July 2024

July 2024

FOCUS ON:

Ancillary health care

Jennifer Loeb

Ronald McDonald House

Taft Museum: decisive moments in photography

Polly Campbell: Cooking for community plus an actual recipe

Movers &Makers

July 2024

Publisher’s Letter 4

Arts & Culture 6

MoversMakers.org

Rodin and contemporary responses at the CAM 6

Brazee’s Gross awarded statewide honor 6

Freedom Center exhibit highlights ‘Green Book’ 8

ArtsWave’s fourth Black and Brown artist showcase 9

Stowe House returns with Housewarming Celebration 9

Preservation Association’s annual awards 10

Review: Iconic Bank of America photo collection at the Taft | By David Lyman 12

The A&C List 14

The Datebook 21

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

FOCUS ON: Ancillary health care 24

Jennifer Loeb stirs the ‘secret sauce’ at RMH | By Shauna Steigerwald 24

Notables in Ancillary Health Care 26

Nonprofit

News 28

Names in the News 30

Gifts & Grants 31

Snapshots

32

Ballet celebrates 60th with gala performance 32

OTR Chamber brings back annual awards 33

‘REVEL’ wraps up Cincy Shakes season 34

Glass Slipper fits fine at Children’s Theatre gala 36

Rey of Light breaks record for DePaul Cristo Rey 37

Celebrity dancers raise money for arts education 38

Nothing trivial about One World Gala 40

$335K makes for a successful Alzheimer’s gala 43

Eastereals Redwood takes Express to Turfway 45

Flywheel honors startups at Demo Day 47

Burrow golf outing brings in $1.1 milliion 49

The Last Word 50

Polly Campbell: Old-fashioned cooking for community

On

cover: Jennifer Loeb, CEO of Ronald McDonald House, Cincinnati. Photo by Helen Adams for Movers & Makers

Acouple of decades ago, our oldest daughter spent a week at Cincinnati Children’s suffering from the largest set of tonsils the doctor had ever seen. Elizabeth slept there night after night while I remained at home with the younger two. I remember thinking, driving past Ronald McDonald House each of those days, what a tremendous service it provides to families who cannot go home each night and whose stays are longer than ours.

This experience, combined with the tour we took six months ago, convinced us to shine a light on RMH and other similar organizations that help families deal with health care challenges. Meet Jennifer Loeb, who has led RMH for a quarter century, as profiled by Shauna Steigerwald on Page 24. And meet more Notables in this subsector on Page 26.

FotoFocus makes its biennial appearance this fall, but the Taft Museum of Art is getting a head start with an exhibit from the

famed Bank of America collection of photographs. David Lyman took a tour and shares his impressions on Page 12.

Polly Campbell waxes nostalgic on the increasingly old-fashioned tradition of preparing food as a way to build community and support philanthropy, complete with a beloved recipe for hot chicken salad, courtesy of Cincinnati Women’s Club. See Page 50, and you’re welcome!

Have you attended one of our casual monthly Mix & Mingle Happy Hours? If not, please join us July 10 at Home Court Tavern on Riverside Drive, a hidden gem just a mile and a half east of The Boathouse. (Register via the ad on this page.) We have a lot of repeat customers so the vibe must be right. We would love to see you.

Lastly, a huge thank you to the Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation for renewing its $10,000 annual commitment to our coverage of arts and culture. Sponsorships such as these, targeted at specific

Complimentary light bites, happy-hour drink prices. No agenda, no speeches. Just good company. Join M&M for our monthly

topic areas, help us profile movers and makers and tell inspirational stories. If you might like to fund increased coverage of a certain sector, let’s have a conversation about what that might entail.

Thanks, everyone, for being part of the M&M family. Happy summer!

Thom Mariner, co-publisher

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

Digital edition & daily posts MoversMakers.org

Wednesday, July 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

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For their work on this issue, our gratitude to:

• Casey Weldon and Tess Brown associate editors

• Phil Fisher and Ray Cooklis, copy editors

• Helen Adams, cover photography

• Shasta Taber, proofreader

• Margo Shappie, intern

• All the nonprofits that contributed news and photos.

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© Copyright

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

Publication of this magazine and its website (MoversMakers.org) does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of any information contained within, including advertisements and links.

Movers & Makers Publishing is a nonprofit with fiscal sponsorship provided by Cincinnati Cares.



Thom Mariner and Elizabeth Mariner at the Kelleher Family Foundation Reds Night at GABP. More photos Page 46.

Arts & Culture

Rodin sculptures, contemporary responses part of new CAM exhibit

Four full-scale bronze figures crafted by French sculptor Auguste Rodin will be on view at the Cincinnati Art Museum this summer.

Alongside the Rodin pieces, visitors will experience the results of a creative project involving contemporary artists, University of Cincinnati undergraduate students and works from other CAM collections.

Led by artist and educator Mrin Aggarwal, “Rodin | Response: FIELD family secrets” will be on display through Sept. 8. Peter Jonathan Bell, CAM’s curator of European paintings, sculpture and drawings, is co-curator of the exhibition.

Rodin conceived of the statues in the 1880s as part of “The Burghers of Calais,” his best-known public monument. The bronze and plaster casts

commemorate six residents of Calais, France, who offered their lives to save their city in the mid-1300s.

These monumental pieces provided the starting point for a semester-long journey for art students from UC’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP). The project included a mixture of scholarship study, conversation, artistic critique and creation across several courses.

 cincinnatiartmuseum.org/art/exhibitions

(Top) Auguste Rodin, “Jacques de Wissant,” 1885-86, cast 1989, bronze. Courtesy of Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Foundation (Right) Supermrin, “FIELD, linden [I am the prism to your shadows.],” 2023, grass bioplastic, linden trees from the domaine de Vaudijon

Brazee Street Studios owner wins craft award

Brazee Street Studios owner Sandra Gross is the winner of the Ohio Designer Craftsmen’s Outstanding Achievement award for 2024.

The Columbus-based organization honored Gross for “educating and engaging the community on the beauty and transformation of glass art, while advancing sustainability and civic

responsibility.”

Brazee Street Studios is an artist community in Oakley that houses more than 25 professional artist studios, C-LINK Gallery and the Brazee Street School of Glass, which provides training in kiln-forming techniques for adults and children of all skill levels. It resides in the former Oakley

Tool and Die factory, which operated from 1930 to 1980.

In addition to owning the studios, Gross is an artist, designer and book illustrator. She’s also a co-founder and owner of Sleepy Bee Cafe, where she serves as creative director.

 ohiocraft.org

Sandra Gross

rodin Photo: a ddison d oty

HIP HOP AND CONTEMPORARY ART IN THE 21ST CENTURY

JUNE 28–SEPTEMBER 29, 2024 Ticketed. Free for members.

is generously

The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century is organized by the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Saint Louis Art Museum.

This exhibition

supported by the Ford Foundation, the Henry Luce Foundation, and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.

Monica Ikegwu (American, b. 1998), Open/Closed 2021, oil on canvas, 48 x 36 in. each (121.9 x 91.4 cm), Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Myrtis, © Monica Ikegwu

Presented by The Ragland Family Foundation Exhibition Sponsors Media Sponsor

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Freedom Center exhibit shows how ‘Green Book’ helped Black travelers

A new exhibition coming to Cincinnati offers a detailed look at the role an iconic travel guide played in helping African American motorists safely journey through the segregated United States while supporting Blackowned businesses.

“The Negro Motorist Green Book” opens at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on July 13.

Developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, the exhibit highlights the cultural impact of a unique guide designed to assist Black Americans navigating the country during an often-violent part of the 20th century.

space for the community between 1939 and 1952. Before its existence as an inn, the property was the home of influential anti-slavery author Harriet Beecher Stowe. Today, the facility is the site of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House museum.

“The Green Book” remained an annual, nationwide publication until 1967.

The Smithsonian exhibit presents a variety of artifacts – from business signs and postcards to historic footage and firsthand accounts – to showcase what it was like for African American travelers during during “The Green Book” period.

 freedomcenter.org

In 1936, New York mail carrier Victor Green created a list of businesses that welcomed travelers of color. It featured restaurants, gas stations, hotels, department stores, social clubs, music venues and more.

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Green’s “The Negro Motorist Green Book” earned the nickname of the “overground” railroad.

Among the local spots listed was the Edgemont Inn, a Walnut Hills house that served as a gathering

Viva Voices ventures to Paris for D-Day anniversary festival

Northern Kentucky choral organization Viva Voices has been invited to France in early July to participate in the Paris Choral Festival, led by Craig Jessop, former music director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and accompanied by Tabernacle principal organist Richard Elliott. The performances, in Paris’ L’église de la Madeleine, feature several choral organizations from the United States, and are intended to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the liberation of France.

Viva Voices will supply 55 singers to the festival, including adult

and youth members.

According to Tony Burdette, founder and artistic director of Viva Voices, members will travel to the coast of France after the Paris performance to give their own choral tribute to fallen soldiers at the American Cemetery in Normandy.

Viva Voices Choral Organization is organized into four graded choirs: Children’s Choir, grades 4-7; Youth Chorus, grades 8-12; Chorale, a large community chorus of 95 singers; and Chamber Ensemble, a select group.

 vivavoices.net

Cover of 1940 “Green Book”

ArtsWave announces fourth annual Black and Brown artist showcase

ArtsWave announced the fourth annual showcase of new works by 22 of the region’s leading Black and Brown artists. The “Truth and Innovation Artist Showcase” will be held July 11-14 at the Contemporary Arts Center, The Carnegie in Covington and the new Clifton Cultural Arts Center, which is hosting an extended exhibit.

This year’s artists are creating projects across genres focusing on the modern BIPOC experience and exploring the meaning of “truth” and “innovation.” Each artist has also incorporated community collaboration to encourage creative thinking about a more just and equitable future.

The showcase features visual art, painting, sculpture, musical composition, film, theater, dance, multidisciplinary works and more. The projects reflect not only the African American experience, but the

experiences of other often-underrepresented groups and cultural traditions.

All projects were selected in a competitive process for funding last fall by an ArtsWave panel. Out of 71 proposals, the most ever, the 22 awardees were determined to best capture the idea of “truth and innovation.” They received a combined $212,500 to finance their projects.

This year’s grants are made possible by the ArtsWave Campaign in partnership with the city of Cincinnati, Duke Energy, Fifth Third Bank, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Macy’s, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Walter C. Frank, and Peter and Betsy Niehoff, with media support from Creativity Squared.  artswave.org

Harriet Beecher Stowe House celebrates reopening this month

The Harriet Beecher Stowe House, an Ohio History Connection site, is hosting A Historic Housewarming Celebration of Freedom to unveil its latest restorations. After five years, renovations have created a historically accurate representation of the home during its two most significant eras.

• 1840: Harriet Beecher Stowe, a young teacher and mother, resided in Cincinnati and prepared to write the influential anti-slavery novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”

• 1940: African American proprietor Irene Bacon managed the house as the Edgemont Inn – a boarding house, community gathering space and tavern listed in the Green Book.

The event kicks off July 19 at 2950 Gilbert Ave. in Walnut Hills and spans the entire weekend, with speakers, tours and community activities to honor the legacy of Harriet Beecher Stowe and the history embedded within the house.

 stowehousecincy.org

the Artist (top) and Yemi Oyediran are among 22 Black and Brown artists

Asha

showcased by ArtsWave.

Guests on a tour of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House

Awards honor leaders in local historic preservation

Leaders from the building and design industry gathered at the Peterloon Estate in Indian Hill to celebrate recent greatness in local architectural preservation efforts.

Hosted by Cincinnati Preservation, the annual Preservation Awards recognize local excellence in historic construction work over the past year.

This year’s winners ranged from large architecture firms and institutions like University of Cincinnati to small, woman-owned companies and individuals viewed as champions of preservation.

The full list of winners is below.

• Volunteer Award: Chris Hanlin

• Preservation Excellence in Education: The Covington Academy of Heritage Trades

• Preservation Excellence in Sustainability: Pepper Construction Headquarters by emersion design

• Preservation Excellence in New Construction: Deagan Square by Orleans Development

• Preservation Excellence in Commercial Projects: Aglamesis Bro’s (Oakley) by RWA Architects

• Preservation Excellence in Residential Projects: The Wedge Haus by Revival Designs

• Preservation Excellence in Adaptive Reuse: Probasco Auditorium by MSP Design

• Impact Award: Mergard Lanes by Arcx Studio

• Preservation Champion: Craig Niemi, Cincinnati Observatory  cincinnatipreservation.org

Probasco Auditorium by MSP Design

Pepper Construction Headquarters by emersion design, before renovation (above) and after

Mergard Lanes by Arcx Studio

Deagan Square by Orleans Development

Aglamesis Bro’s (Oakley) by RWA Architects

The Wedge Haus by Revival Designs; (above) the pool house, before and after renovation

Craig Niemi from the Cincinnati Observatory Volunteer Chris Hanlin

The Wedge Haus exterior with inset of original owners Cleota and Harvey Wilbekin (who designed the home)

Morgan Noel Smith, Cincinnati Preservation; Brian Miller, Covington Academy of Heritage Trades and Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky; and Beth Johnson, Cincinnati Preservation

By David Lyman

brilliant decisive

Taft’s ‘Moment in Time’ captures photographic legacy

“Moment in Time” is one of those photo exhibitions you might easily miss.

It’s not a show packed with those overheated, supersaturated images that tease and taunt and dare us to ignore them. Instead, most of the photos here are black-and-white and fairly staid; an image of a dancer tilting forward as her dress swooshes up in an arc behind her, a young girl nervously posed next to a commercial loom, four guys hanging out in front of a run-down barber shop.

Even the name of the exhibition – “Moment in Time” – is pretty ho-hum.

But don’t be put off by any of this. If you have even the vaguest interest in photography, “Moment in Time” is worth exploring. It’s at the Taft Museum of Art through Sept. 15.

First, a little background. The full title of the show is “Moment in Time: A Legacy of Photographs / Works from the Bank of America Collection.” And, in many ways, this collection holds a significant place in the history of photography.

It began with a man named Samuel William Sax, the chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the Exchange National Bank of Chicago, which – after a handful of mergers – became part of Bank of America. Sax, it turns out, was an avid collector of photography. “He decided that he wanted to start a collection for the bank, too,” said Jennifer Brown, curator of the Bank of America Collection.

So in 1967, he turned to notable art historian and curator Nancy Newhall to assemble a collection of photography for the bank. The initial plan was to collect 100 images though, with Sax’s blessing, Newhall brought together many, many more.

Back in the 1960s, there was no shortage of corporate art collections. But they focused on paintings and, very occasionally, sculpture. For most banks – and bankers – photography was too risky a proposition. Even the art world was still divided about whether photography was merely an offshoot of technology or could be regarded as an art form. But Sax was big on taking chances.

credentials. She had collaborated with several photo-world luminaries on books about their works, including Ansel Adams, Paul Strand and Edward Weston. In 1958, she and her husband, Beaumont Newhall – the Museum of Modern Art’s first curator of photography – created what would become one of the best-known books on the subject, “Masters of Photography.”

Brown isn’t certain precisely how many photos are in the collection today. But overall, Bank of America’s voluminous art collection includes more than 25,000 works. And now, 115 of those works are at the Taft.

This isn’t the Taft’s first photo exhibition. But there is something different about the connection between photography and the Taft that resonates more deeply in this exhibition. The home that houses the Taft was built for Martin Baum in 1820, just as photography was evolving from a scientific concept into something that would define our understanding of the world around us.

“The idea was that they would rotate exhibitions in the workspace. He wanted employees and clients to have the opportunity to see it and appreciate it.”

In 1970, Exchange became the first American bank to open offices in Israel. So the idea of asking Newhall to move the company’s art collection into the realm of photography hardly seemed daring to him. Indeed, he seemed to love the attention it brought to the bank.

Newhall came to the project with remarkable

The first “permanent” photos (with fixed, lasting images) were made on pewter in 1826 by Nicéphore Niépce. Henry Fox Talbot developed paper prints in England in 1834. Louis Daguerre introduced his revolutionary daguerreotype images in 1839.

The world outside Baum’s mansion on the edge of downtown Cincinnati was increasingly intrigued with the possibilities offered by photography. Not so much inside the house. Nonetheless, the birth of photography and the growth of the home that would become the center of Nicholas Longworth’s Cincinnati-based empire happened side by side.

Typically, this traveling exhibit is displayed

 W. Eugene Smith, “Spanish Wake,” from the Spanish Village series, 1950. Bank of America Collection. © 1951, 2024 The Heirs of W. Eugene Smith

Barbara Morgan, “Martha Graham in Letter to the World,” 1940. Bank of America Collection

in a strictly chronological order. But the Taft’s curators have given it a bit more shape, refining the presentation into sections such as “Photography as Modern Art,” “Innovative European Photographers” and “Social Justice and Documentary Photography.”

We start in a dimly lit room at the outset of photographic history, beginning with the earliest photos, where simply preserving a photographic image on a piece of paper was regarded as something of a miracle. Along the way, we witness the discoveries of various visionaries who see new possibilities through the lens and the beginnings of manipulated photographs.

above? The performer is modern dance pioneer Martha Graham caught in another decisive moment by photographer Barbara Morgan in 1940. In her “Letter to the World,” Graham leans forward and, as she sweeps one leg back and her dress, for a brief moment, creates an arresting semicircular shape.

• Robert Frank’s 1955 “Trolley – New Orleans” captures, in the briefest of moments, a searing commentary on American society. We see four mini-portraits in the open windows of a trolley, from the cold stare of a well-dressed white woman in front to a pair of working-class Black people sitting – of course – in the back of the bus.

Even those with the most modest interest in photography have probably come across many of these photos before. This is, in many ways, a collection of “best of” images.

Perhaps no image in the exhibition speaks to the show’s title more aptly than Henri CartierBresson’s 1932 “Behind the Gare Saint-Lazare.” It’s a simple image of a man attempting to leap

over a flooded sidewalk. But it is a perfect example of what Cartier-Bresson called a “decisive moment.” We can see that the man’s foot is going to land in the water. But his reflection in the still surface of the puddle is so perfect that the impending splatter of water is a non-issue. If you keep searching the frame, you’ll see a dance poster in the background that complements the man’s leap. It’s a brilliant and unforgettable image and was destined to become one of CartierBresson’s best-known.

There are others:

• That image of the dancer mentioned

In addition to these are Walker Evans’ harrowing Depression-era photos of despair and Lewis Wickes Hines’ early 20th-century images of children forced to work in mines to W. Eugene Smith’s haunting “Spanish Wake” from his well-known “Spanish Village” series.

This isn’t one of those photography supershows that pack galleries from opening to closing. It’s too intimate for that. Too quiet. But then, that is what the Taft often offers to us. A place of solace, a space to reflect on the serene brilliance around us.

taftmuseum.org

 Robert Frank, “Trolley – New Orleans,” 1955, Bank of America Collection, © The June Leaf and Robert Frank Foundation, from The Americans

The A&C List

Cultural Exhibits/Tours

American Legacy Tours | 1332 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. 859-951-8560. americanlegacytours.com

ƒ Historic tours in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

American Sign Museum | 1330 Monmouth Ave., Camp Washington. 513-541-6366. americansignmuseum.org

ƒ Permanent collection

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

ƒ Hands-on educational experiences

ArtWorks Mural Tours | artworkscincinnati.org

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

Behringer-Crawford Museum | 1600 Montague Rd., Devou Park, Covington. 859-491-4003. bcmuseum.org

ƒ Artifacts and history of Northern Kentucky

Brewing Heritage Trail Tour Center | 1939 Race St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-604-9812. brewingheritagetrail.org

ƒ Exploring Queen City beverage history

Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame | 190 W. Mehring Way, The Banks. cincyblackmusicwalkoffame.org

ƒ July 27, noon. One-year anniversary celebration

Cincinnati Fire Museum | 315 W. Court St., downtown. 513-621-5553. cincyfiremuseum.com

ƒ Permanent collection

Cincinnati Food Tours | 107 W. Elder St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-602-5602. cincinnatifoodtours.com

ƒ Exploring Queen City culinary culture

Cincinnati Museum Center | 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate. 513-287-7000. cincymuseum.org

ƒ Thru July 28. “Pompeii: The Exhibition”

ƒ July 13, 1:30 p.m. Deaf Day at “Pompeii: The Exhibition”

Cincinnati Nature Center | 4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford. cincynature.org

ƒ Hiking amidst old-growth forest

Cincinnati Observatory | 3489 Observatory Pl., Hyde Park. cincinnatiobservatory.org

ƒ Oldest professional observatory in the United States

Cincinnati Type & Print Museum | 2307 W. Eighth St., Lower Price Hill. cincinnatitypeprintmuseum.org

ƒ Permanent collection of equipment, tools and artifacts

Cincinnati Zoo | 3400 Vine St., Avondale. 513-281-4700. cincinnatizoo.org

ƒ World-class fauna and flora

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

ƒ Indoor and outdoor tours of Queen City landmark

Glendale Heritage Preservation | 44 Village Square, Glendale. 513-771-8722. glendaleheritage.org

ƒ Thursdays and Saturdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. “For 50 Years, Preserving the Past for the Future”

Greater Cincinnati Police Museum | 308 Reading Rd., Pendleton. 513-300-3664. police-museum.org

ƒ Permanent collection

Harriet Beecher Stowe House | 2950 Gilbert Ave., Walnut Hills. 513-751-0651. stowehousecincy.org

ƒ July 19-21. A historic housewarming celebration of freedom

Heritage Village Museum | 11450 Lebanon Rd., Sharonville. 513-5639484. heritagevillagecincinnati.org

ƒ July 20, 7-10 p.m. “Spirits by Starlight” ghost tour

ƒ July 24, 6-8 p.m. Period dinner: “From the Table at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello”

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

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

Krohn Conservatory | Eden Park, Mt. Adams. 513-421-4086. cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks

ƒ Thru Aug. 18. “Butterflies in Space”

Lloyd Library and Museum | 917 Plum St., downtown. 513-721-3707. lloydlibrary.org

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

Loveland Castle & Museum | 12075 Shore Dr., Loveland. lovelandcastle.com

ƒ Full-scale replica of medieval castle

Milford Historical Society | Promont, 906 Main St., Milford. 513-248-0324. milfordhistory.net

ƒ Permanent exhibit. Displays of art, artifacts and more

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

ƒ Thru October. Historic walking tours

National Museum of the United States Air Force | 1100 Spaatz St., Wright-Patterson AFB. nationalmuseum.af.mil

ƒ World’s largest military aviation museum

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center | 50 E. Freedom Way, The Banks, downtown. 513-333-7500. freedomcenter.org

ƒ July 13-Oct. 13. “The Negro Motorist Green Book”

National VOA Museum of Broadcasting | 8070 Tylersville Rd., West Chester. 513-777-0027. voamuseum.org

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

Danger Wheel returns to raise heartbeats and also funds for the beautification of the Pendleton neighborhood. July 27, 2 p.m. to dusk, 12th and Broadway.

Newport Aquarium | 1 Aquarium Way, Newport. newportaquarium.com

ƒ Thousands of the world’s most exotic aquatic creatures

Over-the-Rhine Museum | 513-813-7309. otrmuseum.org

ƒ Saturdays thru July 21, 10 a.m. North of Liberty walking tour

Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati | 315 W. Southern Ave., Covington. cincirailmuseum.org

ƒ July 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Exhibited railroad yard collection

RAPTOR Inc. | 961 Barg Salt Run Rd., Milford. raptorinc.org

ƒ July 28, 1-4 p.m. Open house for birds of prey sanctuary

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

ƒ Thru July 28. “The Guiding Hand: The Barr Foundation Collection of Torah Pointers”

ƒ July 16, 7-9 p.m. “Functional and Fabulous: The History and Artistry of the Yad,” lecture by Abby Schwartz

Taft Museum of Art | 316 Pike St., Lytle Park, downtown. 513-241-0343. taftmuseum.org

ƒ Historic art and artifacts in 200-yearold house

Tri-State Warbird Museum | 4021 Borman Dr., Batavia. tri-statewarbirdmuseum.org

ƒ Permanent exhibitions of military and historic aviation

Valley View Nature Preserve | 5330 S. Milford Rd., Milford. valleyviewcampus.org

ƒ Preserved 190-acre farm and open land

Vent Haven Museum | 33 West Maple Ave., Ft. Mitchell. 859-341-0461. venthaven.org

ƒ World’s only museum dedicated to ventriloquism

White Water Shaker Village | 11813 Oxford Rd., Harrison. whitewatervillage.org

ƒ Preserved historic landmark

Fairs/Festivals/Markets

AfriFest Cincy: Taste of Africa | Sawyer Point Park, downtown. myapnet. org/2024-afrifest-taste-of-africa

ƒ July 20, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Celebration of African arts and culture

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

ƒ July 19-21. Celebration of the culinary “Three Bs,” with accompaniments

Camp Washington Farmer’s Market | Valley Park, 3220 Colerain Ave., Camp Washington. wavepoolgallery.org

ƒ Thursdays, 4-6 p.m. Regional market

Cincinnati Celtic Festival | The Banks, downtown. thingstodocincinnati.com

ƒ July 12-14. Celebration of Celtic heritage with family fun, food, Celtic music and more

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

ƒ July 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Summer Market

Covington Farmers Market | Braxton Brewing Company, 27 W. Seventh St., Covington. greatneighborhoods.org

ƒ Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Danger Wheel | 378 E. 12th St., Pendleton. dangerwheel.com

ƒ July 27, noon-8:30 p.m. Adult big-wheel downhill racing

East Walnut Hills Farmers’ Market | Clayton St. ewhfarmersmarket.com

ƒ Thursdays thru October, 3-6 p.m.

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

ƒ July 20, 5-9 p.m. Night market

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

ƒ Tuesdays thru Oct. 1, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Strauss Troy Market on The Square

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

ƒ July 25-28 & Aug.1-4. All things goetta

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

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

Lebanon Pride | Lebanon. 513-8360592. lebanonprideinc@gmail.com

ƒ July 20. Lebanon Pride Festival (Bicentennial Park, Lebanon)

Madeira Farmers Market | 4-7 p.m. Dawson Road at Miami Avenue, Madeira. madeirafarmersmarket.com

ƒ Thursdays thru October, 4-7 p.m.

Local growers and purveyors

Northside Farmers Market | Heart of Northside, 4222 Hamilton Ave., Northside. northsidefm.org

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

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

ƒ July 14, noon-5 p.m. Eclectic street festival with monthly themes

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

ƒ July 4-6

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

ƒ Tuesdays thru October, 3-7 p.m. Overthe-Rhine Craft & Farmers Market

Film

Cincinnati Anime Film Festival | Hollywood Drive-In Theatre, College Hill. manga-manga.square.site

ƒ July 11, 8:45 p.m. “Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie: Pyramid of Light”

ƒ July 18, 8:45 p.m. “Spirited Away: Live on Stage” (Cast A)

ƒ July 20, 8:45 p.m. “Spirited Away: Live on Stage” (Cast B)

ƒ July 25, 8:45 p.m. “The First Slam Dunk”

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

ƒ Now playing. “Volcanoes: The Fires of Creation” • “Blue Whales: Return of the Giants”

NightLight 513 | Covington Plaza. nightlight513.com

ƒ July 18, sundown. “Jurassic Park”

OTR International Film Festival | Kenwood Theatre, Kenwood. otrfilmfest.org

ƒ July 24, 6:30 p.m. “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin”

Taft Museum of Art | 316 Pike St., Lytle Park, downtown. 513-241-0343. taftmuseum.org

ƒ July 12, 7 p.m. Taft at Twilight Movie Night

Woodward Theater | 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-345-7981. woodwardtheater.com

ƒ July 1, 7:30 p.m. “Chestnut”

ƒ July 8, 7:30 p.m. “Stop Making Sense”

ARTS & CULTURE | The List

Ziegler Park Summer Cinema | 1322 Sycamore St., Pendleton. zieglerpark.org

ƒ July 3, 9 p.m. “Top Gun”

ƒ July 10, 9 p.m. “Black Panther”

ƒ July 17, 9 p.m. “The Princess Bride”

ƒ July 24, 9 p.m. “Home Alone”

ƒ July 31, 9 p.m. “Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban”

Literary/Lectures

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

ƒ July 2, 3 p.m. Discussion: David Nicholls

“You Are Here”

ƒ July 9, 3 p.m. Discussion: Colin Walsh “Kala”

Cincinnati Art Museum | 953 Eden Park Dr., Eden Park. 513-721-2787. cincinnatiartmuseum.org

ƒ July 20, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. See the Story: Lisa See “Shanghai Girls”

Cincinnati Poetry Slam | 5021 Whetsel Ave., Madisonville. cincinnatipoetryslam.com

ƒ July 13, 5 p.m.

Joseph-Beth Booksellers | 2692 Madison Rd., Rookwood Commons, Norwood. 513-396-8960. josephbeth.com

ƒ July 2, 7 p.m. Discussion: Natalie D. Richards “49 Miles Alone”

ƒ July 5, 7 p.m. Discussion: Jack Givens

“They Call Me Goose”

ƒ July 16, 7 p.m. Discussion: Linda Castillo

“The Burning”

ƒ July 30, 7 p.m. Discussion: Heather Frese “The Saddest Girl on the Beach”

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

ƒ July 11, 6 p.m. Science & Nature Lecture: Stefan Fiol & Rhonna Shatz (Cincinnati Museum Center)

ƒ July 15, 6 p.m. Albert Pyle Urban Lecture: John Joe Schlichtman (Cincinnati Museum Center)

Word of Mouth Cincinnati | MOTR Pub, 1345 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. cincywordofmouth.com

ƒ July 28, 6 p.m. Open mic poetry

Music

The Arts Alliance | Cottell Park, 5847 Irwin-Simpson Rd., Mason. 513-309-8585. the-arts-alliance.org

ƒ July 30, 7:30 p.m. Cincinnati Pops

ArtsConnect | 9158 Winton Rd., Building

A, Springfield Twp. theartsconnect.us

ƒ July 18, 6 p.m. Key West Kings

Behringer-Crawford Museum | 1600 Montague Rd., Devou Park, Covington. 859-491-4003. bcmuseum.org

◆ Music@BCM, 6 p.m.

‚ July 11. Matt Rouch and The Noise Upstairs

‚ July 18. Jake Speed & The Freddies

‚ July 25. Moonshine Drive

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

ƒ July 3, 7:30 p.m. Patriotic concert

Bogart’s | 2621 Vine St., Short Vine, Corryville. bogarts.com

ƒ July 6, 7 p.m. Jeezy

ƒ July 9, 7 p.m. Band of Horses

ƒ July 19, 7 p.m. Hobo Johnson & The Lovemakers

ƒ July 20, 7 p.m. Saved By The 90’s

ƒ July 21, 7 p.m. Alexandra Kay

ƒ July 23, 7 p.m. The Band Camino

ƒ July 24, 7 p.m. Otoboke Beaver

ƒ July 26, 8 p.m. Jerry Harrison & Adrian Belew

ƒ July 28, 7 p.m. Lucky Daye

ƒ July 31, 6:30 p.m. Bowling for Soup

Brady Music Center | 25 Race St., The Banks, downtown. bradymusiccenter.com

ƒ July 11, 6 p.m. Idobi Summer School

ƒ July 12, 8 p.m. Old Crow Medicine Show

ƒ July 14, 8 p.m. Lake Street Dive

ƒ July 24, 8 p.m. SOLD OUT: Tate McRae

ƒ July 28, 8 p.m. The Struts

ƒ July 30, 7 p.m. Primus, Coheed and Cambria

Bromwell’s Harth Room Room |

125 W. Fourth St., downtown. bromwellshearthroom.com/music

ƒ Wednesday-Saturday evenings. Live jazz

Caffe Vivace | 975 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills. 513-601-9897. caffevivace.com

ƒ Most evenings, live jazz

Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra |

American Sign Museum, Camp Washington. 513-723-1182. ccocincinnati.org

ƒ July 31, 7:30 p.m. Summermusik 2024 (runs through Aug. 24) “Notes in Neon”

Cincinnati Music Festival | The Banks, downtown. cincymusicfestival.com

ƒ July 25. A Tribute to Hip Hop Music (Brady Center)

ƒ July 26. Maxwell, Ne-Yo, Fantasia, October London and Lakeside (Paycor Stadium)

ƒ July 27. New Edition feat. Bobby Brown, Bell Biv DeVoe, Ralph Tresvant, Johnny Gill, KEM, SWV and Stokley (Paycor Stadium)

Cincinnati Parks | Smale Riverfront Park. cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks

◆ Music at the Esplanade, 5 p.m.

‚ July 6. Catlea

‚ July 13. The Foles

‚ July 20. Gettier

‚ July 27. Positive Vibe Band

Cincinnati Song Initiative | Virtual. cincinnatisonginitiative.org

ƒ Thru July 31. “Let it Be New,” world premieres of 10 commissioned songs

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

ƒ July 4, 8 p.m. (Pops) Red, White & Boom, John Morris Russell, conductor (Riverbend)

ƒ July 14, 6 p.m. (CSO) Price Hill Brady Block Party (Dunham Recreation Center)

ƒ July 19, 6 p.m. (CSO) Avondale Brady Block Party (North Avondale Recreation Center Fields)

Cincy Blues Fest | Village Green Park, 301 Wessel Dr., Fairfield. cincyblues.org

ƒ July 13. Celebrating blues music as original American art form

Clifton Cultural Arts Center | 3412 Clifton Ave., Clifton. 513-497-2860. cliftonculturalarts.org

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

‚ July 3. Sound the Alarm

‚ July 10. DAGLIO

‚ July 17. SunBurners

‚ July 24. Jake Speed & The Freddies

‚ July 31. Push Play

On July 31, the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra and curator, violinist David Goist , kick off Summermusik with a program at the American Sign Museum

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

‚ July 6. Jump ‘n’ Jive Big Band

‚ July 13. Ti & D Band

‚ July 20. Aprinas Revolutionary Love

‚ July 27. Muwosi

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

ƒ July 26, 7:30 p.m. Summer Sings: Vivaldi: Gloria, Matthew Phelps, conductor

Factory 52 | 4590 Beech St., Norwood. factory52.com

◆ Wild Card Wednesday, 6-9 p.m.

‚ July 3. Tinfoil Hat Cowboys

‚ July 10. Billy Rock

‚ July 17. The Mistics

‚ July 24. Reilly and Sons

‚ July 31. Queen City Krewe

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

◆ Jazz at the Square, 5-8 p.m.

‚ July 2. Justin Dawson Quartet

‚ July 9. Myles Ellington Twitty Quintet

‚ July 16. Phil Tipton Quintet

‚ July 23. The Semaj’ A Consort

‚ July 30. Mike Wade Quintet

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

◆ Burgers & Brews, 6-9 p.m.

‚ July 12, Jonathan Cody White

‚ July 26, Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra

Greater Cincinnati Guitar Society | Werner Recital Hall, CCM, University of Cincinnati. cincinnatiguitarsociety.simpletix.com

ƒ July 15, 7:30 p.m. Gohar Vardanyan

ƒ July 17, 7:30 p.m. Robert Trent

ƒ July 18, 7:30 p.m. Stephen Mattingly

ƒ July 19, 7:30 p.m. Christopher Wilke

Hard Rock Casino |

1000 Broadway St., downtown. hardrockcasinocincinnati.com

ƒ July 20, 7 p.m. 311

Heritage Bank Center | 100 Broadway St., downtown. heritagebankcenter.com

ƒ July 23, 7:30 p.m. AJR

Kenton County Public Library | 859-962-4000

ƒ July 25, 7 p.m. Cincinnati Civic Orchestra “Hooray for Hollywood: Music of the Silver Screen” (Erlanger Branch)

ƒ July 27, 7:30 p.m. Miss Americanas: Taylor Swift Tribute Concert (Covington Branch)

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

ƒ July 6, 7:30 p.m. “Let’s Do the Time Warp Again” seven decades of pop hits (Devou Park, Covington)

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

Ludlow Garage | 342 Ludlow Ave., Clifton. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com

ƒ July 11, 7:30 p.m. The Artimus Pyle Band

ƒ July 12, 7:30 p.m. The Samples

ƒ July 13, 7:30 p.m. Walter Beasle

ƒ July 14, 7:30 p.m. We Love Zappa

ƒ July 16-18, 7:30 p.m. Musiq Soulchild

ƒ July 19, 7:30 p.m. Adrenalize

ƒ July 21, 7:30 p.m. Al Stewart

ƒ July 24, 7:30 p.m. Dave Mason

ƒ July 26, 7:30 p.m. Bill Frisell

ƒ July 27, 7:30 p.m. Steve Earle

ƒ July 31, 7:30 p.m. Tusk

Madison Theater |

730 Madison Ave., Covington. 859-491-2444. madisontheater.com

ƒ July 3, 7 p.m. Glasslands

ƒ July 5, 8 p.m. Chester, Sam Bush, The Reveal

ƒ July 12, 8 p.m. Let It Happen

ƒ July 13, 8 p.m. Genesis ReTouched

ƒ July 19, 8 p.m. the pinkertones & Green Dayton

ƒ July 20, 6:30 p.m. Lydia Can’t Breathe

ƒ July 25, 8 p.m. Dan & The Down Lows

ƒ July 26, 8 p.m. Dave Mathews Tribute Band

ƒ July 27, 4:30 p.m. Mayhem on Madison

MegaCorp Pavilion at Ovation | 101 W. Fourth St., Newport. promowestlive.com

ƒ July 19, 7 p.m. That Mexican OT

ƒ July 30, 7 p.m. Taking Back Sunday

Memorial Hall | 1225 Elm St., Over-theRhine. 513-977-8838. memorialhallotr.com

ƒ July 5, 7:30 p.m. The 122nd Army Band

“Rewind to the 80s”

ƒ July 11, 8 p.m. Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band / The Tillers

ƒ July 31, 8 p.m. Our House: The Music of CSNY

Newport on the Levee | Newport. newportonthelevee.com

◆ Live on the Levee, 7 p.m.

‚ July 11. Turned Up Band

‚ July 18. Billy Rock Band

‚ July 25. Live DJ

Riverbend Music Center |

6295 Kellogg Ave., California, Ohio. 513-232-6220. riverbend.org

ƒ July 2, 6:30 p.m. Third Eye Blind

ƒ July 5, 7 p.m. Red Hot Chili Peppers

ƒ July 12, 6:25 p.m. Train & REO Speedwagon

ƒ July 13, 7 p.m. Luke Bryan

ƒ July 18, 7 p.m. Dan + Shay

ƒ July 19, 7:30 p.m. Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire

ƒ July 22, 6 p.m. Slash

ƒ July 24, 7 p.m. Alanis Morissette

ƒ July 25, 6:45 p.m. Hardy

ƒ July 27, 5:45 p.m. Totally Tubular Festival

ƒ July 28, 8 p.m. Warren Haynes

ƒ RiversEdge | Marcum Park, 116 Dayton St., Hamilton. riversedgelive.com

ƒ July 4, 6 p.m. That Arena Rock Show • Tastefull

ƒ July 5, 6 p.m. LDNL • DJ Hubbs

ƒ July 6, 6 p.m. Kanin Wren’s Taylor Swift Experience • Laura Bryna

ƒ July 13, 5 p.m. Jared’s Jam

ƒ July 18, 6 p.m. Foreigners Journey • Dravin & The Ravens

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

ƒ July 4, 7 p.m. Ernie Johnson from Detroit

ƒ July 11, 7 p.m. Sungaze

ƒ July 11, 8:30 p.m. Sylmar

ƒ July 18, 7 p.m. Erin Coburn

ƒ July 25, 2 p.m. Buzz Bins

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

ƒ Thursdays-Saturdays. Live jazz

ƒ Sundays. Blues, boogie-woogie, jazz

Southgate House |

111 E. Sixth St., Newport. 859-431-2201. southgatehouse.com

ƒ Nightly rock, alternative blues, etc.

Taft Museum of Art | 316 Pike St., Lytle Park, downtown. 513-241-0343. taftmuseum.org

ƒ July 7, 2:30 p.m. Summer Chamber Music

Taft Theatre | 317 E. Fifth St., downtown. tafttheatre.org

ƒ July 9, 7:30 p.m. Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs

ƒ July 14, 7 p.m. It’s Time

TempleLive at Riverfront Live | 4343 Kellogg Ave., East End. riverfrontlivecincy.com

ƒ July 6, 7 p.m. Upchurch

ƒ July 7, 7:30 p.m. The Amish Outlaws

ƒ July 27, 7:30 p.m. Black Flag

Turfway Park Events Center | 7500 Turfway Rd., Florence. turfway.com

ƒ July 6, 8 p.m. LeAnn Rimes

ƒ July 13, 8 p.m. Ginuwine

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

◆ Jazz at the Park, 6-9 p.m.

‚ July 1. Daniel Bennett & the Dirty Shirlies

‚ July 8. Mandy Gaines & Brad Meyers

CULTURE

Washington Park (cont.)

◆ Jazz at the Park, 6-9 p.m. (cont.)

‚ July 15. Phil DeGreg Trio

‚ July 22. Dixie Karas Quartet

‚ July 29. Camille Saba Smith

◆ Reggae Wednesday, 7-10 p.m.

‚ July 10. Hurricane

‚ July 24. Zion Lion

◆ Roots Revival, 7-9 p.m.

‚ July 11, 6-8 p.m. Jordan Wilson Coalition

‚ July 18. The Carriers

‚ July 25. Ruby Vielos

◆ Friday Flow, 7-10 p.m.

‚ July 5. Love Street

‚ July 12. Road to CMF: Troop

‚ July 19. Road to CMF: Ruff Endz

◆ OTR Performs, 7-9 p.m.

‚ July 7. Dead Centric

‚ July 18. Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra: “Music of Paul McCartney”

‚ July 21. Cincinnati World Drum Festival

Woodward Theater | 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-345-7981. woodwardtheater.com

ƒ July 5, 4 p.m. School of Rock

ƒ July 15, 7:30 p.m. Hurray for the Riff Raff

ƒ July 19, 8 p.m. Torres

Opera

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

ƒ July 2, 8 p.m. Studio Session: Elliot Madore, baritone; Kevin Miller, piano: “A Portrait of the Artist as a MiddleAged Man” (Wilks Studio, Music Hall)

ƒ July 11, 8 p.m. Studio Session: Jessica Rivera, soprano; Mark Carver, piano: “Canciones de Mi Alma Latina: Songs of My Latin Soul” (Wilks Studio)

ƒ July 18, 20, 21, 25 & 27. Paul McCartney: “Liverpool Oratorio” (Springer Auditorium)

ƒ July 24, 7 p.m. “Opera Rap Community Conversations: Paul McCartney: “Liverpool Oratorio” (ARCO, Price Hill)

Theater

The Carnegie | 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington. 859-491-2030. thecarnegie.com

ƒ Thru July 7. “The Rocky Horror Show”

ƒ July 19-28. “Tick, Tick... Boom!”

Cincinnati LAB Theatre |

Bell Tower Arts Pavilion, Evendale. cincylabtheatre.wixsite.com/cincylab

ƒ July 18-27. New Works Festival

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

ƒ July 10-Aug. 4. “Peter and the Starcatcher”

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-2273. cincyshakes.com

ƒ July 12-Sept. 1. Shakespeare in the Park: “Hamlet” (venues across the region)

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

ƒ Thru July 7. “Marian, or The True Tale of Robin Hood”

ƒ July 12-21. “Rent: School Edition”

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

ƒ Saturdays, 6 p.m. Murder mystery dinner show

Encore Community Theatre |

Parrish Auditorium, Hamilton. encorecommunitytheatre.com

ƒ July 18-20. “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”

Go Bananas Comedy Club | 8410 Market Place Ln., Montgomery. gobananascomedy.com

ƒ Weekly comedy shows

Imperial Theatre | imperialmohawk.org

ƒ July 3, 7:30 p.m. “Summer Performance Salon” (1333 Main St., Over-the-Rhine)

ƒ July 10, 7:30 p.m. “Summer Performance Series” feat. No Guarantees (OTR StillHouse, Over-the-Rhine)

ƒ July 13, 11 a.m. Imperial Theater Tour (280 W. McMicken Ave., Over-the-Rhine)

ƒ July 17, 24, 31, 7:30 p.m. The Imperial Presents: “Summer Performance Salon” (1333 Main St., Over-the-Rhine)

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

ƒ Most Friday & Saturday evenings Weekly comedy shows

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

ƒ July 26-Aug. 4. “Cinderella”

Kincaid Regional Theatre | 208 Memory Dr., Falmouth. 859-654-2636. krtshows.com

ƒ July 19-28. “Gilligan’s Island: The Musical”

La Comedia Dinner Theatre | 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro. 800-677-9505. lacomedia.com

ƒ Thru Aug. 11. “The Wizard of Oz”

Loveland Stage Company | 1 11 S. Second St., Loveland. 513-443-4572. lovelandstagecompany.org

ƒ July 11-14. “James And The Giant Peach Jr.”

Ludlow Garage | 342 Ludlow Ave., Clifton. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com

ƒ July 28, 7:30 p.m. Southern Fried Chicks

Lumos Players I 8639 Columbia Rd., Maineville. lumosplayers.com

ƒ July 10, 7:30 p.m. “How to Fail At A First Date” by David Searston (virtual)

Madison Theater | 730 Madison Ave., Covington. 859-491-2444. madisontheater.com

ƒ July 2, 8 p.m. Joke Gym

Mariemont Players | 4101 Walton Creek Rd., Mariemont. 513-684-1236. mariemontplayers.com

ƒ July 11-28. “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised)”

Merit Theatre Company | Anderson Center Theater, 7850 Five Mile Rd., Anderson Twp. 859-795-1860. merittheatre.org

ƒ July 19-27. “Oliver”

Queen City Vaudevillians | Artsville, 5021 Whetsel Ave., Madisonville. queencityvaudevillians.com

ƒ July 20, 7 p.m.

ƒ July 21, 2 p.m.

Soprano Jacqueline Echols McCarley stars in Cincinnati Opera’s world-premiere staged version of Paul McCartney’s “Liverpool Oratorio,” opening July 18 at Music Hall.

The Story Collective | Loveland Stage Company Theatre, Loveland. thestorycollective.org

ƒ July 26-28. “Urinetown the Musical”

Taft Theatre | 317 E. Fifth St., downtown. tafttheatre.org

ƒ July 17, 5 p.m. Danny Go!

ƒ July 28, 6 p.m. Brett Goldstein, comedian

Thomas More University | 333 Thomas More Pkwy., Crestview Hills. 859-341-5800. thomasmore.edu

ƒ July 12-14. Plays Around Productions: “Our Common Grounds”

Visionaries & Voices | 3841 Spring Grove Ave., Northside. 513-861-4333. visionariesandvoices.com

ƒ July 20, 8-10 p.m. “Show of Hands” puppet cabaret (The Lounge)

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

ƒ Sundays, 7-9 p.m. OTR Performs:

ƒ July 14. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company: Shakespeare in the Park

Visual Art

21c Museum Hotel | 609 Walnut St., downtown. 513-578-6600. 21cmuseumhotels.com/cincinnati

ƒ Thru September. “The SuperNatural”

The Annex Gallery | 1310 Pendleton St., Pendleton. annexgallery.org

ƒ Thru July 26. Michael Wilson: “Common Ground,” photographic portraits

ƒ Thru July 26. “Indelible Ink: Tiger Lily Press Members Exhibition”

Art Academy of Cincinnati | 1212 Jackson St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-5626262. artacademy.edu

ƒ Thru July 14. “SOS Art 2024”

Art Beyond Boundaries | 1410 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-421-8726. artbeyondboundaries.com

ƒ Thru July 15. “Let’s Make It Hot!”

Art Design Consultants | 1013 York St., Ste. 200, West End. adcfineart.com

ƒ Thru July 12. “Radiance”

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

ƒ July 6, noon-6 p.m. Summer Time Fun

ARTclectic Gallery | 6249 Stewart Ave., Silverton. 513-822-5200. artclecticgallery.com

ƒ July 1-Aug. 31. “Long View”

Reception: July 12, 5-8 p.m.

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

ƒ Thru July 31. “Farm to Feast”

ArtWorks | V² Gallery, 929 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills. 513-3330388. artworkscincinnati.org

ƒ Thru July 11. “Lavender Balm: Expressions of Queer Resistance”

ƒ July 26-Sept. 12. “Enchanted Life: Finding Magic in the Everyday”

Behringer-Crawford Museum | 1600 Montague Rd., Devou Park, Covington. 859-491-4003. bcmuseum.org

ƒ Current exhibit. “Race to Fame: Hometown Kentucky Derby Legends”

The Carnegie | 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington. 859-491-2030. thecarnegie.com

ƒ Thru Aug. 17. “Suspended Between Forms,” inspired by curator Zito Madu’s new novel

Cincinnati Art Museum | 953 Eden Park Dr., Eden Park. 513-721-2787. cincinnatiartmuseum.org

ƒ Thru Aug. 18. Woo Chong Yung: “From Shanghai to Ohio”

ƒ Thru Sept. 8. Auguste Rodin: “ResponseFIELD family secrets”

ƒ Thru Sept. 29. “The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century”

ƒ July 26, 5-9 p.m. Art After Dark

Clifton Cultural Arts Center | 3412 Clifton Ave., Clifton. 513-497-2860. cliftonculturalarts.org

ƒ Thru July 12. Uptown & Around: Community Art Show

ƒ July 19-Aug. 16. Edith Susarret Marrero: “Seeing Woman” Reception: July 19, 6-8 p.m.

Contemporary Arts Center |

44 E. Sixth St., downtown. 513-345-8400. contemporaryartscenter.org

ƒ Thru July 7. Kateri Sparrow: “Nature Deficit: Act of Desperation”

ƒ Thru Aug. 4. “After (Work) Hours,” artwork of former and current CAC staff

ƒ Thru Sept. 8. Jayson Musson: “His History of Art” • Felix Gonzalez-Torres: “‘Untitled’ (L.A.)”

ƒ July 11-14. “Truth and Innovation Artist Showcase,” Black and Brown artists, sponsored by ArtsWave

ƒ July 19-Sept. 1. Adoria Maxberry: “Revolutionary Recipes: The Flavors of a Black Woman Amplified”

The Contemporary Dayton | 118 N. Jefferson St., Dayton, Ohio. 937-224-3822. codayton.org

ƒ Thru Aug. 10. Katherine Kadish and David Leach: “Crossroads” • Tess Cortés: “Vanishing Point” • Andy Snow: “Time Bends, Space Blends”

DAAP Galleries | University of Cincinnati. 513-556-2839. daap.uc.edu

ƒ Thru July 21. “Vitra: Mini Milestones” * Stevie Famulari: “I’m Good Keeps Breaking” (Meyers Gallery, Steger Student Life Center)

ƒ Thru Aug. 4. DAAPworks 2024: Directors’ Choice Awards (Reed Gallery)

Dayton Art Institute | 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, Ohio. 937-223-4278. daytonartinstitute.org

ƒ Thru Sept. 22. Hand-colored photographs • “Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection”

ƒ Thru Sept. 8. “The Quiet World of Edward Hopper”

ƒ Thru Sept. 8. “Riveting: Women Artists from the Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection”

Eisele Gallery of Fine Art | 6936 Madisonville Rd., Mariemont. 513-791-7717. eiselefineart.com

ƒ Thru July 20. Thomas Hieronymus Towhey: “Corridors of Metaphors”

Evendale Cultural Arts Center | 10428 Reading Rd., Evendale. 513-563-1350. evendaleohio.org

ƒ Thru Sept. 30. “Photography Club of Greater Cincinnati”

Fitton Center | 101 S. Monument St., Hamilton. 513-863-8873. fittoncenter.org

ƒ Thru July 12. 30th anniversary Fitton member show

Indian Hill Gallery | 9475 Loveland Madeira Rd., Indian Hill. 513-984-6024. indianhillgallery.com

ƒ Thru Aug. 10. “Delicate Ecologies,” paintings by Kelley Booze, Katherine Colborn and Samantha Haring

Iris BookCafe and Gallery | 1331 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-260-8434. irisbookcafeotr.com

ƒ Thru September. Photography by Stu Levy, one-time assistant to Ansel Adams

Joseph Clark Gallery Arts of Africa | 4038 Hamilton Ave., Northside. 513-351-8111. josephclarkgallery.com

ƒ African arts and crafts

Kennedy Heights Arts Center | 6546 Montgomery Rd., Kennedy Heights. 513-631-4278. kennedyarts.org

ƒ Thru July 18. “Growth from Creativity: KHAC’s 20th Anniversary Exhibition”

ƒ July 6-Aug. 31. “Voices from India: Social and Cultural Reflections,” curated by Saad Ghosn Reception: July 6, 6-8 p.m.

Lloyd Library and Museum | 917 Plum St., downtown. 513-721-3707. lloydlibrary.org

ƒ Thru Sept. 6. “Pick Your Poison”

Manifest Gallery |

2727 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills. 513-861-3638. manifestgallery.org

ƒ July 12-Aug. 9. “Annual Master Pieces” current/recent graduate students • “Wild Kingdom” the animal in contemporary art Reception: July 12, 6-9 p.m.

Middletown Arts Center | 130 N. Verity Pkwy., Middletown. 513-424-2417. middletownartscenter.com

ƒ Thru July 3. Annual student exhibition • Tami Beale: “Kaleidoscopes of Color”

ƒ July 10-Aug. 28. Chip Williamson: “Between Realms.” Reception: Aug. 2, 6-8 p.m.

Off Ludlow Gallery | 3408 Ormond St., Clifton. 513-201-7153. facebook.com

ƒ July 5-Aug. 18. “Voices from INDIA: Social and Cultural Reflections,” curated by Saad Ghosn

Oxford Community Arts Center | 10 S. College Ave., Oxford. 513-524-8506. oxarts.org

ƒ Thru July 6. “Proud”

Pendleton Art Center | 1310 Pendleton St., Pendleton. 513-421-4339. pendletonartcenter.com

ƒ July 26, 5-9 p.m. Open studios

Pendleton Art Center - Middletown | 1105 Central Ave., Middletown. 513-465-5038. pendletonartcenter.com

ƒ July 5, 5-9 p.m. Open studios

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum | 1763 Hamilton-Cleves Rd., State Route 128, Hamilton. 513-868-1234. pyramidhill.org

ƒ Thru July 28. “Mounds, Moon and Stars”

Queen City Clay | 2760 Highland Ave., Norwood. queencityclay.com

ƒ Thru July 19. Sam Hostert solo show

ƒ July 26-Sept. 6. Hunter Stamps & Cody Schriver paintings and sculpture

Rosewood Arts Centre | Rosewood Gallery, 2655 Olson Dr., Kettering. 937-296-0294. playkettering.org

ƒ Thru July 20. Annual “The View,” juried landscape exhibition

Solway Gallery | 424 Findlay St., West End. 513-621-0069. solwaygallery.com

ƒ Thru Aug. 9. “Fun House”

ƒ July 18-20. Exhibition and memorial for Jay Bolotin (The Carnegie)

Business Counseling

Procurement/Contract Opportunities Certifications through the State (MBE, EDGE, VBE, & WBE) k d d

Studio Kroner showcases the paintings of local artist Jolie Harris in “Intuitive Abstraction,” including “Baja,” shown here, running through July 27

Studio Kroner | 130 W. Court St., downtown. studiokroner.com

ƒ Thru July 27. Jolie Harris: “Intuitive Abstraction.” Artist talk: July 10, 6 p.m.

Summit Hotel | 5345 Medpace Way, Madisonville. 513-527-9900. thesummithotel.com

ƒ Thru Nov. 2. Heather Jones: “A Sort of Homecoming”

Taft Museum of Art | 316 Pike St., Lytle Park, downtown. 513-241-0343. taftmuseum.org

ƒ Thru Sept. 15. “Moment in Time: A Legacy of Photographs / Works from the Bank of America Collection”

ƒ Sundays, 1-3 p.m. Sensory Explorations

Tiger Lily Press | Annex Gallery, Pendleton Art Center, Pendleton. 859-760-6070. tigerlilypress.org

ƒ Thru July 26. “Indelible Ink: Tiger Lily Press Members Exhibition”

Visionaries & Voices | 3841 Spring Grove Ave., Northside.

513-861-4333. visionariesandvoices.com

ƒ July 12-Sept. 6. Artist-in-residence: Julia Green. Reception: July 12, 5-8 p.m.

Warren County Historical Museum | 105 S. Broadway, Lebanon. wchsmuseum.org

ƒ July 12-Aug. 31. “The Esch Collection: A Father and Son Exhibition”

Wash Park Art | 1215 Elm St., Over-theRhine. 513-291-3626. washparkart.com

ƒ July 12-Aug. 31. Maggie Barnes: “Painting McCartney.” Reception: July 12, 5-8 p.m.

Wave Pool Gallery | 2940 Colerain Ave., Camp Washington. wavepoolgallery.org ƒ Thru Sept. 14. “Imagining Abolition”

Weston Art Gallery | Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., downtown. 513-977-4165. cincinnatiarts.org/weston-art-gallery ƒ Thru Aug. 18. Sharareh Khosravani: “Windy Land” • Josie Love Roebuck: “Embracing One’s Wholeness” • Kelly Kroener: “A Place In Space” 

The Datebook

DJ Natalie Jones of Q102 will host festivities for CABVI’s Braille Ale fifth anniversary release party, July 11 at West Side Brewing.

JULY 7, SUNDAY

Envision, Abilities at Bat | 1:40 p.m. Great American Ball Park. Giveaways, information booth, videos, ceremonies, select seating, shoutouts on the scoreboard, special first pitch and on-field parade.

 envisionohio.org

JULY 11, THURSDAY

CABVI, Braille Ale Fifth Anniversary Party | 5-7 p.m. West Side Brewing. Hosted by DJ Natalie Jones, games, giveaways and pizza specials.

 disabilitypridecincy.org/etn/ braille-ale-5th-anniversary-party/

Taft Museum of Art, Mad Hatter’s (Boozy) Tea Party | 7-8:30 p.m. Taft Museum of Art. Bites, drinks, music and interactive theater experience. $45 Taft members; $55 non-members.

 taftmuseum.org/tickets

JULY 15, MONDAY

New Life Furniture Bank, Annual Golf Outing | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oasis Golf Club, Loveland. Golf, lunch and cocktail and awards reception.

 nlfurniture.org/upcoming-events

a

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

JULY 16-18, TUESDAY-THURSDAY

Black Tech Week | Aronoff Center. Workshops, panel discussions, investor matching, keynote speakers and after-hours activities. Tickets: $200; students: $15.

 blacktechweek.com

JULY 18, THURSDAY

Cincinnati Opera, “To Sir, With Love” | 6-9 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. VIP pre-performance cocktail, opening night performance of Paul McCartney’s “Liverpool Oratorio” and post-show party. Black-tie optional. Tickets start at $500.

 cincinnatiopera.org/to-sir-with-love

Taft Museum of Art, Mad Hatter’s (Boozy) Tea Party | 7-8:30 p.m.

Taft Museum of Art. Bites, drinks, music and interactive theater experience.

$45 Taft members; $55 non-members.

 taftmuseum.org/tickets

JULY 20, SATURDAY

AfriFest Cincy: Taste of Africa | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sawyer Point Park. Showcasing African cultures, food, entertainment, fashion show, games and other activities.

 myapnet.org

Brian Brackeen and Candice Matthews Brackeen of Lightship Foundation host Black Tech Week , at the Aronoff Center, July 16-18.

conservation and outreach programs of TMU Biology Field Station. Suggested donation: $15.

 tmuky.us/24rhcc

JULY 29, MONDAY

St. Vincent de Paul, Prescription Fore Fun Golf Outing | 9:45 a.m. Western Hills Country Club. Golf, drinks, lunch, dinner and awards banquet. Tickets: $200; foursome: $800.  svdpcincinnati.org/golf

The Ohio River Paddlefest returns with an expo Aug. 2 and self-propelled excursion, Aug. 3 both at Schmidt Recreation Complex on Riverside Drive.

May We Help, Pickleball Party | 5:30-9:30 p.m. Eastern Hills Tennis Club. Pickleball, buffet dinner and cash bar. Tickets: $75.  maywehelp.org

JULY 27, SATURDAY

Cancer Support Community, Backyard Bash & Car Show: Eastgate | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Eastgate, location TBA. Free family-friendly event including car show, games, crafts, entertainment, food, drinks and giveaways.

 mycancersupportcommunity.org

JULY 27, SATURDAY

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

Thomas More University, Raisin’ Hellbenders: Concert for Conservation | 3-9 p.m. Thomas More University Biology Field Station. Live bluegrass music, guided hikes and tours, paddle on the Ohio River, food and drinks. Proceeds benefit

AUG. 1, THURSDAY

Xavier Jesuit Academy, Community Makeover Day | Bond Hill. Led by Charley Frank, executive director of Reds Community Fund, and P&G’s Matthew Ewing, hundreds of volunteers renovate the former St. Agnes Elementary School.  xavierja.org

AUG. 2, FRIDAY

Adventure Crew, Outdoors for All Expo | 4-9:30 p.m. Schmidt Recreation Complex, East End. Exhibits from local parks, outdoor outfitters, adventure experts and environmentally minded organizations. Hands-on demos, live music, raffles, beer and food trucks. Free and open to public.  ohioriverpaddlefest.org/expo-info

AUG. 3, SATURDAY

Adventure Crew, Ohio River Paddlefest | 7 a.m. Schmidt Recreation Complex, East End. Commodore: Mike Fremont. 4.5- and 9-mile race options available. May use own boat or rent with advance registration. Music, food and beer at postpaddle Finish Line Festival. Registration: $50-$75. Youth rates available.  ohioriverpaddlefest.org

AUG. 7, WEDNESDAY

Companions on a Journey, Vince Munafo Memorial Golf Outing | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Glenview Golf Course. Best ball scramble, lunch, beer garden, dinner, music, putting contest, prizes, awards and Legacy Wall viewing.  givebutter.com/c/2024vmmgolf

AUG. 8, THURSDAY

NKY Chamber, Annual Golf Outing & Clinic | 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Golf Courses of Kenton County. Golf, networking, breakfast, lunch, drinks and vendors. Tickets start at $35.

 web.nkychamber.com

AUG. 14, WEDNESDAY

Pro Seniors, 2024 Seniors Who Rock | 8 a.m. The Summit Hotel, Madisonville. Awards presentation honoring Ohio seniors who help the community.

 proseniors.org

AUG. 15, THURSDAY

The Nuxhall Foundation, Annual Joe Nuxhall Memorial Golf Outing | 10 a.m. The Elks Golf Club, Hamilton. Golfing. Tickets: $300; foursome: $1,200. Sponsorship opportunities available.

 nuxhallmiracleleague.org/golf

AUG. 17, SATURDAY

Cancer Support Community, Backyard Bash & Car Show: NKY | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Northern Kentucky, location TBA. Free family-friendly event including attractions, games and crafts, entertainment, food, drinks and giveaways.

 mycancersupportcommunity.org

Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly, 27th Annual Tom Wess Memorial Golf Outing | Glenview Golf Course, Glendale. Afternoon of golf, food and fun.

 littlebrotherscincinnati.org/ tom-wess-memorial-gold-outing/

AUG. 22-24, THURSDAY-SATURDAY

Leadership for Professional Women of Color | Music Hall Ballroom. Live facilitation, experiential learnings, networking, VIP Day with Tarita Preston, professional life and leadership coach, plus guest facutly. Tickets start at $550.

 taritapreston.com/lpwoc

AUG. 23, FRIDAY

May We Help, Engineering Dreams Gala | 6-11 p.m. Cincinnati Museum Center. Silent auction, open bar, dinner and dancing. Tickets: $150.

 maywehelp.org

AUG. 24, SATURDAY

Building Blocks for Kids, Bubble Blast 4K | 8:30 a.m. Corwin Nixon Park, Mason. Non-timed 4K walk/run/roll, food, music, dancing, games and bubble pits. Tickets: $20 child; $30 adult. Prices increase after Aug. 1.

 bb4k.org/get-involved/events

Cystic Fibrosis, 65 Roses Gala | 6:30 p.m. (6 p.m. VIP reception) Cincinnati Zoo. Open bar with appetizers, exclusive animal encounters, silent and live auctions. After-party on the Africa Deck and Patio. 21 and older. Tickets: $150; VIP: $200.

 events.cff.org/65rosesgalaoh

Easterseals Redwood, Honor Ride | 8:30 a.m. Miami Whitewater Forest. Family friendly, non-competitive bike ride to honor veterans. Registration: $20-$50.

 secure.qgiv.com

AUG. 26, MONDAY

Circle Tail, Golf Classic |

8 a.m. O’Bannon Creek Golf Club. Golf, lunch, drinks, split-the-pot raffle, silent auction and puppy meet-and-greets. Tickets: $175; foursome: $700.

 circletail.org

SEPT. 1, SUNDAY

Best Point, Rockin’ at Riverfest | 5-11 p.m. Smale Riverfront Park.

Co-chairs: Christy and Terry Horan, Betty and Bill Tonne, and Jane and Chip Gerhardt.

 Sponsorships and registration: jbanchy@bestpoint.org

SEPT. 7, SATURDAY

Queen City Korfball, National Korfball Championships | 9 a.m.5 p.m. Norwood High School. Breakfast and silent auction. Free admission.  queencitykorfball.dreamhosters.com

Stepping Stones, Annual Bloom | 7 p.m. Element Eatery, Madisonville. James Bond-themed night with silent auction, casino-themed games, live entertainment and food. Tickets: $150.

 steppingstonesohio.org/bloom-tickets

Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, Diamond Gala | 6:30-10:30 p.m. Sharonville Convention Center.

 ulgso.org/gala

Volunteers will help renovate a former elementary school on behalf of Xavier Jesuit Academy on Aug. 1. The effort will be led by Charley Frank of the Reds Community Fund and P&G brand director Matthew Ewing

Nonprofit Companions on a Journey honors the late Vince Munafo at its golf outing Aug. 7 at Glenview Golf Course.

The Joe Nuxhall Memorial Golf Outing returns Aug. 15 at The Elks in Hamilton.

No doubt Joe’s buddy Marty Brennaman (center) and friends will be there.

Life and leadership coach

Tarita Preston presents Leadership for Professional Women of Color, a three-day symposium beginning Aug. 22 in the Music Hall Ballroom.

COJ founder Sheila Munafo Kanoza with her sons, Tony Munafo and Mike Munafo

SEPT. 12, THURSDAY

Findlay Market, Flavor of Findlay | 6-9:30 p.m. Findlay Market. Tasting stations, wine, silent auction, games, raffle and guest bartender Molly Wellmann. Tickets: $100; VIP: $165.

SEPT. 13, FRIDAY

Bethesda Foundation, For Hospice | Little Miami Brewing Co. Event Center. Food and music. Tickets: $150.

 bethesdafoundation.com

Compass Cincinnati, Cincinnati Rhythm | 6-10 p.m. Cincinnati Museum Center. Food, music, performances and awards.

 cincinnaticompass.org

Ride Cincinnati, Kickoff Party | 5-8 p.m. Music, food and drinks.

 ridecincinnati.org/ride

SEPT. 14, SATURDAY

Alzheimer’s Association, Walk to End Alzheimer’s (Butler & Warren Counties) | 8:30 a.m.-noon. The Square @ Union Centre. Walk to raise funds and awareness in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

 alz.org/cincinnati/events

ArtWorks, Art Off the Walls | Newport Car Barn. Murals brought to life through multidisciplinary art, visual arts, performance and community engagement. Tickets available early summer.

 artworkscincinnati.org

Brighton Center, Wine Over Water | Wines, local craft beer and food. 5:30-9 p.m. Purple People Bridge.

 brightoncenter.com

Children’s Law Center, Boots, Bourbon, & Biscuits Brunch | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Receptions Event Center, Erlanger. Brunch, silent auction, live music, drinks and contests.

 childrenslawky.org/ boots-bourbon-and-biscuits

Forever Kings Building Strong Men Gala | 6-10 p.m. Savannah Center. Celebrating five years. Open bar, plated dinner and live entertainment.

Tickets: $125.

 foreverkingsinc.org

Harriet Beecher Stowe House, 75th Anniversary Celebration | 5 & 8 p.m. Harriet Beecher Stowe House. Interactive open house, beer, live jazz, historic interpreters from 1840, silent auction and restoration reveal tours. Tickets start at $75.

 stowehousecincy.org

Ride Cincinnati, Annual Ride | Sawyer Point Park. Riders utilize designated bicycle lanes with routes of 10, 15, 24, 36 and 64 miles.

 ridecincinnati.org/ride

SEPT. 21, SATURDAY

Cincinnati Hamilton County Community Action Agency, 60th Anniversary Gala | 6-10 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. Cocktail reception, threecourse dinner and live entertainment. Tickets: $175.

 cincycaa.ejoinme.org/CAA60

LADD, Taking Flight Awards | 5:30 p.m. Bally Sports Club, Great American Ball Park. Dinner and awards ceremony. Tickets: $75.

 laddinc.org/tfa

Ovarian Cancer Alliance, Teal Power 5K Run/Walk | 8:30 a.m.

Summit Park. Team photos, music, ven dor booths, raffles and award ceremony.  runsignup.com/tealpower5k

SEPT. 24, TUESDAY

American Jewish Committee, National Human Relations Award | Honoring Steven and Julie Shifman, Tim and Sarah Fogarty.

 ajc.org/cincinnati

SEPT. 26, THURSDAY

Boys Hope Girls Hope, Hearts For Hope Gala

First Financial Club. Honoring U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup with the Heart of Gold award. Cocktail hour, silent auction, raffles, plated dinner, live auction with auctioneer and emcee Susan Johnson, and music by DJ Natalie Jones.  bhghcincinnati.org

Center for Respite Care, Transformation Awards

Emcee: Local 12’s Liz Bonis. Honorees: Respite Care Providers’ Network, John Lomax, Over the Rhine Community Housing, Mary Sheldon and Sister Therese DelGenio.

 centerforrespitecare.org

SEPT. 27, FRIDAY

Healthy Moms and Babes, Annual Dinner Celebration | Clovernook Country Club. Dinner, raffles and bourbon pull.

 healthymomsandbabes.org

SEPT. 28, SATURDAY

Northern Kentucky Children’s Advocacy Center, annual gala | 6 p.m. Airport Marriott. “Enchanting Isles, A Mediterranean Extravaganza” honoring Kelli and Brandon Fohl of Oakmont Lending.

 nkycac.org

People Working Cooperatively, Annual ToolBelt Ball | 5:30 p.m. Manor House, Mason. Black-tie affair with cocktail reception, auctions, raffles, booze pull, entertainment and dinner. Tickets: $175.

 pwchomerepairs.org/toolbeltball

OCT. 3, THURSDAY

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Light the Night | 5:30 p.m. Yeatman’s Cove.  lightthenight.org/Ohio 

More Datebook @ MoversMakers.org

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

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

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*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.

the Van

Saturday, August 3 10am – 1pm

Kenwood Towne Centre (Main entrance next to The Cheesecake Factory)

Give kids the tools they need to succeed in school.

Colored Pencils • Filler Paper

Composition Books • Markers

Crayons • Highlighters • Notebooks

Index Cards • Mechanical Pencils

www.crayons2computers.org

I’ve seen tens of thousands of families come through here, and I just watch the strength of these parents when you have no choice but to be brave and to face what’s ahead of you and to figure it out.

– Jennifer Loeb, CEO, Ronald McDonald House, Cincinnati

Jennifer Loeb stirs ‘secret sauce’ of success at Ronald McDonald House

Inher 25 years as chief executive officer at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati, Jennifer Loeb has overseen the house’s expansion from just 20 rooms when she started to 177 today, making it the second largest of the 380 McDonald Houses worldwide. She’s helped grow the annual budget from $600,000 to $10.5 million.

Throughout her tenure, she’s also worked to build a culture where staff and volunteers love coming to work. They’ve helped meet the needs of thousands of families – 34,091, to be exact –while their critically ill children receive care.

Although she’s undoubtedly helped the organization, it hasn’t been a one-way street.

“This career here has shaped the person I’ve become,” Loeb said. “I’ve grown up in this job and became the person I am because of all the people I’ve met here and how they’ve impacted me.”

‘Life changes in an instant’

Loeb cites losing her father to an embolism when she was 5 years old as a much earlier formative experience.

“What it taught me was that life changes in an instant … and the only way you get through that is the love and support of your family and friends,” the Wyoming resident said. “And it gave me the mindset that even when something tragic happens, life is still beautiful and worth living.”

That perspective dovetails with what she sees at Ronald McDonald House every day.

“I’ve seen tens of thousands of families come through here, and I just watch the strength of these parents when you have no choice but to be brave and to face what’s ahead of you and to figure it out,” she said.

The house seeks to make figuring it out a little easier for families, providing the comforts of home for days, weeks, months or even years while a child is undergoing treatment. Although the average stay is only about a month, families can reside in the house for up to two years, Loeb said.

“The beauty of this house is it gives families a place to land, and it allows parents and other caregivers and siblings to get a good night’s rest and really take care of themselves so they, in turn, can be their best selves at the hospital for their kids,” she said.

Path to the house

The born-and-raised Cincinnatian earned her bachelor’s in journalism and theater at Miami University, followed by a master’s in journalism and health education at Ohio State. After she finished school, she and her then-husband joined the Peace Corps. Her experience in Morocco wasn’t quite what she expected, and parasites sent her home early. However, working in maternal and child health there “definitely informed my future career and my desire to work in nonprofits,” she said.

On returning to Cincinnati, that’s what she did. After briefly serving as grants manager for Welcome House of Northern Kentucky, she spent more than 3 years as administration and development director at First Step Home.

She was only 28 when she applied for the CEO (then “executive director”) position at Ronald McDonald House.

Mike Sewell was board chair back then. Two things stood out to him when Loeb interviewed: Her communication skills and that she had “fire in the belly.”

By Shauna Steigerwald

“She didn’t seem like someone who was going to come in and just be a caretaker,” said Sewell, who is chief financial officer/executive vice president and treasurer at Cincinnati Financial Corporation and a 30-year board member at Ronald McDonald House. “You could tell she had a passion … (she had) the fire in the belly to want to improve things.”

Loeb was attracted to a role that harkened back to her work with children and families in Morocco, and she felt drawn in by the mission –which became even more compelling when, three years into her tenure, she had her first child.

“Once you do that mental shift and can put yourself in that family’s shoes, it just brings a whole different perspective to what they’re going through and what they need,” she said.

Loeb has three children, ages 22, 20 and 12. They occupy much of her time away from the house, along with working in her yard, reading, traveling and spending time with her close-knit group of nonprofit friends. She also has “some slightly eccentric hobbies” – twirling a fire baton, for one. She’d been a majorette in high school and took it back up some 20 years later as a midlife crisis, “mostly to embarrass my kids,” she joked.

A quarter century of ripple effects

Even with her passion for the mission, Loeb never expected to be in her role for a quarter century. She figured she’d stay for five years or so and then see what was next.

Instead, she steered the house through three expansions (and two capital campaigns) to expand its capacity from 20 bedrooms to 48 then to 78 to 177 today (with a waitlist). Demand for

Jennifer Loeb in June with children staying at Ronald McDonald House

rooms has increased over the years as Cincinnati Children’s has grown in size and reputation, she said.

The Cincinnati house has done so well that Loeb is often called upon to share Cincinnati’s successes with other Ronald McDonald Houses around the world.

“We’ve really become a catalyst for great things happening globally,” said board chair Kelly Janszen, who met Loeb about 10 years ago when she first started volunteering at the house.

“That ripple effect is kind of immeasurable,” said Loeb’s sister, Meghan Cummings. “She’s inspired so many people to do their work in a best-in-class way.”

Cummings should know about Loeb’s ripple effect. “I’ve been in nonprofits my whole career thanks to Jenn,” she said. “By watching her in her career, it really inspired me to pursue a similar path.” (Today, Cummings is senior vice president at CF Leads, following a 13-year stint at Greater Cincinnati Foundation.)

Their shared professional path has broadened their relationship beyond a typical sibling bond.

“There’s not a Christmas or Thanksgiving that goes by where we’re not talking shop,” said Cummings, who described her sister’s personality as magnetic. “She’s the first person I call for ideas … I get so much energy and guidance from her.”

Cummings, Janszen and Sewell all cited Loeb’s thoughtfulness and her ability to build relationships as a big contributor to her (and the house’s) success.

“She makes you feel heard and important,” Janszen said.

So it makes sense that beyond physically growing the house, Loeb’s other major focus over the years has been creating a culture where “staff and volunteers love coming to work and being part of this team.”

It’s a sizable team: 73 employees, 300 guest services volunteers and about 4,000 meals and activities volunteers support Ronald McDonald House each year.

“As a nonprofit, the most important factors in your success are being able to fund the mission and having the right people in place to carry out the mission,” Loeb said. “We have a real focus here on hiring the best and most talented people for these roles and then helping them feel challenged and supported and fulfilled as they develop their careers here.”

Loeb said a common misconception about RMH is that it’s fully funded by McDonald’s or that it’s part of Cincinnati Children’s. In reality, each Ronald McDonald House is a separate 501(c)(3) with its own board; McDonald’s and its customers provide 5% of the Cincinnati house’s annual operating budget, she said. “Our doors are kept open by individuals, companies and foundations primarily in this very generous community.”

As evidence of Loeb’s success in culture-building, Sewell cites low employee turnover and high marks on family surveys. Cummings experienced the house’s culture firsthand during her 15 years volunteering there.

“In (Loeb’s) teams, there’s such a sense of camaraderie and love for their jobs,” Cummings said. “I think that’s the secret sauce there, and that’s something she’s helped create.

“She’s really ambitious, but for all the right reasons,” Cummings added. “It’s never an ambition for her to get recognition or be seen as this leader in the community, which she is. She really pushes herself to accomplish more for the families, and I really admire that.”

‘A magical place’

“One thing that strikes me about (Loeb) is just how hopeful and positive she is,” Janszen said. “She lights up a room when she walks in; she’s always got a smile on her face.”

Loeb shows that positivity when friends and family ask whether it’s sad to work around sick children. “What I tell them is, it’s actually a very happy and hopeful house. There’s so much hope that these children will get better and go home,” she said, noting that most do.

Loeb loves seeing the resiliency of children going through surgeries or cancer treatments but who still get excited about making new friends going through something similar. “There’s so much acceptance and love and normalcy here,” she said.

Parents, too, bond over their children’s shared diagnosis or a doctor they have in common. “We have parents who become lifelong friends with people they meet here,” Loeb said.

“This is a magical place,” she added. “Once you walk through the doors, you feel it.”

Loeb encourages everyone to visit the house or sign up to make a meal to experience it for themselves.

“It’s really the best side of humanity,” she said. “It’s what we all hope for – if you have a tragedy or challenge in your life, that people will be there to help catch you when you fall. That’s what happens here every single day.”

“We have an incredible group of dedicated people – the staff, volunteers, the guest families you meet and the board. I can’t imagine being happier anywhere else,” she said. “I’m very lucky.”

Once again, it’s a two-way street. “Our board is behind her 100 percent because she has proven how successful she is and what a fantastic leader she is,” Janszen said. “She just truly dedicates her whole self to the mission. I think it’s amazing that after 25 years, she continues every day, every year, to have a fresh perspective.” 

 rmhcincinnati.org

The Notables

Movers & Makers asked Greater Cincinnati’s nonprofits providing services ancillary to the health care system to introduce their notables to our readers, part of a regular feature highlighting people making a difference in Greater Cincinnati’s nonprofit community.

Jennifer Bross helps families deal with costs of fertility treatment

Jennifer Bross is deeply committed to raising awareness about infertility issues and extending financial assistance to individuals facing such challenges. She is president and co-founder of Parental Hope, a Cincinnati nonprofit driven by volunteers who have triumphed over infertility. As Bross works to bring visibility to the many different pathways to parenthood, she cannot ignore the enormous financial burden of fertility treatment. Her bottom line: No one should have to choose between their dream of expanding their family and avoiding severe financial strain. Through her work with Parental Hope, Bross remains committed to continuing the conversation around women’s health and erasing the stigma of infertility. Outside of work and philanthropy, Bross cherishes moments with her husband, David, and their twins, Violet and Logan. She relishes family trips and embraces an active lifestyle. 

Charla Hale helps women, families get care they need around birth

Charla Hale is the new president and CEO of Healthy Moms and Babes, an organization that supports women and families before and after a birth. Committed to reducing the disparate impact of infant mortality for Black women, Hale and her team educate, advocate for and provide resources to women as they navigate the risks of the perinatal period. Hale brings to the organization a passion and strategic vision that centers on equitable care and patient voice. “I am passionate about ensuring all moms get the care they need and want, and that more babies make it to their first birthday,” Hale said. Outside of work, her activities include public speaking, being a wife and the mother to a 1-year-old, teaching ballet to young girls in Bond Hill, and trying to practice what she preaches to her team and patients, making time for self-care that goes beyond taking the occasional nap. 

Ben Nunery turns experience of loss into helping others facing grief

As a board member at Cancer Family Care, Ben Nunery truly gets the mission. Nunery used Cancer Family Care services when his first wife, Ali, died of cancer, leaving him to raise their very young daughter alone. Nunery fulfilled a promise to Ali to continue his work with his CFC therapist even after her death. As part of that therapeutic work, he was able to accept it’s OK to move on after the loss of a spouse. He reconnected with a friend, Lesley, who had lost her husband to cancer while she was pregnant. The couple ended up getting married and are now raising Olivia, Kaiser and Nash, whom they welcomed shortly after blending their families. Nunery works tirelessly to spread the mission of CFC, especially to men who are grieving the loss of a spouse. When not at work, Nunery enjoys camping with his family. He also wrote a book about rock ’n’ roll concert posters. 

Bob

McEwan’s leadership

advances Alzheimer’s Association

Robert (Bob) McEwan has been an invaluable influence in the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Cincinnati Chapter for more than 10 years. He has served in numerous volunteer positions including the board of directors, helped raise millions of dollars and helped steer the chapter in serving the Greater Cincinnati community. McEwan was given the organization’s annual Courage and Hope award at the Spring Gala to recognize his contributions. He wrote “Five Fundamentals to Unleash Millennial Talent,” a book that focuses his leadership development theories on the Millennial generation. He keeps busy in the business world as founder of Bob McEwan Management Consulting, where he works with companies on management, manufacturing and introducing advanced technologies. Once upon a time, McEwan was a high school math teacher. He loves spending time with his family and grandchildren and hopes that they never have to face the devastation of Alzheimer’s. 

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Roger Henthorn brings humor, hard work to foundation’s mission

Roger Henthorn recently received the Volunteer Extraordinaire Award from the Aubrey Rose Foundation for his unwavering dedication and enthusiasm. The organization helps families caring for children with life-threatening illnesses. Henthorn, a part-time delivery driver for Lutz Flowers, finds time to help with ARF events, arriving with a smile and readiness to pitch in. His vibrant personality and humor bring a joyous energy to ARF. His lightheartedness creates an atmosphere of fun and camaraderie, making even the busiest days more enjoyable. Henthorn has a talent for uplifting spirits and bringing people together, which is just as valuable as the physical help he provides. He has a reliability and willingness to go above and beyond. In his spare time, Henthorn plays music for a weekly clogging group. His music library would likely rival that of a radio station. 

Kelly Schoen works to provide community support for cancer patients

To Kelly Schoen, Community Is Stronger than Cancer is much more than just the motto of the organization she oversees, Cancer Support Community. She works relentlessly so cancer patients and their loved ones have the support they need and deserve. A trained social worker, Schoen began at CSC as program manager and now serves as executive director. Her passion for community drives the CSC team to deliver over 150 free programs every month. Schoen’s dedication to advancing CSC’s health equity work has helped the organization achieve incredible growth over the last few years in under-resourced communities in need of cancer support. She’s also provided her team with a firm foundation in cultural competency and advocacy. Most nights you can find her spending cherished personal time bringing family together or making new friends at live music concerts.

Amanda Witt helps stressed families find carefree fun and adventure

Amanda Witt has been a pillar within the A Kid Again community since 2019. A Kid Again provides year-round cost-free, carefree adventures for families raising children with life-threatening conditions. These adventures allow families to take a time out from their child’s medical journey and focus on having fun together, while creating a community of support. Witt, who has served in various positions within the organization, is development manager for Southwest Ohio. Throughout her time with A Kid Again, she has cultivated meaningful relationships with the families, while gaining perspective on the importance of community and corporate support. Witt knows firsthand how important an adventurous spirit is for the soul. If not at an A Kid Again Adventure, you can find her traveling with her wife and kids. There is not an hour of PTO that goes to waste! 

Emily Murray ensures foundation brings fun to women living with breast cancer

Emily Murray is the driving force behind the Karen Wellington Foundation’s operational excellence. As director of operations since 2019, Murray orchestrates all the logistical intricacies and manages donations for KWF, ensuring that the organization can fulfill its mission of putting fun on the calendars of women and families living with breast cancer. Her dedication has been instrumental in enabling KWF to provide fun to over 3,000 recipients. When she’s not supporting KWF, Murray is likely outdoors exploring nature or cheering on FC Cincinnati. Her commitment to both her work and personal interests reflects her caring spirit and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the world. 

Matt Neitzke’s illness began Dragonfly’s support for pediatric cancer patients

When Matt Neitzke was 10 years old, he became ill and had continuous problems breathing. His parents brought him to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center for treatment and learned that Neitzke had Hodgkin lymphoma. The family focused on saving their son and preserving a somewhat normal life for their oldest son, Sam. Through this experience and Neitzke’s determination, the family created The Dragonfly Foundation to support patients and other families faced with pediatric cancer and has helped more than 7,800 patients to date. Since the inception of the foundation, Neitzke has dedicated time and mentorship to children living with cancer. He volunteers regularly, advocates for the organization and encourages everyone he meets. Now a senior at Miami University, Neitzke enjoys surfing, skiing, hiking and playing bass guitar. 

Michael Rice of Rosemary’s Babies leads with passion and joy

Michael Rice play a critical role for Rosemary’s Babies and its founder, Rosemary Oglesby-Henry. As administrator/volunteer manager, he is vital to the organization, but he means everything to the teen parents and their babies the organization serves. Rice joined the staff in 2022, but he has been a close associate with Oglesby-Henry since 2015. He believed in her vision and was the first volunteer. Rice is a leader and confidant. Rice is trustworthy, honest and has a passionate heart. He helps teen parents through the organization’s hotline and social media group. He is the welcoming face when babies enter the building, and together they light up the room with joy. Rice ensures volunteers have a memorable learning experience. He tells others the organization gives him life. Rice’s favorite hobby is cooking and his co-workers love his delicious desserts. 

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Nonprofit News

United Way names co-chairs for 2024 Community Campaign

United Way of Greater Cincinnati is turning to a pair of top health care executives to spearhead its yearly fundraising drive.

The 2024 Community Campaig cochairs are Deborah Hayes and Dr. Steve Davis. Hayes is the president and CEO of The Christ Hospital Health Network and Davis holds the same position at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Davis serves on the United Way board of directors, and Hayes is a recent member.

This is the first time a pair of leaders from separate organizations will direct the Community Campaign, UWGC’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

Moira Weir, UWGC president and CEO, described Hayes and Davis as “extraordinary leaders” who bring passion and highly respected leadership to this role.

No fundraising goal was given.

 uwgc.org/ways-to-give

Two nonprofits celebrate exceptional school partners

More than 600 elementary students at Roberts Academy and Stewart Elementary received new books and bookmarks, and the schools received essential classroom and teaching supplies. Queen City Book Bank and Crayons to Computers honored the schools for their dedication to students and families.

In addition, the Mercantile Library donated canvas totes and complimentary library memberships to the schools’ teachers.

Queen City Book Bank and Crayons to Computers plan similar collaborations to honor teachers and schools.

 queencitybookbank.org

Fund to provide financial support to gender-based violence survivors

Women Helping Women has launched a $500,000 fund to increase support resources to survivors of gender-based violence who face significant economic challenges.

The Cincinnati-based nonprofit noted that the more than 8,000 survivors it works with tend to experience greater-than-usual need for real-time resources to allow them and their children to reach safety.

To address those issues, WHW has committed more than $100,000 annually into its new Survivor Equity Fund to cover the immediate safety and housing needs of survivors across the region. The agency also plans to allocate $100,000 of its investment income back into the fund each year to ensure the balance never drops below $500,000.

In the next 24 months, WHW’s goal is to amplify the fund to $1.5 million and invest at least $300,000 annually. The Survivor Equity Fund is part of WHW’s new three-year strategic plan.

 womenhelpingwomen.org

Joseph House cuts ribbon on new facility in Camp Washington

Joseph House has a new home.

The veteran support organization relocated from Over-the-Rhine to its three-story facility in Camp Washington following a successful capital campaign that began in July 2022. The nonprofit received gifts from public and private donors, including major contributions from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the city of Cincinnati, Disabled American Veterans, the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, the Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Fund-Fifth Third Bank and the Ohio Valley Foundation-Fifth Third Bank.

The Colerain Avenue complex has 58 beds for treatment, 46 of which are single-occupancy rooms with a bed and private bathroom. The

building also has a common kitchen, laundry room, meeting and recreational space, a medical room and spaces for telehealth visits and service delivery.

The site also provides the infrastructure to allow Joseph House to provide inpatient treatment to female veterans for the first time. The facility also has ADA-compliant rooms and accommodations to welcome and better serve clients with mobility issues.

Total project costs weren’t made available.

 josephhouse.com

Master Provisions buys Independence land for new HQ

Faith-based nonprofit Master Provisions has completed the purchase of a 3.7-acre plot in Independence that will eventually serve as the site of its new resource distribution center and headquarters.

Closing on the Toebben Drive property concluded a 14-month fundraising period in which MP raised $5.2 million toward a $7 million goal. Those funds will enable the organization to construct an expandable facility that will begin at roughly 30,000 square feet.

The final purchase cost for the land wasn’t made available. A construction timeline isn’t yet available either.

The Borland Family Distribution Center in Florence has served as MP’s base of operations since 2010. However, the organization has outgrown the 17,500-square-foot facility in recent years, according to MP President Shane Armstrong.

Founded in 1994, MP now distributes more than 3.7 million pounds of food annually to 270 partner agencies in parts of Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia. It also provides clothing and other resources to those in need.

MP donations support about 81,000 people each month.

 masterprovisions.org

Joseph House Executive Director Alicia Patterson speaks during a celebration for the organization’s new Camp Washington facility.

Deborah Hayes (left) and Dr. Steve Davis (right), co-chairs for this year’s UWGC Community Campaign, with UWGC CEO Moira Weir (center)

Sarah Westrich of Crayons to Computers (center) and Michelle Otten Guenther and Annie Schneider of Queen City Book Bank unload supplies at an elementary school.

New base for Dragonfly Center opens on Oak Street in Avondale

Representatives of Greater Cincinnati’s healthcare and philanthropic communities came together in early June for the grand opening of The Farmer Family Dragonfly Center in Avondale. The new addition, made possible by a grant from The Farmer Family Foundation, more than doubles the base of operations for The Dragonfly Foundation, which supports pediatric cancer patients as well as family members and caregivers.

The center is located in the newly renovated carriage house adjacent to the historic Hauck-Heine House, which serves as Dragonfly headquarters. The 0.68-acre site features the main house, the carriage house, ample parking and a beautifully wooded yard. The center is intended as a safe space for patients and families while fostering connections among those navigating similar challenges.

The project cost $850,000.

Since 2010, Dragonfly has cared for 7,786 patients and families in Cincinnati and Chicago.

 dragonfly.org

Pig Works names longtime volunteer new CEO

Pig Works, the parent organization of the Flying Pig Marathon, appointed Doug Olberding as its new president and CEO. Longtime executive Iris Simpson Bush is moving into the role of director of community engagement for Pig Works.

Olberding, a retired Xavier University professor, has been a board member of the Flying Pig Marathon for more than 20 years. He is an expert in the field of sports economics and created the formula for the Flying Pig Marathon economic impact report. Olberding has also completed seven marathons.

 flyingpigmarathon.com

Fellowship program helps cities address climate change

Green Umbrella launched a new fellowship program to help local governments in Greater Cincinnati develop plans to address climate change.

The Climate Action Fellowship pairs undergraduate and graduate students, and individuals who want to pivot to careers in the climate space, with Green Umbrella members to develop and execute practical plans and solutions for a changing climate.

Green Umbrella is a nonprofit that works with policymakers and community leaders in parts of Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky to accelerate regional climate action.

Participating government officials receive research support and assistance in sustainability planning. Fellows receive experience working in the public sector, networking opportunities and professional development support.

Initially, three cities are taking part in the fellowship program – Covington, Milford and Oxford.

To date, Oxford and Cincinnati are the only jurisdictions in Green Umbrella’s three-state, 10-county region to develop formal climate action plans. These plans focus on areas such as equity and community resilience.

Greater Cincinnati Foundation supported the 2024 Climate Action Fellowship.

 greenumbrella.org

Cincinnati celebrates Disability Pride this July

The Cincinnati region is joining a national celebration of Disability Pride this July with a series of events focused on raising support and awareness for those with disabilities.

Disability Pride commemorates the passage of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. The historic piece of legislation created protections for the rights of people with disabilities in areas such as accommodations, transportation, employment, communications and access to state and federal programs.

Over the years, these national celebrations have become month-long celebrations of Disability Pride throughout July.

This year, local activities include proclamations from the city of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, as well as other accessible art and culture events, such as “Sensory Explorations” at the Taft Museum of Art.

The full schedule is available on the Disability Pride Cincy website.

 disabilitypridecincy.com

Mercy Kings Mills opens walking trail

Mercy Health-Kings Mills Hospital inaugurated the Cintas walking trail encircling the hospital’s campus. The newly unveiled walking trail aims to promote physical activity and well-being. It links Kings High School to the hospital and offers a secure, picturesque path for people to enjoy.

 mercy.com

Pig Works executive Iris Simpson Bush is stepping down to take a new role with the organization. Board member Doug Olberding is the new president and CEO.

Climate Action fellows David Naibei, Elese Daniel and Ella O’Maley will work with the cities of Oxford, Covington and Milford, respectively.

Local officials gathered in early June to cut the ribbon on the new Farmer Family Dragonfly Center.

The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio named Janice Liebenberg as its new senior vice president of development. Liebenberg brings nearly 20 years of fundraising experience to the league, having most recently served as vice president of equitable arts advancement for ArtsWave.

Cincinnati Opera welcomed Ken Wetstein as its new chief development officer. A seasoned development professional, Wetstein previously held positions at St. Louis College of Pharmacy, Defiance College and Eastern Illinois University. He also served as vice president of development at the Toledo Symphony Orchestra.

Savannah Sullivan, Green Umbrella’s senior director of programs and climate strategy, is the new chair of Cincinnati’s Environmental Advisory Board. The city created the board last year as a resource for efforts to combat climate change, improve community health and position Cincinnati as a leader in climate and sustainability initiatives.

Renee Berlon stepped into a new role as GreenLight Fund ’s first director of expansion. She joined the national nonprofit network in August 2022 as development manager after more than four years with The Society of St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati. In her new role, Berlon is focusing on GreenLight’s strategy and relationship-building in cities where the organization is expanding.

MUSE, Cincinnati Women’s Choir, has selected Reina Dickey as its new artistic director. Dickey served as the choir’s interim director last season. She’s the fourth full-time artistic director in MUSE’s 40-year history.

Cincinnati Works has promoted Teddy Gumbleton to chief development officer. He has held the position on an interim level since April. Since joining Cincinnati Works in 2021, Gumbleton has overseen and managed a portfolio of corporate and foundation donors valued at over $700,000.

Ohio River Foundation has hired Allison Gerrety as its development director. Gerrety served as philanthropy officer with Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity, and before that was capital campaign manager for Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.

Keitaro Harada is returning to Southern Ohio as the music and artistic director of the Dayton Philharmonic Harada, commonly known as Kei, was the associate conductor for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra from 2015 to 2019. He will begin as music director designate during the 2024-25 season, becoming music and artistic director on July 1, 2025.

The College of Medicine at the University of Cincinnati Foundation has hired Sara Kahmann as its new associate director of development. Kahmann previously served as development director at Women’s Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. She has also held development roles at Women Helping Women of SW Ohio and Welcome House of Northern Kentucky.

HomeBase Cincinnati has elected three new board members – board treasurer Kathy Laker Schwab, University of Cincinnati professor Hayden Shelby and Meredith Whitehead, CEO of The Cedric Group. HomeBase works to enhance local neighborhoods through community building, housing and economic development efforts.

Melissa Meyer is the new president and CEO of IPM Food Pantry in Clermont County. Meyer has more than 30 years of service in the nonprofit and government sectors. The former nurse most recently served as executive director of Churches Active in Northside, or CAIN, overseeing its food pantry, community hub and anti-poverty advocacy work.

Talbert House has named longtime staffer Christopher Gibbs its new director of court and corrections. Gibbs’ relationship with the Talbert House dates back nearly two decades.

School Board School has selected Jeremy Jones – a longtime educator with a background in policy – as its new CEO. Jones served for nearly two years as the executive director of EAGLE College Preparatory Schools in Phoenix, Arizona. He is replacing Elisa Hoffman, who is staying with the organization in a newly created strategy position.

Rachel McCarthy is the new vice president of development for the Greater Cincinnati American Heart Association. McCarthy joined the association in 2017 and has served in several roles, most recently as vice president of Heart Challenge, overseeing AHA events including the Heart Mini and CycleNation.

Laurel Nelson, CEO of The Center for Respite Care, has been elected as the chair of the steering committee for national The Respite Care Providers’ Network . The network was established 20 years ago to provide support for more than 160 medical respite programs across the country. The committee facilitates this support.

Cincinnati Public Radio station WVXU welcomed Isabel Nissley as its newest reporter. The Ohio University graduate will focus on environmental issues facing the region.

Healthy Visions – a nonprofit focused on youth programming – is promoting Landra White to the position of executive director. He has been with the organization for 10 years, most recently as program director. Founder and Executive Director Carole Adlard is stepping down after more than 39 years, assuming the new role of grants manager. 

Isabel Nissley

Christopher Gibbs Rachel McCarthy Meredith Whitehead Landra White Laurel Nelson Melissa Meyer Jeremy Jones Hayden Shelby

Kathy Schwab Sara Kahmann Keitaro Harada

Teddy Gumbleton Allison Gerrety

Reina Dickey

Renee Berlon

Savannah Sullivan

Ken Wetstein

Janice Liebenberg

Gifts & Grants

Donors make record gifts to ArtsWave campaign

ArtsWave set a record in its community fundraising campaign, securing $12.5 million over three months plus. That topped the previous mark of $12.4 million in 2017.

ArtsWave celebrated the success during an event at the Taft Museum of Art, noting that it had collected $2 million from 160 business executives and community leaders through its “Leaders for Cincy Arts” initiative for new and increased gifts of more than $5,000.

More than 22,000 individual donors and more than 400 companies and foundations participated in the campaign.

ArtsWave supports more than 150 arts organizations, projects and artists each year.

 artswave.org/ways-to-give/ways-to-give

Xavier receives $4M gift toward future medical school

Xavier University received a $4 million donation to support the creation of a new on-campus College of Osteopathic Medicine.

The gift came from orthopedic surgeon and longtime Xavier University trustee Dr. Robert Heidt Jr. and his wife, Julia Heidt, along with the Adam R. Scripps Foundation. Julia Heidt is a member of the Scripps family.

The college will become the first Jesuit Catholic osteopathic medical school in the United States. The inaugural class will begin in 2027.

 xavier.edu/200/college-of-medicine

State grant to help CAC make green upgrades

The Contemporary Arts Center received a $268,500 grant from the state of Ohio to make its downtown facility more energy-efficient.

CAC plans to use the money from the Advanced Energy Fund to balance its existing

air handling unit systems, replace a building automation system and automate monthly energy reporting.

Beyond making the museum environmentally greener, the upgrades also aim to cut down on utility costs, leaving the organization with money to spend on things such as programming.

CAC was one of six recipients from the grant program, administered by the Ohio Department of Development. The city of Springdale is getting $641,813.

 contemporaryartscenter.org

Main Street Ventures awards $222K to promising startups

Main Street Ventures awarded more than $222,000 in equity-free funding to 12 local entrepreneurs as part of the organization’s celebration of 25 years supporting local startups.

The funding is part of the Cincinnati-based nonprofit’s first grant cycle of 2024 for the Leap and Launch programs as well as the Cincinnati State Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses x Main Street Ventures pitch event.

The Leap program provides promising, revenue-generating businesses with $10,000 to $30,000. Launch program participants – emerging, pre-revenue businesses at the prototype or product stage – receive $5,000 to $10,000.

Recipients ranged from a technology firm creating carbon dioxide conversion devices to a company creating new feminine health products.

Details about the businesses are available on the organization’s website.

 mainstventures.org

Santa Maria Services uses Scripps Fund grant for literacy camps

Santa Maria Community Services, Inc. received $30,000 from the Scripps Howard Fund to support the creation of summer camps to help prepare children for kindergarten.

Funding will go toward Santa Maria’s Promoting Our Preschoolers Program, or POP, which serves the Price Hill area. The initiative includes a five-week Kindergarten Readiness Event at Rapid Run Park, featuring interactive stories and crafts to enhance cognitive and fine motor skills.

Funding will also support additional seasonal reading camps in the spring and summer of 2025.

 santamaria-cincy.org

Bengals’ Iosivas selects United Way for foundation grant

Cincinnati Bengals receiver Andrei Iosivas selected United Way of Greater Cincinnati to receive a $10,000 grant from the JD Finish Line Foundation.

Iosivas presented the check to Moira Weir, United Way president and CEO, at JD Sports in Kenwood Towne Centre. He also handed out $250 gift cards to members of the Youth Advisory Board of Hamilton County, which works to influence policies related to young people in foster care.

Iosivas stuck around to answer questions, sign autographs and enjoy lunch with several kids.

 uwgc.org/ways-to-give

Cincinnati ToolBank receives three grants

The Cincinnati ToolBank received three grants to support a variety of programs and operational needs.

Greater Cincinnati Foundation provided $10,000 to support TookBank’s new Training Center and $2,500 to support the SchoolBank Summer Career Exploration Camp.

The Charles H. Dater Foundation donated $20,000 to support the camp, which launched in June.

 cincinnatitoolbank.org 

ArtsWave campaign co-chairs Jon Moeller and Lisa Sauer with ArtsWave CEO Alecia Kintner

Jennifer Burch (left), owner of The Lil Goodie Shoppe, received a Leap grant from Main Street Ventures. Also pictured are Main Street Ventures’ Abby Ober, director of engagement, and Sean Parker, executive director.

Moira Weir, UWGC president and CEO, with Bengals’ receiver Andrei Iosivas and Art Crew, JD Sports

Dancers, supporters gather for Ballet’s gala 60th anniversary performance

Cincinnati Ballet celebrated its 60th anniversary with a one-night-only performance at the Aronoff Center. More than 1,110 supporters, community partners, sponsors, academy families and former dancers saw performances by the ballet’s company members, as well as an emotional final performance and curtain call by Cervilio Miguel Amador, former Cincinnati Ballet principal dancer and current interim artistic director. After retiring from his dancing career during the pandemic, Amador decided to return to the stage for one final bow at the 60th anniversary event.

The evening culminated in a grand défilé (“big parade”), where students from the Otto M. Budig Academy joined company members and alumni dancers on stage in a demonstration of Cincinnati Ballet’s past, present and future.

Presented by PNC Bank, the celebration raised more than $300,000 to support the company’s stage performances, extensive educational and community programs, and the Otto M. Budig Academy.

 cballet.org

Shekhar Mitra, Anu Mitra, Pam Weber and Warren F. Weber

Rico Grant, Zahki Davis, Kristin Fishbaugh and Chris Fishbaugh

Clockwise, from far left: Dick Rosenthal, Clifford Williams, Kitty Rosenthal, Keith Harsh, Kathryn Harsh, Lisa Stone, Joel Stone, Matthew Randazzo, Gitu Randazzo and Alecia Kintner

Former Cincinnati Ballet board chairs George Wilkinson, Kelly Brown, Debbie Brant and Otto M. Budig; Artistic Director Emerita Victoria Morgan; Music Director Emeritus Carmon DeLeone; former board chairs Rhonda Sheakley, Kathy Selker and Joel Stone

Brian L. Tiffany leads guests in a toast to Cincinnati Ballet’s 60 years.

Director Cervilio Miguel Amador, who has retired from performing, takes his final bow as a dancer.

Jennifer Knight Zelkind, Diane Rumpke, Bill Rumpke, Jonathan Theders, Heather Theders, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, William Haley, Marcy Swisher and Chet Swisher

Principal dancers Melissa Gelfin De-Poli and Rafael Quenedit perform a pas de deux from Victoria Morgan’s “Romeo and Juliet.”

Photos by hiroM Platt and Paige Pederzani

Over-the-Rhine Chamber hosts annual awards show, dinner

The Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce brought back it annual OTR Awards Show. With a plated dinner from A Catered Affair and a sweet treat from Cora's Cakery, this event was filled with good bites, good fun and recognition of award winners.

The award categories, with their winners:

• The Good Neighbor Award: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

• The OTR Spirit Award: The late John Coleman Jr., a chamber board member

• Rising Star Award: Coffia Coffee Shop

• You Made A Difference Award: Chamber board member Jennifer Corry

• Young Entrepreneur Award: Maria Liliana Biondo of Ugo Gelato

• Business of the Year: 4EG (Four Entertainment Group)

 otrchamber.com

zoo la la 2024

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Vehicle sponsor

Zoo Troop sponsors

Ed & Joann Hubert

Zoo camp sponsors

In Loving Memory of Joseph Haas Sr. Foundation presenting sponsor

Maria Liliana Biondo of Ugo Gelato

Lettie Van Hemert of Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

Jennifer Corry, You Made A Difference Award winner

Family of the late John Coleman Jr.: his son, former wife, mother and father Bob Deck of 4EG

Christian Martin Gonzales and Edna Quiroga, co-owners of Coffia Coffee Shop

Cincy Shakes’ REVEL honors Tecklenburg

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company welcomed donors and supporters to “REVEL & Rollick,” a gala and benefit performance of “The Play That Goes Wrong.”

Raising over $118,000 for “Shakespeare For All,” the event honored Don Tecklenburg with the 2024 Globe Award in recognition of his extraordinary giving history and service at CSC.

REVEL was presented by Johnson Investment Counsel and supported by Blue Rose Supply, Kelley Downing and David Downing, Rick and Melissa Eder, EY, Frost Brown Todd, GBBN, The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation, Debby and Jim Mason, Vicky and Rick Reynolds, Rosemary and Mark Schlachter, and David Smith.

 cincyshakes.com

Sponsors Rick Reynolds and Vicky Reynolds with Brian Isaac Phillips (center)

“The

Sara Clark, Globe Award honoree

Don Tecklenburg, Linda Tecklenburg and

Carolyn Adam and Paul Adam with Steve Kane and his son

Mallory Decker, Nick Decker, Julie Villemez and Andy Villemez

Representing sponsor Frost Brown Todd: George Yund and Nancy Yund with Brian Isaac Phillips

Rosalyn Fuller, hosts Mark Schlachter and Rosemary Schlachter and Ena Nearon

Hosts Jim Mason, Debby Mason, Nancy Lippincott and Jonathan Lippincott

The cast of

Play That Goes Wrong”

Representing host GBBN: Jim Kinney and Marcie Kinney

Pamela Jean Shaffer and host David Smith

Jessica Ruebusch with hosts

Melissa Eder and Rick Eder

Hosts Sherry Hughes and Myron Hughes of Blue Rose Supply

Brian Isaac Phillips

Golf event helps Ronald McDonald House families

The Red Shoe Crew, the young professionals' group of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati, held its largest fundraising event, Par-Tee Fore the House, at Topgolf in West Chester. The event featured Topgolf play, brunch, drinks, raffles and more, with all proceeds supporting families of Cincinnati’s Ronald McDonald House. This year’s event raised nearly $11,000.

The Red Shoe Crew organizes activities, serves meals, assists with fundraising and events and much more to support sick children and their families living in the Ronald McDonald House.

rmhcincinnati.org

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Golfers took swings to raise money for the local Ronald McDonald House.

Red Shoe Crew board chair Niki Roland and Susan Hagemeyer

Top golfers of the event: Ed Slaughterback, Lee Ann Slaughterback, Kim DiMichele, Kristen Klein, Andy Klein and Eric DiMichele

Ellie Young and Sarah Gordon greet golfers.

Red Shoe Crew board chair Niki Roland addresses the crowd.

Children’s Theatre raises $140K at Glass Slipper Gala

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati hosted nearly 200 guests at the Glass Slipper Gala at the Netherland Hilton downtown. The event raised close to $140,000 for the nation's oldest theater for young audiences.

CTC presented the Glass Slipper Award to PNC Bank and Warren F. Weber, the bank’s regional president for Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

Lee Ault Carter, president of The Thomas J. Emery Memorial, received the Enchanted Award.

Bob Herzog of Local 12 served as emcee and auctioneer. Juno Brosos and JT Langlas, who played Cinderella and her Prince in TCT's February 2024 production of “Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella: Youth Edition,” performed.

Event co-chairs included John F. Barrett, Leigh Fox, Kay Geiger, Louis Guttman, Colleen Haas and Jay Rammes.

 thechildrenstheatre.com

Mary Horton and Peter Horton

Lee Ault Carter and Shannon Carter, Marjorie Anderson and Jim Anderson

Maribeth Rahe, Marty Rahe and Kim Kern

Roderick Justice, Madeleine H. Gordon and Warren F. Weber

Jennifer Hummel and David Hummel Jr.

Kristin Riepenhoff Zelinskas, Laura Menge and Isabella Frueh

Krista Katona Pille, Roderick Justice, emcee Bob Herzog and Cali Herzog

Charlie Schiff and Christine Schiff

Warren Weber and Pam Weber

Allison Kropp, honorees Lee Ault Carter and Warren F. Weber, Kim Kern and Roderick Justice

Michael Inman, Kendra Mapp and Robert Killins Jr.

John Barrett and Florence Koetters

Kitty Rosenthal and Dick Rosenthal

Julie Randall, Jennifer Dakers, Niall de Lacy and Carolyn de Lacy

Photos: Paige Pederzani Photogra Phy

Rey of Light sets record for school’s fundraising

DePaul Cristo Rey High School’s recent Rey of Light Scholarship Benefit for Students raised the most money in the event’s history. Sponsorships, silent and live auction bidding and a paddle raise combined to raise more than $825,000 for financial aid for DPCR students.

Chairs for the event were Lisa Ciccia, Chuck Ciccia, Tammy Silvestri and Tony Silvestri. One of the night’s highlights was the Fund-A-Need paddle raise, which raised over $400,000 for tuition assistance. A video created by students in DPCR’s film program helped to inspire the bidders.

DePaul Cristo Rey is a Catholic, college-preparatory high school for young people who have the potential but limited financial means to go to college. The school’s academic program combines with a corporate work-study program not available at any other local high school. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, DPCR is one of 39 high schools in the nationwide Cristo Rey network, which serves 12,300 young people.

 depaulcristorey.org

Students Yirialis (left) and Ahmed (right) greet Susie Lame and John Lame as they arrive at Rey of Light.

DPCR board member Kathleen Hidy looks on as her husband, Richard Hidy, bids during the live auction.

DPCR supporter Doug Miller bids during the live auction.

DPCR staff members Carol Jackson and Edna Gibbs sell raffle tickets for a Reds game package.

DPCR board member Chuma Ekwueme and his wife, Swazi Ekwueme

DPCR sophomore Yirialis and graduate Donald Whittle served as emcees with DPCR President Siobhan Taylor.

Rey of Light chairs

Chuck Ciccia, Lisa Ciccia, Tammy Silvestri and Tony Silvestri with DPCR President Siobhan Taylor (center).

Dancing for the Stars raises funds for arts education

Dancing for the Stars, the Cincinnati Arts Association’s largest annual fundraiser, raised more than $70,000 for arts education programs including the Overture Awards, the nation’s largest locally run high school arts scholarship competition.

Deb Schubert of Procter & Gamble and professional dancer James Branham of Arthur Murray Dance Studio-West Chester, were crowned champions at the event in the Music Hall Ballroom.

Scott Allgyer, owner of Studio 900, took the Fundraising Champion award as the celebrity who raised the most money through ticket sales and donations – more than $17,000.

The teams of Schubert and Branham and second-place winners Alex Johns of Coldwell Banker and Bonita Brockert, an independent dance instructor, both received perfect scores. The audience decided the winner via an applause meter.

 cincinnatiarts.org

Third-place winners: dance pro Josh Tilford and Hali Jungers

Professional dancer Melissa Vaughn in step with Zack Thornton

Second-place winners: Alex Johns and dance pro Bonita Brockert

Judges Brock Leah Spears, Bret Schneider, Sebastian Castillo and Douglas Beal

The crowd at Dancing for the Stars

Committee chair Tracey Skales

Dance pro Maura Garuccio and fundraising champion Scott Allgyer

Magdalena Kerschner and dance professional Jeremy Mainous

Pro dancer James Branham and Deb Schubert, dance champions

Dance champions Deb Schubert and pro dancer James Branham

Derby Day breaks record for Taft Museum

Almost 400 people donned their best fascinators and fashions in support of A Race to the Taft on Kentucky Derby Day. The event grossed over $305,000, breaking an all-time fundraiser record for the Taft Museum of Art.

Money raised from the gala helps support Taft’s free educational programs such as Art for All, Artists Reaching Classrooms and Family Fundays.

Lights, Camera, Action: M&M happy hour at Cinema OTR

Movers & Makers held its June Mix & Mingle Happy Hour at Cinema OTR. This monthly, casual event gives friends and fans of the publication an opportunity to convene, commiserate and make new connections over light bites and adult beverages. We would love to have you attend and hang out with us.

On Wednesday, July 10, we will gather at Home Court Tavern, formerly Sinners & Saints, 2062 Riverside Drive. Register using the QR code on Page 4.

 moversmakers.org

Guests sipped on mint juleps, enjoyed Southerninspired fare by Jeff Thomas Catering, danced to live music by DJ Natalie Jones and savored a bourbon tasting at the barrel bar provided by Northside Distilling Co. Guests also placed bets on the Derby in a split-the-pot contest; the winner took home over $1,300.

 taftmuseum.org

A Race to the Taft committee: Kelsey Bahl, Mike Franz, Nate McNamara, Benny Russert, John Lawrence (co-chair), Madeline Lawrence (co-chair), Sonya McNamara, Roo Rosenkrantz (co-chair), Kelsey Rosenkrantz (co-chair), Amy Russert, Kailey Farmer, Laura Pease, Phillip Long, Shannon Carter, Ron Bates, Randy Lasley, Sarah Jane Meek and Dara Kendall. Not pictured: Gemma Brown, Robin Clark, Paula Comisar and Maria McLaughlin.

Charlie Gonzalez, Green Umbrella; Thom Mariner, Movers & Makers; Lynn Smith, Playhouse in the Park; Beth Benson, Leadership Council for Nonprofits; and Amanda Jenkins, Strive Together

Melissa McDonald and Azalea Laverde, both of World Affairs Council

Sian Bitner-Kearney, Rock Your Beauty; Elizabeth Mariner, Movers & Makers; Elliot Draznin

Vanessa Macy, Alex Stillpass and Lindsay Spaulding all with Activities Beyond the Classroom

Maria Dehne, Cincinnati Children’s, and Brian Hiles, Elder High School

Shasta Taber, Movers & Makers volunteer, with Sonya Whaley

Brant Fischer, Messer Construction; Bruce Kinter, Samaritan Car Care Clinic; and Peter Landesman, NLIGC

Photos: Margo sha PPie and C asey Weldon

June cover honoring Christie Kuhns of the Urban League

Mark Scott and Paul Gaitan

Casey Weldon, Movers & Makers

World Affairs Council hosts gala, trivia competition

A team from Holmes High School’s ROTC won the World Affairs Council’s annual One World Gala & Global Trivia Competition at The Transept in Over-the-Rhine.

More than 185 people attended the event, which raised over $85,500 to support global programming for over 9,600 local students. The council’s goal is to create a better future for the next generation of leaders and help our community to thrive.

Kyle Inskeep from Local 12 was emcee. Attendees enjoyed a silent auction and Golden Ticket raffle, as well as the council’s signature global trivia competition.

 globalcincinnati.org

Aiken New Tech High School student Rojina speaks about her experience as the World Affairs Council global guide.

Adviser Denise Esteves-Hicks and Linda Pynappel

Advocates for Youth Education awards scholarships to 14 graduates

Advocates for Youth Education held a dinner celebration at the Maketewah Country Club to honor its 14 scholarship recipients, high-achieving African American high school seniors.

More than 50 professional women are AYE members; they were invited to join and agreed to contribute annually. There are no fundraising activities. Over $1 million dollars in scholarships have been awarded by AYE since its founding in 1989.

Courtis Fuller, anchor and reporter with WLWT, was emcee. JanMichele Lemon Kearney, vice mayor of Cincinnati and a member of AYE, was the keynote speaker. Kennedi Johnson, a former AYE scholarship recipient, spoke about the college experience. Everett Moore provided music.

 ayecincinnati.org

Board members David Qu and Samuel Foulkes

Director of Global Education Melissa McDonald speaks on the importance of student opportunities.

Eli Boyd with adviser Craig Lane and Jagoda Lane

Local 12 anchor and emcee Kyle Inskeep with Michelle Harpenau Glandorf

Adviser Leo Chan and board member

Pat Raverty

The Bautes & Roberts Group table at the One World Gala

World Affairs Council President & CEO Michelle Harpenau Glandorf with DeanHouston founder Dale Dean

Maj. Paul Jass with Holmes High School ROTC students after winning the trivia competition

Scholarship recipients: (back) Michael Manuel, Nailah Prophett, Maniya Franklin and Aqeelah Rasheed; (center) KeAzia Anderson, Destiny Elian, Arielle Miller, Nadiyah Allen and Sydney Boone; (front) Angelina Olinger, Kiyvona Robinson, Aubreyana Chase and Ramiya James. Not present: Asante Sacko.

Adopt A Class recognizes school mentoring partners

The annual Adopt A Class Celebration Breakfast recognized outstanding work of business, civic and community partners and let them meet and connect with the teachers and school contacts they supported. Adopt A Class pairs local businesses and community organizations with classrooms in need for mentoring.

This year’s event featured Cincinnati City Manager Sheryl Long as keynote speaker and an awards ceremony to recognize the outstanding partners.

The 2024 award winners are: Team Lead of the Year, Brian Hutchinson, Fidelity; Program Champion of the Year, Ken Wigton, Michelman; Corporate Team of the Year, LaRosa's Pizzeria ; Best Civil Service Team, U.S. EPA ; Best Nonprofit Team, Middletown Arts Center ; Best New Team, Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati; Best Overall Partners, Great Parks, St. Elizabeth Healthcare and Republic Services; Programming Partner of the Year, Enzweiler Building Institute.

Teachers of the Year: Lynette Brown of Glendale Elementary, Michelle Judt of Roberts Academy and LaTanya McCoy-Lampkin of Withrow University High School. School Champion of the Year: Tiffaney Hamm of Oyler School, Candace James of Shroder High School and Leslie Henry of Bond Hill Academy.

Funder of the Year, Robert & Adele Schiff Foundation; 20th Anniversary Award, Middletown City Schools; Spark Award, city of Cincinnati; Founder's Award, Glenn Welling , Xavier University.

 aacmentors.org

Luncheon raises funds

to support SND’s mission

Approximately 500 friends of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur attended a lunch and learn event at the Cintas Center. This signature event, the Partners in Action luncheon, received support from 46 sponsors and hundreds of Cincinnati-area donors who believe in the Sisters’ worldwide mission of “making known God’s goodness” through education. Emcee was Tanya O’Rourke of WCPO. The event raised $400,000.

 sndohio.org

Yasmin Chilton from The Port, Mildred Kennedy from Hughes Stem High School, CPS Interim Superintendent Shauna Murphy, Latanya McCoy-Lampkin from Withrow University High School and Lynette Brown from Glendale Elementary School

Adopt A Class founder Bill Burwinkel, Glenn Welling of Xavier University and Adopt A Class CEO Sonya Fultz

AMS Construction Parts volunteer mentors

Sister Mary Ann Zwijack and keynote speaker Nahum Abdi

Fran Hugh, Kathy San Marco, emcee Tanya O’Rourke, Jeanne Gulick and James Gulick

Development advisory board member Timothy Michel and board chair Michael Caudill

Phil McHugh and Susan Tew

Cora Ogle, Lucinda Heekin, Maribeth Rahe and Louise Stakelin

Books & Brunch event supports Assistance League’s programs

Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati hosted its 18th annual Books & Brunch fundraiser at Kenwood Country Club. The 200-plus attendees and sponsors supported a silent auction, a variety of raffle baskets, a wine pull and a split-the-pot to raise $50,000.

The event featured local writers including New York Times bestselling author Loren Long, who spoke of his recent book, “The Yellow Bus,” a story about a forgotten school bus that finds happiness and purpose. Rick Pender, a veteran Cincinnati journalist, author, speaker, tour guide and sports fan, shared details of one of his books, “Oldest Cincinnati.”

The Bookshelf in Madeira provided books to buy for the authors to sign, and contributed 20% of sales toward the fundraiser.

For 26 years, the Assistance League has served adults and children, working closely with schools, colleges, hospitals and women’s shelters. Its Operation School Bell has provided clothing to local students since 1998.

 assistanceleaguecincinnati.org

Dancing hearts, changing lives: Camp Joy gala raises $370k

Camp Joy’s biennial Dance for Joy gala, co-hosted by board chair Brian Lawlor and past chair Susan Whaley, was a testament to the power of community coming together for a cause, raising $370,000 for the camp.

Nearly 600 guests attended the gala, emceed by Steve Raleigh of WCPO. The highlight of the night was a performance by the WOW (Wonders on Wheels) dance group from Revere Dance Studio.

As attendees danced under the stars, they made a tangible difference in the lives of others. Their contributions will help Camp Joy create lasting memories for children and support programs that nurture personal growth and connection with the natural world.

 camp-joy.org

Guest author Jenn Bishop

Steve Cone, Erin Grote, Carol Gramann, Assistance League member Pat Bueker, board member Pat Eveslage and member Terri Loyd

Performance by Revere Dance Studio’s Wonder on Wheels

Dance for Joy emcee Steve Raleigh of WCPO

Joel Dean, who helped build the first cabins at Camp Joy’s new site in 1960; camp alumnus Julie McGinty; Frank Wetenkamp, 97, a camper from the first Camp Joy in 1937; and alumnus Mike McGinty

Ohio state Sen. Steve Wilson makes a gift during Dance for Joy’s Paddle Raise.

Gwen Clark, Miya Lang and Abbie Lang

Guest authors Heather Webber and Rick Pender

Gretchen Bjornson, guest author Loren Long and Angie Nunner

Alzheimer’s gala raises $335K

Community leaders, supporters and partners determined to advance the fight against Alzheimer’s disease raised more than $335,000 during a gala at Music Hall.

The Alzheimer's Association Greater Cincinnati Chapter annual spring fete raised funds for education programs, support groups, quality care services and cutting-edge research. All chapter services are free of charge.

Elizabeth Bangel-Stehlin, vice chair of the event, thanked presenting sponsor, Fort Washington Investment Advisors/Western & Southern Financial Group, silver sponsor ERS, bourbon pull sponsor Season’s and wine partner Z Place for Wine & Cheese.

Nationwide, one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. More than 236,200 Ohioans 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

 alz.org

Natalie Dragovich, Maria Yost and board chair Marisa O’Neill

Sharon McCreary and Annette Delaney

Adam Ireton and Coleen Ireton

Marty Rahe and Maribeth Rahe

Art Club’s ‘Power of Art’ celebration raises $120K

It took only three hours and a couple of “Lifetimes” to support Cincinnati Art Club’s capital campaign. With 140 guests in attendance at Cincinnati Art Galleries, the “Power of Art for a Lifetime” celebration included a proclamation from Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, plus endorsements from Cincinnati Art Museum, Taft Museum of Art and the Contemporary Arts Center.

The audience heard from the two honorees, Kay Worz and Roger Heuck, recognized for their lifetime devotion to visual arts. Jonas Karp of Main Auction Galleries auctioned off eight paintings by significant local artists, then proceeded with a successful paddle raise.

The final treat of the evening was the debut exhibition of historic paintings and art from past Cincinnati Art Club presidents and other important area artists. The exhibition, which shows more than 100 pieces of art, is on view until June 29 at Cincinnati Art Galleries.

 cincinnatiartclub.org

Kay Worz’ sons,

Art Academy honors departing professor

The Art Academy of Cincinnati College of Art & Design honored Paige Williams, artist and former professor, vice president of academic affairs and academic dean, with a gallery exhibition of her work and a reception.

Williams left the Art Academy in May after more than 30 years of service to join Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts, as dean of visual and performing arts.

The exhibition, “Traces,” featured paintings and drawings by Williams. Some of her works were available for purchase, and a percentage of the proceeds went to the academy’s scholarship fund.

Philanthropists Chip and Wendy Finke, longtime supporters of the college, offered a matching gift of $50,000 to establish a scholarship fund in Williams’ name. The exhibition and reception raised more than $126,000 for student scholarships.

 artacademy.edu

Paige Williams with Art Academy of Cincinnati President Joe Girandola

Professors Mark Thomas and Matt Hart

Art Academy board chair Christine Carli with Paige Williams

Philanthropists Wendy and Chip Finke offered a $50,000 matching gift in honor of Paige Williams (center).

Diane Fishbein with Paige Williams 

Ronda Heuck, honoree Roger Heuck and Margaret Kline

Honoree

Todd Worz and Chad Worz

Honoree Kay Worz

Jonas Karp of Main Auction Galleries

Cincinnati Art Club curator Don Schuster and David Hausrath, Cincinnati Art Galleries owner

Carolyn Milillo and development chair Kay Hurley

Photos: d utana d

Beech Acres honors foster, kinship parents for their service

Beech Acres Parenting Center recognized foster and local kinship care parents for their years of service in a night of thanks at Great American Ball Park. This program was during National Foster Care Awareness Month, which occurs each May.

Every night in Hamilton County, more than 1,500 children need a loving foster home. Statewide, more than 16,000 children are in Ohio’s foster care system. Beech Acres provides training, support and peer connections throughout Greater Cincinnati, Dayton and Montgomery County to ensure foster parents can be successful.

This year, Beech Acres is placing added emphasis on supporting kinship care parents, who are the aunts, uncles, grandparents and other family members who are often pressed into service to care for a loved one’s child. Now in its 40th year, Beech Acres provides support to help kinship providers keep children in a familiar family setting. Nationwide, 2.7 million children are living in kinship care situations.

 beechacres.org

Express boosts mission of Easterseals Redwood

Easterseals Redwood hosted its annual fundraising event, The Express, at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming. It was an evening of live entertainment, music by the Bluewater Kings Band, multiple food stations, an open bar, live and silent auctions and raffles.

The event was presented by the Yung Family Foundation. Hank Heidrich was event chair.

More than $350,000 has been raised to support the organization’s programs and mission to advance equity, access and workforce inclusion for people with disabilities, military veterans and people facing economic disadvantages.

 eastersealsredwood.org

Foster parent Ernie Ryan with a gift basket

Foster parent Gihon Yisrael with a gift basket

Beech Acres board members Kristal Smith, Andy Holzhauser, Daniel Betts and Bob Welch

Brice Mickey, Lisa Babb, Carrie Bunger, Jordan Huizenga, Rebecca Ranford and Laura Mitchell of Beech Acres Parenting Center

Kenya Railey of Beech Acres with foster parents Kevin Farrand and Kelsey Farrand

Foster parent Jennifer Stone

Anthony Diggs and Carlie Farhnbach

Dancing to the Bluewater Kings Band

Pam Green, president and CEO of Easterseals Redwood, Cathy Sahlfeld, Steve Sahlfeld and Shelly Maxwell

Lucy McClanahan, Ken Heidrich and Allie Blau

Kate Redden and John Redden

Hank Heidrich, chair of the Express event

Photos by l eigh taylor

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation event recognizes heroes

More than 350 community leaders and influencers gathered for the Southwest Ohio Take Steps event, which helps fund critical research and patient support programs, and increases awareness of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The event exceeded its goal by raising $78,211.

At the event, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation honored Melanie Howard as Youth Honored Hero and Dr. Phillip Minar as Medical Honored Hero. Nancy Postow, the Adult Honored Hero, shared her journey with inflammatory bowel disease.

 crohnscolitisfoundation.org

Kelleher Family Foundation hosts first Reds Night at GABP

Greater Cincinnati nonprofit organizations attended the first Kelleher Family Foundation Reds Night at Great American Ball Park. Held in the Third Base Super Suite, the event gave nonprofit leaders the opportunity to connect and network while enjoying a Cincinnati Reds game.

Nonprofits in attendance included People Working Cooperatively, Madi’s House, Ronald McDonald House, Cincinnati Parks Foundation, Learning Through Art, Cincinnati Development Fund, Movers & Makers Publishing and Mercy Health Foundation.

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

 tbillkelleher@gmail.com

Renee Etter of Cincinnati Children’s and Dr. Phillip Minar, Medical Honored Hero, accept the Golden Colon Award as the top fundraising team of 2024.

Nancy Postow, Adult Honored Hero, shared her IBD journey.

Melanie Howard, Youth Honored Hero, and supporter posing for photo-op. 

Walkers during dedication ribbon ceremony

Jill Franke, host Bill Kelleher, Julie Raleigh and Missy Deters

Chris Owens and Jody Aschendorf

Kathy Wade, Renee Schuler, Jeanne Golliher and Elizabeth Mariner

Jennifer Loeb and Jennifer Hafner Spieser

Steve Raleigh, Tom Moeller, Bill Kelleher and Gary Franke

Crayons to Computers trivia fundraiser supports students

Crayons to Computers’ Saved by the Bell trivia fundraiser netted more than $75,000 for teachers and their students in need. Proceeds will directly support the Teacher Resource Center, Hubbard’s Cupboard and other programs to level the playing field in classrooms throughout Greater Cincinnati.

More than 200 people gathered at The Bell Event Centre in Pendleton for this event, hosted by Q102 on-air personality Natalie Jones.

Keynote speakers Carmen Daniels from College Hill Fundamental Academy and Kellie Gray from Roll Hill School shared their stories of seen and unseen challenges their students and families face, and how having access to the resources that Crayons to Computers provides makes a difference.

 crayons2computers.org

Startups succeed in Flywheel pitches

Five Greater Cincinnati health and wellness equity startups pitched their ideas at the Flywheel Elevate Equity Demo Day at the 1819 Innovation Hub:

• Brandon Hill, a graphic artist who goes by Jide Fresh, has annual sales over $70,000 in his selfhelp publishing company, In Fly We Trust.

• Dr. Calisha Brooks is preparing an app that could offer 24/7 access to self-care.

• Valda Freeman-Karmo is working with the Forest Park Police Department to test her system that would alert officers to people with diagnosed mental and behavioral health conditions.

• Alicia Suguitan is creating a continuing education curriculum for maternal health care providers, focused on the most common complications in childbirth.

• Shakeita Moore-Lilly and Candace Gasper of Humanity Hub plan to create a resource for landlords and tenants that removes challenges from finding resources to avert evictions.

Each of the five enterprises received $6,000 from Flywheel along with eight weeks of training, coaching and connections.

 flywheelcincinnati.org

Keynote speaker Asha Parker, director of product marketing at Kroger Health, called on entrepreneurs to continue to develop non-clinical approaches to health and wellness.

Flywheel's 2024 Elevate Equity cohort including Dr. Calista Brooks, Flywheel Executive Director Laura Randall-Tepe, Valda Freeman-Karmo, Jide Fresh, Alicia Suguitan, Milton Woody, Candace Gasper, Shakeita Moore-Lilly and Flywheel staffer Samuel

Mike Cheney and Matt Haas fist bump after a correct trivia answer.

Trivia winners: (back row) Corrado Azzarita, board member Philip Bierhoff, Sam Smith and Jan Wenda; (front row) Orietta Bella, Angie Bryan, Suzanne Smith and Magda Wenda

Keynote speakers Kellie Gray and Carmen Daniels with host Natalie Jones

Gina Hemenway of Mercy Health speaks to the necessity of community-based initiatives in the journey of health equity.

Mark Davis from presenting sponsor NECCO delivers the welcome address.

Baker

Flywheel coaches Demar'co Kidd, Betsy Neyer and Rebecca Arbona with their assigned mentee, Jide Fresh (right), founder of In Fly We Trust, and his daughter, Assata

Design LAB fundraiser features Levee restaurants, venues

More than 300 guests gathered at the Newport on the Levee to celebrate Dine with Design, Design LAB: Learn + Build’s sold-out annual fundraiser. Starting at the Levee, groups separated and experienced three “surprise” Newport restaurants before returning to the Bridgeview Box Park for an after-party.

The K-8 Education Program is tailored to broaden and deepen student participation in natural and built environments. Local professionals team with educators to guide students through a real-world design problem, emphasizing the development of a variety of skills: research, critical thinking, financial literacy, problem-solving, verbal and visual communication, creative expression, collaborative team-building, STEM subjects and presentation. In 2024, the program reached over 2,112 students in 102 area classrooms.

 designlearnandbuild.org

Lindner

Center

hosts

workshop on mental health, wellness

Lindner Center of HOPE hosted more than 200 community members at Community Education Day at Manor House in Mason. The half-day workshop offered an opportunity for community members to enhance their awareness of mental health and wellness.

Brandon Saho, creator of The Mental Game podcast, Cincinnati native and former sports reporter with WLWT, was the keynote speaker. Saho said goodbye to his dream job in 2022 to focus on his mental health. After spending time at Lindner Center of HOPE, he started The Mental Game podcast.

Breakout sessions followed the keynote presentation, with attendees focusing on their areas of interest, with topics such as depression, empowered parenting, finding a therapist and addictions.

 https://lindnercenterofhope.org

Students present their projects at the K-8 student education exhibit.

Attendees at the afterparty in the Levee’s Bridgeview Box Park

A resource center was offered at Community Education Day.

Dr. Paul Crosby, Lindner Center of HOPE president and CEO, and Dr. Michael Leadbetter prepare to send off the Friendship Bus Tour.

Keynote speaker Brandon Saho

At one of the restaurant stops, Pensive Distilling: Amy Lind, Brittany Collins, Gabriella Burch, Justin Tyus, Cassandra Pennington and Britni Johnson

Rachel Bartel, Emily Storm and Christen Lubbers

Burrow Foundation raises $1.1M to battle food insecurity

The second annual Joe Burrow Foundation Golf Invitational raised $1.1 million to support children and those experiencing food insecurity.

The event featured a sold-out field at The Golf Club at Stonelick Hills. Tournament participants included members of the Bengals organization such as coach Zac Taylor, Orlando Brown Jr., Ted Karras, Trenton Irwin and 2024 draft pick Amarius Mims.

Other celebrities included ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit, NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz, Fox News anchor Bill Hemmer and TNT’s Allie LaForce.

Funds raised will support the unmet needs of residents in Louisiana and Ohio.

 joeburrow.org

Longworth-Anderson Series hosts Don Was, Pan Detroit Ensemble

The Longworth-Anderson Series presented bassist Don Was and his 10-piece band, The Pan Detroit Ensemble, at Memorial Hall. Was is president of Blue Note Records and a six-time Grammy winner. The pre-concert reception featured live music from Ricky “RJ” Williams, light bites from Ollie’s Trolley and N.Y.P.D. Pizza, and craft beer tastings from HighGrain Brewing Co.

 memorialhallotr.com.

Film

festival benefits Ohio River Foundation programs

Ohio River Foundation raised more than $21,000 at its annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival at the Woodward Theater.

The goal of the festival is to use film to inspire environmental activism and a love for nature. The sellout crowd of 150 people spent the day watching a series of short films from all over the world that focus on an array of green issues.

Proceeds from the event will support ORF’s education, restoration and advocacy programs to help protect and improve the water quality in the Ohio River Watershed, a source of drinking water to millions of people.

 ohioriverfdn.org

Karen Williams and Ricky Williams

Jack Murphy, Dave Kuhn and Rae Kuhn



Longworth-Anderson Series Executive Director Cori Wolff and Martha Phillips

Audrey Evans, Lauryn Roll, Stephanie Turner and Sara Brandts

Photos: shae

Robin Burrow, Joe Burrow and Jimmy Burrow

Joe Burrow with teammates Nate Gilliam, Kwamie Lassiter II, Trenton Irwin, Cody Ford and running backs coach Justin Hill

Bengals center Ted Karras tees off

Joe Burrow speaks to the crowd.

Hot chicken salad: The old-fashioned pleasure of cooking for community

Iwrote a book about the history of Cincinnati food that was published in 2020 –“Cincinnati Food: A History of Queen City Cuisine.” I’ve been doing a slow-motion, local-author’s version of a book tour ever since, speaking to groups around town: church clubs, retired people’s clubs, book clubs, classes, women’s clubs. And I always enjoy it.

Not long after COVID lifted, I went to Northminster Church in Finneytown to talk to the 50-andover membership group. As is often the case, I was invited for lunch before the talk. A member of the group did the cooking, and she had made delicious lasagna and roasted vegetables. She’d even done homemade focaccia, thick and pillowy and smelling delightfully of yeast and garlic. It was a lovely lunch; I always enjoy talking with the various

people I meet on such occasions. And I remembered that I had been at this church before, a lot of years ago – before my kids were born, even, back when I spoke to groups on a very different topic: I represented the Sierra Club and spoke about climate change and how to reduce your personal carbon footprint. (Who knew it would be worse than ever?)

What stuck in my mind about the former occasion isn’t surprising, because it’s how my mind works. I remembered the lunch we had that time, also cooked by a volunteer. It was a square of chicken casserole topped with potato chips, and a square of Jell-O with fruit in it, what used to be called a salad. Not the kind of food I ever make, nor that I have a nostalgic pull toward. But it had a kind of exotic blandness that I associated with other people’s mothers. The

casserole was rich but delicate. And a Jell-O salad with fruit is a sort of secret guilty pleasure for me. Anyway, it’s stuck with me for 30-ish years.

I told my hostess about that last meal, and she immediately recognized it. “Hot chicken salad! We’ve served it for years, but it’s originally the Cincinnati Woman’s Club’s recipe,” she said. And told me she’d get me the recipe.

As it happened, my next speaking engagement was at the Cincinnati Woman’s Club, in their beautiful clubhouse in Clifton. Again, I gave my talk and was invited to lunch in the formal dining room. In a nod to the content of my book, the chef had made goetta to serve with an egg dish. I learned that the chicken salad is served at the dinner for the inauguration of a new club president, and traditionally served with green beans.

I got the recipe, and I made it for dinner. It was good, though certainly it’s old-fashioned, which is now its appeal. It made me think about all the volunteer cooking done for women’s clubs and fundraising potlucks and church lunches and covered dishes brought to homes where there’s an illness or tragedy. Food like this used to be at the center of what used to be called fellowship and we now call building community.

Or we call it mental health.

In addition to a good stable relationship and close friends, we all need those next-level friendships, people we see from time to time on a repeating basis. We need people we catch up with and talk about what’s going on with us, even on a superficial level. It’s all human interaction and it’s all good. I still remember the desperate lack of that during the pandemic.

Events like that, whether they feature hot chicken salad or focaccia, are getting old-fashioned. The philanthropy performed by

Polly Campbell

community members is not the wave of the future. Mainstream church groups are dwindling in favor of megachurches or personal spirituality. Most groups that I talk to are what is called in journalism “a print audience.” Fundraising today is online, or on a bigger scale. But I don’t want anyone to give up on the idea of getting together in a group, whether it’s for figuring out how to endow a scholarship or just hear from a local author and have some lunch and enjoy each other’s company.

So I’d like to salute everyone who ever cooked for a reason of community-building or fundraising by publishing this recipe. 

CWC Hot Chicken Salad

(from “Kudos to the Cook” by The Cincinnati Woman’s Club)

2 cups diced cooked chicken

2 cups thinly sliced celery

½ cup grated cheese

½ cup toasted sliced almonds *

½ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons grated onion

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 cup salad dressing **

1 cup crushed potato chips

Combine all ingredients except potato chips in a large bowl. Mix gently and spoon into a greased 2-quart casserole. Sprinkle with potato chip crumbs.

Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven until hot and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Serves 6

* Slivered might work

** For those of you under 40, salad dressing in this case means something like Miracle Whip. I, however, made it with mayonnaise. Serve with green beans or Jell-O salad.

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

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