July 2025

July 2025

OPERA OR MUSICAL?

‘Fiddler on the Roof’

FOCUS ON Teens

Holly Hill’s

James Sherry

POLLY CAMPBELL

Contradictions in the adult world

Movers &Makers

July 2025

Publishers’ Letter 4

Arts & Culture 6

MoversMakers.org

‘Fiddler on the Roof’ – Cincinnati Opera-style | By David Lyman 6

The A&C List 8

ArtsWave raises more than $12M amid economic uncertainty 9

Focus on: Helping teens succeed 14

For James Sherry, ‘no problem is too big’ | By Shauna Steigerwald 14

Notables working with teens 16

The Datebook 22

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

Gifts & Grants 26

Nonprofit News 27

Names in the News 28

Snapshots 30

Dragonfly Grand Gala garners $350K 30

Express brings in $320K for Easterseals Redwood 31

Fur Ball Derby Day event rakes in $703K for SPCA 32

Double Vision 16 breaks records for Visionaries + Voices 33

St. Vincent de Paul celebrates service to the tune of $603K 34

CAM ‘Art in Bloom’ showcases floral arrangements of masterpieces 35

UpSpring Benefit Bash boosts local children 36

United Way honors 2025 Tocqueville Award recipients 37

Cincinnatus Association recognizes 5 local organizations for DEI work 38

Kelleher Foundation connects nonprofit leaders at Reds Night 39

ArtWorks Creative Campus opens to public 40

Taft’s tropical-themed gala brings in $320K 41

DCCH draws more than 500 to Swing into Spring 42

Center Stage benefit concert, dinner big success for Playhouse 43

Cincinnati Preservation honors projects across region 44

Par-Tee for Hope drives support for Cancer Support Community 45

Nothing trivial about Crayons to Computers fundraising for kids 46

1 Night, 12 Kitchens draws 600 for Midwest Culinary Institute 47

Local authors take center stage for Assistance League’s brunch 48

Lafayette visit commemorated at dinner and costume ball 49

OTR’s Northern Row hosts M&M’s May Mix & Mingle 49

The Last Word 50

Polly Campbell: On finding contradictions in the adult world

www.helenadamsphotography.com

helen@helenadamsphotography.com

AsI write this on Father’s Day, I’m reminded that, at times (under parental duress), I used to lightheartedly refer to adolescence as its own form of mental illness and call for house arrest or 24-hour supervision of those ages 13-17. These years are the most chaotic and stressful any of us face growing up – not a kid anymore, and certainly not yet an adult. It’s a time of limbo unlike any other. All teenagers need help, but some circumstances are much more dire than others.

Meet James Sherry, who came to Greater Cincinnati less than four years ago to head an organization, Holly Hill, helping girls and young women who have been sex trafficked find a healthy path back into society and toward adulthood. Shauna Steigerwald introduces us to James and his work; see Page 14. Thanks to Helen Adams for her wonderful photography.

Dozens of regional organizations serve the needs of teens. Meet the people nominated by their nonprofit colleagues as Notables in their field,

those often on the front lines of teen care. See Page 16.

Cincinnati Opera is bringing back a tradition, last visited in the mid-1980s, of presenting a classic musical to close its season. Yours Truly was a member of Cincinnati Opera Chorus back then, when we staged “Carousel,” “The Merry Widow” and “Music Man.” This month’s “Fiddler on the Roof” presents a unique set of challenges staging a musical in a hall the size of Springer Auditorium that was built for operatic voices. We tasked David Lyman with examining some of these; see his piece on Page 6 to

learn more.

Co-publishers

Thom and Elizabeth Mariner before a Cincinnati Opera production of “Rigoletto” in June

Elizabeth & Thom Mariner, co-publishers

Digital edition & daily posts MoversMakers.org

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

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Publishing schedule

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER AUG 1 AUG 27

OCTOBER AUG 29 SEPT 24

NOVEMBER SEPT 26 OCT 22

DEC 25/JAN 26 OCT 31 NOV 26

 moversmakers.org/publishing-schedule

© Copyright 2025 Movers & Makers Publishing 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.

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 fiscal sponsorship.

As if in response to our focus on teens, Polly Campbell reflects “on finding contradictions in the adult world,” in which she confirms that life seemingly gets no clearer as we age. Read her column on Page 50. Thanks for sticking with us through the sticky months of summer. If you like what we do, share your copy with a friend. And come meet us at our next Mix & Mingle happy hour – July 9 at the brand-new Hotel Celare in Clifton Heights. Sign up via the ad below.

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:

Mix & Mingle

Hotel Celare, Clifton

Wednesday, July 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Manami Suzuki PIANO

September 7, 2025

In 2024, the first Japanese pianist to win the prestigious Hamamatsu International Piano Competition

October 12, 2025

“...rich, buttery mezzo tone, a genuinely beautiful voice.” Observer

Jaeden Izik-Dzurko PIANO

March 8, 2026

Winner of the 2024 Leeds International Piano Competition

November 16, 2025

“...the Yo-Yo Ma of the harp.” Vogue Magazine

Ziggy and Miles DUO GUITARISTS

March 29, 2026

Winners of the 2023 Young Concert Artists International Auditions

Megan Moore MEZZO-SOPRANO

Bridget Kibbey HARP

CINCINNATI

CINCINNATI DEBUT

Arts & Culture

‘Fiddler on the Roof’

By David Lyman

Finding the sweet spot between singing and acting

Haveyou ever heard a recording of a classically trained singer performing popular music? Sometimes they work. But often, the results are somewhere between awkward and painful.

So when Cincinnati Opera announced it would stage “Fiddler on the Roof” as part of its 2025 summer festival, I winced.

I like “Fiddler” a lot. It’s a deserving staple of the musical theater canon, filled with memorable characters, oodles of humor and an abundance of oh-so-hummable tunes. Was this really a show we should entrust to opera singers?

When I spoke with Cincinnati Opera artistic director Evans Mirageas, he immediately understood my skepticism.

“There are thousands of great opera singers who should never sing musical theater,” Mirageas said. “They don’t have the right temperament for it. Or the right type of voice. But in the case of this ‘Fiddler,’ you don’t need to worry because I choose my singers very carefully.”

Savvy casting has been one of the greatest strengths that Mirageas has brought to the Cincinnati Opera. He has been an exceptionally well-connected cog in the opera community for several decades and seems to have an almost photographic memory for the hundreds – even thousands – of performers he has seen along the way.

“For this production, I have chosen people who have had experience in musical theater, not just singers who want to try it,” he said. “It’s a little bit easier these days than it used to be. Younger performers are triple threats. They have not only trained in opera, but also from the great American songbook.”

Over the decades, some singers successfully managed to cross back and forth from opera to Broadway or cabarets. Besides being a mainstay of the Metropolitan Opera, Dorothy Kirsten was noted for her interpretations of the songs of George Gershwin and Jerome Kern. And the venerable Eileen Farrell was not only a memorable Brünnhilde but also, according to Mirageas, “one of the great blues singers of the second half of the 20th century.”

The one role for which Mirageas didn’t opt for an opera professional was Tevye, the impoverished milkman who is the musical’s central character.

“I cast Max Hopp,” he said. “He is the most celebrated Tevye alive in Europe.” He played the role in the groundbreaking 2017 production of “Fiddler” directed by Barrie Kosky at the Komische Oper Berlin.

But for the rest of the cast, Mirageas says he was

guided by a philosophy the English call “horses for courses” – finding the right worker for the right job.

Rachel Blaustein plays Hodel, the second of Tevye’s five daughters. Look through her resume and you’ll find roles in one opera after another; “Rigoletto” and “The Rake’s Progress” and several productions of “The Magic Flute,” among others.

In musical theater, acting can be more important than the singing, … But if you’re an opera singer moving into musical theater, you’re coming from a world where vocal production is regarded as the most important thing. Making that transition can be a challenge. But if you manage it, it can be liberating.

– Sarah Folsom

What you won’t find is her earliest role as a professional. Or what she calls her great passion.

“I started out doing musical theater,” Blaustein said. “I had a big dream. I had plans of going to Broadway.” And that first professional theater engagement? It was in a production of “Fiddler on the Roof” at the Olney Theater Center in Maryland. “I sang Shprintze,” another of Tevye’s daughters. “I was just 16. And I knew that musical theater was what I wanted to do.”

But she had a preternaturally mature voice, so musical theater roles slipped into the background as she was called on to perform more operas.

There is a difference in the physicality demanded of performers in the two art forms, as well. And they are differences that can be quite noticeable to audiences.

“In opera, we have this beautiful bel canto tradition,” said Sarah Folsom, assistant professor of musical theater voice at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music who will appear in

CCM voice teacher Sarah Folsom plays Fruma Sarah

Rachel Blaustein plays Hodel

Victoria Livengood plays Golde

Max Hopp plays Tevye

“Fiddler” as Fruma Sarah. “We call the physical manifestation of that tradition ‘the noble posture.’ Usually, the singer is in a somewhat stationary position when they’re doing it.”

To an experienced operagoer, that stand-andsing approach is familiar. There’s nothing odd about it. But for audiences more familiar with musical theater, it can look affected. There is nothing remotely natural about it. Opera singers themselves poke fun at it, calling it “park and bark.” It’s one of many elements that make traditional operas feel more formal. Some might say “stilted.”

Musical theater performers aren’t constrained by any of those traditions. Musicals are supposed to offer a more realistic representation of life. So they are often more free to move around the stage, perhaps even dance.

“In musical theater, acting can be more important than the singing,” said Folsom. “Storytelling ability becomes more important. But if you’re an opera singer moving into musical theater, you’re coming from a world where vocal production is regarded as the most important thing. Making that transition can be a challenge. But if you manage it, it can be liberating.”

Victoria Livengood, who plays Golde, Tevye’s wife, feels “blessed” by the musical upbringing she experienced.

“I was born into a family of musicians,” said Livengood. “But it had nothing to do with opera. I grew up singing a lot of gospel music and jazz. My parents were national champions. My dad was the bass in a barbershop quartet called the Dixie Colonels. And my mother was in a Sweet Adelines chorus called the Southern Charms. That was my whole experience before I came into opera.”

In fact, she didn’t hear an opera until she was an 18-year-old college freshman and traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina to see “La Bohème” by Giacomo Puccini.

Puccini was probably an ideal first opera experience. “La Bohème” is the operatic equivalent of a Hollywood weepie. It’s about young, idealistic love. And death. Lots of tears.

“I’ll be honest. Up to that point, I thought opera was all about breastplates and armor,” Livengood said. “Or that it had to do with Jim Nabors. But when I saw ‘La Bohème,’ it was like a lightning bolt. After that, I started to assess my strongest attributes. I have an ear for language. I’m loud. I love to play dress-up. I’m overdramatic. What could I possibly do with all my talents? I knew I had what it takes to become an opera diva.”

For a latecomer to the opera world, her progress was as remarkable as it was rapid. Within seven years of seeing that first opera,

she won the Metropolitan Opera auditions and was thrust onto stages around the world; Paris, Venice, Milan, Kiev, St. Petersburg. Recitals, operas, galas. She seemed to be everywhere. She performed Georges Bizet’s “Carmen” in an ice hockey arena in Grand Rapids. And then starred in The Met’s production opposite Placido Domingo.

“It was a very, very different experience for a little girl off a cow farm in North Carolina,” Livengood said. “And now here I am making my debut at Cincinnati Opera. I’m 65 now. This is my 105th role. It’s crazy.”

Besides performing regularly, the “Dixie Diva,” as she bills herself, has built a second career as a teacher and coach.

“I have nearly 100 students from China and Korea and Australia,” Livengood said. “And from the U.S., of course. We do a lot of it on Zoom. I’ve been so fortunate. There are still some roles I’d like to sing,” she added. “I never got around to doing Mistress Quickly in (Giuseppe Verdi’s) ‘Falstaff.’ I did Meg, but then I got sidetracked. And I’ve done a lot of (Gian Carlo) Menotti. I’d love to do some more.”

But for now, it’s back to musical theater. And Golde. And “Fiddler.”

“I really am living my best life.”   July 23, 25, 26 and 27 at Music Hall. cincinnatiopera.org

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 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 | Pendleton, Over-the-Rhine and downtown. artworkscincinnati.org

ƒ By appointment only. Walking tours

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 | West End. 513-651-0734. facebook.com/thebettshouse

ƒ By appointment only. Oldest home in Cincinnati

Blue Ash Historical Society | Historic Hunt House, Blue Ash. 513-745-6260. blueashhistoricalsociety.org

ƒ July 19, 1-4 p.m. “Legacy on Display”

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

ƒ Exploring Queen City brewing history

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

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

ƒ July 26, noon. Annual induction ceremony – “An All-White Affair”

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 oldgrowth forest

Cincinnati Observatory | Hyde Park. cincinnatiobservatory.org

ƒ Oldest professional observatory in the United States

Cincinnati Parks | Seasongood Pavilion, Eden Park. cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks

ƒ July 4, 9:30 a.m. “A Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence”

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

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

Great Parks | greatparks.org

ƒ July 12, 9 a.m.-noon. Ohio River Sweep (Fernbank Park)

ƒ July 25-26, 8-11 p.m. Spark in the Dark (Miami Whitewater)

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

ƒ Permanent collection. Historic artifacts and equipment

The Heritage Village Museum hosts two vintage “base ball” games each on July 20 & 26 in Sharon Woods.

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 | Sharon Woods, Sharonville. 513-563-9484. heritagevillagecincinnati.org

ƒ July 12, 7-10 p.m. Spirits by Starlight Ghost Tours

ƒ July 16, 6-8 p.m. Myers Schoolhouse grand opening

ƒ July 20, noon & 2 p.m. Vintage Base Ball

ƒ July 23, 6-7:30 p.m. Period Dinner: “Christmas in July”

ƒ July 26, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Vintage baseball

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. 513421-4086. 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 | Mercantile Building, 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. Historic displays of 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. 513-333-7500. freedomcenter.org

ƒ Thru Dec. 7. “Faith & (in)Justice”

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 the world’s most exotic aquatic creatures

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 July 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Exhibited railroad yard collection

RAPTOR Inc. | Milford. raptorinc.org

ƒ July 27, 1-4 p.m. 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 Aug. 3. 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

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

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

Fairs/Festivals/Markets

AfriFest Cincy: Taste of Africa | Sawyer Point Park, downtown. myapnet.org/afrifest

ƒ July 19, noon-9 p.m. African arts, culture, music and cuisine

Bacon Bourbon and Brew Festival | Newport’s Festival Park. thingstodocincinnati.com

ƒ July 18-20. All things bacon and brews with live music

Cincy Blues Fest |

Village Green Park, Fairfield. cincyblues.org

ƒ July 12-13. Celebrating blues as original American art form

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

ƒ July 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Eclectic arts and crafts market

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

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

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

ƒ Fridays, 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 24-27 & July 31-Aug. 3. All things goetta

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

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

Lebanon Pride | Bicentennial Park, Lebanon. lebanonpride.com

ƒ July 12, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Lebanon Pride Festival

Madeira Farmers Market | Dawson Road at Miami Avenue, Madeira. madeirafarmersmarket.com

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

Market Bleu | Contemporary Arts Center, downtown. marketbleu.com

ƒ July 19. Handcrafted products and fine arts

(City of) Montgomery | montgomeryohio.gov

ƒ July 19, 4-11 p.m. 2025 Bastille Day: food and entertainment

ArtsWave raises $12.3M for Cincinnati arts amid economic uncertainty

ArtsWave raised $12.3 million during its 2025 campaign, supporting the region’s arts community despite economic and funding challenges.

The announcement came during a celebration at Playhouse in the Park, where Campaign Chair Mel Gravely addressed arts organizations, donors and civic and business leaders. He also recognized members of his campaign cabinet for their efforts.

While the total was short of last year’s record $12.5 million figure, even coming close this year was no small feat due to the current landscape.

“Through economic ups and downs, political changes and global uncertainties, ArtsWave has remained the steady force behind our vibrant arts community for nearly

100 years,” said Gravely, executive chair of Triversity Construction. Its “Leaders for Cincy Arts” initiative, which encourages gifts of $5,000 or more, engaged 205 business executives and community leaders. Gravely said the response shows Cincinnati’s leaders “recognize the critical connection between our region’s arts and its economic prosperity.”

“This achievement reflects the Cincinnati region’s understanding that a vibrant arts sector is not an ‘extra,’ but an ‘essential’,” he added.

The event also served as a handoff between Gravely and James Zimmerman, partner-in-charge of the Taft Cincinnati office, next year’s campaign chair and a longtime ArtsWave board member.  artswave.org

JUNE 27 TO OCTOBER 19, 2025

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

ƒ Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m. Regional food and beverage market

Westside Market | Westwood Town Hall, Westwood. westsidemarketcincy.com

ƒ July 12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Pop-up market of handcrafted goods

Film

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

ƒ Now playing/OMNIMAX . “The Blue Angels” • “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. 214-843-6781. cindependentfilmfest.org

ƒ July 19, 6 p.m. Cindependent Spotlight: “Eight Men Out”

NightLight 513 | Covington Plaza, Covington. nightlight513.com

ƒ July 11, 7:30 p.m. “Twisters”

ƒ July 17, 7:30 p.m. “Shrek”

RiversEdge | Marcum Park, Hamilton. riversedgelive.com

ƒ July 2, 7 p.m. “Remember the Titans”

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

◆ 9 p.m. Summer Cinema:

‚ July 1. “National Treasure”

‚ July 8. “Home Alone”

‚ July 15. “Crooklyn”

‚ July 22. “The Sandlot”

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

ƒ July 7, 7:30 p.m. “Stop Making Sense”

ƒ July 14, 7:30 p.m. “Ron Delsener Presents”

ƒ July 21, 7:30 p.m. “The Last Class”

ƒ July 30, 8 p.m. “Mushrooms of Western Kentucky”

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

ƒ July 25, 7:30 p.m. Dive-In Movies: “Migration”

Literary/Lectures

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

ƒ July 23, 6 p.m. Curator Talk – Glow & Behold: Cincinnati’s Historic LGBTQ+ Bar Signs

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

ƒ July 15, 5:30 p.m. Preservation in the Park: Geoff Sutton “Dehart Hubbard: The First African American to win an Individual Gold Medal”

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

ƒ July 15, 7 p.m. Discussion: Linda Castillo “Rage”

ƒ July 16, 7 p.m. Discussion: Gordon Korman “Snoop”

ƒ July 26, 10:30 a.m. Discussion: Don Tassone and Jane Rytel “Clara’s Big Discovery”

ƒ July 30, 7 p.m. Discussion: Karen Scholl “Surviving Soccer – A Chill Parent’s Guide to Carpools

Word of Mouth Cincinnati | MOTR Pub, Over-the-Rhine. cincywordofmouth. com | motrpub.com/word-mouth-featured-open-poetry-readings

ƒ July 27, 6 p.m. Open poetry mic

Music

The Arts Alliance | Cottell Park, Mason. 513-309-8585. the-arts-alliance.org

ƒ July 29, 7 p.m. Cincinnati Pops Orchestra

ArtsConnect | Springfield Twp. Community Arts Center theartsconnect.us

ƒ July 11, 7 p.m. Top This Band

ƒ July 25, 7 p.m. Apostle Jones

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

ƒ July 18, 6-8 p.m. Music in the Gardens: Sarah Asher and Josh Ferreira

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

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

‚ July 10. Jake Speed & The Freddies

‚ July 17. Gina & Johnny

‚ July 24. Moonshine Drive

‚ July 31. Soul Pocket

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

ƒ July 3, 7:30 p.m. Patriotic Concert: “Summer Fun...take 2!”

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 July 11, 7 p.m. Grunge Fest

ƒ July 20, 7 p.m. Yelawolf

ƒ July 22, 7 p.m. The Crane Wives

Brady Music Center | The Banks. bradymusiccenter.com

ƒ July 8, 7 p.m. Todd Rundgren

ƒ July 11, 8 p.m. Teddy Swims

ƒ July 15, 7 p.m. Father John Misty

ƒ July 20, 7:30 p.m. The Head and The Heart

ƒ July 24, 7:30 p.m. Cincinnati Music Festival

ƒ July 25, 7 p.m. Dinosaur Jr.

Cincinnati Music Festival | The Banks. cincymusicfestival.com

ƒ July 24. Scarface, Goodie Mob, Sugarhill Gang and Young MC (Brady Center)

ƒ July 25. Earth, Wind & Fire and Anthony Hamilton, Jazmine Sullivan, PJ Morton and The Zapp Band (Paycor Stadium)

ƒ July 26. LL Cool J, Toni Braxton, Jubu, Lucky Daye, 112 and The Bar-Kays (Paycor Stadium)

Cincinnati Nature Center | Milford. cincynature.org

ƒ July 25, 7-10 p.m. Music Under the Moon Concert Series: Noah Wotherspoon Band

Cincinnati harprist Anna Dunlap performs as part of July’s Classical Revolution –chamber music in a bar setting –July 9 at The Loon in Northside.

Cincinnati Parks | cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks

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

ƒ July 17, 6 p.m. Summer Music Festival: Mojo Rizin (Ault Park Pavilion)

ƒ Gettin’ to the Point Music Series (Schott Amphitheater at Sawyer Point):

‚ July 11, 6 p.m. The Foles and Moonshine Drive

‚ July 25, 6 p.m. Anno and Fast Travel

Cincinnati Symphony & Pops | 513-381-3300. cincinnatisymphony.org

ƒ July 4, 8 p.m. (Pops) “Red, White & BOOM!” John Morris Russell, conductor (Riverbend Music Center, Anderson Twp.)

ƒ July 11, 6:30 p.m. (CSO) Price Hill Brady Block Party (Dunham Recreation Center, Price Hill)

ƒ July 18, 6:30 p.m. (CSO) North Avondale Brady Block Party (North Avondale Recreation Center Fields)

Cincy Blues Fest | Village Green Park, Fairfield. cincyblues.org

ƒ July 12, noon-10:30 p.m.

Classical Revolution | The Loon, Northside. classicalrevolutioncincinnati.com

ƒ July 9, 7:30 p.m. Trio Mente, harpist Anna Dunlap and pianist Diana Chubak

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

ƒ 7 p.m. Wednesdays in the Woods (Burnet Woods Bandstand, Clifton Ave.)

ƒ 10 a.m. Saturdays in the Park (Inwood Park, Mt. Auburn)

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

ƒ July 23, 7 p.m. The Eagles Project

DownTowne Listening Room | Falcon Theatre, Newport. downtownelisteningroom.com

ƒ July 12, 7 p.m. Jake Speed & The Freddies “Christmas in July”

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

ƒ 6 p.m. Tuesdays: Jazz at the Square

ƒ 5 p.m. Wednesdays: Fountain Blues

ƒ 6 p.m. Thursdays: Salsa on the Square

ƒ 7 p.m. Saturdays: Fifth & Vine Live

Great Parks of Hamilton County | Lake Isabella Boathouse, Loveland. 513-521-7275. greatparks.org

◆ 6 p.m. Burgers & Brews

‚ July 11. Jonathan Cody White

‚ July 25. Charlie John

Greater Cincinnati Guitar Society | cincinnatiguitarsociety.org

ƒ July 14, 7:30 p.m. Jason Vieaux (Werner Recital Hall, CCM)

Hard Rock Casino |

Downtown. hardrockcasinocincinnati.com

ƒ July 13, 6 p.m. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony & Ying Yang Twins

ƒ July 26, 8 p.m. Brett Young

The Härth Room | Downtown. theharthroom.com/music

ƒ Wednesday-Saturday evenings. Live jazz

Jazz Alive | American Sign Museum, Camp Washington. 513-280-8181. facebook.com

ƒ July 2, 6:30 p.m. Jazz in the Camp: CPS Jazz Academy High School Combo & Myles Twitty Quartet

The Jazz Spoon | Forest Park. thejazzspoon.com

ƒ Friday & Saturday evenings. Live jazz

Kentucky Symphony Orchestra | 859431-6216. kyso.org

ƒ July 12, 7:30 p.m. “Williams’ Wondrous World” (Devou Park, Covington)

ƒ July 13, 7:30 p.m. Encore (Tower Park, Ft. Thomas)

Longworth-Anderson Series | Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. longworth-andersonseries.com

ƒ July 22, 8 p.m. Mavis Staples

Ludlow Garage | Clifton. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com

ƒ July 2, 7:30 p.m. Hindley Street Country Club

ƒ July 6, 7:30 p.m. Steve Earle

ƒ July 9, 7:30 p.m. Aldo Nova

ƒ July 12, 7:30 p.m. Walter Beasley

ƒ July 17, 7:30 p.m. Bacon Brothers

ƒ July 18, 7:30 p.m. A.J. Ghent

ƒ July 19, 7:30 p.m. Kindred the Family Soul

ƒ July 24, 7:30 p.m. Village People

ƒ July 25, 7:30 p.m. Rick Wakeman

ƒ July 26, 7:30 p.m. Dreion

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

ƒ July 5, 8 p.m. Mind at Large

ƒ July 9, 7 p.m. Hunt The Dinosaur

ƒ July 10, 8 p.m. Tantric

ƒ July 11, 8 p.m. Billy Watts

ƒ July 16, 7:30 p.m. Strung Out

ƒ July 19, 8 p.m. Gunshine

ƒ July 26, 8 p.m. Veaux

MegaCorp Pavilion at Ovation | Newport. promowestlive.com

ƒ July 15, 4 p.m. idobi Radio Summer School

ƒ July 27, noon. Tye Tribbett

ƒ July 30, 6:30 p.m. Rainbow Kitten Surprise

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

ƒ July 1, 8 p.m. Sun Ra Arkestra

ƒ July 5, 8 p.m. U.S. Air Force Band of Flight, Flight One

ƒ July 16, 8 p.m. High Kings

Newport on the Levee | Newport. newportonthelevee.com

◆ 7 p.m. Live on the Levee:

‚ July 10. Denim Deluxe

‚ July 17. Scenic View

‚ July 24. Twin Sons

‚ July 31. Cat Campbell & The $2 Pistols

Northside Rock and Roll Carnival | Hoffner Park, Northside. northsiderocks.com

ƒ July 3-5. Live music, beer, craft vendors and food trucks

Riverbend Music Center | Anderson

Twp. 513-232-6220. riverbend.org

ƒ July 8, 7:30 p.m. The Lumineers

ƒ July 12, 6:30 p.m. Wiz Khalifa and Sean Paul

ƒ July 16, 7 p.m. Kesha

ƒ July 18, 7 p.m. Dierks Bentley

Open through December 7, 2025

ƒ July 21, 7 p.m. Beck

ƒ July 22, 7 p.m. Pantera

ƒ July 25, 7 p.m. The Offspring

ƒ July 27, 4 p.m. Kidz Bop and Doggyland

ƒ July 29, 7:30 p.m. Cyndi Lauper

ƒ July 30, 7 p.m. Big Time Rush

RiversEdge |

Marcum Park, Hamilton. riversedgelive.com

ƒ July 11, 6 p.m. Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves and Bee Taylor

ƒ July 18-19. David Shaw’s Big River Get Down Music Festival

ƒ July 24, 6 p.m. Jeremie Albino and CFG & The Family

ƒ July 31, 6 p.m. Queen Legacy and The Wonderlands

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

◆ 6 p.m. Thursdays

ƒ July 3. Natural Progression

ƒ July 10. DV8

ƒ July 17. July for Kings

ƒ July 24. Run Katie Run

ƒ July 31. School of Rock House Band

Photo credit: © Leonard Freed | Magnum Photos

ARTS & CULTURE | The List

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

ƒ Thursdays-Sundays. Live jazz

Summermusik | Rhinegeist, Over-theRhine. 513-723-1182. summermusik.org

ƒ July 30, 7:30 p.m. “Journey to Türkiye”

ƒ (Festival runs into August)

Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org

ƒ July 6, 7:30 p.m. Robin Trower

ƒ July 11, 7:30 p.m. Iron & Wine

ƒ July 12, 8 p.m. The Swell Season

ƒ July 20, 8 p.m. Ryan Adams

TempleLive at Riverfront Live | East End. riverfrontlivecincy.com

ƒ July 11, 6 p.m. Dumstaphunk

ƒ July 15, 6:30 p.m. Yonder Mountain String Band

ƒ July 19, 7 p.m. The Dead Revival Band

ƒ July 19, 10 p.m. G Herbo

ƒ July 20, 6:30 p.m. Greensky Bluegrass

Urban Artifact | Northside. artifactbeer.com

ƒ July 25, 8 p.m. The Jared Presley Experience

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

◆ 6 p.m. Jazz at the Park:

‚ July 7. Mandy Gaines & Brad Meyer

‚ July 14. Carmon DeLeone Quartet

‚ July 21. Pamela Mallory Trio

‚ July 28. Estrada do Sol

‚ 6 p.m. Reggae:

‚ July 2. The Ark Band

‚ July 23. The Flex Crew

‚ July 30. Hurricane

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

‚ July 3. Rachel Mousie & The Montvales

‚ July 10. Megan Bee & Maria Carrelli Band

‚ July 17. Harmed Brothers Duo & Jolly Old Hawk

‚ July 24. Ben Turner & Tie Dye

‚ July 31. Sonya Moomaw, and Bedel & Hibbard

◆ 7 p.m. Friday Flow (R&B):

‚ July 11. Tony Terry

‚ July 18. The Levert Experience

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

ƒ July 11, 8 p.m. Indigo De Souza

ƒ July 15, 7:30 p.m. Budos Band

Opera

Cincinnati Opera | Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine. 513-241-2742. cincinnatiopera.org

ƒ July 23-27. Bock & Harnick: “Fiddler on the Roof” (Springer Auditorium)

◆ Studio Sessions: (Wilks Studio, Music Hall)

‚ July 10, 8 p.m. Anthony Clark

Evans in recital

‚ July 17, 8 p.m. Queen City Cabaret: “From Avenue A to Broadway: Songs and Stories of Tin Pan Alley”

Theater

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

The Arts Alliance | Cottell Park, Mason. 513-309-8585. the-arts-alliance.org

ƒ July 17, 7 p.m. Shakespeare in the Park

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

ƒ Thru July 6. “The Color Purple”

ƒ July 25-Aug. 3. “Always ... Patsy Cline”

Cincinnati LAB Theatre | Bell Tower Arts Pavilion, Evendale. cincylabtheatre.wixsite.com/cincylab

ƒ July 17-26. New Works Festival

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

ƒ July 9-Aug. 3. “BurgerTown” (Incline Theater)

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

ƒ July 11-Aug. 31. Shakespeare in the Park: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (various venues across the region)

ƒ July 18-Aug. 10. “The Play That Goes Wrong”

Commonwealth Artists Student Theater | 859-545-0770. caststages.org

ƒ Thru July 6. “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” (Stained Glass Theatre, Newport)

ƒ July 13-20. “Urinetown The Musical” (NKU Corbett Theatre, Highland Heights)

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 July 25-Aug. 10. “Calendar Girls”

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

ƒ July 31-Aug. 9. “The Wizard of Oz”

Encore Community Theatre | Parrish Auditorium, Hamilton. encorecommunitytheatre.com

ƒ July 17-19. “Bye Bye Birdie”

Hard Rock Casino | Downtown. hardrockcasinocincinnati.com

ƒ July 11, 8 p.m. Comedian Eddie Griffin

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

ƒ Thursday-Saturday evenings. Weekly comedy shows

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

ƒ July 25-Aug. 3. “Annie Get Your Gun”

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

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

Ludlow Garage | Clifton. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com

ƒ July 10, 7:30 p.m. Shelly Belly, comedian

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

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

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

ƒ July 26, 8 p.m. Henry Cho, comedian

Mariemont Players | Walton Creek Theater, Mariemont. 513-684-1236. mariemontplayers.com

ƒ July 10-27. “The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s”

Mason Community Players | Mason Community Playhouse, Mason. 513-398-7804. masonplayers.org

ƒ July 18-26. “Pirates of Penzance”

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

ƒ July 25, 6 p.m. Circus in the Parks

(Rapid Run Park, West Price Hill)

ƒ July 27, 2 p.m. Circus in the Parks (Arts Alliance, Mason)

The Story Collective | Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, Symmes Twp. thestorycollective.org

ƒ July 25-27. “Once Upon a Mattress”

Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org

ƒ July 18, 8 p.m. “Welcome To Night Vale”

True Theatre | Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. memorialhallotr.com

ƒ July 24, 7:30 p.m. “trueSIGN”

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

◆ Sundays, 6 p.m. OTR Performs: ‚ July 13. Cincinnati Barbarians (live fighting demos)

‚ July 27. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company: Shakespeare in the Park “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

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

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 July 13, noon-6 p.m. Summer Market

ARTclectic Gallery | Silverton. 513-822-5200. artclecticgallery.com

ƒ July 1-Sept. 30. “Far Away” Reception: July 17, 5-8 p.m.

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

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

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

ƒ Thru Aug. 15. Community Art Show

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

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

&

Campbell County Public Library | Newport. cc-pl.org

ƒ Thru Aug. 1. “Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?”

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

ƒ Thru Aug. 16. “Notations on Ritual”

Cincinnati Art Galleries | Downtown. 513-381-2128. cincyart.com

ƒ Thru Aug. 1. “Visions of the American West - Where the West Lives on in Paint and Story”

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

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

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 22. Modern and Contemporary Craft

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

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

ƒ July 25, 5-9 p.m. Art After Dark: Party and free gallery admission

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 July 11. “Uptown and Around: Community Art Show”

ƒ July 18-Aug. 15. Noel Maghathe: “Over Everything” Reception: July 20, 6-8 p.m.

“If a Tree Falls in the Forest” is a group show curated by Sandy Eichert at Mariemont’s Eisele Gallery through July 26, with a closing reception

5-8 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”

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

The Contemporary Dayton | Dayton, Ohio. 937-224-3822. codayton.org

ƒ Thru Aug. 23. Laura Sanders: “Force of Nature” • Erin Holscher Almazan: “What These Arms Hold” • Christine Gaffney: “Well-Balanced”

Dayton Art Institute | Dayton, Ohio. 937-223-4278. www.daytonartinstitute.org

ƒ July 12-Sept. 14. Curtis Barnes Sr.: “Dayton Icon”

Eisele Gallery of Fine Art | Mariemont. 513-791-7717. eiselefineart.com

ƒ Thru July 26. Group show: “If A Tree Falls In The Forest,” curated by Sandy Eichert Reception: July 26, 5-8 p.m.

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

ƒ Thru July 26. “A Common Language” Reception: July 26, 6-10 p.m.

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

ƒ Permanent exhibition: “Women of Glendale”

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

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

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

ƒ July 11-Aug. 8. “Whim” • “Textuality” • Phoebe Scott (sculpture) • “Master Pieces 19” Reception: July 11, 6-9 p.m.

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

ƒ Thru July 30. Artwork by Chuck Marshall

ƒ Thru July 17. Annual Student Exhibition

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

ƒ Thru July 2. “Artists In Action Show”

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

ƒ July 25, 5-9 p.m. Open studios

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

ƒ July 4, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Special holiday open studio hours

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

ƒ Thru July 27. “Botanical Fantastical,” by Kim Radochia, nature’s patterns and details

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

Queen City Clay | Norwood. queencityclay.com

ƒ Thru July 17. Peter Jadoonath & Kyle Lascelle

ƒ July 25-Sept. 4. “Tactile”

Rosewood Arts Centre | Rosewood Gallery, Kettering. 937-296-0294. playkettering.org/rosewood-gallery-home

ƒ Thru July 19. Annual “The View” juried landscape exhibition

Save Our Souls Art | sosartcincinnati.com

ƒ Thru July 6. “For a Better World 2025” (St. John Unitarian Church, Clifton)

ƒ Thru July 13. “SOS Art 2025” • “USA Miniprints 2025” (Art Academy of Cincinnati, Over-the-Rhine)

Skirball Museum | Hebrew Union College, Clifton. csm.huc.edu

ƒ Thru July 31. “The Seventeen: Iron Flock” by Archie Rand

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

ƒ Thru Aug. 25. MSJ Student Art Exhibition

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”

Visionaries & Voices | Northside. 513-861-4333. visionariesandvoices.com

ƒ Thru July 11. “In Touch”

ƒ July 25-Sept. 12. Artist-in-residence: Chloe Greenberg Reception: July 25, 5-8 p.m.

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.

For Holly Hill’s Sherry, ‘no problem

is too big’

James Sherry’s career has taken him from his Australian hometown of Melbourne, a city of more than 5 million people, to a tiny Australian island with only a few thousand inhabitants, to short stints in China and Guatemala, to New York City and, now, to Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, where he serves as CEO of Holly Hill Child & Family Solutions.

Though the work has varied and the places have been vastly different, Sherry’s attitude has been consistent.

“I’ve loved everywhere I’ve been and everything I’ve done,” he said.

“What I’ve realized is there are amazing people everywhere, and every place on the planet has its really unique charms,” he added. “So if you can just appreciate where you are, you always love it.”

That mindset has served him well.

“It means everything is always fantastic,” he said. “Sometimes things can be pretty challenging, but I also find that if you put your head down and focus on doing what’s right, then the chips start to fall your way, and you get those wins for the people you’re working for.”

A matter of chemistry

Sherry speculates he “might be blessed with just really great brain chemistry” that contributes to his positivity. But had he been better at chemistry as an academic subject, his career might have looked quite different. From a young age, he wanted to be an environmental scientist. When he started pursuing an undergraduate degree in that discipline, however, he determined chemistry wasn’t his strong suit.

His research at the end of his undergraduate program focused on local government land use policy. That work shifted his interest from ecological science to social science and led him to start his career in government policy, strategy and research, first in the private sector and then in local government.

After earning his MBA in 2012, Sherry went to work for Queensland Health, the largest health care provider in the Australian state for which it’s named. That took him to tiny Thursday Island (Waiben in the local Kawrareg dialect), where he ran nonclinical health services for the region. Shortly thereafter, he moved to the head office in Brisbane, where he held a

By Shauna Steigerwald

Sometimes things can be pretty challenging, but … if you put your head down and focus on doing what’s right, then the chips start to fall your way, and you get those wins for the people you’re working for.

–James Sherry

series of roles culminating in chief risk officer and director governance.

While there, he took a summer-long sabbatical to attend a “senior executives in state and local government” program at Harvard Kennedy School. He’d heard about it through one of the many boards he served on early in his career, which provided an “unbelievable opportunity to have insight into how organizations, especially nonprofits, run,” he said.

His first board was significant; he’s come to realize it “almost set a template” for his career path. Before Sherry was born, his grandfather started a nonprofit age-care facility. A builder by trade, he got federal grants, a donation of land from the local government, and fundraised through church and his Rotary Club to fill a need he saw in his community.

“That’s kind of been a theme (for me), seeing a problem and doing something about it,” Sherry said. “I didn’t realize it at the time, but it has set the tone for what I’ve done.”

As it turned out, the Harvard program also set something in motion – Sherry’s interest in working in the United States. In 2018, he moved to New York to work in developmental disabilities. After a short stint as vice president of WellLife Network, he became CEO of New York Families for Autistic Children.

From NYC to NKY

So how did he find himself in Northern Kentucky?

“I do what’s right and what’s in front of me,” he said.

When a national search for the new CEO of Holly Hill came across his radar, he visited its locations in Highland Heights and California,

James Sherry

Kentucky to interview. Meeting the girls in the organization’s residential program convinced him it was the right move.

“Having some insight into the work we do with them was like, ‘Alright, I’ve been involved in a lot of really great things; this can be another one of those,’ ” he said.

He also appreciated that during his short visit, the board highlighted both the strengths and challenges at Holly Hill, which focuses on mental and behavioral health services for children and families. “The whole process indicated to me that no matter what the challenges were, together we were going to be able to do some great work,” he said.

The board got the same impression from Sherry.

“He really had a ‘can-do’ attitude, that there is no problem too big for him to figure out,” said M. Erin Wilkins, an attorney who was board chair during the hiring process and has since worked closely with Sherry as a board member. “What struck me in his interviewing process, and also continues to strike me today, is really how open and curious James is about everybody he meets … He was somebody who could talk to anybody.”

Sherry joined Holly Hill in January 2022 in the midst of what he describes as a “burgeoning mental health crisis” and significant changes at the federal level. The organization, which has a budget of $4 million, offers a range of services: residential treatment, supervised visitation, day treatment, therapy services and targeted case management.

Holly Hill’s residential program, serving girls in the state foster care system, was already working with victims of human trafficking. Sherry saw “such an extreme need to support these

Photo

girls” that Holly Hill adapted its programming and is now a year and a half into a pilot with the state to focus on that subpopulation and on high-acuity youth (young people who require intensive support) in the child welfare system. As part of that program, Holly Hill’s reimbursement rates increased – for the first time in years, Wilkins said.

The program currently has a capacity of 12 girls, but plans for “a significant expansion” are in motion. In its 2025-2027 budget, Kentucky appropriated $6.5 million for infrastructure modernization at Holly Hill that will fund upgrades to both campuses.

“The Kentucky legislature were incredibly generous and saw that the investment in Holly Hill will be an investment in the community for future generations,” he said.

State Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria, who worked with Sherry on the funding, noted that persistence is one of his gifts.

“He’s there and asking – asking for time, asking for introductions, asking for an opportunity to present at committee meetings, really putting himself out there,” she said.

She recalls bumping into him in the cafeteria in Frankfort, where he shared a “very compelling story” about a girl who’d attempted suicide. “Sharing such a recent event that rattled him, it rattled me too,” she said. Talking about it with fellow senators helped influence their decision to allocate the capital project dollars, she said.

Goal: Being a national leader

Sherry and Holly Hill have big goals for the residential program moving forward.

“Our vision is that we are going to be the leader in the nation in supporting girls who’ve

been trafficked,” he said.

Under Sherry’s watch, Holly Hill is also expanding its supervised visitation program, an upstream preventive program that reunites families.

Beyond the facilities and the programs, Sherry is also improving the culture at Holly Hill, Wilkins said.

“We focus on mental health, and I think James has focused on that in every aspect … (including) making sure that staff are taken care of, because it’s a tough job,” she said. “People who are working with these kids, it takes an emotional toll on them.”

Sherry said he’s taken time to get to know the team of about 60 employees. It’s about “really understanding my workforce and just trying to create a culture where people know they’re valued,” he said.

He’s also focused on external relationships, working to strengthen collaborations and partnerships.

“We’re a small organization; for us to have a really significant impact, we really need to work with others around us,” he said.

For Holly Hill, that means working with school districts, hospitals, higher education institutions and elected officials. And last year, Holly Hill affiliated with Inperium, a nonprofit human services organization with affiliates in 18 other states.

Wilkins said Sherry is well-suited to relationship building. “He treats everyone with the same respect and openness,” she said. “He forms genuine relationships with everybody, no matter where they are in life.”

While he hopes to inspire with his optimism, Sherry said he also cries with staff and helps them tackle day-to-day challenges.

“James is not a guy who’s just an executive

on the golf course or in Frankfort. He’s in the trenches with our staff,” Wilkins said. “There is no job too small for James as long as it is helping the kids at Holly Hill.”

‘Lovely to be a steward’

Outside of work, Sherry has “lots of hobbies. There’s not enough time in this world to do all of the wonderful things you can do,” he said.

Among them are hiking and camping with his partner, Anna, who moved with him from New York, and their Welsh terrier. Travel, scuba diving, yoga and his youthful pursuit of swimming – growing up, he was a competitive swimmer and volunteer lifeguard at a surf beach – also top the list. Wilkins, who now considers Sherry a friend, appreciates his interest in new experiences, his sense of humor and his authentic nature.

“I think James is just a caring and genuine person who really does want to make the world a better place,” she said. “He’s not different as a person than he is as the Holly Hill CEO.”

Sherry admits work is never far from his mind.

“My job basically permeates everything,” he said. “I don’t think there’s ever more than a couple of hours that I’m not thinking about something with work. But it doesn’t really feel like work, it’s life.”

He recognizes just how much more there is to do and looks forward to facing the challenges ahead. But he also appreciates Holly Hill’s long history.

“We celebrated our 140th anniversary last year,” he said. “If I’m here until I’m 100, I’ll still just be a small part of this agency’s journey. But it’s lovely to be a steward.” 

 hollyhill-ky.org

The Notables

Movers & Makers reached out this month to organizations that work to help teens succeed in life. 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.

As director of youth programs at Cincinnati Museum Center, Calvin Harper leads mentorship, social-emotional development and job skills training for 80-100 teens each year. With 36 years of history – half of them with Harper’s leadership – CMC’s Youth Program is one of the oldest and largest museum-based youth programs in the country. Harper uses his background in training NASA astronauts to set goals, connect teens to opportunities and build strong family bonds. Harper is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, tutors CPS students and discusses superheroes with his 8-year-old son, Trey. 

Kaitlin Schiltz, Activities Beyond the Classroom

Kaitlin Schiltz serves as the Kids in School Rule! (KISR!) program enrichment coordinator at Activities Beyond the Classroom, where she works to ensure students experiencing foster care have access to tutoring and after-school programs that keep them engaged. These students often face obstacles that prevent them from participating in sports, the arts or other activities. She works with these students and their caregivers to keep them in those programs. Schiltz also has appeared on various Cincinnati stages as an actor, costumer and director. She spends time volunteering, including two mission trips to Nicaragua and one to Puerto Rico. 

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Shermirah Smith is committed to breaking generational cycles, whether through education, financial literacy or emotional wellness. A first-generation college graduate, she leads DPCR’s Corporate Work Study Program, in which students work five days a month at more than 90 local businesses and organizations as a part of their college-preparatory education. She recruits new business partners and oversees a team that prepares student associates and supports them in their job placements. Smith stays grounded by spending time with her family, whether preparing and sharing a meal or completing a home improvement project. 

Cadi Dart, University of Cincinnati IDD Education Center

Cadi Dart serves as the associate director of employment services at the University of Cincinnati IDD Education Center, where she leads with a deep commitment to creating employment opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dart oversees initiatives that help teens and young adults build independence through career exploration, vocational training and real-world work experiences. Outside of her professional role, she’s a proud mom who embraces adventure and travel, always looking for ways to show her kids the wonder of the world around them. Dart is committed to helping young people thrive. 

Kelly Dunningan, Lighthouse Youth & Family Services

As vice president of homeless youth services at Lighthouse Youth & Family Services, Kelly Dunnigan works to provide safety, resources and stable housing for youth. She joined Lighthouse’s Youth Housing Opportunities program as a case manager in 2007 and was promoted to vice president in 2023. She leads Lighthouse’s youth housing programs and its two shelters, working with the Youth Action Board, a group of young people creating and improving systems to serve youth. Her two teenagers keep her busy traveling for volleyball and soccer games, and she enjoys audiobooks from her local library. 

For 35 years, Tonya Buchanan has been a driving force behind PARACHUTE, where she advocates for youth navigating the child welfare system. She now serves as executive director. Since she has been at PARACHUTE, the organization has served 3,065 children and 1,418 families. PARACHUTE recruits and trains community members to advocate for our most vulnerable children. Buchanan also serves as a board member for the Ohio CASA network and contributes her expertise on the national level. When not in her office, she enjoys spending time with her family and grandchildren. 

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Calvin Harper, Cincinnati Museum Center

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Tonya Buchanan, PARACHUTE: Butler County CASA

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Hannah Griswold, La Soupe

Hannah Griswold is the director of the Nourish Program at La Soupe, where she combines her expertise as a registered dietitian with a passion for food as medicine. Since 2022, she has led the Medically Tailored Meals initiative, providing over 51,000 servings to patients recovering from illness. Griswold recently partnered with Cincinnati Children’s HealthWorks! to teach children with obesity how to prepare meals aligned with their dietary needs. When not at work, she can be found hiking, glamping or restoring a Sprinter van for her trips to national parks with her fiance. 

LaDon Laney, EDGE Teen Center

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EDGE Teen Center provides in-school and after-school programs to enrich the lives of local teens. LaDon Laney joined the center almost two years ago to launch a new program, EDGE@Work, which provides teens the opportunity to volunteer and make a difference in their community while using the experience to explore career options. He has helped expand the program to two new high schools, making meaningful mentoring connections with many young people. When he isn’t taking teens out to serve in the community, Laney enjoys music, being outdoors and spending time with his pup, Azula. 

Heather Batdorf, Kenzie’s Closet

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Heather Batdorf helps young women feel empowered through her work as community engagement manager at Kenzie’s Closet. The organization provides high school girls who have a financial or personal need with a prom experience. Batdorf makes it all happen – this year she welcomed 452 teens from 96 local schools and 166 volunteers while organizing dress drives, the annual Paint the City Pink gala and other initiatives. She loves traveling and visiting with her adult children. Fun fact: She married her high school prom date and is celebrating her 30th anniversary this year. 

Bell Day, Fitton Center for Creative Arts

Bell Day, instructor at the Fitton Center, started as a fine art major at the University of Cincinnati, but graduated in 2022 with a degree in psychology. She has blended both disciplines by teaching art at Best Point Education & Behavioral Health via the center’s outreach program. Her psychology background helps her connect with students who see art both as an escape and as an aspiration. This spring, Day helped the Marshall High School Hamilton Campus establish its visual art classes; she looks forward to returning in the fall to continue the charter school’s program. 

Mo Elgazzar, ArtWorks

Mo Elgazzar, a dedicated educator and creative leader serving as the career development specialist at ArtWorks, helps prepare young artists for successful futures. With over 20 years of experience in schools, nonprofits and residential programs, Elgazzar has advocated for environments where youth can learn, grow and thrive. At ArtWorks, the largest employer of youth in Cincinnati for art-related work, he designs and leads programs for young artists participating in various programs. Outside of his professional life, Elgazzar enjoys adventuring, cooking, and learning alongside his wife, Anna, and their two daughters. 

Britton Martin, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati

Britton Martin has served Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati for nearly 20 years, rising from a physical education coordinator to vice president of workforce development. He leads the organization’s Youth Workforce Development Program, which prepares teens for careers by focusing on soft skills, mentorship and real-world readiness. Martin helped launch the Workforce Development and Career initiative, which has created a teen center in Price Hill that supports high school students across Cincinnati. A proud husband and father, he enjoys playing golf, gardening and traveling with his family. 

Help Us Show the Impact of Brick by Brick

As the first year of Brick by Brick: Solutions for a Thriving Community comes to a close, we need your help to measure the impact and importance of initiatives like this in our community. If you’ve listened to the podcast, watched an episode or read an article, please take our survey:

BrittonMartin

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Jennie LaMothe, Learning Grove

Jennie LaMothe changes lives across Northern Kentucky through her leadership and belief in what students can achieve. She began her career in higher education, holding key roles at Northern Kentucky University. In 2018, she joined Learning Grove’s NaviGo College & Career Prep team, which engages thousands of Greater Cincinnati high school students each year. As director of coaching and operations, LaMothe leads the NaviGo Scholars program, runs career camps and is a leading expert on the YouScience aptitude assessment. She enjoys planning large events, arranging flowers and kayaking. LaMothe once served as a firefighter. 

Shawn Jeffers, Youth At The Center

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Shawn Jeffers has dedicated his 20-plus-year career to championing youth. As co-founder and director of Youth At The Center, he creates opportunities for youth to be seen, heard and valued. From helping to build the Youth Fellowship for the region’s Hopeful Empowered Youth (HEY!) to building leadership development programs, Jeffers leads by engaging youth and equipping them to lead. As a volunteer, Jeffers serves as lead trainer for GLSEN Greater Cincinnati and is on the board of Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Greater Cincinnati. Jeffers enjoys walking Cincinnati’s neighborhoods with his dog. 

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Eliot Sloan, Hear 2 Heal

Eliot Sloan created Hear 2 Heal for high school students to perform in concert, bringing awareness on teen mental health. After speaking with 200-plus teens, Sloan wrote songs about the issues most important to them. The concert was converted into a movie and a high school play. “Hear 2 Heal: The High School Musical” finished filming in Cincinnati in January 2025. Sloan manages his church softball team and is an avid, knowledgeable baseball fan. He enjoys watching ’70s sitcoms, making memories with his family and cheering his children at swim meets. 

Henri Lo, Lord’s Gym Ministries

Henri Lo is where God wants him. Since April 2025, he has served as the teen athletics chaplain at Lord’s Gym Ministries. Lo began interning in 2023, while a student at the University of Cincinnati. Some of his favorite experiences include the Youth Resiliency Ride to Washington, D.C., the Summer Sports School Kings Island celebration and coaching basketball. He believes sports can teach valuable life skills. Growing this ministry provides opportunities for teens who have aged out of grade-school programming. Outside of work, he enjoys chess and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 

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Catherine Cosker, Beech Acres Parenting Center

Catherine Cosker oversees clinical managers, therapists, therapeutic service providers and team leads at Beech Acres, ensuring that clinical practices for teens and clients of all ages are grounded in empathy, evidence and meaningful connection. Having begun her career as a mental health specialist, Cosker brings real-world experience and humility to her leadership. She guides a Beech Acres team providing ongoing therapy to 324 teens and has supported 405 more through one-time crisis intervention services. She finds balance through time with family, cycling and reading passions that keep her grounded and energized. 

Amanda Van Mil, Lindner Center of Hope

While “teacher” is the simplified title for Amanda Van Mil in the Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program at Lindner Center of Hope, her role is complex. Having taught for 10 years before entering the mental health field, Van Mil serves as a liaison among the mental health treatment team, patients/families and educational systems. She has used her expertise via consultation to young adults at the center. Outside of LCOH, Van Mil spends time with her husband of 12 years and their three children, enjoys reading and helps her school district community support students with unmet needs. 

Sheila Munafo-Kanoza, Companions on a Journey

Teen students draw strength from their grief groups largely because of the warmth, compassion and experience of Sheila MunafoKanoza, who has helped those who are grieving ever since she founded Companions on a Journey Grief Support in 1997. She recently reached a 25-year milestone of facilitating monthly grief groups at Archbishop Moeller High School. Her work with students at Moeller and other high schools means thousands of teens have learned the skills and tools they need to weather difficult things. Outside of her work, Munafo-Kanoza is happiest keeping up with her 12 grandchildren. 

Bri Wilson, Santa Maria Community Services

Bri Wilson strengthens Lower Price Hill youth through tutoring, mentoring, life skills coaching and family support as Santa Maria Community Services’ youth development program director. She oversees sports teams and social skills groups for Oyler middle schoolers, as well as after-school programs and a teen peer mentoring program. Her work extends beyond Santa Maria, influencing community partners to support youth. When not working, she loves to cook, perfecting her own recipes, barbecuing during the summer and inviting family and friends over. She also is a puzzle whiz, able to complete a 1,000-piece puzzle in two days. 

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Tosha Salyer, Hope’s Closet

Tosha Salyer serves foster families in Greater Cincinnati, including the hundreds of teens who visit Hope’s Closet each year. As the boutique manager, she works with volunteers to create a fully stocked, inviting space where foster children can select clothes, shoes and more. This year she has been focused on making Hope’s Closet a place where teenagers enjoy shopping. When IKEA offered to furnish the boutique, she had them enhance the teen department. Salyer loves to travel and her secret goal is to visit all the destinations named in the Beach Boys song “Kokomo.” 

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Marc Oneal, Middletown Rising Stars, Inc.

Marc Oneal is the facility manager of Middletown Rising Stars, Inc., a new nonprofit serving Greater Cincinnati youth. Through basketball, the organization helps kids build skills, develop self-confidence and learn the value of teamwork. Oneal leads the effort by supporting volunteer coaches – helping them grow as mentors and role models, not just instructors. Known as a steady, trusted guide, he works one-on-one with each coach to ensure athletic and personal growth. Outside of his leadership role, Oneal enjoys time with his grandkids and is active in the foster care program. 

Sam Glew joined Adventure Crew’s weekend staff in 2021, sharing his passions and interests with city teens during outdoor adventures. His natural ability to connect with them means he’s always finding ways to engage and inspire. In December 2024, Glew took on the additional role of support and engagement specialist. His background includes working as a naturalist, high adventure specialist and educator. Glew’s favorite outdoor activities include scuba diving, skiing, rock climbing and birding. He lives in West Walnut Hills with his wife, their dog and three cats. 

Heleena McKinney, The Health Collaborative

Heleena McKinney leads THC’s healthcare career exploration activities. She has served more than 10,000 students over the last 10 years. The TAP Health Summer Academy – an eight-week program she designed – is at the heart of this work. This program guides students seeking a career in healthcare, giving them hands-on experiences. McKinney also leads THC’s internship program. Outside of work, she’s been known to take a day off when a new Taylor or Beyonce album is released. McKinney is also a licensed manicurist – you can occasionally find her at the local salon, Spruce. 

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Sam Glew, Adventure Crew

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NOTABLES: Helping teens succeed

Tim Thornton, Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio

The Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio’s Youth Committee, chaired by Tim Thornton, hosted a Youth Career Readiness Convening this spring on working with teens and young adults to ensure they’re prepared for careers. Thornton has worked in the healthcare industry for over 18 years. In his leisure time, he enjoys traveling, attending concerts, watching movies, supporting sports teams, visiting museums and exploring culinary delights. He cherishes quality time with his family, friends and his dog, Kario, and takes pride in his role as a son, a supportive big brother and a loving uncle. 

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Mary Belperio, The Being Project

Mary Belperio has led the charge for mental health support for teens as The Being Project’s program manager for grades 7-12. Through its Mindfulness-Based Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum, Belperio has taught hundreds of teens, helping them learn to regulate their emotions, redirect their anger or anxiety, and find moments of peace. She helped at-risk North College Hill students gain 540 school days back in the classroom compared to the previous year. She loves to spend time with her teenage daughters, walking their dog, engaging in mindful movement and Thai yoga, and gardening. 

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Le’Nikka Howell, Easterseals Redwood

Le’Nikka Howell, manager of YouthBuild at Easterseals Redwood, leads a program helping young adults to achieve sustainable careers. She recruits participants, speaks at high schools and ensures support for clients. Having dropped out of high school, Howell earned her GED, associate degree and later a bachelor’s in social work. She shares her story to build meaningful connections for our teen clients. Howell volunteers to help feed the homeless whenever possible. Her passion helps keep young people from being lost in the system. She enjoys high-intensity exercise, biking and traveling to Columbus to see friends. 

Arriane Stirrat, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio

As girl experience manager for Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, Arriane Stirrat manages the council’s Highest Award program, where Girl Scouts implement solutions to community needs. She works with teen girls pursuing the Gold Award, considered the pinnacle of the Girl Scout experience. A Gold Award Girl Scout herself, she provides guidance on projects ranging from recycling and financial literacy to first aid and eliminating food waste. Stirrat is a naturalist who worked with endangered red wolves. She enjoys playing video games, wandering Jungle Jim’s and chasing waterfalls and good food with her dog and husband. 

Linnea Fitterer, Art Academy of Cincinnati

Linnea Fitterer, director of the Office of Engagement at the Art Academy of Cincinnati, has spearheaded programming into something that extends beyond the doors of AAC. Fitterer believes an art institution must serve its community to keep art accessible for all. She has led the elevation of curriculum development for youth and teen programs to match the excellence of AAC’s college-level learning. An interdisciplinary art worker, she teaches social practice art at AAC, can recite every line of “Steel Magnolias,” and counts Christopher Cross’ “Ride Like the Wind” as her go-to karaoke song. 

Our August issue will FOCUS ON: Making the Most of Aging

To find out how to submit a NOTABLE for consideration (nonprofits only), email: tmariner@moversmakers.org

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The Datebook

JULY 2, WEDNESDAY

Cincinnati Opera Young Professionals, Singers & Spirits | 6 p.m. Mayerson JCC, Amberley. Cocktails, mocktails and performances of opera selections. Tickets: $25.

 cincinnatiopera.org/singers-spirits

JULY 11-12, FRIDAY-SATURDAY

St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati, Strike Out Hunger | Reds vs. Colorado Rockies, Great American Ball Park. Help ease summer hunger for families. Bring at least three nonperishable items to receive a free ticket voucher for a future game.

 svdpcincinnati.org

JULY 11, FRIDAY

Friars Club, Golf Outing | 11:30 a.m. Glenview Golf Course. Golf, dinner and raffle. Registration: $125.

 birdease.com/31290

JULY 12, SATURDAY

Urban League Guild of Greater Cincinnati, Guild Luncheon | Noon-2 p.m. Cintas Center, Xavier University. Fashion show and luncheon honoring Angelita M. Jones, president & CEO of Eastern Personnel Services, Inc., and the Multicultural Awareness Council of Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Tickets: $100.

 ulgso.org

JULY 14-16, MONDAY-WEDNESDAY

Black Tech Week | Aronoff Center, downtown. Keynote: Actress Keke Palmer. Workshops, panels discussions, investor matching and after-hours activities. Tickets start at $49.99.

 blacktechweek.com

JULY 14, MONDAY

Karen Wellington Foundation, Annual Birdies, Beer & A Band Golf Outing | 10 a.m. Maketewah Country Club, Bond Hill. Golf, lunch, happy hour and after-party. Tickets: $50.  karenwellingtonfoundation.org

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

New Life Furniture Bank, Fairways For Furniture | 10 a.m. Oasis Golf Club, Loveland. Special guests: Dan Hoard (voice of the Bengals and Bearcats) and Bengals legend Ken Anderson. Golf, raffle, silent auction, Q&A session and awards reception. Registration: $1,750/foursome.

 nlfurniture.org

The Point Arc, Mike Dyas Golf Classic | 11:45 a.m. Triple Crown Country Club, Union. Golf, boxed lunch, dinner and prizes. Registration: $1,600/foursome. 859-491-9191.

 thepointarc.org/upcoming-events

JULY 16-18, WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY

Ghostlight Stage Company, Annual 48-Hour Fundraiser | Virtual.

 theghostlightstageco.com

JULY 17, THURSDAY

The Point Arc, Raffle with a Reason | Noon. Point Perk Coffee, Covington. 50 finalists will be drawn. Tickets: $100.

 thepointarc.org/upcoming-events

JULY 18, FRIDAY

Cincinnati Museum Center, Omnimax Dinner Date | 6:30-9:30 p.m. Union Terminal. Three-course meal, beer, wine and screening of “National Parks Adventure.” Tickets: $150.

 cincymuseum.org

JULY 19, SATURDAY

AfriFest Cincy: Taste of Africa | Noon-9 p.m. Sawyer Point Park, downtown. Showcasing African arts, culture, music and cuisine. Free.

 eventbrite.com,

JULY 21, MONDAY

STAR 93.3, Inaugural Golf Classic | 8:30 a.m. TPC River’s Bend, Maineville. Golf with 93.3 artists, breakfast, lunch and dinner reception. Registration: $2,500/foursome.  star933.com/golf-classic-2025

On July 12, the Urban League Guild of Greater Cincinnati hosts a fashion show and luncheon honoring Angelita M. Jones

Dan Hoard (right) and Ken Anderson (below) are special guests of the New Life Furniture Bank Fairways For Furniture golf outing, July 14

JULY 26, SATURDAY

4C for Children, Block Party | 9 a.m.-noon. Cintas Center, Xavier University. LEGO building competition and snacks.

 4cforchildren.org

JULY 28, MONDAY

Junior Achievement, Golf Classic | 8:30 a.m. Triple Crown Country Club, Union. Each golf player receives $500 shopping spree to JA Pro Shop.  japartners.org

JULY 28, MONDAY

St. Vincent de Paul - Cincinnati, Prescription Fore Fun Golf Outing | 8:30 a.m. Western Hills Country Club. Golf, drinks, lunch, dinner and awards banquet. Registration: $200; $800/foursome.  svdpcincinnati.org

JULY 29, TUESDAY

Cindependent Film Festival, Film Night at GABP | 7:10 p.m. Great American Ball Park. Meet and greet with Crunchy and Bubs. Cincinnati Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers. Tickets: $23.50-$46.50.  fevo-enterprise.com

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

May We Help Engineering Dreams Gala is Aug. 15 in Music Hall Ballroom. The counting board pictured was designed to teach vision-impaired students basic math and problem-solving. In 2024, May We Help volunteers provided over 800 custom solutions for those facing unique disability challenges.

AUG. 10, SUNDAY

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

AUG. 16, SATURDAY

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

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. Save the date.

 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. Golf, breakfast, lunch and after-party. Registration: $125; $500/foursome.

 learning-grove.org/events

AUG. 23, SATURDAY

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

 bgcgc.org/events

, Aug. 20

Cincinnati Cancer Advisors honors its late executive director with the creation of the Steve Abbott Memorial Golf Classic , at Clovernook Country Club, Aug. 25

University of Cincinnati men’s basketball coach Wes Miller serves as honorary chair for Best Point’s Rockin’ at Riverfest , Aug. 31, at Anderson Pavilion.

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 | Annual farm-to-table fundraiser.  gormanfarm.org

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

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

AUG. 31, SUNDAY

Best Point Education & Behavioral Health, Rockin’ at Riverfest | 5-11 p.m. Anderson Pavilion, Smale Riverfront Park. Cochairs: 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. Sponsorships and registration: jbanchy@bestpoint.org

 bestpoint.org

SEPT. 4, THURSDAY

Women’s Fund, 30 Years Strong –Legacy in Motion | 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. Anderson Pavilion. Reception, lunch and presentation. Co-chairs: Tammy Bennett, Karen Dudley Grissom and Tina R. Macon. Honoring Angele K. Blackshear (“Sister Keli”), Leslie McNeill, Mary Stagaman and Barbara Turner. Tickets: $125.

 gcfdn.org

SEPT. 5, FRIDAY

St. Joseph Home, Annual Golf Classic | Glenview Golf Course. Save the date.

 stjosephhome.org/events

SEPT. 6, SATURDAY

AUG. 24, SUNDAY

Catholic Charities - Diocese of Covington, Cassba | 3-7 p.m. Drees Pavilion, Covington. Raffle. Save the date.

 covingtoncharities.org/ news-events/special-events/cassba

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. Round-table discussion with Bengals greats Anthony Munoz, Jim Breech, Dave Lapham and Max Montoya.  cincinnaticanceradvisors.org

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. Save the date.

 rmhcincinnati.org

Stepping Stones, The Great Bloom | 7 p.m. Element Eatery, Madisonville. Silent auction, casinostyle games, dancing, dinner and drinks. Tickets: $150; increase to $175 on Memorial Day.

 steppingstonesohio.org

Pro Seniors honors Karen Bankston, Deanna Spatz and William G. Thornton Jr. at Seniors Who Rock

Karen Bankston Deanna Spatz

William G. Thornton Jr.

SEPT. 6, SATURDAY (CONT.)

Urban League, Annual Diamond Gala | 6:30-10:30 p.m. Sharonville Convention Center. Dinner, dessert, open bar and 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 | Music Hall. Save the date.

 business.uc.edu

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

 stelizabeth.com

Stevi Gable Carr, founder & CEO of WISE Wellness Guild, chairs the Dress for Success Fashion Show on Sept. 12.

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

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. Cincinnati Music Hall. Food, music, performances and awards.

 cincinnaticompass.org

Hospice of Cincinnati, For Hospice | 7-11 p.m. Little Miami Brewing Co. Event Center. 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. 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 award presentation.

 magnifiedgiving.org/dinner-25

SEPT. 18, THURSDAY

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

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

SEPT. 20, SATURDAY

Children’s Law Center, Boots, Bourbon & Biscuits Brunch | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Receptions, Erlanger.  childrenslawky.org 

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Gifts & Grants

A combined $1.1 million in gifts and county funding will help revitalize Memorial Hall.

Cincinnati Children’s Keith Henize; Suzanne Nemeth, KV CityWide president; Debbie Linneman, Kindervelt City treasurer; and Cincinnati Children’s Dr. Daniel Starczynowski

‘Riverbend 2.0’ has a new name after a $60 million donation.

A $60 million donation from the Farmer Family Foundation is hitting a high note in Cincinnati’s arts scene. The Farmer Music Center is the official name of the city’s upcoming $118 million music venue, thanks to the largest private gift to the arts in recent local history.

The announcement came from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and its subsidiary, Music and Event Management, Inc. (MEMI). Set to open in spring 2027, the venue will add to a growing riverfront entertainment campus that includes Riverbend Music Center and PNC Pavilion. It will feature 8,000 reserved seats, a 12,000-person lawn and a layout with concessions, club space and other amenities.



ArtsWave and meetNKY have awarded $58,000 in grants to nine projects designed to highlight Northern Kentucky’s cultural identity and spark economic growth. The initiative aims to use the arts to amplify the region’s unique character. Each grant provides up to $10,000 for efforts such as African cultural festivals, free Shakespeare performances, library concert tours and community art activations. For full list of grants: moversmakers.org

United Way of Greater Cincinnati served more than 330,000 people across the region in 2024, investing $37.2 million in community programs, according to a new report from the organization. The 2024 Impact Report outlines the nonprofit’s work in educational success, financial empowerment and housing security. United Way leaders said those interconnected priorities require long-term, collaborative solutions. UWGC partnered with more than 600 agencies and programs last year. Supporters included 27,000 donors and 8,300 volunteers.

Memorial Hall ’s glittering arches once again shine like new – and they’re just the beginning. The 119-year-old Cincinnati landmark is undergoing another round of

upgrades, backed by $1.1 million in funding from Hamilton County and a coalition of local funders. The campaign supports efforts from roof repair to plaster restoration.

Spearheaded by former Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society chair Bill Baumann, the project fills gaps left from the venue’s $11.2 million renovation in 2016. That overhaul revived the 556-seat Anderson Theater and restored ornamental detail, but left critical infrastructure aging.

CMHS partnered with 3CDC and Hamilton County, which owns the building. Phases I and II address water intrusion, outdated wiring and deteriorating woodwork. One fix is complete: rewiring of the theater’s proscenium arches and chandeliers. The biggest effort was a $565,000 roof system repair. Another $297,000 will restore the building’s original wood doors and windows. Additional upgrades include plumbing and front-door refinements. All work is expected to finish by Dec. 31.



A recent $2 million gift from John and Carrie Hayden brings hands-on culinary medicine to Cincinnati’s cancer care. The couple’s donation funds the John and Carrie Hayden Community Learning Kitchen, which will open in early 2026 at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center’s Blood Cancer Healing Center. The kitchen focuses on the role of nutrition in preventing and treating chronic disease.

The Cancer Center and the Osher Center for Integrative Health at UC will operate the facility, which will host cooking classes, clinical studies and nutrition education sessions. Programs will explore how food affects metabolism, mental health and recovery, helping to manage chronic conditions – particularly cancer – through diet and lifestyle.

Carrie Hayden, a two-time cancer survivor, credits nutrition and lifestyle changes with playing a key role in her healing.



Three Northern Kentucky nonprofits will receive a combined $860,000 to expand career exploration and workforce readiness programs for local students. BE NKY Growth Partnership is contributing $440,000, with matching funds of $220,000 from EducateNKY and $200,000 from the Spirit of Construction Foundation. The funds support:

• Adopt A Class ($200,000): Expands K–8 mentorship and career exposure into NKY schools

• TradesNKY ($420,000): Brings skilled trades exploration to more middle schools

• NaviGo College & Career Prep ($240,000): Helps high schoolers navigate postsecondary options

The initiative focuses on 50 schools where 50% or more of students received free or reduced lunch.

The Scripps Howard Fund , established by Cincinnati-based The E.W. Scripps Company, is awarding $508,000 in grants to 25 Greater Cincinnati nonprofits focused on literacy and basic needs. Literacy grant recipients include the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati, Queen City Book Bank , UpSpring and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, among others. Basic needs grants went to groups including Bethany House , La Soupe, Lighthouse Youth & Family Service s and St. Vincent de Paul.



Kindervelt , the largest auxiliary of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, announced a $665,000 donation to support research into acute myeloid leukemia, a fast-moving blood cancer affecting both children and adults. The gift will fund work by Dr. Daniel Starczynowski and his team at the hospital’s Advanced Leukemia Therapies and Research Center to develop more effective, less toxic treatments for AML patients. The announcement came during Kindervelt’s annual meeting at Terrace Park Country Club. 

Nonprofit News

GCF unveils $1B plan to boost regional impact

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation has launched a plan to invest $1 billion over the next decade to address growing community needs across the region. The plan outlines a realignment of the foundation, including hiring new leadership, expanding national partnerships and setting goals to track progress.

GCF will invest $150 million in education, housing affordability across income levels, and cultural and community vibrancy. Funding will come through grantmaking, investing and collaboration with public and private partners.

GCF is creating new leadership roles in education and housing, and is restructuring its Community Investment team. Other changes include the launch of a Resilient Community Fund for long-term equity efforts.

To meet the $1 billion goal, the foundation will need to raise more than $1.5 billion over 10 years.

 gcfdn.org

Clooney to headline gala, kick off global film conference

Hollywood is heading to the Queen City and George Clooney is leading the charge.

The Oscar-winning actor and Kentucky native will headline the 2025 Film Cincinnati Gala with a live, onstage conversation about film, family and the future of storytelling. The event, set for Sept. 15 at MegaCorp Pavilion in Newport, will also mark the opening of Cineposium, the Association of Film Commissioners International annual conference.

Cineposium draws film commissioners, studio executives and policymakers to share ideas and promote partnerships. Past host cities include Barcelona, Paris, Seoul, Los Angeles and Wellington, New Zealand.

Film Cincinnati secured the event through a competitive bid alongside meetNKY.

 afci.org/events

May Festival taps Grammy winner to direct 2026 season

Grammy-winning classical singer Julia Bullock has been named 2026 festival director for the Cincinnati May Festival.

Bullock will work with Director of Choruses Matthew Swanson to curate concerts and programs. Previous directors were Pulitzer Prize winner Julia Wolfe and Grammy winner Renée Fleming.

Bullock has created programs for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, San Francisco Symphony and London’s Philharmonia Orchestra and has performed with major orchestras worldwide. She won a 2024 Grammy for her album “Walking in the Dark.”

She recently appeared at Music Hall with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in “El Niño: Nativity Reconsidered,” a chamberorchestra reimagining of John Adams’ opera-oratorio that she co-arranged with her husband, conductor Christian Reif.

 mayfestival.com

Live vocal concert series coming to new CPR center, WGUC

A new partnership between Cincinnati Song Initiative and Cincinnati Public Radio will bring live vocal music into homes this fall.

Starting in September, CSI’s Mainstage concerts will air live on CPR’s classical station, 90.9 WGUC. The broadcasts mark the first regular live vocal music series in the station’s history. Each concert will include a CPR host offering commentary.

Live audiences are also welcome at CPR’s new Scripps Family Center for Public Media in Evanston.

 wguc.org

New app brings Underground Railroad history to life

A new app is helping users retrace the journeys of enslaved people who sought freedom along the Ohio River, once a key dividing line between slavery and liberty.

The Freedom Journey app guides users through more than 160 verified sites across Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia that played a role in the Underground Railroad. Many are located in and around Cincinnati, a major hub for people crossing into free territory in the 19th century.

Created by America’s River Roots Experience with the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and Cincinnati Museum Center, the GPS-enabled app highlights the people and places that shaped America’s path to freedom.

The free app begins at the Freedom Center, extends through river towns then crosses into Northern Kentucky and western West Virginia. Users can choose preset tours or create custom routes.

 americasriverroots.com

SVP Cincinnati backs nonprofit leadership initiative

Social Venture Partners Cincinnati has selected A Force for Good, a program of the Leadership Council for Nonprofits, as its next long-term investee.

Leadership Council was one of six nonprofits to participate in SVP’s Project XLR8, an eight-month initiative on social innovation and equity. SVP’s coaching and resources helped Leadership Council shape its workforce development idea into a viable program.

A Force for Good will receive up to $20,000 annually for three years.

 leadershipcouncil.us 

(Center) Grammy winner Julia Bullock will be the third festival director for the Cincinnati May Festival.

Kentucky native George Clooney is coming home to headline the 2025 Film Cincinnati Gala.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center collaborated on the creation of The Freedom Journey app.

Cincinnati Works has announced the appointment of Monica J. Posey, president of Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, to its board of directors. Posey’s extensive experience in higher education leadership, workforce development and community partnerships will be invaluable as Cincinnati Works expands its Next Generation program. Posey has served as president of Cincinnati State for nine years, where she has focused on building relationships and expanding employer partnerships.

Dress for Success has welcomed Julie Wiedenheft as its new vice president of development. Wiedenheft brings a wealth of experience in fundraising and nonprofit leadership. A seasoned executive focused on talent strategy, development, fundraising and change management, she has partnered with Fortune 500 companies such as Procter & Gamble, Nationwide, GE and Chevron.

United Way of Greater Cincinnati has named Candace McGraw, former CEO of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, as chair of its 2025 fundraising campaign. McGraw, who retired earlier this year and now advises the airport’s board, has more than 30 years of operational and legal experience. She led CVG through a major modernization. McGraw also has held positions on national and regional boards, including the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

Freestore Foodbank ’s Kurt Reiber will retire in July 2026 after 15 years as president and CEO. Since becoming CEO in 2011, Reiber has overseen major organizational growth, including a rise in assets from $20 million to $82 million and a 140% increase in annual food distribution. The nonprofit’s board plans to conduct a national search for his successor.



Cincinnati Preservation presented this year’s Volunteer Service Award to Abigail Lovins, a newly licensed architect at PWWG Architects. Lovins, who regularly works with historic buildings, has supported Cincinnati Preservation in many ways over the years, from greeting guests at events to assisting with behind-the-scenes logistics. Most recently, she took a leadership role in launching the Cincinnati Preservation Young Preservationists Program.

The Jeff Ruby Foundation has appointed Kelly Keene as its new executive director. The foundation, established through the philanthropic spirit of the Ruby family, is dedicated to supporting children and families affected by the foster care system and the organizations that give a voice to vulnerable youth.



Great Parks Forever added three members to its board of directors: TJ Norris, director of technology transformation at Lithko Contracting; Erica O’Brien, deputy general counsel, labor, employment practices, environmental at Cintas; and Tony Keckeis, vice president, finance and accounting at Foxhole Equity.

Mercy Health Cincinnati has announced Beth Blank ’s appointment as its new vice president of service lines. With nearly 20 years of experience in health care strategy and marketing development, Blank most recently served as the director of service line strategy for cardiology and women’s services at Premier Health in Dayton.

The Christ Hospital Foundation has promoted Gabriel Trieger to executive director of development. Trieger has been with the foundation for three years, helping donors make meaningful investments in The Christ Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Institute programs. He will lead a team of major gift officers to advance hospital fundraising initiatives.

EquaSion has welcomed Deidre Hazelbaker as its new executive director. A seasoned strategist, community-builder and communicator, Hazelbaker brings to EquaSion an approach that champions pluralism, cross-cultural relationships and meaningful bonds across communities.

Kennedy Heights Arts Center has announced the appointment of Ralph DiSylvestro as the artistic director of the Cincinnati Jazz Academy. A jazz trumpeter, composer and educator, DiSylvestro brings valuable experience to his new role. The center also announced the retirement of Isidore Rudnick, founder and director of the jazz academy.

After years of leading national education initiatives for the U.S. Air Force and Space Force, Elyse Lohrbach has become the new executive director of Camp Joy, an 88-year-old nonprofit based in Clarksville, Ohio, that serves more than 9,000 participants annually through outdoor education, leadership development, summer camp experiences and adult team building programs. Most recently, Lohrbach served as the K-12 STEM director for the Air and Space forces, overseeing programs across more than 50 military bases for over 1 million students, teachers and families each year.

Cancer Family Care has announced five new board members: Amy Lane, senior immuno-oncology territory manager, Bristol Myers Squibb; David Hummel, senior vice president and marketing manager, Bank of America Merrill Lynch; Janet Reynolds, accountant, Remco; Dr. Emily Daugherty, associate professor of radiation oncology, University of Cincinnati Cancer Center; Elise Cappella , director of operations, TiER1 Performance Solutions. A new board president, Jonathan Stanwyck , was elected as well.

Beth Blank

Jonathan Stanwyck

Gabriel Trieger

Monica J. Posey Deidre Hazelbaker

Julie Wiedenheft

Ralph DiSylvestro

Candace McGraw

Elyse Lohrbauch

Kurt Reiber

Amy Lane Abigail Lovins

David Hummel

Kelly Keene

Janet Reynolds

TJ Norris

Dr. Emily Daugherty

Erica O’Brien

Elise Cappella

Tony Keckeis

Hamilton County Community Action Agency welcomes Matt Fitzsimmons, senior staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati and a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College of Law, to its board of directors.

Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship in Milford, Ohio, has made Caroline Tanner its new executive director. With a passion for helping children and adults with disabilities and a love of horses, she brings a unique blend of heart and leadership to the organization.

Kendra Smith is the new chief financial officer for the University of Cincinnati Foundation. Smith has served as interim CFO since October 2024, having previously served as the foundation’s controller since 2021. Smith will be responsible for advancing its business strategies and partnerships with UC and UC Health.

Meghan Cummings, an executive with more than 20 years of experience in the philanthropic sector, has been appointed president and CEO of Philanthropy Ohio. A Cincinnati native, she worked for more than a decade at Greater Cincinnati Foundation, heading up its community leadership initiatives and serving as executive director of its Women’s Fund. Most recently, she served as senior vice president for strategy, impact and operations at CFLeads, a national philanthropy-serving organization.

The Cincinnati Art Museum has named Julie Ribits as its new head conservator. Ribits will oversee the conservation of the CAM’s collections, department operations and the development of policies to ensure the preservation of works in the museum’s care. Ribits joins CAM from the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University, where she was the paintings conservator.

Karen Bankston has become chair of Council on Aging’s board of trustees. Bankston, who has served on the board since 2020 representing Hamilton County, previously was vice chair. Her distinguished career includes serving as associate dean at the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing and holding executive positions at the Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati and the Drake Center. Also, the council has welcomed Andy Craig as its new chief information security officer. Craig has more than 25 years of experience in technology leadership positions, most recently as chief information officer for Hartman Executive Advisors.

Tyler Keene has become chief advancement officer of the Center for Respite Care Recently relocated from New Jersey, Keene led The Branches Outreach through its transformation into a major social service agency. He also served as director of partnerships at a national nonprofit supporting under-resourced families. The center also named Ed Slater as director of volunteer engagement. Slater has dedicated more than a decade to the center, leading efforts in development, volunteer coordination and events. His background includes leadership with the Franciscan Province of St. John the Baptist and co-founding Tender Mercies.

Best Point Education & Behavioral Health has promoted Tina Heintzman to vice president of advancement and community engagement, Adam Belcher as vice president of training & development and Greg Payne as manager of advancement.

Jonathan Salisbury, a seasoned stage director, composer and artistic director in England and the United States, has taken on a new role as board chair of American Legacy Theatre

Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio has welcomed David M. Giles, chief legal officer at The E.W. Scripps Company, to its board of directors.



Cary Powell has been named chair of the board for the Center for Respite Care. Powell spent much of her career in financial services, most recently as a vice president at Fifth Third Bank, before transitioning to the nonprofit sector. She led CISE (the Catholic Inner-City Schools Education Fund) for eight years and became executive director of Mary Magdalen House in 2016, deepening her commitment to serving people experiencing homelessness.

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops have named Alex Amsel and Duo Shen as assistant conductors for the CSO, Pops and May Festival, effective September 2025. The pair will succeed Daniel Wiley and Samuel Lee, whose terms conclude in August. In their roles, Amsel and Shen will assist with concert preparation and performances, support educational and digital initiatives, and lead Young People’s Concerts, CSYO programs and more.



WordPlay’s board of directors has announced Wally Hart as the organization’s new executive director and Desirae Hosley as artistic director. Hart was formerly with the Music Resource Center, where he led fundraising, marketing and social media projects. Hosley, who will oversee programming, community engagement and artistic development, is board chair at Your Store of the Queen City, where she also has been serving as interim executive director.



The Aubrey Rose Foundation has named longtime volunteer Susan Stevens as this year’s Volunteer Extraordinaire, a recognition of her commitment, generosity and spirit. Her contributions have had a profound effect on the foundation’s mission to support children and families with medical needs. 

Adam Belcher Greg Payne

Matt Fitzsimmons

Jonathan Salisbury

Caroline Tanner

David M. Giles

Kendra Smith

Cary Powell

Megan Cummings

Alex Amsel

Julie Ribits

Duo Shen

Tyler Keene

Wally Hart

Karen Bankston

Desirae Hosley

Ed Slater Andy Craig

Susan Stevens

Tina Heintzman

Who, what, where & why

Dragonfly Foundation gala helps young cancer patients

More than 430 guests gathered in support of The Dragonfly Foundation at this year’s Grand Gala, raising over $350,000 to benefit young cancer patients and their families.

The evening was filled not only with fashion, music and celebration, but also with strength, courage and joy. Gala Committee members Grace Jones, Debbie Wulfeck and Alec Lucke hosted. WLWT co-anchors Sheree Paolello and Mike Dardis were emcees, and Marty Brennaman made a special appearance.

A fashion show featured designs by Asha Ama BiasDaniels and jewelry from Karin Jamieson.

The story of Dragonfly Lily and her family touched the hearts of many. Funds raised will help fuel Dragonfly’s mission, from providing tickets to a night out at the ballpark to delivering gas cards, meal support and vital moments of connection for families facing pediatric cancer and other life-altering diagnoses.

 dragonfly.org

Stella Davies

Liz Schaller and Artie Schaller with their children: Arthur, Lyla and Dragonfly Lily, in front

Rob Swarts, April Rockey, Josh Deters, Lisa Morales, Ben Press, Rebecca Whitman, Hengameh Nassef and Terri Villas Raible

Mike Dardis and Sheree Paolello

Matt Neitzke, Melissa McCarey, Jason Sayers and Holly Anderson

Marty Brennaman and Amanda Brennaman

Danya Karram, Celia Carroll, Bill Carroll, Bill Whitehouse, Liz Whitehouse and James Chantilas

Carlos Sanchez, Bethany Sanchez, Alex Curti and Hannah Curti

Becky Curti, Christine Neitzke and Tom Curti

Asha Ama Bias-Daniels

Gala committee members Alec Lucke, Debbie Wulfeck and Grace Jones

Easterseals Redwood raises over $320K at Turfway Park

Easterseals Redwood hosted its annual fundraising event, Express, at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming. It was an evening of entertainment – a silent disco, food stations, an open bar, auctions and raffles. The event raised money to support the more than 800 individuals with disabilities who participate in Easterseals Redwood’s programs each year. The event raised more than $320,000 to support children and adults with disabilities to live full and meaningful lives.

 EastersealsRedwood.org

Ignite Peace team runs in Flying Pig

Thirty people joined Team Ignite Peace in this year’s Flying Pig. Participants aged 21 to 90 participated in events from the 5K to the full marathon, hitting the pavement to support Ignite Peace’s mission of promoting a nonviolent society. The team of current and former staff, volunteers, interns, religious sisters and friends raised more than $26,000. Sister Joyce Richter, 90 years old, was one of the oldest participants in the half marathon. Ignite Peace (formerly Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center), rooted in anti-racism and nonviolence, mobilizes individuals and organizations to act for systemic change.

The team was sponsored by Sisters of Mercy, Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, KMK Law, Ursulines of Cincinnati, Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council and Congregation of Divine Providence.

 ignitepeace.org

The Weber family: Pam, Jason, Kendall and Warren Shelly Maxwell, Jeff Piecoro, Hank Heidrich and Jackie Hirt

Rachel Fausz, Jackie Hirt, Donna Bloemer and Beth Moore



Pam Green and David Wallace

Keith Limbach, Kathy Von Handorf, Mark Von Handorf, Paula Heidrich and David Heidrich

John Redden, Kate Redden and Shannon Kurtzner

John Haas and Cheryl Haas

Photos by l eigh taylor

Karen Martin and Sister Joyce Richter, 90-year-old half marathon participant

Daniel Flynn

Sister Annie Klapheke

SPCA’s Fur Ball nets $703K

The SPCA Cincinnati Fur Ball on Kentucky Derby day raised more than $703,000 for the organization’s mission to promote animal welfare, strengthen the human-animal bond, provide humane education and work to end pet overpopulation. The SPCA said the amount “represents thousands of lives changed and futures rewritten.”

The SPCA also adopted out 11 dogs and 17 cats that weekend. The event at Sharonville Convention Center honored the retirement of Mike Retzlaff, who led SPCA Cincinnati for nearly three decades.

David McCreary was emcee. IAMS was presenting sponsor; the Alpaugh Family Foundation, Gorilla Glue and Swiffer were platinum sponsors; and Prestige AV was gala production sponsor.

 spcacincinnati.org

500 attend SNDdN’s

Partners in Action luncheon

About 500 friends of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur attended a one-hour lunch and learn event at the Cintas Center at Xavier University. The Partners in Action luncheon was supported by 47 sponsors and hundreds of Cincinnati-area donors who believe in the sisters’ worldwide mission to make known God’s goodness.

The theme, Our Missionary Hearts, focused on the life and legacy of Sister Dorothy Stang, “The Martyr of the Amazon.”

 sndohio.org

Larry Knapp, Chris Zimmerman, Chris Seelbach, Christianne Hopwood and Craig Schultz

Chris Seelbach, president and CEO of SPCA Cincinnati; Diane Corman, board member and Fur Ball chair; and Mike Retzlaff, outgoing president and CEO

Tom Schiff and Chris Seelbach

Don Zaunbrecher and Susan Zaunbrecher

Lynn Mathile and Tim Mathile

William Baker, Sister Rita Sturwold and Amanda Baker

Jenn Joseph, Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, Richard Joseph and Joyce Ledwin

(Back row) Brent Rippe, Tom Compton III and Lauren Compton; (front row) Tracy Sagester, Thomas Compton Jr. and Julie Waldbillig

Sister Rose Ann Fleming and Joe Moran

Double Vision 16 raises funds for artists with disabilities

Visionaries + Voices experienced great attendance and record-breaking profits at its annual art auction, Double Vision 16, at Memorial Hall. Double Vision supports the careers of over 140 artists with disabilities at its Northside and Blue Ash studios.

Sponsors supported collaborative teams in the live auction, raising $59,350, and 55 collaborating artists donated 55 pieces for silent and live auctions, raising $51,580.

Guests entered Memorial Hall to the boogie-woogie piano of Ricky Nye, a photo booth by Cincinnati photographer Michael Wilson, light bites and an open bar. A puppet show by Visionaries + Voices artists and staff kicked off the live auction, hosted by Steiner Auctions and Pam Kravetz.

 visionariesandvoices.com

V+V artist Linda Kunick and Lizzy Duquette, V+V

Supporters run, walk to boost Magnified Giving programs

Magnified Giving hosted its second annual Magnify Your Run/Walk at Winton Woods. Seventy participants came out to show their support, raising more than $3,000, which will help educate 125 youth in philanthropy and support five local nonprofits.

All proceeds will support youth to give their time, talents and treasure through philanthropy education and service learning.

 magnifiedgiving.org

Longtime

Double Vision collaborators Robert McFate and V+V artist Curtis Davis

“Kaleidoscopic Cat” is held by V+V Education Director Seana Higgins. The rainbow feline by Tammy Smith and Robin Anders Kleba drew a bid of $5,300.

V+V artist Braxton Thomas

Ed Wolff, V+V board President Kat Harrow with Double Vision collaborators Lindsey Frimming and Tyler Bollinger

creative director

”Lion in The Concrete Jungle,” by David Estepp and V+V artist Diamond Snowden, displayed by V+V Studio Coordinator Tyler Bollinger

Roger Grein and Ryan Nicely

Mike Kaufman, Tori Kaufman, Alison Kaufman and Will Kaufman

Lily the golden retriever

Kelly Collison and Ryan Nicely

Alison Kaufman, Clare Blankemeyer, Kelly Collison and Carey Kuznar

Heather Jones and Claire Patterson

Curtis Galloway

MiChael Wilson

Celebration of Service raises $603K

for St. Vincent de Paul

Nearly 400 friends, supporters and community leaders gathered at Xavier University’s Cintas Center for St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati’s 10th annual Celebration of Service, presented by Protective Life.

Attendees raised more than $603,000 for St. Vincent de Paul’s programs, including food assistance, homelessness prevention and free pharmacy services for neighbors in need.

The event honored three couples – Sheldon and Norma Braun, Bob and Carol Gramann, and Fred and Nancy Habegger – whose decades of quiet leadership and generosity profoundly shaped St. Vincent de Paul’s mission, including helping build the organization’s infrastructure to support initiatives like its air conditioner drive, thrift stores and pharmacy programs.

The evening also introduced the Young Philanthropist Award. The inaugural recipient, eighth grader Ronan Bhati, organized a book drive and bake sale, raising funds to support programs at the Neyer Outreach Center.  svdpcincinnati.org

Dianne Williams, Chris Williams, Bart Kohler, Jim Gerwe and Lydia Bailey

May Lou Zins, Ted Burdsall, Bonnie Burdsall, David Hammerstrom and Norm Zins

Deacon Royce Winters, Rita Winters, Ebony Jones and Sidnei Harmon

Dave Brandel, Maureen Brandel, Donna Broderick, Jim Berg, Jenny Berg, Joe Broderick, Larry Mustard and Barb Neyer Mustard

Joann Hubert and Kaytlynd Lainhart

Jennifer McMonigle, St. Vincent de Paul CEO Brad McMonigle, Robert Heidt and Julia Heidt

Tanu Bhati, Nadia Bhati, Young Philanthropist honoree Ronan Bhati and Amar Bhati

Dick Rosenthal and Kitty Strauss Rosenthal

SVDP’s Celebration of Service honorees: Fred Habegger, Nancy Habegger, Carol Gramann, Bob Gramann, Norma Braun and Sheldon Braun

Floral works celebrate CAM’s ‘Art in Bloom’

The Cincinnati Art Museum recently celebrated its annual Art in Bloom event, a four-day community fundraiser showcasing floral arrangements inspired by the museum’s collection. The event included workshops, lectures and social gatherings. Proceeds help support efforts to make art accessible to everyone and to enhance the museum’s educational programs.

A jury selected over 60 floral artists, ranging from professionals to hobbyists, from around the world. The winners of the 2025 Art in Bloom event: Brenda Baird for her interpretation of Saul Steinberg’s “Mural of Cincinnati” (first place), Vickie Wallen for her interpretation of Henry Mosler’s “The Fair Exchange” (second place) and Natalie Martin for her interpretation of Alexej von Jawlensky’s “Seated Woman” (third place).

Art in Bloom 2025 was supported by The Oliver Foundation, Cincinnati MINI and Natorp’s Nursery Outlet & Landscaping.  cincinnatiartmuseum.org

PRESENTING SPONSOR Protective Life

PLATINUM SPONSOR Western & Southern Financial Group

With the generous support of our sponsors and our incredible honorees, this year’s event raised over $603,000 to support St. Vincent de Paul’s life-changing services. From food and rent assistance to free pharmacy care, your generosity brings hope and healing to neighbors across Greater Cincinnati.

GOLD SPONSOR JTM Food Group

SILVER SPONSORS Kroger

Niehaus Financial Services, LLC

BRONZE SPONSORS Braun Heating and Air Conditioning Company

RC CapitalDan and Susan Fleming

Art in Bloom co-chairs Litany Webster and Ann Keeling

Visiting artist Natasja Sadi makes her sugar flower installation.

Floral artist Koukichi Uchiyama and guests

Floral artist people’s choice winners

Vickie Wallen (second place), Brenda Baird (first place) and Natalie Martin (third place)

Alexis Nikole Nelson, a.k.a. Black Forager, enters the sold-out auditorium.

UpSpring bash provides $166K for kids without homes

The 2025 UpSpring Benefit Bash at Great American Ball Park raised over $166,000 to help local children experiencing homelessness. The ninth annual event featured live and silent auctions, a bourbon raffle, dinner, drinks and more.

Sponsors, attendees, volunteers, supporters, the board of trustees and the event committee contributed to the event’s success. The auctioneer was Tony Giglio, emcee was Ashley Kirklen, keynote speaker was Matthew Randazzo, president and CEO of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, and the event chair was Linsey Kraeling.

 upspring.org

Board of Trustees: Jamie Maier, Briana Harper, Jordan Celestin, Andrea Neuwirth, Kit Brunner, Trent White, Justin Austin, Jenny Baskerville, Cash Hayden, Linsey Kraeling, John Allshouse, Jackie Baumgartner, Kelsey Contadino, LaDasha Reeder, Kelsey Mehaffie and Ashley Jackson

Keynote speaker Matthew Randazzo

Ladies Night Out supports mission of New Perceptions

New Perceptions’ annual Ladies Night Out at Brianza Gardens & Winery was filled with laughter, dancing, delicious food and incredible energy, all in support of New Perceptions’ mission to empower children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The event raised funds to support therapies for children and educational and workplace programs for adults. Sponsors PONES, Brianza Gardens & Winery, and Abby’s Charcuterie contributed services for the event.

 newperceptions.org

Emcee Mollie Watson of Q102 and Shawn Carroll, executive director of New Perceptions

UpSpring

Board Chair Jordan Celestin with husband Marcus Celestin

UpSpring staff: Meghan Eldridge, Azia Carnes, Katie Jensen, Anna Gaethke, Melissa Adamchik, Alaina Worley and Jordan Mitchell

A winning bid from Kelly Pear

DJ Miss Ebony J

Sally Middlesworth, Melissa Lueke, Dee Gaffney, Debbie Fulkerson, Sharon Poore, Barb Shaw and Pat Zdarsky

Amanda Youngman, Angie Adams and Stephanie Huhn

United Way honors 2025 Tocqueville Award recipients

United Way of Greater Cincinnati recently recognized three couples as recipients of the organization’s 2025 Tocqueville Award. Honored for their philanthropic contributions were Archie and Sharen Brown, George and Kim Vincent, and Jim and Alison Zimmerman.

Tocqueville Society members are among the most generous donors to United Way, which annually recognizes individuals for their contributions in advancing its mission to empower everyone in our region to achieve economic well being.

United Way also paid tribute to the life and legacy of longtime supporter Francie G. Pepper. Together with her husband, John Pepper, Francie was a pillar of the organization for decades.

 uwgc.org

Longworth-Anderson Series hosts Rhiannon Giddens

The Longworth-Anderson Series presented folk icon Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue in concert at Memorial Hall. Giddens’ performance marked the second sold-out show to start the series’ eighth season. Giddens is a two-time Grammy Award winner whose accolades include the MacArthur “Genius” Grant and a Pulitzer Prize, among other honors that underscore her remarkable contributions to the arts. Patrons attended a pre-show reception sponsored by the Bailey Lamson Family Foundation with complimentary light bites and beverage tastings from Ollie’s Trolley, N.Y.P.D. Pizza and HighGrain Brewing Co. Local band Jake Speed & the Freddies performed. Concert sponsors were Bill and Janinne Thompson and the Friends & Founders of LAS.

 longworth-andersonseries.com

Kim Vincent and George Vincent with their family

John Pepper honored his late wife Francie Pepper.

Jim Zimmerman and Alison Zimmerman

Sharen Brown and Archie Brown

Jim Zimmerman, Dick Rosenthal, John Pepper and David Taylor

Joel Stone of Fifth Third Bank

United Way President and CEO Moira Weir, board Chair Brian Hodgett, George Vincent and United Way 2025 Campaign Chair Candace McGraw

Colin Warren of HighGrain Brewing Cori Wolff and Marvin Smith of Ollie’s Trolley

LAS advisory committee member Pete Robinson, Executive Director Cori Wolff and concert sponsor Bill Thompson

Rhiannon Giddens Photos by J oe s Mon

Cincinnatus Association honors five organizations

The Cincinnatus Association honored five organizations whose work advances diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice in the Cincinnati region.

This year’s recipients of the Donald and Marian Spencer “Spirit of America” Awards included four nonprofit organizations – ArtWorks, Cincinnati Children’s, Cincinnati Works and Found House Interfaith Housing Network – as well as Union Savings Bank and Guardian Savings Bank, recognized for corporate leadership and community investment.

These recipients were celebrated for initiatives ranging from youth employment and inclusive health care to homelessness prevention and financial empowerment. Established in honor of civil rights pioneers Donald and Marian Spencer, the Spencer Awards are a signature program of the Cincinnatus Association.

The evening was emceed by Courtis Fuller, longtime WLWT anchor and community leader. The association presented Fuller with a grant for his new Courtis Fuller Journalism Scholarship.

 cincinnatusassoc.org

Courtis Fuller with a $4,000 grant ($1,000 annually for four years) to the Courtis Fuller Journalism Scholarship from Spencer Awards Committee Chair Susan Noonan and Cincinnatus President Rhonda Holyfield-Mangieri

St. Vincent de Paul celebrates pantry renovation at outreach center

St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati celebrated its renovated Catino Choice Food Pantry at the Neyer Outreach Center in the West End. The event welcomed community leaders, volunteers and longtime supporters including Becky and Ted Catino, for whom the pantry is named.

The renovation was made possible through a collaboration with Kroger, which contributed shelving, refrigeration and volunteer support. Kroger’s team was hands-on throughout the project, from helping with layout planning to physically removing and reinstalling shelving.

Once designed to serve 30 families a day, the Catino Choice Pantry serves close to 130 families a day. On the day before the event, the pantry served a record 144 families with an average wait of just 20 minutes, down from nearly an hour in past years.

St. Vincent de Paul and Kroger continue their partnership this summer through the “Strike Out Hunger” campaign with the Cincinnati Reds, which will include a matching donation challenge and a goal to break food donation records.

 svdpcincinnati.org

2025 Spencer Award recipients: Tianay Amat, Cincinnati Works; Alexandria Merriweather-Turner, Cincinnati Children’s; Stacey Burge, Found House IHN; Colleen Houston, ArtWorks; Keith Borders, Union Savings Bank and Guardian Savings Bank

Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus and guest with Marian Spencer Scholar Juwan Jordan and Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney

Brain Combs of St. Vincent de Paul; Duane Hatfield and Julie Wieslander of Kroger; Becky Catino and Ted Catino of the Catino Family Foundation; Kaytlynd Lainhart of SVDP; Jenifer Moore of Kroger; Amy Orr of SVDP; Ann Reed of Kroger; Jeremy Phillippi, Brad McMonigle and Erin Nowak of SVDP

Nonprofits leaders connect at Kelleher Foundation’s Reds Night

Greater Cincinnati nonprofit organizations attended the second annual Kelleher Family Foundation Reds Night at Great American Ball Park.

Held in the Home Base Super Suite, the event gave nonprofit leaders the opportunity to connect and network while enjoying a Cincinnati Reds game.

Nonprofits in attendance included People Working Cooperatively, Freestore Foodbank, Cincinnati Parks Foundation, Cincinnati Development Fund, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Movers & Makers Publishing, Mercy Health Foundation, PSNeverGiveUp and the Arthritis Foundation.

Founded in 2009, the foundation supports qualifying 501(c) (3) organizations having a primary focus on health and human services, education, environment and youth development.

 tbillkelleher@gmail.com

zoo la la 2025

Kurt Reiber and Bill Kelleher

Eric Spieser, Jennifer Spieser and Steve Landers

Ohio state Rep. Cecil Thomas and Bill Kelleher

Scott Stieber and Missy Deters

Chris Owens and Tim Fessler

Debbie & David Horn In Loving Memory of Joseph Haas, Sr. Ed & Joann Hubert Family Foundation

ArtWorks celebrates grand opening of Creative Campus

More than 750 attended the grand opening of ArtWorks’ Creative Campus in Walnut Hills, including supporters, local leaders, artists and community members. The Creative Campus includes ArtWorks’ new headquarters and the adjacent Hannan ArtPark, bringing all of the organization’s programs and functions under one roof to support collaboration. The project received the 2025 Preservation Excellence Impact Award from Cincinnati Preservation.

Guests enjoyed guided tours, interactive activities, live performances and remarks from ArtWorks CEO and Artistic Director Colleen Houston, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, Ohio state Sen. Catherine Ingram and other community leaders. Afterward, ArtWorks hosted a private open house for alumni.

ArtWorks’ mission is to create community-based public art that provides career opportunities for artists of all ages.

 artworkscincinnati.org

Gardette and Colleen Houston

Speaker O’Neil talks ‘Big Data’ at Woman’s City Club forum

Woman’s City Club held its 31st National Speaker Forum and Fundraiser at Memorial Hall, featuring data scientist-author Cathy O’Neil on the topic “Weapons of Math Destruction: Big Data and You.” O’Neil, a Harvard Ph.D., data analyst and founder of a firm providing algorithmic auditing services, discussed the need for accountability, transparency and equity in our rapidly advancing use of data and AI. Her book explains how opaque, black-box algorithms affect every system we interact with from college admissions to health care outcomes and mortgage rates. After the presentation, about 100 patrons enjoyed a reception by Catered with Grace. The Rankin Foundation was presenting sponsor and Park National Bank was reception sponsor.

 womanscityclub.org



Lee

co-founder of Cincinnati Arts & Technology Studios; Liz LaCause, ArtWorks senior director of development; and

ArtWorks board member emeritus

National Speaker Forum committee: (Back) Edna Keown, Sarah Gideonse, Carole Donnelly, Marge David, Barbara Myers, Cheri Rekow and Alice Schneider; (front) Jeanne Nightingale, Kay Smith-Yount, speaker Cathy O’Neil and Beth Sullebarger, chair and WCC president. Not pictured: Jeanette Rost

Kyla Woods of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and ArtWorks board member Allen Woods, co-founder and CEO of MORTAR Cincinnati

Ohio state Sen. Catherine Ingram

ArtWorks board member Pam Kravetz



ArtWorks board member Tyra Patterson of the Ohio Justice and Policy Center, Ohio state Rep. Sedrick Denson and Anna Coutts

Ohio state Rep. Dani Isaacsohn and Gee Horton of Gee Horton Studios

Carter,

Ron Houck,

Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval

Teresa Hoelle and Scott Provancher of Ignite Philanthropy and Heidi Jark, foundation manager, Fifth Third Bank

Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Kearney

Kathryne

ArtWorks board member Lauren Hannan Shafer, CEO and Artistic Director Colleen Houston, board member Barbara Hauser of Procter & Gamble, and board member Kathryne Gardette

Taft Museum gala raises $320K with tropical theme

Supporters of The Taft Museum of Art experienced Royal Palms at the Taft, a celebration and gala supporting the museum’s educational and outreach programs. The tropical, 1960s-themed event grossed over $320,000 to support Taft’s free educational programs such as Art for All, Artists Reaching Classrooms and Family Fundays.

Guests delighted in dinner by-the-bite, espresso martinis and live music by the Naked Karate Girls.

Kelsey Bahl and Sarah Jane Meek were gala cochairs. Bahl & Gaynor, Chemed Foundation and Ginger Warner were Palm Royale sponsors.

 taftmuseum.org

Friends of Music Hall brings organ music to silent ‘Peter Pan’

The Friends of Music Hall brought cinematic history to life at Silent Movies Made Musical inside Music Hall. Guests were treated to a rare screening of the 1924 silent film “Peter Pan,” accompanied by a live performance from Brett Valliant on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. With its sweeping melodies and whimsical tones, the Wurlitzer theater organ added drama, humor and heart to every scene – combining the magic of early film with live music.

 friendsofmusichall.org



The Royal Palms Garden

Patrick Ford, Jennifer Horvath, Phillip Long and Rebekah Beaulieu

Naked Karate Girls provided music.

Larry McGruder, Jill McGruder, Megan Shields and Larry Shields

Kevin Kirby and Bo-Kyung Kim Kirby

Katie Siegwarth and Les Hofheinz

John Bahl, Kelsey Bahl, Sarah Jane Meek and Brandon Meek



Heidi Jark and Steve Kenat

Audra Rance, Dara Kendall, Rob Starghill and Jennifer Horvath

Lynne Reckman, FOMH board member, with student volunteers as “Peter Pan” characters: Charlotte Buchholz, Nathan Share and Tai Stewart

At the Friends of Music Hall event: board member Rick Pender, Executive Director Nancy Knauf, board member Ken Kreider, organist Brett Valliant, board members Jessy Williams and Glenn Plott

Swing into Spring raises nearly $400k for DCCH

DCCH Center for Children and Families drew more than 500 attendees for its Swing into Spring Off to the Races fundraising gala at Turfway Park. The evening was packed with food, music, auctions, raffles and more.

Special guests Triple Crown winning jockey Steve Cauthen and “Big Dave” Chandler of B-105, along with live musicians Floyd and the Walkman, made it a night to remember.

The event raised nearly $400,000 to help offset the $2 million deficit DCCH faces each year to care for the 32 children who live in its residential treatment program. It costs DCCH $508 per day per child to provide round-the-clock care for these children, who have endured severe abuse and neglect. Kentucky reimburses DCCH $336 per day per child, leaving donors to make up the difference.

Laura Arlinghaus was event committee chair. Presenting sponsor was St. Elizabeth Healthcare.

 dcchcenter.org

Design LAB aims to inspire future builders with dinner crawl proceeds

Design LAB: Learn + Build hosted its signature fundraising event, Dine with Design, at Newport on the Levee. The 300 guests who attended toured dining destinations throughout Newport, sampling light bites and paired beverages while connecting with friends, colleagues and fellow supporters of the organization.

Proceeds raised more than half of the K-8 Education Program’s annual costs. That program, which reached 2,500 students in 2025, runs for five months in classrooms around the area, aiming to inspire and empower the next generation of builders.

 architecturecincy.org

Steve Cauthen, 1978 Triple Crown-winning jockey, and “Big Dave” Chandler of B-105

Marty McPherson sets up the gift bags table.

Connie Noll and Catherine Byrne

Bishop John Iffert, Diocese of Covington, playing Heads or Tails

Katelyn Simmons, Meg Groeschen, committee chair

Laura Arlinghaus, Megan Arlinghaus and Caitlin Arlinghaus

Ali Hubbard, Steve Scroggins and Morgan Horn

Nick Berberich, Tony Scally, Chelsea Sanders, Sarah Eingle, Olivia Trompeta and Kristen Goodge

At table in foreground: Kristen Goodge, Nick Berberich and Tom Trimbach

(Back row) Chris Hopper, Charlie Jahnigen, Ali Hubbard, Ahmad Saleh, Will Johnson, Obi Nwankwo and Christopher Houston; (front row) Maria Rampolla, Macaira Pucci, Greg Hammond, Christen Lubbers, Jason East and Brooke Behnfeldt

Benefit gala puts Playhouse programs

Center Stage

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park launched Center Stage, a benefit concert and dinner held at the Moe and Jack’s Place-The Rouse Theatre Stage. This new event supports the Playhouse’s main stage productions and education programs for the 2025-2026 season.

Center Stage featured Broadway performers Betsy Wolfe and Nathaniel Stampley, as well as Hannah Ervin, a rising star in musical theater from the University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception and live music in the lobby before moving on to the Rouse Stage for a dinner prepared by chef Renee Schuler of Eat Well Celebrations and Feasts, and a concert experience.

The event was chaired by honorary co-chairs Ellen van der Horst and Barbara Weyand, along with producing co-chairs Robert S. Castellini and Woody Taft.

 cincyplay.com

Margo Kirstein, Frani Jones, Don Jones, Michelle Greenberg and Eric Greenberg

Thank you for making Center Stage a success!

HONORARY CO-CHAIRS

Ellen van der Horst and Barbara Weyand

PRODUCING CO-CHAIRS

Robert S. Castellini and Woody Taft

PRODUCING SPONSORS

AND GARY

IN-KIND SPONSORS

Playhouse board Chair Digi Schueler and Mike Schueler

Center Stage co-chairs Barbara Weyand and Woody Taft, Betsy Wolfe, co-chair Ellen van der Horst, Jack Rouse and Nathaniel Stampley

Producing sponsors Gary Greenberg and Linda Greenberg (seated) and their family and friends: Ben Greenberg, Julia Greenberg, Elliot Kirstein,





Playhouse Board President Jamie Leonard and Jenny Leonard

Jennifer Taft and Moe Rouse

Melvin Gravely, Chandra Gravely and Craig Maier

Producing sponsor Jerry Shroat

Betsy Wolfe performs on stage accompanied by Julie Spangler; background animation by Lightbourne

Carter Minor, pianist Julie Spangler and and Betsy Wolfe

Broadway artist Nathaniel Stampley, Margo Ross and Sam Ross

Broadway artist Betsy Wolfe and Danute Miskinis, Center Stage creative advisor

LINDA

GREENBERG

BETSY AND JERRY SHROAT

JENNIFER AND WOODY TAFT BARBARA WEYAND

Cincinnati Preservation recognizes projects across region

Cincinnati Preservation recognized nine projects and individuals in the region with its annual Preservation Excellence Awards. The celebration at the Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum showcased projects including a restored 1850s house in Amelia, a reused train freight house in Hamilton and a revived theater in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

The winners:

• Volunteer Service Award: Abigail Lovins

• Education: Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Walnut Hills

• Preservation Excellence-Sustainability: Peete Alley Restoration in Over-the-Rhine by Spring in Our Steps

• New Construction/Infill: Griffon Apartments in Over-theRhine by New Republic Architecture

• Preservation Excellence-Commercial Projects: Liberty Theater in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, by Drawing Department

• Preservation Excellence-Residential Projects: The Morse House in Amelia by House of Huber

• Preservation Excellence-Adaptive Reuse: Freight House in Hamilton by Meyer Brothers & Sons

• Impact Award: ArtWorks Creative Campus in Walnut Hills

• Preservation Champion: Scott Clark

 cincinnatipreservation.org

Cancer Family Care honors unsung heroes

Cancer Family Care honored 90 cancer patients/survivors, caregivers and oncology professionals at the 23rd annual Joslin Haggart Yeiser Unsung Hero Awards dinner at Xavier’s Cintas Center. Those honored were nominated by family, friends, patients, physicians and colleagues.

CFC also presented the Community Impact Award to the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, the Maureen Donnelly Award to Neediest Kids of All, and the Tim Hedrick Memorial Award to Cincinnati Cancer Advisors in memory of Steve Abbott, late executive director.  cancerfamilycare.org

Young and Dr. Lalanthica Yogendran

Patricia

Scott Clark, Preservation Champion award winner

Peete Alley Restoration by Spring in our Steps, Sustainability Award winner

Donnie Warner, Colleen Houston and former Cincinnati mayor Mark Mallory

Artworks Creative Campus, Impact Award winner

Beth Johnson, executive director of Cincinnati Preservation, with Volunteer Service Award winner Abigail Lovins

Patti Howard and Dr. Ajit Gubbi

Diana Abbott and CFC Executive Director Jill Settlemyre Lois R. Griswold and Gary Griswold Jillian Hunt and Dr. Philip D. Leming

CFC board members

Jennifer Schwab, Vicky Luke and Michelle Krummen

Lauren Doyle, Kay Harmeyer, Kate Ward, Amy Fitzgibbons, Brendon Cull, Jill Settlemyre, Sean Comer, Robert Weidle and David Stevens

Golf event drives support for Cancer Support Community

The Cancer Support Community Greater Cincinnati/NKY hosted its signature Par-Tee for Hope fundraising event at Topgolf West Chester.

CSC raised nearly $20,000 to continue delivering free programs and support services for individuals and families impacted by cancer.

The event included a Closest to the Pin challenge, as well as raffles and a silent auction. Guests also could stop by the Hope on the Green mission table and write words of encouragement on tee flags, which will be displayed at events this summer.

CSC uplifts and strengthens people affected by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities and breaking down barriers to care.

 mycancersupportcommunity.org

Gregory-led wine event toasts CancerFree KIDS

CancerFree KIDS hosted its annual Wine with Dean event, hosted by Dean Gregory of Montgomery Inn.

The event featured dinner with wine pairings led by Gregory, and honored those who support the mission of CancerFree KIDS, including the organization’s Visionary Society members, board members and volunteers.

During the evening, the CancerFree KIDS Champions – children who have had cancer – volunteered to be table hosts and assisted the waitstaff in serving guests. During the program, they also shared their most recent accomplishments.

 cancerfreekids.org

(Back row) Meghan Donnellon Hyden, Rachel Blackburn, Amy StengerSullivan and Kelli Roberts; (front row) Kat Kohler, Barb Markey and Lisa Driscoll

Rudy Jones, CSC Emerging Leader board member, takes a swing at Topgolf West Chester.

Michelle Grove, Steve Delgardo, Allison Schroeder, Kimberly Tuyn, Lisa Warman and Cory Grove

Take Four, a band of young CFK supporters, performed before dinner.

Montgomery Inn’s Dean Gregory hosted Wine with Dean for CFK donors and supporters.

Cincinnati Children’s Dr. Paul Spearman discusses how CFK aids research. CancerFree KIDS Founder Ellen Flannery and daughter Shayna Flannery

TriHealth’s Jeanette Altenau, CancerFree Kids Executive Director Jill Brinck and Mary Clement

Trivia event raises non-trivial $50K for Crayons to Computers

Laughter, memories and support for classrooms were all part of Crayons to Computers’ Saved by the Bell: Pop Quiz trivia event. More than $50,000 was raised to support the Teacher Resource Center, Hubbard’s Cupboard and online ordering for pickup and delivery of school supplies.

Guests gathered at Dead Low Brewing, hosted for the third year by Q102 on-air personality Natalie Jones.

 crayons2computers.org

Addiction Services Council advances capital campaign

The Addiction Services Council gathered around 60 key stakeholders and community leaders at The Columns at Findlay Market for a friend-raiser and catalyst for its $8 million capital campaign.

ASC plans a new facility in Cincinnati to house a 24/7, alcoholfocused detox and residential treatment center. The organization originally planned to build on its current site in Corryville, but now is exploring the renovation of a gifted building. The goal is to open in late 2026.

More than 25% of the goal has been raised from foundations, individual donors and community partners.

Speakers at the event: Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval; Chris Taylor, board member and campaign supporter; Kurt Platte of Platte Architecture + Design; Anna Boone, ASC staff member; and Lisa Mertz, ASC president and CEO.

 addictionservicescouncil.org

Eric Langevin, Sara Plaskett and Genevieve Miller Holt



Peyton Hicks, Michelle Hicks, Eric Hicks, Pierce Hicks and Maria Judy

Natalie Jones hosting the event

Marie Hunter, the Lucky Locker winner

Judy Schmitt, Anna Boone, Erika Judd, Susan Schmitt, ASC President and CEO Lisa Mertz and Bob Schmitt

Anna Boone, Linda Gallagher, Dennis Carroll, Hamilton County Common Pleas

Judge Nicole Sanders, Lisa Mertz, LaNora Godfrey and Kate Schroder

Aaron Bley, Dawn Mowery and David Mowery

1 Night, 12 Kitchens returns with record results

After a six-year hiatus, 1 Night, 12 Kitchens returned, raising a record $130,000 for students at the Midwest Culinary Institute while demonstrating why Greater Cincinnati’s culinary scene is attracting national attention.

The event drew 600 patrons. Chefs from more than two dozen local restaurants chatted with diners and one another while working alongside their culinary teams and MCI students.

MCI enrolls nearly 500 students per year. It is located at Cincinnati State’s Advanced Technical Learning Center, with 12 modern, commercial teaching kitchens, from which the fundraiser draws its name.

Participating restaurants included Sotto, Le Bar à Boeuf, Nicola’s, Jag’s, Colette, Nolia Kitchen, Alfio’s Buon Cibo, Carlo & Johnny and others. Patrons sampled from more than 30 wines, plus beers from local breweries. The Colin Palmieri Quartet, Dan Van Vechten Duo and Cincinnati Dancing Pigs provided live music. Sponsors included Northwestern Mutual, Kroger, Sysco and Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment.

 cincinnatistate.edu/academics/mci

Kenzie’s

Closet awards scholarship

DePaul Cristo Rey High School 2025 graduate Trinity Bell has earned The Kenzie’s Bright Light Scholarship.

The scholarship award, founded in honor of Kenzie Comisar, was based on written essays in which students discussed their backgrounds, Kenzie’s Closet experiences and contributions to their school and community, as well as their academic and career goals.

At DePaul Cristo Rey, Trinity Bell participates in student council, film club, varsity basketball, National Honor Society, Girl Code, Tanzania Pen Pal Club, Kenzie’s Closet fashion shows and more. She plans to attend Central State University, majoring in childhood development and education. Her goal is to become an elementary school teacher.

Kenzie’s Closet’s mission is to help high school students in need to be able to attend their dream prom night.

 kenziescloset.org

SATURDAY 6:30PM CET

SUNDAY 8:30PM CET ARTS

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

Sarah Wood Evans, Kenzie’s Closet board chair; Heather Batdorf, community engagement manager; Trinity Bell; Kathy McDonald, executive director; Jim Schurrer, principal of DePaul Cristo Rey High School

Chris Sucher and Michelle Sucher

John Silverman and Nancy Silverman

A limited edition event poster designed by Keith Neltner of Neltner Small Batch helped raise funds.

Rajbir Minhas and Renu Kotwal

Assistance League features local authors at Books & Brunch

Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati raised over $46,000 at this year’s Books & Brunch event at the Kenwood Country Club, featuring local authors Lynne Hugo and Denise Young, plus the illustrator of the Morley and Fiona books, Richard Cowdrey.

Hugo shared her background and tidbits about some of her 11 published novels. Young gave a history lesson on one of Cincinnati’s oldest neighborhoods, Columbia Tusculum, the subject of her book.

Assistance League provides clothing to elementary school students, diapers, wipes and underwear to kinship and foster families, new clothing and hygiene kits to assault survivors after treatment at hospitals, and bedding, towels, cleaning supplies and kitchen setups for women and their children leaving shelters to start a new life away from domestic abusers.

The event included a silent auction, raffles, a mystery wine pull and split the pot.

 assistanceleaguecincinnati.org

Jacobson; Rosie Habegger and Nancy Stewart; and Karyn Kern-Lazear

Beech Acres honors foster parents

Two former foster care children shared their experiences in the system, and Beech Acres Parenting Center recognized many loving foster parents during a special evening for Foster Care Awareness Month at the Little Miami Brewing Company Event Center.

Beech Acres gave special thanks to Barb Moore, a foster parent who is retiring after 42 years of service. Beech Acres thanks foster parents with a ceremony each spring.

Every night in Hamilton County, more than 1,500 children need a foster home. Beech Acres, one of the largest foster care agencies in Cincinnati, has been standing behind kids and families in foster care for more than 40 years.

 beechacres.org

Deborah

Local illustrator Richard Cowdrey

Silent auction chair Janet Hartman

Author Dinese Young (in purple)

Author Lynne Hugo

Assistance League members

Nancy Habegger, Gail Suiter, Katie Gantz, Mary Irish and Cyndie Willson welcomed guests.

Glenn Bueker and Pat Bueker, co-chairs of the silent auction

Rebecca Ranford and Barb Moore, who is retiring after 42 years as a foster parent

Foster parents Nicole Gaunce and Stephen Gaunce with Beech Acres team member Caitlyn Gausman (center)

Beech Acres’ leadership team: Jordan Huizenga, Brittany Speed, Meghan Hensley, Brice Mickey and Laura Mitchell

Board member

John Webster and Kate Webster with board member

Robert Welch and Cindy Welch

Keynote speakers D’Quan McCoy and Adrianna Gonzales

Celebrations mark 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s visit

Two hundred years ago this spring, the Marquis de Lafayette stopped in Cincinnati during his Farewell Tour of America, half a century after the French aristocrat served as a major general in George Washington’s Continental Army.

In honor of the bicentennial of his visit, more than 400 people attended public celebrations, hosted by Cincinnati-area chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Sons of the American Revolution, the American Friends of Lafayette, the Cincinnati-Lafayette Masonic Lodge No. 483 and the Alliance Francaise de Cincinnati.

A ceremony to welcome Lafayette was held at the Public Landing, followed by a dinner and costume ball at the Cincinnati Masonic Center. A tribute to Frances Wright, a close friend of Lafayette’s, was held at Spring Grove Cemetery at her gravesite.

 lafayette200.orge

OTR’s Northern Row hosts

M&M’s May Mix & Mingle

The May edition of Mix & Mingle, Movers & Makers monthly informal gathering, took place at Northern Row Brewery, Distillery and Taproom near Findlay Market. M&M publishers Thom and Elizabeth Mariner co-hosted contributors Polly Campbell and Meg Howes, along with nonprofit staff members, donors and volunteers from across the spectrum, and fans of the publication. Thanks to Josh Lively, Sophia Smith and the staff at Northern Row for taking great care of our guests and sharing outstanding beverages and yummy light bites. Save the date for the next happy hour: July 9 at Hotel Celare in Clifton Heights. See page 4 to RSVP.

 moversmakers.org

Gray, Cincinnati Children’s, and Damon Gray, Damon Gray Violins

Monica Mohlenkamp of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Michael Halbert as Lafayette, Julien Icher with The Lafayette Trail, Inc. and Cameron Shandersky with Masons No. 483 at Public Landing

Michael Halbert as Lafayette, Laura Heydt of American Friends of Lafayette, Monica Mohlenkamp of Daughters of the American Revolution and Robert Kelly of AFL at Norman Chapel

Marcha Hunley as Frances Wright and Michael Halbert as Lafayette at Spring Grove Cemetery

Lafayette Ballroom at the Masonic Center

Melissa

M&M columnist Meg Howes and Tephra Fields, Built to Last Nonprofit Solutions

Julie Meyer and Rebecca Yates, Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries

Christie Brown, OneSource, and Beth Benson, Leadership Council for Nonprofits

Daniel Pfahl, Summermusik, and Tyler Roe, Linton Chamber Music

Thom Mariner, M&M co-publisher, and Janet Hill, Janet Hill Events

Neil Sharrow with wife Polly Campbell, M&M columnist

Will Ross, Kroger, and Nadya Ellerhorst, CET

On finding contradictions in the adult world

Iwasbrought up on the Little House books. My mother read them out loud to us, snuggled up on a couch with our pajamas on. We had lots of questions about everyday things from the olden days. But one thing particularly concerned me. “Why didn’t Laura and Mary ever go to the bathroom?” I asked my mother.

I don’t exactly remember her answer. Something about books not being real, I guess. I have added this memory to a list I’d started: “Questions I Asked my Mother as a Child.”

It’s not the answers that keep popping up in my head: What sticks with me is the process of being puzzled by something that wasn’t supported by things I already knew (Everyone goes to the bathroom!), trying to work it out and then getting help to see it clearly. There was the before, when I didn’t know, and the after, when I did and always would.

“How do you get new seedless watermelons if they don’t have seeds?” “Why don’t the people in Australia fall off the earth?”

“Why did that woman in the store call you ‘hon’? She doesn’t even know you.” “What did Billy Joe McAllister throw off the Tallahatchie Bridge?”

Some were indignant questions about being a girl. “Why do we have to wear skirts to school in the winter when the boys can wear pants?” “Why does Jenny’s mom have to go to a job?” “Why are the teachers all women and the principal always a man?”

The Catholic kids down the street introduced me to religious concepts, like “God can see you anywhere.” I asked Mom, “Even when I’m in the bathroom?” Of course, some questions don’t have an answer.

Recently I was reading a falling-apart paperback of “The Unbearable Lightness of Being”

by Milan Kundera, and a page fluttered to the floor. It contained this thought:

“Indeed, the only truly serious questions are ones that even a child can formulate. Only the most naïve of questions are truly serious,” writes Kundera. “They are the questions with no answers.”

Children understand how things should be: People should be nice to each other, things should be fair. Adults tell them how they ought to act, then children find the contradictions in the adult world.

When children ask about it, the answers leave them more confused than before.

The most powerful questions I very clearly remember asking came from pictures and stories I saw in the news. I was 8 in 1963, when there were demonstrations in Birmingham, Alabama.

Why are they aiming fire hoses at those people? Why are those dogs attacking? Do fire hoses hurt?

Why are they yelling and looking so angry at that girl going to school?

“If white people in the South hate Black people so much, why do they have Black women bring up their babies?”

how the adult world has built up a way to deal with ambiguities and competing claims to justice. It kind of broke my heart.

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“If you’re not supposed to kill other people, why is it OK for soldiers to kill in a war?” How can there be such a thing as a war crime? Isn’t all killing a crime?”

These were painful things that challenged my sense of fairness and logic.

But, as another popular song of the period said, “The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.”

Then it was my turn to answer: My daughter Sally, one day when she was in perhaps third grade, came into my room, crying. “Mom, what’s vehicular homicide?” she asked me. She’d been reading in the paper about a young man who was going to jail after he’d accidentally run into and killed a pedestrian. (I didn’t even know she could read that well.) “He didn’t mean to!” she cried, and I had to somehow find a way to explain

I still have a lot of questions without answers, maybe more than ever. Many still from the news. Why are some people’s lives devalued and discounted, why is our history being rewritten, why are the rich back to getting richer, and the poor still suffering, why is the progress that I watched being fought for when I was a child being taken away again? As a 7-year-old, I knew it was wrong to use fire hoses and dogs on people asking for justice, that women would make good principals, that war was immoral. My mother gave me the right answers, the right way to think about the puzzling contradictions. But she couldn’t really answer.

Maybe we should make decisions by thinking of how you would answer as a child would: Is it nice? Is it fair? Does it make sense? The answers should be something that could satisfy a kid snuggled up on a couch with you. 

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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