June 2026

ARTS & CULTURE | COMMUNITY | PHILANTHROPY

June 2026

FOCUS ON

MULTI• CULTURALISM Asianati’s Paraag Maddiwar Mother & son reflect on gender Polly Campbell: Stowe House links past with present EVERY MONTH: ARTS EVENT LISTINGS, NONPROFIT SOCIAL DATEBOOK

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Publisher’s Letter 4 Arts & Culture 5 Hot days, cool galleries – visual art to start your summer 5 Arts news in brief 6 The A&C List 8

FOCUS ON: Multiculturalism 16 Paraag Maddiwar leads Asianati in connecting diverse cultures | By Thomas Consolo 16 Notables advancing global cultures 18

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

Gifts & Grants 24 Nonprofit News 26 Personal Perspective 30 My journey, my identity | By Seth Coppens 30 A parent’s point of view | By Julie Coppens 31

Snapshots 32 Slumber Pawty at Cincinnati Animal CARE 32 Keep Cincinnati Beautiful’s new building, new campaign 33 Make-A-Wish gala celebrates children’s legacy of inspiration 34 Pro Bono Partners honors volunteer lawyers 36 Hearing Speech + Deaf gala supports communication equity 37 Sign Museum hosts bright night for CISE 38 Chatfield Edge celebrates scholars 39 United Way Tocqueville Awards honor major donors 40 Rey of Light tops $1M for DePaul Cristo Rey 41 Healing Center prom night fetes volunteers 42 Stepping Stones kart race boosts disabilities programming 43 600 at Fur Ball bring in $600K for SPCA 44 Dragonfly makes grand gesture supporting children with cancer 45 StartupCincy Awards mark decade of innovation 48 COCA raises $79K to combat child abuse, bullying 49

The Last Word 50 Polly Campbell: Stowe House connects two past eras with today Cover photo: Paraag Maddiwar of Asianati. Photo by Helen Adams for Movers & Makers Publishing.

helen@helenadamsphotography.com

Movers & Makers

JUNE 2026

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

M

y parents were the quintessential white-bread couple: Dad was English and Baptist; Mom was Swedish and Lutheran.

They have been gone for more than 30 years now, but instilled in my brother, sister and me a strong sense of curiosity about and acceptance of those not exactly like us. The lone Black kid in my elementary school.

The boisterous Italian family three doors down. Our Dutch foreign exchange student during my brother’s senior year in high school. My gay and lesbian colleagues during seven years of music school. Jewish congregants at the temple where I sing. This attitude has opened up my life to so many rich experiences.

And now, living in the heart of the city in Over-the-Rhine, we walk each day amidst a colorful tapestry of people from a wide variety of walks of life.

And working in the nonprofit sector only enhances our awareness.

There are currents within our present culture that wish to stifle, even expel, those who do not fit a

particular mold. Not only is this so wrong, it represents flawed thinking and misses the opportunity for so much richness in our lives.

Just think of food. How boring it would be without Chinese/Italian/ Japanese/Mexican/Thai/Ethiopian/ Indian restaurants in our lives. For example, April’s Asian Food Fest, which has grown in popularity by leaps and bounds the past few years, attracted as many as 150,000 people this year over two days. We think this deserves a spotlight and that’s why Paraag Maddiwar, representing the newly merged Asianati, is on our cover this month, and why our Notables highlight emerging leaders in ethnic and cultural organizations across the region (Page 18). Thomas Consolo sat down with Paraag to learn more. See Page 16. And thanks to photographer Helen Adams for capturing the spirit

Publishing schedule

Elizabeth & Thom Mariner, co-publishers

Issue

Deadline

Available

JULY

MAY 29

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AUGUST

JUNE 26

JULY 22

SEPTEMBER

JULY 31

AUG 26

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OCTOBER

AUG. 28

SEPT 23

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NOVEMBER

OCT 2

OCT 28

Movers & Makers Magazine

DEC ’26 / JAN ’27

OCT 30

NOV 25

Digital edition & daily posts

moversmakers.org/publishing-schedule

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

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Co-publishers Thom and Elizabeth Mariner at the Art Academy of Cincinnati’s recent screening of “Playing with Fire” at the Woodward Theater

JUNE 2026

Movers & Makers

© 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.

of the festival.

I realized recently that I have not one but three friends with children who have or who are in the process of gender transitioning – another controversy in some circles. Knowing these parents as I do, these decisions were not taken lightly and we need to see these young people as the thoughtful, brave, self-seeking people they are.

Seth Coppens shares his perspective, and mom Julie Coppens hers, on Pages 30-31.

Thanks for reading this month.

Go out and meet some new people who do not look like you.

And please choose curiosity and acceptance over fear and rejection.

It is so much more rewarding.

For their work on this issue, our gratitude to:

• Casey Weldon, digital editor • Phil Fisher and Ray Cooklis, copy editors • All the nonprofits that contributed news and photos.

Support comes from:

Thom Mariner, co-publisher

Join M&M for our monthly

Mix & Mingle FotoFocus Center 228 E. Liberty Street Wednesday, June 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Join us for light bites & drinks in this long-awaited art space. RSVP required by June 5.

Scan to RSVP

Interested in sponsoring or hosting in 2026? tmariner@moversmakers.org

Arts & Culture Hot days, cool galleries While much of the performing arts shift to the outdoors for summer, art galleries and museums press on indoors, providing visitors with a cool refuge for soaking in visual stimulation. Here are a few noteworthy exhibits to consider in June and beyond.

Madeleine Hordinski. “Midwestern Magic,” 2024. Archival pigment print

Kennedy Heights Arts Center

Studio Kroner

Curated by Saad Ghosn of SOS ART, this exhibit features 154 prints of various techniques by 42 established Kenyan artists, young and old. In addition to the exhibition, Kennedy Heights Arts Center will host a series of cultural programs, including a Kenyan Cultural Festival, July 11.

June 27-Aug. 22. “Printed Voices from Kenya: Social and Cultural Reflections.” Reception: June 27, 6-8 p.m.  kennedyarts.org

Studio Kroner presents local painter Ken Landon Buck and his exhibition “Serpent Mound: Observations of the Seen, the Unseen, the Mystical, and the Reverent” – shaped by many return visits to one of Ohio’s most sacred landscapes. Nearly a quarter of a mile long and four feet high, Serpent Mound is said to be the largest and finest serpent effigy in the United States, crafted approximately 1000 BCE. June 4-27. Ken Landon Buck: “Serpent Mound: Observations of the Seen, the Unseen, the Mystical, and the Reverent” Reception: June 4, 6-9 p.m. Artist talk: June 13, 1-2 p.m. Reception: June 27, 1-4 p.m.  studiokroner.com

FotoFocus Those who live near or pass by the intersection of Sycamore and Liberty streets have been salivating for several years, waiting for the opening of this splendid new building by Jose Garcia.

FF’s first exhibit, “Big Tent,” enjoyed a grand opening May 29, and is intended to reflect “the spirit of the nation and the ideals of FotoFocus, each founded on principles of democracy, creativity, experimentation and clear-eyed realism.”

The center is open Thursday-Saturday. Join M&M for our June Mix & Mingle, June 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the center. RSVP on Page 4.

Thru Aug. 22. “Big Tent”  fotofocus.org

 Ken Landon Buck, “Drumming the Energies” (detail)

Ndunde Bulimo. “Bladaa,” reduction woodcut

Robert Kroeger, “The Bahr Barn”

Miami University

Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum

Ethos Art Collective

Tina Gutierrez has generated dozens of M&M cover images the past decade, and will appear again in July. Her work has been on display at Miami for several months now in a major exhibit of new photography. “Culture Crops” is an exploration of the universal connections between people and their food. Gutierrez created the series of photographic portraits to celebrate Ohio’s foodgrowing communities, personal stories and unique history.

Thru June 13. “Culture Crops,” photos by Tina Gutierrez.  miamioh.edu/cca/art-museum

Robert Kroeger is an artist, writer and preservationist intent on saving a very old barn, dating from 1810, still standing at the very edge of Cincinnati city limits, in what we now know as Finneytown. The fairly new Ethos gallery is hosting an exhibit of Kroeger’s barn paintings to raise money and preserve the Bahr barn. Read more at moversmakers.org, Search: Ethos June 5-26. Robert Kroeger: “Barns Unlimited.” Reception: June 5, 6-8 p.m.

Artist talk/book signing: June 20, 1-2 p.m.  ethos-art.org

Tina Gutierrez, “Cordell Cordrey and pig at Summe Farm, Butler County," 2025

Continued on Page 7 Movers & Makers

JUNE 2026

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ARTS & CULTURE

May Festival and VAE merge boards, advance shared vision The Cincinnati May Festival and Cincinnati’s Vocal Arts Ensemble have announced a new shared governance structure, deepening a decades-long, off-and-on relationship.

Under the new model, both groups will operate under a single, Julianne Akins Smith unified board of directors while keeping their separate nonprofit status. The change brings their strategy and artistic planning into Joe Miller closer alignment and formalizes a relationship that dates back to 1979, when the Vocal Arts Ensemble, as part of

its founding season, first performed as part of the May Festival, which dates back to 1873 and whose popularity was the impetus for the building of Music Hall.

Leaders from both organizations said the shift builds on what each group already does well. The May Festival offers scale, history and a broad education reach, while the Vocal Arts Ensemble, led by Joe Miller, brings the flexibility of a professional chamber choir that can perform in more intimate and unconventional settings.

“By connecting more closely with the May Festival’s vision and infrastructure, we are expanding what’s possible for professional choral singing in Cincinnati – allowing the vision of VAE to come to life,” said Julianne Akins Smith, executive director of both May Festival and VAE.  mayfestival.com, vaecinci.com

CSO’s Blomberg chosen for national music leadership program Evin Blomberg, a violinist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, is among six orchestra professionals selected for the League of American Orchestras’ Anne Parsons Leadership Program, designed to build greater gender Evin Blomberg diversity in leadership roles in the country’s 50 largest-budget orchestras.

Blomberg, who joined the CSO in 2019, has taken on leadership roles in the city’s cultural life. Her work led to the creation of the Musicians in Schools coordinator 6

JUNE 2026

Movers & Makers

position, which she holds, and was elected by her colleagues to serve as a musician representative on the CSO board of directors. In 2022, she founded Soli Music Society, a venture that strives to bring classical music experiences into the community.

Participants will meet during the league’s national conference in Baltimore in early June, then take part in online leadership training and coaching sessions, conversations with mentors and leadership forums during the next year. The six professionals were selected for their experience, vision and dedication to advancing gender equity in American orchestra leadership.  americanorchestras.org

Byrnes named artist-in-residence at OneNKY Center Multidisciplinary artist Susan Byrnes will serve as the first artist-in-residence at the OneNKY Center Gallery Fueled

by ArtsWave, launching a new program to support regional artists and deepen the role of arts in Northern Kentucky.

Byrnes works in painting, sculpture, multimedia installation, radio broadcasts and writing, often exploring how everyday objects and materials reflect human history. She has exhibited in Cincinnati, Chicago and several other cities, created public art installations and produced audio pieces for public radio stations.

She will receive a $5,000 honorarium, networking opportunities, three community artist talks, a solo show and the opportunity to create an original work that will remain at the center.

The OneNKY Center in

Susan Byrnes

downtown Covington facility brings together 10 regional organizations – including meetNKY, BE NKY Growth Partnership and the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce – alongside ArtsWave’s Northern Kentucky office.  onenkyalliance.com/ onenky-center

CAC names interim director, pauses executive search The Contemporary Arts Center has named veteran museum executive Lacy Schutz to lead the organization as it pauses its search for a permanent executive director.

Schutz began serving as interim executive director May 18, more than four months after the departure of Christina Vassallo.

Board leaders said the appointment is designed to provide stability while the organization pauses its search for a permanent director to reassess its long-term leadership needs.

Schutz has led ATHR Gallery in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the Shaker Museum in New York, where

Lacy Schutz

she worked to stabilize operations, rebuild donor and community trust and launch a major capital campaign, according to the CAC. No timeline has been set for restarting the search, and it’s unclear at this time whether Schutz will be considered for the permanent role.  contemporaryartscenter.org

ARTS & CULTURE Continued from Page 5

Taft Museum of Art This exhibition brings one of the most extraordinary private collections of Scandinavian art in North America into public view for the first time.

It explores how ideas of home, landscape and national identity shaped Nordic art and material culture from the late 19th to early 20th centuries.

“The Scandinavian Home” traces how artists and makers, using a wide range of media, embraced nature, folklore and handcrafted traditions in response to industrialization and political change.

June 13-Sept. 20. “The Scandinavian Home: Landscape and Lore.”  taftmuseum.org

Hilma af Klint, “Stockholm Park with Playing Children,” 1889, oil on canvas.

Collection of David and Susan Werner, courtesy of The Frick Pittsburgh

Solway Gallery This exhibit showcases the work of two contrasting artists. Primarily known for his paintings, Robert Fronk has taken a detour into a collection of 3D assembled “collages” utilizing wood-milled industrial foundry patterns from origins as varied as municipal waterworks to submarine doors. Drawing is at the center of Tom Marioni’s decades of creative output, but he also delved into installation, performance and sound sculpture. This exhibit celebrates his range.

June 5-Aug. 28. Robert Fronk: “Assisted Readymades” • Tom Marioni: Drawings, prints and other works. Reception: June 5, 5-8 p.m.  solwaygallery.com

Robert Fronk, “FF (Fat Fighter),” 2025, Wood-milled industrial foundry patterns Tom Marioni, “Double Drum Brush Drawing,” 2000, steel on sand paper

BIG TENT “Between the Layers,” opening reception

Off Ludlow Gallery This tiny gallery resides in a former post office on a side street just off Ludlow Avenue. This group show, curated by Sandy Eichert, is designed “to explore hidden depths through overlapping forms, inviting viewers to see through layers and discover what lies underneath.”

Eleven artists have contributed a wide variety of media and forms of expression that adorn every surface from floor to ceiling.

Thru June 24. “Between the Layers” Reception: June 24, 6-8 p.m.

Open Thursdays, 1-3 p.m., through June 24. facebook.com  offludlowgallery

Opening Reception May 29, 6–8pm 228 E Liberty Street Asa Featherstone IV, The Gift, 2023. Courtesy of the artist

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

Cultural Exhibits/Tours American Construction Toy Museum | Norwood. actmuseum.org Preservation and history of threedimensional building toys in America American Legacy Tours | Over-the-Rhine. 859-951-8560. americanlegacytours.com Historic tours in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky American Sign Museum | Camp Washington. 513-541-6366. americansignmuseum.org Permanent collection of preserved and restored signs Saturdays, noon & 2 p.m. & Sundays, 2 p.m. Guided museum tours Archaeological Research Institute | Lawrenceburg. 812-290-2966. exploreari.org Hands-on educational experiences ArtWorks Mural Tours | artworkscincinnati.org By appointment only. Walking tours of Pendleton, Over-the-Rhine and downtown Behringer-Crawford Museum | Covington. 859-491-4003. bcmuseum.org Artifacts and history of Northern Kentucky Thru Aug. 9. “Treasures From the Attic: 250 Years of Fashion & Furniture” Betts House | West End. 513-651-0734. facebook.com/thebettshouse By appointment only. Oldest home in Cincinnati Brewing Heritage Trail Tour Center | ​ Over-the-Rhine. 513-604-9812. brewingheritagetrail.org Tours exploring Queen City brewing history Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame | Brady Center, The Banks. cincyblackmusicwalkoffame.org Open daily, 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Queen City contributions to Black music Cincinnati Fire Museum | Downtown.

513-621-5553. cincyfiremuseum.com Permanent collection. Historic artifacts and equipment 8

JUNE 2026

Movers & Makers

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

513-602-5602. cincinnatifoodtours.com Tours exploring Queen City food culture Cincinnati Museum Center | Queensgate. 513-287-7000. cincymuseum.org Thru Jan. 4. “LEGO® Jurassic World: The Exhibition” Fridays-Sundays. Union Terminal Rotunda Tours Saturdays, 10 a.m. Cincinnati Heritage Programs “America 250” June 19, 5-8 p.m. Extended hours w/reduced admission Cincinnati Nature Center | Milford. cincynature.org Nature trails and ponds amidst old-growth forest June 27, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Garden Tour: “Noteworthy Natives” Cincinnati Observatory | Hyde Park. cincinnatiobservatory.org Oldest professional observatory in the United States Cincinnati Type & Print Museum | Lower Price Hill. cincinnatitypeprintmuseum.org Permanent collection: equipment, tools and artifacts Cincinnati Zoo | Avondale.

513-281-4700. cincinnatizoo.org World-class fauna and flora Civic Garden Center | Avondale.

513-221-0981. civicgardencenter.org 1st Thursday, 11 a.m. Compost Tour 3rd Thursday, 10 a.m. Green Learning Station Tour 3rd Thursday, 11 a.m. Hauck Arboretum Tour Concours d’Elegance | Ault Park and other venues. ohioconcours.com June 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Vintage car show to benefit charity Friends of Music Hall | Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine. 513-621-2787. friendsofmusichall.org Indoor and outdoor tours of Queen City landmark

Cincinnati Nature Center hosts its annual Garden Tour: “Noteworthy Natives,” June 27.

The self-guided tour visits Milford, Indian Hill, Kenwood, Hyde Park and Amberley Village.

Glendale Heritage Preservation | Village Square, Glendale. 513-771-8722. glendaleheritage.org Permanent exhibit. Displays of Glendale’s history Current exhibit “Glendale: Looking Back Over 250 Years,” an America 250 exhibit Greater Cincinnati Police Museum | Pendleton. 513-300-3664. police-museum.org Permanent collection. Historic artifacts and equipment Harriet Beecher Stowe House | Walnut Hills. 513-751-0651. stowehousecincy.org Historic family home of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” author and later a Green Book location Heritage Village Museum | Sharonville.

513-563-9484. heritagevillagecincinnati.org Illustrates life in 19th-century Southwest Ohio Thru Dec. 31, 2027. America 250 exhibit Select Saturdays, 7-10 p.m. Spirits by Starlight Ghost Tours Holocaust & Humanity Center | Cincinnati Museum Center, Queensgate.

513-487-3055. holocaustandhumanity.org Media, artifacts, art and interactive exhibitions commemorating the Holocaust Thru June 7. “Holding Hope: Stories of Survival During the Holocaust” Imperial Theatre | Mohawk, Over-the-Rhine. imperialmohawk.org June 13, 10 a.m. Tour of the Imperial Theatre Krohn Conservatory | Eden Park.

513-421-4086. cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks Thru Aug. 9. Destination Monarch Butterfly Show

Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad | Lebanon. lebanonrr.com Historic train rides in Warren County Lloyd Library and Museum | Downtown.

513-721-3707. lloydlibrary.org Permanent exhibit. George Rieveschl Jr.: History of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Milford Historical Society | Promont, Milford. 513-248-0324. milfordhistory.net Permanent exhibit. Historical displays of art, artifacts and more Mt. Adams Civic Association | Mt. Adams. 513-235-3957. mtadamscincy.org By appointment only. Historic walking tours National Museum of the United States Air Force | Wright-Patterson AFB, Fairborn. nationalmuseum.af.mil World’s largest military aviation museum National Underground Railroad Freedom Center | The Banks, downtown.

513-333-7500. freedomcenter.org Permanent collection exploring themes of individual freedom Thru June 21. “Jubilation! Ambassadors on a Sacred Journey” National VOA Museum of Broadcasting | West Chester.

513-777-0027. voamuseum.org Radio’s golden age and Cincinnati’s role in America’s global voice Newport Aquarium | Newport. newportaquarium.com Showcase of exotic aquatic creatures

ARTS & CULTURE | The List Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati | Covington. cincirailmuseum.org June 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Exhibited railroad yard collection RAPTOR Inc. | Milford. raptorinc.org June 28, 1-4 p.m. Open house, birds of prey sanctuary Skirball Museum | Hebrew Union College, Clifton. 513-221-1875. csm.huc.edu Permanent exhibit: “An Eternal People: The Jewish Experience” Star Walk | WEB Extreme Entertainment, West Chester. verseimmersive.com/cincinnati/starwalk Augmented reality odyssey through the cosmos Taft Museum of Art | Lytle Park, downtown. 513-241-0343. taftmuseum.org Historic home, art collection and exhibits Tri-State Warbird Museum | Batavia. tri-statewarbirdmuseum.org Permanent exhibition: military and historic aviation Valley View Nature Preserve | Milford. valleyviewpreserve.org Preserved 190-acre farm and open land Vent Haven Museum | Ft. Mitchell.

859-341-0461. venthaven.org By appointment only. World’s only museum dedicated to ventriloquism White Water Shaker Village | Harrison. whitewatervillage.org Preserved historic village William Howard Taft National Historic Site | Mt. Auburn. nps.gov/wiho/index.htm Historic home of U.S. president and Supreme Court justice

Dance DE LA Dance Company | Anderson Center Theater, Anderson Twp. 513-871-0914. deladancecompany.org June 25-28. “Cinderella” Exhale Dance Tribe | Jarson Kaplan Theater, Aronoff Center, downtown.

513-621-2787. exhaledancetribe.org June 6, 5 p.m. Planet Dance Summer Showcase

Fairs/Festivals/Markets Artisan Marketplace | Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine. artisanfest513.org June 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ArtisanFest513 June 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Pride Market Celtic Fest Ohio | Renaissance Park, Waynesville. celticfestohio.com June 20, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Celebration of Celtic heritage with family fun, food, Celtic music and more Charm at the Farm Markets | Lebanon. charmatthefarm.com June 12-13. Rustic gifts, furniture and home decor Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance | Ault Park. ohioconcours.com/events June 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Celebration of classic cars. Complementary events that weekend. Supports juvenile diabetes research Cincinnati Pride | Downtown and Sawyer Point. cincinnatipride.org June 27, 11 a.m. Parade followed by festival celebrating gender and sexual diversity

Hyde Park Blast | Hyde Park Square. hpblast.org June 27, 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Run/walk, kids fun run, pro cycling and block party Hyde Park Farmers’ Market | Hyde Park Square. hydeparkfarmersmarket.com Sundays, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Regional food and beverage market Italian Festival | Newport’s Festival Park. thingstodocincinnati.com June 11-14. Live entertainment and Italian cuisine Juneteenth Celebration | Various. juneteenthcincinnati.org June 20-21. Commemoration of end of slavery in U.S. Ludlow Historic Society Garden and Business Walk | Ludlow.

859-291-2976. preserveludlow.org June 20, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Featuring distinctive gardens plus strolls through business district Madeira Farmers Market | Dawson Road at Miami Avenue, Madeira. madeirafarmersmarket.com Thursdays, 4-7 p.m. Local growers and purveyors

Market Grün | Clifton Cultural Arts Center, Clifton. facebook.com June 26, 6-9 p.m. Summer Market National Underground Railroad Freedom Center | The Banks, downtown. 513-333-7500. freedomcenter.org June 19. Juneteenth Jubilee Northside Farmers Market | Heart of Northside, Northside. northsidefm.org Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m. Regional food and beverage summer market Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce | Over-the-Rhine. otrchamber.com onlyinotr.com June 12-14. Pride in OTR Weekend Panegyri Greek Festival | Holy Trinity - St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Finneytown. panegyri.com June 26-28. Celebrating Greek food, music and culture Schützenfest | Kolping Center, New Burlington. schuetzenfestcincy.com June 19-21. America’s oldest German festival

Cincy AI Week | Union Hall, Over-the-Rhine. cincyaiweek.com June 9-11. Exploring potential and challenges of artificial intelligence Cincy VegFest | Burnet Woods Bandstand, Clifton. ourcollectiveheart.org/cincy-vegfest June 13. Variety of talks, music and activities through plant-sourced vegan living City Flea | Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine. thecityflea.com June 20, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. City Flea Covington Farmers Market | 600 block of Washington St., Covington. greatneighborhoods.org Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Regional market Covington Taco and Margarita Festival | Mainstrasse Village, Covington. thingstodocincinnati.com June 19-21. Live music, entertainment, tacos and margaritas East Walnut Hills Farmers’ Market | Madison Road at Woodburn. ewhfarmersmarket.com Fridays, 4-7 p.m. Produce, baked goods and arts & crafts Movers & Makers

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ARTS & CULTURE | The List “King of Them All,” the documentary by Yemi Oyediran and JP Leong about King Reccords, receives a movie-house screening

by Cincinnati World Cinema. Two showings on June 13. Learn more at moversmakers.org, search “Yemi.”

Washington Park | Over-the-Rhine. washingtonpark.org/events June 13, noon-5 p.m. Midwest Regional Black Culture Fest Westside Market | Westwood Town Hall. westsidemarketcincy.com June 6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Market of handcrafted goods by small businesses

Film Cincinnati Museum Center | Queensgate. 513-287-7000. cincymuseum.org/omnimax Now playing/OMNIMAX. “Ohio: Wild at Heart” • “Wild Rescue” Cincinnati World Cinema | Garfield Theatre, downtown. 859-957-3456. cincyworldcinema.org June 6, 1 p.m. “Paper Flowers” June 13, 3:30 & 7 p.m. “Cincinnati Sounds,” plus Yemi Oyediran and JP Leong: “King of Them All” June 19-21 & 26-28. 2026 Sundance Short Films Esquire Theatre | Clifton.

513-281-8750. esquiretheatre.com Art and independent film Ohio Goes to the Movies | Various locations. ohiogoestothemovies.org Thru October. All-Ohio movie series celebrating America’s 250th anniversary Ohio River Foundation | Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. ohioriverfdn.org June 13, 6 p.m. Wild & Scenic Film Festival Shamala Hamala | Over-the-Rhine. shamalahamala.com Saturdays, 7 p.m. Classic movie screenings Washington Park | Over-the-Rhine. washingtonpark.org/events ◆ Tuesdays, 9 p.m. Summer Cinema: June 2. “White Chicks” June 9. “Karate Kid Legends” June 16. “The Fire Inside” June 23. “Death Becomes Her” June 30. “Cars” Woodward Theater | Over-the-Rhine.

513-345-7981. woodwardtheater.com June 1, 7:30 p.m. “Silents Synced: A Woman of the World” (1925) w/Pearl Jam

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Ziegler Pool | Over-the-Rhine. zieglerpark.org June 26, 7:30 p.m. Dive-In Movies: “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle”

Literary/Lectures Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library | Nagel Middle School, Cherry Grove. 513-369-6900. chpl.org June 19-21. Summer used book sale Cincinnati Preservation | Bellevue Pavilion. 513-721-4506. cincinnatipreservation.org June 25, 5:30 p.m. Preservation in the Park: Amy Roell: “Ohio Outdoors: History of Great Parks of Hamilton County” Harriet Beecher Stowe House | Walnut Hills. 513-751-0651. stowehousecincy.org June 18, 5:30 p.m. Open mic with Zeda Stew

June 3, 6 p.m. Discussion: Jordan Ritter Conn “American Men” June 9, 6 p.m. Words & Music Lecture: Carrie Brownstein June 10, 6 p.m. Discussion: Kay E. Bancroft “Bloodroom” Poetry at Artifact | Urban Artifact, Northside. facebook.com/poetryatsitwells June 2, 7-8:30 p.m. Poetry Night Swell | Camp Washington. swellartcafe.com Literary events, salons, visual arts Women Writing for a Change | Silverton. 513-272-1171. womenwriting.org June 9, 6 p.m. Open mic night Word of Mouth Cincinnati | MOTR Pub, Over-the-Rhine. motrpub.com June 28, 6 p.m. Open poetry mic

Music

Joseph-Beth Booksellers | Rookwood Pavilion, Norwood.

513-396-8960. josephbeth.com June 2, 7 p.m. Discussion: Geoff Williams “The Summer of Death” June 5, 7 p.m. Discussion: Natasha Lester “The Chateau on Sunset (In Cincinnati)” June 6, 7 p.m. Discussion: Emily Jane “Mr. Yay” June 18, 7 p.m. Discussion: Ashley Poston and Kirsty Greenwood “The Someday Garden and Romantic Hero” June 23, 7 p.m. Discussion: Aimie K. Runyan “Missed Connections” June 26, 7 p.m. Discussion: Brad Ryan “Grandma Joy and Me”

Arts Alliance | Mason.

513-309-8585. the-arts-alliance.org ◆ Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Acoustic Nights (District at Deerfield Park): June 3. Stephanie Coffey June 10. Ashley Watts June 17. Daybreak Duo June 24. Brandon Jones ◆ Thursdays, 7 p.m. Sounds of Deerfield (Cottell Park): June 11. The Eagles Project June 18. Comet Bluegrass All Stars June 26. Under the Sun ◆ Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sounds of Deerfield (District at Deerfield Park): June 13. DV8

Mercantile Library | Downtown.

513-621-0717. mercantilelibrary.com June 2, 6 p.m. Discussion: Willie Carver Jr. “Tore All to Pieces”

ArtsConnect | Finneytown. theartsconnect.us June 19, 7 p.m. P. Ann Everson Price & The All Star Band

Baker Hunt Art & Cultural Center | Covington. 859-431-0020 bakerhunt.org June 26, 6 p.m. Music in the Gardens: The Last Troubadour Blues Dance Cincinnati | Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum. bluesdancecincinnati.com/events Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Tuesday Blues Bogart’s | Short Vine, Corryville. bogarts.com Frequent performances, various genres Brady Music Center | The Banks, downtown. bradymusiccenter.com June 5, 8 p.m. Ari Lennox June 21, 6:30 p.m. Hot Mulligan Caffè Vivace | Walnut Hills.

513-601-9897. caffevivace.com Most evenings, live jazz Cincinnati Nature Center | Milford. cincynature.org June 19, 7-10 p.m. Music Under The Moon Series: Stone & Snow Cincinnati Parks | Various. cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks ◆ Gettin’ to the Point Fridays, 6-10 p.m.

(Schott Amphitheater, Sawyer Point) June 5. National Barks, Watch Frog June 26. Michael Moeller, Stone & Snow ◆ Music at the Esplanade, 5-7 p.m.

(Castellini Esplanade/Smale Park) June 6. Sweet Peas June 13. The Foles June 20. Acoustic Abuse June 27. Tracy Walker ◆ Rockin’ the Roebling, 6-9:30 p.m.

(Schmidlapp Event Lawn/Smale Park) June 4. Michelle Robinson Band June 11. 4th Day Echo June 18. 2nd Wind June 25. Vinyl Countdown

ARTS & CULTURE | The List Cincinnati Symphony & Pops | 513-381-3300. cincinnatisymphony.org June 4, 6:30 p.m. (CSO) Pride Brady Block Party (Brady Center) June 13, 6:30 p.m. (CSO) Evanston Brady Block Party (Evanston Playground) June 21, 6:30 p.m. (CSO) West End Brady Block Party (Ezzard Charles Park) June 28, 6:30 p.m. (CSO) Madisonville Brady Block Party (Madisonville Recreation Center) Classical Revolution | The Loon, Northside. classicalrevolutioncincinnati.com June 14, 7:30 p.m. Chamber music in casual bar setting Clifton Cultural Arts Center | 513-497-2860. cliftonculturalarts.org ◆ Saturdays in the Park, 10 a.m.-noon (Inwood Park) June 20. Push Play ◆ Wednesdays in the Woods, 7-9 p.m.

(Burnet Woods Bandstand) June 3. Comet Bluegrass All-Stars June 10. SUN.DYLE June 17. Anna Applegate June 24. Boy Clothes Dayton Philharmonic | Schuster Center, Dayton, Ohio. daytonperformingarts.org June 5-6, 7:30 p.m. “Mahler 5 & Charles Yang” June 20, 7:30 p.m. Jazz trumpeter Byron Stripling

◆ Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m. Jazz at the Square:

June 2. John Zappa Quintet June 9. Mike Wade & the Jazz Mafia June 16. Colin Palmieri Quartet June 23. Phil Tipton Quartet June 30. Jamey Aebersold Quartet ◆ Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m. Southern Sessions: June 3. Casey Campbell June 10. Stick & Bindle June 17. Sam & Andrew Hibbard and Sean Geil Band June 24. Adam Lee and Magnolia Boulevard ◆ Thursdays, 7-10 p.m. Salsa on the Square June 4. Mambo Combo & Salsannati June 11. Cuban Salsa Cincinnati June 18. Max Rosado and The 7th Street Band & Salsaires June 25. The Amador Sisters & Chevere LF ◆ Select Fridays, 7-10 p.m. Visit Cincy National Series June 26. Izzy Escobar with Illiterate Light ◆ Saturdays, 7-10 p.m. Fifth & Vine Live June 6. Boss & The Novas June 20. Blue Eighty June 27. Brittany Marie & Repertoire

Ghost Baby | Beneath Over-the-Rhine. ghost-baby.com Most evenings, live performances Groovin on the Green | Fairfield. fairfield-city.org June 4, 7 p.m. Talkbox Comes Alive June 11, 7 p.m. 7 Bridges June 18, 7 p.m. A1A June 25, 7 p.m. JC Cole & Folson ‘68 The Härth Room | Downtown. theharthroom.com/music Wednesday-Saturday evenings. Live jazz Heritage Bank Center | Downtown. heritagebankcenter.com June 13, 7:30 p.m. Journey Irish Heritage Center | ColumbiaTusculum. 513-533-0100. cincyirish.org Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. Pub Music Night June 19, 7 p.m. Poor Man’s Gambit Jazz Alive | American Sign Museum, Camp Washington. 513-280-8181. facebook.com

◆ Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. Jazz in the

Camp: June 3. Organized Gentlemen June 10. Dan Karlsberg Band feat.

Justin Faulkner June 17. Sounds from the River June 24. We Create Jazz Ensemble Kenton County Public Library | Erlanger Branch. 859-962-4000 June 13, 2 p.m. “Velvet Soul” Ludlow Garage | Clifton. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com June 4, 7:30 p.m. Vincen García June 5, 7:30 p.m. Stacy Mitchhart June 6, 7:30 p.m. Paul Taylor June 7, 7:30 p.m. Jackrabbit June 11, 7:30 p.m. Devon Allman’s Blues Summit June 12, 7:30 p.m. Lindsey Webster June 13, 7:30 p.m. Dark Side of the Moon June 14, 7:30 p.m. Deer Tick June 17, 7:30 p.m. Brandy Clark June 20, 7:30 p.m. The Pharcyde June 24, 7:30 p.m. Mason’s Children June 26, 7:30 p.m. Amy Grant June 27, 7:30 p.m. Spyro Gyra

Delhi Event Center | Delhi Park Performance Pavilion. oh-delhitownship.civicplus.com June 17, 7 p.m. Concerts in the Park Series: Cincinnati Transit Authority DownTowne Listening Room | Factory 52, Norwood. downtownelisteningroom.com June 12, 7 p.m. The Listening Factory Series: Sami Riggs, Danni Nicholls and Aimee Jo Fluidity | fluiditycccc.org June 7, 3 p.m. “Shine On: A Celebration of Joy and Justice” (Location TBA) Fountain Square | Downtown.

513-621-4400. myfountainsquare.com ◆ Mondays, 6 p.m. Strings on the Square: pop music by string quartet June 1. 2000s Rewind June 8. Disney Hits June 15. Love Songs by Taylor Swift, Backstreet Boys, Fleetwood Mac and more June 22. Elton John vs. Billy Joel June 29. 2000s Rewind

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ARTS & CULTURE | The List Madison Theater | Covington.

859-491-2444. madisontheater.com Frequent performances, various genres

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

MegaCorp Pavilion at Ovation | Newport. promowestlive.com June 5, 7 p.m. Greensky Bluegrass June 13, 8 p.m. Mohammed Assaf June 28, 6 p.m. Insane Clown Posse June 30, 6 p.m. Spoon

SingOUT Cincy | The Loon, Northside. singoutcincy.com June 3, 7:30 p.m. “The Opera as Drag”

Memorial Hall | Over-the-Rhine.

513-977-8838. memorialhallotr.com June 2, 6:30 p.m. Collingsworth Family “Christmas by Candlelight” Video Shoot June 14, 7:30 p.m. The Wailin’ Jennys June 26, 8 p.m. Kathy Mattea June 27, 8 p.m. 2nd Wind Band - Tribute to Usher Muse Café | Westwood. musecafecincy.com/events Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Phil DeGreg Trio Thursdays, 6 p.m. Pete Papania Fridays, 7:30 p.m. Muse Sings the Blues series Radio Artifact | Northside. radioartifact.com Sundays, 5 p.m. Open jam Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Flight 88 Classical Music Series Thursdays, 7 p.m. Open jazz Riverbend Music Center | East End. 513-232-6220. riverbend.org June 9, 7 p.m. Black Crowes June 17, 7 p.m. Santana and Doobie Brothers June 18, 8 p.m. Paul Simon June 20, 6:30 p.m. Meghan Trainor June 25, 6:30 p.m. Pussycat Dolls June 26, 7 p.m. Darius Rucker June 27, 7:30 p.m. The Guess Who RiversEdge | Marcum Park, Hamilton. riversedgelive.com June 4, 6:30 p.m. The Rush Experience June 11, 6 p.m. Mountain Grass Unit and Steph Strings June 18, 6 p.m. The Record Company and Kyndle Wylde Rockin’ the Roebling | Cincinnati Lager House, Smale Park, The Banks. facebook.com ◆ Thursdays, 6 p.m.

June 4. Michelle Robinson June 11. 4th Day Echo June 18. 2nd Wind June 25. Vinyl Countdown

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Soprano Kathryn Lewek wreaks some havoc in the title role of Richard Strauss’ “Salome,” June 18 & 20, opening Cincinnati Opera’s summer festival.

Sorg Opera House | Middletown. sorgoperahouse.org June 5, 8 p.m. Grunge Fest June 6, 8 p.m. Always Jovi Southgate House | Newport.

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

Symphony Hotel & Vivaldi’s Restaurant | Over-the-Rhine. symphonyhotel.com Thursday-Saturday evenings, Live jazz trio Taft Museum of Art | Lytle Park, downtown. 513-241-0343. taftmuseum.org June 21, 2:30 p.m. Summermusik Chamber Music Series Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org June 13, 7:30 p.m. The Magic of Motown June 14, 7:30 p.m. Edwin McCain and Five for Fighting June 16, 8 p.m. Ben Folds June 23, 8 p.m. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Turfway Park Events Center | Florence. turfway.com Fridays, 9 p.m. Bourbon & Brew Entertainment Saturdays, 7 p.m. Party in the Paddock outdoor concerts Warren County Historical Museum | Lebanon. wchsmuseum.org June 11, 7 p.m. Anna & the ​Deeper Well Washington Park | Over-the-Rhine. washingtonpark.org/events ◆ Mondays, 6 p.m. Jazz at the Park: June 1. Sophia Troyer June 8. Faux Frenchmen June 15. Ricky Nye June 22. Pamela Mallory Quartet June 29. Little Saudade Woodward Theater | Over-the-Rhine.

513-345-7981. woodwardtheater.com June 4, 8 p.m. Jed Harrelson June 5, 8 p.m. A Dose of Dylan & the Dead

June 7, 8 p.m. The Baby Bats Parade June 11, 8 p.m. Hippies & Cowboys June 17, 8 p.m. James McMurtry and The Martial Law June 27, 2:45 p.m. Annual Women’s Empowerment Tea Party

Opera Cincinnati Opera | Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine. 513-241-2742. cincinnatiopera.org June 18 & 20, 7:30 p.m. 2026 Summer Festival: R. Strauss: “Salome” (Springer Auditorium) June 25, 8 p.m. 2026 Studio Sessions: “Soul & Sound 2.0” Tifara Brown, poet; Kevin Miller, piano; Donald Lee III, piano; G. Thomas Allen, countertenor (Wilks Studio)

Theater/Comedy

Cincy Fringe Festival | Various locations, Over-the-Rhine. cincyfringe.com Thru June 13. 23rd annual festival of experimental theater Commonwealth Sanctuary | Dayton, Ky. commonwealthcomedyclub.com Weekly comedy shows Dayton Live Broadway Series | Schuster Center, Dayton, Ohio. daytonlive.org/series/broadway June 23-28. “Beetlejuice: The Musical” The Dinner Detective | Embassy Suites Rivercenter, Covington. thedinnerdetective.com/cincinnati Saturdays, 6 p.m. Murder Mystery Dinner Show East Side Players | Tom Stone Amphitheater, Blue Ash. esptheater.org June 4-13. “Mary Poppins”

Bogart’s | Short Vine, Corryville. bogarts.com June 7, 8 p.m. Rene Vaca, comedian

Funny Bone | Liberty Twp. liberty.funnybone.com Weekly comedy shows

Broadway Across America | Procter & Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, downtown.

513-721-3344. cincinnati.broadway.com June 10-July 5. “Disney’s The Lion King”

Go Bananas Comedy Club | Montgomery. gobananascomedy.com/main Weekly comedy shows

The Carnegie | Covington.

859-491-2030. thecarnegie.com June 19-28. “Dear Evan Hansen” Cincinnati Landmark Productions | Incline Theater, East Price Hill. 513-2416550. cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com Thru June 21. “1776” Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-2273. cincyshakes.com Thru June 14. “Emma”

Hard Rock Casino | Downtown. casino.hardrock.com/cincinnati June 7, 7 p.m. Iliza Shlesinger, comedian Human Race Theatre | Loft Theatre, Dayton, Ohio. humanracetheatre.org June 3-14. “The Hot Wing King” Improv Cincinnati | Clifton Performance Theatre, Clifton. improvcincinnati.com Thursday-Saturday evenings. Weekly comedy shows

ARTS & CULTURE | The List Kincaid Regional Theatre | Falmouth.

859-654-2636. krtshows.com June 18-20. “Seussical Kids” La Comedia Dinner Theatre | Springboro. 800-677-9505. lacomedia.com Thru June 21. “The Wedding Singer” June 25-Aug. 9. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”

The Barn | Mariemont.

513-272-3700. thebarninmariemont.org June 11-16. The Barn Painters June 19-30. Contemporary Quilt and Fiber Artists: Fabulous Fiber 2026 The Carnegie | Covington.

859-491-2030. thecarnegie.com Thru Aug. 8. “The body isn’t a battery that discharges upon death”

Middletown Lyric Theatre | Sorg Opera House, Middletown.

513-425-7140. middletownlyric.org June 26-28. “The Nance”

Cincinnati Art Galleries | Downtown.

513-381-2128. cincyart.com Thru June 12. “The Language of Color in Art”

OTRImprov | Know Theatre, Over-the-Rhine. otrimprov.com Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Improv jam shows

Cincinnati Art Museum | Eden Park.

513-721-2787. cincinnatiartmuseum.org Thru June 7. “Longing: Painting from the Pahari Kingdoms of the Northwest Himalayas” Thru Aug. 2. Elizabeth Hawes: “Radical American Fashion” Thru Sept. 6. Tamary Kudita: “African Victorian and Birds of Paradise” June 26, 5-9 p.m. Art After Dark

Royal Theatre Company | Mason. royaltheatrecompany.com June 5-7. “Newsies!”

Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org June 5, 8 p.m. Comedy Bang! Bang!

Visual Art

Clay Church Studio | Camp Washington. instagram.com/clay.church.studio New ceramics gallery Contemporary Arts Center | Downtown. 513-345-8400. contemporaryartscenter.org Thru Oct. 31. “Gravity’s Rainbow” Thru Aug. 20. Michael Stillion: “And then it was flowers” Thru Aug. 30. Gee Horton: “Chapter 4: In Another Lifetime” The Contemporary Dayton | Dayton, Ohio. 937-224-3822. codayton.org Thru June 6. Jason Revok: “Mutually Exclusive” • Paul Verdell: “Tabernacle” • Jamea Richmond-Edwards: “Leviathan” Dayton Art Institute | Dayton, Ohio.

937-223-4278. daytonartinstitute.org Thru June 7. FotoFocus: “Symbols of Hope: Eunshin Khang” Thru Aug. 9. FotoFocus: “All the World’s a Stage” Thru Jan. 3. “Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection”

Thru Jan. 31. FotoFocus: “Exploring Feminism” June 27-Sept. 13. “Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice” Ethos Art Collective | Mt. Healthy. ethos-art.org June 5-26. Robert Kroeger: “Barns Unlimited” exhibit and historic preservation fundraiser. Reception: June 5, 6-8 p.m. Artist talk/book signing: June 20, 1-2 p.m.

Fitton Center | Hamilton.

513-863-8873. fittoncenter.org Thru June 26. 10th Biennial Member Show GALLERY jENSEITS| Mt. Adams.

513-655-4777 galleryjenseits.com May 16-June 28. New gallery. “The Spectated Spectator & A Walk on the Wild Side” works by Stylianos Schicho and V Benjamin FotoFocus | Mt. Auburn/ Over-the-Rhine. fotofocus.org Thru Aug. 22. “Big Tent”

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

21cmuseumhotels.com/cincinnati Thru August. “Fragile Figures: Beings and Time” American Sign Museum | Camp Washington. 513-541-6366. americansignmuseum.org Thru June 11. “Drawing Board: The Art of the Sign Sketch 1925-1975” Art League of Loveland | Loveland. artleagueofloveland.org June 27, 4-9 p.m. Annual Art Gallery Crawl Art on Vine | Elm Street Plaza, downtown. artonvinecincy.com June 7, noon-6 p.m. Summer Residency ArtWorks | Walnut Hills.

513-333-0388. artworkscincinnati.org Thru July 8. Ximena Flores: “Resilient Roots: Life, Death, and the Beauty of Nature’s Cycle” Baker Hunt Art & Cultural Center | Covington. 859-431-0020. bakerhunt.org Thru Sept. 4. DBL Law Regional Art Show

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ARTS & CULTURE | The List

At the Weston Art Gallery through June 14, Xaviera Simmons’ “Petrichor” is an installation of two massive paintings called “language environments,” plus four large-scale photographs in which Simmons acts as actor and maker.

Harriet Beecher Stowe House | Walnut Hills. 513-751-0651. stowehousecincy.org Current exhibition: “The Presents of our Presence: Black Women as Art” Kennedy Heights Arts Center | Kennedy Heights. 513-631-4278. kennedyarts.org Thru June 20. 18th Annual Student Art Show (Kennedy Gallery) Thru July 11. Coming of Age: New works of the HAIRitage Series by Erin Smith Glenn (Lindner Gallery) June 27-Aug. 22. Printed Voices from Kenya: Social and Cultural Reflections. Reception: June 27, 6-8 p.m.

(Kennedy Gallery) Lloyd Library and Museum | Downtown. 513-721-3707. lloydlibrary.org Thru Sept. 11. “More-Than-HumanMedicine,” art about the healing power of plants Manifest Gallery | East Walnut Hills.

513-861-3638. manifestgallery.org Thru June 26. “22nd Annual Rites of Passage” • “22nd Annual Magnitude 7” • “Ouch!” • “Subtractivity” • Manifest Artist Residency (MAR) Showcase Miami University/Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum | Oxford. 513-5292232. miamioh.edu/cca/art-museum Thru June 13. From the Collections (Douglass Gallery) • “Culture Crops,” photos by Tina Gutierrez (Farmer Gallery) • Art & Architecture History Senior Capstone (McKie Gallery)

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Middletown Arts Center | Middletown.

513-424-2417. middletownartscenter.com Thru June 25. Dana Olsen: “Line, Shape, Color, Art” Thru June 26. Annual student exhibition Off Ludlow Gallery | Clifton.

513-201-7153. facebook.com Thru June 24. “Between the Layers,” explores hidden depths through overlapping forms. Reception: June 24, 6-8 p.m. Open Thursdays, 1-3 p.m., through June 24 Pendleton Art Center | Pendleton, Over-the-Rhine. 513-421-4339. pendletonartcenter.com June 26, 5-9 p.m., open studios Pendleton Art Center - Middletown | Middletown. 513-465-5038. pendletonartcenter.com June 5, 5-9 p.m., open studios Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum | Hamilton.

513-868-1234. pyramidhill.org Thru July 26. Michael Dunbar: “New Works” Thru July 26. Robert McCloskey: “Season of Wonder”

Save Our Souls Art | Various locations. sosartcincinnati.com June 5-28. “For a Better World 2026” Receptions: June 6 & 28, 2-5 p.m.

(St John’s Unitarian Universalist Church, Clifton) June 19-July 12. “SOS ART 2026” (Art Academy of CIncinnati, Over-the-Rhine) Solway Gallery | West End. 513-621-0069. solwaygallery.com June 5-Aug. 28. Robert Fronk: “Assisted Readymades” • Tom Marioni: drawings, prints and other works. Reception: June 5, 5-8 p.m.

Studio Kroner | Downtown. studiokroner.com June 4-27. Ken Landon Buck: “Serpent Mound: Observations of the Seen, the Unseen, the Mystical, and the Reverent” Reception: June 4, 6-9 p.m. Artist talk: June 13, 1-2 p.m. Reception: June 27, 1-4 p.m.

Studio San Giuseppe Art Gallery | Mount St. Joseph University, Delhi. msj.edu Thru Sept. 4. MSJ Student Art Exhibition Taft Museum of Art | Lytle Park, downtown. 513-241-0343. taftmuseum.org

Thru July 26. “Beyond the Picturesque: The American Landscape as a Site of Memory, Identity, and Continuity” June 13-Sept. 20. “The Scandinavian Home: Landscape and Lore” Visionaries & Voices | Northside.

513-861-4333. visionariesandvoices.com Thru July 3. “Acts of Devotion” Warren County Historical Museum | Lebanon. wchsmuseum.org Thru June 13. “Folk Art: Self-Taught Artists, Self-Told Stories” Wash Park Art | Over-the-Rhine.

513-291-3626. washparkart.com Thru June 13. Anna VanMatre: “Primary Fundamentals” Wave Pool Gallery | Camp Washington. wavepoolgallery.org Thru Aug. 29. Ten Welcome Editions Weston Art Gallery | Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-977-4165. cincinnatiarts. org/weston-art-gallery Thru June 14. Xaviera Simmons: “Petrichor” • Jared Thorne: “26 Planned Parenthoods” 

Queen City Clay | Norwood. queencityclay.com Thru June 19. “Chroma” June 26-Aug. 21. “Reign of Fire”

Get listed

Rosewood Arts Centre | Rosewood Gallery, Kettering. 937-296-0294. playkettering.org/rosewood-gallery-home June 8-July 18. 32nd annual The View juried landscape exhibition

Visit moversmakers.org for more listings.

Arts/Culture listings are free. Send event details and photos to: editor@moversmakers.org See Page 4 for print deadlines.

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FOCUS ON Multiculturalism

Paraag Maddiwar leads Asianati, connects diverse cultures

By Thomas Consolo

P

araag Maddiwar finally had a moment to catch his breath. The executive director of Asianati had just gotten through that organization’s marquee annual event, the Asian Food Fest.

The festival draws hungry Tristaters to Court Street downtown to sample dishes from many of the region’s Asian-themed restaurants and enjoy a growing array of cultural events. This year marked the event’s 15th year.

From humble beginnings – just five vendors and 1,000 attendees – the festival has grown to include more than 60 vendors serving more than 150 dishes representing more than 15 countries.

The lineup of cultural activities also has grown, with a third stage added this year. Calligraphy, cooking and origami demonstrations alternated with live performances that ranged from traditional dance to K-pop.

Maddiwar said this year’s estimated attendance, buoyed by nearly perfect weather, was at least 150,000 exceeding last year’s 125,000.

The same cool, sunny days continued when Maddiwar met with M&M to talk about Asianati and his journey to his latest role as its leader.

Coal country to Columbia That journey started in an unlikely place – Floyd County, Kentucky, a little over an hour south of Huntington, West Virginia. Its history is interwoven with coal mining. Maddiwar said his father, a doctor, was motivated to bring his family there, not just for a job, but by his dedication to serve. It’s a commitment the doctor passed on.

The environment provided the family’s first chance to build cultural bridges. Prestonsburg, the county seat (population about 3,600), hadn’t seen many people from India 50 years ago, and some residents were slow to welcome outsiders.

“They needed a doctor, though, and they were grateful he was there,” Maddiwar said, adding his father soon became central to the community.

Maddiwar’s plan to follow his father into medicine got sidetracked at Columbia University, where he earned a degree in chemical engineering. After graduating, he started what would become a 20-year career with Procter & Gamble. He rose through several different roles over that time, most of them focused on P&G’s massive supply chain operations. He capped his time there by leading a transformation of the company’s warehousing system to a consolidated 16

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Movers & Makers

Paraag Maddiwar, executive director of Asianati, in front of the Asianati booth on Court Street at the Asian Food Fest in April.

model that served P&G’s customers more efficiently.

Like many big companies, P&G has an active system of affinity groups for its employees that are known as employee resource groups, or ERGs. Maddiwar quickly became involved with the company’s API – Asian and Pacific Islander – ERG. It was, he said, an “aha moment.”

Cultural leadership hurdles Although he, like all P&G managers, received leadership training, the ERG made the connection about how certain Asian cultural values could undermine Western-style leadership success. He noted that studies have shown that the corporate careers of Asians are more likely to stall in the ranks of middle management. Traditions like not drawing attention to oneself on the job often worked against being seen as a potential leader in the corporate world.

(Maddiwar cited the 2005 book “Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling” as a reference landmark in that understanding.)

By 2016, Maddiwar had decided it was time to move on. He reveled in the freedom of the

Photo by Helen A dams for Movers & Makers

year after he left P&G, which he dubbed the “year of yes.” He immersed himself in subjects and causes that had interested him but had taken a back seat to work: Besides consulting on supply chain operations, the eclectic mix included culinary training at Cincinnati State, learning photojournalism and volunteering as a project manager for Cincinnati Works, a United Way partner organization.

In 2020, he joined the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers as director of professional programs. Through SASE, he applied his ERG experience to a network that tripled to include more than 100 companies, becoming in essence a clearinghouse on best practices for improving API leadership opportunities – and helping corporations understand Asian cultural perspectives they might not have thought to consider.

After parting ways with SASE in March 2025, he expected to carry on that work as an independent consultant. Last fall, though, some of Asianati’s leaders, including board treasurer Koji Sado and Bao Nguyen, the past board president, contacted him. Their vision for the organization was being stymied by its lack of

FOCUS ON Multiculturalism institutional structure – it depended almost entirely on volunteers. They wanted to hire an executive director; was he interested?

In a word, he said, yes.

The Goldilocks city Asianati holds an unusual Goldilocks place in a Goldilocks-sized city, Maddiwar said.

“In Chicago or New York, there couldn’t be an Asianati because the Chinese or Indian or Filipino communities would all have their own organizations.” In cities smaller than the Queen City, there might not be a large enough Asian community to support a group like Asianati.

Cincinnati is just right.

His organization’s pan-Asian focus also benefits from changing demographics. “Lots of people that are second generation” – born in the U.S. – “or Generation 1.5” – born abroad but brought to the U.S. so young that they grew up feeling wholly American – “may not identify with a specific heritage. They might not speak the language or have the unique cultural experiences that their parents have.”

Those people often embrace a pan-Asian identity, and Maddiwar wants Asianati to be a central cultural resource – “a one-stop shop” for celebrating diverse Asian traditions, arts and cultural experiences. The organization took a big step toward becoming that central hub in January, when it completed a merger with the Greater Cincinnati Chinese Cultural Exchange Association.

“Coming together was a no-brainer as we both want to grow into a more impactful and sustainable organization,” said Felicity Tao, formerly board chair of the Chinese association and now vice president of Asianati’s board.

“Lots of people that are second generation” – born in the U.S. – “or Generation 1.5” – born abroad but brought to the U.S. so young that they grew up feeling wholly American – “may not identify with a specific heritage. They might not speak the language or have the unique cultural experiences that their parents have.”

– Paraag Maddiwar

The merger brings two of the area’s biggest Asian celebrations under one umbrella – the Asian Food Fest and the Moon Festival, which celebrates the Chinese New Year in February and September harvest.

Building belonging Maddiwar sees Asianati’s future as a sort of ERG for the whole community. You can already see the idea in action on the Asianati website.

The revamped home page now includes not just the organization’s news but a directory of new Asian restaurants; a calendar of Asian-focused events; posts from relevant Instagram feeds; and, following the food fest theme, a list of Asian dishes to try and local restaurants that serve them.

Maddiwar’s plans for the future include building a sense of belonging across the whole region.

“We need to figure how to get the wider community involved, get out into the suburbs – and not just the ones where our Asian communities are already concentrated.”

Last fall, the group collaborated with the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library on its Passport to Japan event. That was held at the main library downtown, but, with the system opening spacious new branches across the county with large community spaces, Maddiwar sees great opportunities there for future programming.

He sees more growth ahead for the flagship food fest, too, as Greater Cincinnatians enjoy more diverse dining options. That could include satellite festivals in different parts of town, like Blue Ash, College Hill, Westwood and Northern Kentucky, he said.

Asianati often serves as a facilitator for Asian businesses, Maddiwar said. Many restaurants are opened by immigrants, for example, and they’re often unfamiliar with current business necessities, like digital marketing, and many are confused or intimidated by regulatory requirements, either of doing business generally or participating in big events like Taste of Cincinnati.

“We have a great social media team,” Maddiwar said, “so we can really help people with that. I’m really proud that people tell us that they love working with us, that we’re passionate and we’re easy to work with.”

Whenever he decides to move on from Asianati, Maddiwar said his goal is the same for both the organization and the city: “I want to leave it better than I found it.”

It’s the same sense of service his father lived, just manifested differently.

“We say thanks to our parents by keeping that commitment alive.” 

Movers & Makers

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FOCUS ON Multiculturalism

Notables Movers & Makers reached out this month to regional organizations working to project positive cultural attributes on a year-round basis. We asked them to help us showcase their Notables as part of M&M’s continuing effort to recognize individuals making a difference in the appreciation and acceptance of varied cultures and in Greater Cincinnati’s nonprofit ecosystem.

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Cleopatra Kum is an emerging leader advancing multicultural engagement through strategic partnerships, outreach, and community-driven programming. She was recently appointed vice president of strategic partnerships, outreach and fundraising at APNET, the African Professionals Network, after years of active involvement. She brings both continuity and forward momentum to the organization’s growth. She works closely with the APNET board and leads efforts with the Strategic Partnerships, Outreach & Fundraising committee to strengthen relationships with community partners and expand access to inclusive programs.

Her contributions support key initiatives such as AfriFest and youth programming, helping create platforms that connect diverse communities and elevate underrepresented voices. Kum is noteworthy for her consistent engagement, reliability, and willingness to lead through service. Her relationship-driven approach and strong work ethic have positioned her as a trusted leader. Her trajectory reflects a rising changemaker helping shape a more inclusive and connected regional community. 

Leo Chan, Asia Chamber of America

Leo Chan embodies the convergence of multicultural advocacy and practical economic innovation. He builds bidirectional trade, sustainability frameworks and technology-driven cooperation between Asia and the American Midwest. His work on friendship cities, renewable energy-integrated AI and supply chain reinvention demonstrates that multiculturalism can directly fuel regional prosperity and environmental resilience. His ability to deploy hybrid AI for carbon reduction, facilitate diplomatic exchanges through World Affairs Council channels, and mobilize cross-border trade missions sets him apart as a leader who merges cultural fluency with technological and logistical expertise. As executive director of Asia Chamber of America, Chan exemplifies emerging multicultural leadership. He has advanced U.S.Asia cooperation through the Cincinnati-Chongqing friendship city partnership. He has enhanced cross-Pacific supply chain resilience through trade delegations, business matching, and advisory work for Fortune 500s and nonprofits. Additionally, his engagement with World Affairs Council initiatives fosters global understanding at the local level. 

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JUNE 2026

Movers & Makers

Bryan Wright, Cincinnati Compass

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As executive director of Cincinnati Compass, Bryan Wright leads regional strategies that position immigrant inclusion as a driver of economic growth and competitiveness. He works at the intersection of workforce and small business development, economic mobility, and crosssector collaboration to ensure the Cincinnati region attracts, retains and fully leverages global talent. Wright advances partnerships and practices that strengthen labor force participation, support entrepreneurship and expand access to opportunity. He connects employers, public agencies, and community organizations to align systems, reduce barriers and build institutional capacity. His work emphasizes practical solutions that increase productivity, foster innovation, and support long-term regional growth. He serves on the boards of Interact for Health, the Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio, Vibrant Ohio and the Refuge Collaborative. When not working, he coaches his younger son’s baseball team as part of Pope Athletics. He loves live music and is a lifelong fan of the Grateful Dead. 

Luz Elena Schemmel, Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati Foundation

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Cleopatra Kum, APNET

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Luz Elena Schemmel, an economist from Puebla, Mexico, is the new executive director of the Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati Foundation. With a master’s in public administration from Indiana State University, she has nearly 20 years of experience advocating for families, especially immigrant families, in Cincinnati. She has worked with grassroots organizations, helping families access after-school programs, healthy food, health services, banking services, and mental health outreach. Schemmel, an active leader and member of the Hispanic/ Latino community, has served on various boards, including the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Cancer Justice Network, Casa de Paz, and Healthy Moms and Babes.

Schemmel’s life changed when her second son, Sebastian, died by suicide. She honors Sebastian through mental health outreach.

The Schemmel family launched The Sebastian Schemmel Legacy Fund two weeks after he died, championing men’s mental health and raising awareness through scholarships, community outreach, educational programming and advocacy. 

FOCUS ON Multiculturalism

Azalea Laverde, World Affairs Council

Garri Davis is a standout emerging leader who is actively reshaping early childhood education and entrepreneurial leadership. As founder and CEO of the Water Lily Learning Center, a Gold Level childcare organization, she has set a high standard for quality, community-centered care. Through the Garri Davis Agency, she equips childcare professionals and entrepreneurs with the tools and strategy to build sustainable, high-performing businesses. Her influence extends into systems-level leadership. She was elected board chair of the African American Chamber of Commerce in 2026, reflecting her growing role in economic and community advancement. Davis is also a twotime Amazon international bestselling author and speaker. Her books, “CEO in Stilettos” and “Becoming,” inspire others to lead boldly. Davis is building, teaching and leading, creating a ripple effect transforming individuals, businesses and communities alike. When not working, she loves to travel with family and friends. 

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Garri Davis, African American Chamber of Commerce

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La As programs associate for the World Affairs le a Council, Azalea Laverde is the logistical backbone of the organization. Passionate about cultural diversity and education, Laverde finds the most joy in working with students or conversing with visiting international leaders. Laverde wears many hats working for a small organization, enthusiastically taking on new challenges.

She can seamlessly pivot from development to marketing, ensuring the council’s regional impact. She deeply believes in citizen diplomacy, excelling at humanizing the unfamiliar to create understanding. Outside of work she is on the planning committee for the 2026 Cindependent Film Festival. Her presence in the film community flowed into her professional life as she coordinated a meeting between international and local filmmakers to discuss business development practices. Laverde loves salsa and merengue music, a lasting influence of her Colombian father. To improve her language skills, she’s memorizing the lyrics of Spanish ballads. 

Deidre Hazelbaker, EquaSion

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a Henry Hane represents the next genyH nr eration of multicultural leadership in Greater Cincinnati’s nonprofit ecosystem. As executive director of the Islamic Educational Council, he advances cross-cultural understanding, educational equity, and civic engagement across diverse communities. With a Ph.D. in urban education studies and over two decades of experience, Hane brings an integrative approach to multicultural work.

Under his leadership, IEC has strengthened its role as a year-round institution that promotes positive cultural identity while building bridges across faiths. He leads a team delivering robust social services, including a food pantry that serves both Muslim families and the broader community. Grounded in equity-centered education, Hane translates vision into measurable outcomes while cultivating partnerships and trust. As an emerging leader, he is helping shape a more inclusive and connected region. 

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Henry Hane, Islamic Educational Council

Deidre Hazelbaker is an emerging civic and nonprofit leader serving as executive director of EquaSion, where she works alongside volunteers and faith leaders to build a Beloved Community of Faith and Friendship across Greater Cincinnati. Her leadership is grounded in a simple belief: Connection becomes belonging when people feel seen, heard and valued. In a time when faith and politics can divide, she is committed to bringing people together with humility, curiosity and a focus on shared humanity. With community partners, Hazelbaker has initiated EquaSion’s Faith & Friendship Groups, a reimagined Cincinnati Festival of Faiths, and an interfaith video series on hope, unity and compassion. As EquaSion’s leader, she contributed to an interfaith advocacy effort that gathered more than 500 signatures from faith leaders in support of Imam Ayman Soliman. Whether coaching youth volleyball, serving on Loveland City Council or organizing events, Hazelbaker leads with empathy and a sense of purpose. 

In work and volunteering, Daniel Taylor’s biggest focus is ensuring LGBTQ+ identities are centered and that individuals at all stages of their careers are included. Working in the banking industry, Taylor strives to educate allies and promote stories and experiences of marginalized groups so individuals feel seen, heard and represented.

With HRC, Taylor leads efforts for workplace equality, storytelling and inclusion for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community, especially trans and non-binary members. Taylor has led the Workplace Equality Committee and Outreach Committee, recently took on leadership roles for HRC’s largest fundraiser by co-chairing its annual dinner, and as governor, leads the local Steering Committee’s volunteer work. Taylor leads with dependability, kindness and humor while fostering a sense of belonging for all. In their spare time, Taylor knits beautiful pieces and is interested in the historical representations of LGBTQ+ characters in horror movies. 

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Movers & Makers

JUNE 2026

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The Datebook DATEBOOK

JUNE 1, MONDAY ArtWorks, ArtDinner | 6-9:30 p.m.

Mercantile Immersive, downtown.

Emcees: Pam Kravetz and Kathryne Gardette. Cocktail hour, art auction, dinner and toast after brand reveal.

Tickets: $250. ¼artworkscincinnati.org Ronald McDonald House, Annual Golf Classic | 11 a.m. Kenwood Country Club. Golf, lunch and reception. ¼rmhcincinnati.org Stepping Stones, Golf Classic | O’Bannon Creek Golf Club, Loveland.

Food, drinks, raffle prizes and golf. ¼steppingstonesohio.org JUNE 2, TUESDAY Pink Ribbon Good, Play It Foreward Golf Tournament | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Heritage Club, Mason.

Golf tournament. ¼pinkribbongood.org JUNE 4, THURSDAY Talbert House, Fatherhood Celebration | 4:30-6:30 p.m. Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. Networking, appetizers, drinks and program. Keynote: Thane Maynard. Tickets: $100. ¼talberthouse.org JUNE 5, FRIDAY “Barns Unlimited” Fundraiser | 6-8 p.m. Ethos Art Collective Gallery, Mt. Healthy. Meet and greet with Robert Kroeger and silent auction to help raise funds to restore the historic Bahr Barn. ¼robertkroeger.com Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Revel and Wit | 5:45 p.m. Otto M. Budig Theater, Over-the-Rhine.

Complimentary valet, open bar, passed dinner-by-the-bite, performance of “Emma” and desserts. Honoring Cassandra Plott and Glenn and Plott Tickets: $250. ¼cincyshakes.com Cincinnati ToolBank, Par-Tee for ToolBank | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Mill Course, Winton Woods. Golf and lunch. ¼cincinnatitoolbank.org 20

JUNE 2026

Movers & Makers

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

Dan Beard Council, Sporting Clays Tournament | 12:30 p.m.

Sycamore Pheasant Club. Clay shooting, lunch, silent auction and raffle.

Tickets: $100. ¼danbeard.org/sporting-clays Ken Anderson Alliance, Ken & Friends | 5:30 p.m. Hard Rock Casino. Awards program, dinner and panel. Tickets: $250. ¼kenandersonalliance.org JUNE 6, SATURDAY CABVI, Fun Fest | Noon-3 p.m.

Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine.

Music, carnival games, raffles, food trucks, split the pot and online auction. ¼hamiltonddsohio.gov

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company offers Revel and Wit, a gala performance of “Emma,” June 5. Honorees are longtime supporters Cassandra Plott and Glenn Plott.

Mill Creek Alliance, Annual Canoes & Conversations | 9 a.m.-noon. 3390 Millcreek Rd. Canoe trips, bike rides, nature hikes, fishing, lunch and program. ¼themillcreekalliance.org

On June 6, CABVI Fun Fest in Washington Park is full of music, carnival games, raffles, food trucks, split the pot and an online auction.

Ohio River Foundation, Coffee with a Kick | 4:30, 6 & 7:30 p.m.

Higher Gravity, Summit Park. Sample classic espresso martini, specialty espresso martini, coffee negroni and other specials. Tickets: $20. ¼ohioriverfdn.org/events Women’s Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Appointed Leadership Academy | 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Speakers: Cincinnati City Council member Anna Albi, 3CDC EVP Christy Samad and United Way CEO Moira Weir. Includes segment on the structure of local government, and in-depth look at boards and commissions in planning, zoning, and economic development. Free. ¼https://lnkd.in/gthMym37 JUNE 7, SUNDAY Giving Voice Foundation, We Are With You Gathering | 2-4 p.m.

Fueled Collective, Rookwood. Drinks, shop, games and program. Free. ¼givingvoicefdn.org

Co-chair Daniel Flynn, emcee Megan Mitchell, co-chair Sarah Byrd (Not pictured: co-chair Lily O’Bryan)

Greater Cincinnati Planned Giving Council presents its 28th annual Voices of Giving Awards, June 11, at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Honorees were nominated by nonprofits they support.

DATEBOOK JUNE 8, MONDAY Matthew Mangine Jr. Foundation, Annual One Shot Golf Outing | 11 a.m. Triple Crown Country Club, Union.

Golf, food, drinks and awards. ¼oneshot.life/golf-outing World Affairs Council, 2026 Council Leadership Meeting Opening Reception | 5-7 p.m. TQL Stadium.

Keynote: Jeff Berding, Co-CEO of FC Cincinnati. Cocktails and stadium tour. ¼globalcincinnati.org JUNE 9, TUESDAY Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, Golf Outing | 10:30 a.m. Vineyard Golf Course, Union. Golf, lunch and celebrity Q&A. ¼cycyouth.org/golfouting JUNE 11, THURSDAY Greater Cincinnati Planned Giving Council, 28th annual Voices of Giving Awards | 5-7 p.m. Greater Cincinnati Foundation, downtown. Awards, 6 p.m. Honoring 16 philanthropists nominated by charitable organizations they support. Register by June 8. Free. ¼gcpgc.org NKY Chamber, Fusion 2026 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. Mercantile Immersive, downtown. Networking and program.

Registration: $25. ¼business.nkychamber.com The Point Arc, Raffle with a Reason | Noon. Point Perk, Covington. $20K cash grand prize raffle. Tickets: $100. ¼thepointarc.org/upcoming-events St. Elizabeth Foundation, Rally for the Cure | 8 a.m. Twin Oaks Golf Course, Covington. Golf. ¼stelizabeth.com JUNE 12, FRIDAY Adopt A Class, Golf Outing | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Great Parks The Mill Course. 18-hole scramble. ¼aacmentors.org/golf-outing Beechwood Home, Annual Sporting Clay Event | 8 a.m.-noon. Sycamore Gun Club, Miamiville. Clay shoot, lunch, awards, gun raffle and bourbon basket. Tickets: $300; $225, age 30 and younger; $250, armed services. ¼beechwoodhome.com

Green Umbrella, Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit | 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sharonville Convention Center.

Keynote: Rebecca Carter. Programming, speakers, exhibitor expo, poster session, art show, live performances and networking reception. Tickets: $215 ¼midwestsustainabilitysummit.org Holly Hill, Annual Golf Classic | 7:30 a.m. Kenton County Golf Course, Independence. Golf, lunch and awards.

Registration: $175. ¼birdease.com/hollyhillgolfclassic Joseph House, Golf Outing | 7 a.m. Fairfield Greens South Trace. Golf, breakfast, opening ceremony and lunch.

Registration: $125; $500 foursome. ¼josephhouse.com/events/golf JUNE 13, SATURDAY Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Southwest Ohio Take Steps | 10 a.m.-noon. Voices of America Park, West Chester. Walk and ribbon ceremony. ¼crohnscolitisfoundation.org From Fatherless to Fearless, Better Together Mother + Daughter Conference | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Summit Hotel. Host: Taylor Woods. Speakers: Kim Petree and Saige Petree; Jazmyne Reid and Treva Reid. Lunch, music, giveaways and prizes. Tickets: $20-$60. ¼fromfatherlesstofearless.org Green Umbrella, Green & Healthy Schools Symposium | 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Rockdale Academy, Avondale. Speakers, panels, networking and workshops. Tickets: $125. ¼greenumbrella.org

BENEFITING:

The Christ Hospital Health Network PRESENTED BY:

Visit: TheChristHospital.com/Gala for more information

Ohio River Foundation, Wild & Scenic Film Festival | 6 p.m. Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine.

Short thought-provoking environmental films from around the U.S., social hour, dinner-by-the-bite and drinks. Tickets start at $30. ¼ohioriverfdn.org/events St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati, Dare to Care Dash | 9 a.m. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Scenic 5K run/walk, prizes and fun for all ages.

Children and dogs welcome. ¼runsignup.com/daretocaredash

Movers & Makers

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DATEBOOK

Candice Matthews Brackeen greets attendees at the 2025 Black Tech Week. The conference returns to the Aronoff Center July 14-16 with workshops, panel discussions, investor matching and after-hours events.

Twenty Cultured Pearls Foundation, Annual Jazz Brunch | 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Savannah Center, West Chester. Brunch, live music and silent auction. Tickets: $110. ¼twentyculturedpearlsfoundation.org WAVE Foundation, Annual River Sweep | 9-11:30 a.m. Newport on the Levee, Newport. Volunteers clean litter along Ohio River, conservation-related vendors and lunch. Free, waiver required. ¼wavefoundation.org JUNE 14, SUNDAY

JUNE 17, WEDNESDAY AIA Cincinnati, Golf Scramble | 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Glenview Golf Course, Glendale. Golf and lunch. Registration: $200. ¼aiacincinnati.org JUNE 19, FRIDAY CancerFree KIDS, Paxton’s Grill Corporate Golf Outing | 10 a.m.

Hickory Woods Golf Course, Loveland.

Wave start, lunch, drink tickets, raffles, mulligans, live music and swag bag. ¼e.givesmart.com/events/Mrm

Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance Foundation, Concours d’Elegance | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Ault Park, Mt. Lookout. Automotive art show, VIP brunch and craft beer garden. ¼ohioconcours.com

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, 2026 Juneteenth Jubilee | Freedom Center. Daylong takeover of Freedom Way. Live music, food trucks and community market. ¼freedomcenter.org

Holocaust & Humanity Center, Upstander Awards | 6 p.m. Union Terminal. Kosher-style meal, live music, dancing, activations and awards ceremony. Tickets: $175. ¼holocaustandhumanity.org

JUNE 20, SATURDAY

Queen City Charities, Wigs & Waffles | 10:30 a.m. Rhinegeist Brewery, Over-the-Rhine. Open bar, brunch and drag show. Tickets: $80. ¼queencitycharities.com/wigs Serenity Recovery Network, Annual Golf Outing | Noon-9 p.m.

Pebble Creek Golf Course, Dry Ridge.

Golf and dinner. Tickets: $175. ¼serenityrecoverynetwork.org

CancerFree KIDS, Paxton’s Grill Corporate Golf Outing | 2 p.m.

Hickory Woods Golf Course, Loveland.

Shotgun start, lunch, drink tickets, live auction, raffles, mulligans, live music, hole competitions, golf ball cannon hole and swag bag. ¼e.givesmart.com/events/Mrm JUNE 22, MONDAY Boys & Girls Club, Golf Classic | 8 a.m. & 1 p.m. Oasis Golf Club, Loveland.

Golf, food and drinks. ¼bgcgc.org/events WAVE Foundation, Putt for Penguins | 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Wetherington Golf & Country Club, West Chester. Golfing with celebrities, auctions, food and drinks.

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JUNE 2026

Movers & Makers

Emcee Jim LaBarbara hosts the Cincinnati Jazz Hall of Fame’s 12th Induction Ceremony, replete with live performences, June 28, at the Mayerson JCC in Amberley..

Tickets: $300; $1,200/team. ¼wavefoundation.org JUNE 23, TUESDAY Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, Impact Catalyst Midwest 2026 | 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Memorial Hall, Over-theRhine. Keynotes: Jenna Nicholas, Michael O’Bryan and Suzanne Smith. Coffee, light breakfast, boxed lunch, happy hour, panels and workshops. Tickets: $185. ¼flywheelcincinnati.org/events JUNE 25, THURSDAY

JUNE 27, SATURDAY Atrium Medical Center Foundation, HEAL Walk | 9 a.m. Atrium Family YMCA, Middletown. Walk supporting families who have faced the loss of a child. Registration required. ¼atriummedcenterfoundation.org The Cure Starts Now, Hyde Park Blast | 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Hyde Park Square. Run/walk, kids fun run, pro cycling and block party. Registration: $50. ¼hpblast.org JUNE 28, SUNDAY

CABVI, Braille Ale Release Party | 5-7 p.m. West Side Brewing. Braille Ale limited-edition features braille on every can. Wood-fired pizza, blindfolded games and activities. ¼cincyblind.org FC Cincinnati Foundation, Served by the Pros | 5:30-10:30 p.m. TQL Stadium. Unique culinary experience with FC Cincinnati players and staff. Drinks, dinner, fun challenge-a-pro friendly competitions, live music, silent auction and raffle prizes. ¼fccincinnati.com JUNE 26, FRIDAY Cincinnati Zoo, Zoo La La | 7:30-11 p.m. Food, drinks, entertainment, animal fun and VIP experience. ¼cincinnatizoo.org/events/zoo-la-la Wave Foundation, Sea-riously Funny Comedy Show | 6-9 p.m.

Newport Aquarium Riverside Room.

Family friendly comedy show by Mark Chalifoux, animal encounters, raffle and silent auction. Tickets: $25. ¼ wavefoundation.org

Cincinnati Jazz Hall of Fame, 12th Induction Ceremony | 3 p.m.

Mayerson JCC, Amberley. Performances and induction ceremony. Emcee: Jim LaBarbara. Tickets: $30. ¼cincyjazzhof.org Holocaust & Humanity Center, Upstander 5K | 8:30 a.m. Union Terminal. 5K walk and run options, live music, family activities, breakfast and pickleball tournament.

Registration: $47.45. ¼runsignup.com Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, Annual Cruise In For Kids Car Show | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, Fairfield. Car show, live music, raffle, split the pot and food trucks. Tickets: $20 Registration per car; Free general admission. ¼nuxhallmiracleleague.org JULY 8, WEDNESDAY NKY Chamber, DisruptHR Northern Kentucky | 4-7 p.m. Griffin Hall, Northern Kentucky University.

DATEBOOK Five-minute presentations by speakers about any topic relevant to the world of work. Tickets: $40. ¼business.nkychamber.com

JULY 11, SATURDAY

remove litter from Ohio River banks and tributaries. Trash bags and gloves provided. ¼greatparks.org

JULY 9, THURSDAY

Friars Club, Golf Outing | 11:30 a.m.

Glenview Golf Course. Golf, dinner and raffle. Registration: $125. ¼birdease.com/2026Friarsgolfouting

WAVE Foundation, Community Hangout | 6-9 p.m. Third Eye Brewing Company, Sharonville. Pint night fundraiser, conservation games, raffles and prizes. Free. ¼wavefoundation.org

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. ¼littlebrotherscincinnati.org

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. ¼cincymuseum.org

JULY 10-11, FRIDAY-SATURDAY

Urban League Guild of Greater Cincinnati, Guild Luncheon | Noon-2 p.m. Cintas Center, Xavier University. Fashion show and luncheon. ¼ulgso.org

JULY 25, 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. ¼2026ncbaeconference.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. ¼svdpcincinnati.org

JULY 14-16, TUESDAY-THURSDAY Black Tech Week | Aronoff Center, downtown. Workshops, panels discussions, investor matching and after-hours activities. Tickets start at $49.99. ¼blacktechweek.com

JULY 19, SUNDAY

Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, The Nuxy Bash | 7 p.m. Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, Fairfield. Celebrity softball game and fireworks show. Free. ¼nuxhallmiracleleague.org JULY 27, MONDAY Junior Achievement of OKI Partners, JA Golf Classic | 8:30 a.m.

Triple Crown Country Club, Union. Golf ¼japartners.org

JULY 18, SATURDAY Great Parks, Ohio River Sweep | 9 a.m.-noon. Fernbank Park. Volunteers

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. ¼svdpcincinnati.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 the night before Paddlefest. Free. ¼adventurecrew.org 

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Movers & Makers

JUNE 2026

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Photo courtesy the UC Foundation

Gifts & Grants

24

Longtime University of Cincinnati faculty members Amelia T. Nasrallah and Dr. Henry A. Nasrallah are pictured with Dr. Jeffrey R. Strawn (center) after the couple established a new endowed professorship supporting psychiatric neuroscience research at UC’s College of Medicine.

UC emeriti faculty’s gift enables endowed professorship After decades of teaching, research and clinical work at University of Cincinnati, Dr. Henry A. Nasrallah and Amelia T. Nasrallah donated $1 million to establish an endowed professorship focused on psychiatric neuroscience at the university’s College of Medicine.

The gift creates a new funding source to support faculty research tied to brain disorders and mental health treatment while helping the university recruit and retain leading psychiatric researchers.

University officials said the endowed professorship will strengthen the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience’s research and academic efforts as demand for mental health research and treatment continues growing. The inaugural recipient of the professorship is Dr. Jeffrey R. Strawn, whose work focuses on mood and anxiety disorders and includes clinical trials involving both pediatric and adult patients.

Henry Nasrallah spent decades as a neuropsychiatrist, researcher and educator at the university, while Amelia Nasrallah, a psychologist, previously led the department’s clinical research management program. Both now hold emeriti status but remain active in academic and research work connected to the university.

The Nasrallahs have supported multiple research, mentorship and academic initiatives at UC over the years and said the latest investment is aimed at advancing psychiatric research and supporting future generations of faculty and clinicians.  foundation.uc.edu

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Officials from Cincinnati State and the Village of Glendale gathered to mark the donation of a retired firetruck. They’re joined by fire service students Tommy Sheridan and Colton Phillips.

Xavier lands record $2.8M NIH grant Xavier University secured a $2.8 million federal grant – the largest in the university’s history – to expand biomedical research and student training as it works toward launching a medical school.

The five-year grant comes from the National Institutes of Health through a program aimed at helping universities strengthen research capacity. Xavier is one of six institutions selected for the program’s first cohort.

Rather than supporting a single research project, the funding will go toward growing biomedical research efforts across campus.

Xavier plans to use the funding to help build out programs connected to its proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine, which the university aims to open in fall 2027. The investment will also support existing and growing degree programs in fields including genetics, microbiology, neuroscience, speech-language and communicative behavior, biomedical sciences and social work.  xavier.edu

Glendale donates fire truck to Cincinnati State The Village of Glendale donated a retired pumper fire truck to Cincinnati State Technical and Community College to support hands-on firefighter training for students in the college’s Fire Service Technology program.

While the truck is no longer used for active firefighting because of its age, it remains fully functional for training exercises and will be used during live-fire operations at the City of Cincinnati fire training facility.

Cincinnati State officials said the donation strengthens the program’s ability to prepare students for careers in public safety at a time when fire departments across the country continue facing firefighter shortages.

Students in the one-semester Fire Services program complete more than 250 hours of classroom and lab instruction while training with real firefighting equipment. Graduates earn Firefighter Level II certification after already completing EMT training.  cincinnatistate.edu

Kentucky invests $4M combined in 2 NKY nonprofits The Kentucky General Assembly committed more than $4 million to two Northern Kentucky nonprofits expanding services for children, families and individuals with disabilities.

Family Nurturing Center received a $2.5 million investment to renovate and expand its newly acquired Crestview Hills facility, more than doubling its current space as part of the organization’s Nurturing Hope Campaign. The expanded campus will increase access to trauma-focused counseling, parenting education, supervised parenting time and child abuse prevention services across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati.

The nonprofit serves nearly 10,000 people annually through free counseling, prevention, education and family support programs designed to help children and families recover from trauma and prevent child abuse.

Meanwhile, Easterseals Redwood secured a $1.75 million state appropriation to support development of a new campus in Campbell County focused on expanding care for children and adults with disabilities.

The planned facility will bring together early childhood education, medical childcare, therapy services and adult programming in one location while improving access for families in Campbell, Pendleton and Bracken counties. The organization said the expansion aims to address growing demand for specialized childcare and disability services in the region.  eastersealsredwood.org, familynurture.org

GIFTS & GRANTS

Yung Family Foundation provides Xavier trustee gives $1 million second $1M to OneQuest Health to university campaign OneQuest Health received a second $1 million investment from the Yung Family Foundation to support behavioral health services across Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. The latest gift will help fund recruitment and retention efforts for medical and clinical treatment providers as the organization works to expand access to integrated physical and mental health care throughout the region.

OneQuest Health, formerly known as CHNK Behavioral Health, has grown its workforce and clinical capacity by 150% since 2022 while expanding services to address rising mental health needs. The organization recently opened a new outpatient facility in Louisville and launched a workforce development partnership with Northern Kentucky University.

The investment comes as Kentucky continues facing major mental health care shortages. According to the organization, millions of Kentuckians live in areas lacking enough mental health professionals, while many counties have ratios of more than 4,000 residents for every provider.

OneQuest Health projects delivering roughly 50,000 treatment services impacting about 7,000 clients during fiscal year 2026. The organization also received an $11,000 grant from The Patricia Kisker Foundation to expand its therapy gardens, an initiative serving youth in psychiatric residential treatment.  onequesthealth.org

Xavier University received a $1 million gift from alumnus and trustee John Dovich to support academic expansion, athletics and the university’s planned College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Half of the donation will go toward the proposed medical school, while the remaining funds will support business education initiatives and the men’s basketball program.

University officials said the contribution supports Xavier’s $500 million “For One. For All. Forever.” fundraising campaign, the largest campaign in the university’s history.

Dovich, a 1987 Xavier graduate and regional president and partner at MAI Capital Management, has served on the university’s board of trustees and President’s Advisory Council for more than two decades.  xavier.edu

New state funding fuels Banklick Creek protection A nonprofit dedicated to protecting Northern Kentucky’s Banklick Creek received more than $400,000 in state funding to support restoration and conservation projects throughout the watershed.

The Banklick Watershed Council, which works to restore and protect the 19.1-mile tributary of the Licking River flowing through Kenton and Boone counties, secured $250,000 from the Kentucky Division of Water through its Clean Water Act Section 319 program. The organization also received an additional $158,000 in matching funds through another Kentucky grant program.

The combined $408,000 investment will help the council update its watershed management plan while funding erosion control work, stream and habitat restoration projects, expanded public greenspaces and community engagement efforts focused on water quality and environmental stewardship.  banklick.org

Grants help students pursue college degrees A nonprofit focused on helping students complete college and workforce training programs received a $15,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to expand emergency financial support services.

Based in Loveland, The Chatfield Edge provides educational coaching, mentoring and financial assistance for first-generation and nontraditional students pursuing degrees, certifications and career training.

Organization leaders said the grant will support the nonprofit’s Learn to Live initiative, which helps students stay enrolled by covering unexpected costs such as groceries, childcare, transportation, laptops and internet access.  chatfieldedge.org

SvDP NKY receives $20K to provide free beds to those in need St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky received a $20,000 grant from the Unnewehr Foundation to expand its Sweet Dreams Bed Program, which provides free beds to children, seniors and people with disabilities across Northern Kentucky.

The program supplies new twin beds, bed frames and mattress protectors to families facing financial hardship. Last year, the nonprofit distributed 523 beds valued at nearly $100,000.  svdpnky.org 

More than 27,000 area older adults and people with disabilities live independently at home with help from Council on Aging.

Connect with us to learn how we improve the quality of life for older adults, individuals with disabilties and caregivers:

athy

Bill & K

Bonita

Polly

help4seniors.org (513) 721-1025

Movers & Makers

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Nonprofit News

New sculptures unveiled at Elm Street Plaza in the Convention District in downtown Cincinnati.

GO Pantry co-founders Laura Dumancic and Beth McIntire in their new Florence, Kentucky, warehouse.

The Garfield Suites Hotel building, vacant for years, sits along a key connection corridor along Vine Street.

Elm Street Plaza adds art

GO Pantry doubles space

3CDC buys long-vacant hotel

Elm Street Plaza in the redeveloped Convention District added four permanent sculptures. The new installations include “Coloratura” by AGAR Studios, “Freeforms”

by Luke Lehenbauer, “True American Music”

by Jason Snell and “Funk Glasses” by Black Art Speaks. 3CDC developed the project.

The sculptures expand the district’s growing collection of public art inspired by Cincinnati’s cultural history and nearby King Records legacy. The artwork is tied to the $264 million convention center redevelopment.  elmstreetplazacincy.com

GO Pantry is moving into a larger Florence warehouse as it faces rising demand for food assistance for Northern Kentucky children.

The nonprofit food pantry provides weekend and school-break support for more than 1,300 children a week across more than 100 schools in six counties.

The 11,040-square-foot facility on Empire Drive more than doubles its space and will increase capacity for the thousands of food bags it delivers each year, said Beth McIntire, executive director.  gopantry.org

3CDC is acquiring the long-vacant Garfield Suites Hotel in downtown Cincinnati as the nonprofit developer eyes another major redevelopment. The organization secured a purchase agreement for the 16-story property at 2 Garfield Place for $3.75 million.

The former hotel has been vacant for a decade. 3CDC said it is exploring mixed-use redevelopment possibilities for the site.

Heritage Ohio focuses on buildings

EquaSion launches interfaith events

A statewide preservation nonprofit is launching a new effort to spotlight historic buildings across Ohio as part of the upcoming America 250 celebration.

Heritage Ohio announced its “250 Buildings, 250 Stories” initiative, which aims to highlight historic properties while encouraging redevelopment and preservation efforts.

The organization is accepting nominations through mid-September for buildings with historical significance, successful rehabilitation projects or redevelopment potential.  heritageohio.org

Interfaith nonprofit EquaSion launched three new programs aimed at building relationships across religious and cultural differences in Greater Cincinnati.

The initiatives include a public film screening and discussion at University of Cincinnati, a series of small-group Faith & Friendship gatherings and a revamped Cincinnati Festival of Faiths scheduled for Aug. 2.

The documentary project, “Building a Better World Together,” features local faith leaders discussing shared values and community connection. The Faith & Friendship groups will bring residents together for guided conversations.  equasion.org

River trip spotlights conservation A 488-mile expedition was paddling the Ohio River National Water Trail in May to spotlight conservation, recreation and the river’s growing regional impact.

The 2026 Ohio River Way Challenge was taking a volunteer crew from Huntington, West Virginia, to Evansville, Indiana. Participants paddled 15 to 35 miles a day in large voyageur canoes, connecting with residents, local organizations and riverfront leaders.

The trip, led by the nonprofit The Ohio River Way, included a floating research lab staffed by student interns.  ohioriverway.org 26

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Aviatra launches retail market Aviatra Accelerators opened a shared retail marketplace in Covington to help women entrepreneurs launch and grow storefront businesses.

The concept, called Muse Boutiques, brings together 22 women-owned businesses inside Aviatra’s Pike Street headquarters. Participants share retail space, staffing and operations while testing products and refining their business models. Business owners also receive coaching, classes and networking programs.  aviatraaccelerators.org

Coalition links NKY nonprofits A new coalition brings together 26 nonprofit organizations in Northern Kentucky with a focus on advocacy, collaboration and regional problem-solving.

The Northern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition includes organizations across education, housing, food access, workforce development, healthcare and the arts, including ArtsWave, Brighton Center, Freestore Foodbank, United Way of Greater Cincinnati and YMCA of Greater Cincinnati.

The coalition will coordinate efforts around public policy, funding opportunities and partnerships and help strengthen relationships with local, state and federal officials.

See the list of members on the Movers & Makers website.  moversmakers.org

Red Bike joins Metro on Transit app Getting around Cincinnati without a car just got a little easier.

Metro has integrated Red Bike into the Transit app, allowing riders to combine bus and bike travel and purchase Red Bike passes.

Bikeshare users can connect their Red Bike account, check out bikes, view nearby stations and track bike availability and Metro’s realtime bus information.  cincyredbike.org 

©Samaritan Car Care Clinic 2026

IMAGINE A FAMILY WITHOUT A CAR. (WE CAN’T EITHER.)

DONATE A VEHICLE. THERE’S A LOT RIDING ON IT. Want to help a family in need in Northern Kentucky?

The answer could be parked in your driveway.

Not ready to donate a car? A cash gift makes the same kind of local impact.

SamaritanCarCare.org

NAMES in the NEWS

Tyler Egloff

Mary Ellen Goeke

Holly Perella

Michelle K. Kalz

Karen Finan

Charles Korzenborn

Laura Allen

Jená Bradley

Mollie Watson

Kieli Ferguson

Jenifer Moore

Blair Whitt

Cole Weirich

Padma Chebrolu

Brent Taylor

Samantha Banks

Karen Luken

Maurice Gunn

Alec Hargrove

Thomas Bauer

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LifeSciKY – a Kentucky nonprofit lab incubator in Covington – hired Tyler Egloff as an Innovation Fellow. Egloff, a senior at Northern Kentucky University studying computer science and neuroscience, will gain hands-on experience in the life sciences industry through the fellowship program. His academic work focuses on human-computer interaction and bioinformatics.

records of outstanding community service and integrity. Finan helped lead regional economic and civic development efforts through the OneNKY Alliance and Northern Kentucky Tri-ED, now known as the BE NKY Growth Partnership.

Korzenborn spent more than two decades leading the Kenton County Sheriff’s Office, modernizing operations and strengthening collaboration among local law enforcement agencies.

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Mary Ellen Goeke received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Art Academy of Cincinnati at the school’s spring commencement ceremony. The Class of 1980 graduate co-founded FotoFocus and helped shape Cincinnati’s contemporary photography scene while elevating the city’s profile in national and international art conversations.

Holly Perella is coming to the Cincinnati Regional Sports Commission as director of business development, where she’ll focus on bringing new sporting events and tourism opportunities to the region. Perella previously served as sports business development director at SportsPITTSBURGH and earlier managed corporate partnerships for the Wheeling Nailers, a minor league hockey team.

After leading growth initiatives for several national behavioral health companies, Michelle K. Kalz has joined Lindner Center of Hope as its first chief growth and strategy officer. Kalz will oversee efforts to expand access to care and build strategic partnerships for the Mason-based mental health center. Her previous leadership roles include working with Rogers Behavioral Health, Odyssey Behavioral Health, Recovery Centers of America and Acadia Healthcare.

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The Kenton County Fiscal Court recognized Karen Finan and Charles “Chuck” Korzenborn with the Dr. Jon Draud Pioneer Award. The annual award honors residents with

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Laura Allen is Meals on Wheels of Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky new director of development. Allen recently served as project director for the Kenton County Aging Readiness Plan and previously worked with the Erickson School of Aging Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Jená Bradley took home the 2026 Baobab System Leadership Award from Transformational Healing Place for her work advancing community-centered support for Black mothers and families. Bradley was honored for building partnerships, aligning resources with community priorities and improving outcomes for families through her work at bi3 and previously with the United Way of Greater Cincinnati.

Cincinnati Animal CARE hired longtime Q102 radio personality Mollie Watson as associate director of strategic growth. Watson, who will continue her work with Q102 Cincinnati, has supported the shelter for nearly a decade and will help strengthen community engagement and highlight its animal welfare work across Hamilton County.

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Breakthrough Cincinnati added Kieli Ferguson and Jenifer Moore to its board of directors. The education-focused nonprofit also elected Carey Schroer as board president. Ferguson brings more than 20 years of experience in public education, while Moore has a background in communications, public affairs and inclusive policy development.

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LADD’s Blair Whitt won Ohio’s 2026 Direct Support Professional of the Year award from ANCOR, a national organization representing providers serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Whitt, a direct support professional, was honored for her work helping people with developmental disabilities navigate daily life, build independence and stay connected to their communities.

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Cole Weirich was promoted to general manager at La Soupe after previously serving as retail manager. Weirich, who first connected with the nonprofit as a customer and volunteer, now oversees day-to-day operations and supports the organization’s large-scale meal production efforts serving food-insecure residents across the region.

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The University of Cincinnati Alumni Association and the university’s board of trustees honored Padma Chebrolu with the Marian A. Spencer Mosaic Award. The award recognizes alumni who demonstrate leadership, strengthen communities and expand opportunities for others. Chebrolu, who spent more than 30 years at Procter & Gamble in various leadership roles, earned a master’s degree in instructional design and technology from UC.

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Talbert House named Brent Taylor its 2025 Employee of the Year, honoring his leadership in strengthening the organization’s Recovery Housing program and helping launch a new recovery housing property.

The nonprofit also recognized Samantha Banks, Karen Luken, Maurice Gunn, Alec Hargrove and Thomas Bauer as top employees across its service lines during its annual employee appreciation event.

NAMES in the NEWS

Adam Ante

April Cielica

Clare Blankemeyer Spencer Cropper

Bill Montague

George Vincent

Bill Bresser

Tracy Power

Casey Baker-Romans

Michael Frazier

Stefanie Richardson

Arlene de Silva

Nichols Trevor

Siobhan Taylor

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United Way of Greater Cincinnati added Adam Ante of Paycor, April Cielica of Procter & Gamble and retired FBT Gibbons executive Bill Montague to its board of directors. The nonprofit also selected George Vincent – executive vice president, general counsel and secretary at Kroger – as board chair.

Bill Bresser won the CEO of the Year award from the Boys & Girls Clubs Ohio Alliance. Since becoming CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati in 2018, Bresser has helped grow the organization’s operating budget from $4.1 million to $6.7 million and led its $50 million “A New Generation” capital campaign.

Tracy Power joined the BE NKY Growth Partnership as workforce development manager, where she works with Northern Kentucky employers to develop talent and hiring solutions. Power also oversees investments in K-12 workforce pipeline programs tied to the region’s long-term economic development strategy.

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Casey Baker-Romans, a substance use prevention health educator with the Northern Kentucky Health Department, received the Smoke-free Advocate of the Year award from the Kentucky Tobacco Control Conference for her work advancing smoke-free policies and educating residents about vaping and secondhand smoke. Separately, the City of Ludlow received the Everette Varney Smoke-free Indoor Air Excellence Award for adopting a comprehensive smoke-free workplace ordinance.

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bi3 welcomed Clare Zlatic Blankemeyer and Spencer Cropper to its bi3 Fund Board. Zlattic Blankemeyer is a local philanthropy and nonprofit executive leader while Cooper is co-president of Stolle Properties Inc.

Michael Frazier is the new marketing and development coordinator for Keep Cincinnati Beautiful after spending nearly 28 years at Northern Kentucky University, where he most recently served as manager of creative services.

June 14, 2026 Ault Park ohioconcours.com

—— 48TH ANNUAL ——

The Girl Scouts of Western Ohio hired Stefanie Richardson as its development coordinator. The longtime nonprofit leader previously led donor development efforts for the March of Dimes in Lexington, Kentucky. She’s also held roles with Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana, Make-A-Wish Connecticut and the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Arlene de Silva, CEO of the Cincinnati Music & Wellness Coalition, received the 2026 Jefferson Award from the Rotary Club of Cincinnati for her service to the Greater Cincinnati community. The national award recognizes public service and volunteer leadership.

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Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana added Trevor Nichols to its Southern Ohio Regional Advisory Board.

Nichols, an attorney with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, will support regional efforts to advance the organization’s mission and deepen community engagement across the region.

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Local nonprofit Feed the Soul appointed Siobhan Taylor – a current board member and former president and CEO of DePaul Cristo Rey High School – as its first chief executive officer. Feed the Soul focuses on improving student health and academic outcomes by pairing fresh food distribution with hands-on nutrition education. 

Cincinnati’s Most Elegant Car Show Returns Enjoy automotive excellence amidst the scenic beauty of Ault Park.

BENEFITING JUVENILE ARTHRITIS IMAGE COURTESY OF KESSLER PHOTOGRAPHY

Movers & Makers

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4/29/26 10:52 AM

PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE | By Seth Coppens

My journey, my identity I

’m 3 years old. I’m at summer theater camp, and it’s bathroom time. The girls’ is full, so my counselor shows me to the boys’. He points out an empty stall, and makes sure I get to it okay. That small act of kindness, one of my earliest childhood memories, would be illegal in Ohio today with the current bathroom ban on all schools restricting access based on assigned sex at birth. But back then I just finished my business and went about my day, playing theater games with my friends.

Eight years later, I played Scout in a production of “To Kill A Mockingbird” at Perseverance Theatre in Juneau, Alaska. I had auditioned for the Seth Coppens role before coming out as a trans boy, but by the time rehearsals rolled around, I was going by my new name and pronouns. I kept my hair at jaw-length, and wore a backwards ballcap to keep it out of my face. Meanwhile, my stepdad had just been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. While these two life-changing events enveloped me at home, in the rehearsal room I could be present and at peace in my day-today. My castmates and director supported me in my transition as well as my grief, and while I was still playing Scout as a girl character, as conceived by Harper Lee, I felt affirmed in my identity as a trans actor.

Fast forward to 2021. I’m in high school taking a playwriting class, and my teacher emails me: “You can’t write exclusively about transgender people and be successful.” While I understand the intention behind this comment was to get me to branch out, what it said to me was “The world doesn’t want to hear about trans people.” I also found it difficult to incorporate this feedback into my work, as writing plays is often deeply personal to the playwright’s point of view. As a trans playwright, I can’t switch off my transness in order for my plays to be more marketable for cisgender audiences. Ultimately, I did not heed my teacher’s advice, and we did not speak of it again for the rest of the school year.

Today, as a junior at Carnegie Mellon University studying theater directing, I continue to work from my own (trans) perspective, finding new ways to interpret classics while dreaming up new stories. More importantly, I dedicate

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myself towards uplifting the most vulnerable people in my community: trans youth. I was incredibly lucky to grow up in an atmosphere of general acceptance during my transition, but a lot of trans kids in Cincinnati today do not have that same kind of support.

Trans kids need a creative outlet, they need to see themselves represented truthfully in media and onstage, and they need their community to foster their strengths. Every summer I work at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s theater camp, where kids of all identities are accepted.

The students can change their pronouns and names every day if they want to, noting it on their nametags; they can focus on art and creative expression, and not worry about explaining or defending their identity. I want every young person, wherever they are on the path to finding themselves, to experience that freedom and sense of belonging. In the face of political polarization, Cincinnati’s arts organizations can help us overcome our differences by giving every child, every family, a safe place to play.

Artists of historically marginalized identities need your support, especially those who are Black, trans and/or disabled.

Families of all identities and income levels need access to theater and arts education as a human right. Breaking down financial barriers is one way cultural organizations in Cincinnati can truly strive for inclusion and community engagement across all neighborhoods. With a focus on accessibility, the uplifting of diverse perspectives is bound to follow.

We need to keep fighting against the hateful rhetoric and anti-trans legislation that’s taken over so much of the country, making states like Ohio unsafe places for me and my peers.

New research from the American Psychological Association shows rising rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts among LGBTQ+ youth, who are also finding it harder to get mental health help when they need it.

“These young people report they are being bullied, discriminated against, and debated about by politicians simply for being themselves,” said Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project. But, he adds, “when LGBTQ+ young

people report they have welcoming and supportive communities, spaces, and people in their lives, their risk for attempting suicide lowers significantly. As adults and allies, this is our call to action: We must continue to vocally and visibly show the LGBTQ+ young people in our lives that they belong, exactly as they are.”

For me, theater has been that lifeline – just as my transness has made me a stronger theater artist.

I’m deeply hopeful, both for the future of theater and the resilience of my community.

I believe in the power of live performance to build empathy, to foster humanity, and to show us a better world. I need you, whether you’re an individual who supports the arts or you’re part of a larger organization, to stand with trans youth in our struggle to make our voices heard and celebrated. 

From the production of “To Kill A Mockingbird” at Perseverance Theatre in Juneau, Alaska with Seth Coppens as Scout, Theo Houck as Dill and Forrest Davis as Jem

Seth Coppens (they/he) is a trans artist from Cincinnati, where he graduated from the School for Creative and Performing Arts. He’s currently studying Directing at Carnegie Mellon University.

Seth has written plays produced by Perseverance Theatre in Juneau, Alaska, and has participated in his school’s student-led Playground Festival as both a director and playwright. In the summer, he’s a counselor and teaching artist at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Seth finds profound inspiration in their local community, and seeks to bring theatre back to the masses.

PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE | By Julie Coppens

A parent’s point of view

S

eth came out as his true self at a young age (11), in a much more accepting time and place: Juneau, Alaska, where we lived for seven years before moving back to Cincinnati as Seth was starting high school. We were able to connect quickly with LGBTQaffirming educators, therapists, pediatricians and peers who understood what Seth was going through and who supported us on the journey.

But it’s been a scary decade since then, as a lot of far-right politicians have found anti-trans hate a handy distraction from the kinds of issues American voters should be focused on. They know a lot of us are still uncomfortable with gender diversity, along with other forms of social progress, and instead of promoting greater understanding and acceptance of this tiny minority (roughly one percent of Ohioans identify as transgender, based on the most reliable polling data), they’ve been busy exploiting that discomfort and prejudice for their own gain, while stripping transgender citizens of their basic human rights.

Take bathroom bans. When your own kid comes home from school hyperventilating and sobbing after being bullied for going to pee somewhere he thought was safe … you start to wonder why some of our elected officials are prioritizing these laws over things that might actually help our kids live, learn and thrive.

Are you as exhausted by all of this crap as we are? Ready to stand up in support of your LGBTQ loved ones, friends and neighbors?

Here are a few things you can do.

Tune out the noise. So much of the “news” around trans issues is misleading, hateful or simply false.

Learn how to spot anti-trans propaganda in the wild, ask yourself why a particular image or message is making the rounds and do your

THURSDAY, JUNE 25

Julie Coppens

best to shut it down. Listen instead to trans voices, speaking their own truth. Good on you for reading this article!

Educate yourself. Organizations like Advocates for Trans Equality (transequality.org) and TransOhio Inc. (transohio.org) are a good starting point. Seek out publications like The Advocate (advocate. com), The Buckeye Flame (thebuckeyeflame.com), and Erin In The Morning on Substack, to learn about anti-trans legislation and be a more informed voter.

Consider your own “genderaffirming care.” We all do lots of things to feel more comfortable and confident in how we present ourselves, gender-wise. Examining my own girlie habits like waxing, tweezing, wearing Spanx, taking hormones after menopause, etc., helped me understand and support Seth’s gender-affirming choices.

Still don’t get it? That’s okay. We don’t have to understand everything about our fellow humans in order to feel compassion for them, and to want them to be able to safely exist in our society. That should be the bare minimum. 

Served by the Pros is an exclusive evening featuring FC Cincinnati player interactions, elevated cuisine, live music, raffles, a silent auction, and a special take home memento for all attendees.

REGISTER TODAY

Benefiting Ohio River Foundation

Wild & Scenic Film Festival

June 13th, 2026 Memorial Hall, Cincinnati Ohio Doors open @ 6 PM Tickets @ ohioriverfdn.org

Dinner by the Bite, Drinks, & More!

Julie Coppens is longtime arts journalist and editor, theater-maker, teaching artist, youth advocate and nonprofit organization manager.

Movers & Makers

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Snapshots SNAPSHOTS

Slumber Pawty highlights care for shelter animals Cincinnati Animal CARE joined shelters nationwide for the “Shelter Slumber Pawty,” an immersive fundraiser highlighting the daily reality for shelter animals. Participants stepped into the lives of shelter dogs and cats for one night, as volunteers, donors, advocates and staff slept in kennels alongside them, transforming the spaces to feel more like home.

Q102’s Mollie Watson, CAC’s new associate director of strategic growth, amplified the impact with a live broadcast from inside the shelter, sharing realtime stories beyond the building.

The event raised $65,000 to support operations, medical and behavioral care, enrichment, foster placement, and community resources that help keep pets with their families.

The Slumber Pawty reinforced a simple idea: When a community shows up with compassion, meaningful change follows.  cincinnatianimalcare.org Volunteer Melissa Gonzalez

CAC MarCom Team: Katie Taylor, Lisa Colina, Jenna Bower, Alex Sepulveda and Destiny Berry

CAC Development Director Greg Haskett and Blu Baby (available for adoption)

Volunteer Julia Zupan and Pipette (available for adoption)

Animal advocates Pam Kravetz and Moe Rouse

Chuck Patton, owner of Purrfect Day Cat Cafe, and Kyleigh Johnson Volunteer Molly Wellman and Fern Animal advocates Emilie Peters and Megan Dashley Easy Cheese in jammies (available for adoption)

Volunteer and advocate Cindy Unkenholt and Sharkitta (available for adoption)

Mollie Watson, Q102 personality and CAC associate director of strategic growth Animal advocate Brian McIntosh

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Easy Cheese in jammies (available for adoption)

SNAPSHOTS

Keep Cincinnati Beautiful launches campaign to double impact Keep Cincinnati Beautiful’s Blueprint of Impact event marked the launch of the organization’s Imagine the Impact campaign. The event brought together supporters, community leaders and partners to celebrate nearly 50 years of transformation and to look ahead to serving more neighborhoods, residents and green spaces.

Guests learned about the vision for Keep Cincinnati Beautiful’s nearly 20,000-square-foot home in Walnut Hills – the historic Harry Hake building – and how this investment will help double the organization’s impact in Cincinnati for generations to come. As part of the event, Brad Lindner and United Dairy Farmers announced a $500,000 dollar-for-dollar matching gift, inspiring others to help maximize this opportunity.  keepcincinnatibeautiful.org

Brent Billingsley (artist “Mysta Bee”) and Cincinnati City Council member Meeka Owens

Brad Lindner, campaign co-chair; Courtney Reitman-Deinlein, board president and campaign co-chair; and Jonathan Adee, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful executive director

Michael Golden and Ohio state Rep. Cecil Thomas Jeff Harris and Jackie Bryson

Carrie Hayden, Liz Keating and John Hayden

Allison Rogers, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, Ohio state Sen. Catehrine Ingram and Cincinnati City Manager Sheryl Long

Cpl. Bryan Peak, deputy with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department and leader of Ohio’s Environmental Crimes Task Force, with Alistair Probst Linda Holterhoff, former executive director of Keep Cincinnati Beautiful

Aaron Fromm, Kat Taylor and Toni Burns

Watch on CET and the PBS app

CETConnect.org

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Make-A-Wish gala celebrates children’s legacy of inspiration Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana’s recent Wish Gala Cincinnati brought the community together to support children with critical illnesses, raising more than $500,000 to help grant life-changing wishes across the region.

The event featured stories of local wish kids, highlighting the impact a single wish can have, not only on a child, but on families, volunteers and communities.

A highlight of the night was the presentation of the Natalia Marsh Welton Spirit Award, named in honor of a local wish kid whose legacy continues to inspire. During her battle with a brain tumor, Natalia wished to create and share her mother’s soup with those in need.

This year’s Spirit Award recipient, Jackie Hausfeld, serves as chair of the Southern Ohio Advisory Board and has been a champion of Make-A-Wish for more than 13 years.  wish.org/ok

Jackie Hausfeld with the Natalia Marsh Welton Spirit Award President and CEO Juli Miller (left), with Jason Dempsey, Amber Dempsey and wish kid Jude

Kaitlyn Burgess, Kristopher Burgess, Hyunjin Nakajima, Matt Nakajima, Make-A-Wish OKI board member Charlie Rittgers, Sammy Rittgers, David Kronour, Lindsey Kronour, Annie Rittgers and Colin Bomprezzi Jackie Hausfeld, Malakye MarshWelton, Kelly Marsh, Byron Marsh-Welton and event emcee JonJon from Kiss 107.

Evening for Life features ‘Wonderful’ singer Ellison Pregnancy Center Plus hosted its annual Evening for Life fundraiser at Cintas Center with the theme “Some Kind of Wonderful.” Singer-songwriter John Ellison made a guest appearance, performing his hit song, for which the event was named. The program, emceed by former U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup, featured a keynote address by Rev. Robert Casey, archbishop of Cincinnati.

The 650 guests heard stories about the center’s impact, and the evening ended with a musical performance. PCPlus estimates the event raised about $400,000 to support its comprehensive support hub, which provides medical, spiritual and material care for mothers, fathers and babies in our community.  PCPlus.org Patricia Donohoe and Claire Whitaker 34

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PCPlus Executive Director Laura Curran, guest artist John Ellison, Archbishop Robert Casey and former U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup Diana Kurcab and Christen Donohoe, PCPlus event coordinator

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Taking Root’s Miyawaki initiative plants first mini forest More than 70 volunteers planted 625 native trees in Cincinnati’s Camp Washington neighborhood, creating a dense Miyawaki mini forest in a single morning.

The City of Cincinnati provided the 1,800-square-foot site at 3547 Millcreek Road for the forest planting. This mini forest marks a major step toward restoring tree canopy in one of the city’s lowest-canopy neighborhoods. Taking Root will plant a second forest in the autumn near the Hopple Street exit.

The Miyawaki method, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, uses dense plantings of diverse native species in enriched soil to accelerate forest growth, quickly restoring environmental benefits where they are needed most.  takingroot.info

From DePaul Cristo Rey High School’s Youth in Bloom after-school club: DePaul Cristo Rey CFO Randy Koehler, sophomore Dante, juniors Ma’layah and Rugi, senior Ca’Myla and science teacher Kerry Pancoast

Caroline Cain of Keep Cincinnati Beautiful and Ken Petren, University of Cincinnati faculty member and director of the UC Field Center, make finishing touches to the protective fence around Camp Washington’s new Miyawaki mini forest.

Bruce Koehler and Suzanne Parkey from Taking Root; Emi Randall, OKI regional planning manager; Madeline Brinker, OKI intern; and Travis Miller, Cincinnati Parks

Dan Grady, Fred Desai and Jodie Zultowski plant the bare root native trees.

Kate Ascher of the Urban Tree Project talks with Susan Fox of Taking Root on the benefits of planting mini forests.

Nick Kloppenborg teaches his two young sons how to plant and care for a young tree.

SCORE announces Client of the Year winners

SCORE mentor Jeff Heinicher, Kemba CEO Dan Sutton, Cortney Lee and Shannon Grauzer of Legacy Sports Complex

SCORE Greater Cincinnati and Dayton has named its 2026 Clients of the Year, recognizing local businesses for growth and impact. The organization announced the awards during an event at Kemba’s Community Center in West Chester.

Breckenridge Financial Supplies won in the Build-Establish category. In the New or Start-up category, Legacy Sports Complex took top honors, with Refined Performance Living named runner-up. MKT Strategy LLC and Artis Training Solutions received honorable mentions.

SCORE Greater Cincinnati and Dayton is a nonprofit network of about 100 volunteer mentors who provide free guidance on business development and operations.  score.org/oh/greater-cincinnati-and-dayton

Kemba CEO Dan Sutton, Jessica Brewer of Breckenridge Financial Supplies, SCORE mentor Charles Anderson and Nicole Pickard of the Small Business Association

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Pro Bono Partnership honors volunteers and supporters Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio honored its 2026 volunteer award winners, Hall of Fame inductees, volunteers and supporters during an event in the Fifth Third Bank Atrium, presented by LexisNexis.

Six award recipients were selected for going above and beyond in 2025 and for their dedication to PBPO’s mission. Seven attorneys were inducted into the PBPO Hall of Fame, each of whom have provided more than 100 hours of pro bono service.

The 160 guests celebrated the award winners and PBPO’s positive community impact. PBPO provided $2.6 million worth of business legal services and education to the nonprofit community.

The 2026 award winners were Procter & Gamble, FBT Gibbons LLP, Kyle Grubbs of Kroger, Liane Rousseau of Dinsmore & Shohl, Anna Greve of Taft Law and Alan deVries of deVries Immigration Law.  pbpohio.org

Kelly Collison of Magnified Giving

PBPO Hall of Fame inductees Michael Jacobs, Matthew Delaney, Michael Marrero, Thea Langsam, Giles Roblyer and Liane Rousseau Excellence in Nonprofit Service Award winner Alan deVries (center) with HA Musser of Santa Maria Community Services and Sarah deVries Erin Childs, PBPO CEO, and Susan Street Whaley, board chair

Susan Zaunbrecher of Dinsmore, Chris Habel of FBT Gibbons, George Vincent of Kroger and Susan Street Whaley of P&G

Kyle Grubbs, Corporate Attorney of the Year (center), with family Kristi Grubbs and Taylor Grubbs

FBT Gibbons attorneys with the 2025 Law Firm of the Year Award

Kathy Wade, Kathryne Gardette and Kelly Asbury of Learning Through Art 36

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Mason Strout with Anna Greve, 2025 Rising Star

Procter & Gamble attorneys with the 2025 Company of the Year Award

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Hearing Speech + Deaf Center gala supports communication equity Hearing Speech + Deaf Center raised $75,000 in support of communication equity during its 2026 Communication Advocacy Gala, held at the Cincinnati Museum Center. The evening celebrated and advanced HSDC’s mission of ensuring access to essential communication services for all.

A special moment was the induction of Jack Baker and Katie Haumesser into HSDC’s Century Club, recognizing their enduring commitment to and impact on the organization’s work. In addition, the event celebrated three Shining Star Award recipients, representing audiology, speech therapy and community services for the deaf. HSDC selects honorees who exemplify the transformative outcomes made possible through the nonprofit’s programs and services.

Funds raised will support HSDC’s efforts to provide equitable access to audiology, speech-language and occupational therapy, and deaf services throughout the region.  hearingspeechdeaf.org

Volunteer Ric Willer plays into the evening’s theme by dressing as a train conductor for the paddle raise. Jennifer Brown speaks on stage while Jesse Dorland Interprets.

Michelle Bolin, Danielle Meehan, Christiane Frith and Derrick Ruebusch

Shining Star awardees Andrei Pashkouski, Yaraslau Pashkouski and Victoria Pashkouskaya Century Club Inductee Jack Baker thanks the audience in ASL.

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

HSDC COO Sally Quilligan claps as an honoree comes to the stage.

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

Guests enjoy the Cincinnati History Museum during cocktail hour.

www.CETconnect.org

Emmy Award Winner Regional - Interview/Discussion Program

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SNAPSHOTS Bob Kirkham, Lauren Rueve and CISE silent auction sponsors Emily Hurley and Tom Hurley

All signs point to a bright night for CISE More than 200 guests gathered at the American Sign Museum to benefit CISE (Catholic Inner-city Schools Education) and the more than 3,000 students it serves.

With food, music and the opportunity to connect with educators, members of the community supported students and expanded access to a values-based Catholic education – helping them succeed in college, career and life.  cisekids.org

Victoria Sims and Robin Cox Steve Robertson, Jim Akers, Pat Robertson, Jody Akers, Louise Stakelin and Bill Stakelin Ike Davidoski, Tassy Taylor, CISE President and Executive Director Phil McHugh and Christopher Rueve

From Xavier Jesuit Academy: Michael Gong, Principal Kyle Chandler and Sherwin Anderson

Kerry Vollmer, David J. Williams, Jay Vollmer and Phil McHugh Jordan Peelman and Candice Peelman

Pam Fellerhoff, Matt Fellerhoff, Ann Schoen and Jerry Schoen

Emilie Rohde and Matt Jackson

Miami University dedicates Mitchell Sustainability Park Miami University dedicated the Sharon and Graham Mitchell Sustainability Park at the university. The park was established by a $5 million gift from alums Graham Mitchell and Sharon Janosik Mitchell, longtime supporters of Miami and of sustainability.

The dedication ceremony included a reveal of the park’s main gateway by the Mitchells’ sons – Steven Mitchell and Mark Mitchell, both of whom graduated from Miami as well. The park includes two solar arrays to advance the university’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality on its Oxford campus by 2040. Through energy system transformations, Miami has reduced utility-based carbon emissions by 50% since 2008.  miamioh.edu 38

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Three generations of the Mitchell family celebrate the dedication of the park. Adults, left to right: Sharon Mitchell ’73, Steve Mitchell ’03, Graham Mitchell ’73 and ’76, Mark Mitchell ’07, Stacey Mitchell and Abby Mitchell

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The Chatfield Edge celebrates scholars

Yaunta Thrasher, Dominique Embry, John Tafaro and Emanuel Ferguson

The Chatfield Edge hosted its fourth annual Celebrating Our Scholars Brunch at Ursuline Academy. With over 160 guests and honorary chairs Brad East and Marcie East, the event marked the organization’s largest celebration to date.

Since 2023, The Chatfield Edge has empowered 145 first-generation and non-traditional students, providing more than $400,000 in financial aid with its signature education and mentorship support.

These vital services remain free for scholars thanks to the organization’s 43 endowed funds and the generosity of sponsors.  chatfieldedge.org/ways-to-give

Chasity Williams and Draco Williams

Robert Elmore, David Hesson, Christina Mullis and Amy Rodgers Sister Lucia Castellini, Tameca Frederick, Debra Barber of Brown County Ursuline Alumni Association, Sister Lawrence Sickman, Nancy Hartman Eling and Sister Patricia Homan Scholars Kailah Pearson, Bianca Pearson and Brad King

Robert Elmore, Yaunta Thrasher and David Hesson Maureen Kiley, Kathy Booth, Kris LoFrumento, Jeannie Bross-Judge, Amber Saedi Asl, Diann Blizniak, Jeffrey Bauer, Erin Harris, Kelly Watson, Roberto Parea and Kristine Glenn

Boys & Girls Clubs cut ribbon on renovated Newport building Community leaders, supporters and local partners gathered for a ribbon cutting at the renovated Clem & Ann Buenger Boys & Girls Club in Newport.

The event highlighted the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati’s continued investment in spaces where young people can learn, grow and thrive.

The Clem & Ann Buenger Boys & Girls Club has long served as a cornerstone for youth in Newport, and the completed renovations provide a more modern, welcoming and functional environment for academic support, mentorship, workforce readiness and recreational programming.

The updated facility will allow BGCGC to expand opportunities for the young people it serves while strengthening the agency’s impact in the community.  bgcgc.org

Bill Bresser, BGCGC CEO Michael Keating of the Buenger Foundation

Braylon Griffin, BGCGC student and 2026 Youth of the Year finalist

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Moira Weir with Tocqueville honorees: Deborah Hayes, Jennie Rosenthal, Dick Rosenthal, Gary Heiman, Kim Heiman, Marjorie Anderson, Jim Anderson and UW board Chair George Vincent

United Way recognizes generous supporters United Way of Greater Cincinnati honored the generosity and commitment of donors with the 2026 Tocqueville and Centennial Awards during a recent celebration including about 100 guests at Drees Pavilion in Devou Park.

Tocqueville and Centennial Society members are among United Way’s most generous donors. This year’s honorees were James Anderson and Marjorie Anderson, Deborah Hayes, Gary Heiman and Kim Heiman, and the Rosenthal Family Foundation.

Their dedication and support advance the mission of empowering everyone in our region to achieve economic wellbeing, according to United Way. Presenting sponsor The Christ Hospital Health Network and gold sponsor FBT Gibbons support Tocqueville and Centennial events throughout the year.  uwgc.org United Way board member Warren Weber, Pamela Weber, Alison Zimmerman, Susan Storer and Jim Zimmerman

ORF tree planting celebrates nation’s 250th anniversary Thirty-two volunteers joined Ohio River Foundation staffers to plant 101 native trees in Deerfield Township’s Kingswood Park. One large tree, a swamp white oak, was planted in honor of our country’s 250th anniversary, and the other 100 trees were bare root species of white pine, roughleaf dogwood and white oak.

Ohio River Foundation works with public landowners on several Tristate sites to provide community and corporate volunteer habitat restoration.  ohioriverfdn.org

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(Far left) Steve Shifman and Julie Shifman 2026 United Way Campaign Chair Leigh Fox and Moira Weir

Former U.S. Sen. Rob Portman

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Rey of Light raises more than $1M for DePaul Cristo Rey students DePaul Cristo Rey High School achieved a fundraising first, raising over $1 million at its annual Rey of Light Scholarship Benefit. Sponsors and guests reached the milestone through sponsorships, donations, silent and live auctions and raffles. All proceeds support DPCR students, who all receive financial aid to attend the private college-prep high school.

The dinner and auction on DPCR’s Clifton campus drew 400 guests who bid on packages including vacations, Savannah Banana tickets, exclusive concerts and sports events. A Fund-A-Need paddle raise alone raised more than $430,000. The event’s chairs were school board member Ed Stenger and his wife, Betty Stenger.

DePaul Cristo Rey, sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, is a Catholic, college-preparatory high school with a mission to educate young people who have the potential but limited financial means to go to college.  depaulcristorey.org

DPCR interim President Patricia Robertson, 2017 grad and guest speaker Joseph Barrett Whittle, with event chairs Ed Stenger and Betty Stenger Representing sponsor FEG Investment Advisors: DPCR graduate Stephanie Barrios, Ami Brown, Quincy Brown and graduate Nick Voner

Representing the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati: Sister Lois Jean Goettke, Sister Monica Gundler, Sister Teresa Laengle and Sister Barbara Hagedorn Guests Bob Smyth, Susie Lame, Patricia Robertson, Judy Smyth and John Lame

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Maureen Lechleiter and Paul Lechleiter bid in the live auction Guests Walt Gibler and Dr. Agnes Reschke

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Healing Center holds prom to thank its volunteers To celebrate the end of National Volunteer Week, The Healing Center held its first Volunteer Prom to celebrate those who provide quality care and services for guests.

The Healing Center in Springdale relies on more than 350 volunteers each year to operate essential programs including the Marketplace food pantry, Wearhouse clothing store, job readiness support, English for Speakers of Other Languages classes, resource navigation and more.

DJ JonJon from KISS107 supplied music as volunteers enjoyed a dance floor, food and classic photo ops.

With its new, yearlong Thrive program cohort launching soon, The Healing Center is looking for volunteers with experience in financial and workforce coaching.  healingcentercincinnati.org

The Healing Center staff: Marcie Bennie, Elizabeth Lopez, Dina Early, Executive Director Adrienne Wiley, Sheryce Goodwin, Chad Doss and Kevin Theders

KISS107’s DJ JonJon

Pearl Gallardo, Vinny Gallardo, Chris Schulhoff, Romina Avila, Ana Eaton and Dina Early

Board Chair Jason Ebbing and staff member Dina Early

Mary Kohler, Ismael Hassan, Katie Westbrook, Cincinnati City Manager Sheryl Long, Jamie Berrens, Timothy Vale, Amanda Rodriguez, Steve Mullinger, Billy Santos, Jamie Wagner and Elizabeth Platte

Crossroad Health Center opens $14.6M facility Crossroad Health Center welcomed the community to its new Over-the-Rhine facility, introducing a 21,500-square-foot space inside the former OTR Recreation Center on Republic Street. City leaders and project partners joined the event, with Cincinnati City Manager Sheryl Long and Crossroad CEO Jamie Berrens highlighting the project’s focus on expanding access to care. The $14.6 million redevelopment replaces Crossroad’s former site at Liberty and Vine streets and brings a boost in capacity, increasing exam rooms from 14 to 18 and annual patient capacity from 4,000 to 6,000.

The project also restored a key piece of the building’s history: Its clock tower, refurbished

by The Verdin Company, is now fully operational. A new, 109-space parking lot, owned by the city and managed by 3CDC, serves patients, staff and the public. As part of Crossroad’s relocation, 3CDC acquired the Vine Street site formerly operated by the health center. The nonprofit developer said it is still evaluating potential plans for the property.  crossroadhc.org 42

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Staff break room at the new center First-floor waiting area

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Kart race drives funds for those with disabilities

Racers line up to start the qualifying round.

Stepping Stones hosted a kart race at the Motorsports Country Club of Cincinnati in Batavia in partnership with Brad Jaeger. The agency raised more than $21,000 to benefit year-round programming for children, teens and adults with disabilities.

Racers kicked off the day with a practice round, followed by a qualifying round and enduro race. Mota Car Club received first place, The Rusty Pistons took second and Brendamour Warehousing was third.

Attendees bought raffle and split-the-pot tickets and advantage flags during the final race.

Event sponsors included Cincinnati MINI, KZF Design, Beechmont Automotive Group, Rockefeller Global Family Office, Mike Frey and Wincom.

Stepping Stones serves people with disabilities in day and overnight programs that increase independence and promote inclusion. Founded in 1963, the agency provides educational, recreational and social programs in Batavia, Indian Hill, Norwood and Western Hills.  SteppingStonesOhio.org

Event Chair Brad Jaeger First place, Mota Car Club; second place, The Rusty Pistons; third place, Brendamour Warehousing

OneQuest breakfast supports efforts to combat mental health crisis OneQuest Health hosted its annual Building Bridges to Better Futures Breakfast, drawing more than 300 attendees and raising over $187,000. The event took place at the Drees Pavilion at Devou Park.

During the event, the Yung Family Foundation announced a $1 million gift to OneQuest Health to combat Kentucky’s mental health crisis. It’s the foundation’s second million-dollar gift in as many years.

Speakers, including Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Michelle M. Keller and board President Jeffrey Sackenheim, reframed mental health from a private struggle to a universal community priority, emphasizing the need for better care and a better system to deliver it.  onequesthealth.org Board President Jeffrey Sackenheim shares his perspective on navigating care, emphasizing that mental health challenges touch every corner of our community.

Derek Haught, director of Yung Family Foundation, announces the foundation’s second consecutive $1 million gift to OneQuest Health.

Rick Wurth, OneQuest Health CEO (center), speaks with Nick Krall, president of baseball operations for the Cincinnati Reds, and Jeffrey Sackenheim, CEO of SHP and OneQuest Health board president.

Justice Michelle M. Keller of the Kentucky Supreme Court addresses the crowd.

Bob Heil, executive director of strategic relationships at KLH Engineers, speaks to the crowd.

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600 make SPCA’s Fur Ball a pet project The 2026 Fur Ball Gala: Barkyard Blue Jean Bash welcomed more than 600 supporters to the Sharonville Convention Center for SPCA Cincinnati’s signature fundraising event.

The evening, presented by IAMS, raised $639,000 to support animals in SPCA Cincinnati’s care. It also marked the announcement of a $3.5 million investment in an expanded Medical and Foster Center, plus a new adoption center in Over-the-Rhine.

Funds raised support daily operations and programs like Dogs Playing for Life, improving wellbeing and helping pets move more quickly into homes.

Each year, SPCA Cincinnati serves more than 35,000 animals across the community as a no-kill shelter.  spcacincinnati.org

Board members Jim Tomaszewski and Tom Schiff with SPCA President and CEO Chris Seelbach Board Chair Joelle Ragland (seated far right) attended with friends Alex Ragland, Mikayla Roma, Stephanie Roma, Cecily Fassler, Eva Booher, Jen Maloff, Christa McAndrew, Nancy Shepard and Kate Devine

Board member Sean Gibson, event chair Lisa Jones, former SPCA President and CEO Mike Retzlaff and Eileen Retzlaff

ToolBank volunteers build at Scouts’ Camp Friedlander The Cincinnati ToolBank partnered with the Dan Beard Council and Scouting America at Camp Friedlander for the ToolBank’s annual Building on Our Community event. More than 70 volunteers built five new camping shelters, along with picnic tables and park benches, that will serve the Scouts for years to come.  toolbank.org

Volunteer Joe Garrigues from HGC Construction

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Cincinnati ToolBank volunteers built camping shelters, picnic tables and park benches for Scouts at Camp Friedlander.

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Freedom Center hosts Divine 9 alums The Ambassadors of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, in collaboration with the National Panhellenic Council of Greater Cincinnati, welcomed alumni from Cincinnati’s Black Greek letter organizations for an evening of shared pride, conversation and exploration of new exhibits.

More than 200 attendees connected and discovered ways to deepen their involvement with the center.

The “Divine 9” Black Greek letter organizations: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity.  nphchq.com Photos by Joseph Fuqua II

Speakers and guests at Divine 9 Night at the Freedom Center: Judge Richard Moore, Ken Parker and Maurice Huey Woody Keown Jr., president and COO of the Freedom Center, delivers remarks at Divine 9 Night.

Divine 9 Night attendees browse exhibits at the Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

More than 200 people attended Divine 9 Night at the Freedom Center.

Dragonfly Gala’s ‘grand gesture’ supports children with cancer Guests gathered at the 15th annual Dragonfly Gala to celebrate “Grand Gestures and Small Kindnesses,” raising more than $330,000 to support pediatric cancer patients and their families.

Cincinnati Children's was presenting sponsor. Marty Brennaman and Amanda Brennaman were hosts, with Sheree Paolello and Mike Dardis of WLWT returning as emcees.

Guests enjoyed live music from Soul Pocket, a silent auction, a raffle and the chance to bid on luxurious vacations.

Drew Lachey and Lea Lachey introduced a performance of “Label•Less,” bringing meaningful stories to life through music.

The event also shared the story of the evening’s featured Valero family and their Dragonfly, Matthew.

Proceeds will enable Dragonfly to deliver 100 Care Bags to newly diagnosed patients, send 90 families to meaningful experiences, provide 50 “I Am Still Me” packages to ease the effects of treatment, fulfill 75 urgent family needs and support Cincinnati Children’s staff through Joy Cart visits.  dragonfly.org

Featured family: Antonio Valero, Matthew Valero and Felicia Valero Mike Dardis, Sheree Paolello, Amanda Brennaman and Marty Brennaman

Drew Lachey and Lea Lachey

Dr. Stella Davies

Dragonfly founder Christine Neitzke and Jim Neitzke

Dragonfly Matthew dancing with “Label•Less” cast Movers & Makers

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Christ College of Nursing invests in caregivers

Karen Wendel, Christ Hospital Foundation board member Kathy Jennings, Dr. Michael Jennings and Kim Vincent

The Christ College of Nursing & Health Sciences brought together hospital leadership, faculty, alumni, students and donors to honor the college’s role in shaping Cincinnati’s next generation of nursing professionals.

Fueled by a $3,000 matching gift from Connie McFadden-Chase, vice president of academic affairs, the evening raised more than $55,000 in scholarship support, creating access for students who might otherwise never have the opportunity to pursue a career in nursing.  TheChristHospital.com

Michele Ferrara, Jason Ferrara, Hailey Morrow, Annie Backs and Tanner Cibula

Dr. Bill Camm and Ellen Camm

Amy Wutke, president of The Christ College of Nursing & Health Sciences, laughs with guests.

Famed hiker tells tales of the trail for Adventure Crew Adventure Crew’s Raising Access & Diversity (RAD) Women’s Collective hosted author and thru-hiker Derick Lugo (trail name: “Mr. Fabulous”), who returned to The Mercantile Library to share stories from his time on the Continental Divide Trail. He also signed copies of his new book about the experience, “A Fabulous Thru-Hike.”

Lugo was last in Cincinnati in February 2025 to talk about his time on the Appalachian Trail, which was the subject of his first book, “The Unlikely Thru-Hiker.” (Thruhiking is continuous, end-to-end hiking of a long-distance trail such as the Appalachian Trail.)

While he was in town this time, Lugo joined Adventure Crew teens for their Saturday morning hiking and biking adventure at Devou Park. Each teen in attendance got a copy of Lugo’s book, thanks to a donation from Cincy Book Bus. Sponsors were North Side Bank & Trust Co. and Cincy Book Bus.  adventurecrew.org/rad Derick Lugo photographs teens in Adventure Crew’s Explorer program.

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Author Derick Lugo chats with Royce Sutton during the VIP social hour at The Mercantile Library.

Tana Weingartner and Shauna Steigerwald

Rick Barrett with Derick Lugo Brett Butler with Derick Lugo

Derrick Lugo and Angela Radakovich

SNAPSHOTS

Beech Acres thanks donors Beech Acres Parenting Center, which builds strong futures by giving every family the chance to thrive, thanked supporters at its annual Donor Appreciation Luncheon at Beech Acres on Elsinore Place near downtown.

Beech Acres services include foster care, parenting resources, behavioral health support in schools and wraparound care, serving 98,000 people in the last three years. # beechacres.org

Dr. Michael Dantley, Marvin Butts, Tabatha Anderson and Eric Kearney

Guest speaker Corrinne Foggie with Andrea Porter

Jim Huizenga and Eric Kearney Aliya Riddle, Ken Schlachter and Andy Ackerman

Rogelle Hackworth and Dr. Kenyon Hackworth

John Cummings and Laura Mitchell Lisa RobertsRosser and Jordan Huizenga

Center for Addiction Treatment brings supporters together The Center for Addiction Treatment’s 10th annual Pancake Breakfast brought together more than 100 community leaders, public officials, partners and supporters for a buffet, networking opportunities and a celebration of those who have helped shape recovery.

The breakfast honored three individuals: • Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, for leadership and longstanding commitment to strengthening Ohio’s behavioral health systems. Carol Baden from the Governor’s Office accepted the award.

• Sandra Kuehn, who led CAT as CEO for 28 years and helped build an organization that has become a cornerstone of behavioral health care.

• Viann Barnett, a CAT alumna whose experience fuels her leadership as a director of a program serving women impacted by human trafficking and addiction.

For 55 years, CAT has been providing services to individuals affected by substance use disorders, mental health conditions and problem gambling.  catsober.org

Honorees Viann Barnett and Sandra Kuehn, CAT CEO Patti Webb and Carol Baden, accepting for Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine Sandra Kuehn, Meghan Cummings and Patti Webb

(Far left) Bill Theis, CAT board president CAT board member Jeffrey Stec

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Cintrifuse CEO J.B. Kropp, Eileen Bundo of Last Mile Food Rescue, Ben Wolber, Brit Cochran of Launch Party, Aaron Chow, Josh Heuser, Raf Garcia of Kernel, Mark Lacker and Jeff Berding of FC Cincinnati

StartupCincy awards mark decade of entrepreneurship and innovation StartupCincy officially kicked off its 10-year anniversary celebration with the inaugural StartupCincy Awards, honoring the founders, startups, organizations and leaders driving the region’s innovation economy forward.

The evening at Union Hall in Over-the-Rhine marked a reflection on the past decade of growth and a bold step into the future of Cincinnati’s startup ecosystem.

As StartupCincy, a Cintrifuse program, enters its second decade, the awards signal a continued commitment to elevating founders, strengthening community and positioning Cincinnati as one of the best places in the Midwest to build and scale a business.

Award winners: • Innovator of the Year: Aaron Chow, CEO and founder, Vixiv • High-Growth Startup: Kernel • Regional Impact: FC Cincinnati • Emerging Founder: Ben Wolber, founder and CEO of Ilume • Small Business Excellence: Launch Party • Social Impact: Last Mile Food Rescue • Creative Culture Driver: Josh Heuser, founder of AGAR • Community Builder: Mark Lacker, professor of entrepreneurship, Miami University  startupcincy.com/awards

HOME’s Fair Housing Luncheon honors Ware, Price Housing Opportunities Made Equal hosted its Fair Housing Luncheon at Xavier University’s Cintas Center. During the event, HOME presented longtime radio personality Lincoln Ware with the Visibility Award, celebrating an individual or organization that has elevated awareness of housing justice in the community.

Shannon Price received the Judd Award, which honors a young, emerging leader in social justice, recognizing passion and commitment to creating a more equitable community.

HOME’s mission is to eliminate unlawful housing discrimination in Greater Cincinnati. The agency enforces housing regulations for all protected classes and works to promote stable, integrated communities.  homecincy.org Kyria Graves, Adrienne Shipman, Elisabeth Risch, Daniel Baechle, Ailleen Cobbs, Denise Taylor, Mark Carroll, V. Anthony Simms, Lashawnat Lewi, Anita Alexander, Triston Burnham, Felicia Bell, Portia Davis, Ohio state Sen. Catherine Ingram, Robert Killins, Lincoln Ware, Shawna Davis, Morah Lynch, Deena Nurredin, Julietta Simms and Joy Daniels

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Elisabeth Risch, honoree Lincoln Ware and board member Harold Jones

HOME board member Harold Jones, honoree Shannon Price and Elisabeth Risch, HOME executive director

SNAPSHOTS

Event raises $79K toward prevention of child abuse, bullying

Peggy Wilson, sponsor Sandy Rabe, Sarah Rabe, sponsor Lynn Matyas and sponsor Britt Neilsen

The Council on Child Abuse’s annual Reach for the Stars fundraiser raised more than $79,000 to help prevent child abuse and bullying.

Held at the Kenwood Country Club and emceed by WLWT’s Sheree Paolello, the event brought together more than 120 guests for an evening featuring dinner, drinks, auction and a raffle.

COCA honored Don Oeters and Gayle Oeters for their longstanding commitment to creating safe and supportive environments for students. Fourth-grade student Scarlett shared what she has learned about staying safe, including the importance of speaking with trusted adults when faced with an unsafe situation.  cocachild.org

Sponsors Sandy Kirkham and Bill Kirkham with emcee Sheree Paolello (center)

Sponsors Gayle Oeters and Don Oeters

Jen Sherwood, sponsor Bernie Calonge and Woody Sherwood MJ Johnson, COCA past president Julie Johnson, Aimee Wilke, Marianne Peck, Jenny Rosenfeld and Erik Rosenfeld Kathleen Stenger and Mike Stenger

Kris Stoelting and sponsor Mark McNulty

Cincinnati Bar Foundation

Movers & Makers

JUNE 2026

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THE LAST WORD | Opinion by Polly Campbell

Stowe House connects two past eras with today I

love a good historical house tour, and I’ve taken walks through famous people’s houses more times than I can remember.

Often they are furnished carefully in the style of a time period, with a sort of reverence for the objects the famous person touched.

The Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Walnut Hills aims for something different.

“The house itself is the artifact,” Abigail Zhang, the nonprofit’s communications director, told me while giving me a tour.

The museum is more about context, relevance to the present and the ideals that took root here. While the architecture, the wallpaper, the rugs are all accurate to the two eras it commemorates (as the 19th century Stowe family residence and much later as a Green Book location), you will not be looking reverently at the desk in a room where Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”

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For one thing, she didn’t actually write it there.

Harriet Beecher came to Southwest Ohio with her family in 1832 when her father Lyman Beecher was named the president of Lane Seminary, also in Walnut Hills. Soon, the seminary was embroiled in important debates about slavery, the Lane Seminary debates, which Harriet attended. She married Calvin Stowe in the house, and while in Cincinnati, she had experiences with slavery, slave owners and enslaved people. These were the materials she drew upon later to write the novel that personalized the evils of that institution and helped spark the war that brought it to an end.

There’s lots of information about Harriet, early Cincinnati and the debates. But the excellent thing about the house now is the form it has taken since its 2024 renovation.

It includes the house’s subsequent use as a boarding house and tavern

that served the diverse Walnut Hills population.

A visit now connects two points in time. You start with the 1830s, when the Lane debates were partly about whether free Black people would be able to take care of themselves. (James Bradley, the only formerly enslaved person there, said, “They have to take care of, and support themselves now, and their master, and his family into the bargain; and this being so, it would be strange if they could not provide for themselves, when disencumbered from this load,” according to the Walnut Hills Historical Society.)

Then you come to the 1940s, when Black people who lived in the house were taking care of themselves and their community just fine, despite all the obstacles thrown in their way.

The Edgemont Inn housed 19 lodgers in 1940, most of whom had arrived from the South. Proprietor Irene Bacon gave them a respectable place to stay and introductions to others in the community. The inn was later listed in the Green Book, the important guide for Black people traveling during the time of segregation. And it was a gathering place for the local Black community.

The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the National Association of College Women, the Cincinnati Medical Association and Ohio Valley Dental Society, all African American groups, met here, as did the Ninth Ward Negro Republicans and other political groups.

To really experience the museum, come to one of its events, which are inspired by the house and the visionaries who occupied it. They recreate the hospitality and community of the Edgemont.

“One of my favorite events here is open mic night,” said Zhang, who has been at the Stowe House since 2018. People come read their poetry.

We have poets from 10 years to 65 years. It embodies community, and it’s all off-line – it’s for whoever’s in the room.”

There’s a book club called the

Polly Campbell Semi-Colon club, after a club Harriet belonged to. There are art exhibits and neighborhood walking tours. You can volunteer to help with the garden, a recent project with University of Cincinnati that draws on the plants and gardening practices from the house’s different eras.

Zhang says she hopes Stowe’s impulse to do what she could is a central message. “Harriet never voted because she couldn’t,” said Zhang. But she could write. She wrote to help support her family for many years.

“I wrote what I did because as a woman, as a mother, I was oppressed and broken-hearted with the sorrows and injustice I saw, because as a Christian I felt the dishonor to Christianity, because as a lover of my country, I trembled at the coming day of wrath,” Stowe wrote to Lord Thomas Denman in 1853.

The museum also honors the spirit of those who founded Harriet Beecher Stowe House Memorial Association, and raised money to preserve the building in 1943. They were led by George W.B. Conrad, a local Black lawyer and community leader who said, “Our predominant desire is that this home may prove a sacred, historic place, where in the lofty and eminent principles and virtues of Peace, Justice and Goodwill shall ever abide.”

Places have power. Stowe’s family’s house makes me feel the short distance between us in time – and in the work toward those goals that has been accomplished but that has not yet been finished.   stowehousecincy.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

Meet. Celebrate.

Experience.

At the

UPCOMING EVENTS June

July

Cincinnati Coin Show

Anime Ohio Expo

5-6

43rd annual Greater Cincinnati Numismatic Exposition. Free admission and parking, educational programs, and over 125 tables.

Hours: Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m..

26-28 Summer Gem and Jewelry Show

Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a jewelry enthusiast, or simply in search of a unique gift, the show promises something for everyone. Attendees can explore a variety of booths featuring one-of-a-kind pieces, engage with knowledgeable vendors, and even find materials for their own crafting projects.

Hours: Friday 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

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

10-12

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!

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.

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.

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

BREWING AWARENESS

LEARN MORE

Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 5-7pm | West Side Brewing

Every can of Braille Ale® helps raise awareness for accessibility while supporting CABVI’s mission to empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Celebrate the annual release and discover how every pour can make an impact!

West Side Brewing 3044 Harrison Ave Cincinnati, OH