July 2026

July 2026

Tifara Brown

Movers &Makers

July 2026

Publisher’s Letter 4

Arts & Culture 5

Arts news in brief 6

MoversMakers.org

Cincinnati Opera looks to future with 'Lalovavi' | By David Lyman 8

The A&C List 10

FOCUS ON: Addiction and recovery services 18

Expert panel assesses state of the sector | By

Shauna Steigerwald

18

The Datebook 20

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

Names in the News 24

Snapshots 26

Fairy tale ball boosts Children’s Theatre 26

Mimosas for Memories supports dementia care 27

CAA Stars come out and dance for arts education 28

Dream Makers empowers youth for CYC 29

Charitable Pharmacy in spotlight at SVDP gala 30

Foster parents front and center at Beech Acres dinnner 31

GCB Champions honors addiction recovery services 32

Hope blooms for foster care thanks to fundraiser 33

Gala ensures continued joy for young campers, families 34

Cincinnati Preservation Awards celebrate architectural legacy 35

Movers & Makers mixer had extra spark in May 36

PreventionFIRST! celebrates three decades thwarting addiction 37

PWC’s Repair Affair a fixer-upper for 70 projects 38

Beacon of Light shines on three Lighthouse supporters 39

UC Law celebrates Klekamp renaming 40

Future on display at AI + Robotics summit 41

Council on Aging touts half-century of impact at annual meeting 42

Memorial for USS Cincinnati submarine dedicated 43

Guests bet on youth investment for Hope Ignites 44

Cancer Foundation raises funds to ease cancer suffering 45

Floral designs attract 10,000 to support Art Museum 46

350 help “Rhoast” Adventure Crew’s founder 47

The Last Word 50

Polly Campbell: Extolling the joys of Paddlefest

Images may be viewed at Eisele Gallery Fine art photography

Cover photo: Composer Kevin Day and librettist Tifara Brown. Photo by Tina Gutierrez for Movers & Makers. Tifara is wearing Me By Lee.

Operahas for centuries been associated with the past. Even recently composed operas have typically told old stories. Thanks to one of Cincinnati Opera’s boldest strokes ever, the company is about to use new music to tell a story set four centuries in the future, and do so for the first time with an all-Black creative team. The first of three commissioned operas by Black composers and librettists, “Lalovavi” launches this month. Writer David Lyman and photographer Tina Gutierrez captured Kevin Day and Tifara Brown’s story for our July cover feature. See Page 8. No doubt most of us have some connection to the rages of addiction, whether drugs or alcohol. We checked in with leaders of five area nonprofits who work on the very front lines of this never-ending battle. Our Shauna Steigerwald hosted a panel discussion to bring us up to date with the most important issues and challenges currently facing our region. An abridged version of this conversation begins on Page 18, and

them as well.

As we head into the second half of 2026, please remember to take advantage of our free services and send us your news, event info and photos. But recognize that advertising is what allows us to provide these services at no charge. Look for ways to invest in us while expanding your own name/brand exposure and that of your supporters. Reach out; we can help!

Elizabeth & Thom Mariner, co-publishers

Digital edition & daily posts MoversMakers.org

Social media

@moversmakerscincinnati

Movers & Makers Magazine @moversmakers

News/calendar submissions editor@moversmakers.org

Advertising & distribution

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

Creative & accounting

Elizabeth Mariner, emariner@moversmakers.org

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we have a longer post on our website. Did you attend a fundraiser this spring? Apparently a LOT of you did. Creative director Elizabeth Mariner somehow has shoehorned 34 events into our Snapshots section this month. (Phew!) Thanks to all who supplied photos, but especially to those organizations who chose to publicly acknowledge their benefactors with “thank-you” ads to support what amounts to 50% of this magazine. And no doubt their sponsors thank

Publishing schedule

SEPTEMBER JULY 31 AUG 26

OCTOBER AUG. 28 SEPT 23

NOVEMBER OCT 2 OCT 28

DEC ’26 / JAN ’27 OCT 30 NOV 25  moversmakers.org/publishing-schedule

© Copyright 2026 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.

Our next monthly Mix & Mingle will be a warm one and we invite you to dress comfortably. 3CDC will host us at The Porch in Washington Park. Shorts and summer dresses should be the order of the day, and no doubt the fountains will be operating should you wish to join the kids in cooling off. Free light bites and happy-hour-priced drinks await. RSVP via the link below. See you then!

Thom Mariner, co-publisher

• Casey Weldon, digital editor

• Phil Fisher and Ray Cooklis, copy editors

• Shasta Taber, volunteer proofreader

• All the nonprofits that contributed news and photos. For their work on this issue, our gratitude to:

Support comes from:

Mix & Mingle

The Porch, Washington Park

Wednesday, July 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Light bites and happy hour drink prices. Hosted by 3CDC. Casual, outdoor venue. RSVP required by July 3.

Co-publishers Thom and Elizabeth Mariner at May Festival

Icelandic electronic band múm, rapper Pink Siifu and Croz Boyce – a project featuring Animal Collective members Avey Tare and Geologist – will headline this year’s Talk Low Music Festival, which organizers say features its biggest lineup yet.

Organized by Cincinnatibased record label Whited Sepulchre Records, the Sept. 24-27 festival will bring experimental music to venues across Downtown and Over-the-Rhine.

Talk Low was created to bring internationally recognized experimental artists to Cincinnati

while creating opportunities for collaboration, education and deep listening. More than 800 people attended last year’s event.

In addition to the headliners, the lineup includes Grammynominated pianist Rachel Grimes performing with concertnova, Grammy-nominated trombonist Kalia Vandever, Horse Lords, Hayden Pedigo, Faith Coloccia, Tashi Dorji, Elori Saxl, Henry Solomon, the Chris Ryan Williams Vibration Trio and several local artists.

 talklowfest.com

Horse Lords will perform at this year’s Talk Low Festival.

BLINK reveals 90 artists, new opening event for 2026 Talk Low Music Festival announces 2026 lineup

BLINK, the region’s largest public art event, unveiled more than 90 artists selected for the 2026 festival and announced plans for a new opening-night celebration, along with roughly 20 new murals and an expanded footprint in Covington.

The fifth edition of BLINK, set for Oct. 8-11, will feature artists from around the world working in murals, light-based installations and projection mapping. Participants include local creators Sew Valley, Lightborne and Napoleon Maddox, plus international artists such as Shahzia Sikander, Dulk, Sofles

and Vince Fraser.

Organizers said the 2026 roster includes a record number of women artists, many first-time BLINK participants and artists whose work regularly appears at major art venues.

BLINK’s traditional opening parade will be replaced by “Ready. Set. BLINK!,” a fiveblock celebration surrounding the West End’s TQL Stadium with live music, interactive art installations, food vendors and more.

Co-founder Andrew Salzbrun said BLINK will add eight to 10 new murals along Madison

Smashing pumpkins: Art Museum debuts ‘Infinity Mirror Room’

Visitors to the Cincinnati Art Museum this summer will have a chance to step inside one of contemporary art’s most recognizable immersive experiences: an “Infinity Mirror Room” by acclaimed Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. The 2016 installation, “All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins,” runs July 17-Oct. 18. It features yellow pumpkins covered in black polka dots and surrounded by mirrors, creating the illusion of an endless field. Visitors enter the installation in pairs, becoming part of the artwork as their reflections multiply.

Kusama, 97, has spent more than seven decades exploring themes of infinity, repetition and self-reflection. Pumpkins have become one of her most recognizable motifs.

Tickets cost $17, with discounts for students, children and seniors. Museum members can visit for free. Visitors must reserve timedentry tickets online in advance. The museum also will offer free admission 5-8 p.m. Thursdays and during Art After Dark events on July 31, Aug. 28 and Sept. 25, but reservations still will be required.  cincinnatiartmuseum.org

Avenue and into downtown Covington, extending the festival farther south of the Ohio River. In Cincinnati, organizers plan around

10 new murals in and around Findlay Market.  blinkcincinnati.com

Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval and Executive Director Leslie Mooney help kick off BLINK 2026.

“All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins” by Yayoi Kusama opens July 17 at the Cincinnati Art Museum.

‘Good Bones’ to complete Black Opera Project vision

A haunted house. A changing neighborhood. A young couple caught between the past and the future. Those are the building blocks of “Good Bones,” a new work announced by Cincinnati Opera as the final installment of its Black Opera Project, a three-year effort to bring new stories about Black life, history and culture to the stage.

“Good Bones” will make its world premiere in summer 2028 at Music Hall. The opera features music by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Michael Abels and a libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames.

The story follows Aisha and her husband, Travis, as they return to Aisha’s childhood neighborhood to renovate an aging home. They soon confront a community transformed by change, lingering questions about belonging, and the spirit of the home’s original owner.

The trio begins with “Lalovavi,” which premieres this month (Story

New Farmer Music Center plans to include Spencer tribute

The team behind the estimated $160 million Farmer Music Center project has unveiled a fresh look at the venue’s design and vision ahead of its planned spring 2027 opening.

Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and its live entertainment subsidiary, Music & Event Management Inc., gave an update on the new outdoor music venue rising on the old Coney Island site next to Riverbend Music Center. It is expected to hold up to 20,000 guests, including 8,000 reserved seats and a 12,000-capacity lawn.

Project leaders also revealed plans for a permanent monument honoring Cincinnati civil rights leaders Marian Spencer and

1983, she became the first Black woman elected to Cincinnati City Council. Donald Spencer, her husband, became the first Black broker on the Cincinnati Board of Realtors and was a CSO trustee.

The monument will feature a laser-etched Spencer family portrait on black granite alongside cascading waterfalls and displays highlighting the couple’s achievements.

memi.biz

ArtWorks’ new name has colorful background

After 30 years known as ArtWorks, the Cincinnati nonprofit behind hundreds of murals and thousands of youth arts jobs is rebranding to better reflect its growth while helping it stand out nationally.

ArtWorks is now going by the name “1001 Colors.”

One reason: Many organizations around the country use the ArtWorks name, making it difficult to build a unique national identity, according to Colleen Houston, CEO and creative director. She said "ArtWorks" also has been confused with local arts funder ArtsWave.

ArtWorks unveiled its new name during its 30th Anniversary ArtDinner and launched 1001Colors.org. It had spent nearly two years researching a new name, but found one close to home: While renovating its Creative Campus in Walnut Hills, crews uncovered a hand-painted sign reading “1000 & 1 Colors,” a remnant from the building’s days as the Bolce Paint Company, which operated there beginning in 1909.

“In the end, the answer was already here,” Houston said.

 1001colors.org

Composer Michael Abels and librettist James Ijames will create “Good Bones,” the third installment of Cincinnati Opera’s Black Opera Project.

‘Lalovavi’ Black Opera project looks to the future

By David Lyman

Morris Robinson was frustrated.

Robinson, a bass whose presence has illuminated several Cincinnati Opera productions and, since 2017, has been an artistic adviser to the company, had just completed a rehearsal for the 2019 production of “Porgy and Bess.” He wasn’t complaining about the show itself. He had the lead role of Porgy, a role he had triumphed with three years earlier at La Scala in Milan.

No, Robinson’s frustration was about something much more profound than a single production.

“I realized that for my son and his friends, this was going to be their introduction to opera,” said Robinson. “In the first 10 minutes, we see drug-dealing, murder and prostitution.”

What he left unsaid is that Black characters are at the center of all of that illicit action.

“When is someone going to write about our creativity and joy?”

Robinson stopped talking for a moment. Suddenly, he erupted with some guttural sound; half-groan, half-sob. Or is it anger? He had so much he wanted to say. But rather than let a lifetime of such frustrations explode in an impassioned rant, he calmed down and opted for a more prudent approach.

Enunciating each word slowly and carefully, he said, “We have to find something better to do.”

The negative depictions of Blacks isn’t singular to opera. Film, theater, literature, news media – all have been criticized for their portrayal of racial minorities. But when Robinson was speaking, back in 2019, dissatisfaction about race in opera was at a boiling point. A few

months after Robinson’s comments, in fact, he was part of a panel of distinguished Black artists whose discussion about their experiences in opera went viral. (Find it on youtube.com) He was also part of a heavily quoted story in the New York Times headlined “Opera Can No Longer Ignore Its Race Problem.”

The cultural collision of race and opera seemed to be everywhere. But would anything come of it? Would these protests result in a handful of woulda-coulda-shoulda statements? In many cases, that is exactly what happened. But Robinson and the Cincinnati Opera did find something better to do.

In 2024, after several years of discussions and negotiations, and some generous funding by the Mellon Foundation, Cincinnati Opera announced the creation of The Black Opera

“Lalovavi” composer

Kevin

Project, described as “a groundbreaking, threeopera commissioning initiative that engages Black creators to develop new works celebrating Black stories.”

The first of those three operas, “Lalovavi,” premieres at Music Hall on July 9, with music by Kevin Day and a libretto by poet Tifara Brown, with stage direction by Kimille Howard and conducted by Kevin Miller.

The 2027 opera season will see the premiere of “John Lewis: Good Trouble,” with music by Maria Thompson Corley and libretto by Diana Solomon-Glover. Everett McCorvey will conduct and stage direction and dramaturgy will be by Timothy Douglas, well-known to Cincinnati audiences as a frequent director at the Playhouse in the Park. Douglas will be back in 2028 to direct the third commission in The Black Opera Project, “Good Bones,” created by a pair of Pulitzer Prize winners, composer Michael Abels and librettist James Ijames, who wrote the play the opera is based on.

“Part of the argument why we couldn’t have works like these has always been, ‘We would love to have this art, but there are no Blacks in the pipeline who can create this sort of work,’ ” Robinson said. “At Cincinnati Opera we’re checking off all those boxes right now.”

Despite the influx of money from the Mellon Foundation – a reported $5 million

Day and librettist Tifara Brown

Photo by tina g utierrez for M overs & Makers

– commissioning these three operas demanded a huge leap of confidence on the part of Cincinnati Opera.

Unknown operas can be tough sells. And world premieres even more so. There are exceptions, of course, particularly when a celebrity is involved, as was the case with Cincinnati Opera’s premiere staging of Paul McCartney’s “Liverpool Oratorio.”

But the creators of “Lalovavi” are not in McCartney’s league when it comes to fame.

Kevin Day was a 25-year-old graduate student at Texas Christian University when Robinson first heard his music. Day was no compositional rookie. He’d already composed well over 100 works, including his 2018 breakthrough Concerto for Euphonium. (You can hear a recording of the United States Marine Band at youtube.com)

But that initial encounter was most unexpected. It was 2021 and Robinson was part of a Fourth of July concert with the Fort Worth Symphony. While he was offstage, he heard an “amazing” piece of music, but he didn’t recognize it. Turns out, it was Day’s “Lightspeed,” an orchestral fanfare.

“A few days after the concert, I got an Instagram message from Morris Robinson,” Day recalled. “He said something like ‘You don’t know who I work for, but …’ and then he proceeded to tell me he’d like to talk about creating a work for the Cincinnati Opera.”

Never mind that Day had never written an opera before. He had never even considered it. But Morris Robinson can be a very convincing proselytizer in the cause of opera.

“He mentioned ‘Black Panther,’ ” Day said, referring to the 2018 Hollywood hit movie that revolved around a technologically advanced African culture isolated from the rest of the world disguised as an underdeveloped country. “He was very clear that he wasn’t looking for a ‘Black Panther’ opera. But he was hoping to have a work that had the same appeal to the opera world that ‘Black Panther’ had on Hollywood.”

For Day, who would love nothing more than to create scores for big movies, it sounded like a dream gig. All except the part about it being an opera.

“That part was a little intimidating.”

Like any freelance artist worth his salt, though, he said, “Yes. Let’s talk.”

Day decided to contact performance poet Tifara Brown to see if she would be interested in working with him to create a libretto for his new opera. A few months earlier, they had a successful collaboration at a poetry/chamber music workshop at the University of Georgia School of Music. Brown proved to be an adventurous and inventive collaborator.

Like Day, she was slightly flabbergasted by the prospect of writing an opera.

“I told him I’d never done anything like that before,” Brown said. But the idea of trailblazing into the world of opera sounded fascinating. “I was definitely intrigued. When else would I have a chance to do something like this?”

All that remained was to actually create an opera. It was a lengthy process, involving intensive brainstorming sessions and workshops

“The opera you’ll see is actually the third concept they came up with,” said the Cincinnati Opera’s artistic director, Evans Mirageas. “The first one? I told them it wasn’t quite there yet. So they went away and came back with a second one. It had to do with murals and art that you find in the city. And it was closer to what we

Part of the argument why we couldn’t have works like these has always been, ‘We would love to have this art, but there are no Blacks in the pipeline who can create this sort of work.’ At Cincinnati Opera we’re checking off all those boxes right now.

– Morris Robinson

were looking for. So, we asked them to revise that concept.”

Conductor Kevin Miller has vivid memories of those early drafts.

“It was clear that Kevin was a gifted composer. But he was still trying to find his way in opera. Sometimes it sounded like he was trying to be Mozart and write recitatives. I told him to worry less about traditional form and to write the music he is comfortable with. They commissioned him to write this opera because they wanted to hear his musical voice.”

When Day and Brown came back with their third concept, they threw Mirageas and his staff a major curve.

“We told them we had thrown out all of our previous work and had a completely different idea for them to consider,” Brown said.

Mirageas admits that he was mildly alarmed when he heard that.

“But one of the benefits of having 50 years in the music business is that I have seen all of this before,” Mirageas said. “By now, I am blessed to be able to know the difference between genuine creativity and people who can’t make up their minds. They wanted something wholly original. And they knew exactly how they wanted to accomplish that. I don’t think our internal team was more than two paragraphs into it before we knew that we had a winner on our hands.”

One of the most ambitious aspects of this trio of new operas is that, unlike many new works, they will not be performed in one of the smaller spaces Cincinnati Opera often employs. “Lalovavi” and its successor productions will be performed on Music Hall’s mainstage. Just like “Carmen.” Or “Aida.”

Is Cincinnati Opera taking a chance? You bet. This demonstrates a level of boldness one could hardly have predicted from the company 25 or 30 years ago. But then, investing in the future of an art form rather than merely its past necessarily involves a bit of daring.

“Lalovavi” is an Afrofuturist, three-act opera set 400 years in the future. It is sung mostly in English, though it occasionally employs Tut, a language that evolved in the 18th century among enslaved Black Americans coming from many different cultures and native languages. Indeed, we are told that the opera’s title –“Lalovavi” – means “love” in the Tut language.

The plot is as sci-fi as it gets. Indeed, when you read the synopsis, it sounds more like something lifted in from the Marvel Cinematic Universe than a work from the operatic canon.

But then, you don’t have to look too deeply into the plots of many of the operatic warhorses before you run into outlandishly farfetched plot twists.

And what about Robinson? He is, after all, the one whose nudge set this entire project into motion.

“At this point, I am just a singer learning a new role,” he insisted. “I am not wearing my administrative hat.”

But is he pleased with what Cincinnati Opera has undertaken? Does he feel any pride at all?

“It takes another level of courage and commitment to speak out and do something where you see change is necessary,” Robinson said. “And I think we have demonstrated both of those things. I’m tired of telling R&B singers to do operas. This is how you make change. And we’re going to make this work.” 

Cincinnati Opera presents the world premiere of “Lalovavi,” July 9 and 11, 7:30 p.m., Music Hall.

 cincinnatiopera.org

The A&C List

Cultural Exhibits/Tours

1001 Colors (formerly ArtWorks) | 1001colors.org

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

American Construction Toy Museum | Norwood. actmuseum.org

ƒ Preservation and history of threedimensional building toys

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

ƒ Historic tours

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

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

ƒ Thru Aug. 9. “Treasures From the Attic: 250 Years of Fashion & Furniture”

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

ƒ By appointment only. Oldest home in Cincinnati

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

ƒ Exploring Queen City beverage history

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

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

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

ƒ Permanent collection. Historic artifacts and equipment

Cincinnati Food Tours | Findlay Market, Over-the-Rhine.

A public reading of the Declaration of Independence takes place July 4 at Eden Park’s Seasongood Pavilion

Moe Rouse holds a microphone for Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval at last year’s reading.

513-602-5602. cincinnatifoodtours.com

ƒ Exploring Queen City culinary culture

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

ƒ Thru Jan. 4. “LEGO® Jurassic World: The Exhibition”

ƒ July 3-Aug. 23. “Declarative Acts and Revolutionary Actors”

ƒ Saturdays, 10 a.m. Cincinnati Heritage Programs “America 250”

Cincinnati Nature Center | Milford. cincynature.org

ƒ Nature trails and ponds amidst old-growth forest

Cincinnati Observatory | Hyde Park. cincinnatiobservatory.org

ƒ Oldest professional observatory in the United States

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

ƒ Permanent collection. Equipment, tools and artifacts

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

ƒ World-class fauna and flora

Civic Garden Center | Avondale. 513-221-0981. civicgardencenter.org

ƒ 1st Thursday, 11 a.m. Compost Tour

ƒ 3rd Thursday, 10 a.m. Green Learning Station Tour

ƒ 3rd Thursday, 11 a.m. Hauck Arboretum Tour

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

ƒ Ohio's oldest surviving municipal market house

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 Current exhibit . "Glendale: Looking Back Over 250 Years," an America 250 exhibit

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

ƒ Permanent collection. Historic artifacts and equipment

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

ƒ July 10, 6 p.m. “Celebrating the Edgemont Inn: Jazz & Storytelling”

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

ƒ Thru Dec. 31, 2027. America 250 exhibit

ƒ Select Saturdays, 7-10 p.m. Spirits by Starlight Ghost Tours

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

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

Imperial Theatre | Mohawk, Over-the-Rhine. imperialmohawk.org

ƒ July 11, 10 a.m. Tour of the Imperial Theatre

July Fourth Project | Seasongood Pavilion, Eden Park. julyfourthproject.com

ƒ July 4, 9:30 a.m. A public reading of the Declaration of Independence

Krohn Conservatory | Eden Park. 513421-4086. cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks

ƒ Thru Aug. 9 Butterfly Show

Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad Lebanon. lebanonrr.com

ƒ Historic train rides in Warren County

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

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

ƒ Thru Sept. 11 Medicine,” art about the healing power of plants

Loveland Castle & Museum Loveland. lovelandcastle.com

ƒ Full-scale replica of a medieval castle

Mercantile Library

513-621-0717. mercantilelibrary.com

ƒ Oldest membership library west of the Alleghenies

Milford Historical Society Milford. 513-248-0324. milfordhistory.net

ƒ Permanent exhibit. Historical displays of art, artifacts and more

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

ƒ By appointment only ing tours

National Museum of the United States Air Force Fairborn. nationalmuseum.af.mil

ƒ World’s largest military aviation museum

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center town. 513-333-7500. freedomcenter.org

ƒ Permanent collection exploring themes of individual freedom

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

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

Newport Aquarium | Newport. newportaquarium.com

ƒ Showcase of exotic aquatic creatures

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

ƒ Intersection of art and nature

Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati | Covington. cincirailmuseum.org

Artisan Marketplace | Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine. artisanfest513.org

ƒ Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ArtisanFest513

ƒ Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Vintage Market

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

ƒ July 17-19. All things bacon and brews, with live music

ƒ July 23-26 & July 30-Aug. 2

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

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

CINCINNATI OPERA

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

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

Film

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

ƒ Now playing/OMNIMAX . “Ohio: Wild at Heart” • “Wild Rescue”

ƒ July 19, 6:30 p.m. OMNIMAX Dinner Date: “Ohio: Wild at Heart”

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

ƒ July 11 & 18. “American Heritage”

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

◆ 9 p.m. Summer Cinema:

‚ July 7. “How to Train Your Dragon” (live action)

‚ July 14. “Airplane”

‚ July 21. “Mrs. Doubtfire”

‚ July 28. “Jurassic Park: Lost World”

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

ƒ July 13, 7:30 p.m. “Stop Making Sense”

ƒ July 17, 8 p.m. “Hunting Island”

ƒ July 29, 7:30 p.m. “Maddie’s Secret”

ƒ July 30, 7 p.m. “Summer Tour”

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

ƒ July 31, 7:30 p.m. “Pirates of the Caribbean”

Literary/Lectures

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

ƒ July 20, 11:30 a.m. & July 21, 10:30 a.m.

See the Story: Fiona Davis “The Stolen Queen”

Cincinnati Preservation | Bellevue Pavilion, Bellevue Hill Park. 513-721-4506. cincinnatipreservation.org

ƒ July 23, 5:30 p.m. Preservation in the Park. Carrie Rhodus: “Ohio Gathers: History the Garden and Rural Cemetery”

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

ƒ July 16, 5:30 p.m. Open mic with Zeda Stew

Joseph-Beth Booksellers | Rookwood Commons & Pavilion. 513-396-8960. josephbeth.com

ƒ July 8, 7 p.m. Discussion: Stacey Marie Brown “Shadow Lands”

ƒ July 14, 7 p.m. Discussion: Madge Maril “The Paddock Club”

ƒ July 16, 7 p.m. Discussion: Jean Kwok “Dominion (The Silk and Iron Trilogy #1)”

ƒ July 29, 7 p.m. Discussion: John E. Hancock “Traveler’s Guide to Ancient Ohio”

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

ƒ July 7, 6 p.m. Discussion: Jean Trounstine “Sounds Like Trouble to Me”

ƒ July 16, 6 p.m. Innovation Lecture: Mac Barnett

Poetry at Artifact | Urban Artifact, Northside. facebook.com/poetryatartifact

ƒ July 7, 7-8:30 p.m. Poetry night

Women Writing for (a) Change | Silverton. 513-272-1171. womenwriting.org

ƒ July 14, 6 p.m. Open mic night

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

ƒ July 26, 6 p.m. Open poetry mic

Music

Annie's Music Center | East End. anniesmusiccenter.com

ƒ July 7, 7 p.m. Buju Banton & Stephen Marley

ƒ July 24, 7 p.m. Them Dirty Roses

ƒ July 31, 5:30 p.m. Thunderstruck

Arts Alliance | Mason. 513-309-8585. the-arts-alliance.org

◆ 7 p.m. Acoustic Nights (District at Deerfield Park):

‚ July 1. Ashley Watts

‚ July 8. Stephanie Coffey

‚ July 15. Nick Heffron

‚ July 22. Daybreak Duo

‚ July 29. Brandon Jones

◆ 7 p.m. Sounds of Deerfield (Cottell Park):

‚ July 16. Shakespeare in the Park

‚ July 28, 7:30 p.m. Cincinnati Pops

◆ 7 p.m. Sounds of Deerfield (District at Deerfield Park):

‚ July 18. Vinyl Countdown

ArtsConnect | ArtsConnect Courtyard, Finneytown. theartsconnect.us

ƒ July 10, 7 p.m. Don't Tell Steve

ƒ July 17, 7 p.m. Cassette Junkies

Children’s author and New York Times bestseller Mac Barnett delivers the Mercantile Library’s 2026 Innovation Lecture on July 16

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

◆ 7 p.m. Music@BCM:

‚ July 2. The Brotherhood Singers and Steve Bonafel & One Iota

‚ July 9. The Newbees

‚ July 16. The Turkeys

‚ July 23. Gina & Johnny

‚ July 30. Marty Connor Band

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

ƒ July 3, 7:15 p.m. “250 Years of Red, White and Blue”

Blues Dance Cincinnati | Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum. bluesdancecincinnati.com/events

ƒ Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Tuesday Blues

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

ƒ Frequent performances of music spanning genres

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

ƒ Most evenings. Live jazz

Cincinnati Civic Orchestra | Kenton Public Library, Erlanger Branch. 513-861-9978. cincinnaticivicorchestra.org

ƒ July 16, 7 p.m. Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday

Cincinnati Metropolitan Orchestra | Veridian, Delhi Twp. 513-941-8956. gocmo.org

ƒ July 7, 7 p.m. Summer Series

Cincinnati Music Festival | Brady Center and Paycor Stadium. cincymusicfestival.com

ƒ July 23-25. R&B, hip-hop and more

Cincinnati Nature Center | Milford. cincynature.org

ƒ July 24, 7-10 p.m. Music Under The Moon Series: Ralph & The Rhythm Hounds

Cincinnati Parks | cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks

◆ Gettin’ to the Point Friday’s, 6-10 p.m. (Schott Amphitheater, Sawyer Point):

‚ July 10. Steve Covington and the Humble Strays, The Foles

‚ July 24. Saturdays Children, The Inturns

◆ Music at the Esplanade, 5-7 p.m. (Castellini Esplanade/Smale Park):

‚ July 11. Vudu Childe

‚ July 18. Chris Caporale

‚ July 25. Push Play

◆ Rockin’ the Roebling, 6-9:30 p.m. (Schmidlapp Event Lawn/Smale Park):

‚ July 2. Noah Wotherspoon

‚ July 9. Monkey’s Uncle

‚ July 16. Buzz Bins

‚ July 23. P. Anne Everson Price and the All Stars

‚ July 30. School of Rock

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

ƒ July 4, 8 p.m. (Pops) Red, White & BOOM! (Riverbend Music Center)

ƒ July 17, 7:30 p.m. (CSO) Woodlawn/ Lincoln Heights Brady Block Party (Woodlawn Community Center Fields)

Cincy Blues Fest |

Village Green Park, Fairfield. cincyblues.org

ƒ July 11-12. Celebrating blues as original American art form

Classical Revolution | The Loon, Northside. classicalrevolutioncincinnati.com

ƒ July 12, 5 p.m. Trinity Le, piano; Leif Fairfield, violin; Hher (vibraphonist Kristin Agee); Alyssa Riegsecker Trio

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

◆ Saturdays in the Park, 10 a.m.-noon (Inwood Park):

‚ July 18. Ethan Mills & The Lowdowns

◆ Wednesdays in the Woods, 7-9 p.m. (Burnet Woods Bandstand):

‚ July 1. Marsha

‚ July 8. Somos Musica y Sabor

‚ July 15. Jake Speed & The Freddies

‚ July 22. Hot Magnolias

‚ July 29. Joe Waters

Concerts on the Commons | Greenhills. greenhillsohio.us

ƒ Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Live concerts

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

◆ Concerts in the Park Series:

‚ July 1, 7 p.m. Bronson Arroyo Band

‚ July 22, 7 p.m. The Remains

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

◆ 6 p.m. Strings on the Square, pop music by string quartet:

‚ July 6. The Music of Michael Jackson

‚ July 13. Elton John vs Billy Joel

‚ July 20. The Music of Billie Eilish

‚ July 27. The Music of Bruno Mars

◆ 6-9 p.m. Jazz at the Square:

‚ July 7. Retro Nouveau

‚ July 14. Chris Andrews Quartet

‚ July 21. Queen City Chronicle

‚ July 28. Jeremy Long Quintet

◆ 6-9 p.m. Southern Sessions:

‚ July 8. Mike Oberst and Maria Carrelli

‚ July 22. Ben Knight and Cam Clark & His Orchestra

‚ July 29. Mavis Guitar and William Matheny

◆ 7-10 p.m. Salsa on the Square:

‚ July 2. Dayton Salsa Project & Volare

‚ July 9. Somos Musica y Sabor & The Get Down Cincinnati

‚ July 16. Kumbia Latina & Salsaires

‚ July 23. La Formula & Chevere LF

‚ July 30. Al Son Del Iya & Cuban Salsa Cincinnati

◆ 7-10 p.m. Fifth & Vine Live:

‚ July 4. TBD

‚ July 11. Hot Magnolias

‚ July 18. TBD

Ghost Baby | Over-the-Rhine. ghost-baby.com

ƒ Most evenings. Live performances

Greater Cincinnati Guitar Society | College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati. cincinnatiguitarsociety.org

ƒ July 12-18. The Guitar Workshop

Groovin on the Green | Fairfield. fairfield-city.org

ƒ July 2, 7 p.m. Tramps Like Us

ƒ July 9, 7 p.m. Michelle Robinson Band

ƒ July 16, 7 p.m. Face 2 Face

ƒ July 23, 7 p.m. Who’s Bad

The Härth Room | Downtown. theharthroom.com/music

ƒ Wednesday-Saturday evenings Live jazz

Heritage Bank Center | Downtown. heritagebankcenter.com

ƒ July 18, 8 p.m. Benson Boone

ƒ July 27, 7 p.m. Forrest Frank

Irish Heritage Center | ColumbiaTusculum. 513-533-0100. cincyirish.org

ƒ Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. Pub Music Night

ƒ July 27, 7 p.m. Socks in the Frying Pan

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

ƒ July 1, 6:30 p.m. Jazz in the Camp: CPS Jazz Academy High School Combo / Myles Twitty Quartet

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

ƒ July 11 (Devou Park, Covington) & July 12 (Tower Park, Ft. Thomas), 7:30 p.m. Summer Park Series: “From Sea to Shining Sea”

Linton Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions | 513-381-6868. peanutbutterandjam.org

◆ Classical Campout:

‚ July 6, 10:30 a.m. (Harrison Branch Library)

‚ July 11, 11 a.m. (Cincinnati Public Library, downtown)

‚ July 13, 6 p.m. (Scheben Branch Library, Union)

‚ July 21, 2 p.m. (Deer Park Branch Library)

‚ July 22, 1:30 p.m. (Kenton County Public Library, Covington Branch)

‚ July 23, 10:30 a.m. (Norwood Branch Library)

‚ July 25, 11 a.m. (Harriet Beecher Stowe House)

‚ July 30, 10:30 & 11:30 a.m. (Symmes Township Branch Library)

Ludlow Garage | Clifton. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com

ƒ July 2, 7:30 p.m. Will Calhoun and Rachel Z

ƒ July 3, 7:30 p.m. Artimus Pyle Band

ƒ July 5, 7:30 p.m. American Aquarium

ƒ July 8, 7:30 p.m. Toast

ƒ July 10, 7:30 p.m. Drivin N Cryin

ƒ July 11, 7:30 p.m. Kirk Whalum

ƒ July 12, 7:30 p.m. Pynk Beard

ƒ July 16, 7:30 p.m. Sun Kil Moon

ƒ July 17, 7:30 p.m. Richie Furay

ƒ July 18, 7:30 p.m. Kindred the Family Soul

ƒ July 19, 7:30 p.m. Fabulous Thunderbirds

ƒ July 22, 7:30 p.m. Hindley Street Country Club

ƒ July 23, 7:30 p.m. Keiko Matsui

ƒ July 25, 7:30 p.m. Stewart Copeland

ƒ July 29, 7:30 p.m. Nektar

ƒ July 30, 7:30 p.m. Pure Prairie League

ƒ July 31, 6 p.m. Earlybirds Club

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

ƒ Frequent performances of music spanning genres

MegaCorp Pavilion at Ovation | Newport. promowestlive.com

ƒ July 14, 6:30 p.m. Death Cab for Cutie

Memorial Hall | Over-the-Rhine. memorialhallotr.com

ƒ July 3, 7 p.m. 122nd Army BandAmerica 250

ƒ July 10, 8 p.m. Awaken - The Music of YES

ƒ July 16, 8 p.m. Back to Black: The Music of Amy Winehouse

ƒ July 18, 8 p.m. Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets

ƒ July 19, 7 p.m. Pablo Cruise

ƒ July 22, 7:15 p.m. Memories of Hyrule: Piano Journey, Cincinnati

Muse Café | Westwood. musecafecincy.com/events

ƒ Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Phil DeGreg Trio

ƒ Thursdays, 6 p.m. Pete Papania

ƒ Fridays, 7:30 p.m. Muse Sings the Blues series

New Liberty Dance Orchestra | The Redmoor, Mt. Lookout Square. theredmoor.com

ƒ July 26, 6 p.m. Jazz and classic swing of 1920s, ’30s and ’40s

Newport on the Levee | Newport. newportonthelevee.com

◆ 7 p.m. Live on the Levee:

‚ July 9. Amy Newhart

‚ July 16. The Rockstar Band

‚ July 23. Billy Rock Band

‚ July 30. Tootsie Sugars

Radio Artifact | Urban Artifact, Northside. radioartifact.com

ƒ Sundays, 5 p.m. Open jam

ƒ Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Flight 88 Classical Music Series

ƒ Thursdays, 7 p.m. Open jazz

The Redmoor | Mt. Lookout Square. theredmoor.com

ƒ Most Fridays & Saturdays, 6 p.m. Rock and jazz

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

ƒ July 8, 7:30 p.m. Jack Johnson

ƒ July 10, 7 p.m. Bob Dylan

ƒ July 11, 7:30 p.m. Muse

ƒ July 14, 7 p.m. The Strokes

ƒ July 19, 8 p.m. John Mellencamp

ƒ July 21, 7:30 p.m. Sarah McLachlan

ƒ July 23, 8 p.m. Brit Floyd

ƒ July 25, 7 p.m. Levity and Tape B

ƒ July 27, 8 p.m. 5 Seconds of Summer

ƒ July 28, 7 p.m. SOLD OUT: Hilary Duff

ƒ July 29, 6:45 p.m. Train

RiversEdge | Marcum Park, Hamilton. riversedgelive.com

ƒ July 4, 5:30 p.m. Mr. Speed and The Kokotto Comeback

ƒ July 9, 6 p.m. Lamont Landers and Ernie Johnson from Detroit

ƒ July 17, 6 p.m. Eddie 9V and Johnny Mullenax

ƒ July 23-25. David Shaw's Big River Get Down

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

ƒ Thursdays-Sundays. Live jazz

Sorg Opera House | Middletown. sorgoperahouse.org

ƒ July 10, 8 p.m. Signs of Life

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

ƒ Nightly. Rock, alternative blues

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

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

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

ƒ Thursday-Saturday evenings, Live jazz

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

ƒ July 26, 2:30 p.m. Summermusik Chamber Music Series

Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org

ƒ July 16, 7:30 p.m. Lyle Lovett and his Small Large Band

ƒ July 17, 7:30 p.m. Vince Gill

ƒ July 29, 3:30 p.m. The Princess Concert

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

ƒ See Annie’s Music Center

Turfway Park Events Center | Florence. turfway.com

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

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company helps keep theater active in August with its tour of “The Complete Works of Jane Austen (Abridged),” July 31-Aug. 23

ƒ Saturdays, 7 p.m. Party in the Paddock outdoor concerts

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

◆ 6 p.m. Jazz at the Park:

‚ July 6. Mandy Gaines & Brad Meyers

‚ July 13. Jim Connerley Quartet

‚ July 20. Camille Saba Smith

‚ July 27. Bacchanal Steel Band

◆ 6 p.m. Reggae:

‚ July 1. Zion Lion

‚ July 15. Rik Jam

‚ July 29. The Flex Crew

◆ 6 p.m. Roots Revival:

‚ July 2. Casey Campbell & Ruby Vielos

‚ July 9. Evan McMillian & Sam and Andrew Hibbard

‚ July 16. Casey Campbell & Tye Dye

‚ July 23. Mike Oberst & Midlife

‚ July 30. Ben Turner & Casey Campbell Band

◆ 7 p.m. Friday Flow:

‚ July 3. Tiffany Bryant

‚ July 10. Road to CMF: Q Parker

‚ July 17. Road to CMF: Urban Mystic

‚ July 31. Darren Bell

◆ 5 p.m. OTR Performs:

‚ July 19. Stephen Gould & The Disco Piano

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

ƒ July 17, 8 p.m. Matthew Shelton

ƒ July 23, 8 p.m. Bleed The Freak

ƒ July 28, 7 p.m. Magic Tuber Stringband

ƒ July 30, 7 p.m. Saturday's Children

ƒ July 31, 8 p.m. Flicker//Fade Live Band Emo Night

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

ƒ July 9 & 11, 7:30 p.m. Day/Brown: “Lalovavi” world premiere

ƒ July 25-Aug. 2. Bizet: “Carmen”

ƒ July 28-Aug. 1. Gordon: “Orpheus and Euridice” (Wilks Studio)

Theater/Comedy

Broadway Across America | Procter & Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-721-3344. cincinnati.broadway.com

ƒ Thru July 5. “Disney’s The Lion King”

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

ƒ July 22-26. “Murder For Two”

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

ƒ July 16 & 25, 7:30 p.m. “Little Boxes”

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

ƒ July 8-Aug. 2. “Always… Patsy Cline”

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

ƒ July 14-Sept. 6. Shakespeare in the Park: “Much Ado About Nothing” (various locations)

ƒ July 10-25. “Dogberry and Verges are Scared”

ƒ July 31-Aug. 23. “The Complete Works of Jane Austen (Abridged)”

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

ƒ July 10-19. “The Seagull” (Stauss Theatre, NKU)

ƒ July 24-Aug. 2. “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812” (Corbett Theatre, NKU)

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

ƒ July 24-Aug. 9. “And Then There Were None”

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

ƒ July 30-Aug. 8. “Once Upon A Mattress”

Fairfield Community Arts Center | Fairfield. 513-867-5348. fairfield-city.org

ƒ July 17, 1 p.m. Madcap Puppets: “Monkey See, Monkey Do!”

Hard Rock Casino | Downtown. casino.hardrock.com/cincinnati

ƒ July 11, 8 p.m. Rob Schneider, comedian

ƒ July 24, 8 p.m. Steve-O, comedian

InBocca Performance | Know Theatre, Over-the-Rhine. inboccaperformance.com

ƒ July 31-Aug. 2. “The Road to Oz”

Inspiring Arts |

Parrish Auditorium, Miami University, Hamilton. inspiringartsproductions.com

ƒ July 24-Aug. 2. “McBride’s Call”

Kincaid Regional Theatre | Falmouth. 859-654-2636. krtshows.com

ƒ June 18-20. “Seussical Kids”

ƒ July 9-26. “Sister Act”

La Comedia Dinner Theatre | Springboro. 800-677-9505. lacomedia.com

ƒ Thru Aug. 9. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”

ƒ July 18, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. “SpongeBob: The Musical”

Mariemont Players | Mariemont. 513-684-1236. mariemontplayers.com

ƒ July 9-26. “Cabaret”

Mason Community Players |

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

ƒ July 10-18. “1776”

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

ƒ July 31-Aug. 2. “Pippin”

OTRImprov | Know Theatre, Over-the-Rhine. otrimprov.com

ƒ Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Improv jam shows

Prism Community Players I Maineville. prismcommunityplayers.org

ƒ July 17-25. “She Kills Monsters”

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

ƒ July 31-Aug. 9. “Once Upon A One More Time”

The Story Collective | Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy. thestorycollective.org

ƒ July 24-26. “Godspell”

True Theatre | Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. truetheatre.org

ƒ July 23, 7:30 p.m. “trueCRIME 2”

Visual Art

1001 Colors (formerly ArtWorks) | Walnut Hills. 513-333-0388. 1001colors.org

ƒ Thru July 8. Ximena Flores: “Resilient Roots: Life, Death, and the Beauty of Nature’s Cycle”

ƒ July 31-Sept. 9. Daryl Myntia Daniels: “Naps, Nebulas, and Neurons: MarkMaking as a Pathway to Radiance”

Reception: July 31, 5-7 p.m.

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

ƒ Thru August . “Fragile Figures: Beings and Time”

Algin Furniture/Art Loft | Downtown. alginfurniture.com

ƒ New gallery space

Art Beyond Boundaries | Over-the-Rhine. artbeyondboundaries.com

ƒ Thru Aug. 1. “Under the Sun”

Art on Vine | Elm Street Plaza, downtown. artonvinecincy.com

ƒ July 5, noon-6 p.m. “Summer Residency”

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

ƒ Thru Aug. 31. “Endless Summer”

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

ƒ Thru Sept. 4. DBL Law Regional Art Show

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

ƒ Thru Aug. 8. “The body isn’t a battery that discharges upon death”

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

ƒ Thru Aug. 2. Elizabeth Hawes: “Radical American Fashion”

ƒ Thru Sept. 6. Tamary Kudita: “African Victorian and Birds of Paradise”

ƒ July 17-Oct. 18. Yayoi Kusama: “All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins”

ƒ July 31, 5-9 p.m. Art After Dark

Clay Church Studio | Camp Washington. instagram.com/clay.church.studio

ƒ New ceramics gallery

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

ƒ Thru July 5. “ProjectArt Presents”

ƒ Thru Aug. 30. Gee Horton: “Chapter 4: In Another Lifetime” • Michael Stillion: “And then it was flowers”

ƒ Thru Oct. 31. “Gravity’s Rainbow”

ƒ July 8-Oct. 4. Sarah Rodriguez: “Homespun”

Dayton Art Institute | Dayton. 937-223-4278. daytonartinstitute.org

ƒ Thru Aug. 9. FotoFocus: “All the World’s a Stage”

ƒ Thru Sept. 13. “Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice”

ƒ Thru Jan. 3. “Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection”

ƒ Thru Jan. 31. FotoFocus: “Exploring Feminism”

ƒ July 18-Oct. 25. FotoFocus: “Getting Technical: Alternative Photographic Processes”

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

ƒ Thru July 18. Felix Eboigbe “When Wood Becomes Memory”

FotoFocus | FotoFocus Center, Mt. Auburn/Over-the-Rhine. fotofocus.org

ƒ Thru Aug. 22. “Big Tent”

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

ƒ Thru July 11. Coming of Age: New works of the HAIRitage Series by Erin Smith Glenn (Lindner Gallery)

ƒ Thru Aug. 22. Printed Voices from Kenya: Social and Cultural Reflections. Curator guided tour: July 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Kennedy Gallery)

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

ƒ Thru Sept. 11. “More-Than-HumanMedicine,” art about the healing power of plants

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

ƒ July 10-Aug. 7. “Land(Scape)” • “Sub(Scape)” • “20th Annual Master Pieces” • Al Denyer + Quinn Hunter + Sean Solus-Edrington

Reception: July 10, 6-9 p.m.

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

ƒ July 17-Aug. 20. Annual Photography & Digital Art Exhibition • Works by Deb Jo Jones. Reception: July 17, 6-8 p.m.

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

ƒ Thru July. “Art In Action” (with Millcroft Gallery, Milford)

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

ƒ July 31, 5-9 p.m. Open studios

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

ƒ July 3, 5-9 p.m. Open studios

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

ƒ Thru July 26. Michael Dunbar: “New Works”

ƒ Thru July 26. Robert McCloskey: “Season of Wonder”

Queen City Clay | Norwood. queencityclay.com

ƒ Thru Aug. 21. “Reign of Fire”

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

ƒ Thru July 18. 32nd Annual The View Juried Landscape Exhibition

Save Our Souls Art | Art Academy of CIncinnati, Over-the-Rhine. sosartcincinnati.com

ƒ Thru July 12. “SOS ART 2026”

Aaron Coleman’s “Sentinels” is one of three exhibits closing out the Weston Gallery’s 2025-26 season. All three run July 3-Aug. 30

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

ƒ Thru Aug. 28. Robert Fronk: “Assisted Readymades” • Tom Marioni: drawings, prints and other works

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

ƒ Thru Sept. 4. MSJ Student Art Exhibition

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

ƒ Thru July 26. “Beyond the Picturesque: The American Landscape as a Site of Memory, Identity, and Continuity”

ƒ Thru Sept. 20. “The Scandinavian Home: Landscape and Lore”

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience | Downtown. vangoghexpo.com/cincinnati

ƒ Thru Aug. 31. 360° video, light and music experience

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

ƒ Thru July 3. “Acts of Devotion”

ƒ July 17, 5-8 p.m. Artist in residence

Wash Park Art | Over-the-Rhine. 513-291-3626. washparkart.com

ƒ July 17-Aug. 15. Cynthia Kukla: “Not Afraid of Beauty” • Joeliene Magoto: “Renascent” Reception: July 17, 5-8 p.m.

Wave Pool Gallery | Camp Washington. wavepoolgallery.org

ƒ Thru Aug. 29. Ten Welcome Editions

Weston Art Gallery | Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-977-4165. cincinnatiarts.org/weston-art-gallery ƒ July 3-Aug. 30. Zachary Armstrong: “Encaustic House” • Bridgette Bogle: “Bad Boundaries” • Aaron Coleman: “Sentinels” Reception: July 3, 6-8 p.m. 

PANEL: STATE OF THE SECTOR

Improving access to treatment

By Shauna Steigerwald

Collectively, the five nonprofits that compose Recovery Link – a coalition of addiction treatment providers in Hamilton County – have served this community for more than 250 years.

To assess the current state of the addiction and recovery services sector, we gathered the heads of these organizations, which work together to improve access to substance abuse treatment programs here by influencing policy, practices and funding for those services. They are:

Josh Arnold , Talbert House

J.B. Boothe , NorthStar Behavioral Health

Morgan Gibson, The First Step Home Inc.

Lisa Mertz , Addiction Services Council

Patti Webb, Center for Addiction Treatment

During their tenures in the sector – Webb’s is the longest at 28 years; Arnold’s is close behind at 27 – these leaders have seen significant shifts in the approach to treating addiction.

Individualized care that considers the whole person

Arnold: We as providers are doing a better job … trying to serve the whole person. It’s not just, come (to us) for substance abuse, and go somewhere else for mental health, and go somewhere else for primary care.

Gibson: We’ve gotten to a point where we can very much individualize what someone’s treatment services look like.

Boothe: No two people are alike when it comes to their recovery path. Certain things will work for one person that will absolutely not work for the next.

Webb: (It’s) seeing the bigger picture: There is no hope if the person overdoses and is no longer here. So what can we do to keep them alive one more day so that hope is still there?

Arnold: We’re serving the whole person,

and potentially the family network that is being damaged by substances.

Gibson: We’re all trying to provide this continuum of care to make sure we have people who can be successful, because at the end of the day, that’s what we want for our clients – to live happy and successful lives without us.

Peer supporters

Arnold: We have adopted more peer recovery coaches, individuals with lived experience to help walk alongside folks with substance abuse issues.

Mertz: I think it allows for people in recovery to feel hope that they can pursue a meaningful career path in the field, which I don’t think was possible before.

Outpatient treatments

Gibson: One of the major shifts that I’ve seen in the last 15 years is a shift from primary residential treatment into more of an outpatient setting.

Funding increases

Arnold: There’s been more emphasis in the last 12 years since the opioid epidemic hit (that) shifted some grant dollars and funding into this space.

Speaking of the opioid epidemic, addressing it has been a great success story in this sector.

Arnold: We’ve done an incredible job from 2017, (when we had) 590 overdose deaths in Hamilton County, to last year, when we had 194 – still too many.

As approaches to treatments have evolved, so, too, has the perception of addiction.

Arnold: I think stigma’s changed quite a bit, for the better. Everyone knows someone who’s been affected or impacted by someone

with an addiction issue. … More people are accessing treatment (and) people are talking about it.

Mertz: The overarching theme of change has been public acceptance that substance use disorders are a disease and that they are treatable; that treatment must be prioritized for these individuals; and that recovery is possible.

But even with more awareness and acceptance surrounding addiction, misunderstandings still persist.

Arnold: I think the biggest misunderstanding with stigma is folks think substance abuse is a character flaw, and it’s not. It’s brain disease.

Boothe: Another one is that anyone who has a substance abuse disorder doesn’t work. Our medication assisted treatment program for methadone opens at 6 a.m. because many of our patients come to dose before they go to work.

Arnold: Also, relapses are part of the recovery journey. I often hear folks say … “They went through treatment, and they relapsed, so the treatment didn’t work.” It’s not the way it works. On average, an individual relapses seven times.

With as far as addiction treatment has come, these CEOs are concerned about the impacts of rapid policy changes and funding cuts at the local, state and federal levels on the care they’ll be able to provide going forward.

Arnold: It’s estimated in Ohio that over 300,000 individuals will lose Medicaid coverage next year when they pull back the Medicaid expansion. That, plus other changes with the ACA requirements and healthcare coverage (and) the shift of potential grant dollars away from substance abuse, is a big concern for all of our organizations.

On the panel: J.B. Boothe, Morgan Gibson, Patti Webb, Josh Arnold and Lisa Mertz

Boothe: As we look at the Medicaid restrictions and the people who will potentially be kicked off of the Medicaid expansion … they’re going to have less access to primary care if they don’t have coverage, which is just going to exacerbate their existing medical conditions. … So, when they do end up on our doorstep, they’re going to be more medically fragile. Then that’s going to increase the cost to take care of them and increase our need for higher-level staffing.

Mertz: We know when people are cut off of medication-assisted treatment abruptly, they have a seven-time increased risk of overdose death. So, throughout the state of Ohio, anybody that is abruptly cut off Medicaid and is taking medication-assisted treatments is at very high risk of death.

Gibson: One of the major concerns also is HUD funding and being able to maintain our permanent support of housing units. It is a critical thing for our clients to be able to have a step in their process where they can have lowincome housing before they enter market rent … because return to use is so high if you don’t have somewhere to live.

Boothe: I’ve never seen anything like this in my 40 years in healthcare, where changes are made so rapidly and without the right people at the table.

Any losses of funding will also exacerbate preexisting workforce challenges.

Arnold: When you don’t fund the services, then you’re not able to get the quality staff for the amount of care that you need.

Webb: The reimbursement over the years has not kept up with the cost of maintaining our workforce and having the right credentialed people in place to take care of the patients, to match their needs.

The organizations are already seeing the implications of funding challenges.

Mertz: We’re at the point now where the cuts are real cuts: They’re cut to access, people and services. There’s no more fat to cut …

We will have to provide fewer services. … We save as many lives as we can and provide the best care we can under those circumstances.

At the same time, policy changes aimed at reducing fraud – specifically, prior authorization requirements – are increasing the agencies’ administrative burden while hindering their ability to provide same-day care.

Mertz: When you used to be able to get in today, you won’t be able to, because we’ve got to get approval for you to be seen. And people will die because they will go back outside, and they will overdose because we couldn’t bring them in.

That care not only helps the individual who’s battling addiction; it also has ripple effects.

Webb: Addiction affects the entire community.

Gibson: The care that (we’re) providing and stabilization that we’re providing, is really what feeds the system as a whole – for getting people back to their families; for getting people back to their jobs; for getting people back to school. It feeds the economy in a way that if we’re not doing that, it really does increase cost to everything.

Mertz: Yes, they go to jail, they steal things, and they go to the ER – the three most expensive things you can do.

Boothe: If you incarcerate someone for a year, it costs over $40,000 to take care of them. If we can bring them onto our unit for a 30-day stay, the cost of their residential stay, and possibly getting them back to work or back to being able to self-sustain, is $10,000 to $12,000.

Webb: It’s another thing that’s normalized in society. You know, drinking is cool; it’s okay. You look at it differently than somebody using opiates or meth. It’s the same thing with problem gambling.

Despite their “normalization,” these addictions can have dire consequences.

Arnold: Really, the most deadly drug is alcohol. More people die from alcoholism than opioids.

Webb: (Problem gambling) can financially devastate a person very, very fast. … I know that the statistics of suicide tied to gambling are incredible.

Mertz: People don’t realize – it’s not the substance; it’s not the gambling addiction. It’s a brain disease. So, people with the brain disease will choose a substance or behavior to be addicted to absent treatment.

Their past success – built on collaboration between not only these agencies, but also with the Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, the justice system and other community partners – offers a reason for hope going forward.

Relapses are part of the recovery journey. I often hear folks say … ‘They went through treatment, and they relapsed, so the treatment didn’t work.’ It’s not the way it works. On average, an individual relapses seven times.

– Josh Arnold

Funding is also critical to help these organizations keep up with emerging trends, including increases in alcohol misuse and problem gambling.

Arnold: The evolution of the “substance of choice,” if you will, continues to evolve and change. … We have to really stay on the cutting edge of what are all these things and what is the withdrawal; what’s the reaction that a body has physiologically to them?

Mertz: We are seeing, and there’s lots and lots of research and studies coming out now, that alcohol use disorder is spiking, and it’s spiking quickly. We have a staff member embedded at University Hospital’s emergency department; it has experienced a 33 percent increase in alcohol-related ER visits since 2024.

Arnold: There’s obviously a lot of headwinds we’re facing, but the collaboration amongst us as organizations and the progress in the access to care … that’s what gives me hope.

Webb: Ohio was hit hard with the addiction crisis, and I saw how Ohio acted. It forced us to collaborate, to join together as a community, to be innovative, to figure out how to solve the problem. So, I have faith; we’re all in it together.

Mertz: What we are seeing, to some degree, is the philanthropic organizations are attempting to step up and stop-gap in the interim. That’s so important for us …

We don’t give up, right? And we have support; we really do. We have support of a lot of people – bipartisan support, too – in this space.

And the “miracles” they see keep the CEOs keep going.

Arnold: I get folks reaching out, saying, “Your staff helped save my son, my daughter” … so that’s what keeps me going.

Boothe: Same thing for us. Mission moments are huge for us. It keeps not only me, but all of our staff going when we can hear someone say, “You saved my life.”

Webb: Absolutely. It’s the miracles. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: Responses have been edited for space and clarity. Read full version at moversmakers.org.

The Datebook

JULY 8, WEDNESDAY

NKY Chamber, DisruptHR Northern Kentucky | 4-7 p.m. Griffin Hall, Northern Kentucky University. Fiveminute presentations by speakers about any topic relevant to the world of work.

Tickets: $40.

 nkychamber.com

JULY 9, THURSDAY

WAVE Foundation, Community Hangout | 6-9 p.m. Third Eye Brewing Company, Sharonville. Pint night fundraiser, conservation games, raffles and prizes. Free.

 wavefoundation.org

JULY 10-11, FRIDAY-SATURDAY

National Commission for Black Arts & Entertainment Conference | First Financial Center. Networking, breakout sessions and Noir Market featuring Black-owned brands and creatives. Tickets: $189.

 2026ncbaeconference.sched.com

St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati, Strike Out Hunger | Great American Ball Park. Reds vs. Chicago Cubs. Bring minimum of three non-perishable items before the games to receive free ticket voucher for future game.

 svdpcincinnati.org

JULY 10, FRIDAY

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

 birdease.com/2026Friarsgolfouting

JULY 11, SATURDAY

Little Brothers Friends of The Elderly, Open House & Matching Fair | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. LBFE Headquarters, Mt. Airy. Meet staff and network. Free.

 littlebrotherscincinnati.org

Price Hill Will, A Night at the Plaza | Warsaw Avenue Creative Campus. Festive street-side atmosphere with live performances and local food vendors. Save the date.

 pricehillwill.org

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

Urban League Guild of Greater Cincinnati, Guild Luncheon | Noon-2 p.m. Cintas Center, Xavier University. Fashion show and luncheon. Tickets: $100.  ulgso.org

JULY 13, MONDAY

Allied Construction Industries, Summer Golf Outing | 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Western Hills Country Club. Golf, meals, refreshments, gifts and prizes.

 members.aci-web.com/events/ ACI-Summer-Golf-Outing-8927596/ details

New Life Furniture Bank, Golf Classic | 10 a.m. Oasis Golf Club, Loveland. Golf with Dan Hoard and Ken Anderson, contests and drinks. Registration: $2,000/foursome.

 nlfurniture.org/upcoming-events

JULY 14-16, TUESDAY-THURSDAY

Black Tech Week | Aronoff Center, downtown/virtual. Keynote: Damola Adamolekun. Workshops, panels discussions, investor matching and after-hours activities. Tickets start at $99.99.

 blacktechweek.com

JULY 16, THURSDAY

Bethany House, Anniversary Cookout | Food, games, bounce house, water slide, performances and arts and crafts.

 bethanyhouseservices.org

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.

 givebutter.com

JULY 17, FRIDAY

Mentoring Plus, Pars for Progress | 8:30 a.m. A.J. Jolly Golf Course, Alexandria. Golf, continental breakfast, lunch, drink tickets and split-the-pot. Tickets: $150.  mentoringplus.org/events

Dan Hoard and Ken Anderson headline the New Life Furniture Bank Golf Classic , July 13

Help Great Parks clean up the banks of the Ohio with the Ohio River Sweep, July 18

JULY 18, SATURDAY

Great Parks, Ohio River Sweep | 9 a.m.-noon. Fernbank Park. Volunteers remove litter from Ohio River banks and tributaries. Trash bags and gloves provided.

 greatparks.org

JULY 19, SUNDAY

Cincinnati Museum Center, Omnimax Dinner Date | 6:30-9:30 p.m. Union Terminal. Three-course meal, beer, wine and screening of "Ohio: Wild at Heart." Tickets: $150.

 cincymuseum.org

JULY 20, MONDAY

Bethany House, A Pathway Home Golf Outing | 8:30 a.m. Oasis Golf Club, Loveland. Golf, continental

breakfast, cookout and prizes. Registration: $200; $800/foursome.  bethanyhouseservices.org

The Point Arc, Mike Dyas Golf Classic | 11:45 a.m. Triple Crown Country Club, Union. Shotgun start, golf, lunch, dinner and prizes. Registration: $1,600/foursome. 859-491-9191 ext. 110 to register.

 thepointarc.org

JULY 25, SATURDAY

Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, The Nuxy Bash | 7 p.m. Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, Fairfield. Celebrity softball game and fireworks show. Free.  nuxhallmiracleleague.org

Adventure Crew is out to set a Guinness world record with this year’s Paddlefest , Aug. 1

JULY 26-27, SUNDAY-MONDAY

Joel Cornette Foundation, Celebration and Golf Outing | The Hotel Rambler / Kenwood Country Club. Food drinks, golf, appetizers and awards,

 thejoelcornettefoundation.org

JULY 27, MONDAY

Junior Achievement of OKI Partners, JA Golf Classic | 8:30 a.m. Triple Crown Country Club, Union. Golf, breakfast, lunch, awards, prizes and open bar reception.

 japartners.org

St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati, Prescription Fore Fun Golf Outing | 8 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Western Hills Country Club. 18 holes of golf with carts, drinks, food and awards banquet.

 svdpcincinnati.org

JULY 31, FRIDAY

Adventure Crew, Outdoors for All Expo | 4-9:30 p.m. Schmidt Recreation Complex, East End. Celebration of all things outdoors, exhibitors, hands-on demos, live music, raffles, beer and food trucks. Free.

 adventurecrew.org

AUG. 1, SATURDAY

Adventure Crew, Ohio River Paddlefest | 7 a.m. Schmidt Recreation Complex, East End. Participants travel up to nine miles through Downtown Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky in canoes, kayaks and other human-powered craft. Music, food and beer at the post-paddle Finish Line Festival.

 ohioriverpaddlefest.org

Atrium Medical Center Foundation, Highway to Help | 10 a.m.-noon. Atrium Medical Center, Middletown. Motorcyclist charity ride.

 atriummedcenterfoundation.org

AUG. 2, SUNDAY

EquaSion, Annual Festival of Faiths | 1-5 p.m. Cintas Center, Xavier University. Save the date.

 equasion.org/about-the-festival-2

AUG. 3, MONDAY

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Golf Classic | 10 a.m. Golf Club at Stonelick Hills, Batavia. Golf, lunch and dinner.

 events.cff.org/ohiogolfclassic

AUG. 4, TUESDAY

Matthew 25: Ministries, Back to School Giveaway | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Matthew 25: Ministries, Blue Ash. Free bagged lunch and school supplies for students and teachers.

 m25m.org/event/backtoschool

AUG. 5, WEDNESDAY

Companions on a Journey, Vince Munafo Memorial Golf Outing | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Glenview Golf Course, Glendale. Shotgun start, continental breakfast, food, music, prizes, awards and Legacy Wall viewing. Registration: $200.

 companionsonajourney.org/events

AUG. 6, THURSDAY

Cincinnati Museum Center, After Hours: Sci-Fi Edition | 7-10 p.m.

Cincinnati Museum Center. Food, cash bar and programming. Tickets: $20.

 cincymuseum.org/after-hours

AUG. 7, FRIDAY

Talbert House, Summer Smash | 5-8 p.m. Aces Pickleball Bar + Grill, Norwood. Dinner, drinks and pickleball.  talberthouse.org

AUG. 7-8, FRIDAY-SATURDAY

Great Parks, Spark in the Dark | 8-11 p.m. Miami Whitewater Forest Harbor. Glow boat rentals, light-up lawn games, food and drinks.  greatparks.org

AUG. 9, 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. 10, MONDAY

Junior Achievement of OKI Partners, JA Golf Classic | 8:30 a.m. Heritage Country Club, Mason. Golf, breakfast, lunch, awards, prizes and open bar reception.  japartners.org/event

AUG. 11, TUESDAY

Women's Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation, The Story of Us: Pulse & Progress | 6 p.m. The Spot on West Fifth, downtown. Panel and more with cocktails and food from women-owned businesses. Tickets start at $75.  womensfund.gcfdn.org

AUG. 13, THURSDAY

Northern Kentucky Young Professionals, Bourbon & Boards | 5-7 p.m. Wenzel Distillery, Covington. Connect with nonprofit executives to learn about leadership positions, expectations and how to get involved. Tickets: $45.

 business.nkychamber.com

AUG. 17, MONDAY

Master Provisions, Larry Nelson Master Pro Golf Classic | Noon. Triple Crown Country Club, Union. Golf, lunch and dinner. Registration: $3,000/ foursome.

 masterprovisions.org

AUG. 22, SATURDAY

Easterseals Redwood, Honor Ride | 8:30 a.m. Miami Whitewater Forest, Harrison. Non-competitive, familyfriendly bicycle ride. Registration: Starts at $25.  eastersealsredwood.org

AUG. 23-24, SUNDAY-MONDAY

American Cancer Society, Cincinnati Golf Classic | Kenwood Country Club. Cocktail hour, dinner, live auction, golf, lunch, reception, raffle and silent auction.

 cincinnatigolfclassic.org

AUG. 24, MONDAY

Circle Tail, Annual Golf Classic | 8:30 a.m. O'Bannon Creek Golf Club, Loveland. Golf, contests, raffles, lunch and chance to meet Circle Tail Dogs. Registration: $200.  circletail.org

Junior Achievement of OKI Partners, JA Golf Classic | 8:30 a.m. The Golf Club at Stonelick Hills, Batavia. Golf, breakfast, lunch, awards, prizes and open bar reception.  japartners.org

AUG. 25, TUESDAY

People Working Cooperatively, Annual Recognition Celebration | 4 p.m. at new Sharonville facility.  pwchomerepairs.org

AUG. 29, SATURDAY

Caracole, Gala | 6:30-11 p.m. Super Bowl Bellewood Lanes, Newport. Cocktails, dinner by-the-bite, silent auction, bowling, music and dancing.  caracole.org

AUG. 30, SUNDAY

Catholic Charities Diocese of Covington, Cassba | 3-7 p.m. Drees Pavilion, Covington. Music, food, open bar, silent and live auctions, raffle.  covingtoncharities.org

SEPT. 3, THURSDAY

Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, Annual Joe Nuxhall Memorial Golf Outing | 10 a.m. The Elks Golf Club, Hamilton. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. Celebrity golfers matched with each foursome. Tickets: $1,600/foursome.  nuxhallmiracleleague.org

SEPT. 6, SUNDAY

Best Point, Rockin' at Riverfest | Anderson Pavilion, Smale Riverfront Park. Cocktail reception, dinner, live

Best Point hosts Rockin’ at Riverfest at Anderson Pavilion Sept. 6. Chairs are Rick & Jill Warman, Lars & Tammy Andersson, Melvyn & Nicole Heard, pictured with Best Point kids.

auction, silent auction and after-party.  bestpoint.org/rockin-at-riverfest

SEPT. 10, THURSDAY

Elder Law Cincinnati, Elder Care Symposium | 8:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Oasis Conference Center, Loveland. Save the date.  elderlawcincinnati.com

Findlay Market, Flavor of Findlay | 6:30-9:30 p.m. Findlay Market, Over-theRhine. Tasting stations, wine pairings, silent auction, games, raffles and VIP area. Tickets: $100; $175 VIP.  app.betterunite.com

Purcell Marian, Golf Outing | Glenview Golf Course. Save the date.  purcellmarian.org

SEPT. 11, FRIDAY

May We Help, Annual Gala | 6:30-10:30 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom.  maywehelp.org 

Make sure your fundraiser or community event is listed at moversmakers.org/datebook

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UPCOMING EVENTS

July

10-12

Anime Ohio Expo

Join us July 10th-12th, 2026 to celebrate anime and pop culture! During this event, you will be able to shop for art and merchandise from various exhibitors, meet voice actors, listen to panels and workshops, and more!

Hours: Friday 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

31-August 1

Stampaway Rubber Stamp Convention

Stampaway is not just another rubber stamping convention... it is a learning and shopping rubber stamping extravaganza featuring classes, a Friday preview costume party, fundraisers, an all-day Saturday rubber stamp convention, and more!

August

21-23

Greater Cincinnati House & Outdoor Living Expo

All of the best home remodeling and building experts are in one place! This 3-day expo will be filled with state-of-the-art displays showcasing the latest trends in home design and even talk directly with local experts in order to get first-hand advice from experts in the area.

Hours: Friday 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

September

11-13

Hours: Friday-Preview Party-Show Open 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Saturday-Show Open 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

HorrorHound Weekend

Celebrating Horror in Movies, Television, Music and Pop Culture for 20 Years!

Hours: Friday 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Early Access/VIP 4:00 p.m.

Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Early Access/VIP 10:00 a.m.

Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Please visit www.sharonvilleconventioncenter.com and click View Calendar for tickets.

The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority appointed Jill Meyer to its board of directors. Meyer, a founding partner of The O.H.I.O. Fund and former CEO of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, joins the board with extensive experience in regional economic development, business leadership and strategic growth initiatives across Greater Cincinnati. Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval selected Meyer to fill the seat vacated by Pradeep Bekal, who resigned after being appointed to the University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees.

Green Umbrella honored six sustainability leaders and organizations through its 2026 Sustainability Awards at the Midwest Sustainability Summit. The organization presented Sustainability Leadership Awards to Nzingha Dalila , Joe Flarida and Amy Townsend-Small for their contributions to climate resilience, local climate action and sustainability research. Green Umbrella presented the Sustainability Achievement Award to Brewster Rhoads for a lifetime of environmental leadership and community engagement. Other awards went to City of Forest Park and Scrap2Home, which won the Sustainability Innovation Award for transforming construction waste into community support, workforce development and environmental action.

The Center for Respite Care named Dr. Mark Manley, Richard “Rick” Schaeper, Sister Marie Romejko and the Street Medicine Institute, led by Kendall Fisher, as recipients of its 2026 Transformation Awards. The organization honored Manley for expanding healthcare access and supporting hospital-to-respite care transitions, Schaeper for providing compassionate pharmacy services to underserved populations and Romejko for a lifetime of service and volunteer work supporting people in recovery. Fisher and the Street Medicine Institute received recognition for delivering patient-centered healthcare directly to unsheltered individuals and advancing

care for marginalized populations. The annual awards recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership and service have transformed the lives of the region's most vulnerable residents.

Michael Maniaci returned to the Queen City as director of development for the University of Cincinnati Foundation’s work with UC’s College of Arts and Sciences. A graduate of the College-Conservatory of Music, Maniaci built a career in opera before moving into fundraising, most recently serving as chief development officer for the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida. He began his development career with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.



Crayons and Beyond, the Cincinnati nonprofit that provides teachers and students with essential classroom supplies, named Kirstin Eismin-Henry as its next president and CEO. Most recently vice president of institutional advancement at Springer School and Center, Eismin-Henry brings nearly two decades of nonprofit leadership experience. In her new role, she will help Crayons and Beyond double its impact through a $6.1 million campaign.

A s Kentucky Nonprofit Network builds its newly launched Northern Kentucky coalition, the organization hired Aimee Jewell as director of learning and capacity. Jewell brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership and leadership development, including leading initiatives such as Ignite Louisville. With KNN, she'll help develop training and leadership programs for nonprofits across the commonwealth.

Conductor Marin Alsop will return to Cincinnati as festival director for the 2027 May Festival. A frequent collaborator with the festival and one of the world’s most prominent conductors, Alsop currently serves as artistic director and chief conductor of the Polish National

Radio Symphony and holds guest conducting roles with the Philharmonia Orchestra and Philadelphia Orchestra. She’ll curate a May Festival season celebrating the voices and stories of women.

The Aubrey Rose Foundation presented Bobbie Bode with its Maria Dehne Volunteer Extraordinaire Award, which recognizes volunteers who advance the organization's mission and support the families it serves.

The foundation said it honored Bode for her dependability, enthusiasm and commitment to building community through service.

A fter starting as a summer intern, Eavan Kuehnle has joined the World Affairs Council as its IVLP programs assistant.

Kuehnle, a recent Miami University graduate, earned degrees in diplomacy and global politics and Russian, East European and Eurasian studies. She previously conducted research for the U.S. State Department through its Diplomacy Lab program.

Lighthouse Youth & Family Services announced a promotion, a new hire and a national board appointment. The organization promoted Joe Boggs to director of Lighthouse Youth Center at Paint Creek and Ross County Community Juvenile Justice Services. Boggs has worked at Lighthouse for 22 years and will oversee the Bainbridge residential treatment campus serving boys adjudicated for felony offenses. Lighthouse also hired Simon Bradley as director of Youth Housing Opportunities, which helps young people experiencing homelessness or transitioning from foster care develop independent living skills. The nonprofit also announced that Bonita Campbell, its senior vice president and chief operating officer, was elected to the board of directors of the National Network for Youth.

Eavan Kuehnle

Bonita Campbell Kirstin Eismin-Henry

Aimee Jewell

Marin Alsop Bobbie Bode

Simon Bradley Joe Boggs

Kendall Fisher Sr. Marie Romejko

Dr. Mark Manley

Amy Townsend-Small

Joe Flarida Nzingha Dalila Jill Meyer

Michael Maniaci

The Mayfield Education and Research Foundation promoted Deborah Livingston from development director to executive director. Livingston joined the foundation in 2016 and helped expand community and business engagement, diversify funding sources and increase support from grateful patients.

A s MindPeace prepares for its first leadership transition since its founding, the youth mental health nonprofit selected Nicole Pfirman as its next executive director. Pfirman, an educator and occupational therapist, brings extensive experience in school-based mental health and integrated student support systems. She’ll succeed founder Susan Shelton, who helped build MindPeace into an organization that serves schools and students across Southwest Ohio.



Lisa Berkemeier is bringing more than 25 years experience to Talbert House as its new housing director. The Reading resident has overseen housing portfolios of up to 18 communities and more than 500 units, improving service delivery, occupancy, compliance and overall organizational performance through strategic leadership. In her new role, Berkemeier will advance Talbert House housing services, which empower adults, veterans and families across Brown, Butler, Clinton, Warren and Hamilton counties to maintain their independence.

The Ohio Environmental Council promoted Jesse Velazquez to Southwest Ohio regional director. Velazquez joined the environmental advocacy organization in 2023 as climate justice manager after nearly three years with 80 Acres Farms. Since then he’s helped build community partnerships while advancing initiatives such as methane mitigation efforts across the region.

Jim Schurrer is taking over as the next president of DePaul Cristo Rey High School. Schurrer has served as principal since 2022 and previously spent a decade as a teacher and administrator at St. Xavier High School.

Green Umbrella hired Jamiya Barnett as local government program manager. Barnett's work focuses on climate equity, sustainability and community engagement, and she will support member governments through the 25 Communities Project, the ThriveTogether Regional Sustainability Playbook and the Climate Action Fellowship. The organization also welcomed fellows Sam Gielink and Roseline Yoni to support the Hamilton County Sustainability Plan. Gielink is a recent Xavier University graduate, while Yoni is pursuing a master's degree in environmental science at the University of Cincinnati. The fellows will work with Hamilton County ReSource on sustainability planning and related environmental initiatives.



A fter nearly two decades in Greater Cincinnati’s nonprofit sector, Mary Kay Koehler has joined People Working Cooperatively as director of major gifts. PWC provides critical home repairs, weatherization services and accessibility modifications for lowincome, older and disabled homeowners. Koehler brings fundraising experience from leadership roles at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, ProKids and the Cincinnati Youth Choir. “Across these positions, she built strong major donor relationships by connecting philanthropic goals to mission and measurable outcomes,” PWC wrote in a statement.



Three Greater Cincinnati Foundation team members have been selected for the Cincinnati Regional Chamber's 2026 leadership development programs. Leah Bobbey, director of professional adviser relations, and Travis Speice, applied research director for The Women's Fund, were chosen for C-Change Class 21. Hannah Haven, GCF’s grants manager, is part of Cincy Next Class 13. The programs bring together emerging and established leaders from across the region to strengthen leadership skills, expand professional networks and deepen civic engagement. 

Rescuing more food to feed more families

Local hunger-focused nonprofits Last Mile Food Rescue and La Soupe created a more coordinated food rescue system to get more surplus food to people who need it. One in five Cincinnati residents are unsure where their next meal will come from, according to the Food Research & Action Center, while an estimated 40 million pounds of food is discarded each year.

A $100,000 grant from the Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s Better Together Fund will help shift coordination, volunteer management and pickup scheduling to Last Mile. La Soupe will focus on turning rescued ingredients into meals. Both organizations will remain independent.

 lastmilefood.org

New oncology clinic speeds cancer treatment

Patients referred to the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center can now see a specialist in as little as 24 to 48 hours.

The Oncology Rapid Diagnostic Clinic is designed for patients with a high suspicion of cancer, including suspicious imaging results, abnormal lab findings, masses, lesions or unexplained weight loss. Staff coordinate testing and evaluations to accelerate diagnosis and treatment planning.

 med.uc.edu

‘Boots on Ground’ nonprofits awarded $702K

Greater Cincinnati Foundation and the City of Cincinnati awarded $702,500 to dozens of grassroots nonprofits. Boots on the Ground Fund grants included $397,000 from the city.

Among groups getting the largest grants of $25,000 were Cincinnati Black Theatre Company, GRAD Cincinnati, Imani Family Center, Visionaries and Voices, and The Matthew Mangine Jr. One Shot Foundation. A full list is on the Movers & Makers website.

 moversmakers.org

Deborah Livingston Jesse Velazquez Lisa Berkemeier Jim Schurrer Nicole Pfirman Jamiya Barnett

Mary Kay Koehler

Roseline Yoni

Sam Gielink

Travis Speice Hannah Haven

Leah Bobbey

Snapshots

Guests have ball at Children’s Theatre’s Glass Slipper Gala

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati turned the Hall of Mirrors at the Hilton Netherland Plaza into a real-life fairytale, welcoming 200 guests to its annual Glass Slipper Gala. The event raised more than $125,000 to support arts education and professional theater experiences for local children and families.

Guests were treated to a performance of “Welcome to Isle of Berk” by cast members from “DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon The Musical JR.” and had the chance to bid on auction items ranging from opening-night seats to Broadway in Cincinnati productions to a travel package to France.

The evening also recognized several champions of the organization. TCT presented its Glass Slipper Award for volunteerism and civic service to Dan Feldmann, regional president of Fifth Third Bank, and Tim Elsbrock, the bank’s regional vice chairman. Allison Kropp, TCT’s board chair and recent co-chair of the Emery Theater Capital Campaign, received the Enchanted Award for her impact on the organization.

Local 12’s Bob Herzog served as emcee for the event.

 thechildrenstheatre.com

Lee Ault Carter, Shannon Carter, Roderick Justice and Alecia Kintner, president and CEO of ArtsWave

Candice McGraw, Bill Dorward and honoree Tim Elsbrock

Dawn Satterwhite and Carl Satterwhite of RCF Group

Jeanette Altenau of TriHealth; Kim Kern, TCT president and CEO; and Laura Altenau

Cali Herzog, Bob Herzog, Kim Kern, Roderick Justice, Resa Browning, Jeanette Altenau, Terri Hanlon-Bremer, Dave Bremer, Susan Brenner and Steve Mombach

A performance of “Welcome to Isle of Berk”

Audrey Feldmann, Kate Feldmann, Stella Feldmann and honoree Dan Feldmann

Dan Feldmann, regional president, Fifth Third Bank; Kim Kern, TCT president and CEO; and Brendon Cull, president and CEO of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber

Piper Kropp, honoree Allison Kropp (with picture of TCT performer Paige Kropp), Finn Kropp and Tom Hiltz

Allison Kropp receives the Enchanted Award from Roderick Justice, TCT artistic director.

Mimosas for Memories helps dementia patients and caregivers

The 11th annual Mimosas for Memories fundraiser for the Giving Voice Foundation brought more than 320 attendees to The Cincinnati Club. The Kentucky Derby-themed brunch aimed to support no-cost programming for individuals and caregivers across Greater Cincinnati living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

The event featured live entertainment, a silent auction, local vendors and personal stories highlighting the impact of GVF’s programs. The fundraiser achieved a total of $164,627, the highest in its history, including on-site contributions from Spring Grove, silent auction items and a live donation opportunity featuring balloons.

 givingvoicefdn.org

Sue Dickey, Shannon Braun, Kristin Cooley, Christian Gausvik, Aaron Stapleton, Krista Powers, Cody Gausvik, Greg Kent and Yvonne Workman.

Aubrey Rose Foundation aces golf outing

The Aubrey Rose Foundation’s 26th annual Aubrey’s Open Golf Outing was attended by 140 people. The event at the Aston Oaks Golf Club raised $45,000.

The Aubrey Rose Foundation helps families navigate the challenges of caring for a child with a life-threatening illness. Through financial assistance, educational advocacy and emotional support, the foundation provides relief and stability when families need it most. Since its founding, more than $2 million in critical grants have been donated, while hundreds of students have been awarded scholarships to help build brighter futures.

 aubreyrose.org

Krista Powers, Aleah Hordges, Tim Gandy and Carlee Atkins

Bob Burdine and Kim Burdine with their bottle of rare Pappy Van Winkle bourbon

Mike DiTullio, Linda DiTullio, John DiTullio and Jason DiTullio Aaron Gumz celebrates a hole-inone on the 17th hole.

Digger Bujnoch, John Montag, Dave Cooper and Phil Williamson

Mark Aufderbeck, Mike Wills, Barry Massa and Randy Yards



Emily Oslica and John Oslica

Steve Loechtenfeldt, Nancy Hollenkamp and Jerry Hollenkamp

With a check from Spring Grove are Theresa Correa,

Megan Mitchell and JonJon Curl

Richard Goering, Danny Hinson and Jere Schuler

‘Dancing for the Stars’ aids arts education

Cincinnati City Council member Meeka Owens and dance pro Alyenendrov Tsorokean of Phoenix Rising Ballroom were crowned champions of the Cincinnati Arts Association’s 18th annual “Dancing for the Stars” at the Music Hall Ballroom. The pair earned perfect scores from all three judges.

Alex Beach and Bonita Brockert took second place. Robert Warfel and Desiree Mainous placed third.

Dr. Mona Foad, founder & CEO of Mona Dermatology, took home the Fundraising Champion Award for raising more than $17,000 through ticket sales and donations. The event raised $104,000 for arts education and community engagement, reaching over 75,000 Cincinnatians annually.

Six Cincinnati celebrities were paired with professional dancers. Other dance pairs were: Foad and pro Jozsef Parragh; Nicholas Dunigan and pro Melissa Vaughn; and Felisa Insignares and pro James Branham.

Chris O’Brien and Janeen Coyle were emcees. Judges were Doreen Beatrice, Douglas Beal and Pam Kravetz. TriHealth was presenting sponsor.

 cincinnatiarts.org

Rob Warfel with Desiree Mainous

Overture vocal winner Will Wittekind

Nicholas Dunigan with Melissa Vaughn

Mona Foad with Jozsef Parragh

Meeka Owens with Alyenendrov Tsorokean

Glenn Plott, celebrity dancer Nicholas Dunigan and Cass Plott

Fundraising champion Mona Foad

James Branham with Felisa Insignares

Celebrity Nicholas Dunigan with pro Melissa Vaughn

CAA President and CEO Steve Loftin with Jeanette Altenau of presenting sponsor TriHealth

Alex Beach with Bonita Brockert

Pro James Branham with third-place fundraiser Felisa Insignares

Pro Desiree Mainous with thirdplace celebrity and second-place fundraiser Rob Warfel

Pro Bonita Brockert with second-place celebrity Alex Beach

Celebrity champion Meeka Owens with pro Alyenendrov Tsorokean

JD Hughes of WGRR, Janeen Coyle and Chris O’Brien

CYC’s Dream Makers celebrates efforts to empower local youth

Cincinnati Youth Collaborative welcomed supporters, students, mentors and community leaders to the American Sign Museum for Dream Makers 2026, “Forging the Future Together, Bright Futures Blooming.” The evening recognized the positive impact of mentorship, education and opportunity in the lives of young people across Greater Cincinnati.

Guests heard from Montazia Morrison, who shared how CYC’s Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates program helped shape her journey. The event also honored CYC Hall of Fame inductees Chuck Ackerman and Eugene Blalock Jr. for their longstanding commitment to empowering local youth.

Outstanding Student Awards went to graduating seniors Logan Russell, Jacob Ipp-Lee , LaSandra Dews and Sanyia Farlow for their leadership, perseverance and dedication to success.

Dream Makers 2026 raised $224,750 to support CYC’s mission of helping young people overcome obstacles and build bright futures.

 cycyouth.org

Lynne Blalock, Jasmine Blalock, De’Marco Carter Jr., Janae’ Blalock and Eugene Blalock Jr.

Amy Ackerman, Jim Ackerman, Anna Ackerman, Ted Ackerman, Christine Ackerman, Darla Dawson, Chuck Ackerman, Trey Dawson and Charlotte Ackerman

CYC board member Jesse Grissom (center) holds a paddle along with other Dream Makers attendees.

CYC’s 2026

Outstanding Student scholarship recipients: LaSandra Dews, Logan Russell, Sanyia Farlow and Jacob Ipp-Lee

SVDP celebration raises $636K for community services

More than 400 civic leaders, business leaders, advocates and supporters gathered for St. Vincent de Paul–Cincinnati’s 11th annual Celebration of Service.

The event, at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati – presented by Protective – raised more than $636,700 to provide neighbors in need with food assistance, homelessness prevention, clothing, beds, household items and free pharmacy care.

The celebration marked the 20th anniversary of St. Vincent de Paul’s Charitable Pharmacy and Leadership Cincinnati’s 50 years of strengthening civic leadership. The event recognized Leadership Cincinnati Class 27, who helped create Ohio’s first charitable pharmacy.

Launched in 2006, the pharmacy cares for neighbors who can’t afford their medications. It has become a nationally recognized model, filling more than 1 million prescriptions at no cost.

Event sponsors included JTM Food Group and Western & Southern Financial Group.

 SVDPcincinnati.org

Liz Carter, former executive director of SVDP; Kathy Jung; and Steve Jung

Aaron Seurkamp (fourth from right), division president of presenting sponsor Protective, with other staff members

Ron Christian, group leader for Leadership Cincinnati Class 27, and founding pharmacy director Mike Espel

Cincinnati Archbishop Robert G. Casey offers a blessing.

Founding pharmacist Mike Espel, Mary Espel and SVDP Director of Pharmacy Lydia Bailey

Ron Christian, Mike Espel, Karen Bankston, Myrita Craig, Kelly Downing, Andy Hawking, Jason Jackman, Rita McNeil Danish, Bob Saelinger, Chuck Schroer, Michal Braun and SVDP CEO Brad McMonigle

Leadership Cincinnati’s lasting impact was honored: SVDP's Kaytlynd Lainhart, Cincinnati Regional Chamber President and CEO Brendon Cull, Vice President of the Leadership Center Sean Comer, former Chamber leaders Dan Hurley and Amy Thompson with SVDP CEO Brad McMonigle.

Beech Acres thanks foster parents

Beech Acres Parenting Center – the largest single-site nonprofit foster care agency in Cincinnati – thanked foster parents at a celebration of Foster Care Awareness Month.

A foster parent and a biological parent discussed how working collaboratively supports family reunification. The panel highlighted partnership, communication and shared commitment to helping families reunite successfully.

The dinner also recognized kinship and respite care providers. Kinship providers are relatives or close friends who care for children when their biological parents cannot. Respite care providers care for children for short periods when foster parents need a break. The dinner was sponsored by the Jeff Ruby Foundation and BSI Engineering.

Beech Acres has stood behind children and families in foster care for more than 40 years. Every night in Hamilton County, more than 1,500 children need a foster home.

 beechacres.org

PROM FOR A PURPOSE

More Than a Party, A Purpose.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, Family Nurturing Center’s 2026 Prom for a Purpose raised $200,000 to support the mission of ending the cycle of child abuse by promoting individual well-being and healthy family relationships.

A special thank you to our outstanding Prom Court for helping make a lasting impact through their enthusiasm, advocacy, and fundraising efforts. Pictured left to right: Pat FrewCovington Business Council, Ken Baker –FOX19, Yashna Patel – St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Cindy Shetterly – Keller Williams Realty Service, Anna Townsend Wright – Prysmian, second place winner Frank Marzullo – WCPO, and first place winner Bengal Jim – Before the Roar Tailgate Experience.

Foster parents Randy Roeper and Elizabeth Roeper with Beech Acres staff member Tracy Nath

Beech Acres staff Ryshel Bowling, Brittany Speed, Meghan Hensley and Rebecca Ranford

Board member Maggie Otero, Joe Otero

Jessica Simes of Beech Acres with foster parents Danielle Seymore and Tony Seymore

Board members Kristal Smith, Andy Holzhauser and John Webster

Laura Mitchell, Beech Acres president and CEO, with Rebecca Ranford, director of foster care and adoption

Gala recognizes supporters of behavioral health

Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Champions of Hope Gala at the Summit Hotel, recognizing leaders in the fight against addiction and supporting recovery efforts across the region.

The evening honored Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus as the 2026 Champions of Hope recipient for her work combating substance use disorder and leading Hamilton County’s Addiction Response Coalition. The Cincinnati Police Department received the Community Partnership Award for its collaboration with GCBHS over the years, including at the new Crisis Receiving Center.

The gala raised more than $195,000 to support GCBHS’ mission of helping people with mental illness and addictions lead healthy and productive lives, while providing resources for those beginning their recovery journey.

 gcbhs.com

USI Insurance representative Nivine Gouda and Mohamed Ibrahim

GCBHS Board President Susan Scherer and her husband, Bill Scherer

Cincinnati radio legend Janeen Coyle hosted the event.

Diane Wright, GCBHS special leadership projects coordinator; Karla Painter; Clermont County Commissioner David Painter; and GCBHS board member Amresh Sahay

GCBHS President and CEO Jeff O’Neil and honoree Denise Driehaus, Hamilton County commissioner

Cynthia Starr, Rick Boydston, Douglas Roessler and Laurie Roessler

GCBHS President & CEO Jeff O’Neil (center) with the representatives of the Cincinnati Police Department

Heather Cokl, Matt Cokl, Alicia Fine and daughter Ansley Fine

GCBHS board members Amresh Sahay and Gloria Walker

Mike Davenport, Sarah Beckman, honoree Denise Driehaus, Linda Gallagher, Tom Synan and Michael May

Guests Lauren Dornbach and Elizabeth Wullenweber check out silent auction items.

Fundraiser offers Hope in Bloom to foster kids

Hope’s Closet’s spring fundraising event brought together community members, donors and advocates for an inspiring evening dedicated to supporting children in foster care and foster parents.

This year’s Hope in Bloom event at the Oscar Event Center raised more than $120,000. Funds will go to provide essential resources, community and encouragement to foster families, and to show foster children that they are seen, valued and cared for in times of uncertainty.

Thanks to community support, the organization has served foster families for more than a decade.

 hopesclosetohio.org

Laura Creeden, Becky Kremer, Scott Schulte, Julie Rolfes and Jane Josshua

Will Chan, TJ Edjan, Nicole Makasiar, Camille Endaya and Jamie Endaya

Event emcee Anna Marie and LaDon Laney

Cecelia Knox, Liz Roda and Alisah Smith

Julie Gerver, Jessica Wells, JoAnn Khoury and Jodi Williams

Hope’s Closet board member Hannah Riesenberg and Cortez Farley

Mylah Jasper, Teri Jasper, Mike Jasper of presenting sponsor Jeff Wyler Automotive Family, Liz Roda and Bridgett Risk

Jennifer Bullock, Peggy Scherzinger, Jerri Strohm and Danny Strohm

Jill Cates and Tim Johnson

Camp Joy supporters ‘Dance for Joy’ to benefit local kids, families

Camp Joy welcomed nearly 600 guests for Dance for Joy 2026, celebrating community, inclusion and the life-changing impact of camp experiences.

Presented by ATSG Airport Transport Services Group Inc., the biennial gala at Cincinnati Music Hall raised more than $350,000 to provide outdoor experiences that build confidence, connection and belonging for children and families.

The evening, which featured a performance by Revere Dance Studio’s Wonder on Wheels dancers, continued with dinner, dancing and opportunities for guests to support Camp Joy’s programs.

Guests celebrated one of the organization’s earliest campers, Frank Wetenkamp, who will turn 100 later this year. Wetenkamp attended Camp Joy in 1937 and has remained connected for nearly nine decades.

Camp Joy serves thousands each year through camps, outdoor school programs, leadership development and team building on 317 acres in Clarksville, Ohio.

 camp-joy.org

Kennedy Heights Arts Center recognizes volunteers, supporters

Kennedy Heights Arts Center celebrated the people behind its mission during its Founders Day event, which brought together artists, supporters, volunteers and community members for an evening of recognition and reflection.

The nonprofit community arts organization honored Robert Ramsay with the Kennedy Award for his longtime leadership, financial stewardship and role in helping guide the organization’s growth and long-term sustainability. William Jones received the Volunteer Award for his creative contributions and dedication to documenting the arts center and the Kennedy Heights neighborhood through photography.

The annual event also highlighted the organization’s continued impact and recognized the volunteers, donors and community partners who help make its programs possible.

 kennedyarts.org

Moy Romero, Kailey Kolbinsky, Epic Johnson, Elyse Lohrbach, Chelsie Thomas, Stephanie Vorhees and Omid Soleimanpour

John Kramer, Amy Thompson, board Chair Ernie Hayes, Rick Stepien and Ben VanSant

Nate Hirt, Camp Joy programs director, introduces Frank Wetenkamp, an original camper from 1937 who turns 100 this year.

The dancers of Revere Dance Studio's Wonder on Wheels program light up the ballroom.

(Above left) Bob Herzog hypes up the crowd during the paddle raise at the Dance for Joy benefit.

Mike McGinty, Julie McGinty, Frank Wetenkamp and Amy Thompson

Photos by D ylan firlie

Robert Ramsay, recipient of the Kennedy Award; Anne Ramsay; Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, Cincinnati vice mayor; and Ellen Muse

Ellen Muse, executive director of the Kennedy Heights Arts Center; William Jones, recipient of the Volunteer Award; and KHAC board member Kristy High

Awards honor preservation of Cincinnati history

Cincinnati Preservation celebrated the region’s most inspiring preservation achievements at the 2026 Preservation Excellence Awards, held at the Woodward Theater.

The annual awards celebrated projects and individuals whose work preserves the region’s architectural legacy while shaping its future. Honorees demonstrate how preservation strengthens communities, supports economic vitality and connects people to place.

Community partners and sponsors include 1919 Investment Counsel, Advantage Structural Engineers, New Republic Architecture, Pella Windows & Doors, MSA Design, AR Design and Smyth & Field.

Awards:

• Volunteer Service Award: Nikki Garshelis

• Innovation and Craftsmanship: Guilford Building , downtown Cincinnati

• Sustainability: Alcove by MadTree , Over-the-Rhine

• New Construction: Vandalia Point , Northside

• Commercial projects: The Mercantile Library, downtown

• Residential Projects: Beechwood House , North Avondale

• Adaptive Reuse: SparkHaus, Covington

• Impact: The Garage / Elliott Café (Yard & Co), Dayton, Ky.

• Preservation Champion: The Emery Theater, Over-the-Rhine

 cincinnatipreservation.org

CELEBRATING LEADERSHIP. PARTNERSHIP. IMPACT.

Thank you for making the 11th Annual Celebration of Service an unforgettable evening. Together, we honored the legacy of Leadership Cincinnati and celebrated 20 years of the St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy. Because of your generosity, we raised $636,720 to support neighbors in need across Greater Cincinnati.

Help continue this legacy of service with a gift today.

PRESENTING SPONSOR Protective

PLATINUM SPONSOR JTM Food Group Western & Southern Financial Group

SILVER SPONSORS Taft

BRONZE SPONSORS bi3

Haglage Construction

Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati Foundation

KeySource Order of MaltaGreater Cincinnati Area

HEALTHCARE HERO TriHealth

Joe Nickol of Yard & Co.

Jane Misiewicz and Guy Wolf

Melanie Pliskin, Phil Rowland and Steve Karoly of GBBN; Andrew Campbell, Cincinnati Parks; Krista Katona Pille, Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati; Brian Schwartz, Terrex

Henry Mitchell, HKC Roofing; James Aspenwall, Western & Southern; Conor McGeehan, HKC Roofing

Rob Busch, Drawing Department; Beth Johnson, Cincinnati Preservation; Madeline Brandel, Drawing Department

Mix & Mingle had an extra spark

More than 100 nonprofit-centric Movers & Makers readers added a spark to our monthly Mix & Mingle happy hour, held in May at SparkHaus in downtown Covington. The co-working space, founded by Covington’s Blue North, opened last fall.

Please join us for our next happy hour: Wednesday, July 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at The Porch in Washington Park, Overthe-Rhine. The host is 3CDC. Register using the QR code on Page 4.

Jill Dunne, Alex

and Donna

Thom Mariner and Megan Jackson

Mickey Sutti, Derek Chancellor and Kate Smith

Dale Pontz and Bruce Kintner

Lana Uhrig, Dr. Bill Barrett and Thom Mariner

Kimberly Baker, Chris Davis and Larry Baker

John Young, Elizabeth Mariner and Greg Newberry

Harsacky

Harris

Gregg Martini and Lauran McHaffie

George Kavalauskas, Deb Gentz and Eddie Rauen

Candyce Jeffrries, Diane Kidd and Charlotte Boemker

Azalea Laverde, Braden Statuberg and Kathy Laverde

Amy Schoettmer and Peggy Coggins

Mike Haas and Taylor Beach

Emma Erion and Allison Schroeder

Anna VanMatre and Laura Gentry

Kim Tuyn and Liz Warman

PreventionFIRST! marks 30 years averting addiction

PreventionFIRST! held its 30th Anniversary Luncheon & Fundraiser at the Mayerson JCC of Cincinnati.

Todd Dykes, investigative reporter at WLWT-TV, was master of ceremonies. Rabbi Sammy Kanter, director of Jewish life at the JCC, provided the invocation.

In 1996, the Coalition for a Drug-Free Greater Cincinnati was established through the leadership of then-U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, former Ohio first lady Hope Taft, Rev. Damon Lynch Jr. and John Pepper. That effort to address youth substance abuse laid the foundation for the work continued today as PreventionFIRST!

PreventionFIRST! works to reduce the risk and prevent substance use disorders, problem gambling, and mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.

The organization works throughout the Tristate with community-based coalitions and organizations, places of worship, schools, and workplaces to prioritize mental and emotional well-being and implement evidencebased prevention.

 prevention-first.org

Natalie McSwain, Kimberly Crimmins, Nicole Schiesler, Holly Schrantz, Nikea Sisney and Darla Ridner Richard

Pastor Sil Watkins, Rev. Damon Lynch Jr., Nicole Schiesler, Pastor Jones and Pastor KZ Smith

Local coalition leaders

Kim Linkel, Amanda Conn Starner and Mary Wolfe

Jane Portman, former U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, board member

Pat Roberson, board member Rob Leason and Amanda Conn Starner

Elizabeth Tye and Jenise Brown

Volunteers fix up 70+ homes during PWC’s Repair Affair

People Working Cooperatively volunteers took on more than 70 projects to provide home maintenance services for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities living on low or fixed incomes throughout the region. Projects included installing handrails, ramps and grab bars, repairing damaged walkways and steps, landscaping and more.

For more than 50 years, PWC has strengthened communities by providing home repair, weatherization and modification services to help Greater Cincinnati residents stay safely and independently in their homes. While the organization employs full-time technicians to make critical repairs throughout the year, the need for services often outweighs the resources, and they rely on volunteer efforts like Repair Affair to support clients.

 pwchomerepairs.org

(Back row)

Jonathan Steimetz, Rick Williams, Doug Horne and Tim Ross; (front row)

Elizabeth Burchett, Nick Stephens, Scott

Schumaker, Allen

Burchett, Kobie Burchett, Shawn

Steimetz and Stefani

Bishop

Kristin Schoenling, Ryan Welsh, Dean Lutton, Charlie Holthaus and Nate Miller

Joe Weisgerber, Gabrielle Fadul, Tanner Conover, Josh Sowers, Christian Fasso, Nathan Arnold, Elias Arnold, Ron Weber, Scott Schroeder, Allie Amstutz, Brett Heckman and Alex Lee

Larry Banas, Eli Carr, Dan Smith, Dallas King, Tiffany Smith, Breanna Gannon, Brenda Murray (homeowner, with Browning the daschund), Jason Murray, Demi Haverland, Brian Haverland and Preston Smith

Lighthouse honors community leaders

Lighthouse Youth & Family Services celebrated its 30th annual Beacon of Light Humanitarian Awards, honoring three community leaders – Charley Frank, Edna Keown and Stephen Peterson – for their dedication to improving the lives of children, youth and families.

Held at the Mercantile Immersive and emceed by Evan Millward, the event brought together nearly 300 guests for an evening of connection and celebration. This year’s theme, “Lighting the Path to Home Sweet Home,” reflected the shared commitment to helping young people find their way to a brighter future and a safe, supportive place to call home. The event raised $225,000.

 lys.org

Thank you to all those who volunteered during our 45 annual Repair Affair! Our volunteer teams completed more than 70 home repair and maintenance projects in the month of May for our neighbors in need.

Presenting Sponsor

Cornerstone Sponsor

Auxiliary Sponsors

Charley Frank, Lighthouse President & CEO George Guy, Edna Keown and Stephen Peterson

Kara Wade, Lighthouse board member Marvin Butts, Tabatha Anderson and Arneetta Butts

Bill & Bonnie Hitch Charitable Trust

UC law school celebrates Klekamp renaming

The University of Cincinnati celebrated the renaming of its law school as the Donald P. Klekamp College of Law during a ceremony in the college’s atrium.

Klekamp, a 1957 law graduate, joined family and friends alongside alumni, students, faculty and university leaders for the event. In March, the Klekamp family announced a $43.2 million gift to the college in his honor.

UC leaders, including President Neville G. Pinto, Dean and Nippert Professor of Law Haider Ala Hamoudi and Board of Trustees Chair Gregory Hartmann, highlighted the lasting impact the gift will have on the college and its students.

 law.uc.edu

‘Hope Blooms’ at Legacies Upscale Resale

Legacies Upscale Resale hosted “Hope Blooms: Sip & Shop,” an evening of shopping in support of Cancer Support Community Greater CincinnatiNorthern Kentucky.

Guests sampled refreshments, explored a curated selection of upscale home goods and created floral arrangements at a flower bar by Vessel Collective.

Legacies Upscale Resale, in Hyde Park Plaza, offers an ever-changing collection of furniture, décor, art and unique finds. Every purchase and donation supports Cancer Support Community, with 100% of proceeds reinvested to provide free programs for individuals and families affected by cancer.

 mycancersupportcommunity.org, shoplegacies.com

Donald Klekamp and his youngest family members

(Back row) Will Klekamp, Peter Klekamp and Marta Callahan; (front row) Donald Klekamp and Jody Klekamp

Haider Ala Hamoudi, dean and Nippert professor of law

Marta Callahan and Donald Klekamp

UC President Neville Pinto and Donald Klekamp Shoppers at the Sip & Shop

CSC’s Executive Director Kelly Schoen and Stephanie Aldridge, Legacies' general manager

Photos by Michael k eating for the uc founDation

Cancer Support Community board members Julie Leppo and Kim Neff

CSC staff and advocates: Julie Leppo, Megan Craig, Asha Rone, Wendy Jordan, Sonnia Richards, Jennifer Meininger, Gretchen Ramstetter, Kelly Schoen and Kirsten Messer

AI + Robotics Summit revs up local tech scene

Humanoid robots mingled with business leaders, a robotic dog guided guests between venues and conversations focused on the next wave of artificial intelligence and automation at the inaugural Future of Commerce: AI + Robotics Summit in the Cincinnati Innovation District.

More than 300 CEOs, AI leaders and robotics innovators gathered for the event, co-hosted by the University of Cincinnati’s 1819 Innovation Hub and eGateway Capital, to explore how emerging technologies are transforming commerce. Caesar, a robotic dog, escorted attendees across Lincoln Avenue from the Digital Futures building to the 1819 Innovation Hub.

Executives and innovators from organizations including Toyota, Cintas and Third Wave Automation discussed how intelligent automation is reshaping the commerce value chain. Sessions examined the rapid rise of autonomous drones as commercial tools and explored how AI, robotics and 3D perception-based safety systems are creating more connected, efficient warehouse environments.

 innovation.uc.edu



Larger warehouse multiplies Master Provisions storage

Master Provisions opened its new location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house. The facility at 10205 Toebben Drive in Independence, Kentucky, marks a significant milestone for MP, a faith-based nonprofit food bank providing essential food and resources to over 240 Tristate nonprofits such as soup kitchens, shelters, recovery centers, food pantries and schools. A 30,000-square-foot footprint and vertical racking capabilities allow 10 times the pallet storage as their old facility. The new 3,000-square-foot cooler and freezer more than doubles MP’s capacity to distribute frozen and refrigerated food.

Master Provisions honored its founder, Roger Babik, unveiling the Babik Family Serve Center and celebrating the foundation of faith and service established by the Babiks.

 masterprovisions.org

Ryan Hays, UC chief innovation and strategy officer at the 1819 Innovation Hub

1819 humanoid two-legged robot

Caesar the robotic dog mingles with attendees.

1819 humanoid two-legged robot

Kelly Goetsh, president of Pipe17, talks about agentic commerce.

Master Provisions board Chair Nick Kaufman, Jeff Loy, Jordan Klette-Cusher, Jean Mize, Ruth Klette, Chris Verst, Master Provisions President Shane Armstrong, Derek Haught, Desma Borland, Doug Borland, Kevin Richardson, Roger Babik, Tanya Babik and Tay Baker

Council on Aging marks 55 years of help

Council on Aging celebrated 55 years of impact at its 2026 Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration, presented by TriHealth.

Suzanne Burke, COA chief executive officer, and board Chair Karen Bankston shared information about COA’s half-century impact, including advocating for programs, services and funding that enable older adults and individuals with disabilities to remain independent at home.

Burke shared highlights from COA’s 2025 Impact Report, noting the organization helped nearly 28,000 individuals access care at home. COA also presented Home Health Aide Hero Awards to Helen Aponte and Cindy Sparks for their service to older adults. Attendees heard presentations by IRONMAN World Champion finishers Brent Pease and Kyle Pease, who shared their powerful story of brotherhood, belonging and what can be achieved by moving forward together.

 help4seniors.org

Mark Telles, Fifth Third Bank; and Lisa Capannari, People Working Cooperatively

Kyle Pease and Brent Pease, founders of the Kyle Pease Foundation and IRONMAN World Champion finishers

Ohio state Rep. Jean Schmidt, Elizabeth Maier, Blue Ash Mayor Jill Cole and Nancy Aichholz

Ohio state Rep. Karen Brownlee; Ohio state Rep. Ashley Bryant Bailey; Nan Cahall, COA government relations director; Ohio state Rep. Catherine Ingram; and Jessica Miranda, Hamilton County auditor

Carla McCauley, COA care manager; Helen Aponte, Home Health Aide Hero; and Ruth Ann Kern, nominator

COA board member Ashley Taylor; VP Kim Clark; board Chair Karen Bankston; COO Ken Wilson; CEO Suzanne Burke; keynote presenters Brent Pease and Kyle Pease, The Kyle Pease Foundation; COA VP Brooke Gully; CIO Andy Craig; CFO Ronnell Spears; board member Jeff Rhein; and Nan Cahall, government relations director

COA CEO Suzanne Burke; Home Health Aide Hero Cindy Sparks; and COA board Chair Karen Bankston

Terri Hanlon-Bremer of TriHealth, and COA's Karen Bankston

USS Cincinnati legacy honored at Peace Pavilion dedication

Visitors can now walk through a piece of Cold War history at the new USS Cincinnati Memorial-Peace Pavilion on the grounds of the Voice of America National Broadcasting Museum in West Chester.

Community leaders, veterans and former crew members gathered to dedicate the pavilion, which features a full-size replica of the USS Cincinnati (SSN 693), a fast-attack nuclear submarine that served during the final two decades of the Cold War. The submarine was the fourth Navy ship to bear Cincinnati's name.

The dedication ceremony featured remarks from Lt. Cmdr. Andrea Howard and Lt. Sarah Riley, among the first female officers to serve on nuclear-powered submarines, as well as the USS Cincinnati's final commanding officer, Capt. Chris Stathos, and final executive officer, Capt. Chris Ratliff.

The pavilion offers self-guided tours and incorporates 100 tons of material from the original USS Cincinnati, giving visitors a direct connection to the submarine's legacy.

No public funds were used to design or build the project. Companies, family foundations and individuals across the Cincinnati region funded the pavilion.

 subcincy.org

We appreciate the many generous sponsors and supporters of our 2026 Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration presented by TriHealth. You made it possible to join together on May 15 and celebrate COA’s 55 years of impact on our community! TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS! THANK YOU

Tour guides for the USS Cincinnati Peace Pavilion

Guest Coryn Mayer, Lt. Sarah Reily and board member Pete Borden

Lt. Cmdr. Andrea Howard and Glenn Welling, president of the Cincinnati Navy League

flag-raising ceremony led by Joe Jaap, president of the Submarine Cincinnati Memorial Association

Bob Viney, vice president of the Submarine Cincinnati Memorial Association; Capt. Chris Stathos; and Capt. Chris Ratliff

Casino gamers place their bets on Hope Ignites

Bet on Hope brought together 125 attendees for an evening of casino games and fundraising in support of Hope Ignites Cincinnati.

Presented by Western & Southern, the event at Memorial Hall celebrated the impact of investing in highly motivated, under-resourced youths across the region. The evening raised more than $150,000 for programming and opportunities for local Hope Ignites scholars.

 hopeignitescincinnati.org

Dinner, golf help Fernside offer grief support

Supporters of Fernside Center for Grieving Children gathered for the Annual Fernside Classic, presented by bi3. Nearly 300 guests attended a benefit dinner at Cooper Creek event center in Blue Ash, featuring remarks, an auction and a lantern donation.

A highlight was 10-year-old Layla, who shared how Fernside helped her after her mother’s death. The celebration continued with a golf outing at Shaker Run with more than 50 foursomes. Together, events raised over $235,000 to provide free grief support for children and families.

 fernside.org

Samantha Kereiakes, David Kereiakes, Lizzy Vollmer and Chris Vollmer

Keri Mueller, Melissa Ryan, Kaki Scheer, Dana Amundsen, Carl Adkins and Chris Brennan

Karl Thomsen, Eric Mueller and Keri Mueller

Jennifer Catanzaro, Michael Catanzaro, Bill Wexler and Beth Wexler

Ihsan Walker, Greg Scruggs and Jamion Mayweather

Father Nathan Wendt, Michael Gong and Kyle Chandler

Mystery envelopes filled with surprise gift cards and experiences, decorated by Fernside children

Scott Kerth, Stacey Meyer, Dan Meyer and Cynthia Meyer

Vicky Ott, Fernside executive director; guest speaker Layla Taleff; and Layla’s aunt, Brittany Retherford

Lindsay Templin and Dr. Shayla Pullen

bi3 foursome

David Bremer, Terri Hanlon-Bremer, Jill Miller and DJ Miller

Cancer Foundation presents Wine Women and Shoes

Cincinnati Cancer Foundation hosted its Wine Women and Shoes fashion event at Union Terminal, raising $392,000 to reduce the mortality and suffering of cancer, and to make Cincinnati a safe place to face a cancer diagnosis.

Attendees took in the venue's art-deco style as they browsed designer pop-up shops, participated in a silent auction or entered a raffle while learning about the foundation’s mission.

The program was led by emcee Mo Egger, host of The Mo Egger Radio Show on ESPN 1530. Auction items included a behind-the-scenes Bengals experience and a Ride Cincinnati prize pack. Trey Morris was the auctioneer. The event was presented by Union Savings Bank and Guardian Savings Bank.

Proceeds benefited Cincinnati Cancer Advisors, which provides no-cost second opinions. Guests who received life-saving second opinions from CCA attended, with their stories highlighted in the program.

 thecincinnaticancerfoundation.org

‘Save Water, Drink Beer’ helps Ohio River Foundation

Greenline Salon held its annual Save Water, Drink Beer event, raising more than $11,000 for Ohio River Foundation. The event at Second Story Bar in Covington was attended by more than 100 guests who enjoyed a silent auction, a raffle and specialty cocktails.

Funds will support the foundation’s education, habitat restoration and advocacy programs that focus on protecting and improving water quality of the Ohio River and other sources of drinking water for the more than 30 million people in the Ohio River watershed.

 ohioriverfdn.org

Tony Pike, host of Cincy360 on ESPN 1530, is crowned “King of the Sole.” Sole Men assist WW&S by raising awareness about the organization through their personal channels.

Lana Uhrig, executive director, Cincinnati Cancer Foundation



Auctioneer Trey Morris

Dr. William Barrett, founder of Cincinnati Cancer Foundation

Standing: Megan Woodard, Holly McDowell, Shawna Chadwell, Kim Budde, Jessie Bierschbach, Bella Conrad, Mackenzie Fessler, Reed Olson, Kyla Muthert, Rowan Poland, Claire Calo, Colleen Orr, Abby Vogel and Chance Stephens. Seated: Ashley Bierschbach, Caitie Mix and Kelsey Miller

Larry VanKirk, Rick Kistler, Lynn Kistler, Lucy Kistler, Linda Kistler, Caroline Kistler and Rob Kistler

Brittany Miller, Kamryn Miller Reed and Halle Caple

Emcee Mo Egger

Allison Gordon and Gregg Harris, founders of Ride Cincinnati, introduce the Ride Cincinnati auction prize.

The fashion show featured collections from UC DAAP students.

10,000 take in floral design at Art Museum

More than 10,000 guests enjoyed the designs of more than 60 floral artists from across the globe during the Cincinnati Art Museum’s four-day Art in Bloom weekend.

The artists created floral designs inspired by works in CAM’s collection, and each was placed near its corresponding artwork.

The annual fundraiser also included dynamic programs, events and workshops.

 cincinnatiartmuseum.org

Goodwill and the Reds team up for winning cause

Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries and the Cincinnati Reds joined forces for a donation drive outside Great American Ball Park, collecting over 6,500 pounds of donated clothing from fans. People who brought three or more clothing items received a voucher for a future Reds game ticket.

Proceeds from donated goods fund job training and support services for Greater Cincinnati residents facing barriers to employment. The partnership reinforced Goodwill's community mission – 85 cents of every dollar spent supports that work directly – while keeping usable clothing out of local landfills.

 cincinnatigoodwill.org

Ohio Valley Goodwill employees Susie Skeens and Christie Kittle prepare to greet Reds fans at the nonprofit’s first Reds Donation Days at the Ballpark.

Goodwill employee Bryan Smith accepts a donation from a young fan.

Missy Byrne and Litany Webster, Art in Bloom co-chairs

Brooke Hardin of Comey & Shepherd with Ana Ruiz and Jean-Paul Lodders of Tiffany & Co.

Courtney Sudhoff and Craig Sudhoff

Lindsey Martini and Elizabeth Martini

Adoria Maxberry, floral artist and Patron’s Choice winner

The Bloom in Motion Fashion Show featured designs by Project Runway All Star ASHA AMA Daniels and headpieces by educator and author Susan McLeary.

From Turner Farm: Colleen Crawford-Larson, Blake Larson and Shelley Evans

Adventure Crew ‘Rhoasts’ founder Brewster Rhoads

Adventure Crew saluted board member emeritus and Paddlefest founder Brewster Rhoads for his years of service to its mission with a roast at MadTree Brewing. Rhoads was Adventure Crew’s founding board chair in 2015 and ushered in the nonprofit’s adoption of Ohio River Paddlefest in 2016. “The Rhoast” was Adventure Crew’s thank you, heralding Paddlefest’s 25th anniversary Aug. 1.

Before 350 friends and family, Rhoads enjoyed jokes and stories from political notables Ted Strickland, Rob Portman, Eric Kearney, JanMichele Lemon Kearney, Tim Burke, Roxanne Qualls, Bob Taft and Hope Taft. Video messages came from Dick Celeste and Jane Fonda. The event launched the Rivers & Rhoads Fund. Rhoads motivated donations by shaving his iconic mustache, which he’s had since 1969. The stunt worked: The fund has raised more than $100,000 to fuel paths to the outdoors for city teens, helping inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and environmental changemakers.

 adventurecrew.org/rhoast

Cincinnati City Council member Meeka Owens toasts Brewster Rhoads.

Brewster Rhoads shaved his trademark mustache – a fixture since 1969 – to raise funds for Adventure Crew.

Brewster Rhoads and his wife, Ann Lugbill, flank former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland.

and emcee Thane Maynard

Laure Quinlivan and Andrea Schenck donned their Brewster mustaches.

Annette Shumard

Former U.S. Sen. Rob Portman channels Brewster Rhoads, looking on.

Rotary aims to rebuild burned playground

The Rotary Club and Rotary Foundation of Cincinnati brought together community leaders, corporate partners and supporters to help rebuild the 1,000 Hands Playground at Sawyer Point after the 2024 arson fire that destroyed much of it.

Rotary hosted its sold-out Play it Forward fundraiser at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse Tent Pavilion, raising significant funds to support the rebuilding of the adaptive playground while also supporting the Rotary Foundation’s grants benefiting disadvantaged youth throughout Greater Cincinnati. The event drew support from organizations such as Western & Southern, the Cincinnati Bengals, FC Cincinnati Foundation, Forcht Bank and BSI Engineering.

The evening featured a four-course wine dinner by Dean Gregory, a performance by comedian Josh Sneed, a silent auction, bourbon raffle and stories highlighting Rotary’s longstanding investment in children throughout the Cincinnati region.

 cincinnatirotary.org

Woman’s City Club honors high school seniors

Woman’s City Club’s annual Agnes B. Seasongood Luncheon celebrated the achievements of six civic-minded seniors at Greater Cincinnati high schools. Each will receive a $1,500 Marian Spencer Education Award recognizing academic promise and a commitment to leadership and community involvement.

The event also featured a talk by Yvonne DiCristoforo, who, after a 32-year career in federal law enforcement, retired in December as special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Service Cincinnati Field Office.

Woman’s City Club will use profits from the event for future awards. Founded in 1915, WCC promotes justice, civic reform and citizen engagement through education, advocacy and service.

 womanscityclub.org

Making art inspires Ronald McDonald House guests

Guest families staying at Ronald McDonald House Southwest Ohio were celebrated at Art From The Heart, an art fair showcasing creative works made by guests of all ages. From fairy lanterns to painted canvases, rainbow clouds to a collaborative musical piece, the fair featured a variety of artistic mediums created during themed events held at the house near Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Alongside each piece, guests shared the personal inspiration behind their work, offering a window into the stories and creativity that have flourished within the house. The fair let the community see firsthand the resilience and spirit of families navigating incredibly challenging times.

 ronaldmcdonaldhousesouthwestohio.org

Attendees admire a collection of

Ronald McDonald House Southwest Ohio CEO Jennifer Loeb speaks to program attendees at Art From The Heart.

sunflower paintings.

Speaker Yvonne DiCristoforo, retired Secret Service agent

Chalet Jules, Spencer Education Awards chair (right), with honorees: Emori Witmer-Gautsch, William Mason High School; Isabella Sammut, Madeira High School; Tazara Prophett, Walnut Hills High School; Grace Phillips, Colerain High School; and Ava Datillo, William Mason High School. (Absent: Martha Garcia, Hamilton High School)

Sara Pattison and Wes Botto, chapter president

Lauren Borcherding, Roselawn Condon teacher; Maddie Hoeller, alumna; Sara Pattison, executive director of the Rotary Club and Foundation of Cincinnati; and Jen Hoeller, Maddie’s mother.

A rainbow cloud sculpture was crafted by guest families. This is just one example of many handmade works created during months of themed creative events for families to take part in.

Book brunch helps Assistance League

Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati held its annual Books & Brunch Fundraiser to support programs benefiting local women and children in crisis. This year’s presenters were authors Craig Fehrman and Nick Greenberg and illustrator Will Hillenbrand. Each gave insight into the writer’s process and interesting side notes of research and character development. The Bookshelf of Madeira provided book sales and donated a portion of the proceeds.

The main sponsors were the Habegger Corporation, Receptions Event Centers and Western and Southern Financial Fund.

Guests enjoyed a Mystery Wine Pull, basket raffle, split the pot, silent auction and a travel raffle or $2,500. The 20th Books & Brunch raised nearly $50,000.

The Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati is an all-volunteer nonprofit that provides essential daily needs such as clothing, hygiene supplies and household goods to those in crisis.

 alcincinnati.org

Loveland food drive ‘stuffs the bus’ for students’ summer needs

Loveland’s LIFE Food Pantry partnered with the Loveland City Schools and the Loveland Kroger and Miami Township Kroger stores for Stuff the Bus, its largest food drive of the year, to help ensure children have access to nutritious food throughout the summer. Over 3,000 pounds of food was donated.

Members of the Loveland High School football team volunteered to help load, then unload and stock the donations at the food pantry. All donated items went to LIFE Food Pantry, where families will receive the food to support children while school is out.

 lifefoodpantry.org

Members of the Loveland High School football team in front of one of the school buses used for the food drive

Assistance League members Linda Hernandez, Bobbie Ackley and Rosanna Nelson with guest Mary Fleischmann

AL members Sally Garretson, Rosie Habegger, Judy Martin, Pat Eveslage and Terri Loyd

Elise Gaskey, Missy Gaskey and Tressa Wilhelm

Cindy Cowdrey, Richard Cowdrey and Jim Zamberlan

Lorie Kleine Eckert, author of “Chai on Life”

Lynn Teepe won a gift card tree.



Heath Daily, Loveland Schools Transportation Department, and Connie Rotterman, LIFE Food Pantry volunteer, help sort donations.

Presenters Will Hillenbrand, Craig Fehrman and Nick Greenberg

Gail Davis won the 2026 Staycation Basket.

Morning, early August. It’s going to get hot, but it isn’t yet, and anyway, it’s always cooler down by the river. You’ve gotten up early to get to the Schmidt Boat Launch in the East End, where hundreds of people in water sandals and shorts and bathing suits are gathered. Everyone is finding a canoe or kayak, grabbing safety vests and paddles. You all slip into the water one by one. Adjust yourself in the hard kayak seat, arrange your feet and knees and your paddle, make sure you have sunblock on and push into the current.

And there you are, at water level, in the middle of the mighty Ohio River. The current might be lakelike, or actually pretty brisk. You can paddle as much as you want. You can even get there early to participate in a race. Or you can mostly let the current carry you.

It’s Paddlefest, one of the most Cincinnati of traditions, with a joyous summer vibe. While you’re enjoying it, you can take a minute to imagine that near you on the river, there’s a teenager paddling, too, with a smile on their face, because Paddlefest is a fundraiser for Adventure Crew, whose aim is outdoors for all.

For the 25th year, commercial traffic on the river is halted for a nine-mile stretch so that paddlers get their chance. Usually, we see the Ohio from above or afar. But this human-powered experience gives you a chance to see both nature and the city in a different way. Past riverside homes, along parks, as well as facilities for transport and industry, past tall buildings and undeveloped green banks, I always feel the importance of this river to our city’s history and soul. I get

the motivation behind Paddlefest’s founding, that the best way to appreciate and want to conserve a river or anything else in nature is to experience it.

It’s an easy paddle. The first time my husband and I did it, we took the short 4.5-mile choice, taking out at the Public Landing. But we’ve moved up to the 9-miler, ending at Gilday Recreation Complex in Riverside, and it is quite doable.

Recent fests have included about 1,800 people. But this year, for the quarter-century anniversary, they hope to launch 2,000 paddlers and set a Guinness World Record for “Largest Paddle Craft Party.” And unlike some other large parties and events, like a ballgame or a festival, no one’s drinking or yelling or running into you. You’re all out there for a wholesome morning outdoors.

I think the very best thing about Paddlefest is that you’re also helping make it possible for young people to enjoy exactly what you are: getting exercise outdoors, enjoying nature with friends and often having an eye-opening experience.

Maybe even a nudge toward a direction in life.

they acknowledge themselves that phones can be isolating.”

If participants want to get better at skills like snowboarding or rock climbing, they can move to the Discoverer phase. “They feel joy from accomplishing,” said Hunter. “You can see it especially with skiing. A lot of kids don’t swim well, so we see them get real confidence from it. They can say: Nobody else did this for me.”

From there, in the Pathfinder phase, some kids get very interested in nature conservation and ecology. As they stay in the program, “We create opportunities for developing leadership skills,” said Hunter.

Paddlefest is organized by and benefits Adventure Crew, a nonprofit that believes in breaking down barriers to getting outdoors, opening nature to everybody. The agency provides free nature adventures for teens in grades 7-12. They come from 33 schools in Cincinnati and in Northern Kentucky. Many of these teenagers are low-income, from families who don’t have the resources for outdoor activities.

The process starts with weekend outings during the school year like canoeing or kayaking, skiing and biking.

“It’s about having fun, experiencing joy, learning a skill,” said Libby Hunter, the organization’s executive director. It’s also a break from relentless, online life. “It can be an uphill battle to get kids off their phones,” Hunter said. “But

For instance, Adventure Crew worked with the University of Cincinnati Action Research Center to help kids create and administer a survey about the program: to find out what participants like and want more of, and make plans for the organization based on their report.

The kids who are really into it may apply to go on wilderness adventures (still free to them). They might paddle the Boundary Waters in Minnesota or go to Colorado, where they set up camp, live in the mountains, summit a 14,000-ft. peak – and these are kids who may never have seen a mountain.

All you have to do is paddle nine miles down a river, work out your obliques and abdominals, and help set a record. 

 ohioriverpaddlefest.org

Polly Campbell covered restaurants and food for the Cincinnati Enquirer from 1996 until 2020. She writes monthly on a variety of topics, and she welcomes your feedback and column suggestions at editor@moversmakers.org

Polly Campbell