July 2023

Informed. Inspired. Involved.

Movers &Makers

July 2023

Publishers’ Letter 4

Arts/Culture 6

MoversMakers.org

Solway Gallery shifts to future | By David Lyman 6

A/C List: July arts and culture events 8

‘Utopia, Ohio’: New musical debuts 8

The Datebook 14

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

FOCUS ON 18

Lindner Center’s Dr. Paul Crosby | By John Faherty 18 Notables: Mental Health – children and youth 20

addresses mental health crisis and reforms 22

Nonprofit News 25

Names in the News 27

Snapshots 28

Ohio Innocence Project’s 20th anniversary 28

Burrow golf outing raises nearly $1M 29

To Our Generous Guests, Lead Sponsors, and Restaurants for Their Support of Zoo La La 2023!

Presenting Sponsor vehicl e Sponsor

Family Care doubles down on cancer support 38

Museum’s Enchanted Garden yields $280K 39

Foundation hosts own Opening Day parade 40

#50 raises record $242K for Children’s 41

All Signs point to support for CISE 42

C2C Trivia a big deal for teachers, nets $95K 42

Circus-themed fun brings in $215K for 1N5 43

DCCH attracts 400 for Swing into Spring 44

Beacon of Light shows LYS a way forward with $200K 47

CincyJams helps ArtsWave campaign over top 48

The Last Word 50

Polly Campbell: Travel, like jazz, takes planning and improv

Dr. Paul Crosby, photo by Helen Adams for Movers & Makers ©2023

John Faherty spoke with Dr. Paul Crosby of the Lindner Center of Hope (Page 18) about how the center has dealt with challenges of shifting circumstances. And Byron McCauley gathered input from a small, varied panel of people highly engaged in the field (Page 22).

On Page 20, you’ll find our monthly Notables section – people suggested by organizations in the field who are working and making a difference in mental health.

In 2016, David Lyman profiled father Carl and son Michael Solway about working together managing their cutting-edge Carl Solway Gallery. Sadly, we lost Carl to cancer in 2020, and the gallery is about to undergo a subtle name change. David returns this month with a piece about the reasons behind the change and the significance of how the gallery moves forward under Michael’s stewardship.

The ever-creative Joshua Steele is at it again, this time with a new musical about experimental communities in 1840s Southern Ohio. Learn about “Utopia, Ohio” on Page 8.

Have you joined us yet for one of our monthly informal happy hours at the Kinley Hotel? Meet M&M staff, perhaps a Notable or two, and other readers who care about

sponsor: Scan code to DONATE NOW

Thom and Elizabeth Mariner at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Revel and Rise in June.

the Queen City as you do. Join us on July 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m. RSVP with QR code below. As always, we are grateful to be part of your life. If you’d like to help us expand our reach, we are now a nonprofit and can accept your generous donation: visit www.moversmakers.org or use the QR code at right. Much appreciated!

Thom & Elizabeth Mariner, co-publishers

Join M&M for our monthly

Elizabeth & Thom Mariner, copublishers; Doug Bolton, board chair

Social media

@moversmakerscincinnati

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Movers & Makers Magazine

@moversmakers

Advertising & distribution

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

Help Networking Happy Hour Mix & mingle with other “movers & makers.” No agenda, no speeches. Just good company. Kinley Hotel, Wednesday, July 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Complimentary light bites, special drink prices. * RSVP by Friday, July 7. Space is limited. *

Creative & accounting

Elizabeth Mariner, emariner@moversmakers.org

News/calendar submissions

editor@moversmakers.org

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

• Tess Brown and Byron McCauley, associate editors

• Phil Fisher, copy editor

• Helen Adams, cover story photographer

• Ray Cooklis, writer and editor

• All the nonprofits who contributed news and photos.

Publishing schedule

Issue Deadline Available

26

© Copyright 2023 Movers & Makers Publishing

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

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

Digital edition & daily posts www.MoversMakers.org

Two steps forward. One step back. An old adage that seems especially true as we continue to repair ourselves and try to move beyond the damage inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The effects seem to have been particularly detrimental to children, teenagers and young adults whose developmental years were significantly disrupted. Our focus this month brings together disparate voices to share perspectives on the mental well-being of this segment of our population.

Community Matters

The Metropolitan Club is a powerful force for good in the region, uniting diverse leaders to make a difference in the community. For over three decades, the club has given back to the community by sharing more than $1.8 million with local nonprofits. The club welcomes nonprofit members with no initiation fees, the ability to have monthly dues waived based on food and beverage spending and other unique benefits.

Metropolitan Club President Doug Bolton

New Captain Ibrahim Konate

Solway Gallery

By David Lyman

Shifting focus from 20th century to now

Itis a small change. But there is something momentous about it, too.

In a recent email promoting his gallery’s current exhibition, Michael Solway said that the show “will be the final exhibition as the Carl Solway Gallery.”

The gallery itself is not going away. Rather, it is transitioning into a new name. By the end of the summer, it will be known simply as “Solway Gallery.” They won‘t even have to change the URL of their website – solwaygallery.com.

So why the change? Carl Solway, the influential gallerist who began his career in his stepfather’s Findlay Market furniture store in the 1950s, died of cancer in 2020. Late in July, Michael Solway will become the gallery’s sole proprietor.

Effectively, Michael had been directing much of the gallery operations since he returned to Cincinnati in 2011 after working in Los Angeles for more than a decade. This name change will formalize that role.

“I didn’t want to use ‘closing,’ ” said Michael Solway. “Because we’re not closing. We’ll still be in the same location. And certain artists that you’ve seen here in the past will still be here. But it will be different.”

Much of that is because the art market itself has changed. Corporate art collections are now a much smaller part of the business than they were at the end of the last century. The same with the “collecting community,” said Solway. “It’s not what it was in the ’80s or ’90s.”

But there is something more substantive about the change. Carl Solway may have dealt in art. But his business was built around the relationships he developed with artists. Relationships with collectors were essential, too, but what he loved more than anything else was spending time in studios talking with artists. He loved to tell the story about the friendship he developed over a chessboard with noted musician John Cage back in the late 1960s.

Michael Solway’s way of interacting with artists is much the same as his father’s was. It is the relationships with artists that are important. And Michael is developing relationships with a new generation of artists. The majority of the artists Carl Solway dealt with are no longer living.

“My roots are still in 20th-century art,” Michael told Movers & Makers in 2016. “But more and more of the art that we’re representing

now is 21st-century art. Art that is being produced right now and reflects the things going on around us.”

All the more reason we should pay careful attention to the current exhibition, “ARCHIVES: Carl Solway Gallery 1962-2023,” which runs through July 14. It is a retrospective of the more than 60 years that the gallery served the collectors of our region. But “retrospective” makes it sound dry and clinical, like a Wikipedia list of “artists shown by the Carl Solway Gallery.” And this exhibition is anything but that.

As he was sorting through the business and personal records after his father’s death, Michael came upon a treasure trove of correspondence, sketches and ephemera chronicling the more mundane aspects of gallery life. But like photos and letters in your grandparents’ attics, the passage of time has invested these odds and ends with sometimes profound significance.

There are letters, sometimes no more than a few scratched-down notes, from art-world luminaries such as Buckminster Fuller, Helen Frankenthaler and Louise Nevelson.

There are a handful of greetings penned by various artists on the occasion of Cage’s 75th birthday. There is Yoko Ono’s “Ode to John Cage,” which begins “I remember John as a good cook. He was kind enough to invite my three husbands for summer.” And Takehisa Kosugi’s “75 for John Cage,” an oddly mesmerizing arrangement of 75 symbols – +, - and . – in neat rows on a folded piece of paper. And Mieko Shioni’s “Homage to John Cage,” printed on a small card which tells the bearer to “Take this card with you and make a performance which will transform the card into a mirror reflecting sunbeams toward John Cage.”

There is also an early work by KoreanAmerican video artist Nam June Paik, with whom Carl Solway enjoyed a long and productive creative partnership. With Solway’s help, Cincinnati became a center for fabricating Paik’s works.

It’s a deliciously personal collection of what Michael Solway called “ephemera.” But if you have even the remotest interest in the history of 20th-century art, it is also an intimate chronicle of the second half of the century when New York was the center of the art universe. And thanks to Carl Solway, as this exhibition demonstrates, Cincinnati became a small but significant piece of that universe. 

‘ARCHIVES: Carl Solway Gallery 1962-2023’

Through July 14. Tuesday-Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday: by appointment, Carl Solway Gallery, 424 Findlay St.

513-621-0069, www.solwaygallery.com

Top: Michael and Carl Solway in the gallery, photographed by Tina Gutierrez for the cover of Movers & Makers April 2016 issue. Other images: Photos of art and ephemera in the current exhibition

A TRADITIONAL ARTS DEGREE We Stand Out From

ADVANTAGES WITH THE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN COMMUNITY ARTS AND CULTURES:

Immerse yourself in a diverse curriculum with real-world experiences to apply your creative skills or love of the arts in a tangible way within your community.

Take part during your junior year in an internship with area local arts organizations.

Our degree is open to artists and students with a passion for culture and is designed to be easily combined with other majors, allowing you to customize your student experience.

Learn more MiamiOH.edu/Regionals/HCA

The A/C List

Cultural Exhibits/Tours

American Legacy Tours | 859-951-8560.

www.americanlegacytours.com

ƒ Historic tours in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

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

ƒ Permanent collection

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

www.exploreari.org

ƒ Hands-on educational experiences.

ArtWorks Mural Tours | www.artworkscincinnati.org

ƒ Walking tours of Pendleton, Over-the-Rhine and downtown

Behringer-Crawford Museum | Devou Park, Covington. 859-4914003. www.bcmuseum.org

ƒ Artifacts and history of Northern Kentucky

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

ƒ Tours exploring Queen City brewing heritage

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

www.cincyfiremuseum.com

ƒ Permanent collection

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

www.cincinnatifoodtours.com

ƒ Tours exploring Queen City food heritage

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

www.cincymuseum.org

ƒ Current exhibits. “A Year on the Edge” • “An Unfinished Revolution: Women and the Vote” • “Inspired by Nature: The Art and Activism of Charley Harper” • “Made in Cincinnati”

ƒ Thru Sept. 4. Bricktionary: The Ultimate LEGO A-Z

Cincinnati Nature Center | Milford. www.cincynature.org

ƒ Old-growth forest, hiking trails and ponds to explore

Cincinnati Type & Print Museum | Lower Price Hill.

www.cincinnatitypeprintmuseum.org

ƒ Permanent collection of equipment, tools and artifacts

Cincinnati Zoo | Avondale. 513-281-4700.

www.cincinnatizoo.org

ƒ World-class fauna and flora

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

www.friendsofmusichall.org

ƒ Thursdays, 1 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. Outdoor tours of Music Hall

Greater Cincinnati Police Museum | Pendleton. 513-300-3664.

www.police-museum.org

ƒ Permanent collection

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

www.stowehousecincy.org

ƒ Current exhibit. “Our Neighborhood Story: A Tour of this Walnut Hills Block” • “The Cause Dearer to Me Than Any Other in the World”:

Isabella Beecher Hooker and Suffrage • “To Give It All To This Cause: The Beecher Family and the Civil War” • “The Global Impact of Uncle Tom’s Cabin”

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

www.heritagevillagecincinnati.org

ƒ July 12, 7 p.m. Martha Washington: Indispensable Woman for the Indispensable Man

ƒ July 15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. History Alive Days

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

www.holocaustandhumanity.org

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

Musical ‘Utopia, Ohio’ looks at three real, strange experiments

Aug, 3, 5, 9 and 10, 7:30 p.m., Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum

America’s first anarchist. A séance‐leading abolitionist. A cult whose members believed that the oceans would turn to lemonade and humans would grow “long and useful tails.”

Each of these founded a strange, idealistic community in Ohio in the 1840s. And all three communities – Clermont Phalanx, Excelsior and Utopia – were founded 30 miles upriver from Cincinnati in a place now known as Utopia, Ohio. For the first time, their story is being told in dramatic form.

“Utopia, Ohio” is a new musical chronicling the rise and fall of three little‐known utopian experiments through the voices of individuals whose lives led them there – a widowed woman shoemaker, a Black man who escaped enslavement with his family, and a Jewish immigrant fleeing persecution. Featuring actors playing their own instruments and a bevy of historical images, the musical tells of everyday people marginalized in a young and rapidly changing United States.

One of those communities,

Clermont Phalanx, was based on the writings of French philosopher Charles Fourier, who believed that by dividing society into “phalanxes” of 1,620 individuals each, humanity would enter a golden age.

“Utopia, Ohio” is written and produced by Joshua Steele, who also manages Memorial Hall in Overthe-Rhine, teaches voice at Northern Kentucky University and produces the a cappella group No Promises. Steele also has written or co-written five plays and musicals. His brother, Zack Steele, will star and direct.

“I first learned about Utopia on a Cincinnati history Facebook group,” said Joshua Steele. “The story instantly captured my imagination, as it does for all who come into contact with Utopia. Nearly unbelievable in its wild ideas, the history is alternatingly outlandish, romantic, tragic, political and mystical. Utopia is a story that begs to be told, and has been a stage adaptation waiting to happen.”

“Utopia, Ohio” is produced by Hugo West Theatricals in association with Falcon Theater.

Tickets: $24, students: $12.

 www.hugowesttheatricals.com /utopia

Josiah Warren, the philosopher and inventor who founded Utopia, Ohio Interior of the allegedly haunted underground chamber at Utopia, Ohio

An artist impression of the Cincinnati Fourierist’s first trip to Clermont Phalanx

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

ƒ Showcase of plant life from around the world

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

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

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

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

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

ƒ Historic walking tours

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

ƒ Permanent collection exploring themes of individual freedom

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

ƒ History of Voice of America anti-propaganda program

RAPTOR Inc. | Milford. www.raptorinc.org

ƒ July 30, 1-4 p.m. Open house: Birds of prey sanctuary

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

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

Dance

Moving Arts Cincinnati | JarsonKaplan Theater, Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-621-5282. www.movingartsco.org

ƒ July 14-15. New and recent works performed by dancers from Cincinnati Ballet and Kansas City Ballet.

Fairs/Festivals/Markets

AfriFest Cincy: Taste Of Africa | Burnet Woods Bandstand, Clifton. www.myapnet.org/afrifest

ƒ July 29, noon-8 p.m. Food, vendors, entertainment, art/culture, fashion

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

ƒ July 14-16. Celebration of the culinary Three Bs, with accompaniments

Cincinnati Celtic Festival | The Banks. www.thingstodocincinnati.com

ƒ July 14-16. Celtic heritage with family fun, food, Celtic music and more

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

ƒ July 15, 2:30-10:30 p.m. Celebrating blues music as original American art form

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

ƒ July 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Eclectic arts and crafts fair

Danger Wheel | 12th St., Pendleton. www.dangerwheel.com

ƒ July 29, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Adult bigwheel downhill racing for a cause

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

ƒ July 27-30. Celebration of Queen City’s home-grown comfort food

Second Sunday on Main | Main Street, Over-the-Rhine. www.facebook. com/SecondSundayOnMainOTR

ƒ JuIy 9, noon-5 p.m. Eclectic street festival: Music City on Main

Taps Tastes & Tunes Festival | National Voice of America Museum, West Chester. www.thingstodocincinnati.com

ƒ Thru July 2. Weekend of free, continuous live music, plus food/ beverage vendors

Film

The Barn / ARTFlix | Mariemont. 513-272-3700. www.artatthebarn.org

ƒ July 13, 7 p.m. “Blurred Lines: Inside the Art World”

Harriet Beecher Stowe House | Walnut Hills Branch Library. 513-7510651. www.stowehousecincy.org

ƒ July 1, 1 p.m. “A Higher Law: The Oberlin-Wellington Rescue of 1858”

NightLight 513 | Covington Plaza. www.nightlight513.com

ƒ July 13, 7:30 p.m. “Dazed & Confused”

ƒ July 27, 7:30 p.m. “Top Gun: Maverick”

OTR International Film Festival | Various venues, Over-the-Rhine. www.otrfilmfest.org

ƒ July 6-8. Films telling stories about marginalized voices

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

ƒ July 3, 7:30 p.m. “Moon Garden”

ƒ July 9-10, 7:30 p.m. “Behind The Uniform: A New Class”

ƒ July 31, 7:30 p.m. “Night of the 12th”

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

ƒ July 5, 9 p.m. “Top Gun”

ƒ July 12, 9 p.m. TBA

ƒ July 19, 9 p.m. TBA

ƒ July 26, 9 p.m. “Jumanji”

Literary/Lectures

Barnes & Noble | Virtual. 513-972-5146. https://stores.barnesandnoble.com

ƒ July 11, 3 p.m. Discussion: Luis Alberto Urrea: “Good Night, Irene”

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

ƒ July 1, 2 p.m. Discussion: Linda Parsons, Susan O’Dell Underwood, Dana Wildsmith and Pauletta Hansel “Valediction: Poems and Prose,” “Splinter: Poems” and “With Access to Tools: Poems”

ƒ July 11, 7 p.m. Discussion: C.W. Goodyear “President Garfield: From Radical to Unifier”

Cincinnati Poetry Slam | ArtsVille, Madisonville. www.cincinnatipoetryslam.com

ƒ July 8, 5 p.m. Hip-hop poetry competition and art happening

Cincinnati Preservation Association | The Porch, Washington Park, Over-theRhine. www.cincinnatipreservation.org

ƒ July 11, 5 p.m. Preservation in the Park: Bill Parrish, Eckstein School

Music

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

ƒ July 13, 7 p.m. Cincinnati Brass Band

ƒ July 27, 7 p.m. Faux Freshmen

Ascent Music | Werner Recital Hall, UC College-Conservatory of Music. www.ascentmusic.org

ƒ July 2, 7:30 p.m. Rebecca Clarke

ƒ July 5, 7:30 p.m. A Night in Spain

ƒ July 7, 7:30 p.m. CQ Minute

ƒ July 12, 7:30 p.m. Alla Zingarese

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

Music@BCM

ƒ July 6, 7 p.m. Jake Speed & The Freddies

ƒ July 13, 7 p.m. Danny Frazier

ƒ July 20, 7 p.m. Blue Eighty

ƒ July 27, 7 p.m. NKY Music Legends

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

ƒ July 3, 7:30 p.m. Patriotic Concert

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

ƒ July 3, 7 p.m. Grandson

ƒ July 6, 6:30 p.m. Candlebox

ƒ July 8, 6:30 p.m. Future Islands

ƒ July 12, 6 p.m. Destroy Boys

ƒ July 21, 7 p.m. L.S. Dunes

ƒ July 28, 6:30 p.m. Declan McKenna

Brady Music Center | The Banks. www.bradymusiccenter.com

ƒ July 1, 6:30 p.m. Greensky Bluegrass

ƒ July 7, 7:30 p.m. SOLD OUT Melanie Martinez

ƒ July 19, 2 p.m. Sad Summer Fest 2023: Taking Back Sunday, The Maine, Motion City Soundtrack, PVRIS, Hot Mulligan, Mom Jeans, Stand Atlantic, Sincere Engineer

ƒ July 30, 8 p.m. Regina Spektor

Cincinnati Music Festival | www.cincymusicfestival.com

ƒ July 20. Tribute to the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop: Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim (Brady Music Center)

ƒ July 21. Al Green, Jill Scott, Jodeci, Midnight Star, Gerald Albright (Paycor Stadium)

ƒ July 22. Snoop Dogg, Babyface, P-Funk Connection, Avery Sunshine, Norman Brown (Paycor Stadium)

Cincinnati Parks | www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks

ƒ Wednesdays & Fridays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Acoustic Lunch Series (Piatt Park)

Music at the Esplanade (Castellini Esplanade, Smale Riverfront Park)

ƒ July 1, 5 p.m. Sawyer Roberson

ƒ July 8, 5 p.m. The Sweet Peas

ƒ July 15, 5 p.m. The Foles

ƒ July 22, 5 p.m. Union son

ƒ July 29, 5 p.m. Jube and Jake

Sawyer Point Summer Concert Series

ƒ July 1, 4 p.m. Erin Coburn

ƒ July 1, 6 p.m. The Classic Rock Experience

ƒ July 1, 8 p.m. Thunderstruck

Ault Park Summer Music Festival

ƒ July 20, 6 p.m. Marsha Brady

Cincinnati Song Initiative | Virtual. www.cincinnatisonginitiative.org

ƒ Thru July 30. “Let it Be New,” world premiere classical songs

Cincinnati Symphony & Pops | 513381-3300. www.cincinnatisymphony.org

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

ƒ July 9, 7:30 p.m. (CSO) “Price Hill Brady Block Party” (Dunham Recreation Center)

ƒ July 15, 7:30 p.m. (CSO) “Evanston Brady Block Party” (Owl’s Nest)

ƒ July 26, 7:30 p.m. (CSO) “Bond Hill Brady Block Party” (Corinthian Baptist Church)

Classical Revolution | The Loon, Northside. www.classicalrevolutioncincinnati.com

ƒ July 9, 7:30 p.m. Chamber music in casual bar setting

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

Wednesdays in the Woods (Burnet Woods Bandstand)

ƒ July 5, 7-9 p.m. Raquel & The Wildflowers

ƒ July 12, 7-9 p.m. Burning Caravan

ƒ July 19, 7-9 p.m. Dayton Salsa Project

ƒ July 26, 7-9 p.m. Sound Body Jazz Orchestra

Saturdays in the Park (Inwood Park)

ƒ July 1, 10 a.m.-noon. Mill Creek Drifters

ƒ July 8, 10 a.m.-noon. Zak Morgan

ƒ July 15, 10 a.m.-noon. AprinasRevolutionaryLove

ƒ July 22, 10 a.m.-noon. The Twi-Lites

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

ƒ July 28, 7:30 p.m. “SummerSing Masterworks Choir,” Brahms: German Requiem (London version), Tucker Biddlecombe, conductor

Concerts on the Commons | Corner of Winton and Farragut Ave., Greenhills. www.greenhillsohio.us

ƒ July 5, 7 p.m. Angela Combs Band

ƒ July 12, 7 p.m. London Street

ƒ July 19, 7 p.m. Middle Age Man Band

ƒ July 26, 7 p.m. Mr. Man and the Mojo Band

DownTowne Listening Room | Venue TBA, downtown www.downtownelisteningroom.com

ƒ July 30, 4 p.m. Jake Speed + The Turkeys

Fountain Square | Downtown. 513-6214400. www.myfountainsquare.com

ƒ Jazz at the Square

ƒ July 11, 5 p.m. Myles Twitty (Bird & Diz)

ƒ July 18, 5 p.m. Grace Lincoln

ƒ July 25, 5 p.m. Chris Andrews (Cannonball Adderley)

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

ƒ Burgers & Brews (Lake Isabella Boathouse, Loveland)

ƒ July 7, 6-9 p.m. Ed Sax

ƒ July 21, 6-9 p.m. Charlie Millikin

Greenacres Arts Center | Indian Hill. 513-898-3256. www.green-acres.org

ƒ July 21, 6 p.m. Cincinnati Pops String Quartet

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

ƒ July 6, 7 p.m. Cumberland Run

ƒ July 20, Crash Test Dummies

Hard Rock Casino | Downtown. www.hardrockcasinocincinnati.com

ƒ July 7, 7:30 p.m. Steve Miller Band

ƒ July 20, 6:30 p.m. Ludacris, Ashanti, Flo Rida

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

ƒ July 8, 7:30 p.m. “Boogie Nights” (Devou Park)

ƒ July 9, 7:30 p.m. “Boogie Nights” (Tower Park)

Ludlow Garage | Clifton. www.ludlowgaragecincinnati.com

ƒ July 1, 8:30 p.m. Jazz Funk Soul

ƒ July 6, 8:30 p.m. Karen Waldrup

ƒ July 8, 8:30 p.m. Raheem DeVaughn

ƒ July 13, 8:30 p.m. Maddie Poppe

ƒ July 14, 8:30 p.m. The Association

ƒ July 15, 8:30 p.m. Blood Sweat and Tears

ƒ July 20, 8:30 p.m. Troubadour Project

ƒ July 22, 8:30 p.m. Joey McIntyre

ƒ July 23, 7:30 p.m. Vanilla Fudge

ƒ July 27, 8:30 p.m. Red Hot Chilli Pipers

ƒ July 28, 8:30 p.m. The Stylistics

ƒ July 29, 8:30 p.m. Hollywood Nights

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

ƒ July 1, 8 p.m. Fizzgig Reunion

ƒ July 12, 8 p.m. Stephen Stanley

ƒ July 14, 8 p.m. The Rather Unfortunate

ƒ July 15, 7 p.m. See You In the Funnies

ƒ July 23, 7 p.m. The Social Animals

MegaCorp Pavilion at Ovation | Newport. www.promowestlive.com

ƒ July 9, 6 p.m. Dream Theater, Devin Townsend, Animals As Leaders

ƒ July 11, 5:30 p.m. Louisville Orchestra

ƒ July 14, 7 p.m. Super Diamond

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

ƒ July 13, 8 p.m. The High Kings

ƒ July 16, 8 p.m. JD Souther

Riverbend Music Center | Coney Island. 513-232-6220. www.riverbend.org

ƒ July 1, 7 p.m. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

ƒ July 6, 8 p.m. Chicago

ƒ July 7, 7:30 p.m. Lettuce & Steel Pulse

ƒ July 9, 8 p.m. Post Malone

ƒ July 14, 7 p.m. Eric Church

ƒ July 15, 6:30 p.m. Fall Out Boy

ƒ July 18, 7 p.m. Tedeschi Trucks Band w/ Ziggy Marley

ƒ July 21, 7:30 p.m. Jason Aldean

ƒ July 23, 7 p.m. Big Time Rush

ƒ July 29, 7 p.m. 50 Cent

RiversEdge | Marcum Park, Hamilton. www.riversedgelive.com

ƒ July 4, 7 p.m. The Classic Rock Experience & That Arena Rock Show

ƒ July 8, 7:30 p.m. Rachel Holt & Kanin Wren’s Taylor Swift Experience

ƒ July 13, 7 p.m. Nirvani & Fooz Fighters

ƒ July 22, 7:30 p.m. Gina & Johnny Band & CFG & The Family

Rockin’ the Roebling | Smale Riverfront Park, The Banks. www.facebook.com

ƒ July 6, 6 p.m. Noah Wotherspoon

ƒ July 13, 7 p.m. Season 10

ƒ July 13, 8:30 p.m. Antematter

ƒ July 20, 6 p.m. Trauma Illinois

ƒ July 27, 6 p.m. 500 Miles to Memphis

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

ƒ July 9, 2:30 p.m. Chamber Music Series

Taft Theatre | Downtown. www.tafttheatre.org

ƒ July 7, 7:30 p.m. Kansas

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

ƒ July 1, 6:30 p.m. Trevor Hall

ƒ July 2, 8 p.m. Kash’d Out

ƒ July 8, 7 p.m. Dirty Heads

ƒ July 21, 7 p.m. Cracker

ƒ July 22, 7 p.m. Stephen Marley

Washington Park | The Porch, Over-theRhine. www.washingtonpark.org/events

Jazz at the Park

ƒ July 10, 6-9 p.m. Patsy Meyer

ƒ July 17, 6-9 p.m. Transatlantis

ƒ July 24, 6-9 p.m. Dixie Karas

ƒ July 31, 6-9 p.m. Estrado do Sol

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

ƒ July 19, 7:30 p.m. Say She She w/Abby

Jeanne

ƒ July 27, 7 p.m. ALZSTAR Music Festival

Opera

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

ƒ Thru July 7. Aleksandra Vrebalov and Deborah Brevoort: “The Knock” (Wilks Studio)

ƒ July 6 & 8, 7:30 p.m. Rossini: “The Barber of Seville”

ƒ July 12, 8 p.m. Studio Sessions: cabaret evening, Emily Fons (Wilks Studio)

ƒ July 18, 7 p.m. “Opera Rap”: DEIA Panel Discussion: “Madame Butterfly” (Mercantile Library, downtown)

ƒ July 19, 8 p.m. Studio Sessions: cabaret evening, Nmon Ford (Wilks Studio)

ƒ July 22, 27 & 29, 7:30 p.m. Puccini: “Madame Butterfly”

Theater/Comedy

Beechmont Players | Anderson Center, Anderson Twp. 513233-2468. www.beechmontplayers.org

ƒ July 28-Aug. 5. “Murder on the Orient Express”

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

ƒ Thru Aug. 19. “Kinky Boots”

ƒ July 15-Aug. 20. “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill”

ƒ July 29-Aug. 18. “Guys and Dolls”

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

www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com

ƒ July 5-30. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”

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

ƒ Thru July 1. “Musicals She Wrote: Celebrating Women Songwriters,” cabaret evening

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | Venues across the region. 513-381-2273. www.cincyshakes.com

ƒ July 14-Sept. 3. Shakespeare in the Park! “The Comedy of Errors”

Commonwealth Artists Student Theater | Highlands High School, Ft. Thomas. 859-474-2811.

www.caststages.org

ƒ Thru July 9. “The Ferryman”

ƒ July 14-23. “Mean Girls: High School Edition”

Drama Workshop | Cheviot. 513-5988303. www.thedramaworkshop.org

ƒ July 28-Aug. 13. “Bingo! The Winning Musical”

Hard Rock Casino | Downtown. www.hardrockcasinocincinnati.com

ƒ July 14-15, 8 p.m. “Thunder from Down Under”

INNOVAtheatre | Sorg Opera House, Middletown. www.innovatheatre.com

ƒ Thru July 2. “Kinky Boots”

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

ƒ July 28-Aug. 6. “Horizons of Gold”

ARTS/CULTURE | The List

Mariemont Players | Mariemont. 513684-1236. www.mariemontplayers.com

ƒ July 13-30. “Ain’t Misbehavin’”

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

ƒ July 21-29. “Above the Sand”

MegaCorp Pavilion at Ovation | Newport. www.promowestlive.com

ƒ July 18, 7 p.m. Jinkx Monsoon

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

ƒ July 27-Aug. 6. “American Idiot”

Queen City Vaudevillians | Artsville, Madisonville. www.queencityvaudevillians.com

ƒ July 15, 7 p.m. Nostalgic evening of music, skits and more

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

ƒ July 27-30. “The Play That Goes Wrong: High School Edition”

Taft Theatre | Downtown. www.tafttheatre.org

ƒ July 8, 7 p.m. David Nihill, comedian

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

ƒ July 27, 7:30 p.m. “trueGIFT”

Visual Art

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

ƒ July 1-Aug. 18. “Facing the Reality of my Procrastination”

Reception: July 1, 5-7 p.m.

Art on Vine | Court Street Plaza. www.artonvinecincy.com

ƒ July 1, noon-6 p.m.

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

ƒ July 1-Aug. 31. “A Room with Many Views” Reception: July 7, 5-8 p.m.

Arts Alliance | Building B, Sinclair College, Mason. 513-309-8585. www.the-arts-alliance.org

ƒ Thru July 31. “Everyday Heroes”

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

www.bakerhunt.org

ƒ Thru Aug. 19. Community Art Show

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

ƒ Thru Aug. 20. “The Art of Fashion: Fay Applegarth Maddox”

Carl Solway Gallery | Solway Building, West End. 513-621-0069. www.solwaygallery.com

ƒ Thru July 14. ARCHIVES: Carl Solway Gallery 1962-2023

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

ƒ Thru Aug. 19. “Dynamics of Flow”

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

ƒ Thru Sept. 24. “Roberto Lugo: Hi-Def Archives”

ƒ Thru Oct. 8. “Creating Connections: Self-Taught Artists in the Rosenthal Collection”

ƒ Thru Oct. 15. “Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds”

ƒ July 28, 5-9 p.m. Art After Dark

Clifton Cultural Arts Center | Short Vine, Corryville. 513-497-2860. www.cliftonculturalarts.org

ƒ Thru July 14. “Uptown and Around: Community Art Show”

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

ƒ Thru Aug. 6. “Ecologies of Elsewhere”

ƒ Thru Aug. 27. Luis Camnitzer: “Monuments to Unknown Heroes”

ƒ Thru Sept. 24. FotoFocus - Baseera

Khan: “Weight of History” • Robert O’Neal: “Open to All”

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

ƒ Thru July 7. “51st Hamilton Current”

Indian Hill Gallery | Indian Hill. 513-984-6024. www.indianhillgallery.com

ƒ Thru Aug. 12. “Like A Bird On A Wire: A Selection of Contemporary Landscapes.” Curated by Rob Anderson

Iris BookCafe and Gallery | Over-the-Rhine. 513-260-8434. www.irisbookcafeotr.com

ƒ Thru Aug. 31. Bruce Checefsky: “Mixed Salad”

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

ƒ Thru July 29. “All That Jazz: Cincinnati Jazz Hall of Fame Exhibit”

ƒ Thru Aug. 12. “Color Breathing: The Work of Lyric Morris-Latchaw and Casey Dressell”

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

ƒ Thru July 28. “The Mighty Deep: An Exploration of Sea Life”

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

ƒ July 14-Aug. 11. “Sky” works about, featuring or inspired by the sky • “Up High / Down Low” two exhibits in one space: works intended to be experienced above eye-level, and works experienced below eye level • “Master Pieces 17”.

Reception: July 14, 6-9 p.m.

Miller Gallery | Hyde Park Square. www.millergallery.com

ƒ Thru Aug. 1. René Romero Schuler: “Stories”

Monet: The Immersive Experience | Former Gidding Jenny Building, downtown. www.monetexpo.com/cincinnati

ƒ Thru July 31. Over-sized digital projections of Monet’s works

Pendleton Art Center | Pendleton. 513421-4339. www.pendletonartcenter.com

ƒ July 28, 5-9 p.m., open studios

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

ƒ Thru Aug. 6. “Coral Beliefs”

Reading Community Arts Center | Reading. www.readingcommunityartscenter.org

ƒ Thru July 30. “Water!”

Save Our Souls Art | Art Academy of Cincinnati. www.sosartcincinnati.com

ƒ Thru July 16. SOS Art 2023

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

ƒ Thru July 2. “Frank Stella: Had Gadya –Illustrations After El Lissitzky”

ƒ Thru July 30. “Beyond Borders: The Art of Siona Benjamin”

Studio Kroner | Downtown. www.studiokroner.com

ƒ July 6-Aug. 5. Roy Robinson & Michael Roller: “Intersection” Reception: July 6, 6-9 p.m.

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

ƒ Thru Sept. 10. “Modern Women/Modern Vision: Photography from the Bank of America Collection” • “The Boat Trip: Etchings by Charles François Daubigny”

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

ƒ Thru July 15. Jacqueline Sullivan: “Into An Abstract Summer”

Visionaries & Voices | Northside. 513861-4333. www.visionariesandvoices.com

ƒ Thru July 28. Artist in Residence

Warren County Historical Museum | Lebanon. www.wchsmuseum.org

ƒ Thru July 21. Native American photos by Susan Willin

ƒ July 28-Sept. 2. Japanese Kokeshi Doll Exhibition

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

ƒ Thru Aug. 20. Mychaelyn Michalec: “Not to Stifle, but to Clarify” • Anissa Lewis: “Open Lots (We All Rise)” • Melvin Grier: “It Was Always About the Work” 

CINCINNATI’S BEST

Are Getting Even Better!

2023 will be a monumental year of progress for the Sharonville Convention Center and the Northern Lights District. With our upcoming $21 million expansion set to begin this year, the City of Sharonville continues to grow our amenities. The new Todd Portune Hall will accommodate up to 2,000 people for our large galas while our Northern Lights Ballroom will continue to accommodate events up to 700. With the new Delta by Marriott Hotel, our connected Hyatt Place hotel and the award winning Third Eye Brewery all just steps away, your guests will truly enjoy a one-of-a kind experience.

Get Inspired. To learn more contact us at 513.771.7744 or at sccinfo@cityofsharonville.com sharonvilleconventioncenter.com

The Datebook With a Spotlight on the Movers and Makers behind Greater Cincinnati’s Fundraisers,

Friend-Raisers and Community Events

JULY 6, THURSDAY

Over-the-Rhine International Film Festival Gala| 6 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. DETAILS: Three-day festival kicks off with gala followed by opening night film. Tickets begin at $150.

 www.otrfilmfest.org

JULY 8, SATURDAY

Contemporary Arts Center, Social Therapy: Growing Together | 1-3 p.m.

DETAILS: Spoken word artist, motivational speaker and community organizer Desirae “The Silent Poet” Hosley. Adults and young adults bridge social gaps through writing and storytelling. Six sessions over three months, on Saturdays. Free, but registration encouraged.

 www.cincycac.org/social-therapy

JULY 18-20, TUESDAY-THURSDAY

Black Tech Week | Music Hall Ballroom. DETAILS: Workshops and networking with tech entrepreneurs, investors and professionals. Speakers: Everette Taylor, CEO of Kickstarter; Felecia Hatcher, CEO of Black Ambition Opportunity Fund; Detavio Samuels, CEO of REVOLT; Candice Matthews Brackeen, CEO of Lightship Foundation; Aisha Bowe, CEO of STEMBoard; Brian Brackeen, general partner at Lightship Capital.

 www.blacktechweek.com

JULY 20, THURSDAY

NewPath, Topgolf Outing | 1-4 p.m. Topgolf – West Chester. DETAILS: Team bonding, food, drinks, raffles. Tickets: $175.  www.newpath.org/events/ topgolf-outing/

JULY 26, WEDNESDAY

Magnified Giving, Service-Learning

Teacher Workshop | 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Evendale Recreation Center. DETAILS: Julie Rogers Bascom, director of learning and leadership at National Youth Leadership Council, will provide training on implementing service learning. Lunch. Free event.  www.magnifiedgiving.org/updates/ teacher-workshop

JULY 27, THURSDAY

Alzheimer’s Association, ALZSTAR Music Festival |

7-10:30 p.m. Woodward Theater, Overthe-Rhine. DETAILS: Live performances by Arlen Gun Club, The Poppiefields and Hidalgo Martini. Hosted by Amanda Orlando of Warm98. Tickets: $25.

 www.cincyticket.com

JULY 29, SATURDAY

AfriFest Cincy, Taste of Africa | Noon-8 p.m. Burnet Woods Bandstand. DETAILS: Showcase variety of African cultures, food, vendors, entertainment, fashion show, games.

 www.ioby.org/project/ afrifest-cincy-taste-africa

Danger Wheel | 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. 12th St., Pendleton. Adult big-wheel downhill racing to bennefit beautification projects in the Pendleton neighborhood.

 www.dangerwheel.com

Community Shares, For the Love of the Community Gala | 6-9 p.m. Cincinnati Zoo. DETAILS: Small animal visit, heavy appetizers, bar, silent auctions, raffle baskets, split-the-pot, luxury raffle. Tickets: $100.

 givebutter.com/14bY9W

JULY 31, MONDAY

St. Vincent de Paul, Prescription Fore Fun Golf Outing | 2 p.m. Western Hills Country Club. DETAILS: Entry fee includes nine holes (18-hole option available), golf cart, drink tickets, and special post-outing wine and bourbon tasting with food pairings.

 www.svdpcincinnati.org

AUG. 2, WEDNESDAY

Companions on a Journey, Vince Munafo Memorial Golf Outing | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Glenview Golf Course, Springfield Twp. DETAILS: Shotgun start, best-ball scramble, lunch, beer garden, 19th-hole celebration ParTee Time, dinner, music, putting contest, prizes, awards and Legacy Wall viewing.

Starts at $125.

 givebutter.com/VMMgolfouting

On July 27, Warm 98’s Amanda Orlando will host the ALZSTAR Music Festival at the Woodward Theater to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association

AfriFest Cincy guests will come together on July 29 at Burnet Woods to celebrate unity in diversity at the largest African cultural event in the city.

Danger Wheel returns to Pendleton on July 29 for a day of street racing to raise funds for the community.

Companions on a Journey hosts the Vince Munafo Memorial Golf Outing , its largest fundraiser of the year, on Aug. 2 at Glenview Golf Course

AUG. 4, FRIDAY

Adventure Crew, Outdoors for All Expo | 4-9:30 p.m. Schmidt Recreation Complex, East End. DETAILS: More than 50 exhibitors, including parks, outdoor outfitters, adventure experts and environmentally minded organizations. Hands-on demos, live music from Jake Speed and the Freddies and others, raffles, MadTree beer and food trucks – activities for all ages. Free and open to the public.

 www.ohioriverpaddlefest.org/expo-info

AUG. 5, SATURDAY

Adventure Crew, Ohio River Paddlefest | 7 a.m. Schmidt Recreation Complex, East End. DETAILS: Races and recreational paddles of 9 and 4.5 miles on the Ohio River. Participants may use own canoes or kayaks or rent with advance registration. Commodore is Mike Fremont.

 www.ohioriverpaddlefest.org

Dragonfly Foundation, Dinks and Drives Pickleball Tournament |

8 a.m.-10 p.m. Lifetime Fitness, Mason.

DETAILS: Pickleball tournament, music, games and entertainment. Registration: $75/player.

Mike Fremont will serve as the Commodore of Paddlefest 2023 on Aug. 5.

 www.pickleballbrackets.com, UG. 6, S

Welcome House, Summer Sunday | Devou Golf & Event Center, Covington. DETAILS: Includes a silent auction.

 www.welcomehouseky.org

AUG. 16, WEDNESDAY

American Sign Museum, Marston Memorial Golf Outing | Sharon Woods Golf Course. DETAILS: TBA

 www.americansignmuseum.org/Support

Little Brothers – Friends of The Elderly, Annual Tom Wess Memorial Golf Outing | Glenview Golf Course, Glendale.

 www.littlebrotherscincinnati.org

AUG. 23, WEDNESDAY

Pro Seniors, Seniors Who Rock | 8-9:30 a.m. Longworth Hall Event Center, Pete Rose Way. DETAILS: Awards presentation honoring inspirational Ohio seniors who continue to impact the community.

 www.proseniors.org

AUG. 26, SATURDAY

Dragonfly Foundation, Annual Ride for Dragonfly | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Queen City Harley Davidson, West Chester. DETAILS: Pre-party with music and raffles, after-party with live music, raffles, split-the-pot, vendors and merchandise booth.

 www.dragonfly.org/motorcycle

Forever Kings, Building Strong Men Gala | 6 p.m. Sharonville Convention Center.

DETAILS: Cocktail reception, formal program with dinner, live entertainment and special award. Tickets: $100, Table: $1,000  www.foreverkingsinc.org

Gorman Heritage Farm, Annual Row by Row Fundraising Dinner | 6-9:30 p.m. Gorman Heritage Farm. DETAILS: Farm-to-table dinner, open bar, live music, live and silent auctions. VIP happy hour. Tickets start at $100.

www.gormanfarm.org

AUG. 27, SUNDAY

Dragonfly Foundation, Grand Gala  www.dragonfly.org/gala

SEPT. 3, SUNDAY

Mike & Maria

Fox serve as cochairs for the first annual Dinks & Drives Pickleball Tournament for Dragonfly at Lifetime Fitness in Mason on Aug. 5

AUG. 19, SATURDAY

Easterseals Redwood, Honor Ride | 7:30 a.m. Miami Whitewater. DETAILS: Create team or ride on your own. Bicycle ride, racing shirt, swag bag and Honor Ribbon. $50.

 p2p.onecause.com/eastersealshonorride

Ken Anderson Alliance, Ridin’ & Rockin’ for Autism | 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Queen City Harley-Davidson, West Chester.

DETAILS: Food, live music, vendors and motorcycle ride.

 www.kenandersonalliance.org

Best Point Education and Behavioral Health, Rockin’ at Riverfest | 5-11 p.m. Anderson Pavilion, Smale Riverfront Park.

DETAILS: Co-chairs: Britney Ruby-Miller and Caleb Miller, Tim Schroeder and Lisa Schroeder, and Dr. Gail Kist-Kline and Keith Kline.

jbanchy@bestpoint.org

SEPT. 5-7, TUESDAY-THURSDAY

Starfire, A Connected Cincinnati | The Columns, Over-the-Rhine. DETAILS: Dr. Allison Lourash and Indigo Bishop guide attendees through three-day learning experience around principles and practices of Asset-Based Community Development. Tickets: $250.  www.starfirecincy.org

www.CETconnect.org

SATURDAY 6:30PM CET

SUNDAY 8:30PM

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

Southern Storytellers

Premieres Tuesday, July 18, at 9pm on CET

This new three-episode series follows some of the region’s most compelling and influential contemporary creators to the places they call home.

SEPT. 6-10, WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY

Kroger, Queen City Championship | Kenwood Country Club. DETAILS: During tournament, enjoy casual on-course hospitality with friends, or experience all-inclusive clubhouse hospitality to host an important client. Tickets start at $80 weekly or $25 daily.

 www.queencitylpga.com

SEPT. 8, FRIDAY

Cancer Support Community, Paintings for a Purpose: Nancy Rosen | 6-9 p.m. David A. Millett Inc. Design Showroom, Evanston. DETAILS: Show and sale of artwork of Nancy Rosen, artist who creates work for Netflix series “Grace & Frankie.” Rosen will be present. Hosted by April Davidow and Peggy Greenberg, event includes bites, drinks, entertainment and special experiences for those purchasing artwork.

 www.mycancersupportcommunity.org

Cincinnati Music & Wellness Coalition, Eleventh Annual Music and Medicine Conference | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mayerson JCC.

DETAILS: Musicians, researchers, physicians and other healthcare/senior care professionals present current research on benefits of music.

 www.musicandwellness.net

SEPT. 9, SATURDAY

Brighton Center, Wine Over Water | 5:30-9 p.m. Purple People Bridge. DETAILS: Food, wine, drinks, live entertainment.

 www.brightoncenter.com

Ken Anderson Alliance, Wine Over the Rhine | 5:30-8 p.m. Laurie and Eric Lombardo’s Anderson home.

DETAILS: Vineyard tour and wine tasting.  www.kenandersonalliance.org

Stepping Stones, Viva La Bloom | Little Miami Event Center, Milford. DETAILS: Vegas-themed games, entertainment, food and silent auction.

 www.cincybloom.org

SEPT. 12, TUESDAY

Goering Center, Annual Family & Private Business Awards | Hard Rock Casino. DETAILS: Recognizing businesses who have demonstrated exceptional achievements.  business.uc.edu/ centers-partnerships/goering

SEPT. 13, WEDNESDAY

Dress for Success Cincinnati, Fashion Show | 10:30 a.m. Hard Rock Casino. DETAILS: Celebration of DFSC clients, contemporary fashions and presentation of the Mary Ivers Award. Co-chairs: Meredith Blum and Lauren Gucciardo. Tickets on sale June 13.

 www.dfscincy.org/blog-and-events/ fashion-show

SEPT. 16-17, SATURDAY-SUNDAY

Ride Cincinnati, The Ride | DETAILS: Weekend of cycling, entertainment and volunteerism. Kickoff party with music, food and beverages. Riders complete routes ranging from 10 to 64 miles. Special rider celebration.

 www.ridecincinnati.org

SEPT. 16, SATURDAY

Life Learning Center, High Stakes Gala | 6 p.m. Turfway Park Racing & Gaming. DETAILS: Host: Evan Millward of WCPO 9. Semi-formal event with live entertainment, dinner, drinks, silent and live auctions. Tickets start at $150.

 e.givesmart.com/events/vR2 

More Datebook at MoversMakers.org

Make sure your fundraiser or community event is listed at moversmakers.org/datebook Listings are free.* Send event details and print-quality photos of honorees , chairs or speakers to: editor@moversmakers.org

Stand out

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 editorial staff and featured as space allows.

Emmy Award Winner Regional - Interview/Discussion Program

When children experience social, emotional or interpersonal difficulties, it affects their daily lives. Individual and family counseling services provided by Best Point Education & Behavioral Health are designed to help children attain and maintain a healthy state of mind.

Our services for children of all ages:

Counseling: Services to improve the functioning of the child and family.

Case Management: Community-based treatment services.

Day Treatment: A structured, therapeutic environment.

Substance Use: Treatment option with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

Psychiatric Services: A team of psychiatrists, pediatricians and psychiatric nurse practitioners.

Early Childhood Therapeutic Support: Individual and family counseling services.

For more information about mental and behavioral health programs for children and families, call us at 513.272.2800 or email at info@bestpoint.org.

One of the region’s largest provider of mental health services for children and their families.

By John O. Faherty

Dr. Paul Crosby: Bringing hope and healing to those with mental illness

Along driveway cuts through a peaceful, almost bucolic, 53 acres in Mason. A visitor passes a thicket of trees, an old barn on the left, and then, around the final turn, a building emerges that looks like a cross between a medical facility and a newish ski lodge.

It is, in fact, the Lindner Center of Hope and Dr. Paul Crosby greets you in the lobby. Crosby is the president and chief executive officer of the center, and he has worked his entire career in the mental health field – a specialty known for slow progress and deep frustration. Just getting a diagnosis right, literally the first meaningful step, can take years and years.

But decades into his career, Crosby has an unshakeable belief in the work he is doing. “People do get better,” he said. “Everybody can improve.”

There are 80 beds at the center for patients to stay at the facility, but teams at Lindner see an additional 200 to 250 patients a day through outpatient care.

The Lindner Center of Hope opened in 2008 because of the passion of Craig and Frances Lindner. Craig is the co-CEO of American Financial Group and a member of the Lindner family long associated with United Dairy Farmers, the Cincinnati Reds and American Financial Group. Despite nearly unlimited resources, Craig and Frances have been affected by the mental health issues of friends and loved ones just like everyone else. They decided to do something about it.

“Frances and I felt called to do something about the serious lack of quality mental healthcare in our nation,” Craig said. “The lives of our loved ones and friends have been touched by mental illness. We witnessed how devastating it can be if the illness goes untreated, and also witnessed how healthy, productive lives can be restored with the proper diagnosis and treatment.”

That commitment involved donating a lot of money to the center, convincing people how important the work is and how prevalent the problem is. “An estimated one of every four people face mental health issues at some point in their life,” Craig said. “But only a fraction receive the care they need.”

There is no denying the need. When the

center opened, it was the first stand-alone psychiatric facility to open in more than 35 years in this country, according to Crosby. “The Lindners knew that care could be better, and it could be closer. They wanted to participate in the conversation of making care better.”

The center focuses on mood disorders, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, addiction and, frequently, co-occurring psychiatric disorders.

Crosby was named head of the Lindner Center of Hope in July 2021, but he has been a member of the medical staff of the center since it opened. He is only the second CEO at the facility, replacing Dr. Paul Kirk, who was there from day one.

Crosby’s expertise is providing psychiatric care to children and families, particularly in the assessment and treatment of ADHD and the conditions that frequently accompany it, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, learning disabilities and substance abuse disorders.

But much of his work is cultural, as he tries to reduce the stigma associated with mental illnesses. This is almost always relevant when Crosby is working with a child or young adult and his or her parents. And mental illness frequently visits the young. The American Psychiatry Association says that 50 percent of mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75 percent of cases begin by age 24.

Many of those young people are confused and frightened. They have a condition they do not fully understand. The parents feel the same way and they feel guilt. Crosby starts reminding them of important facts from the very beginning. He relies on a handful of truths to help people stop feeling guilty and start getting ready to work.

“It’s a physical illness,” Crosby tells patients and their families. “It is not willpower, and it is not bad parenting.” He also reminds them that they are not alone. “There are a lot of really sick people.”

So many, in fact, that Crosby keeps adding staff. There are now 65 medical personnel at the center, including psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and therapists. Twenty of them have been hired in the past year, trying to keep up with an increase in demand since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic laid bare so much

suffering. “Mental health workers are the ‘last responders’ of the pandemic,” he said.

While COVID-19 will never be considered a good thing, it has brought the topic of mental health to the forefront. The pandemic was too pervasive, and the consequences too dire, for people to ignore. Especially when so much of the suffering landed on school-age children who were stripped of their routines. It was suddenly time for people to move mental health to the front burner.

“America is not good about talking about this,” Crosby said. “Mental health is threatening.”

One group, however, is more willing to talk about how they are feeling and what needs to be done about it. “Younger people are far more comfortable talking about mental health,” Crosby said. He finds that development “wonderful and inspiring.”

And necessary. Crosby acknowledges that mental health is legitimately hard for people to talk about. He does not think that’s because they don’t care. It is more complicated than that. It is, he said, an “authenticity paradox.”

People know how debilitating mental illness can be, that it can affect anybody, and they know it is deeply unfair. Rather than building empathy or concern, however, this leaves people frightened. They respond to that fear by trying to believe that people with mental illness somehow did something wrong, or that perhaps they are just not strong enough to handle it. Instead of talking it through, people choose to simply ignore it. Or avoid it, anyway.

“It’s a physical illness,” Crosby tells patients and their families.

“It is not willpower, and it is not bad parenting.”

But this problem is not going to go away; it is pervasive. Somewhere between one in four and one in five people will experience a diagnosable mental illness. Some situations, of course, are less urgent than others. It is often the most dire cases that walk through the door at the Lindner Center of Hope, which has seen patients from all 50 states and 10 foreign countries.

“We spend a lot of time on complex comorbidities,” Crosby said. This means many patients are living with not one, but two or more different mental illnesses. Sometimes they are related, sometimes not. Sometimes one treatment will help trigger healthy responses in all the different illnesses, sometimes each has to be treated distinctly.

And there are no scans or X-rays to help get the diagnosis right. Crosby notes that many patients who end up in his facility have been undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for a decade or more. It would be difficult to overstate how cataclysmic this can be for a patient or his or her family.

“Mental health affects every decision you make in your entire life,” Crosby said. So when a new patient arrives, the first step is diagnosis. This can be tricky, but it is doable. Even without scans and blood tests to pinpoint the problem.

“We are not technological, but we are not unsophisticated,” Crosby said. “Our tools are our eyes and our ears and our time.”

Craig Lindner has complete confidence in Crosby as both a doctor and the person running the center. Treating mental health is complicated, and insurance companies

can be slow to catch up to it, which often means being slow to approve treatments or to pay for them.

“We are blessed to have Paul Crosby as the leader at The Lindner Center of Hope. He is a gifted clinician who is well respected by his peers,” Lindner said. “Paul also has a very good business mind. This is critically important given the financial challenges that result from very poor reimbursements for mental healthcare. Our goal is to provide the highest quality of care, and also have a sustainable business.”

Crosby says the Lindner Center of Hope is enhanced by its partnership with UC Health and its affiliation with the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. All of the work at the center is also informed by the fact that it contains a research institute. The goal of research is to inform patient care in the short term with the latest information, and in the longer term by shortening the period of time between research and actual application. “We have to shorten the gap between theory and practice,” Crosby said. “It can take years.”

The annual budget of the center is roughly $40 million, and it all goes to the goal of “trying to make you feel like yourself again.” It is a simple mission, but not one easy to achieve. The Lindner Center of Hope treats people who have often been looking for answers for years. They arrive frustrated, wary and desperate for help.

Crosby is not daunted by the experience. This is all he has ever done since graduating from the UC College of Medicine. He focused on young people at least in part because getting them to “feel like themselves again” will change their lives and the lives of the people they love. Crosby understands this as a scientist, as a doctor and as a father of six children.

“If you treat a kid, that is so rewarding. But it is not just the kid,” Crosby said. “There are so many ripples. You are helping their parents, their siblings, everyone in their life, and everyone who will be in their life. It is nearly immeasurable.” 

Photo: helen AdAms for movers & mAkers

Notables: Mental Health for Children & Young Adults

Movers & Makers asked organizations serving children and young adults in the mental health sector to introduce their notables to our readers, part of a regular feature highlighting people making a difference in Greater Cincinnati’s nonprofit community.

Dr. Walter Smitson finds solutions for families’ mental health issues

Dr. Walter Smitson, CEO and president of Central Clinic Behavioral Health, has devoted 55 years to helping children, adults and families. He will be retiring at the end of this year. Driven by a passion for helping people reach their potential, Dr. Smitson has made an indelible impact on Greater Cincinnati communities. He began by treating children, the nonprofit’s focus at the time, and developed a deeper understanding of their anxiety and depression. Dr. Smitson realized parents held the keys to helping their kids and expanded CCBH’s scope to serve them too. Under Dr. Smitson’s leadership, CCBH now creates behavioral health solutions for families, helps people with mental health and substance use issues, and welcomes the LGBTQ+ community. Dr. Smitson has written three books, is passionate about photography and once owned 13 vintage cars. He and his wife, Trish, live in Hyde Park. Dr. Smitson has three children, two stepchildren and 11 grandchildren. 

Bonita Campbell works for equity while fighting youth homelessness

Bonita Campbell, vice president of homeless youth services for Lighthouse Youth & Family Services, works daily to uplift youth and families in our community and ensure that young people of color and those in the LGBTQ+ community receive equitable treatment and respect. A licensed social worker and certified trauma practitioner, she has dedicated herself to serving youth and helping them reach their goals for over 30 years. A proven leader, she represents Lighthouse locally and nationally and is supporting Lighthouse’s racial equity work. Campbell is also a leader in the KEYS to A Future Without Youth Homelessness, a collaborative and groundbreaking community program to end youth homelessness in Hamilton County. Campbell is chair of the Cincinnati Continuum of Care Youth Work Group and board co-chair of the Homeless Coalition. When not working, she is active in her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and spends time with her two sons. 

For Diane Egbers, averting suicide is a mission based in tragedy

Diane Egbers founded Grant Us Hope after losing her 15-year-old son, Grant, to suicide in 2015. Through her grief, she became determined to pave new paths of hope and suicide prevention so other families did not experience the devastating loss she had. Grant Us Hope now serves 400,000 students in 200 schools across Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana through Hope Squad, a lifesaving peer-to-peer suicide prevention program. Egbers has become a respected trailblazer and advocate for parents and communities to address mental health issues among teens in school systems nationwide. Egbers has turned her personal pain into incredible purpose. She is passionate about youth mental health and believes developing leadership in our youth can make a tremendous difference for our future. She is in the process of writing her second book, a parent-to-parent suicide prevention guide for helping children in mental health crisis. 

Debbie Gingrich’s leadership moves programs to help vulnerable youths

Debbie Gingrich, chief clinical officer at Best Point Education & Behavioral Health, is a remarkable force in youth mental health services. She spearheads innovative initiatives benefiting 88 percent of the agency’s clients under 18, including a 24-hour crisis hotline and pediatric mental health urgent care. Leading more than 130 professionals in the region’s largest youth mental health organization, Gingrich has significant influence. Her dedication has earned her recognition, including the Cincinnati Business Courier’s “Forty under 40” and she is a BOLD program graduate, courtesy of the Leadership Council for Nonprofits. Gingrich’s visionary leadership not only advances the mental health sector but also nurtures resilience in vulnerable youths, paving the way for a compassionate future and ensuring they receive essential mental health support. Having grown up on a small farm in Warren County, she cherishes her connection to nature and enjoys a good hike with the family, gardening and reading by the pool. 

Dr. WalterSmits on

DebbieGingrich

DianeEgbers

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Nancy Eigel-Miller works widely on youth suicide and mental health

Nancy Eigel-Miller, executive director of 1N5, took tragic circumstances in her own life to help change the staggering statistics on youth suicide and mental illness. She serves on multiple local boards and is represented in area coalitions, networks, cohorts and community initiatives to end suicide. Under Eigel-Miller’s direction, and in response to the youth mental health crisis, 1N5 uses education and stigma reduction to start life-saving conversations. In 2022 Nancy and her staff delivered over 250 mental health education presentations to over 27,000 people in the Tristate and 1N5’s school programming reached 197,000 K-12 students in more than 125 local schools and six area universities. Nancy has received awards such as Cincinnati Woman of the Year, the Jefferson and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis awards, and Non-Profit Executive Director of the Year/Pillar Award. In her free time Nancy can be found cheering on Xavier basketball. 

Julia Saldanha drives NAMI to help more students dealing with mental illness

Julia Saldanha, program director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Southwest Ohio, works to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Among the many free programs and services NAMI offers, Ending the Silence – a mental health awareness and suicide prevention program for students – has increased 15 times over the last four years thanks to Julia’s tireless efforts. As the primary driver of programming, Saldanha has steadily increased the number of youth NAMI SWOH reaches annually, and will be an integral part of an upcoming project to adapt another workshop, Language Matters, into a module for teen students. Outside of work, Saldanha loves to read snuggled up with her dog, Rhino. Saldanha had a severe stutter as a child, and her work has helped her to gain confidence in public speaking. 

Nichol Boberg started her career working with children in a residential program after graduating from college. Over the past 25 years, she has served young people across Greater Cincinnati in all levels of care, including residential treatment, partial hospitalization and outpatient services. She served several hundred youth as a clinical counselor. As a director, she has led the movement to provide wraparound services for youth as well as family peer support. Boberg has led the Talbert House team through several quality care initiatives including trauma-informed care, youth-led prevention initiatives in schools, OhioRISE and MRSS. She worked with partners including MindPeace Cincinnati and Prevention First, and she serves on the Ohio Attorney General Criminal Justice and Mental Health Task Force. Throughout her career she has touched the lives of thousands of youths directly and indirectly. Each year her team serves over 1,200 youth through her current work at Talbert House. 

Dr. Joseph Rieman leads team offering mental health services

Dr. Joseph Rieman has been the chief medical officer for NewPath Child & Family Solutions since January 2016. NewPath’s clinic treats individuals who participate in other programs within their agency and individuals who need psychopharmacological management to maintain their stability. Dr. Rieman leads NewPath’s team of doctors and nurse practitioners who help with questions about medications and psychiatric services, pharmacy assistance and symptom management and education. In his personal time, Dr. Rieman prefers to be outside as much as possible. He loves to camp with his family and stays active through fitness and coaching his children’s sports teams. He is also scuba certified. His original career ambition was to be a marine biologist before discovering his passion for psychiatry. 

Julie Leis Raleigh transformed grief into refuge for troubled young adults

Julie Leis Raleigh lost her daughter, Madison, to suicide in 2019 at the age of 24. Madi had battled mental illness and addiction since high school. Compelled by Madi’s struggles, Julie, her husband Stephen, and their children Kyle, Chelsea and Carter founded Madi’s House Inc. to change the lives of young adults struggling with addiction and mental health. In 2020 they opened Madi’s House the Annex, a mental health hangout that provides a safe space to meet, activities, emotional support and wellness programs. Madi had envisioned such a place to go to find acceptance and have fun with “people like me,” as she used to say. With the annex quickly at capacity, Raleigh sought a larger space. In 2021, Bon Secours Mercy Health donated an expansive home from the estate of Powel Crosley, which is being renovated to open as Madi’s House this year. Raleigh finds solace and purpose in this labor of love, witnessing “Madi Miracles” every day. Raleigh, daughter of former Hamilton County Sheriff Simon L. Leis, loves to spend time with family when she’s not at Madi’s House. 

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In her many roles, Nichol Boberg has helped thousands of young people

Pandemic highlighted mental health crisis, activated reforms

Movers & Makers assembled a panel of community advocates who are working to improve mental health care in Ohio. Answers have been edited for length.

Brian Cunningham, chief operating officer and acting director of Grant Us Hope, is an advocate for the organization’s important mission – “Saving Young Lives, Together!” His experience includes 25 years of executive coaching, strategic consulting, organizational development and lean operations expertise.

Loren McCauley is the new southwest regional leader of Youth Motivating Others through Voices of Experience (YouthMOVE) Ohio. She graduated from Loyola University of Chicago in 2019 with a B.S. in psychology and Africana studies and has held research fellowships with the Ronald E. McNair Scholar Program and Loyola University’s Center for Urban Research and Learning.

Kate Schroder is president and CEO of Interact for Health, a foundation advancing health in the 20-county Greater Cincinnati region. A Cincinnati native, she has 20 years of experience working internationally and domestically to solve complex community health challenges – particularly bringing together health partners, government, non-governmental organizations, businesses and foundations to reduce preventable deaths in kids.

 Movers & Makers: What happened to you that led you to do this work?

Cunningham: My wife is a teacher. We met and got married in college. From the beginning, we have always shared a passion for helping children. I started by speaking to high school students while I was in college about “Making High School Count,” a program sponsored by Procter

& Gamble. After graduation, I consulted with nonprofits focused on making a difference in the lives of children and families, which eventually led me to working for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center for 10 years and ultimately to Grant Us Hope.

One of the primary initiatives of Grant Us Hope is to implement a proven peer-to-peer suicide prevention program called Hope Squad in schools across Greater Cincinnati. We train school administrators, counselors and teachers to become advisers for Hope Squad students. We then equip and empower our young people with the skills they need to identify their classmates who might be struggling, empathetically communicate with them, then connect them to trusted adults who can get them the help they need.

I’m also passionate about this

work because when my son was 12 years old, he attempted suicide, but we didn’t learn about it until years later. Much like our founder Diane Egbers’ son, who died by suicide, my son was academically exceptional, athletically and musically talented, and had tons of friends. We had no idea he was struggling, but his friends knew. If his school would have had a Hope Squad at that time, then one of his friends would have known what to do to help him – to refer him to a trusted adult – and he may have

illness or substance use disorder to be in this role. I have struggled with mental illness since childhood and into my adult years. There was a time for me when getting out of bed was the hardest and scariest task in the world. Today, I get to work in a field I am extremely passionate about, and with young people who inspire me to be better every day.

Schroder: Since its inception 25 years ago, Interact for Health has served as a convener and collaborator who works with partners to tackle the most critical issues of the moment. Today, that issue is mental health. Interact for Health has prioritized mental health in our recently released five-year strategy. We started by listening to partners, grantees and community members. Across all geographies and demographic groups, the number one request was for a focus on mental health – particularly among youth. According to the CDC, the suicide rate has doubled for teenagers since 2007 and tripled

Many people in this country were already dealing with mental illness, but during the pandemic, more people realized the mental challenges they faced.

– Loren McCauley

gotten the help he needed before the attempt. With help, he is doing well now. My experience with my son’s suicide attempt fueled my deep passion to ensure our youth and their parents access with the right tools and support to address mental health concerns quickly and effectively.

McCauley: What is unique about my position is that you must have lived experience with mental

Mental health clinicians and counselors are on the front lines of this crisis and doing incredible work. But there are not enough of them.

– Kate Schroder

One positive thing that came from the COVID-19 pandemic is that we seem to be more open to talking about our mental health and our well-being. We have started to understand that it is a part of being human.

– Brian Cunningham

for those ages 10-14. Locally, over half of teens reported frequent mental distress and more than one in four indicated a desire to be alone all the time, according to a 2022 PreventionFirst Survey of more than 26,000 7th-12th grade students in Greater Cincinnati.

 M&M: What are we doing right and wrong regarding mental illness, especially regarding youth?

McCauley: Ohio is a progressive state when it comes to mental and behavioral health services. The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services requires training and certification for all who work in the prevention field. I believe that greater training and experience lead to more effective prevention and intervention. The biggest area of improvement we must make revolves around the implicit bias that Black children face when addressing mental health. According to ACLU Ohio, during the 2021-22 school year, black students in CPS were six times more likely to receive out-ofschool suspension, and eight times more likely to be expelled without instruction. We must recognize that problematic behaviors often stem from trauma, and that intervention, rather than punishment, is necessary.

Cunningham: One positive thing that came from the COVID-19 pandemic is that we seem to be more open to talking about our mental health and our well-being. We have started to understand that it is a part of being human. We know students talk to other students before they will tell an adult about things they are struggling with. So the progress we have been making with supporting peer-to-peer programs in our K-12 schools, like Hope Squad, has been an area where we are starting to get it right. School boards, school administration, and state and local legislators are continuing to talk openly about the struggles with youth suicide and mental health and the need to provide funding and support to meet the challenge.

We are raising awareness and starting to break the stigma – but we are not going far enough, fast enough.

I believe we are on the verge of another pandemic – this one of youth mental health.

There needs to be more focus on proactive prevention, early identification and earlier evidence-based intervention. All of these are suffering due to limited access to mental health care providers – including, but not limited to, psychologists, therapists, social workers and school-based mental health supporters – and also due to limited funding. Most funding is focused on immediate crisis intervention.

Schroder: We are talking about mental health more than ever. Stigma is reducing. We also have the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline – available 24/7 for anyone who is struggling. These are promising developments. At the same time, we need significant improvement in access to quality services when someone needs help, especially for youth; it’s hard to find an appointment, waiting times are long, and we lack more flexible options like mobile response teams and in-home services. And much more needs to be done to help young people develop strong socialemotional skills to prevent mental illness in the first place.

 M&M: C OVID-19 was devastating for many. How have mental health clinicians, counselors and caregivers responded, from your perspective?

Cunningham: They stepped up big time. There are many healthcare heroes out there. They are doing the best they can, for as many as they can, in the best way that they know how. The issue is that the lines outside their offices continue to grow faster than they can help. The waitlist and the time it takes to get an appointment, for all but the most urgent cases, is staggering. That means that proactive prevention can take a back seat. Now it is imperative that we start working more upstream

A Memory Support Environment

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offer

they enjoy with people who care.

“My husband and I still have our emotional connection because we have each other every day. It’s a good fit for each of us where we’re living. It’s a good fit for what our needs are.”

-Kathy, on her experience with husband Peter, Assisted Living Memory Support Resident

to collectively find where and why our youth are falling into the river in the first place, and focus many more resources there.

McCauley: I believe mental health clinicians, counselors, and caregivers are superheroes. During COVID-19, clinicians had to pivot how they provided care from direct to virtual. This allowed them to be able to reach more people, but they are now overworked and overwhelmed. I‘ve observed a lot of clinicians move toward private practice and life coaching, and while those are incredibly impactful, this creates a greater barrier for low-income folks who need mental health services. There are fewer clinicians that accept Medicaid and those that do have a large caseload and even longer waiting lists. There is a dire need for more mental health professionals.

Schroder: Mental health clinicians and counselors are on the front lines of this crisis and doing incredible work. But there are not enough of them. Most healthcare positions have experienced high rates of turnover and burnout since the pandemic, and mental health workers are no different. It’s an incredibly challenging situation as demand for mental health services is rising at record rates, and at the same time, too many people are leaving the profession. We need

an all-hands-on-deck approach to strengthening our behavioral health workforce, including increased recruitment and retention, more competitive pay and greater diversity.

 M&M: What can policymakers do to enhance mental health care in America?

Cunningham: For youth mental health, policymakers could begin to treat our current youth mental health crisis with the same level of gravity that they did during the COVID-19 pandemic. They could align federal, state and local funding and policies to optimize our mental health systems to be able to support our young people, especially around proactive prevention. They could work with both public and private entities to collaboratively build a comprehensive and coordinated array of readily accessible services and supports. This would include embedding these services and supports within our schools where our youth spend the majority of their time. Finally, policymakers could establish, publicize and promote a “State of the Union on our Youths’ Mental Health,” the same way they did for the COVID-19 pandemic. Then maybe we could get in front of this crisis – before it becomes a pandemic.

McCauley: COVID-19 was a collective traumatic experience. Many people in this country were already dealing with mental illness, but during the pandemic, more people realized the mental challenges they faced. We have an increase in people who are seeking mental health services but a decrease in the number of providers and resources. Policymakers need to create and pass bills to increase the number of accessible resources and mental health services. This includes adequate housing, counseling services and medication management, among other services.

Schroder: Policymakers can incentivize increased recruitment and retention in the mental health workforce. They can also ensure that payment for mental health services covers the cost of those services. Although parity laws exist to provide similar access to physical and mental health services, these laws are often not enforced; lower payment rates for mental health services contribute to less competitive salaries and workforce shortages. Policymakers also have a role to play in increased investment in prevention and research.

 M&M: Final thoughts?

Cunningham: I have a tremendous amount of hope. We all should. There is so much we now

know about our youths’ mental health and so many wonderful things we have right at our fingertips to be able to make a significant, positive difference –proactively. We just need to all agree to row in the same direction together – and fast.

McCauley: While we have made leaps and bounds, we still have a long way to go, especially in addressing the stigma of mental health in BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color) communities. I believe everyone deserves to live a healthy and full life and that includes mental wellness.

Schroder: The U.S. surgeon general issued an Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health – urging parents and policymakers to understand the “profound risk of harm” and to set limits on exposure and use. As a parent of 8- and 10-year-olds, the risks and challenges hit home for me. I see firsthand the ever-present pull of peer pressure to be on social media and know the impact this can have on sleep, in-person interactions and feelings of self-worth. There are no easy answers, but understanding what is causing the skyrocketing rates of mental health challenges in our youth – and conversely, what is most effective at promoting connection and belonging – is a calling for all of us.

Nonprofit News

RAPTOR Inc.

Groundbreaking launches work on Forest Park Library branch

Forest Park city officials and leaders of the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library kicked off construction of a 25,000-square-foot branch, an estimated $19.2 million investment. The new facility will serve Forest Park, Springdale and surrounding communities. It will be one of the system’s largest branches, called a Next Generation Library, as part of the library’s Facility Master Plan, which calls for growth in areas such as physical upgrades and maintenance, flexible spaces for work and play, green space and green energy use, and accessibility in terms of physical layout, hours, transportation access and more.

 www.chpl.org

Grant to tackle health and economic empowerment in Avondale

Building a Healthier Cincinnati, a multisector collaborative project that includes the All-In Cincinnati Equity Coalition, has received a three-year, $300,000 BUILD Health Challenge award to support economic empowerment and address racial inequities. The award is geared toward Black women and targets Avondale, focusing on data-driven projects that can improve the health of local communities. The award provides funding, capacity-building support, and participation in a national learning network to enhance local collaborative partnerships and address the most pressing health challenges.

 www.gcfdn.org/allincincinnati

ArtsWave exceeds fundraising goal

ArtsWave, the Cincinnati-based organization that drives arts funding, announced it has exceeded the goal set for its annual community campaign, raising $11,830,354 for the region’s arts. This year’s campaign co-chairs

were Carl Satterwhite, president and owner of RCF Group, and Scott Robertson, chairman/ CEO of RCF, who shared the news with arts organizations, donors and civic and business leaders gathered at the Cincinnati Art Museum. During the event, business leaders comprising Satterwhite’s and Robertson’s campaign cabinet were recognized for their efforts in fundraising for the arts.

 www.artswave.org

RAPTOR Inc. wins education award

The Regional Association for the Protection and Treatment of Raptors, or RAPTOR Inc., has been awarded the 2023 Wayne D. Florea Pillar Award for Education. The Pillar Awards are the highest honors a company can receive from the Milford Miami Chamber of Commerce and finalists are chosen by the Chamber Committee. Winners were announced at the WHAMM! Awards Gala held at Little Miami Brewing Company Event Center. Community education about birds of prey is a key part of the mission of RAPTOR Inc., along with raptor rehabilitation, field research and community service.

 www.raptorinc.org

NEA announces spring project funding for local organizations

The National Endowment for the Arts announced its spring round of grant funding, which includes $2,262,200 awarded to 32 Ohio

arts organizations. As part of the NEA’s state and regional partnership grant program, which awards federal funding to state and territorial arts agencies based on population and the merit of the agency’s work, the Ohio Arts Council received $1,325,500 for federal fiscal year 2023.

Cincinnati organizations and grant amounts:

• Cincinnati Boychoir: $15,000

• ArtsWave: $70,000

• Cincinnati Art Museum: $35,000

• Educational Theatre Association: $50,000

• Know Theatre of Cincinnati: $20,000

• Mutual Dance Theatre: $25,000

• Wave Pool: $75,000

 www.arts.gov

Social Venture Partners to invest in Cornerstone Renter Equity

Social Venture Partners has selected Cornerstone Renter Equity as its next Project XLR8 investment. Cornerstone was one of five nonprofits that participated in SVP’s eightmonth Project XLR8 program, which focuses on driving social innovation and equity in Greater Cincinnati.

Located in Over-the-Rhine, Cornerstone provides a customized family-centered approach to asset building and personal growth. Its primary program, The Equity Club, enables renters in affordable housing units to earn and save extra income. Members can earn up to $2,000 a year by participating in individual and communitybuilding activities.

 www.svpcincinnati.org

At the groundbreaking of the Forest Park Library branch: Nadine L. Allen, Shaun Davidson, board member Christopher A. Harding, Paula BrehmHeeger, board member Colleen Reynolds, board member Diane CunninghamRedden, Mayor Aharon Brown, and architect SHP representatives Jeffrey A. Sackenheim, Emilie Hart and Jonathan Rolke

volunteer educators and staff: Mary Landis, Marc Alverson (also board president), Jackie Bray, Cindy Alverson, Charlene Howell and Gay Bullock

Flywheel cohort members share equity business concepts

Four Cincinnati social ventures completed the Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub’s Elevate Equity Program. All four businesses were led by underrepresented founders and were established to address some form of systemic race or gender bias while succeeding as profitable, thriving businesses. The founders and their businesses are:

• Leah Lewis, Cocoon Technologies: technology solution to improve safety for police officers and motorists during routine traffic stops.

• D. Sangeeta, Gotara: education and mentoring platform to close gender gap for women in STEM+ careers.

• Basset Smith and Elle Baker, Empower Group: system for helping businesses successfully hire and retain fair chance workers.

• Denisha Porter, All-In Cincinnati: expansion of racial equity work to other communities and cities.

Each founder received 36 hours of mentorship from volunteer coaches.

 www.flywheelcincinnati.org

Kenton County approves funding help for OneNKY Center

Kenton County Fiscal Court has voted to provide credit enhancement for up to $10 million in construction bonds to help build the OneNKY Center. The bonds will be issued by the Kentucky Association of County Officials Finance Corporation and underwritten by Compass Municipal Advisors. The bonds are a critical component of the funding structure for the center, which will be owned by the Northern Kentucky Port Authority.

The 43,000-square-foot OneNKY Center, at the foot of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, will be home to the OneNKY Alliance, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, meetNKY, BE NKY Growth Partnership, Catalytic Fund of Northern Kentucky, Horizon Community Funds of Northern Kentucky, the Northern Kentucky Bar Association and the Covington Life Sciences Partners Inc.

Behringer-Crawford admission to be free for current military personnel and families

Behringer-Crawford Museum will join museums nationwide this summer in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that provides free admission to current U.S. military personnel and their families. The 2023 program will run through Sept. 4.

Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, collaborating with the Department of Defense and participating museums across America.

 www.arts.gov/initiatives/blue-star-museums 

Flywheel’s Elevate Equity cohort: D. Sangeeta, Elle Baker, Bassett Smith II, Leah Lewis and Denisha Porter

Maria Holmes

Michael Kramer

Mindy Rector

Ron Rohlfing

Robin Wood Boue

Caroline Lembright

Scott Priestle

Artist Anissa R. Lewis has taken the role of executive director at Wave Pool, where she has a long history as a social-practice and teaching artist. She is the second executive director in the 8-year-old non-profit’s history, succeeding co-founder Cal Cullen.

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum announces six new board members (not pictured): Rajan Bawa , senior institutional portfolio analyst at FEG Investment Advisors; Ebony Brock , Booker T. Washington center director at the Great Miami Valley YMCA; Deborah Emont

Scott , director emerita at the Taft Museum of Art; Cecelia Tio, corporate counsel at Lumin Digital; Griffin B. Weyler, business banking relationship manager at U.S. Bank; and Jack Whalen, retired from Morgan Stanley as a senior vice president-financial advisor.

Greater Cincinnati Right to Life shares that board member and attorney

Rachel Citak will be its next leader as outgoing President Jack Hart, the organization’s leader for the last 18 years, joins its board of directors.



The Christ Hospital Foundation welcomes Melinda “Mindy” Doll-Garvey as director of development and major gifts. She will bolster donor efforts through her experience building relationships to advance individual giving. Her role supports programs within the Cardiology and Oncology Centers of Excellence.

The foundation has also added four new board members: Joel Brant , Marty Humes, Allison Kropp and Dave Myer. Brant, president and CEO of Katz Teller law firm, was named Cincinnati’s “Lawyer of the Year” by Woodward/White’s Best Lawyers in America in 2016. Humes is a community volunteer who has served on dozens of local boards and committees for nearly 40 years. Kropp is a community volunteer and former partner, of counsel, at Dinsmore and Shohl in Cincinnati. Myer is a retired partner from the EY Financial Services consulting practice with over 35 years of experience.

Amy Tuttle has been named as WordPlay Cincy ’s new executive director. Tuttle has been senior director of programming for WordPlay since 2019. She will be responsible for ensuring the agency’s overall success and fulfillment of its mission.

Cancer Family Care welcomes six new board members: Whayne Herriford , mental health therapist, private practice; Maria Holmes, VP sponsorship marketing, Fifth Third; Michael Kramer, president, The Jewish Hospital – Mercy Health; Mindy Rector, vice president, supply chain product experience, Kroger Co.; Ron Rohlfing , vice president, operations, UC Health West Chester Hospital; and Robin Wood Boue , managing director, BHS Connect.

Caroline Lembright has joined the Interact for Health team as director of communications. Lembright will raise awareness about Interact for Health’s programs and progress. She will lead external communications, including media relations and social media, the website and newsletter.

Scott Priestle is the new development manager at St. Francis Seraph Ministries, where he will pursue fundraising and marketing opportunities for the Over-theRhine nonprofit. Priestle brings more than 20 years of experience as a communications professional, most recently at Cincinnati Works. 

Bottom

Snapshots The who, what, where & why of local nonprofit events

Ohio Innocence Project celebrates 20th anniversary

The Ohio Innocence Project at the University of Cincinnati College of Law celebrated its 20th anniversary at Music Hall with a gala featuring world-renowned author John Grisham, a host of exonerees, and an afterparty with the Exoneree Band. Over 800 attendees came together to support the OIP.

The evening’s events included the world premier of OIP’s newest video highlighting the origins of the organization and featuring many of the individuals who have been freed over the last 20 years. The event raised over $500,000 for the OIP with the support of sponsors and attendees during the Fund the Mission moment led by WKRC reporter and personality Bob Herzog.

 www.law.uc.edu/real-world-learning/centers.html

Rickey Jackson, Clarissa Jackson and John Grisham

Event emcee Bob Herzog

Michael Whiteman, Haider Ala Hamoudi and Mary Davis

Kathy Brinkman and George Brinkman

John Grisham

Dick Rosenthal, Kitty Strauss Rosenthal, John Grisham, John Cranley and Mark Godsey

Dianne Rosenberg and David Rosenberg

Ohio Innocence Project Law Student Fellows – Fourth row: Yu Chen, Liam Dowling, Marques Jones, Corbin Eilmes, Stefan Pleli, Chase Wellman, Alex Reid; third row: Nicole Newton, Sarah Froehlich; second row: Coal Wells, Charles Rappe, Kaitlyn Wells, Natalie Gratzer; front row: Madison Hollander, Shannon Black, Madeleine McCabe, Gianna Valentic

Mayor Aftab Pureval and Jennie Rosenthal

Joe Burrow golf tournament raises nearly $1 million

The inaugural Joe Burrow Foundation Golf Invitational raised $924,250 for the organization at Coldstream Country Club.

The event was presented by Gravity Diagnostics, Encore Technologies and Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment, and was hosted by Jimmy and Robin Burrow, Joe’s parents.

Celebrities who participated in the golf tournament included Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, along with Bengals coaches and staff: Brian Callahan, Darrin Simmons, Dan Pitcher, Brad Kragthorpe, Lou Anarumo, Doug Rosfeld and Sam Francis.

Also joining were LSU head coach Brian Kelly, ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit, NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz, Bengals legends Kenny Anderson, Jim Breech and David Fulcher, Bengals broadcasters Dan Hoard and Dave Lapham, Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman and Cincinnati Reds legend George Foster.

The event committee was led by Amy Floyd, executive director of the Joe Burrow Foundation, and included Chrissie Blatt, Briana Warm, Maggie Luggen, Amy Craft, Mikayla Pittman and Andi Sempier.

ProKids breakfast draws 500 supporters

The ProKids Friends of Children Breakfast was held at the Cintas Center, with over 500 supporters attending and hearing from ProKids Executive Director Tracy Cook and Jostin Construction CEO and founder Albert Smitherman. There was also a presentation from a mother in a family served by ProKids and the court-appointed special advocate, known as a CASA volunteer, who worked by her side. Pledges and donations at this event account for 60 percent of ProKid’s 2023 operating budget, which allows the organization to continue its work to mobilize, recruit and train more CASA volunteers to stand up for abused and neglected children in Cincinnati.  www.prokids.org

Bengals legend Ken Anderson plays the 18th hole.

Jimmy Burrow with Bengals head coach Zac Taylor and Joe Burrow

Liza Smitherman and Albert Smitherman

Linda Hughes and T.D. Hughes

ProKids CASA manager/guardian ad litem Anna Hazard and CASA volunteer Jenn Kikin

ProKids board of trustees members Grace Chung and Kelly Wittich with ProKids community director Jennifer McKettrick

ProKids board of trustees members JoAnn Hagopian, Stephen Brown and MacKenzie Chavez

CASA manager/guardian ad litem Anna Hazard

ProKids board of trustees President MacKenzie Chavez with members Steve Nesbitt, Sandy Harte, JoAnn Hagopian and ProKids Executive Director Tracy Cook

Jimmy Burrow greets Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer George Foster.

NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz

Darcie Bristow, Joe Burrow, Britney Ruby Miller and Dillon Ruby.

Marty Brennaman

Express fundraiser earns nearly $300K for Easterseals Redwood

Easterseals Redwood’s first Express fundraiser since combining organizations last summer was also one of its most successful, raising nearly $300,000 to advance equity, access and workforce inclusion for people with disabilities, people facing economic disadvantages and veterans.

More than 500 supporters visited Turfway Park Racing & Gaming to celebrate the achievements of clients such as Blake, a child with complex medical needs who has been meeting milestones with the help of Easterseals Redwood staff.

Hank Heidrich, Redwood Foundation board member, chaired the event, which featured live music by the Naked Karate Girls, food stations and a live auction.

 www.EastersealsRedwood.org

Karen Wellington Foundation takes a chance on Vegas

The Karen Wellington Foundation brought Viva Las Vegas to Cincinnati’s Hard Rock Casino for its 16th annual Karen’s Gift Event. Elvis, Cher and Soul Pocket Band provided entertainment to the more than 750 guests throughout the evening.

The foundation celebrated a record year, raising over $300,000 for its work to ensure more fun for women and families living with breast cancer.

 www.karenwellingtonfoundation.org

President and CEO Pam Green

Event chair Hank Heidrich

Jim Haas, Cheryl Haas and Lisha Smith

Heritage Bank Chairman/CEO David Wallace served as auctioneer.

Alexa Zembrodt and her son, Blake, an Easterseals Redwood client

Seantel Norman, Ann Brinkley, Christiann Rene and Toni Gissendanner



Jodi Owens and Hannah Pursley

Jamie Mckeever and Chris Cascella  Sama Gade and Elvis

Pam Kravetz and Heather Britt

Photos: ‘We the Creators’

Art Academy of Cincinnati draws support on the fairways

The Art Academy of Cincinnati held its first AAC Golf Outing at the Stillmeadow Country Club in Clermont County. The event was organized to raise funds to support student needs and initiatives for the 2023-24 academic year.

 www.artacademy.edu

Sam Hubbard Foundation strikes win with fowling tournament

The largest field ever, 240 teams, competed in the annual Fowling Tournament to benefit the Sam Hubbard Foundation. Held at the Fowling Warehouse Cincinnati, a venue dedicated to this mashup of football and bowling, the event raised more than $100,000 to help the foundation bring equitable access to food, education and a healthy lifestyle to all Cincinnatians. Bengals defensive end Hubbard and center Ted Karras were the winners of the tournament.

 www.samhubbardfoundation.com

Tuner Construction

Urban Sites

Shurtape Technologies

FastPark

Anne M. Maxfield, LLC

Regional Endocrine

Diabetes Associates

Grant Focus

Game Day Communications

Seemless Printing

Thunderdome

Trane Systems

Graeters

Cincinnati Reds

FC Cincinnati

The Littlefield

Top Golf

Hard Rock Casino

Cincinnati

New Riff Distillery

Stillmeadow Country Club

Matt Kolarcyck, Lou Carli and Cole Ollinger

John Cobey, Alex Tomlin and Rick Wolhoy

Ken Fritz, Joe Girandola, James O’Laughlin and Mike Schur

Sam Hubbard and Ted Karras

Central Clinic honors staff, Joe Burrow Foundation at 100th celebration

Central Clinic Behavioral Health recognized stewards of its legacy at a staff centennial luncheon emceed by Local 12 health reporter Liz Bonis at Kenwood Country Club. CCBH also saluted the Joe Burrow Foundation with the Central Clinic Ambassador of Behavioral Health Award for shining a light on children’s mental health needs, and recognized its president and CEO, Dr. Walter Smitson, with a special award for 55 years of service.

Six newly created Centennial Awards were also given to CCBH staff members for their dedication to behavioral health, motivation to help patients and personnel reach their goals, longevity at the clinic and embodiment of the culture:

• Kathy Fields, chief financial officer

• Tracy Sickles, support staff supervisor of the adult services division

• Sean Pennington, administrative manager for the Family Healing Center in Butler County

• Jo Ann Clifton, intake director and psychologist for the Child Division

• Dr. Gail Hellmann, medical director of Court Clinic Forensic Services

• Jerry O’Flynn, benefits specialist at Mental Health Access Point

Scott Pickens, Angel Cook, A.J. Combs, Joslynn Pretty and Jennifer Wlodarczyk

CCBH board members Ron Hitzler and Grace Penn

Centennial Award winners and presenters: Award winners, front: Dr. Gail Hellmann, Jerry O’Flynn, Jo Ann Clifton, Sean Pennington, Tracy Sickles and Kathy Fields. Presenters, back: Dr. Emily Davis, Shelly Batch, Maria Piombo, Vanessa Brown, Nelly Rimini and Danielle Stanton

Kimberly Mages, CCBH chief clinical officer, presents the CCBH Ambassador Award to Jimmy Burrow

Dr. Walter Smitson receives the Legacy Award from CCBH board Chair Michael Chaney

Jimmy Burrow of the Joe Burrow Foundation, emcee Liz Bonis and CCBH board member Jim Anderson

Go Red experience promotes heart health for women

The 19th annual Go Red for Women Experience brought attendees together at Great American Ball Park to hear the story of Tonia Elrod, who survived multiple cardiac arrests and a “widowmaker” heart attack. The Go Red Experience also honored Woman of Impact winner Jenny Collopy of The Christ Hospital Health Network and Teen of Impact winner Paige Levine of Sycamore High School.

After the program, guests learned hands-only CPR and tried their hands at batting practice on the Reds’ field.

Go Red for Women is a national program of the American Heart Association to end heart disease and stroke in women.

This year’s Go Red for Women campaign chairs were Julie Holt, vice president and chief nursing officer of The Christ Hospital Health Network, and Dr. Odayme Quesada, medical director of the Christ Hospital Women’s Heart Center.

Support was provided by: Go Red for Women national sponsor CVS Health; City Goes Red sponsor the Christ Hospital Health Network; and experience sponsor Great American Insurance Group.

 www.heart.org/en/affiliates/ohio/cincinnati

100 Years Strong

Since 1923, Central Clinic Behavioral Health has impacted

As we celebrate our centennial, we are grateful to our community for steadfast support in meeting the needs of nearly 18,000 people each year. Through growth and innovation, our award-winning services provide hope, promote wellness and ensure a high caliber of care.

We thank you for the last 100 years – and we look forward to 100 more.

Jenny Collopy and Sue Erhart

Back: Adam Elrod, Erin Klotzbach Hyatt, Keith Hyatt, Tonia Elrod and Caden Elrod; front: Hadley Hyatt and Maley Elrod

Sue Erhart of Great American Insurance Group and Paige Levine

Go Red team at Great American Ball Park: Julie Holt, Stephanie Lambdin, Dr. Odayme Quesada, Alyson Poling and Tricia Sunders

the lives of children, adults and families with award-winning behavioral health services.

Celebration of Service raises over $800K for SVDP pharmacy

Over 350 people gathered at Anderson Pavilion and Carol Ann’s Carousel as St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati honored Rob and Julia Heidt for their longtime advocacy and support of neighbors in need.

Through gifts made in the Heidts’ honor, sponsorships, ticket sales and a lead matching gift from the Heidts, $824,410 was raised in support of the SVDP Charitable Pharmacy, a record for this event.

Over the years, Rob and Julia Heidt’s philanthropy has supported the success of SVDP’s Homelessness Prevention Program, as well as the creation of the Heidt Family Foundation Health Services wing of SVDP’s Neyer Outreach Center.

The presenting sponsor of this event was Protective Life.

Alex Bakkum, Eaton Scripps and John Scripps

Linda Fath, Eileen Barrett and Jeralyn Barrett

Mary McGraw, Terrance Horan and Rhonda Sheakley

Larry Sheakley and Christy Horan

Julia Heidt, Bob Fredrick, Tracy Keating and Carol Snyder

Kaytlynd Lainhart, Claire Luby-Colton, John Whitcomb and Tiffany Whitcomb Jim Berg, Jenny Berg, Peg Dierkers, Annemarie Henkel and Paul Henkel

Honorees Rob Heidt and Julia Heidt with St. Vincent de Paul CEO Brad McMonigle

Liz Carter

Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky honorees: E. Holly Jenkins, Sarah Giolando-Matlin, Ash Norton, Jenna Dunham, Vickie Henderson, Lisa Desmarais, Carolyn Thomas Thompson, Christy Burch and Farduwsa Hassan

NKY Chamber of Commerce honors outstanding women

Men and women from around the region came together for the 39th annual Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky awards celebration, presented by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Women’s Initiative and sponsored by St. Elizabeth Healthcare. The awards honor women who exemplify notable achievement, outstanding service in their professions or to the Northern Kentucky community and the qualities of personal integrity, perseverance and leadership.

2023 awardees were:

• Nancy Janes Boothe scholarship: Terrie FrasureBrierly, Gateway Community & Technical College; Jenna Dunham, Northern Kentucky University; E. Holly Jenkins, Thomas More University.

• Emerging Leader: Farduwsa Hassan, nurse practitioner specialist and owner at Leila Urgent Care.

• Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky: Christy Burch, chief executive officer of the Ion Center for Violence Prevention; Sarah GiolandoMatlin, senior vice president & chief strategy officer at St. Elizabeth Healthcare; Vickie Henderson, executive director of the Northern Kentucky Children’s Advocacy Center; Ash Norton, general manager of major projects at Duke Energy Corporation.

• Henrietta Cleveland Award: Carolyn Thomas Thompson, State Farm insurance agent and St. Elizabeth volunteer.

• Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award: Lisa Desmarais, Kenton County Fiscal Court retiree.

 www.nkychamber.com

Women

chair Katie Meyer

A Record-Setting Celebration of Service, Honoring Rob and Julia Heidt

Thank you to our sponsors, attendees, supporters and the Heidt Family, who made this year’s event a record success! Over $800,000 was raised for the SVDP Charitable Pharmacy, bringing us to 90% of our $5 million Prescribing Hope campaign goal. Help us cross the finish line by donating today at SVDPcincinnati.org/COS.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Protective Life

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Farmer Family Foundation

Joyce Farmer • Brynne & Bob Coletti

Scott & Mary Farmer

Amy & George Joseph

Western & Southern Financial Group

The Heidt Family Foundation

GOLD SPONSOR

The Klekamp Family

SILVER SPONSORS

Sherie Marek & Family

Sibcy Cline Realtors

The Evelo|Singer|Sullivan| Bruegge Group

Michele and Joe Evelo

Outstanding

of Northern Kentucky 2023

YWCA lifts local Career Women of Achievement

YWCA Greater Cincinnati returned to its inperson luncheon for the 44th annual Career Women of Achievement. Duke Energy Convention Center was the venue for the sellout crowd of nearly 1,600 and 120 sponsor partners.

The event, hosted by former honorees and co-chairs, Amy Spiller and Sonia Jackson Myles, honored eight women for their career success and their contributions to the Greater Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky region: Kelly Beatty, chief performance officer, FIS; Catrena Bowman, executive director, Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission; Liz Carter, president/CEO, Scripps Howard Fund; Julie Holt, VP and chief nursing officer, The Christ Hospital Health Network; Danya Karram, president and co-founder, Brilliant Advice; Alecia Townsend Kintner, president & CEO, ArtsWave; Charmaine McGuffey, Hamilton County sheriff; and Dr. Ndidi Unaka , medical director quality improvement and analytics, HealthVine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

www.ywcacincinnati.org

Event raises melanoma awareness

Melanoma Know More, Mona Dermatology and Lilly Pulitzer Kenwood teamed up to bring attention to Melanoma Awareness Month and raise funds for Melanoma Know More. The Sun Smart Fashion Show and Pop Up Shop was held at Mona Dermatology in Kenwood, and featured the Lilly Pulitzer Kenwood Summer 2023 collection. Attendees had the opportunity to browse and purchase their favorite Lilly Pulitzer clothes at the pop-up shop. Complementing the fashion show was a sunscreen bar with six premium brands and more than 20 products available. A percentage of sales from the fashion show was donated to Melanoma Know More. In addition, Lilly Pulitzer Kenwood donated 10 percent of the pop-up shop sales, and Mona Dermatology donated 20 percent of sunscreen sales to Melanoma Know More.

 www.melanomaknowmore.com

Rickell Howard Smith (second from left) with guest speakers and former honorees Karen Bankston, Barbara Turner and Mary Miller

Cathy Bailey, Tashawna Otabil and Alicia Townsend

Far right: Sister Sally Duffy, Jeanne Golliher, Kathy Schwab and Peg Moertl

Gretchen Ventura, Charlene Ventura and Yvette Simpson

(Far left) Rickell Howard Smith, YWCA president and CEO (in white) with co-chairs Sonia Jackson Myles and Amy Spiller

Scholarship recipients Kanwaldeep Singh and Mohagany Wooten

2023 honorees: Catrena Bowman, Alecia Kintner, Julie Holt, Danya Karram, Liz Carter, Kelly Beatty, Dr. Ndidi Unaka and Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey

Alex and Lizzie Burkhart with daughter Charlie

Jillian Kaminski and son Owen

Double Vision returns to raise funds for inclusive local arts

Double Vision XIV, the annual live art auction and fundraising benefit for Visionaries + Voices, was held in Memorial Hall. Over 250 art fans attended the event, which featured artwork by new and returning collaborative teams. Artwork featured in the live auction raised over $34,000.

The fundraiser featured entertainment by Ricky Nye on piano and exclusive merchandise access at the pop-up store. The event included complimentary light bites from Red Sesame and an open bar. A live auction was hosted by local celebrity Pam Kravetz alongside Steiner Auctions. Double Vision raises awareness and money in support of V+V’s mission as an inclusive arts organization dedicated to providing creative, professional and educational opportunities for adults with disabilities.

 www.visionariesandvoices.com

Jennifer Crowe wears her collaboration with E.I. Baird, “Peace, Love, and Stevia,” which was made into limited edition silk scarves.

V+V staff Courtney Combs-Mock showing “Stairway at Price Hill” by Curtis Davis and Robert McFate during the live auction

The highest bid of the night went to collaborators Antonio Adams and Courttney Cooper for their piece titled “Cincinnati and Covington on Tropical Paradise.”

Chip Gerhardt, Anne Gerhardt and Jane Gerhardt

Auctioneer Derik Steiner with Pam Kravetz

Allee Thompson, Karina Lee Phoenix, Stephanie Fische and Casey Pond of the Imperial Sovereign Queen City Court of the Buckeye Empire (ISQCCBE) receive the Visionary Award from board chair Kate Harrow and Dawn Hanlin for their success fundraising for V+V as drag performers for charity.

Teresa Hoelle, Mark Mock, Laura Chenault Mock and V+V board member Scott Provancher

Cancer Family Care garners support, celebrates heroes

Cancer Family Care held its first Purses With A Purpose at Miller Gallery in Hyde Park Square. More than 40 guests enjoyed art, wines and a presentation on women’s health from keynote speaker Dr. Caroline Elmer-Lyon.

Event sponsors were St. Elizabeth Healthcare, The BMW Store, Walgreens, Cutting Edge Selections, and The Wine Merchant. The event raised $7,400 for Cancer Family Care’s work to serve the mental health needs of women diagnosed with cancer and their families.

The nonprofit also hosted more than 500 guests for its 21st Annual Joslin Haggart Yeiser Unsung Hero Awards. The awards are presented to cancer patients and survivors, their caregivers and oncology professionals in Greater Cincinnati. This year’s awards recognized 78 individuals or teams for their everyday acts of quiet heroism and work within the cancer community. CFC presented the Tim Hedrick Memorial Award to the family of Chef JeanRobert de Cavel.  www.cancerfamilycare.org

Red carpet rolled out for student documentary premiere

DePaul Cristo Rey High School rolled out the red carpet for the premiere of “The Comeback,” a three-part docuseries created by a group of students. The premiere was the culmination of months of work as students learned all facets of filmmaking: storyboarding, shot listing, producing, filming, animating and editing. What began as a class assignment from teacher Romayne Jones grew into the yearlong project and docuseries. More than 300 people attended to see the students’ story of life before, during and after the pandemic. DePaul Cristo Rey is a Catholic, college-preparatory high school with a mission to educate young people who have the potential but limited financial means to go to college.

 www.depaulcristorey.org

Marjorie Peffly and Janet Reynolds

Kathee Van Kirk of The Wine Merchant

Jayne Menke, Michelle Jones and Louis Velazquez of The BMW Store

Theresa Schwartz, Jackie Johnson and CFC board member Vicky Luke

Gretchen Finniff, honorary lifetime board member Sara Vance Waddell and Kathy Schroder

CFC board member Dwinelva Zackery with Unsung Hero Stephanie Brown

Junior Beyonce animated segments of the docuseries and signed posters at the premiere.

Danielle Spears, Zoe Christopher and Unsung Hero Darrell Spears

CFC board member Michelle Krummen, Lynn McDonald, Teresa DeZarn, Sister Caren Herring, Unsung Hero Marilyn Maag, Vicki Garry, Anne Tobin and Patti Newberry

Student filmmakers: Serenity, a senior; Aunist, a junior; and Alaisha, a junior

Taft Museum of Art brings ‘Enchanted Garden’ to life

The Taft Museum of Art welcomed attendees to The Enchanted Garden, a celebration honoring the museum’s newly restored Rowe Long Family Garden. Well before the celebrations began, the sold-out event grossed over $280,000 to support Taft’s educational and outreach programs.

From the museum’s front lawn to the back garden, guests enjoyed cocktails, music, and food from EatWell Catering. The funds raised from the gala help support Taft’s free programs such as Art for All, Artists Reaching Classrooms and the return of Family Fundays.

 www.taftmuseum.org

Christ Hospital celebrates Women’s Heart Center with reception

More than 100 guests attended a reception at the Kenwood Country Club in celebration of The Christ Hospital Women’s Heart Center. The center is Cincinnati’s only cardiovascular program dedicated to the treatment of women’s hearts. The night featured addresses from Debbie Hayes, president and CEO of The Christ Hospital Health Network, and Dr. Odayme Quesada, the center’s medical director. Attendees also heard from Carrie Lange, a heart patient whose life was changed after being referred to Dr. Quesada. The event was hosted by Darlene Anderson, Christy Horan, Vickie Gluckman and The Christ Hospital Foundation. The Christ Hospital Women’s Heart Center aims to raise awareness about the gender differences in cardiovascular disease through excellence in clinical care, innovative research, provider education and community outreach.

 www.thechristhospital.com

Gala co-chairs Liza Krasner and Dr. Tamela Zimmerman

Larry Shields with gala co-chairs Megan Shields, Jill McGruder and Larry McGruder

Rob Williams, Tim Zimmerman and Steve Early

Rob Misleh, Amy Lewis, Hunter Neilan and Noah Beiting

State Sen. Steve Wilson, Harry Badanes and Jill Wilson

Ian Forges and Stacey Vest with East to Vest

Flash mob led by Heather Britt Dance, dancing with guests

Kris Garrett and Becky Beaulieu

Carrie Lange and Dr. Odayme Quesada



Ann Kereiakes, Cindy Crilley and Christy Horan

Debbie Hayes, Dr. Odayme Quesada and Ginger Warner

Joe Nuxhall Miracle League celebrates Opening Day and new murals

Special-needs athletes, their families and members of the community paraded through the streets of Fairfield in April for the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields Opening Day Parade presented by the TQL Foundation. Cincinnati pitchman Ed Hartman was honored as the parade grand marshal, accompanied by more than 200 athletes who began their seasons the following week.

Inspiration Studios and the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields unveiled a set of new murals celebrating the 10th anniversary of the facility and the power of inclusion in baseball. Artists with special needs from Inspiration Studios brought the murals to life, made possible by a donation from Sherry Armstead.

The murals recreate a moment from the 2012 grand opening of the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields when Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer “The Mayor” Sean Casey emerged from the cornfields accompanied by vintage baseball players from the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings as the theme from “Field of Dreams” played. The scene is portrayed alongside another mural honoring the athletes of all abilities who play at the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields.

www.nuxhallmiracleleague.org

UC Cancer Center hosts Ride Cincinnati event

The University of Cincinnati Cancer Center held its Ride Cincinnati kick-off event, featuring a panel, moderated by Dr. Bill Barrett that included Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval; Anthony Munoz, Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Cincinnati Bengal; Dr. Andrew Filak, senior VP for health affairs and dean of the UC College of Medicine; and Robert Wiehe, executive VP and chief operating officer for hospital operations at UC Health. Guest speakers shared the history and mission of Ride Cincinnati and discussed the significance of local cancer research.

The event concluded with the presentation of last year’s Ride Cincinnati fundraising check of $923,000 to the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center. Every year 100 percent of rider-raised funds contribute to cancer research and care. Ride Cincinnati 2023, a bike tour that raises money for cancer research and care, takes place the weekend of Sept. 16-17.

 www.ridecincinnati.org

 JNMLF All-Star Hunter Phelps

Parade Grand Marshal Ed Hartman, Cincinnati pitchman and philanthropist

Inspiration Studios executive director Kim Neal Davis recognizes mural project donor Sherry Armstead, whose support brought the project to life.

Murals created by artists from Inspiration Studios are unveiled to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields.

Youth League All-Star Abigail Carangi

Youth League All-Star Lily McGrath

Eileen Barrett, Allison Gordon and Dr. Bill Barrett

Kindervelt raises record for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

Kindervelt #50 of Indian Hill hosted its annual fundraiser benefiting the Division of Critical Care Medicine and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. This year’s sold-out event drew 350 guests to the Little Miami Brewing Event Center, raising a record of $242,500.

Guests donned cowboy boots and hats and enjoyed drinks, dinner, an extensive silent auction and dancing to country rock party band Artie Dean Harris & Bourbontown along the Little Miami River. The event was chaired by Katie Cousino, Britt Nielsen, Kate Rippe and Anne Ellington.

Money raised will benefit construction of a Critical Care building and will create an endowed chair so the Division of Critical Care Medicine can recruit top talent to advance clinical care, research and education.

Laura Wogen, Dr. Katie Stewart, Justin Wogen and Jason Stewart

Co-chair Katie Cousino, Jen Hall, Jomana Dobbs and Sara Walker

Jen Coker, Amy Craft, Maggie Arnold and Joanna Osher

Anson Frericks, Tori Frericks, Amanda Zerbe and Jon Zerbe

Abby Esselen; co-chairs Britt Nielsen and Kate Rippe and Katie Cousino; and Jen Bahl

Brooke Schmelzle, Brian Schmelzle, Jill Smith, Arte Smith and Logan Coker

Catholic city schools hold fundraiser at sign museum

The sold-out Catholic Inner-city Schools Education annual fundraiser was held at the American Sign Museum. Stations were set up throughout the museum for each of the 10 CISE network schools, with principals and teachers present to talk about their programming. The evening also included food and drinks, raffles, games and a silent auction. Funds raised during the event support CISE’s work in education at urban schools.

 cisekids.org

Trivia event raises funds for Crayons to Computers

Students in need will benefit from Crayons to Computers’ first-ever Saved by the Bell trivia fundraiser. The event netted $95,000, nearly double the organization’s goal. Proceeds will fund the Teacher Resource Center, Hubbard’s Cupboards and other programs that support Crayons to Computers’ work to level the playing field in classrooms throughout Greater Cincinnati.

More than 200 people gathered at MadTree Brewing in Oakley for the event, hosted by Q102 on-air personalities Mollie Watson and Natalie Jones. Rees E. Price Academy principal Tiffani Maher was keynote speaker.

 www.crayons2computers.org

St. Joseph teacher Shawanda Boykin and principal Ashley Toney

Board member Louise Stakelin with husband Bill Stakelin

Holy Family Principal Katie Puthoff and Corryville Catholic Principal Lauren Clements

CISE trustee Chris Rueve and Andrea Rueve

CISE President and Executive Director Phil McHugh, CISE vice-chairperson David Williams and Sarah Williams

Tracy McCullough, Rodney McCullough and Crayons board member Misha Houston

Trivia winners from WCM Investments: Brendan Donegan, Alvin Kpaeyeh, Beth Donegan, Sam Glickhouse, Katie Kpaeyeh, past Crayons board chair Nick Francis, Pam Francis and Crayons board member Anthony Glickhouse

Tiffani Maher, keynote speaker and principal of Rees E. Price Academy

Back: Mike Cheney, Tiffani Maher, President & CEO Amy Cheney and Andrea McCray; front: guest hosts Mollie Watson and Natalie Jones

1N5 hosts evening of circus fun at Karrikin

More than 200 community members came together for 1N5’s annual fundraising gala, Spring4Life, to support 1N5’s work in suicide prevention and mental health education programs.

Hosted by emcee Brandon Saho at the Karrikin Spirits Event Center in Fairfax, the circus-themed event featured carnival-style games and entertainment, a performance by speed painter Evan Struck, and silent and live auctions.

The evening’s program raised over $215,000 to support customized mental health and suicide prevention programming in over 125 local schools and six universities in Greater Cincinnati, also enabling 1N5 to fight the stigma around mental health through storytelling and education.

 www.1n5.org

New Avondale murals celebrate rights activists

ArtWorks honored civil rights advocates at a dedication celebration in Avondale for the “Pillars of Cincinnati” mural series. Created by designer and lead teaching artist Nytaya Babbitt, teaching artist Taylor Helms, and six apprentices ages 14-21, the murals feature Artie and Annie Matthews, Theodore Berry, Marjorie B. Parham, Fred Shuttlesworth and Fanny Graff. The dedication event included a celebration at the Hirsch Recreation Center and a walking tour of several Avondale murals. The project was supported by Fifth Third Bank and Avondale Development Corporation, along with ongoing support from ArtsWave, the City of Cincinnati and the Ohio Arts Council.

 www.artworkscincinnati.org

Murals recognizing Theodore Berry and Marjorie B. Parham on an office building along Reading Road in Avondale

Tours of Avondale included the mural “A Song of Freedom” (separate from the “Pillars of Cincinnati” series). The tours were led by Anne Delano Steinert, assistant professor in the Department of History at the University of Cincinnati.

Colleen Houston, CEO and artistic director of ArtWorks, and Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Kearney

Elisia Triggs and Alan Triggs

Entertainer Steve Hartley welcomes guests. Scott Abernethy and Heather Abernethy

1N5 founder Nancy Eigel-Miller and event emcee Brandon Saho of the Mental Game podcast

Speed painter Evan Struck, Tom MacVeigh and Sherwood MacVeigh pose with finished painting of the UC Bearcat mascot

Photos: Pixxel Designs

Avondale restaurant Saturday Morning Vibes Cereal Bar, including team members Gladys Cox, Toledo Hill and Arielle Nelson, provided refreshments at the ArtWorks celebration.

Brady Gilvin, Felisa Batres Gilvin and ArtWorks community impact director Karla Batres Gilvin

The mural artists included apprentices Myah Nared, Kamryn Green and Destine Laudat with  teaching artist Taylor Helms and lead teaching artist and designer Nytaya Babbitt.

DCCH ‘Swing into Spring’ supports child-abuse survivors

DCCH Center for Children and Families held its annual “Swing Into Spring” event to raise funds for survivors of child abuse. Premier sponsors St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Aetna Better Health of Kentucky, DBL Law and Hagedorn Appliances attended, along with over 40 other sponsors. The event at St. Elizabeth Training & Education Center in Erlanger was sold out with a crowd of over 400 people.

The event, emceed by “Big Dave” Chandler of B105, offered supporters, both live and online, the opportunity to bid on items such as premium bourbons, fine jewelry and experiences.

“Swing Into Spring” is DCCH’s largest philanthropic effort. It figures prominently in the funding of its residential treatment program, which provides compassionate care for survivors of child abuse and neglect.

 www.dcchcenter.org

Findlay Kitchen reaches goal for new bakery oven

The Corporation for Findlay Market hosted a five-course fundraising dinner in April, reaching its $50,000 goal to purchase a new commercial-grade bakery oven for Findlay Kitchen. The oven allows food entrepreneurs to increase their production efficiency, and allows them more critical time to sell and market their goods.

Baking is known as one of the most accessible starting places for food entrepreneurs, adding to the significance of the oven purchase for the nonprofit.

 www.findlaykitchen.org

Ron Bertsch, Julie Bertsch, Gary Galbraith and Trish Galbraith

Randy Rawe and Connie Noll

Denise Govan, Bob Wilson and Sr. Jean Marie Hoffman

Kevin Baker, Donna Bloemer, Ron Bertsch and Julie Bertsch

Dave Chandler, DCCH Center for Children and Families CEO Denise Govan and Dave Govan

Todd Immell, Susan Stegman, Scott Stegman and Lea Immell

Stephanie Webster of The Rhined explains a wine pairing to diners.

Seena from Paktli adds finishing touches to the cheesecake dessert.

Covington party celebrates development week

The City of Covington celebrated National Economic Development Week with a community party and awards for historic preservation efforts, stewardship and commitment to preservation and economic momentum, and the annual Authenti-CITY Awards to a group of businesses, organizations, and people who embrace and epitomize the city’s distinctive character. Food was provided by KungFood Chu’s AmerAsia. Bircus Brewing Co. donated beer and sponsored its performers for the event, which was emceed by Will Weber, president and CEO of the regional economic development organization Southbank Partners.

Authenti-CITY Award: Latonia Bait & Tackle, D’Amicos Tailor Shop, Blank’s Pharmacy, Glier’s Meats, Richard Webster’s Holiday Extravaganzas

Covington Preservation Excellence Award , by category:

• Interior Restoration: The House of Beauty at 611 Madison Ave. (Dina Deller).

• Exterior Restoration-Residential: Covert Design & Build at 256-258 West 8th St. (Tom Covert).

• Adaptive Reuse-Residential: Bradley House at 627 Greenup St. (Orleans Development).

• Exterior Restoration-Commercial: Monarch Auto Company Building at 722 Scott St., (Hub+Weber Architects).

• Adaptive Reuse-Commercial: Monarch Building at 109 East 4th St. (Allen Haehnle).

The Victor J. Canfield Preservation Stewardship Award: Jim and Donna Salyers of The Salyers Group and Guy van Rooyen of The Salyers Group and vR Group.

Best-dressed Award: Liam Haehnle of Landslidefilms.

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Stacey Vest of East to Vest Productions Covington Commissioner Ron Washington and Ron Padgett

Kenshiro Murakami of Bircus Brewing Co.

Ron Padgett, Best Dressed Award winner Liam Haehnle and Tom West, Covington economic development director (in kilt)

Photos: sa M g reenhill

Students set fundraising record for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The 2023 Cincinnati Student Visionaries of the Year fundraising campaign for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society raised a record-breaking $805,000 in seven weeks this spring.

This year, 16 local candidate teams led by high school students competed for the title of Student Visionaries of the Year and this year’s winning team set a Cincinnati Candidate Team fundraising record. Team CoUREage 4.0 from Loveland High school raised over $214,000 and was led by three Loveland High juniors, Emma Steiner, Orhan Ozbudak and Marcel Mangan.

The Students of the Year is a philanthropic leadership development program during which students learn professional skills such as entrepreneurship, marketing and project management to raise funds for LLS. The students come together to support LLS’s mission and to honor a local patient hero battling or in remission from a blood cancer. This year’s Honored Hero was Drew Manocchio, 6, from Morrow, Ohio.

Golfers hit the greens for May We Help

More than 80 golfers participated in the 2023 Bogey and Brew Golf Outing to benefit May We Help. The event at California Golf Course was followed by a party at Big Ash Brewing. The outing netted a record $15,000 to support May We Help’s work to design and create unique, custom devices for individuals with special needs.

 www.maywehelp.org

Mia Napier, Belle Grubert, Molly Eppstein and Maddie Lippert

Fundraising winners Orhan Ozbudak, Emma Steiner and Marcel Mangan

Stacy Piening, Mike Piening, Anne Noschang and Mark Noschang

Steve Payling, Todd DeRosa, Chris Jones and Mike Ford

Bri Wilkerson, Amy Schatach, Dave Emery and Rob Seiderman

Braedon Ramer, Mick O’Brien, Jenny O’Brien, Rob Seiderman, Dave Emery and Brad Hatfield

Ashley Manocchio, Ryan Manocchio, Tyler Manocchio and honoree Drew Manocchio

Beacon of Light event offers three days of celebration

Lighthouse Youth & Family Services raised nearly $200,000 during its Beacon of Light event. The threeday celebration included a pop-up art show, a silent auction and a party celebrating 2023 Beacon of Light Humanitarian Award honorees Dr. Vincent Garcia and Barbara Turner. During the party at Elements Eatery, guests enjoyed dinner by-the-bite, an open bar, music and live art demonstrations.

The Beacon of Light Humanitarian Award recognizes community leaders having a positive impact on the lives of young people and families. The event was supported by sponsors, attendees, volunteers, supporters, the event committee and emcee Michelle Hopkins, and featured speaker and board member Kick Lee. All proceeds directly support Lighthouse services for children, youth and families in need.

NAMI’s 5K walk marks 20 years of mental health awareness

National Alliance on Mental Illness Southwest Ohio held its 20th annual NAMIWalks SWOH, held at Sawyer Point Park, bringing the community together to raise funds and awareness for reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness.

The over $180,000 brought in through this 5K walk supports free educational programs and support services in Clermont, Hamilton, Warren and Clinton counties. Outstanding volunteer Tanner Hinds was honored with the 2023 Duffy Award for Dedication & Devotion.

Supporters of NAMI are committed to improving the lives of individuals with mental health conditions and their family members. NAMIWalks SWOH is supported in part by Premier Sponsors Alkermes and U.S. Bank.

Daman Turner, honoree Barbara Turner, LYS President and CEO Paul Haffner, Gail Garvin and honoree Dr. Victor Garcia

Lisa Sherrer, board member Debbie White Richardson and event emcee Michelle Hopkins

Julie Carnes, Kevin Carnes, Natalie McSwain, Phyllis McSwain, Ron McSwain and Jason McSwain

Marsha Collins holding photo of her late daughter Amanda Collins

Nia Thomas, NAMIWalks SWOH walk manager

Volunteers Dave Slusher and Yolonda Kelsor

Tristan Vaught with Charlotte Harper

Sherry McCamley with musical performance, “She’s Crazy! Mental Health & Other Myths”

Katie Harper, NAMISWOH executive director; awardee Tanner Hinds; and Julia Saldanha, program director

Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval

LYS volunteers Libby Callan and Kate Willis

Center: Featured speaker and Lighthouse board member Kick Lee

CincyJams event helps put ArtsWave campaign over the top

Near the end of its 2023 fundraising campaign, ArtsWave’s CincyJams event brought together 11 employee bands from nine companies to compete in front of their coworkers, company leaders, family and friends. The event, which included musical genres from rock to hip-hop to polka, was a success, both in attendance – more than 400 – and fundraising, totaling $25,293 from 161 donations.

Sugar Daddy from Jake Sweeney Automotive took home two prizes, winning the Judges Pick – awarded by Patti Collins, Lauren Eylise and Drew Lachey – and the Fan Funded Award for raising $3,875. Cincy Chops from Great American Insurance received the People’s Choice award.

On June 1, ArtsWave announced its 2023 campaign total of $11,830,354, exceeding its goal of $11.7 million. Campaign co-chairs Carl Satterwhite and Scott Roberson of RCF Group handed over the reins to 2024 chairs Jon Moeller, P&G’s chairman, president and CEO, and his wife, Lisa Sauer, retired P&G senior vice president and life trustee of ArtsWave.  www.artswave.org

More than 500 gather for Partners in Action Luncheon

More than 500 friends of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur gathered for the 20th annual Partners in Action Luncheon, held at Xavier University’s Cintas Center. The event, sponsored by Partners in Action founding partner Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc., raised $343,000.

Guests received information about new initiatives at the organization, including a first-of-its-kind school recently opened in Kenya’s Rift Valley that serves vulnerable adolescents who are deaf, blind and differently abled, and the Sisters’ Live the Good volunteer program. They also learned more about the Notre Dame de Namur AmeriCorps, which started 30 years ago and has grown to 400 local and national volunteers each year.

Corryville Catholic Elementary School Chorus performed for guests, and Julie O’Neill served as emcee.

 www.sndohio.org

Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn and event chair Tom Compton

Jeralyn Barrett, board member Phyllis Adams and Cynthia Kelly

Elizabeth Caudill and SNDdeN development advisory board chair Mike Caudill

Maribeth Rahe, Fort Washington Investment Advisors president and CEO

Sister Rose Ann Fleming Lauren Goebel and Sister Jo Anne Depweg

Kelley Schiess, Sister Stephanie Thompson and Suzanne McHugh

Justin Wybourn of Hard Rock Cincinnati and Alecia Kintner with check

Judges Patti Collins, Lauren Eylise and Drew Lachey

Sugar Daddy of Jake Sweeney Automotive performs.

Photos: Jordan Whittaker and r yan strand

Shine Bright Gala brings in $110,000

Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission held its third annual Shine Bright Gala at the Drees Pavilion in Covington. The event drew 230 people who showed their support for the agency’s work and raised money for the Lincoln Grant Scholar House Program for single parents who are full-time college students. Attendees enjoyed drinks, dinner and dancing with a view of the Cincinnati skyline. A paddle raise brought in $14,000 for several agency programs. The event in total raised $110,000. Fox 19 was the media sponsor and news anchors Ken Baker and Courtney King were the emcees.

 www.nkcaccovington.org

Vent Haven Museum reopens with character

Vent Haven Museum, the world’s only museum dedicated to the art of ventriloquism, reopened with a donor reception. After touring the museum, guests were treated to a surprise performance by famous ventriloquist Jeff Dunham. Dunham has been affiliated with Vent Haven Museum for more than 40 years.

In addition to the Dunham family, guests included the family of 1950s-era ventriloquist Jimmy Nelson, whose character Farfel taught everyone Nestle’s jingle: “N-e-s-t-l-e-s, Nestle’s makes the very best … chocolate.”

Major support for the new building was provided by the Drees Homes Foundation. U.S. Bank was a grantor as well.

 www.venthaven.org

Lincoln Grant Scholar House residents Jessica Bacon, Delshana James, Jackie Frazier, Sabina Shoyat and Dixie Zehoin

Catrena Bowman, Ashleigh DuBois, Yolanda Cottrell, Tracy Stokes and Deborah Bennett-Tucker

Shannon Schumacher and Sam Wright

Nichole Braun and Mark Braun

Bob Williams and Eric Browne

Mark Wade, executive director of the International Ventriloquist Convention

Fort Mitchell Mayor Jude Hehman and Jeff Dunham with Dunham’s grouchy character Walter

Rosemary Schlachter and Michael Bailes

Far left: Glenn Taylor, Marianne Taylor, Jeff Dunham, Betty Nelson and Elizabeth Chambers

 Back: Audrey Dunham, Jeff Dunham and Lisa Sweasy; front: James Dunham and Jack Dunham

Satisfying travel, like jazz, takes planning and improvisation

Inever seem to be able to get good seats on airplanes, but recently, on a trip to attend the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans, I was seated on the aisle. It gave me the occasional chance to stretch out my leg with the bad knee and I have to say, I was pretty excited about it. Then the guy next to me, having ascertained I was from Cincinnati and that I liked chili, offered me a $50 Skyline gift certificate if I traded places with his wife, in the middle seat across the aisle.

I thought about how many cheese coneys that represented. But I turned him down. That’s how much that small measure of aisle seat comfort meant to me.

In other words, flying is terrible these days. Even if nothing goes wrong, the long day of getting to the airport, dealing with luggage, the crowding, the seat-kicker

behind you, making the connection, getting the cab when you get where you’re going feels like an ordeal. I did wonder several times during that day what the point is. It’s a lot easier to stay home.

But when the cab turned the corner into the French Quarter I was suddenly in that unique New Orleans atmosphere, familiar from past visits, but so different from my everyday. My husband had gotten to the city before me, so I dropped off my luggage and walked down to Jackson Square to meet up with him. Delfeayo Marsalis and his band were playing jazz with the unmistakable New Orleans funky beat, and I felt so happy. The irritations of the trip that got me there disappeared. It felt like I’d been transported in a flash.

But the question does keep coming up: Why travel? I look at a bustling airport and wonder what’s so

important that gets all these people out of their routines and sends them hither and yon, standing in lines and running for gates.

I thought I’d do a lot of travel in retirement, go see all the places in the world I haven’t seen yet. COVID-19 postponed that, and gave me some time to realize I didn’t really want to do as much travel as I thought. And when I did, I was going to make the most of it.

But what does that mean? A cruise where you don’t have to make any decisions? A tour with a group of people you don’t know so you can pack in every experience available? Spending hours on the internet figuring out the best restaurants, walks and museums so I could come home feeling sure I didn’t waste time on anything second-rate?

None of those approaches are for me anymore. I realized at the festival that it offers a metaphorical guide to traveling. Like any music festival, you start out entranced by the sheer number of acts, then realize it’s not possible to see them all. You have to choose, which can be very anxious-making. One way to deal with that is to spend a lot of time with the schedule, optimizing your time down to the minute. I’m over that.

We picked a couple of acts a day we wanted to make an effort for, and let serendipity do the rest. Neil wanted to make sure I saw the Pinettes, an all-female brass band I loved. We checked out some old favorites. We saw some traditional jazz recommended by a knowledgeable friend. We took the suggestions of a random guy we met in a park where we were eating muffaletta breadsticks from Ayu Bakehouse, which I’d found on the internet. And we stopped to listen to a singer-songwriter whose soulful singing caught my ear.

That, to me, is how you make traveling worth it. Plan lightly. Allow for spontaneity. Talk to

people in the park. Do not spend a moment worried about what you didn’t do. Realize even the terrible days make for good stories. (And know where the good bakeries are.) My favorite travel memories are things that just happened. I think about pre-internet and cell phone traveling with my brother in Japan when I was 17 where we only got where we were going because we got lost a lot and had to ask for help, which led to meeting people and getting a tiny bit under the surface of Japan.

And for me, it’s about getting away from the crowds, though I might get a little too focused on that. I can handle one or two of the major sites in the company of throngs of other people, per trip. But I would be willing to give up the Parthenon if I could see all the second-best Greek temples with few to no people around me.

The last day of the festival got so crowded I may have had a minor panic attack. But later, walking back to where we were staying, through dark streets in balmy air, my feet killing me, I realized the French Quarter, away from the busiest streets, was completely quiet. I filed it away, that moment of serenity and satisfaction, in an easy-to-reach place in my head, where I could retrieve and remember it on the plane trip home, in the middle seat. 

Polly Campbell covered restaurants and food for the Cincinnati Enquirer from 1996 until 2020. She lives in Pleasant Ridge with her husband, and since retiring does a lot of reading, cooking and gardening, if that’s what you call pulling weeds.

She writes monthly on a variety of topics, and she welcomes your feedback and column suggestions at editor@moversmakers.org.

Polly Campbell