 28, 6 p.m. Improvement Movement + Magoo

Rockin’ the Roebling | Moerlein Lager House, The Banks, downtown. facebook. com

◆ Thursdays, 6 p.m.

‚ Aug. 7. The Menus

‚ Aug. 14. Buzz Bin

‚ Aug. 21. Brother Smith

‚ Aug. 28. Cassette Junkies

Schwartz’s Point | Five Points, Over-the-Rhine. thepointclub.weebly.com

ƒ Thursdays-Sundays. Live jazz

Sorg Opera House | Middletown. sorgoperahouse.org

ƒ Aug. 15, 7 p.m. Classic Rock Symphony

Southgate House | Newport. 859-431-2201. southgatehouse.com

ƒ Nightly rock, alternative blues, etc.

Summermusik | 513-723-1182. summermusik.org

ƒ July 30, 7:30 p.m. “Journey to Türkiye” (Rhinegeist, Over-the-Rhine)

ƒ Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m. “Adventures on the Silk Road” (School for Creative & Performing Arts, Over-the-Rhine)

ƒ Aug. 3, 3 p.m. “Vivaldi’s Venice” (Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington)

ƒ Aug. 6, 7:30 p.m. “Let’s Dance!” (McHale’s Grand Ballroom, Covington)

ƒ Aug. 9, 7:30 p.m. “Trailblazers” (School for Creative & Performing Arts, Over-the-Rhine)

ƒ Aug. 10, 3 p.m. “Visions for the Future” (Corbett Auditorium, CCM, University of Cincinnati)

ƒ Aug. 12-13, 7:30 p.m. “Speakeasy” (The Redmoor, Mt. Lookout Square)

ƒ Aug. 16, 7:30 p.m. “Art Deco at 100” (School for Creative & Performing Arts, Over-the-Rhine)

ƒ Aug. 17, 4 p.m. “The Roaring Twenties” (Cincinnati Museum Center, Queensgate)

ƒ Aug. 21-22, 7:30 p.m.

“SummerCéilí” (Irish Heritage Center, Columbia-Tusculum)

ƒ Aug. 23, 4 p.m. “The Soul of Ireland” (School for Creative & Performing Arts, Over-the-Rhine)

Symphony Hotel & Vivaldi’s Restaurant | Over-the-Rhine. symphonyhotel.com

ƒ Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Live jazz trio

ƒ Fridays & Saturdays, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Live jazz trio

TempleLive at River Front Live | East End. riverfrontlivecincy.com

ƒ Aug. 7, 7 p.m. Spafford

ƒ Aug. 15, 7 p.m. Powerslave: The Iron Maiden Experience

ƒ Aug. 16, 7 p.m. Screeching Weasel

ƒ Aug. 23, 7 p.m. Del McCoury Band

ƒ Aug. 30, 7 p.m. Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe

Turfway Park Events Center | Florence. turfway.com

ƒ Fridays, 9 p.m. Bourbon & Brew Entertainment

ƒ Aug. 30, 9 p.m. Loverboy

Voices of America Country Music Fest | Voice of America MetroPark, West Chester Twp. voacountrymusicfest.com

ƒ Aug. 7, 5 p.m. Darius Rucker

ƒ Aug. 8, 1 p.m. Carrie Underwood

ƒ Aug. 9, 1 p.m. Hardy

ƒ Aug. 10, 1 p.m. Bailey Zimmerman

Washington Park | Over-the-Rhine. washingtonpark.org/events

◆ Mondays, 6 p.m. Jazz at the Park:

‚ Aug. 4. Al West Jr. Quartet

‚ Aug. 11. Carlos Vargas Quartet

‚ Aug. 18. Dixie Karas Quartet

‚ Aug. 25. Dee Marie Quartet

◆ Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Reggae:

‚ Aug. 13. Zion Lion

◆ Thursdays, 7 p.m. Roots Revival (Bluegrass/Americana):

‚ Aug. 7. Maria Carrelli & Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle

‚ Aug. 14. Darrin Hacquard & Williams Matheny

‚ Aug. 21. Rachel Mousie & Casey Campbell Band

‚ Aug. 28. Ben Knight & Willy Tea Taylor

◆ Fridays, 7 p.m. Friday Flow (R&B):

‚ Aug. 1. Jameeze Latrail Band

‚ Aug. 8. Monifah

‚ Aug. 15. Sunshine Anderson

‚ Aug. 22. Seven

‚ Aug. 29. Saxtone

◆ Sundays, 6 p.m. OTR Performs:

‚ Aug. 3. School of Rock

‚ Aug. 17. Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra

‚ Aug. 24. Jump n’ Jive

Woodward Theater | Over-the-Rhine. 513-345-7981. woodwardtheater.com

ƒ Aug. 1, 8 p.m. of Montreal

ƒ Aug. 14, 8 p.m. Hippies & Cowboys

ƒ Aug. 15, 6 p.m. Cincinnati miniFEST

Opera

Queen City Opera | Jarson-Kaplan Theater, Aronoff Center. 513-503-8323. queencityopera.org

ƒ Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m. Tchaikovsky: “Iolanta”

ƒ Aug. 24, 3 p.m. Tchaikovsky: “Iolanta”

Theater/Comedy

The Angelico Project | St. Monica St. George - Newman Center Building, Clifton Heights. angelicoproject.org

ƒ 3rd Monday, 7 p.m. Catholic Theater Group

ƒ 1st Wednesday, 7-9 p.m. Improv Night

Beechmont Players | Anderson Center Theater, Anderson Twp. beechmontplayers.org

ƒ Aug. 15-23. “All Things Considered: A Historical Farce”

Bogart’s | Short Vine, Corryville. bogarts.com

ƒ Aug. 20, 7 p.m. Please Don’t Destroy

ƒ Aug. 25, 7 p.m. Boulet Brothers Dragula Tour

The Carnegie | Covington. 859-491-2030. thecarnegie.com

ƒ Thru Aug. 3. “Always... Patsy Cline”

ƒ Aug. 15-24. “Grease”

Cincinnati Landmark Productions | Incline Theater, Price Hill. 513-241-6550. cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com

ƒ Thru Aug. 3. “BurgerTown”

ƒ Aug. 20-Sept. 14. “Hairspray”

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-2273. cincyshakes.com

ƒ Thru Aug. 31. Shakespeare in the Park: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (various sites)

ƒ Thru Aug. 10. “The Play That Goes Wrong”

The Dinner Detective | Embassy Suites Rivercenter, Covington. thedinnerdetective.com/cincinnati

ƒ Saturdays, 6 p.m. Murder Mystery Dinner Show

Drama Workshop | Cheviot. 513-598-8303. thedramaworkshop.org

ƒ Thru Aug. 10. “Calendar Girls”

East Side Players | Blue Ash Amphitheater, Blue Ash. esptheater.org

ƒ July 31-Aug. 9. “The Wizard of Oz”

The Funny Bone | Liberty Twp. liberty.funnybone.com

ƒ Weekly comedy shows

Go Bananas Comedy Club | Montgomery. gobananascomedy.com

ƒ Weekly comedy shows

Hard Rock Casino | Downtown. hardrockcasinocincinnati.com

ƒ Aug. 9, 8 p.m. GenX Takeover comedy tour

ƒ Aug. 22, 8 p.m. Justin Willman, magician/ comedian

Heritage Bank Center | Downtown. heritagebankcenter.com

ƒ Aug. 10, 7 p.m. Disney Descendants Zombies

Improv Cincinnati | Clifton Performance Theatre, Clifton. improvcincinnati.com

ƒ Thursdays-Saturdays. Comedy shows

Inspiring Arts | Parrish Auditorium, Miami University, Hamilton. inspiringartsproductions.com

ƒ Thru Aug. 3. “Annie Get Your Gun”

Lebanon Theatre Company | Lebanon. 513-932-8300. ltcplays.com

ƒ Thru Aug. 3. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”

Ludlow Garage | Clifton. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com

ƒ Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m. Ben Bankas, comedian

Madcap Puppets | Madcap Education Center, Westwood. 513-921-5965. madcappuppets.com

ƒ Thru Aug. 31. “Fantastic Fairy Tales” • “Monsters of Baseball”

Merit Theatre Company | Anderson Center Theater, Anderson Twp. 859-795-1860. merittheatre.org

ƒ Aug. 22-30. “Bright Star”

Middletown Lyric Theatre | Sorg Opera House, Middletown. 513-425-7140. middletownlyric.org

ƒ Aug. 9-10. “Seussical”

My Nose Turns Red Youth Circus | 859-581-7100. mynoseturnsred.org

◆ Circus in the Parks:

‚ Aug. 2, 2:30 p.m. (Kidchilla, Cottrell Park)

‚ Aug. 3, 2 p.m. (Summit Park, Blue Ash)

‚ Aug. 6, 7 p.m. (Erlanger Public Library)

One Off Productions | Gabriel’s Corner, Over-the-Rhine. facebook.com

ƒ Aug. 7-16. “Judith Deliver Us”

Playhouse in the Park | Mt. Adams. 513-421-3888. cincyplay.com

ƒ Aug. 30-Sept. 28. “Where The Mountain Meets The Sea” (Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre)

Queen City Productions | Arts Center at Dunham, Price Hill. queencityproductions.weebly.com

ƒ Aug. 1-9. “If You Can Dream: A Musical Fantasy Adventure”

Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org

ƒ Aug. 9, 8 p.m. Ear Hustle

ƒ Aug. 24, 7 p.m. Phil Rosenthal

Tri-County Players | Bell Tower Arts Pavilion, Evendale. 513-471-2030. facebook.com

ƒ Aug. 15-23. “The Lost Virginity Tour”

Washington Park | Over-the-Rhine. washingtonpark.org/events

ƒ Aug. 31, 6 p.m. OTR Performs: Improv Cincy: “ComedySportz”

Visual Art

21c Museum Hotel | Downtown. 513-578-6600. 21cmuseumhotels.com/cincinnati

ƒ Thru Sept. 30. “Revival: Digging into Yesterday, Planting Tomorrow” • (FotoFocus) Spotlight: Felipe Rivas San Martín

The Annex Gallery | Pendleton Art Center, Pendleton. annexgallery.org

ƒ Thru Aug. 9. Jorge Rodríguez Diez: “El Rey Loco” Reception: Aug. 9, 1-4 p.m.

Art Beyond Boundaries | Over-the-Rhine. 513-421-8726. artbeyondboundaries.com

ƒ Thru Aug. 8. “Art on a Hot Tin Roof”

Art on Vine | Fountain Square. artonvinecincy.com

ƒ Aug. 10, noon-6 p.m. Summer Market

ARTclectic Gallery | Silverton. 513-8225200. artclecticgallery.com

ƒ Thru Sept. 30. “Far Away”

Artist Devan Horton brings her organically inspired art to the Clifton Cultural Arts Center starting Aug. 22 . Opening reception is 6-8 p.m.

ArtWorks | Walnut Hills. 513-333-0388. artworkscincinnati.org

ƒ Thru Aug. 7. Julia Lipovsky: “Splendor in the Grass”

ƒ Aug. 29-Oct. 9. Nytaya Babbitt: “Dilly Dallin: Where does your mind wander?”

Reception: Aug. 29, 5-7 p.m.

Baker Hunt Art & Cultural Center | Covington. 859-431-0020. bakerhunt.org

ƒ Thru Aug. 15. Community Art Show

The Barn | Mariemont. 513-272-3700. artatthebarn.org

ƒ Thru Aug. 6. Larry Winston Collins: “Full Circle: Recent and Past Art Works”

ƒ Aug. 8-31. Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society Annual Exhibit. Reception: Aug. 10, 1-4 p.m.

Behringer-Crawford Museum | Devou Park, Covington. 859-491-4003. bcmuseum.org

ƒ Thru August . “Northern Kentucky Sports Legends of the 1950s”

The Carnegie | Covington. 859-491-2030. thecarnegie.com

ƒ Thru Aug. 16. “Notations on Ritual”

Cincinnati Art Museum | Eden Park. 513-721-2787. cincinnatiartmuseum.org

ƒ Thru Aug. 24. “Cycle Thru! The Art of the Bike”

ƒ Thru Aug. 31. “Tintoretto’s Genesis”

ƒ Thru Sept. 21. “Farm to Table: Food and Identity in the Age of Impressionism”

ƒ Thru Jan. 11. “Influence(d): Female Innovators in Contemporary Japanese Design”

ƒ Thru Feb. 22. “Modern and Contemporary Craft”

ƒ Thru April 5. Tamary Kudita: “African Victorian and Birds of Paradise”

ƒ Aug. 29, 5-9 p.m. Art After Dark

Cincinnati Museum Center | Queensgate. 513-287-7000. cincymuseum.org

ƒ Thru Oct. 19. “Civic Architecture: The Panoramic Photography of Thomas R. Schiff”

Clifton Cultural Arts Center | Clifton. 513-497-2860. cliftonculturalarts.org

ƒ Thru Aug. 15. Noel Maghathe: “Over Everything”

ƒ Aug. 22-Sept. 19. Devan Horton: “Tending Stems” Reception: Aug. 22, 6-8 p.m.

Contemporary Arts Center | Downtown. 513-345-8400. contemporaryartscenter.org

ƒ Thru Aug. 3. “Regional 90: Connecting, Empowering and Supporting Local Artists”

ƒ Thru Aug. 17. “Ohio Now: State of Nature”

ƒ Thru Sept. 7. Marcus Leslie Singleton: “New Steps” • ArtsWave’s “Truth & Innovation Showcase,” commissioned works by 25 BIPOC artists

ƒ Thru Dec. 30. Kahlil Robert Irving: “Ground Water from screen Falls [(Collaged media) + Midwest] Street”

ƒ Thru Oct. 31, 2026. “Gravity’s Rainbow”

DAAP Galleries | University of Cincinnati. 513-556-2839. daap.uc.edu

ƒ Thru Aug. 31. Directors’ Choice 2025 Showcase (Reed Gallery)

ƒ Thru Nov. 10. “Collection Art: Reflections on Works at the University of Cincinnati” (Meyer Gallery)

Gallery 506 | Elsmere. 513-919-5415. gallery-506.com

ƒ Aug. 2-Oct. 4. Tina Tammaro and Todd Reynolds: “Maybe Tomorrow”

Kennedy Heights Arts Center | Kennedy Heights. 513-631-4278. kennedyarts.org

ƒ Thru Aug. 9. 17th annual Student Art Show

ƒ Aug. 23-Oct. 25. Beth Goldstein: “Quiet Chaos: Watercolors, Monoprints & Collages” Reception: Aug. 23, 6-8 p.m.

Manifest Gallery | East Walnut Hills. 513-861-3638. manifestgallery.org

ƒ Thru Aug. 8. “Whim” • “Textuality” • Phoebe Scott (sculpture) • “Annual Master Pieces”

ƒ Aug. 15-Sept. 12. “Annual Nude” • “Buddy System” • “Wear” • Sarah Knobel (photography) Reception: Aug. 15, 6-9 p.m.

Middletown Arts Center | Middletown. 513-424-2417. middletownartscenter.com

ƒ Aug. 8-Oct. 2. Annual Photography + Digital Art Exhibition • Works by Kate Uraneck. Reception: Aug. 8, 6-8 p.m.

Off Ludlow Gallery | Clifton. 513-201-7153. facebook.com

ƒ Aug. 8-Sept. 10. Susan Byrnes: “Being As How” Reception: Aug. 8, 6-8 p.m.

Ombré Gallery | Over-the-Rhine. ombregallery.com

ƒ Thru Aug. 31. “Korea Now”

Pendleton Art Center | Pendleton. 513-421-4339. pendletonartcenter.com

ƒ Aug. 29, 5-9 p.m. Open studios

Pendleton Art Center - Middletown | Middletown. 513-465-5038. pendletonartcenter.com

ƒ Aug. 1, 5-9 p.m. Open studios

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum | Hamilton 513-868-1234. pyramidhill.org

ƒ Thru Nov. 10. “A Main Street Story: Robert McCloskey in Hamilton, Ohio”

Queen City Clay | Norwood. queencityclay.com

ƒ Thru Sept. 4. “Tactile”

Shamala Hamala | 1306 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. shamalahamala.com

ƒ Aug. 8, 6-9 p.m. Opening of new gallery

Solway Gallery | West End. 513-621-0069. solwaygallery.com

ƒ Thru Sept. 26. “Cincinnati Collects,” recent acquisitions: Donald Baechler, Alexander Calder, Sam Francis, Adolph Gottlieb, David Hockney, Jeff Koons, Sol LeWitt, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Longo, Robert Motherwell, Bruce Nauman, Nam June Paik, Aminah Robinson, Saul Steinberg, Pat Steir and Victor Vasarely

Studio San Giuseppe Art Gallery | Mount St. Joseph University, Delhi. msj.edu

ƒ Thru Aug. 25. MSJ Student Art Exhibition. Reception: Aug. 25, 4-6:30 p.m.

Taft Museum of Art | Lytle Park, downtown. 513-241-0343. taftmuseum.org

ƒ Thru Sept. 7. “The Crafted World of Wharton Esherick”

ƒ Thru Nov. 2. “A New Look at the Longworths”

Warren County Historical Museum | Lebanon. wchsmuseum.org

ƒ Thru Aug 29. Russel Wright: “A Legacy of Simple Living by Design”

Weston Art Gallery | Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-977-4165. cincinnatiarts.org/weston-art-gallery

ƒ Thru Aug. 24. Hannah Parrett: “(Grass Crunching)” • Erika Nj Allen: “This Is Not A Banana Republic - A Manifesto of Empire Domination, The Immigration Experience, and Empathy” • Clive Moloney: “Between Trees”  Get listed Arts/Culture listings are free. Send event details and photos to: editor@moversmakers.org See Page 4 for print deadlines. Visit moversmakers.org for more listings.

No one should grow old alone Ja’Lah Willingham builds legacy of connection

By Feoshia Davis, edited by Casey Weldon

Ja’LahWillingham’s journey to nonprofit leadership is deeply rooted in relationships – both familial and community – and a commitment to ensuring that older adults never face aging alone.

Growing up in Cincinnati’s Evanston neighborhood, she watched her grandmother, Vera Mae Johnson, care for others with unwavering strength and grace. Her grandmother’s resilience and wisdom became a guiding force in Willingham’s life and leadership.

“People told me I didn’t have a bright future,” Willingham recalled. But her grandmother’s favorite saying stayed with her: “You can work for peanuts or you can work for walnuts, but the choice is yours.” That lesson was about more than work; it was about dignity, self-worth and the power to shape one’s own story.

Her grandmother embodied that lesson, rising from a teenage mother in the 1950s to become one of the first African American women chemists at a local plant. This legacy of perseverance and care informs how Willingham leads today.

As executive director of Cincinnati nonprofit Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly (LBFE), Willingham carries forward those values: building community, honoring elders and creating connections for those aging without traditional family support. At LBFE, the mission is clear: No one should grow old alone.

Building on more than 15 years of nonprofit experience, Willingham went on to earn degrees from Xavier University while leading LBFE, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. “Originally, I wanted to

prove something to others. But along the way, I proved something to myself: I am enough,” she said.

Before joining LBFE in 2022, Willingham held leadership roles at nonprofits including Public Allies, the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, and Meals on Wheels Southwest OH & Northern KY.

Now, she’s focused on modernizing LBFE while staying true to its mission. The organization serves hundreds of elders across Greater Cincinnati, many of whom are aging without the support of family or friends. Volunteers visit regularly, celebrate birthdays and holidays and offer a simple but powerful gift: presence.

‘Flowers before bread’

Under Willingham’s leadership, LBFE has grown more inclusive and intentional. “Our motto is ‘Flowers before bread.’ Dignity, beauty and simple human connection are just as nourishing as a hot meal,” she said.

That mindset is paired with strategy.

“When I first arrived, we were only consistently reaching about one-third of our base of 180 elders in a meaningful way,” she said, noting that many of its participants, particularly those who were homebound or facing mobility challenges, were unintentionally left out of regular programming.

“Since then, we’ve taken intentional steps to make our programs more inclusive and accessible, which has resulted in us doubling our

Some of the people who bring me the most joy found us because they were looking for connection. And we were able to pair them with elders who needed that too.

–

Ja’Lah Willingham

impact and touches of companionship across the community,” Willingham said.

One catalyst of that effort was LBFE’s first annual participant survey, which revealed that two-thirds of elders were homebound. “At the time, we were only reaching these individuals through three holiday visits a year,” Willingham said. “That data pushed us to act.”

LBFE has since more than doubled its delivery-based programming, expanding from three to seven visits per year. The visiting volunteer and telephone reassurance programs – vital lifelines for those who rarely leave their homes – have also expanded.

“These services offer both companionship

Photo by Wendell g ibbs Jr of eleven27 Media g rou P, llC for M overs & Makers

and peace of mind,” Willingham said. “We’re not just trying to reach more people, we’re committed to reaching them well, with quality, consistency and compassion.”

Willingham also led the acquisition of a wheelchair-accessible van, allowing LBFE to better serve participants who face mobility challenges.

“Social connection is a privilege. When you’re older and alone, even taking out the trash be comes something bigger,” she said. “Our elders aren’t people to be rescued. They’re people to be honored.”

A small team, a big mission

LBFE’s team consists of just four staff mem bers, but the size of their collective impact far exceeds their staffing numbers.

“At Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly, our team is small but mighty – and that’s exactly why they’re so crucial to our success,” Willingham said. “When you’re working with a lean structure, you need individuals who are not only passionate but also deeply skilled, adapt able and dependable.”

The staff’s behind-the-scenes efforts – things ranging from CRM systems to volunteer co ordination and long-term planning – form the infrastructure that allows meaningful connec tions to happen again and again.

“Impact isn’t only measured by a single inter action,” Willingham said. “It’s measured by the systems that sustain those interactions.”

That effort is reinforced through strong partnerships. LBFE works alongside organiza tions like Side-By-Side Ministries – one of its most instrumental collaborators, Willingham said – as well as Pro Seniors, People Working Cooperatively and the Council on Aging, to provide elders with holistic support that goes beyond what any one group could offer alone.

Willingham’s leadership has earned respect throughout the region.

“Ja’Lah’s dedication to uplifting older adults in our community is matched by her motivation to grow and sustain this mission for many years to come,” said Mary Day, development and communications director for Pro Seniors, Inc. “Her leadership shines through in every activity on offer and in her stewardship of staff and financial resources. Our community is stronger because of her and LBFE.”

Community and chosen family

Beyond partnerships and infrastructure, Willingham sees LBFE as building something deeper: chosen family.

“Some of the people who bring me the most joy found us because they were looking for

The Notables

Movers & Makers reached out this month to organizations that work to help older adults with the challenges that aging brings. We asked them to help showcase their notables, as part of M&M’s continuing effort to recognize individuals making a difference in Greater Cincinnati’s nonprofit ecosystem.

Peggy Slade-Sowders, Episcopal Retirement Services

Peggy Slade-Sowders is a trailblazer in aging life care management and concierge services for older adults in Greater Cincinnati. As director of Episcopal Retirement Services’ Living Well Senior Solutions, she leads a team that helps clients remain independent and thrive wherever they call home. She brings a personal and holistic approach to care, addressing not only clients’ physical needs but also their emotional and financial well-being. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her five grandchildren, reflecting her commitment to supporting intergenerational connection and well-being. 

Dianne Dozier,

Cincinnati-Hamilton

County Community Action Agency

Dianne Dozier, Home Energy Assistance Program manager for the Community Action Agency, leads efforts to help seniors age safely and securely in their own homes through the Secure Seniors program. Dozier works with individuals who face rising property taxes, growing utility costs, financial insecurity and health-related stress. Through Secure Seniors, she helps provide relief from the high cost of utility bills. Thanks to her leadership, more seniors can avoid difficult trade-offs between groceries, medicine, utilities or other housing costs. Her efforts prevent housing instability as well as promote dignity, health and emotional well-being. 

Breanna Williams, Meals on Wheels of Southwest OH & Northern KY

Lisa Zimmers, Twin Lakes

Lisa Zimmers, executive director of Twin Lakes, is a seasoned leader in organizational growth, leadership development and cultural transformation. Under her guidance, Twin Lakes has achieved operational excellence, high occupancy and outstanding resident experiences. She launched a Memory Support Assisted Living program, including a memory support chapel that provides spiritual support. President of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce and vice chair of the Sycamore Schools Business Advisory Council, she is active in civic and professional organizations. A devoted Georgia Bulldogs fan, Zimmers enjoys traveling and cherishes time with her family. 

Jason Crimmel, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati

Jason Crimmel, repair program manager at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati, works to ensure that seniors in our community can remain safely in their homes through the Aging in Place Program. Crimmel has developed systems that helped Habitat repair programs grow from 21 homes a year to nearly 200. He built Orion, a project management system that streamlined operations and expanded agency capacity. Crimmel has become a resource for other Habitat organizations hoping to scale up programs. In his personal life, he enjoys coding and building software programs. 

Mary Sutton, Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired

BreannaWilliam s

Breanna Williams helps nourish seniors’ minds and spirits by creating and expanding remedies to social isolation and loneliness. As the agency’s programs manager, she leverages technology for seniors’ benefit. She has collaborated with other groups to enable seniors’ digital literacy. For instance, Meals on Wheels’ Digital Connect program is an education series for seniors to earn their own tablet device to promote stronger connections, well-being and independence. Williams loves music of all kinds and live concerts. Eclectic in her interests, she enjoys hiking, sci-fi shows and baking sweet treats. 

At the Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired, certified low vision specialist Mary Sutton helps seniors receive prescribed low-vision aids. She began as an administrative assistant 14 years ago, then shifted to CABVI’s social services. As the intake worker, Sutton helped new clients learn about services. She later studied to become a certified low vision specialist. Sutton is always looking for new ways to serve people with vision loss. She enjoys spending time with her extended family and is active with her church and other community activities. 

DianneDozier

PeggySlade-So wders

MarySutton

JasonCrimmel

Mike Martini, WMKV Radio

Mike Martini has been a radio host for decades on the commercial and public dial. He hosts music and classic-radio programs daily on WMKV 89.3 FM and 89.9 FM, an independent public radio station providing music, memories and nostalgia, plus apolitical talk that gives older adults and families a place to share memories. Martini, who has won multiple Ohio Society of Professional Journalist awards, is a radio historian and a co-founder of nonprofit Media Heritage Inc. at the Voice of America. Martini also does numerous talks and presentations. 

MikeMartini

Kristin Cooley, Giving Voice Foundation

Kristin Cooley is an emerging force as program director at the Giving Voice Foundation. As a clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience, Cooley provides leadership for local programs, ensuring caregivers and those living with dementia receive vital support. Her work has been pivotal in launching programs like Creative Connections and the Purposeful Planning Program, and more – each bringing joy, connection and invaluable resources to families. When she’s not creating programs, Cooley enjoys the “simple life,” cherishing time with her family, including her daughter and pets. 

Brittney Bartelson, Vantage Aging

Brittney Bartelson, senior manager of training and supportive services at Vantage Aging, leads a team supporting older adults in the Senior Community Service Employment Program. She helps participants overcome employment hurdles like transportation and food insecurity. She oversees Vantage’s Digital Inclusion Program, which provides job seekers with digital equipment, internet access and training. In her free time, she enjoys her husband’s company, her two Great Danes (who are convinced they’re lap dogs) and their regal cat. Her hobbies include reading, gardening, video games and off-roading in side-by-sides. 

on

Russ Rosen, New Horizons Band of Cincinnati

Russ Rosen is the leader of New Horizons, a band for seniors that helps them revisit musical skills from earlier in life, while also welcoming seniors who want to play for the first time. Rosen welcomes the elderly, some into their 90s, because the band offers socialization to counter loneliness late in life. Playing in a band forces musicians to use multiple senses, which is known to improve memory and cognitive skills, potentially even fighting Alzheimer’s and dementia. When not working, Rosen enjoys music and gardening. 

Chris Perry, Amberley Village

Chris Perry is the first-ever senior safety officer in Amberley Village. Partially funded by the Jewish Home of Cincinnati, Perry’s job is to get to know the community’s older residents to ensure safe aging in place. Recently retired after more than 30 years with Cincinnati Police, Perry has turned his experience with his mother’s dementia into a community-wide mission to help older residents remain safe at home. He also helps fellow law enforcement officers facing PTSD and depression and has been a guest on numerous podcasts on mental health. 

Jennifer Tilford, Senior Advocate Action Group

Since joining the Senior Advocate Action Group board in 2024, Jennifer Tilford has embodied the organization’s mission to support, uplift and advocate for older adults. A Norwood resident and Xavier University alum, she brings compassion and expertise from her role as move-in coordinator at Seasons, a senior community in Kenwood. She helps manage the Columbia Baptist Church food pantry, helped launch a SAAG mini food pantry in Cincinnati’s East End and leads efforts to expand SAAG’s blessing box network, which provides free food and hygiene items to seniors in need. 

RussRosen

JenniferTilford

ChrisPerry

Mike Walters, Pro Seniors

Mike Walters, an advocate for older adults, has been the guiding voice behind Pro Seniors’ legal helpline, where his calm presence and deep knowledge have helped thousands navigate complex issues. Walters continues to champion justice, particularly through political advocacy that gives voice to the less fortunate. Off the clock, Walters is devoted to his wife Joyce, their son Tommy and Tommy’s fiancée Emma. The family shares a love of music, travel and making memories together, whether watching Tommy’s band perform or exploring Hawaii or the American West. 

Edward Wolff, La Soupe

Edward Wolff, a nourish chef at La Soupe, spends his week preparing healthy, nutrient-rich meals for those in need, especially senior citizens, through a partnership with Meals on Wheels. Wolff helps lead a volunteer team that produces approximately 330 Food as Medicine meals each week, crafted from whole, unprocessed ingredients that support blood sugar control and heart health. The program helps reduce emergency room visits and hospital readmissions, enabling seniors to remain healthier and independent in their homes. Outside the kitchen, Wolff enjoys live music and walking his dog, Wendy. 

Ronnell Spears, Council on Aging

When Council on Aging Chief Financial Officer Ronnell “Ronnie” Spears joined the agency in 2022, it marked another chance for him to serve older adults after 30 years in the home care industry. Spears works to develop financial models that will help sustain programs in the face of growing demand and rising costs. A proud veteran, husband and father, Spears also serves on the finance committee at Bethany House. Golfing and listening to audiobooks are also interests of Spears’, but “nothing gives me more pleasure than serving others,” he said. 

Megan Deaton, Community First Solutions

Memory Care Manager Megan Deaton, LPN, developed an approach to redefine the memory care experience across Community First. Inspired by her family’s experience and in-depth research, she created Touchpoint Sensory, which weaves together threads of touch, taste, sight, sound and smell to create connections between residents, their loved ones and care partners. Touchpoint Sensory is unique to Community First, where Deaton leads the charge in training and ongoing education for team members. A die-hard music lover, Deaton enjoys traveling throughout the country attending concerts of her favorite artists.  Our September issue will feature

from community arts centers.

To find out how to submit a NOTABLE for consideration (nonprofits only), email: tmariner@moversmakers. org or subscribe to our newsletters at moversmakers.org/ subscribe

EdwardWolff

RonnellSpears

MikeWalters

MeganDeaton

The Datebook

AUG. 1, FRIDAY

Adventure Crew, Outdoors for All EXPO | 4-9:30 p.m. Schmidt Recreation Complex, East End. Live music by The Tillers, Jake Speed & the Freddies and Ma Crow & Co. Plus 70 exhibitors, food trucks, a Kids Zone, canoe rides and MadTree beverages. Free and open to all.

 ohioriverpaddlefest.org/expo-info

AUG. 2, SATURDAY

Adventure Crew, Ohio River Paddlefest | Schmidt Recreation Complex. Racers 7 a.m. Recreational paddlers 7:10-8:30 a.m. Award presentation and Mill Creek Peek tours. Registration starts at $60; prices increase July 27.

 ohioriverpaddlefest.org

AUG. 3, SUNDAY

Cari Ann Fund, Annual Cari Mangulabnan Fields Golf Outing| 11:30 a.m. Boone Links Golf Course, Florence. Golf, raffles, silent auction and dinner. Registration: $90; $360/ foursome.

 cariannfund.com

AUG. 6, WEDNESDAY

Companions on a Journey, Vince Munafo Memorial Golf Outing | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Glenview Golf Course, Glendale. Shotgun start, best ball scramble, lunch, beer garden, dinner, music, putting contest, prizes, awards and Legacy Wall viewing. Registration: $175.

 givebutter.com/c/vmm2025

AUG. 7, THURSDAY

NKY Chamber, Annual Golf Outing & Clinic | 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Golf Courses of Kenton County, Independence. Three flights of golf, clinic, food, drinks and networking. Registration starts at $90.

 business.nkychamber.com/events

AUG. 9, SATURDAY

FC Cincinnati Foundation, FCC3 Race | 8 a.m. Nippert Stadium, University of Cincinnati. Three-mile morning race and post-race party.  flyingpigmarathon.com

AUG. 10, SUNDAY

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

Welcome House, Summer Sunday | 5-9 p.m. Drees Pavilion, Covington. Food, open bar, live music, silent auction and raffle. Tickets: $100.  welcomehouseky.org

AUG. 11, MONDAY

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Golf Classic | 10 a.m. The Golf Club at Stonelick Hills, Batavia. Golf, lunch, drinks, dinner and prizes. Registration: $350.  events.cff.org/ohiogolfclassic

Junior Achievement, Golf Classic | 8:30 a.m. Wetherington Country Club, West Chester. Each golfer receives $500 shopping spree.  japartners.org

AUG. 14, THURSDAY

Joe Nuxhall Foundation, Golf Outing | 10 a.m. Elks Golf Club, Hamilton. Golf, breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, merchandise and prizes. Registration: $400; $1,600/foursome.

 nuxhallmiracleleague.org/golf

AUG. 15, FRIDAY

May We Help, Engineering Dreams Gala | 6:30 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. Dinner, drinks and silent auction. Tickets: $150.

 givebutter.com/c/MWHGala25

AUG. 16, SATURDAY

Karen Wellington Foundation, Annual Fun Run & Recipient Celebration | 9 a.m. VOA Park, West Chester. 5K, raffles, prizes, music and food trucks. Registration: $40 ($50 after Aug. 12).

 racepenguin.com/events/kwffunrun

Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, Annual Tom Wess Memorial Golf Outing | 1:30 p.m. Glenview Golf Course, Glendale. Golf tournament. Registration: $150.  littlebrotherscincinnati.org

Phillip Holloman and Gail Holloman will host the Black Art Speaks Fifth Anniversary Celebration at Art Academy of Cincinnati on Aug. 23

AUG. 17-18, SUNDAY-MONDAY

American Cancer Society, Cincinnati Golf Classic | Kenwood Country Club. Dinner reception honoring Doug Flora, golf, raffles and silent auction.

 cincinnatigolfclassic.org

AUG. 18, MONDAY

Master Provisions, Annual Larry Nelson Master Pro Golf Classic | Triple Crown Country Club, Union. Save the date.

 masterprovisions.org

AUG. 19, TUESDAY

Tender Mercies, Annual Meeting | 5-7 p.m. TQL Stadium. Celebrating staff, volunteers, donors and supporters.  tendermerciesinc.org

AUG. 20, WEDNESDAY

Pro Seniors, Seniors Who Rock | 5-7 p.m. 20th Century Theater, Oakley. Honoring Karen Bankston, Deanna Spatz and William G. Thornton Jr. Lite bites, beer, wine and valet parking. Tickets: $75.

 proseniors.org/seniors-who-rock

AUG. 22, FRIDAY

Big Brothers Big Sisters, Project Role Model Fashion Show | 6 p.m.

Music Hall Ballroom. VIP happy hour, fashion show, silent auction, raffles and after-party. Tickets: $150.  bigsforkids.org

Learning Grove, Monica Hughes Henke Golf Outing | 8 a.m. Devou Park Golf Course, Covington. Unconventional golf outing features tutu swings, marshmallow hits, afterparty and more. Breakfast, lunch and after-party included. Sponsorships and registration information: tbrown@ learning-grove.org. Registration: $125; $500/foursome.

 learning-grove.org/events

AUG. 23, SATURDAY

Black Art Speaks, 5th Anniversary Celebration | 5:30-9 p.m. Art Academy of Cincinnati, Over-the-Rhine. Hosted by Gail Holloman and Phillip Holloman. Live performances, fashion moments, award presentations and outdoor after-party. Tickets: $125.

 blackartspeaks.com

Boys & Girls Club, Sand Volleyball Classic | 10 a.m. Shoreline Social, Anderson Twp. Volleyball. Registration: $150 per team.

 bgcgc.org/events

Easterseals Redwood, Annual Honor Ride | 8:30 a.m. Miami Whitewater Forest, Harrison. Noncompetitive, family-friendly bicycle ride. Registration: Starts at $25.

 secure.qgiv.com/event/honorride2025

Gorman Heritage Farm, Row By Row | 5-9:30 p.m. Gorman Heritage Farm, Evendale. VIP cocktail hour, dinner, silent auction and program. Tickets: $150.

 gormanfarm.org

Photo by Wendell g ibbs Jr

AUG. 23, SATURDAY (CONT.)

Tri-State Trails, Tour de Crown | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Fifty West Brewing Company, Mariemont. Bike trails of 9, 17.5 and 34 miles. Drinks, burgers and expo event.

 tristatetrails.org

AUG. 24, SUNDAY

Catholic Charities - Diocese of Covington, Cassba | 3-7 p.m. Drees Pavilion, Covington. Open bar, appetizers, food stations, desserts, silent auction and raffle. Tickets: $100.

 covingtoncharities.org

AUG. 25, MONDAY

Cincinnati Cancer Advisors, Steve Abbott Memorial Golf Classic | 9:30 a.m. Clovernook Country Club. Golf, breakfast, lunch, dinner, music, prizes, raffles and bourbon mall. Roundtable discussion with Bengals greats Anthony Munoz, Jim Breech, Dave Lapham and Max Montoya.

 cincinnaticanceradvisors.org

Junior Achievement, Golf Classic | 8:30 a.m. The Golf Club at Stonelick Hills, Batavia. Each golfer receives $500 shopping spree.

 japartners.org

AUG. 26, TUESDAY

New Perceptions, Annual Dinner | 6-9 p.m. Receptions Event Center, Erlanger. Celebrating accomplishments and years of service of participants and staff.

 newperceptions.org

On Aug. 27, fans can support the Freestore Foodbank while mixing with the Bengals and sampling food from local restaurants at Taste of the NFL . Honorary host player is Mike Gesicki

AUG. 27, WEDNESDAY

Freestore Foodbank, Taste of the Bengals | 6:30 p.m. Paycor Stadium. Mix and mingle with members of the team, coaches and staff and enjoy dinner by-the-bite from many of Greater Cincinnati’s most coveted restaurants. Honorary host player: Mike Gesicki. Tickets: $200; VIP $500.  bengals.com

AUG. 31, SUNDAY

American Cancer Society, Rendezvous on the River | 5-11 p.m. Montgomery Inn Boathouse. Dinner, valet parking, open bar, Riverfest fireworks watch party, music, and live and silent auction. Tickets: $400.  e.givesmart.com/events/H4R

Best Point Education & Behavioral Health, Rockin’ at Riverfest | 5-11 p.m. Anderson Pavilion, Smale Riverfront Park. Co-chairs: Jenna DeBord and Tad DeBord, Gail Mullinger and Steve Mullinger, Jennifer Wormington and Matthew Wormington. Honorary chair: Wes Miller, University of Cincinnati men’s head basketball coach.  bestpoint.org

Scouting America, Festival of Fireworks | 5-11 p.m. Highland Towers, Mt. Adams. Shuttle bus service, beverage stations, music and entertainment, children’s activities area, dinner, program and fireworks. Tickets: $250; children: $25.  danbeard.org/festival-of-fireworks

SEPTEMBER TBD

Design Cincinnati, Annual Luncheon | 11 a.m. Kenwood Country Club. Food, drinks and flowers.  designcincy.org/about-1

SEPT. 4, THURSDAY

Women’s Fund, 30 Years

Strong – Legacy in Motion | 11:30 a.m.-1 :30 p.m. Anderson Pavilion, Smale Riverfront Park. Reception, lunch and presentation. Honoring Angele K. Blackshear [aka Sister Keli], Leslie McNeill, Mary Stagaman and Barbara Turner. Tickets: $125.

 gcfdn.my.salesforce-sites.com

SEPT. 5, FRIDAY

St. Joseph Home, Annual Golf Classic | Glenview Golf Course. Save the date. Registration: $200; foursome/$800.

 stjosephhome.org/events

SEPT. 6, SATURDAY

Behringer-Crawford Museum, freshART | 6-9:30 p.m. BehringerCrawford Museum, Covington. Silent auction, live auction, live music and bar. Tickets: $60.

 bcmuseum.org

Disruption Now, Future of Data Hackathon | 8 a.m.-8 p.m. 1819 Innovation Hub. Teams of students and professionals help nonprofits solve real technology and data challenges.  midwestcon.live

Down Syndrome Association, Buddy Walk | 10 a.m. Sawyer Point. Pre-party, mile walk, entertainment, giveaways, food, drinks, bounce houses and activities.  dsagc.com

Ronald McDonald House, Gala | Northern Kentucky Convention Center. Food, entertainment and auction. Tickets: $250.

 rmhcincinnati.org

Stepping Stones, The Great Bloom | 7 p.m. Element Eatery, Madisonville. Silent auction, casino-style games, dancing, dinner and drinks. Jenny Arena is event chair. Tickets: $175.

 steppingstonesohio.org

Urban League, Annual Diamond Gala | 6:30-10:30 p.m. Sharonville Convention Center. Dinner, dessert, open bar and live DJs. Tickets: $225.

 ulgso.org/gala

SEPT. 9, TUESDAY

Abercrumbie Group, All About Women | 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Hard Rock Casino. Keynote: Singer Lalah Hathaway.

 theabercrumbiegroup.com

Goering Center, Annual Family & Private Business Awards |4 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. Awards ceremony.

 business.uc.edu

St. Elizabeth Foundation, 46th Annual Golf ParTee | Save the date.

 stelizabeth.com

SEPT. 11, THURSDAY

Elder Law Cincinnati, Annual Elder Care Symposium | 8:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Oasis Conference Center, Loveland. Keynote, breakout sessions, panel discussion, lunch and raffle.

 elderlawcincinnati.com

Findlay Market, Flavor of Findlay | 6:30-9:30 p.m. Findlay Market. Food, silent auction, raffles and games. VIP access includes extra tasting stations, gifts and live entertainment. Tickets: $115; VIP $165.

 app.betterunite.com

SEPT. 12, FRIDAY

Dress for Success, Fashion Show | Mercantile Immersive, downtown. Chair: Stevi Gable Carr, founder & CEO of WISE Wellness Guild.

 dfscincy.org

Cincinnati Compass, Cincinnati Rhythm | 6-10 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. Food, music, performances and awards.

 cincinnaticompass.org

Hospice of Cincinnati, For Hospice | 7-11 p.m. Little Miami Brewing Co. Event Center, Milford. Food and live music.

 bethesdafoundation.com

SEPT. 13, SATURDAY

Brighton Center, Wine Over Water | 5:30-9:30 p.m. Purple People Bridge. Drinks, food and entertainment. Tickets: $50.

 brightoncenter.com

People Working Cooperatively, ToolBelt Ball | 5:30 p.m. Manor House, Mason. Carey Kuznar and Zak Kuznar are co-chairs. Black-tie event with cocktail reception, entertainment, dinner, auctions, raffles and booze pull. Tickets: $175.

 pwchomerepairs.org/toolbeltball

Ride Cincinnati, Annual Ride | Sawyer Point Park. Bicycle routes of 4, 30, 50 and 60 miles. Live music, DJs and Kroger Fan Zone.

 ridecincinnati.org/events/500

SEPT. 16, TUESDAY

Magnified Giving, Fall Dinner | 5:30-8 p.m. Cooper Creek Event Center, Blue Ash. Cocktail hour, dinner, program and awards presentation.

 magnifiedgiving.org/dinner-25

SEPT. 18, THURSDAY

Family Nurturing Center, Golf Scramble | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Lassing Pointe Golf Course, Union. Golf. Tickets: $600/foursome.

 e.givesmart.com/events/JjE/

Mill Creek Alliance, 30th Anniversary Fundraiser | 5:30-9 p.m. MadTree Parks & Rec @ Summit Park, Blue Ash. Open bar, appetizers, plated dinner, entertainment, paddle raise and silent auction.

 themillcreekalliance.org/30years

Talbert House, 60th Anniversary Celebration | 4:30-6:30 p.m. The Palomar, Walnut Hills. Save the date.

 talberthouse.org

SEPT. 19, FRIDAY

Cincinnati Zoo, Zoofari | 7-11 p.m. Cincinnati Zoo. Cocktail hour, food, drinks, animal experiences, live performances and neon glow body art studio. Tickets: $250.

 cincinnatizoo.org/events/zoofari

SEPT. 20, SATURDAY

Children’s Law Center, Boots, Bourbon & Biscuits Brunch | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Receptions, Erlanger. Keynote: Michelle Keller, Kentucky Supreme Court justice. Live music, silent auction, drinks, brunch and biscuit bar.

 childrenslawky.org

The annual ToolBelt Ball to support People Working Cooperatively takes place Sept. 13 at the Manor House in Mason. Carey Kuznar and Zak Kuznar are co-chairs for the black-tie event.

Stepping Stones presents The Great Bloom on Sept. 6 at Element Eatery in Madisonville, with casino-style games, dinner and dancing. Jenny Arena is event chair.

Northern Kentucky

Children’s Advocacy Center will honor Hollaender Mfg. Co. and Marc Cetrulo at the Airport Marriott in Hebron. The band Naked Karate Girls will provide entertainment at the Sept. 27 gala.

Children’s Law Center will host Boots, Bourbon & Biscuits Brunch at Receptions in Erlanger on Sept. 20. Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Michelle Keller is keynote speaker.

Jenny Arena and Kenny Arena

Holly Cetrulo and Marc Cetrulo

SEPT. 20, SATURDAY (CONT.)

Community Action Agency, Annual Dinner Party | 6-10 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. Emcee: Courtis Fuller. Cocktail reception, silent auction, raffles, threecourse dinner and musical entertainment. Tickets: $175.

 cincycaa.ejoinme.org

SEPT. 22, MONDAY

City Gospel Mission, Golf Outing | 8 a.m. Aston Oaks Golf Club, North Bend. Hole-in-one contests, course games, food, raffles and awards.

 citygospelmission.org

Clermont Chamber of Commerce, Golf for Kids | 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Elks Run Golf Club, Batavia. Breakfast, golf, lunch, happy hour, raffle and awards.

 business.clermontchamber.com

Dragonfly, Golf Classic | 10 a.m. Wetherington Golf and Country Club, West Chester. Save the date.

 dragonfly.org/event-directory

SEPT. 24, WEDNESDAY

Adopt A Class, Mentor Symposium | 8-10 a.m. Cintas Center, Xavier University. Breakfast, networking and vendor exhibits.

 aacmentors.org/mentor-symposium

Greenacres Foundation, Giving with Grace | 6-9 p.m. Greenacres Arts Center, Indian Hill. Cocktail hour, music, dinner and program. Tickets: $125.

 tickettailor.com

SEPT. 25, THURSDAY

Cincinnati Music & Wellness

Coalition, Annual Music & Medicine Conference | 8:30 a.m. Cincinnati Music & Wellness Coalition, Wyoming. Breakout sessions and lunch. Registration $100.

 musicandwellness.net

Giving Voice Foundation, Brews for Brains | 6:30 p.m. Braxton Brewing, Covington. Food, beer tastings, photo booth and live DJ. Tickets: $75.

 givebutter.com/BrewsforBrains

Impact 100, Annual Awards

Celebration | 5 p.m. Music Hall

Ballroom. Celebration of finalists and award winners. Emcee: FOX19’s Rob Williams. Drinks, dinner and musical entertainment. Tickets: $90.

 impact100.org/event/aac-2025

NKY Chamber of Commerce, 2025 Annual Dinner | 5-10:30 p.m. NKY Convention Center. Dinner, 6:30 p.m. After-party, 8:30 p.m. Celebrate past accomplishments, highlight current growth, look ahead to future projects and honor this year’s seven award winners. Tickets: $100-$170; $1,750/ table of 10.  nkychamber.com/signature-events

Over-the-Rhine Community Housing, Annual Celebrating Our Beloved Community | Findlay Market. Hard-hat tour of Gloria’s Place, food and honoring YMCA Camp Ernst and Margaret Quinn. Registration: $85.  otrch.org

SEPT. 26, FRIDAY

Beechwood Home, Annual Block Party | Evening. Beechwood Home, Evanston. Music by Soul Pocket.  beechwoodhome.com

Junior Achievement, Ladies Sporting Clays Classic and/or Women & Wine | 11 a.m. Clay shoot, Elk Creek Hunt Club, Owenton. 2:30 p.m. Women & Wine, The View Event Center, Williamstown. Shooting sporting clays, raffle baskets and hors d’oeuvres.

 japartners.org

Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled, 50th Anniversary Celebration | 6:30-10:30 p.m. American Sign Museum, Camp Washington. Celebrating LADD’s 50th anniversary. Tickets: $150.

 laddinc.org

Melanoma Know More, Music for Melanoma Gala | 5:30-10 p.m. Manor House, Mason. Food, drinks, silent and live auctions, raffle, wine wall, bourbon pull, Genesis Diamonds boutique and live music. Tickets: $150.

 melanomaknowmore.com

SEPT. 27, SATURDAY

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Wild About a Cure | 6:30 p.m. Cincinnati Zoo. Open bar, hors d’oeuvres, exclusive animal encounters, silent auction and live auction. Tickets: $150; VIP $200.

 events.cff.org/WildAboutaCure

Envision, Go the Extra Mile | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Winton Woods Kestrel Shelter. 5K walk/run/roll, food, games, activities, music, vendors, raffles, prizes and giveaways.  envisionohio.org

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, International Freedom Conductor Awards | 7:30 p.m. Aronoff Center, downtown. Live performances by Cincinnati Opera, emcee Adrian Dunn and the Adrian Dunn Singers, and Mali Music. Honorees: Opal Lee, Lonnie G. Bunch III, Toni Morrison and Isabel Wilkerson.

 freedomcenter.org

Northern Kentucky Children’s Advocacy Center, Annual Grand Gala | 6 p.m.-midnight. Airport Marriott, Hebron. Honoring Hollaender Manufacturing Co. and Marc Cetrulo. Music by Naked Karate Girls.

 nkycac.org/2025-gala

Pet Partners, World’s Largest Pet Walk | Participants and their pets walk at any time and location that works best for them to fundraise. Participants who raise $125 by Aug. 15 receive swag.  p2p.onecause.com/wlpw/home

Their Voice, Blue Jean Bash | 6-11 p.m. Kolping Haus, New Burlington. Tickets: $100.  theirvoice95.org/events

ZERO Prostate Cancer, Walk/Run | 7:45 a.m. Yeatman’s Cove and Sawyer Point Park. 5K run/walk and 1-mile walk.  support.zerocancer.org

SEPT. 29, MONDAY

DePaul Cristo Rey, Golf Classic | Western Hills Country Club. Golf, contests, lunch and cocktail reception.  depaulcristorey.org

SEPT. 30, TUESDAY

Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce, ConnectHER OTR Summit | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Hard Rock Casino. Keynote speakers, interactive workshops, panel discussions and networking sessions. Tickets: $95.  otrchamber.com/connecther-otr

OCT. 3, FRIDAY

Cincinnati Nature Center, Back to Nature | 6-10 p.m. Cincinnati Nature Center, Milford. Cocktails, dinner, dessert, activity stations, live music and silent auction. Tickets: $200.

 cincynature.org/back-to-nature

WAVE Foundation, Nauti Nite | 7:30 p.m. Newport Aquarium. VIP pre-party at 6 p.m. Dinner by-the-bite, silent auction, live entertainment, raffles, silent disco and live animal encounters. Tickets: $100; VIP $250.

 e.givesmart.com/events/Hbt

OCT. 4, SATURDAY

1N5, Warrior Run | 5 p.m. Dogwood Park, Mariemont. Mile walk, 5K and postrace party.  classy.org

Cincinnati NAACP, Freedom Fund Dinner | 6-11 p.m. Sharonville Convention Center. Dinner and afterparty. Tickets: $95.  cincinnatinaacp.comer

Learning Grove, Gala in the Grove: Once Upon a Gala | 6-10 p.m. Hilton Netherland Plaza. Fairytale-themed evening featuring cocktail hour, dinner, drinks, games, storytelling and surprises. Emcee: WLWT’s Kelly Rippin. Tickets: $175.  learning-grove.org/events

Matthew Mangine Jr. Foundation, “One Shot” Birthday Bash| 6 p.m. Metropolitan Club, Covington. Dinner bythe-bite, drinks, music, raffles and silent auction. Tickets: $125.

 oneshot.life

Ohio Valley Voices, A Night of Good Fortune | 7-11 p.m. Ohio Valley Voices, Loveland. Casino games, live music, food trucks and raffles.

 ohiovalleyvoices.org

SHE+ Foundation, Annual SHE+ Gala | 7-11 p.m. The Palomar, Walnut Hills. Dinner-by-the-bite, cocktails and music by Sly Band. Tickets: $250.

 sheplusfoundation.com/gala

OCT. 9, THURSDAY

Cancer Support Community, Stronger Than Cancer Celebration | 6-9 p.m. The Lightwell at NORTH, Hotel Covington. Emcee: Local 12’s Bob Herzog. Dinner, bar, raffles and auction.

 mycancersupportcommunity.org

Christ Hospital Foundation Guild, Off The Wall | 6 p.m. Cooper Creek Event Center, Blue Ash. Light dinner, drinks, art lottery and silent auction. Tickets: $100.

 thechristhospital.com

OCT. 11, SATURDAY

Africa Fire Mission, Chama | 6-10 p.m. Local 48 - Cincinnati Fire Fighters Union Hall, Queensgate. Food, drinks and silent auction.

 africafiremission.org/new-events

OCT. 13, MONDAY

Ken Anderson Alliance, Golf Classic | Coldstream Country Club. Golf with former Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson, food, drinks and prizes.

 kenandersonalliance.org

OCT 15, WEDNESDAY

Junior Achievement, Business Hall of Fame | 6-9 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. Honorees: Scott Farmer of Cintas, the late Larry Kellar, Candace McGraw of CVG, Scott Robertson of RCF Group and restaurateur Jeff Ruby. Also, Lifetime Achievement recipient Scott Haussler of Paycor. Tickets: $350; $2,750/table of 8.

 japartners.org/event

OCT. 16-17, THURSDAY-FRIDAY

Caracole, Caracon Symposium 2025 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Ensemble Theatre, Over-the-Rhine. Keynote: Jesse Milan Jr., president & CEO, AIDS United. Breakout

sessions, interactive activities, networking, breakfast and dinner. Tickets: $100; virtual $75.

 caracole.org

OCT. 16, THURSDAY

Bethany House, Welcome Home Bash | 6-10 p.m. American Sign Museum, Camp Washington. Honoring Carolyn Washburn, Perry Washburn and Judge Virginia Tallent.

 bethanyhouseservices.org

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Public input invited to help preserve local Black history

Cincinnati Preservation, expanding efforts to document and preserve Black history across Greater Cincinnati, is inviting the community to help shape the work.

The nonprofit is leading a yearlong project to identify significant people, places and cultural patterns within the I-275 loop in Ohio and Northern Kentucky. The study will guide nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, local landmark designations and regional preservation planning.

Cincinnati Preservation launched its Sites of Black History Initiative in 2022 to address gaps in what receives official recognition. Nationally, only 2% of National Register listings reflect Black history.

Public input is welcome.

 cincinnatipreservation.org/blackhistory

Great Parks expands trail access with new connection, upgrades

Great Parks announced two major trail projects to improve access, safety and outdoor recreation for park visitors.

The first phase of the long-awaited Glenwood Gardens to Winton Woods Trail is now open, linking a key Metro stop to the West Fork Mill Creek Greenway Trail with a signalized crossing. Though Glenwood Gardens and Winton Woods sit side by side, no off-road trail had previously connected them.

In a separate project, Great Parks has begun construction on new mountain biking features at Mitchell Memorial Forest in Cleves. The upgrades include a skills loop and pump-style elements near the trailhead.

 greatparks.org/about/projects

Giving USA report: Philanthropy rebounds in 2024

Charitable giving in the United States rose to a record $592.5 billion in 2024, a 6.3% increase over the previous year and the first time in three years it outpaced inflation, according to the annual Giving USA report.

More than 300 Greater Cincinnati nonprofit leaders joined a virtual event to hear analysis from former Giving USA editor Melissa Brown, co-hosted by Grants Plus and AFP Cincinnati. Movers & Makers Magazine served as media sponsor.

The report showed strong growth across most sectors, with education, health and environmental causes hitting all-time highs. Arts giving also increased but saw smaller growth than any other sector except religion. Individual donors remained the largest giving group, accounting for more than two-thirds of total gifts.

 givingusa.org

Work begins on new Crossroad Health Center

Construction has begun on converting the old Over-the-Rhine Recreation Center into a new home for Crossroad Health Center, which has served the neighborhood for over 30 years.

The new 21,500-square-foot facility will increase exam rooms from 14 to 21, also adding dental care and a pharmacy.

The $15.6 million project will relocate the clinic from its cramped Liberty and Vine location and include a 109-space parking lot shared with the nearby Findlay Community Center, also under construction. Funding comes from Crossroad, the city, Truist, private donors and state and federal grants. Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2026.

 crossroadhc.org

La Soupe expands role to fight gun violence, food insecurity

La Soupe has expanded its partnership with Cincinnati Children’s SAFE (Systems to Achieve Food Equity) Network to help reduce food insecurity and gun violence.

Backed by an Impact Award from the City of Cincinnati’s Human Services Fund, the twoyear initiative will create food and resource hubs in high-need communities. La Soupe joins 12 other organizations working to stabilize neighborhoods by tackling the root causes of violence.

La Soupe has worked with the SAFE Network since 2020.

 lasoupe.org

Integrated care center to open in Loveland

Impacting Tomorrow has partnered with HealthSource of Ohio to open a full-service medical and dental site within its soon-to-open facility in Loveland. Set to launch this fall, the center will combine medical, dental, therapeutic and community services under one roof. The 45,000-square-foot facility on Wards Corner Road will include five medical exam rooms, six dental treatment rooms, a food pantry, a free clothing boutique and pediatric occupational therapy services.

Services will be available on a sliding fee scale and will accept most insurance, including Medicaid.

Founded in 2020, Impacting Tomorrow provides food, clothing and therapeutic care to families across Greater Cincinnati.

 impactingtomorrow.com

Cincinnati Preservation is leading an effort to raise awareness about historic Black sites such as Union Baptist Cemetery in Hamilton County.

Community leaders and project partners gathered at Crossroad Health Center’s new site: Elizabeth Platte, Katie Westbrook, City Manager Sheryl Long, Mayor Aftab Pureval, Billy Santos, Leah Werner, Jamie Berrens and Timothy Vale.

The Cincinnati Art Club, which has served the Queen City’s visual arts community for 135 years, has appointed five new trustees as it begins a new chapter after a recent building renovation. Greg Bach will serve as sketch group chair, Lori Beer as secretary, Louann Elliott as membership chair, Kurt Grannan as program chair and Yvonne Todd as workshop chair.

Bill Burwinkel, founder of Adopt A Class, was named Ohio’s Vetrepreneur of the Year for his work mentoring underserved youth. The award is part of the Military Friendly program, which recognizes veterans who demonstrate outstanding leadership and community impact. As Ohio’s winner, Burwinkel was in the running for the national award. Those results aren’t yet final.

Keep Cincinnati Beautiful picked Aaron Fromm – a longtime business executive who has worked with companies like P&G and The Gorilla Glue Company – to serve as its new development director. He will work closely with the organization’s board of trustees to support fundraising and engagement efforts to clean and beautify Cincinnati. The organization also welcomed several new board members: Benjamin Bowles, Megan Okun, Brooke Rapp, Barb Wriston-Ruddy, Katie Cannon Sprague and Rosalyn Sigler.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has appointed Cincinnati business leader and philanthropist Larry Sheakley to the University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees. Sheakley, CEO of Cincinnati-based business firm Sheakley, is a longtime supporter of education and regional development. UC described him as bringing decades of leadership experience and a strong commitment to civic engagement to the role. Sheakley’s nine-year term runs through 2034.

The Cincinnati MacDowell Society, a community committed to awareness, support, and appreciation of the fine arts, has awarded its MacDowell Medal to conductor John Morris Russell and historic preservationist Thea Tjepkema for their lasting contributions to the arts in Cincinnati. Russell is best known for his longtime role as conductor of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. Tjepkema has been a driving force behind efforts to preserve the city’s historic architecture and cultural landmarks. The event also marked the installation of Stacey Woolley as the society’s new president, returning to the role for a third time. Woolley, a longtime violinist for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, succeeded Thom Dreeze.

Amelia Wares is the new executive operations fellow at LifeSciKY. She will support strategy, community outreach and daily operations as the nonprofit lab incubator prepares to open its new life sciences facility in Covington later this year. A biomedical engineering student at the University of Cincinnati, Wares is founder of the chronic illness app TissuTrak and a student representative for UC’s Center for Entrepreneurship.

The Clermont Chamber of Commerce Foundation has named John A. Melvin as the 2025 recipient of the LEAD From the Heart Award, the highest honor given to a graduate of the LEAD Clermont Community Leadership Program. A founding member of the program, Melvin has supported LEAD Clermont for more than 30 years. He is best known for leading the Clermont 2001 initiative, which brought together hundreds of local leaders to shape a long-term vision for the county. His service also includes time as interim president of the Clermont Chamber, director of its Small Business Development Center and founder of the KLiCWow literacy project.

Community Shares of Greater Cincinnati has added community leader David CS Whitehead to its board of directors. A business professional, Whitehead serves as president of the Cincinnati NAACP. He brings decades of civic involvement, including voter advocacy, youth mentoring, and leadership in local and statewide organizations. He replaced Shenda Larry, who rotated off the board after six years of service.

The Cincinnati Youth Choir has named Sterling Finkbine as its new principal director, succeeding founder Robyn Lana, who led the organization for 32 years. Finkbine will conduct Bel Canto – the choir’s premier ensemble – and work alongside artistic adviser Anthony Trecek-King to help shape the program’s future. Finkbine is director of vocal music and chair of the music department at Cincinnati’s School for Creative and Performing Arts, where he has led several vocal ensembles over the past two years. He previously spent more than a decade building a nationally recognized choral program in the Ross Local School District in Hamilton, Ohio.

Local Initiatives Support Corporation has named Kristen Baker executive director of LISC Louisville while she continues to lead LISC Cincinnati, marking a dual role focused on expanding regional impact. Baker brings more than 20 years of experience in community development and nonprofit leadership. She has led LISC Cincinnati since 2011, overseeing more than $135 million in local investment. In Louisville, she will build on the program’s $45 million in investments to date, with a focus on affordable housing, economic development and neighborhood revitalization.

Sterling Finkbine Kristen Baker

Larry Sheakley David CS Whitehead

Amelia Wares

Stacey Woolley John Morris Russell & Thea Tjepkema

Katie Cannon Sprague Rosalyn Sigler

John A. Melvin

Greg Bach Barb Wriston-Ruddy

Lori Beer Louann Elliott Kurt Grannan Yvonne Todd BIll Burwinkle Aaron Fromme Benjamin Bowles Megan Okun Brooke Rapp

The Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentuck y has promoted Kim M. Webb to chief executive officer. Webb has led the organization since 2015 as executive director. Webb will take a planned sabbatical from August through October and return as CEO on Nov. 1 ahead of the shelter’s Winter Cold Shelter opening. Office Manager Ruslyn CaseCompton will serve as acting director during Webb’s absence.

The Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky has also announced five new members joining its board of directors for fiscal year 2026. The new board members are Patrick Flynn Ashley of Thomas More University, Stephen Clay Sims of Dunham Law, Leah Sheanshang of Fidelity Investments, Rachel Strunk of Republic Bank and Mary Tignor of St. Elizabeth Foundation. The organization thanked the new members for their service and commitment to its mission of providing lifesaving, life-changing shelter and support.

Karen Bankston has been appointed chair of the Council on Aging board of trustees. A longtime leader in health care and higher education, Bankston is a professor emerita at the University of Cincinnati, a leadership consultant and a retired hospital executive.

Central Clinic Behavioral Health has added three leaders to support its work to expand services to children, families and adults dealing with mental illness or substance abuse/ use. Barbara Bergan, with 22 years at the organization, now serves as chief development and program officer. Stephanie Phelps joins as chief human resources officer, bringing more than 20 years of HR experience. Lisa Portune steps in as director of compliance, overseeing regulatory standards and accreditation for the nonprofit.

Holly Wolfson will become CEO of the Mayerson JCC on Oct. 1, succeeding Marc Fisher, who will retire in late 2025 after 13 years in the role. Fisher will remain during a transition period. Wolfson, currently chief programming officer, was selected after a national search led by Gilman Partners. The search committee unanimously recommended her to the JCC’s board. She joined the JCC in 2015 and became part of the executive team in 2022. A University of Cincinnati alum, Wolfson is also a graduate of the Wexner Heritage Program and the Mandel Executive Leadership Program.



4C for Children – a child care resource and referral agency serving Southwest Ohio and the Miami Valley – has named Dean Woodring as its new president and CEO. She brings more than 30 years of experience in education and leadership across public schools, higher education and national organizations. Most recently, she served as deputy director of education for the American Montessori Society, where she expanded teacher training and professional development. Woodring succeeds Vanessa Freytag, who is retiring after 10 years leading the agency.

United Way of Greater Cincinnati has added five new members to its volunteer leadership board: Todd Best , Deloitte; Deborah Hayes, The Christ Hospital Health Network; Monica Posey, Cincinnati State; Tiffany Sieve , Paychex; and Tim Steigerwald , Messer Construction. Hayes and Posey are returning to the board after previous terms. The board helps guide United Way’s impact and investment strategies. President and CEO Moira Weir said the new members bring valuable professional experience and a strong commitment to the community.

The School for Creative and Performing Arts has named James Jones as its new artistic director. Jones will oversee the school’s artistic departments, implement curriculum and help lead more than 250 performances each year. Jones previously led SCPA’s drama department and has more than a decade of professional theater experience, including work with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati.

Meghan Erbaugh of Fort Washington Investment Advisors Private Client Group has joined the Kindervelt board of trustees as internal auditor. Kindervelt is Cincinnati Children’s largest auxiliary, uniting neighborhood and interest-based groups under a citywide board to support the hospital through volunteer efforts.

Last Mile Food Rescue has named Donna H. Thompson as its new chief operating officer, bringing decades of supply chain and logistics expertise to the Cincinnati nonprofit. A mechanical engineer by trade, Thompson has had senior leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, Mars Wrigley, Hershey, PepsiCo and others. CEO Eileen Budo praised Thompson’s operational skills and community passion as vital to the organization’s growth.

Samantha Shattuck has joined Easterseals Redwood as corporate relations officer, where she will lead efforts to build and strengthen partnerships with corporate sponsors. She brings experience in nonprofit fundraising and environmental policy. With a master’s degree in environmental justice and policy from the University of Michigan, Shattuck spent over five years with the U.S. EPA’s Office of Research and Development before moving into fundraising with Keep Cincinnati Beautiful in 2022. 

Samantha Shattuck

Lisa Portune

Donna H. Thompson

Stephanie Phelps

Meghan Erbaugh

Barbara Bergan

James Jones

Karen Bankston

Tim Steigerwald

Mary Tignor

Tiffany Sieve

Rachel Strunk

Monica Posey

Leah Sheanshang

Deborah Hayes

Stephen Clay Sims

Dean Woodring

Kim M. Webb

Todd Best

Patrick Flynn Ashley

Holly Wolfson

Gifts & Grants

ArtsWave has awarded nearly $8.8 million in Sustaining Impact grants to 45 local arts organizations, supporting their operating costs for the 2026 fiscal year.

Grant recipients include a mix of large, midsize and small nonprofits. Queen City Opera, MUSE Cincinnati’s Women’s Choir and Pones each received $10,000. Clifton Cultural Arts Center was awarded $35,800 and Elementz was awarded $55,000. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra received the largest grant at $2.3 million, followed by the Cincinnati Art Museum at $1.26 million and Playhouse in the Park at $1.05 million.

Full list of recipients: moversmakers.org

 artswave.org

Cincinnati-based Michelman has completed a $750,000 global philanthropic pledge , directing a portion of the funding to several local nonprofits.

The manufacturer of eco-friendly materials funded more than 100 nonprofits across the Americas, Europe and Asia, selecting 14, including the Cincinnati-area recipients, for larger gifts. Among those receiving major gifts are Green Umbrella, New Life Furniture Bank, People Working Cooperatively and Easterseals Redwood.

 michelman.com

A $10 million gift from the Lindner family and American Financial Group will expand and renovate The Christ Hospital’s Carl and Edyth Lindner Center for Research and Education, one of the nation’s top cardiovascular research hubs. The investment will add clinical space, research labs and digital infrastructure.

The Lindner Center, which enrolled over 3,000 patients in trials last year, is known for leading dozens of first-in-the-world treatments.

“This is a game-changing investment in cardiovascular research,” said Debbie Hayes, president and CEO of The Christ Hospital Health Network.

 thechristhospital.com

Ten Greater Cincinnati nonprofit organizations will receive a combined $400,000 from the Data for Equity Funding Collaborative to help collect and use data that supports health equity.

Recipients include The Transformational Healing Place, The Community Builders, Forever Kings, Healthy Moms & Babies, Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region, Equality Ohio, Starfire, Queer Kentucky, Middletown Connect and My Why Cincinnati. Each organization will receive $40,000 over 18 months.

 cincinnatidataforequity.com

Six nonprofits from Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Eastern Indiana are finalists for a combined $420,000 in 2025 grants from Impact 100. The women-led philanthropic group announced the finalists June 17.

Finalists are Immigrant and Refugee Law Center, Ohio Valley Voices, Whole Again, INTERalliance of Greater Cincinnati, Serenity Recovery Network and Project Yoga.

Each group pitched a project to address critical community needs, from trauma-informed youth programs to recovery housing and accessible legal services.

Impact 100 members will vote on the winners following formal presentations. Four nonprofits will each receive $100,000 grants at an awards celebration Sept. 25. Two others will receive $10,000.

 impact100.org



YWCA Greater Cincinnati received a $70,000 Rural Changemaker Grant from Interact for Health to expand its Community & Court Services program in Clermont, Brown and Adams counties. The funding will help the YWCA increase outreach, strengthen local partnerships and reach more survivors of domestic violence in rural communities. The organization is one of five selected in the first round of 2025 funding through Interact’s Rural Investment Strategy.

 ywcacincinnati.org



Thirteen small businesses across Greater Cincinnati received a total of $172,098 in equity-free grants from Main Street Ventures to support growth and innovation.

The Cincinnati-based nonprofit awarded the funding through its Launch and Leap programs. Launch grants help pre-revenue startups move closer to market, while Leap grants assist revenue-generating businesses in scaling their operations.

Among the recipients: Ecoshell, developing a plastic alternative from eggshells; Fruleef Juicery, a health-focused café; and Delightful Hearts Home Care, serving medically complex patients.

Full list of recipients: moversmakers.org

 mainstventures.org

Total Quality Logistics donated $36,000 to Disabled American Veterans, and assembled 3,500 care packages as part of its annual Military Month programming.

The care packages, filled with toiletries, socks and handwritten thank-you notes, will be distributed to veterans experiencing homelessness and those affected by natural disasters.

 tql.com

The Ohio River Foundation received a $50,000 grant from the Kettering Family Foundation to launch a 1,000-acre pollinator habitat project in southern Ohio and Indiana.

The initiative will support monarch butterflies and other pollinators, including threatened and endangered species. ORF still needs to raise $150,000 to fully fund the project and to match a separate $200,000 grant.

 ohioriverfdn.org

Truist Bank presented a $30,000 check to Findlay Market in support of its food innovation programs: Findlay Kitchen, Findlay Launch and Findlay Learn. The donation will help fund business development, education and shared kitchen resources for food startups and small businesses.

 findlaymarket.org

A $10 million gift will help expand and renovate The Carl and Edyth Lindner Center for Research and Education at The Christ Hospital.



Total Quality Logistics donated $36,000 to Disabled American Veterans. Attending a check presentation: Renee Valerius and Dan Clare of DAV, and Gary Carr, TQL senior VP of sales.

Co-owners of Chacabanas, Alex Peralta and Helen Ortega, opened an OTR storefront after taking part in the Findlay Launch program.

Snapshots

Who, what, where & why

Talbert House raises record $450,000 for Fatherhood Project

More than 300 advocates gathered at Memorial Hall to support Talbert House’s Fatherhood Project, raising over $450,000 to help fathers become more responsible, committed and nurturing parents.

Presented by the Hatton Foundation, the event honored George Vincent, partner at Dinsmore, as Community Father of the Year. Vincent is a father of three and grandfather of five. Erik Spottz, a 2023 graduate of the Fatherhood Project and father of one, was recognized as Graduate Father of the Year.

The Fatherhood Project helps dads strengthen their connection and involvement in the lives of their children by providing classes, co-parenting and individual coaching, legal and employment services, and fellowship support meetings. Since 2008, the program has served over 4,700 fathers and more than 10,000 children.

 talberthouse.org

The Fatherhood Committee: (Back row) event chair David Hoguet, Talbert House CEO Josh Arnold, Scott Ashburn, Ben Willingham, Bernie Calonge, Nate Johnson and John Silverman; (front row) Kevin McDonald, James Horn, Roger Nutter, Mark Addy, Rick Pescovitz, Sam Rossell, Gary Strassel and Mitchel Livingston

Dan Klekamp and Peter Klekamp

Larry Jones, Lawrence Jones and Rudy Jones

Josh Arnold, John Silverman, Graduate Father of the Year Erik Spottz, Community Father of the Year George Vincent and David Hoguet

Fatherhood Project chair John Silverman and Josh Arnold

John Silverman and Mark Addy

Kerry Mongelluzzo and Jackie Sweeney

Ryan Kyte and Larry Kyte of the Williams Foundation

From presenting sponsor Hatton Foundation: Steve Scherzinger, Kim Beach, Margaret Lunsford, Walt Lunsford and Bob Robinson

Hammad Siddiqi and Justin Marshall of event sponsor Fifth Third

Golf Classic raises over $77K for Stepping Stones

Stepping Stones raised more than $77,000 at its 24th annual Golf Classic at the O’Bannon Creek Golf Club. The event, presented by CSJ Charitable Fund, benefits year-round programming for children, teens and adults with disabilities.

Golfers participated in a raffle and five-hole contests with prizes. Afterward, golfers relaxed in the clubhouse for dinner and awards. Major sponsors included CSJ Charitable Fund, Roehr Insurance Agency, Niagara Bottling Company, Great American Insurance Group, McCloy Family Foundation and Danone North America.

Stepping Stones serves people with disabilities in day and overnight programs that increase independence and promote inclusion, with locations in Batavia, Indian Hill, Norwood and Western Hills.

 SteppingStonesOhio.org

Found Village’s ‘Rise & Shine’

helps youth exiting foster care

Found Village youths and coaches shared stories of progress and transformation during the organization’s second Rise & Shine Breakfast and Morning Show.

The annual event kicked off Found Village’s “40 for 40” National Foster Care Month fundraising campaign to ensure all young people aging out of foster care in Hamilton County in 2025 can access basic needs.

Board Chair Brian Pfeiffer and co-founders Iloba Nzekwu and Katie Nzekwu shared how Found Village is empowering young people through trust and relationships, shifting the conditions of foster care so youth can thrive.

Investors Libby Cottrell and Rick Cottrell said Found Village is unique because of the organization’s focus on building relationships, calling their mission “hard, transformational work.”

 foundvillage.org

Men’s tournament winners Tyler Connell, Jason Milburn and Brian Dowey (Not pictured: Joey Buescher)

Women’s tournament winners Allison Picton, Marjorie Smyth, Britt Nielsen and Katy Mezher

Elizabeth Rogers, Barb Rohs, Anne Shanahan and Sue Krauss

Nick Thaxton, Jack Oliver, event chair John Borchers and Jaime Masters

Golfers from prize sponsor Great American Insurance Group: Jodi Hughes, Chris Statt, Vickey Connor-Beasley, Aidan Byrne, Adam Bowling, Bob Johnson, LeeAnn Mohler and Nate Natale 

Rick Cottrell and Libby Cottrell

Emcee Tamara Thompson, Found Village co-founders Iloba Nzekwu and Katie Nzekwu, and board Chair Brian Pfeiffer

Roger Krummen and Zach Wiley

Found Village coach Mischon Reed

Festival of Faiths gathers diverse religious cultures

The eighth annual Cincinnati Festival of Faiths was a gathering of 37 faith traditions across 13 world religions. Attendees enjoyed over 60 exhibitors and vendors, a diverse lineup of entertainment, and delicious food provided by the Sikh community.

The Festival of Faiths is EquaSion’s annual flagship event and the city’s largest interfaith celebration.

EquaSion is a nonpartisan civic organization, founded upon interfaith dialogue, that works to foster greater understanding, respect, compassion, inclusion and engagement for all people and faith communities in Greater Cincinnati and beyond.

 equasion.org

The familyfriendly event included masks and props at the festival photo booth.

Archbishop of Cincinnati Robert Casey talks with Fred Desai.

Joey Taylor, EquaSion program director, and Chip Harrod, executive director

Acharya Kailash Sharma speaks during the ceremony.

The festival included dancers and music.

Donna Turner and Joanne Gerson of Faith Communities Go Green at their booth

Plenty of swings for One Shot at golf fundraiser

The Matthew Mangine Jr. One Shot Foundation hosted its fifth annual One Shot Golf Outing at Triple Crown Country Club in Union, Kentucky. The event raised over $77,000 to support the foundation’s mission.

The funds will help the One Shot Foundation train individuals of all ages in hands-only CPR, educate the community on sudden cardiac arrest and the importance of emergency action plans, and donate emergency medical equipment to schools and youth sports organizations.

 oneshot.life

Best Point recognizes supporters at 161th annual meeting

Best Point Education & Behavioral Health hosted its 161st annual Membership Meeting and Dinner at the organization’s Heidt Center of Excellence. The event provided a state of the organization overview and recognized staff, board members, elected officials, community leaders and trustees who have worked to serve Best Point clients.

John Banchy, Best Point president and CEO, welcomed the newest trustee, Micheala Frisbie Facchinei. LaNora Godfrey, CEO of the Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, presented Hamilton County Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas with the first Bridge Builder Award, recognizing her efforts in connecting at-risk families to the support, resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Karen Bankston, who finished her tenure as board chair, handed the gavel over to the new chair, John Bultema III.

 bestpoint.org

Coca-Cola Consolidated representatives: (Back row) Steve Norman, Steve Rowley, Solomon Onikede and Bryant Curry; (front row) Sheri Bishop, Bill Stites, Patty Harness and Tina Heintzman, Best Point VP of advancement and community engagement

Matt Mangine and Kim Mangine, founders of the One Shot Foundation

Joseph Mangine, board member Ryan McCarty and board member Trey Tapke

Johnson Investment Counsel foursome: Scott Nesbitt, Michael Jordan, Don Ennis and Jack Lemmel

Jersey Mike’s foursome: Michael Fossett, Mike Quinn, Mark Potter and Greg Potter

Zoll Medical foursome: Rocky Saccone, Steve Schloss, Nick Waddell and Chase Smith, with Matt Mangine

Cintas foursome: Daniel Kloppenburg, Connor Kramer, Kenny Ellis and Jesse Ingels

LaNora Godfrey, Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board CEO, and Stephanie Summerow Dumas, Hamilton County commissioner

Stacey Hill-Simmons and Pam Sibcy

John Bultema III, new Best Point board chair; Karen Bankston, outgoing chair; and John Banchy, president and CEO

Adopt A Class celebrates mentorship at annual breakfast

Adopt A Class, which connects businesses and civic groups with students in underserved communities to explore career pathways through group mentorship, hosted its annual Celebration Breakfast. Nearly 600 mentors, educators, partners and supporters came together at Xavier University’s Cintas Center to celebrate group mentorship.

The event honored past achievements and renewed a call for continued community engagement. Awards celebrated the diverse ways partners contribute to the Adopt A Class mission. Among the honorees:

• Group Sales received the Best New Team Award.

• 84.51° was celebrated as Best Corporate Team of the Year.

• Givaudan was named Best Overall Partner-Legacy.

• Doug Toler of Withrow High School was honored as Teacher of the Year.

• Dr. Todd Foley of the University of Cincinnati received the Spark award.

• The Founder’s Award went to Rhonda Whitaker Hurtt of Duke Energy.

 aacmentors.org

Sonya Fultz, Adopt A Class CEO; Founder’s Award winner Rhonda Whitaker Hurtt of Duke Energy; and AAC founder Bill Burwinkel

Bill Burwinkel, Teacher of the Year winner Doug Toler and AAC board chair Evan Clinkenbeard

Bill Burwinkel, Spark Award winner Todd Foley of the University of Cincinnati and Evan Clinkenbeard

Megan Marshall, AAC COO; Antonio Fernandez of Roberts Academy, School Champion of the Year; and Sonya Fultz, AAC CEO

Shauna Murphy, superintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools, and Adopt a Class CEO Sonya Fultz

Barb Smith, president of Journey Steel, and Elizabeth Sherwood of Huntington National Bank

500 prom guests help Family Nurturing Center

Prom for a Purpose netted a record of over $200,000, benefiting the Family Nurturing Center’s mission to cultivate safe children, thriving families and nurturing communities.

More than 500 guests wore a mix of throwback looks, modern prom attire and elegant cocktail wear. They walked a blue carpet and viewed over 200 silent auction packages, which included trips and one-of-a-kind experiences. The Prom, held at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming, featured a horse in the paddock for guests to pet, as well as Tom’s Coffee truck.

The event supported FNC’s free programs and services, which reach over 10,000 individuals annually. With offices in Florence and Cincinnati, the organization provides essential resources, including education and training, counseling services, parenting time and visitation, and holistic and wellness programs.

 familynurture.org

Best Point kicks off Rockin’ At Riverfest fundraiser

Best Point Education & Behavioral Health kicked off its premier annual fundraiser, Rockin’ at Riverfest, with an evening at the home of Jenna DeBord and Tad DeBord. The fundraiser culminates with an event at the Riverfest fireworks.

The kickoff was hosted by co-chairs the Debord family, Gail Mullinger and Steve Mullinger, Jennifer Wormington and Matthew Wormington, and honorary co-chair Wes Miller, University of Cincinnati men’s basketball coach. The campaign aims to raise more than $700,000. Title sponsors are the Unnewehr and Edelweiss foundations and the Heidt Family Foundation.

Owen Berta, a student at Best Point’s Heidt Center of Excellence, performed a piano piece, a reminder of the organization’s mission to help children build the skills and confidence they need to succeed, while also supporting the families, schools and communities that surround them.

 bestpoint.org

Tim Bischoff and FNC board member Brittany Bischoff

Lucke and Prom Queen Corrie Loeffler

Emcee Craig McKee of WCPO

Kate Luebkeman with Prom Court members

Mikhayla Hughes and Sara Habedank

Covington Mayor Ron Washington

Myra Boggs and Tom Boggs, Best Point board member

Best Point board member Jeff March and President and CEO John Banchy

Rockin’ at Riverfest co-chairs Jenna Debord and Tad Debord

Carol DeBord, Pam Sibcy and Christy Horan

Jennie Berta, Owen Berta’s mother; Owen Berta, Heidt Center of Excellence student; Wes Miller; and Jim Berta, Owen’s father

Building Value’s open house marks store upgrades

Building Value welcomed over 100 community members to an open house celebrating major upgrades to its store. The event also highlighted the organization’s mission to reduce waste and create workforce opportunities for individuals facing hardship.

Guests toured renovated customer areas, watched Building Value’s crew construct a Fourth of July parade float, and admired a new mural by local artists Dave Rickerd and Olivia Rickerd.

Easterseals Redwood, Messer Construction, Werbrich Custom Outdoor Living, The Plant Trolley and the dedicated Building Value staff and crew made the event possible.

Building Value is a social enterprise of Easterseals Redwood that salvages reusable materials while offering job training to individuals overcoming barriers to employment.

 buildingvalue.org

Talbert

House, Zoo create garden for healing

Talbert House has developed a new garden – a peaceful outdoor space added to the Millstone Courtyard at the Hamilton County Crisis Center – through a partnership with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

Designed as a meadow-style garden with native plants and grasses, the garden includes over 600 plants of 60 species, installed by community volunteers. This new space will serve as a calm, restorative environment for clients and staff at the center.

The Hamilton County Crisis Center provides addiction and mental health crisis treatment services. The facility includes a primary care clinic and pharmacy to address clients’ health care needs.

 talberthouse.org, cincinnatizoo.org

The renovated retail store, painted by Building Value retail manager Terry Brueneman. The classic car, belonging to a visiting customer, afforded a nice photo-op for photographer Grant Mallory.

A Building Value customer (left) receives assistance from retail manager Terry Brueneman and assistant retail manager Anthony Dallalio. Marketing specialist Elijah McKenzie works in the background.

Stephen Berkey, crew supervisor at Building Value, works on the Fourth of July float.

From Easterseals Redwood: Front desk assistant Jessica Osborne and CEO Pam Green

David Daniels, workforce development manager at Building Value, and Stanford Williams, VP at Messer Construction

Mural artist Dave Rickerd and Sheryl Woodhouse, director of Building Value

Photos by eliJah MCk enzie

Paul Gessner, horticulturist at the Cincinnati Zoo

Kayla Allen, AmeriCorps member at the Cincinnati Zoo

Cathy Crain, Talbert House and Cincinnati Zoo board member, and Jerome Stenger, horticulturist at the Cincinnati Zoo

Talbert House staff, Cincinnati Zoo staff and community volunteers

Holly Hill golf event drives support for vulnerable kids

Holly Hill Child & Family Solutions’ 63rd annual Golf Classic brought together golfers and leaders for a spirited day on the green in support of Kentucky’s most vulnerable children. Supporters enjoyed a day of golf, camaraderie and purpose, raising funds to support vulnerable youth, families and clients.

Kentucky state Rep. Mike Clines and state Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer were among the crowd, showing their continued commitment to child welfare and mental health services in Kentucky. Their presence underscored the community-wide support behind Holly Hill’s mission. Top sponsors of the event included Tyson Foods, Assured Partners and Greater Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning.

 hollyhill-ky.org

Breakfast for Israel focuses on resilience, rebuilding

Nearly 300 philanthropists united to show their support for the land and people of Israel at Jewish National Fund-USA’s Breakfast for Israel. The annual event at the Mayerson JCC was chaired by Jewish National Fund-USA Ohio Valley board member Morry Wiener.

The event focused on resilience and rebuilding communities in Israel’s Negev and Galilee regions, while bringing to light the trauma and PTSD many Israelis still face since the October 7 attacks. Keynote speaker Ayelet Shmuel, director of the International Resilience Center, said psychological wounds can be more challenging to repair than physical ones.

By investing in new housing sites, employment initiatives, medical centers, mental health services, schools, playgrounds, resilience centers and more, Jewish National Fund-USA is supporting its vision of attracting 800,000 new residents to Israel’s frontier regions, local Jewish leaders said.

 jnf.org

Holly Hill board member Amy Kreutzer, Dylan Plvan, Montana Hastings and Kyle Linhardt

Mick Clines, state Rep. Mike Clines, Brad Deters and Stacey Graus

Scott Grothaus, Holly Hill board chair, and CEO James Sherry

Richard Frommeyer, Kentucky state Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, Gallatin County Superintendent

David Arvin and Nicole Bishop, Gallatin County director of education

Yaffa Kaltman Rubin, Elana Grubbs, Linda Berger and Andy Berger

Marsha Barsman, Shari Mann and Sharon Spiegel

Lainey Paul Richler Ayelet Shmuel, director of the International Resilience Center, and Morry Wiener, Jewish National Fund-USA’s Breakfast for Israel chair

Bananas, Tailgaters entertain at Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields

During their sold-out World Tour stop in Cincinnati, the Savannah Bananas and the Texas Tailgaters visited the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields.

Athletes from both teams played baseball, danced and had fun with more than 150 youth and adult league athletes with physical and developmental disabilities.

Nearly 30 players from the Bananas and Tailgaters made the trip to Fairfield, including Bananas manager Tyler Gillum. “Jungle Jim” Bonaminio distributed more than 250 free bananas to Nuxhall Miracle League all-stars.

 NuxhallMiracleLeague.org

Protecting

Bananas manager Tyler Gillum spends time talking to youth league all-star Sam Dwenger.

Adult league all-star Hunter Phelps with Kim Nuxhall, foundation president and board chairman

Bananas player Dalton Mauldin catches at the Miracle League event. Bananas coach Adam Virant gives a high five to Joe Nuxhall adult league all-star Maria Fox.

Bananas player Reese Alexiades pumps up a Nuxhall Miracle League allstar after a huge hit.

Bananas player Dalton Mauldin teaches Miracle League athletes the “Hey Baby” dance.

Texas Tailgaters player Jimmy Lewis dances on the field with Nuxhall Miracle League All-Stars.

Take Steps event benefits Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation

The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation gathered over 450 community leaders and influencers for family-friendly activities at Yeatman’s Cove and Sawyer Point Park. The Take Steps event focused on finding cures for those diseases.

The organization honored Kristin Sampsel as Adult Honored Hero and Emily Scott of the University of Cincinnati as Medical Honored Hero. Luke Zerkle and Lucy Zerkle, father and daughter Honored Heroes, talked about their experiences with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

The foundation took in more than $112,000, far exceeding the event goal.

The Southwest Ohio Take Steps event helps fund research and patient support. It also increases awareness of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, two painful and unpredictable digestive diseases.

 crohnscolitisfoundation.org



Foundation awards highlight community service in Warren County

The Warren County Foundation presented six awards at its 18th annual Community Service Awards. The event, held at the Manor House in Mason, included a social hour, dinner and musical entertainment.

Foundation board Chair Dale Brunner emceed the event. Ohio state Sen. Steve Wilson, state Rep. Adam Mathews and state Rep. Michelle Teska presented Ohio proclamations to award recipients.

The Warren County Foundation’s mission is to encourage and facilitate charitable giving in Warren County.

 warrencountyfoundation.org

Matthew Fruchey of the LM&M Railroad receives the Small Business Award from Lebanon Mayor Mark Messer.

Savannah Kilpatrick and Michael Kilpatrick with Farm on Central receive the Emerging Organization Award from Craig Salmon-Gilmore, WCF board member.

Bill Kennedy of Fort Ancient Earthworks accepts the Outstanding Organization Award from Phil Smith, Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau CEO.

Mason Mayor Diana Nelson presents the Large Business Award to Dr. Michael Groat, CEO of The Lindner Center of Hope.

(Center) Jonathan Sams receives the George R. Henkle Lifetime Achievement Award from Mike Kelly, WCF board member.

Bobbie Grice, WCF board member, presents the Emerging Leader Award to Craig Shufelt.

Golden Colon award winner Emily Scott of University of Cincinnati with team member Dr. Susan Kais

Honored Heroes Luke Zerkle and Lucy Zerkle

Lucy Zerkle wears her green patient ribbon.

Finn Sullivan, Callen Sullivan, Brian Sullivan, Kristin Sampsel, Donald Burroughs and Gayle Burroughs

Award-winning cars: 1931 Packard 840 Convertible Sedan and 1954 Kurtis 500-C Indy Roadster

Concours d’Elegance showcases British automotive treasures

The 47th annual Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance featured North America’s finest collector automobiles and motorcycles at Ault Park and Lunken Field. Proceeds benefit juvenile arthritis programs of the Arthritis Foundation. The two main events:

250 collector vehicles at Ault Park

This year’s theme was “Icons of British Motoring,” celebrating automotive innovation and British styling, highlighting milestones of famed British marques. Over 250 collector vehicles were on display in the gardens of Ault Park, featuring 25 classes of classic, vintage and exotic automobiles and motorcycles. It also showcased special display classes, including Chrysler’s 100th anniversary, Indian Motorcycles and Automotive Oddities.

700 guests at Lunken Hangar Party

A Hangar Party hosted by Executive Jet Management at Lunken Airport drew over 700 guests, who enjoyed a display of exotic cars, motorcycles and private jets, with dinner by-thebite from Eat Well. The sold-out event was sponsored by Torque Motor Suites, MOTA Car Club, HighLift Off-Road, No Wake Marine, Ohio Periodontal & Dental Implant Center, New Riff Distilling, MadTree Brewing and Hagerty.  ohioconcours.com



Judges and award winners: Franz Estereichen, Dr. Douglas, Kim Gaker and Bob McConnell

Spectators examine the vintage 007 James Bond Aston Martin DB5.

Ann Keeling, Cheryl Stamm, Carlin Stamm and Anne Headley

Asdrid Ortega, David Millings and Rich Frantz

Fred Jones, Andy Gear, Francesca Gear and Jessica Gear

Janet Oberklaus, Doug Oberklaus, Vicki Scalia, Tony Scalia, Carol Brandon and Ed Hermes

Lou Velazquez, Tony Litizette and Luke Grubbs

Kristi Grim and Bill Kelleher

Chris Corsetti and Mary Kate Corsetti

Photos by g ary k essler Photogra Phy

Manifest breaks ground on long-awaited visual arts hub

Manifest celebrated a milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony for Phase One of the new Manifest Center for the Visual Arts. More than 160 supporters, artists, students and community members gathered to mark the beginning of construction on a long-envisioned hub for creative excellence. Guests brought their own shovels, underscoring the shared effort behind the organization’s growth.

Once complete, the center on Central Parkway will unify Manifest’s gallery and educational programming under one roof. Phase One includes vital building improvements, a new printmaking wing and expanded public access.

With over half of the $8 million goal already raised, the event, featuring remarks from leadership and lead donors, launched the public phase of Manifest Emerges, the capital campaign to complete the project.

 manifest-emerges.org

‘Wild’ film festival benefits Ohio

River Foundation

The national Wild & Scenic Film Festival returned to Cincinnati at a new location, Memorial Hall. The Ohio River Foundation presented a selection of films curated for the Cincinnati audience. More than 150 guests enjoyed ORF program updates, 11 short films by environmental filmmakers from all over the world, light bites, a cash bar and a raffle. More than $20,000 was raised for ORF programs and new projects: Rivers to Classrooms Access Fund, The 10,000 Trees Project, Ohio River Report Card and the 1,000 Acres Pollinator Habitat.

 ohioriverfdn.org

Audrey Evans and Stephanie Turner

Charlie Gonzalez, Maddie Chera, Syahirah Aziz and Ryan Feigenbaum

Rachel Ramos

A panorama of the Manifest Center for the Visual Arts groundbreaking by Michael Wilson

Perin Mahler speaks to the crowd.

Perin Mahler, co-chair of the Manifest Emerges campaign cabinet; Brigid O’Kane, co-founder and resident instructor; and Marilyn Wilson, volunteer Study Hall moderator and long-time participant

Dudley Taft and Tina Taft, major supporters of the Manifest Emerges campaign

Manifest board President Chris Coy and co-founder/Executive Director Jason Franz

27th annual Voices of Giving Awards honor area philanthropists

The 27th annual Voices of Giving Awards honored 19 of our region’s philanthropists who generously give their talents and resources to nonprofit organizations. A program of the Greater Cincinnati Planned Giving Council, the awards highlight those who pave the way for generosity and foresight by supporting charitable organizations. In the 27 years, more than 600 people have been honored, nominated by their beneficiaries.

2025 Voices of Giving honorees: Darba Bowers; Dr. John Cohen and Julie Cohen; Jim Dodd; Bill Fette and Janet Fette (posthumous); Jan Goldstein; Cindy Haney; Mary Helms and Howard Helms; Mark Jordan and Diane Jordan; Sally Leyman and Ray Leyman; Phillip C. Long and Martha Whitney Rowe Long (posthumous); Kathy McGrew; Sharon Mitchell and Graham Mitchell; Gail Myers; Susan Osborn; Anita Schneider and Henry Schneider; Jack Smith and Barbara Smith; Jennifer Traxel Leonard; Larry Unger (posthumous) and Fran Unger; Glen Wright Sr. (posthumous)

 gcpgc.org/voices-of-giving

Representing Bethany House Services: Deb Rose, Daniel Flynn, honoree Gail Myers and Peg Dierkers

Megan Mitchell, WLWT

Representing CET: Meg Conradi, Sue Ellen Stuebing, honoree Darba Bowers, honoree Jennifer Traxel Leonard, Nancy Cooper and Dan Virzi

Representing St. Vincent De Paul: Nate Smith, Cindy Hammerstrom, Elizabeth Dodd, honoree Jim Dodd and James Johnson

Jeff Sperry, Graham Mitchell and Sharon Mitchell

Representing Magnified Giving: Roger Grein, honoree Mary Helms, honoree Howard Helms and Carrie Kuznar

Shannon Carter and Kurt Reiber

Lisa Roberts-Rosser and Bonita Campbell

Anita Schneider and Sarah Weiss

Vallie Freeman, April Davidow and Harry Davidow

LEGO® SET

Produced by Brixilated

NKY Chamber recognizes trailblazing women

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Initiative awarded its Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky awards at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming. Each year, these awards celebrate women for blazing trails, opening doors and demonstrating leadership. More than 500 people gathered to recognize the 2025 inductees:

• Outstanding Women of NKY: Jane Herms, president and CEO, Family Nurturing Center; Julie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO, meetNKY; Melissa Lutz, principal, Champlin Architecture; Natalie Ruppert, career services division manager, Kenton County Public Library

• Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement : Mackey McNeill, founder/CEO, MACKEY and The Prosperity People

• Helen Carroll Champion of Education: Sister Marla Monahan, vicar for religious, Diocese of Covington

• St. Elizabeth Healthcare Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women: Debbie Simpson, retired president of Multi-Craft

• Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarships: Amy Carder, Gateway Community & Technical College; Carolann Ashcraft, Northern Kentucky University; Claire Veirs, Thomas More University

 nkychamber.com/womensinitiative

NKY

Chamber honors Donna Salyers

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce presented the NKY Community Award to faux fur apparel and home décor tycoon Donna Salyers at the organization’s quarterly board luncheon. Salyers created Fabulous Furs out of her basement in 1989. The company’s headquarters is in her hometown, Covington. This brand of faux fur apparel, accessories and home décor is vegan, animal-friendly and cruelty-free. Her faux furs have been featured everywhere from the Miss Universe Pageant to magazines to movies and TV. Salyers, a former NKY Chamber board member, was named one of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber’s Great Living Cincinnatians in 2024, and serves on the Council of Trustees for Horizon Community Funds. She was inducted into the Cincinnati Business Hall of Fame in 2018 and the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame in 2023.

nkychamber.com

Jason Payne, Lytle Thomas, Donna Salyers and Brent Cooper

Sister Marla Monahan, Helen Carroll Champion of Education honoree

Natalie Ruppert, Outstanding Women honoree

Melissa Lutz, Outstanding Women honoree

Mackey McNeill, this year’s Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement honoree, and Judy Clabes

Kathrine Nero, emcee

Julie Kirkpatrick, Outstanding Women honoree

Jane Herms, Outstanding Women honoree

Debbie Simpson, Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women honoree, and Carri Chandler with St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarship recipients: Amy Carder, Carolann Ashcraft and Claire Veirs

Independence Day begins with reading of the Declaration

Nearly 400 people gathered at Seasongood Pavilion in Cincinnati’s Eden Park on the Fourth of July for “A Public Reading of The Declaration of Independence,” featuring 20 Cincinnatians selected for their community service. The event also included musical performances by the cast of “Higher,” produced by American Legacy Theatre and The Cincinnati Dancing Pigs. Dylan Van Camp sang “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Edward Schoelwer, the event organizer, said it was common in the 19th century for American communities to start Independence Day celebrations by reading the Declaration. The event was produced in collaboration with Cincinnati Parks, The League of Women Voters of Cincinnati Area, Democracy and Me and the Cincinnatus Association. A new entity, the July Fourth Project, has been organized to produce a 2026 edition of the reading.

Rosemary’s Babies helps young parents at Rock-Away event

Rosemary’s Babies, a family support organization for young parents ages 9-19, hosted its 2025 Rock-Away event at Seasongood Square Park. The event was a short walk from the organization’s newly opened Holloway House & Resource Center, which offers education and transitional housing for teen moms and their babies. Sponsored by Papa John’s Norwood, this event featured a free concert in the park, with giveaways for attendees. Families enjoyed activities, vendors, free haircuts and caricatures, with performances by local artists. Big giveaways for families included televisions, laptops, strollers and more. Teens were able to walk away with bags filled with a variety of items including hygiene essentials, baby wipes, diapers, baby clothes, toys and baby books.

 rosemarysbabies.co

Girl Scouts celebrate Cincinnati with Sawyer Point festival

Girl Scouts of Western Ohio celebrated the Queen City as a beacon of opportunity for youth with a family-friendly festival at Sawyer Point Park in downtown Cincinnati. Over 800 attendees gathered to enjoy hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire future leaders.

The event featured experiences in history, nature and STEM, made possible by community partners. From exploring science with Cincinnati Museum Center to learning about sustainable agriculture with 80 Acres Farms, families had the chance to connect with local organizations that are shaping the future for the region’s youth.

The third annual event highlighted Girl Scouts’ commitment to building girls of courage, confidence and character.

 gswo.org

Girl Scouts of Western Ohio Troop 4782 leaders

Jacqueline Luebbe and Cris Austin with Sky Austin of Monroe, Ohio

Photos by l arry C o Chran

The Declaration of Independence was read by: (Back row) Courtis Fuller, tt stern-Enzi, Paul Haffner, Mary Kate Genis, Quiera Levy Smith, Aik Khai Pung, Katie Katzman, Saad Ghoson, Angela Chub Lopez and Debra Ruehlman; (front row) Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, Pat Sheppard, Evans Nwankwo, Jeanne Mam-Luft, Jim Tarbell, Kareem Moncree-Moffett, Connie Pillich, Roman Maieron, Karen Umwimana and Rhonda Holyfield-Mangieri.

Emcee Moe Rouse holds the microphone while Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval reads his portion of the Declaration of Independence.



Rosemary’s Babies founder Rosemary OglesbyHenry, with microphone, talks to some of the attendees. Local artists Bianca Graham, Aprina the Revolutionary, Jinx and I’m James performed.

Clothing for children was available at the event.

Duff Orlemann provided caricatures for Rock-Away attendees.

GRAD Cincinnati breakfast gives scholarships, awards

GRAD Cincinnati’s Climbing the Ladder to a Brighter Future breakfast demonstrated the community’s generosity. With an initial goal of $25,000, the event exceeded expectations.

The event at Delta Hotel in Sharonville featured activities such as live auctions and raffles. Thirty scholarships were presented to GRAD Scholars to pursue their college careers.

GRAD presented its Founders Award to: Robert Reifsnyder, former president of United Way and founding GRAD Cincinnati board member; Shauna Murphy, superintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools; and Carlos Blair, principal of Western Hills High School, the first GRAD high school. Hays-Porter School Principal Nedria West received the School Momentum Award.

GRAD helps CPS students achieve in the classroom, graduate from high school and complete a college education. Funds raised will be used for scholarships and college tours for students.

 gradcincinnati.org

Seneca Herring, Kelvin Cruz-Anton, Faustina Ansah, Junior Allandakim and Patricia Stewart-Adams

Brian Talbert, Khalana Davis, Alejandra Martinez, Makayla Prichard, Patricia StewartAdams and Amy Randolph 

Girl Scout launches public safety training program

Girl Scouts of Western Ohio Gold Award recipient Anika Saladi launched a life-saving public safety initiative after experiencing a critical emergency at her school. Recognizing the urgent need for community preparedness, Saladi partnered with the Mason City Fire Department, Mason City Schools and local organizations to offer free AED and CPR training for youth and adults.

Saladi shared her story with Steve King of Project Heart ReStart and Ohio Supreme Court Justice Megan E. Shanahan – a Girl Scout alum – at a Rotary Club of Cincinnati luncheon.

 gswo.org

row)

Carlos

Superintendent

David

(Back

Kenneth Simonson, Gayle Hilleke, Patricia Stewart-Adams, Rob Reifsnyder,

Blair,

Shauna Murphy, Randy Dunham and

Hoguet; (front row) Whitney Hollingsworth, Nedria West and Justin Hartfiel

Girl Scout Anika Saladi receives a heart pin from Steve King of Project Heart ReStart in recognition of their shared efforts to provide life-saving education and tools.



Girl Scout alum and Ohio Supreme Court Justice Megan E. Shanahan with Girl Scouts of Western Ohio Gold Award recipient Anika Saladi

Spring Gala raises $420K for Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Cincinnati Chapter’s annual Spring Gala at Music Hall brought together community leaders, supporters and partners in the fight against Alzheimer’s. The event raised more than $420,000, topping last year’s $335,000 total.

Proceeds fund programs and services, including education, support groups, care resources and advanced Alzheimer’s and dementia research. The organization offers all programs and services free of charge.

The event included an acceptance speech by Kelli Stein of Cincinnati, the recipient of the third annual Courage and Hope award. Stein received recognition for her dedication and passion as an Alzheimer’s Association volunteer for over seven years.

Elizabeth Bangel-Stehlin, of Seasons-A Senior Lifestyle Community, was gala chair. Eric C. Knapp, community impact manager for Western & Southern Financial Group, was vice chair.

 alz.org/cincinnati

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

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

Emmy Award Winner Regional - Interview/Discussion Program www.CETconnect.org

The crowd lights up the room with glow sticks.

Nicole Zimmer from Sonida Senior Living throws a ball at the wine toss.

Maribeth Rahe, CEO of Fort Washington Investment Advisors, and her husband Martin Rahe

Bob Herzog of Local 12 Michael Bain and Melody Bain

Annemarie Barnett, executive director, of Alzheimer’s Association Greater Cincinnati and Miami Valley chapters, and honoree Kelli Stein



Gala Steering Committee: (Back row) Karen Clark, Lianne Massa, Kim Wentzel, Colleen Ireton, Michelle Levine, Mary Beth Wilfong, Donna Spillane, Rachel Hodesh, Mary Anne “Hair” Herbster, Erin Savage-Weaver, Karen Olberding and Tracey Stofa; (front row) Eric Knapp, Elizabeth BangelStehlin and Annemarie Barnett

Nature Center’s Garden Tour highlights native plants

At Cincinnati Nature Center’s annual Garden Tour, nearly 500 guests toured eight local gardens at various stages of their native plant journey. Almost 300 native plants, grown by Cincinnati Nature Center horticulturists, were sold. The center continues to expand its native plant programming to support healthy biodiversity. Private garden tours show how native plants can create residential landscapes. Featured gardeners’ creations range from woodland restorations to gardens that have been tended for decades. En plein air artists spent the day in the gardens creating nature-inspired works that will be featured in this year’s Art Auction on Oct. 3.

cincynature.org

Best Point, Butler Behavioral Health merger expands services

Best Point Education & Behavioral Health and Butler Behavioral Health completed their merger, a move aimed at transforming behavioral health care for Greater Cincinnati.

Now a wholly owned subsidiary of Best Point, Butler will operate under its current name, and no immediate changes will occur for staff, clients or day-to-day operations.

This merger brings together two organizations committed to

delivering high-quality, accessible mental health services. The new organization will:

• Serve more individuals across Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, and Warren counties.

• Expand from 30 to over 50 services, now supporting children, teens and adults.

• Grow to over 680 employees.

• Operate with a combined annual revenue of approximately $65 million.

 bestpoint.org, bbhs.org

Sporting Clays event benefits Beechwood Home residents

Sixty-five enthusiasts gathered at the Sycamore Sporting Clays Club in Loveland to compete and support The Beechwood Home, a lifelong home for 80 residents with an average age of 62. The residents have multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) or other neurological condition.

Event participants enjoyed a morning of shooting, lunch prepared by the club and awards for the best shooting skills. All proceeds benefited programs at The Beechwood Home.  beechwoodhome.com

Displaying their trophies are winners Kevin Brown, Kendall Kramer, Casie Tire and Steven Bryant.

Andrea Rosenthal and Troy Warnken with gardener Tom Borgman in Ed Rosenthal’s garden, one of the featured venues on the tour

Garden owners Paul Darwish and Tawnia Justice with artist Marlene Steele

Garden owner

Jen Castellini

At the merger announcement: John Banchy, Best Point president and CEO; Karen Bankston, former Best Point board chair; John Ward, Butler Behavioral Health board chair; and Randy Allman, Butler Behavioral Health CEO

Movers & Makers

visits Covington

Movers & Makers moved south of the Ohio for its June Mix & Mingle happy hour. A record crowd gathered at Second Story in Covington to connect and network with nonprofit staff members, supporters, suppliers and fellow M&M readers. Thanks to Second Story general manager Erica Rutledge and crew for being such gracious hosts.

Next Mix & Mingle is Aug. 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Warsaw Federal Incline Theater. RSVP through QR code, Page 4.

 moversmakers.org

M&M co-publishers

Thom Mariner and Elizabeth Mariner

Natalie Ruprecht and Amy Neumeister

Michael Durnil, Charity Rust-Jordan and Alex Noel

Mark Scott and Melissa Gray

Jamie Kircher, Laura Renzaglia and Kelsey McQueen

Ross Turpeau, Tianay Amat and Chris Owens

Paul Gaitan

Ramon Llamas and Andrea Bryant

M&M digital editor Casey Weldon and Tess Brown

Nicholas Korn and Scott Breloff

Kelly St. Charles, Jennifer Abdrabbo and Tephra Fields

Second Story general manager Erica Rutledge (left) serves the record crowd.

Shannon Danesteh, Lindsey Honaker and Katrina Davis

Melissa McDonald and Stephanie Griffin

Freedom should be free: The case against cash bail

Iusuallystart these columns with something from my own life, but I want to write about something that does not seem to directly affect me.

I’ve never been to jail. I’ve never bailed anyone out of jail. I don’t know anyone in prison.

If I wanted to, I could ignore the entire American criminal justice system and all its problems.

But I can’t ignore it, because it makes me angry. And I know having 2 million people incarcerated in the United States is detrimental to everyone. Evidence shows it makes crime worse. It is racially biased, makes kids of Black and poor people grow up without parents. Minor offenders get caught up in the justice system and turn into serious criminals.

I’m glad there are prisons for rapists and murderers and corrupt politicians, but having the highest incarceration rate in the world doesn’t keep us safe.

It’s a dark topic, and a hard one for a regular citizen to feel any ability to

influence.

But if unfairness and racism always bother you, I have a suggestion. Look into The Bail Project, a national organization that operates in Hamilton County; the focus is on helping people make bail and, ultimately, getting rid of cash bail.

Cash bail is the front door to mass incarceration, and part of the architecture of its racial bias. Bail isn’t for keeping violent criminals in jail, it’s simply meant to get people to show up in court. You get arrested, a judge sets bail, you get your freedom by paying it. The idea is that you’ll show up for your court date because then you get your money back, which can be a lot. A typical amount in Hamilton County is $10,000.

However, if you don’t have it or can’t get it, they keep you in jail.

So, you’re arrested for trespassing, a traffic offense, for old drug offenses though you’ve gotten

sober. You’re legally innocent. Yet you’re stuck in jail for weeks or months waiting for a court date. You lose your job, maybe custody of your children. You can’t pay your rent. You lose access to your regular medical care. Or you are mentally ill, and don’t have care or medications. It’s harder to see your lawyer. You may feel your only choice is to plead guilty to get your freedom, giving you a criminal record. Your life can literally be ruined; 82% of suicides in the prison system are people who have not even been tried for anything.

For the same offense, a person with money can pay and get their freedom and go about their business until the trial date. Since Black people have higher rates of poverty, it becomes a racial gap. Try to tell me that’s a good, fair system.

In addition to collecting data and lobbying for reform, The Bail Project employs a “bail disrupter” in Hamilton County who pays bail for people who don’t have the money. The organization takes referrals from the public defender’s office.

“We also have a good relationship with the (Hamilton County) sheriff’s office,” said Karima McCreeWilson, operations manager for Cincinnati as well as Cleveland. “They give us permission to go into the jail so people can apply.”

Every day they get about 40 referrals and inquiries. The Bail Project helps clients find supportive services like housing and drug treatment. They arrange transportation, remind clients of court dates.

“We help fix some of the destabilizing influences in their life that might have led to their arrest in the first place,” McCree-Wilson said.

When the bail is returned, it goes back into the fund and is used for another person. And they get the bail money back 96% of the time.

What does that tell you? That with a little help, people will show up for their court date. Getting reminders and getting transportation is crucial. I know I would have missed my dentist appointment last week if the office hadn’t called me.

Seems someone could do that for court dates.

I think the Bail Project fund is a great value proposition for charitable giving. You give money once, it gets recycled over and over. They have funders, including the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, but welcome donations.

Eliminating cash bail helps alleviate jail crowding and saves taxpayers money because you don’t have to keep non-dangerous people in jail at $120 a day or so for weeks or months. If paying for a Lyft and making some phone calls is what makes the difference, that’s a lot cheaper than jail.

“Illinois banned cash bail in 2023. It’s preliminary data, but crime hasn’t gone up and people haven’t missed any more court dates,” McCree-Wilson said.

“36% of Bail Project clients in Cincinnati and 24% of Bail Project clients in Cleveland go on to have their cases dismissed, meaning that – without our intervention – they would have been unnecessarily incarcerated,” McCree-Wilson said. It seems to me we can mete out punishment to people who deserve it without carelessly wrecking people’s lives and spending money unnecessarily, having one system of justice for the poor and another for the rich, and ignoring the bedrock of America’s legal system, that you are innocent until proven guilty.

 bailproject.org

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.

Polly Campbell

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