February 2025

February 2025

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Movers &Makers

February 2025

Publishers’ Letter 4

Arts & Culture 5

Busy February at the museums 6

MoversMakers.org

Friends when she needs them most.

CSO’s new maestro: Romanian by birth, American at heart |

By David Lyman 8

The A&C List 10

CSO names McGrath new CEO 13

Ballet makes Amador permanent artistic director 15

Carlson-Berne Fund partners with CCM Prep |

By Kathy Doane 17

Cover Story 18

Selling Cincinnati to the world | By John Faherty

The Datebook 22

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

Gifts & Grants 26

Nonprofit News 28

Names in the News 30

Snapshots

31

Black & White Dance at the CAM 31

CABVI guests dine in the dark for a cause 32

Central Clinic honors former Bengals coach 33

600 enjoy Nutcracker Luncheon 34

4C honors four Champions at gala 35

Cuisine Art Cocktails celebrates CAC 36

Designers give furniture ‘New Life’ at gala 37

NPD Luncheon recognizes philanthropy honorees 38

GreenLight Fund marks HomeStart’s success 39

Learning Grove presents Charity in Action Awards 40

MORTAR unveils new headquarters in Walnut Hills 41

RISE gala supports empowerment of foreign-born women 42

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation hits fundraising record 44

ArtsWave fetes cultural leaders at annual meeting 46

Mixing and mingling with M&M 49

The Last Word 50

Polly Campbell: Coincidences weave our lives together

Cover photo: Kimm Lauterbach, Julie Calvert, Anastasia Mileham and Julie Kirkpatrick. Photo by Mikki Schaffner for Movers & Makers

Recently a “Travel Creator” named Annie Wanyi Jiang (@goanniewhere) shared a video on social media titled “Most Underrated USA Destination,” a reel she created following a trip coordinated through Visit Cincy, our region’s convention and visitors’ bureau. She talked about how “people have been gatekeeping” Greater Cincinnati, a place she knew nothing about. Well, isn’t that the truth?

There are no better gatekeepers than the people who live here. We are just a nice, mid-size, Midwestern city, after all. Nothing special here, right? But several regional organizations are working to change that attitude and they want your help. We asked John Faherty to sit down with leaders from these four organizations to learn more about their efforts and what challenges they face in sharing our unique story to the world. See Page 18. Thanks to the Mercantile Library for hosting and to photographer Mikki Schaffner. Speaking of attitudes about

Cincinnati, Cristian Mâcelaru, music director-designate of the Cincinnati Symphony, has his own ideas. David Lyman shares Cristi’s story and how he feels about the Queen City and its orchestra on Page 8.

New M&M contributor Kathy Doane spoke with Susan CarlsonBerne, co-founder with husband Phil Berne of a fund that provides opportunities for musicians to receive free, expert classical music training. The fund is entering into a new partnership with CCM Prep, the youth and continuing education division of the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. Learn more on Page 17.

Polly Campbell has been taking note of coincidences lately and expounds on how these seem to reflect the interwoven tapestry of our interpersonal networks. See what you think. Page 50.

It’s been a minute since the waning fall gala season of 2024, but we are happy to remind you of the hard work and successes by showcasing 18 pages of Snapshots starting on Page 31. Who might you know among those who were honored or in attendance?

As we leap into the fray for February and a new year of sharing nonprofit news, we thank you for staying with us and welcome your interaction. Please join us at our first Mix & Mingle happy hour of 2025: Feb. 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at BrewRiver Creole Kitchen in Linwood. Come say “hi” and make a new friend or two.

Gratefully, Thom & Elizabeth Mariner, co-publishers

Mix & Mingle

BrewRiver Creole Kitchen

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

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

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

Digital edition & daily posts MoversMakers.org

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Publishing schedule

 moversmakers.org/publishing-schedule

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Movers &

Arts & Culture

Cincy native Rebeck returns to direct her play at ETC

One of the most successful female playwrights on Broadway, Cincinnati native Theresa Rebeck is noted for plays such as “Bad Dates” and for TV productions such as the NBC series “Smash,” which she created.

This month, the 1976 Ursuline Academy graduate is coming home to direct the regional premiere of her Broadway hit “I Need That,” opening Feb. 8 at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati.

Rebeck, who grew up in Kenwood and went on to study at Notre Dame and Brandeis, has been a prolific writer both for the stage and for TV. She served as a writer for “Glee,” along with a dozen other TV shows and films.

“I Need That” is a comedy about a curmudgeonly father, Sam, who stays inside his house, surrounded by clutter, much to the dismay of his exasperated daughter. When Sam receives a government notice saying that he must clean up his place or face eviction, he has to decide what things he really needs and what he can let go of.

D. Lynn Meyers, ETC producing artistic director, said she was delighted when she got a call from Rebeck (“THE Theresa Rebeck”) offering to direct the play at ETC.

“It feels like this show was gifted to us at the right time and with the right people,” Meyers said. “Theresa pioneered very rough terrain in the film, television and theater industry and has changed the face of female writers forever. Her writing is so good that it cannot be ignored.”

“I Need That” runs through March 2 at ETC, Over-the-Rhine.

 ensemblecincinnati.org

Festival presents lineup of films on Jewish and Israeli stories

The long-running Mayerson JCC Jewish & Israeli Film Festival returns in February with a diverse lineup of films showcasing unique Jewish and Israeli stories.

The event features 12 full-length works by filmmakers from around the world, plus discussion sessions, short films and receptions.

This year’s festival, which runs Feb. 1-27, features a mix of film showings and special events. That includes four multi-access film opportunities, which offer virtual viewing options as well as in-person events.

The festival opens Feb. 1 with “Bad Shabbos,” a dark comedy about an interfaith couple meeting each other’s parents for the first time. The final night of the festival, Feb. 27, features “Ain’t No Back to a Merry-GoRound,” a rare look at one protest in an amusement park in the early days of the U.S. civil rights movement.

Festival venues include the 20th Century Theater in Oakley, Cincinnati Art Museum, Mariemont Theatre, Cincinnati Skirball Museum, Mayerson JCC, The Seven Hills School and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

The festival dates back to 1988, when Mayerson put on an event to honor the 40th anniversary of the state of Israel. It took place again in 1992 with a three-film slate, and became an annual event in 2011. Its mission is to educate, engage and create connections both within the Jewish community and with the broader Cincinnati community.

None of the films are rated, but Mayerson JCC describes them as suitable for mature audiences only. More details are available on the organization’s website.

 mayersonjcc.org/film

Festival features area’s top early-music performers in February

The Cincinnati Early Music Festival, a collaboration among several area ensembles specializing in Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music, returns in February with a 16-concert lineup in venues throughout the region.

The festival, which runs Feb. 1-23, gets off to a fast start with four opening-day events: an Early Music Sing-a-Long at Church of the Redeemer in Hyde Park; the North American premiere of newly discovered Portuguese polyphony at St. Martin of Tours Church; a concert by the University of Kentucky Early Music Collective at Indian Hill Episcopal Presbyterian Church; and a program of duets for theorbo and baroque guitar by Brandon Jack Acker and Christopher Wilke at Playhouse in the Park.

One festival highlight will be the annual Tapestry Concert on Feb. 15 at Church of the Redeemer, in which musicians from around the area perform early-music sets of their own choosing.

The festival, which the Catacoustic Consort ensemble started in 2014, is now organized by Krista Cornish Scott, director of the ensemble

Heri et Hodie, and Erin Sigmund, a nonprofit marketing specialist who describes herself as an “enthusiastic amateur” in early music.

The lineup of ensembles participating in the festival is a who’s who of the local early music scene: Seven Hills Baroque, Moyen Age, Heri et Hodie, Ars Perpetuum, Collegium Cincinnati, Bach Ensemble of St. Thomas, Classical Revolution, Cincinnati Camerata and more.

Most festival events are free, but some require registration. Check the festival website for times, venues and details.

 cincinnatiearlymusicfestival.org

Krista Cornish Scott (left) and Erin Sigmund have revived the Cincinnati Early Music Festival with performances by a wide variety of artists across the region throughout February.

Still from the film “Bad Shabbos”

Theresa Rebeck

February marks a busy month at area museums

Lots of new exhibitions are opening in area museums and galleries in February. Here’s a look at four major shows getting underway; for others, check Movers & Makers’ Arts & Culture calendar online or on Page 10.

“Julia Child: A Recipe for Life”

Cincinnati Museum Center, Feb.1-May 18

The Museum Center’s new “intimate and immersive” exhibition aims to help visitors “fall in love all over again with the person who made America fall in love with cooking.”

“A Recipe for Life” shows how culinary pioneer Julia Child’s curiosity and tenacity drove her to learn how to cook, test and experiment with recipes and – most of all – communicate the love of cooking to her audiences. Child is credited with transforming American cuisine and food culture.

“Julia reveled in cooking’s joy, not in its perfection,” said Elizabeth Pierce, CMC president and CEO. “Because Julia broke a few eggs, we see a generation of amateur chefs trying, sometimes failing, often succeeding, but always enjoying the communal act of cooking.”

The exhibition features a “French Chef” TV studio and other interactive features for visitors to participate in the craft of cooking. Admission is free for CMC members or included with museum admission.

 cincymuseum.org/julia-child

“Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art”

Taft Museum, Feb. 1-May 11

An unusual exhibition organized by the American Folk Art Museum, “Mystery and Benevolence” sheds light on the histories, symbolism and beliefs of the Freemasons and the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows – two often-misunderstood fraternal organizations that are an integral part of American history and culture. Through a variety of sculptures, textiles, costumes, jewelry, prints and decorative art, the display explores the main principles behind these organizations, and how members have followed them to help their communities.

Several special events are organized around this exhibition, such as a Feb. 16 writing circle led by Women Writing for (a) Change, a March 13 tour of the Cincinnati Masonic Center downtown and an April 6 Spring Grove Cemetery tour focusing on the history of the Odd Fellows.

Admission is free for Taft members, guests of members with guest pass, military and youth, and is free for everyone on Sundays and Mondays.

 taftmuseum.org/exhibitions/mystery

“Vivian

Browne: My Kind of Protest”

Contemporary Arts Center, Jan. 31-May 25

The CAC presents the first large-scale retrospective of the work of influential American artistactivist Vivian Browne, who died in 1993. Browne is noted for her distinctive approach to color and form, her views on abstraction and figuration, and her focus on social and political commentary as a Black female artist.

“Her protest was about resisting the expectations placed upon her as a Black artist during a time when many were expected to produce figurative work,” said Adrienne L. Childs, senior consulting curator at The Phillips Collection. “Instead, she advocated for her own individual artistry, blending personal narrative with broader social commentary.”

“Black art is political,” Browne said in 1985. “If it’s not political, it’s not Black art.”

The exhibition, which includes 45 paintings and works on paper (including some previously undisplayed pieces), is co-organized by CAC and The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., where it will be on display following its Cincinnati run.

Admission to the CAC is free for Ohio and Kentucky residents.

 contemporaryartscenter.org

“Shahzia

Sikander: Collective Behavior”

Cincinnati Art Museum, Feb. 14-May 4

An overview of noted Pakistani-American artist Shahzia Sikander’s work, “Collective Behavior” is described as a look at “historical South Asian art and technique reimagined through a contemporary lens.”

Organized by CAM and the Cleveland Museum of Art, it includes nearly 100 artworks by Sikander, known for her mastery of various media and her exploration of political and cultural themes. While the exhibition takes what Sikander called “a global feminist perspective,” it is also inspired by historic works from the Cleveland museum’s renowned South Asian collection.

“ ‘Collective Behavior’ proposes kinship systems between experience, consciousness, race and culture,” Sikander said. “The works in this exhibition address many themes close to my heart, including centering women’s narratives among uneven power relations and ongoing legacies of colonialism.”

Admission is free for CAM members, and also is free 5-8 p.m. Thursdays and during the Art After Dark events March 28 and April 25.

 cincinnatiartmuseum.org

Entrance to the Julia Child exhibit

Shahzia Sikander, “Fixed, Fluid,” 2022, glass mosaic with patinated brass frame

Vivian Browne, “Bini Apron,” 1973

Masonic Royal Arch Plaque, probably Natick, Massachusetts, 1899, wood, with printed and painted paper

Shahzia Sikander: Collective Behavior is made possible through generous

from

Terra Foundation for American Art, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts,

National Endowment for the Arts, alongside other foundations and individual donors. Exhibition

Shahzia Sikander (Pakistani and American, b. 1969), Her-Vimana (detail), 2024, mixed media collage, Collection of the Artist, Courtesy of Shahzia Sikander and Sean Kelly, New York/Los Angeles, © Shahzia Sikander.

Symphony’s next music director is Romanian born with deep American roots

By David Lyman

Last April, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra introduced Cristian Măcelaru as its 14th music director. After the announcement, Cristi, as he is widely known, conducted a round of well-received interviews and charmed nearly everyone he met. What’s not to like? He’s personable and youthful – just 44 – and is likely to bring as much enthusiasm to the job as his predecessor, Louis Langrée.

But after that oh-so-glorious introduction, Măcelaru disappeared. That wasn’t unexpected. At the moment, he is the “music director designate,” and doesn’t step into his new position at the CSO until the beginning of the 2025-26 season.

In the meantime, Măcelaru (pronounced Mache-LA-ru) has raced around the world, maintaining one of those peripatetic schedules that have come to define 21st-century conductors. Since his appointment here, he has conducted in Oslo, Paris, Turin, Vienna, Minneapolis, Leipzig, Berlin, Stockholm and more than a dozen other musical centers. Oh, and let’s not forget the rain-soaked opening ceremonies of the Paris Olympics, where he led the Orchestre National de France. He is also music director there.

“Yes, officially, I live in Paris,” he said, laughing. “But it’s rare that I am home unless I am conducting.”

Finally, that crazy schedule will bring him back to Cincinnati, where he will lead a pair of CSO subscription concerts on Feb. 8 and 9.

He’s been here before. Several times, in fact, beginning with his local debut conducting the Cincinnati Opera’s 2015 presentation of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Il Trovatore.”

But this time we’ll be looking at him through different eyes. We’ll be assessing him as the guy who is likely to shape the musical character of Cincinnati’s largest performing ensemble for a

This was the one orchestra I really wanted to be with in America. And the one city.

– Cristian Măcelaru

decade, perhaps longer.

“This program is for me to introduce myself,” he said. “This is where our relationship begins.”

Musically speaking, it has the trappings of a first date. Here is the program:

• Wynton Marsalis – “Southwestern Shakedown” from “Blues Symphony.”

• Ernest Chausson – “Poème”

• Florence Price – Violin Concerto No. 2

• Antonín Dvořák – Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”)

A focus on American culture

So what does Mâcelaru hope this will tell us about him?

On Marsalis: “I definitely wanted to include Wynton Marsalis’ music,” said Măcelaru. “He is one of my closest collaborators and a very, very dear friend. I think Wynton, unlike any other American composer . . . is doing exactly what Dvořák did. He looks within the culture to discover the American way of classical music. This is part of a seven-movement symphony that traces the entire history of American culture.”

On Price, a Black symphonic composer from Arkansas who died in 1953: “I’m so happy that we can do that Florence Price piece,” he said.

“And I’m so glad that being in Cincinnati will give me a chance to work with Randall (violinist Randall Goosby, the CSO’s 2025 MAC Music Innovator, a season-long DEI residency). He is such a gifted and enthusiastic player. And doing this piece by Price is to do our small part to right a wrong that was done to her. It’s an elegant piece of music. But because Florence Price was the wrong gender and had the wrong color of skin, she was more or less forgotten for many years. I hope we can change that.”

That brings us to Dvořák. As Măcelaru talked about it, you got the sense that this really is the heart of the program for him. His passion for Dvořák began early in his life. In a recent interview in the CSO’s Fanfare magazine, he recalled sneaking out of class and hiding under an auditorium seat to hear the Banatul Philharmonic rehearse in his hometown of Timișoara, Romania.

They were working on Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9.

“I was completely blown away by the finale and thought this must surely be the greatest thing ever written,” he told music writer James M. Keller. “Well, I wasn’t very wrong.”

Aside from the sheer beauty of the music itself, Măcelaru admitted to feeling a deep philosophical tie to Dvořák, who spent a lifechanging three years in the United States during the 1890s.

“I think it has a lot to do with my American experience,” he said, his voice reflecting emotion. “About what I see as the beauty of American culture.”

A musical childhood in Romania

To understand the depth of that connection, it helps to know more about Măcelaru’s childhood.

He was the youngest in a family of 10

Photo by b en+k nabe

Cristian Măcelaru

children. They all played instruments, from French horn and trombone to flute, viola and a trio of violinists. Seven of them, in fact, graduated with degrees in music.

“It turned out that I was actually good at playing the violin,” he said. “When you are the youngest, it is important to be good at something. It was so empowering. It gave me a confidence in life that I think was necessary for me at that time.”

When he was 10, though, Romania was wracked by violent political upheaval, ending with a revolution and the executions of Nicolae and Elena Ceaușescu, who had led the country for nearly a quarter of a century.

“I remember so many things vividly,” he said, recounting with great pride being part of a crowd of more than 100,000 that gathered to support the new National Salvation Front.

“I’m just now starting to process and unravel all those experiences,” he said, growing very quiet. “They happened so quickly. The succession of events was so rapid. How quickly we had to mature.”

Life in Romania didn’t change immediately. But he came to understand the concept of freedom in a completely new way.

Like so many young people raised behind the Iron Curtain, he was, he admitted, “obsessed” with the idea of America. Thanks to the largesse of an American couple who had come to Romania to adopt a child, he landed at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan when he was 16. He immersed himself in U.S. cultural life.

“I didn’t become an American citizen until 2019,” he said. “But it was during those early years here that I truly became an American.”

Unlike many of his Interlochen classmates, he didn’t head for a high-profile music

conservatory. “I couldn’t afford one of those great conservatories,” he said. “Not even if it were tuition-free. My father gave me $100 when I left Romania. These were the circumstances I grew up in. It was a survival game.”

Instead, he headed to Florida and the University of Miami. “At the time, I remember thinking that I had missed the boat,” he said. All his friends, he said, were going to New York’s Juilliard School or Philadelphia’s Curtis Institute of Music.

A concertmaster at age 19

Soon after he arrived in Florida, though, he auditioned to become a substitute violinist with the Miami Symphony Orchestra. His timing was perfect. Instead of being taken on as an occasional player, he became the orchestra’s concertmaster at the age of 19.

“In my fourth year, I remember going on an East Coast tour with the choir. I met a lot of friends at Juilliard. They were getting ready to play their first recitals . But I was playing 125 to 150 times a year in Miami. I won a concerto competition, too. Any time I wanted to write something or conduct something, I had a chance to.”

He followed that with a master’s degree at Rice University, another unlikely spot for an ambitious up-and-comer in the classical music world.

Predictably, he has a much broader understanding of American culture than friends who spent their college years on the east coast.

In many regards, he has stronger American roots than any CSO predecessor since the Michigan-born Thomas Schippers, who led the CSO from 1970 to 1977.

“I have lived in America for more than 20

years,” he said. “This is where I think your philosophy is different from your passport. My kids were born in the U.S. My wife has American parents.”

He repeats his earlier declaration. “I am proud to say that I am Romanian-born. That will never go away. But I am an American conductor. It’s not about geography. It’s about the embracing of a concept.”

Măcelaru will bring a very different view of the world than did Louis Langrée. For starters, he’s more than 20 years younger. Louis brought a lifetime of experience with him to the job. And while Cristi has already been a busy conductor, he is just reaching his prime years as a musical leader. He is still hungry to learn and to expose himself to different music and different orchestras.

“I owe this to the musicians of the Cincinnati Symphony,” Măcelaru said. “I owe it to them to learn from other orchestras and other cultures and bring it back to Cincinnati and share what I’ve learned with them. Just think how monotonous it would be for them to be exposed to only one conductor. Horrible.”

In his eyes, the CSO is an ensemble that thrives on variety. He was fascinated that this same group of musicians is called upon to perform a wide variety of musical genres: ballet, opera, pops, choral music, classical repertory and more.

“This was the one orchestra I really wanted to be with in America,” he said. “And the one city. I’m not ultimately interested in just the music. I’m interested in what people say through the music they create. What Verdi wanted to say through his opera. What Wynton Marsalis wants to say. And what our musicians want to say. I can only promise that is what I will bring to Cincinnati.” 

Cultural Exhibits/Tours

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

ƒ Historic tours in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

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

ƒ Permanent collection

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

ƒ Hands-on educational experiences

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

ƒ Artifacts and history of Northern Kentucky

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

ƒ Exploring Queen City brewing history

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

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

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

ƒ Permanent collection

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

ƒ Exploring Queen City food heritage

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

ƒ Feb. 1-May 18. “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life”

Cincinnati Observatory | Hyde Park. cincinnatiobservatory.org

ƒ Oldest professional observatory in the United States

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

ƒ Permanent collection of equipment, tools and artifacts

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

ƒ World-class fauna and flora

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

ƒ Indoor and outdoor tours of Queen City landmark

Glendale Heritage Preservation | Glendale. 513-771-8722. glendaleheritage.org

ƒ Permanent exhibit. Glendale’s history

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

ƒ Permanent collection

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

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

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

ƒ Illustrates life in 19th-century Southwest Ohio

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

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

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

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

ƒ Feb. 15, 1-3 p.m. Houseplant Matchmaker with Plant Therapy by Brandie

Loveland Castle & Museum | Loveland. lovelandcastle.com

ƒ Full-scale replica of medieval castle

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

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

National Museum of the United States Air Force | Wright-Patterson AFB, Fairborn. nationalmuseum.af.mil

ƒ World’s largest military aviation museum

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

ƒ Permanent collection exploring themes of individual freedom

ƒ Thru April 6. “Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See”

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

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

Newport Aquarium | Newport. newportaquarium.com

ƒ Thousands of exotic aquatic creatures

RAPTOR Inc. | Milford. raptorinc.org

ƒ Birds of prey sanctuary

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

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

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

ƒ Feb. 15, 10:30 a.m. Tour of Taft Coffee Club

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

ƒ Permanent exhibitions of military and historic aviation

Valley View Nature Preserve | Milford. valleyviewcampus.org

ƒ Preserved 190-acre farm and open land

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

ƒ World’s only museum dedicated to ventriloquism. Appointment only

“ The Wizard of Oz ,” with choreography by Septime Webre and music by Matthew Pierce, runs from Feb. 21 to March 2, at Music Hall, staged by Cincinnati Ballet

White Water Shaker Village | Harrison. whitewatervillage.org

ƒ Preserved historic village

Dance

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

ƒ Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m. Dancing with the Stars: Live!

Cincinnati Ballet | Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine. 513-621-5219. cballet.org

ƒ Feb. 20-March 2. “The Wizard of Oz”

Dayton Ballet | Schuster Center, Dayton, Ohio. daytonperformingarts.org

ƒ Feb. 14-16. Prokofiev: “Cinderella”

DE LA Dance Company | Kennedy Heights. 513-871-0914. deladancecompany.org

ƒ Feb. 21-March 2. “DanceCincinnati24”

Miami University | Oxford. miamioh. edu/theatre

ƒ Feb. 26-March 2. “Momentum: A Dance & Movement Concert”

Northern Kentucky University | Corbett Theatre, Highland Heights. 859-572-5464. sota.nku.edu

ƒ Feb. 28-March 2. “Dance ’25: Homecoming”

Revolution Dance Theatre | Jarson-Kaplan Theater, Aronoff Center, downtown. revodance.com

ƒ Feb. 28, 8 p.m. “‘N Concert”

Shen Yun | Procter & Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, downtown. 877-818-8029. shenyun.com/cincinnati

ƒ Feb. 15-16. Pre-Communist Chinese classical music and dance

Fairs/Festivals/Markets

20th Century Cincinnati | Sharonville Convention Center. queencityshows.com

ƒ Feb. 21-23. Mid-century modern design and pop culture show

Cincy Beerfest | Cintas Center, Xavier University. cincybeerfest.com

ƒ Feb. 1. Cincinnati’s largest craft beer celebration

Moerlein Lager House | The Banks, downtown. moerleinlagerhouse.info

ƒ Feb. 1 & 8, 6-10 p.m. Fire & Ice Event: Performers, ice sculptures, igloos, ice bar and themed dinners paired with cocktails

Northminster Fine Arts Fair | Finneytown. facebook.com

ƒ Feb. 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fine art, food and music

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

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

Film

Cincinnati Arts Association | Procter & Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-621-2787. cincinnatiarts.org

ƒ Feb. 1, 8 p.m. “The Princess Bride” with appearance by Cary Elwes

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

ƒ Now playing. “Blue Whales: Return of the Giants” • “Rocky Mountain Express” • “T. Rex”

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

ƒ Weekends, Feb. 14-March 8. Oscar Shorts: animation, documentary and live action

Mayerson JCC Jewish & Israeli Film Festival | Amberley Village. 513-761-7500. mayersonjcc.org

ƒ Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. Opening Night: “Bad Shabbos” (20th Century Theater, Oakley)

ƒ Feb. 4, 7 p.m. “Full Support” (Cincinnati Art Museum)

ƒ Feb. 6, 7 p.m. “No Name Restaurant” (Mariemont Theatre)

ƒ Feb. 10, 7 p.m. “The Glory of Life” (Skirball Museum, Hebrew Union College)

ƒ Feb. 12, 7 p.m. “Here Lived” (Cincinnati Museum Center Auditorium)

ƒ Feb. 13, 7 p.m. “Running on Sand” (Sycamore High School, Blue Ash)

ƒ Feb. 16, 3 p.m. “06:30” (Mayerson JCC)

ƒ Feb. 19, 7 p.m. “All About the Levkoviches” (Mariemont Theatre)

ƒ Feb. 20, 7 p.m. “Unspoken” (Mayerson JCC)

ƒ Feb. 23, 3 p.m. “Avenue of Giants” (Mayerson JCC)

ƒ Feb. 25, 7 p.m. “Sabbath Queen” (Seven Hills School)

ƒ Feb. 27, 7 p.m. Closing Night: “Ain’t No Back To A Merry-Go-Round” (Freedom Center)

Literary/Lectures

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

ƒ Feb. 4, 3 p.m. Discussion: Emma Knight “The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus”

ƒ Feb. 6, 3 p.m. Discussion: Virginia Feito “Victorian Psycho”

ƒ Feb. 10, 3 p.m. Discussion: Walter Mosley “Been Wrong So Long It Feels Like Right”

ƒ Feb. 13, 3 p.m. Discussion: Carter Wilson “Tell Me What You Did”

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

ƒ Feb. 12, 7 p.m. Poetry of Robert Hayden

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

ƒ Feb. 3, 7 p.m. Discussion: Andrew Welsh-Huggins “The Mailman”

ƒ Feb. 10, 7 p.m. Discussion: Melissa Caughey “How to Read a Chicken’s Mind: Understand How Chickens Learn, Perceive People, Express Emotions, and Pass Down Knowledge” (virtual)

ƒ Feb. 17, 7 p.m. Discussion: Falon Ballard “Change of Heart”

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

ƒ Feb. 7, 6 p.m. Discussion: Derick Lugo “The Unlikely Thru-Hiker”

ƒ Feb. 11, 6 p.m. Discussion: Nickolas Butler “A Forty Year Kiss”

ƒ Feb. 20, 6 p.m. Discussion: Paul McAllister and Steven Conn “Picturing Black History”

ƒ Feb. 28, 6 p.m. Discussion: Curtis Sittenfeld “Show Don’t Tell”

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

ƒ Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m. Nathaniel R. Jones Freedom Speaker Series: “Jazz Transforming America: A History in Music”

Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights. civicengagement.nku.edu

ƒ Feb. 20, 6 p.m. Jennifer Hunter: “NKU Nurse Advocacy Center for the Underserved”

The Well | Virtual. thewell.world ƒ Feb. 19, 3 p.m. Mindful Poetry Moments Gathering: Ellen Austin-Li

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

ƒ Feb. 23, 6 p.m. Open poetry

The Angelico Project | The Redmoor, Mt. Lookout. angelicoproject.org

ƒ Feb. 13, 7 p.m. Philosophy Taylor’s Version

Bach Ensemble of St. Thomas | St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Terrace Park. 513-831-2052. bachensemble.org

ƒ Feb. 16, 5 p.m. “Vespers” Orchestra, Chorale and St. Thomas Choristers

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

ƒ Feb. 11, 7 p.m. Noah Wotherspoon

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

ƒ Feb. 1, 7 p.m. Cash Unchained: The Ultimate Johnny Cash Experience

ƒ Feb. 7, 7 p.m. Nessa Barrett

ƒ Feb. 8, 7 p.m. ATLiens

ƒ Feb. 14, 7 p.m. Bryce Vine

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

ƒ Feb. 6, 8 p.m. Highly Suspect

ƒ Feb. 7, 8 p.m. Destroy Lonely

ƒ Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m. Wallows

ƒ Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. Apocalyptica

ƒ Feb. 22, 8 p.m. Niko Moon

Bromwell’s Härth Room | Downtown. theharthroom.com/music

ƒ Wednesday-Saturday evenings. Live jazz

Butler Philharmonic | Fitton Center, Hamilton. 513-844-5151. butlerphil.org

ƒ Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. Fitton Family Friday

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

ƒ Most evenings, live jazz

Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption | Covington. 859-431-2060. cathedralconcertseries.org

ƒ Feb. 23, 3 p.m. Cincinnati Camerata and Heri et Hodie

Chamber Music Yellow Springs | First Presbyterian Church, Yellow Springs. 937-374-8800. cmys.org

ƒ Feb. 23, 4 p.m. Aizuri Quartet

Christ Church Cathedral | Downtown. 513-621-1817. cincinnaticathedral.com

ƒ Feb. 2, 5 p.m. Choral Evensong, with guests St. Thomas Episcopal Church Parish Choir

ƒ Feb. 8, 3 p.m. Hymn Festival: The Light of Christ

ƒ Feb. 23, 3 p.m. Jonathan Dimmock, organ

◆ 12:10 p.m. Music Live@Lunch (Christ Church Chapel)

‚ Feb. 4. Moyen Age

‚ Feb. 11. Walnut Hills High School Choir

‚ Feb. 18. Cincinnati Recorder Consort

‚ Feb. 25. CCM harpsichord and organ students

Christ Church Glendale | Glendale. 513-771-1544. christchurchglendale.org

ƒ Feb. 6, 12:05 p.m. Trumpet & Organ Concert

Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library | Downtown. 513-369-6900. chpl.org

ƒ Feb. 23, 2 p.m. Ricky Nye

Cincinnati Arts Association | Procter & Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-621-2787. cincinnatiarts.org

ƒ Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. Toby: A Tribute To Toby Keith

Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra | 513-280-8181. cincinnatijazz.org

ƒ Feb. 5-6, 7 p.m. Big Band Series: CCJO Meets Chicago feat. Chicago’s drummer, Walfredo Reyes Jr. (The Redmoor, Mt. Lookout)

ƒ Feb. 2, 2 p.m. Jazz@First Series: Inner Visions: The Music of Stevie Wonder Reimagined (First Unitarian Church, Avondale)

Cincinnati Early Music Festival | cincinnatiearlymusicfestival.org

ƒ Feb. 1, 10 a.m. Early Music Sing-A-Long (Church of the Redeemer, Hyde Park)

ƒ Feb. 1, 7 p.m. Portuguese Vespers, North American premiere (St. Martin of Tours, Cheviot)

ƒ Feb. 1, 7 p.m. UK Early Music Collective (Indian Hill Episcopal-Presbyterian Church, Indian Hill)

ƒ Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. Brandon Acker & Christopher Wilke in Concert (Playhouse in the Park, Mt. Adams)

ƒ Feb. 2, 3 p.m. Seven Hills Baroque: Water (St. Gertrude Church, Madeira)

ƒ Feb. 2, 7 p.m. Portuguese Vespers Service and Performance (Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, Cincinnati)

ƒ Feb. 4, 12:10 p.m. Moyen Age with Heri et Hodie: Music Live at Lunch (Christ Church Cathedral, Cincinnati)

ƒ Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. Michael Unger: Spirit of 1713 (CCM’s Robert J. Werner Recital Hall, Cincinnati)

ƒ Feb. 8, 9:30 a.m. Micaela Schmitz and Michael Unger: An Early Keyboard Day (Heart of Northside, Northside)

ƒ Feb. 9, 3 p.m. Ars Perpetuum: Canzoni of the Early Baroque in Italy (First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati, Avondale)

ƒ Feb. 9, 3 p.m. Elena Kraineva, Thomas Georgi & Michael Unger: Old Curiosity Shop (Christ Church Cathedral, Cincinnati)

ƒ Feb. 15, 3 p.m. 2025 Tapestry Concert (Church of the Redeemer, Hyde Park)

ƒ Feb. 16, 3 p.m. Collegium Performs Bach (Christ Church Cathedral, Cincinnati)

ƒ Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m. Early Music Rev 2025 (The Loon, Northside)

ƒ Feb. 23, 3 p.m. Cincinnati Camerata and Heri et Hodie: “Jephte” (Cathedral Basilica, Covington)

Cincinnati Men’s Chorus | Liberty Exhibition Hall, Northside. 513-542-2626. cincinnatimenschorus.org

ƒ Feb. 15, 8 p.m. Love is in the Air: A Cabaret Event

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

ƒ Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m. Jean-Baptiste Robin, organ; Xavier University Concert Choir

Cincinnati Song Initiative | cincinnatisonginitiative.org

ƒ Feb. 2, 3 p.m. Goethe: Aus den Büchern (Mercantile Library, downtown)

ƒ Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m. CSI Mobile: Intimate Voices (All Saints Episcopal Church, Pleasant Ridge)

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

ƒ Jan. 31-Feb. 1. (CSO) “Strauss & Debussy” Jun Märkl, conductor; Elizabeth Freimuth, horn

ƒ Feb. 1, 10:30 a.m. (Lollipops) “Lost In Space!”

ƒ Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. (CSO) “Dvořák Deconstructed”

On Feb. 8, the Knox Music Series offers choral and instrumental music of Bach, Handel, Mozart and Vaughan Williams, featuring organist Christina Haan and led by Earl Rivers.

ƒ Feb. 8-9. (CSO) “Dvořák New World Symphony” Cristian Măcelaru, conductor; Randall Goosby, violin (also, livestream)

ƒ Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. (Pops) “Beethoven x Beyoncé”

ƒ Feb. 14-15. (CSO) “Brahms Symphony No. 4” John Storgårds, conductor; Gil Shaham, violin

Classical Revolution | The Loon, Northside. classicalrevolutioncincinnati.com

ƒ Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m. Early Music Rev 2025

College-Conservatory of Music | University of Cincinnati. 513-556-4183. ccm.uc.edu

ƒ Feb. 2, 4 p.m. “Inspirations” Wind Symphony (Corbett Auditorium)

ƒ Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. Faculty Recital: Michael Unger, harpsichord (Werner Hall)

ƒ Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. “Symphonic Sketches” Wind Ensemble (Corbett Auditorium)

ƒ Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m. “Late Romanticism” Concert Orchestra (Corbett Auditorium)

ƒ Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. Faculty Recital: Dror Biran, piano (Werner Hall)

ƒ Feb. 16, 2 p.m. Faculty Recital: Anna Vinnitsky, piano (Werner Hall)

ƒ Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m. “Latin Fever” Jazz Lab Band (Corbett Auditorium)

ƒ Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m. “Northern Lights” Philharmonia (Corbett Auditorium)

ƒ Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m. “Confluence: A Celebration Saxophone & Winds” Wind Symphony (Corbett Auditorium)

ƒ Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m. “Use Your Imagination with Richard Strauss” Brass Choir (Corbett Auditorium)

ƒ Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m. Musica Nova (Cohen Theater)

ƒ Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m. “A View From The Edge” Composition Series (Cohen Theater)

Collegium Cincinnati | Christ Church Cathedral, downtown. collegiumcincinnati.org

ƒ Feb. 16, 3 p.m. Collegium performs Bach, Matthew Phelps, conductor

Dayton Philharmonic | Schuster Center, Dayton, Ohio. daytonperformingarts.org

ƒ Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. “The Music of Tony Bennett”

ƒ Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m. “Hollywood Hits”

DownTowne Listening Room | downtownelisteningroom.com

ƒ Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m. EG Kight

Fitton Center | Hamilton. 513-863-8873. fittoncenter.org

ƒ Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. Natalie Murphy: “Classic Country”

ƒ Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. Butler Philharmonic Orchestra: “Meet The Music 2”

ƒ Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m. Queen City Cabaret and Two Sketchy Dames: “Perfectly Marvelous”

Hard Rock Casino | Downtown. hardrockcasinocincinnati.com

ƒ Feb. 8, 8 p.m. Air Supply

ƒ Feb. 14, 8 p.m. George Thorogood

ƒ Feb. 16, 8 p.m. The Frontmen

Heritage Bank Center | Downtown. heritagebankcenter.com

ƒ Feb. 15, 7 p.m. R&B Vibe Tour

ƒ Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m. Cody Johnson

Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church - Organ Concert Series | Hyde Park. 513-871-1345. hydeparkchurch.org

ƒ Feb. 2, 4 p.m. Schultz-Yates duo

The Jazz Spoon | Forest Park. thejazzspoon.com

ƒ Friday-Saturday evenings. Live jazz

Knox Church | Hyde Park. 513-321-2573. knox.org/music

ƒ Feb. 8, 7 p.m. Music by Bach, Handel, Mozart and Vaughan Williams. Earl Rivers, conductor. Christina Haan, organ. Knox Choir and soloists.

Linton Chamber Music | First Unitarian Church, Avondale. 513-381-6868. lintonmusic.org

ƒ Feb. 16, 4 p.m. “American Sketches” Kristin Lee, violin; Michael Chertock, piano

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

◆ Brasstacular:

‚ Feb. 1, 10:30 a.m. (Kennedy Heights Arts Center)

‚ Feb. 8, 10:30 a.m. (Lakeside Presbyterian Church)

‚ Feb. 15, 10:30 a.m. (Mt. Washington Presbyterian)

‚ Feb. 20, 6 p.m. (Child Focus, Eastgate)

‚ Feb. 22, 10:30 a.m. (Sycamore Presbyterian)

‚ Feb. 24, 6 p.m. (Scheben Library, Boone County)

‚ Feb. 28, 1:40 p.m. (North Avondale Montessori)

Ludlow Garage | Clifton. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com

ƒ Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. Karyn White

ƒ Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. String Queens

ƒ Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m. Hot Tuna

ƒ Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. Lovesong: The Cure Tribute

ƒ Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m. Alex Bugnon

ƒ Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m. SUSTO

ƒ Feb. 21, 8 p.m. Cincinnati Transit Authority

ƒ Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m. John Cowan

ƒ Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m. Ron Pope

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

ƒ Feb. 1, 8 p.m. Tell Me Lies

ƒ Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m. Convictions

ƒ Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m. Heavy Hitter

ƒ Feb. 26, 8 p.m. Cane Hill

ƒ Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m. Psychostick

ƒ Feb. 28, 8 p.m. Wannabe: A Spice Girls Tribute

Mason Symphony Orchestra | Great Wolf Lodge, Mason. masonsymphonyorchestra.org

ƒ Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m. Valentine Pops

May Festival | Music Hall, Over-theRhine. 513-381-3300. mayfestival.com

ƒ Feb. 16, 5 p.m. “All Together Now,” celebration of new alliance with Cincinnati Boychoir, featuring commissioned work by Howard Helvey

MegaCorp Pavilion at Ovation | Newport. promowestlive.com

ƒ Feb. 20, 7 p.m. Sullivan King

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

ƒ Feb. 3, 7 p.m. The CC3: “From Airports to Spaceships”

ƒ Feb. 10, 7 p.m. Mandy Gaines Sings Songs in the Key of Love

ƒ Feb. 17, 7 p.m. Ron Jones: “History of Black Music: The Giants of Jazz”

ƒ Feb. 24, 7 p.m. Nasty Nati Brass Band

Mennonite Arts Weekend | Sharonville United Methodist Church. mennoniteartsweekend.org

ƒ Feb. 7-9. “Engaging in the Mysteries of the Creator”

Cincinnati Symphony promotes from within, choosing new CEO

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra board of directors has appointed Robert McGrath as the organization’s next president and CEO, effective Feb. 17. McGrath succeeds Jonathan Martin, who announced his retirement at the end of November 2024.

A 27-year veteran of the orchestra field, including nine years as CSO vice president and general manager and four years as chief operating officer, McGrath will simultaneously lead the CSO; the CSO’s subsidiary, Music and Event Management Inc.; and the Cincinnati May Festival.

“Over the course of his 13year tenure with the CSO, he has demonstrated exceptional vision, steady pragmatism and tremendous skill,” CSO board Chair Dianne Rosenberg said of McGrath.

“At a time when the nation’s leading orchestras are in fierce competition to attract top talent, the CSO is fortunate to have a proven leader in Robert as our first choice,” Rosenberg continued. “His appointment ensures vital leadership as we continue to grow and evolve. In Robert’s capable hands, the CSO is poised for even greater community impact and success in the years ahead.”

McGrath steps in as the CSO prepares for its inaugural season under the leadership of its new music director, Cristian Măcelaru, in the fall of 2025.

 cincinnatisymphony.org

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

Brad Schultz, organist & Benjamin Yates, trombone

Robert McGrath

Photo by Claudia hershner

ARTS & CULTURE | The List

Miami University | Hall Auditorium, Oxford. 513-529-3200. miamioh.edu/music

ƒ Feb. 21, 5 p.m. American Wild Ensemble (Center for Performing Arts)

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

ƒ Feb. 6, 6 p.m. Bach to Blues: Randall Goosby, violin

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

ƒ Thursdays-Saturdays. Live jazz

ƒ Sundays. Blues, boogie-woogie, jazz

Seven Hills Baroque | St. Gertrude Church, Madeira. 7hillsbaroque.org

ƒ Feb. 2, 3 p.m. “The Four Elements: Water”

Soli Music Society | Wiedemann Hill Mansion, Newport. solimusicsociety.com

ƒ Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m. Showcase Soirée

Sorg Opera House | Middletown. sorgoperahouse.org

ƒ Feb. 14, 7 p.m. Valentines Day with the Belairs

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

ƒ Feb. 23, 2:30 p.m. Chamber Music Series

Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org

ƒ Feb. 26, 8 p.m. Drew & Ellie Holcomb

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

ƒ Feb. 1, 7 p.m. Grunge

ƒ Feb. 22, 6 p.m. Fillmore on the River 2

Trinity Episcopal Church | Covington. 859-431-1786. trinitycovington.org

ƒ Feb. 19, 12:15 p.m. Midday Musical Menu: CCM Organ Department

ƒ Feb. 23, 5 p.m. Evensong Series

Westwood First Presbyterian | Westwood. 513-661-6846. wfpc.org

ƒ Feb. 23, 2:30 p.m. Ellen Graham Cabaret Show; Matthew Umphreys, piano

Opera

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

ƒ Feb. 1, 2 p.m. Opera Fusion: New Works: “Lalovavi”

College-Conservatory of Music | University of Cincinnati. 513-556-4183. ccm.uc.edu

ƒ Feb. 13-15. Humperdinck: “Hänsel Und Gretel” (Cohen Studio Theater)

Dayton Opera | 126 N. Main St., Ste 210, Dayton, Ohio. daytonperformingarts.org

ƒ Feb. 2, 2:30 p.m. “The Three Tenors Encore”

Theater/Comedy

Beechmont Players | Anderson Center, Anderson Twp.. 513-233-2468. beechmontplayers.org

ƒ Feb. 7-15. “Eleemosynary”

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

ƒ Feb. 2, 7 p.m. Josh Johnson, comedian

ƒ Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. And That’s Why We Drink

ƒ Feb. 21, 8 p.m. Dude Dad, comedian

ƒ Feb. 22, 8 p.m. Gals on the Go

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

ƒ Feb. 4-9. “Life Of Pi”

ƒ Feb. 18-March 2. “Kimberly Akimbo”

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

ƒ Jan. 31-Feb. 16. “Seussical”

CenterStage Players | Bell Tower Arts Pavilion, Evendale. centerstageplayersinc.com

ƒ Feb. 21-March 1. “Doubt, A Parable”

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati | Taft Theatre, downtown. 513-569-8080 x10. thechildrenstheatre.com

ƒ Feb. 15-24. “Dr. Seuss’ Cat In The Hat”

Cincinnati Arts Association | Procter & Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-621-2787. cincinnatiarts.org

ƒ Feb. 21-22. Capitol Fools (comedy)

ƒ Feb. 23, 3 p.m. “Late Nite Catechism 3: ’Til Death Do Us Part”

Cincinnati Black Theatre Company | 513-241-6060. cincinnatiblacktheatre.org

ƒ Feb. 7-8. “Native Son” (Artsville, Madisonville)

ƒ Feb. 28-March 1. “Paul Robeson” • “The Lincoln vs. Douglass Debate” (National Underground Railroad Freedom Center)

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 16. “Lend Me A Tenor”

“ The Lincoln vs. Douglass Debate ” is the debate that never happened, but should have. Presented by Cincinnati Black Theatre, Feb. 28-March 1 at the Freedom Center.

Cincinnati Music Theatre | Fifth Third Bank Theater, Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-621-2787. cincinnatimusictheatre.org

ƒ Jan. 31-Feb. 8. “Music at the Movies 2: From Broadway to Hollywood … and Back Again!”

Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative | Fifth Third Bank Theater, Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-621-ARTS. cincyplaywrights.org

ƒ Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. Lovefest 3: Tenminute plays celebrating love and romance

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 9. “A Room in the Castle”

ƒ Feb. 28-March 23. “Macbeth”

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

ƒ Feb. 1, 8 p.m. “Highly Improvable”

ƒ Feb. 9, 2 p.m. My Nose Turns Red Youth Circus: Circus Youth in Action

Clifton Players |

Liberty Exhibition Hall, Northside. 513-8137469. cliftonperformancetheatre.com

ƒ Thru Feb. 8. “The Guest”

College-Conservatory of Music | University of Cincinnati. 513-556-4183. ccm.uc.edu

ƒ Jan. 31-Feb. 16. “Seussical” (The Carnegie, Covington)

ƒ Feb. 13-15. “Emilia” (Corbett Theater)

Dayton Live Broadway Series | Schuster Center, Dayton, Ohio. daytonlive.org/series/broadway

ƒ Feb. 4-9. “Chicago”

ƒ Feb. 26-March 2. “Peter Pan”

Dayton Playhouse | Dayton, Ohio. wordpress.thedaytonplayhouse.com

ƒ Thru Feb. 9. “Avenue Q”

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

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

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

ƒ Feb. 28-March 16. “The Mousetrap”

Ensemble Theatre | Over-the-Rhine. 513-421-3555. ensemblecincinnati.org

ƒ Feb. 8-March 2. “I Need That”

Fairfield Footlighters | Fairfield. 513-867-5348. fairfieldfootlighters.org

ƒ Feb. 21-23. “Godspell”

Falcon Theatre | Newport. 513-479-6783. falcontheater.net

ƒ Thru Feb. 8. “Hangmen”

Footlighters | Stained Glass Theatre, Newport. 859-291-7464. footlighters.org

ƒ Feb. 13-March 2. “Altar Boyz”

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

ƒ Weekly comedy shows

The Ghostlight Stage Company | Playhouse in the Park. theghostlightstageco.com

ƒ Feb. 10, 7 p.m. Leanne Greenberg: “Taxes for Artists”

Go Bananas Comedy Club | Montgomery. gobananascomedy.com

ƒ Weekly comedy shows

Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre | Parrish Auditorium, Hamilton. 513-737-PLAY. ghctplay.org

ƒ Feb. 13-16. “Arsenic and Old Lace”

Human Race Theatre | Dayton, Ohio. humanracetheatre.org

ƒ Feb. 5-16. “A Distinct Society”

Know Theatre | Over-the-Rhine. 513-300-5669. knowtheatre.com

ƒ Feb. 7-22. “A Case for the Existence of God” by Samuel D. Hunter, regional premiere

ƒ Feb.10 & 24, 7:30 p.m. “Serials”

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

ƒ Feb. 28-March 9. “Deathtrap”

Lumos Players I Maineville. lumosplayers.com

ƒ Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m. 10 Minute Plays: “Bob in 4B” by Bruce Deveau • “But the Greatest of This Is Love” by Amanda Schumacher • “Heard Mentality” by Allison Fradkin • “Scrambled” by Brett Hursey

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

ƒ Feb. 21-March 1. “The Cemetery Club”

Northern Kentucky University | Corbett Theatre, Highland Heights. 859-572-5464. theatre.nku.edu

ƒ Feb. 13-25. “Henry V” (Stauss Theatre)

Oxford Area Community Theatre | Oxford Community Arts Center. oxfordact.org

ƒ Feb. 21-March 2. “Misery”

Oxford Community Arts Center | Oxford. 513-524-8506. oxarts.org

ƒ Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m. Jason Hudy, magician

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

ƒ Feb. 1-23. “Primary Trust” (Rouse Theatre)

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

ƒ Feb. 6-9. “12 Angry Jurors”

School for Creative & Performing Arts | Over-the-Rhine. 513-363-8100. scpa.cps-k12.org

ƒ Feb. 6-7. “Show & Spell”

The Story Collective | Warren County Common Pleas Courthouse. thestorycollective.org

ƒ Jan. 31-Feb. 8. “12 Angry Jurors”

Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org

ƒ Feb. 6, 8 p.m. Gary Owen, comedian

ƒ Feb. 8, 7 p.m. Jessica Kirson, comedian

Village Players | Ft. Thomas. 859-392-0500. villageplayers.org

ƒ Feb. 21-March 1. “True West”

Xavier University | Gallagher Theater. 513-745-3939. xavier.edu/theatre-program

ƒ Feb. 14-23. “Pippin”

Visual Art

Art Academy of Cincinnati | Over-theRhine. 513-562-6262. artacademy.edu

ƒ Jan. 31-Feb. 28. Minumental 34

ƒ Feb. 7-17. Scholastic art and writing awards

Art on Vine | Rhinegeist Brewery. artonvinecincy.com

ƒ Feb. 16, noon-6 p.m. “Local Love,” focus on local artists

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

ƒ Fridays thru Feb. 7. Community art show

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

ƒ Feb. 2-16. Woman’s Art Club: 2025 Signature Member exhibition and sale.

Reception: Feb. 2, 2-5 p.m.

BasketShop Gallery | Westwood. basketshopgallery.com

ƒ Thru Feb. 15. Alison Jardine: “Paintings for a Distributed Consciousness”

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

ƒ Jan. 31-March 14. “American Paintings –Recent Acquisitions” Reception: Jan. 31, 5-8 p.m.

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 9. George Bellows: “American Life in Print”

ƒ Feb. 14-May 4. Shahzia Sikander: “Collective Behavior”

ƒ Thru Feb. 22, 2026. “Modern and Contemporary Craft”

ƒ Feb. 28. 5-9 p.m. Art After Dark

Cincinnati Ballet names Amador permanent artistic director

The Cincinnati Ballet is turning to former dancer and longtime company member Cervilio Miguel Amador – fondly known by colleagues and loved ones as Cervi – to serve as its next artistic director.

Amador has been a member of the Cincinnati Ballet family since arriving from Cuba 20 years ago. After beginning his career as a soloist, he quickly rose through the ranks to principal dancer before proving himself as a creative leader for the ballet.

Following his retirement after the 2019-20 season, he transitioned to company rehearsal director before assuming the interim artistic director position in September 2023.

“It is an honor to serve as artistic director of this company that I cherish with all my heart,” Amador said. “I am proud to

have moved my extended family here from Cuba and am raising my three children with my wife, Jackie Damico Amador, in our beautiful Queen City. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have been given and am energized to take the company to the next level.”

According to board Chair Emerson Moser, “After a robust and thorough external search process, it became clear that Cervi has a unique passion for and understanding of Cincinnati Ballet that combine to make him well positioned to lead the artistic future of the Company.”  cballet.org

Cervilio Miguel Amador

ARTS & CULTURE | The List

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 17. “FIB3R IS ART” juried exhibition

ƒ Feb. 9-23. Summerfair Cincinnati: Emerging Artists. Reception: Feb. 13, 6-8 p.m.

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 9. (FotoFocus) Barbara Probst: “Subjective Evidence”

ƒ Thru May 25. Vivian Browne: “My Kind of Protest”

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

ƒ Feb. 15, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Dayton Art Fair

ƒ Feb. 16, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dayton Art Fair

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 15. “Body & Mind”

Fitton Center | Hamilton. 513-863-8873. fittoncenter.org

ƒ Feb. 1-March 21. “Beauty and the Beast”

Iris BookCafe and Gallery | Over-theRhine. 513-260-8434. irisbookcafeotr.com

ƒ Thru Feb. 28. (FotoFocus) “Afterwords: 50 Years in Words and Images by Arno Rafael Minkkinen”

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

ƒ Feb. 15-April 5. “Mother Earth: Let the Spirit Move,” new works by local artists

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

ƒ Thru April 11. “Welcome to My Jungle: In-door Plants”

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 21. “Botanical” • Ronna Harris and Anthony TungNing Huang (painting & printmaking) • “Prometheus”

• “Mythography”

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 20. “Tomorrow’s Artist Today”

• Art Sprout Preview

MOTR Pub | Over-the-Rhine. motrpub.com

ƒ Jan. 31-Feb. 28. Sara Similar “Layered Realities”

ƒ Feb. 28-March 28. Mike & Colin Montgomery: “Eye Goop: Consensual Warble”

Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights. 859-572-5148. nku.edu/gallery

ƒ Thru Feb. 20. ARTDES Sabbatical Shows: Current Faculty/Staff & Alumni

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

ƒ Feb. 28, 5-9 p.m., open studios

Queen City Clay | Norwood. queencityclay.com

ƒ Thru Feb. 20. “Family Dinner”

ƒ Feb. 28-April 10. “Feathers, Fins & Fur”

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

ƒ Thru March 1. Annual Dayton Works on Paper

Save Our Souls Art | Oak Hills High School. sosartcincinnati.com

ƒ Feb. 8-15. “SOS Art Youth 2025”

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 23. “Sacred Land.” Photos by Ralph Gibson. Produced by Martin Cohen

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

ƒ O pening February. Jay Bolotin: “Survey of Drawings”

Studio Kroner | Downtown. studiokroner.com

ƒ Feb. 13-March 15. Steve Justice: “Oddly Familiar” Reception: Feb. 13, 6-9 p.m.

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 12. “Juried Assemblage Exhibition”

ƒ Feb. 28-March 25. MSJ Celebrates Youth Art Month

Summit Hotel | Madisonville. 513-527-9900. thesummithotel.com

ƒ Thru Feb. 28. Jimmy Baker and Anita Douthat: “Lilac Chaser”

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 16. “Resilience: New Ceramic Works by Terri Kern”

ƒ Feb. 1-May 11. “Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art”

VADA Gallery | Clifton. 513-259-7446. vadagallery.wordpress.com

ƒ Feb. 8-March 8. Rae Miller and Abstract Junction. Reception: Feb. 8, 5-9 p.m.

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

ƒ Thru March 1. “Out & Through”

ƒ Jan. 31-May 2. “Casting Shadows: The Groundhog Show” Reception: Jan. 31, 5-8 p.m.

Wave Pool Gallery | Camp Washington. wavepoolgallery.org

ƒ Thru March 5. “Out & Through: A Visionaries + Voices Staff Show”

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

ƒ Thru March 23. Robert Fronk: “Riding The Wind Horse - The Works 1985-2025”

• Daniel Kunkel: “Unseen” 

In its 20 years, the Ben Carlson-Berne Scholarship Fund has provided around $1 million to middle and high school students who want to take private music lessons but can’t afford them. A new partnership with the College-Conservatory of Music’s Prep Division at the University of Cincinnati will ensure the fund’s future and expand its mission.

The fund was created in 2004 by Susan Carlson-Berne and husband Phil Berne to honor the memory of their son, Ben. He died at 19 while hiking in the Grand Tetons the summer after his freshman year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he was majoring in piano performance and international studies.

Unlike many programs to help young musicians, these scholarships aren’t reserved for budding virtuosos. They are awarded to students in middle or high school who have demonstrated a love for classical music and a desire to become more proficient on their instrument. If recipients continue to demonstrate commitment, money for lessons will be there until they graduate from high school. So far, 81% of scholarship recipients have continued lessons until graduation.

“It’s a pretty amazing average, but it means so much to them, knowing that the money will be there,” Susan said.

To date, scholarship recipients have attended the School for Creative and Performing Arts, Withrow and Shroder middle and high schools, all of which have student orchestras.

The new arrangement with CCM solves several issues. “I never envisioned the fund would go on this long or how it has continued to grow,” Susan said. “At some point, I realized we have to do some planning, because I’m getting too old to do all I’ve always done to keep it going.”

Susan turned to Anne CushingReid, assistant dean of CCM’s Prep Division. The two had worked together when the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra administered the fund.

“The timing was perfect,” Cushing-Reid said. “One of our goals is to reach out to students in the community, rather than always expect them to come to campus.” In

In partnership with CCM, Carlson-Berne Fund expands free lessons for young musicians

By Kathy Doane

Unlike many programs to help young musicians, these scholarships aren’t reserved for budding virtuosos. They are awarded to students … who have demonstrated a love for classical music and a desire to become more proficient.

other words, to remove barriers. Transportation can be a big one.

“Musicians, mostly CCM masters and doctoral students, will go to SPCA, Shroder and Withrow to give private lessons to scholarship recipients,” Cushing-Reid explained. “My hope is that the Prep program can expand the scholarship offerings to even more Cincinnati Public Schools, do summer camps and connect scholarship recipients with other playing opportunities.”

To better understand the fund’s mission, it’s necessary to know about its inspiration, Ben Carlson-Berne, because the ripple effect of who he was during his brief life has changed so many other young lives.

Ben’s empathy for less fortunate kids was only exceeded by his love of classical music. At age 3, Susan and Phil realized that their son had an affinity for it when he started keeping time to music. That led to piano lessons at age 5 with Atarah Jablonski, then later with Elizabeth Pridonoff at CCM as Ben’s musical skills grew.

During his junior year at Wyoming High

School, Ben had to do a community project. He had realized that inner-city kids were never exposed to classical music, knew nothing about it and assumed it wasn’t for them. “His reasoning was that if they could just hear it, some might grow to love it as much as he did or at least gain a real appreciation,” Susan said. As it turned out, Ben was onto something.

The site for Ben’s project was the former Arts Consortium of Cincinnati in the West End. He started by merely playing classical recordings for kids there, but Ben knew it was important that they hear him play, too. The organization didn’t have a piano, so Ben put out the word and someone donated a piano.

“We rented a U-Haul, which I drove, and Ben got some of his buddies to help move it down there,” Susan said, smiling.

It didn’t stop there. Some of the kids wanted to study piano, so Ben gave them free lessons. “Then he realized they needed pianos at home so they could practice,” Susan said.

More donated pianos, U-Haul rentals and drafting friends to help move them. “One place was a third-floor walkup in Over-the-Rhine, and all the residents of the building came out to help us get it up the stairs.”

When Susan and Phil were ready to do something to honor Ben’s memory, it wasn’t hard to figure out how they would focus their efforts.

Susan is quick to say that the scholarship fund wouldn’t have made it beyond its first year if it hadn’t been for people who stepped forward all along the way to offer help, dollars and expertise. It began when Ben’s friend, professional violist Jessica Bodner, played a recital in his memory, raising money for that first scholarship.

“Once people saw that we were providing classical music lessons to underserved kids, which no one else was doing at the time, they just brought us along.”

And now the vision is about to get even bigger.

For Susan, the bottom line is clear: “When kids invest in music, they grow in so many different ways.” 

 bcbscholarship.org

Stacey Woolley and Charlie Perez

Susan Carlson-Berne Phil Berne Anne Cushing-Reid

Area leaders tell how they tout the Queen City to the world

Ahandfulof people are in charge of telling the rest of the nation about Cincinnati. They work strategically and collaboratively to cast the region in the best possible light. And they all are women. They are economic developers and storytellers and they have years of experience.

Julie Calvert is president and CEO of Visit Cincy, “a destination marketing organization that drives travel to create ongoing economic impact and vitality for the Cincy Region’s people, businesses, and communities.” This is only the most recent Calvert job in which she has been telling people about her home. Before that Calvert worked at Source Cincinnati (now Cincinnati Experience) and the World Choir Games.

Julie Kirkpatrick is CEO of meetNKY, whose mission is to “drive quality of life and economic growth for Northern Kentucky through tourism marketing and destination development.” On her LinkedIn page, Kirkpatrick refers to herself as Destination Marketing Gal and Executive Bourbon Steward.

Kimm Lauterbach is president and CEO of the Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Cincinnati. REDI is the “first point of contact for companies considering the 15-county, three-state Cincinnati region as a perfect place to locate and grow.” Lauterbach has also worked at CBD Advisors and was economic development director for Warren County and the Warren County Port Authority.

Anastasia Mileham is executive director of Cincinnati Experience , which exists “to show the world what an amazing place our region is for building a life, a business, or an awesome getaway.” Mileham has also worked at 3CDC and Downtown Cincinnati Inc.

Their work is to turn visitors into local residents and to attract jobs so that everybody who lives here can earn a decent living.

Population growth and economic opportunity are vital to the region’s future, of course, but their efforts matter in ways that cannot be measured by census or economic data. The stories we tell about this place, and the way we see it, matters. The future becomes how we imagine it.

In December, they all sat down together at the Mercantile Library to talk about selling Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. The stories revolved around quality of life, “quantity of life” and how this is a place with soul.

Tell me something unique about the Cincinnati region.

Calvert: It’s the fact that we can say you are one cup of coffee away from a CEO of a Fortune 500 company who will sit down and talk to you and have a meaningful conversation.

Lauterbach: People here are accessible. Politicians, business leaders, journalists, people here are willing to sit with you. That does not happen in other places.

It seems like the group of you work together a lot. Mileham: First thing, our collaboration is rare. You don’t necessarily see that in other cities or regions. Every single one of us, we are working together.

Calvert: We all want the tide to rise for all of us.

Lauterbach: We’re all speaking with one voice and if you think about the city’s brand or city’s reputation it can’t be the job of just one organization. It is the responsibility of all of us.

Kirkpatrick: It is not normal to see this level of cooperation between agencies like ours. We are all pulling in the same direction, and it is so much smarter for us to be working together. There is not a lot of ego in this group.

What is a challenge you face in telling the region’s story?

Kirkpatrick: I think housing is something we really need to address. We need to build more housing of all types.

Lauterbach: We all know we need more affordable housing. But I think we need more of all kinds of housing. It helps to recruit businesses.

What do you say to the owner of a 30-person manufacturing plant in Nebraska to convince him or her to move the business to our region?

Kirkpatrick: You’re going to have access to a variety of companies and decision-makers that you likely don’t have wherever you are.

John O. Faherty

Interview by John O. Faherty Photos by Mikki Schaffner

Kimm Lauterbach

You’re going to have proximity to about 65% to 70% of the U.S. and Canadian manufacturing base population. You’ll be able to get to your suppliers and vendors within a day’s drive, a 90-minute flight. But then you’re going to be able to bring in that talent and have such an easier time from talent recruitment. You’ve got five major universities here and 200 educational institutions within a radius for training and opportunities to grow your talent base. You’ve got access to all these major amenities, this vibrant, you know, what feels like a really big city and navigable midcity-size space. So you’re going to ultimately have an easier time from a talent attraction recruitment standpoint.

Lauterbach: I think what it is, is the richness of experience here, outside of the tangibles, which can nail the areas, it’s the location, it’s the quantity of life, it’s the intangibles, it’s the ability to build a network here. I mean, the fact that you have Kroger, Procter & Gamble, Western & Southern, DHL, Amazon. Whatever you can do here, you can scale.

Calvert: And if you’re a 30-person company and your goal is to get to 90, you’re going to get there faster here. So we always said that this moves at the speed of life. If you want to scale fast, come to Cincy. If you want to maintain what you’ve got going on, come to Cincy.

Where do we need to make improvements?

Mileham: You know what’s interesting as we go around and we talk about the potential of Sundance (Film Festival) coming here or other big things like that. I guarantee all of us have gotten the same thing: “Really?” Yes, us. Really. Us. Like, I need people to start saying, “Hell yes, us. Of course it’s us.”

Calvert: It’s our time. John, going back to something you asked before about what does this city need, what does this region need to really take off and grow, it’s that attitude. Because we came, I mean, thinking about where we were 10 years ago in terms of telling our story, oh, just humble, right? Somebody says, oh, you got a new dress, it’s lovely. And the person would respond: “Oh, I got it on sale.” Well, I didn’t ask you if you got it on sale. I just said it was beautiful. We can hold our heads up a little higher.

How can people who live here help attract more people? People not in the industry.

Calvert: If I could ask one thing from the people that live in this region, it is that your words have power, and to be proud, to be loud and to amplify everything good that’s going on here.

Mileham: I mean, we need to be our own best friend instead of our own worst enemy. And it’s been too long of, you know, the mentality that Julie spoke of earlier where we’re apologizing for the dress we bought on sale. I mean, we’ve got it all going on here and we need to be proud of that. Lean into all of the positive things that are happening. Be a force and a power to continue to elevate this region versus using your words that unintentionally you might not understand could have really negative consequences. Because we can do our work all day long and we do it well but the first time that somebody flies into the airport and gets into an Uber, and the driver is complaining about whatever, this place sucks, why are you here? It can change that one person’s experience. Certainly their expectation.

What are you finding that Cincinnati is known for when you talk to people in other cities? (These answers came in so rapidly, from everyone, it was impossible to tell who said what.)

“When they come here they might know nothing about Cincinnati. We are not Music City or Motor City. We don’t have one slogan or tagline.”

“Correct. We’ve got everything. That’s intentional. We have so much to offer.”

“Right, exactly. And even Nashville’s trying to move away from Music City. They don’t want to be a one-trick pony.”

“Oh, I was gonna say, you’re right, because when you have one tent pole, Louisville’s finding this. They have bourbon, that’s their tent pole.”

“If you have one tent pole, I mean, your tent can fall down very easily.”

“Very, very easily. So to have this richness here with our world-class art scene.”

“We have food. We have Fortune 500.”

“Mm-hmm. Sports. Sports, sports, sports. Parks, outdoors. We have so much.”

“Think about our trail system and our park system, both Great Parks and city parks.”

“Right? Festivals and music.”

What is the hardest part about selling Cincinnati?

Mileham: Overcoming the fact that, honestly, that we’re in the state of Ohio, and you think of corn fields and flatlands and…

Calvert: Right. The flyover perception.

Lauterbach: That. I don’t think it’s anything legitimate here that’s hard to sell. This is an easy region to sell. It’s the perception, overcoming that it’s, you know, corntown.

Tell me a strength that used to be a weakness.

Mileham: The airport.

Calvert: The airport.

Julie Calvert

Anastasia Mileham

Julie Kirkpatrick

If I could ask one thing from the people that live in this region, it is that your words have power, and to be proud, to be loud and to amplify everything good that’s going on here.

– Julie Calvert

Lauterbach: The airport. Kirkpatrick: The airport has become a real strength. You can fly just about anywhere now, and there is a lot of value. But more than that, it’s the commerce going through there.

Meaning what?

Kirkpatrick: Cargo, the hangar road, Amazon. So it’s creating jobs. Training plane mechanics on site. These are good jobs. We’re not just talking about the fact that there’s affordable airfare. You can fly on Frontier or Allegiant. You can fly non-stop business class to London or to Paris. You can get anywhere.

Is it easier to attract people from inside the state or outside the state?

Lauterbach: Honestly, outside. You can talk to somebody in Chicago and say, if you lived in Cincinnati, you might be buying your first house now. If you lived in Cincinnati, you might be two phone calls away from a meeting with the mayor who would spend an hour with you. These are compelling reasons to consider.

out of the equation, and you have the same job opportunity in Greenville, South Carolina; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Cincinnati, Ohio. You try to imagine what it would be like living in a place and asking what can I do in Cincinnati? And you’re like, OK, I am a football fan. I am an arts fan. Oh my God, this is an arts town. And then you start looking at the other tangible things. I call those the quantity of life. How much is my house gonna cost? What is my daily drive gonna be like? We don’t have traffic, notwithstanding bridges being down. We don’t have traffic in this region. That contributes to my quantity of life. Great health care, great schools. And believe it or not, a very safe destination. Of course, anytime there is something that happens, it ends up in the news. But overwhelmingly, our crime stats keep going down and down. So from a safety

standpoint, this is a really safe region to live in. And all of those things add up into what I just call the richness of the quantity of life that you can have here. And it’s a big one, it’s huge.

For years we have read about boomerangers. The people who leave Cincinnati, and later come back. Do you still see that here, and why? Calvert: We do, absolutely.

What is it about this city?

Lauterbach: When you go to other cities to live and really get around, you see the things that aren’t there. The quality of life. You miss part of Cincinnati being so accessible. You have art, you have food and culture. But you can buy a house and you can make a difference. It’s all these big-city amenities wrapped in a package that’s just

don’t have it. Theater and arts and culture and music and hotels and amusement parks and things like that and housing. I mean, it’s just, you know, we kind of take that for granted because it’s always been there.

Mileham: And I think what helps that boomerang piece a bit too, because we see a lot of this, is the trailing spouse or the trailing partner or the trailing other. But it’s such a diverse economy, like we know that if you move here as the primary job seeker, there is an industry and a job for your trailing partner.

Kirkpatrick: This region just becomes a part of you. Friends and family matter, sure. I think we are the right size. I think we have enough opportunity. And I do think people crave the au thenticity of this place. It is hard to find in other places.

Julie, I want to circle back to something you said earlier. What do you mean by quantity of life?

Kirkpatrick: So I look at the way that people decide to move, and it’s always the quality of life. If you take the job and wage

FEB. 1, SATURDAY

Cincinnati Opera Young Professionals, Bacchanal: AvantHeart | 8 p.m. Site 1212, Over-theRhine. 21+ event, performances by Cincinnati Opera artists, performance and live art experiences. Tickets: $50.  cincinnatiopera.org/bacchanal

Good Samaritan Foundation, 40th Annual Gala - Ruby Jubilee | Music Hall Ballroom. Black-tie event with cocktail hour, dinner and dancing. Tickets: $300.

 9116.thankyou4caring.org/gala

FEB. 4, TUESDAY

Stepping Stones, Annual Open Your Heart | Stone Creek Dining Company, Montgomery. Cocktail hour, raffle, artwork and take-and-bake meals. Tickets: $200.

 steppingstonesohio.org

FEB. 6, THURSDAY

Alzheimer’s Association, Bourbon Party | 3:30-6:30 p.m. The Seasons, Kenwood. Appetizers, bourbon drinks, raffles and networking opportunities. RSVP to mbwilfong@alz.org.

 alz.org/cincinnati/events

BE NKY Growth Partnership, 2025 Annual Forum | Northern Kentucky University Student Union. Speaker: Kyla Scanlon, author and economist.

 be-nky.com/2025annualforum

Insuring the Children, Have A Heart Gala | 5:30-9 p.m., Cooper Creek Event Center, Blue Ash. Dinner, refreshments, signature cocktails, bourbon raffle, auction, photo booth, wine pull and bracelet station. Tickets: $100.

 insuringthechildren.org/have-a-heart

FEB. 7, FRIDAY

NKY Chamber, Inclusive Impact Breakfast | 7:30-10:30 a.m. St. Elizabeth Training and Education Center, Erlanger. Breakfast, networking and panel discussion. Speakers: Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval and Covington Mayor Ron Washington. Registration: $40.  business.nkychamber.com

FEB. 8, SATURDAY

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

Cupid’s Undie Run, Cincinnati | Noon-4 p.m. Queen City Radio. Drinking, undie run and dance party supporting NF research and care.

 my.cupids.org

Rock Your Beauty, Best WERKout Ever | 12:15 p.m. SPENGA, West Chester. Workout, networking and light snacks. Tickets: $35.

 rockyourbeauty.org

FEB. 9, SUNDAY

Lindner Center of HOPE, Touchdown for HOPE | 5:30 p.m.

Bally Sports Club, Great American Ballpark. Super Bowl tailgate watch party featuring Cincinnati foods. Tickets: $125.

 tinyurl.com/tdfh25

FEB. 13, THURSDAY

Clermont Chamber of Commerce, Business Excellence Awards & Annual Meeting | 5:30-8:30 p.m. Holiday Inn & Suites Eastgate. Dinner, awards and networking. Tickets: $95.

 business.clermontchamber.com

FEB. 14, FRIDAY

Cincinnati Museum Center, Valentine’s Day Dinner | 6 p.m. Cincinnati Museum Center. Visit the “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life” exhibition, re-create Child’s iconic valentines, dinner inspired by Child’s menu and cash bar.

 tickets.cincymuseum.org

FEB. 15, SATURDAY

Heaven’s Gain, Share the Love | 5:30 p.m. Receptions Event Center, Erlanger. Dinner, dancing and open bar. Tickets: $50.  heavensgain.org

FEB. 16, SUNDAY

Ken Anderson Alliance, Rockin’ With KAA | Noon-7 p.m. Lori’s RoadHouse, West Chester. Music, silent auction, bourbon pull and split the pot.  kenandersonalliance.org

Kyla Scanlon, author and economist, will speak Feb. 6 at BE NKY Growth Partnership ’s annual forum at Northern Kentucky University Student Union.

Human Rights Campaign will honor Ron Clemons and the Ohio Lesbian Archives at a dinner Feb. 22 at Hard Rock Casino.

FEB. 18, TUESDAY

Mardi Gras for Homeless Children | 6:30-10 p.m. Northern Kentucky Convention Center. Culinary celebration with live music and silent auction. Proceeds benefit Bethany House Services, Brighton Center and Welcome House of Northern Kentucky.

 nkramardigras.com

FEB. 20, THURSDAY

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Annual Meeting | 6-9 p.m. Montgomery Inn, Montgomery. Dinner, drinks, cash bar and awards.  engage.cff.org

HomeBase Cincy, Annual Community Development Awards | 4-7 p.m. The Columns, Findlay Market.

 homebasecincy.org

Queen City Book Banks, Gala for Literacy | 5 p.m. Hard Rock Casino. Cocktails, dinner, raffles and silent auctions.  queencitybookbank.org

FEB. 21, FRIDAY

Autism Connections, Art Across the Spectrum | Receptions Event Center, Fairfield. Artwork, cocktails, music, live talent showcases and live auction. Tickets: $125.  e.givesmart.com/events/FNt

Talbert House, Home is Where the Heart is | 7-10 p.m. LoVe on Fourth, downtown. Drinks, snacks, music and raffle. Tickets: $50.

 talberthouse.org

FEB. 22, SATURDAY

Human Rights Campaign, Greater Cincinnati Dinner | 5 p.m. Hard Rock Casino. Reception, dinner and program. Honorees: Ron Clemons and the Ohio Lesbian Archives. Tickets: $250.  cincinnati.hrc.org

OPINION

Cincinnati Chamber ’s Annual Dinner is Feb. 27 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center and will include the induction of newest class of Great Living Cincinnatians

The American Heart Association will celebrate the Heart Ball March 1 at the Sharonville Convention Center. The 2025 chair is Jill Meyer Honorees: the family of Bob and Maureen Habel; and Dr. Brett Kissela.

Asia Chamber of America, Spring Festival Celebration | 5 p.m. Hard Rock Casino. Lunar New Year celebrating Chinese community and cultural heritage. Tickets: $200.  eventbrite.com,

FEB. 27, THURSDAY

Make your ‘submit’ a ‘commit’

There is a growing trend of high no-shows for training sessions, programs, happy hours and more. It’s a challenge that affects more than just event logistics – it affects resources, reputations, programming and the ability and interest in providing future programming.

A recent example is a workshop that offered fundraising training with a panel providing many useful tips and resources. The organizers went above and beyond, even providing a complimentary lunch to attendees. Yet half of those who registered didn’t show up. This wasn’t just a logistical hiccup; it meant wasted meals and resources, the host feeling embarrassed for their speakers, and missed opportunities for meaningful engagement.

Life happens, and plans change – we get it. But for many, it’s simply a case of registering now and deciding later and underestimating the impact of a no-show. What may seem like a harmless absence can ripple outward, affecting organizers, speakers, attendees and the community at large.

So please make your registration submission a commitment. If

an emergency arises and you can’t make it, letting the host know in advance helps them adjust, whether it’s reallocating resources or inviting someone from the waitlist.

As hosts strive to create opportunities for growth, learning and connection, attendance matters. Showing up isn’t just about being present; it’s about respecting the time, effort and resources that go into every event. Together, we can make sure that every RSVP leads to a meaningful and rewarding experience – for everyone involved.

Cincinnati Chamber, Annual Dinner | 5 p.m. Northern Kentucky Convention Center. Induction of newest class of Great Living Cincinnatians: James M. Anderson, Dolores J. Lindsay, Charles R. Scheper and Geraldine “Ginger” B. Warner.  cincinnatichamber.com

University of Cincinnati IDD Education Center, Annual Red & Black Blast | 6-9:30 p.m. Tangeman University Center, University of Cincinnati. Dinner, cocktails, silent auction and honoring Ted Karras, Cincinnati Bengals center and founder of The Cincy Hat Foundation. Tickets: $100.  cech.uc.edu/schools/education

MARCH 1, SATURDAY

American Heart Association, Heart Ball | 6 p.m.-midnight. Sharonville Convention Center. Chair: Jill Meyer. Honorees: family of Bob and Maureen Habel; and Dr. Brett Kissela. Silent auction and social hour. Black tie optional.  ahacincinnati.ejoinme.org

Building Blocks for Kids, Annual Benefit | MadTree Brewing. Live auction, silent auction, games and music.  bb4k.org/get-involved/events

Frankies Furry Friends, Italian Dinner | 6 p.m. O’Bannon Creek Golf Club, Loveland. Silent auction, dinner and door prizes.

 facebook.com, groups

Ohio Valley Voices, Annual Gala | 6-11 p.m. Hyatt Regency Cincinnati. Music by the Sly Band, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, live auction, raffles and awards.

 ohiovalleyvoices.org

MARCH 3, MONDAY

bi3, World Teen Mental Wellness Day | Greater Cincinnati students grades 7-12 develop and participate in activities commemorating World Teen Mental Wellness Day.

 bi3.org/wtmwd2025

MARCH 4-5, TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY

Council on Aging, Forum on Aging | Sharonville Convention Center. Breakfast, buffet lunch, networking, workshops and keynotes.

 help4seniors.org

MARCH 6-8, THURSDAY-SATURDAY

Cincinnati International Wine Festival | Freestore Foodbank, Riverside. Dinner series, grand tastings, auction and luncheon. Proceeds benefit a variety of nonprofits. Tickets: $50-$120.

 winefestival.com

MARCH 6, THURSDAY

City Gospel Mission, Breakfast for Hope | 7-8:30 a.m. Sharonville Convention Center. Program and breakfast.

 citygospelmission.org

MARCH 7, FRIDAY

Price Hill Will, Mardi Gras Ball | 6:30-9:30 p.m. ARCO, Price Hill. Drinks, Cajun-style buffet, live jazz, games, raffle prizes and costumes. Tickets: $75.  pricehillwill.org/mardigrasball

Christie Brown is CEO of OneSource Center for Nonprofit Excellence

James M. Anderson

Dolores J. Lindsay

Geraldine “Ginger” B. Warner

Charles R. Scheper

MARCH 8, SATURDAY

Rotary Club of Cincinnati, PickleGras | 4-9 p.m. Aces Pickleball, Norwood. Pickleball, food, drinks and silent auction.

 cincinnatirotary.org

MARCH 12, WEDNESDAY

National Kidney Foundation, Dining with the Stars | 6:30 p.m. Rhinegeist Brewery, Over-the-Rhine. Awards ceremony honoring Sharad Goel and Rick and Amy Schwab.

 kidney.org

MARCH 13, THURSDAY

Bethesda Foundation, Annual Bethesda Lyceum | Hard Rock Casino.

 bethesdafoundation.com

MARCH 14, FRIDAY

Patty Brisben Foundation, BrowseHER Event | Save the date.

 sheplusfoundation.com

Whole Again, Eat, Sip & Give | 6:30-9 p.m. Delta Hotel, Sharonville. Dinner by-the-bite, drinks and silent auction. Tickets: $65.

 whole-again.org

MARCH 15, SATURDAY

Hope’s Closet, Hope in Bloom | 5:30-10:30 p.m. Oscar Event Center, Fairfield. Cocktail hour, dinner, dancing and silent auction. Tickets: $100-$125.

 hopesclosetohio.org

Rock Your Beauty, Fashion Show | Memorial Hall.

 rockyourbeauty.org

John Legend will perform at Cincinnati Children’s Kaleidoscope dinner on March 21 in the Music Hall Ballroom.

MARCH 16, SUNDAY

American Heart Association, Heart Mini-Marathon & Walk | 7:30 a.m. Corner of Fifth and Lawrence streets, downtown. Half marathon, 15K Heart Mini, 1K Steps for Stroke, 5K Heart Race, 1.5K kids race and 5K Heart Walk.

 heart.org

MARCH 21, FRIDAY

Cincinnati Children’s, Kaleidoscope | 6:45-10:30 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. Cocktails, dinner and performance by John Legend.

 give.cincinnatichildrens.org

MARCH 29, SATURDAY

Cincinnati Cancer Advisors, Distinguished & Distilled | Dinner, bourbon wall, raffle and live auction.

 cincinnaticanceradvisors.org/events

APRIL 5, SATURDAY

The Cure Starts Now Foundation, Once in a Lifetime Gala | 5:30-10:30 p.m. Sharonville Convention Center. Dinner, open bar and silent auction. Tickets: $90-$150.

 events.thecurestartsnow.org

APRIL 8, TUESDAY

Character Council, Heroes of Character | 6-8:30 p.m. Delta Marriott, Sharonville. Keynote: Anthony Muñoz. Reception, dinner, program and silent auction.  charactercincinnati.org

Reset Ministries, Annual Banquet | Receptions, Erlanger. Dinner.

 resetministries.org

APRIL 11, FRIDAY

Woman’s City Club, National Speaker Forum | 7 p.m. Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. Lecture by Cathy Helen O’Neil, mathematician, data scientist and author, and VIP reception. Tickets: $50; VIP: $150.

 womanscityclub.org

World Affairs Council, One World Gala and Global Trivia Game | 6-10 p.m. Venue details shared upon registration. Top trivia contestants win valuables from area restaurants and businesses.

 globalcincinnati.org

APRIL 12, SATURDAY

Best Buddies, Friendship Walk: Cincinnati | 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Marcum

More Datebook @ MoversMakers.org

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

Listings are free.*

NPOs may send event details and photos of honorees, chairs or speakers to: editor@moversmakers.org

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Consider advertising. Contact Thom Mariner: tmariner@moversmakers.org for digital and print options.

*See Page 4 for print deadlines. Events must meet our editorial standards. Print content is chosen at the discretion of

APRIL 10, THURSDAY

Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, Dream Makers Celebration | American Sign Museum, Camp Washington.  cycyouth.org/dreammakers

Seasoned catering professionals, driven by a passion for incredible food and unparalleled hospitality

The eat well team is proud to sponsor Movers & Makers, celebrating together the vital work of non-profits in Cincinnati

iM age: Cin Cinnati PoP s

26 26 Gifts/Grants

Dan Beard Council receives $750K toward new education center

Dan Beard Council has received a $750,000 grant to support the construction of its Skilled Trades Education Center.

This new facility, located on the Dan Beard Scout Reservation in Miami Township, will provide training to youth in plumbing, electricity, welding, carpentry and automotive maintenance. The center also will be open to the community, offering organizations a chance to connect with potential future employees. A groundbreaking is set for spring.

The gift came from the Dever Family Foundation and Performance Automotive Network, a family-owned business.

Dan Beard Council, Scouting America, serves 12,000 youths across 12 counties in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky.

 danbeard.org

HealthPath grant to benefit area residents’ health, wellness

The HealthPath Foundation of Ohio has announced the recipients of its latest funding cycle, granting a total of $960,000 to eight nonprofits across the state. Many of those dollars will benefit local residents and communities. Organizations in Greater Cincinnati or serving the area include:

• HER Cincinnati: $100,000 (Hamilton County)

• Ohio Association of Community Health Centers: $150,000 (statewide)

• Deaf Services Center: $75,000 (statewide)

• The Center for Closing the Health Gap: $175,000 (Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties)

• Brick Gardens: $100,000 (Brown, Butler, Clermont and Hamilton counties) These grants support programs addressing

the foundation’s three focus areas: oral health, healthy Ohioans and age-friendly communities. Specifics about awards are available on the HealthPath website.

 healthpathohio.org

NEA awards $140K to local arts organizations

The National Endowment for the Arts has awarded a total of $140,000 to six organizations in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky that support residents through creative and cultural initiatives.

These grants were part of the NEA’s first funding round for federal fiscal year 2025.

In total, $585,000 went to 30 Ohio arts organizations and individuals, while nationwide, the NEA distributed 1,474 grants totaling $36.79 million.

Local recipients included the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Miami University and Kentucky Symphony Orchestra.

The local funding will go toward a variety of projects, from an outdoor concert series to a web-based application aimed at engaging people living with dementia.

 arts.gov

Federal grant to create mental health pipeline to local schools

A $3.75 million federal grant will help the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Public Schools and other education partners tackle the growing mental health needs of K-12 students in the region.

The new MEASURES program – short for Cincinnati Mental Health, Education and Successful Urban Relationship Expansion in the Schools – aims to create environments that

are inclusive of students from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds. It will increase the behavioral health workforce by providing tuition stipends to UC graduate students majoring in school and mental health counseling, school psychology and social work.

The partnership also involves Central State University, a historically Black university in Wilberforce, Ohio, near Dayton.

Through the partnership with CSU, UC aims to create a pipeline for CSU students to diversify the school-based behavioral health workforce.

Funding came from the U.S. Department of Education.

 ed.gov

Project Heart ReStart donates more AEDs to local law enforcement

The Christ Hospital Health Network, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Cincinnati, delivered 50 Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) to 25 police departments in Hamilton County, completing Phase II of Project Heart ReStart. This phase raised enough funds to buy 100 more AEDs for other agencies in Hamilton County, following the equipping of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office with these life-saving devices.

To date, Project Heart ReStart has raised almost $800,000 to purchase nearly 400 AEDs in seven Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky counties: Hamilton, Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Pendleton, Grant and Gallatin.

Having an AED on hand when first responders arrive at a cardiac event increases the survival rate from 10% to 40%, according to Christ Hospital.

 thechristhospital.com

A joint gift from Dever Family Foundation and Performance Automotive Network will support the construction of the Dan Beard Council’s new Skilled Trades Education Center.

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park was one of six local organizations to receive funding from the National Endowment for the Arts during its first funding cycle of 2025.

Photo

PetSmart Charities’ $500K gift to support local Pets In Need

Pets In Need of Greater Cincinnati received a $500,000 grant from PetSmart Charities to improve its ability to provide low-cost, accessible veterinary care.

The funding – part of PetSmart Charities’ five-year, $100 million national commitment – will support essential capital improvements, system upgrades and operational enhancements, including staffing, equipment and medical supplies. The upgrades will allow the clinic to serve more pets.

By increasing capacity and enhancing quality while keeping services affordable, Pets In Need can better meet the growing need for wellness, illness and advanced care among our community’s most vulnerable pets.

 pincincinnati.org

ArtsWave awards $100K to support YP, Pride programs

ArtsWave has announced the recipients of both its Young Professionals and Pride grant programs for 2025.

The awards total more than $100,000 and will fund innovative programs intended to engage young professionals and to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.

Full lists of recipients for both categories:

 moversmakers.org, ArtsWave

VIA Institute receives $200K grant to support mental health, education

Cincinnati-based VIA Institute on Character received a $200,000 Millstone Fund grant to support its Strong Workplace Solutions initiative over the next two years.

The SWS initiative aims to enhance the work of Cincinnati-based nonprofits that support mental health and/or education. It does so by helping them build capacity and develop a culture that benefits their employees and their communities.

The first SWS cohort, completed in 2024,

featured Best Point, Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio, MOTAR, Four Seven, HER Cincinnati, The Center for Great Neighborhoods, Green Umbrella and Activities Beyond the Classroom.

 viacharacter.org

Santa Maria Community Services to use grant to support ESL program

The L&L Nippert Charitable Foundation awarded $30,000 to Santa Maria Community Services Inc. for the West Side nonprofit’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program. It will help support staffing and provide educational supplies.

The program will serve 170 participants, with 75% expected to improve by at least one English proficiency level within a year, and 60% advancing to the next ESL level. Starting this fall, Santa Maria will introduce a new Mastery Level ESL course that will enroll 35 students. It also offers bimonthly conversational classes.

 santamaria-cincy.org

Busam Automotive donation helps Book Bank expand reach

Busam Automotive has donated a second van to Queen City Book Bank. The company donated the first vehicle in 2022, with the opening of QCBB’s new facility. The addition of this new van aims to enhance QCBB’s operational efficiency and community outreach.

The new vehicle features a vibrant wrap showcasing QCBB’s mascot, Wiggles the Pig, along with contact details for accessing literacy services.

 queencitybookbank.org

Farmer Foundation gives $2.6M for neurological care at UC Health

The Farmer Family Foundation donated $2.6 million to UC Health to help transform specialized neurological care at University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Funding will go toward a long-planned, $8 million renovation of the neuroscience floor and

neurointensive care unit inside the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute at the medical center. Started in 2022, the fundraising campaign was launched by the James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Foundation to support major upgrades of the hospital’s neuroscience floor and neurointensive care unit.

Patients on a neuroscience floor may have conditions such as stroke, seizures, brain tumors or multiple sclerosis. The neuro-ICU provides critically ill neurological and neurosurgical patients, such as those with severe brain injuries, with close monitoring and around-the-clock treatment. UC Medical Center is home to the region’s only academic neuro-ICU.

The Farmer Family Foundation previously gave $9 million to the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute.

 uchealth.com/en/neuroscience-institute

St. Francis Seraph receives $10K grant from Pfau Foundation

St. Francis Seraph Ministries has received a $10,000 grant from The Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation to support the SFSM Sarah Center.

The center offers skills training to its clientele, which primarily includes single parents and individuals from low-income families, mostly women. This grant will allow the Sarah Center to expand its reach to support even more clients.

 sfsministries.org

Dater Foundation gives $25K for Cincinnati Cares website

The Charles H. Dater Foundation awarded more than $25,000 to Cincinnati Cares to support vital upgrades to its website.

The grant-funded enhancements aim to better integrate Cincinnati Cares’ board-matching and skills-based platforms, Board Connect and Skills Connect, into its site.

The upgrades will make it easier for community members to identify opportunities for board service or volunteering based on their specific skill sets.

 cincinnaticares.org 

 A donated van will help Queen City Book Bank expand its mission across the region.

A rendering of one of the 52 patient rooms at UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute funded in part by a new grant

28 28 Nonprofit News

Visit Cincy shares update on state of region’s tourism industry

More than 500 business and civic leaders gathered in Sharonville to hear an update on the local hospitality and tourism industries as part of Visit Cincy’s annual meeting.

The most notable announcement was new data indicating that tourism has a $6.5 billion impact on the region each year. Tourism Economics conducted the study, showing that visitors spend $4.4 billion in Hamilton County. When including Northern Kentucky tourism, the impact increases to $6.5 billion. That equals more than $17 million a day.

The leaders learned that the recently updated Sharonville Convention Center exceeded sales expectations and that the Cincinnati Convention Center District remains on plan for completion in December 2025.

Organizers also announced regional event plans for the coming year, including details about the America’s River Roots festival, scheduled for Oct. 8-12, which will kick off America’s 250th birthday celebration.

 visitcincy.com

Cincinnati Zoo to celebrate 150th anniversary this year

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is dedicating 2025 to celebrating the 150th anniversary of its opening to the public.

As the second-oldest zoo in North America, the organization has evolved into a cherished local institution and renowned center for ecology and conservation efforts. The zoo opened its doors on Sept. 18, 1875.

This year, the zoo will unveil new habitats, including Siamang Point, Bear Ridge, Sea Otter Coast and a mixed-primate species area in Jungle Trails. According to Thane Maynard,

the zoo’s director, these projects showcase the organization’s commitment to creating exceptional animal environments that inspire guests to connect with nature.

Throughout the anniversary year, Cincinnati Zoo will share fun and interesting facts and highlight key stories from over the years.

 cincinnatizoo.org, @CincinnatiZoo, #CZBG150

Green Umbrella helps disadvantaged communities address climate change

Green Umbrella launched a new initiative to help Greater Cincinnati communities build resilience to climate change impacts and reduce their emissions.

The 25 Communities Project provides support to historically underserved neighborhoods through the Regional Climate Collaborative led by Green Umbrella, a local nonprofit.

Tailored to each community’s needs and timeline, this support will lead to improvements over the next five to 10 years. They include better air quality, protected and restored green spaces, energy-efficient practices, outdoor classrooms, healthier school meals, improved food access, reduced overland flooding and effective government planning for climate change.

Through the 25 Communities Project, Green Umbrella will provide participating communities with access to a range of resources to help them find and apply for funding to take action. It’s also seeking support from individual donors and businesses to advance the work.

“Our region is facing some serious climate and environmental quality challenges right now. Challenges that affect the health, financial security and quality of life of residents,” said Ryan Mooney-Bullock, Green Umbrella’s executive director.

 greenumbrella.org/25-communities-project

New nonprofit aims to support healthcare workers, first responders

A new Greater Cincinnati nonprofit aims to provide support to healthcare workers and first responders across the region by offering a range of self-care resources.

Moved by Their Compassion supports the mental, emotional and physical well-being of healthcare workers and first responders. It offers wellness opportunities such as cooking classes, art therapy, equine therapy, nature center visits and yoga.

MTC partners with local organizations like La Soupe, TRI Ohio, the Cincinnati Art Museum and Great Parks to create customized experiences. It also works with groups like UC Health-West Chester ER, Cincinnati AfricanAmerican Firefighters Association, Cincinnati Children’s PICU and The Christ Hospital Outpatient Center – Springfield Township.

Moved by Their Compassion plans to set up a physical base near Cincinnati’s hospital district. It welcomes other healthcare workers, healthcare organizations and volunteers to join its efforts.

 movedbytheircompassion.org

Public can help local museums win 10Best awards with vote

Several of Cincinnati’s most beloved institutions are vying for the right to call themselves the top museums in the United States in their respective categories.

The Cincinnati History Museum, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, The Children’s Museum and American Sign Museum each received nominations in this year’s USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Voters decide the winners.

The Cincinnati History Museum, which

The Cincinnati Zoo plans to spend all of 2025 celebrating its 150th anniversary.

Katie Westbrook, VP of development for 3CDC, provides updates on the revitalization of the convention center and the new convention center hotel during Visit Cincy’s annual meeting.

Brittany Brinson and Monya Wyatt co-founded Moved by Their Compassion, a new nonprofit working to support the mental well-being of healthcare workers and first responders.

secured a top five finish in 2023 and ranked in the top three in 2024, is once again competing for the title of Best History Museum. To win, they’ll have to beat out a group of 19 other history museums from across the country, including the Freedom Center, last year’s runner up.

The Children’s Museum, which finished in the top 10 in 2023 and the top five in 2024, is a contender for Best Children’s Museum.

The American Sign Museum in Camp Washington is in the running for Top Pop Culture Museum.

Voters will have a chance to select the winners over the course of the next four weeks. Polls are open online through Feb. 10.

 10best.usatoday.com

Great Parks begins $11M Shaker Trace Nursery revitalization

Great Parks has started construction on the $11 million revitalization of Shaker Trace Nursery in Miami Whitewater Forest. The project aims to increase the nursery’s capacity to produce native seed for restoration

projects while expanding its ability to educate the public about native plants and ecology. Seeds harvested at this facility are in use at all 22 Great Parks sites across Hamilton County, accounting for more than 18,000 acres in total. Planned improvements include a new, modern greenhouse to expand plant propagation capacity and a new building for seed processing and storage. Great Parks will repurpose the site’s historic drying barn to allow for more educational programming and special events. Outdoor amenities will also be added.



The Cincinnati History Museum is one of four local museums in the running for 10Best readers’ choice awards in museum-related categories.

Great Parks’ renovation of Shaker Trace Nursery will increase capacity to produce native seed for restoration projects and educational initiatives.

Cincinnati Preschool Promise added three members to its board. Christopher Bennett is managing general partner of Bendav Equity Partners, which creates direct investment opportunities for underrepresented and underutilized investors. Glen Calhoun is the early childhood district lead teacher for Cincinnati Public Schools, providing support to more than 144 preschool classrooms. Margaret Hulbert , who specializes in strategic communications, advocacy and political strategies, retired in 2019 as senior vice president and chief public policy officer for United Way of Greater Cincinnati.

HomeBase , which supports local community development corporations, added three board members: Luke Blocher, chief strategy officer and general counsel of Cincinnati Development Fund; Cierra Clymer, director of international business development and inclusive growth for REDI Cincinnati; and Matthew Fitzsimmons, senior attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati.

The Art Academy of Cincinnati has hired a new academic dean, artist and educator Sarah Stolar, who returns to her alma mater after serving as chair of the Department of Fine Arts at the University of New Mexico-Taos.

Learning Grove announced that Katriece Barrett , line of business CFO at Fifth Third Bank, has taken the role of president of its board of directors. The agency also added two new board members: Betsy Wilson, director of development, Crayons to Computers; and Leslie Lawson, senior leader of finance and support operations at TriHealth: Hospice of Cincinnati Navigators.

Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio announced that Edward L. Stubbers, chief legal officer at CareSource, has been elected to its board of directors.

Boys Hope Girls Hope Cincinnati welcomed Karl Thomsen as the new executive director. Thomsen served on the BHGH national board for six years, where he worked to support and expand the organization’s impact.

Motherless Daughters Ministry announced Danyetta Najoli as its new executive director. Najoli was a learning and development associate at Keystone Human Services and served as a senior community builder for Starfire Council of Greater Cincinnati for 12 years. Mary Ellen Collins, founder and executive director for the past 25 years, will continue as board chair.

The Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce announced that its CEO, Eric Kearney, has been selected for a Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Award by the Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs. Kearney will receive the Nuestra Familia (Our Family) Award, which is given to non-Hispanic individuals or organizations that encourage the inclusion of Latinos in Ohio.

Ashley Afya has a new role as director of consulting services at OneSource Center Afya will help nonprofits access expert consultants to continue to thrive in Greater Cincinnati.

Dr. Michael Groat was named president and CEO of the Lindner Center of HOPE in Mason. Groat, who has served as chief clinical officer and interim CEO at the center, has a 16year career in leadership with hospital, residential and outpatient treatment programs.

Rachel Morgan is the new director of operations for WAVE Foundation. Morgan has experience in operations management, project management and program booking.

The board of Covington Life Sciences Partners, a nonprofit that accelerates science-based entrepreneurship and economic development, has chosen Christin M. Godale , former director of life sciences at venture capital firm CincyTech, as its new executive director.

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce presented the NKY Community Award to Kevin Canafax , vice president of public affairs and corporate affairs innovation strategy for Fidelity Investments in Covington. In 2008, Canafax assembled corporate, business, nonprofit and higher-ed professionals with musical talent to perform as “Suits That Rock,” now an annual concert supporting arts education programming for inner-city children.

RAPTOR Inc., a bird of prey conservation organization in Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky, announced changes to its leadership team. The new executive director is Steve Wesselkamper, a Cincinnati native with extensive leadership experience in private industry and nonprofit organizations. After 12 years as RAPTOR’s first executive director, Cindy Alverson will become director of avian operations, leading the team responsible for the medical treatment and rehabilitation of about 400 birds a year.

Taisha Rojas-Parker is the new executive director of Public Allies Cincinnati, part of a national movement committed to recruiting and training talented emerging leaders. Rojas-Parker previously was director of program services at Found Village, associate director at Xavier Leadership Center and senior director of workforce connection at Cincinnati Works. 

Christin Godale Taisha Rojas-Parker

Rachel Morgan

Cindy Alverson

Michael Groat Steve Wesselkamper

Ashley Afya

Kevin Canafax

Danyetta Najoli Eric Kearney

Christopher Bennett

Karl Thomsen

Edward L. Stubbers

Leslie Lawson Betsy Wilson

Sarah Stolar Matthew Fitzsimmons

Cierra Clymer

Luke Blocher

Margaret Hulbert

Glen Calhoun

Katriece Barrett

Snapshots

Black & White Dance gala supports Art Museum programs

The Cincinnati Art Museum’s Black & White Dance gala celebrated art, culture and community while supporting programs fostering creativity and lifelong learning. Over 300 guests at the sold-out event experienced a night filled with cocktails, entertainment, a gourmet seated dinner and surprises.

Tracy Hartmann and Jutta Lafley were co-chairs.

 cincinnatiartmuseum.org

Larry Sheakley and Rhonda Sheakley

Gala co-chairs Tracy Hartmann and Jutta Lafley

Cincinnati Art Museum’s Great Hall, ready for gala’s guests

Veronica Pugh and Michael Thomspon

Zaq Andel and Carol Edmondson

Shawn Calton, Bridget Calton, Joshua Schafer-Bickett and Logan Schafer-Bickett with gala performers

Chandra Gravely and Mel Gravely

Mikayla Tepe, Taylor Maier, Allison Kropp, Shannon Sibcy, Brad Hawse, Lea Lachey and Drew Lachey

Revolution Dance Company

Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, Cincinnati Art Museum Director Cameron Kitchin and board President Bruce Petrie

CABVI’s Dining in the Dark offers ‘night of pure imagination’

CABVI’s eighth annual Dining in the Dark event raised nearly $260,000 to help individuals adapt to vision loss.

CABVI, the Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired, honored this year’s Barney H. Kroger Humanitarian Award winner, the Zeta Sigma Chapter of Delta Gamma at Northern Kentucky University. CABVI client Beverly Pearson, one of the more than 4,000 people the agency helps each year, spoke about how the nonprofit’s services have helped her achieve professional success.

Guests learned about the daily challenges faced by individuals with vision loss by eating dinner blindfolded. Participants enjoyed a silent auction, a live auction, a wine raffle, a bourbon raffle, split the pot and a Willy Wonka-themed costume contest.

Natalie Jones from Q102 and Anna Marie from B105 emceed the event. Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati was the presenting sponsor.

 cincyblind.org

Emcees Natalie Jones of Q102 (center) and Anna Marie of B105 with the evening’s split-the-pot winner

Members of Delta Gamma Sorority at Northern Kentucky University, which received the 2024 Barney H. Kroger Humanitarian Award from CABVI

CABVI volunteer Mike Bressler experiences the blindfolded dinner.

CABVI President/CEO Teri Shirk and board Chair Tim Smith, dressed for the Willy Wonka costume contest

CABVI team members and their guests pose in the photo booth.

CABVI client Beverly Pearson talks about how CABVI services changed her life.

Emcee Q102’s Natalie Jones talks to CABVI board member Dan Staley in the crowd.

Chris Dacey with CABVI board Chair Tim Smith and his wife Paula Toti

Jon Jon Curl of Kiss 107.1 (in sunglasses) with the group of iHeart Radio ticket winners

Jim Anderson honored at Central Clinic fundraiser

Central Clinic Behavioral Health hosted its first fundraiser at the George Event Center. The Vibes & Lives event featured a live jazz band, a silent auction and fundraising games.

Emcee Courtis Fuller introduced a client named Nicole, who described her journey and how Central Clinic helped her. President and CEO Dr. Kimberly Mages shared a vision for the future of Central Clinic, including new services. The clinic provides mental health, addiction and forensic services to children, families and adults.

Mages and board Chair Mike Chaney presented Jim Anderson, former Bengals running back coach and current Central Clinic board member, with the Dr. Walter S. Smitson Legacy Award, which honors those who have had a positive impact on the community. Anderson also has helped Cincinnati youth as chair of Donal Spencer Reading Academy at Bond Hill Academy.

 centralclinic.org

Courtis Fuller was the

Lives event.

Jim Anderson, recipient of the Dr. Walter S. Smitson Legacy Award

Vibes & Lives guests Scott Schilling, Linda Schilling, Suzanne Ginter and Steve Ginter

Nicole, a Central Clinic client, tells the crowd about her journey.

Dr. Kimberly Mages, Central Clinic president and CEO, presents the Dr. Walter S. Smitson Legacy Award to Jim Anderson.

Dr.

Clinic ambassadors: Dr. Emily Davis, director of the forensic services unit; Madison Hollar, director, Court Clinic Treatment; and Jasmine Parker, therapist and wellness coordinator

emcee of the Central Clinic Vibes &

Bryan Manderfield, CCBH clinical and training director; Dr. Kimberly Mages, president and CEO; and Bob Weghorst, director of adult services

Kimberly Mages, CCBH president and CEO, and Michael Chaney, board chair

Central

Ballet creates sweet event for Nutcracker Luncheon

Music Hall Ballroom was transformed into the Land of Sweets for Cincinnati Ballet’s annual Nutcracker Luncheon. Nearly 600 guests enjoyed performances by Cincinnati Ballet Second CompanyCB2 and Professional Training Division, photos with costumed Nutcracker characters, desserts and hot cocoa, face painting, balloon animals and more.

This year’s event – presented by Sherie Marek, the Oliver Family Foundation, Western & Southern Financial Group/Fort Washington Investment Advisors and the Williams Foundation – raised more than $292,000 to support the Ballet’s stage performances, educational and community programs and the Otto M. Budig Academy.

 cballet.org

Candy-coated dessert display with catering by Eat Well Celebrations and Feasts

Young guests enjoy face painting.

Angelina de la Nuez and Nicholas Motley of CB2

Madison Taylor of Cincinnati Ballet Second Company (CB2)

Laura Dicke, Kevin Dicke and family with Nutcracker dancers

Jerry Ewers (second from left) and Brian Tiffany (third from right) with family

Cincinnati Ballet President and CEO Debbie Brant, “Nutcracker” character

Fiona, Rhonda Sheakley and Artistic Director Cervilio Miguel Amador

Otto M. Budig Academy instructor Miss Donna leads young guests in a dance class.

Nutcracker Luncheon co-chairs

Alexa Oliver, Carly Byer, Molly Vollmer, Katherine Jarnigo and Debbie Oliver

Photogra Phy by Mikki s Chaffner and Paige Pederzani

4C for Children honors four at Champions Gala

At the 2024 4C for Children Champions Gala, more than 250 people honored four Champions for Children for their support and dedication to quality early childhood learning and development. PNC Bank sponsored the event at the Hilton Netherland Plaza.

The four Champions who were recognized for their positive impact on children and families: Kristina Campbell, newly credentialed child care provider; Loren Long, New York Times bestselling children’s author and illustrator; Susan Storer, long-time donor, community volunteer and early childhood advocate; and Josie Watson, family child care owner and lead abatement community leader.

 4cforchildren.org

Nate Cummings, Mark Zackery, Dwinelva Zackery, 4C for Children

CEO Vanessa Freytag and Meghan Cummings

Josh Breger, Emily Greenberg, Eleanor German, Konstantin German, Aleona Zusek, Zachary Zusek, Andrea Rabatic and Bryan Rabatic

Kristina Campbell, Susan Storer, 4C for Children CEO Vanessa Freytag, Loren Long and Josie Watson

Tom Stanek, Gayle Stanek, Tony Bezold and Katie Bezold

Scott Erickson, Becky Erickson, Pamela Weber, Warren Weber, Kevin Menne, Katie Menne, Mona Beatty and Sherwin Beatty

Sara Senger, Michael Senger, Kim Ginn and Loren Long

Gala chair Jessica Yankie waves a light stick

Earnie Clark, Billy Boykins and Pam Page Boykins

Cassandra Jackson and Sallie Westheimer

CAC’s Cuisine Art Cocktails a recipe for raising $170K

Contemporary Arts Center welcomed more than 400 guests to its Cuisine Art Cocktails event, raising nearly $170,000 to support its mission to be a lab for understanding ourselves, others and the world around us through contemporary art.

Cuisine Art Cocktails explored the interplay between the visual and culinary arts through a full-museum immersive experience and celebration of contemporary Cincinnati. More than 40 partners filled the Lois and Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art with cuisine, art and cocktail experiences.

 cincycac.org

Lynne Friedlander and Jay Crawford

Chef José Salazar

Craig Marshall, Katy Greiner, John Sedra, Brian Sedra, Justin Hucke and Rachel DesRochers

Mixologist Molly Wellmann and Chef Jeff Harris

Pam Kravetz, Sara Vance Waddell and Morgan Rigaud

Paul Jillz and Michael Coppage performing as Godjilla

Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval and Dr. Whitney Whitis

Bradley Ketcher and Jennie Rosenthal

Amy Magenheim and Dr. Doug Magenheim

Thomas R. Schiff, Katie Siegwarth and Pamela Myricks

New Life Furniture Bank gala shows reimagined pieces

Twenty of the region’s top interior designers transformed donated furniture from New Life Furniture Bank’s warehouse into reimagined works of art for the organization’s signature gala, Party in the House. The unique creations were showcased and auctioned at the gala.

The event welcomed 300 attendees and raised $132,000. A record-breaking $20,000 of that total was raised during the evening’s program.

The only furniture bank in the region, New Life collects gently used furniture and household items and delivers them to individuals and families in need. New Life worked with more than 75 local agencies and made 2,399 deliveries in 2024, distributing more than 31,000 pieces of furniture. These efforts provided essential furnishings while diverting 1,000 tons of waste from local landfills.

 NLFurniture.org

www.CETconnect.org

SATURDAY 6:30PM CET

SUNDAY 8:30PM CET ARTS

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

Ann Linck, Christie Crawford and Kent Shaw

Christine Kommer and Sara Walker

Julie Anne Bar, Mark Vanderlaan, Barb Vanderlaan and Alisa Culyer

Beau Presnell, Barbie Presnell, Amy Schoetker, Erin Reed and Christine Masur

Juwana Glover, Heather Voit, Dana Saxton and Jessica Mays

Deborah Gear, David Bonner, Sohi Lefkowitz, Dianna Hooker, Anne Starr and Jeff Geoberti

Tom Potvin, Sheree Paolello of WLWT, Kyle Sticklen, Jo Potvin, Ann Lafferty and Kevin Tolan

Design chair Amy Youngblood, Gina Hemenway and New Life Furniture Bank CEO Dana Saxton Emmy Award Winner Regional - Interview/Discussion Program

Luncheon celebrates region’s achievements in philanthropy

Around 350 people gathered to celebrate National Philanthropy Day at a gala luncheon in Music Hall Ballroom. NPD is set aside each year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals to promote philanthropy and celebrate those who champion it.

This year’s event theme, “Joy in Giving,” highlighted several area individuals and organizations who are making a remarkable philanthropic impact. Awardees: M. Patricia Rosley, Sherie Lynch Marek, Barbara Turner and BT Rise, Pam Weber and Payton Obert.

Program highlights included remarks from AFP Global President Birgit Smith Burton and the new AFP Cincinnati Executive Director Ken Coggeshall.

 afpcincinnati.org

National Philanthropy Day chair Victoria Kuhlman, Association of Fundraising Professionals President Amanda Jenkins, NPD

chair Phillip James and NPD committee member Sydney

Aubrey Rose Foundation honors pediatric doctors

The Aubrey Rose Foundation honored seven outstanding pediatric doctors at its annual Let’s Dance for the Heart of It! gala. Recognition for these physicians stems from their work to improve the lives of young patients and for their exceptional talent, dedication and skills. From that group, Dr. Dan Benscoter received the Aubrey Rose Foundation Above and Beyond Doctor of the Year award. The event, attended by 300 people at Lawrenceburg Event Center in Indiana, raised $75,000. The foundation provides financial assistance, educational advocacy and emotional support to families so they do not face these challenges alone.

 aubreyrose.org

Ebony Pratt, AFP board member Dolores Dodson and Katie Arce

Steve Rosfeld, Judy Dalambakis and Jennifer Heisey

co-

Kavish

AFP Presidentelect Lynn Smith, Outstanding Corporation/ Foundation winner Barbara Turner, AFP Executive Director Ken Coggeshall and Christie Bryant Kuhns

awardees

M. Patricia Rosley, Sherie Lynch Marek, Barbara Turner, Pam Weber and Payton Obert

The Aubrey Rose Foundation’s 2024 Doctors of the Year: Drs. Dan Benscoter, Ellen Kellog, Wendy Blumberg, Andy Beck, Scott Callahan and Roohi Kharofa. Not pictured: Dr. Balzar Sandrock.

GreenLight Fund marks investment in averting evictions

GreenLight Fund Cincinnati hosted its annual celebration, Cinnovation, at Rhinegeist Brewery, highlighting its latest investment in HomeStart’s Renew Collaborative. Launched in 2022, the HomeStart initiative addresses the effects of evictions by providing payments to landlords toward back rent and helping families develop plans to stay in their homes. HomeStart’s Renew Collaborative has already helped prevent eviction for more than 200 families in Cincinnati.

The event also recognized the United Way of Greater Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority with GreenLight Fund’s Values in Action awards for their roles in bringing the program to life. GreenLight Fund’s investment ensures that the Renew Collaborative will remain in the community, providing critical support to families in need.

 greenlightfund.org

Ross Meyer, Donna Mayerson and Ryan Ernst

Rene Cheatham and Nick DiNardo

Dr. Nana-Hawa Yayah Jones, Ashley Glass and Deasa Dorsey

John Simon, Jennifer Stein and John Stein

Dena Sullivan, Gregory Johnson and Ridge Stroud

Carolyn Brinkmann, Jennifer Zimmerman, Alana Tucker and Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus

Bryan McCleary, Ross Meyer and Dr. Tina Cheng

Ali Knight, Jason Poland, Erin Saul, Moira Weir, Matthew Pritchard, Matthew Long and Amy Weber

Robin Davis, Robert Kalutkiewicz, Marylou McIlwraith and John McIlwraith

Yalie Kamara Saweda, Renee Berlon and Dr. Keturah Nix

Gala in the Grove goes glam for biggest event

More than 250 guests gathered in the Pavilion Ballroom at the Hilton Netherland Plaza Hotel to support Learning Grove’s largest annual fundraiser, Gala in the Grove. The event raised over $160,000 to support the nonprofit’s cradle-to-career work with more than 5,000 young children, youths and families in Greater Cincinnati each year.

The evening of storytelling and celebration in downtown Cincinnati showcased Learning Grove’s 2024 Charity in Action Award honorees, Chara Fisher Jackson and Sarah Vanover. Fisher Jackson is executive director and CEO of Cincinnati Preschool Promise, and Vanover is policy and research director at Kentucky Youth Advocates.

 learning-grove.org

Shawn Manns-Collins, Shannon Starkey-Taylor and Rachel Stallings

Westheimer, Scott

Goodwill feeds the unhoused at Holiday Hopefest event

Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries hosted its annual Holiday Hopefest at the Sharonville Convention Center. This event offers a holiday dinner to individuals experiencing homelessness across Greater Cincinnati.

Hopefest brings together community members, volunteers and local shelters for a festive atmosphere filled with food, entertainment and camaraderie. Special arrangements, including bus transportation, were made for attendees and shelter volunteers. Along with a warm dinner, attendees received winter hats and gloves, and were treated to holiday entertainment. Children who attended received teddy bears as gifts and enjoyed a craft station.

 cincinnatigoodwill.org

Members of the Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries’ retail and missions teams, with President and CEO Mark Hiemstra (far right), pose with Santa at the Sharonville Convention Center during the annual Holiday Hopefest event.

Rob Vanover and Charity in Action Award honoree Sarah Vanover

Charity in Action Award honoree Chara Fisher Jackson and Chanda Monroe-Lumpkins

Gala chair and incoming board President Katriece Barrett

Cynthia Thomas, Marc Sherman, Geneva Ross and Marcia Sherman

Sallie

Ginn and Kim Ginn



Tracy Pursell, Molly McManus, Brittany Sorrell and Jeff Taylor

Gala emcee and WLWT anchor Kelly Rippin

MORTAR opens new headquarters in Walnut Hills

MORTAR Cincinnati unveiled its new headquarters, an entrepreneurial hub in historic Walnut Hills. A ribbon cutting was followed by a house party for all to experience the vibrant new space on Gilbert Avenue.

For the past decade, MORTAR has empowered entrepreneurs from historically marginalized communities to build and grow successful businesses. MORTAR focuses on breaking barriers for Black entrepreneurs and creatives, offering resources and support.

The transformation of the historic Durner Building into The MORTAR Building will foster innovation, collaboration and sustainable growth in a space designed to inspire and uplift. Project partners view the new hub as a cornerstone of Walnut Hills’ resurgence.

 wearemortar.com

Allen Woods welcomes Stacy Sims, founder of The Well, celebrating MORTAR’s focus on holistic wellness in their new space.

Yvette Simpson (far right) delivers opening remarks: (back row) Cincinnati City Council members Mark Jeffreys and Anna Albi and Ohio state Rep. Dani Isaacsohn; (front row) Sanserrae Fraizer of First Financial Bank, Ohio state Sen. Catherine Ingram, Barbara Hauser of Procter & Gamble and William Thomas, MORTAR co-founder.

SVDP

distributes

1,400 winter coats in Northern Kentucky

During its annual winter coat distribution, St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky gave out nearly 1,400 new or gently used coats and over 800 other items of winter gear to neighbors in need throughout Northern Kentucky. The events took place at Life Learning Center and John G. Carlisle Elementary School in Covington, Newport Intermediate School and Cristo Rey Catholic Church in Florence. Arlinghaus Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electric was the presenting sponsor. The company’s team collected coats donated by customers at service appointments. Several Knights of Columbus councils within the Diocese of Covington collected and donated more than 300 children’s coats.

 svdpnky.org

Yvette Simpson, Ulmer & Berne, MORTAR board chair; Allen Woods, MORTAR co-founder & CEO; Kyla Woods, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office; and Sean Parker, Main Street Ventures

Erikka Gray and Brittani Gray of Girls Health Period; Erikka is also co-founder of Pause Cincy, a wellness-focused brand joining MORTAR’s Brick Pop-Up Retail Shop.

Members of the Knights of Columbus Fr. Kehoe Council delivered coats to St. Vincent de Paul in Erlanger: Jeff Finke, Jayden Tabor of SVDP, Eric Oberschmidt, Executive Director Julie Zengel of SVDP, Thomas Ebenschweiger of SVDP, Don Heffernan, Mike Young, and Troy Reynolds.

MORTAR staff members Lexie Grimes, Shannon Hooten and Tianna Woodford show off their delicious MORTAR-themed cookies by MORTAR alum Bonded By Batter Cakery.

Robert Bell, Hamilton County’s director of economic inclusion

MORTAR alum Roxanne Adams of Taste of Boujie and Ciarra Wooten

Women Walking West celebrates empowering foreign-born women

Women Walking West held its fifth annual RISE Gala at the Manor House, celebrating the cause of empowering foreign-born women to reach their educational goals and dreams.

The gala drew 460 community members, donors, mentors and mentees. Mentees shared their stories and essay prize winners received their awards. Dr. Bi Awosika, assistant dean of the UC College of Medicine, gave the keynote address.

Dr. George Sehi, founder and board chair, gave his annual report of endowments and supporters. Dr. Fatemeh Hajihosseini, chief of operations and development, shared the organization’s initiatives of the past year.

 womenwalkingwest.org



Snowflakes warm hearts at Ronald McDonald House

A flurry of snowflakes filled Ronald McDonald House in a sign of the community’s support during the holiday season. The 6,742 snowflakes were created in a campaign that invited community members to complete an online form to have a snowflake hung in their name. That number was more than double the previous year’s response.

The House serves to provide hope and support for 177 families with critically ill children receiving treatment in Cincinnati. Many of these families are far from home and from the holiday traditions they typically enjoy.

 rmhcincinnati.org

Essay prize winners Katherine Whitten, Shadi Omranian, Gagnessiry Niang and Mia Diaz with Fatemeh Hajihosseini of Women Walking West

Dr. Bi Awosika delivers the keynote speech.



Dr. George Sehi, founder and board chair

Lindsey Tootle plays the violin.

Mentee Caren Paidamoyo speaks at the gala.

Dr. Oluwole Awosika and Dr. Bi Awosika

Sherry Taylor, Judy LightnerNoll, Prekshya Nepal, Yanthi Boutwell, Tom Daskalakis, Cathy BishopClark, George Sehi, Fatemeh Hajihosseini

Thousands of snowflakes brought messages of support to families staying at Ronald McDonald House.

Photos by r Ck CroCkett and k enidi Morris

Powerhouse event celebrates female professionals

Johnson Investment Counsel’s Thrive Network welcomed nearly 150 female professionals to its fourth annual Powerhouse event, held at The Spot on West Fifth. This year’s speaker was Kyla Woods, a broadcast journalist and communications strategist who serves as public information officer for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. Woods spoke about discovering your true passion and purpose in life.

Attendees also enjoyed a meal provided by Eat Well Celebrations and Feasts, a local, female-owned business.

 johnsoninv.com/lp/thrive-network

Bengals’ Hubbard hosts holiday shopping for kids

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard hosted his annual “Shop with Sam” event, treating 25 children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati to a special shopping spree at King Arthur’s Court Toy Store in Oakley.

Each child, paired up with a volunteer, received $250 to shop for toys, games, gifts and more. Each child also received a new winter hat. The kids also enjoyed dinner donated by Dewey’s Pizza and dessert provided by Nothing Bundt Cakes.

 samhubbardfoundation.com, bgcgc.org

Surprise guest Reds pitcher Brent Suter and host Sam Hubbard show the receipt after an evening of shopping for 25 kids.

A Boys & Girls Club member on the throne at King Arthur’s Court Toy Store

Boys & Girls Club members hug Bengals mascot Who Dey.

Tamiko Ware Mauldin, Kyla Woods and Tamaya Dennard

(center photo) Evette Maddox and Sarah Bain

Esther Jones and Tara Adams 

April Harper, Jamie Horn, Jennifer Sheffel and Allison Sternad

Kevin Horn, Andy Beckman, Marviette Johnson, Kyla Woods, Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey, Mary Carol Melton, Kayla Crager and Laetitia Schuler

Tara Adams, Kyla Woods, Jason Jackman and Evette Maddox

Delyse Lawless, Hannah Lohr-Pearson, Reba Perry and Laura Borel

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation hits fundraising record

The Southern Ohio Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation celebrated a record-breaking fundraiser, as The Night for a Cure brought in over $242,000. Nearly 300 guests joined in person and dozens more participated via online donations.

Dr. Dan Fagel, of Tri-State Gastro, accepted the Uniting to Care and Cure award. Rick Bravo and Renee Etter were the Bing Hinton Legacy Award honorees. Colleen Doud shared a IBD journey that demonstrates why the foundation keeps fighting for IBD cures.

 crohnscolitisfoundation.org/chapters/centralohio

Beechwood Home gala honors volunteer Patsy Grote

Long-time volunteer Patsy Grote was honored for her dedication to the residents of The Beechwood Home at its annual gala. The event at the Kenwood Country Club benefited the 80 residents, who have multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) or another neurological condition.

Over nearly 25 years as a volunteer, Grote has supported the spiritual needs of Beechwood residents by helping them attend Catholic Mass on Friday afternoons – setting up chairs, organizing the service, escorting residents and spending quality time with them.

Gala attendees also enjoyed dinner and sleuthing as part of a true crime mystery dinner show.

The Beechwood Home, in Hyde Park, promotes residents’ independence and rehabilitation in a comfortable, family-like home with personalized services.

 beechwoodhome.com



Beechwood Home honoree Patsy Grote with the Most Rev. Earl Fernandes, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus

University of Cincinnati employees get a group photo at the Night for a Cure event.

Renee Etter and Rick Bravo, Bing Hinton Legacy Award honorees

Dr. Dan Fagel, Uniting to Care & Cure Award honoree

Attendees bid at an auction at the Night for a Cure fundraiser.

Beechwood Home honoree Patsy Grote (center, in white) surrounded by her family. (Back row) Corey Sheeron, Tony Huth, Tom Hobson, Patsy Grote, Lindsay Huth, Drew Grote, Amanda Grote, Tony Hobson, Paige Grote and Lena Sheeron; (middle row) Lisa Grote, Mariella Grote and Helen Brennan; (front row) Tim Grote, Jim Hobson and Emmy Hobson

Trivia Night brings in $34,000 for CYC

Cincinnati Youth Collaborative raised $34,000 at its annual Trivia Night at the Fowling Warehouse, with the proceeds helping to create brighter futures and ensure young people have the tools they need to achieve their dreams.

Robert Acoff, Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates president, recognized attendees’ presence and support, saying, “By showing up tonight, you are directly helping propel young people like me toward brighter futures.”

 cycyouth.org

Macy’s stores treat Bigs and Littles to festive breakfast

Local Macy’s stores welcomed pairs served by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati. The children (Littles) and their mentors (Bigs) were treated to a festive breakfast, and all Littles received gift cards to do some shopping.

Each of the four Macy’s locations in Greater Cincinnati invited 20 Little Brothers and Little Sisters, along with their Big Brothers and Big Sisters, to this holiday event. Now in its third year, this national partnership between Macy’s and Big Brothers Big Sisters has raised more than $10 million to support BBBS.

These efforts empower young people through mentorship, helping them build pathways for future success. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati constantly seeks new volunteers and partnerships.

 bigsforkids.org

Little Sister Jada and Big Sister Blanda Pitts were in the holiday spirit.

Santa, Mrs. Claus and an unusually tall elf brought cheer to the Macy’s event.

Student speaker Robert Acoff from Aiken High School, president of Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates

YP board member Taylor Young holds up keys for the raffle.

Amy Thomspon, president/ CEO of Fowling Warehouse

Stephanie Lawson won a raffle basket.

Marie Rusincovitch, chief advancement officer, with Donial Curry, director of advancement

Big Brother Mark Hall and Little Brother Ty’Legend enjoy breakfast at Macy’s.

ArtsWave honors cultural leaders at annual meeting

ArtsWave, the region’s engine for the arts, held its annual meeting at the 21C Museum Hotel to celebrate achievements and outline future initiatives for Greater Cincinnati’s arts community.

Jack Rouse, influential in the area’s cultural community since the late 1960s, was named ArtsWave Life Trustee, recognizing his decades of service.

The Sachs Fund Prize, honoring outstanding contributions to Cincinnati’s cultural life, went to two visionary leaders: Kim Kern of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati and Toilynn O’Neal Turner of the Robert O’Neal Multicultural Arts Center. Their innovative work, in Over-the-Rhine and the West End respectively, will help shape the region’s artistic future.

 artswave.org

‘Guys Who Get It’ Happy Hour advances gender equity

The Women’s Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation hosted a “Guys Who Get It” Happy Hour at Alcove by Madtree. The event brought together a crowd of 60 supporters dedicated to advancing gender equity in our community. Guests enjoyed lively conversations, meaningful connections and a fun-filled atmosphere.

Highlights included Megan Mitchell of WLWT as emcee and a warm welcome for Camilla Worrell, new executive director. Sponsors were EY, Three Corners Capital, The Randazzo Family Fund and Kroger Men for Equality. The planning committee included Christopher Flores, Bill Tucker and Kyle Wynk-Sivashankar.

 cincinnatiwomensfund.org

Jamila Watson and Scott Taylor

Speaker Jesse Turner

Jack Rouse and Dianne Rosenberg

Jack Rouse and Mu Sinclaire

Sarah Gorak

Mu Sinclaire, Ellen Straus, Kim Kern, Toilynn O’Neal Turner and Milos Jovic

Alecia Kintner, ArtsWave president and CEO

Chris Siracusa and Travis Speice, research director of the Women’s Fund

Rick Michelman and Bill Tucker

Camilla Worrell, executive director of the Women’s Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, with Patrick Points and Wijdan Jreisat

JUMPSTART breakfast celebrates second-chance success

JUMPSTART Ohio, a nonprofit empowering formerly incarcerated individuals, held a business breakfast at Crossroads Church in Oakley with more than 130 business leaders, community partners, philanthropists and supporters. The event underscored the life-changing impact of second-chance employment and shared testimonials from JUMPSTART graduates.

Amber, a recent program graduate, shared her story of determination and resilience as she works to rebuild her life and regain custody of her children.

Keynote speaker Anthony Muñoz, NFL Hall of Fame member, spoke of the importance of support for justice-involved individuals. JUMPSTART Executive Director Brian Moll said only 4% of its graduates return to prison, in contrast to the national rate of 67%.

Since its founding two years ago, JUMPSTART Ohio has had 180 graduates and has formed partnerships with seven local businesses willing to hire them.

 jumpstartvision.org/ohio

Nature Center celebrates Ruthven centennial

At its Light in the Forest Preview Night, Cincinnati Nature Center celebrated what would have been the 100th birthday of renowned wildlife artist John A. Ruthven.

Ruthven was a founding member of the Nature Center and was a board member from 1968-76. He was honored in 2013 with the center’s Wood Thrush Award for his lifetime dedication to land conservation and stewardship. He died at 95 in October 2020.

Ruthven’s paintings are displayed worldwide, including such places as the White House, the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, and the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio. His commissions have helped raise millions for nonprofit organizations.

The Light in the Forest event welcomed 300 friends for a walking tour showcasing light displays created by seven illumination artists, featuring themes of peace, nature and the whimsy of winter.

 cincynature.org

Honoring what would have been John Ruthven’s 100th birthday, Cincinnati Nature Center held a special toast with his favorite scotch, celebrating his life and legacy.

Nature Center life board member Rich Oliver, campaign cabinet member John Jarnigo, his wife Katherine Jarnigo and their children Molly, Maris and Gigi

Melinda Simon and Irv Simon, board vice president of Cincinnati Nature Center

Jeff Corney (center), executive director of Cincinnati Nature Center, celebrates John Ruthven with members of Ruthven’s family: Ricki Ruthven, Matt Weismann, Molly Weissman, Adam Weissman and Steve Halper.

Saralin, Nicole, Chaplain Palmer, Tanya and Amber from the JUMPSTART program

JUMPSTART Ohio Executive Director Brian Moll, guest speaker and NFL Hall of Fame member Anthony Muñoz and Marcus Sheanshang of JBM Packaging, national board member of JUMPSTART

Dr. Dave Bell of Bell Dental Group, Digger Bujnoch of Hoff Bujnoch & Associates and Jason Brown of Sycamore Capital

Santas by the thousands bring ho-ho-hope for cancer cures

Cincinnati Santacon ’24 attracted 10,000 Santas, elves and Mrs. Clauses to 75 participating venues at The Banks, Downtown Cincinnati, Over-the-Rhine, Mount Adams, Covington, Newport and Factory 52.

This 17th annual event raised $55,000 for cancer-fighting organization The Cure Starts Now. Santas pay a $10 registration fee and venues pay a participation fee to be an Official Stop. Founders Santa Bill and Santa Mike started the event with just 27 Santas in 2007.

 cincinnatisantacon.com

Santas gather at The Banks.

JCC marks Sukkot with art exhibit

The Mayerson JCC celebrated the Sukkot holiday with its annual Under One Roof Sukkah Art Exhibit. Fifty individual artists, organizations and community groups created works of art centered around the theme of “Luminosity.” During the two-week display, community members were encouraged to visit the exhibit, including attending an art reception or participating in a pressed-flowers art workshop.

 mayersonjcc.org

Karen Stierle and co-founder Santa Mike

A Grinchy Santa with an elf

Uncle Sam Santa and Grinchy Santa get in the spirit.

Hey, Santa’s got an attitude!

Monté Jones with their panel

Community members viewing the Under One Roof art exhibit

Ella Martini in front of her panel, which won the Most Expressive award

Alexandra and Yuliya Avelino with their panel

Anisha Sanghani and her panels; the panel on the right won the Most Radiant award.

Scott Jankowski with his children

Mixing, mingling and eating well with M&M

Movers & Makers hosted its final monthly Mix & Mingle of 2024 at Eat Well Celebrations and Feasts in Newport, voted by M&M readers in 2023 as their favorite caterer in the region.

Despite significant traffic due to the recent southbound closure of the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, plus pouring rain, scores of M&M fans came together for food, drink and networking in Eat Well’s kitchen.

Thanks to Renee Schuler and her team for sponsoring and hosting our event. To sponsor a future event: tmariner@moversmakers.org

 eatwellonline.com

Stephanie and Jamie, Eat Well staffers

Renee Schuler of Eat Well Celebrations And Feasts with Beth Holland of All Occasions

Paul Strickland and writer Rick Pender

Nadya Ellerhorst, CET

Joan Kaup and event producer Janet Hill

Jennie Malone and Brian Malone

Eat Well Celebrations and Feasts hosted the event.

Emma Durham and Beth Holland, both of All Occasions, with Katie Hartman of Know Theatre

Denise Byrum and Sharon Bresser, both of Wood Hudson Cancer Research

Dawn Carlson of Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly; Meaghan Pfetzer and Sarah Kring of New Perceptions

Brad Duban checks out the prep area.

Kate Smith of Wood, Herron and Evans, and Renee Schuler

Storyteller Paul Strickland and writer Polly Campbell

String theory: How coincidences weave our lives together

Inthe first year or so after my husband and I moved to Cincinnati, we went to a block party where we lived on Bishop Street in Clifton. We met a great couple there: nice, funny and sardonic. I wanted to be friends with them. Shortly after that we got married, and Neil’s mother sent out wedding announcements to relatives and friends. Her cousin in New York wrote back and said “I see Neil lives on the same street in Cincinnati as my son Jon.” The guy we had just met was Neil’s second cousin. We’ve been friends since.

Coincidence stories like that are in everyone’s repertoire. They boggle the mind in a pleasant way. It’s more than just “What are the odds?” In their unlikeliness they seem to be some kind of a sign, if you will, from wherever you believe signs come from. A kind of cosmic poetry.

Much more recently, Neil and I were driving west on Columbia Parkway. Neil was telling me about his volunteer shift earlier that week at the Cincinnati Recycling and Re-use Hub. “I saw Bruce there,” he said, “but he didn’t really talk to me.”

Then we stopped at the light at Torrance Parkway. I looked at the car in the lane next to us. It was Bruce and his wife, Maggi. We rolled down our windows. “Hey, Neil, I’m sorry I ignored you at The Hub,” Bruce said.

I said, “Can you let me get in front of you here? I need to turn right.”

That was a good one. It felt like some sort of extra-sensory communication was going on, that we had driven into the same energy field at the same time.

Then, not much later, my

sister Emily was visiting, and we went downtown. I tried to parallel park on the right side of a one-way street. I did a terrible job and bumped into the truck in the space behind me.

A few guys lingered on the sidewalk, watching me. I felt like a crowd had gathered. I pulled up to try again. The guy got out of the truck and started directing me into the space, which just made things worse, so I sat there, hoping he’d go away. But he came up to my window.

“Josh!” I said. “Hey, I’m sorry I ran into your truck.”

“That’s OK, I don’t really care,” he said.

It was a guy who owns a restaurant I like. I told him I hated people directing me. “Oh, we’re having our first fight!” he said, and left to go to the class he’d been headed to.

“What is happening?” my sister said.

Polly Campbell

(Another funny coincidence. Right after I wrote that last sentence, we went to a wonderful modern dance performance by Mutual Dance Company that included dancers holding strings that connected them to all the other dancers. None of them tripped on them. )

Fairfield Cellar Eastgate Cellar

2021 DON MELCHOR CABERNET SAUVIGNONFloral, full-bodied, and elegant. Pairs perfectly with a hearty ribeye.

2016 PIERRE USSEGLIO RÉSERVE DES FRÈRES CHÂTEAUNEUF DU PAPESoft, plush 100% Grenache with balanced acidity. Great with pork, veal, or duck.

2020 JADOT CORTONCHARLEMAGNE GRAND CRUElegant with fresh acidity, stone fruit, and lemon zest. Perfect with grilled lobster tail.

2017 OPUS ONERich black fruit, silky tannins, and balanced acidity make this Bordeaux blend a perfect match for juicy cuts of beef.

2020 CLOS DES PAPES CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE

A Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre blend with smoky, peppery notes that shine with roasted pork.

2022 ALBERT BICHOT LES CLOS CHABLIS GRAND CRUChalky minerality and vibrant acidity make it perfect with shellfish, especially lobster tails.

I liked that one, because it gave my sister the impression that I run into people I know any time I leave my house. In a place like Cincinnati, it’s kind of true, though you don’t always run into them with your car.

I’ve been here more than 40 years, and I’ve run across a lot of people. It doesn’t matter in a way whether I just met them, have been in a book club together for 20 years and stood together on the side of five seasons of kids’ soccer games or their restaurant fed me well and I gave them a good review once. I feel attached to all of them. As if a thin, invisible thread runs between us.

Then an unlikely meeting tugs those threads a little tighter.

What seems like a great magic trick is a reminder of the network those threads create, keeping me (since we’re being cosmic here) in position in the universe.

I’m interested in how much the connection still operates even when you haven’t seen someone in a long time, when you’re not even sure you really liked being friends with them. The golden glow of nostalgia, of the meaning of the things you did when younger, can give that connection a special significance. After all, you can never make old friends again.

There are probably people who hate running into people they know all the time. Too small-town, a little claustrophobic. But the older I get, the scarier the world gets, the more I feel that there may be forces of chaos at work, the more this feeling of attachment and connection to other people means to me. 

Polly Campbell covered restaurants and food for the Cincinnati Enquirer from 1996 until 2020. She lives in Pleasant Ridge with her husband, and since retiring does a lot of reading, cooking and gardening, if that’s what you call pulling weeds. She writes monthly on a variety of topics, and she welcomes your feedback and column suggestions at editor@moversmakers.org.

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